Ormonth.
M’leng was a handsome young man, with almond-shaped green eyes in an
angular face. The light breeze in the Bowl ruffled tight dark brown
curls on his head.
Since I owe P’tero my life, let me make a larger sketch for you Oh,
would you?” And a smile animated M’leng’s rather solemn face.
Can we settle a price? I’ve marks enough to do better than Chalkin did
you!” He reached for his belt pouch.
lantine tried to demur, pleading he owed P’tero.
Tero was only doing his duty for once,’ M’leng said with a touch of
asperity. But I really would like a proper portrait of him. You know,
what with Threadfall coming and all, I’d want to have something…”
M’leng broke off, swallowed, and then reinforced his pleading.
I’ve to do a commission for the Weyrleaders . . . lantine said.
Is that the only one?” M’leng seemed surprised. I’d’ve thought
everyone in the Weyr would be after you lantine grinned. Tisha hasn’t
released me from her care yet.
Oh, her,’ and M’leng dismissed the head woman with a wave of his hand.
She’s so fussy at times. But there’s nothing wrong with your hand or
your eye . . . and that little pose of P’tero, leaning against
Ormonth, why it’s him!” lantine felt his spirits rise at the compliment
because the sketch of the blue rider was good – better than the false
ones he had done at Bitra Hold. He still cringed, remembering how he
had allowed himself to compromise his standards by contriving such
obsequious portrayals. He hoped he would never be in such a position
again. M’leng’s comment was balto his psyche.
I can do better But I like the pose. Can’t you just do it? I mean,
and M’leng looked everywhere but at lantine, I’d rather P’tero didn’t
know.. . I mean .
Is it to be a surprise for him?” No, it’s to be for me!” And M’leng
jabbed his bwastbone with his thumb, his manner defiant. So I’ll have
it At such intransigence, lantine was at a loss and hastily agreed
before M’leng became more emotional. His eyes had filled and he set his
mouth in a stubborn line.
I will, of course, but a sitting would help Oh, 1 can arrange that, so
he still doesn’t know. You’re always sketching,’ and that came out
almost as an accusation.
Ian tine was – thanks to the lecture he had been overhearing
considerably more aware now of the dangers dragons, and their riders,
would shortly face. If M’leng was comforted by having a portrait of his
friend, that was the least Ian tine could do.
This very night,’ M’leng continued, single-minded in his objective,
I’ll see we sit close to where you usually do. I’ll get him to wear
his good tunic so you can paint him at his very best.
But suppose – . . lantine began, wondering how he could keep P’tero
from knowing he was being done.
You do the portrait,’ M’leng said, patting lantine’s arm to still his
objections. I’ll take care of P’tero – – – and he added under his
breath, as long as I have him.” That little afterthought made the
breath stop in lantine’s throat. Was M’Leng so sure that P’tero would
die’?
I’ll do my best, M’leng, you may be sure of that!” Oh, I am,’ said
M’leng, tossing his head up so that the curls fell back from his face.
He gave lantine a wry smile. I’ve been watching how you work, you
see.” He extended a hand soft with the oils riders used to tend their
dragons. lantine took it and was astonished at the strength in the
green rider’s grip.
Waine said a good miniature – which is what I want,’ and he patted his
breast pocket to show the intended site of the painting, by an artist
is priced at four marks. Is that correct?” lantine nodded, unable to
speak for the lump in his throat.
Surely M’leng was dramatizing matters? Or was he? In the background,
lantine could hear T’dam advising his listeners on the types and
severity of injuries and the immediate aid to be given to each variety.