Among other things, WHAT was he going to do about Bitra Hold? The last
teacher he’d sent there had left, voiding his contract with Chalkin –
not that Clisser blamed Issony when he’d heard the way the man had been
humiliated and threatened by unruly holder children – but children had
to receive rudimentary education, You couldn’t afford to let one whole
province lapse into illiteracy.
To be sure, children learn at different rates; he knew that, and
learning should be made as interesting as possible, to lay the
foundations for further study and for life itself, flr that matter.
That was the purpose of education: to develop the skills required to
solve problems. And to utilize the potential that existed in everyone –
even a Bitran, he added sourly.
Maybe he should reappoint Sallisha to that area? Then he chuckled. Not
much chance of that. She had enough Seniority to refuse point blank.
He made up his mind then, with the lovely phrases of Bethany’s song
soothing him, to bring up the problem of Chalkin, Lord Holder of Bitra,
in the next Condave. Something had to be done about the man.
During the final evening meal in which all three groups joined up on the
Fort court for a dinner featuring three whole roasted steers, Clisser
heard Chalkin’s name come up and homed in on the group discussing the
man.
That’s not all,’ M’shall was saying, a deep frown on his usually
amiable face, he’s put up guards at the borders, and anyone who wants
to leave can take only their clothes with them. Nothing else, not even
the animals which they may have raised themselves.
Clisser had not realized that the Benden Weyrleader had arrived, but his
presence was certainly fortuitous.
You’re speaking of Chalkin?” he asked when the others cknowledged his
presence and made room for him in their circle.
M’shall gave a scornful laugh. Who else would turn folks out of their
holds right now?” I’ve just heard from one of my travelling teachers,
Issony, and he’s quit and nothing would persuade him to go back to
Bitra. But even they have to grow up literate.” Ha!’ M’shall’s
scoffing was echoed by the others.
School hours keep Bitrans from other jobs which earn their Holder more
marks. What did he do to Issony?” He’ll give you chapter and verse if
you ask him. In fact, it would do him good. I understand one of your
riders rescued him.” We do a lot of rescue work in Bitra,’ M’shall
said, not at all pleased by the necessity. But only non-Bitrans,’ he
added.
Now, look,’ and Bridgely seemed about to explode, I will not succour
all his refugees. And I will not lift a hand to help him when his Hold
is overrun by Thread. Ah,’ and M’shall raised one finger in a sardonic
gesture, but you see, he doesn’t believe Thread’s coming.
Wouldn’t we feel silly if he was right after all?” said Farley, one of
the other minor Fort holders. Oops, wrong thing to say,’ he added when
coldly repressive stares rejected his witticism.
Chalkin has always been contrary by nature,’ Clisser said.
But never such an outright fool.” Well, he’s exceeded even “damned
fool”,’ Bridgely said. Is your teacher, Issony, here now?
Well, then, bring him up to Fort. We’re about to do something
definitive about Chalkin.” Right now?” Clisser couldn’t help looking
over at the roasting carcasses and sniffing at the succulent odours they
were producing.
I expect to eat, too,’ said Bridgely, relenting.
I just finished eating at Benden,’ M’shall said, but his nose was
twitching at the aromas. Ah, well, we could have a slice to allow you
to enjoy your meal.” Timed it just right, didn’t you?” Farley said with
a grin
for their obvious interest in the roasting meats. Can some thing be
done about an irresponsible Lord Holder?” Read your copy of the
Charter, Farley,’ Clisser advised.
And how long have border guards – – . and Paulin paused, made
indignant by such a measure been in place?” He’d assembled those
concerned in his office at the Hold when they’d finished eating.
Issony was on call if his testimony was required.