sufficient cadet riders to supply the wings with phosphine rock during
the Pass. I have discussed all aspects of flight tactics and Weyr
maintenance with the respective Weyrleaders .
K’vin writhed a bit on his chair, remembering the exhaustive inspection
carried out by S’nan and Sarai: they’d even inspected the recycling
plant! Then he noticed that G’don, the oldest Weyrleader, was also
squirming. So, the Fort pair had spared no-one in their officious
search for perfection.
Well, they were heading into a Pass and the Fort Weyrleaders
were correct to want every aspect of dragon riding at the highest
possible standard and readiness. In the propagation of dragons, the
pair had found no fault with Telgar Weyr: it had had the largest
clutches of all the Weyrs in the last three years as the dragons
themselves answered the tide of preparations for the coming struggle.
K’vin was hoping that Charanth’s first clutch would be larger than any
that B’ner’s Miginth had sired; maybe then Zulaya would warm to him.
The two junior queens had done well in their latest clutches, producing
more of the useful greens and blues. Telgar Weyr would soon be full!
They might have to shift out some of the excess population to other
Weyrs, but that could wait until the yearly review.
And, in conclusion, let me state that we are as ready as we can be.”
Far more ready than the First Riders were,’ G’don remarked in his dry
fashion.
Indeed,’ echoed Irene of Benden.
K’vin contented himself with a smile. Unbidden, a little wiggle of fear
shot up from his belly to chill him and he gave himself a shake. He
came from a Blood that had produced First Riders and contributed many
sons and daughters to the Weyrs.
And you ride me, Charanth said firmly. Ishall be formidable in the air.
Thread will fly in the other direction when it sees my flame.
And that was not all draconic boast, for Charanth had
Fracked up the Weyr Record for the length he achieved in flaming
practice. Together we meet Thread, not just you on your own. I shall
be with you and we shall overcome.
Thanks, Charrie.
You re welcome, Kev.
You’ve got that look in your eye, K’vin,’ Zulaya murmured for his ear
alone. What’s Charanth’s opinion of all this?” He’s raring to go,’
K’vin whispered back, and grinned.
Charanth was right to remind him that he did not fly alone: they were
together as they had been from the moment the bronze had broken his
shell in half and stepped directly towards a fourteenyearold Kevin of
the Hanrahans waiting on the hot sands of Hatching Ground. And Kevin
had realized that that was the moment all his life had been aimed at
Impression. He’d seen his older brother Impress, and his second oldest
sister, and three of the four cousins currently riders. From the moment
he was Searched out, part of him had been sure-sure-sure, with all the
fervour of an adolescent that he would Impress favourably.
The negative side of his’ personality had perversely suggested that he’d
be left standing on the hot sands and he’d never live down such a
humiliating experience.
In conclusion,’ S’nan said let me assure this Gathering that the Weyrs
are ready.” \Vith that, he sat down to an approving applause. I hope
that the Holds are too9′ Not his voice end on an up-note but he raised’
. only did his thick brows questioningly at the Fort Holder.
Paulin stood up again, shuffling until he found the right clipboard and
cleared his throat. I have readiness reports in from all but two major
Holds,’ and he glanced first at Franco, Lord Holder of Nerat, and then
tilted his head towards Chalkin. I know you received the forms to fill
in..
The tall, thin bronze-skinned Neratian raised his hand. I told you the
problem we have with vegetation, Paulin and we’re still trying to keep
it under control . . . He grimace.
Not easy with the excellent weather we’ve been having and the
restriction against chemical deterrents. But I can assure you that
we’ll keep at it. Otherwise, we have emergency roofing for the seedling