Where’s our ride?” That way,’ M’shall said, pointing to the brown
dragons and riders waiting around on the Rim.
Oh, good. Thanks, M shall’ And rings clanging dully where they rode on
his shoulder, Kalvi gathered up his packs and half-ran, his crew
trailing behind. Clisser sighed and followed.
Well, he thought, he’d be well inured to the cold of between.
They’d have an hour and a half between Benden and Igen, but then only
half an hour from Igen to Ista to Telgar, where they’d have a little
over an hour and time for something hot to eat before going on to Fort.
High Reaches was actually the last Weyr to be done, which really didn’t
salve S’nan’s pride all that much, but sunrise came forty-five minutes
later in the northernmost Weyr due to the longitudinal difference.
However, S’nan couldn’t argue the point that Benden had to have its
equipment installed first since it was the most easterly.
Clisser had heard the talk about S’nan’s continued distress over
Chalkin’s impeachment. The Fort Weyrleader was not the oldest of the
six: G’don was, but no-one worried about his competence to lead the
Weyr. S’nan had always been inflexible, literal, didactic, but that
wouldn’t necessarily signify poor leadership during the Pass. Clisser
sighed. That was a Weyr problem, not his. Thank goodness! He had
enough of them.
He’d catch some rest when they finished at Fort Weyr so he’d be fresh
for the final rehearsal at the Hall. If Sheledon had altered the score
again during his absence, he’d take him to task. No-one would know what
to play with all the changes.
Get this performance over with and then refine the work. it was,
Clisser felt, quite possibly Sheledon’s masterpiece.
You’re riding with me, Teacher,’ a voice said. Don’t want you walking
off the Rim!” Clisser shook himself to attention and smiled up at the
brown rider. Yes, yes, of course.
Here’s my hand,’ and Clisser reached up to it.
Oh, thank you,’ he added to the dragon who had not only turned his head
but helpfully lifted his forearm to make an easier step up.
Then he was astride the big dragon, settling himself, snapping on the
safety strap.
I’m ready.” Clisser did catch his breath though when the dragon seemed
to just fall off the Rim into the blackness of Benden’s Bowl.
He grabbed at the security of the safety strap and then almost cracked
his chin on his chest as the dragon’s wings caught the air and he soared
upward.
They were facing east, and the malevolence of the Red Star was dimmed by
the glow of Rukbat rising, altering the rogue planet’s aspect to one of
almost negligible visibility, almost anonymity, in the brightening sky.
Amazing! thought Clisser. 1 must remember to jot that down.
But he knew he never would. And Pernese literature was thus saved
another diarist, he amended. Clisser saw that the rider, too, had his
eyes fastened on the magnificent spectacle. He must savour this ride.
The dragon veered northward, pivoting slowly on his left wing-tip. The
dragons would soon have more important journeys to make. Clisser did
observe the majestic snow capped mountains of the Great Northern Range,
tinted delicate shades of orange by the rising sun. What lantine could
make of such a scene! Then abruptly all he could see was the black
nothingness of between.
What happens if you wear your fingers out?” Leopol asked lantine.
The artist hadn’t even been aware of the lads presence but the comment –
because lantine was sketching the scene of the drago nets so fast that
his elbow was actually aching – caused him to burst out laughing, even
though he didn’t pause for a moment.
I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it happening, though, if that’s any
consolation. Not to me, but for you,’ Leopol said, cocking his head in
his characteristically impudent fashion.
I’ll miss you, you know,’ lantine told him, grinning down at the sharp
expression on Leopol’s face.
I should hope so, when I’ve been your hands, feet and mouth for months
now,’ was the irrepressible answer. You could take me with you. I’d
be useful,’ and Leopol’s expression was earnest, his grey eyes clouded.