a few words with you, if you’re not too tired.” lantine murmured thanks
and understanding and addressed himself single-mindedly to his food. How
long had it been since he’d eaten a decent meal?
He would have had additional servings of the main course, but his
stomach felt uneasy: too much good food after several days of
semi-fasting, probably. Leopol brought him a large serving of the sweet
course, but he couldn’t finish it all because the back of his throat
felt raw and sore. He would have gone back to his bed then, but he saw
the Weyrleaders advancing on him. Leopol made a discreet exit, grinning
reassurance at him. Ian tine tried to stand in courtesy to his hosts,
but he wobbled on his numbed feet and dropped back into the chair.
We don’t stand much on ceremony here,’ Zulaya said, gesturing for him
to stay seated as K’vin pulled out one chair for her.
He carried the wine-skin from which he filled all the glasses.
lantine took a polite sip – it was a nice crisp wine – but even the one
sip made his stomach feel sourer.
Messages have been sent, and acknowledgments received, that you’ve been
rescued,’ K’vin said, grinning over the last word. Master Domaize was
becoming worried, so we saved him a messenger to Bitra.” That’s very
good of you, Zulaya, K’vin,’ lantine said, thankful that part of his
training at Hall Domaize had included knowing the important names in
every Hold, Weyr and Hall.
I certainly appreciated P’tero’s rescue.” Zulaya grinned. He’ll be
dining out on that one for the rest of the year. But it proves the
wisdom of sweep riding even during the Interval.” You should know,’
lantine blurted out, that Lord Chalkin doesn’t believe there will be a
Pass.” Of course not,’ K’vin replied easily. It doesn’t suit him to.
Bridgely and M’shall would like a report from you, though, concerning
your visit there.” You mean, there’s something that can be done about
him?” lantine was amazed. Lord Holders were autonomous within their
borders; he hadn’t known there’d be any recourse.
He may do himself in,’ Zulaya said with a grim twist of her lips.
That would be wonderful,’ said lantine. Only,’ and now honesty forced
him to admit this, he didn’t really do anything to me.
Our Weyr artist may not be trained,’ K’vin said, but Waine informed me
that it doesn’t take seven weeks to do four miniatures I actually
painted twenty-two to get four that they liked,’ lantine explained,
clearing his throat grimly. The hooker in the contract was the word
“satisfactory” Ah,’ Zulaya and K’vin said in chorus.
I ran out of paint and canvas because I brought only what I thought I’d
need. He lifted his hands, then rubbed them because they were
beginning to itch again. Then the children all got measles and so,
rather than have anything deducted from the fee for room and board, I
agreed to freshen up the Hold murals . . . only I hadn’t brought that
sort of paint and had to manufacture the colours .
Did he charge you for the use of the equipment?” Zulaya asked to
lantine’s astonishment.
How did you know?” When she only laughed and waved at him to continue
his telling, lantine went on, So I excavated what I needed in the
midden Good for you Zulaya clapped her hands, delighted by his
resourcefulness, Fortunately, most of the raw materials for pigments
are readily available. You only have to find them and make the colours
up. Which I’d have to do anyhow. Master Domaize was good about passing
on techniques like that.
Then I finally got them to accept the miniatures, which weren’t exactly
miniature size any more, by the way, just before the first blizzard
snowed me in.” lantine flushed; his narrative showed him to be such a
ninny.
So? What did you contract for then?” Zulaya shot K’vin a knowing look.
I was a bit wiser. Or so I thought,’ he said with a grimace and then
told them the clauses he’d insisted on.
He had you on the drudges’ level at Bitra?” Zulaya was appalled.
And you a diploma’d artist? I would protest about that! There are