Once at the College, his unusual talent and insights were instantly
recognized and encouraged. Master Clisser had insisted that he do a
portfolio of sketches: animal, mineral and floral’. That had been easy
to collect since lantine constantly sketched and had many vignettes of
unsuspecting classmates: some done at times when he should have been
doing other lessons. One in particular – a favourite with Master
Clissex – was of Bethany playing her guitar, bending over the instrument
for intricate chording. Everyone had admired it, even Bethany.
His portfolio was submitted to several private craft Halls which taught
a variety of skills, from fine leather tooling to wood, glass and stone
workings. None of those on the West Coast had places for another
student, but the woman who was master weaver in Southern Boll had said
she would contact Master Domaize in Keroon, one of the foremost
portraitists on Pern, for she felt the boy’s talent lay in that
direction.
To Iantine’s astonishment, a green dragon had arrived one morning at the
College, available to convey him back for a formal interview with
Domaize himself. Iantine wasn’t quite sure what excited him most: the
ride on the dragon between, the prospect of meeting Master Domaize or
the thought of being able to continue with art as a possible profession.
He had been in a worse state on his return because Master Domaize,
having set him the task of sketching himself, had accepted him as a
student and sent off a message to his parents that very day, arranging
terms.
lantine’s family had been astounded to receive such a message.
Still more astonishing had been the information that Benden’s Lord and
Lady Holder were willing to pay more than half his fees.
Now he must earn as much as he could, as soon as he could, to show his
family that their sacrifices had not been wasted.
Undoubtedly Lord Chalkin would be difficult. Undoubtedly there would be
problems, but the marks promised for the commission would pay the land
transfer fee. So he’d initialled the contract; a copy was made for
Master Domaize’s files and it had been returned to Lord Chalkin.
Chalkin had demanded, and received, a verification of Iantine’s skill
from his Master and then returned the signed contract.
Best re-read it, Ian, Ussie said when Iantine waved the document about
in triumph.
Why?” Iantine glanced down the page and pointed to the bottom lines.
Here’s my signature, and Master Domaize’s, alongside Chalkin’s. That
is, if that’s what this scrawl is supposed to be.” He held it out to
Ussie.
Hmmm, looks all right, though I haven’t seen Chalkin’s hand before. My,
where did they find this typewriter? Half the letters don’t strike
evenly.” Ussie passed the document back.
I’ll see if there’re any other examples of Lord Chalkin’s signature in
the files,’ Iantine said, though how. . . and why – .
would he deny the contract when he himself proposed it?” He’s a Bitran,
and you know how they are. Are you sure that’s your signature?” Ussie
grinned as Iantine peered with a suspicious glare at his own name. Then
Ussie laughed.
Sure, I’m sure it’s mine. Look at the slant of the t”. Just as I
always make it. What are you driving at, Ussie?” Iantine felt the first
twinges of irritation with Ussie’s attitude.
Well, Bitrans are known to forge things. Remember those bogus land
transfer deeds five years ago? No, I don’t suppose you’d have heard
about them. You’d’ve still been a schoolboy.” With an airy wave of his
hand, Ussie left a puzzled and worried Iantine.
When he brought the matter up to his master, Domaize could produce a
sample of Lord Chalkin’s signature on a document much creased and worn.
Domaize also put his glasses up to his eyes and peered at his own name
on the current contract.
No, this is mine, and I recognize your slanting t-bar.” He put the
document in the to-do’ tray. We’ll copy it into our workbook.
If you have any trouble though, at Bitra Hold, let me know instantly.
It’s much easier to sort things out when they start, you know. And
don’t,’ and here Master Domaize had waggled a stern finger at him,