How many are involved?" Paulin's sense of alarm increased.

M'shall ruffled thick greying hair that had been pressed down by his helmet. L'sur says there must be well over a hundred at the main border crossing into Benden with women, children and elder lies There are as many or more at other border points and no shelter at any, bar what the guards are using. The refugees have all been herded into a makeshift pen. What's more atrocious, L'sur saw several bodies hung up by the feet which seemed to have been used as target practice. Benden Weyr cannot ignore such barbarity, Paulin.

No, it can't, nor can Fort Hold!" Paulin was on his feet and pacing. If that's what he calls Hold management, he has to be removed." My thinking, too,' M'shall agreed, running agitated hands through his hair again. Another night like last and those people'!!

be dead of exposure and starvation. Bridgely concurs with me that something has to be done, now, today. And it's getting towards a cold night now, there. I've come to you for Council authority since Bridgely says we'd better do this as properly as possible He paused, bitter. Such a situation is not supposed to happen. Those people aren't defying him.

They're just scared to death and desperate for security .

which obviously they don't expect to find in Bitra." He hitched himself forward in the chair. Thing is, Paulin, if we hand out supplies, what's to keep the border guards from just collecting them the moment we take off? So, I think I'll have to leave a couple of riders as protection . . which'!! give Chalk in a chance to cry "Weyr Interference" Paulin felt nauseous. That sort of thing was straight out of the ancient bloody history the settlers had deliberately left behind: evolving a code of ethics and conduct that would make such events improbable! This planet was settled with the idea that there was room enough for everyone willing to work the land that was his or hers by Charter-given birthright.

There's no interference if your riders stay on your side of the border. Besides which, Bitra Hold looks to Benden Weyr for protection . . Thread protection,' M'shall corrected.

In a matter of speaking,' and Paulin's smile was grim, this is partly Thread protection. They're looking for what they should have had from their Lord Holder, and who else should they turn to but the Weyr? No,' and he brought one fist down sharply on the desk. You're within your rights - - if you've riders willing to volunteer for such duty." L'sur's stayed on, or so his dragon told Craigath.

But no firestone,' and Paulin held up a stern finger, much as some might like to show force.

Oh, I've made myself clear on that point, I assure you, and M'shall gave a bitter twist to his lips. And we haven't had any training at Benden recently, so there's not a whisper of flame in any of the dragons. As for disciplining the guards, a short hop and a long drop between would be my preference ... but. . . and he held up both his hands to assure Paulin of self-restraint.

At that point, Mattew returned with a tray, steaming cups of klah and soup and a basket of hot breads which he deposited on the table and left.

M'shall didn't wait for Paulin's invitation but grabbed up the soup and blew on its surface, sipping as soon as he dared.

That hits the spot and if you've a cauldron of it, I'll take it back with me." He grinned, licking his lips. It's certainly hot enough to survive a jump between." You may have it, cauldron and all.

L'sur has stayed on, you say? How about riders at other crossing points?" Paulin asked, stirring sweetener into his klah. M'shall nodded.

Good. Their presence ought to inhibit any further violence." But that presence was only a deterrent, not assistance. He would like to do more than send soup but his position at this point, even as Council Chair, might be compromised. At least the Weyr has a right to take action, and so does Bridgely,' he added thoughtfully. He thumped his fist again. But I will go personally to see both Jamson and Azury; especially since Chalkin has used such extreme measures. I'm hard-pressed to see the reason for them." M'shall shrugged. Fort holders have every reason to trust you, Paulin. Bitrans never have had any with Chalkin holding.

What I'd like to do is haul the indecisive like Jamson and Azury - and show them what's happening at Bitra. They probably think we've exaggerated the situation.

Exaggerated?" M'shall was indignant, and it was as well the cup was empty of soup when he planted it hard on the table. Sorry.

What's wrong with them?" They wouldn't behave in such a manner. lt's hard for them to believe another Lord Holder would." Well,' and M'shall nearly growled, he would and he has.

There was a more circumspect knock on the door which Matt opened, showing in K'vin.

I just heard about the border trouble, M'shall. Zulaya had Meranath bespeak Maruth, so Charanth and 1 thought to catch you here,' the young Weyrleader said, his expression as grim as Benden's.

So he's blocked the western borders as well?" K'vin nodded.

Telgar has no grounds to object to his closing his borders, but he's deliberately killing people, turfing them out in this weather. I can't . . . and won't . . . permit people to be treated like that." He fixed an expectant stare on Paulin.

M'shall and I have been discussing the intolerable situation.

I've already polled the Lord Holders with a view to taking immediate action. The response was not unanimous so even as Council Chair, there is little I can do - officially, that is. But, as M'shall pointed out, the Weyr has certain responsibilities to protect people. By stretching a point, you could say they're Thread-lost,' and Paulin's smile was wry, escaping a Hold which is unprepared. So the Weyrs can move where the Council Chair may not.

That's all I need to know!" K'vin slapped his riding gloves against his thigh to emphasize his approval.

Of course,' and Paulin held up one hand in restraint, you must be careful not to give Chalkin due cause to cite an infringement against Hold autonomy.

Not if that includes deliberate mistreatment of people he's already misled,' said K'vin, his voice rising in alarm.

This is not the time to jeopardize the neutrality of the Weyrs, you know,' Paulin said, looking from one to the other.

Thread hasn't started falling yet.

C'mon, Paulin,' M'shall began in protest.

I'm with you in spirit, but as Council Chair I have to remind you - above and beyond my private opinion, that we don't have the right to interfere in the government of a Hold." You may not, Paulin,' K'vin said. But M'shall and I do.

There's truth in what you said about Weyrs protecting people from peril. From Threadfall - Paulin reminded the younger Weyrleader.

From peril,' K'vin repeated firmly. Freezing to death without shelter from inclement weather constitutes peril as surely as Threadfall does.

Paulin nodded approvingly. I may even forget that you visited here this morning." He grinned. M'shall, you don't happen to know where Chalkin's remaining uncle lives?" I already thought of that and he's not there,' replied M:shall. Place was empty. Too empty. I know Vergerin was alive and well last autumn." How do you mean "too empty"?" Paulin asked, jotting down the uncle's name.

It had been cleaned out too thoroughly. Not,' and M'shall held up one hand to forestall Paulin's query, as if it had been set to rights after a man's death, but as if to prove no-one had been there at all. But Vergerin had cleared vegetation back from his front court, as every smart holder should.

Someone had thrown debris all around to disguise the clearance.

Has Chalkin anticipated us?" Paulin asked in a rhetorical question.

Then he looked from one dragon rider to the other.

Rescue those folks before either the weather or Chalkin's bullies kill them. And I'd like interviews from them, too, once they're not afraid to talk to outsiders." Just as M'shall had his hand on the door knob, Paulin added, And not so much as a trickle of flame, please.

That could get magnified out of all proportion.

K'vin pretended wide-eyed shock at such a notion. M'shall glanced around. I didn't hear that, Paulin,' the Benden Weyrleader said with stiff dignity.

As if we would . . . K'vin remarked to M'shall as they strode out of Fort Hold.

I'd like to,' said M'shall, in a taut voice, that's the problem.

But then, I've known Chalkin longer than you.

Craigath and Charanth were already on the court, awaiting their riders.

You'll take the western and northern crossings, K'vin?" M'shall asked as they separated to reach their bronzes. Have you been checking on numbers for transport?" Yes, and had sweep riders checking in ever since Chalkin closed the borders. Zulaya will warn Tashvi and Salda that we're proceeding. We'll take all to the Weyr first. The entire Weyr is organized to help.

You're a good man, K'vin,' and M'shall grinned at his colleague.

So let's do it!" The Benden Weyrleader launched himself up his dragon's shoulder and swung neatly between the end ridges.

We go to help? Charanth asked K'vin.

In deed we do. Tell Meranath to have Zulaya put our pThn into operation. I'll meet my wing at the Falls road. And I think we'd better ask Jantine to come along.

When K'vin returned to Telgar, the first rescue wave was ready to take off at his signal. He paused long enough to haul lantine behind him on Charanth.

Get as much down in black and white as you can, lantine.

I want Chalkin nailed by the evidence.

lantine was all too happy to comply with the request. It would be one way of paying back the arrogant Lord Holder for his snaking ways and meanness. But, no sooner had lantine dropped to the hard-packed snow of the border point than his attitude changed to horrified disgust. Using an economy of line, he sketched the pen' - ropes looped around trees and the shivering knots of people forced to stand for there was not enough room to sit down - in the churned mud of an inadequate space. He drew the haggard faces, the chilled bodies bent inward from cold, or those clumped together to share what warmth they had. Some had been stripped of all but what covered private parts, and they had been surrounded by their fellows in an attempt to keep them from freezing.

Some were standing barefoot on the rough rags and boots of their neighbours, feet blue and dangerously white from frostbite. Children wandered weeping with hunger and fatigue, or slumped in unconscious bundles in the mud at the feet of the adults. Three elder lies were stiff in death. Bloodied faces and bruised eyes were more common than the unmarked.

The guards, however, were warm with many layers of clothing, good fires with cooking spits turning to roast the meat of such animals as the refugees had brought with them.

Others were tied or penned up for future use. Such belongings as the refugees had brought with them were now piled at the side of the guard house or in the barrows or carts lined up behind. lantine faithfully recorded rings and bracelets, even earrings, inappropriately adorning the guards.

They had been alarmed at the arrival of the dragon riders as many as could retreating into the shelter of the stone border facility.

That had made it considerably easier to move the refugees. Of course, many of them were in such a state of shock and fear that they were as frightened of the dragons and the riders as of the brutal guards.

Zulaya had brought weyrfolk with her, and their presence reassured many. So did the blankets and the warm jackets.

And the soup: the first sustenance many had had since they had left their holds.

What lantine couldn't put down on paper were the sounds and the smells of that scene. And yet he did . . . in the open mouths of the terrified folk, their haunted eyes, the contortions of their abused bodies, their ragged coverings, and the piles of human ordure because the guards had made no provision for that human requirement, and the abandoned belongings and carts.

Now that he had seen real privation, Ian tine realized how lucky he had been in his brief encounter with the Lord Holder of Bitra.

lantine returned with the last group, letting his hand rest only in between, sketching as they flew, propping his pad against P'tero's back.

You haven't stopped a moment,' P'tero shouted over his shoulder.

You'll freeze your hand up here, you know." lantine waved it to prove its flexibility and continued to sketch. He was adding details to the men who had been hung by their heels and used in target practice. The men had been cut down - one of the first things the rescuers had done.

lantine had only had time enough to do an outline but the details - despite all the other sketches he had made that day - were vivid in his mind's eye, and he had to get every one down on paper or he would feel he had betrayed them.

When the young blue rider deposited him in front of the Lower Cavern, lantine, still filling in substance, managed to get himself to a table near enough the fire to get the good of the warmth - and increase the fluidity of his drawing. His fingers gradually thawed and his pencil raced faster.

A touch on his shoulder startled him half out of his chair.

It's Debera,' and the green rider placed klah and a bowl of stew in front of him. Everyone else has eaten. You'd better,' she said severely, wrenching the pencil out of one hand and taking the pad from the other. You look awful, she added, peering closely at his face.

He reached for his pad but she slapped at his hand, swinging it out of his reach.

No, you eat first. You'll draw better for it. Oh, my word!" Her eye was caught by the scene and her free hand went to her mouth, her eyes widening in shock. Oh, they couldn't have.

I sketched what I saw,' he said, exhaling in a remorse that came from his guts and then inhaling the tantalizing odour emanating from the stew. He looked down at it, thick with vegetables and chunks of meat. They really could do miracles with wherry here. He picked up the spoon and began to eat, only then realizing how empty his stomach was. It almost hurt receiving food, and that nearly made him stop eating altogether. Chalkin's prisoners had been without food for three or four days.

They're all fed now,' Debera murmured.

lantine gave her a startled glance and she patted his shoulder reassuringly, as she often patted her Morath.

I felt the same way when I ate earlier on." She sat down across from him. We'd been going flat out to feed them when Tisba made us all stop to get something to eat, too." She started turning the pages of his book, the look on her face becoming more and more distressed at each new scene of the tragedy. How could he?" lantine reached over and gently pulled the sketch-pad from her, setting it down, closed, between them.

He gave the orders lantine began.

And knew just what would happen when he did, I know.

I've met some of his . . . "guards". Even my father wouldn't have one about the hold." She tapped the pad. No-one can ignore that sort of evidence." lantine gave a snort. Not with dragon riders verifying what's in here!" He finished the last of the stew and stretched out his legs under the table, scrubbing at his face, still tingling with his long hours in the unremitting cold of the border crossing.

Go to bed, why don't you, lantine?" Debera said, rising.

She glanced around the cavern, which was occupied by only a few riders and folk finishing their evening meal. They've all been sorted out and you'!] be lucky if you have your room to yourself. But I'd better get some sleep, too. That Morath of mine! She wakes positively starved, no matter how much I give her.

lantine smiled at the affection that softened Debera's voice.

He got to his feet, swaying slightly. You're right. I need sleep.

Good night, Debera." He watched her, striding purposefully out of the cavern, observing the proud tilt to her head and set of her shoulders.

She'd changed a great deal since she Impressed Morath. He grinned, picked up his pad and slowly made his way to his quarters.

He wasn't sharing with any refugee, but Leopol sprawled on a bed-pad along one wall and didn't even stir as lantine prepared himself for bed.

There were more refugees than originally estimated and while the resources of the two Weyrs were stretched, the Lord Holders immediately sent additional supplies and offered shelter. Some of those rescued were in bad shape from the cold and could not be immediately transferred to the sanctuaries offered by Nerat, Benden and Telgar Holds.

Zulaya had headed a rescue team of the other queens and the green riders. She came back, seething with rage.

I knew he was a greedy fool and an idiot, but not a sadist.

There were three pregnant women at the Forest Road border and they'd been raped because, of course, they couldn't sue the guards later on a paternity claim.

Are the women all right?" K'vin asked, appalled by yet another instance of the brutality. We arrived at the North Pass just in time to spare three lads from very unkind attentions by the guards. Where does Chalkin find such men?" From holds which have tossed them out for anti-social behaviour or criminal activities, of course,' Zulaya replied, almost spitting in anger. And that blizzard's closed in. We moved just in time. If we hadn't, I fear most of these people would be dead by morning. Absolutely nothing allowed them!

Not even the comfort of a fire!" I know, I know,' he said, as bitter about the sadistic behaviour as she was. We should have treated those guards to a taste of absolute cold. Like a long wait between. Only that would have been a clean death.

We still can,' Zulaya said in a grating tone. K'vin regarded her in astonishment and she glared at him, clenching her fists at her sides. Oh, I know we can't, but that doesn't keep me from wanting to!

Did you take lantine with you? I thought of how useful on-the-spot sketches might be." In fact, he asked to come. He's got plenty to show Lord Paulin and the Council,' he said. He swallowed, remembering the stark drawings that had filled one pad. lantine's quick hand had captured the reality, made even more compelling by the economy of line, depicting horrific scenes of deliberate cruelty.

The Weyrleaders introduced themselves to the first of the refugees, and started off by interviewing an older couple.

M'grandsir's grand sir came to Bitra with the then Holder, the man said, his eyes nervously going from one Weyrleader to the other. He kept wiggling his bandaged fingers, though N'ran had assured them the pain and itch had been dulled by fell is and numb weed I'm Brookie, m'woman's Ferina. We farmed it since. Never no reason to complain, though the Holder keeps asking for more tithe and there's only so much comes out of any acre, no matter who tills it. But he'd the right.

Not to take our sow, though, his mate added, her expression rebellious. We needed that un to make more piggies to meet the tithe he set." Like her man, she laid a stress on the pronoun. Took our daughter, too, to work in the Hold when we wanted her land grant. Said we didn't work what we had good enough so we couldn't have more." Really?" said Zulaya, deceptively mild as she shot K'vin a meaningful glance. Now that's interesting, holder Ferina.

K'vin envied Zulaya's trick of remembering names.

You could've asked me, Charanth said helpfully.

You've been listening?

The people needed dragons' help. I listen. We all do.

When the pity of dragons has also been aroused, surely that's enough justification for what we've just done, thought K'vin, if the Cound! should turn up stiff. I must remember to tell Zulaya.

But he says we got it wrong and we ain't had no teacher to ask,' the man said. An' thassa nut her thing - we should have a teacher for our kids." At least so they can read the Charter and know what rights you all do have,' Zulaya said firmly. I've a copy we can show you right now, so you can refresh your memories.

The two exchanged alarmed glances.

In fact,' Zulaya went on smoothly, I think we'll have someone read you your rights . . . since it would be difficult for you to turn pages with bandaged hands, Brookie. And you're not in much better case, Ferina.

Ferina managed a nervous smile. I'd like that real well, Weyrwoman. Real well. Our rights are printed out'? In the Charter and a!!?" Your rights as holders are part of the Charter,' Zulaya said, shooting K'vin another unhappy look. In detailed paragraphs." She rose to her feet abruptly. Why don't you sit over there in the sun, Ferina, Brookie?" And she pointed to the eastern wall, where some of the Weyr's elder lies were seated, enjoying the warmth of the westering sun. We'll make sure you hear it all, and you can ask any questions you want.

She helped the two to their feet and started them on their way across the Bow! as K'vin whistled for Leopol.

Go get the Weyr's copy of the Charter, will you, lad?" You want me to read it to them, too?" the boy asked, eyes glinting partly in mischief and partly because he enjoyed second-guessing errands.

Smart pants, are we?" K'vin said. No, I think we need T'lan for this." He pointed towards the white-haired old brown rider who was serving klah to the refugees. Just get the Charter now. I'll request T'!an's services.

Leopo! moved off at his usual sprint and K'vin went over to speak to the elderly brown rider. He had exactly the right manner to deal with nervous and frightened holders.

Bridgely arrived in Benden Weyr, his face suffused with blood, torn between fury and laughter.

The nerve of the man, the consummate nerve!" he exclaimed and threw down the message he carried. It landed closer to Irene than M'sha!l, so she picked it up.

From Chalkin?" she exclaimed, looking up at Bridgely.

Read it... and pour me some wine, would you, M'sha!l?" the Lord Holder said, slipping into a chair. I mean, I know that man's got gall, but to presume - - - to have the effrontery Ssssh,' Irene said, her eyes widening as she read. Oh, I don't believe it! Just !is ten M'shal!. "This Ho!d has the right to dragon messengers. The appropriate red striped banner has been totally ignored though my guards have seen dragons near enough to see that an urgent message must be delivered.

Therefore I must add She peered more closely at the written page.

His handwriting's abominable Ah.

"dereliction" - - . really, where does he get off to cry "dereliction"

"of their prime duty to the other complaints I am forced to lay at their door. Not only have they been interfering with the management of this Hold but they fill the minds of my loyal holders with outrageous lies. I demand their immediate censure. They are not even reliable enough to perform those duties which fall within their limited abilities."

Limited abilities?" Irene turned pale with fury. I'll un limit him!" Especially when we've had an earful of how he treats his loyal holders - M'sha!l said, his expression grimmer than ever. Wait a minute. What's the date on his letter?" Five days ago,' Bridgely answered, with a malicious grin.

He had to send it by rider. From what the fellow told me, Chalkin's sent messengers to Nerat and Telgar as well. He wants me, you'!! see in the last paragraph, Irene,' and Bridgely pointed to that section of the missive, to forward it by a reliable messenger to Lord Paulin, registering his complaint with the Council Chair. I suppose,' and his grin was droll, I'll get another one when he finds out about yesterday's airlift rescue.

The man. . . Irene paused, unable to find words. When I think of how he's treated those poor people And when he's called to account, he'!! probably whinge that his guards exceeded their instructions . .

. and he's fired them all,' said Bridgely with a cynical shrug.

Oh,' M'shall said brightly, not all of them." He scratched the back of his head. Ah they wanted to know why they couldn't get to ride a dragon if the riffraff could.

You didn't, M'shall,' Irene exclaimed, her eyes wide with delighted anticipation, drop them off on the way, did you?" No,' and M'shall shrugged with mock regret. But I felt it might be wise to .

. . ah sequester? Yes, that's the word, sequester certain of them should they be required to stand before the Council and explain exactly what orders they received.

Oh,' and Bridgely turned pensive.

Oh, I was select, you might say,' and M'shall's face was grim.

I found out which had had a hand in those killings and took testimony against them from bereaved witnesses. Not even guards, acting under a Lord Holder's orders, may execute without trial, you know.

Oh, indeed, and you've acted circumspectly,' Bridgely said, nodding with understanding. Really, I don't think this can wait until Turn's End. And I shall so inform Jamson and Azury." I'd be happy to take you myself,' offered M'shall, and speak for the Weyr. In fact,' and the Weyrleader reached for Chalkin's written message, you could deliver this at the same time, Bridgely.

You are all consideration, Weyrleader,' Bridgely said, gesturing grandly and looking exceedingly pleased.

My pleasure at any time, Lord Holder." M'shall swept his arm in an equally grand gesture.

Whenever you can spare a moment from your duties, Weyrleader?" Why, I do believe I can spare an hour or two now, since I perceive that it is an appropriate time to visit the western half of the continent. .

Oh, will you two stop your nonsense and GO!" Irene said, laughter in her voice though she tried to look reproving. But their antics relieved the tension in the Weyr.

High Reaches Boll Holds, Ista Ben den Weyr, Ista Hold - High Reaches Fort Holds and Telgar Holds Now really, M'shall, Bndgely, said Jamson, fussing with his robes as he shifted uneasily in his chair.

High Reaches was invariably a cold place and today, in Jamson's private office, was no exception. The Benden Holder was glad he had riding fl irs on and made no attempt to open his jacket nor un glove his left hand after the usual handshake with Jamson. He noted M'shall did the same. I cannot believe that a Lord Holder would treat the very people he depends on in such a way. Not in midwinter.

With my own eyes I saw it, Lord Jamson,' M'shall said in an unequivocal tone. And I thought it wise to ask several of the guards to stay in the Weyr so you may learn what their orders were.

But here, Chalkin complains that you have not accorded him the courtesy of conveyance." Jamson frowned.

If you had seen what I have, Lord Jamson, you migh find it hard to oblige him,' M'shall said, his face stark.

Really, Jamson, don't be such a prick,' Bridgely said, under no similar restraint of courtesy with his peer. Nerat and Telgar are taking in refugees as well as Benden. You can speak to any you wish to, to determine the extent of Chalkin's perfidy.

I'll gladly convey you where you wish to go . - - M'shall offered.

I've my own Weyr, Jamson said stiffly, if I need transport.

But it's not the weather to be travelling about in unnecessarily at all." Which was true enough, since the High Reaches Hold was cloaked in snow crusted as hard as ice on the ground.

Agreed,' said Bridgely, trying hard not to shiver and wondering at Jamson's parsimony with fires, or if the heating system in the Hold was another victim to technological obsolescence. So you will grant that only a dire need would bring me out, asking you to change your mind about taking immediate action against Clialkin. People would have frozen to death on Bitra's borders last night!" And he pointed vigorously eastward.

He doesn't mention that in this,' Jamson said, peering at the letter on the table.

Doubtless he'll circulate a longer letter on that score,' said Bridgely with deep irony. But what I saw required me to give aid without any delay to meditate." As you know, Lord Jamson,' M'shall put in, Weyrs are also autonomous and may withhold services with sufficient justification. I feel perfectly justified in refusing him basic courtesies. Come, Bridgely. We're wasting Lord Jamson's valuable time. Good day to you.

Before the astonished High Reaches Holder could respond to such peremptory behaviour, the two men had left the room.

My word! And I always considered M'shall to be a sensible man.

Thank goodness, G'don is a solid, predictable Weyrleader - One simply does not impeach a Lord Holder overnight! Not this close to Threadfall." Jamson buried his hands more deeply into the sleeves of his fur-lined jerkin.

Azury was so shocked he did not even comment on M'shall's dereliction' of services.

I'd no idea, really,' he said.

In direct contrast to High Reaches, Southern Boll's weather was hot enough for Bridgely to wish he'd worn a lighter shirt.

Although they were well shaded from the morning sun on a porch decorated by a blooming plant with fragrant pink blossoms tangling in clusters, he had to open his collar and roll up his sleeves to be comfortable. Azury had ordered a fruit drink and by the time it came, Bridgely's throat was dry enough to appreciate the cool tang.

I know Chalkin's not exactly. . . reliable, and Azury then grinned wryly. And I've lost sufficient marks in his little games of chance to wonder about his basic honesty. But.

and he shook his head. A Holder simply doesn't keep his folk in the dark about something as critical to their survival as Thread. Does he really think it won't come? That we're all foolish or stupid?" He is both foolish and stupid,' Bridgely said. Why else did our ancestors bio-engineer the dragons? And develop a totally Unique society to nurture and succour the species, if not for future need?" He glanced at M'shall who merely raised his eyebrows. It isn't as if we didn't have graphic proof of the existence of Thread, which was part of our education. Nor tons of records annotating the problem. It's not something we thought up to inconvenience Chalkin of Bitra!" Preaching to the converted, Bridge,' Azury said. He's ten times the fool if he thinks to brace the rest of the planet on this score. But,' and he leaned forward on his wicker wood chair which creaked slightly, Holders can spin great lies . .

And I can spot a whinge and a bitcher as fast as you can, Azury,' said Bridgely, moving to the edge of his chair which also reacted noisily to the weight shift. Like this chair. You can interview any of those we've taken in... and the sooner the better, so you can judge the condition they were in before we rescued them." I think I'd better have an eyes-on at that, Azury told him.

He raised one hand quickly. Not that I doubt you, but impeaching another Lord Holder. . . Nervous-making.

That's as may be, but having a Hold that is totally unprepared for the onslaught of Thread - one that's adjacent to me,' and Bridgely jabbed a thumb in his chest, is far more nervous-making." You've a point there,' Azury admitted. He looked over his shoulder and beckoned one of the attendants, asking him to bring his riding gear. You said that Jamson's reluctant?

Doesn't impeachment require a unanimous verdict?" It does,' Bridgely agreed, and set his lips in an implacable line.

Azury grinned, thanking the attendant who had quickly returned with his gear. Then you also need me to add weight to a second delegation to High Reaches?" If you feel you can turn Jamson's opinion?" Azury stamped into his boots. That one's just perverse enough to hold out, but we'll see. Tashvi, Bastom and Franco are involved, and I know Paulin is agitated . . . Who does that leave?

Richud of Ista? Well, he will go along with a majority." He rose.

Now, let's leave before I swim in my own sweat - Azury interviewed each of the fourteen refugees still housed in Benden Weyr as unfit to be transferred elsewhere. He then had a chat with three of the guards.

Not that they were in a chatting mood, he said, his light blue eyes vivid with anger in his tanned face, but they may soon have second thoughts on how much their loyalty is worth to Lord Chalkin.

They do claim,' and, as he grinned, his teeth were very white against his skin, that they were outnumbered by the influx of so many ranting, raving maniacs and had to use force to restrain them until they could receive orders from the Hold.

That conflicts with what the ranting, raving maniacs say, doesn't it?" M'shall replied.

Oh, indeed,' Azury agreed, grinning without humour. And I do wonder that the guards came out of the ranting and raving mass unscathed while all of the maniacs seem to have a variety of injuries.

Clearly the truth is being pulled in many directions.

But it lies there, limpid as usual, to the eye that sees and the ear that hears." Well said,' Bridgely nodded.

So let's speak with Richud." It was harder to find the Lord Holder of Ista because he had taken the afternoon off to fish - his favourite occupation.

The harbour master was unable to give any specific direction for a search.

The dolphins went with him circle your dragon, and see can he spot them? Small sloop with a red sail but a lot of dolphins. Richud claims they understand him. He may be right,' and the elderly man scratched his head, gflnning with amusement at the notion.

They do - according to the records, Azury said. My fishers always watch out for them in the Currents.

Wal, as you wish,' the Harbourmaster said and went back to his tedious accounting of creel weights lifted ashore the previous seven days.

Craigath flew his passengers in a high-altitude circle, spiralling outwards from Ista Harbour. It was he who spotted the craft and, with mighty use of his pinions, dived for it.

Despite the broad safety band securing him to his position, Azury grabbed frantically at Bridgely who was sitting in front of him and Bridgely worried lest his own grip bruise the dragon rider

M'shall merely turned his head to grin back at them. The words he spoke - for his mouth moved - were lost in the speed of their descent.

Bridgely watched the sea coming nearer and nearer and arched himself slightly backwards.

He'd ridden often enough not to be alarmed by dragon antics, but never at such an angle or speed. He tightened his hold on his safety straps and argued himself out of closing his cowardly eyes. Just as it seemed as if Craigath would impale himself on the mast of the sloop which wasn't all that small to Bridgely's mind - the bronze went into hover, startling the two crew who were watching Richud struggle with a pole bent almost double by his efforts to land the fish he'd hooked.

Any time you're free, Lord Richud,' shouted M'shall between his cupped hands.

Richud glanced once over his shoulder, then again, and lost control of pole and fish - the reel spinning wildly as pressure ended.

Don't creep up on me like that! Lookit what you made me do!

Fraggit! Can't I ever get an afternoon off? Oh well, what catastrophe's hit us now? Must be something bad to bring the three of you this far south.

He handed his pole to a crewman and came to the starboard side.

There was still some distance between him and his visitors.

I'd ask you aboard, but the bronze would sink us,' he said.

No problem, M'shall said and his eyes unfocused as he spoke to his dragon. Can you get us a little closer, Craigath?

Craigath, eyes gleaming bluely and whirling with some speed, set himself down in the water, wings neatly furled to his backbone while with his left forearm he took hold of the safety rail, pulling himself and his passengers closer to the hull of the ship. The sloop began to heel over at the strength of the dragon's hold.

The wind left the sail and the boom started to whip round when, just as abruptly, the sail caught wind again and the ship resumed her forward motion and speed.

M'shall laughed, thumping Craigath on the neck in appreciation of the completed manoeuvre.

What'd he do? How'd he do that? What under the sun?" Richud was looking at the dragon, back at the ship, and then at M'shall in confusion.

He's paddling to keep up so you won't lose headway,' the Benden Wayrleader explained.

This is ftn. I like it, Craigath informed his rider.

He's enjoying himself,' said M'shall.

He won't snap the rail, will he?" Richud asked, staring with some apprehension at the huge forepaw clutching the metal upright.

The dragon shook his head. It is fragile so I don t hold it hard.

M'shall paused a moment. Good lad. He says he's well aware of its fragility.

He didn't say that,' Richud replied, shaking his head in denial.

Fragility?" His very word. Craigath's got quite a vocabulary. You know how Irene speaks - - - well, he has to keep up with Maruth, doesn't he?" The dragon nodded.

Well, I never. Never seen Ronelth or Jemath swim like this either,' Richud murmured. So, what urgent matter brings you here?" Chalkin must be impeached as soon as possible. A Hold is autonomous until it exceeds its rights,' Bridgely said, and went on to give the Istan Lord Holder details of Chalkin's heinous behavior.

I'd no idea he'd evict so many. Surely it's winter up there and they'd be in danger of freezing?" They would be and have been,' M'shall said.

Their condition was appalling, Richud,' Azury told him. I went to Benden myself to see. And the guards . . - He dismissed them with a wide gesture. You know the sort Chalkin hires . Yes, tough necks layabouts, ruffians and scoundrels like those Gather artists of his." Richud paused in thought. Has that impeachment clause ever been used?" No, but it was put there as a safeguard. And there are a lot of people in Bitra who need their safety guarded .

especially this close to Fall.

Agreed. I'll go along with you. Only,' and his tone turned entreating, not when I have an afternoon off to fish?" Craigath let go of the rail and the two groups drifted apart.

Suddenly the bronze shuddered from pate to tail.

I like that. Do it again.

Who are you talking to, Craigath? M'shall demanded, having had to clutch the neck ridge and lift his legs high above sudden waves sloshing Craigath's sides. His passengers had reacted as well to keep from a wetting.

Doll fins rubbed me.

Playffit, are they? Welt, another time, my friend. We still have work to do. Sorry about that. The dolphins were tickling Craigath.

Dragons are ticklish?" Bridgely asked, startled.

Their bellies, yes.

Dolphins flowed from under the dragon now, leaping up in the air and diving neatly back into the water as they sped off after the sloop.

So what do we do now? Beard Jamson again?" asked M'shall, stroking the bronze's neck affectionately. He was amused to see that Richud had retrieved his pole and was evidently baiting his hook.

We'd probably have to drag Jamson down to Benden so he can see for himself, as you had to, Azury,' Bridgely said, shivering as he thought of having to return to the frigid High Reaches.

Take the pictures, suggested Craigath, to his rider's astonishment. Dragons did not often offer unsolicited opinions, but then M'shall considered Craigath very intelligent.

What pictures?" he asked.

Pictures?" echoed Bridgely. What pictures?" Maruth says there are pictures. At Telgar.

At Telgar?" Oh, that young painter,' M'shall and Bridgely said in unison.

What painter?" Azury wanted to know.

Bridgely explained.

Very good idea, if Jamson will accept the proof as genuine, the Southern Boll Holder said, sceptic ally

Which was exactly what happened.

How can you be sure these are accurate?" asked the High Reaches Lord Holder when he had leafed through the vivid and detailed drawings on lantine's pad. I think the whole matter has been exaggerated out of all proportion." He closed the pad halfway on the stark sketch of the hanging men.

And you won't even accept my word, Jamson?" Azury said.

I've just been there and spoken to these people..." He riffled through the pages and came to one of a holder he'd interviewed. That fellow, for instance. I spoke to him myself, and I've no trouble accepting the truth of his story. He was four nights in an animal pen with no food and only the moisture he could get from snow, with his wife and elderly parents.

Incidentally, they died of exposure despite all that Benden Weyr could do to try to revive them." I do not see why, Azury,' Jamson said at his most pompous, you do not content yourself with running your own Hold.

Leave Chalkin to run his. He has the right." But not the right to inflict atrocities on any of his people.

Azury's reply was heated.

Jamson regarded him coldly. A few lazy holders . .

A FEW?" Bridgely exploded in frustration which, even as he did so, he knew defeated his purpose. A few hundred is more like it, Jamson. And for that many we should all stir ourselves!" Well, I for one shall not, Bridgely. And that's final." He folded his arms across his chest and sat there, glaring at his visitors.

Jamson,' Azury said in a very controlled, calm voice as he pushed Bridgely to one side and leaned across the desk towards Jamson huddled in his furs. I, too, was sceptical when Bridgely came to me, unwilling to believe his report, much less his solution to the problem.

One does not lightly impugn the honour of a peer. and I could not understand why Bridgely was so agitated over a few insignificant holders. Then, too, Bitra is too far to affect anything in my Hold.

Though I quite took his point that Thread must not be allowed to burrow unchecked anywhere on the northern continent. So I conceived that it was my duty, my responsibility, to personally investigate the allegations.

I have the witness of my own eyes and ears now. As well as the disparity between what the guards told me and the evidence of my own eyes. The Bitran situation is dire and must be rectified. We cannot, as intelligent, responsible leaders, allow such a situation to fester and spread. It affects the very roots of our society, the strength of the Charter, the fundamentals on which this whole society is based. We cannot ignore it as the internal problem of an autonomous Holding.

You as an honourable Lord Holder owe it to yourself to investigate the situation. Then you can come to a considered judgment. At least, set your own doubts to rest by going, as I did, to Benden and gather first-hand information." I have no doubts,' Jamson said. The Charter clearly states that a Lord Holder has autonomy within his borders.

What he does is his business, and that's that. I should certainly protest against anyone poking his nose in my business. So I suggest you take your meddling noses and spurious charges out of here, right now!" This time he rang a hand bell and, when his oldest son opened the door in response, he said, They're leaving. See them out." Bridgely took in a deep breath, but a sudden short blow to his midriff by Azury robbed him of wind to speak and he was Ihelpless as the Southern Boll Holder dragged him out of the room.

No matter what you said, he's not in a mood to listen,' Azury told him, straightening Bridgely's jacket in a tacit apology.

Lord Azury's right, I'm afraid,' M'shall agreed.

You came about Bitra?" the son asked, leaning against the heavy office door to be sure it was tightly closed. I'm Gallian, his eldest and acting steward.

You've heard?" Hmmm, the door was a bit ajar,' said Gallian, not at all penitent about eavesdropping, and during your last visit too.

Father's memory's slipping a bit, so one of us tries to be nearby for important visits. He sometimes gets details muddled." Any chance you can un muddle this visit to get his cooperation?" May I see the sketches?" He held out one hand.

Certainly,' Bridgely said and put the pad in his hand.

Awful,' Gallian said, shaking his head as he viewed the distressing scenes and peering briefly with intent gaze at one or two.

And these are accurate?" he asked Azury.

Yes, inasmuch as I verified the condition of some of these people now at Benden Weyr,' Azury replied.

The bell jangled. Gallian thrust the pad at Azury.

I'll do what I can. And not because I already consider Chalkin a thief and a cheat. I must go. See yourselves out, can you?" We can and will.

What could the boy do?" M'shall wanted to know as they ran quickly down the steps to the front door and out into the icy air.

One can never tell,' Azury admitted. Shards, but it's colder than between here. Get me back to my sun as fast as possible.

Would a stop at Fort Hold be too much to expect from you?" asked Bridgely, grinning at the southerner's chattering teeth.

No, and I expect it's a tactical necessity in this struggle with Chalkin.

M'shall nodded approvingly and, vaulting to Craigath's back, lent a hand to the other two to mount.

The ambient temperature at Fort Hold was not warm but a decided improvement over High Reaches. Warmer still was the greeting Paulin gave them, insisting on a hot mulled wine when he heard of their adventures.

I don't expect Jamson will change his mind, especially now he has been specifically asked to do so,' Paulin said when his guests were settled near the good fire he had on his office hearth. Jamson's always been perverse." Then the son is unlikely to be able to alter him?" Bridgely suggested humour. K'vin knew that Zulaya found it amusing to sit for a portrait at all, and was twitting him about what he should wear to be immortalized. K'vin also knew about lantine's project to do miniatures of all the riders. Ambitious, considering there were close to six hundred in the Weyr at the moment. On the one hand, K'vin was grateful these would be the gallery, while on the other hand, he dreaded those who would become casualties.

Will it make it any easier not to have pictures?" Zulaya had asked the other night when she had required him to tell her why he was so preoccupied. We have nothing to remind us of the first occupants of this Weyr. I think I would have liked that. Gives a continuity to life and living.

K'vin had supposed it did, and decided that he had to have a more positive attitude.

It's not as if we knew who will not be here this time next year, she added. But it'd be nice to know that they were here." How much longer, Iantine?" Zulaya asked plaintively. The fingers of the hand she had resting on her thigh twitched. I can't feel my feet or my left hand any more.

lantine gave an exaggerated sigh and laid down the palette, scratching his head with the now free hand as he swished the fine brush in the jar on the table. Sony, Zulaya. You should by rights have had a break some time ago. But the light's perfect and I didn't want to stop.

Oh, help me up, K'vin,' Zulaya said, holding out a hand.

I don't usually get a chance to sit still so long - K'vin was glad to assist her and she was stiff enough so that her first steps were awkward. Then she recovered her mobility and walked firmly to the easel.

My word, you did do yards today, didn't you? Filled in that whole panel of the dress and . . - have you got my eyes crossed?" Ian tine laughed. No, step a little to this side. Now back again. Do the eyes seem to follow you?" Zulaya gave a little shake, widening her eyes. They do.

How do you contrive that? I must say, I'm not so sure I like me watching everything I do. K'vin chuckled. You won't, but your presence hanging in the Lower Cavern may spur the lazy to complete their tasks more quickly.

I'm not sure I like that idea any more than having me leering at me up here." She turned to the table, mostly covered by lantine's paraphernalia. I had klah sent up not too long ago,' and she cast an accusing eye on lantine. It should still be hot." She unscrewed the lid and steam obediently rose. It is. Shall I pour for all of us?" Which she was doing even as she spoke.

Maybe I should leave now?" lantine suggested, looking from one to the other.

No,' she said quickly.

I wanted to be sure your sketches were safely in your possession,' said K'vin, taking a chair.

And, did they solve the problem?" Zulaya asked, spooning sweetener in the cups and passing him his. Come, sit, lantine.

You must be more tired than I am. I've been sitting the whole time." 6

lantine grinned as if - K'vin noted with a twinge of jealousy totally at his ease with the Weyrwoman. Few were, except Tisha who treated everyone like an errant child or Leopol who was impudent with everyone.

So? What's the result?" She indicated with a wave of her hand that he should speak out in the portraitist's presence.

M'shall's disgusted. They still don't have a unanimous decision about impeachment. Jamson's the hold-out." He's not always dealing with a full deck,' Zulaya said succinctly, at least so Mari of High Reaches Weyr told me.

And he's getting worse. Thea takes charge when she can, and that older lad of his . . -.

Gallian's my age,' K'vin exclaimed. Can't they get around that?" Short of making Jamson abdicate, no. At least according to my understanding of the Charter. And it just got refreshed." She gave K'vin a droll smile. As well I listened in to what T'lan was reading.

I'd forgotten the half of it myself. Have you reread it recently?"

The Trials at Telgar and Ben den Weyrs

As it happened, a blizzard covered most of the eastern mountain ranges and all of Bitra when the trial was convened. The winds were too fierce over Bitra for even a dragon to penetrate. The storm had not yet reached Benden so they, and representatives from every Weyr and Hold, were present: with the exception of Lord Jamson of the High Reaches who was very ill of a respiratory fever.

The Lady Holder Thea came, annoyed that Jamson had a legitimate excuse for his absence and had sent Gallian in his place.

It might have done that stubborn streak of his some good to hear just how that Chalkin conducts his Hold. Oh, he'd've spouted on about autonomy but he most certainly is against any harm coming to unborn children." Thea gave Zulaya a significant nod, reminding those around her that she had borne fourteen children to Lord Jamson in the course of her fertile years: sufficient to substantially increase the borders of the Hold when the children were old enough to claim their land grants.

Held in the capacious Lower Cavern at Benden Weyr, the first of the two trials was a sobering, well-conducted affair. At one time there had been trained legists on Pern, but the need for such persons had waned. Most arguments were settled by negotiated compromise or, when all negotiation efforts failed, by hand-to-hand combat.

Consequently a spokesperson for the accused guards had to be found: one of the teachers from Fort Hold who specialized in legal contracts and land deeds reluctantly agreed to officiate.

Gardner had not been very enthusiastic about involving himself, however briefly, with rapists but he recognized the necessity for representation and did his best. He had perfunctorily questioned the victims as to the identity of their alleged assailants and tried to shake their testimony. The three women were no longer the frightened, half-starved wretches who had been so abused. Their time in the Weyr had done wonders for their courage, self-esteem and appearance.

Gardner even insisted that the had been rehearsed in their testimony, but that did not m gate the circumstances of the grievous bodily and mental harm inflicted on them.

Sure I rehearsed,' the oldest of the women said loudly. In me mind, night after night, how I was flung down and .

done by dirty men as wouldn't have dared step inside a decent woman's hold with such notions in their head. I ache still rehearsing . . . and she spat the word at him, what they again and again and again." For emphasis she slammed one fist into the other hand. Gardner ceased that line of questioning.

In the end, he managed one small concession for the the right to be returned to their Contract Hold, following the trial, rather than have to make their own way back to Bitra.

Fat lot of good that'll do them,' Zulaya muttered under breath when he won that point. Chalkin hates losers and e guys have lost a lot more than their contract.

I wonder what sort of tone Chalkin's next letter of protest will take,' Irene said with a malicious chuckle. Paulin had received a thick screed from the Bitran Holder when he discovered the unmitigated interference of assorted renegade dragon riders in his affairs and the abduction of loyal holders from their premises'. If he dares make one . . . She went on.

Oh, why did it have to snow so hard? I'd love to have had him here when his guards said they "was only following orders to keep the holders from leaving"! M'shall would have gathered him up in a ball and rendered him spit less M'shall had assumed the role of prosecutor, claiming that right since it had been his riders who were first on the scene.

He had been exceedingly precise in manner and in his questioning.

Poring over the Charter and what books Clisser could send him on legal procedures,' Irene told Zulaya with a broad grin.

It's done him a world of good. Taken his mind off the spring, you know.

Zulaya had nodded approvingly. He'd have been a good legi st or did they call them lawyers? No, barristers." Yes, barristers stood before the judge and handled the trial procedures,' Irene replied.

Gardner wasn't half bad, you know. He tried,' Zulaya remarked.

I'll even forgive him asking for mercy for those miserable clods.

After all, he had to appear to work for his clients,' she added tolerantly. I'm glad we had lantine sit up close. I want to see his sketches of the trial. I could wish he worked as fast with my portrait., Your portrait is scarcely the same thing as annotating a trial. And he's to come to Benden when he's finished with you two, you know.

Zulaya was pleased to hear the pride in Irene's voice when she mentioned lantine. He was a Bendenian.

You mean, when he's finished sketching our riders?" Irene gave a wistful smile, tinged with sadness. You'll be glad he did. I wonder will he do the same thing for us at Benden?" Whatever he can fit in, I'm sure. That young man's got himself more work than he can handle." If he can get it all done before . . oh, the jury's back." The twelve men and women, picked at random by straw from those who had come to observe, had listened to all the evidence. Tashvi, Bridgely and Franco had sat as judges. Now a silence descended over the room, so intense that a cough was quickly muffled.

The three rapists were accounted guilty as charged and three more were sentenced as accessories, since they had helped pin the victims down. The penalty for the rape of a pregnant woman was castration, which was to be carried out immediately. The others were to receive forty lashes, well laid on by Telgar's large and strong stewards.

They were lucky there isn't Fall,' Zulaya remarked to Irene, Lady Thea and K'vin. Otherwise they could also have been tied out during the next Fall.

Despite herself, Thea gave a shudder. Which is probably why there are so few cases of rape recorded in our Hold's annals." Small wonder,' K'vin said, crossing his legs again. Zulaya had noticed his defensive position and her lips twitched briefly. He turned away. His Weyrmate had nearly cheered -aloud when the verdict was dive red

You can't do that to me,' one of the guards was roaring now as he belatedly realized the significance of the verdict.

He had been the leader of the men stationed at the eastern border crossing. The other defendants were too stunned, their mouths moving in soundless protest, Morinst being loud enough to drown out any complaint they could voice. You're none of you my Lord,' he'd railed at three Lord Holder iudges. You've got no right to do this." And you had no right to rape a pregnant woman!" But Chalkin ain't even here." The man writhed in the grip of his guards.

Chalkin's presence would have had no effect on the trial )r the verdict,' said Tashvi, at his most repressive.

But he should've been here!" Morinst protested.

He was invited to attend,' Tashvi said without regret.

He's gotta know. You can't do nuthin' without him knowing. I gotta contract with him.

To rape, torture and humiliate?" Bridgely asked in too soft a voice.

Morinst clamped his lips shut. He struggled more violently as the bailiffs aimed him towards the exit . . . And his punishment. Not that he could escape either the sentence or the Weyr. The other two were still too stunned to resist their removal to the infirmary where the verdict would be carried out. Those to be lashed were brought outside, though not all the audience followed to witness the corporal punishment.

When that, too, had been completed and the men removed to have their wounds treated, the observers filed back into the Lower Cavern.

While this was scarcely an occasion for celebration, except that justice had been served, a substantial meal had been prepared. Wine was the first item sought and served.

You were superb, M'shall, said Irene when her Weyrmate joined her, a newly opened skin of Benden wine on his shoulder, and do please give me a glass. Though I'm sure you need one more than I. Nice of Bridgely to supply it,' she added to Zulaya.

I think we all need it,' the Telgar Weyrwoman said, glancing over to where the three plaintiffs were celebrating with considerable enthusiasm. Well, let them. Now what do we do'?" Well, we've the second trial to get through. I hope it goes as well,' M'shall said.

NO, with them,' and his Weyrmate pointed to the three women.

Oh. That them. They say they just want to go back to their homes. Not going to let Chalkin take it because they're not there holding their places." He made a grimace. Some of them don't really have much to go back to. Chalkin's bullies burned what was flammable and pulled down what they could. I'd say the storms kept more damage from being done. But,' and he altered the grimace to a grin, give em credit. They do own what they hold, and now they know it. It may give them a tad more backbone next time they're chivvied and more pride in what they do. They've also asked for ground-crew training." Nothing like losing something - however briefly - to make you value what you have,' Thea said. On the practical side, though, I think High Reaches can supply some basic items.

Anyone organizing that?" She glanced about at others in the group.

D'you have numbers yet?" Actually we do,' Zulaya said, including Irene in her nod.

Three hundred and forty-two - no, forty-three with that premature baby. It's very good of you to offer, Thea." Thea snorted. I've reread the Charter, too, and know my duty to my fellow creatures. You wouldn't also happen to know how many poor wretches hold in Bitra?" M'shall had that answer. Of course, you can't tell if Chalkin doctored the last census or not, but he's supposed to have 24,657 inhabitants." Really?" Ziilaya was surprised.

But then, Bitra's one of the smaller holds and doesn't have any indigenous industry - apart from some forestry. The 5 down to what's needed locally. There're a few looms , but no great competition for Keroon or Benden.

And the gaming,' Thea added with a disgusted sniff.

That's Chalkin's main industry." Well, he's lost a lot on this gamble,' Zulaya said.

Has he?" K'vin wanted to know.

ie second trial was almost anticlimactic. Gardner again :nted the seven defendants accused of allegedly causgrievous bodily harm and death' to five innocent men and While Gardner again stipulated that the men had only been ing orders to restrain by any means' anyone trying to s the border out of Bitra Hold, their putative domicile, it claimed that unnecessarily severe restraint had been used caused the deaths of persons who should not have been ied lawful' exit, this being a usurpation of their basic "tered Right to freedom of movement.

The subsequent mutilation and/ or torture of the seven, the prosecution said, was not inherent in the order to restrain by any means'. Chalkin had no right to take the lives of any holders without due cause and/ or trial by jury.

The day's jury retired and, within half an hour, unanimously rendered a verdict of guilty. The men were sentenced to be transported by dragon back to the eastern islands with a seven-day supply of food, which was the customary punishment for murderers.

Are there many on the islands?" Thea asked. I mean, there have been others sequestered there. Even families, I read, but that was years ago." Zulaya shrugged. Telgar's never had to take anyone there, so I wouldn't know.

Benden hasn't, Irene said, at least not as long as we've been Leaders.

My father sent two,' Paulin said. And I do believe that both Ista and Nerat have sent killers there." Chalkin did, too,' Gallian surprised them by saying. About four years ago. I don't know where I heard about them. Some sort of real trouble down in his Hold, and he had Ista transport them since the men originated from that Hold.

Oh, I remember now,' Irene said. M'shall only mentioned he was glad he hadn't had to do the transport.

Maybe we should send Chalkin's men there when they can travel,' Zulaya suggested.

No, let him see that we won't tolerate his methods of Holding,' Irene said, her tone implacable. Maybe he'll come to his senses.

That'll be the day!" Zulaya said facetiously.

When snow had melted sufficiently to allow any travel out of Bitra, Chalkin did send another blistering note of protest to Paulin, making it plain that he intended to demand compensation at the Turn's End Conclave for the ritual disfigurement of men only doing their duty'. This time, however, an elderly green rider collected the message when the urgent banner was seen flying from the panel heights of Bitra Hold. F'tol endured a long harangue from Chalkin that letter had better be delivered, that dragon riders were parasites on the face of Pern, that there'd be some changes made or . . . F'tol was neither intimidated nor impressed.

Stoically he took the letter and responsibly delivered it.

Whether Chalkin knew, or cared, that the refugees had been returned to their holdings was not known. F'tol was reasonably sure that would have been included in the tirade, since Chalkin seemed to have included every other shortcoming, mistake and venial sin ever committed by a dragon rider

Both Telgar and Benden Weyrs made daily checks on the returned, to reassure them as well as those concerned with their welfare. Of course the conditions in Bitra, with dragon-high drifts blocking major roads and tracks, made it improbable that any of Chalkin's men would have been able to move, much less go the distance to the far-flung properties.

Benden Hold and Weyr became the latest winter victims as the blizzards which had hovered over Bitra made their way eastward, coating the eastern seaboard, even down into the northern section of Nerat which hadn't seen any snow since the settlement of the Bendens in the early decades of the First Pass.

The dragons were the only living creatures who didn't mind snow, since their tough hide was impervious to its cold as well as between.

They muchly enjoyed the snow battles that the weyrfolk indulged in, and then the warmth of sun intensified by the white landscape so they lounged in reflected be spite the more northerly position, Telgar Weyr got only a hand span of snow and made do with that. The young were fascinated by the stuff and by having to crack ice of the lake to bathe. Bathing a dragon had become a hazard, but T'dam allowed the weyrlings to suds up a *ago net and allow it to rinse itself off in the frigid water. But y washings resulted in some distress for the rider.

I've chilblains again,' Debera complained to lantine, showing him her swollen fingers when he came out to watch her tend Morath.

The little green was a favourite subject of his because, he told Debera, she has a tremendous range of expression on her face and gets in the most incredible positions." Debera was far too besotted with her dragon to disagree with such an impartial opinion. If she herself figured in every sketch Jantine did, she did not wonder about it. But the other green riders did.

You should get some of Tisha's cream. It stopped my fingers from itching,' he snapped his fingers, like that!" Oh, I have some of that,' she told him.

Well, it doesn't do you any good in the jar, you know." Yes, I know,' she said, ducking her head, her tone low and apologetic.

Hey, I'm not scolding, he said gently, putting one finger under her chin and lifting her head. What'd I do wrong?" Oh, nothing,' she replied and pushed his finger away, giving him a too-bright smile. I get silly notions sometimes.

Don't pay me any mind.

Oh, I don't,' he replied so blithely that she gave him a startled look. Just go on with lathering up that beast of yours He turned to a new page and removed the pencil from behind his ear. Go on .

lantine's gone on you, Debera,' Grasella said, eyeing her barrack mate shrewdly.

lantine? He's sketch-mad. He'd do his big toe if he had nothing else to pose for him,' Debera replied. Besides, he'll leave soon for Benden Will you miss him?" Jule asked, a sly look on her face.

Miss him?" Debera echoed, surprised at the question.

I will miss him, Morath said in such a mournful tone that the other drago nets turned towards her, their eyes whirling in minor distress.

What did she say that's got them all upset?" Jule demanded.

That she'd miss him. But, love, he's not Weyrbred,' Debera told her dragon, stroking her cheek and then her head-knob.

He can't stay here indefinitely." If anyone asked me, I'd say lantine would like to,' Sarra put in.

No-one's asked you,' Angie replied tartly.

Has he ever done anything I mean, beyond sketching you, Deb?" Jule asked with an avid glint in her eyes.

No, of course not. Why would he?" responded Debera, and flustered. That was the trouble with having to aleep with the others.

They could be terribly nosy, even if they weren't as mean as her stepmother and sisters had been. She t pry into where they were when they were late in at I give up on her,' said Jule, raising her hands skyward in asperahon. The handsomest unattached man in the Weyr.

she's blind.

She's Morath-besotted,' Sarra put in. Not that any of us .e much better.

Most of us . . . and Jule paused significantly, know that, dragons may now be a significant factor in our lives, are not everything, you know. Even old T'dam-damn has a weyrmate, after all.

We don't have weyrs yet,' said Mesla, speaking for the first She took everything literally. Couldn't have anyone in e with you gawking.

Debera knew she was blushing: her cheeks felt hot.

That hasn't held you back, I noticed,' Sarra said to Jule, cking her head knowingly.

Jule smiled mysteriously. From the only Weyrbred resident this barracks, let me assure you that our wishes can ence our dragons' choices." They won't rise for another eight or ten months,, said though she had obviously taken heed of Jule's remark.

,Jule, suppose your dragon fancies a dragon whose rider can't stand?" You mean, O'ney?" and she grinned at Angie's discomfort.

The girl overcame her embarrassment and snapped back y enough.

He's impossible, even for a bronze rider.

you ever heard him go on about how his wing is always ps in competitions! As if that was all that mattered!" To him it probably is,' Grasella said, but, Jule, I'm more ried about the blue riders. I mean, some of them are very nice guys and I wouldn't want to hurt their feelings, but they don't like girls." Oh,' and Jule shrugged indolently, that's easier still. You make an arrangement with another rider to be on hand when your green gets proddy. Then the blue rider gets his mate, if he's got one, or anyone else who's willing - and you'd better believe that anyone's willing when dragons are going to participate. So you bed the one you like, and the blue rider his choice, and you ALL enjoy!" The girls absorbed this information with varying degrees of enthusiasm or distaste.

Well, it's up to yourselves what you do, you know,' Jule went on.

And we're not limited to this Weyr, either. Oh!" and she let out a gusty sigh. I'll be so glad when we can fly out of here anytime we want.

But I thought you were arranging matters with T'red?" Mesla said, her eyes wide with consternation.

Well, so I am, but that doesn't mean I might not find someone I like better at another Weyr. Greens like it, you know. Ah, but can we go to other Weyrs?" Sarra asked, waggling a finger at Jule. In four-five months, we'll have Fall and then we'll really work hard, ferrying firestone sacks to the fighters.

Her eyes gleamed brightly in anticipation and she hugged herself.

We'll be doing something a lot more exciting than having just one mate and plenty of kids.

Debera averted her face, not wanting to take part in such a ridiculous discussion.

Something bothers you, Morath said and slowly lowered her head to her rider's lap. I love you. I think you re wonderftl.

lantine does, too.

That confidence startled Debera. He does?

He does! And Morath's tone was emphatic. He likes your green eyes, the way you walk, and the ffinny crackle in your voice. How do you do that?

Debera's hand went to her throat and she felt really silly now.

Can you talk to him, too? Or just listen to what he's thinking?

He thinks very loud. Especially near you. I don t hear him too good far away. He thinks loud about you a lot.

t;{:. DEBRA?" Sarra's loud call severed that most interesting conversation.

What? I was talking to Morath. What did you say?" Never mind,' and Sarra grinned broadly. Have you got your Turn's End dresses finished yet?" I've one more fitting,' Debera said, although that subject, too, caused her embarrassment. She tried to argue with Tisha that the beautiful green dress was quite enough: she didn't need more.

Tisha had ignored that and demanded that she ù, choose two colours from the samples available: one for ù{1; evening and another good one for daytime wear. Everyone 41 in the Weyr, it seemed, had new clothes for Turn's End. And {i? yet, something in Debera had delighted in knowing she'd have two completely new dresses that no-one had ever worn before her. She had, he admitted very very quietly to herself, hoped that lantine would notice her in them. Now, with Morath's information, she wondered if he'd notice at all that she was wearing new clothes.

Speaking of weyrs,' Mesla said.

That was half an hour ago, Mesla," Angie protested. Well?" There aren't that many left and the bigger dragons would have first choice, wouldn't they?" she went on.

Don't worry,' Jule told her, some'll come free by the time we need them." Then she covered her mouth, aware of what she had just implied. I didn't mean that. I really didn't. 1

mean, I wouldn't think of moving in Just shut up, Jule,' Sarra said in a quiet but firm voice.

There was a long moment of silence, with no-one daring to look at anyone.

Say, who has the salve?" Grasella asked softly from the bunk beyond her, breaking the almost intolerable silence. My fingers are itching again. No-one told me I'd have to cope with chilblains while dealing with dragons.

Angie found it in her furs and passed it on.

After you,' Debera said softly as she gave it to Grasella.

The easy laughing chatter was over for the night.

*

*

*

I haven't had much time,." Jemmy told Clisser in his most uncooperative tone of voice when Clisser asked how he was coming on the last of the History Ballads. Had to look up all that law stuff.

Why'd you have to take so much trouble with those fragging guards?

They shoulda all been dropped on the islands, right away. None of this trial farce.

The trials were not farces, Jemmy,' said Clisser, so uncharacteristically reproving that Jemmy looked up in a state of amazement. The trials were necessary. To prove that we would not act in an arbitrary fashion You mean, the way Chalkin would have, and Jemmy grinned, his uneven teeth looking more vulpine than ever in his long face.

Exactly.

You're wasting too much time on him. Jemmy turned back to reading.

What are you looking up?" I don't know. I'm looking because I know there's something we can use to check on the Red Planet's position .

something so simple I'm disgusted I can't call it to mind. I know I've seen it somewhere Irritably he pushed the volume away from him.

It'd help a great deal if the people who copied for us had had decent handwriting. I spend too much time trying to decipher it." Abruptly he reached across the cluttered work-top to the windowsill and plonked down in front of him a curious apparatus. Here's your new computer." He grinned up at Clisser who regarded the object - bright coloured beads strung on ten narrow rods, divided into two unequal portions.

What is it?" Clisser exclaimed, picking it up and finding that the beads moved stiffly up and down on the rods.

An abacus, they called it. A counter. Ancient and still functional." Jemmy took the device from Clisser and demonstrated.

It'll take the place of a calculator. Most are down now. Oh, and I found the designs for this, too." He fumbled around his papers and withdrew an instrument consisting of a ruler with a central sliding piece, both marked with logarithmic scales. You can do quite complicated mathematical calculations on this slide-rule, as they called it. Almost as fast as you could type into a digital pad." Clisser looked from one to the other. So that's what a slide rule looks like. I saw one mentioned in a treatise on early calculators but I never thought we'd have to resort to ancient devices. And mention of an abacus, too, actually. You have been busy reinventing alternatives.

And I'll find that other device, too, if you'll leave me alone and don't dump more vitally important, urgent research on me.

I'm hoping,' Clisser said at his most diplomatic, that you can give me something to show before the Winter Solstice and Turn's End.

Jemmy shot straight up in his chair. cocked his head and stared at Clisser so that Clisser leaned forward hopefully, holding his breath lest he disrupt Jemmy's concentration.

Fraggit,' and Jemmy collapsed again, beating his fists on the table. It has to DO with Solstices.

Well, if you've gone back to abac ii and slide-rules, why not a sun-dial clock?" Clisser asked facetiously.

Jemmy sat up again, even straighter. Not a sun-dial,' he said slowly, but a cosmic clock - a star dial like . . . stone stone SOMETHING Stonehenge?" What was that?" A prehistoric structure back on Earth. Sallisha can tell you more about it if you'd care to ask her,' Clisser said slyly and was rewarded by Jemmy's rude dismissal of the suggestion. It turned out to be rather an astonishing calendar since it accurately predicted eclipses as well as verifying Solstices dawn Clisser stopped, looking wide-eyed at Jemmy whose mouth had dropped open to form a soundless 0' as what he said astounded them both.

Only that was a stone circle . . . on a plain . . . Clisser stammered, gesturing dolmens and cross-beams. Muttering Under his breath, he strode across to the shelves, trying to find the text he wanted. We must have copied it. We had to have copied it .

Not necessarily since you've been on these relevant only historical entries,' Jemmy contradicted him. I remember accessing it once. It's only that we'll have to adapt it to fit our needs, which is framing the Red Planet when the conjunct io is right." He was scrabbling amongst the litter on his desk for a clean sheet of paper and a pencil.

The first three he found were either stubs or broken. That's another thing we've got to re-invent . . . fountain pens.

Fountain pens?" Clisser echoed. Never heard of fountain pens." I'll do them tomorrow. Leave me to work this out but,' and Jemmy paused long enough to grin diabolically up at Clisser's befuddlement, I think I'll have something by Turn's End. Maybe even a model... but only if you leave now." Clisser left, closing the door quietly behind him and pausing a moment.

I do believe I've been kicked out of my own office,' he said, pivoting to regard the door. His name, which had recently been repainted, was cent red in the upper panel.

Hmm." He turned the sign hung there on a nail to DO NOT DISTURB' and walked away whistling the chorus from the Duty Song' He'd catch Sallisha before she climbed up the stairs to his office. That would please her. Well, it might.

He hurried down the steps and met her coming in the door.

I'm not late,' she said, at her most caustic, her arm tightening convulsively on the bulging notebook she carried.

He was in for it.

I didn't say you were. Let's take the more comfortable option of the teachers' lounge.

My conclusions are not something you'll wish to discuss in public,' she said, recoiling. She might be one of his best teachers though the rumour was that children learned their lessons to get out of her clutches - but her attitude towards him, and his proposed revitalization programme, was totally hostile.

Clisser smiled as graciously as he could. It's empty right now and will be for at least two hours.

She sniffed but, when he courteously gestured for her to precede him, she tramped on in an implacable fashion. Like a Morinst to his Clisser shuddered and hurriedly followed her.

The lounge was empty, a good fire crackling on the hearth.

The klah pitcher rested on the warmer and there were, for a change, clean cups. He wondered if Bethany had done the housekeeping.

The sweetener jar was even full. Yes, it would have been Bethany, trying to ease this interview.

As he closed the door, he also turned the DO NOT DISTURB' sign around and flipped the catch. Sallisha had seated herself in the least comfortable chair - the woman positively enjoyed being martyred. She still held the notebook, like a precious artifact, across her chest.

You can riot exclude Greek history from study,' she said, aggressively launching into an obviously prepared speech.

They've got to understand where our form of government came from to appreciate what they have. You have to include Sallisha, the precedents can be covered in the outline, but not the entire culture,' he began.

But the culture determined the form of government . - -.

She stared at him, appalled by his lack of comprehension.

If a student is curious enough to want to know more, we shall have it to give him. But there is no point in forcing hill farmers and plains drovers to learn something which has absolutely no relevance to their way of life.

You demean them by saying that.

No, I save them hours of dull study by replacing it with the history of Pern There is scarcely enough of that to dignify the word "history" Yesterday is history today, but do you want to repeat it?

"History" is what happened in the life or development of a people . . . we,' and he tapped his chest, the Pernese. Also a systematic account of us,' he tapped his chest again, with an

analysis and explanation. From... the beginning of the Pern colony . . . that is history, grand and sweeping, surviving against incredible odds and an implacable menace, derring-do, ingenuity, courage, and OF this planet, not of a place that's only a name. It's better than our ancient history - if it's taught right.

Are you impugning my - Never, Sallisha, which is why I particularly need your complete cooperation for the new, enriched, relevant curriculum. On average, your students rank higher in their final examination papers than any other teacher's . . . and that includes the hill-farmers and the plains drovers. But they never again use the information you imparted. Pern is difficult enough.. . with an external menace to contend with... Let them be proud of the accomplishments of their ancestors their most recent ancestors. Not the confused and tortured mindlessness the Pern colonists left behind.

Furthermore,' he went on relentlessly as she opened her mouth to speak, the trials at Telgar and Benden have proved that not enough time is spent teaching our people their rights under the Charter But I spend You certainly have never been remiss, but we must emphasize,' and he slapped one fist into the other palm, holder rights under their Lord: how to claim Charter acreage, how to prevent what happened in Bitra No other Lord Holder is as wicked,' and her mouth twisted with disgust as she enunciated the last word, as that awful man. Don't think you can get me to teach there now Issony's left!" She waggled her index finger at him and her expression was fierce.

Not you, Sallisha, you're far too valuable to waste on Bitra,' he said, soothing her. Bitra would need a more compassionate and flexible teacher than Sallisha. But I'm amazed at just how many people were unaware of the Charter Rights. And that's wrong. Not that I think the cowed folk up in Bitra would have dared cite the clauses to him... even if they had known about them. I mean, it was appalling to realize just how few people who attended the trial KNEW that ordinary holders had the RIGHT to freedom of movement, and lawful assembly, or to appeal for mediation for crippling tithes.

Why haven't the Lord Holders impeached him?" she wanted to know, her fierceness diverted towards a new victim.

It's patently obvious he is unfit to manage a Hold, much less one during a Fall. I cannot see why they have been waffling about over the matter.

Sallisha, it takes a unanimous decision to impeach a Lord Holder,' he said with a light admonishment.

She regarded him blankly for a moment. Then flushed.

Who's holding out?" Jamson.

She clicked her tongue irritably. And that's another place you mustn't send me. The cold would exacerbate my joint problem.

I'm aware of that, Sallisha, which is why I wondered if you'd consider Nerat South this year?" How much travelling?" she demanded, but not unappeased.

Six major holds and five smaller units, but all within reasonable distance. And, of course, your journeys would fall on Threadfree days.

Excellent accommodations and a very good contract. Gardner made sure that everything complies with your wishes as regards conditions." He reached into his jerkin pocket and pulled out the document. I thought you might like to see it today.

Sweetening me up, are you?" she said with an almost coquettish smile, hand half outstretched to the sheets.

You are my best teacher, Sallisha,' he told her and extended his hand until her fingers closed around the contract.

This won't make me approve your butchery of pre-Pernese history, Clisser.

It's not intended to, but we can't have you in danger on - - the plains of Keroon - I did promise to come back They will understand.

There are some really fine minds there You will find them wherever you go, Sallisha, you have the knack." Then he hauled out the larger sheaf of papers, the new syllabus. You may find this much easier to impart to your students." She eyed it as she would a tunnel snake.

High Reaches and Fort Holds So,' Paulin asked Thea and Gallian in the comfortably warm High Reaches solarium where the High Reaches Lady Holder received her guests, is there any way we can get him to change his mind?" Thea shrugged. Not by reasoned argument, that's for certain. He was indignant that "a Lord Holder's right to deal with his own folk" had been set aside for the two trials. Not that he objected to the sentences "That was only right and just, and they should have been sent to the Islands as well, for they'll only make trouble of a different sort now,"' Gallian added, mimicking his father's thin, wheezing voice. If he would only give me authorization to deal with all Hold matters . . . and he raised his hands in helplessness.

He's too sick . .

Wait a minute. He is sick,' Paulin interrupted, and your weather here is only aggravating the respiratory problem, isn't it?" Thea's eyes widened as she jumped to a conclusion.

If he was sent to Ista or Nerat to recuperate, why he'd have to authorize Gallian - -, she began.

Precisely - - What happens when he recovers and finds out what I did knowing, as he's made sure I do, his views on impeachment,' Gallian said, and finds out I've gone against him? I could very likely lose my chance of succession.

IT hat not likely, dear. You know how he carries on about your stupid" younger brothers,' said Thea reassuringly, laying a hand on her son's arm. You just know when to stand up to him. You've always had a flair for dealing with people.

As for the nephews She threw up her hand in despair.

Then her face clouded. I really am worried about these constant chest infections. Frankly, I don't think he's going to last much longer." She sighed in regret. He's been a good spouse..

Can you get your medic to recommend the warmer climate?" Paulin asked sympathetically.

He's been doing so constantly,' Thea said, setting her mouth in a firm line. I'll make it so. Somehow! 1 couldn't live with myself if I didn't. For his sake as well as those poor wretches.

Gallian looked uncertain.

Don't worry, lad,' said Paulin. You've already got full marks in my book for cooperation. And, as long as I'm Chair, you've my support. The Conclave doesn't necessarily have to abide by the deceased's wishes as to successor. But we've got to take action now.

Even waiting until Turn's End is dangerous. We rescued those people, their rights were upheld in a duly assembled court, and Chalkin's in some state of mind over that." Paulin's laugh was mirthless. We can't let him take his vengeance out on them, or we've spent a lot of time and effort to no avail. With this thaw setting in, he'll be able to move about. And I think we all have a good idea that he'll retaliate in some fashion.

Thea shuddered, her comfortably plump body rippling under her thick gown. I won't have that on my conscience, no matter what my Lord Jamson says." She rose. Jamson spent such a poor night, I'll catch him now, before he can put up any more objections. One thing's certain, he doesn't want to die. He likes Richud more than Franco.

I'll suggest Ista Hold. I wouldn't mind the winter there myself. In fact .

and suddenly, she straightened her shoulders, I think I'm gomig dowd wifa gold, too . . . and she altered her voice appropriately, sniffing. He might just humour me where he wouldn't do a thing for himself. If you'll excuse me?" Both men had stood when she did, and now Gallian strode to open the door for her as she sailed gracefully out, grinning mischievously as she left. Gallian returned to his guest, shaking his head.

I've never gone against my father before,' he said anxiously, his expression unhappy.

Nor would I urge you to do so, lad. I appreciate your doubts, but can you doubt what Chalkin will do?" No, I can't,' and Gallian sighed, turning back to the Fort Lord Holder with a resolute expression. I suppose I should get accustomed to making decisions, not merely carrying them out.

Paulin clapped him on the shoulder encouragingly.

That's it exactly, Gallian. And I'll guarantee, not all the decisions you'll be called upon to make will be the right ones.

Being a Lord Holder doesn't keep you from making mistakes: just make the right wrong ones!" Paulin grinned as Gallian tried to absorb that notion. If you are right most of the time, you're ahead of the game. And you're right in this one for the good reasons which your father declines to see.

Gallian nodded his head. Then he asked more briskly, Will you have some wine now, Paulin?" You've your mother's way with you,' Paulin said, accepting the offer. Which you will find is an advantage ... Not, mind you, that I in any way imply a lack in your father's manners." No, of course not,' Gallian agreed but he smiled briefly, then cleared his throat. Ah, what happens to Chalkin when he's removed? I mean, it's not as if he could be dropped on the southern islands, is it?" Why not?" Paulin replied equably. Not,' he added hastily when he saw Gallian's consternation, that he would be placed on the same one as the murderers. There is a whole chain an archipelago of them .

Aren't they volcanic?" Only Young Island, otherwise they're tropical and quite habitable. But one is certain then that the . . .

ah . . detainee cannot leave and cause ructions. Which Chalkin would certainly do if he was allowed to remain on the Mainland. No, the most sensible and most humane solution is to put him where he can't do any more harm than he's already done." Then who's to take over managing Bitra?" His children are too young, certainly, but there's an uncle, not much older than Chalkin at that. I heard a rumour though that Vergerin and Chalkin had played a game, the stakes being an uncontested succession.

My father mentioned that, too, early on when impeachment first came up. Said he ought to have insisted that Vergerin stand in spite of what the old Neratian Lord wanted. Chalkin's spouse is Franco's sister, you know." I'd forgotten that. Amazing,' Paulin added.

Franco's totally different, but then his mother was Brenton's first spouse.

They were discussing the ever-interesting problem of heredity when the door suddenly opened and Thea came in, almost bent double.

Great Stars, mother!" Gallian rushed to assist her. Why, what's the matter? You're so flushed She slammed the door shut, waved aside her son's help and collapsed in her chair with laughter.

What's so funny?" Oh, your father, dear. .. She wiped tears from her cheeks and some of the flush' came away, too. She looked at the handkerchief and rubbed her cheeks more vigorously, still laughing.

We did it! He's going to the warm. I left him writing to ask for Richud's hospitality. I said I'd have e message pennon flown, but your rider would take it, wouldn't he, Paulin? When he takes you back to Fort?" Indeed, he will . or rather I'll take it to Richud myself and ask him to connive with us to keep Jamson from knowing what's happening off the island,' said Paulin, grinning with relief.

But why are you laughing, Mother? And why the face paint. Gallian demanded.

Well, and she flitted her handkerchief, beaming at the two.

What he wouldn't do for himself, he'd do for his ailing mate, she said, again assuming a stuffed-nose voice. So first I had your sister go in and fetch Canell, as if there were an emergency. I primed Canell to back me up, and it was he who suggested the rouge. So when I came into your father's room, I arrived moaning over my aches and pains which had developed so rapidly overnight. And sneezing constantly fortunately, 1 have a small sneeze so I can imitate it. . . Then Canell took over - really, the man was quite convincing. He got alarmed over my rapid pulse and flushed face. He made much of worrying about the condition of my lungs and the strain on my heart. So between us, why, Jamson agreed to take me south to Ista until I'm completely recovered. So there!" She beamed from one to the other, quite delighted.

Mother! You are the living end.

Of course,' she said patronizingly. Then she surprised both men by sneezing. Oh, good heavens!" Hmmm,' said Gallian with mock severity, that's what happens when you tell stories. You get what you pretended you had." He's sent someone looking for you, too. So.

There was a polite tap at the door. Gallian went immediately to answer it, opening only wide enough to be seen.

Yes, tell Lord Jamson that I'll be there directly.

I'll wait with Lord Paulin until you can get the letter, Galli,' she said, pouring herself some wine. This is to fortify myself against my cold and any relapse I might have taken . .

Another small glass for yourself, Paulin? To toast my debut as an actress?" I wish you'd thought of that ploy earlier." So do I,' she said with a little sigh. But I hadn't such an overwhelming need to before. Those poor people! Who will take over from Chalkin once you get him out? And what will happen to him, for that matter?" That has to be decided.

We were just discussing that, Mother,' Gallian said.

There's Vergerin, the uncle on the father's side." But Vergerin gambled his succession rights away,' Thea said sternly.

You heard that, too?" Paulin asked.

Well, you know that Bloodline,' Thea said. Always gambling. On the most ridiculous things, too, and for the most bizarre wagers. But to gamble on the succession?" Her expression showed her disgust over that wager.

Perhaps Vergerin learned a lesson,' Gallian remarked a trifle condescendingly, Paulin thought.

Perhaps,' Paulin said. If we find him alive." Oh, no!" Thea's hand went to her throat in dismay.

If the Council votes to impeach Not if, Gallian, when,' said Paulin, raising his hand in correction.

When they do, how do they go about getting Chalkin out of Bitra Hold?" Gallian asked.

I think that will require thought and planning,' Paulin replied.

But go now and see your father, Gallian. Mustn't keep him waiting.

He might change his mind.

Not when Mother's health is at stake,' Gallian said and, with a final grin, he left the room.

Promise me, Paulin, that Gallian's chance at succession won't suffer because of this?" asked Thea, earnestly gripping his arm.

I do promise, Thea,' he said, patting her hand.

Four days later, when Lord Jamson and Lady Thea had been safely conveyed to Ista Hold, the rest of the Lords, Ladies Holder and the Weyrleaders convened an emergtncy meeting at Telgar Hold and formally impeached Lord Chalkin for dereliction of his duties and responsibilities to Benden Weyr, for the cruel and unusual punishment of innocent holders (lantine's drawings were submitted as well as the proceedings of the recent trials), for refusing to allow the Charter to be taught so that all would know their rights as well as their responsibility (Issony gave testimony on that account) and for denying these rights to his holders without due reason.

Gallian soberly voted Yea' in his turn, having duly exhibited his authorization to act in all matters concerning High Reaches Hold.

So, now what do we do?" Tashvi asked, clasping his hands together with an air of relief at a difficult decision completed.

Obviously, we inform Chalkin and remove him,' Paulin said.

No other trial?" Gallian asked, startled.

He just had it,' said Paulin. Judge and jury of his peers." It would be against all precedent to employ dragon riders to effect his removal,' S'nan stated flatly.

Everyone turned to the Fort Weyrleader, showing varying degrees of surprise, disgust, anger or incredulity at such a fatuous statement.

Impeachment is also against all precedent, too, S'nan, M'shall said, because this is the first time that Clause has been invoked since it was written two-hundred and fifty-odd years ago. But it's now a matter of record. However, I disagree that the dragon riders should bow out. Fraggit, S'nan, one of the main reasons for getting rid of him is that he has not helped to prepare his Hold which we are honour bound to protect. I'll drag him out of there myself if need be.

Irene beside him nodded vehemently in his support and then glared at S'nan. Sarai, S'nan's Weyrwoman, regarded Irene in horrified dismay.

If you don't grab him first, he'll just flit out of that warren of a Hold of his, and who knows what he might do then?" Irene said.

Then she blinked and cocked her head, puzzled.

You know, I don't know enough about the interior lay-out of Bitra Hold to know where to find him, much less grab him with all those bodyguards he has around him. Franco?" What?" The Nerat Lord Holder responded nervously. I can t tell you what Bitra's like. I've never been in more than the reception rooms even if Nadona is my sister." How curious,' Bastom remarked.

What will we do when we do get him out?" Franco asked.

Who's to Hold? Those kids of his are too young.

The uncle, Vergerin . . . Paulin began.

What about a regency til they're of age?" Azury Suggested, cutting across the Fort Lord's beginning.

Or a promising younger son from a well-conducted Hold?" Richud of 1sta asked, looking about brightly.

We know the Bloodline's tainted with the gambling addiction,' put in Bridgely.

That trait can be remedied by strict discipline and a good education,' Salda of Telgar said firmly. As the seed is SOW Il so will it ripen.

Vergerin . Paulin said again, raising his voice to be heard above the various arguments.

Him? He gambled his rights away . . . Sarai of Fort Weyr said at her most severe.

Chalkin cheated . said M'shall. He did in every high-stake game I ever heard of.

Irene gave him a very thoughtful stare.

So I heard!" M'shall repeated.

VERGE RING and Paulin roared the word, stunning everyone into silence, must be considered first, since he is of the Bloodline.

That's a stipulation of the Charter which I intend to follow to the letter. He is missing from the property where he had quietly resided since Chalkin took Hold.

Missing?" Chalkin do it?" Where? Why?" Vergerin would have had training from his brother in Hold management,' Paulin continued, and I believe that the records state that Kinver was a capable and fair Lord Holder." He gambled, too,' Irene remarked in an undertone.

But he didn't cheat,' M'shall said, giving his Weyrmate a stern look.

We all adhere, do we not,' Paulin went on, to the Charter Inheritance Clause which stipulates that a member of the Bloodline must be considered first? Now, if Vergerin is available .

And willing M'shall added.

And able,' G'don of the High Reaches Weyr amended in a firm voice.

Able and willing,' Paulin echoed, we would then be following the Charter - We've set one precedent today,' Bastom said. Why not give Bitra a break and put in someone trained and competent?

Especially since there's so much to be done to get that Hold cleared for the spring action." Good point. How about a team? Give some young, eager scions some practice in day-to-day management?" Tashvi suggested.

All those with younger sons and daughters available for the job, raise your hands,' said M'shall, not quite as facetiously as he sounded.

No, you have to replace Chalkin with a member of the Bloodline,' S'nan said loudly, pounding the table with both fists.

Then it has to be Vergerin.

If we can find him ORDER! ORDER!" and Paulin banged his gavel forcefully until silence prevailed. There! Now, we can think again.

First, we must remove Chalkin What good does that do if we've no-one to put in authority in a Hold that will be totally demoralized to find itself leaderless?" S'nan asked, so incensed that he was speaking faster than anyone had ever heard him talk.

Ah, but we put in a new Holder so quickly no-one will have time to become demoralized,' Tashvi said.

I suspect that we will,' Paulin said. Vergerin is not in his known holding, and indeed the place looks to have been deserted for some length of time." S'nan was aghast. Chalkin has removed him?" Probably to that cold storage he's said to have in his lower levels,' M'shall said grimly.

Master Domaize insisted that we learn the rudiments of architectural draughting,' the young portraitist said.

There's another level,' Issony put in, tapping the right-hand corner of the paper. You were lucky not to visit it." He gave a snort. Chalkin calls it his cold storage." The teacher glanced around the table. A lot of small cubicles, some horizontal, some vertical, and none of them longnough or wide enough for the poor blighters shoved in em.

You can't be serious?" S'nan's eyes protruded in dismay Never more,' Issony said. One of the kitchen girls spilled a tub of sweetener and she was immured for a week. She died of the damp cold of the place." Then, as lantine's pencil slowed, There're steps down from his rooms here. They come out in the kitchen. He's always complaining that delicacies disappear from storage, but I know for a fact he's the one snitching." Issony grinned. I was trying to get some food one night and he nearly caught me at it., There's an upper level over this section, lantine said his pencil poised. But the door was padlocked." Supposedly due to subsidence,' said Issony with a bit of a snort.

But there wasn't as much dust in the hall as usual in his back corridors. I think it could be an access to the panel heights." We'll have a dragon up there, too,' Paulin said. He wasn't the only one to stand behind the artist to watch him work.

Quite a warren. Glad you looked about you when you were there, lantine." He patted the young man's shoulder in approval. So how many . . . ah . . . discreet exits are there'?" I know of nine, besides the front one and the kitchen door,' Issony said as he pointed out the locations.

Paulin rubbed his hands together and, waving everyone to resume their seats at the table, stood for a long moment looking at the floor plan.

So, let us not waste time and let us agree on the . . . ah ...

strategy here and now. Irene, I appreciate your willingness to be bait, but let us use surprise instead. Issony, lantine, when would the Hold be at its most vulnerable?" The two men exchanged glances. Issony shrugged. Early morning, about four-five o'clock. Even the watchwher's getting tired. Most of the guards would be asleep." He glanced towards lantine who nodded.

So, we will need dragon riders .

Let's stick to those of us in this room if we can,' M'shall suggested.

It's totally improper to hound a man in his own Hold, began S'nan, starting to rise from his seat.

G'don of High Reaches, seated just beyond him, pulled his arm to reseat him.

Give over, S'nan,' he said wearily.

F You're excused from the force, S'nan,' Paulin told him, equally exasperated.

But. . . but Even his Weyrmate shushed him.

There're more than enough of us quite willing,' said Shanna of Igen with a withering glance at the dismayed Fort Weyrleader.

Good. Then we'll cover all the exits .

There's one window in the kitchen that they always forget to lock,' lantine said, and I don't think they ever feed the watchwher enough. He's all bones. Something juicy might occupy him. And I think the window's beyond his chain's reach." Good points, lantine,' said Paulin. Through the window, then, and we'll infiltrate irninediately up to Chalkin's private quarters through the back stairs.

The hidden door's the panel next to the spice cupboard.

If you take me along, I can find it in a jiffy,' Issony suggested, his eyes bright with anticipation.

If you're willing . . . Paulin said.

I am, too,' lantine added.

I rather thought you might be,' said Paulin, and then rapidly issued the details of the plan.

With the exception of S'nan, all the Weyrleaders were involved and even young Gallian was persuaded to come.

I might as well be hanged for the sheep as the lamb,' he said with a fatalistic shrug.

You'll not suffer from this day's work, Gallian,' Bastom assured him. It's a unanimous decision and our presence there will make that plain to Chalkin. He has no allies among us,' the Tillek Lord said, with a reproving glance at S'nan who sat with face set in such a mournful expression that Bastom was nearly sorry for the punctilious Weyrleader.

So we are agreed, Lords, Ladies and Leaders?" Paulin said when he was sure everyone had grasped their roles in the deposition. Then let us refresh ourselves and rest until it's time to depart.

Bitra Hold and Telgar Weyr Except for the fact that the watchwher did not succumb to the choice bits of meat brought to lure it from its duty and M'shall had to have Craigath speak sharply to it, entry was obtained.

Whoever should have heard the watchwher's one bellow did not.

Issony had no trouble entering by the unlocked window and opening the kitchen door to that contingent. Those who were assigned to watch the various other exits from the Hold were by then in place. lantine sped through the kitchen and up into the main reception rooms where he opened the front entrance and the rest of the group entered.

Meanwhile, Issony had found the hidden door in the kitchen. Although the stairway was lit by dying glows, there was enough illumination for Paulin and the arresting' Lords, Ladies and Leaders.

Paulin opened the access door at the top and entered Chalkin's private apartments first. Behind him came eight Lords and Ladies Holder and M'shall, who insisted on representing the Weyrs. To their surprise, the room was brightly lit, glows shining from wall sconces so that the sleeping figures in the massive fur-covered bed were quite visible. All three of them . . . Chalkin's portly frame bulked the largest under the sleeping furs, though hi head was covered by a fold of the fine white bedsheet.

One of the girls woke first. She opened her mouth to scream, but did not when she saw Paulin's abrupt gesture fir silence. Instead, she slithered across the mattress, sheet held up to her chin, to the edge of the bed and grabbed a discarded dress from the pile on the floor.

Paulin indicated that she could clothe herself. As smoothly as she moved, or perhaps because she had the sheet up to her chin and let in cold air, the other girl was awakened. She did scream.

As loud as a green in season,' M'shall said later chuckling at the memory. At that, Chalkin didn't rouse.

His guards had been alerted though and charged into the room, to be flabbergasted by the sight of so many armed folk in Chalkin's most private apartment.

Chalkin has been impeached for failure to prepare this Hold for Threadfall, for abuse of his privilege as Lord Holder and for denying his holders their Charter-given rights,' Paulin said in a loud voice, sword drawn. Unless you wish to join him in his exile, put up your weapons.

To a man, they did just that as the reinforcements, led by lantine, burst in from the hall. That was what finally roused Chalkin from a drunken sleep.

Later Paulin remarked that he'd been disappointed at such an anti-climactic outcome of their dawn invasion.

S'nan will be reassured,' K'vin said. I think he was certain we intended to humiliate Chalkin." We have,' Tashvi said with a chuckle.

Lady Nadona, though she took a strong case of hysterics Irene took some pleasure in applying the slaps that cut her histrionics short decided that she could not leave her darling children to the mercies o0f unfeeling men and women, and would sacrifice herself to remain behind while Chalkin went into exile. She was exceedingly well acquainted with her own rights as granted by the Charter, down to the Clause and relevant sub-paragraphs.

Chalkin showed every fibre of his cowardice, trying to bribe one Lord Holder after another, with hints of unusual treasure if they assisted him. If anyone had been in the least bit tempted, their resolve was strengthened when the broken, shivering wrecks were released from cold storage'.

The place was full,' Issony said, looking shattered by what he had seen on that level. Border guards, most of them, but they didn't deserve that from Chalkin!" Even the hardiest of them would bear the marks of their incarceration for the rest of their lives.

lantine? Did you bring... ah, you did. Do a quick sketch of them, will you?" Issony asked, pointing to the two so close to death: the two who had been castrated for rape. All that could be done for them was to ease their passing with fell is juice. To show S'nan. In case he has lingering doubts as to the justice of what was done here today." Any sign of Vergerin?" Paulin asked when all the cells had been emptied.

No,' M'shall said grimly. That shouldn't reassure you any." He jerked his thumb at some of the stretcher-bearers who had previously been the cold storage' guards. They said there were four dead ones who were slipped into the lime pits day before yesterday. We may have moved too late for Vergerin." Paulin cursed under his breath. Did you ask if any had heard the name?" M'shall grunted. No-one down there had a name.

Paulin winced. We'd best send for the Holder team." I have dispatched riders to collect the deputies already.

They should be here.

There was a commotion in the Hall, with cheering and shouts of welcome.

They can't have got here this soon,' M'shall said, surprised.

Both men went to investigate.

A tall man was shrugging out of thin and dirty furs and smiling at the riders clapping him on the back or whatever part of him they could touch.

Guess who just walked in?" B'nurrin of Igen cried, seeing Paulin and M'shall.

Vergerin?" Paulin asked.

Optimist,' M'shall muttered, and then, taking a second hard look at the face no longer hidden by a big furred hat, exclaimed, It is!' It is?" Paulin hastened across the broad Hall.

Has the family eyebrows,' M'shall said with a chuckle.

Where've you been hiding, Vergerin?" M'shall?" Vergerin peered around, a hopeful smile breaking across his weather-beaten face. He did bear a facial resemblance to Chalkin; as if Chalkin's features had been elongated and refined. You don't know how glad I was to see all those dragons on the heights. I figured you had to come to your senses and get rid of him He jerked his thumb ceiling ward You've no idea Where did you hide? When did you hide?" Paulin asked, clasping Vergerin's hand and shaking it enthusiastically.

Vergerin's grin turned wry. I figured the safest place was under Chalkin's nose." He gestured in the general direction of the cot holds

He houses his beasts better than his folk, so the smell of me is at least clean horse manure. I've been earning my keep at the beast hold

But your holding has been empty By my design, I assure you,' Vergerin said, running a grubby hand through greasy hair and smiling apologetically.

I've a strong survival streak, my Lords Holder, and when I realized my nephew really was not going to do a single thing about the imminence of Thread, I thought I had better disappear before he thought of possible retaliation - - and me as his only too obvious replacement." He had unwound the layers that clothed him and stood with a quiet dignity in the midst of the warmly-dressed riders and Lord Holders. It was that innate dignity which impressed Paulin. Nor was he alone in, noticing it.

Admittedly, my Blood claim to the Hold was squandered foolishly but then, I should have known that Chalkin was likely to cheat that night, if ever, with such stakes. It took me quite some while to figure out how he managed it, for I'm not without knowing a few tricks myself, and most of those that can be played on the unwary." He gave a self-deprecating little smile. I forgot just how hungry Chalkin was for a Lord Holder's power." But you kept your promises,' Paulin said, nodding approval.

The least I could do to restore self-esteem, and Vergerin executed a little bow to Paulin and the others.

Dare I hope that you wish to keep this Bloodline in Bitra Hold?" He cocked one of his heavy dark eyebrows, his glance candid and accepting.

Paulin did a quick check of the expressions on the faces of the other four Lord Holders who had arrived on the scene.

You will certainly be considered by the Conclave when it meets at Turn's End,' Paulin said, nodding. The others murmured agreement.

Loud protestations of innocence suddenly broke up the tableau as Chalkin, bracketed by Bastom and Bridgely, was walked down the main stairs. The tears of his wife and the frightened shrieks of his children added to the tumult.

At the last landing, Chalkin halted, wrenching his arms free from the two Lords as he flung himself down the stairs at Vergerin.

You! YOU! You betrayed me! You broke your word! You did it.

You did it all!" Bastom and Bridgely, moving with creditable speed, managed to recapture Chalkin and restrained him from physically attacking Vergerin, who did not so much as recoil from his nephew.

You did it to me. You did it all,' Chalkin said and shrieked louder than his children when Vergerin, with an expressionless face, slowly pivoted away from him.

Then Lady Nadona saw Vergerin and her cries turned raucous with hatred.

You've taken my husband and now you stand there to take my Hold, my children's inheritance - - Oh, Franco, how can you let them do this to your sister?" She fell against the Neratian's chest.

Franco's expression was far from repentant as he quickly unwound her plump arms from his neck with the help of Zulaya and the Istan Laura. Nadona was still in her nightdress, with a robe half-closed over the thin garment. Richud had the two boys by the arm, and his spouse the two weeping little girls who certainly didn't understand what was happening but were hysterical because their mother was.

Paulin took Vergerin by the arm and led him towards the nearest door, which turned out to be Chalkin's office.

Decanters and glasses were part of the appointments and Paulin hurriedly poured two glasses. Vergerin took his and drank it down, the draught restoring some colour to his face.

He exhaled deeply.

Paulin, impressed by the man's control in a difficult situation, clapped his shoulder and gripped it firmly.

It can't have been easy,' he said.

Vergerin murmured, then straightened himself. What was hardest,' and his smile was wry, was knowing what a consummate idiot I had been.

One can forgive almost anything except one's own stupidities." Despite the thick stone walls the screams and bellows continued, the sound altering slightly as Chalkin was hauled out of the Hold and down the courtyard steps.

Lady Nadona's shrieks became earsplitting and then abruptly ceased, at which Paulin let out a sigh of relief. Irene might have knocked her out but she'd probably fainted. Either way the silence was welcome.

More shouting and confused orders! With an exasperated sigh, Paulin went to the shuttered window and threw it open on the most extraordinary scene: five men struggling to lift Chalkin to Craigath's back while the dragon, eyes whirling violently with red and orane, craned his neck about to see what was happening. Abruptly Chalkin's body relaxed and was shoved into position on Craigath's neck. M'shall leaped to his back and waited while two other Weyrmen roped Chalkin to M'shall and then added the collection of sacks and bags which would accompany the former Lord Holder into exile.

Craigath took off with a mighty bound and brought his wide wings down only once before he disappeared between.

An island exile?" Vergerin asked, pouring himself another glass of wine.

Yes, but not the same one we sent the guards to. Fortunately, there's a whole string of them.

Young Island would be the safest one,' Vergerin said dryly, sipping the wine. Then he made a face, looking down at the glass.

Wherever does he get his wines?" Paulin smothered a laugh. He's got no palate at all. Or did you like the idea of your nephew on an active volcanic island?" He's quick-witted enough to survive even that. Does Nadona stay on?" Her children are young, but you would be perfectly within your rights to relegate her to a secluded apartment and take over the education and discipline of the children." Vergerin gave a shudder of revulsion.

Oh, there might be something worth saving in them, you know,' Paulin said magnanimously.

In Chalkin and Nadona's get? Unlikely." Then Vergerin walked to the cabinet where Hold records should be kept and, on the point of opening the doors, turned back to Paulin.

Should I start right in? Or wait for the Conclave's decision?" Since we didn't know whether or not you had escaped Chalkin's grasp, we decided to let competent younger sons and daughters see what order they could contrive. However, since you would know a lot more about this Hold than they could, would you take overall charge?" Vergerin now exhaled and a smile of intense relief lit his features. Considering what I know of the state of this Hold and the demoralization of its holders, I'll need every bit of assistance I can muster." He shook his head. I don't say my late brother was the best Holder in Pern, but he would never have countenanced the neglect much less Chalkin's ridiculous notion that Thread couldn't return because it would reduce the gaming he could do.

There was a polite rap on the door and when Paulin answered, Irene poked her head in.

We managed to get the kitchen staff to prepare some food.

I can't vouch for more than that the klah is hot and the bread fresh made.

Vergerin looked down at himself. I couldn't possibly eat anything until I've washed.

Irene grinned. I thought of that and had a room, and a bath, prepared for you. Even some clean clothing.

Fresh bread and good hot klah will go down a treat,' said Paulin, gesturing for Vergerin to precede him out of the room.

No, my Lord Holder, after you,' Vergerin said with a courtly gesture.

Ah, but my soon-to-be Lord Holder, after you.

I didn't realize I smelled that bad,' Vergerin said ruefully and led the way out.

He was looking about him now, Paulin noticed, as if assessing the condition of the place. He stopped so short that Paulin nearly bounced off him. Pointing to the inner wall where Chalkin's portrait by Iantine was ostentatiously illuminated, he pivoted, eyes wide, his expression incredulous.

My nephew never . . . looked . . - like that,' he said, laughter rippling through his tone.

Paulin chuckled, too, having his first good look at the representation. I believe it took the artist some time to paint a .

. satisfactory portrait of your nephew.

With so little to work on . . . but I can't have that hanging there,' Vergerin exclaimed. It's . . . it's Ludicrous?" Paulin suggested. Poor lantine, to have had to prostitute his abilities to create that!

That will do for starters." Paulin leaned close to Vergerin, trying not to inhale because the warmth of the Hall was increasing the pong of manure emanating from Vergerin's clothing.

I don't think you'll hurt the artist's feelings by removing it from such a prominent place." Would he consider repainting it to a closer likeness to the model?" Vergerin asked. That would remind me of my youthful follies as well as how not to manage a Hold.

lantine's here - helped us get in, in fact. You can ask him yourself.

After I've had that bath, Vergerin said and continued on his way to the stairs and cleanliness.

Younger sons and daughters were conveyed in from every major Hold, dressed and prepared to work hard. If some were disappointed that Vergerin had been found, they hid it well which did them no disservice.

By the time a substantial breakfast had been served, Vergerin had had a chance to speak to each of the eight young folk and decide what areas of responsibility they should assume.

Irene put a wing of Benden riders at Vergerin's disposition to use in contacting the larger holdings in Bitra and announcing Chalkin's impeachment and exile.

By then M'shall had returned. I dumped him . . . and his packages, on Island 32. You'll need to know that for the records.

It's rather a nice place. Too bad he gets it." Did you have any trouble with him?" Paulin asked.

M'shall looked amused as he unbuckled his flight gear.

With the wallop Bastom gave him? He was still unconscious when I left him. Near a stream." M'shall made a face. I should have dumped him in it. Serve him right for what he did to those he had in cold storage.

By mid-morning matters seemed to be in Vergerin's complete control and the Council members felt able to leave Bitra Hold.

lantine begged a ride from K'vin for himself and Chalkin's portrait.

When are you coming to Benden Hold?" Bridgely wanted to know, catching the young portraitist coming down the 1'courtyard steps.

Lord Bridgely, I am sorry not to be ready quite yet,' lantine said.

Bridgely jabbed his finger at the painting. You're not letting that take precedent, are you?" And he scowled.

No, never,' lantine said, recoiling slightly. Then he grill fled.

Not that it will take me long to change the face on it. Hut it's last ()n my list. I've to finish K'vin's portrait, and a few nire of the Telgar riders, and then I'll come. I can probably mke it after Turn's End." Well, I'll give you until then, yung man, but no longer, Bridgely said, sounding aggrieved. Then he smiled to ill,iy lantine's obvious anxiety. Don't worry about it, lad. 1 just want to know where my lady and I fit into your appointment calendar.

With that he walked away.

K'vin was hiding his grin behind his gloved hand. One Cifi be too successful, you know,' he said. Then he gestured for lantine to mount Charanth, while he held the painting which he passed up to the artist when he was settled. I'm glad you're going to fix this.

Lord Holder Vergerin specifically requested me to. And I must say, I'm glad to do the sitter - justice." Justice?" K'vin laughed as he landed neatly between the bnnze neck ridges. I think that's possibly a dirty word to Chalkin now!" lantine grunted as the dragon suddenly launched himself.

Not only was lantine going to be able to set right tht inaccurate portrait - he felt he had demeaned himself ind Hall Domaize by succumbing to Chalkin's coercion, in spite of having no viable alternative - but he had given himself more time at Telgar Weyr. And Turn's End was nearing: Turn's End and the festivities that the mid-winter holiday always incurred. Maybe then he could come to some agreement with Debera.

Dragonriders could and often did take mates from non riders It would have been easier i his profession was one that he could offer the Weyr in return for staying on in Telgar.

But, once Morath was able to fly, Debera could fly hinl wherever his commissions took him.

That is, if she felt anywhere near the same about him as he did about her. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he'd be IN a Weyr at all. He could almost have thanked Chalkin for being the catalyst on that score: almost. Until he remembered the stark horror of what Chalkin had done at the borders and in the cold storage cells.

He shuddered.

Thought you'd be used to this by now,' K'vin said, leaning back to speak into lantine's ear.

It isn't this,' lantine said, shaking his head and grinning.

He thoroughly enjoyed flying and, after the first experience with the utter cold and nothingness of between, had not been nervous about that transfer. He took a firmer grip on the strings about the painting. Charanth was now high enough above Bitra Hold to go between.

Meranath, bearing Tashvi and Salda as well as Zulaya, zoomed up beside his right wing: the dragon's golden body gleaming in the bright morning sun as her riders waved at him.

As he waved back, lantine was surprised to think it was still morning. The invasion of Bitra Hold had begun in such early hours that the day was not that old. So much happened these days!

BLACKNESS! lantine couldn't feel the cord on the painting, his butt on Charanth's neck, and then they were out in the sun, hanging over Telgar's familiar cone.

Far below, above the prow of Telgar Hold, a sparkle showed that Meranath had arrived. The big bronze now turned gracefully on one wing and headed down towards the Weyr.

For lantine, this happened all too swiftly, for he saw so much more from this vantage point than he did from the ground: the dragons sleeping in the sun on their weyr ledges, the younger riders practising catch and throw with firestone sacks, even the weyrlings getting their morning scrub around the lake. Debera would be among them. He tried to see if he could identify her, and Morath, but at that height details were lost. Two dragons, browns both, were eating their kill further down the valley. Another rider burst into the air above a watch rider who gestured broadly for him to land. Then Charanth had spiralled close enough to be identified, too, and welcomed back. lantine could feel a rumble in the bronze's body. Did dragons speak out loud to each other? He had to tighten his hold on the painting or have the wind of their descent pull it free.

As they dropped, K'vin turned his head. At the Cavern?" Please,' and lantine nodded, struggling to keep a grip on the painting. Not that losing it would bother him, but then he'd have to waste another board.

He swung his leg over and slid down Charanth's shoulder as quickly as he could.

My thanks, K'vin,' he said, grinning up, having to shield his eyes from the sun.

Not needed. You more than earned it with today's doings." Charanth rumbled again, his gently whirling blue eyes focused on lantine who saluted him in gratitude. Then the bronze leaped up, flapped his wings twice and was landing on the ledge of the Weyrwoman's quarters.

You're back, you're back, and safe,' and Leopol came racing out of the Lower Cavern, leaping towards lantine who put out a restraining hand so the boy wouldn't carom off the edge of the painting.

What have you done now?" Leopol demanded, taking care not to batter it.

It's to be redone,' lantine said, knowing the uselessness of avoiding Leopol's interest.

Oh, the Chalkin portrait?" Leopol reached for it and lantine pivoted, putting his body between it and the lad's acquisitive hands.

You're clever, aren't you?" Yup,' and Leopol's grin bore not a single trace of remorse.

So? What happened when you deposed him?" lantine stopped in his tracks and stared at him.

Deposed whom?" Leopol planted his fists on his belt, cocked his head and gave lantine a long and disgusted look, finally shaking his head.

One, you rode away on a Fort Weyr dragon. Two, you've been gone overnight so something was up. Especially when the Weyrleaders are gone, too. Three, we all know that Chalkin's for the chop, and four.

you come back with a portrait and it isn't one you've done here.

Leopol spread his hands.

It's obvious. The Lords and Leaders have got rid of Chalkin.

Impeached, deposed and exiled him. Right?" He grinned at the summation, cocking his head over the other shoulder.

Right?" he repeated.

lantine sighed. It's not my place to confirm or deny,' he said tactfully, and started again for his quarters.

Leopol dodged in front, halting him again. But I'm right about Chalkin, aren't I? He won't get ready for Threadfall, he's been far too hard on his people and half the Lord Holders owe him huge sacks of marks in gambling debts." lantine stopped. Gambling debts?" He brushed past, determined to get to the dubious safety of his room without giving anything away to such a gossip as Leopol.

Ah, lantine." Tisha caught sight of him and moved her bulk through the tables with surprising speed and agility to intercept him.

Did they catch Chalkin all right? Did he struggle?

Did that spouse of his go with him, which frankly would surprise me? Did they find Vergerin alive? Will he take Hold, or does he have to wait til the Conclave at Turn's End?" Leopol bent double with laughter at lantine's expression.

Yes, no, no, yes and I don't know,' he answered in reply to her rapid-fire questions.

You see? I'm not the only one,' Leopol said, hanging on to a chair with one hand to keep his balance while he brushed laugh tears from his eyes with the other, thoroughly delighted with himself and lantine's reaction.

I'd like to hear all, lantine,' Tisha said and deposited the klah mugs and the plate of freshly baked cookies on the table nearest him.

Do sit. You've had a hard day already and it's not noon yet." I'll take it and put it very carefully in your room,' Leopol said, grabbing hold of the wrapped painting and then snatching it out of lantine's unconsciously relaxed grip. And I won't look until you tell me I can.

No, wait, Leo,' said Tisha. I want to see what Chalkin considered "satisfactory"-' Do I have no privacy around here?" lantine demanded, raising his hands in helplessness. Is there no way to keep secrets?" Not in a well-run Weyr, there isn't,' said Tisha. Eat.

Drink.

And, Leo, take the basket I made ready for K'vin up to his weyr.

I didn't see Zulaya and Meranath, so she may have stopped over at Telgar Hold." His knees weakened, as did his resolve, and lantine collapsed into the chair Tisha had invitingly pulled out for him.

Shall I?" Leopol asked in his best wheedling tone, one hand on the cord knot.

I'm not sure I could stop you,' lantine said, and caught the pad he had stuffed inside the wrapping as Leopol made short work of opening.

lantine put the pad to one side. He didn't really want to show the latest drawings he'd done. The two castrati had died shortly after he had finished the sketches. He intensely regretted how pleased he had been with their sentences. Had they had any idea of what additional torment Chalkin would inflict on them when they asked to be returned to their Hold?

No, or they wouldn't have gone. Then lantine caught Tisha's sharp eye on his face and wondered if she had read his expression which he had tried to keep blank. Fortunately, the much-glamorized Chalkin stared out of the painting at them and Tisha's first good look sent her into gales of laughter, with Leopol whooping nearly as loud.

The head woman had an infectious laugh under any condition: a mere chuckle from her would have anyone in her vicinity grinning in response. lantine was in sore need of a good laugh and, if his inner anxieties kept him from joining in wholeheartedly, at least he was made to grin.

Tisha's amusement alerted the rest of the weyrfolk to lantine's return, and the table was shortly surrounded by people having a good laugh over what Chalkin had considered to be a satisfactory portrait' of himself. He sated their curiosity by giving a brief report of what had happened.

Everyone was much relieved that Chalkin was not only no longer Bitra's Lord, but also that he had been exiled far away from the Mainland.

Too good for him, really,' someone said.

Ah, but he's lord of all he surveys, ain't he? Suit him!' No-one was hurt?" Who's going to take Hold there now, with so much to do close to Fall?" lantine answered as circumspectly as he could, though he was amazed at how accurately the weyrfolk had guessed what had happened. They also seemed to know a great deal about a Hold that was not beholden to Telgar Weyr. He didn't think he'd talked much about his uncomfortable stay at Bitra, so they must have had their information from other sources.

Weyrfolk did get to travel more than holders, so perhaps their level of information was more comprehensive.

Riders drifted in, early for the noontime meal but just as interested in what had happened at Bitra Hold. Some of the older ones remembered the wager that had cost Vergerin the Holding, and other details about that Bloodline that certainly showed them well informed.

lantine was grateful for the klah and cookies Tisha had brought and equally pleased to have Leopol bring him bread, cheese and the sliced wherry meat that was being served for lunch. He did have a moment's anxiety when he saw K'vin, at the edge of the crowd, gesturing for his attention. Maybe he shouldn't have said a thing.

He told Leopol to take the notorious portrait to his quarters, bundled his pad under his arm - because he knew nothing would keep Leopol from looking all through it - and then made his way to K'vin.

Since he had obviously told all he was going to tell, he was allowed to pass, with good-natured mauling on his way.

I'm sorry, Weyrleader, if I was speaking out of turn .

K'vin regarded him with widened eyes. Speaking out of turn? Ha, they had probably figured out everything on their own. What could you possibly tell them that they didn't know?" How many people Chalkin had in those appalling cells,' lantine said, blurting out the words before he realized what he was saying.

K'vin put a sympathetic arm around his shoulders. I think I'll have a few bad dreams over that myself,' and he gave a deep shudder.

Perhaps you'd best get some rest . No, I'd rather not, if you'd something else for me to do,' lantine said truthfully. He didn't even need to stop off at his own quarters as his tubes of oil and brushes were already in the Weyrleaders' quarters.

K'vin's solicitous expression brightened. I've some time now, and you've the painting to finish of me .. . unless you'd rather redo Chalkin . . . but Bridgely made it very plain to me that he'd like you at Benden to do his commissions by Turn's End. You're much sought after, you know.

lantine made a disparaging noise in his throat, embarrassed by his notoriety. K'vin, grinning at his reaction, slapped him lightly on his back in affection.

So what's it to be?" the Weyrleader asked.

You, of course. Did you..." and he hesitated, not wanting to be thought pushy, did you like Zulaya's portrait?" K'vin gave a low laugh and turned his face away. You've done her proud, lantine. Proud." She's easy. She's beautiful,' lantine said.

Yes, isn't she?" Something about the tone of his voice made lantine wonder at such a response. They were Weyrleaders, together, weren't they? They always made such a stance of a good partnership.

But lantine was getting as good at hearing things that weren't expressed as he was at seeing all that could be seen. Not his place to comment, though, despite a growing admiration for K'vin as Weyrleader.

Zulaya was a bit reserved, he knew from having spent so much time painting her, but she was much older than lantine. And older than K'vin, too, for that matter.

That gown was perfect for her,' lantine remarked to break an awkward silence.

Yes, she had it made for the last Hatching,' K'vin said and the smile he turned towards lantine was easy, relaxed.

lantine wondered if all he'd seen that morning hadn't skewed his judgment. They were at the weyr stairs now and climbed up. At the top of the steep flight, lantine was glad he wasn't even out of breath.