You're in good shape,' K'vin said, with another friendly slap to his back to push him on into the high-ceilinged entrance to the weyr.

I'd need to be, wouldn't I?" lantine replied with a droll laugh.

He paused briefly, his eyes seeking the weyrlings at the lake. Yes, Debera was there, oiling Morath. He'd have a chance to talk to her later: maybe even take dinner with her and show her Chalkin's portrait before he made the changes.

Could he, he wondered as he watched K'vin change into the Gather clothes he wore for his portrait, add to that face what went on in that man's miserable soul? Was he good enough to attempt such a portrayal?

Amid all the frantic preparations for Turn's End, Clisser braved S'nan's displeasure to request transport to the Telgar Engineering Hall to discuss the feasibility of the Stonehenge installation for Pern's purposes. Well, Clisser kept his request to a need to discuss something vital with Kalvi since S'nan felt such bells, whistles and signals should be unnecessary if the Weyrs were kept on their toes during Intervals.

Jemmy had meticulously drawn a replica of the prehistoric stone circle, plus another of a reconstruction of what it had originally looked like, and such description as might be valuable to Kalvi and his team.

Kalvi took one quick, almost derisive glance at the drawings, and then a second, more respectful one.

Eye Rock? Finger Rock? Solstice?" He gave Clisser a broad smile. I do believe it will suffice and rather neatly." Then he frowned. Couldn't you have given me a little more time? Solstice is only two weeks offI Clisser began.

Sorry, friend,' Kalvi said with a self-deprecating smile, you'd be busy with rehearsing and all that. Hmmm. Just leave it with me. I think we can contrive something and he riffled through Jemmy's sketches. Hmmm, yes, the lad has real talent.

Don't you dare seduce him away from the College,' Clisser said, assembling as fierce a frown on his face as he gave to wayward students.

Kalvi grinned, pretending to recoil in terror but his eyes were on the drawings. We'll manage." He gave an exaggerated sigh. It's what we're good at." Clisser left, reassured that he would not fail the Conclave on this matter.

Turn 5 End at Fort Hold and Telgar Weyr Traditionally the Lords Holder and the Weyrleaders and the invited heads of the various Professions - met in Conclave the day beftre Turn's End - the Winter Solstice - to discuss what matters should be brought to those who would assemble for the festivities. Should a referendum figure on the agenda, its details would have been previously circulated. It would also be read out that evening in every main Hold and Hall. If voting was required, votes were cast the morning of the First Day of Turn's End, the results counted and returned to the second traditional sitting of the Conclave on the day after Turn's End, when the New Year started.

The tradition was even more important in this 258th year after Landing with the Pass so imminent. Although Vergerin had been in charge but twenty days before the Conclave, it was obvious that he was taking a firm, but just Hold on Bitra.

He was also working his assistants hard but fairly. None of

them had any complaint to register when adroitly queried by their fathers or mothers. Vergerin's first official act had been to send riders to every single known holding and announce Chalkin's removal and that as many as could attend Turn's End at Bitra Hold would be made welcome. Vergerin paid for additional supplies out of his own funds.

(No-one had found Chalkin's treasury; nor had he taken it with him into exile. Nadona had denied any knowledge of its whereabouts and moaned that he had left her without a mark to her name.) Altering a previously made decision, the Teachers' College planned now to supply a Turn's End concert to Bitra. They would bring the copies of the Charter which Vergerin had requested, to be given to each small holder. That would deplete to a few dozen the printed copies left in the College Library, but Clisser felt it to be in a very good caus the Turn's End music featured Sheledon's ambitious Landing Suite' - which made mention of the Charter - the audience would have a better understanding of what the music, and indeed, the printed Charter, was all about. Bitran holders would n longer be kept in abysmal ignorance of their Charter-given rights.

Consequently when the Conclave sat, the first order of business was to confirm Vergerin as Lord Holder of Bitra. He was not abjured to train his young relatives, Chalkin's sons - to succession although he was in conscience bound to see them well taken care of, educated and prepared to make their own living as adults. He was relieved of his promise to forego having legitimate heirs and promptly installed at Bitra a nine-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter No-one ever knew who their mother had been. Vergerin made it plain that he was interested in acquiring a spouse suitable to hold as his Lady.

Clisser was called on to report on the matter of an indestructible and unambiguous method of confirming a Pass, and said that Kalvi and he had agreed on the mechanism and it would be installed on the eastern face of every Weyr. Kalvi looked suitably smug and nodded wisely, so Paulin allowed himself to be reassured. He wanted no more problems like Chalkin to arise again! Ever! And now was the moment to prevent them.

The matter of a new hold being established and named CROM came up, and there was considerable discussion.

Look, they are entitled to use their Charter-granted acres, and that amounts to a fair whack of land,' Bastom said, unexpectedly coming down on the side of the applicants. Let em call it a hold Yes, but they want autonomy and besides, they're too far from any other Hold up there in the hills,' Azury put in.

It'll have to prove it's self-sufficient Tashvi said, looking reluctant to admit that much. Which was understandable since Telgar was also a mining Hold.

They have to follow the rules, same as everyone else, Paulin said in a neutral manner. And supply basic needs to Contract workers." They're in good shape to do so," Azury remarked dryly, what with the profit they can expect from supplying high grade ore at the start of a Pass." Consider them on probation,' was Bridgely's suggestion, and that was the motion which was carried.

There were a few more minor details to be discussed but these were carried as well. This year there was no referendum to be presented to the population.

However, I want every one of you to give a fitli report of the trials and Chalkin's impeachment to the assembled,' Paulin reminded the Lord Holders. We want the truth circulated and believed: not a mess of rum ours

Like the cannibalism!" Bridgely had been highly indignant over that one. Sadistic Chalkin was, but let's squash that one now!" How under the sun did such a rumour ever get started?" Paulin asked, appalled. S'nan looked in a state of shock, staring incredulous at the Benden Lord Holder.

The "cold storage", I suspect,' Bridgely said, disgusted.

We didn't coin the term,' said Azury with a shrug.

Well, we don't want it circulated,' M'shall said angrily. Bad V,;

enough having to live with the facts without having to debunk the fantasies." We do want the swift justice meted out to the rapists and the murderers to be well publicized, though,' Richud put in.

That, yes! Speculation, no,' Paulin said. He rose, and tapped the gavel on its block. I declare this session of the Conclave dismissed. Enjoy Turn's End and we'll meet in three days' time.

He intended to enjoy every moment of it for the year he'd put in.

He noticed a similar determination on other faces, especially young Gallian's. Apart from the Chalkin affair, Jamson had no need to fault his son's management of High Reaches. Though maybe that bit about cannibalism' could be whispered in Jamson's presence. That would certainly alter his opinion about impeachment. Somehow Thea was still ailing' and had persuaded her spouse to stay on in Ista for Turn's End. That gave more opportunity for the Chalkin affair to die a natural death.

Turn's End was a holiday for everyone except for those involved in the ambitious Landing Suite' debut at all the Weyrs and the major Holds. Clisser was run ragged with rehearsals and last-minute assignments, and understudies for those with winter colds. Then he had the extra burden of preparing for the precise calculations needed to set up the fail-safe mechanism to predict a Pass. Torn between the musical rehearsals and observing the installation of a permanent Thread-Fall warning device, he opted for the latter. Of course, his role was supervisory, as the more precise location had to be conducted by teams of astronomers, engineers and Weyrleaders on the eastern rim of all six establishments. He, Jemmy and Kalvi were to set the mechanism at Benden, the first Weyr to see' the phenomenon, then skedaddle on dragon back to each of the other five Weyrs to be sure all went smoothly.

It was imperative that the first installation, at Benden, had to be spot on in case there might be a distortion at any other.

Though Clisser doubted it, not with Kalvi fussing and fussing over the components. Clisser had been over and over the requisite steps to pinpoint the rise of the Red Star. Once that circular eye' was set on the Rim, they could install the pointer, the finger. But the eye' had to be spot on! The teams had been in place for the past week, with pre-dawn checks on the Red Planet's position at dawn. All that was necessary now was a clear morning, and that seemed to be possible across the continent which had enjoyed some bright clear, if wintry, skies. Fine weather was critically important at Benden, for the other Weyrs could take adjusted measurements from that reading if necessary.

Kalvi was still fiddling with the design of what he was calling the Eye Rock, which would bracket the Red Planet at dawn on Winter Solstice. His main problem was adjusting the pointer . . . the position at a distance from the Eye itself at which the viewer would stand to see the planet. The pointer had to accommodate different physical heights. Old diagrams of Stonehenge and other prehistoric rings had surfaced.

Actually Bethany's students had found them after an intensive search of long-unused documents. Fortunately for Clisser's peace, Sallisha had gone to Nerat for the Turn's End celebration, ready to start her next year's teaching Contract. He was spared any reminder from her of how important it was to keep such ancient knowledge viable.

He had rehearsed arguments, in case he had a letter from her, about the fact that, in the crunch, someone had remembered.

He was quite excited - if freezing - to be on Benden Weyr's Rim with the others, telescopes set up, aimed in the appropriate direction while Kalvi and Jemmy fiddled with their components. Kalvi had put up a cone for the pointer; the notion being that a person resting their chin on the cone's tip would see the Red Planet bracketed just as it cleared the horizon. They'd have to try it with folks of various statures to be sure that the device worked, but technically, Clisser thought it would. Kalvi was the shortest, he was tallest, M'shall was a half-head shorter, and Jemmy between the Weyrleader and Kalvi. If all could see the Red Planet in the Eye, the device would be proven.

Well, it would really be proven in another two hundred and fifty years or so with the Third Pass!

But this moment was exciting. He slapped his body with his arms, trying to warm himself. His feet, despite the extra lining, were frozen; he could barely feel his toes, and his breath was so visible he worried that it might cloud his chance to see the phenomenon.

Here it comes,' said Kalvi, though Clisser could see nothing in the crepuscular dawn light. Kalvi was looking at his instrument, not the sky.

A tip of red appeared just over the bottom of the Eye a breath or two later. A redness that seemed to pulsate. It wasn't a very large planet - from this distance, it wouldn't be, Clisser thought, though they had the measurements of it from the Yokohama observations. It was approximately the same size as Earth's old sister, Venus. And about as hospitable.

Somehow, Clisser thought - and told himself to breathe as he watched, the wanderer managed to look baleful in its redness. Hadn't one of the other Sol satellites been called the red planet'? Oh, yes, Mars. Suitable, too, since it had been named after a war god.

And equally a suitable colour for a planet that was about to wreak havoc on us. How could such an avaricious organism develop on a planet that spent most of its orbit too far away from Rubkat's warmth to generate any life form? Of course, he was aware that very odd Life' forms had been found by the early space explorers. Who had blundered into the Nathi, to name another vicious species?

But the reports on this mycorrhizoid gave it no intelligence whatsoever. A menace without malice. Clisser sighed. Well, that was some consolation: it didn't really mean to eat everything in sight, people, animals, plants, trees; but that was all it could do.

Which was more than enough, Clissser thought grimly, remembering the visuals of recorded incidents. That's another thing he ought to have done - a graphic record - even a still picture would make vividly plain how devastating Thread could be. lantine's sketches done at the Bitran borders had impressed the Teacher immensely. Though it was a shame to waste lantine's talents on a cop)' job. Anyone could copy; few could originate.

Meanwhile, the red edge crept up over the Rim of Benden Weyr.

THAT'S IT!" Kalvi cried. He was lying on his stomach, the iron circle in his hands. I got it. Cement it in place now. Quickly.

You there at the Finger Rock. Eyeball the phenomenon. All of you should see it bracketed by this circle." The viewers had lined themselves up and each took a turn even as Kalvi raced back to grab a look from this vantage point.

Yup, that'll do it. You got that solidly in place? Good,' and the energetic engineer turned to M'shall. As you love your dragon, don't let anyone or anything touch that iron rim. I've used a fast-drying cement, but even a fraction out of alignment and we've lost it." No-one'll be up here after we leave,' M'shall promised, eyeing the metal circle nervously. For all he knew that the ring was iron, it looked fragile sitting there, the Red Planet slowly rising above it.

But that's going to be replaced, isn't it? With stone?" It is, and don't worry about us messing up the alignment later. We won't,' Kaivi said, blithely confident, rubbing his hands together and grinning with success. Now, we've got some more dawns to meet." Yes, surely, but take time for breakfast." Ha! No time to pamper ourselves. But I was indeed grateful for the klah." Kalvi was gathering up his equpment, including five more iron circles, and gesturing to his crew to hurry up.

Not with five more stops to make this morning. The things I talk myself into!" He looked around now in the semi-dark of false dawn.

Where's our ride?" That way,' M'shall said, pointing to the brown dragons and riders waiting around on the Rim.

Oh, good. Thanks, M shall' And rings clanging dully where they rode on his shoulder, Kalvi gathered up his packs and half-ran, his crew trailing behind. Clisser sighed and followed.

Well, he thought, he'd be well inured to the cold of between.

They'd have an hour and a half between Benden and Igen, but then only half an hour from Igen to Ista to Telgar, where they'd have a little over an hour and time for something hot to eat before going on to Fort. High Reaches was actually the last Weyr to be done, which really didn't salve S'nan's pride all that much, but sunrise came forty-five minutes later in the northernmost Weyr due to the longitudinal difference. However, S'nan couldn't argue the point that Benden had to have its equipment installed first since it was the most easterly.

Clisser had heard the talk about S'nan's continued distress over Chalkin's impeachment. The Fort Weyrleader was not the oldest of the six: G'don was, but no-one worried about his competence to lead the Weyr. S'nan had always been inflexible, literal, didactic, but that wouldn't necessarily signify poor leadership during the Pass. Clisser sighed. That was a Weyr problem, not his. Thank goodness! He had enough of them.

He'd catch some rest when they finished at Fort Weyr so he'd be fresh for the final rehearsal at the Hall. If Sheledon had altered the score again during his absence, he'd take him to task. No-one would know what to play with all the changes.

Get this performance over with and then refine the work. it was, Clisser felt, quite possibly Sheledon's masterpiece.

You're riding with me, Teacher,' a voice said. Don't want you walking off the Rim!" Clisser shook himself to attention and smiled up at the brown rider. Yes, yes, of course.

Here's my hand,' and Clisser reached up to it.

Oh, thank you,' he added to the dragon who had not only turned his head but helpfully lifted his forearm to make an easier step up.

Then he was astride the big dragon, settling himself, snapping on the safety strap.

I'm ready." Clisser did catch his breath though when the dragon seemed to just fall off the Rim into the blackness of Benden's Bowl.

He grabbed at the security of the safety strap and then almost cracked his chin on his chest as the dragon's wings caught the air and he soared upward.

They were facing east, and the malevolence of the Red Star was dimmed by the glow of Rukbat rising, altering the rogue planet's aspect to one of almost negligible visibility, almost anonymity, in the brightening sky.

Amazing! thought Clisser. 1 must remember to jot that down.

But he knew he never would. And Pernese literature was thus saved another diarist, he amended. Clisser saw that the rider, too, had his eyes fastened on the magnificent spectacle. He must savour this ride.

The dragon veered northward, pivoting slowly on his left wing-tip. The dragons would soon have more important journeys to make. Clisser did observe the majestic snow capped mountains of the Great Northern Range, tinted delicate shades of orange by the rising sun. What lantine could make of such a scene! Then abruptly all he could see was the black nothingness of between.

What happens if you wear your fingers out?" Leopol asked lantine.

The artist hadn't even been aware of the lads presence but the comment - because lantine was sketching the scene of the drago nets so fast that his elbow was actually aching - caused him to burst out laughing, even though he didn't pause for a moment.

I don't know. I've never heard of it happening, though, if that's any consolation. Not to me, but for you,' Leopol said, cocking his head in his characteristically impudent fashion.

I'll miss you, you know,' lantine told him, grinning down at the sharp expression on Leopol's face.

I should hope so, when I've been your hands, feet and mouth for months now,' was the irrepressible answer. You could take me with you. I'd be useful,' and Leopol's expression was earnest, his grey eyes clouded. I know how you like your paints mixed, your brushes cleaned, and even how to prepare wood or canvas for portraits." His pathetic stance could have persuaded almost anyone.

lantine chuckled and ruffled the boy's thick black hair. And what would your father do?" Him? He's winding himself up for Threadfall." A discreet question to Tisha had produced the information that a bronze rider, C'lim, was the boy's father; the mother had died shortly after Leopol's birth. But he, like every other child of the Weyr. had become everyone's child, loved and disciplined as the need arose. He doesn't half pay attention to me any more.

Which was fair, lantine thought, since Leopol had become his shadow. Tisha?" Her? She'll find someone else to mother." Well, I will ask, but I doubt you'd be allowed. The other riders think you'll Impress a bronze when you're old enough.

Leopol tossed off that future with a shrug. What he could do now was more important than what might be three or four years in the future. D'you have to go?" Yes, I have to go. I'm in grave danger of overstaying my welcome here." No, you're not,' and Leopol looked significantly towards the lake where the weyrlings were having their customary bath. And you haven't drawn all the riders yet.

Be that as it may, Leo, I'm due at Benden to do the Holders, and that's a commission I've been owing since I started my training at Hall Domaize. When you do those, will you come straight back? You haven't done Chalkin's face like he really is, you know, and it isn't as if you were doing anyone else out of a place to sleep." Leopol's face was completely contorted now by his dismay. Debera really wants you to stay, you know." lantine shot him an almost angry look. Leopol?" he said warningly.

Aw,' and the boy screwed his boot toe into the dirt, everyone knows you fancy her, and the girls say that she's gone on you. It's only Morath who's the problem. And she doesn't have to be. Soon as she can fly, she'll have a weyr and you'll have some privacy.

Privacy?" lantine knew that Leopol was precocious but.

Leopol cocked his head and had the grace not to grin.

Weyrs're like that. Everyone knows everyone else's secrets." lantine hung amid irritation to relief in the information about Debera and amusement that his carefully hidden interest was so transparent.

He had never thought about loving someone so much that their absence could cause physical discomfort. He never thought he would spend sleepless hours reviewing even the briefest of conversations; identify a certain voice in a crowded cavern; have to rub out sketches of imagined meetings and poses which his fingers did of their own accord.

He kept close guard on his sketch-pads because there were far too many of Debera - and the ever-present Morath. Morath liked him, too. He knew that because she'd told him she did.

That, actually, had been the first encouraging sign he'd had.

He had tried, adroitly, to figure out how significant that might be, as far as Debera's awareness of him was concerned. He'd ask while he was sketching a rider, as if he was only politely enquiring about what was closest to his model's heart anyway.

It appeared that a dragon could talk to an yon she/ he wished to.

They did so for reasons of their own, which sometimes they did not discuss with their riders. Or they did. None of the other weyrlings, even the greens with whom lantine was now quite familiar, spoke to him.

It was Morath who counted.

Not that the green dragon - who was the largest of that colour from that clutch - ever explained herself. Nor did lantine ask.

He merely treasured the immense compliment of her conversation.

She did ask to see his sketch-pad once. He noticed the phenomenon of the pad reflected in every one of the many facets of her eyes.

They'd been bluey-green at the time, their normal shade, and whirling slowly.

Do you see anything?" Yes. Shapes. You put the shapes on the pad with the thing in your hand?

I do." How much could a dragon see with that kind of optical equipment? Still, lantine supposed it would be useful when Thread was falling from all directions. As the dragon eye protruded out from the head, it obtained overhead images, too. Good design. But then, dragons had been designed, though no-one nowadays knew who could have managed the genetic engineering. It was one thing to breed animals for specific traits, but to begin from the first cell to create a totally new creature? Do you like this one of Debera oiling you?" He tapped his pencil on the one he'd done that morning.

It looks like Debera. It looks like me? and there was plaintive surprise in Morath's contralto voice. That was when lantine realized that Morath sounded very much like her rider.

But then, that was only logical since they were inseparable.

Inseparable! That's what bothered him most. He knew that his love for Debera would be constant, but any love left over from Morath for him could scarcely match his commitment.

Did it have to? After all, he was totally committed to his work.

Could he fault her for being equally single-minded? There was, however, a considerable difference between loving a dragon and loving to paint. Or was there?

Maybe it was as well, Ian tine thought, tucking his pencil behind his ear and closing his pad, that he was going to Benden after Turn's End. Maybe if Debera . . . and Morath were out of sight, they might also go out of mind and his attachment would ease off.

You got your Turn's End clothes ready? Need ironing, er, anything?" Leopol asked, his expression wistful.

You did em yesterday, and I haven't worn em yet,' he said, but he ruffled the boy's thick hair again and, looping his arm over the thin shoulders, steered him to the kitchen. Let's eat." Ah, there's not much to eat, Leopol said in disgust.

Everyone's getting ready for tonight.

They've been getting ready all week,' lantine said. But there's bread and cold meats set out.

Huh!" lantine noticed that Leopol had no trouble making himself several sandwiches of what was available, and had two cups of soup and two apples. He noted that he had no trouble eating, either, though some of the smells emanating from the ovens - and all were in use were more appetizing than lunch.

He intended to enjoy himself this evening.

Then Leopol, eyes wide with excitement, leaped from the table.

Look, look, the musicians are here!" Glancing outward, lantine saw them dismounting from half a dozen dragons. They were laughing and shouting as instruments were carefully handed down from dragon backs and carisaks were passed around. Tisha sailed out, her assistants with her, and shortly everyone was in the Lower Cavern and being served a lunch considerably more complicated than soup and sandwiches. Leopol was in the thick of it, too, the rascal, and the recipient of a huge wedge of iced cake. lantine selected a good spot against the wall, sharpened his pencil with his knife and opened his pad. This was a good scene to preserve. If he got them down on paper now, maybe he could listen to the music this evening without itchy fingers.

As he worked, he realized that Telgar had rated some of the best musicians, called back from wherever their contracts had taken them, for Turn's End celebrations. He'd finish in time for the concert, and that would be that for the day!

It wasn't, of course. But then, he found it hard not to sketch exciting moments and scenes. Especially as he didn't want to leave this pad anywhere that it could be casually opened.

And he could listen to the music just as well while drawing.

Sketching also kept his hands where they should be and not itching to go round Debera's shoulder, or hold her hand.

Sketching did allow him some licence, for he could always apologize that he didn't realize his leg was against hers', or that their shoulders were touching' or that he was bending his body close to hers'. After all, he was so busy sketching, he wouldn't be noticing externals.

If Debera had found the contact unpleasant or annoying, she could have moved her leg away from his, or moved about on the bench. But she didn't seem to mind him overlapping her from time to time in the zeal to get this or that pose'.

Truth was he was totally conscious of her proximity, the floral fragrance that she used which didn't quite hide the new' smell of the lovely pale green dress she was wearing. Green was her colour and she must know that: a gentle green, like new leaves, which made her complexion glow. Angie had told him the colour of Debera's Turn's End gown, so he'd bought a shirt of a much deeper green so that they'd go together. He liked the way she'd made a coronet of her long hair, with pale green ribbons laced in and dangling down her back. Even her slippers were green. He wondered if there'd be dancing music, too, but there usually was at Turn's End. Although maybe not, what with the Landing Suite' first. He bent to ask her to reserve dances for him, but she shushed him.

Listen, too, Ian,' she said in a soft whisper, gesturing to his pad. The words are as beautiful as the music." lantine glanced forward again, only now realizing that there were singers, too. Had he been that rapt in being next to Debera without Morath?

I'm here. I listen, too and Morath's voice startled him, coming into his head so unexpectedly.

He gulped. Would the dragon always be able to read his mind?

He asked the question again, more loudly, in his own head.

There was no reply. Because there was no reply? Or because there was none needed to such an obvious question?

But Morath hadn't sounded upset that he was luxuriating in Debera's proximity. She had sounded pleased to be there and listening.

Dragons liked music.

He glanced over his shoulder to the Bowl and could see along the eastern wall the many pairs of dragon eyes, like so many round blue-green lanterns up and down the wall of the Weyr where dragons made part of the audience.

He began then, obediently, to listen to the words, and found himself drawn in to the drama unfolding, even if he'd known the story from childhood. The musicians called it the Landing Suite' and this verse was about leaving the great colony ships for the last time. A poignant moment, and the tenor voice rose in a grateful farewell to them where they would orbit over Landing for ever, their corridors empty, the bridge deserted, the bays echoing vaults. The tenor, with creditable breath control, let his final note die away as if lost in the vast distance between the ships and the planet.

A respectful pause followed and then the ovation which his solo had indeed merited burst forth. Quickly lantine sketched him, taking his bows, before he stepped back into the ensemble.

Oh, good, Ian. He was just marvellous,' Debera said, craning her head to see what he was doing. She kept right on clapping, her eyes shining. He'll be delighted you did him, too." lantine doubted that, and managed a smile that did not echo the stab of jealousy he felt because Debera's interest had been distracted from him.

She likes you, Ian, said Morath as if from a great distance, though she was ranged with the other still flightless drago nets on the Bowl floor.

Ian? he echoed in surprise. Other riders had told him that, while dragons would talk to people other than their own rider, they weren't so good at remembering human names. Morath knows my name?

Why shouldn't I? I hear it often enough. And Morath sounded sort of tetchy.

Morath may never know just how much that remark means to me, lantine thought, taking in a deep breath that swelled his chest out.

Now, if he could just get her by herself alone . But she's never alone, now that she's my rider.

lantine stifled a groan which he wanted neither dragon nor rider to hear and compressed his thoughts as far down in his head as he could. Would it all be worth it? he wondered. And tried to divorce himself from Debera for the rest of the concert.

He didn't pay such close attention to the second and third parts of the Landing Suite', which brought events up to the present. A cynical section of his mind noticed that Chalkin's impeachment was not mentioned, but then it was a very recent incident which the composer and lyricist would not have known about. He wondered would it ever make history? Chalkin would love it. Which might well be why no-one would include him. That'd be the final punishment anonymity.

Dinner was announced at the conclusion of the Suite', and the big Lower Cavern was efficiently reorganized for dining.

In the scurry and fuss of setting up tables and chairs, he got separated from Debera. The panic which that caused him made it extremely clear that he could not divorce his emotions from the girl.

When they found each other again, her hand went out to him as quickly as his to her, and they remained clasped while they waited in line to collect their food.

lantine and Debera finally found seats at one of the long trestle tables where everyone was discussing the music, the singers, the orchestration, how lucky they were to be in a Weyr which got preferential treatment. There was, of course, a tradition of music on Pern, brought by their ancestors and encouraged by not only the Teaching Hall but also Weyr and Hold. Everyone was taught how to read music from an early age and encouraged to learn to play at least one instrument, if not two or three. It was a poor hold indeed that could not produce a guitar or at least pipes and a drum to liven winter nights and special occasions.

The meal was very good - though lantine had to concentrate on tasting it. Most of his senses were involved in sitting thigh to thigh with Debera. She was quite volatile, talking to everyone, with a great many things to say about the various performances and the melodic lines that she particularly liked. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes very bright. He'd never seen her so elated. But then, he knew he was feeling high with an almost breathless anticipation of the dancing.

He'd have her in his arms, then, even closer than they were now. He could barely wait.

But he had to, for of course on First Day ice-cream, the special and traditional sweet, was available and no-one would want to miss that. It was a fruit flavour this year, creamy, rich, tangy with lots of tiny fruit pieces, and he was torn between eating slowly - which meant the confection might turn sloppy since the Lower Cavern was warm indeed - or gulping it down firm and cold. He noticed that Debera ate quickly, so he did the same.

As soon as the diners finished, they dismantled the tables and pushed back the chairs so that there'd be space for the dancing. The musicians, re-assembling in smaller units so that the dance music would be continuous, were tuning up their instruments again.

When all was ready, K'vin led Zulaya - res pendent in the red brocade dress of her portrait - on to the floor for their traditional opening of the dance. lantine caught himself wanting to sketch the distinguished-looking couple, but he'd hidden his pad in the pile of tables and had to content himself with storing the details in his mind.

He'd never seen Zulaya flirt so with K'vin and the Weyrleader was responding gallantly. He did notice some riders talking among themselves, their eyes on the two Leaders, but he couldn't hear what was said, and while the glances were speculative it wasn't his business.

Next the wing leaders handed their partners out on the floor for three turns before the wing seconds joined them.

Then Tisha - partnered by N'ran, the Weyr medic - whirled very gracefully in among the dancers. The first dance ended, but now the floor was open to everyone. The next number was a brisk two-step.

Will you dance with me, Debera?" lantine asked, with a formal bow.

Eyes gleaming, head held high and smiling as if her face would split apart, Debera responded with a deep dip. Why, I was hoping you'd ask, lantine!" I get the next one,' Leopol cried, appearing unexpectedly beside them and looking up at Debera, his eyes exceedingly bright.

Did you sneak some wine tonight?" lantine asked, suspicious.

Who'd give me any?" Leopol replied morosely.

No-one would give you anything you couldn't take another way, Leo,' Debera said. But I'll keep you a dance. Later on.

And she stepped towards the floor, lantine whisking her away from the boy as fast as he could.

Even for a Weyr lad, he's precocious,' Debera said, and she held up her arms as she moved into his.

He is at that,' lantine replied, but he didn't want to talk about Leopol at all as he swung her lithe body among the dancers, and eased them away to the opposite side of the floor from Leopol.

He'll follow, you know, until he gets his dance, she said, grinning up at him.

We'll see about that, and he tightened his arms possessively around her strong, slender body.

Will I dance when I'm older? lantine clearly heard the green dragon ask.

Startled, he looked down at Debera and saw by the laughter in her eyes that the dragon had spoken to them both.

Dragons don't dance,' Debera said in her fond dragon tone

lantine had noticed that she had a special one for Morath.

They sing,' lantine said, wondering how he was ever going to eliminate Morath from the conversation long enough to speak about them.

She'll listen to anything you say, Morath's voice, so much like Debera's, sounded in his head.

lantine grimaced, wondering how under the sun he could manage any sort of a private conversation with his beloved.

I won't listen then. Morath sounded contrite.

How long do you think you'll be at Benden, Ian?" Debera asked.

He wondered if Morath had spoken to her, too, but decided against asking, though he didn't want to discuss his departure at all.

Certainly not with Debera, the reason he desperately wanted to stay at Telgar.

Oh,' he said as casually as he could, I'd want to do my best for Lord Bridgely and his Lady. They've been my sponsors, you see, and I owe them a lot." Do you know them well?" What? Me? No, my family's mountain holders.

So were mine.

Were?" Debera gave a wry laugh. Don't let's talk about families.

I'd far rather talk about us,' he said, and then mentally kicked himself for such a trite response.

Debera's face clouded.

Now what did I say wrong?" He tightened his arms on her reassuringly. Her expression was so woeful.

She's been upset about something Tisha told the weyrlings yesterday. I know I said I wouldn t interfere, but sometimes it's needed.

You didn't,' Debera said at the same time so he wasn't sure who had said what, since the voices were so alike.

But something is troubling you?" She didn't answer immediately, but her hands tightened where they gripped him.

C'mon, now, Deb,' and he tried to jolly her a bit. I'll listen to anything you have to say." She gave him an odd glance. That's just it." What is?" You wanting to talk to me, dance with only me and Ooooh,' and suddenly lantine had a hunch. Tisha gave all the riders that don't-do-anything-you'll-be-sorry-for at Turn's End lecture?" She gave him a startled look, and he grinned back at her. I've been read that one a time or two myself, you know." But you don't know,' she said, that it's different for dragon riders For green riders with very immature dragons.

Then she gave him a horrified look as if she hadn't meant to be so candid. Oh!" He pulled her closer to him, even when she resisted, and chuckled. All those casual questions he'd asked dragon riders explained all that she didn't say.

Green dragons are . how do I put it, kindly? Eager.

loving, willing, too friendly for their own good She stared up at him, a blush suffusing her cheeks, her eyes V

angry and her body stiffening against the rhythm of the dance.

They were about to pass an opening, one of the corridors that led back to the storage areas of the Weyr. He whirled them in that direction despite her resistance, speaking in a persuasively understanding tone.

You're the rider of a young green and she's much too young for any sexual stimulation. But I don't think a kiss will do her any damage, and I've got to kiss you once before I have to go to Benden." And he did so. The moment their lips touched, although she tried to resist, the attraction that they each had for the other made the contact electric. She could not have resisted responding - even to preserve Morath's innocence.

Finally, breathless, they separated, but not by more than enough centime tres to let air into their lungs. Her body hung almost limply against his, and only because he was leaning against the wall did he have the strength to support them both.

That's very nice, you know.

Morath!" Debera jerked her body upright, though her hands clenched tightly on his neck and shoulder. ..... . dear, what have I done?" Not as much to her as you have to me,' lantine said in a shaky voice. She doesn't sound upset or anything." Debera pushed away to stare up at him - he thought she had never looked so lovely.

You heard Morath?" Hmmm, yes.

You mean, that wasn't the first time?" She was even more startled.

Hmmm. She knows my name, too,' he said, plunging in with a bit of information that he knew might really distress her, but now was the time to be candid.

Debera's eyes widened even more and her face had paled in the glow light of the corridor. She leaned weakly against him.

Oh, what do I do now?" He stroked her hair, relieved that she hadn't just stormed off, leaving all his hopes in crumbs.

I don't think we upset Morath with that little kiss,' he said softly.

Little kiss?" Her expression went blank. I've never been kissed like that before in my life." lantine laughed. Me neither. Even if you didn't want to kiss me back." He hugged her, knowing that the critical moment had passed. I have to say this, Debera, I love you.

I can't get you out of my mind. Your face . . . and . . . and he added tactfully because it was also true, Morath's decorate the margin of every sketch I draw. I'm going to miss you like - . like you'd miss Morath." She caught in her breath at even the mention of such a possibility.

lantine, what can I say to that? I'm a dragon rider You know that Morath is always first with me,' she said gently, touching his face.

He nodded. That's as it should be,' he said, although he heartily wished he could be her sole and only concern.

I'm glad you do know that but I don't know what I feel about you, Ian, except that I did like your kiss." Her eyes were tender and she glanced shyly away from him. I'm even glad you did kiss me. I've sort of wanted to know - - - she said with a ripple in her voice, but still shy.

So I can kiss you again?" She put her hand on his chest. Not quite so fast, lantine!

Not quite so fast. For my sake as well as Morath's. Because and then she blurted out the next sentence, I know I'm going to miss you .

. . almost. . . as much as I'd miss Morath.

I didn't know a rider could be so involved with another human.

Not like this. And,' she increased her pressure on the hand that held them apart because he wanted so to kiss her for that, I can't be honestly sure if it's not because Morath rather likes you, too, and is influencing me." I am not said Morath firmly, almost indignantly.

She says . . . Debera began as lantine said, I heard that." They both laughed and the sensual tension between them eased. He made quick use of the opportunity to kiss her, lightly, to prove that he could and that he did understand about Morath. He had also actually asked as many questions about rider liaisons as discretion permitted.

What he'd learned had been both reassuring and unsettling. There were more ramifications to human affairs than he had ever previously suspected. Dragonrider-human ones could get very complicated And the green dragons, being so highly-strung and sexually oriented, were the most complex.

I guess I'm lucky she talks to me at all,' lantine said. Look, love, I've said what I've wanted to say. I've heard what Morath has to say, and we can leave it there for now. I've got to go to Benden Hold and Morath has to . . . mature." He gently tightened his arms around his beloved. If I'm welcome to come back . . . to the Weyr, I will return. Am I welcome?" Yes, you are,' Debera said as Morath also confirmed it.

Well, then,' and he kissed her lightly, managing to break it off before the emotion that could so easily start up again could fire, let us dance, and dance and dance. That should cause no problems, should it?" Of course, the words were no sooner out of his mouth than he knew that having her so close to him all evening was going to be a trial of his self-control.

His lips tingled as he led her back, her fingers trustingly twined into his. The dance was ending as he put his arms around her, so they managed just one brief spin. Since he now felt far more secure, he did let Leopol partner Debera for one fast dance, or he'd never hear the last of it from the boy.

Other than that surrender, he and Debera danced together all night, cementing the bond that had begun: danced until the musicians called it a night.

He was going to hate to be parted from her, more now because they did have an understanding - of sorts - but there was no help for it.

He had the duty to Benden Hold.

New Year 258 After L(anding) - College, Benden Hold, Telgar Weyr On the first official day of the New Year, 258 AL, Clisser had a chance to review the four days of Turn's End. Frantic at times, certainly hectic despite the most careful plans and the wealth of experience, the main performances - the First Day Landing Suite', and Second Day Teaching Songs and Ballads - had gone very well: far better than he had anticipated given the scanty rehearsals available for some of the performers. The tenor, for instance, had been a bit ragged in his big solo; he really should have held that final note the full measure. Sheledon glowered from the woodwind section: he'd've sung the part himself, but he hadn't the voice for it.

But then, the only solos which Sheledon wouldn't find fault with would be Sydra's, and she never failed to give a splendid performance.

Bethany's flute obbligatos had been remarkable, matching Sydra's voice to perfection.

Paulin had been on his feet time after time, applauding the soloists and, at the finale, surreptitiously brushing a tear from his eye. Even old S'nan looked pleased - also fatuous, but on the whole Clisser was relieved at the reception. He hoped the two performances had been popular elsewhere on the continent. A great deal of work had been put into rehearsals by folks who had little spare time as it was.

The Teaching Songs and Ballads had been just as well received, with people going about humming some of the tunes. Which was exactly what the composers had hoped for. Fortunately, honours were even between Jemmy and Sheledon for catchy tunes. He caught himself humming the Duty Song' chorus, which had gone particularly well. He wouldn't have to deal with a laborious copying of the Charter once youngsters learned those words off by heart. It certainly fitted the bill.

Copies of all the new songs were being made by the teachers themselves, who would then require their students to transcribe them, and that saved a lot of effort for his College.

Really, a printing press of some kind must be put high on the list of Kalvi's engineering staff. They'd managed quite a few small motor-driven, solar panel gadgets; why not a printing press? But a printing press required paper and the forests were going to be vulnerable for the next fifty years no matter how assiduous the Weyrs were in their protective umbrella.

One tangle of Thread could destroy acres of trees in the time it took to get a ground crew to the affected area.

He sighed. If only the organics plastic machinery were still operating... but the one unit housed in the Fort storage had rusted in the same flooding that had ruined so much else.

"Ours not to wonder what were fair in life",' he quoted to himself, which is a saying I should have made up to remind me that we've got what we've got and have to make do." He couldn't help but feel somewhat depressed, though.

There had been some high moments these last few days, and it was hard to resume normal routine. Not everyone on the teaching staff was back, though all should have checked in by late evening. He'd hear then how the performances went elsewhere. He'd have to wait to learn how the new curriculum was working. By springtime he'd know what fine tuning would be needed. He could count on Sallisha for that, he was sure.

By springtime, Thread would fall and the easy pace they had all enjoyed would be a memory.

Ah, that was what he had to do - he'd put it off long enough write up the roster for ground crews drafted from students over fifteen and teachers. He'd promised that to Lord Paulin and, what with everything else, never produced it. He pulled a fresh sheet of paper from the drawer, then stopped, put it back and picked up a sheet from the re-use pile. A clean side was all he needed. Mustn't waste, or he'd want soon enough.

Lady Jane herself led lantine to his quarters, asking all the gracious questions a hostess did: Where had he been for Turn's End?

Had he enjoyed himself? Had he had the opportunity to hear the splendid new music from the College?

What instrument did he play'? What did he hear from his parents?

He answered as well as he could, amazed at the difference between his reception here and the one he'd had at Bitra. Lady Jane was a fluttery sort of woman, not at all what he would have expected as the spouse of a man like Bridgely. She must be extremely efficient under all that flutter, he thought, contrasting the grace, order and appearance of the public rooms with those at Bitra, and seeing a vast difference between the two.

No low-level living for him here, either. Lady Jane led him on to the family's floor, urging the two drudges who were carrying the canvases and sky broom wood panels to mind their steps and not damage their burdens.

She opened the door, presenting him with the key, and he was bemused as he followed her into a large day room, at least ten times larger than the cubicle at Bitra, on the outside of the Hold so that it had a wide, tall window facing northeast. It was a gracious room, too, the stone walls washed a delicate greeny-white, the furnishings well-polished wood, with a pleasing geometric pattern in greens and beige on the coverings.

I do know that artists prefer a north light, but this is the best we can do for you on that score Benden's Lady fluttered her hands here and there. They were graceful, small hands, with only the wide band of a spousal ring on the appropriate finger. Another contrast to the Bitran tendency to many gaudy jewels.

It's far more than I expected, Lady Jane,' he said as sincerely as he could.

And I'm sure it's far more than you had at Bitra Hold,' she said with a contemputous sniff. Or so I've been told. You may be sure that Benden Hold would never place an artist of your rank and ability with the drudges. Bitrans may lay claim, and her tone expressed her doubt, to having a proper Bloodline, but they have never shown much couth!" She noticed him testing the sturdiness of the easel. That's from stores. It belonged to Lesnour. D'you know his work?" Lesnour?

Indeed." lantine dropped his hand from the smoothly waxed upright.

Lesnour, who'd lived well past the hundred mark, had designed and executed Benden Hold's murals and had been famed for his use of colour.

He'd also compiled a glossary of pigments available from indigenous materials, a volume which lantine had studied and which had certainly helped him at Bitra.

Lady Jane pushed open the wooden door into the sleeping room, which was not large but still generous in size. He could see the large bed, its four posts carved with unusual leaves and flowers: probably taken from Earth's botany. She pointed at the back to the third room of the suite: a private toilet and bath. And the whole suite was warm.

Benden had been constructed with all the same conveniences that Fort Hold boasted.

This is much more than I need, Lady Jane,' lantine said, almost embarrassed as he dropped his carisak to the floor of the day room.

Nonsense! We know at Benden what is due a man of your abilities.

Space,' and she gave a graceful sweep of her hand about the room, is so necessary to compose the thoughts and to allow the mind to relax." She did another complicated arabesque with her hands and smiled up at him. He smiled back at her, trying to act gracious rather than amused at her extravagant manner. Now, the evening meal will be served in the Great Hall at eight, and you'll dine at the upper table, she said with a firm smile to forestall any protests. Would you care to have someone put at your disposal to help with your materials?" No, thank you most kindly, Lady Jane, but I'm used to doing for myself." Maybe he could have borrowed Leopol for a few weeks? There was certainly enough space for the boy to be accommodated in with him.

So she left, after he had once again expressed his profuse thanks for the courtesies.

He prowled about the rooms, then washed his hands and face, learning that the water came very hot out of the spigot.

The bath had been carved out of the rock, deep enough for him to immerse himself completely and sufficiently long to lie flat out in the water. Even the Weyr had not such elegant conveniences.

He unpacked his clothing so that the wrinkles would hang out of his good green shirt and began setting up his workplace.

And then sat down in one of the upholstered chairs, plunked his feet down on the footstool, leaned back and sighed. He could get accustomed to this sort of living, so he could! Except for the one lack - Debera.

He wondered briefly if Lady Jane would flutter while she posed for him. And how would he pose her? Somehow he must put in the flutter of her, but also her grace and charm.

He wondered what instrument she played with those small hands. If only Debera weren't so far away lantine might not have been pleased to know that Debera was at that very moment the subject of discussion between the Weyrleaders at Telgar.

No,' Zulaya was saying, shaking her head, she has more retrieved the relevant chart from the storage cabinet and brought it to the table. K'vin hastily cleared a space. Then look along the Kahrainian coast where the Armada had a long stop for repairs." That's all been gone over so often And not much retrieved. Anyway, it's not so much what we find but more that we went for a look,' Zulaya said with a droll grin.

The entire Weyr?" Well, the fighting wings, certainly. Leave the training ones here, give them responsibility . . . and see how they like it." J'dar had better be in charge,' K'vin said, glancing to see if she agreed.

She shrugged. J'dar or O'ney." No, J'dar." Oddly enough, she gave him a pleased smile. He hadn't expected that, since she had specifically named O'ney, one of the oldest bronze riders. He tried to defer to her judgment whenever possible, but he'd noticed that O'ney tended to be unnecessarily officious.

Now, this is as far as grubs had migrated on last winter's check,' she said, running her finger along Rubicon River.

How're the grubs supposed to get across that?" K'vin asked, tapping the contour lines for the steep cliffs which lined the river, gradually tapering down above the Sea of Azov.

The Agric guys say they'll either go around or be carried across the river as larvi in the digestive tracts of wherries and some of those sport animals that were let loose. They have been breeding, you know.

Zulaya was teasing now, since she knew very well that Charanth had had to rescue him from a very large, hungry orangeandblack-stnped feline. Charanth had been highly insulted because the creature had actually then attacked him, a bronze dragon! The incident had been a levelling one for both rider and dragon.

Oh, and don't I know it! I'll not be caught that way twice.

It grew a mighty fine hide,' she said, her eyes dancing with challenge.

Catch your own, Zu. Now, let's see . . . should we check and see if any of the other Weyrs want to come? Make this a joint exercise?" Why?" she countered with a shrug. The whole idea is to get our wings away for a bit for something besides Fall readiness.

Meranath,' and she turned to her queen, who was lounging indolently on her couch, her head turned in their direction and her eyes open, would you be good enough to spread the word that the Weyr's going off on exercise,' and she grinned at K'vin, tomorrow, first light? That should startle a few." Undoubtedly, and glancing at Zulaya for permission, K'vin made a second request of Meranath. And ask J'dar and T'dam to step up here, please?" The sun will be much warmer in the south, Meranath said, and we will all like that, K'vin.

Glad you approve,' he told her, giving the gold queen a little bow. He was also considerably gratified that she was using his name more. Could that mean that Zulaya was thinking of him more often? He kept that question tight in his mind, where even Charanth wouldn't hear it. Did she really approve of his leadership? Zulaya never gave him any clues despite her courtesies to him in public; though he certainly appreciated that much. He didn't seem any closer to a real intimacy with her, and he wanted one badly. Would he ever figure out how to achieve that? Could that be why she had suggested this excursion?

How long has it been since there was an update on the grubs?" She shrugged. That's not the point. We need a diversion, and this makes a good one. Also, someone should do it for the Agric records. And we'll probably have to go down during Fall to see if the grubs really do what they're supposed to do." Do you want to put us out of business?" he asked.

Zulaya shook her head. As long as Thread falls from Pernese skies, we won't be out of business. Psychologically, it's imperative that we keep as much of the stuff as possible off the surface of the planet. The grubs are just an extra added precaution; not the total answer." The two Weyrleaders had forgotten to caution their dragons against mentioning the destination, and it was all over the Weyr by dinner-time. They were besieged by requests from weyrfolk to be taken along. Even Tisha was not shy about requesting a lift.

Some of the bronzes would need to carry two passengers, K'vin said, doing some quick calculations.

The weyrlings would have to stay,' Zulaya told him, that necessity causing a brief hitch to the euphoria. But she shrugged.

We'll make an occasion for T'dam to take them down once they are flighted, but they're weyrbound this time." That wouldn't be until after Thread has started,' K'vin said, looking doubtful.

Sure, we know when it falls, north or south, and a day off for the auxiliaries is no big thing. Plan it for a rainy day, here,' Zulaya said, and they won't mind for the sun down south." So that issue was settled.

The entire Weyr assembled, loading passengers and supplies for an outing that was now scheduled for three days.

K'vin allowed they would need that long to make a diligent survey of grub penetration. He brought with him maps and writing material so he could make accurate records.

The morning had its moment of humour: getting Tisha aboard brown Branuth had been a struggle, involving not only Branuth's rider, T'lel (who laughed so hard he had hiccups), but four other riders, the strongest and tallest.

Branuth, an extremely quizzical expression on his long face, craned his head around to watch and got a bad cramp in his neck muscles doing so. T'lel and Z'ran had to massage him.

Stop that and get up here, T'lel,' Tisha was yelling, her thick legs stuck out at angles from her perch between the neck ridges. I'll be split. And if I'm split, you'll suffer. I never should have said I'd come. I should know better than to leave my caverns for any reason whatsoever. This is very uncomfortable. Stop that guffawing, T'lel.

Stop it right now. It isn't funny where I'm sitting. Get up here and let's go!" Getting Tisha aboard Branuth had taken so much time that everyone else was in place and ready to go by the time T'lel did manage to take his place in front of Tisha.

Not only am I being split, I'm also been bisected by these ridges. Did you sharpen them on purpose, T'lel? No wonder riders are so skinny. They'd have to be. Don't dragons grow ridges for large people? I should have had K'vin take me up.

Charanth is a much bigger dragon Why couldn't you have put me up on your bronze, K'vin?" Tisha shouted across the intervening space.

K'vin was trying to preserve his dignity as Weyrleader by not laughing at the sight of her, but he didn't dare look in her direction again. Instead he swivelled his torso so he could scan everyone, pleased to see all eyes on him, rider, passengers and dragon. He peered upwards to the rim where more dragons awaited their departure, poised well clear of the newly positioned Eye and Finger Rocks. Now he raised his arm.

Charrie, they are to assume their wing positions in the air.

They know, Charnath sounded petulant, for this was a frequent drill. K'vin slapped his neck affectionately with one hand while he gave his upheld right arm the pump.

All the dragons in the Bowl lifted, swirling up dust and grit from the Bowl floor with a battery of wings, and then those on the Rim lifted, sorting themselves out in the air to form their respective wings. Zulaya and the other queens rose above the others.

And in formation in jig time, too. Let's go, Charrie.

With a great leap, Charanth was airborne. One wing-sweep and he was level with the wings, another and he was in front of the queens.

Heads turned upwards and Charanth dutifully angled himself earthward so that all could see the Weyrleader.

Inform the Weyr that our destination is the Sea of Azov.

I have!

K'vin pumped his arm in the continuous gesture to signal, Go between'! The entire Weyr blinked out simultaneously.

Steady, he cautioned Charanth, pleased with that disciplined departure. Now we go!

r

Three seconds he counted, and then the warm air above the brilliantly blue Sea of Azov was like the smack of a hot towel in his face. Charanth rumbled in pleasure.

K'vin was far more interested in discovering that the ranks of the dragons, wing by wing, had arrived still in formation.

He grinned.

Please inform the wing leaders to take their riders to their separate destinations.

One by one the wings disappeared, with the excep,fion, of T'lel's which had picked the Sea area for their excursion site.

The queens started to glide towards the shore too, for they carried quite a few of the supplies which Tisha would need to set up her hearths for the evening meal.

Let's wait and let them all get safely to the surface, K'vin told Charanth, although part of him wanted to see how Tisha managed to dismount Branuth. He was therefore somewhat surprised, and at first a little concerned, when he saw a brown dragon detach itself from the main wing and glide in a landing, on the water, just short of the shore. Charanth had his head down and was observing the effort.

Branuth says she ordered it. She's swimming free of his back.

Charanth sounded amused, too, and K'vin chuckled.

That was much more dignified.

Branuth says it was easier on him, too, but he doesn t think he should do the same back at Telgar.

Not with the water that cold this time of year.

We can now land? Branuth says the sun is warm.

I thought you wanted to hunL Later. NOW I want to get warm all over.

Charanth's preference was almost unanimous as the dragons spread out on both the pebbled beach and the shore line which was covered with a shrub that, when bruised by large dragon bodies, gave off a rich pungent odour which was not at all unpleasant.

Tisha had some of the weyrfolk off finding kindling and stones to make camp-fires, and to see what fruits might be ripe, and another group set to fish where boulders had tumbled down in to the Sea like a breakwater.

I'm going for a long swim,' Zulaya called out to him as he and Charanth glided to a landing. She was already stripping off her jacket. Meranath wants one, too." She touched down long enough to strip off the rest of her clothing, which she left in a neat pile on a boulder before making her way to the water.

What about the grubs?" They'll wait,' she yelled over her shoulder, wading out until the water was deep enough for swimming.

We don t have to go find gnbs now, do we? asked Charanth plaintively, and the eyes he turned up to his rider whirled with a yellow anxiety.

No, we don't,' K'vin said. Grubs were an excuse to leave the Weyr for a few days.

He shucked his clothes and dragon and rider joined the others in the warm Azovian waters.

It might not have pleased K'vin to learn that almost every rider procrastinated over the stated objective of the journey south: grubs were, in fact, probably the last thing on anyone's mind. Sunning, swimming in the pleasant waters, hunting for dragons and food-gathering for humans took precedence and space and time for absolute privacy.

P'tero and M'leng asked permission of V'last, their wing leader to take their dragons hunting.

Remember what K'vin told you about the sport creatures down here,' V'last said, serving the same warning to the other riders wishing to hunt their dragons.

P'tero and M'leng nodded obediently but, as soon as they left the clearing where their wing had landed on the Malay River, they laughed at the very notion that any creature could be dangerous to their dragons.

It's really hot here,' M'leng said, glancing back at the river.

We'll be hotter after we've hunted the dragons,' said P'tero.

But once that's done, we really don't have to do another thing until dinner." So let's not come back here until just before,' M'leng suggested, laughing recklessly. Or we'll end up having to hunt or fish or gather.

There're enough weyrfolk with us to do all that - and enjoy,' P'tero said, rather condescendingly. Let's get out of here." He made a running jump and neatly vaulted onto Ormonth's blue back. M'leng simultaneously boarded green Sith.

What shall we go after?" M'leng asked.

Whatever we see first,' P'tero replied and pumped his arm to send them both aloft. M'leng preferred him to be leader.

They didn't have far to go to see grazing herds of runner beasts, smaller than the ones they were accustomed to seeing in the Holds. But when they also saw other dragons in the sky, gliding in to hunt, P'tera signalled M'leng to fly on in a south-westerly direction. They hadn't gone very far before both found it necessary to strip off their flying jackets, and then their shirts which were winter weight anyhow. P'tero admired M'leng's compact body. The green rider was small boned which had always delighted P'tero, with a surprisingly strong and agile wiry frame. He was also winter-white, right to his collar. He looked so funny, as if he had two different skins.

Then the blue rider became fascinated with the tropical terrain around them, subtly different from the north's warmer Holds. Nerat was rain forests and vast tracks of almost impenetrable jungle except along the western side, whereas Ista was sharp hills and deep valleys, also densely vegetated.

But here a vast grassland, similar in some respects to the plains of Keroon, spread out in all directions, dotted by up thrusts of bare yellow rock, occasional copses of angular trees with fronds spilling from the crests, and large, wide branched trees like islands. The dragons' flight over some of these caused flocks of wherries and other avian forms to debouch in frantic escape.

Can I eat them? Ormonth enquired of his rider, speeding up in case he was allowed to give chase.

What? Those tough mouthffils? P'tero asked scornfully.

Then he cupped his hands and shouted at M'leng: Ormonth's hungry enough to eat wherries!" Sith wanted to, as well. We'd better feed them,' M'leng yelled back. Over there!" and he pointed to one of the rock piles. One of the spreading trees had grown right up against the pile, shading the long incline to the top.

P'tero thought the formation looked like the prow of a ship, with midships plunging into the sea of ground. And the tree a muchly misplaced mast.

M'leng nodded vigorously in approval and pumped his arm, nudging Sith into a wide curve so that they came up to the prow to land. A fine breeze blew against them from the south, cooling the perspiration on their bare torsos.

Immediately they landed, the two young men stripped off their heavy flight pants and boots. They had to put their socks back on, for the rock was far too hot for bare feet.

M'leng, who had good distance vision, covered his eyes with one hand, peering to the west where a long dark line seemed to be moving.

Oh, good, herd beasts." He hauled Sith's head round and then pushed it in the right direction. See? You can eat those.

Much better than wherries. Off you go, now!" And he gave Sith a thump of dismissal.

Follow Sith, Ormonth,' and P'tero shoved the blue's head to the right. Hunt with her and you can't get into any trouble that way.

We'll watch from here." Ormonth shifted weight from one diagonal to the other, his whirling eyes with a trace of anxious yellow.

What's the matter with you?" P'tero demanded, wanting both dragons to be away so that he and M'leng could have some real privacy.

And if the pair were busy enough hunting and eating, they'd pay no attention at all to what their riders were doing.

Smell something!

M'leng, does Sith smell anything?" P'tero was annoyed, but you didn't ignore your dragon.

Different smells down here, that's all." M'leng shrugged, his eager expression indicating that he wanted the dragons away as much as P'tero did.

I'll keep my eyes open,' P'tero assured Ormonth and slapped him peremptorily to be on his way.

The two launched upwards at the same moment and P'tero watched with some pride in the blue's elegant flight attitude as he made height before he would glide down towards his prey.

M'leng slipped in under P'tero's arm.

Oooh, your hide is hot. We'd best be careful not to burn in this sun." We'll be all right if we move a lot." And we will, won't we?" They enjoyed each other's company so much that neither was aware when the breeze altered to the west. It still cooled their bare bodies, drying the sweat they had generated. They weren't even aware of much until two things happened at the same instant: Ormonth's angry scream reverberated in P'tero's skull, and he was rammed down hard against M'leng so that he cracked his chin on the rock as sharp things tore into his buttocks.

OR MONTH he shrieked mentally and vocally.

M'leng was limp under P'tero as he writhed in agony from whatever was attacking him.

HELP ME! he howled, struggling to turn and see that was trying to eat him!

A dark shadow, and the air pressure above him seemed compressed: a most hideous roar sent a carrion stink and hot breath across his bare back! The talons were ripped from his flesh, causing him to shriek again. Something heavy and furry was being hauled across his tortured legs and away! He caught a glimpse of green hide and then blue.. .

And then something large and tawny that seemed to come from nowhere. A blue tail curled protectingly around him. Above his head he heard Ormonth roaring, which turned to shrieks of pain and anger, but mostly anger. He was mentally assailed by vivid images and emotions of revenge that were totally alien to a dragon mind.

As waves of almost unendurable agony gripped him, he realized that Ormonth and Sith were rending whatever had attacked him into shreds; showering blood and gobbets of hot flesh all over him. Then he realized that he was lying on top of M'leng, who was suddenly being pulled away. To his horrified eyes, he saw a great brown paw, dirty big yellow claws unsheathing and curling into his weyrmate's back, blood welling up. Despite the pain in his legs and back, he lurched across M'leng and beat at the paw, struggling to lift the claws out of his lover's body.

More noise, more draconic roars, and suddenly there was space above him, letting in fresh air and the sight of other dragons. Two were attacking the tawny lean creatures that were swarming up the rock out-thrust. The dragons hauled them backwards by their tails or hind quarters while the creatures writhed and roared and spat defiance, turning to attack the dragons. One had curled itself around a brown's forearm, slashing out at a dragon face.

M'leng, M'leng, answer me!" P'tero cried, turning his lover's face towards him, slapping his cheeks.

Booted feet stopped by M'leng's head.

Oh help us, help us!" he pleaded, clutching at the boots.

Help me! I'm dying!" The pain in his legs was so awful .

Who's got the fell is Where's the numb weed As P'tero felt himself slipping into oblivion, he wondered how under the sun Zulaya had got here, and if he was dying.

Cathay, Telgar Weyr, Bitra Hold, Telgar

P'tero didn't die, although for some days he wished he had.

The shame of being attacked, of endangering M'leng, of being responsible for the injury of nine dragons - when K'vin had particularly warned everyone to be careful - was almost more than he could bear. M'leng might say that P'tero had saved his life - although he had to have his chest wound stitched but P'tero knew that was incidental in the sequence of the attack. Both Sith and Ormonth had suffered from the fangs and claws of the attacking felines, for the creatures had not been easily quelled. Meranath nursed a bite on her left forearm and a slash on her cheek. P'tero hadn't yet been able to look Zulaya in the eye. V'last's Collith's worst injuries were his forearm, gashed to the bone by the powerful hind legs of the female attacking him. The dragon-lion battle had been fierce while it lasted, for the lions had no fear of the dragons and the entire pride of some fourteen adult beasts had joined battle with them.

Meranath had reacted instantly to Ormonth's shriek - in fact, so quickly that she actually left Zulaya behind. The Weyrwoman had been astonished: dragons simply didn't do that. Though later, Leopol told P'tero, she had laughed about it - since she'd been swimming and would not have appreciated being hauled dripping wet to companion her dragon.

She'd followed, quickly enough, with V'last, K'vin and others who answered the mayday call.

She was some put out, too,' Leopol went on, relishing the telling, because the dragons made a mess of good lion fur well, what they didn't eat." The dragons ate the lions?" P'tero gasped.

Sure, why not?" Leopol shrugged, grinning. The entire pride attacked the dragons. But they let the cubs go, you know, though some folks thought they ought to get rid of all they could find. V'last said Collith said they were quite tasty, if a bit tough to chew. Waste not, want not. But Zulaya really would have liked a lion fur for her bed." P'tero shuddered. He never wanted anything to do with lions ever again.

You should a seen yourself brought in, P'tero,' Leopol added, gesturing to the temporary quarters which had been set up to tend the badly injured riders. Charanth himself carried you back in his arms." He did?" P'tero's chagrin reached a new depth.

And O'ney's bronze Queth brought M'leng in. Your wing helped Ormonth and Sith back. Actually, they came in sort of piggy-back on Gorianth and Spelth. They were pretty shaken, you know.

P'tero had heard echoes of that journey from Ormonth who, bless his heart, had never once criticized his rider: another source of infinite distress to P'tero. The blue had been intensely grateful to his weyrmates for their assistance, as he couldn't leave his rider out of his sight. It had been all the other dragons could do - although Leopol did not relate this - to reassure Ormonth and Sith that neither of their riders would die.

The Weyr had set up a hasty camp to tend the injured for some, like P'tero and Collith, couldn't risk being taken between until their wounds had scabbed over. K'vin had sent to Fort for Corey to stitch the worst injuries. Maranis, the Weyr medic, was more than competent for the dragons' wounds, but he needed reassurance on his treatment of the two injured riders. Messengers had gone back to Telgar Weyr to reassure those whose dragons had reported the accident and to bring back more equipment for an extended

stay.

In their innocence, the two young riders had chosen a site just above the cave home of a pride of lions. P'tero had never even heard of lions'. Evidently he could thank Tubberman for their existence, for they'd broken out of Calusa and bred quite handily in the wild.

They were, Leopol told him with great relish, some of the sport beasts that Tubberman had been experimenting with. They had got loose, after killing Tubberman.

This was not much consolation to P'tero while he lay on his stomach to let the deep fang and claw-marks heal.

He worried endlessly that M'leng would no longer love him, with such a scarred and imperfect body. M'leng, however, seemed to dwell so on P'tero's heroism in protecting him with his own body that the blue rider decided not to mention the fact that it had been entirely involuntary. M'leng had been unconscious from the moment of attack, and had a great lump and a cut on the back of his head as well as the chest wound.

Zulaya had arrived to see P'tero trying to remove the claws from M'leng's back, so there was little the blue rider could say to contradict the Weyrwoman's version.

Tisha, coming to give him fell is early one morning, found him in tears, positive that he had lost M'leng with such a marred body.

Nonsense, my lad,' Tisha had said, soothing back his sweaty hair as she held the straw for his fell is juice to his lips.

He will only see what you endured for his sake, to save him.

And those scars will heal quite nicely, thanks to Corey's neat stitching." The reference to the skill of the Head Medic almost reduced him to tears again. He'd caused so much fuss, he said.

Indeed you have, but you've livened things up considerably, young man, and taught everyone some valuable lessons.

I have?" P'tero would just as soon not have done.

For one, dragons think they're invulnerable . . . and they aren't. A very good lesson to take into Fall with them, I assure you.

Cool some of the hot-heads, so certain that it's just a matter of breathing fire in the right direction.

For another. the southern continent has developed its own hazards.

Did the Weyr ever find out about the grubs?" P'tero asked, suddenly recalling the reason for the excursion.

Tisha burst out laughing, then stifled it though P'tero's tent was a distance from any others. There, lad, you've a good head as well as a brave heart. Yes, they completed the survey faster'n any other's ever been done." P'tero learned later that the grubs had infested yet a few more kilometres westward and southward towards the Great Barrier Range in an uneven wave of expansion. Their progress into the sandy scrub lands east of Landing had slowed to a few me tres but the agricultural experts were not particularly concerned; they were more eager to hav- the rich grass and forest lands preserved.

So the trip hasn't been a waste?" P'tero asked, relaxing as he felt the fell is spreading out.

Tisha gave him more maternal pats, settling the furs and making sure nothing was binding across his bottom and legs.

By no means, lovey. Now you go back to sleep...

As if he could prevent that, P'tero thought as the fell is took over and blotted out conscious thought as well as the pain.

It was three weeks before P'tero's wounds had healed sufficiently for the trip back. The makeshift infirmary had more patients since there were other hazards besides large, hungry and territorially-minded felines in the southern continent: the

heat, unwary exposure to too much sun, and a variety of other minor injuries. Leopol got a thorn in his foot which had festered, so that he joined P'tero in the infirmary shelter until the poison drained.

Tisha and one of the weyrfolk came down with a fever that had Maranis sending back to Fort for a medic more qualified than he in such matters. The woman recovered in a few days but Tisha had a much harder time of it, sweating kilos off her big frame, to leave her so enervated Maranis was desperately worried about her. K'vin sent to Ista to beg a ship to transport her back north, since he could not subject her to trying to climb aboard a dragon.

Her illness depressed everyone.

You don't really know how important someone is,' Zulaya said, having come down to reassure herself on the state of the convalescents, until they're suddenly . . . not there!" Her remark quite sank P'tero's spirits. And Tisha was not there to jolly him out of his depression. But M'leng was, and appeared in the shelter.

How dare you be so self-cent red the green rider said in a taut, outraged tone of voice.

Huh?" Tisha's illness is not your fault. Leopol wasn't wearing shoes when he was told to, and so his infected foot also isn't your fault. In fact, it isn't even your fault that we picked that rock out of all the ones we could have picked. It was bad luck, but nothing more, and I don't want to have Ormonth upsetting Sith any more. D'you hear me?" P'tero burst into tears. Just as he'd thought: M'leng didn't love him any more.

Then M'leng's gentle arms went around him, and he was pulled to M'leng's lightly bandaged back and comforted with many caresses and kisses.

Don't be such a stupid idiot, you stupid idiot! How could I not love you?" Later, P'tero wondered how he could ever have doubted M'leng.

When the convalescents did return to Telgar Weyr, they found Tisha once more in charge of the Lower Caverns. If her clothes were still loose on her frame, she was tanned from the sea voyage back from the mouth of the Rubicon and looked completely recovered.

Some of the green and blue riders in the wing had freshened up both P'tero's and M'leng's weyrs, with paint and new fabrics. The worn pillows had been replaced with plump ones.

Because Tisha said you'd need to sit real soft for a while longer,' and Z'gal sniggered into his hand. Lady Salda let us have feathers from the Turn's End birds." Then Z'gal's lover, T'sen, brought an object from behind his back. P'tero stared at it, puzzled. It seemed to be a pad with very long thongs.

Ah, what is it?" Z'gal went into a laughing fit which annoyed T'sen, who scowled and kept pushing it to P'tero.

To sit on, of course. It'll fit between neck ridges. We measured.

Belatedly, but as effusively as he could, P'tero thanked T'sen for such a thoughtful gift. It wasn't so much his bottom that needed padding, but the muscles in the buttocks and down his legs that needed strengthening and massage to get them back in full working order. Of course, M'leng had been assiduous in the massage sessions, but P'tero was now concerned that he'd be fit for fighting when Threadfall began.

M'leng had been wounded in a much better site; he wouldn't miss a day's fighting.

There was wine, biscuits and cheese for a small in-weyr party.

M'leng capped the return celebrations by presenting P'tero with a flat, wrapped parcel.

M'leng's eyes were shining in anticipation as P'tero untied the string, wondering what on earth this could be.

Iantine's back, you know,' M'leng said, breathlessly watching every movement of P'tero's hands.

The other riders were equally excited and P'tero felt a spurt of petulance that they all knew what this was and were dying to see his reaction.

Naturally, the picture was face down when he finished unwrapping.

P'tero was stunned silent when he turned it over and his eyes nearly bugged out of his head at the scene depicted.

But . . . but . . . lantine wasn't even there!" He's so good, isn't he?" Z'gal said. Did he get it all right'?

M'leng described it over and over - -.

P'tero didn't quite know what to say - he was so bewildered.

So much of it was what he would have given his right arm to have actually happened. The lion was clawing his backside, M'leng was sprawled under him, and there were more lions climbing up the rock, their vicious intent vivid in their posture, their open mouths showing fangs longer than a dragon's.

P'tero was posed in an obvious act of defending his lover, his head turned, one arm upraised in a fist aimed at the attacking lion's head. But that wasn't the worst of the inaccuracies: both riders were fully clothed.

P'tero?" M'leng' 5 voice was quite anxious.

The blue rider swallowed. I don't know what to say!" Where am I?

Ormonth wanted to know, evidently viewing it through his rider's eyes as a dragon sometimes could.

There!" and P'tero pointed to the dragons high up in the sky, wings straight up in a landing configuration, claws unsheathed, ready to grab the attacker, eyes a mad whirl of red and orange.

Of course, I was unconscious, M'leng was saying, but that's what Ormonth and Sith would have been doing. Wasn't it?" And he jabbed P'tero warningly.

Exactly,' P'tero said hurriedly. And it probably was, although he hadn't seen it since he'd been looking in the other direction.

Everything happened so fast it's almost eerie how lantine has got it all down in one scene!" The amazement and respect in his voice was not the least bit feigned.

Now,' and M'leng pointed to the wall, we've even got a hook for you to hang it on." Wouldn't you rather have it?" P'tero suggested hopefully.

I've a copy of my own. lantine did two, one for each of us,' M'leng said, beaming proudly at his lover.

So P'tero had to hang the wretched reminder of the worst day of his life on his own wall, just where he couldn't miss it every morning of his life when he woke up.

You'll never know how much this means to me,' he said and that, too, was quite truthful.

No-one thought it the least bit odd that he got very, very drunk on wine that night.

lana th comes, Charanth told his rider.

So Meranath tells me,' Zulaya said before K'vin could speak. He wants to know all about our trip south.

I thought he'd given up on that notion to practice on the first Falls in the South,' K'vin said. He tried to sound diffident.

Then Zulaya put a finger across her lips and pointed to the sleeping Meranath, a signal to K'vin to guard his thoughts to Charanth outside on the ledge. He nodded understanding.

You don't fool me, Kev,' and then she waggled her finger at him.

You and B'nurrin would give your eye-teeth to be in on the first real Fall - even if it does take place in the South where nothing could be hurt. Or, for that matter, saved." The grubs haven't spread across the entire southern continent, you know.

That has nothing to do with seeing Thread for the first time in two hundred years.

He answered her droll smile with an abashed grin.

We don't need to have the dragons stoked up or anything, he said.

Yes, but do you really want to have S'nan reproaching you for the rest of your career? That is, if you have one as a Weyrleader with this sort of antic in mind.

K'vin gave her a long look. And don't tell me you like the fact that Sarrai will be leading a queen's wing in Falls before you will.

Zulaya rocked back in her chair just enough for K'vin to realize he had made a palpable hit. She was honest enough to grin back.

We don't even know that's what's on B'nurrin's mind,'

she said.

That's exactly what was, however, even after both Zulaya and K'vin enumerated the problems they'd had on that ill-favoured excursion to the southern continent. However, almost the first thing B'nurrin did was a repetition of Zulaya's signal to shield their thoughts from their dragons.

In the first place, we wouldn't be landing anywhere. And I don't mean for whole wings to go, Kev,' B'nurrin said, not like it makes sense to do with the first actual Falls we do get - wherever that actually is ... And you're hoping S'nan doesn't get first go Zulaya said with a malicious grin.

Too right on that,' B'nurrin agreed in a sour tone. He really gets up my nose, you know. I don't see any harm in having a look. I mean . . . He paused, steeling himself a moment and staring straight into K'vin's eyes, I'll be frank.

I'm scared I'll be needing clean pants half a dozen times the first Fall I have to lead .

I've wondered about that myself,' K'vin admitted drolly.

Out of the corner of his eye, he was rather surprised to notice a fleeting expression of approval on Zulaya's face. Surely B'ner had never mentioned that even as a remote possibility'?

So, I figure, if I get a good look at it before I have to act brave and unconcerned - - - Anyone who isn't concerned about Thread's a damn fool, Zulaya put in.

Agreed." B'nurrin nodded at her, grinning. So, will you join me?" Because if two of us go, neither of us will be as much to blame?" K'vin asked, one eye on Zulaya's face.

B'nurrin scratched his jaw. Yes, I guess that's the size of it." We're the first you've asked?" B'nurrin gave a snort. Well, I certainly wouldn't suggest it again to S'nan after the way he's clapped my ears back twice now. I figured you were more likely to than D'miel, though, you know, I think M'shall might come. If the weather's wrong at Fort and High Reaches, Benden's might be the first actual Fall we meet." M'shall might just be amenable at that,' Zulaya said, though he's the last one of the whole lot of you to doubt his abilities.

That's true enough, said B'nurrin, then his enthusiasm got the better of him. But look at it this way, even if old S'nan gets to fight this Pass's first Fall over Fort, we'll have been to one before him, so to speak." The Igen Weyrleader grinned with such boyish delight in the scheme that K'vin had to chuckle.

How long is there between Southern's first and ours?" he asked.

He was astonished to see that Zulaya was already unrolling Telgar Weyr's Thread chart onto the table.

Roughly two weeks,' she said.

So we could have gone and seen and not jeopardized the readiness of our own Weyrs,' B'nurrin said, adding one more argument in favour of his idea.

The first possible Fall over Fort is number seven. Number four is over the Landing Site,' Zulaya went on, tapping her finger on the various Thread corridors. Five's no good, but six starts offshore of the mouth of Paradise River, not far from where we just were.

What about the first three?" B'nurrin asked, craning his neck to see. Oh, not really as good for good coordinates, are they?" Then he looked up in a direct challenge at K'vin. Will you join me?" I'd like to,' K'vin said decisively, pointedly not looking in Zulaya's direction.

I think I would, too, she said, surprising both men. When they regarded her in amazement, Well, queens' wings fly a lot lower into danger than the rest of the Weyr does. Makes it quicker for me to change my pants, but that doesn't mean I want to have to." Then, when they grinned with relief at her, So, does Shanna want to come, too?" Grinning even more broadly, B'nurrin said, Only if you were going." At least one of you at Igen Weyr has some sense,' said Zulaya. Let's just sit on the idea for a few days. Just to be sure.

Who will know, if we don't mention it?" B'nurrin asked, swivelling around to pointedly regard a sleeping Meranath.

Paulin took Jamson with him to Bitra Hold. The older Lord Holder was still furious with his son for voting High Reaches Hold in the impeachment. But he had been unable to fault his son's management during his two-month convalescence. This had indeed restored Jamson to vigorous health, if not tolerance.

The change in Bitra was obvious from the moment Magrith dropped to the courtyard and Vergerin hurried down the steps to greet his guests.

He had been alerted.

S'nan had insisted on being allowed to convey the two Lords Holder. for he had been as stunned by the impeachment as Jamson.

My word!" the Fort Weyrleader said, staring about him.

Magrith was staring too, and Paulin had to suppress a grin since the dragon was looking in one direction, his rider in the other.

The courtyard was neat and the recent snow swept from the paving which showed fresh cement grouting. The road, in either direction, was no longer bordered by straggling bushes and weed trees. The row of cot holds sported fresh roof slates, repaired chimneys and painted metal shutters, all obviously in good working order. Although some of the upper windows were already shuttered tight, the faade was no longer festooned with dead vine branches. Sunlight glinted off solar panels that had been cleaned and repaired.

Piled under a newly built shed were HNO3 tanks, racked for easy usage, with the hoses and nozzles hung properly on pegs. Kalvi had told Paulin that he'd been asked to deliver the Bitran consignment within a week of Vergerin taking Hold. And the following week he had sent his best teachers to instruct in their use and maintenance.

Vergerin wore a good tunic over his trousers, but they were made of stout material and he had obviously been working before his guests arrived. He greeted Paulin affably and responded courteously to the introduction to Jamson, whose response was frosty.

You've done a lot since you took over, Vergerin,' Paulin said, giving the man the encouragement of his public support.

I wouldn't have believed it possible, frankly." Well,' and Vergerin grinned in the most charming way, I found Chalkin's hoard, so I've been able to hire in craftsmen.

Even the nearest holders aren't accustomed to me yet and timid?" Scared, more likely,' said Paulin dryly.

That, too, I'm sure, but I've done what I can to supply them with materials to make their own repairs. The Hold was in an appalling state, you know.

Jamson grunted, but his eyes widened as he saw the quiet order and cleanliness of the first reception room. S'nan made approving noises deep in his throat and even ran a finger across the wide table with its attractive arrangement of winter berries and leaves. A drudge, in livery so new the creases hadn't been lost, was hurrying across the hall with a heavy tray.

My office is quite comfortable,' and Vergerin gestured for them to enter.

Paulin noticed that the heavy wooden door gleamed with oil and the brass door plates were polished to a high gloss.

The interior had been totally replaced, with work-tops, tidy shelving and bookcases. A scale map of Bitra Hold was nailed up on the interior wooden wall; beneath that was the northern continent and, oddly enough, the Steng Valley. Did Vergerin plan to reopen the mines there? A fire burned on the hearth, three upholstered chairs cosily arranged, while a low table evidently awaited the tray. Polished metal vases on the deep window-ledge held arrangements of bright orange berries and evergreen boughs: altogether a different room under Vergerin's management.

There's klah, an excellent broth which I do recommend, and wine, mulled or room temperature,' Vergerin said, gesturing for his three guests to take the comfortable chairs.

You've a new cook as well, Vergerin?" Paulin asked, and pointed to the steaming pitcher when Vergerin grinned. I'll sample the broth, then." Jamson didn't mind if he did, too, but S'nan wanted the klah.

You remember the back staircase, Paulin?" Vergerin asked, taking the broth as well and pulling up a straight chair for himself.

I do. Was that where the marks were hidden'?" Yes, in one of the steps." Vergerin chuckled. Chalkin must have forgotten that I knew about that hidey-hole, too. It's been a life-saver, both to return unnecessary tithings and to buy in supplies. One thing Chalkin did do correctly was keep records. 1 knew exactly how much he had extorted from his people. Jamson cleared his throat testily.

Well, he did, Lord Jamson,' Vergerin said without cavil. They hadn't even enough in stores to get by on this winter, let alone have reserves for Fall. I'm still unloading what we couldn't possibly use from what Chalkin had amassed." Vergerin gave a mirthless laugh.

Chalkin would have weathered all fifty years of the Pass from what he had on hand . . . but none of his people would have lasted the first year. Let alone have the materials to safeguard what they could plant out. Bitra being established after the First Fall, there were no hydroponics sheds although the tanks are stored below. Jamson gave another snort. And the gaming'? Have you curtailed that?" Both here and elsewhere,' Vergerin said, flushing a little.

I haven't so much as touched dice or card since that game with Chalkin.

What about his games men Vergerin's smile was grim. They had the choice of signing new contracts with me - for I will not honour the old ones or leaving. Not many left!" S'nan barked out a cackle of a laugh. Not many would, considering the hazards of being hold less during a Pass. You have done well, Vergerin." He nodded in emphasis.

You've had a second chance, Vergerin,' Jamson said, waggling his finger, so see that you continue to profit by such good fortune." He had finished the broth and now stood. We will go on a quick survey of the holds, if you please.

Of course,' and Vergerin rose hastily, pushing back his chair.

By horse .

No, no." Jamson dismissed that. You've no need to accompany us.

Better if you don't." Now, Jamson,' Paulin began, for it was discourteous of the High Reaches Holder even to suggest Vergerin stay behind.

Certainly, as you wish." Vergerin motioned them to pause at the map and indicated directions. We've managed to complete all the necesssary repairs on the holds adjacent to or not far from the major link roads. Those high up have had to wait on supplies. I can't overdo my welcome at Benden Weyr, though M'shall has been far more obliging than I thought he'd be.

It's to his advantage to oblige,' S'nan said stiffly, at the merest hint of criticism of a Weyrleader.

Jamson had opened the door into the Hall and stopped so short, staring at the opposite wall, that Paulin nearly walked up his heels.

Jamson muttered something under his breath and, pointing at the wall, turned to Vergerin.

Why under the sun are you hanging his portrait there?" he demanded, almost outraged.

Paulin and S'nan peered in the direction indicated.

And Paulin had to laugh.

When did lantine get a chance to Vergerin, who was also broadly grinning.

I got it yesterday,' and he walked across the Hall to stand beneath it. I think the likeness is now excellent.

There was a moment of silence as they all viewed the portrait, now altered to an honest representation of the former Bitran Lord close-set eyes, bad complexion, scanty hair and the mole on his chin.

redo it?" he asked N

S'nan sniffed. Why would you want his face around at all, Vergerin?" One, to remind me to improve my management of Bitra, and two, because it's traditional to display the likenesses of previous Lord Holders." He gestured up the double-sided staircase where hung the portraits of previous incumbents.

Jamson harumphed several times. And Chalkin? How's he doing?" Paulin shrugged and looked to S'nan, for only dragon riders could get to the exile's island.

He was supplied with all he needs. There is no need to exacerbate his expulsion by further contact.

And his children?" Jamson asked, eyes glinting coldly.

Vergerin grinned, ducking his head. I feel they have improved in health, well-being and self-discipline.

They stood in great need of the latter,' Paulin added.

They may surprise you, Lord Paulin,' Vergerin said with a sly smile.

I could bear it.

As the branch is bent, so it will grow,' Jamson intoned piously.

Come this way,' Vergerin said, putting a finger to his lips to indicate silence.

He led them down the corridor, towards what Paulin remembered as one of the gaming rooms. They could hear muted singing: Paulin instantly recognized the melody as one of the College's latest issues.

As they got closer to the source, he heard the words of the Duty Song." Jamson gave another one of his harumphs and sniffed.

Carefully Vergerin opened the door on a mightily altered room.

The students - and there were far more of them than Paulin had expected - were seated with their backs to the door. The teacher - and Paulin was surprised to recognize Issony back at Bitra - gave an additional nod to his head to acknowledge their presence as he continued to beat the tempo of the song.

Children's voices - even those who couldn't carry the tune - are always appealing; perhaps it is the innocence of the tone and the guilelessness in their rendition of the song's dynamics.

Even Jamson smiled, but then the verse they were singing was about the Lord Holder's responsibilities.

Which ones are Chalkin's?" Paulin whispered to Vergerin.

He pointed, and only then could Paulin pick out the children in the front rows: the girls on the one side and the boys on the other.

They were much better clothed than the others but no less attentive to their teacher, and singing lustily: the older girl had the most piercing voice. Somewhat like her mother's, Paulin thought.

Vergerin motioned for them to withdraw, grinning.

Issony's been right that those youngsters needed competition.

The holder kids need no incentives; they want to learn, and Chaldon is determined not to let mere holders get better grades than he. Oh, there's still whinings and pleadings and tantrums, but Issony has my permission to deal with them.

And he does. Most effectively." Nadona?" Paulin asked.

Vergerin raised his eyebrows. She's learning much the same lessons as her children, but she's not as quick a study, as Issony would say. She has her own quarters,' and he inclined his head towards the upper levels. She stays within.

And leaves you to get on with the real work?" Paulin asked in a droll tone.

Exaaly Hmm, yes, well, that's it here, I think,' Paulin said, and then made much of fastening his riding jacket to indicate his willingness to depart on the inspection tour. Do you agree, Jamson?" Jamson harumphed, but the fact that he did not have questions Paulin took as a good sign.

When they left the house, men and women were busy putting on the flame-thrower tanks.

I've scheduled a drill. Have to make up for lost time, you know,' Vergerin said by way of explanation. Jamson and S'nan exchanged such fatuous glances that Paulin did his best not to laugh out loud.

Vergerin caught his eye and winked, then bade a polite farewell to his guests before he returned to the ground crew.

Well, he obviously learned a thing or two, Jamson said in a sanctimonious tone as they went down the steps to the waiting bronze dragon.

Yes, it would seem he has,' S'nan said, and then frowned slightly. Although I cannot like him turning loose Chalkin's games men They'll cause trouble at Gathers, mark my words.

No more than they've always done,' Paulin said, giving Jamson a discreet helping hand up Magrith's tall shoulder.

Probably less without Chalkin exhorting them to squeeze more out of innocent and guileless holders.

No gambling should be allowed for any reason in a Weyr, said S'nan, as portentous as ever.

Paulin mounted silently, hoping that these two would see sufficient in a quick swoop to reassure them about Vergerin's worth and the wisdom of Chalkin's impeachment. The brief visit had satisfied him especially the sight of Chalkin's much improved portrait. He must send a message to lantine at Telgar Weyr; Bridgely had said the artist had returned there as soon as he was finished at Benden Hold and enquired when he and his spouse could hope to have a sitting.

During the rest of the inspection circuit, Paulin addressed the more important problem of subtly reinstating Gallian in his father's favour. Paulin didn't know if it was working, and probably wouldn't until Jamson died and the succession was in question. There were so many instances of visible repairs and clearings that Jamson could certainly see how poor a Holder Chalkin had been. For once, S'nan's critical comments were a positive encomium of Vergerin's effort at taking Hold.

Paulin was well pleased he had taken the trouble to accompany Jamson. He hoped Lady Thea would be able to tell him that Gallian was off the hot seat.

You are not saving the entire world from Threadfall by yourself, P'tero,' said K'vin, glaring up at the young blue rider.

He was nearly beside himself with rage at P'tero's utter disregard of common sense. You are not going to impress M'leng. If this is how you see your role in Threadfall, I think you'll be a long time on messenger duty.

But, but.

Furthermore, and K'vin pointed a finger fiercely under the boy's nose, Maranis tells me that your wounds are not well enough healed for you to be back on duty.

But . . . but . . . and P'tero, eyes wide with fright, recoiled from his Weyrleader's fury, clutching the neck ridge before he over-balanced. The pad which T'sen had given him now slipped, the ties torn loose some time during the exercises.

Blood spotted it.

Get down here,' K'vin roared, pointing to where he wanted P'tero: on the ground. Right now.

P'tero obeyed as promptly as he could, but he was stiff from sitting so long during the day's manoeuvres and from the barely healed flesh of his buttocks.

K'vin caught him by the shoulder and whirled him around.

Not only new blood, but old stains,' he said, his voice trenchant with scorn and fury. You're off duty But . . . but . . . Thread's nearly here!" P'tero cried in anguish, almost in tears with frustration and the fear of being unable to show M'leng just how brave he really was. Not mock-brave, like the lion attack, but brave in the air.

And Thread'll be here for fifty years, young man. That's plenty long enough for it to fear you and Ormonth in the air!

Report to Maranis immediately. You're grounded!" But I have to be in the first Fall wings,' P'tero cried, anguished.

That wasn't the way to get there. Go to Maranis!" K'vin didn't wait to see if P'tero obeyed. He stormed across the Bowl, the temptation to shake sense into the blue rider so intense that he had to put distance between them.

Ormonth tried to keep him from flying today, Charanth informed his rider.

K'vin halted, now glaring up at his bronze dragon who was settling himself on his weyr ledge to get what sun remained.

Then you're as bad as the pair of them! K'vin had the satisfaction of seeing Charanth quail at his fury.

From now on, you are to report to me - instantly - when any rider, or his dragon, is not one hundred per cent fit for duty. Do you understand me?

Charanth's eyes whirled, the yellow of anxiety colouring the blue.

His tone was remorseful.

I will not fail you again.

If they had been in real danger, I would have warned them off, Meranath said, entering the conversation.

1 didn't ask you! K'vin was so irate he didn't really care if he offended Meranath, or her rider. But he was not going to lose riders from foolish and vainglorious actions. There were fifty years of Thread fighting ahead of them, and he was not going to lose partners or risk their injuries due to some cockamamie notion of what comprises courageous actions.

If you think that I would jeopardize a single rider K'vin took the stairs up to the queen's weyr three at a time, trying to work out his rage before he had to confront Zulaya and explain why he thought he could speak to her queen in such a peremptory fashion.

I should be informed of ANY unfit rider or dragon, at any time, anywhere. Meranath and you should know that or, by the first egg, why are you senior queen?

Because I am her rider!" Zulaya came storming out on to the weyr ledge, her eyes sparkling with indignation.

How dare you address my queen?" How dare she withhold information from ME?" Zulaya stared at him, surprised, for K'vin had never reprimanded either her or Meranath, though she had to admit privately that he could have legitimately done so on several occasions she would be embarrassed to admit.

Did you know about P'tero's condition?" he demanded, and she backed into the weyr, away from him. He was rather magnificently furious, eyes blazing, face stern, the epitome of indignation.

Tisha remarked that Maranis wasn't pleased with him assuming duty. The scar tissue is thin - And you said nothing to me?" He's only a blue rider .

EVERY ONE OF MY RIDERS IS IMPORTANT TO ME!" K'vin roared, clenching his fists at his sides because they wanted to grab something to release the pent-up fury in him.

Threadfall is two days away. I need to have a Weyr in full readiness. I need to be sure of everyone I ask to face Thread in two days' time. I don't need secrets or evasions or K'vin,' Zulaya began, reaching out a hand to him, Kev, it's all right. The Weyr is ready perhaps tuned a little too tight, but that's all to the good ALL TO THE GOOD?" and K'vin batted her hand away, when we have unfit riders taking positions they couldn't possibly manage in their condition?" He began pacing now and Zulaya watched him, smiling with relief and pride.

He was going to be a splendid Weyrleader, much better than B'ner would have been.

He halted just short of where she stood - his eyes, brilliant with his anger and frustration, fixed on her face.

What on earth can you find to grin about right now?" he demanded - suspiciously, for there was a quality in her smile that he'd never seen before.

That you're in full control, she said, leaving her smile in place.

Oh, I am, am I?" Then, as she had always hoped he would, he took her in his arms and began kissing her with the full authority of his masculinity and his position as her Weyrleader, without a trace of hesitation or deference. Just what she had always hoped she'd provoke him to do.

K'vin was still very much in complete control even very early the next morning, before dawn in fact, when Meranath told them that B'nurrin and Shanna were waiting for them.

Waiting for what?" K'vin asked, pulling himself reluctantly away from Zulaya to reach for his pants.

It is time to go, Charanth added.

Go where?" asked K'vin in a querulous tone of voice.

Go where?" Zulaya echoed sleepily.

South, they say, Meranath and Charanth echoed.

Suddenly K'vin remembered. Today was the day they would go to see Thread. He said that very, very quietly in the back of his mind where Charanth might not hear it. Both dragons had been asleep when B'nurrin had made his visit.

Which was just as well, or the whole Weyr might have been privy to the notion of a pre-viewing of Thread.

B'nurrin wants us to join him,' K'vin said, giving Zulaya a cautionary look.

She frowned for a moment, then her face cleared abruptly as she said, Oh." With a conspiratorial grin, she was out of the bed, trailing the sheet on her way to her riding gear.

When they passed each other once in the course of dressing, she pulled his head down to her mouth. I could bring my flame-thrower.

Might as well paint your destination on your forehead, he murmured back. We're only going to watch." Yes, watch." Then she asked more loudly, Where do we meet B'nurrin, Meranath?" We know that, too, remember?" K'vin said, grabbing Zulaya and giving her arm a little shake. Then he mouthed Landing.

Yes, how could I forget?" If the dragon and rider on watch on the Rim wondered why the two Weyrleaders were slipping away long before dawn, neither asked and the rider gave a cheery swing of his arm as they passed over him.

lana th says to count to three and then go, Charanth told his rider, still mystified.

Landing is where we're going, K'vin replied, glancing across the space between his dragon and Meranath. Zulaya showed him a thumb's-up signal to signify she had had the same message. Visualizing the arid sweep of desolate volcanic ash from Mount Garben down to Monaco Bay, K'vin nodded his head three times.

GO!

Abruptly Charanth rumbled deep in his belly while his mind said in surprised shock OH!" K'vin felt him shift. Consequently he was perhaps not as surprised as he might have been to realize that the airspace around them, and Meranath and Zulaya, was well occupied. With that extra sense dragons had, the two had averted a collision. In fact, as K'vin swivelled about to check, the only two Weyrleaders he didn't see were S'nan and Sarrai, although they might well have been among those who winked out of sight between so as not to be recognized.

K'vin caught flashes of blue, brown and even one or two green hides in the southern sun before they disappeared. Nor was this meeting composed now only of Weyrleaders and dragons; some thirty or so bronzes and browns were present.

The sight was too much for K'vin's sense of the ridiculous and it was a good thing that he was clipped into his safety harness. He was seized with such a laughing fit that he reeled back and forth against Charanth's neck ridges.

Had every rider on Pern been possessed of the compulsion to come here this morning? Of course, the particular site of Landing was well known to all riders. But for so many to decide independently to come here . . . Probably every one certain he or she'd be the only ones daring enough!

Nor was K'vin the only one laughing hard. Right now he was more in danger of wetting his breeches from mirth - not fright at seeing Thread for the first time. Which reminded him why he was here. Again that realization became universal.

Laughter faded as every dragon and rider irresistibly turned north-eastward.

It was there, too, the much-described silvery-grey haze on the upper levels of the blue sky. Not a dragon wing moved, not a rider recoiled as the silver stuff began to drop on to the sea. THREAD! And so aptly called.

THREAD!

The word seemed to rumble from dragon to dragon and K'vin had to grab hold of the neck ridge as Charanth started to lurch towards what he had known all his life as his adversary.

I have no firestone! How can I flame it? What is wrong?

Why have you brought me here where there is Thread and I have no fire to char it!

It's all righ4 Charanth. We're here to watch. To see.

But it is Thread! I must chew to flame. Why may I not flame when there is THREAD!

Glancing wildly around him, K'vin realized that he was by no means the only rider having the same difficulty with a frustratedly zealous dragon, rapidly trying to close the gap to Threadfall.

I've seen enough, Charanth. Take us back to Telgar.

But THREAD? And the bronze dragon's tone was piteous, confused and horrified.

We leave. Now!

Leave? But we have not met Thread.

Not here or now or in this place, Charanth.

It took K'vin every bit of will-power and moral strength, and Charanth's faith in him, to overcome his bronze's impassioned protest.

Then, all of a sudden, Charanth stopped flying towards Thread.

Oh, all right! The tone was that of a petulant child forced by a senior authority to follow orders totally against the grain.

What?

The queens say we must go to the Red Butte.

Then let us go there. K'vin did not question the order, being far too glad that one was given which the dragon would obey.

The Butte was a training landmark in lower Keroon, a laccolithic dome so difficult to mistake that it figured in all weyrling training programmes. And there the would-be observers managed to get their dragons to land. Even the queens eyes were revolving at a stiff red-orange pace, but some of the bronzes were so distraught with anger that their eyes pulsed wickedly, revolving at incredible speed.

K'vin was almost relieved to swing down from Charanth's neck. But he, and the other Weyrleaders, all kept one hand on their dragons, leg, shoulder or muzzle: some contact was maintained. In a wide outer circle were the brown and bronze riders who had also been rescued': they remained mounted, soothing their dragons, allowing their leaders the centre for discussion.

It was M'shall who spoke first. Well, that was one good idea gone awry,' he said in a droll tone. Great minds, all of us!" Except for forgetting one simple rule, Irene added, pulling off her flying cap. Her face was still pale from the fright she must have had.

K'vin glanced at Zulaya who was wiping sweat from her face, so he knew none of the queen riders had had an easy time to get their queens to insist on the disengagement.

Dragons know what they're supposed to do when Thread falls,' M'shall said, nodding. And then he started to laugh.

K'vin grinned and, when he heard G'don's bass chuckle, saw no reason to hold his laughter in any longer. B'nurrin was howling so that he had to clutch at K'vin to keep his balance. Even D'miel looked properly abashed, and Laura's giggle was infectious enough to increase the volume. Beyond the inner circle, the rest of the riders caught the joke on themselves and joined in the laugh. It was a good release from the fright that they had all just had.

Did anyone happen to notice a Fort rider disappearing in guilty retreat?" M'shall asked when the laughter died down.

He'd been checking the identity of those on the rim of this informal assembly.

They'd be the last to admit coming,' said Irene.

I doubt that, Renee,' G'don said. S'nan runs a strict Weyr, it's true, but I'll wager there're a few renegades among his wing leaders I know there are,' Mari agreed, blotting her eyes which were still merry from laughter. It's just such a hoot that we all..." and she ringed them with a swirl of her hand, thought to come and have a peek.

It's not going to inhibit any of the dragons, is it?" Laura asked, turning pale at the sudden thought. Turning them off like that?" D'miel wasn't the only Weyrleader to dismiss that notion derisively. Hardly! It's increased rider-credibility a hundredfold.

They now know without doubt that what we've been telling them since they were Hatched is true!" Oh, yes, it would, wouldn't it?" she said, relieved.

I myself wouid like to thank the queen riders for exerting their powerful influence on our bronzes,' G'don said with a formal hand over his heart as he bowed to the five queen riders.

The advantage of having three very senior queens,' said Zulaya, and two very strong-minded young women.

Laura blushed while Shanna stood even straighter.

All right then,' M'shall began, having taken note that most of the male dragons' eyes were resuming normal colour and speed. He took a step towards the centre of the sandy circle and cupped his hands, turning as he spoke. All right, then, every one of you. This is a meeting that never happened and isn't to be referred to in any Weyr for any reason. Do you understand me?" The tesponse was loud and clear.

He nodded and stepped back towards Craigath. We'll meet . . . he said now to the other leaders, where Thread first.. . officially falls North.

We've sweep riders out all the time,' G'don reminded them.

And we're all very sure that S'nan has, too,' B'nurrin put in, grinning.

So we'll know when and where to meet again Wait a moment more, G'don,' K'vin said. Why don't we rotate the wings that meet that first Fall, wherever it is'?" A little cheer from the outer circle gave instant approval to that suggestion. That'll give even more riders a chance for at least a little experience before the individual Weyrs have to meet Thread on their own.

G'don paused at Chakath's side, looking around to check the reaction to that idea. In hourly intervals?" he asked.

Make it two hours to allow wings to get properly into the routine,' M'shall amended.

It's not that we're green riders or anything,' B'nurrin put in as protest.

Two hours makes more sense than swapping around every hour . .

. D'miel said thoughtfully.

I'd agree on two,' said G'don. We'll bring the matter up to S'nan; he deserves that much from us. I'll initiate the idea,' and he grinned again, since S'nan would listen to him as the oldest Weyrleader where he would summarily dismiss a younger man. I'll let you know when we'll meet to make the changes we've already agreed to." Red dust swirled up in a cloud around the Butte as all the dragons leaped almost simultaneously from the ground.

Threadfall

Bitter cold weather and winds swept down from the icy poles of Pern on the day that S'nan set up a meeting with the other five Weyrleaders to discuss the rotation of wings which G'don had suggested to him. Freezing weather was likely to do Fort Weyr out of its chance to be the first Weyr to meet Thread in this Fall.

That S'nan keenly felt deprived was obvious. Throughout the meeting he paced the floor, pausing to peer out of the slanting corridor to the sleet falling heavily into Fort Bowl.

He had only half his mind on the discussion. B'nurrin was all but laughing, only the kicks he received under the table from K'vin keeping him from bursting out. Not that K'vin could blame the Igen Weyrleader, for the meeting was a charade: each of them giving soberly presented reasons for the two hourly rotation while S'nan said little more than monosyllables. He kept his expression blank; it was Sarrai's petulant expression that was honest.

She's been dying to get all of us under her wing,' Zulaya whispered to K'vin when the Fort Weyrwoman's face was turned towards her anxiously pacing mate.

Don't think she will, love,' K'vin said, the endearment coming easily to his lips now. He sighed. You know,' and he moved his lips close to her ear. I'm almost sorry for the old man.

Zulaya gave a little snort. I'm not!" Then she altered her expression to one of earnest attention as Sarrai looked over at them for whispering.

Thread came down as black dust, sifted in with snow or sleet.

Fort sweep riders brought buckets of it for S'nan to see and mournfully wave off. High Reaches were even more diligent in their efforts to locate live, dangerous Thread.

Some riders even suffered frostbite, so earnestly did they watch for the reappearance of the old enemy, although one long piece of frozen Thread was brought for G'don to examine. The stench of it as it melted was enough to dispose of it completely.

By the time of Benden's First Fall - by the numbers, Ten - the weather pattern had shifted sufficiently on the east coast to a warmer front so that a good deal of that projected Fall would be considered live' and dangerous. The call went out to all the Weyrs of Pern.

K'vin and Telgar Weyr's two full wings of dragon riders reassembled in the upper right quadrant of air above Benden Weyr, not a rider out of alignment. Below him the Weyr was ablaze with lights in this dark pre-dawn time, lighting the bellies of the dragons in their ranks. He wasn't sure if the Telgar contingent got there before the units of the other Weyrs, but they were certainly all present and accounted for at the designated hour and in the assigned positions. Everyone would have preferred a daylight defence, but Thread didn't need to see to Fall.

And according to Sean's reports of early morning or late evening Falls, the silvery stuff would be luminous enough for the practical purpose of flaming it out of the sky.

This First Fall of the Second Pass would start across the high mountains, still deep with winter snows, and would thus fall harmlessly. Much would probably fall as black dust in the still frigid temperatures of that area though quite likely, on other occasions, Fall would merely be observed until it moved inexorably down to habitable lands. Today was the exception.

The final decision by the Weyrleaders had been unanimous - when M'shall had made S'nan put it to a vote - to ride the entire Fall over the ranges, harmless or not, to see it for themselves'. Everyone was too keyed-up over the first three dud' Falls to wait any longer to go into action. Of course, some of the peaks jutted at altitudes where oxygen had thinned to an un sustainable level even for dragons. But it could be seen in actual descent and the general aspect of this Fall judged.

The wings would be rotated after two hours, giving as many as possible a chance at the real thing'. K'vin briefly thought of P'tero's vain attempt to be included in the fighting force Telgar would launch. Maybe he should have put the blue rider in, sore ass and all, to prove that there was a lot more to fighting Thread than having the guts to do it. But to include P'tero would have been to exclude a perfectly healthy and less erratic rider. K'vin had not selected M'leng of the green riders chosen for the First Fall. That would ease any discord between the pair: that one had gone and the other had not.

Basically, they were good weyrmates having a reasonably stable relationship ever since P'tero, who was the younger, had Impressed Ormonth.

Movement and a shift in air pressure caught K'vin's attention and he looked down at Benden's Rim.

Craigath warns us, Charanth told his rider. Three, two, one...

GO!

The command came from many minds and many throats in the dark above Benden Weyr. The blackness of between was more intense but scarcely less cold than the atmosphere above the peaks where the wings re-entered real space. K'vin was glad of the wool fabric across his mouth and nose, though it did not altogether warm the thin air he inhaled. Below, the snowy mountains gave off a curious light of their own. Belior was setting in the west and K'vin looked around, to the east, and saw the baleful orb of the Red Planet, vivid amongst the stars.

Spits of fire blossomed in the darkness all around as eager dragons belched. Too full a belly of firestone, K'vin thought with professional detachment, but he could hardly fault rider or dragon for over-priming.

For two centuries they had waited for this moment: centuries of training and lives lived so that dragons - and riders - would be here, right now, waiting to defend Pern.

Yet this was a first, too. For Pern had had no dragons the first time Thread had fallen. And the planet had been so close to total disaster before the first eighteen dragons had emerged from between above Fort Hold to flame the parasite from the skies and give hope to the beleaguered defenders. K'vin had always been struck by the courage - he should make P'tero read those entries - of the despairing Admiral Paul Benden in his diary written just prior to that magnificent triumph.

Even in his most recent reading of that journal, his throat closed over as he read the words: And then that young rogue had the temerity to salute and say, "Admiral Ben den, may I present the Dragonriders of Pern?"

More spurts of fiery breath and every dragon head turned slightly northward.

It comes! Charanth said, rumbling deep in his chest, a vibration that K'vin felt through his legs. He was aware then that the only warm part of him was what was pressing against his dragon's neck. His nose had no feeling of the fabric across it. Maybe they should drop down a thousand feet or so .

and K'vin looked towards the central block of the massed wings, where M'shall and Craigath waited. It was the Benden Weyrleader's call, not his.

Then he saw it - or rather the mass of something lustrous against the black of night, like a banner spread from some distant source in the sky, a banner that rippled and spun. The pace of his heartbeat picked up. He felt an odd coldness in his guts, but it could simply be because it was very, very cold at this altitude.

Charanth's rumble increased and a little spit of flame spilled from his mouth.

Steady, lad!

I'm not moving! It is! And I can flame this time!

K'vin could not reproach Charanth for that snide reminder.

And, oddly enough, he also felt no fear as he regarded the advance. There was this sense of inevitability, that he would be here, at this moment in time, to observe this phenomenon, to be part of this defence.

Closer and closer the waves of Thread came as the massed wings watched. The leading edge was now falling visibly on the mountainsides. In this cold air not even the steam of its dissolution was visible.

Thread was falling in a steady stream, freezing dead in the snow.

A steady stream, no tangles, no bare spots.

Craigath says we regmup at the second meeting point.

Agreed.

Oddly enough, K'vin did not like even to regroup, though there was nothing Thread could have done to harm the snowy mountainsides and it was foolish to waste time and flame here.

But it felt like retreat.

Charanth had broadcast the order and took them between.

The air was noticeably warmer at the altitude of the new position.

He rubbed at his nose and cheeks to bring blood to the surface. Even his fingertips felt numb from the cold.

False dawn began in the east, the Red Star paling slightly in the greying skies. And Thread suddenly looked more ominous. More dragons spewed flame and he told Charanth to warn them to conserve their breath.

Suddenly the wait was chafing. They had waited so long, hadn't they? Two hundred years! When would they begin?

But Thread fell on snow, and K'vin was close enough to Leading Edge now to see the holes it made in the whiteness.

NOW! Craigath's command reached K'vin's mind in the same moment that Charanth roared, full flame erupting from his mouth, as he beat his wings to power his forward surge.

K'vin clutched at the flight strap, felt frantically for the rope that tethered the firestone sacks to the neck ridge in front of him, and clamped his knees as tight as he could to his bronze!

His right arm raised and pointed forward, as if any rider had missed Craigath's command or the roars that emerged from dragon th oats across the sky.

They were flying in ranks, Telgar being the second and slightly behind the uppermost wings which were from High Reaches. There was sufficient air between the two layers of dragons so that flame from one level would not interfere with another; and a corridor for manoeuvre as well. Every Weyr had drilled its wings for this strategy until it was instinctive to stay within the plane assigned them.

The moment when Charanth's breath sizzled up descending Thread was a transcendental experience for both partners.

Cha-anth sustained his flame magnificently, crossing this cordon, and then they were out, beyond Thread's fall and turning. K'vin spared a glance at the rest of his wings and saw them pivoting simultaneously, all those long, long hours and years of practice resulting in a perfect manoeuvre. His heart was like to burst in his chest with pride. Below and above him, other wings were turning, all now flaming to catch the next band of falling Thread. And the next. And the next.

Meranath and the others are here, Charanth announced, dropping his head to peer far below.

They are? Tirn. K'vin looked below and saw the unmistakable arrow of golden bodies in their low-level position, the flame-throwers which the queen riders used spouting here and there as they disintegrated stray strands escaping the higher ranks.

Does Meranath fly well?

Meranath flies very well, Charanth said proudly.

Tell the wings it is time to execute the first change-over, K'vin said. He swivelled his body around to watch that manoeuvre, holding his right arm up high, sweeping his eyes across Telgar's wings. He dropped his arm and counted nine or ten dragons still flaming. Then they, too, went off. He counted to five and suddenly full wings flew behind him. He raised his arm high in recognition of their arrival, which was all he had time for because the wall of Thread advanced to flaming distance and Charanth was ready with his fire. So far he could find no fault with the performance of Telgar's wings.

It seemed no time after that when he realized his sacks of firestone were empty, and he had Charanth call for more. It surprised K'vin to notice that they had flown from night into day, for the sun slanted right into the eyes as they flew east again. There was good reason to use tinted glass in the goggles.

Z'gal and blue Tracath made the drop, swooping in neatly just above his head and depositing the new sacks across Charanth's neck.

K'vin pulled the release knot of the empty sacks and saw Tracath swivel and dive beneath Charanth, Z'gal deftly catching the limp ones and disappearing instantly between.

Tell Tracath that was well done, K'vin said.

They were over the northern-most edge of Benden now, above pasture lands, forests and small farming holds. The need for accuracy and complete destruction of Thread was more crucial now. The queens' wing was more visible, gold against the dark green or brown of fields not yet verdant with spring growth.

Sacks had to be replenished again. He called in the second change-over of wings, only then realizing that he was beginning to tire.

Are you all right, Charanth?

I flame well. My wings beat strongly. We are together. There is no problem.

The calm, strong tone of his bronze was like a tonic. Yes, they were together, doing what they had been bred and maintained to do.

Meranath says we are over Bitra Hold now. They were turning west again, back for another run. K'vin did notice that there seemed to be less Thread falling now, even gaps between the sheets of it. This Fall is nearly over?

K'vin wasn't sure if Charanth was pleased, surprised or disappointed. He, for one, was enormously relieved! He had survived the ultimate test of the Weyrleader.

They did one more pass eastward and then there was no more Thread visible above. A cheer echoed from rider to rider, and all those within K'vin's range pumped both arms in jubilation.

We should land at Bitra Hold, in case we are needed for burrows that might have escaped us, K'vin told Charanth. Tell the wings well-done, and all but J'dar's may return. He will wait with us for the all-clear. It is M'shall's pThasure to tell us that! Any casualties?

That was the traditional Weyrleader's query, though reports would also be made to him during the Fall so that he could assess what replacements might be needed.

Today only some minor burns from char. Nothing bad enough that anyone cared to report to you.

K'vin wasn't that pleased that news had been withheld, but he could understand the reluctance of any rider in today's Fall retiring for a mere char burn. Now he noticed that he had quite a few black spots on his own riding leathers, but nothing had penetrated through to his flesh. Would that every Fall would be so trouble-free! And the next one which Telgar flew would show up the foolhardy. He'd have to give the entire Weyr a hard bollocking to prevent the cocksure from disaster.

Today the queens' wing would join the wing leaders at Bitra Hold, though traditionally they stayed aloft to assist ground crews.

Zulaya sought K'vin immediately she was on the ground and embraced him, seeking his mouth to kiss him with enthusiasm.

We did it! We did it!" This time,' K'vin said, hugging her tightly to him. He could almost have thanked P'tero for getting him so angry. It had done the world of good for his relations with Zulaya.

The way she looked at him now, the way she had to touch him . .

well, they were truly weyrmates.

M'shall was moving among the riders, slapping one on the

shoulder, thanking each Weyrleader for participating in this almost scathe less Fall, a wide smile plastered on his face.

I'd say that this was a normal Fall,' S'nan was saying rather portentiously.

How can we possibly tell?" G'don asked.

The records, man, the records,' said S'nan, glaring. It's exactly as Sean described Fall #325, in his records of 11 AL.

Exactly.

Oh, Fall #325?" asked B'nurrin, his eyes dancing. Myself, I felt it was more like #499 in 12 AL." B'nurrin?" M'shall's raised eyebrows suggested that the irrepressible young Igen Weyrleader should stop baiting S'nan.

We got off much too easily,' said D'miel of Ista, shaking his head. I mean, we were all on a high. I for one was expecting far worse Isn't it nice to be disappointed?" K'vin said, but he agreed with D'miel. Everything had gone too well.

Nonsense,' said G'don. We were all flying our best riders.

We've been keyed up for weeks, and nervous. And I don't mind admitting I was,' he added, glancing around him, but he winked at K'vin and B'nurrin. Others nodded agreement. So we were very cautious.

It's when we're so accustomed to the menace that we're liable to be careless, to take unnecessary risks, to stop watching out of the backs of our heads.

A murmur of agreement and nods greeted that observation.

We must never relax our guard during Fall,' S'nan declared, again sententious. Never!" We'll have to be doubly cautious during the second Fall over south Benden and Keroon,' Zulaya said softly to K'vin.

Well, I for one was pleased with the way the wings performed.

Not much got through,' he repeated. Between the upper flights and the queens' wing, only four incidents of burrow, and those were handled with great dispatch. Thanks to Vergerin .

The Bitra Lord Holder was directing the distribution of Hegmon's sparkling wine to those crowding in his courtyard.

Only think what might have happened if Chalkin was still here!' Irene said, raising her glass towards Vergerin.

Who wants to think what might have happened?" Laura of Ista Weyr demanded, laughing with exaggerated relief.

For one thing, we wouldn't have this champagne,' Irene replied.

That's for damned sure!" How'd you get the sparkly out of Hegmon, Vergerin?" G'don wanted to know, cradling his glass lovingly.

We're old friends, you might say,' Vergerin replied with a droll grin.

Did any wing report injuries?" asked M'shall, his expression turning sober.

Nothing above char burns in mine,' K'vin said. And that was what the other wing leaders reported one afler another.

Well, we're fragging lucky if that's all. Though I shudder to think how careless the average rider can get,' M'shall said.

We'll have to keep them on their toes.

And on their dragons,' his weyrmate added.

Look at it this way,' said B'nurrin, grinning from ear to ear, We've only five thousand eight hundred and fourteen more Falls to attend, give or take a few, before it's all over for another two hundred years!" There was a moment of dumbfounded silence as that fact was absorbed and then B'nurrin ducked away before the wrath of his peers could descend on him.

But Fall has begun,' K'vin said softly to Zulaya, standing proudly beside him, and we have met the enemy again." What a time to be alive And riding a dragon!" And thus began the Second Pass of Thread on Pern!