Dragonsinger - Энн Маккефри

DragonsingerAnne McCaffrey

The Cast:

At the Harper Craft Hall

RobintonMasterharper; bronze fire lizard, Zair

Masters:

JerintInstrument maker

DomickComposition

MorshalMusical Theory

ShonagarVoice

ArnorArchivist

OldiveHealer

Journeymen:

Sebell; gold fire lizard, Kimi

Brudegan

Talmor

Dermently

Apprentices:

Piemur

Ranly

Timiny

Brolly

Bonz

Menolly; 9 fire lizards:

Gold: Beauty

Bronze: Rocky, Diver

Brown: Lazybones, Mimic, Brownie

Blue: Uncle

Green: Auntie One, Auntie Two

Students:

Amania

Audiva

Pona

Briala

Silvinaheadwoman

Abunakitchen worker

Camohalf-witted kitchen drudge

Duncacotholder of girls cottage

At Fort Hold

Lord Holder Groghe; gold fire lizard, Merga

Benisson of Groghe

Viderianfosterling

Ligand-journeyman tanner

Palimbaker

Tledondragonrider

At Half-Circle Sea Hold

YanusSea Holder

MaviSea Molders Lady

Alemison of Yanus

Petironold Harper

Elgionnew Harper

At Benden Weyr

FlarWeyrleader

LessaWeyrwoman

Tgellanbronze dragonrider

Fnorbrown dragonrider; gold fire lizard Grall

Brekkequeenrider; bronze fire lizard Berd

ManoraHeadwoman

Felenasecond in charge

Mirrimfosterling of Brekke; 3 fire lizards

Chapter 1

The little queen all golden

Flew hissing at the sea.

To stop each wave

Her clutch to save

She ventured bravely.

As she attacked the sea in rage

A holderman came nigh

Along the sand

Fishnet in hand

And saw the queen midsky.

He stared at her in wonder

For often hed been told

That such as she

Could never be

Who hovered there, bright gold.

He saw her plight and quickly

He looked up the cliff he faced

And saw a cave

Above the wave

In which her eggs he placed.

The little queen all golden

Upon his shoulder stood

Her eyes all blue

Glowed of her true

Undying gratitude.

When Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, arrived at the Harper Craft Hall, she came in style, aboard a bronze dragon. She was seated on Monarths neck between his rider, Tgellan, and the Masterharper of Pern, Robinton. For one who had been told that girls could not become harpers, who had run away and actually lived holdless because she could not continue life without music, this was something of a triumphal success.

Yet it was also frightening. To be sure, music would not be denied her at the Harper Hall. True, she had written some songs that the Masterharper had heard and liked. But they were just tunings, not anything important. And what could a girl, even one who had taught her Holds youngsters their Teaching Songs and Ballads, do at a Harper Hall from which all teaching songs originated? Especially a girl who had inadvertently Impressed nine fire lizards when everyone else on Pern would give a left arm to own just one? What had Master Robinton in mind for her to do here in the Harper Hall?

She couldnt think, she was so tired. Shed had a busy, exciting day at Benden Weyr on the opposite side of the continent where night now was well advanced. Here in Fort Hold, the sky was just darkening.

Just a few minutes more, said Robinton in her ear. She heard him laugh because just then bronze Monarth trumpeted a greeting to the Fort Hold watch dragon. Hang on, Menolly. I know you must be exhausted. Ill put you in Silvinas care the moment we land. See, there, and she followed the line of his pointing finger and saw the lighted quadrangle of buildings at the foot of the Fort Hold cliff. Thats the Harper Hall.

She shivered then, with fatigue, the cold of their passage between and apprehension. Monarth was circling now, and figures were pouring out of the Harper Hall into the courtyard, waving wildly to cheer the Masterharpers return. Somehow, Menolly hadnt expected that thered be so many people in the Harper Craft Hall.

They kept well back, though their shouts of welcome didnt abate, while the big bronze dragon settled in the courtyard, giving him plenty of wingroom.

Ive got two fire lizard eggs! shouted Master Robinton. Hugging the earthen pots tightly against his body, he slid from bronze Monarths shoulder with the ease of considerable practice in dismounting dragons. Two fire lizard eggs! he repeated joyfully, holding the precious egg pots above his head and striding quickly to show off his prizes.

My fire lizards! Anxiously Menolly glanced up and about her. Did they follow us, Tgellan? Theyre not lost between.

No chance of that, Menolly, Tgellan replied, pointing to the slated roof behind them. I asked Monarth to tell them to perch there for the time being.

With infinite relief, Menolly saw the unmistakable outlines of her fire lizards on the rooftop against the darkening sky.

If only they dont misbehave as they did at Benden

They wont, Tgellan assured her easily. Youll see to that. Youve done more with your fair of fire lizards than Fnor has with his one little queen. And Fnors a trained dragonrider. He swung his right leg over Monarths neckridge and dropped to the ground raising his arms to her. Bring your leg over. Ill steady you so you wont jar those sore feet of yours, and his hands braced her as she slid down Monarths shoulder. Thats the girl, and here you are, safe and sound in the Harper Hall. He gestured broadly as if only he could have accomplished this mission.

Menolly looked across the courtyard, where the Masterharpers tall figure and presence dominated those surrounding him. Was Silvina one of them? Wearily Menolly hoped that the Harper would find her quickly. The girl could put no reliance on Tgellans glib assumption that her fire lizards would behave. Theyd only just got used to being at Benden Weyr, among people who had some experience with winged antics.

Dont worry so, Menolly. Just remember, said Tgellan, gripping her shoulder in awkward every harper on Pern has been trying to find Petirons lost apprentice

Because they thought that apprentice was a boy

That made no difference to Master Robinton when he asked you to come here. Times are changing, Menolly, and itll make no difference to the others. Youll see. In a sevenday youll have forgotten youve ever lived anywhere else. The bronze dragonrider chuckled. Great shells, girl, youve lived holdless, outrun Thread, and Impressed nine fire lizards. Whats to fear from harpers?

Where is Silvina? The Masterharpers voice rose above the others. There was a momentary lull and someone was sent to the Hall to find the woman. And no more answers now; Youve the bones of the news, Ill flesh it out for you later, Now, dont drop these egg pots, Sebell. Right now, Ive more good news! Ive found Petirons lost apprentice!

Amid exclamations of surprise, Robinton broke free of the crowd and beckoned Tgellan to bring Menolly forward. For a brief second, Menolly fought the urge to turn and run, impossible as it was with her feet barely healed from trying to outrun Thread and with Tgellans arm about her. His fingers squeezed on her shoulder as if he sensed her nervousness.

Theres nothing for you to fear from harpers, he repeated in her ear as he escorted her across the court. Robinton met them halfway, beaming with pleasure as he took her right hand. He flung up his other arm to command silence.

This is Menolly, daughter of Yanus Sea Holder, late of Half-Circle Sea Hold, and Petirons lost apprentice!

Whatever response the harpers made was covered by an explosion of fire lizard cries from the rooftop. Fearful that the fair might wing down on the harpers, Menolly turned, saw that their wings were indeed spread and sternly commanded them to stay where they were. Then she had no excuse for not confronting the sea of faces: some smiling, some with mouths ajar in surprise at her fire lizards, but too many, many people.

Yes, and those fire lizards are Menollys, Robinton went on, his voice easily projecting above the murmurs. Just as that lovely song about the fire lizard queen is Menollys. Only it wasnt a man who saved the clutch from the sea, it was Menolly. And when no one would let her play or sing in Half-Circle Sea Hold after Petiron died, she ran away to the fire lizard queens cave and Impressed nine of the eggs before she realized what she was doing. Furthermore, and he raised his volume above the ragged cheers of approval, furthermore, she found another clutch, which provided me with two eggs!

The second cheer was more wholehearted, reverberating in the courtyard and answered by shrill whistles from the fire lizards. Under cover of good-natured laughter at that response, Tgellan muttered, I told you so in her ear.

And where is Silvina? asked the Harper again, a note of impatience audible.

Here I am and you ought to be ashamed of yourself, Robinton, said a woman, pushing through the ring of harpers. Menolly had an impression of very white skin and large expressive eyes set in a broad-cheeked face framed by dark hair. Then strong but gentle hands took her from Robintons grasp. Subjecting the child to such an ordeal. No, no, you lot calm down. All this noise. And those poor creatures up there too scared out of their wits to come down. Havent you any sense, Robinton? Away! The lot of you. Into the Hall. Carry on all night if youve the energy but Im putting this child to bed. Tgellan, if youd help me

As she upbraided everyone impartially, the woman was also making her way, with Menolly and Tgellan, through the crowd which parted respectfully but humorously, before her.

Its too late to put her with the other girls at Duncas, said Silvina to Tgellan. Well just bed her in one of the guest rooms for the night.

Unable to see clearly in the shadows of the Hall, Menolly barked her toes on the stone steps, cried out involuntarily at the pain and grabbed at the supporting hands.

What happened, child? asked Silvina, her voice kind and anxious.

My toesmy feet! Menolly choked back tears that the unexpected pain had brought to her eyes. Silvina mustnt think her a coward.

Here! Ill carry her, said Tgellan and swung Menolly up into his arms before she could protest. Just lead the way, Silvina.

That dratted Robinton, Silvina said, he can go on all day and night without sleep but forgets that others

No, its not his fault. Hes done so much for me Menolly began.

Ha! Hes deeply in your debt, Menolly, said the dragonrider with a cryptic laugh. Youll have to have your healer see to her feet, Silvina, Tgellan continued as he carried Menolly up the broad flight of stairs that led from the main entrance of the Hall. Thats how we found her. She was trying to outrun the leading edge of Threadfall.

She was? Silvina stared over her shoulder at Menolly, her green eyes wide with respectful astonishment.

She nearly did, too. Ran her feet raw. One of my wingmen saw her and brought her back to Benden Weyr.

In this room, Tgellan. The beds on the left-hand side, Ill just open the glow baskets

I see it, and Tgellan deposited her gently in the bed. Ill get the shutters, Silvina, and let those fire lizards of hers in here before they do get into trouble.

Menolly had let herself sink into the thick mattress of sweet rushes. Now she loosened the thong holding the small bundle of belongings to her back but she hadnt the energy to reach for the sleeping fur folded at the foot of the bedstead. As soon as Tgellan had the second shutter open, she called her friends in.

Ive heard so much about the fire lizards, Silvina was saying, and had only the glimpse of Lord Groghes little queen that Gracious goodness!

At Silvinas startled remark, Menolly struggled out of the thick mattress to see the fire lizards dipping and wheeling about the woman.

How many did you say you have, Menolly?

There are only nine, replied Tgellan, laughing at Silvinas confusion. She was twisting about, trying to get a good look at one or another of the gyrating creatures.

Menolly told them to settle down quickly and behave. Rocky and Diver landed on the table near the wall while the more daring Beauty took up her accustomed perch on Menollys shoulder. The others came to rest on the window ledges, their jeweled eyes whirling with the orange of uncertainty and suspicion.

Why, theyre the loveliest creatures Ive ever seen, said Silvina, peering intently at the two bronzes on the table. Rocky chirped back, recognizing that remarks were being made about him. He flipped his wings neatly to his back and cocked his head at Silvina. And a good evening to you, young bronze fire lizard.

That bold fellow is Rocky, said Tgellan, if I remember correctly, and the other bronze is Diver. Right, Menolly? She nodded, relieved in her weariness that Tgellan was ready to speak for her. The greens are Aunties One and Two, and the pair began to chatter so like old women that Silvina laughed. The little blue is Uncle but I havent got the three browns sorted out and now he turned inquiringly to Menolly.

Theyre Lazybones, Mimic and Brownie, Menolly said pointing at each in turn, and thisis Beauty, Silvina, Menolly spoke the womans name shyly because she didnt know her title or rank in the Harper Hall.

And a Beauty she is, too. Just like a miniature queen dragon. And just as proud, I see. Then Silvina gave Menolly a hopeful look. By any chance, will one of Robintons eggs hatch a queen?

I hope so, I really do, said Menolly fervently. But its not easy with fire lizard eggs to tell which is the queen.

Im sure hell be just as thrilled no matter what the color. And speaking of queens, Tgellan, and Silvina turned to the dragonrider, do please tell me, did Brekke re-Impress the new queen dragon at your Hatching today? Weve been so worried about her here, since her queen was killed.

No, Brekke didnt re-Impress, and Tgellan smiled quickly to reassure Silvina. Her fire lizard wouldnt let her.

No?

Yes, You should have seen it, Silvina. That little bronze midget flew at the queen dragon, scolding like a wherry hen. Wouldnt let Brekke near the new queen. But she snapped out of that depression, and shell be all right now, Fnor says. And it was little Berd who pulled the trick.

Well, that really is interesting. Silvina regarded the two bronzes with thoughtful respect. So theyve a full set of wits

They seem to, Tgellan went on. Fnor uses his little queen, Grall, to send messages to the other Dragon Weyrs. Of course, and Tgellan chuckled disparagingly, she doesnt always return as promptly as she goesMenollys trained hers better. Youll see. The dragonrider had been edging toward the door and now gave a huge yawn. Sorry

Im the one who should apologize, replied Silvina, indulging my curiosity when you two are all but asleep. Get along with you now, Tgellan, and my thanks for your help with Menolly.

Good luck, now, Menolly. I know youll sleep well, said Tgellan with a jaunty wink of farewell. He was out of the door, his boot heels clicking on the stone floor before she could thank him.

Now, lets just have a quick look at these feet you ran ragged Silvina gently tugged off Menollys slippers. Hmmm. Theyre all but healed, Manoras clever with her nursing, but well have Master Oldive look at you tomorrow. Now, whats this?

My things, I dont have much

Here, you two watch that and keep out of mischief, Silvina said, putting the bundle on the table between Rocky and Diver. Now, slip off your skirt, Menolly, and settle down. A good long sleep, thats what you need. Your eyes are burned holes in your head.

Im all right, really.

To be sure you are, now youre here. Living in a cave, did Tgellan say? With every harper on Pern looking for you in holds and crafthalls. Silvina deftly tugged at skirt tapes. Just like old Petiron to forget to mention you being a girl!

I dont think he forgot, Menolly said slowly, thinking of her father and mother and their opposition to her playing. He told me girls cant be harpers.

Silvina gave her a long hard look. Maybe under another Masterharper. Or in the old days, but surely old Petiron knew his own son well enough to

Petiron was Master Robintons father?

Did he never tell you that? Silvina paused as she was spreading the sleeping fur over Menolly. The old stubborn fool! Determined not to advance himself because his son was elected Masterharperand then picking a place halfway to nowhereI beg your pardon, Menolly

Half-Circle Sea Hold is halfway to nowhere.

Not if Petiron found you there, said Silvina, recovering her brisk tone, and sponsored you to this Craft. Now thats enough talking, she added, closing the glow basket. Ill leave the shutters openbut you sleep yourself out, you hear me?

Menolly mumbled a reply, her eyelids closing despite her effort to remain politely awake while Silvina was in the room. She let out a soft sigh as the door banged softly shut. Beauty immediately curled up by Menollys ear, and the girl felt other small hard bodies making themselves comfortable against her. She composed herself for sleep, aware now of the dull throbbing of her feet and the aching of her banged toes.

She was warm, she was comfortable; she was so tired. The bag that enclosed the thick rushes was stout enough to keep stray edges from digging into her flesh, but she couldnt sleep. She also couldnt move because, while her mind turned over all the days incredible events, her body wasnt hers to command but in some nether region of unresponsiveness.

She was conscious of the spicy odor of Beauty, of the dry sweet scent of the rushes, the earthy smell of wet fields borne in by the night wind, accented occasionally by the touch of acrid blackstone smoke. Spring was not advanced enough to dispense with evening fires.

Strange not to have the smell of sea in her nostrils, Menolly thought, for sea and fish odors had dominated all but the last sevenday of her fifteen Turns. How pleasant to realize that she had done with the sea, and fish, forever. Shed never have to gut another packtail in her life, or risk another infected cut. She couldnt use her injured hand as much as she wanted to yet, but she would. Nothing was impossible, not if she could get to the Harper Hall in spite of all the odds against it. And shed play gitar again and harp. Manora had assured her shed use the fingers properly in time. And her feet were healing. It amused Menolly, now, to think that shed had the temerity to try to outrun the leading edge of Threadfall. Running had done more than save her skin from Threadscoring: it had brought her to Benden Weyr, to the attention of the Masterharper of Pern and to the start of a completely new life.

And her dear old friend, Petiron, had been Master Robintons father? Shed known the old Harper had been a good musician, but it had never occurred to her before to wonder why he had been sent to Half-Circle Sea Hold where only she had profited from his ability as a teacher. If only her father, Yanus, had let her play gitar when the new Harper first arrivedbut theyd been so afraid that shed disgrace the Sea Hold. Well, she hadnt, and she wouldnt! One day her father, and yes, her mother, too, would realize that Menolly was no disgrace to the Hold of her birth.

Menolly drifted on thoughts of triumph until sound invaded her reflections. Male voices, laughing and rumbling in conversation, carried on the clear night air, The voices of harpers; tenor, bass and baritone, in amused, argumentative, cajoling tones, and one querulous, sort of quavery, older, whiny voice. She didnt like that one.

Another, a velvet-soft, light baritone, rose above the cranky tenor, soothing. Then the Masterharpers deeper baritone dominated and silenced the others. Though she couldnt understand what he was saying, his voice lulled her to sleep.

Chapter 2

Menolly roused briefly, reacting to an inner call that had nothing to do with the suns rising on this side of Pern. She saw dark night and stars through the window, felt the sleeping fire lizards tucked about her, and gratefully went back to sleep again. She was so tired.

Once the sun had cleared the roof of the outer side of the rectangle of buildings that comprised the main Harper Craft Hall, it shone directly at her windows, set in the eastern side of the Hall. Gradually the light penetrated the room, and the unusual combination of light and warmth on her face woke Menolly.

She lay, her body not yet responsive, wondering where she was. Remembering, she was uncertain what to do next. Had she missed some general waking call? No, Silvina had said that she was to sleep herself out. As she pushed back the sleeping furs, she heard the sound of voices chanting. The rhythm was familiar. She smiled, identifying one of the long Sagas. Apprentices were being taught the complicated timing by rote, just as she had taught the youngsters in Half-Circle Sea Hold when Petiron was sick, and later after he died. The similarity reassured her,

As she slid from the bed, she clenched her teeth in anticipation of touching the cool hard stones of the floor, but to her surprise, her feet only felt stiff, not painful, this morning. She glanced out the window at the sun. It was well into morning by the cast of shadow: shed really slept. Then she laughed at herself, for, to be sure she had: she was halfway round Pern from Benden Weyr and Half-Circle Hold, and she had had at least six hours more rest than usual. Fortunately the fire lizards had been as tired as she or theyd have wakened her with their hunger.

She stretched and shook out her hair, then hobbled carefully to the jar and basin. After washing with soapsand, she dressed and brushed her hair, feeling able to face new experiences.

Beauty gave an impatient chirp. She was awake. And very hungry. Rocky and Diver echoed the complaint.

Menolly would have to find them food and right soon. Having nine fire lizards would prejudice enough people against her, without having unmanageably hungry ones who would irritate even the most tolerant of people.

Resolutely, Menolly opened the door to a silent hallway. The aromatic odors of klah, baking breads and meats filled the air. Menolly decided she need only follow the smells to their source to satisfy her friends.

On either side of the wide corridor were doors; those on the outside of the Hall were open to let sun and air flood the inside. She descended from the uppermost level into the large entranceway. Directly in front of the staircase were dragon-high metal doors with the most curious closings shed ever seen: on the back of the doors were wheels, which evidently turned the heavy bars into floor and ceiling, At Half-Circle Sea Hold there had been the heavy horizontal bars, but this arrangement would be easier to lock and looked much more secure.

To the left was a double-doored entrance into a Great Hall, probably the room where the Harper had been talking last night. To the right, she looked into the dining hall, almost as large as the Great Hall, with three long tables parallel to the windows. Also to her right, by the stairwell, was an open doorway, leading to shallow steps and the kitchen, judging by the appetizing odors and familiar sounds.

The fire lizards creeled in hunger, but Menolly couldnt have the whole fair invading the kitchen and upsetting the drudges. She ordered them to perch on the cornices in the shadows above the door. Shed bring them food, she promised them, but they had to behave. Beauty scolded until the others settled meekly into place, only their glowing, jewel-faceted eyes giving evidence of their positions.

Then Beauty assumed her favorite perch on Menollys shoulder, her head half-buried in Menollys thick hair, and her tail wrapped securely about Menollys throat like a golden necklace.

As Menolly reached the kitchen, the scene with the drudges and cooks scurrying about preparing the midday meal fleetingly revived memories of happier days at Half-Circle. But here, it was Silvina who noticed her and smiled, as Menollys mother would not have done.

Youre awake? Are you rested? Silvina gestured imperatively at a slack-featured, clumsy-looking man by the hearth. Klah, Camo, pour a mug of klah, for Menolly. You must be famished, child. How are your feet?

Fine, thank you. And I dont want to bother anyone

Bother? What bother? Camo, pour the klah into the mug.

Its not for myself Im here

Well, you need to eat, and you must be famished.

Please, its my fire lizards, Have you any scraps

Silvinas hands flew to her mouth. She glanced about her head as if expecting a swarm of fire lizards.

No, Ive told them to wait, Menolly said quickly. They wont come in here.

Now, you are a thoughtful child, Silvina said in so firm a tone that Menolly wondered why and then realized that she was the object of a good deal of furtive curiosity. Camo, here. Give me that! Silvina took the cup from the man, who was walking with exaggerated care not to slop an overfull container. And get the big blue bowl from the cold room. The big blue bowl, Camo, from the cold room. Bring it to me. Silvina deftly handed the cup to Menolly without spilling a drop. The cold room, Camo, and the blue bowl. She turned the man by the shoulders and gave him a gentle shove in the proper direction. Abuna, youre nearest the hearth. Do dish up some of the cereal. Plenty of sweetening on it, too, the childs nothing but skin and bones! Silvina smiled at Menolly. No use feeding the fowl and starving the servant, as it were. I saved meat for your friends when we trussed up the roast, and Silvina nodded toward the biggest hearth where great joints of meat were turning on heavy spits, since meats what the Harper said fire lizards need. Now, where would the best place Silvina glanced about her undecidedly, but Menolly had noticed a low door that led up a short flight of steps to the corner of the courtyard.

Would I disturb anyone out there?

Not at all, you are a considerate child. Thats right, Camo. And thank you. Silvina patted the halfwits arm kindly, while he beamed with the pleasure of a job properly done and rewarded. Silvina tipped the edge of the bowl toward Menolly, Is this enough? Theres more

Oh, thats a gracious plenty, Silvina!

Camo, this is Menolly. Follow Menolly with the bowl. She cant carry it and her own breakfast. This is Menolly, Camo, follow Menolly. Go right out, dear. Camos good at carrying thingsat least what doesnt spill!

Silvina turned from her then, speaking sharply to two women chopping roots, bidding them to slice, not stare. Very much aware of scrutiny, Menolly moved awkwardly to the steps, cup in one hand, bowl of warm cereal in the other, and Camo shuffling behind her. Beauty, who had remained discreetly covered by Menollys hair, now craned her neck about, smelling the raw meat in the bowl Camo carried.

Pretty, pretty, the man mumbled as he noticed the fire lizard. Pretty small dragon? He tapped Menolly on the shoulder. Pretty small dragon? He was so anxious for her answer that he almost tripped on the shallow steps.

Yes, she is like a small dragon, and she is pretty, Menolly agreed, smiling. Her name is Beauty.

Her name is Beauty. Camo was entranced. Her name is Beauty. She pretty small dragon. He beamed as he loudly declared this information.