Menolly shushed him, not wanting either to alarm or distract Silvinas helpers. She put down her mug and bowl and reached for the meat.
Pretty small dragon Beauty, Camo said, ignoring her as she pulled the bowl so firmly clutched in his huge, thick-fingered hands.
You go to Silvina, Camo. You go to Silvina.
Camo stood where he was, bobbing his head up and down, his mouth set in a wet, wide grimace of childish delight, too entranced by Beauty to be distracted.
Beauty now creeled imperiously, and Menolly grabbed a handful of meat to quiet her. But her cries had alerted the others. They came, some of them from the open windows of the dining hall above Menollys head, others, judging by the shrieks of dismay, through the kitchen and out the door by the steps.
Pretty, pretty. All pretty! Camo exclaimed, turning his head from side to side, trying to see all the fitting fire lizards at once.
He didnt move a muscle as Auntie One and Two perched on his forearms, snatching gobblets of meat directly from the bowl. Uncle secured his talons to the fabric of Camos tunic, his right wingtip jabbing the man in the neck and chin as the littlest fire lizard fought for his fair share of the meat. Brownie, Mimic, and Lazybones ranged from Camos shoulders to Menollys as she tried to distribute the meat evenly.
Alternating between embarrassment at her friends bad manners and gratitude for Camos stolid assistance, Menolly was acutely aware that all activity had ceased in the kitchen to watch the spectacle. Momentarily, she expected to hear an irate Silvina order Camo back to his ordinary duties, but all she heard was the buzz of whispered gossiping.
How many does she have? she heard one clear whisper out of the general mumble.
Nine, Silvina answered, imperturbable. When the two the Harper was given have hatched, the Harper Hall will have eleven. Silvina sounded smugly superior. The buzz increased in volume. That breads risen enough now Abuna. You and Kayla shape it.
The fire lizards had cleared the bowl of meat, and Camo stared into its hollow, his face contorted by an expression of dismay.
All gone? Pretties hungry?
No, Camo. Theyve had more than enough. Theyre not hungry anymore. In fact, their bellies were distended, theyd gorged so. You go to Silvina. Silvina wants you, Camo, and Menolly followed Silvinas example: she took him by the shoulders, turned him down the steps, and gave him a gentle shove.
Menolly sipped the good hot klah, beginning to think that Silvinas marked attentions and kindness were deliberate. Or was that foolish? Silvina was just a kind, thoughtful person: look how she treated dull-witted Camo. She was patience itself with his inadequacy. Nonetheless, Silvina was obviously the headwoman at the Harper Craft Hall and, like serene Manora at Benden Weyr, undoubtedly wielded a good deal of authority. If Silvina was friendly, others would follow her lead.
Menolly began to relax in the warm sun. Her dreams last night had been troubled though she couldnt remember details. now in the bright morning, only a sense of uneasiness and helplessness. Silvina had done much to dissipate the lingering misgivings. Nothing to fear from harpers. Tgellan had repeatedly told her.
Across the courtyard, young voices broke into a lusty rendition of the Saga previously chanted. The fire lizards rose at the eruption of sound, settling again as Menolly laughingly reassured them.
Then a pure sweet trill from Beauty soared in delicate descant above the apprentices male voices. Rocky and Diver joined her, wings half-spread as they expanded their lungs for breath. Mimic and Brownie dropped from the window ledge to add their voices. Lazy would not put himself to any such effort, and the two Aunties and blue Uncle were at best indifferent singers, but they listened, heads cocked, jeweled eyes whirling. The five singers rose to their haunches now, their throats thickening, their cheeks swelling as their jaws relaxed to emit the sweet pure notes. Their eyes were half-lidded as they concentrated, as good singers will, to produce the fluting descant.
They were happy then, Menolly thought with relief, and picked up the melody of the Saga, not that the fire lizards needed her voice with the apprentices supplying the tune and harmony.
They were on the last two measures of the chorus when Menolly suddenly realized that it was only herself and the fire lizards singing, that the male voices had ceased. Startled, she looked up and saw that almost every window about the courtyard was filled with faces. The exceptions were the windows of the hall from which the voices had come.
Who has been singing? demanded an irate tenor, and a mans head appeared at one of the empty windows.
Why, thats a grand way to wake up, Brudegan, said the clear baritone of the Masterharper from some point above Menolly and to her left. Craning her head up, she saw him leaning out of his window on the upper story.
Good morning to you, Masterharper, said Brudegan courteously, but his tone indicated that he was disgruntled by the intervention.
Menolly tried to sit small, heartily wishing herself between: she was certainly frozen motionless.
I didnt know your fire lizards could sing, Silvina said, appearing on Menollys right and absently retrieving mug and bowl from the steps. A nice compliment to your chorus, eh, Brudegan, she added, raising her voice to carry across the courtyard. Youd be wanting your klah now, Robinton?
It would be welcome, Silvina. He stretched, leaned further out to peer down at Menolly. Enter a fair of fire lizards singing! A lovely way to be wakened, Menolly; and a good morning to you, too. Before Menolly could respond, a look of dismay crossed his face. My fire lizard, My egg! and he disappeared from sight.
Silvina chuckled and she regarded Menolly. Hell be of no use to anyone until its hatched and hes got one of his own.
At that point, Brudegans singers renewed their song. Beauty chirruped questioningly at Menolly.
No, no, Beauty. No more singing, not now.
They need the practice, and Silvina gestured at the hall. Now Ive the Harpers meal to see to and you to settle She paused, glancing about at the fire lizards. But what to do with them?
They usually sleep when theyre as full as they are right now.
All to the goodbut where? Mercy!
Menolly tried not to laugh at Silvinas astonishment, because all but Beauty, who took her usual perch on Menollys shoulder, had disappeared. Menolly pointed to the roof opposite and the small bodies landing there, apparently out of thin air.
They do go between, dont they? Silvina said more than asked. Harper says theyre much like dragons? That was a question.
I dont know that much about dragons, but fire lizards can go between. They followed me last night from Benden Weyr.
And theyre obedient. I could wish the apprentices were half so willing. Then Silvina motioned Menolly to follow her back into the kitchen. Camo, turn the spit. Camo, now turn the spit. I suppose the rest of you have been watching the yard instead of the food, she said, scowling indiscriminately about the kitchen. The cooks and drudges alike pretended industry, clanging, banging, splashing or bending with assiduous care over quieter tasks of paring and scraping. Better yet, Menolly, you take the Harper his klah, and check that egg of his. Hell be roaring for you soon enough, so we might as well anticipate. Then I shall want Master Oldive to see your feet, not that Manora hasnt all but healed them anyway. And Silvina caught Menollys left hand and scowled at the red mark. Wherever did you get such a fierce wound? And who bungled the healing of it? There now, can you grip with that hand? Silvina had been assembling on a small tray the various items of the Harpers breakfast, the last of which was a heavy pot of klah. Now she gave the tray to Menolly. There now. His room is the second door on the right from yours, Menolly. Turn the spit, Camo, dont just hold on to it. Menollys fire lizards are fed and sleeping. Youll have another gawk at them later. Turn the spit now!
As briskly as Menolly could move on her stiff feet, she made her way out of the kitchen and up the broad steps to the second level. Beauty hummed softly in her ear, a gently disobedient descant to the Saga that Brudegans pupils were singing lustily.
Master Robinton hadnt sounded annoyed about the fire lizards singing, Menolly thought. Shed apologize to Journeyman Brudegan when she got the chance. She simply hadnt realized shed cause a distraction. Shed been so pleased that her friends were relaxed enough to want to sing.
Second door on her right. Menolly tapped. Then rapped, then knocked, hard enough to make her knuckles sting.
Come. Come. And, Silvinaoh, Menolly, youre just the person I wanted to see, the Harper said, throwing open the door. And good morning to you, proud Beauty, he added, grinning at the little queen who chirped an acknowledgement as he took the tray from Menolly. Silvinas forever anticipating me Would you please check my egg? Its in the other room, by the hearth. It feels harder to me He sounded anxious as he pointed to the farther door.
Menolly obediently entered the room, and he walked with her, setting the tray down as he passed the sandtable by the window and pouring himself a mug of klah before he joined her by the hearth in the next room where a small fire burned gently. The earthen pot had been set at the edge of the hearth apron.
Menolly opened it, carefully brushing aside the warm sand that covered the precious fire lizard egg. It was harder, but not much more so than when she had given it to the Masterharper at Benden Weyr the previous evening.
Its fine, Master Robinton, just fine. And the pot is warm enough, too, she said, running her hands down the sides. She replaced the sand and the top and rose. When we brought the clutch back to Benden Weyr two days ago, Weyrwoman Lessa said it would take a sevenday for them to hatch, so weve five days more.
The Harper sighed with exaggerated relief. You slept well, Menolly? Youre rested? Awake long?
Long enough.
The Harper burst out laughing as she realized how much chagrin shed put into her tone.
Long enough to set a few people by the ears, huh? My dear child, did you not notice the difference in the chorus the second time? Your fire lizards have challenged them. Brudegan was only gruff with surprise. Tell me, can your fire lizards improvise descants to any tune?
I dont really know, Master Robinton.
Still not sure, are you, young Menolly? He didnt mean the fire lizards abilities. There was such kindness in his voice and eyes that Menolly felt unexpected tears behind her eyes.
I dont want to be a nuisance
Allow me to differ both to statement and content, Menolly Then he sighed. Youre overyoung to appreciate the value of nuisance, although the improvement in that chorus is a point in my argument. However, its much too early in the morning for me to expound philosophy. He guided her back into the other room, quite the most cluttered place she had ever seen and in direct contrast to the neatness of his bedchamber. While musical instruments were carefully stored on hook and shelf in cases, piles of record skins, drawings, slateswax and stonelittered every surface and were heaped in corners and against the walls of the room. On one wall was a finely drawn map of the Pern continent, with smaller detailed drawings of all the major Holds and Crafthalls pinned here and there on the borders. The long sandtable by the window was covered with musical notations, some of them carefully shielded by glass to prevent erasure. The Harper had set the tray on the center island, which separated the sandtable into two halves. Now he pulled a square of wood to protect the sand and positioned the tray so he could eat comfortably. He smeared a thick slice of bread with soft cheese and picked up his spoon to eat his cereal, motioning with the spoon for Menolly to seat herself on a stool.
Were in a period of change and readjustment, Menolly, he said, managing to speak and eat simultaneously without choking on food or garbling his words. And you are likely to be a vital part of that change. Yesterday I exerted an unfair pressure on you to join the Harper Hall Oh yes, I did, but you belong here! His forefinger stabbed downward at the floor and then waggled out at the courtyard. First, and he paused to swallow klah, washing down bread and cereal, we must discover just how well Petiron taught you the fundamentals of our craft and what you need to further your gifts. And he pointed now to her left hand, what can be done to correct that scar damage. Id still like to hear you play the songs you wrote. His eyes fell to her hands in her lap so that she was aware of her absentminded kneading of her left palm. Master Oldive will set that right if anyone can.
Silvina said I was to see him today.
Well have you playing again, more than just those pipes. We need you, when you can craft songs like those Petiron sent me and the ones Elgion found stuck away at the back of the harpers shelves in Half-Circle. Yes, and thats a matter Id better explain he went on, smoothing the hair at the back of his neck and, to Menollys amazement, appearing to be embarrassed.
Explain?
Yes, well, you obviously hadnt finished writing that song about the fire lizard queen
No, I hadnt actually Menolly felt that she was not hearing his words properly. For one thing, why did the Masterharper have to explain anything to her? And shed only jotted down the little tune about the fire lizard queen, yet last night Now she remembered that hed mentioned the song, as if all the harpers knew about it. You mean, Harper Elgion sent it to you?
How else would I have got it? We couldnt find you! Robinton sounded annoyed. When I think of you, living in a cave, with a damaged hand, and you hadnt been allowed to finish that charming song So I did.
He got up, rummaged among the piles of waxed slates under the window, extracted one and handed it to her. She looked at the notations obediently but, although they were familiar, she couldnt make her mind read the melody.
I had to have something about fire lizards, since I believe theyre going to be far more important than anyone has yet realized. And this tune his finger tapped the hard wax surface approvingly, was so exactly what I needed, that I just brushed up the harmonics, and compressed the lyric story. Probably what youdve done yourself if youd had the chance to work on it again. I couldnt really improve on the melodic line without destroying the integral charm of Whats the matter, Menolly?
Menolly realized that shed been staring at him, unable to believe that he was praising a silly tune shed only scrawled down. Guiltily, she examined the slate again.
I never did get a chance to play it I wasnt supposed to play my own tunes in the Sea Hold. I promised my father I wouldntso you see
Menolly!
Startled, she looked up at his stem tone.
I want you to promise meand youre now my apprenticeI want you to promise me to write down any tune that comes into your mind: I want you to play it as often as necessary to get it rightdo you understand me? Thats why I brought you here. He tapped the slate again. That was a good song even before I tampered with it. I need good songs badly.
What I said about change affects the Harper Hall more than any other craft, Menolly, because we are the ones who effect change. Just as we teach with our songs, so we also help people accept new ideas and necessary changes. And for that we need a special kind of harpering.
Now, I still have to consider Craft principles and standards. Especially in your unusual situation, the conventional procedure must be observed. Once weve dispensed with the formalities, we can proceed with your training as fast as you want to go. But this is where you belong, Menolly, you and your singing fire lizards. Bless me but that was lovely to hear this morning. Ah, Silvina, good morning and to you, as well, Master Oldive
Menolly knew it was impolite to stare at anyone and looked away as soon as she realized that she was staring, but Master Oldive required a long look. He was shorter than herself but only because his head was awry on his neck. His great lean face tilted up from its permanent slant, and she had the impression of enormous dark eyes under very shaggy brows taking in every detail of herself.
Im sorry, Master Robinton, have we interrupted you? Silvina paused on the threshold indecisively.
Yes, and no. I dont think Ive convinced Menolly but that will take time. Meanwhile, well get on with the basics. Well speak again, Menolly, said the Harper. Go along with Master Oldive now. Let him do his best, or his worst, for you. She must play again, Oldive. The Harpers smile as he gestured to Menolly to follow the man implied complete faith in his ability. And Silvina, Menolly says the eggs safe enough for four or five days, but youll please arrange to have someone
Why not Sebell? Hes got his egg to check, too, doesnt he? And with Menolly here in the Hall Silvina was saying as Master Oldive, ushering Menolly out of the room before him, closed the door.
Im to see to your feet as well, Silvina tells me, was the mans comment as he indicated Menolly should lead the way to her room. The Masters voice was unexpectedly deep. And while he might be shorter than herself in the torso, hed as long a leg and arm and matched her stride down the corridor. As he pushed wider her door, she realized that his stature was due to a terrible malformation of his spine.
By my life! Oldive exclaimed, stopping abruptly as Menolly preceded him into the room. I thought for a moment you were as blighted as myself. It is a fire lizard on your shoulder, isnt it? He chuckled. Now, theres one on me, so it is. Is the creature friendly? He peered up at Beauty, who chirruped back, since Oldive was patently addressing her. As long as Im friendly to your Menolly, I take it? Youll have to write another verse to your fire lizard song, proving the rewards of kindness, he added, gesturing her to sit on the window side of the bed as he pulled up the stool.
Oh, thats not my song she said, removing her slippers.
Master Oldive frowned. Not your song? But Master Robinton assigns it to youconstantly.
He rewrote ithe told me so.
Thats not unusual, and Master Oldive dismissed her protest. Proper mess you made of your feet, he said, his voice taking on a distant, thoughtful quality as he looked at first one, then the other foot. Running, I believe
Menolly felt reproved. I was caught out during Threadfall, you see, far from my cave and had to runoooh!
Sorry, did I hurt? The flesh is very tender. And will remain that way awhile longer.
He began to smooth on a pungent-smelling substance, and she couldnt keep her foot still. He grabbed her ankle firmly to complete the medication, countering her embarrassed apology by remarking that her twitching proved that shed done the nerves no harm with the pounding shed given her feet.
Youre to keep off them as much as possible. Ill tell Silvina so. And use this salve morning and night. Aids healing and keeps the skin from itching. He replaced Menollys slippers. Now, this hand of yours.
She hesitated, knowing that his opinion of the bungled wound was likely to echo Manoras and Silvinas. Perversely she was afflicted by an obscure loyalty to her mother.
Oldive regarded her steadily, as if divining some mea sure of her reluctance, and extended his own hand. Compelled by the very neutrality of his gaze, she gave him her injured hand. To her surprise, there was no change of expression on his face, no condemnation or pity, merely interest in the problem the thick-scarred palm posed for a man of his skill. He prodded the scar tissue, murmuring thoughtfully in his throat.
Make a fist.
She could just about do that but, when he asked her to extend her fingers, the scar pulled as she tried to stretch the palm.
Not as bad as I was led to believe. An infection, I suppose
Packtail slime
Hmm, yes. Insidious stuff. He gave her hand another twist. But the scar is not long healed, and the tissue can still be stretched. A few more months and we might not have been able to do anything to flex the hand. Now, you will do exercises, tightening your fingers about a small hard ball, which I will provide you, and extending the hand. He demonstrated, forcing her fingers upward and apart so that she cried out involuntarily. If you can discipline yourself to the point of actual discomfort, you are doing the exercise properly. We must stretch the tightened skin, the webbing between your fingers, and the stiffened tendons. I shall also provide a salve, which you are to rub well into the scar tissue to make it softer and more pliable. Conscientious effort on your part will determine the rate of progress. I suspect that you will be sufficiently motivated.
Before Menolly could stammer her thanks, the astonishing man was out of the room and closing the door behind him. Beauty made a soundhalf quizzical chirp, half approving burble. Shed come loose from Menollys neck during the examination, watching the proceedings from a depression in the sleeping furs. Now she walked over to Menolly and stroked her head against Menollys arm.
From the apprentices hall across the courtyard, the singing was renewed, with vigor and volume. Beauty cocked her head, humming with delight and then, when Menolly shushed her, looked wistfully up at the girl.
I dont think we should sing again just now, but they do sound grand, dont they?
She sat there, caressing Beauty, delighting in the music. Very close harmony, she realized approvingly, the sort only trained voices and well-rehearsed singers can achieve.
Well, said Silvina, entering the room briskly, you have stirred them up. Its good to hear that old rooter sung with some spirit.
Menolly had no time to register astonishment at Silvinas comment, for the headwoman poked at Menollys bundle of things on the table, and twitched the sleeping rug into neat folds.
We might just as well get you settled in Duncas cottage now, Silvina continued. Fortunately, theres an outside room unoccupied The headwoman wrinkled her nose in a slightly disparaging grimace. Those holder girls are impossible about being outside, but it oughtnt to worry you. She smiled at Menolly. Oldive says youre to keep off your feet, but some walkings got to be done. Still, you wont be in a chore sectionanother good reason to keep you at Duncas, I suppose Silvina frowned and then looked back at Menollys small bundle.
This is all you brought with you?
And nine fire lizards.
Silvina laughed. An embarrassment of riches. She glanced out the window, peering across the courtyard to the far roof where the fire lizards were still sunning themselves. They do stay where theyre told, dont they?
Generally. But Im not sure how good they are with too many people about or unusual noise.
Or fascinating diversions Silvina smiled again at Menolly as she nodded toward the windows and the music issuing from the apprentices hall.
They always sang along with meI didnt realize we shouldnt
How should you? Not to worry, Menolly. Youll fit in here just fine. Now, lets wrap up your bundle and show you the way to Duncas. Then Robinton wants you to borrow a gitar, Master Jerint is sure to have a spare usable one in the workshop. Youll have to make your own, you know. Unless you made one for Petiron at the Sea Hold?
I had none of my own. Menolly was relieved that she could keep her voice steady.
But Petiron took his with him. Surely you
I had the use of it, yes. Menolly managed to keep her tone even as she rigidly suppressed the memory of how she had lost the use, of the beating her father had given her for forbidden tuning, playing her own songs. I made myself pipes she added, diverting Silvina from further questions. Rummaging in her bundle, she brought out the multiple pipes she had made in her cave by the sea.
Reeds? And done with a belt knife by the look of them, said Silvina, walking to the window for more light as she turned the pipes in a critical examination. Well done for just a belt knife. She returned the pipes to Menolly with an approving expression. Petiron was a good teacher.
Did you know him well? Menolly felt a wave of grief at her loss of the only person in her home hold who had been interested in her.
Indeed I did. Silvina gave Menolly a frown, Did he not talk of the Harper Hall at all to you?
No. Why should he?
Why shouldnt he? He taught you, didnt he? He encouraged you to writeSent Robinton those songs Silvina stared at Menolly in real surprise for a long moment, then she shrugged with a little laugh. Well, Petiron always had his own reasons for everything he did, and no one the wiser. But he was a good man!
Menolly nodded, unable for a moment to speak, berating herself for ever once doubting, during those lonely miserable days at Half-Circle after Petirons death, that hed done what he said hed do. Though the old Harpers mind had taken to wandering
Before I forget it, Silvina said, How often do your fire lizards need to be fed?
Theyre hungriest in the morning, though they eat any time, but maybe that was because I had to hunt and catch food for them, and it took hours. The wild ones seemed to have no trouble
Fed em once and theyre always looking to you, is that it? Silvina smiled, to soften any implied criticism. The cooks throw all scraps into a big earthen jar in the cold roommost of it goes to the watchwhers, but Ill give orders that youre to have whatever you require.
I dont mean to be a bother Silvina gave her such a look that Menolly broke off her attempt to apologize.
Be sure that when you do bother me, Ill inform you. Silvina grinned. Just ask any of the apprentices if I wont.
Silvina had been leading Menolly down the steps and out of the cliffhold of the Harper Hall as she talked. Now they passed under an arch that gave onto a broad road of paving stones, never a blade of grass or spot of moss to be seen anywhere.
For the first time Menolly had a chance to appreciate the size of Fort Hold. Knowing that it was the oldest and largest Hold was quite different from seeing it, being outside the towering cliff.
Thousands of people must live in the cliffholds and cottages that hugged the rock palisade. Awed, Menollys steps slowed as she stared at the wide ramp leading to the courtyard and main entrance of Fort Hold, higher in the cliff face than the Harper Graft Hall, and with rows of windows extending upward in sheer stone, almost to the fire heights themselves. In Half-Circle Sea Hold, everyone had been in the cliff, but at Fort Hold, stone buildings had been built out in wings from the cliff, forming a quadrangle similar to the Harper Craft Hall, Smaller cottages had been added onto the original wings, on either side of the ramp. There were dwellings bordering the sides of the broad paved road that led in several well-traveled directions; south to the fields and pastures, east down the valley toward the low foothills and west around to the pass in the cliff that would lead to the higher mountains of the Central Fort Range.
Silvina guided Menolly now toward a cottage, a good-sized one with five windows, all of them shuttered tight, on the upper floor. The cottage nestled against the slope of the ramp. As they got close enough, Menolly realized that the little cot was also quite old. And the cottage door was metal, too! Incredible! Silvina opened it, calling out for Dunca. Menolly had just time to notice that the metal door closed as the one at the Harper Hall did, with a small wheel throwing the thick rods into grooves in ceiling and floor.
Menolly, come and meet Dunca who holds the cottage for the girls who study at the Harper Hall.
Menolly dutifully greeted the short, dumpy little woman with bright black eyes and cheeks like a puff-bellys sides. Dunca gave Menolly a raking look, at odds with her jolly appearance, as if measuring up Menolly to the gossip shed already heard. Then Dunca saw Beauty peeking around Menollys ear. She gave a shriek, jumping back.