Dragonsinger - Энн Маккефри 5 стр.

Chapter 4

Menolly would have liked to find someplace to curl up and sleep herself, but Beauty began to creel softly. Silvina had said something about saving scraps, so Menolly crossed the courtyard to the kitchen door. She couldnt see either Silvina or Camo with all the coming and going. Then she saw the half-wit staggering in from the storage rooms, his arms clasping a great round yellow cheese. He saw her, grinned and deposited the cheese on the only clear space at one of the worktables.

Camo feed pretty ones? Camo feed?

Camo, get on with that cheese, theres a good fellow, said the woman Menolly remembered as Abuna.

Camo must feed. And the man had grabbed up a bowl, unceremoniously dumping its contents onto the table, and marched back to the storeroom.

Camo! Come back and take care of this cheese!

Menolly was sorry shed come to the kitchen, but Abuna saw her.

So youre the problem with him. Oh, all right. Hell be no use till hes helped you feed those creatures! But keep them out of my kitchen!

Yes, Abuna. Im sorry to bother you

And so you should be in the middle of getting ready the supper but

Camo fed pretty ones? Camo feed pretty ones? He was back trailing gobbets of meat from an overfull bowl.

Not in my kitchen, Camo. Outside with you. Outside now. And send him back in when theyve et, will you, girl? One thing he can do is get the cheese ready!

Menolly assured Abuna, and smiling at Camo, drew him out of the kitchen and up the steps. Beauty and the others immediately converged on them. The two Aunties and Uncle again perched on convenient portions of Camo. The mans face was ecstatic, and he stood rigid, as if the slightest motion on his part would discourage his unusual guests, as the other fire lizards swooped to snatch food or clung to him long enough to eat directly from the bowl. Beauty, Rocky and Diver fed by preference from Menollys hands, but the bowl was soon empty.

Camo get more? Camo get more?

Menolly caught him, forcing him to look at her. No, Camo. Theyve had enough. No more, Camo. Now you must work on the cheese.

Pretty ones leave? Camos face became a mask of tragedy as he watched one after the other of the fire lizards circle lazily up to the gable points of the hall. Pretty ones leave?

Theyre going to sleep in the sun now, Camo. Theyre not hungry anymore. You go back to the cheese now. She gave him a gentle shove toward the kitchen. He went, bowl in both hands, staring back over his shoulder at the fire lizards so intently that this time he did bang right into the doorframe, corrected his direction without ever taking his eyes from the fire lizards, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Could I help feed them? Maybe? Once? asked a wistful voice at her elbow. Startled, she whirled to see Piemur, fringe of hair damp about his face and a line of rearranged dirt on each side of his neck up to his ears.

Other lads and some of the journeymen were beginning to drift across the courtyard to the Hall. Rascal, Master Shonagar had called Piemur, and Menolly agreed, for a gleam lurked in Piemurs eyes for all his plaintive voice. Got a bet on with Ranly?

Bet on? Piemur gave her a searching look. Then he chuckled. A small guy like me, Menolly, has got to stay a jump ahead of the big ones, like Ranly, or they put on me in the dorm at night.

So what did you put up with Ranly?

That youd let me feed the fire lizards because they like me already. They do, dont they?

You really are a rascal, arent you? Piemurs grin became a calculated grimace, and he shrugged admission of the charge.

Ive already got Camo falling aver himself to feed

Pretty Beauty,and Piemur mimicked the older mans thick voice perfectly,Feed pretty Beauty Oh, dont worry Menolly, Camo and me are friends. He wont object to me helping, too.

As if that had settled the matter, Piemur grabbed Menollys hand to pull her up the steps. Hey, you dont want to be late for the table again, he said, leading her toward the dining hall. Menolly!

The two halted at the sound of the Harpers voice and turned to see him descending the stairs from the upper level.

Hows the day gone for you, Menolly? Youve seen Domick, Morshal and Shonagar, have you? I must make you known to Sebell, too, very soon. Before the eggs hatch! The Masterharper grinned, much as Piemur had just done, in anticipation of the event. And this scamp has attached himself to you, has he? Well, maybe you can keep him out of trouble for awhile. Ah, Brudegan, a word with you before supper.

Quick Piemur had her by the arm and was hurrying her into the dining hall so that betwixt the Harper and Piemur, it looked to Menolly as if neither wished her to meet Journeyman Brudegan, whose practice her fire lizards had interrupted. Sebells a real clever fellow, Piemur added in such a casual fashion that Menolly berated herself for imagining things. Hes to get the other egg. Piemur whistled in his teeth. You think you got troubles? Sebells only just walked the tables

Walked the tables? Menolly was startled.

Thats what we say when youve been promoted a grade. It happens at supper. If youre an apprentice, a journeyman stands by your seat and then walks you to your new place. He was pointing from the long tables to the oval ones at the far end of the dining hall. And a master escorts a journeyman from them to the round table. But itll be a long time before any of that happens to me, he said, sighing. If it ever does.

Dont all apprentices become journeymen?

No, replied the boy with a grimace. Some get sent home as useless. Some get dull jobs around here, helping journeymen or masters, or sent to a smaller crafthall elsewhere.

Maybe that was what the Masterharper had in mind for her, helping a journeyman or a master in some hold or crafthall. That made good sense, at least, but Menolly sighed, A sigh echoed by Piemur.

How long have you been here? Menolly asked. He looked a poorly grown nine or ten Turns, the age at which boys were customarily apprenticed, but he sounded as if hed been in the Hall a long time.

Two Turns Ive been apprenticed, he answered with a grin. 1 got taken in early on account of my voice. He said that without the least bit of conceit. Now, look, you go on over there where the girls sit. And dont worry. You rank em.

Without explaining that, he darted in between the first and second tables. Menolly tried not to hobble as she moved to the benches he had indicated, keeping her shoulders back, her head up, and walking slowly so as to disguise her pain-footed gait. She was aware of, and tried to ignore, the overt and covert glances of the boys already in position at the tables. Shed better let Piemur help her feed the fire lizards: keeping on his good side might be as important as staying in the Harpers good graces.

The seats evidently reserved for the girls were marked by flaps of cushion on the hard wood. She took the end position, away from the fiercest heat of the hearth fire and stood politely waiting.

The girls entered the dining hall together. Together in more than one sense, for all regarded her steadily as they crossed to the table. Their unity was also maintained in their blank expressions. Menolly swallowed against the dryness in her throat, glanced around her, anywhere but at the fast approaching girls. She caught Piemurs eyes, saw him grin impishly, and she had to smile back.

Youre Menolly? asked a quiet voice. The girls were ranged beyond their spokesman, again in a line that betokened unity.

She couldnt be anyone else, could she? asked the dark girl just behind her.

My name is Pona, my grandfather is Lord Holder of Boll. She held out her right hand, palm up, and Menolly, who had never had an opportunity to make the gesture of formal greeting, covered it with hers.

I am Menolly, and, remembering Piemurs comment about rank, she added, my father is Yanus, Sea Holder of Half-Circle Sea Hold.

There was a startled murmur of surprise from the others. She ranks us, said someone, rebellious and astonished.

Theres rank in the Harper Hall? asked Menolly, disturbed and wondering what other elements of courtesy she might unwittingly have neglected. Hadnt Petiron always told her that the Harper Craft, in particular, laid stress on skill and musical achievement rather than natal rank? But Piemur had said, You rank em.

Half-Circle is not the oldest seahold. Tillek is, said the dark-complexioned girl, rather crossly. Menolly is daughter, not niece, said the girl who had mentioned outranking. She now extended her hand, less grudgingly, Menolly thought. My father is Weaver Craftmaster Timareen of Telgar Hold. My name is Audiva.

The dark-complexioned girl was about to name herself, her hand extended, when a sudden shuffling of feet alerted them all, and they took their places at the bench as everyone in the hall stood straight and looked forward. Menolly was then facing a tall boy whose slightly protuberant eyes were bulging with interest on the little scene he had just witnessed. Looking over his left shoulder and through a gap, she saw Piemur, rolling his eyes as far to his right as possible. Menolly tried peering in the same direction and decided it must be the Harpers table that Piemur watched. Then everyone was jumping over the benches to get seated, and she hastened to do the same.

Heavy pitchers of a thick, meaty, hot soup were passed, and trays of the yellow cheese, which Camo must eventually have taken care of, as well as baskets of crusty bread. Evidently meals were reversed here in the Harper Craft Hall, with the heaviest meal in the middle of the day. Menolly ate hungrily and quickly until she realized that the girls were all taking half-spoonsful and breaking their bread and cheese into dainty bitesized portions. Pona and Audiva watched her surreptitiously, and one of the other girls tittered. So, thought Menolly grimly, her table manners differed from theirs? Well, to change would mean admitting that hers were faulty. She did slow down, but she continued to eat heartily, making no bones about asking for more while the girls were still but halfway through their first serving.

I understand that you were privileged to attend the latest Hatching at Benden Weyr, Pona said to Menolly with all the air of one conferring a favor by such conversation.

Yes, I was there. Privileged? Yes, she supposed it would be considered a privilege.

I dont suppose you can remember who made Impression? Pona was vitally interested.

Some of them, yes. Talina of Ruatha Hold is the new queens weyrwoman

Youre certain?

Menolly glanced beyond her to Audiva and saw merriment in her eyes.

Yes, Im certain.

Too bad those three candidates from your grandfathers Hold didnt Impress, Pona. Therell be other times, said Audiva.

Who else do you remember?

A lad from Master Nicats Craft Hall Impressed a brown For some reason that seemed to please Pona. Master Nicat also received two of the fire lizards eggs.

Pona turned her head to stare haughtily at Menolly. How ever did it come about that you and Menolly was made intensely aware of her unworthiness have nine fire lizards?

She was in the right place at the right time, Pona, said Audiva. Luck doesnt recognize rank and privilege. And its thanks to Menolly that there were fire lizard eggs for Master Robinton and Master Nicat.

How do you know that? Pona sounded surprised but her tone lost its affectedness.

Oh, I had a word or two with Talmor while you were busy trying to make up to Jessuan and Benis.

I never Pona was evidently as quick to take offense as give it, but she lowered her tone at Audivas warning hiss.

Dont worry, Pona. Just so long as Dunca doesnt catch you flipping your skirts at a son of the Hold, Ill hold my peace.

Whether Audiva was subtly deflecting Pona from pestering Menolly with snide questions or not, Menolly didnt know, but the girl from Boll ignored her for the rest of the meal. As Menolly had been taught that it was impolite to talk through or around someone, she couldnt converse with the apparently friendly Audiva, and the boy beside her was talking to his mates, his back to her.

My uncle of Tillek says that fire lizards are going to be nothing more than pets, and I thought pets werent allowed in the cottages said the dark girl, her mouth setting primly, as she cast a sideways look toward Menolly.

The Masterharper doesnt rate fire lizards as pets, Briala, said Audiva in her droll way, and she winked at Menolly over Ponas head. Of course, youve only got one at Tillek Hold.

Well, my uncle says the Weyrmen are spending too much time on these creatures when they ought to get down to basic problems and go after Thread on the Red Star. Thats the only way to stop this dreadful menace.

What are the dragonriders supposed to do? asked Audiva scornfully. Even you should know that dragons cant go between blind.

They ought to just flame the Red Star clean of Thread, thats what.

Could they really? asked the girl beyond Briala, her eyes round with amazement and a sort of hopeful horror.

Oh, dont be ridiculous, Amania, said Audiva in disgust. No ones ever been to the Red Star.

They could try to get there, replied Pona. Thats what my grandfather says.

Whos to say the first dragonmen didnt try? asked Audiva.

Then why isnt there a Record of the attempt? demanded Pona with haughty condescension.

Theyd certainly have written a song about it if they had, said Briala, pleased to see Audiva confounded.

Well, the Red Star is not our problem, said Audiva.

Learning songs is. Brialas voice had a wailing edge to it. And when are we going to have a chance to learn that music Talmor set us today? Weve got rehearsal tonight, and itll go on and on because those boys are always

The boys? Just like you to blame it on the boys, Briala, said Audiva. You had plenty of time this afternoon to practice your lessons, same as the rest of us.

I had to wash my hair, and Dunca had to let out the seams of my red gown.

If youd stop Oh, not redfruit again? Pona sounded aggrieved, but Menolly eyed the basket of delicacies with surprised delight.

Pona might affect indifference, but she was quick to snatch the curiously shaped fruit from the basket when it was passed to her. Menolly took hers and ate it quickly, getting as much of the sweet, tangy juice as possible. She wished she had the courage to lick her fingers the way the boys mere doing. But the girls were so stuffy and mannered, she knew theyd stare if she did.

Suddenly the demands of the day, the excitements and tensions, sapped the last of Menollys energy. She found it almost unbearable to have to sit at the table amid so many unknown people, unable to guess what more might be asked of her before she could seek the quiet and solitude of her bed. She worried about her fire lizards, and then tried not to, for fear they would seek her out. She was conscious of her throbbing feet; her hand ached, and the scar begged to be scratched. She shifted on the bench, wondering why they were held here at table. Restlessly she craned her neck to peer around at the Harpers table. She couldnt see Master Robinton but the others were laughing, obviously enjoying an aftermeal conversation. Was that why everyone was being held so long? Until the masters had stopped talking?

She longed for the peace of her cave near the Dragon Stones. Even for the little cubicle in her fathers Sea Hold. Shed usually been able to slip away to it without accounting to anyone for her disappearance. At least once the days work was done. And somehow, shed never thought of the Harper Craft Hall being soso populated, with so much to be done and doing, and all the masters and Silvina and

She was caught unawares and had to struggle to her feet as the others rose more gracefully to theirs. She was so relieved to be able to go that at first she didnt realize no one was leaving the benches but masters and journeymen. Ponas hiss caught her attention before shed moved more than a few strides. Embarrassed, she stood with all the girls glaring at her as if she had committed a far more heinous crime than moving out of turn. She edged back toward her vacated place. Then, as soon as the apprentices and the girls began to saunter out of the dining hall, she sat down again. She did not want to be among people, especially all these strange people who had odd notions and manners, and seemingly, no sympathy for the newcomer. The Weyr had been as big and populated, but she had felt at home there, with friendly glances and uncritical, smiling faces.

Your feet hurting again? It was asking, his brows contorted in a worried scowl. Menolly bit her lip.

I guess Im just suddenly very tired, she said.

He wrinkled his nose drolly and then twitched it to one side. Im not surprised, your first day here and all, and having the masters giving you a poke and prod. Look, you can lean on my shoulder across to Duncas. I can still get back in time for rehearsal

Rehearsal? Do I have to be somewhere else now? Menolly fought an almost overwhelming desire to weep.

Shouldnt think so, your first day here. Unless Master Shonagar said something? No? Well, they can hardly have sorted out what your standard is, even if you couldnt play note one. And you know, you look ruddy awful. Awful tired, I mean. Cmon, Ill help you.

But you have a rehearsal

Dont you worry your head about me, Menolly. He grinned mischievously. Sometimes its an astestassetto be small, and he made a weaving motion with his hand, then squared his shoulders and stood, radiating innocent attention. He was so comic that Menolly giggled.

She rose, excessively grateful to him. He rattled on about the rehearsal for the usual spring affair at Fort Hold. The rehearsal was usually fun because Brudegan was in charge this season. He was good at explaining exactly what he wanted you to do, so if you listened sharp, you didnt make mistakes.

The swift spring evening was settling over the complex of Hold and Hall so there were very few passers-by. Piemur's physical presence and his chatter, blithely ignoring her silence, were more supportive than his bony shoulder, but she couldn't have made the walk without it. Menolly was grateful that she'd only the short flight of steps to go. The fire lizards chirped sympathetically at her from the window ledge outside her fast-shuttered room.

Youre okay now, with them, said Piemur, grinning up at the fire lizards. Ill dash off. Youll be fine in the morning, Menolly, with a good night's rest under your ear. Thats what my foster-mother always told us.

I'm sure I will, Piemur, and thank you so much

Her words trailed off because he was dashing and out of earshot. She opened the door, calling tentatively for Dunca, but there was no answer, nor any sign of the plump cotkeeper. Grateful for that unexpected mercy, Menolly began to climb the steep steps, one at a time, pulling herself along the railing and taking as much pressure off her feet as she could. Halfway up, Beauty appeared, chirruping encouragement. Rocky and Diver joined her on the top step and added their comforting noises.

With a sense of utmost relief, Menolly closed the door behind her. She hobbled to the bed and sank down, fumbling with the ties of the sleeping furs, not really aware of the scratching on the closed shutters until Beauty let out an authoritative squawk. Fortunately, Menolly only had to stretch out her arm to open the shutters. Aunties One and Two fell in, catching themselves by wing just off the floor, scolding her soundly as they flew about the room. Lazy, Brownie and Uncle entered with more dignity and Mimic waddled to the window edge, yawning.

Menolly remembered to rub the salve on her feet, though they were so tender, tears jumped to her eyes. Briefly she wished that Mirrim was there, with her brisk chatter and gentle touch. Feet were indeed very awkward to tend yourself. She rubbed the other stuff into her hand scar,

restraining the urge to scratch the itching tissue.

She dipped out of her clothes and under the sleeping furs, only vaguely aware that the fire lizards were making themselves comfortable about her. Nothing to fear from harpers, huh? Tgellan's comment mocked her. As she fell deeply asleep, she wondered if envy was akin to fear?

Chapter 5

The next day did not start propitiously for Menolly. Her sleep was broken by shrieks: Duncas, the girls, and the fire lizards. Dazed, Menolly at first tried to calm the fire lizards swooping about the room, but Dunca, standing in the doorway, would not be quiet; and her terror, whether assumed or real, only stimulated the fire lizards into such aerial acrobatics that Menolly ordered them all out the window.

This only changed the tone of Duncas screams because the woman was now pointing at Menollys nudity until she could snatch up the discarded shirt and cover herself.

And where were you all night? Dunca demanded in a sobbingly voice. How did you get in? When did you get in?

I was here all night. I got in by the front door. You werent in the cottage. Then, seeing the look of complete disbelief on Duncas plump face, Menolly added, I came here directly after supper. Piemur helped me across the court.

He was at rehearsal. Which was just after supper, said one of the girls crowding in at the door.

Yes, but he got there out of breath, Audiva said, frowning, I remember Brudegan rounding him on it.

You must always inform me when you come in, said Dunca, by no means pacified.

Menolly hesitated and then nodded her head in acquiescence; it was useless to argue with someone like Dunca, who had obviously made up her mind not to like Menolly and to pick every fault possible.

When you are washed and decently attired, and the tone of Duncas voice suggested that she doubted Menolly was capable of either, you will join us. Come, girls, There is no reason for you to delay your own meal.

As the girls filed obediently past the open doorway, most of the faces reflected Duncas disapproval. Except Audiva, who winked solemnly and then grinned before she schooled her features into a blank expression.

By the time Menolly had attended to her feet, had a quick wash, dressed and found the small room where the other girls were eating, they were almost finished. As one, they stared critically at her before Dunca brusquely motioned her to take the empty seat. And as one, they all watched her so that she felt doubly awkward about the simple acts of chewing and swallowing. The food tasted dry and the klah was cold. She managed to finish what had been set before her and mumbled thanks. She sat there, looking down at her plate, only then noticing the fruit stains on her tunic. So, they had reason to stare. And she had nothing to change into while this top was washed, except her old things from her cave days.

Though she had eaten, she was still conscious of hunger pangs. The fire lizards were waiting to be fed! She doubted that Dunca would supply her need, but her responsibility to her friends gave her the courage to ask.

May I be excused, please? The fire lizards must be fed. I have to go to Silvina

Why would you bother Silvina with such a detail? demanded Dunca, her eyes popping slightly with indignation. Dont you realize that she is the headwoman of the entire Harper Craft Hall? The demands on her time are enormous! And if you dont keep those creatures of yours under proper control

You startled them this morning!

Im not having that sort of carry-on every morning, frightening my girls with them flying at such dangerous speeds.

Menolly refrained from pointing out that it had been Duncas screaming that had alarmed the fire lizards. If you cant control themWhere are they now? She looked wildly about her, her eyes bulging with alarm.

Waiting to be fed.

Dont get pert with me, girl. You may be the daughter of a Sea Holder, but while you are in the Harper Craft Hall and in my charge, you are to behave yourself. Well have no ranking here.

Half-torn between laughter and disgust, Menolly rose. If I may go, please, before the fire lizards come in search of me

That sufficed. Dunca couldnt get her out of the cot fast enough. Someone sniggered, but when Menolly glanced up she wasnt sure if it had been Audiva or not. It was a small encouragement that someone had recognized Dunca's hypocrisy.

As she stepped out into the crisp morning air, Menolly realized how stuffy the cot had been and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, all the shutters, except her own, were closed tight. As she crossed the wide court she received morning grins and greetings from the farm-holders making their way to the fields, from apprentices dashing to their masters. She looked about her for her fire lizards and saw one wheeling down behind the outer wing of the Craft Hall. As she walked under the arch, she saw the others clinging to the kitchen and dining hall ledges. Camo was in the doorway, a great bowl in the crook of his left arm, a hunk of something dangling from his right hand as he tried to entice the fire lizards to him.

She was halfway across the courtyard before she realized that it was much easier to walk on her feet today. However, that was one of the few good things that happened. Camo was chastised by Abuna for trying to coax the fire lizards to eat when he should have been delivering the cereal to the dining hall (for the fire lizards would not eat from his hands until Menolly arrived). Then the fire lizards were frightened away when the apprentices and journeymen came tearing out of the dining hall, filling the courtyard with yells and shrieks and wild antics as they made their way to their morning classes. Menolly looked vainly for Piemur and then, as abruptly, the courtyard was clear. Except for some older journeymen. One of them paused by her, officiously demanding to know why she was hanging about the yard. When she said that she hadnt been told where to go, he informed her that she obviously should be with the other girls and to get herself there immediately. As he gestured in the general direction of the archroom, Menolly assumed that was where the girls met.

She reached the archway room to find the girls already practicing on their gitars with a journeyman, who told her she was late, to get her instrument and see if she could catch up with the others. She mumbled an apology, found her precious gitar, and took a stool near the others. But the chords were basic and even with her injured hand she had no trouble with the drill. Not so the others. Pona seemed unable to bridge strings with forefinger: the joint kept snapping up; and although the journeyman, Talmor, patiently showed her an alternative chording, she couldnt get to it fast enough to keep the rhythm of the exercise. Talmor had great patience, Menolly thought, and idly ran silent fingers down the neck of her gitar, doing his alternative placement. Yes, it was a bit awkward if you were after speed, but not as impossible as Pona was making it out to be.

Since you are so good at it, Menolly, suppose you demonstrate the exercise. In the time and Talmor directed the beat. She caught it with her eyes, keeping her head still, for Petiron abhorred a musician who had to use unnecessary body motion to keep a rhythm going. She went through the chords on the scale as directed and then saw Audiva regarding her with fierce intent. Pona and the others glowered.

Now use the regular fingering, Talmor said, coming over to stand by Menolly, his eyes intent on her hands. Menolly executed the run. He gave a sharp nod of his head, eyed her inscrutably, and then returned to Pona, asking her to try it again, though he outlined a slower time. Pona mastered the run the third time, smiling with relief at her success.