Dragonsinger - Энн Маккефри 7 стр.

Well, you do know some of the tricks of the trade, dont you? She nearly jumped out of her own hide at the sound of Master Jerints voice right by her elbow. He gave her a little wintry smile. She wondered how long hed been standing there watching her. He took the drum, examining it minutely, humphing to himself, his face making a variety of contortions that gave her no real idea of his opinion of her handiwork.

He put the drum carefully on a high shelf. Well just let that dry, but youd better get yourself off to your next class. The juniors are about to arrive, I hear, he added in a dry, unamused tone.

Menolly became immediately conscious of exterior noise; laughter, yells and the dull thudding of many booted feet. Dutifully she made her way to the chorus room where Master Shonagar, seemingly not having moved since shed left him the day before, greeted her.

Assemble your friends please, and have them dispose themselves to listen, he told her, blinking a bit as the fire lizards swept into the high ceilinged hall. Beauty took up her favorite position on Menollys shoulder. You! And one long fat forefinger pointed directly to the little queen. You will find another perch today. The forefinger moved inexorably toward a bench. There!

Beauty gave a quizzical cheep but obediently retired when Menolly silently reinforced the order. Master Shonagars eyebrows ascended into his hair line as he watched the little fire lizard settle herself, primly flipping her wings to her back, her eyes whirling gently. He grunted, his belly bouncing.

Now, Menolly, shoulders back, chin up but in, hands together across your diaphragm, breathe in, from the belly to the lungsNo, I do not want to see your chest heaving like a smiths bellows

By the end of the session, Menolly was exhausted: the small of her back and all of her midriff muscles ached, her belly was sore, and she felt that dragging nets for offshore fishing would have been childs play. Yet shed done no more than stand in one spot and attempt, in Master Shonagars pithy phrase, to control her breathing properly. Shed been allowed to sing only single notes, and then scales of five notes, each scale done on the breath, lightly but in true tone and on pitch. Shed have gutted a whole net of packtail with less effort, so she was intensely grateful when Master Shonagar finally waved her to a seat.

Now, young Piemur, come forward.

Menolly looked around in surprise, wondering how long Piemur had been sitting quietly by the door.

The other morning, Menolly, our ears were assailed by pure sound, in descant to a chorus. Piemur here seems of the opinion that the fire lizards will sing for or with anyone. Do you concur?

They certainly sang the other morning, but I was singing, too. I do not know, sir.

Let us conduct a little experiment then. Let us see if they will sing when invited to do so.

Menolly winced a little at his phrasing, but Piemurs wry smile told her that this was Master Shonagars odd version of humor.

Supposing I just sing the melody of the chorus we were doing the other morning, said Piemur, because if you sing with me, theyre still singing with you and not along with me?

Less chatter, young Piemur, more music, said Master Shonagar, sounding extremely bass and impatient. Piemur took a breath, properly, Menolly noticed, and opened his mouth. To her surprise and delight, a true and delicately sweet sound emerged. Her astonishment registered in the twinkle in Piemurs eyes, but his voice reflected none of his inner amusement to her reaction.

Belatedly she encouraged her fire lizards to sing. Beauty flitted to her shoulder, wrapping her tail lightly around Menollys neck as she peered toward Piemur, cocking her head this way and that as if analyzing the sound and Menollys command. Rocky and Diver were less restrained. They flew from their perch on the sandtable and, rearing to their haunches, began to sing along with Piemur. Beauty gave a funny scolding sound before she sat up, one forepaw resting lightly on Menollys ear. Then she took up the descant, her fragile voice rising sure and true above Piemurs. His eyes rolled in appreciation and, when Mimic and Brownie joined in, Piemur backed up so that he could see all of the singing fire lizards.

Anxiously, Menolly glanced at Master Shonagar, but he sat, his fingers shading his eyes, engrossed in the sounds, giving absolutely no indication of his reception. Menolly made herself listen critically, as the Master was undoubtedly doing, but she found little to criticize. She hadnt taught the fire lizards how to sing: she had only given them melody to enjoy. They had enjoyed it, and were expressing that enjoyment by participation. Their voices were not limited to the few octaves of the human voice. Their piercingly sweet tones resonated through their listeners. She could feel the sound in her ear bones, and, from the way Piemur was pressing behind his ears, he felt it as well.

There, young fellow, said Master Shonagar as the echo of the song died away, thatll put you in your place, wont it?

The boy grinned impudently.

So they will warble with someone besides yourself, the Master said to Menolly.

Out of the comer of her eye, Menolly saw Piemur reach out to stroke Rocky who was nearest him. The bronze immediately rubbed his head along Piemurs hand, whether in approval of the singing or in friendship was irrelevant, judging by the charmed expression on the boys face.

Theyre used to singing because they like it, sir. Its difficult to keep them quiet when theres music about.

Is that so? I shall consider the potentialities of this phenomenon, and with a brusque wave, Master Shonagar dismissed them all. He settled his head against his propped arm and almost immediately began to snore.

Is he really asleep? Or shamming? Menolly asked Piemur when they were out in the courtyard.

Fars anyones been able to tell, hes asleep. The only thing thatll wake him is a flat tone or meals. He never goes out of the chorus hall. He sleeps in a little room at the back. Dont think he could climb steps anyway. Hes too fat. Hey, you know, Menolly, even in scales, you got a pretty voice. Sort of furry.

Thanks!

Dont mention it. I like furry voices, Piemur went on, undismayed by her sarcasm. I dont like high, thin, screechy ones like Briala or Pona and he jerked his thumb toward the cot. Say, hadnt we better feed the fire lizards? Its nearly suppertime, and they look kinda faded to me!

Menolly agreed, as Beauty, riding on her shoulder, began to creel piteously.

I sure hope that Shonagar wants to use the fire lizards with the chorus, Piemur said, kicking at a pebble. Then he laughed pointing to the kitchen. Look, Camos ready and waiting.

He was there, one thick arm wrapped about an enormous bowl, heaped high with scraps. He had a handful raised to attract the fire lizards who spiraled in on him.

Uncle and the two green Aunties had decidedly adopted Camo as their feeding perch. They took so much of his attention that he didnt notice that Rocky, Lazy and Mimic draped themselves about Piemur to be fed. It certainly made it easier to apportion the scraps fairly, with three people feeding. So, when she caught Piemur glancing about the courtyard to see if anyone was noticing his new task, Menolly suggested that hed be needed on a permanent basis if that didnt get him into any trouble with the masters.

Im apprenticed to Master Shonagar. He wont mind! And I sure as shells dont. Whereupon Piemur began to stroke the bronze and the two browns with an almost proprietary affection.

As soon as the fire lizards had finished gobbling, Menolly sent Camo back into the kitchen. There had been no loud complaints from Abuna, but Menolly had been conscious of being watched from the kitchen windows. Camo went willingly enough, once she assured him that hed be feeding the fire lizards again in the morning. Sated, the nine lazily spiraled upward to the outer roof of the Hall, to bask in the late afternoon sun. And not a moment too soon. They were only just settling themselves when the courtyard became full of boys and men filing into the Hall for their supper.

Too bad you gotta sit with them, Piemur said, jerking his head at the girls seated at their table.

Cant you sit opposite me? asked Menolly, hopefully. It would be nice to have someone to talk to during the meal.

Im not allowed anymore. Not allowed?

Alternating between sour disgust and pleased recollection, Piemur gave a shrug. Pona complained to Dunca, and she got on to Silvina

What did you do?

Oh, nothing much, Piemurs shrug was eloquent enough for Menolly to guess that hed probably been downright wicked. Ponas a sorry wherry hen, you know, rank-happy and pleased to pull it. So I cant sit near the girls anymore.

She might regret the prohibition, but it enhanced her estimation of Piemur. As she reluctantly made her way toward the girls, it occurred to her that all she had to do to avoid sitting with them was to be late to meals. Then shed have to sit where she could. That remedy pleased her so much that she walked more resolutely to her place and endured the hostility of the girls with fortitude. She matched their coldness with stony indifference and ate heartily of the soup, cheese and bread and the sweet pasty that finished the simple supper. She listened politely to the evening announcements of rehearsal times and the fact that Threadfall was expected midday tomorrow. All were to hold themselves close to the Hall, to perform their allotted tasks before, during and after Fall. Menolly heard, with private amusement, the nervous whispering of the girls at the advent of Threadfall and permitted herself to smile in disdain at their terror. They couldnt really be that afraid of a menace theyd known all their lives?

She made no move to leave the table when they did, but she was sure that she caught Audivas wink as the girl followed the others out. When she judged them well away, she rose. Maybe shed be able to get back into the cot again without confronting Dunca.

Ah, Menolly, a moment if you please. The cheery voice of the Masterharper sang out as she reached the entrance. Robinton was standing by the stairs, talking to Sebell, and he gestured for Menolly to join them. Come and check our eggs for us. I know Lessa said it would be a few more days butand the Harper shrugged his anxiety. This way As she accompanied the two men to the upper level, he went on. Sebell says that youre a mine of information. He grinned down at her. Didnt ever think youd have to talk fish in a Harper Hall, did you?

No, sir, I didnt. But then, I dont think I really knew what does go on in a Harper Hall.

Well said, Menolly, well said, and the Harper laughed as well as Sebell. The other crafts can jibe that we want to know too much about what is not strictly our business, but Ive always felt knowledge of matters minor or major makes for better understandings. The mind that will not admit it has something more to learn tomorrow is in danger of stagnating.

Yes, sir. Menolly caught Sebells eye, anxiously hoping that the Harper had not heard the minoror was it majormatter about her missing her scheduled lesson with Domick. An almost imperceptible shake of the brown mans head reassured her.

Give me your opinion of our eggs, Menolly, for I must be out and about a great deal, but I dont wish to risk the Hatching without me in attendance. Right, Sebell?

Nor do I wish two fire lizards instead of the one Im entitled to have.

The two men exchanged knowing glances as Menolly obediently checked the eggs in their warm pots. She turned each one slightly so that the colder side faced the heat of the glowing embers on the hearth. Robinton added a few more blackstones and then eyed her expectantly.

Well, sir, the eggs are hardening, but they are not hard enough to hatch today or tomorrow.

So, will you check again tomorrow morning for me, Menolly? I must be away, although Sebell will always know where I can be reached.

Menolly assured the Masterharper that she would keep a watchful eye on the eggs and inform Sebell if there were any alarming changes. The Harper walked her back through his study to the door.

Now, Menolly, youve played for Domick, been thoroughly catechized by Morshal and sung for Shonagar. Jerint says your pipes are quite allowable, and the drum is well-constructed and should dry out sound. The fire lizards will sing sweetly with others than yourself, so youve accomplished a very great deal in your first days here. Hasnt she, Sebell?

Sebell agreed, smiling at her in a quiet, kind way. She wondered if either man knew how Dunca and the girls felt about her presence in the Harper Hall.

And I can leave the matter of the eggs in your good hands. Thats grand. Thats very good, indeed, the Masterharper said, combing his fingers through his silvered hair.

For a fleeting moment, his usually mobile face was still, and in that unguarded moment, Menolly saw signs of strain and worry. Then he smiled so cheerfully that she wondered if shed imagined his weariness. Well, she could certainly spare him anxiety about the fire lizards. Shed check them several times during the day, even if it made her late to Master Shonagar.

As she returned to the cot, pleased that there was some small way in which she could serve the Masterharper, she recalled what hed said about fish in a Harper Hall. For the first time, Menolly realized that shed never really thought about life in a Harper Hallexcept as a place where music was played and created. Petiron had spoken hazily about apprentices and his time as a journeyman, but nothing in detail. She had imagined the Harper Hall as some magical place, where people sang all conversations, or earnestly copied Records. The reality was almost commonplace, up to and especially including Dunca and the spiteful Pona. Why she had considered all Harpers, and harper people, above such pettiness, endowed with more humanity than Morshal or Domick had shown her, she did not know. She smiled at her naivety. And yet, Harpers like Sebell and Robinton, even Domick, were above the ordinary. And Silvina and Piemur were basically good, and certainly had been kind to her. She was in far better circumstances than shed ever enjoyed in Half-Circle, so she could put up with a little unpleasantness, surely.

It was as well she had reached this conclusion because, no sooner was she inside the door, than Dunca pounced on her with a list of grievances. Menolly received a tirade about her fire lizards, how dangerous and unreliable the creatures were, how they must behave themselves or Dunca would not tolerate them, that Menolly had better realize how little rank mattered in Duncas cot and that, as the newcomer, she must behave with more deference to those who had been studying far longer at the Craft Hall. Menollys attitude was presumptuous, uncooperative, unfriendly and discourteous, and Dunca was not having a tunnel-snake in her cot where the girls were as friendly and as considerate of one another as fosterer could wish.

After the first few sentences, Menolly realized that she could put forth no defense of herself or her friends acceptable to Dunca. All she could do was say yes and no at appropriate intervals, when Dunca was forced to stop for breath. And every time Menolly thought the woman must surely have exhausted the subject, she would surge onto another imagined slight until Menolly seriously considered calling Beauty to her. The appearance of the fire lizard would certainly curtail the flow of abuse, but would irrevocably destroy any possibility of getting into Duncas fair record.

Now, have I made myself plain? Dunca asked unexpectedly.

You have, and since Menollys calm acceptance momentarily robbed Dunca of speech, the girl flew up the steps, ignoring the stiffness of her feet and grinning at the explosive and furious reprimands Dunca made at her retreat.

Chapter 6

Beauty woke her at sunrise. The other fire lizards were awake, too, though one thing was sure, no one else in the cot was awake yet.

Last night, when Menolly had reached the relative safety of her room, she had closed and barred the door, and then opened the shutters to admit her friends. She had recovered her composure by oiling their patchy skin with Master Oldives salve. This was the first opportunity shed had since theyd left the cave by the Dragon Stones to tend and fondle each one. They, too, were communicative. She got many impressions from them, mostly that theyd been bathing daily in the lakes above Fort Hold, which werent much fun because there werent any waves to sport in. Menolly caught pictures from their minds of great dragons and of a Weyr differing in shape from Benden. Beautys pictures were the sharpest. Menolly had enjoyed her quiet evening with them; it had made up for Duncas irrational attitudes.

Now, as she became aware of the early morning stillness, she knew shed have time to do a few tasks for herself. She could get a bath and wash the fruit stains out of her tunic. It ought to dry quickly on the window ledge in the morning sun. There should be time before Threadfall, for she remembered that would occur today.

Quietly she unbarred the door, listening in the corridor, and heard only the faintest echo of a snore. Probably Dunca. Adjuring her fire lizards to silence, she walked noiselessly down the steps to the bathing room at the back of the first level. Shed always heard of the thermal pools in the big Holds and Weyrs, but this was her first experience with them. The fire lizards came clustering in behind her, and she hushed their excited twitterings at the sight of the waist-high trough of steaming water. Menolly dipped her fingers in the warm water, checked to see if there were sandsoap and then, throwing her clothes on the floor, slipped into the bath.

The water was delightfully warm and soft to her skin, a change from the harsh sea or the mineral-heavy water in Half-Circle Sea Hold. Menolly submerged completely and came up, shaking her hair. Shed wash all over. One of the others pushed Auntie Two into the bath, and she let out a high-pitched squeal of protest and fright, then paddled happily about in the warm water. The next thing Menolly knew, all the fire lizards were splashing about, their talons unexpectedly catching her bare skin or tangling in her hair. She hushed them often and sternly, because she wasnt sure how far noise carried from the bathing room: all shed need, after last night, was for Dunca to come charging in, roused from her nights rest by her least-wanted guests.

Menolly sandsoaped all of the fire lizards thoroughly, rinsed them well, got herself, her hair and finally her clothes well washed, then got back to her room without anyone the wiser for her early morning activity. She was oiling a rough patch on Mimics back when she heard the first stirrings outside: the cheery greetings of the herdsmen going to attend their beasts who would be bound today with Threadfall due. She wondered how Fall would affect the business of the Harper Hall: probably the apprentices and journeymen were required to assist the holders in flame-thrower details. Thank goodness no one had asked her what shed done after Fall in Half-Circle. She heard the slamming of a door below and decided that Dunca was up. Menolly slipped into her only other clothes, the patched tunic and trousers of her cave days. They were at least clean and neat.

They were not, however, it was pointed out to Menolly at the breakfast table, suitable attire for a young lady living in Duncas cot. When Menolly explained that she had only the one other change, which was now drying, Dunca let out a shriek of outrage and demanded to know where the clothes were drying. Menolly was emphatically told that she had committed yet another unwitting sin by hanging her washinglike the commonest field workeron the window ledge. She was ordered to bring down the offending garments, still damp, and shown by the fuming Dunca where such laundry was to be hung, in the inner recesses of the cot. Where, Menolly was sure, they would take days to dry and smell musty besides with no air to freshen them.

Very much aware of her disgrace and destitute condition, Menolly finished her breakfast as quickly as possible. But when she rose from the table, Dunca demanded to know where she thought she was going.

I must feed my fire lizards, Dunca, and I was told to report to Master Domick this morning

No message was received by me to such effect. Dunca drew herself up in officious disbelief.

Master Domick told me yesterday.

He made no mention of such instructions to me. Duncas manner implied that Menolly was making up the order.

Probably because yesterdays message went astray.

And, while Dunca stammered and stuttered, Menolly slipped out of the room and out of the cot, trotting across the road, the fire lizards gracefully swirling above her head until they were sure she was headed toward the Harper Hall. Then they disappeared.

They were perched on the window ledges when she reached the kitchen corner, their eyes whirling redly in anticipation of breakfast. There seemed to be more than the usual amount of confusion in the kitchen, but Camo, once he caught sight of her, immediately put down the side of herdbeast hed been lugging and left the carcass, its legs obscenely dropping across the passage, while he disappeared back into the storeroom. He emerged with yet a bigger bowl, scraps spilling down its sides as he jogged to meet her. Suddenly he gave a startled cry; and Menolly, peering in the window, saw that Abuna, wooden spoon upraised, was chasing after him. He slithered by, but her dress got caught on the extruding legs of the carcass.

Menolly ducked into the space between the windows, fervently hoping that Camos preoccupation with the feeding of fire lizards was not going to cause a major breach with Abuna. There might be nothing to fear from harpers, but the women in the Harper Hall were certainly possible enemies.

Menolly, am I too late Piemur came charging across the from the apprentice dormitory, his boots half-fastened, his tunic laces untied and his face and hair showing signs of halfhearted washing.

Before he could assemble his clothing properly, Rocky, Lazy and Mimic attached themselves to him: Camo came out of the kitchen to be assaulted by his three; and the three humans were exhorted by shrill hungry creelings to be fed.

Camos great bowl was finally emptied, and as if on cue, Abunas voice rose to command Camo back to his duties. Menolly hurriedly thanked the man and pushed him urgently down the kitchen steps, assuring him that hed saved quite enough food for the pretties, that the pretties could not stuff in another mouthful.

When the breakfast gong sounded, Menolly stayed in the kitchen corner until the courtyard was cleared of the hungry harpers. She had to see Master Domick, for which interview she would need her gitar. She went to the archroom to collect it and lingered there, since everyone was still eating. She tuned the gitar, delighting afresh in its rich sweet tone. She attempted some of the bridges from the music shed played in the abortive lesson with the girls, stretching and stretching against the pull of the scar until her hand muscles went into a spasm of cramping. All of a sudden, she remembered her other chore; to check the fire lizard eggs. But, if the Masterharper were still asleep No way of telling from here. She ran lightly down the steps, pleased that her feet were less stiff and tender this morning. She paused in the main hall, listening, and heard the distinctive sound of the Masterharpers voice at the round table. So she hurried up the steps and down the corridor to his room.

The fire lizard pots were warm on the side away from the fire, so theyd obviously just been turned. She uncovered each egg and checked the shells for hardness, for any sign of cracking or striation. They were fine. She gently covered them with sand and replaced the lids.

As she emerged from the Masterharpers rooms, she heard Master Domicks voice on the steps. With him were Sebell, carrying a small harp, and Talmor, gitar slung across his back.

There she is, Sebell said. You checked the eggs, Menolly?

I did, sir. Theyre fine.

Come this way, then, step lively nowif you can Domick said, frowning as he belatedly recalled her disability.

My feet are nearly as good as new now, sir, she told him.

Well, youre not to run any races with Thread today, hear?

Menolly wasnt certain, as she followed the three men into the study, if Domick were teasing her or not. He sounded so sour, it was difficult to tell, but Sebell caught her eye and winked. Domicks study, well-lit by huge baskets of glows, was dominated by the biggest sandtable Menolly had ever seen, with all its spaces glass-covered, though she politely averted her eyes from the inscriptions. Domick might not like people peering at his music. The shelves were jammed with loose record hides, and thin, white-bleached sheets of some substance evenly cut along the edges. She tried to get a closer look at them, but Master Domick called her to attention by telling her to take the middle stool.

Sebell and Talmor were already settling themselves before the music rack and tuning their instruments. So she took her place and cast a quick glance at the music before them. With a thrill of surprise, she saw that it was for four instruments, and no easy read.

Youre to play second gitar, Menolly, Domick said, with the smile of one who is conferring a favor. He picked up a metal pipe with finger stops, one of the flutes that Petiron had told her were used by more accomplished pipers. She politely suppressed her curiosity, but she couldnt control her delighted surprise when Domick ran a test scale. It sounded like a fire lizards voice.

Youll need to look through the music, he said, observing her interest.

I will?

Master Domick cleared his throat. It is customary with music youve never seen before. He tapped the music with his pipe. That, and his tone was very acid, is no childrens exercise. Despite your display for Talmor yesterday, you will not find this easy to read.

Rebuked, she skimmed the music, trying an alternative chording in one measure to see which would be easier on her hand at that tempo. The complexity of the chording was so fascinating that she forgot she was keeping three harpers waiting. I beg your pardon. She turned the music back to the beginning and looked at Domick for him to give them the beat.

Youre ready?

I think so, sir.

Just like that?

Sir?

Very well, young woman, at the beat, and Domick sternly tapped out the time with a strong stamp.

It had been fun, always, for Menolly to play with Petiron, particularly when he let her improvise around his melody. It had been a pleasure yesterday to see new music in Talmors lesson, but now, the stimulation of playing with three keen and competent musicians gave her such impulsion that she seemed to be an irrelevant medium for fingers that had to play what her eager eyes saw. She was lost completely in the thrall of the music, so that when the rushing finale ended, she suffered a shock as keen as pain.

Oh, that was marvelous. Could we play it again?

Talmor burst out laughing, Domick stared at her, and Sebell covered his eyes with his hands as he bowed his head over his harp.

I didnt believe you, Talmor, Domick said, shaking his head. And Id played with her myself. True, only basic things. I didnt think she was up to any demanding standard. Menolly inhaled sharply, worried that she had somehow erred, as she had with the girls the previous day.

And I know, Domick went on in that tight, dry tone, that you cant ever have seen that piece of music before

Menolly stared at the Master. It was fascinating. The interweaving of melody from flute to harp and gitar. Im sorry about this section, and she flipped back the sheets. I should have used your chords but my hand

Domick stared at her until her voice trailed off. Did Sebell warn you what would happen this morning?

No, sir, only to say that I mustnt fail to come today.