Theres been so much excitement these days, I havent any more wit about me than Camo. But then, every apprentice is supposed to come with two decent sets of clothing, new or nearly new, so it never occurred to me. And you having come from Benden Weyr, I thoughtthough you werent there long enough, now, were you?
Felena gave me the skirt and tunic, and they took my measure for boots
And Master Robinton threw you a-dragonback before you could say a word. Well now, lets just see, and Silvina unlocked a door, flipped open a glow basket to illuminate a storeroom stacked from floor to ceiling with bolts of cloth, clothing, boots, hides made or uncut, sleeping furs and rolls of tapestries and rugs. She gave Menolly another appraising look, turning her from side to side. Weve more thats suitable for boys and men from the Weaver and Tanner Halls
Id really prefer trousers.
Silvina chuckled kindly. Youre lanky enough to wear them well, I must say, and since youre to be using an instrument, trousers will be handier than skirts. But you ought to have some finery, child. It does lift the spirit and therere gathers She was sorting through folded skirts of black and brown, which she replaced disdainfully. Now this and she pulled out a bolt of rich, dark red fabric.
Thats too fine for me
Youd have me dress you in drudges colors? Even they have something good! Silvina was scornful. You may not be proud in yourself, Menolly. In point of fact, your modesty has done you great service, but you will kindly consider the change in your circumstances. Youre not the youngest child in a family of an isolated Sea Hold. Youre an apprentice harper, and weSilvina tapped her chest smartly with her fingershave appearances to maintain. You will dress yourself as well as, and if Ive my way, better than, those fumble-fingered females, or those musical midgets who will never be more than senior apprentices or very junior journeymen. Now, a rich red will become you. Ah, yes, this will suit you well, she said, holding the red up against Menollys shoulder. Until I can have that made up, trous will, have to do, and she held up a pair of dark blue hide pants to Menollys waist. Youre all leg. And here. She shoved a pair of close-woven blue-green trousers at Menolly. This should match the leather pants, and it does, she said tossing to Menolly a dark blue jerkin. Put that lot on the chest there and try on this wherhide jacket. Yes, thats not too bad a fit, is it? Heres a hat and gloves. And tunics. Now these, and from another chest Silvina extracted breast bands and underpants, snorting as she passed them to Menolly. Dunca was quite incensed that youd no underthings at all. Silvinas amusement ended as she saw Menollys face. Whyever are you looking so stricken? Because you wore your underthings out? Or because Duncas pried into your affairs? You cant honestly be worried what that fat old fool thinks or says or does? Yes, you can and you are and you would!
Silvina pushed Menolly backward until she sat abruptly on the chest behind her while Silvina, hands on her hips, regarded her with a curiously intense expression.
I think, said Silvina slowly, in a very gentle voice, that you have lived too much alone. And not just in that cave. And I think you must have been terribly bereft when old Petiron died. He seems to have been the only one in your Hold who understood whats in you. Though why he left it so long to tell Master Robinton I simply dont understand. Well, in a way I do, but thats neither here nor there. One thing certain, youre not staying on in that cot. Not another night
Oh, but Silvina
Dont oh but Silvina me, the woman said sharply, but her expression was mocking, not stern. Dont think Ive missed Ponas little tricks, or Duncas. No, the cot is the wrong place for you. I thought so when you first arrived, but there were other reasons for plunking you there at first. So well take the long view, as should be done, and shift you here. Oldive doesnt want you on your feet so much, and sure as Fallll come again, the fire lizards are as unhappy at Duncas as she is to have them. The old fool! No, Menolly, and now Silvina was angry with Menolly, it is not your fault! Besides which, as a full harper apprentice, you really havent anything to do with the paying students. Further, you ought to be near those fire lizard eggs until they hatch. So, youre staying here in the Hall! And thats the end of the matter. Silvina got to her feet. Lets just gather these clothes, and well settle you right now. Back in the room you had the first night. Its handy to the Harpers and all
Thats much too grand a place for me!
Silvina gave her a droll look. I could, of course, move all the furniture out, take down the hangings, and give you an apprentice's cot and a fold stool
Id feel better about it
Silvina stared at her so that Menolly broke off, flustered.
Why, you numbwit. You think I meant that?
Didnt you? Because the things in that room are far too valuable for an apprentice. Silvina was still staring at her. Having nine fire lizards is causing enough trouble. The room would be just grand, and if Ive only the furnishings of any other apprentice, why, thats proper, isnt it?
Silvina gave her one more long, appraising look, shaking her head and laughing to herself. Youre right, you know. Then none of the others could quibble about the change. But an apprentices cot is narrow, and youve the fire lizards to consider.
Two apprentice cots? If you have them to spare?
Done! Well tie the legs together and heap the rushes high.
Which is what they did. Without the rich hangings and heavy furniture the chamber was echoingly empty. Menolly insisted that she didnt mind; but Silvina said it wasnt up to her because who was headwoman in this Hall? Hangings that Silvina had removed for shabbiness were recovered from storage, and Menolly was told that she could mend them when she had free time. Several small rugs were spread on the floor. A long table from the apprentices study (with a leg mended after being damaged in a brawl), a bench and a small press for storage gave the room some homeyness. Silvina said that the place looked heartlessly plain but certainly no one could fault it for not displaying an apprentices lowly state.
Now then, thats settled. Yes, Piemur, you were looking for me?
No, Silvina. Its Menolly Im after. For Master Shonagar. Shes dead late for her lesson.
Nonsense, therere no regular lessons on a Threadfall day. He should know that as well as anyone, Silvina said, taking Menolly by the arm as she started to leave the room.
Thats what I told him, Silvina, said Piemur, grinning from ear to ear, but he asked me when had Menolly been assigned to a section. And, of course, I know she hasnt, so he said that shed have nothing better to do with her time so shed better learn something constructive. So And Piemur shrugged his helplessness in the face of such logic.
Well, girl, youd better go then. Were all settled here anyway. And you, Piemur, you pop over to Duncas. Ask Audiva, politely, too, you imp, to bundle up Menollys thingsincluding the skirt and tunic Menolly washed today. What else did you have there, Menolly?
Silvina smiled as if she knew perfectly well that Menolly was grateful not to have to return to the cot.
Master Jerint has my pipes so theres only the medicines.
Off with you, Piemur, and mind you make sure its Audiva.
Idve asked for her anyhow, Silvina!
Bold as brass you are, Silvina called after him as he scampered down the steps. A good lad at heart. Youve heard him sing? Hes younger than I like to have them in the Hall, but he does hold his own, rascal that he is, and where else should he be with a glorious treble voice like that? Planting tubers or herding the beasties? No, for such originals as Piemur and yourself, youre better here. Off with you now, before Master Shonagar starts bellowing. We dont really need a claxon with him in the Hall, so we dont!
Silvina had walked Menolly down the steps and now gave her a gentle shove toward the open Hall doors as she turned toward the kitchen. Menolly watched her for a moment, suffused by an inarticulate gratitude and affection for Silvinas understanding. The woman wasnt at all like Petiron, and yet Menolly knew that she could go to Silvina, as she had to Petiron, when she was perplexed or in difficulties. Silvina was likelike a storm anchor. Menolly, trotting obediently across the yard to Master Shonagar, smiled at such a seamanly metaphor for a landbound woman.
Master Shonagar did roar and bellow and carry on, but, buoyed by Silvinas courtesies, Menolly took the berating in silence until he made her promise faithfully that whatever else happened to her during the morning hours, the afternoon was his, otherwise hed never make a singer of her. So she was to report to him, please and thank you, through Fall, fog or fire, for how else was she to be a credit to his skill or the Craft Hall that had been pleased to exhibit its secrets for her edification and education?
Chapter 7
Dont leave me alone!
A cry in the night,
Of anguish heart-striking,
Of soul-killing fright.
The restlessness of the fire lizards about her woke Menolly from a deep sleep. She wished irritably that they didnt insist on sleeping with her; it had been an exciting and trying day, and shed had a hard enough time getting to sleep. Her hand ached so from the days playing that shed had to slather the scar with numbweed to dull the pain. Beautys tail twitched violently against Menollys ear. She nudged the little queen, hoping to stir her out of whatever dream disturbed her. But Beauty was awake, not dreaming: her eyes, yellow and whirling with anxiety. All the fire lizards were awake and unusually alert in the dark of the night.
Seeing that Menollys eyes were open, Beauty crooned, a half-fearful, half-worried sound. Rocky and Diver minced up Menollys legs and crouched on her stomach, extending their heads toward her. Their eyes, too, were whirling with the speed and shade of fear. The rest, cuddling close against her, crooned for comfort.
Propping herself up on one elbow, Menolly peered toward the open windows. She could just distinguish the Fort Hold fire heights, black against the dark sky. It took her some time to locate the dark bulk of the watch dragon. He was motionless, so whatever distressed the fire lizards did not apparently concern him.
Whatever is your problem, Beauty?
The little queens croon increased its intensity. First Rocky, then Diver, added their notes. Aunties One and Two crept up and nuzzled to get under Menollys left arm. Lazy, Mimic and Uncle burrowed into the fur at her right side, their twined tails latching fiercely onto her wrist while Brownie piteously paced across her feet. They were afraid.
Whats gotten into you? Menolly couldnt for the life of her imagine anything within the Harper Craft Hall that would menace them. Covet them, yes; injure them, no.
Shush a minute and let me listen. Beauty and Rocky gave little spurting sounds of fear, but they obeyed her. She listened as hard as she could, but the only sounds on the night air were the comfortable murmur of mens voices and an occasional laugh from the Hall beneath her. It wasnt as late as it had first seemed to her then, if the masters and older journeymen were still chatting.
Gently disengaging tails, Menolly slipped from her sleeping furs to the window. Several rectangles of light shone on the stones of the courtyard, two from the Great Hall and one above it, from Robintons quarters, beyond hers.
Beauty gave a worried cheep and flew to Menollys shoulder, wrapping her tail tightly around the girls neck and burrowing into her hair, the slender little body trembling. The others set up an anxious clamor from the furs, so Menolly hurriedly returned to them. They were panic-stricken. The Masterharper might not approve of Silvinas moving her into this room if her fire lizards disturbed his studies at night. She tried to quiet them with a soft song, but now Beautys voice rose querulously above her lullaby. Menolly gathered all of the fire lizards against her. Their tails twined about her arms so firmly that she couldnt use her hands to stroke them.
Now she felt a confused sense of imminent danger; clearly all the fire lizards were responding to a mutually experienced threat. Menolly fought against the panic their fear stirred in her.
Youre being ridiculous. What can harm us in the Harper Hall?
Beauty on one side, Rocky on the other, stroked her face urgently with their heads, cheeping in mounting distress. Through their touch and minds, she got the distinct impression that they were reacting to a fear beyond them, beyond the walls, at a distance.
Then how could it hurt you? Suddenly their terror erupted in her with such intensity that she cried out.
Dont! Her injunction was spontaneous. She tried to throw up her arms to protect herself from this unknown danger, but her hands were lizard-bound. Their fear was completely and utterly hers. And, incoherently, she repeated the cry, Dont! DONT!
In her mind, out of nowhere, Menolly received an indelible impression of turbulence: savage, ruthless, destructive; a pressure inexorable and deadly; churning masses of slick, sickly gray surfaces that heaved and dipped. Heat as massive as a tidal wave. Fear! Terror! An inarticulate longing!
A scream, heard in her mind, a scream like a knife upon raw nerves!
DONT LEAVE ME ALONE!
Menolly didnt think she had cried out. She was, as far as she could think sanely, certain that she hadnt heard the cry, but she knew that the words had been spoken at the extreme of someones anguish.
Simultaneously the door to her room burst open, and the watch dragon on the Hold fire heights let out a shriek so like the one in her mind that she wondered if the dragon had called before. But dragons dont speak.
Menolly! Whats wrong? Master Robinton was striding across the floor to her. The fire lizards took wing, darting out one window and back in the next, maniacal with fear.
The dragon! Menolly pointed, diverting Robintons eyes to the window, to prove that she wasnt alone in alarm.
They both saw the watch dragon launching himself, riderless, into the sky, bulging his distress. Robinton and Menolly heard, on the night air, the faint echo of answering bugles, a moment of silence and then the eerie screech of an hysterical watchwher from the Fort Hold court.
Is every winged thing in the Hold out of its mind? asked Robinton. What made you scream, Menolly? Dont what?
I dont know, Menolly cried, tears streaming down her face. She experienced a profound grief now and hugged herself against the chill of an awe-filled panic she couldnt explain and yet had experienced so profoundly. I just dont know.
Robinton ducked as Beauty, leading the others, swooped past him and out the window. The queen was screaming at the others to follow. Menolly saw them outlined briefly by the light of the Masterharpers window and then the entire fair disappeared. Before Menolly, frightened for fear the fire lizards had gone completely from her, could tell Master Robinton, Domick came charging into the room.
Robinton, whats going on
Quiet, Domick! The Masterharpers stern voice interrupted. Whatever has frightened Menolly has also alarmed the watch dragon, and even the dead could hear that watchwhers howling. Furthermore, the dragon went between, without his rider!
What? Domick was startled, no longer angry.
said Robinton, his hands warm and firm on her shoulder, his voice kindly calm, take a deep breath. Now, take another
I cant. I cant. Something terrible is happening, and Menolly was appalled at the sobs that tore at her, the cold terror that made her tremble so violently in the grip of this unknown disaster. Its something terrible
Others were crowding into her room now, roused by her involuntary cries, Someone said loudly that there wasnt anything stirring in the court or on any of the roads. Another remarked that it was ridiculous to be startled out of a sound sleep by an hysterical child, trying to attract attention.
Hold your silly tongue, Morshal, said Silvina, pushing through the crowd to Menollys bed. Better still, get off to your beds. All of you. Youre no help here.
Yes, if youd please leave, said in a voice as close to anger as anyone had ever heard in him. It isnt the eggs hatching, is it? Sebell asked anxiously.
Menolly shook her head, struggling to control herself and to stop the spasmodic shudders of fear that were depriving her of voice and wit enough to explain what was so inexplicable.
Silvina was soothing her. Her hands are ice cold, Robinton, she said, and Menolly clung to the woman, as Robinton slipped to the other side of the double cot to support her shuddering body. And these arent hysterical tremors
Abruptly the spasms eased, then ceased completely. Menolly went limp against Silvina, gasping for breath, forcing herself to breathe as deeply as Robinton again urged her to do.
Whatever was wrong has stopped, she said, spent.
Silvina and the Harper eased her against the bed rushes, Silvina drawing the fur up to her neck.
Did the fire lizards take a fit? the headwoman asked, glancing about the now-bright room. Theyre not here
I saw them go between. I dont know where. They were so afraid. It was incredible. There was nothing I could do. Take your time and tell us, said the Masterharper. I dont know all of it. I woke because they were so restless. They usually sleep quietly. And they got more and more frightened. And there wasnt anythingnothingI could see that
Yes, yes, but something caused them to react. Robinton had captured her hand and was stroking it reassuringly. Tell us the sequence.
They were frightened out of their wits. And it got to me, too. Then, and Menolly swallowed quickly against that flash of vivid impression, then, in my mind, I was aware of something so dangerous, so terrible. something heaving, and gray and deadlyMasses of itall gray andandterrible! Hot, too. Yes, the heat was part of the terror. Then a longing. I dont know which was the worst
She clutched at the comforting hands and could not keep back the sobs of fright that rose from her guts. I wasnt asleep either. It wasnt just a bad dream!
Dont talk anymore, Menolly. We can hope the terror has passed completely.
No, I have to tell you. Thats part of it. Im supposed to tell. ThenI heard, only I didnt hearexcept that it was as clear as if someone had shouted it right in this roomright inside my headI heard something scream Dont leave me alone!
The muscles in her body relaxed all at once now that she had spoken of the weight of terror.
Dont leave me alone? The Harper repeated the words half to himself, puzzling over the significance of the phrase.
Its all gone now. Being afraid, I meanand
The fire lizards swooped back into the room, aiming for the bed, but some of them dipped and darted for the window ledges, away from Master Robinton and Silvina, twittering, but only with surprise, not fear. Beauty and the two bronzes landed on the foot of the double cot, chirping at Menolly with little calls that sounded so normally inquisitive that Menolly let out an exasperated exclamation.
Dont scold them, Menolly, said the Masterharper. See if you can determine where theyve just been.
Menolly beckoned to Beauty, who obediently crawled up to her arm and permitted Menolly to stroke her head and body.
Shes certainly not bothered by anything now.
Yes, but where did she go?
Menolly raised Beauty to her face, looking into the idly whirling eyes, laying the back of her hand against Beautys cheek. Whered you go, pet? Where have you just been?
Beauty stroked Menollys hand, gave a smug chirrup, cocking her dainty head to one side. But an impression reached Menollys mind, of a Weyr Bowl, and many dragons and excited people.
I think theyve been back to Benden Weyr. It must be Benden! They dont know Fort Weyr well enough to be that vivid. And whatever happened involved many dragons and lots of excited people.
Ask Beauty what frightened her.
Menolly stroked the little queens head for a moment longer, to reassure her, because the question was sure to upset the little fire lizard. It did. Beauty launched herself from Menollys arm so violently that her talons scratched deep enough to draw blood.
A dragon falling in the sky! Menolly gasped out the picture. Dragons dont fall in the sky.
She scratched you, child
Oh, thats nothing, Master Robinton, but I dont think well get anything more out of her. Beauty was clinging to the fireplace, chittering irritably, her eyes wheeling angrily orange.
If something has happened at Benden Weyr, Master Robinton, remarked Silvina in a dry tone of voice, they wont be overlong in sending for you. Silvina had to raise her voice to counteract the excited cries of the other fire lizards, who were reacting to Beautys scolding. Wed best not upset the creatures any further now. And Im getting you a dose, young lady, or youll never sleep tonight from the look of your eyes.
I didnt mean to disturb everyone
Silvina gave her an exasperated snort, dismissing the need for an apology, although Menolly couldnt help but see, as Silvina opened the door, that harpers were lingering in the corridor. Menolly heard Silvina berating them and telling them to get off to their beds, what did they think they knew about fire lizards?
The strangest aspect to this incident, Menolly, said the Masterharper, his forehead creased with thought lines, is that the dragon reacted, too. Ive never seen a dragonshort of a mating flightgo off without his rider. I shouldnt wonder, and Robinton smiled wryly, if we dont have Tledon over here demanding an explanation from you for the disappearance of his dragon.
The notion of a dragonrider compelled to ask her for advice was so absurd that Menolly managed a weak smile.
Hows that hand? Youve been playing a lot, I hear, and the Harper turned her left hand over in his. That scars too red. You have been doing too much. Make haste a little more slowly. Is it painful?
Not much. Master Oldive gave me some salve.
And your feet?
So long as I dont have to stand too much or walk too far
Too bad your fire lizards cant combine to give you one little dragonpower.
Sir?
Yes?
I think I ought to tell youmy fire lizards can lift things. They brought me my pipes the other dayto spare me the walkshe added hastily. They took it from my room at the cot, all in a cluster, and then dropped it into my hands!
Now that is very interesting. I didnt realize they had so much initiative. You know, Brekke, Mirrim, and Fnor have got theirs to carry messages on a collar about their necks The Masterharper smiled with amusement, though they arent always good about arriving promptly.
I think you have to make certain they know how urgent the matter is.
Like having your pipes for Master Jerint?
I didnt wish to be late, and I cant walk fast.
Well let that stand as the reason then, Menolly, said Robinton gently, and when Menolly glanced up at him startled, she saw the kind understanding in his eyes and flushed. He stroked her hand again. What I dont know, I sometimes guess, knowing the way people interact, Menolly. Dont keep so much bottled inside, girl. And do tell me anything unusual that your fire lizards do. Thats far more important than why they did it. We dont know much about these tiny cousins of the dragons, and I have a suspicion theyll be very important creatures to us.
Is the little white dragon all right?
Reading my mind, too, Menolly? Little Ruth is all right, but the Harpers heavy, slightly hesitant tone gave the lie to his reassurance. Dont fret yourself about Jaxom and Ruth. Just about everyone else on Pern does. He placed her hand back on the furs with a final pat.
Silvina returned, offering Menolly the mug shed brought, and stood over her while she downed the dose, gagging a little at the bitterness.
Yes, I know. I made it strong on purpose. You need to sleep. And Master Robinton, theres a messenger from the Hold for you below. Urgent, he said, and hes out of breath!
Sleep yourself out, Menolly, the Harper said as he rapidly left the room.
Trouble? Menolly asked Silvina, hoping to be told something.
Not for you, or because of you, mgirl. Silvina chuckled, pushing the sleeping fur under Menollys chin. I understand that Groghe, Lord of Fort Hold, experienced the same unnerving nightmare, as he calls it, that you did and has sent for Master Robinton to explain it to him. Now rest and dont fuss yourself.
How could I? You must have doubled that dose of fellis juice, said Menolly, relaxed and tactless in the grip of the drug. She couldnt keep her eyes open and effortlessly drifted to sleep to the sound of another chuckle from Silvina. One last thought let her slip easily into unconsciousness: Lord Groghes fire lizard had reacted, so she wasnt hysterical.
She awoke slightly at one point, not quite conscious of her surroundings but aware of a rumbling voice, a treble response, and hungry creelings. When she woke completely later, there was an empty bowl on the floor, and her friends were curled up about her in slumbering balls, wing-limp. The gnawing in her stomach suggested that she had slept well into the day, and the hunger was all her own. If the fire lizards had been that starved, theydve been awake. Doubtless Camo and Piemur had done her the favor of feeding her friends. She grinned; Piemur and Camo must have been delighted at the chance.
The shutters were open and, with no sounds of music or voices, she guessed it must be afternoon and the Halls population dispersed to their various chores. The watch dragon was back on the fire heights.
She sat upright in bed as the memory of the previous nights tenor shattered her pleasant somnolence. At the same moment there was a tap on her door, and before she could answer, Silvina entered, carrying a small tray.
My timings very good, she said, pleased and smiling. Do you feel rested?
Menolly nodded in reply and thanked Silvina for the hot klah she was handed. But, if I can be bold, you dont look as if you slept at all. Silvinas eyes were dark-circled and red-shot.
Well, youre right and youre not bold, but Im on my way to my bed, I can assure you, as soon as Ive straightened up for Robinton. Now and Silvina nudged Menollys hip so the girl made room for her to sit on the bed, you ought to hear what disturbed your friends last night. No one else will think to tell you with the Harper away. Also, Ive just checked the eggs, and I think you should take a look at them Not, however, until youve finished your klah, and Silvina put a restraining hand on Menollys shoulder. I want your wits in place and not fellis-fuddled.
What happened?
The bare bones of the matter are that Fnor, brown Canths rider, took it into his head to go to the Red Star last night
Menollys gasp woke the fire lizards.
Mind your thoughts, girl. I dont want them turning hysterical again, thank you. Silvina waited until the creatures had settled back into their naps.
Thats what seems to have set the fire lizards off, at any rate. And not just yours. Robinton said that anyone who has a fire lizard had the same trouble you did, only with your having nine, it was intensified. What happened was that Canth and Fnor went between to the Red StarYes, small wonder you were terrified. What you told us about grayness and all that hideous heat and churning, thats whats on the Red Star. No one could land there! She paused, gave a smug grunt. Thatll shut up the Lord Holders for wanting to go there!