As Piemur jogged into the Harper Hall court, he heard Tilgin bravely singing his first solo as Lessa. Piemur grinned to himself, for Tilgins voice sounded tired even if he was note-wise. None of Menollys fair was sunning on the ridge, but Zair was sprawled on the ledge of the Harpers window so Piemur took the steps two at a time. While he sort of wished someone would encounter him on his triumphant return, he was also relieved that hed have no temptation to blurt out his adventures.
Master Robintons greeting, however, was warm enough to make Piemur puff his chest out in pride.
You make the most of your opportunities, young Piemurbut kindly explain your cryptic measures before I burst with curiosity! Old dragon does mean Oldtimers, I take it?
Yes, sir, and Piemur took the seat the Harper indicated and began. Tron and Fidranth with two blue dragons came to relieve the Miner of his sapphires!
Youre positive beyond doubt that it was Tron and Fidranth?
Positive! I did see them once or twice before they were exiled. Besides, the Miner knew them all too well.
The Harper gestured for him to continue, and the days events made good telling with the best of all audiences in the Masterharper, who listened intently without a single interruption. He then asked Piemur to repeat, this time questioning a detail here, a response there, and extracting from Piemur every nuance of the confrontation of Miner and Oldtimer. He laughed appreciatively at Piemurs strategy and lauded his caution of putting the four cut gems in his boots. It was only then that Piemur remembered to hand the precious stones to the Harper. The sun sparkled off the facets as the sapphires lay on the table.
Ill have a word with Master Nicat myself. And I think Ill see him today, said Robinton, holding up one of the gems between thumb and forefinger and squinting at it in the sunlight. Beautiful workmanship! Not a flaw!
Thats what the Miner said, and then Piemur daringly added. I gather its not easy to find the right blues for masterharpers.
Master Robinton regarded Piemur, a startled expression on his face, which changed to amusement. You will keep that to yourself as well, young man!
Piemur nodded solemnly. Of course, if Id had a fire lizard of my own, you wouldnt have had to worry about me and the stones, and perhaps something could have been done about Tron.
The Harpers face altered and the flash in his eyes had nothing to do with amusement. Now Piemur couldnt imagine what had prompted him to say such a thing. He didnt even dare look away from the Harpers severe gaze, although he wanted more than anything else to creep away and hide from his Masters disapproval. He did stiffen, fully expecting a blow for such impertinence.
When you can keep your wits about you as you did yesterday, Piemur, said Master Robinton after an interminable interval, you prove Menollys good opinion of your potential. You have also just proved the main criticism that Hall masters have expressed. I do not disapprove of ambition, nor the ability to think independently, but, and suddenly his voice lost the cold displeasure, presumption is unforgivable. Presuming to criticize a dragonrider is the most dangerous offense against discretion. Further, and the Harpers finger was raised in warning, you are rushing toward a privilege you have by no means earned. Now, off with you to Master Olodkey and learn the proper drum measure for Oldtimer.
The kindly note in his tone was almost too much for Piemur, who could more easily have borne blows and a tirade for his transgressions. He made his way to the door as fast as his leaden legs could bear him.
Piemur! Robintons voice checked him as he fumbled for the latch. You did handle yourself very well at the Minehold. Only do, and the Harper sounded as resigned as Master Shonagar often had, do please try to guard your quick tongue!
Oh, sir, Ill try as hard as I can, really I will! His voice cracked ignominiously, and he spun around the door so that the Harper wouldnt see the tears of shame and relief in his eyes.
He stood for a moment in the quiet hall, intensely grateful that it was empty at this time of day as he conquered dismay at his untimely insolence. The Harper was so right: he had to learn to think before he spoke; he never should have blurted out that unfortunate criticism of dragonriders. Hedve rated a right sound beating from any other Master. Domick wouldnt have hesitated a moment, nor even languid Master Shonagar, whose hand hed felt many a time for his brashness. But how had he dared criticize dragonriders, even Oldtimers, to Master Robinton? Certainly that took the prize for impudence, even from him.
Piemur shivered and vowed fervently to mind his thoughts and, even more carefully, his tongue. Particularly now, when he did know something of real significance. For he had been aware, previous to his imprudent comment, that the appearance of the Oldtimers at the mine, not to mention their errand, was unwelcome news to the Harper.
Besides, what could have been done about the Oldtimers illegal return to the North?
Piemur gave his own ear a clout that made his eyes swim and then started down the corridor. Now, how was he to find out the drum code for Oldtimers? Under the circumstances he couldnt just ask Dirzan outright without having to explain why he needed to know. Nor could he ask one of the other apprentices. They were annoyed enough with him and his quick studying. Thered be a way, he was sure.
Then he wondered why Master Robinton had asked him to find out. Was it a code hed need? Did that mean the Harper expected this wouldnt be the first such visit by the Oldtimers? Or what?
The speculations on this subject occupied Piemurs mind off and on for the next few days until he did have the chance to check the code.
Somewhat to Piemurs disgust, Dirzan treated him as if he had deliberately protracted his errand to avoid the drums. This was his first task, and because Piemur couldnt polish when the drums were in use, it dragged on until the midday meal.
That afternoon Piemur began to participate in another activity of the drumheights, since he had unfortunately learned the drum measures so well. All apprentices were supposed to stop and listen when messages came in and write down what they heard, if they could. Then Dirzan checked their interpretations of the message. It seemed harmless enough, but Piemur soon learned that it was one more road to trouble for him. All drum messages were considered private information. A bit silly to Piemurs way of thinking, since most journeymen and all masters had to be adept in drum messages. A full third of the Harper Hall would understand most of a drum message booming across the valley. Nonetheless, if word of something especially sensitive became common knowledge about the Hall, it was deemed the fault of a gossipy drum apprentice. Piemur was twigged for that role now!
When Dirzan first accused him of loose talk, a day or two after he started writing messages, he stared in utter astonishment at the journeyman. And got a hard clout across the head for it.
Dont try your ways on me, Piemur. Im well aware of your tricks.
But, sir, Im only in the Hall at mealtimes, and sometimes not even then.
Dont answer back!
But, sir
Dirzan fetched him another clout, and Piemur nursed his grievance in silence, rapidly trying to figure out which of the other apprentices was making mischief for him. Probably Clell! And how was he going to stop it? He certainly didnt want Master Robinton to hear such a wretched lie.
Two days later a rather urgent message for Master Oldive was drummed through from Nabol. As Piemur was on duty, he was dispatched with it to the Healer. Mindful of a possible repeat accusation, Piemur noted that no one was about in court or hall as he delivered his message. Master Oldive bade him wait for a reply which he wrote on a then carefully folded sheet. Piemur raced across the empty court, up the stairs to the drumheights and arrived out of breath, shoving the note into Dirzans hand.
There! Still in its original folds. I met no one coming or going. Dirzan stared at Piemur, his scowl deepening. Youre being insolent again. He raised his hand.
Piemur stepped back deliberately, catching sight of the other apprentices watching the scene with great interest. The especially eager glint in Clells eyes confirmed Piemurs suspicion.
No, Im trying to prove to you that Im no babble-mouth, even if I did understand that message. Lord Meron of Nabol is ill and requires Master Oldive urgently. But whod care if he died after what hes done to Pern?
Piemur knew hed merited Dirzans blow then and didnt duck.
Youll learn to keep a civil tongue in your head, Piemur, or its back to the runner hold for you.
Ive a right to defend my honor! And I can! Piemur caught himself just in time before he blurted out that Master Robinton could attest to his discretion. As rife with rumor as the Harper Hall generally was, there hadnt been a whisper about the Oldtimers raid on the mine.
How? Dirzans single derisive word told Piemur forcibly how very difficult that would be without being rightfully accused of indiscretion.
Ill figure a way. Youll see! Piemur glared impotently at the delighted grins of the other apprentices.
That night, when everyone else slept through the dead hours, Piemur lay awake, restless with agitation. The more he examined his problem, the harder it was to solve it without being indiscreet on some count or another. When hed still been free to chatter with his friends, he could have asked the help of Brolly, Bonz, Timiny or Ranly. Among them, theyd surely have been able to discover a solution. If he approached Menolly or Sebell about such a piffling problem, they might decide he wasnt the right lad for their needs. They might even consider his complaint a lack of discretion in itself.
How right Master Robinton had been when he said that Piemur might possibly be plagued into disclosing matters best left unmentioned! Only how could the Harper have known that Piemur was stuck in the one discipline, as a drum apprentice, where he was most likely to be accused of indiscretions?
One possibility presented itself to his questioning mind: the apprentices, even Clell as the oldest, were still plodding through the medium hard drum measures. Therefore some parts of every long message reaching the Harper Hall were incomprehensible to them. Now, if Piemur learned drum language beat perfect, hed understand the messages in full. Not that hed let Dirzan know that when he wrote the message down for him. But hed keep a private record of everything he translated. Then, the next time there was a rumor of a half-understood message, Piemur would prove; to Dirzan that he had known all the message, not just the parts the other apprentices had understood.
To further achieve his end, Piemur kept to the drum-heights even at mealtimes. Preferably within the sight of Dirzan, the Master, or one of the other duty journeymen. If he wasnt near others, he couldnt be accused of gossiping to them. Even when he was sent on message-runs, he made the return trip so fast no one could possibly accuse him of dawdling and gossiping on the way. The only other time he was in the court was to help Menolly feed the fire lizards. Messages came through, some of them urgent, some tempting enough, Piemur would have thought, for one of the apprentices to repeat, but no whisper of rumor repaid his immolation. In despair he gave up his plan and tore up the messages he had written. But he still held himself away from others.
He wasnt certain how much more of this he could endure when Menolly appeared in the drumheights just after breakfast one morning.
I need a messenger today, she said to Dirzan.
Clell would
No. I want Piemur.
Now, Menolly, I wouldnt mind letting him go for a minor errand but
Piemur is Master Robintons choice, she said with a shrug, and hes cleared this with Master Olodkey. Piemur, get your gear together.
Piemur blandly ignored the black looks Clell directed his way as he crossed the living room. Menolly, I think you ought to mention to Master Robinton that we havent found Piemur too reliable
Piemur? Unreliable?
Piemur had been about to whip around and defy Dirzan, but the amused condescension in Menollys tone was a far better defense than any he could muster under his circumstances. In one mild question, Menolly had given Dirzan, not to mention Clell and the others, a lot to think about.
Oh, hes been bleating to you, has he? Piemur could hear the sneer in the journeymans voice. He took a deep breath and continued to gather his things.
In point of fact, and now Menolly sounded puzzled, hes not been talkative at all, apart from commenting on the weather and the condition of my fire lizards. Should he have reason to bleat, Dirzan?
Piemur half-ran back into the room, to forestall any explanation by the journeyman. This opportunity was playing beautifully into his hands.
Im ready to go, Menolly.
Yes, and we have to move fast. It was obvious to Piemur that Menolly had wanted to hear Dirzans reply. Ill be back to you on this, Dirzan. Cmon, Piemur!
She led the way down the steps at a clatter, and only when they had passed the first landing did she turn to him.
What have you been up to, Piemur?
I havent been up to anything, he replied with such vehemence that Menolly grinned at him. Thats the trouble.
Your reputations caught up with you?
More than that. Its being used against me. As much as Piemur wanted to expand, the less he said, he decided, even to Menolly, the stronger his position.
The other apprentices against you? Yes, I saw their expressions. What did you do to set them so?
Learned drum measures too fast is all I can think of.
You sure?
Im bloody sure, Menolly. Dyou think Id do anything to get in the Masterharpers bad record?
No, she said thoughtfully as they skipped down the last flight. No, you wouldnt. Look, well sort it out when we come back. Theres a Gather today at Igen Hold. Sebell and I are to be there as harpers, but Master Robinton wants you to play scruffy boy apprentice.
Can I ask why? Piemur delivered the question on the end of a long suffering sigh.
Menolly laughed and reached out to ruffle his hair.
You can, but Ive no answer. We werent told either. He just wants you to wander about the Gather and listen.
Has he got Oldtimers on his mind? Piemur asked as casually as he could.
Id say he probably does, Menolly answered after a thoughtful moment. Hes been worried. I may be his journeywoman, but I dont always know whats on his mind. Neither does Sebell!
They had reached the archway now and turned toward the Gather meadow. Im to ride a dragon? asked Piemur. He lurched to a stop, his eyes bulging out at the scene before him. Bronze Lioth was shaking his wings out in the sun, his great jeweled eyes gleaming blue-green as he turned his head to watch the antics of the fire lizards. Dwarfed by his bulk, the tall figures of Nton, Fort Weyrleader, and Sebell stood by his shoulder.
Cmon, Piemur. We mustnt keep them waiting. The Gather at Igen is already well started.
Piemur struggled into his wherhide jacket, making that an excuse for falling behind Menolly. Actually he was both terrified and overjoyed at the prospect of riding a dragon! All those cloddies up there in the drumheights! He hoped that they were watching, that theyd see him riding off on a dragon! Thatd teach them to smear his reputation. He pushed from his mind the corollary that the privilege of flying a dragonback would make his lot with his fellow apprentices that much harder. What mattered was the now! Piemur was going to ride a dragon.
Nton had always been Piemurs ideal of a dragonrider: tall, with a really broad set of shoulders, dark brown hair slightly curled from being confined under a riding helmet, an easy, confident air reflected by a direct gaze and a ready smile. The contrast between this present Fort Weyrleader and his disgruntled predecessor, Tron, was more vividly apparent as Nton smilingly greeted the harpers apprentice.
Sorry your voice changed, Piemur. Id been looking forward to Lord Groghes Gather and that new Saga Ive heard so much about from Menolly. Have you ridden dragonback before, Piemur? No? Well, up with you, Menolly. Show Piemur the knack.
As Piemur attentively watched Menolly grab the riding strap and half-walk up Lioths shoulder, swing her leg agilely over the last neck ridge, he still couldnt believe his good fortune. He could just imagine Tron permitting a journeyman, much less an apprentice lad, to ride his bronze.
See how it was done? Good. Up with you then, Piemur! Sebell gave him an initial boost, and Menolly leaned over with a helping hand and a guide rope. It seemed a long way up a dragons shoulder.
Piemur grabbed the rope and just as he planted his booted foot on Lioths shoulder, he wondered if hed hurt the dragons smooth hide.
Nton laughed. No, you wont hurt Lioth with your boots! But he thanks you for worrying.
Piemur was so startled that he almost lost his grip.
Reach up, Piemur, Menolly ordered.
I didnt know hed hear me, he said in a gasp as he settled astride Lioths neck.
Dragons hear what they choose to, she said, grinning. Sit back against me. Sebells got to fit in front of you!
The words were barely out of her mouth before Sebell had swung up with the ease of considerable practice and settled himself before Piemur. Nton followed, passing back the riding straps. Piemur thought that a needless caution. His legs were wedged so tightly between Menollys and Sebells, he couldnt have moved if he had to. Then Sebell peered over his shoulder at him.
Youll have heard a lot about between, I expect, but Ill warn you now: its scary even when you know what to expect.
Right, Piemur, Menolly added, circling his waist with her arms. Ive got you tight, and you hang on to Sebells belt.
You wont feel once were between, Sebell continued. Theres nothing between except cold. You wont be able to feel Lioth beneath your legs nor our legs against yours, nor your hands about my belt. But the sensation lasts only a few heartbeats. Theyll sound very loud to you. Just count em. Well be doing the same thing, I assure you! Sebells grin absolved Piemur from any expression of fear or doubt.
Piemur nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He didnt care what happened between. At least, he would have experienced it, which very few apprentice harpers could say.
Suddenly there was a great heave, and he cracked his chin against Sebells shoulderblade. Inadvertently looking down, he saw the ground moving away from him as Lioth sprang skyward. He could feel the great muscles along Lioths neck as the fragile-seeming wings took their first all-important downsweep. Then the Gather meadow and the Harper Hall seemed to rush away, and they were on a level with the Hold fire-heights.
Sebell gave Piemurs hands, clutching his belt, a warning squeeze. The next heartbeat and there was nothing but a cold so intense that it was painful. Except that Piemur couldnt feel pain with his body, only sense that his lack of tactile contact with reality included everything except the wild beating of his heart against his ribcage. Ruthlessly he clamped down on the instinct to scream. Then they were back in the world again, Lioth gliding effortlessly down to the right, a tremendous expanse of golden ground beneath his wings. Piemur shuddered again and kept his eyes fixed on Sebells shoulders. Hard as Piemur wished he wouldnt, Lioth continued to glide downward, dipping sideways at unnerving angles. Suddenly Piemur could hear fire lizards chittering, and despite his resolve not to look around, found himself watching them zip about the dragon. It is scary to look down, Menollys voice said in his ear. Its worse when theyahhhhh
Piemur felt his stomach drop and, to his horror, his seat seemed to leave the dragons neck. He gasped and clutched more tightly at Sebell, feeling the mans diaphragm muscles move as he chuckled.
Thats what I mean! said Menolly. Nton says its only air currents, pushing the dragons up or letting them down.
Oh, is that all? Piemur managed to get the words out in a rush, but his voice betrayed him. All came out in a two-octave crack.
Menolly didnt laugh, and he felt more kindly toward her than at any other time in their association. It always scares me, she said in a comforting shout by his left ear.
He was just getting accustomed to this additional hazard of flying dragonback when Lioth seemed to be diving straight for the Igen River bed. He was pressed back against Menolly and didnt know whether to clutch more fiercely at Sebells belt or relax into the pressure.
Dont forget to breathe! Menolly was shouting and, at that, he barely heard her words as the wind ripped sound away.
Then Lioth leveled and began to circle at a gentler rate of descent toward the now-visible rectangle of a Gather. To the left was the river, a broad, muddy stream between red sandstone banks. Small sailing craft skimmed the surface on a current that must be swifter than the turgid surface suggested. To the right was the broad, clean-swept rock shelf that led up to Igen Hold, a safe distance above the highest flood marks left by the river on the sandstone banks. Behind Igen Hold rose curious, wind-fashioned cliffs, some of which made additional holds for Igens people, for there were no rows of cotholds adjoining the main Hold here. Igen Hold also had no fire-heights, not needing any since there was nothing but sand and stone around the Hold proper, to which Thread could do no harm. The lands that supplied Igen Hold were around the next bend of the river, where the waters had been led inland by canals to supply watergrain fields.
Piemur wasnt sure that he would like living in such a barren-looking Hold, even if no Thread could ever attack it. And it was hot!
Red dust puffed up as Lioth landed, and suddenly Piemur was unbearably warm. He began to unbelt his wherhide jacket before he released the riding strap and noticed that Menolly was as quick to strip helmet, gloves and jacket.
I always forget how hot it is at Igen, she said, fluffing out her hair.
The dragons love it, said Nton, pointing beyond the Hold to where the rough shapes that Piemur had assumed were rock now became recognizable as dragons, stretched out to bake in the sun.
It was as he was sliding down Lioths shoulder that Piemur noticed the curious construction of the Gather rectangle. There didnt seem to be any walkway. The only open space was the customary central square for dancing. Though whod have the energy to dance in this heat he didnt know.
Then Piemur ducked while Lioth showered them all with sand as he vaulted into the air and winged to join the other sunbathing dragons. The fire lizardsNtons Tris, Sebells Kimi and Menollys nineswirled up and away and were met, midair, by other fire lizards, the augmented fair swirling higher and higher in the joy of meeting.
Thatll occupy them for a while, said Menolly, then she turned to Piemur. Give me your flying gear and Ill leave it at the Hold till you need it again.
We must pay our respects to Lord Laudey and the others, said Sebell, bringing out a handful of marks from his pocket. He presented Piemur with an eighth piece and two thirty-seconds. Im not being stingy, Piemur, but youd be questioned if you had too many marks about you. And I dont think Igen Hold runs to bubbly pies.
Too hot to eat em anyway. Piemur mopped his sweaty forehead with one hand as he gratefully slid the marks into his pouch.
But they do make a confection of fruits that you might like, said Sebell. Anyway, move around and listen. Dont get caught being nosy and come up to the Hold for the evening meal. Ask for Harper Bantur if you have any trouble. Or Deece. He remembers you.
They had reached the edge of the Gather tents, and now Piemur realized that walking space existed but was considerately covered with tenting to deflect the worst of the suns baking heat. It was simple now for Piemur to move away from the journeymen harpers and the Weyrleader in the steady flow of people sauntering past the Gather stalls. He saw Menolly turn about, trying to see where he had got to, then Sebell spoke to her, and she shrugged and moved on with him.
Almost immediately Piemur noticed one great difference between this and the Gathers he had attended in the west: people took their time. In order to separate himself from his craftmates, Piemur had deliberately lagged behind, but when he would have stepped out again at his customary pace, he hesitated. No one was moving briskly at all. Gestures and voices were languid, smiles slow, and even laughter had a lazy fall. A great many people carried long tubes from which they sipped. Stalls dispensing drinks, chilled water, as well as sliced fruits, were frequently placed and well-patronized. About every ten stalls or so, there were areas where people lounged, either on the sand or on benches placed about the edges. The tenting was raised in corners to catch breezes sweeping up from the river, cooling the lounge areas and the walkway.
Piemur did one complete walkabout of the Gather rectangle. He could appreciate that, despite breezeways and the expenditure of the minimum of physical effort, people did not do much talking as they strolled from stall to stall. The talking, either conversation or bartering, was done while both parties sat comfortably. So he used one thirty-second piece on a long tube of fruit juice and some succulent slices of a rind-melon, found himself an inconspicuous spot in one lounge area, and settled to listen as he sipped his drink and ate.
At first he didnt quite catch the softer drawl of these south-easterners. The low-pitched conversation between two men on his left turned out to be the innocuous boasting of one about the breeding lines of the splay-footed runners he was hoping to barter profitably while the other man kept extolling the virtues of the currently favored strain. Disgusted at such a waste of his time, Piemur focused his ears on the group of five men on his right. They were blaming the weather on Thread, the bad crops on the weather and everything else except their lack of industry, which Piemur thought would be the real problem. A group of women were also murmuring against the weather, their mates, their children and the nuisancy children of other holds, but all in a fairly comfortable, tolerantly amused fashion. Three men, with their heads so close together no sound passed their shoulders, finally parted, but not before Piemur saw a small sack pass from one to another and decided that they must only have been bargaining hard, The runnermen left and a new pair took their places, composed their loose robes about them, leaned back and promptly went to sleep. Piemur found himself growing more heavy-eyed and sipped the last of his juice to keep him awake, wondering if he would find another lounge area as dull.
A combination of excited voices and a chill breeze woke him. He stared about him, wondering if he had missed a drum message, and then oriented himself. Night had fallen and, with the set of the sun, the cooler winds of evening blew cheerfully through the raised flaps. There was no one else in the tent with him, but he could smell the aroma of roasting meats and scrambled to his feet. Hed be late at the Hold for his supper, and he was hungry.
Cool evening had enlivened everyone, for the walkway was now full of quickly stepping, chattering people, and Piemur had to duck and dart his way out of the Gather tents. The dragon lumps on the Hold cliff turned their brilliant lanterns of eyes on the doings below them, rivaling the blazing glow baskets set on high standards about the Gather grounds.
No one challenged Piemur at the Hold courtyard gates, and he found the main Hall by simply following the general drift of the well-dressed people.
Lord Laudey, according to Harper Hall gossip, was not a very outgoing man, but at a Gather, every Holder did make an effort. The principal men and craftmasters of his Hold were invited with their immediate families to dine in the Hold Hall, as well as such dragonriders and visiting Lord Holders, Craftmasters and Masters who might be attending the Gather.
By custom, the harpers ate at the first table below the main one. Piemur had never seen the resident Harper, Bantur, and hoped that Menolly and Sebell were already at the table. They were, and chatting in high spirits with Deece, whod been seconded to Bantur the night Menolly had walked the tables to become a journeywoman, and with Strud, whod been posted to a sea hold on Igen River that same night. Gray of hair but with bright and unusually blue eyes, Bantur welcomed Piemur with such friendliness for a mere apprentice that Piemur was made more uncomfortable by kindness than he would have been by taciturnity. Bantur insisted on getting him fresh meats and tubers from one of the drudges and heaped his plate so high with choice cuts that Piemurs eyes boggled.