The Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey [355]
Jaxom and Lytol stood on the Hold steps as Mnementh bugled his name to the watchdragon and circled to land in the huge courtyard. As the two visitors were being greeted, Robinton scanned Jaxom’ s face to see if the Threadscore was obvious. He couldn’t see a trace of it and wondered if he was examining the right cheek. He could only hope that Ruth had healed as well. Of course, F’lar was so involved with this business of D’ram he wouldn’t be looking for scoring on Ruth or Jaxom.
“Ruth said Mnementh inquired for him, F’lar,” Jaxom said. “I trust nothing is wrong?”
“Ruth may be able to help us find D’ram.”
“Find D’ram? He hasn’t . . .” Jaxom paused, looking anxiously at Lytol, who was frowning and shaking his head.
“No, but he has timed it somewhen,” Robinton said. “I thought perhaps if Ruth asked the fire-lizards, they might tell him.”
Jaxom stared at the Harper, who wondered why the lad looked so stunned and, curiously, scared. Robinton did not miss the quick flick of Jaxom’s eyes toward F’lar nor the convulsive swallowing.
“I remembered hearing you comment that fire-lizards often tell Ruth things,” Robinton went on in a casual manner, giving Jaxom time to recover his composure. Whatever was bothering the boy?
“Where? Possibly. But when, Master Robinton?”
“I’ve a hunch I know where D’ram went. Would that help?”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Lytol said, looking from one to the other. “What’s this all about?” Lytol had been guiding the visitors into the Hold and toward the small private room. Wine and cups had been set on the table, together with cheese, bread and fruits.
“Well,” Robinton said, eyeing the wineskin, “I’ll explain . . .”
“And you’ll be dry, I’m sure,” Jaxom said, as he strode to the table to pour. “It’s Benden wine, Master Robinton. Only the best for our distinguished visitors.”
“The lad’s growing up, Lytol,” F’lar said, taking the cup and raising it approvingly toward Lytol.
“The lad has grown up,” Lytol said in a half-growl. “Now, about those fire-lizards . . .”
Zair appeared midair, squealed and swooped to Robinton’s shoulder, wrapping his tail tightly about the Harper’s neck and chittering in a nervous tone as he reassured himself that Robinton had taken no harm riding the biggest one.
“Pardon me,” Robinton said, and soothed Zair to silence. Then he explained to Lytol his theory that fire-lizards shared a vast pool of common knowledge which would explain their fear of—he cleared his throat and pointed east to spare them all his bronze’s antics. Fire-lizards were able to communicate strong emotions as evidenced by Brekke’s call to Canth that fateful night. They had had this fright about the queen’s egg and all had been in a high state of turmoil until the egg had Hatched properly. They seemed to remember seeing it near a black nothingness, and they seemed to remember being flamed. Jaxom had told him on several occasions that the fire-lizards regaled Ruth with incredible things they said they’d remembered seeing. If this curious talent of theirs was not the sun-dreams of silly creatures—he had to placate an outraged Zair—then here was a case in which it could be proved, with Ruth’s cooperation. D’ram had apparently gone off on his own, to a time when Ramoth could not reach the mind of his dragon. It was upsetting Ramoth and Lessa, who were worried that D’ram might be in physical distress. Despite his resignation as Weyrleader, Pern still had a need of and a place for D’ram and certainly did not wish to lose contact with him.
“Now,” Robinton went on, “there have been occasions in recent Turns . . .” He cleared his throat, glanced toward F’lar for permission and received the nod. “. . . occasions when I have ventured South. On one such instance, Menolly and I were blown off course, far to the east where we came to rest in a beautiful cove, white-sanded, with red fruit trees abounding; the waters of the cove teemed with yellowtail and white fingerfish.