Hello, all. Here's chapter 7.
Disclaimer: I own only my characters.
Chapter 7
"What happened?" Liriel asked, when James landed next to them. James hesitated to answer as he got down from Goliath.
"I'm not sure," he said. "When Goliath tried to chew the firestone, he spit it right back up."
It was disgusting! Goliath said with a snort. My stomach could not keep it down.
"He said it was disgusting," said James.
"Well, it does look like a bunch of dirt and rock mixed together," Liriel said.
"So what now?" Kadellin asked.
"Don't know," James said with a shrug. "I have to wait here with you two until they finish training."
Does this mean we can't fight Thread? Goliath asked, feeling a little disheartened.
I don't know what's going to happen now, James said, rubbing Goliath's eye ridges. We'll just have to wait and see.
The other dragons finished practicing firestone chewing, including controlling the flames that emitted from their mouths when they burped into short bursts to retain as much as possible for Thread until they need more firestone, and regurgitating the residue in their stomachs so they wouldn't become infected or sick from it. T'nak promptly informed everyone that they will begin practicing fighting Thread later, when the dragons were comfortable with chewing firestone and going between when necessary. Everyone mounted back onto their dragons, and began the six jumps back to the Weyr.
************
P'rad and the other mature dragon riders jumped between directly to the Weyr, where P'rad was met by Journeyman Cyric as he landed.
"Hey, Cyric," P'rad said with a grin. He only used proper rank when absolutely necessary, much to the chagrin of some of the Crafters and Holders that were not yet Masters or Lord Holders. Journeyman Cyric suppressed a sigh. As much as P'rad was a good friend, and at times a great travel companion, his lack of custom courtesies regarding people of rank at times would be enough to stir even the most patient of people. Cyric began to wonder how he was able to put up with it himself.
"I am a Journeyman, you know," he said.
"And I'm a brown dragon rider and Wing Second," P'rad said, still grinning as he hopped down from Kilith.
"Great shells. Anyway, how did the training go?"
"It went well enough. T'nak was his usual caustic self, even more so now that they were away from the Weyr. They should be back in the next hour or so. He has them jumping between at fifteen minute intervals."
"What about you-know-who?"
"James?" P'rad looked around to see if anyone was listening, despite none of the other dragon riders being around. He beckoned Cyric closer.
"That's a discussion that will have to be kept under wraps," he said in a low voice. "See, outside his color, Goliath is a proper male dragon, but there is one other factor that differs him from the other male dragons: He can't chew firestone!"
Cyric's eyes widened in disbelief. "A-are you serious?" he stammered.
"As a tunnel snake. Believe me we've tried, twice. And both times, he spat up the rock. His second stomach just wouldn't take it."
"Oh, this is big. Really big. But we'd better not go telling everyone what happened. There's no telling how this would settle with other people."
"What do you take me for, a snitch?" P'rad asked, feeling a little indignant and placing his fists on his waist. "Trust me, I know when to keep a secret. It's the other weyrlings and dragon riders I'm worried about. They all saw it happen, and no doubt one of them is from Telgar Hold. Should Lord Jaskel or any of the other Lord Holders that oppose their pairing catch any wind of this, there's no telling what they might do."
"Indeed, my good friend. In any case, we have to talk to the Weyrleaders and the Master Harper. They'll be wanting to hear about this strange turn of events."
"First and foremost, we have to get a hold of T'nak, and make sure he tells the weyrlings to keep this under the rushes. They're only too eager to gossip about anything."
"If you would, P'rad, talk to the other dragon riders and D'ron. I'll talk to the Weyrleaders, and T'nak when he comes back. Until we are able to deal with this properly, we must keep this information inside the Weyr and with the Master Harper at all costs!"
************
"I have to admit, I did NOT see that coming," D'ron said after P'rad explained everything to him.
"I don't think any of us did," said P'rad.
"Do the other riders know?"
"They all saw. I've already spoken to most of them; hopefully word will get passed around to the others that I was not able to talk to, but you can't be too sure with some of them."
"And you said Cyric is going to talk to the Weyrleaders and T'nak, right? Hmm..." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "This is big, P'rad. Real big. A male dragon that can't chew firestone. What are the chances?"
"Think he's a hybrid?"
D'ron looked at P'rad quizzically. "A what?"
"A hybrid. A...mix between a male and female dragon. Might explain his color, too."
"Where did you get that word from?"
"Master Sinadar was teaching it to the weyrlings one day. I just happen to pass by when he was explaining it."
"I see. Well, I don't know if 'hybrid' would explain any of this, but it's definitely something to keep in mind, along with everything else."
"And away from certain eyes and ears."
D'ron nodded in agreement. "The good thing about Journeyman Cyric is that he knows how to be discreet. The Master Harper taught him quite well, I can imagine."
"As he did with all harpers who spent time at the Harper Hall. At any rate, this is one of those mysteries that will have to be kept to as minimum a people as possible. No need for the whole of Pern to get involved, is there?"
"Indeed not. By the way, when are you and Journeyman Cyric going to start your investigation on James' past?"
"We've decided the best time to start would be after the Spring Gather. It's too close to start anything now, and with everything that has happened up until now, it'll give everyone a chance to relax their minds. Hopefully, by the time it rolls around, the weyrlings will be able to jump as far as Benden."
"Ah, yes. That would be a perfect opportunity, wouldn't it?"
"The Master Healer will be there, I'm sure. I promised James that I would get him an audience. I figured that if anyone can help in this situation, it'd be him."
D'ron smiled. "You're a thoughtful man, P'rad," he said, clasping him on the shoulder. "You'd have made a great Wing Leader had you Impressed a bronze."
P'rad grinned and rubbed his finger under his nose, his impudence showing. "I'd say I've Impressed the greatest brown dragon on Pern. Wouldn't trade him for any other." He turned towards his weyr ledge as Kilith bugled in agreement.
***************
"Well, don't that just beat all," D'marcus grumbled, after Cyric finished explaining what he knew of James and Goliath's situation.
"It's all that I know from P'rad," Cyric said. "I'll have to send word to the Master Harper about it soon, so I'll need the full report from T'nak when he gets here."
"What are the chances of a male dragon that can't chew firestone?" asked Alania.
"About the same amount of chance that a silver dragon is born," said D'marcus.
"There are, of course, certain people that this information cannot circle around to," said Elizabeth. "One word of this to any of them, and they'll storm this place, demanding answers."
"Worry none, Weyrwoman. We will not give them the satisfaction of victory," Cyric said, fervently. "We are keeping this information strictly inside the Weyr and with the Master Harper, and we will make sure the dragon riders and weyrlings know to do so as well. P'rad is speaking with D'ron right now about it."
"In all, we must bear in mind that James is not an outcast, nor is he to be labeled as one," D'marcus said. "He is still a dragon rider, and we will treat him as such. This will be stressed to the other dragon riders and weyrlings as well."
*****************
T'nak and the weyrlings arrived back at the Weyr thirty minutes later, T'nak looking more sour than usual now that they were back. He barked a few more orders at the weyrlings, then told them to get ready for their classes with Master Sinadar.
The Weyrleaders want to see you in the kitchen caverns, Madith said.
What now?
T'nak grumbled to himself as he made his way to the kitchen caverns. What could they possibly want? To tell him that his face is scaring the weyrlings? He'd had enough surprises for today, especially witnessing a male dragon that couldn't chew firestone! This will be a grand revelation for them to ponder on. Wonder what they will say about this?
T'nak's face was a mixture of surprise, relief, and annoyance in the fact that he was not the first one to tell the Weyrleaders what happened. Just like that Journeyman and P'rad to spout off to the Weyrleaders about everything! Then again, he couldn't really be mad, seeing that he's the Weyrling Master and he has a responsibility to uphold, even if it causes him to miss big opportunities. He had to admit, of course, that Cyric and the Weyrleaders were right that this kind of information should be kept to certain people and away from others, especially those that, although they were about as acerbic as himself, he could not stand to begin with. Those kind were always willing to cast lots on the most insensitive of subjects, and their pious attitudes made it difficult to reason with them. Surely they will be at the Gather as well, unfortunately.
"...and you'll have to tell the other weyrlings as well," D'marcus was saying. "Be sure to let them know to keep this as confidential as possible."
T'nak grunted. "As if that lot knew how to keep their mouths closed. But I will pass the word along."
"Just try not to beat any of them up with your words, okay?" Elizabeth said, grinning.
"Hrrmph."
That night, James laid in his bed, pondering over the events of that day. The other weyrlings, including Goliath, were already asleep. At times, James wished that he could have fallen asleep as easily as anyone else, but it was probably just as good that he didn't sleep much, seeing as it helped him out in times past when he might have been attacked by a wild animal during his times of wandering. The Weyrling master had already bore down on them about keeping what happened with him and Goliath well within the Weyr, or face dire consequences. Not that what any of what the old man said scared James; he was always the quiet sort, knowing when to keep certain things to himself.
Not for the first time, James pondered on how fast his life was moving all of a sudden. Thrust into the life of a dragon rider, paired with a dragon that can't chew firestone- it was too much to take in at once! Of course, he hadn't had too much time to himself to think about it. There was always something going on to keep him too busy to do so, whether it was training, people talking to him, or listening to T'nak's incessant ranting. Tonight, they were able to go to bed a little earlier since Master Sinadar and Journeyman Cyric needed to go back to the Harper Hall for their reports. Now he had ample opportunity at the moment to let his mind settle in to accepting his status as a dragon rider in training, so he did what he would normally do when he had much to think about. He slowly slipped out of his bed, careful not to disturb Goliath or any of the other weyrlings. Finding his trousers, he quietly slipped them on and crept, barefoot and shirtless, out of the barracks towards the Weyr bowl.
The night air was crisp and cool against James' skin, the beginning stages of Spring still carrying the lingering cold of Winter night. He stepped onto the grass, feeling the blades slightly poke between his toes as he walked towards the middle of the bowl. He stretched his arms above his head, linking his fingers together as he seemingly reached for the stars. He took a deep breath and exhaled, slowly bringing his hands down, and bending to grasp his ankles. He pulled his chin towards his shins, stretching his back muscles as he did so.
Seems like forever since I was able to do this, he thought as he straightened back up. He did a few more stretches before he began his techniques. This time, however, it was a series of punches and kicks that gave an illusion to him fighting another opponent. It was very appropriate, considering what was going through his mind. As he practiced, he thought about the past few months, and between. He nearly missed a step when he thought about that place. Why did it seem so familiar to him? Unlike everyone else who felt dread whenever they went between for the first time, he had a sense of longing, as if there was something there he missed. Something, or someone, was calling to him while he was there; he was so sure of it. The calling was sad, almost crying. And the fact that he began to lose touch with reality while he was in there was unsettling. If it wasn't for Goliath, he might have completely gone into it.
James smiled. He was grateful for his silver companion, whether he could chew firestone or not. They may not be able to fly Thread, but they could be useful for something. He was sure the Weyrleaders wouldn't cast them out of the Weyr for a setback such as this one. But then he began to think: Could it have been a mere coincidence that a silver dragon that can't chew firestone chose him? Dragons do not lie on whom they choose as riders, but what if Lord Trisel did not choose him to come to Igen Weyr? The little dragon would have definitely suicided. He'd heard stories from Barlen about hatchlings that could not find a mate, and in despair went between forever. But Goliath would have suffocated first, seeing as that egg he was in was too tough for him to break out of on his own. But why was it hiding in the shadows to begin with? He could only assume, that due to the egg's odd coloration, the egg was considered to be a dud. Pale silver, with swirling gray wisps at the bottom. Seeing an egg like that for the first time, one could rightly assume the egg was overripe. But then he heard Goliath through the egg, talking to him! Felt what the dragon felt! James wondered if this had ever happened to anyone else besides himself.
The sound of falling rock behind him caused him to turn quickly in that direction, poised to attack, but no one was there. The doorway to the weyrling barracks, which was slightly cracked open and was the origin of the sound, was empty. It was only then that he noticed how heavily he was panting from his exertions, his head and torso glistening with perspiration and sweat. The cold air stabbed at his skin, agitating open pores and turning his sweat cool. He welcomed the feeling, letting it soothe his skin and cool him down. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
Better get back before Goliath wakes up and wonders where I am, he thought, heading back towards the barracks.
S'len watched James discreetly from under his rushes as he silently made his way back to his bed. He was already awake when he saw James creep out of the barracks shirtless and barefoot. How someone as large as him was able to move about without making any noise was beyond him. Before he noticed James, he had been thinking of what the future held for James since Goliath couldn't chew firestone. When James slipped out of the barracks, S'len waited a few moments and then got up and went towards the door. His first thought was to follow James to see where he was going in the dead hour of the night, knowing that he didn't know too many people in the Weyr. Probably going to bother Janissa about something. He stopped at the crack in the doorway just in time to see James throwing punches and kicks at some unseen opponent. Huh. So he wasn't going to see someone. S'len watched as he threw several punches and kicks, including an elbow. He nearly stumbled in one of his movements, but quickly regained his balance and control. This went on for half an hour; punching, kicking, a few elaborate moves here and there.
I remember him doing this very often at Lemos, S'len thought. Always something different than the next.
He didn't realize just how much he was leaning on the door jamb, and nearly jumped out of his skin when some loose rock fell away to the ground. He quickly backed away from the door as James turned towards it in a fighting stance. S'len quickly crept back towards his bed and got back under the rushes, his mind overturning what he just saw. It seemed like a long time before James came back through the door, closing it silently behind him and making his way in the dark room back to his bed. He caught a glimpse of a sliver of something that looked like a slightly curving green jewel, but then realized it was Goliath's eye. James must have evidently said something to him, because the dragon's eye closed again, accompanied with what sounded like a tired moan. It took S'len a second to realize that Goliath was yawning.
He lay there in the dark, wishing he knew more about James and his past. Like Lady Cissa, S'len didn't think that James looked like a drudge when he was at Lemos. And like everyone else who thought the same thing, it was very hard to explain exactly what James looked like before becoming a dragon rider. He was a spectacle to be sure; of course, being the only dark-skinned drudge at Lemos could be a reason why Trisk responded to him so well. Not that he himself had any interaction with the watch-wher, only catching fleeting glimpses of her as she pranced about the back courtyard in the middle of the night when he couldn't sleep. Lord Trisel never kept her on a leash, like some of the other holds that had watch-whers. He thought it to be very inhumane and cruel to do that to her. Besides, the courtyard was big enough to fit at least two or three full size bronze dragons, so she had plenty of room to move around in. But what was it about James that Trisk and, from his understanding with talking to the other weyrlings, the other dragons found so interesting about?
Tanath shifted on her high perch, breaking S'len out of his musings. Briefly, he wondered if dragons dream like humans do. And if they do, what do they dream about? These thoughts, and others, turned over in his head until he fell asleep.
*****************
Ugh, what a day, the girl thought as she slowly made her way across the weyrling barracks to the bathing room. All the other weyrlings had already washed up and were in the dining area eating, but she decided to forgo dinner for a soak in a warm bath. Since those boys were bottomless pits when it came to food, she knew she would have the baths to herself for a while, at least. She purposefully lingered in the bowl so they could finish.
The steam from the bathing room covered her body like a wet blanket as she opened the door, almost taking her breath away until she got used to it. She inhaled deeply, tantalized by the warming mists playing over her face. The baths were constantly kept warm by an underground heating system, and the water continuously rotated through large tubes to keep the baths fresh for next use. The pool itself was situated in the ground and lined with a hard substance that prevented anyone from getting burned by the heating pipes, and was big enough to fit all of the weyrlings, with enough room to move about. Not that she would ever be in the pool at the same time as them; being the only female dragon rider in the weyrling barracks, she wasn't about to risk any unwanted moves towards her. Of course, her brother would be there too, but he could only do so much.
She quickly stripped off her clothes and stepped into the waist high water, relishing in its soothing warmth, and breathing a sigh of relief. She sat on the ledge built along the wall, her body submerging up to her neck, and leaned her head back on the pool edge and closed her eyes. It was such a long day! First, she banged her knee on the flamethrower pack as she tried to heft it onto her back for Thread fighting practice with the queen's wing, then she had to stop her brother from pounding a blue rider into between when he made a disrespectful remark about their parents. Granted, the rider deserved it, but there is a fine line between teaching someone a lesson, and trying to permanently disable them. It seemed to be no time for rest as the Weyrling Master somehow found something for them to do, regarding dragon rider training. It didn't help that he woke everyone up at zero-dark; for Pern's sake, the stars were still out! All of the constant running around throughout the day took its toll on everyone. How the boys managed to have the energy to eat at all was beyond her. A grunt, followed by a beleaguered moan brought her attention back to the present. She turned towards the doorway to see Fareth trying to squeeze in, but her growing body and wings, though folded, prevented her access, so only her head and neck made it in.
Fareth, what are you doing? She asked.
I want to come in there with you, Fareth complained, eying the the water covetously. The girl smiled.
You already had your bath. I really need one right now, and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible before the boys come back. She reached for the box of sand soap she brought along with her and began washing her body with it.
Honestly, do we have to stay here with them? Fareth asked with a sigh. They make these loud rumbling noises when I am trying to sleep.
It's called snoring. Unfortunately, you'll have to get used to it, the girl said, dipping her whole head under the warm water quickly and coming back up. She took more sand soap and began washing her hair. When we become full dragon riders, we'll get our own weyr,and then you won't have to hear it again.
Fareth snorted, her eyes whirring green and blue. The loudest noises come from you, she said stoically, causing the girl to turn to her in surprise.
*************
This stinks, Goliath said, visibly upset.
I know, Goliath, but what can we do? James said, trying to comfort his dragon. They were back in the area where they practiced chewing firestone, and were now practicing dodging and flaming Thread. He and Goliath were sitting in the plateau, well away from the space where the rest of the weyrlings were flaming the makeshift thread. The flaming part was awkward enough; there were not enough flamethrowers to pass around, since the ones at the weyr were assigned to the workers and drudges, and Kadellin and Liriel were assigned each of their own, so James and Goliath had to sit that portion out. They did just fine while dodging Thread, going in between and coming back out into the action well away from plowing into another dragon, or coming face to face with a strand of Thread, ready to burn through them. Not once did Goliath get hit by any of the small metal balls with a long piece of string attached to it that were catapulted from a higher cliff somewhere above the plateau. T'nak begrudgingly took them along after complaining to the Weyrleaders when they told him that, as a dragon rider, he still needs to learn how to fight Thread. T'nak complained about wasted learning time, and what good is teaching a dragon to dodge Thread, if it can't flame it? Or that its rider can't even borrow any of the other drudges' flamethrowers? They aren't using them anyway! Threadfall is only three days away! Surely, James can borrow one until then! No, I'm not trying to neglect his training. Yes, I recognize him as a dragon rider. No, I do not believe it is a waste of time. Okay! I'll take him!
James could hear the old man's cranky voice from somewhere near the edge of the cliff, barking instructions at the weyrlings as they continued to flame and dodge Thread. The balls were lobbed high enough from the cliff so that the dragons had no trouble keeping out of each others way when they went between and reappeared ready to flame the next one. James watched them, a little jealous that he and Goliath were not able to join them. Then again, he'd already proven that he could dodge better than any of them, with the exception of S'len and another green rider that nearly matched his skill, but that was because their dragons are more agile than any of the other colors, being greens and all. Goliath had grown at least three more feet taller than the greens, nearly matching the size and height of a young blue in the past few seven-days, but his speed and skill of dodging the makeshift Thread belied his size, surpassing that of a green dragon.
Goliath stretched along the ground, laying his muzzle between his front legs. James reached over and rubbed his eye ridges.
I wish I was able to chew firestone, he said.
We'll still be useful somehow, James said, nearly unsure of himself how that would work. He watched the pattern in which the dragons dodged Thread. One of the metal balls bounced off of a brown rider's head, while another one hit his dragon in the neck. T'nak's voice was loud enough to wake a dead man as he berated the rider for being careless, and killing his dragon as well as himself.
The Weyrling Master is impossible, Goliath said, his eyes showing small flecks of pale yellow of annoyance.
Maybe he doesn't want to see another dragon or rider die from Threadscore, James said, shrugging. He observed the flights a bit more, noticing the way they moved about.
Huh. That's an interesting way of moving, he said.
What is? Goliath asked, looking at him.
The way the dragons are moving. It's like a...dance. Watch- James got up from the ground, dusting himself off.
See the way they move about with the wind as they dodge? He pointed out the way some of the dragons seemed to move in circular patterns around the falling strands. I wonder...
He began moving similar to the aerial display, circling about as he kept his eyes on them. One of the dragons switched directions, and he did the same. Goliath stood up and watched him.
What are you doing? He asked.
Just watch.
James began moving in the circular pattern faster by placing one foot in front of the other as he walked, and placed his hands in front of him, fingers splayed wide and one hand slightly below the other. He began lithely moving in a figure eight, repositioning his hands every so often, slipping them one over the other, imitating the intricate pattern the dragons were doing. One of the browns dipped under another, and James followed suit, coming up again to resume the circular pattern.
You try it, he said, turning to Goliath. Goliath blinked.
I would, but I have a hard time standing on my back legs for long periods, he said.
Smarty, James said, grinning. Just follow me.
He began moving in the circular patterns again, Goliath following behind him. He had a hard time following behind James' movements, since being a quadruped caused him to have a gait. His size didn't seem to help matters in the least. James noticed and turned towards him, walking backwards.
Try placing one claw in front of the other, as if you're walking in a straight line, like this.
He slowed down enough for Goliath to see him place his feet in front of each other, from toe to heel, with each movement. Goliath copied him, and found that the motion made moving easier. James grinned, and resumed walking in the circle, this time moving in the figure eight pattern. Goliath followed, and soon they were moving opposite each other, following the same pattern but at different angles. Goliath pivoted, and lazily swiped his tail at James, who ducked it using the dipping move that the brown dragon did earlier.
Quicker than I thought, I see, Goliath said, his eyes whirring a playful green.
Ah, so you want to play, huh? James said, grinning mischievously. They began circling around each other, switching directions and moving in figure eights, all the while taking swipes at each other and ducking and dodging each. At first glance, it did look like a sort of dance, since they seemed to be moving in rhythm to a silent beat. The dance ended when they both turned at the same time and bumped into each other. They fell to the ground, James laughing heartily while Goliath grunted with pleasure. It was only then that they noticed the air was a bit too silent. There was no longer the sound of flames burning in the air, or T'nak's cranky voice berating a dragon rider. In fact, there weren't any dragons in the sky at all. James quickly stood up and looked towards the cliffs, noticing all of the weyrlings and the senior dragon riders lined along them, their dragons watching them intently. P'rad himself had the widest grin on his face that James had ever seen; T'nak still held his sour demeanor, just without the accustomed scowl. All of the dragons' eyes were whirring green and blue, and there seemed to be a peaceful ambiance to them. Even Madith, whose personality was borderline with T'nak's, had a look of interest towards the pair, his eyes holding a steady blue.
"Well, if creating games and dances for children to play is the Weyr's plan for having you around, then the caretaker must have really run out of ideas," T'nak said, breaking the peaceful silence and giving James a piercing stare. "So while you were down there prancing around for half an hour, some of us were wondering when we could get back to the Weyr!"
"Sorry, Weyrling Master," James said. T'nak harumphed impatiently.
"Stop gawking, and get ready to head home!" he shouted, turning towards the other dragon riders. Everyone quickly geared up, mounted their dragons, and made the jumps back to the Weyr.
*******************
"So what did the Master Harper say?" P'rad asked Cyric at supper time. They were seated at a table on one of the upper rises of the dining caverns away from any ears.
"Couldn't really get to him," Cyric said, a little muddled. "The Voice Master kept at his ear for the longest period of time. I swear, the man loves to hear himself talk!"
"He probably stands in front of a viewing glass, and does it all the time," P'rad said, grinning.
"You should have seen Master Sinadar; he looked absolutely infuriated! Any longer, and he would have probably picked up the Voice Master and threw him out of the way. He is scrawny enough."
"I'm sure the Master Harper was thoroughly enjoying himself listening to him talk," P'rad said facetiously.
"If the look of intense relief on his face when the Voice Master left was any indication, I'd say he enjoyed the conversation quite well. I let Master Sinadar talk to him first, since his frustration was already apparent."
"What did they talk about?"
"I don't know. I decided to bother the Head Woman for a cool drink, and when I came back the Master Harper was already back in his study, and Master Sinadar was already gone. It was already late, so it wouldn't do for me to bother him while he was in his room."
"Well, there's always tomorrow. It'll be easier then, I'm sure."
"And who, pray tell, is going to take me? Certainly not you. You'll be preparing for Threadfall in the next three days, on top of helping to train the weyrlings. Besides, the Master Harper won't be there all day tomorrow. He's been summoned to Nabol Hold for business purposes. The next two days after that are filled with practicing for the Gather, as well as visiting other holds. Then Threadfall right after that. The best time would probably have to be sometime before, during, or after the Gather...assuming he hasn't downed too much Benden wine."
P'rad grinned. "From what I gather, the wine is supposed to be exceptionally seasoned this time around. It seems that Lord Lenus had been keeping a secret stash somewhere in the hold that's been aging for quite a few Turns, and he was keeping it until such an occasion as this. Wants the very best for the Master Harper, he said."
Cyric blinked. The words of Master Harper Bannis came to his mind, about how P'rad was able to sift information out of the drudges, and he should pay attention to this skill.
"Dare I ask just how you got that information?" he asked, cautiously.
P'rad rubbed his finger under his nose. "That's for me to know," he said, stabbing an open steamed tuber on his plate with his fork and popping some of the flesh in his mouth. Cyric made a face of disgust.
"How can you eat those things?"
"How can you not?"
"Because they're disgusting, that's why. Never did like them, especially as a child."
"Oh, come on," P'rad chided. "These things are the greatest, especially steamed! Fluffy on the inside, chewy skin on the outside. Put some butter and soft cream on it, and you have yourself a treat!"
"Well, you can have them. My mother used to make us eat them with every meal, and we couldn't have any dessert unless we did. Needless to say, I didn't get too many bubbly pies."
"I'm telling you, Cyric, you don't know what you're missing," P'rad teased, stuffing another piece in his mouth.
"It's Journeyman Cyric, and yes, I believe I do know what I'm missing. It's bad enough the sharding plants grew in abundance where I lived before going to the Harper Hall."
P'rad looked at him, a dawning revelation coming to him. "You know, that's one thing that I haven't found out about you yet," he said.
"What's that?"
"Where did you live before becoming a Journeyman?"
A slow, knowing grin crossed Cyric's face. He leaned towards P'rad.
"That's for me to know," he said, getting up from the table and walked off, leaving P'rad in the realization that his own words were thrown back at him.
I am so sorry that this chapter took so long to upload! So many things kept coming up, that I haven't had time to really touch it. First I turned 29 this past 2nd (happy birthday to me!), plus my Aunt passed away, so that kind of set me back a little. Along with church, work, and at times being lazy it was a little hard to deal with it. This was actually a hard chapter for me to develop, not just because of everything that was going on but because I was trying to decide what to put, and how to put it. Hopefully after this, everything will be easier, but you know how life is. Anyway, let me know what you think about this chapter.