DRAGON'S TREASON

CHAPTER 10: CAUSE AND EFFECT

Day 17, Month 7, Turn 100, 9th Interval

About a month had passed since the Weyrleaders had left for the grand council. They had recently received word that some progress had been made, but they weren't completely in agreement yet. It wasn't the news Asha had been hoping for, but at least it was news. It was the most they had heard in a while. She would take what she could get.

The Weyr settled back into its normal routine—as normal as it could get after what happened. Thankfully, the food shortage had been solved, as Kirana had helped forge trade agreements with towns and villages outside of the Holds. All it had taken was a day of going over ideas for how to solve the problem. Asha was grateful for her sister's help. They were getting along much better.

Another month seemed to be just what Benden needed. A clutch on the sands, food in everyone's bellies, healthy dragonets, eased tensions—everyone was a lot happier. The infirmary was mostly cleared out now, and any injured dragons were back in the air. Benden was recovering.

Time had also been good to Kalianth. She was beginning to fill out, having finally surpassed the bronze weyrlings in size. Her hide had itched even worse the first couple of sevendays and she needed more oiling than usual, but it had settled down as the days went by. Weyrling lessons had also officially started back up, with Remma insisting on covering for Asha so she and Kalianth could attend. The young queen grew stronger and stronger, her muscles strengthening in preparation for her first flights in two months.

Unfortunately, the peace would be short lived.

"So… we've only managed to find five more candidates for the hatching."

C'zar had come to the council room to report. He and his wing, as he was temporarily standing in as Wingleader for J'lan, as he was Wingsecond, had been out searching for candidates upon J'lan's request, among others. There was no queen egg this time, which was unsurprising, but there was still a fairly large amount of eggs. And they couldn't afford a single dragonet going between.

J'lan frowned from where he stood beside the war table. "Only five?"

The brownrider nodded. "Yeah. The holders are even less keen about sending off their children to be candidates with Lord Sugol's fate still not sealed."

Asha sighed, folding her arms over her chest as she stood behind the war table. "Of course they are… What is our total number of candidates, then?"

C'zar winced. "Twenty-five."

...There were thirty-five eggs.

"We can keep looking," C'zar added, noticing Asha's visible grimace. "The Search dragons have been finding people. They just… don't want to volunteer. We may have to start taking candidates not chosen by dragons. I don't think we'll be as fortunate as last time."

"It was blatant with the last clutch," J'lan said dryly. "Even Romanoth could sense the potential at your parents' farm, Asha. Sometimes this just… happens."

"We can speak with more of the weyrbrats, too," C'zar said. "There may be a few more who are old enough to be candidates."

"Please do," Asha sighed. "I don't want any of the hatchlings to die."

"Neither do we," J'lan said gently, looking over at her. "But like I said, sometimes it just… happens. It's why we need large clutches. This is probably Vanth's smallest."

"Well, A'den's still a pretty new dragonrider," C'zar said with a light laugh. "He probably had no idea what he was doing and didn't control Chroneth enough. I mean, we were all that inexperienced once. The fact that Vanth still produced a more than decent clutch is impressive, with how that mating flight went. Chroneth definitely will be a serious contender for Kalianth's maiden flight."

J'lan's gaze flickered down to the table. "...Yes, Romanoth is not too pleased about that."

C'zar raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Romanoth, eh?"

J'lan gave him a withering look. "Yes, Romanoth. He has grown rather fond of Kalianth."

Asha let out an exasperated sigh. "Guys, you are aware that Kali isn't even three months old yet?"

"We're well aware," J'lan said, still giving his friend a dry look. "Back on the topic of hatchlings—we'll have a lot of young dragons soon. Will we have enough to feed them all?"

"We should," Asha answered. "Our trade deal with the outholders is simple—they give us food, and in return, our tanners will turn any hide they send with the goods into leather and send it back to them. Essentially, they are paying us to make them leather, just in food, rather than money."

"I still barely can believe Kirana came up with that," C'zar mused. "It's so simple, but so clever."

Asha gave a shrug. "My sister knows how to run a business. She's good at making deals. I can work the books just fine, but our parents always sent her to do the trading. She's…" Her gaze fell. "...good with people." Unlike me.

No. Kalianth's voice sounded in her head, chiding her. You are getting better. The riders are beginning to turn to you with their problems, just like they did with Mother's own.

...I suppose you're right.

"Well, I'm glad she came up with that plan," C'zar said. "Things are already improving."

"Indeed," J'lan agreed. "Have you decided to send a report to the Weyrleaders, or…?"

"If I can find a firelizard who can deliver the message," Asha responded.

C'zar cracked a grin. "Leave it to me. I'll find one."

She managed a smile. "Thank you, C'zar."

"No problem, Weyrwoman," the brownrider chuckled, playfully giving a salute. "We have a million flits flying around these days. There's bound to be one that's free. I'll be back in a jiffy."

With that, C'zar strode out of the room, leaving the two interim Weyrleaders alone. For a moment, they stood in silence, now that their friend was gone. But then J'lan spoke, ending the quiet.

"...There is one more thing."

Asha looked up at him, unsurprised. "What is it?"

"As you know, I have been enforcing drills to protect the Weyr, in case of another attack," J'lan stated solemnly. "I also conducted a survey to see how many of our riders are capable in combat. Unfortunately, the number is lower than I expected. Because the times have been so peaceful, many people haven't found the need to learn how to defend themselves. I have decided to begin combat training for everyone, including the weyrlings. I rather be safe than sorry."

Honestly? Asha was not surprised. If she hadn't been so busy keeping the Weyr running, she would have considered asking J'lan or C'zar to teach her swordsmanship. She did not want to feel powerless again, not like during the attack. It was an excellent idea. They all needed to be prepared for the worst.

Asha nodded. "I think that's a good idea. When will we start?"

"Tomorrow, if everything goes according to plan," he answered. "I trust most of our neighbors, but we cannot afford more loss. We're lucky enough to have another clutch so soon after the attack."

"Agreed…" She glanced down at the map. "Perhaps I'll finally be able to enjoy a hatching this time."

"Yours had… unusual circumstances," J'lan said with a slight grimace. "We always have a feast after the hatching. You'll be able to attend this time."

She looked back up at him. "More celebrations? I suppose we could use some more fun."

"I certainly know a few riders who won't complain about it," J'lan said wryly.

Asha gave a small smile. "So do I. We do deserve some happiness."

If there was one thing she could easily agree on, it was that Benden Weyr deserved all these celebrations. Rebuilding was slow, but with high morale, it wasn't so bad.

Day 18, Month 7, Turn 100, 9th Interval

The next day, just as J'lan said, combat lessons began.

"You'll be starting off with practice swords," Y'gan said, hands clasped together behind his back, Nerenth crouched like a cat behind him. "It's the safest way to learn without anybody getting hurt worse than some bruises. And Jiana here has volunteered to assist me today."

He gestured to the young girl standing next to him. She looked about ten years old, standing quite tall for her age. She was kind of scrawny, her sleeveless tunic needing to be bound around the waist with a belt so she wouldn't drown in the cloth. She had wavy black hair that fell down to her shoulders, a light complexion, and striking amber eyes. A gold firelizard was perched on her shoulder. She gave a little wave to the weyrlings.

Wait a second… Asha's eyes widened. She looks a lot like J'lor.

She does, Kalianth mused. I wonder if she is one of Mother's own's children.

I've been here for about three months and I haven't met any of Octavia and J'lor's children… That's kind of weird, don't you think?

Mother has told me the weyrbrats are raised by weyrfolk other than their parents, Kalianth said. I do not think it is so strange.

...Good point.

"Jiana, please hand out the practice swords to everyone," Y'gan said to the little girl.

She nodded, and scurried over to the rack of wooden swords. She gathered a bunch into her arms, and headed over to the end of the line, as they had lined up in front of Y'gan in the training field that was normally used for older weyrlings. She handed each of them a sword. Some of the weyrlings thanked her, others did not. M'rek and his cronies noticeably did not. When she ran out of swords, she returned to the rack for more. Eventually, she reached the end of the line, where Asha, Kalianth, and their friends stood.

"Thanks!" V'rin said as she handed him a wooden sword.

"Thank you," Phoebe said when she received her sword.

Finally, the child reached Asha. She seemed to hesitate, before handing her the last wooden sword.

"Thank you, Jiana," Asha said, trying to give her a friendly smile. "And thank you for helping out Y'gan. I'm sure he appreciates it."

Jiana's eyes widened, before she smiled sheepishly. "It's not a big deal or anything… I'm happy to help. But, um… you're welcome, Weyrwoman."

She backed up, before turning away to return to stand by Y'gan.

"All right, weyrlings," Y'gan said, looking at each of them. "You're the first class of dragonriders to have combat training added to your regimen. All your seniors have to set time aside for their training, even with their busy schedules. You're also lucky that your Weyrlingmaster already knows how to fight."

V'rin's eyes widened. "Jays… Y'gan's really full of surprises."

"However, I want to be very clear. This training is for self-defense only. I don't want to hear about dragonriders going out to terrorize holders or outholders." His gaze immediately flickered to M'rek, who stiffened. "So if any of you have been thinking of that, erase that from your minds. We're here to defend our Weyr, not take over the planet."

Unfortunately, a certain bronze weyrling had to raise his hand.

Y'gan gave him a withering look. "Yes, M'rek?"

"Do you think we could overtake a Hold if we wanted to, though?"

...Ugh. Not this again.

Y'gan sighed. "We have dragons. Even with their cannons, we have the upper hand. So yes, I believe we could easily conquer a Hold. But we have no need to. Such violence is unnecessary. We have always been here to protect Pern, not destroy it."

Jiana bristled, scowling. "My great great great grandparents didn't end Thread just for you to destroy Pern another way."

Y'gan raised his hand. "Peace, Jiana. M'rek was merely asking a hypothetical question. Isn't that right, M'rek?"

"Of course," M'rek said dryly. "I was merely curious."

Sure you are… Asha narrowed her eyes. We need to keep our eyes on M'rek and Galarth.

Agreed. Kalianth's eyes whirled orange. I have never liked them. Galarth is so arrogant.

She fought the urge to sigh. Why am I not surprised?

Y'gan cleared his throat. "Moving on… we'll begin with the anatomy of a longsword…"

"Shards, I'm so sore," V'rin whined, flopping down on the couch. "Why'd you have to wallop me so hard, Phoebe? What did I ever do to you?"

The redhead rolled her eyes. "You're being a big baby. I didn't hit you that hard."

The friends had gathered in the weyrwoman's weyr, to relax after their excruciating first day of combat training. Asha had sent for some ice packs for V'rin, because he did end up having the most bruising out of the three of them. She sat down next to Phoebe, while the dragonets gathered on Kalianth's couch in the main chamber.

"It could be worse," Asha said. "We could have used real swords."

V'rin made a face. "I'd be dead if we did. Phoebe would've murdered me."

She rolled her eyes again. "Oh, stop being such a drama queen!"

He shifted on the couch across from them, so he was leaning in a more relaxed position. "What did you think about Jiana, though? I was surprised Y'gan was teaching her too."

Phoebe gave a shrug. "I overheard some gossiping. She's the Weyrleaders' eldest daughter, and is apparently almost as hotheaded as our Weyrleader."

"Jeez…" V'rin shook his head. "Sometimes, I really wonder how J'roy and J'lan are related."

"You're not the only one," Asha muttered under her breath. "It's too bad that she's so young. She could've been a candidate for Vanth's clutch."

Phoebe frowned. "Right… we're still low on candidates, aren't we?"

"Unfortunately," she sighed.

V'rin sat up straight. "I wish I knew how to help with that…"

Asha glanced down at her hands. "There may be no helping it this time… There isn't a gold egg to attract the masses."

They grew quiet. It really was saddening, thinking that so many dragonets would die if they did not find more candidates. But their riders were venturing all over Pern, searching for volunteer. The only area they did not visit was the South.

The South… the biggest mystery of Pern. Oh, she couldn't wait until Kali could fly and go between. She wanted answers. Just what was down there?

"At least all the eggs of our clutch hatched and found partners," Phoebe said quietly, after a moment had passed.

This was true.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens," Asha said.

Phoebe and V'rin nodded in agreement.

Day 20, Month 7, Turn 100, 9th Interval

Asha sat on the floor of her weyr, rubbing oil into Kalianth's belly. The young queen was flaking more than usual today. Kalianth's eyes gleamed blue-green with contentment, humming happily as more and more oil was applied to her cracking hide. It was messy work, but Kalianth's happiness always made it worthwhile. Besides, Asha was used to getting dirty; working on a farm did not leave you clean. She always rolled her eyes at anyone who complained.

Right there, Kalianth hummed, leaning more onto her side. That spot… perfect.

Asha dipped her rag into the can of oil and began to rub that particular spot underneath where her leg connected to her shoulder. She smoothed over the cracks in her hide, which must have just popped up overnight. Unsurprising, considering it looked like Kalianth had gained inches since yesterday. The increase in her growth rate was absolutely astounding.

"Is that better?"

Yes! Much better. She shifted back up. I am glad I am larger than my brothers now, but this itching is such an nuisance.

Asha smiled wryly, reaching up to dab a spot she missed under Kalianth's eye. "It will get better… eventually. Once you're full grown."

Kalianth huffed. That is so far away. It's as annoying as waiting to fly. I want to see what you have seen so badly, Asha. I hate being trapped in the Weyr.

"Soon, Kali." She lowered the cloth. "In two months you'll be flying on your own, and then after one more month, you'll be strong enough to carry me."

The young queen shook her head. I feel strong enough now. But we must wait for the little ones. It would not be fair to fly when my blue brothers and green sisters are still too small. I just have been feeling… restless. That is the word you use, yes?

"I do not blame you," she sighed. "I've always wanted to see the world… That's why I left home in the first place. But now I have responsibility and… everything else I didn't want."

Kalianth rumbled softly. We must be patient… Our time will come, soon. I can feel it, Asha.

Asha smiled softly. "You always know how to cheer me up."

She hummed, pleased. Naturally.

Asha returned to oiling, letting herself enjoy the peaceful moment. As soon as she was done, she'd have to get to work. As much as she didn't mind her duties as interim Weyrwoman, it still was difficult to juggle as a weyrling. It was only worse now that they had more training added to their lessons. She knew it was for the safety of the Weyr, but it tired her out even more than their regular physical training.

Suddenly, Kalianth's head jerked up. Asha looked up at her, immediately concerned. But the young queen simply let out a soft hum, her eyes becoming bluer. Indeed, humming had begun to resonate through the entire Weyr.

The eggs are hatching. We must go watch!

Asha quickly touched up the last spot on Kalianth she had left to oil, closed the can, and draped the cloth over it. They stood up together, Asha wiping her hands off on her trousers. They hurried out of their weyr, pausing briefly to see the candidates in white already beginning to wander out onto the sands of the Hatching Ground. Firelizards flitted everywhere eagerly, like bees, as more and more dragons emerged from their weyrs to watch, the humming growing louder and louder.

"We have to meet with J'lan and Romanoth," Asha said, figuring as they were the interim Weyrleaders, they should be overseeing the hatching.

They followed the path, heading down into the Bowl. She looked around, hoping to spot Romanoth. It would be difficult to miss the largest dragon in the Weyr. After a moment, she saw him, perched on the ledge overlooking the Weyr Bowl, humming deeply. Ah, that made since. It would be easier for him to stay there. Eventually, the same would apply to Kalianth, which was a sad thought. Right now, she was about the size of a draft horse.

Deciding to simply head to the stands, Asha made her way to the Hatching Ground, Kalianth at her heels. Along the way, she did find J'lan, who brought them over to the Weyrleaders' box in the stands. Thankfully, there was enough room for the young queen. They sat down, Kalianth staying beside her rider, and began the wait.

"It looks like they managed to find a few more candidates," J'lan mused.

Indeed, the number of white-clad candidates appeared to be slightly higher than the number they had been given a few days ago. Unfortunately, most of them were children.

"That's a relief," Asha sighed. "It's still not an ideal number, but… better than what we had before."

"There could be stands impressions as well," J'lan said, looking over at her. "Sometimes dragonets will find their match in the stands, watching. It's rare, but it happens."

"Well, I hope it happens today."

A few more minutes passed, as all of the candidates began to spread out among the eggs. Vanth remained where she was, curled up on the warm sands, but keeping an eye on the variety of humans around her. The dragons continued to hum, growing even louder. And then, finally, one of the eggs began to shake. A hush settled upon the weyr, as everyone's attention was drawn to that egg. Some of the candidates stepped closer to it, while others backed away.

The little one is frazzled, Kalianth noted. Was I like this?

I don't know. I couldn't hear you yet.

A large crack shot through the nondescript shell. More and more fractures appeared, tiny lines streaking through the eggshell. And finally, the dragon burst out of the shell, a tumbling mess of wings and limbs as its momentum carried it forward, until it collapsed into a heap on the sand.

Silence fell. Even the dragons stopped humming.

The dragonet… was black.

Its hide rippled obsidian in the summer sunlight, as the hatchling gathered itself. It lost its balance again, stumbling forward, until it finally stood up. The dragonet was fairly large, only slightly smaller than a bronze hatchling. It looked around, as everyone stared at it in shock.

Asha glanced over at J'lan, who was just as speechless as her. From her lessons, she knew most mutations did not survive, due to the bioengineering to ensure that only the strong would survive. Yet here this little dragon stood, an obvious mutation, clearly healthy enough to escape its egg. Even Ruth, the only white dragon to exist, had needed help escaping his shell.

The black dragonet let out an angry squawk, eyes whirling red. A candidate ventured a little too close, and the hatchling snapped at him, barely missing his arm. The other candidates quickly backed away, trying to get as far away from the ornery dragon as possible.

At this rate, it was going to die.

He is upset, Kalianth said, eyes turning yellow. Why will no one give him a chance?

But then there was a shout. Looking towards the sound, Asha saw someone jump down from the stands. Her eyes widened when she saw that it was Jiana. The candidates scattered even more, a couple telling her to get away, but she ignored them. She went up to the black dragonet, holding her hand out towards him. He hesitated, taking a few steps back, his eyes a bright mix of red, yellow, and orange. But then he reached out, sniffing at her hand.

"It's okay," Jiana said. "Nobody is gonna hurt you. I promise."

This seemed to satisfy the hatchling. His eyes changed yet again, whirling the beautiful rainbow of Impression. Gasps resonated throughout the entire Weyr. Jiana dropped down to her knees, throwing her arms around the black dragonet's neck, hugging him tightly.

All color had drained from J'lan's face. "...J'lor is going to murder me."

...Well, that confirmed that Jiana was J'lor and Octavia's daughter.

Another egg began to shudder, drawing attention away from Jiana and her abnormal dragon. Asha looked over at J'lan, hesitating for a moment.

"What should we do?"

"We need to get them out of there," he said, standing up. "And I need to ask Jiana just what the hell she was thinking."

"Jiana, what in Faranth's name were you thinking?" J'lan demanded, giving the child a stern look. "You could have been maimed—or worse."

They stood in the weyrling caverns, where Jiana and her young partner had been moved to their new weyr. Jiana sat down on the dragon's couch, next to him, gently stroking the back of his neck, as he lay curled up next to her, eyes darting back and forth suspiciously to whoever was talking.

"You're one to talk," Jiana huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "Didn't you run out onto the sands for Romanoth too?"

"That's… besides the point." J'lan pressed a hand to his forehead. "You are underage. You're ten years old—too young to be a candidate for any color."

"Ciarth needed me," she retorted, glowering. "He would've died without me. I couldn't let that happen."

"Relax, J'lan..." Asha said quietly, stepping up to place a hand on his shoulder. "She didn't get hurt… and both of them are safe and sound now. Everything worked out all right."

He glanced down at her. For a moment, their eyes met. J'lan sighed heavily, but nodded, letting himself relax, his shoulders slumping with fatigue. He reached up to run a hand through his hair, as she let go.

"I just don't know how I'm going to explain this to J'lor."

Asha frowned. "I thought dragonriders aren't particularly close to their children."

"It depends," J'lan said. "Since we no longer fight Thread, some riders are more involved in their children's lives. They're still raised by surrogate parents because we're so busy, but a lot of parents pay more attention these days. Octavia came from a noble family, so she always has been highly involved. It just rubbed off on J'lor after a while. And me as well, as their uncle."

"Dad won't be angry," Jiana insisted, looking up at them. "He'll be proud of me. Just you wait and see."

J'lan sighed. "If not J'lor, then Octavia will surely kill me."

"She will not," Asha assured him. "I won't let her."

"...Thanks. I guess." He shook his head. "I'll have to write them a message and send it via firelizard… Shards. I don't know how they'll even take a black dragon. This has never happened before."

"Ciarth is fine just the way he is," Jiana huffed. "He is hungry, though."

"I'll send for some food," Asha said. "And-"

A gold firelizard darted into the cave, carrying a missive. It was Octavia's. Asha cut herself off as the tiny queen handed the piece of paper to her. J'lan and Jiana watched as she unfolded the note to read it.

Asha,

We've finally come to a resolution. Sugol will be stripped of his titles and his Hold will be given to his next of kin. They will also have to pay reparations for all the repairs we must make to the Weyr due to the attack.

I'm not entirely sure if this means our issue with Bitra will be completely resolved, but it is better than nothing. J'lor wanted more punishment, but not many Lord Holders agreed with him. But this means we will be home soon. I am honestly relieved to be able to return to Benden.

Soon, you'll be able to be a regular weyrling again. I truly am sorry for forcing this on you when you have not been with us for very long. It will be over soon, at least.

Until we return,

Octavia

Asha looked up at J'lan. "The decision has been made. J'lor and Octavia are coming home."

Jiana's eyes widened. "Really?!"

"...Great, I have to deal with this sooner rather than later," the bronzerider sighed wearily.

Jiana glowered at him. "That's all you care about, Uncle J'lan?"

"I don't think you're aware of how terrifying your mother can be."