Chapter 10
The next major event to take place was the Hatching at Fort Weyr, where Teffie, Kitiara's sister, was a candidate for the Golden Queen egg!
When a Green dragon swooped down next to the Harper Hall, outside Horgey's ground floor quarters, naturally he and Kitiara went out to greet the Rider.
"Hullo! Are you Lady Kitiara by any chance?" asked the Rider "Only you've the right colour hair."
Kit touched her short effulgent curls.
"I'm APPRENTICE Kitiara" she said "I dropped the 'Lady' you know."
The Green Rider grinned.
"At least there's some about as can drop the titles to get on with other jobs!" he said. "Hatching's imminent; I was sent for you. Was your friend coming?" he glanced at Horgey "'Cos I'm not sure er, how to accommodate the chair."
"You're K'star, aren't you?" asked Horgey, seeing Kit give him a hopeful look.
The man looked pleased.
"That's right. How did you know?"
"I've heard about you from T'rin….he says Ninth is strong, could she lift me in the chair with her front feet?"
K'star looked surprised.
"That wouldn't bother you?"
"I'm not bothered by heights" said Horgey "And I trust her not to drop me."
"I didn't mean that….some people get nervous of the business end of dragons."
"Foolishness" said Horgey. "I'm sure Ninth is very careful…and she can pick up my thoughts of discomfort if she accidentally squeezes because the chair fells awkward, can't you beautiful one?"
"I like him" broadcast Ninth.
K'star chuckled.
"Flirt" he said to her, out loud. "Well, Harper, if you're fine with that…." He helped Kit to scramble up over Ninth's politely extended forepaw, thanking the dragon as she did so; then K'star climbed up behind her. Ninth carefully cupped Horgey, chair and all, between her claws.
"Comfortable, Harper?" she asked inside his head.
"Perfectly, thank you; you are considerate, Ninth" Horgey felt quite comfortable with draconic telepathy; Renpeth would occasionally chat with him, and even Mirrith; and he had found that when he was lonely and a little bored – a rare enough thing in the Weyr, but not unknown before he had felt himself fitting in so well – that a friendly dragon would often pick this up and pass on some news to him. He 'heard' Ninth make some private comment to K'star, though what it was was shielded from him. Then they were off!
The flight was a little more precarious than strapped to dragonback; but Horgey was unafraid. Ninth would feel if he felt insecure and could close her fist about his actual body. It was actually rather exhilarating! And indeed, all too short, the flight Straight little more than up and a long glide down into Fort Weyr, right above the Hold and Harper Hall.
Ninth placed Horgey gently down in the Bowl and kit and K'star slid off.
"Thank you for taking such good care of me, Ninth" said Horgey.
"Ninth was wondering if you were within age, Journeyman" asked K'star.
"Within age?" Horgey was puzzled.
"For Impression….she says you've power."
Horgey blinked, a little nonplussed.
"I – I never thought of it. I guess I'm not fit enough yet, though; and I dare say that by the time I am I'll be too old anyway" he shrugged "But that's life. You never miss what you never had: and before my accident I was certainly too….immature."
"Pity" said K'star. "I've always thought it might be nice to have some steadier older chaps rather than all still half children to be blooded….maybe an exception could be made; talk to me when you're better, huh, and I'll put in a good word. N'ton's fairly flexible. Hurry now, or you'll not get a good place" he added as more dragons started arriving.
Kit took Horgey of necessity to a place at the coveted front of the tiers, grinning at the muttered imprecations of those of higher Rank than a Journeyman who could scarcely ask a chair-bound cripple to go up the steps! Her parents, as some of the most socially senior also had a place at the bottom: and Lord Groghe who recognised T'rin's friend and waved cordially as Kitiara brought the wheeled chair close to her parents, who smiled a warm welcome.
Teefer and Kiarna moved along the seats to be next to their daughter and Horgey; Groghe was chatting with N'ton.
Soon the candidates were coming out onto the sands, wincing a little and shifting from foot to foot as the heat struck up uncomfortably into bare feet.
"There's Teffie!" Kit said in a stage whisper. Pointing to one of the girls in their longer tunics. Teffie did not notice her sister or parents; she looked scared stiff. As this was the normal expression for any candidate however did not worry.
"She's scared!" whispered Kit "Oh dear, a Queen won't like that! Perhaps she should not be here.."
"They're all scared" said Horgey comfortingly. "If the Weyrlingmaster has done his job well, it's half because they're aware of their responsibility if they do Impress; and the rest is the fear that they won't, and will disappoint kin."
"Is that it?" asked Teefer.
Horgey nodded.
"I've worked with the Weyrlingmaster at High Reaches" he said "- Trin's father – co-ordinating ordinary lessons with the specialist ones…I've picked up a lot, even though I've only seen one hatching. I suppose it's Harper habit to store up information! Pity D're isn't here" he added thoughtfully "Or we could clean up betting on the colours; he can see them through the shell" he explained. "Look! There goes the Queen egg!"
The adult Queen – Horgey did not know the names of the Queens at Fort – hissed menacingly as the girls approached her daughter's hatching shell. Some were plainly terrified of the big dragon and hung back.
"THEY shouldn't even be here" grunted Horgey. "See? Your Teffie's got the guts to go forward. Reckon if she don't Impress here it's because her dragon's not shelled yet."
The little Queen shook herself loose of shards with a mighty heave and flopped forward creeling with hunger and the need for companionship. One girl moved forward and was batted aside by a contemptuous wing; Teffie stepped up too, swallowing hard; and was ignored.
The face of one of the girls erupted into a big soppy grin.
"Oh of COURSE we'll find you something to eat darling!" she cried, wrapping her arms round the golden neck.
"Aw….shards" said Kitiara, scrubbing tears off her face with the back of her hand like a boy.
Horgey leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"She can always come to High Reaches for a Green you know – if she likes" he said. "Reckon any woman in your family has what it takes."
"Thanks" said Kit. "When she's recovered from the disappointment, we'll have to suggest it."
Other dragonets were busy hatching all around, creeling and crying their ways into the arms of their various life partners, and stumbling off together bemused and ungainly.
Suddenly a little wedge shaped Blue head appeared at the rail behind which they sat.
"Where are you?" Asked Brieth wistfully.
"But – you can't want ME!" objected Horgey
"Yes I do. Can we get something to eat now?"
Horgey felt a gnawing wave of ravenous hunger and stumbled clumsily to his feet, his little green firelizard piping enthusiastically.
"Sit down, I'll push you dear" said Kit. "What's his name?"
"Brieth…"
"Brieth, I have to bring H'gey round to the steps; follow us along, it isn't far" said Kit, touching the blue muzzle apologetically.
Brieth obediently stumbled to where the barrier stopped and H'gey could enfold him properly in his arms. His face was wet!
Kitiara pushed the chair slowly, one arm out to help H'gey support Brieth.
K'nebel the Weyrlingmaster and N'ton gazed at the newly Impressed pair with something close to horror. Kitiara grabbed meat from the bowl the Weyrlingmaster held.
"Not too much at once" said H'gey "He mustn't gorge, and he has to get the idea of using teeth….it must be steady, like firelizards, and no more than his belly can take."
"You've been a candidate elsewhere?" asked K'nebel sharply.
H'gey shook his head.
"No, sir, I belong to the Harperweyr of High Reaches; I've helped R'gar the Weyrlingmaster there."
K'nebel grunted something about at least having picked up something.
"But – but it's insanity!" said N'ton half indignantly "Son, how can a cripple fight Thread?"
H'gey's face tightened.
"If it's all the same to you, Weyrleader, I should like to transfer to High Reaches as soon as Brieth's had a night's sleep; there's the infrastructure there in place that will permit me to fight Thread even if I do NOT continue to improve physically from my injuries. As I fully anticipate being a sight more mobile than this in the fourteen months before I'll be carrying firestone and going Between I should not think there's going to be a problem; but I'll not stay where I'm going to be labelled as one."
"But how do you intend to care for him in the meantime?" asked N'ton. H'gey thought there was more genuine distress there than scorn; but his sharp ears were picking up the same comment made in a scoffing tone from other Riders. He flushed and counted to ten.
"I obviously cannot care for him – alone. Ah yes, Kit, the oil, please…" he paused to rub oil into the sudden itch that distracted Brieth. "Of course, as Fort lacks the facilities available at High Reaches to deal with such little hitches, I think perhaps it would be better if we could presently be lifted directly to the Harper Hall pending our transfer, where there's a band of willing – and knowledgeable – apprentices who can help me; apprentices who have cared for the dragons of casualties in the Healer Hall before. And, Weyrleader, I'd rather trust to their good offices than remain here where, judging by the whispers there are those who I fully believe would take a perverse pleasure in leaving me to myself and watching me fail. And seeing Brieth go Between for neglect that I may be punished for having the temerity to have a crippled body by being crippled mentally too. And deny if you can, sir, that there's not those here that feel that way!"
N'ton gulped.
"How dare you speak to me that way, Blue Rider?"
"Blue Rider is it when you want to exert authority when you've already addressed me as 'cripple'?" said H'gey angrily. "I dare because your words show that you plainly regret the concept of me being one of YOUR riders. No more, Kit, he's had enough. T'bor is proud of ALL his riders. And shouting how dare you, not denying my accusation answers me the degree of accuracy of it. I'm not an adolescent boy you can browbeat, Weyrleader, I'm a Journeyman and I've my own Weyr family behind me."
"And his in-laws too" said Teefer, who had found them. "This young man is betrothed to our daughter; I suppose you'll be transferring to the Harperweyr too my dear, and standing for a Green dragon?"
"How DID you know we were betrothed, daddy?" gasped Kit. "Yes, I shall transfer if I've your blessing."
Teefer smiled
"More than weyrfolk can logicate – at least about their nearest and dearest" he said. "N'ton, under the circumstances, don't you think it better for H'gey and Brieth to go temporarily to the Harper Hall?"
N'ton swallowed.
"Perhaps it might, Lord Teefer" he said. "Though dragons belong in a weyr…"
Teefer smiled sweetly.
"I believe Master Robinton said, when Jaxom Impressed Ruth, a weyr is where a dragon is" he said.
With such logic N'to could not argue.
In truth he did not want to argue; he felt more sympathy than he had shown to the newly Impressed pair, but had been betrayed by shock and dismay, and a fear of how it would reflect on the Weyr and his leadership in these still difficult times, and the influence of T'ron not entirely eradicated. He laid a hand on H'gey's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, lad" he said "I was …. taken aback."
"You weren't the only one" said H'gey dryly. "Can we be lifted out please? Brieth is three parts asleep and I'm having trouble fighting the feeling myself."
"I'd have said you were doing remarkably well myself" said N'ton.
H'gey managed a lazy grin.
"You know what they say about Harpers – able to function even after half a case of Benden Red and an all night game of Dragon Poker."
"From the man who rarely drinks and never gambles" said Kit. "Hello grandfather, isn't it splendid?"
"Ha! Hrm! Well done young H'gey, congratulations, what?" said Lord Groghe. "Had to commiserate with Teffie, couldn't come straight off, left her with her mother. Damned inconvenient for you, eh, Kit? Going to transfer to High Reaches are you so she can have a Green for your little chap to fly?" he dug H'gey in the ribs.
"That's the general idea, sir" said H'gey "And we're going back to the Harper Hall: I've unfinished duties there, you know."
"Hah! Dedicated lad! Quite right too!" said Groghe, and stumped off.
N'ton raised an eyebrow.
"Saving my face?"
"Hold and Weyr don't quarrel; weyr and weyr don't quarrel. Craft and weyr don't quarrel. End of" said H'gey shortly.
N'ton beckoned K'star over; the Green rider grinned all over his face.
"I SAID you should stand as a candidate, Journeyman" he said.
N'ton appeared to be having trouble with something in his throat.
"Carry H'gey and Brieth to the Harper Hall please K'star" said N'ton. "M'ander and Relth can help you."
K'star blinked.
"Uh….yes, Weyrleader" he said, whispering to H'gey as the Weyrleader turned away "Why? Aren't you joining us here?"
H'gey yawned again.
"Sorry….Brieth's so tired..."
Kit answered for him.
"Nobody wants a cripple here" she said "And we'll be going to High Reaches where nobody gives a fardling shard providing you do your best."
K'star looked enlightened.
"Oh, right….yes, there are a few…" he said. "Well, High Reaches has a good reputation, or one for being crazy, depending on who you talk to. Oh, M'ander" as a Blue Rider came up "We're taking H'gey and Brieth to the Harper Hall so they can go on to High Reaches to avoid any….incidents."
M'ander regarded H'gey coolly; then intercepted a look between him and Kit, as she reached out to touch H'gey's hand; and relaxed.
"Yes, we've thought of asking for a transfer ourselves" he said.
"You'd be welcome, I reckon" said H'gey, correctly interpreting incipient jealousy put aside. "We like monogamous couples there; sluts are discouraged."
M'ander grinned.
"I like your direct way. Are you then from High Reaches and Impressed here by accident?"
"It's a long story" said H'gey "And I'm tired – come down tomorrow, huh, and you can listen to the history, and I'll give you a good harper-style yarn. And you can help me oil him too, if you're feeling kind enough!"
M'ander laughed.
"We shall!" he promised.
To say that the Masterharper was taken aback to have his journeyman returned complete with dragonet was an understatement. However, he knew enough about the effects of hatching to ask no questions! Brieth was accommodated temporarily in the teaching room of H'gey's cot, being small enough still to fit through the wide door. H'gey was lifted onto the bed by Kit and Danel: and he and Brieth were both asleep and snoring within minutes.
"'H'gey'" said Danel thoughtfully. "Not Horgey any more. That'll be some looking after."
"That's right Danel" said Kit, kindly. "We'll all help. I'll tell the other apprentices. And Silvina" she added hastily, recalling that the headwoman would need to know to find enough meat for Brieth!
After running around informing people who needed informing – and refusing to go into details until she had more time – Kitiara reported to the Masterharper.
He gave her a comical smile as she entered his room.
"Only the people of High Reaches could manage that. Hmmm? You'd have thought he'd have the decency to Impress at the last High Reaches hatching!" he quipped.
"As though he had anything to do with it!" began Kit angrily before she realised the Masterharper was teasing. She collapsed into a chair laughing weakly.
"You wouldn't believe it in a ballad, now, would you?" she said, still chuckling. "His face! Adoration and horror mixed! Still, it solves a few potential problems."
"Hmm?"
"If I Impress, Brieth can fly my Green. If I don't, he's likely to be inhibiting Brieth so he won't be likely to wake up with a strange girl, so there shouldn't be any issues. And even if he does, it's less….intrusive for a man anyway and I guess I could handle that better than if I woke up with a random Rider. I confess I was a little worried that if I went with him and DID Impress, I'd have trouble coping with my dragon's appetites and not being able to be with H'gey, only now I could, so that's all right!" she grinned.
"Ah, the optimism of the young. And the angst" murmured Robinton. "Things do have a way of sorting themselves out. Especially if dragons are involved. What actually happened?"
Kitiara gave a full account; including H'gey's un-contradicted fears and accusations. Robinton sighed.
"N'ton is a good man" he said "A very good man. But there are always some rotten apples….and the worst and most rotten apples of all are the ones who convince themselves that they are actually acting in the public good."
Kitiara nodded.
"I guess I can see that….sir, may I have time off to go see my sister? She's a disappointed candidate, and I meant to go hug her but then there was all that drama… I did warn Silvina she'd need more meat, I thought of that."
Robinton nodded.
"Of course; off you run, my child. I'm impressed you got as far as warning Silvina; that was well done. As to the rest, leave it all in my hands; I'll go and talk to T'bor personally."
Kitiara grinned and ran off, much relieved!