Malatyn was banished! Unfaily banished from his Hold. He was innocent! He looked back at his mother as he clambered on to the blue's back He scowled at her The woman had always favoured his twin brother over him Mazaryn was the younger. But he was stronger popular. Malatyn was a foot smaller than his brother. Shy and quiet. Most of the Cotholders had already made it known That they did not consider him fit to be their Overlord. His father though respected the line of Succesion At least he had done until a few weeks before. Malatyn's mother (Alys) in conjunction with his brother Mazaryn had begun spreading rumours and lies about Malatyn Saying he was greedy and a thief One who stole extra rations but also that he was lazy and didn't do his chores. In reality acts his brother was guilty of, not him. But now as he looked back at his Mother Malatyn spat angrily at her! "I will never forgive you for this Hag! This is the last time you will ever see me"
Lord Darel blinked and looked at his wife She had tears in her eyes Darel knew what she had done and why? Mazaryn was slow brained but brash and loud. He had no other skills That said his forceful ways made him the ideal choice as holder. The cot-Holders obeyed him Malatyn was not the same. But he was clever It was more fitting for him to go the College Halls at Fort. Darel hoped his boy would make a life there and eventually forgive the injustice done to him. Malatyn took one last look at the home he was being forced from He tried to swallow the lump in his throat as the blue dragon launched itself skyward It's rider P'tr felt sorry for the boy behind him. His dragon had read the kid's thoughts and relayed the crime commited against him to P'tr. Then just as the rider was about to focus on their destination. Another more urgent command flooded into his head. Half turning he spoke to his passenger. The hatching at Ista Weyr is starting I must be there. I will carry you to Fort after." Malatyn gave a half nod. He was already homesick. But the news that he was to witness a hatching cheered him slighty. No one he knew had ever even been to the weyr. Let alone watched a Hatching Not even his father. Malatyn half wished his brother could be told What he was going to miss. P'tr gave his mount the command to go between to their home. Then darkness descended Malatyn gasped in shock The blackness was total He strained his eyes to see but there was nothing to see All he could feel was the biting cold of in between He struggled not to scream or panic. He knew what he was experiencing and fought to control his rising terror. It was bad enough that he had cried the night When his father, before his mother and gloating brother had told him of his banishment. Malatyn did not want to disgrace himself in front of the Dragon Rider. Then as suddenly as it had vanished - the light returned. Malatyn sucked in a great gulp of warm air. After the cold of in-between It almost felt like his first ever. The dragon landed with a thud. Malatyn took a moment to look around soak up the scene Store away a pleasant memory for the future. Overlay the misery of his banishment with some thing nicer. P'tr slid down first then held out his arms to aid younger lad. Malatyn slid down into them finding his feet a second later. P'tr steadied him then pointed to a dark opening several metres away. Malatyn joined the throng swarming towards it. P'tr re-mounted and flew upward to join his fellow riders Malatyn shyly walked to what was clearly the hatching arena. He may have never been to the weyr or seen a hatching But he had heard many stories and knew the teaching ballads. So had a fair idea of what he was going to see. But the sheer size of the bowl amazed him. He glanced around and he saw the eggs. There were a lot at least forty he estimated. He was so intent on drinking in the diorama. He got distracted. Malatyn stopped and stared. He shouldn't have The throng had grown. More Spectators were hurrying in As the humming of the mature dragons grew to an deafening pitch. Malatyn never even saw who cannoned into him. All he felt was someone give him an almighty shove He staggered and spun around. Struggling to regain his balance A second person bumped into him. Malatyn was this time sent sprawling He put out a hand to try and stop himself falling He never even saw the outlier egg until he fell onto it. The shell already marred with hatching cracks shattered. Malatyn hit the ground The breath was knocked out of him. It was several seconds before he realised. He sat up and stared ito the deepest sweetist eyes. Then he realised what he'd done. "Oh my goodness!" he cried at the dragonette. "I am so sorry!" what he felt next puzzled him a bit. He more felt than heard the words. "I am Sareth and I am hungry So very hungry. Malatyn struggled to his feet. Already many had witnessed the accident and were racing to aid him .Malatyn not really understanding cried out. "Help Help Please someome help" A man appeared at his side. Malatyn had no way of knowing. It was the Candidate Master. "Please Please sir I am so sorry I was pushed. But please sir. She is so very hungry. Please she says she is Sareth and Hungry. Please she needs food and I am afraid I may have hurt her. The stranger did not seem angry He smiled at Malatyn. "You did not hurt her son. You impressed her." P'tr suddenly dropped to the sand beside Malatyn. He hugged his former passenger. "I should have realised? You were destined to be a Dragon Rider. When Cozath spoke to you earlier?" The candidate master looked to P'tr. "Do you know this boy?" Malatyn was being moved to one side as they conversed. He and his now, life mate were being steered away from the hatching bowl to the feeding tables People were standing by. To help the unexpected Dragon boy Meat chunks were being thrust into his hands For him to feed his dragon. Malatyn forgot his banishment and revelled in the sudden love he felt. From his beautiful green baby. P'tr gently instructed Malatyn as he slowly carefully, piece by piece learned to feed Serath. "Slowly now. Make her chew and swallow. One chunk at a time Yes she is hungry. But slow and steady." Malatyn followed his advice Despite the begging voice pleading in his mind. He was smiling and praising Serath but as he crooned. He kept his wits and controlled her. Gradually the hunger pains receded. Malatyn felt her tiredness. He looked at P'tr "She is growing Sleepy where do I take her?" P'tr, had his dragon speak to the Candidate Master's dragon and relay the question. A'dil nodded and P'tr smiled. He sort of felt responsible for the youngster He had conveyed to the weyr Now he led the unexpected candidate to his own quarters Sareth was settled down with his Cozath. Malatyn sat at the side of his green, staring, marvelling at her beauty. P'tr inwardly grinned He remembered his own hatching day six turns past. He hadn't wanted to be parted from cozath. He leaned down and blew gently into Malatyn's ear. It startled him from his enchantment. He looked round P'tr grined "Riders need to eat too. Serath will sleep now. Cozath will watch over her. Malatyn reluctantly allowed P'tr to help him to his feet and show him to the commissary. Malatyn sort of hunched as he entered as many people stood up. To greet him or pat him on the back. P'tr steered the boy to the area where the other successful candidates were sitting. P'tr grinned at his nervousness "I'll just over there. But for now you need to meet the other new riders. You will be seeing a lot of them as you will be having classes together For the next turn at least. Malatyn slid into a seat at the end of the table. It was as close as possible to the table P'tr had indicated, he would be eating at. Malatyn swallowed anxious about being amoung so many new people. But the other Newbies welcomed him and several asked his dragon's name. Those that were Weyr born and knew the tradition of shortening their names. Talked the most. Malatyn decided to wait until later and then ask P'tr about it. At that second someone plonked a plate in front of him. Malatyn realised he was hungry. He had barely eaten for days Not since his father's announcement. That he had to leave his home. Suddenly Malatyn didn't care anymore. Okay It was not quite was he'd been expecting But it was as if a cloud had lifted and the sun had come out. He had Serath and the Blue Rider P'tr was kind to him. Malatyn reached out and felt the warmth of Serath He was happy This was his home now.
Darel stood at the front of his hold. A sennight had passed Since he had sent Malatyn away. There had been no word from him Darel hoped he was settled. He sensed Mazaryn behind him. He ignored his son.
At that moment there came a call from above. Darel shaded his eyes as he looked up. The dragon circled lower then landed on the platform. Darel was somewhat surprided to see it was the same Dragon rider, who had borne his son away several days before. P'tr descended to the lower yard and gave a curt bow to the lord Holder.
My Lord Darel!" he took of his leather flying helmet. Darel smiled You are welcome Dragon Rider. What news of my son? Is he settled at the college of Fort?" Ptr walked a little closer.
"Unfortunately your older boy did not make it to Fort. Darel noted the Dragon Rider stressed the word Older. He frowned "Why not?" P'tr gave a smug smile as he noticed the spoiled haughty teenager That had moved closer to listen. He looked back at the Father. There was a hatching at Ista Weyr. We had to divert to attend." Darel scowled slightly That Malatyn and not him had witnessed a hatching. Many Holders he knew had been to at least one hatching. He had never been invited. But then he asked.
"Why did you not continue on to Fort Hold after the Hatching?"
"That was not possible!" "Why?" P'tr felt Cozath snigger in his mind. He felt a small well of pleasure as he quietly replied "M'tyn Now lives at the weyr!" Darel instantly picked up on the name uttered He knew the tradition "M'tyn?"
"I am happy to report Lord Holder That your Son who I conveyed away last Sennight has impressed." Darel blinked "What but I mean how? He was not searched."
"No he was not But as he entered the Hatching ground an egg nearby hatched and bonded with M'tyn." P'tr saw no reason to tell the whole truth of M'tyn's hatching "Eh! Darel stuttered in shock "Eh What colour?" "M'tyn is life mate to Green Serath." At that moment Mazaryn who was seethng with envy interrupted. "Pah! Only a Green I shall mate with a Bronze." P'tr looked him hard. "No you will not You are not Dragon Rider material But are in fact a cruel and lying deceiver. You will never be eligble to stand in any hatching bowl!" Mazaryn turned a furious red. He no longer wanted to be a lowly holder. His brother ranked him now Ranked him by miles. Mazaryn ran into the hold screaming for his Mother She would see to it. That he became a Dragon rider and a bronze one at that." But as her younger son ran screaming to her. Demanding to be a Bronze Dragon rider, Alys trembled All she could do was to promise That he would be searched for the next hatching. Out side the hold Darel paid his respects and thanked P'tr for relaying the news. Then strode into his hold. Already the servants were gossiping Many had seen the Dragon rider arrive and heard the news. The banished Malatyn had impressed. He was a Dragon Rider Mazaryn's mother planned to use the excuse, that she already had a son who was a dragon rider. To force the next searcher that came to the hold To take Mazaryn. But her husband said "NO! You schemed with Mazaryn to ensure he had no rival For the right to succeed me as Lord Holder So that is what he must now accept. There is no other Malatyn now has other duties. Mazaryn screamed and ranted but to no avail A turn passed Often Darel saw Dragons high up Fighting thread. He wondered if Malatyn was among them but no further dragons came to the hold.
Twice Lord Darel drummed a message to Ista Weyr asking for information on his boy and could he visit? Both times a return message stated M'tyn was happy and settled. But as to being allowed to visit? No invite was forth coming.
Lord Darel blinked and looked at his wife She had tears in her eyes Darel knew what she had done and why? Mazaryn was slow brained but brash and loud. He had no other skills That said his forceful ways made him the ideal choice as holder. The cot-Holders obeyed him Malatyn was not the same. But he was clever It was more fitting for him to go the College Halls at Fort. Darel hoped his boy would make a life there and eventually forgive the injustice done to him. Malatyn took one last look at the home he was being forced from He tried to swallow the lump in his throat as the blue dragon launched itself skyward It's rider P'tr felt sorry for the boy behind him. His dragon had read the kid's thoughts and relayed the crime commited against him to P'tr. Then just as the rider was about to focus on their destination. Another more urgent command flooded into his head. Half turning he spoke to his passenger. The hatching at Ista Weyr is starting I must be there. I will carry you to Fort after." Malatyn gave a half nod. He was already homesick. But the news that he was to witness a hatching cheered him slighty. No one he knew had ever even been to the weyr. Let alone watched a Hatching Not even his father. Malatyn half wished his brother could be told What he was going to miss. P'tr gave his mount the command to go between to their home. Then darkness descended Malatyn gasped in shock The blackness was total He strained his eyes to see but there was nothing to see All he could feel was the biting cold of in between He struggled not to scream or panic. He knew what he was experiencing and fought to control his rising terror. It was bad enough that he had cried the night When his father, before his mother and gloating brother had told him of his banishment. Malatyn did not want to disgrace himself in front of the Dragon Rider. Then as suddenly as it had vanished - the light returned. Malatyn sucked in a great gulp of warm air. After the cold of in-between It almost felt like his first ever. The dragon landed with a thud. Malatyn took a moment to look around soak up the scene Store away a pleasant memory for the future. Overlay the misery of his banishment with some thing nicer. P'tr slid down first then held out his arms to aid younger lad. Malatyn slid down into them finding his feet a second later. P'tr steadied him then pointed to a dark opening several metres away. Malatyn joined the throng swarming towards it. P'tr re-mounted and flew upward to join his fellow riders Malatyn shyly walked to what was clearly the hatching arena. He may have never been to the weyr or seen a hatching But he had heard many stories and knew the teaching ballads. So had a fair idea of what he was going to see. But the sheer size of the bowl amazed him. He glanced around and he saw the eggs. There were a lot at least forty he estimated. He was so intent on drinking in the diorama. He got distracted. Malatyn stopped and stared. He shouldn't have The throng had grown. More Spectators were hurrying in As the humming of the mature dragons grew to an deafening pitch. Malatyn never even saw who cannoned into him. All he felt was someone give him an almighty shove He staggered and spun around. Struggling to regain his balance A second person bumped into him. Malatyn was this time sent sprawling He put out a hand to try and stop himself falling He never even saw the outlier egg until he fell onto it. The shell already marred with hatching cracks shattered. Malatyn hit the ground The breath was knocked out of him. It was several seconds before he realised. He sat up and stared ito the deepest sweetist eyes. Then he realised what he'd done. "Oh my goodness!" he cried at the dragonette. "I am so sorry!" what he felt next puzzled him a bit. He more felt than heard the words. "I am Sareth and I am hungry So very hungry. Malatyn struggled to his feet. Already many had witnessed the accident and were racing to aid him .Malatyn not really understanding cried out. "Help Help Please someome help" A man appeared at his side. Malatyn had no way of knowing. It was the Candidate Master. "Please Please sir I am so sorry I was pushed. But please sir. She is so very hungry. Please she says she is Sareth and Hungry. Please she needs food and I am afraid I may have hurt her. The stranger did not seem angry He smiled at Malatyn. "You did not hurt her son. You impressed her." P'tr suddenly dropped to the sand beside Malatyn. He hugged his former passenger. "I should have realised? You were destined to be a Dragon Rider. When Cozath spoke to you earlier?" The candidate master looked to P'tr. "Do you know this boy?" Malatyn was being moved to one side as they conversed. He and his now, life mate were being steered away from the hatching bowl to the feeding tables People were standing by. To help the unexpected Dragon boy Meat chunks were being thrust into his hands For him to feed his dragon. Malatyn forgot his banishment and revelled in the sudden love he felt. From his beautiful green baby. P'tr gently instructed Malatyn as he slowly carefully, piece by piece learned to feed Serath. "Slowly now. Make her chew and swallow. One chunk at a time Yes she is hungry. But slow and steady." Malatyn followed his advice Despite the begging voice pleading in his mind. He was smiling and praising Serath but as he crooned. He kept his wits and controlled her. Gradually the hunger pains receded. Malatyn felt her tiredness. He looked at P'tr "She is growing Sleepy where do I take her?" P'tr, had his dragon speak to the Candidate Master's dragon and relay the question. A'dil nodded and P'tr smiled. He sort of felt responsible for the youngster He had conveyed to the weyr Now he led the unexpected candidate to his own quarters Sareth was settled down with his Cozath. Malatyn sat at the side of his green, staring, marvelling at her beauty. P'tr inwardly grinned He remembered his own hatching day six turns past. He hadn't wanted to be parted from cozath. He leaned down and blew gently into Malatyn's ear. It startled him from his enchantment. He looked round P'tr grined "Riders need to eat too. Serath will sleep now. Cozath will watch over her. Malatyn reluctantly allowed P'tr to help him to his feet and show him to the commissary. Malatyn sort of hunched as he entered as many people stood up. To greet him or pat him on the back. P'tr steered the boy to the area where the other successful candidates were sitting. P'tr grinned at his nervousness "I'll just over there. But for now you need to meet the other new riders. You will be seeing a lot of them as you will be having classes together For the next turn at least. Malatyn slid into a seat at the end of the table. It was as close as possible to the table P'tr had indicated, he would be eating at. Malatyn swallowed anxious about being amoung so many new people. But the other Newbies welcomed him and several asked his dragon's name. Those that were Weyr born and knew the tradition of shortening their names. Talked the most. Malatyn decided to wait until later and then ask P'tr about it. At that second someone plonked a plate in front of him. Malatyn realised he was hungry. He had barely eaten for days Not since his father's announcement. That he had to leave his home. Suddenly Malatyn didn't care anymore. Okay It was not quite was he'd been expecting But it was as if a cloud had lifted and the sun had come out. He had Serath and the Blue Rider P'tr was kind to him. Malatyn reached out and felt the warmth of Serath He was happy This was his home now.
Darel stood at the front of his hold. A sennight had passed Since he had sent Malatyn away. There had been no word from him Darel hoped he was settled. He sensed Mazaryn behind him. He ignored his son.
At that moment there came a call from above. Darel shaded his eyes as he looked up. The dragon circled lower then landed on the platform. Darel was somewhat surprided to see it was the same Dragon rider, who had borne his son away several days before. P'tr descended to the lower yard and gave a curt bow to the lord Holder.
My Lord Darel!" he took of his leather flying helmet. Darel smiled You are welcome Dragon Rider. What news of my son? Is he settled at the college of Fort?" Ptr walked a little closer.
"Unfortunately your older boy did not make it to Fort. Darel noted the Dragon Rider stressed the word Older. He frowned "Why not?" P'tr gave a smug smile as he noticed the spoiled haughty teenager That had moved closer to listen. He looked back at the Father. There was a hatching at Ista Weyr. We had to divert to attend." Darel scowled slightly That Malatyn and not him had witnessed a hatching. Many Holders he knew had been to at least one hatching. He had never been invited. But then he asked.
"Why did you not continue on to Fort Hold after the Hatching?"
"That was not possible!" "Why?" P'tr felt Cozath snigger in his mind. He felt a small well of pleasure as he quietly replied "M'tyn Now lives at the weyr!" Darel instantly picked up on the name uttered He knew the tradition "M'tyn?"
"I am happy to report Lord Holder That your Son who I conveyed away last Sennight has impressed." Darel blinked "What but I mean how? He was not searched."
"No he was not But as he entered the Hatching ground an egg nearby hatched and bonded with M'tyn." P'tr saw no reason to tell the whole truth of M'tyn's hatching "Eh! Darel stuttered in shock "Eh What colour?" "M'tyn is life mate to Green Serath." At that moment Mazaryn who was seethng with envy interrupted. "Pah! Only a Green I shall mate with a Bronze." P'tr looked him hard. "No you will not You are not Dragon Rider material But are in fact a cruel and lying deceiver. You will never be eligble to stand in any hatching bowl!" Mazaryn turned a furious red. He no longer wanted to be a lowly holder. His brother ranked him now Ranked him by miles. Mazaryn ran into the hold screaming for his Mother She would see to it. That he became a Dragon rider and a bronze one at that." But as her younger son ran screaming to her. Demanding to be a Bronze Dragon rider, Alys trembled All she could do was to promise That he would be searched for the next hatching. Out side the hold Darel paid his respects and thanked P'tr for relaying the news. Then strode into his hold. Already the servants were gossiping Many had seen the Dragon rider arrive and heard the news. The banished Malatyn had impressed. He was a Dragon Rider Mazaryn's mother planned to use the excuse, that she already had a son who was a dragon rider. To force the next searcher that came to the hold To take Mazaryn. But her husband said "NO! You schemed with Mazaryn to ensure he had no rival For the right to succeed me as Lord Holder So that is what he must now accept. There is no other Malatyn now has other duties. Mazaryn screamed and ranted but to no avail A turn passed Often Darel saw Dragons high up Fighting thread. He wondered if Malatyn was among them but no further dragons came to the hold.
Twice Lord Darel drummed a message to Ista Weyr asking for information on his boy and could he visit? Both times a return message stated M'tyn was happy and settled. But as to being allowed to visit? No invite was forth coming.