McCaffrey, Anne - Pern 14 by McCaffrey Anne

Author:McCaffrey, Anne
Language: eng
Format: epub

"No, it can't, nor can Fort Hold!" Paulin was on his feet and pacing.

If that's what he calls Hold management, he has to be removed."

"My thinking, too," M'shall agreed, running agitated hands through his hair again. "Another night like last and those people be dead of exposure and starvation. Bridgely concurs with me that something has to be done, now, today. And it's getting towards a cold night now, there.

I've come to you for Council authority since Bridgely says we'd better do this as properly as possible."

He paused, bitter. "Such a situation is not supposed to happen. Those people aren't defying him. They're just scared to death and desperate for security, which obviously they don't expect to find in Bitra." He hitched himself forward in the chair. "Thing is, Paulin, if we hand out supplies, what's to keep the border guards from just collecting them the moment we take off? So, I think I'll have to leave a couple of riders as protection.. which'll give Chalkin a chance to cry 'Weyr Interference'."

Paulin felt nauseous. That sort of thing was straight out of the ancient bloody history the settlers had deliberately left behind: evolving a code of ethics and conduct that would make such events improbable! This planet was settled with the idea that there was room enough for everyone willing to work the land that was his or hers by Charter-given birthright.

"There's no interference if your riders stay on your side of the border. Besides which, Bitra Hold looks to Benden Weyr for protection."

"Thread protection," M'shall corrected.

"In a matter of speaking," and Paulin's smile was grim, "this is partly Thread protection. They're looking for what they should have had from their Lord Holder, and who else should they turn to but the Weyr? No,"

and he brought one fist down sharply on the desk. "You're within your rights - - if you've riders willing to volunteer for such duty."

"L'sur's stayed on, or so his dragon told Craigath."

"But no firestone," and Paulin held up a stern finger, "much as some might like to show force."

"Oh, I've made myself clear on that point, I assure you," and M'shall gave a bitter twist to his lips. "And we haven't had any training at Benden recently, so there's not a whisper of flame in any of the dragons. As for disciplining the guards, a short hop and a long drop between would be my preference, but..." and he held up both his hands to assure Paulin of self-restraint.

At that point, Mattew returned with a tray, steaming cups of klah and soup and a basket of hot breads which he deposited on the table and left.

M'shall didn't wait for Paulin's invitation but grabbed up the soup and blew on its surface, sipping as soon as he dared.

"That hits the spot and if you've a cauldron of it, I'll take it back with me." He grinned, licking his lips. "It's certainly hot enough to survive a jump between."

"You may have it, cauldron and all."

"L'sur has stayed on, you say? How about riders at other crossing points?" Paulin asked, stirring sweetener into his klah.

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