The Masterharper of Pern

CHAPTER ELEVEN

His first act on returning to Benden was to search for Maizella and find out how Lady Hayara was doing.The girl looked almost as haggard as her stepmother had.

"She's had a healer's draught and will sleep her grief out," she said."And I'm about to take one myself.I still can't believe what's happened.Couldn't there still be a chance they'll emerge from between?"

Robinton shook his head."The dragons would know.And they know that Chendith is no more.I'm so sorry, Maizelie."

"I know you are, Rob," she said, touching his arm."And Raid's taking charge," she added with a touch of bitterness."Could he not have waited until morning?Oh, he wants you on the Drum Tower…"

That was Robinton's second act, sending out the sad report of the double tragedy.Raid had already composed the message and thrust it abruptly at Robinton the moment the harper reached the top of the Tower.As he got his wind back, Robinton read it.

Different temperaments responded to tragedy in different ways, he reflected.He did not, as Maizella evidently did, think that Raid was heartless and unaffected.Rather he was proceeding with what he had been trained to do: take over the Hold and do whatever that new responsibility required of him.

The Lord Holders of Fort, South Boll, Tillek and High Reaches, where it was only early evening, immediately drummed requests for dragons.There were messages later that long night from Telgar, Ista, Igen and Nerat as men were roused with the tragic news.

By morning, all the major Holds knew and had responded.And by morning, a stream of Benden holders started arriving, some with wine or food.The women went either to the kitchens to help or upstairs to the family, to express their grief.The harpers from the outlying holds arrived to relieve Robinton at the drums: his hands were swollen from constant use of the sticks and he could barely concentrate on incoming messages, much less reply confidently.

With the Tower manned, he collapsed for a few hours' needed sleep and was roused when F'lon, looking pale and exhausted, woke him with klah and slabs of bread.

"I brought Faroguy in, with two of his family," the bronze rider said."They didn't know I was S'loner's son." He gave a snort as he collapsed on the foot of the bed, slumping against the wall and nursing the hot klah on his chest."You learn a lot more that way."

"What more?" Robinton struggled to a sitting position."Who came with Faroguy?" he asked, the mere fumes of the strong klah sparking his instincts.

"Oh, that nephew and the son."

"Fax?"

F'lon frowned."I think that was the name he said."

Robinton swore under his breath."Watch that one."

"Oh, I intend to," F'lon said, cocking his head, his expression fierce."He doesn't think much of dragonriders, and he doesn't think much of harpers, for that matter."

"I know.I would have thought he'd abstain."

"Shards no!He was grinning from ear to ear.Although…" And now F'lon paused, knotting his brows."I think that his coming was a last minute addition.There were just Faroguy and his oldest waiting for me.Then Fax came rushing out.He was up on to Simanith before I could speak."

Robinton continued to swear under his breath.He had no desire to confront Fax.He wondered how, and why, Fax had inserted himself into the group from High Reaches.He wasn't a member of the Council of Lord Holders and Masters.He couldn't vote on the matter of Raid's suitability.

"Oh, I also picked up MasterHarper Gennell and Lord Grogellan from Fort.Gennell's asking for you."

"Yes, he would be." Robinton drew his knees up so that he could throw the covers off his legs.He had not bothered to strip off his clothing, and now he could scarcely appear in such wrinkled garments.

"Take your time.Have a quick bath.You need it." F'lon's ever whimsical sense of humour prompted him to hold his nose in demonstration.

"Yes, I do, don't I?" Robinton was aware of the reek of wine and sweat about his person.

"Gennell didn't seem in a hurry.Just asked where you were.

Hayon said you were catching some rest."

"How's Hayon taking his father's death?"

"He's been marvellous with Lady Hayara and the others, but I can't think he likes having Raid in charge now.Don't think I would either," F'lon said bluntly and left the room.

Robinton stripped off the dirty clothing, grabbed clean garments from his chest and strode to the bath, grateful that he didn't have to vie with others to use the common one down the hall.The hot water was stimulating, and he felt much better as he pulled on trousers and wriggled his arms into the clean shirt.He took his shoulder cords from the old shirt and attached them, making certain they were properly hung.Then he rough-dried his hair before he gathered it back with a thong.He really should have it trimmed.Later…

F'lon wandered in just then, having filled Robinton's klah mug.

"Now you look respectable, as befits the Hold harper."

"Why don't you get some sleep?" Robinton suggested, pointing to his empty bed.

F'lon looked in that direction and sighed."That's the best idea you've had so far.Call me if you need me," he said, gulping down the last of his klah and beginning to roll down the tops of his flying boots.

Robinton heard the thud of the first one as he was closing his door.

The Hold was teeming with quiet people, talking in the corridors or in small groups in the hall as Robinton descended the front stairs.

Trestle tables had been set up and were loaded with plates of bread and bowls of fruit and slices of meat which had been rolled up for easy eating.He spotted Master Gennell talking to other Masters, flown in from their Halls to attend to the sad duty of succession.

Gennell saw him and waved for him to join them.

As Robinton obediently wove his way through the assembly, he looked about for Fax, or at least Faroguy and whichever son had accompanied him.He assumed the Lord Holders must be convening somewhere else, but he did spot Farevene standing in the entrance hall, looking around uneasily.Then Naprila came up to the young Holder and Robinton had reached the Masters.

Gennell introduced him to the Masters surrounding him: Smith, Weaver, Fishman, Farmer and Miner.He already knew MasterHealer Ginia, and she nodded soberly in greeting.More Masters would assemble for the Council meeting; these were but the first arrivals.

"Give us your account of what happened last night, Robinton," the MasterHarper said, and Robinton did, pleased that his wits had been aided by the klah and the bath so that he was able to make his report concise.

"Dreadful thing!"

"Terrible tragedy to lose both a Lord Holder and the Weyrleader."

"And at such a time, right after a Hatching!"

"Who will take over at the Weyr?"

They all looked at Robinton.

"I believe that will be decided in the traditional way when the queen mates again," the young harper replied.

"But the Weyr can't be without leadership for several turns," the MasterFishman protested.

"There are older riders: C'vrel, C'rob and M'ridin," Robinton said."They were taking charge last night."

"It's not as if there were Threadfall to worry about," the MasterMiner said.

The MasterWeaver snorted."All too true, not that that S'loner wasn't drumming up alarms.Didn't take any serious notice of that, I can tell you."

Robinton forbore to speak up in such company, but he did notice that all the other Masters but his own seemed in agreement on that point.

"Jora is a young woman," the MasterFarmer went on."I wouldn't be concerned with Weyr management if Carola were still alive.She knew what was what."

"Weyr management', Master Gennell pointed out politely, "is the concern of the Weyr.Not ours.I presented my condolences to the bronze rider who conveyed us."

Robinton nodded."That was F'lon, a son of S'loner."

"It was?" Ginia exclaimed in surprise."Amazing.I don't think we need worry about the Weyr if that is the standard of rider presently handling its affairs."

Robinton told himself he must remember to tell F'lon that he had one admirer among the Masters.

Just then, Raid approached and greeted them all with weary courtesy, thanking them for coming so quickly."I've had seats for the entire Council placed in the small dining room, if you'd like to proceed," he said."Robinton, will you show them the way?"

"Are we all present and accounted for then?" the MasterWeaver asked, glancing about the crowded room.

"The last have arrived and are prepared to proceed," Raid said, bowing and moving off towards the refreshments, where Maizella was pouring wine assisted by Cording.Hayon was standing near by, looking dolefully into his glass, Rasa and Anta beyond him.

Robinton duly led the Masters to the small dining room, which was just about large enough to accommodate the numbers.

"Wait here, Rob, in case we need to send for someone," Gennell said, pausing as the rest of the Craftmasters filed in.

Robinton nodded.Send for whom?There were no other Weyrleaders who traditionally officiated at such a meeting.

"It's started?" a familiar voice asked with a touch of amused malice.

Robinton turned his head slowly to regard Fax and gave him a cool look.

"I believe so," he said in a flat, unequivocal tone.

"You're harper here, are you, Robinton?"

"Yes."

Fax regarded him steadily, amusement still keen."And no corpse to lay to rest, either.Convenient, that."

Robinton refused to rise to the bait and looked straight ahead, hoping Fax would go away.

"I'll leave you to your duty, then," Fax said.Swiveling on one heel, he made a leisurely return to the Hall.

Raid was confirmed within the hour, and then Robinton was sent to find out if any of the dragonriders he had named were present in the Hold.The Council begged the favour of a few words with any of the bronze riders.Robinton wondered as he went in search if he should send someone to wake F'lon.But he found M'ridin, C'vrel, C'gan and C'rob in the courtyard, as well as the girl he had seen speaking to the Weyrleader.

"Manora here," C'rob said, indicating the girl, "says that the Weyrleader was unwell at dinner.She overheard Maidir asking to be conveyed home, and S'loner said he'd do it because he wanted an excuse to leave.He'd been having pains in his arm rather more often than he admitted, even to Tinamon."

She looked both uneasy and dignified; her eyes were still red from tears.But she nodded, confirming what C'rob reported.

Robinton escorted them all to the Lord Holders.Fax sauntered along in their wake, smiling enigmatically when Robinton firmly closed the door in his face.

When the Lord Holders concluded their interview with Manora and the bronze riders, most of them left the small dining room for the refreshments available in the hall.But, of the group who remained, Robinton saw Lord Faroguy and was startled by the change in the man.He looked almost bloodless with fatigue, as if he had little energy and substance, barely responding to whatever Lord Melongel, of Tillek Hold, was saying to him.

Then Farevene bustled down the hall, carrying a tray of food and drink.Giving Robinton a nod of the hour, and then Robinton was sent to find out if any of the dragonriders he had named were present in the Hold.The Council begged the favour of a few words with any of the bronze riders.Robinton wondered as he went in search if he should send someone to wake F'lon.But he found M'ridin, C'vrel, C'gan and C'rob in the courtyard, as well as the girl he had seen speaking to the Weyrleader.

"Manora here," C'rob said, indicating the girl, "says that the Weyrleader was unwell at dinner.She overheard Maidir asking to be conveyed home, and S'loner said he'd do it because he wanted an excuse to leave.He'd been having pains in his arm rather more often than he admitted, even to Tinamon."

She looked both uneasy and dignified; her eyes were still red from tears.But she nodded, confirming what C'rob reported.

Robinton escorted them all to the Lord Holders.Fax sauntered along in their wake, smiling enigmatically when Robinton firmly closed the door in his face.

When the Lord Holders concluded their interview with Manora and the bronze riders, most of them left the small dining room for the refreshments available in the hall. But, of the group who remained, Robinton saw Lord Faroguy and was startled by the change in the man.He looked almost bloodless with fatigue, as if he had little energy and substance, barely responding to whatever Lord Melongel, of Tillek Hold, was saying to him.

Then Farevene bustled down the hall, carrying a tray of food and drink.Giving Robinton a nod of recognition, he hurried up to his father and Lord Melongel.Melongel took the nearest glass of wine and passed it to Faroguy, then watched anxiously as the older man sipped and smiled in appreciation of the courtesy.

"There may be need for another Council soon, Harper," Fax commented, appearing at Robinton's elbow."Mark my words."

Robinton made no reply, managing to keep his expression bland though he seethed inwardly at Fax's pretentiousness.He could not help but worry about Faroguy, though it irritated him to give any weight to something Fax might say, especially since both Melongel and Farevene seemed so concerned over the High Reaches Lord Holder.

There was little a harper could do, Robinton realized philosophically, but he'd have a word with Farevene if the opportunity arose.

Then what Farevene was saying to his father reached his ears.

"MasterHealer Ginia would be glad to give you a consultation, Father, as soon as you feel able."

"It won't do any harm," Melongel agreed heartily.

"Very well," Faroguy said with a heavy sigh and a flick of his pale hands where they rested on the arm of the chair He managed a weak smile."I'd rather another Council was not called sooner than necessary.And on my account." He took another drink of the wine, then looked at the glass."Benden wine is, I fear, superior, Melongel."

"Just give us the time Benden has had with viticulture and you'll see a comparison in our favour," Melongel replied with a hint of challenge.

"Robinton?"

The journeyman turned at the touch of his arm to see C'vrel standing there, frowning.

"Simanith is on the heights, but I can't find F'lon anywhere."

"He's asleep in my quarters.He was reeling with fatigue," Robinton replied.

"Yes, well, we all are.But I'd rather you either kept him in your rooms or woke him now.Fax is wandering around, and I have a good suspicion, confirmed by Farevene in there, that he's probably looking for F'lon." C'vrel shifted his weight anxiously.

"There's no doubt in my mind that F'lon would start trouble.We've had enough."

"I'd agree to that."

C'vrel gave a short bark."S'loner sent F'lon out on quite a few Unwise,' he lifted one thick black eyebrow, ‘errands which, quite frankly, were not conducted to the Weyr's advantage.I, for one, did not condone some of S'loner's methods or aims.Candidly, but it's almost as much a relief to us? 'the flick of his hand was meant to indicate the other older bronze riders? "that S'loner's no longer leader as it is to the Council.So do us all a favour, Harper, and keep F'lon out of Fax's way.I'll take the High Reaches party back myself.I didn't know, in fact, that F'lon had been to that Hold today.M'ridin was to make that transfer"

Robinton nodded.Odd: F'lon had wished Robinton to think he didn't know Fax, and yet the young rider had seemed almost eager for a confrontation with the holder.It was fortunate indeed that exhaustion had intervened.

As he made his way to the front staircase, Robinton stopped by Hayon.I'll be in my quarters if I'm needed.I've been advised to keep F'lon and Fax separated."

"Oh, F'lon's in your rooms?" Hayon heaved a sigh of relief.

"We've all been wondering.Especially that Fax. I don't like that man."

"Perceptive of you, Hayon."

I'll cover for you.There're enough harpers here, as well as Master Gennell."

Robinton wished he could have been in two places at once, but it was far more important for him to keep F'lon asleep until the Council had departed.He wondered just what had transpired between the two.F'lon was known to be a clever fighter…but no rider should put his life, and that of his dragon, in jeopardy.

Which was why it had been irresponsible of S'loner to fly when he was unwell.Robinton knew that a man's heart could stop from one second to another.Chendith would have known in that instant that his rider had died, and the presence of a passenger would not have deterred the dragon from suicide.And the grievously tragic death of Lord Maidin

F'lon was asleep, sprawled out on the bed.Carefully, Robinton laid a blanket over him lest a chill wake him prematurely.The sun was well west by now, and the room was cooling down.He locked his door, pocketed the key and, taking a light fur from the closet, laid himself down on the little bed in the room he'd occupied as a child.

He was asleep almost as soon as he closed his eyes…

"All right, where's the key?" a voice said in his ear as a hand shook him roughly.

The little room was dark, and only one glowbasket was open in the outer chamber, but the long boots on the figure by his bed told him that F'lon was up and anxious to leave.

"Oh, sorry, F'lon."

F'lon snapped his fingers for the key as Robinton fumbled for it in his pants."If I find that the High Reaches contingent took another dragon back, I shall be quite annoyed."

"If one hasn't," Robinton replied, "I shall be."

He gave the key over and lay back, wishing he'd been allowed to sleep round the clock as he heard F'lon stride noisily across the outer room, fumble the key into the lock, and swing the door open so roughly that it crashed into the wall.

"I'd better go after him," he murmured to himself, but he consoled himself with the thought that C'vrel would have whisked the High Reaches trio off long before now.

He was right.F'lon must have just received that information from Hayon when Robinton reached the top of the stairs, for the bronze rider glared fiercely over his shoulder at him.Then, in one of his lightning changes of mood, F'lon smiled and waved a hand.

The tension drained out of his face, and he sauntered over to see what he could find on the depleted refreshment table.Hayon and his younger sisters and brothers formed a disconsolate group to one side of the hearth; on the other, Lady Hayara sat with her sisters and brothers who had come to bear her company.

Robinton made his way down the stairs and stopped one of the drudges."Would you know if the MasterHarper is still here?"

She pointed to the hallway and then crooked her finger to the left to indicate the small dining room.

He found Master Gennell with Lord Grogellan and the MasterHealer.

"F'lon is up," he told them, "and I gather the High Reaches folk are long gone."

Master Gennell grinned; Grogellan chuckled and asked, "Master Ginia, did you get a chance to assess Lord Faroguy's condition?"

She nodded."His son will see that he has the best of care for however much longer he is with us," she said solemnly."It is a condition of the blood for which there is no cure for a man his age."

"Does Fax know this?" Robinton asked bluntly.

Grogellan snorted and Master Gennell looked about to reproach his journeyman, but Ginia raised her hand.

"That young man knows a great deal too much about too many matters that are not actually the concern of a small? ' and she stressed the adjective? "holder."

"Who might not remain small," Robinton said."That's a very ambitious and greedy person."

"You had a run-in with him at High Reaches?" Gennell asked.

"Not a run-in, Master, but, as I felt obliged to tell you when I returned from that contract, he does not permit harpers to teach his holders basic skills."

Grogellan raised his eyebrows in surprise and turned to Gennell.

"Is that true?"

"Yes, I fear it is."

"But surely someone as thorough as Faroguy would have insisted."

"Faroguy is old, tired and sick," Robinton went on, "and remarks that the Charter allows autonomy within a hold."

"Which begs the question of whether the hold in question allows the Charter in," Master Ginia said, catching the point.At Robinton's nod, she went on, "Frankly, I don't like such an attitude.

Intolerant and high-handed."

"An educated cotholder is far more useful and productive," Grogellan said.

"From what I understood, Fax's cotholders had better produce as much as he expects them to," Robinton said, "and no excuses allowed."

"I shall give the problem considerable thought," said Gennell.

"As will I," Lord Grogellan said.He glanced over at the door and rose."I see our rider has come. Will you be back at the Hall soon, Robinton?"

"I'm contracted here, Lord Grogellan, but it's nice of you to enquire."

"Keep me informed, Rob," Gennell said, not needing to make specific what information he wanted.

Master Ginia, however, startled the journeyman by standing on tiptoe to plant a kiss on his cheek."I promised your mother I would," she said, and then left him gawping after her.

As he felt his cheeks reddening, he could only hope that no one else had seen her salutation.That wasn't his mother's style, but he smiled as Ginia disappeared down the hall.

Raid took hold with no faltering and no hesitation.He called all his Craftsmen to a meeting the next day and asked if there was any business that he needed to go over with any of them.Then he announced that his sister, Maizella, would exchange her espousal promises after the usual period of mourning, and that Lady Hayara would remain in the Hold until he could find a spouse of his own.

He naturally would arrange suitable employment for his numerous half-brothers and half-sisters.

If the speech was stuffy and stilted, there was no question that Raid would not honour his commitments.But Robinton quietly seethed at the awkward way the young man went about it.There were so many ways in which a bitter pill could be sweetened, but Raid seemed to know none of them, with all his blunt speaking and total disregard for the feelings of others.Only Maizella could rebuke him.Lady Hayara merely regarded him with filling eyes and numbly accepted his orders.Fortunately, she was a capable woman and the ordering of the Hold had long been hers, so there was no friction on that score.Even Raid knew her value to him.He didn't even begin looking about for an appropriate girl until his father had been gone three full months.

But something had noticeably gone out of the Hold which Maidir had managed so capably and…circumspectly.Holders with problems did not discuss them with Lord Raid: he told them what they had to do and that was that.Robinton did what he could to soften the Lord Holder's unequivocal statements, obliquely suggesting that Raid was still numbed by his father's tragic demise; and that, while he was well trained and competent, he still lacked the touch which only experience would give him.

One day, after Robinton had been nearly two turns at Benden Hold, Raid called him to his office.

"I hear a few things about you, Journeyman, that I do not like," he said, coming to the point immediately."I am Lord Holder, and what I say is how things will be.I do not need you soothing down disgruntled holders or denigrating my efforts behind my back.You may leave."

"Leave?" Robinton felt as numb as he had suggested Raid was.

"Leave.I hereby release you from your contract." Raid tossed a pouch of marks across the table to Robinton."I shall request a replacement from the MasterHarper.Without prejudice, of course, since you have discharged your duties with efficiency and energy." "Efficiency' and "energy' were two of Raid's favourite words.

"But I…"

"You may drum that bronze rider friend of yours to convey you back.Give this? ' he fielded a little roll of hide to join the pouch to Master Gennell.You do not suit me as the Hold harper." Then he rose to his feet, to indicate the meeting was over.

For once robbed of words, Robinton scooped the two items off the table and, pivoting on one heel, strode out of the office, wanting very much to slam the door behind him.

Without a word to anyone, as much because he was embarrassed and furious about his dismissal, he went up to his rooms and packed his things.He had to visit the schoolroom, where Maizella was rehearsing the secondary children; she must have known about his dismissal, because she only glanced up to see who was entering the room, then averted her eyes, saying nothing to him, continuing to listen to the recitations.He collected all his music and notes; and though he smiled at his former pupils, he said nothing.

Better to leave it at that, he thought, as he ran up the Tower steps three at a time.He was breathless at the top, but he had also worked off some of the frustration and anger he felt at such an unfair dismissal.Raid was just too inexperienced to realize how he offended his holders, or that a harper could be a good resource for management.

Hayon was on watch and smiled as Robinton entered.But whatever he was about to say by way of greeting died before he could sound it.

"I'm allowed to send a message," Robinton said, unable to keep the edge out of his voice.He picked up the sticks and rattled out a terse request for conveyance.Hayon's eyes widened and he looked about to speak again, but held his peace.

It was awkward, waiting there for a response from the Weyr, but Robinton was not in a mood to placate anyone and Hayon was sensitive enough to feel it.The journeyman sank back down on the stool and waited, sipping at his klah during the interminable time it took for the distant drums to sound.A dragon would be there presently.

"All right, what's wrong, Rob?" Hayon asked finally.

"Your brother does not find me a suitable harper."

Hayon regarded him steadily."My half-brother', he said with a deliberate emphasis on the degree of the relationship, "sometimes does not use the wits he was born with.If he was.Does he know all that you do to calm down the experienced holders he keeps insulting?"

"That is precisely why I am to leave, Hayon.Tell Lady Hayara I'm sorry to go…

"She'll really miss you," Hayon said staunchly.

"I certainly don't envy her.Nor you."

Hayon gave a little smile."I'll survive.At least, I've always known that I would have to."

"There's that," Robinton said and extended his hand, which Hayon clasped heartily in both of his.

"Tell you one thing, Maizella's going to miss you at her espousal."

"I think not," Robinton said, but he smiled without rancour.

"Here comes your dragon.Oh, and if it's F'lon, warn him that my brother's raging over him paying so much attention to Naprila."

"Oh?" Robinton had missed that.No, Lord Raid would not want his half-sister seeing too much of a dragonrider, though he rather thought that Lord Maidir would have been receptive.

Maidir had known that life in a Weyr could be preferable to working a hold.

When Hayon rose to escort Robinton down the stairs, the journeyman shook his head."Let's not give Raid any cause for complaint about my departure.I want out as quietly and inconspicuously as possible."

Hayon chuckled."You will have to work hard to be inconspicuous, Rob.I shall miss you badly."

With a final nod of thanks, Robinton started down, collected his carisaks from his room and made his way down the main stairs and out of the door without seeing anyone.

F'lon and Simanith had come for him.Robinton did see Raid at the office window, watching him sling his things up to F'lon to arrange on Simanith's back.Then, with a good leap of his long legs, he made it to Simanith's cocked forearm and grabbed F'lon's gloved hand to help him the rest of the way.

"Sacked you, did he?" said F'lon, grinning and tossing an airy wave in the direction of the office window.

"Did you know he would?" Robinton asked, wondering how he had missed the change in Raid's attitude.

"I hoped he would.You can do better elsewhere."

"Benden's a good Hold," Robinton protested out of loyalty and truth.

"Under Maidir, yes.Raid's going to have to learn some tact."

"You heard talk about that?"

F'lon gave a shrug."Hang on." And Simanith gave the head-snapping leap skyward.

Robinton did feel a lump in his throat at leaving Benden Hold.

He had been happy there as a child, and so proud to have been asked to come back as a journeyman for Maidir.Really, he had done his best as he had been taught.Where had he gone wrong?

"Nowhere, as I interpret the matter," Master Gennell said when Robinton had his interview."Young Lord Raid has a lot to learn about handling his people." The MasterHarper sat with steepled fingers and a sympathetic expression on his face."He will, though.

He had good training.And the results of his current practices will show him the error of his ways."

"Really?" Robinton gave a snort of disbelief.

"Oh, I think so." Then Master Gennell grinned."Actually I can use your talents in at least six other positions.You may choose."

That was how Robinton came to spend the next two turns at Tillek Hold.And found the first love of his life.The only two drawbacks to the posting would be the awful weather which never seemed to include many sunny days, and the very sharp, foxy white wine the slopes of Tillek hills produced.He would also start the extra study for his Mastery, which included Applications of the Charter and the Precepts of Arbitration and Mediation, advanced aspects of Harper Hall's purview.The Tillek Hold MasterHarper, Minnarden, had agreed to undertake his tuition, since Minnarden attended the Hold's court sessions.Robinton was looking forward to working under Minnarden, and his mother thought well of this Master.

"Solid man for basics, and a kind person too," she'd said."You'll have no trouble with him." She'd added one of her mischievous smiles, slanting her gaze up at her tall son."He dandled you on his knee at one point." She laughed as Robinton grimaced."Don't worry, love.He won't embarrass you by remembering."

Robinton certainly hoped not.He didn't think such a reminiscence would be good for his authority over a class.

He and young Groghe, Grogellan's third son, made the trip on runner-back: some of the good Ruathan stock which were so popular, plus a pack-beast for their supplies and effects.Groghe was going to spend a Turn in Tillek Hold, stewarding for Lord Melongel.Lord Holders often rotated their sons in hold management, or fostered them outright from time to time.

Groghe was Rob's age, an energetic young man who resembled his mother, Lady Winalla, more than his father.He made the arduous trip pleasant for, despite a tendency to make all the decisions about camping and hunting and duties, he was a sturdy traveller and a good companion.His taste in songs leaned to the bawdy but Robinton didn't mind obliging him in the evenings, especially when they sheltered overnight in one of the all-male holds, miners, herders and foresters, on their way.For the simpler melodies, Groghe sometimes accompanied him on a pipe.

On the way, Groghe had a small errand to do for his father.One of Lord Grogellan's high mountain holders was having trouble with a neighbour who was on Tillek Hold lands, not Fort.Groghe was to see what he could do to solve a problem which had now existed for several turns.

"I'm fed up with his complaints, both written and at Gathers," Lord Grogellan had said."I've sent messages to Melongel, who's equally disgusted with the case.With Journeyman Robinton along, you should be able to solve the problem.A matter of a mutual wall, I understand.Making a mountain out of a very small pile of dirt."

When they came down the side of the mountain, heading north, they saw the two cots, both substantial in size.The Fort man was a herder, the Tillek man a forester.The cots were separated by several dragons' lengths, and in plain sight was a collapsed stone wall, five or six lengths long, which separated field from forest.

Perhaps a storm had brought down a swathe of trees, smashing into the structure and damaging a long stretch.They could also see the shaggy coats of herd-beasts being driven from the forest, with angry shouts by the men doing the driving and furious cries from three men waiting on the field side.The drivers were not sparing of their clubs in getting the woolly beasts back on their own side of the wall.

"Fix that sharding wall, Sucho, or I'll kill the next ones that come into my plantation!"

The driver's bellowed threat carried easily to the two travellers.

"We would arrive in the middle of it," Groghe said to Robinton with a grimace."Ah, well!It's to be done!"

They had indeed hoped to arrive before dark, so that they could have a quick assessment of the problem.Now the issue would have to be met immediately.

"A wall has two sides," Robinton remarked and grinned.

"Good evening to you," Groghe said, raising his voice.

The driver had stopped at the pile of stones and, shielding his eyes from the glare of a sun close to setting, peered at the two riders.The holder whirled, raising a sturdy staff, and his sons, they resembled him too much to be anything but, assumed defensive stances.

"Groghe of Fort Hold and Journeyman Harper Robinton," Rob called out, raising his hand high.

The two older men exchanged glances."You've been complaining again to Lord Groghe, Sucho?" the forester shouted, grinning maliciously."Welcome, holder and harper.You must spend the night with me and mine." He gestured to his two sons.

"We'll be grateful for shelter, I assure you," Robinton said at his most gracious, close enough to the wall now to halt his runner and swing down from the saddle.He was taller than any of them, and he would use that to his advantage.

Groghe dismounted as well, and stood firmly at Robinton's side.

"My father, Lord Grogellan, wants this settled and has sent me and Journeyman Robinton to be sure that this time the matter is finished!"

That was all that was needed to send both men into loud and conflicting claims: Tortole insisted that the wall had fallen on Sucho's side, so it was up to him to repair it; Sucho claimed that if Tortole hadn't been so clumsy in felling the line of trees so that they damaged the wall, there wouldn't have been a problem.

Robinton then noticed that the remains of the uprooted trees on Tortole's side were well covered in moss, suggesting that the stumps had been there for many turns.That the storm had done more damage to the forestation, knocking down a swath that continued on up and down the hillside, than to the meadows of the herder was clear, but why two isolated families would not combine to replace the dividing wall was not.

"Enough!' Groghe shouted.

"Quite enough," Robinton said into the sudden stillness."A wall has two sides, my friends."

The response was blank looks.The younger men muttered together.

"Of course a wall has two sides," Sucho said, scowling.

"Your side and his side," Robinton said patiently."You build your side and he will build his side."

Sucho and Totrole goggled at him.Groghe turned a chuckle into a cough.

"The wall was not one stone thick, was it?" Robinton went on, looking sternly over the group.He could see that the wall had been wide and high enough to keep the herd-beasts from easily jumping over to reach the lush grass where the swath had been cleared.

Sucho shook his head."That wall's been there since my hold was built."

"Since my hold was built, you mean," Tortole said.

"Then it's small wonder that it has fallen.The mortar would have deteriorated over the turns," Robinton said."But that does not keep it from having two sides.You? ' he pointed over the fallen wall at Tortole, "will build your side, smack up against Sucho's." He turned to the herder."And you will be sure to build your side smack up against Tortole's.You alternate putting in the mortar, to be sure that both sides are bound together."

"And we will see you started in the morning," Groghe said.

"But we've other work to do!" Tortole shouted, outraged.

"I've herds to tend," Sucho bellowed simultaneously.

"I notice that you each have two sons," Robinton put in."Strong fellows, and you have the stones to hand.I wonder which of you, working three to a side, can finish your side first."

"Why, my sons and I…"

"My sons and I…"

Tortole and Sucho glared at each other.

"Then we will see just who does win tomorrow, won't we?"

Robinton said as pleasantly as possible, smiling amiably.

"You'll stay with us," Sucho said, jerking a thumb at his chest.

"No, they'll stay with us in a decent cot? ' Tortole replied.

"No!" Robinton's well-trained bellow silenced them both."Since Groghe is Fort, he will stay with his holder.And I, not being beholden to either Fort or Tillek, will stay with Tortole.However, if this evening anyone will care for a song or two, I will sit on that post? ' he pointed to the one still standing, where a gate of sorts must once have been, allowing access from one holding to the other? " and sing for both families.Since a harper is obliged to be impartial."

Then, before the astonished men could argue further, he swung up on the Ruathan runner and urged it forward, finding a narrow place where the animal could hop easily over the scattered stones.

"Will it be possible to have a wash before dinner?" he asked his appointed host as he paused by him.

Groghe was drawing Sucho with him towards the cot, where several more figures had appeared in the doorway.Groghe was initiating pleasantries, and Robinton heard the grumbles of answers.

"I do hope that we will not put you out for our dinner.We have our own provisions," Robinton said."A nice plump wherry that I took off its branch this morning." He patted the carcass, which he had fastened to the back of his saddle.

"How'd you get it?" one of the sons asked, peering at the beheaded avian.

"Knife throw," Robinton said indifferently.It wouldn't hurt to suggest that he was proficient with a blade.He was, but it bore repeating with these rough-living folk.Tortole was taller than he, and massive.His sons, while younger, were no less substantial.It amused him that the herders looked equally able to take care of themselves, which probably contributed to the stand-off.

"And you a harper?" The son sounded surprised.

"Oh, I have to travel long distances on my own," Robinton said as they reached the forester's cot.He nodded pleasantly to the three women who came out, their curiosity getting the better of their shyness.

"Hunting's necessary from time to time." He gave a courteous bow to the oldest of the women, dressed in rough skin pants and clearly embarrassed to have a visitor."I have begged shelter from your spouse.And bring this to add to the supper pot." He bowed again as he handed over the wherry.

She opened and closed her mouth several times without getting a sound out.

One of the others took it from her, examining it with a knowledgeable eye, and managed a grin."Young and fresh.Thanks, Harper." She nudged the other, who was too surprised to respond to his smiles in any way."It'll do just fine.If these louts would do more hunting instead of herding, we'd not take yours from you." She gave the men a withering smile and then, grabbing the old woman by the arm and prodding the other with the wherry carcass in her hand, she propelled them all into the cot.

"I'll get the loft ready for you, Harper," one of the lads said, remembering the duties of hosting.

"I'll do your mount.Ruathan, isn't it?" the other said, taking the reins from Robinton's hand and casting an approving eye over the runner.

"I'll just…take my things," Robinton said, slipping open the knot which tied the saddlebags and grabbing them and his gitar.

"You'll play for us this evening?" the first lad asked, eyes glinting with hope.

"I said I will.And I will.On the post so both? ' and he paused for emphasis "? can enjoy."

The cot, while somewhat primitive, was larger inside than it looked from outside.The main room was obviously where most interior work was done, but it was separated into sections: one for the women's tasks, another for the men's, with an eating area and well-made chairs set near the good-sized fireplace.There were rooms off each end, and off the long wall that the hearth dominated; ladders led to lofts on both sides.If he were to be accommodated above, Robinton decided, he'd best remember to keep his head down.

But he was escorted to one of the side rooms, which contained one large bed.The son cleared clothing from the two stools and one chest, where he gestured for Robinton to place his bags.

"Who am I displacing?" the journeyman asked.

"My father and mother." The son gave a chuckle."The honour is theirs, and ours, to have a harper as guest.I'm Valrol.My brother is Torlin.My mother's name is Saday; the girl who took the wherry is my spouse, Pessia, from Tillek FishCraftHall.My sister is Klada.

She would like to spouse Sucho's son, but my parents won't let her because of the wall.But, if she spouses him, then Pessia and I will have a room to ourselves."

Valrol spoke in a low voice and quickly, trying to give Robinton all the necessary information before an extended absence brought his father to see what was delaying them.

I'll show you where the bath is," he said, and Robinton murmured thanks, rummaging in his pack for his towel, soap and a clean shirt.

The bath was actually heated by some connection with the hearth, so it was not the cold wash that he could have expected.He did not loll in the warm water, though he would have liked to soak the aches of travel out of his bones, but he was grateful for the luxury.

A trestle table had been set up, but Robinton had the impression that the family usually ate sitting in the chairs by the fireplace.

Pessia was putting the last of the wherry sections into the bubbling cauldron swung over the fire.Saday was busy tearing greens into a beautifully crafted wooden bowl, while Klada, still in shock from being in the presence of a stranger, and a harper at that, was trying to put cups on a tray without dropping them.With an exclamation at her awkwardness, Torlin took the tray from her and, grabbing up a wine-skin, gestured for the harper to take a seat at the table.

Foxy though the wine was, Robinton was grateful for the cup and gave a proper harper toast to his hosts, smiling at Saday when she shyly placed the salad bowl on the table.

"That's beautifully done, Holder Saday," he said pleasantly, rubbing a finger along the rim."Local wood?"

She nodded, managing a smile, and then looked anywhere but at him, taking a long drink from her cup.

By the time dinner was served and eaten, she had grown sufficiently accustomed to him that she suddenly blurted out that she had turned the bowl herself.

"Do you send your wares to the Gathers?" he asked.Many people made a few extra marks from their home-made things.

She shook her head vigorously."Not good enough."

"I think so," he said kindly, "and I've worked in wood.I make my own instruments."

She bent her head, and that was the last he heard from her in conversation.His reassurance sat well with Tortole, though, who was far more amiable as the meal progressed.The men dominated the talk, asking questions and listening eagerly to Robinton's answers; their original rancour over his solution to the wall problem was easing.Pessia, having been reared in a large community, felt comfortable enough to break in several times with cogent queries about the rest of Pern, and Valrol beamed proudly at her.

Seen in a less threatening posture, Valrol was a good-looking young man.Robinton noticed the fond glances exchanged by the two and understood why she had taken him, despite the hold's isolation.Klada was attractive too, or would be if she looked up at anyone.

The pleasant after-dinner talk was truncated by a knock on the door.All three men lurched to their feet and Saday gave a fearful squeak, but it was Robinton who reached the door first, forestalling further unpleasantness.

Groghe stood in the doorway, a glowbasket in one hand and his pipe in the other.

"Damned near broke my neck over that sharding wall," he muttered under his breath."Are you finished eating, Journeyman Robinton, so that we can have the soothing benefit of new songs?"

A glowbasket appeared in Tortole's hand.Shawls and jackets appeared on the Tortole contingent as they all stepped out, forming a sort of cordon which moved with Robinton.

"Pessia, grab my gitar, would you please?" he asked, pointing to the side room where he had put his things.

Once she returned, smiling at being given such an honorable task, he joined Groghe and they all made their way to the post where he had said he would sing.The Sucho group had brought out chairs, and instantly Tortole ordered his sons to bring seating for his folk.

"Lovely evening," Robinton said as Groghe found himself a seat on the broken wall and settled down.The harper returned the Holder's wink with a nod and a grin and tuned his gitan

Despite this being a very small gathering, he started off with the Duty Song, Groghe joining him with his pipes.

The look on the faces in the light of the glowbasket, their hunger for music, for companionship, which made this estrangement over a wall even more ridiculous, was a scene which Robinton doubted he would forget.And one which made his profession all the more important in his own eyes.He had taken so much for granted in his life.

He played and sang until he went hoarse.As the gathering progressed, one after another of his listeners began to sing choruses with him.In fact, by the time he could sing no more he had quite a good chorus going, with three-part harmony in places.

It was Groghe who called a halt.Robinton could no longer feel his buttocks, they'd been mashed against the post so long.

"We have a long day's travel, my friends, and you have a wall to build tomorrow," the Holder said."You have sung in harmony this evening.Continue that mood tomorrow."

"I'll only build my half of the wall," Tortole said, unwilling to concede.

"And Sucho will build his," Robinton said quickly, pointing at Sucho who hesitated briefly before nodding."Your women don't need you two fighting," he added."They are lonely enough up on this hill without being unable to share their lives with another family."

The women agreed loudly.

The two families were already at work, the women of both working together to mix new mortar and crack the old off the stones, by the time Groghe and Robinton were ready to mount.Robinton's parting gift was a sheaf of songs, which he gave to Pessia.

"You have a good, strong alto.Get them singing again."

"I will.I've missed it fearfully," she said, holding on to his hand a moment before taking the music."Thank you," she added under her breath.

By the time they had reached the trail winding through the forest, Groghe kicked Robinton's stirruped foot, grinning."A wall has two sides, indeed!You've a glib tongue on you, Harper, but what a great notion!My father will howl with laughter"

Robinton grinned, though the image of the dignified Lord Grogellan howling with laughter was more than he could manage.

He was, in truth, rather pleased with himself because of the success of their interference.