Post by erin on Aug 26, 2008 21:58:56 GMT -5
Northern Lights #3
Ascendancy
By Erin A. Tidwell
22.11.16
The bronzerider surveyed the seven spindles of High Reaches with an eye of critical experience as his enormous bronze announced their arrival to the watch dragon.
"Colder than a month Between," R’stel muttered as they received permission to land. "Land near the queens, Braysoth."
The dark bronze complied, and in a moment his rider was hurrying up the stone stair to the senior queen's weyr. The inner weyr was painfully empty, but R'stel hurried through it and past a pair of exiting drudges it without noticing. Inside the Weyrwoman's room he found another pair of drudges working under the instruction of a goldrider.
"R'stel," the goldrider exclaimed when she saw him. Dressed in fitted leather outerwear, she was tall and fit enough to be statuesque. Her blond hair was twisted up into a thick ball at the nap of her neck. She looked him over with narrowing blue eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I've come to see the Weyrwoman," he said.
"Mikkela's been dead these two days," the goldrider said, her voice uncharacteristically hollow. "Don't tell me that you hadn't heard, even up there at Northwind?"
"Of course I heard, that's why I'm here, Valkyra. I came to see you. You'll be this Weyr's weyrwoman next."
"I'm acting in her place, for now," goldrider Valkyra admitted, frowning slightly. A series of emotions traipsed over her face as if she were struggling with her own emotions. She straightened up from the pile of clothing she was sorting and gestured for the two drudges to leave. "We'll decide her successor the traditional way, and Halvath is hardly the only queen in the running."
"She's the only queen due to rise soon, and you're the only fit Weyrwoman. Would you want that mouse, Tamiera? Or Peri, senior queen of mischief? Her reputation has already been soiled at Sable, Haven and Fort." He made a scoffing expression. "Faranth forbid you should even consider the blind one."
"It could happen."
"You'll be Weyrwoman. You are Weyrwoman, and as Braysoth flew Halvath last time she rose I've come to take up my responsibilities here."
Valkyra's frown deepened and she shook her head again. "What responsibilities? What are you talking about, R'stel?"
R'stel straightened his shoulders proudly and looked her straight in the eye. "I've come to take up my post as Weyrleader."
Amusement flickered over her face before giving way to an angry frown. "If you're mocking this Weyr's ability to take care of itself I won't have it, R'stel. Our Weyrleader hasn't died or resigned, and I don't think he'll just step down because you've showed up." She shook her head in amazement again and then exclaimed again, "You must be joking with me."
"I'm not joking." He held out a roll of paper. "Sign my transfer papers and I'll unload my things."
She looked at the roll but didn't reach for it. "Transfers are Weyrleader D'jay's responsibility," she said in a cool tone, emphasizing the Weyrleader's name. Deep blue eyes sparkled wickedly as she continued. "You'll have to go talk to him about it."
"If that's how you're going to be, fine," R'stel said, sticking the paper back under his wherhide jacket. He started to go but then turned back. "After all I did for you at Northwind, I thought you'd be more reasonable about this. But I can wait a few sevendays. I can wait until Halvath rises again."
# # #
R'stel had Braysoth inquire, and discovered that the Weyrleader (current, but outgoing, R'stel appended) was running Wing drills elsewhere in the territory. R'stel told Braysoth to let him know if the Weyrleader returned, and decided to use the time to survey his new Weyr. It would be his Weyr.
He spent awhile observing the Weyrlings, turned critical eyes over the beasts in the feeding pens, and visited the Weyr's well-known dragon infirmary complex. With its involvement in the Dragonhealing Crafthall at Shipfish Dragonhold, High Reaches had access to top-notch dragonhealers. Even R'stel had to admit that there were few obvious faults in the efficiency of the dragon infirmary--though, he allowed, he supposed when he was Weyrleader he would take a closer look at it to make sure. He would have a word with the Beastcrafters and the Weyrlingmaster, too, for he'd already noted several ways their performance might be improved.
He had to bypass the infirmary, but entered the lower caverns through the next tunnel. The kitchen was bustling and wonderful smells drifted out into the hallway. Of the smells, at least, R'stel heartily approved.
His mind turned to more immediate concerns, and he stopped a boy. "You, boy--tell me where I can find your Headwoman."
The boy mumbled something. R'stel gave him a stern shake. "Point her out to me."
"Yessir," the boy mumbled, obviously resigned to being ordered about. He shuffled down the hall with R'stel at his heels. The corridor he chose opened up into the huge dining cavern. The boy ignored the other drudges passing to and from the kitchens and led R'stel across the Hall to a circular table near the edge, where two women, one light and one dark, were seated along with a stack of paperwork.
The boy muttered something else and pointed at one of the women, a blond who looked like she might be a few turns younger than R'stel. R'stel gave him no more notice, allowing him to slink away. "Headwoman?"
Both women's faces turned his way. "Sorry, I didn't see you walk up," said the blond. setting aside her pen. "I'm Alicha, Headwoman's assistant."
"Bronzerider R'stel. I have just arrived, and I will need a weyr as soon as possible."
The blond looked a little taken aback. "I'm sorry, I wasn't informed of your transfer. I don't think I have any weyrs large enough for a bronze at the moment. I think I'll have to put you in temporary quarters."
R'stel waved the concern away. "That's fine." He didn't intend to stay in a weyr besides the Weyrleader's for very long, anyhow. "Please arrange it."
Alicha looked at the other woman. "I'll be back in a few minutes, Shannen. Wait here. You, too," she added, nodding to R'stel. She got up and headed away, immediately drawing a crowd of drudges.
R'stel watched her for a moment. She kept going, answering questions put to her by the drudges all the way. When she disappeared from sight, he turned back to the other woman. He knew her by name, though he couldn’t recall seeing the pretty, dark-haired woman before.
"I assume you're Goldrider Shannen," he remarked, looking at her fancy down and the glittering adornment in her hair with disapproval.
The woman stiffened. The light was behind her and he couldn’t quite read her face as she raised it toward his. "Yes, I am Weyrwoman Adjunct Shannen," she said a little icily, stressing her title. "And you are...?"
"R'stel, bronze Braysoth's rider. Formerly of Northwind Weyr."
"Come to await the rising of the queen?" she asked. He was slow to reply and she smiled a bit smugly. "Even a blind woman couldn't help but notice when half the bronezriders on Pern are lurking about in the Weyr's dark corners, twiddling their thumbs while they wait for the flight. Have you come to woo Valkyra and better your chances with Halvath?" She laughed.
"I'm not concerned with Halvath, and I don’t need to woo Valkyra," R'stel said blithely. "I'm getting to know the Weyr so I can refine my plans before Braysoth wins Halvath’s flight."
"Confident," Shannen said. Despite her mention of blindness, when she tipped her head he could tell her eyes were upon his head and shoulders, though something was not quite right in the way she gazed at him. "And what makes think you'll be the winner, exactly?"
R'stel's voice grew warm. "Braysoth has won Halvath four times. Including her last flight here, Shannen. It was Shannen? Weyrwoman... fourth?"
"Third," Shannen corrected. "Adjunct Weyrwoman of Shipfish Dragonhold. You're new, so I suppose you might not realize High Reaches posts a Wing there."
He had heard of it, and wondered if it was as prestigious as she made it sound. He couldn't keep from baiting her. "A blind goldrider ranks above a useful one? This Weyr could certainly use a fresh hand at the tiller."
Shannen sniffed, looking insulted--as he'd intended. "Well, if your Braysoth has won Halvath before perhaps you're not as pathetic as the rest of the pack, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be any luckier. Assuming its even Halvath who rises first. She's due next, but the dragons may have other plans."
"We'll see about that," R'stel returned. He would've had more to say, but the Headwoman interrupted him with her return.
# # #
D'jay signed the transfer paper with a flourish. "There, that's done, and it's good to raise our number of bronzes, if only by one. I'll have a copy delivered to Northwind. I understand you were a Wingleader at Northwind." He smiled in a jovial way. "I hope you're not expecting us to give you a Wing immediately!"
R'stel's answer was serious. "No. I can wait until Braysoth catches Halvath again."
D'jay's amusement evaporated, then he forced a laugh. "Mustanth's caught every senior queen for the past six Turns, so I hope you don't get your hopes up too far. He's even caught Halvath--twice since Valkyra returned."
"Braysoth has caught her four times, including her last flight at Northwind. And he would've beat out Mustanth if we'd been here." R'stel smiled as if making allowances for D'jay. "With that in mind perhaps I should spend the next few sevendays working with you instead of the Weyrling Wing. Of course I understand that's that regular route, but I'm not your average transfer. I should be preparing for the changeover so you can turn things over to me smoothly when Halvath rises."
A little vein pulsed steadily in D'jay's temple as he stared wordlessly at R'stel. After an extended silence he cleared his throat. "I'll take that under advisement," the Weyrleader said tightly. He looked down at the paper on his desk as if sorry he'd ever seen it, and R'stel realized that the news of his impending loss of rank was coming as a shock to D'jay. "Thank you," R'stel said, standing. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
D'jay nodded his permission and R'stel left.
# # #
R’stel wasn’t surprised to find himself posted to the Weyrling Wing. Disappointed, but not surprised. Either D’jay underestimated Braysoth or found R’stel threatening. It was obvious to R’stel that by placing him in the Weyrling Wing, Weyrleader D’jay hoped to quiet his rival.
R’stel did not let that stop him. He continued his survey of the Weyr, noting current procedures and possible changes. He had to admit that the Weyrling Wing was a very good place to observe the fighting Wings of High Reaches; they flew low enough that falling Thread was relatively light and didn’t require all his concentration.
Outside of Threadfall and drills, he looked up the other goldriders to make his greetings. Shannen, the compellingly pretty Weyrwoman Third with the sharp tongue, took every opportunity to send verbal jibes his way.
Something Shannen said set them all giggling when he approached the high table after dinner. R’stel’s jaw tightened but he ignored them in favor of Valkyra, who was seated at the end.
“Valkyra, may I walk you back to your weyr?” he asked.
Valkyra flung her hair over her shoulders, but nodded. She held out her hand. R’stel took it, helped her step down from the dias, and led her away. Behind, the goldriders giggled again.
“Have you come to bring me flowers?” Valkyra asked as they stepped outside. “An embroidered scarf, perhaps? Silver buttons? I should warn you I already have a fine collection of trinkets from the two dozen bronzeriders ahead of you.” Oddly, she sounded irritated.
“Hardly,” R’stel said. He couldn’t imagine how the other bronzeriders thought silver buttons would win them the mating flight.
Valkyra stopped, hands on hips, and turned to him. “Well, what do you want, then?”
“I told you, Valkyra. The Weyrleadership. And you, of course,” he added quickly when her eyes narrowed. “Think about it. Your spirit, my leadership. We could really make something of this Weyr. D’jay is a good enough Weyrleader for now, but he doesn’t have enough vision. You and I, we have vision.”
Valkyra’s lips stretched into a thin smile. “I can see it.” She leaned forward to close the distance between them. She stared at him for a long moment, and then, unexpectedly, she laughed. At the very same moment, R’stel saw Halvath’s glowing form stretching her wings on Valkyra’s weyrledge. “But you’ll have to catch us first!”
# # #
The silence lay heavily on the council room during the traditional post-flight meeting. R’stel paused at the foot of the table. Valkyra and D’jay were standing at the head of the table, behind the largest and most imposing seats.
Having made sure everyone was aware of his arrival, R’stel paced to the head of the table. The two men stared at each other in silence until D’jay stepped to R’stel side. The vein was pulsing in his forehead again, but the man's hands were firm as handed the blue-and-black rank cords to R'stel. “Weyrleader R’stel,” D’jay said. “I pass the leadership of High Reaches on to you.”
“Thank you, Bronzerider D’jay.” R’stel stepped past D’jay to stand beside Valkyra while D’jay took a seat among the other riders. He paused, surveying the collected Wingleaders, Wingseconds and goldriders of High Reaches Weyr.
The people of High Reaches Weyr: the people he would lead.
THE END
Ascendancy
By Erin A. Tidwell
22.11.16
The bronzerider surveyed the seven spindles of High Reaches with an eye of critical experience as his enormous bronze announced their arrival to the watch dragon.
"Colder than a month Between," R’stel muttered as they received permission to land. "Land near the queens, Braysoth."
The dark bronze complied, and in a moment his rider was hurrying up the stone stair to the senior queen's weyr. The inner weyr was painfully empty, but R'stel hurried through it and past a pair of exiting drudges it without noticing. Inside the Weyrwoman's room he found another pair of drudges working under the instruction of a goldrider.
"R'stel," the goldrider exclaimed when she saw him. Dressed in fitted leather outerwear, she was tall and fit enough to be statuesque. Her blond hair was twisted up into a thick ball at the nap of her neck. She looked him over with narrowing blue eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I've come to see the Weyrwoman," he said.
"Mikkela's been dead these two days," the goldrider said, her voice uncharacteristically hollow. "Don't tell me that you hadn't heard, even up there at Northwind?"
"Of course I heard, that's why I'm here, Valkyra. I came to see you. You'll be this Weyr's weyrwoman next."
"I'm acting in her place, for now," goldrider Valkyra admitted, frowning slightly. A series of emotions traipsed over her face as if she were struggling with her own emotions. She straightened up from the pile of clothing she was sorting and gestured for the two drudges to leave. "We'll decide her successor the traditional way, and Halvath is hardly the only queen in the running."
"She's the only queen due to rise soon, and you're the only fit Weyrwoman. Would you want that mouse, Tamiera? Or Peri, senior queen of mischief? Her reputation has already been soiled at Sable, Haven and Fort." He made a scoffing expression. "Faranth forbid you should even consider the blind one."
"It could happen."
"You'll be Weyrwoman. You are Weyrwoman, and as Braysoth flew Halvath last time she rose I've come to take up my responsibilities here."
Valkyra's frown deepened and she shook her head again. "What responsibilities? What are you talking about, R'stel?"
R'stel straightened his shoulders proudly and looked her straight in the eye. "I've come to take up my post as Weyrleader."
Amusement flickered over her face before giving way to an angry frown. "If you're mocking this Weyr's ability to take care of itself I won't have it, R'stel. Our Weyrleader hasn't died or resigned, and I don't think he'll just step down because you've showed up." She shook her head in amazement again and then exclaimed again, "You must be joking with me."
"I'm not joking." He held out a roll of paper. "Sign my transfer papers and I'll unload my things."
She looked at the roll but didn't reach for it. "Transfers are Weyrleader D'jay's responsibility," she said in a cool tone, emphasizing the Weyrleader's name. Deep blue eyes sparkled wickedly as she continued. "You'll have to go talk to him about it."
"If that's how you're going to be, fine," R'stel said, sticking the paper back under his wherhide jacket. He started to go but then turned back. "After all I did for you at Northwind, I thought you'd be more reasonable about this. But I can wait a few sevendays. I can wait until Halvath rises again."
# # #
R'stel had Braysoth inquire, and discovered that the Weyrleader (current, but outgoing, R'stel appended) was running Wing drills elsewhere in the territory. R'stel told Braysoth to let him know if the Weyrleader returned, and decided to use the time to survey his new Weyr. It would be his Weyr.
He spent awhile observing the Weyrlings, turned critical eyes over the beasts in the feeding pens, and visited the Weyr's well-known dragon infirmary complex. With its involvement in the Dragonhealing Crafthall at Shipfish Dragonhold, High Reaches had access to top-notch dragonhealers. Even R'stel had to admit that there were few obvious faults in the efficiency of the dragon infirmary--though, he allowed, he supposed when he was Weyrleader he would take a closer look at it to make sure. He would have a word with the Beastcrafters and the Weyrlingmaster, too, for he'd already noted several ways their performance might be improved.
He had to bypass the infirmary, but entered the lower caverns through the next tunnel. The kitchen was bustling and wonderful smells drifted out into the hallway. Of the smells, at least, R'stel heartily approved.
His mind turned to more immediate concerns, and he stopped a boy. "You, boy--tell me where I can find your Headwoman."
The boy mumbled something. R'stel gave him a stern shake. "Point her out to me."
"Yessir," the boy mumbled, obviously resigned to being ordered about. He shuffled down the hall with R'stel at his heels. The corridor he chose opened up into the huge dining cavern. The boy ignored the other drudges passing to and from the kitchens and led R'stel across the Hall to a circular table near the edge, where two women, one light and one dark, were seated along with a stack of paperwork.
The boy muttered something else and pointed at one of the women, a blond who looked like she might be a few turns younger than R'stel. R'stel gave him no more notice, allowing him to slink away. "Headwoman?"
Both women's faces turned his way. "Sorry, I didn't see you walk up," said the blond. setting aside her pen. "I'm Alicha, Headwoman's assistant."
"Bronzerider R'stel. I have just arrived, and I will need a weyr as soon as possible."
The blond looked a little taken aback. "I'm sorry, I wasn't informed of your transfer. I don't think I have any weyrs large enough for a bronze at the moment. I think I'll have to put you in temporary quarters."
R'stel waved the concern away. "That's fine." He didn't intend to stay in a weyr besides the Weyrleader's for very long, anyhow. "Please arrange it."
Alicha looked at the other woman. "I'll be back in a few minutes, Shannen. Wait here. You, too," she added, nodding to R'stel. She got up and headed away, immediately drawing a crowd of drudges.
R'stel watched her for a moment. She kept going, answering questions put to her by the drudges all the way. When she disappeared from sight, he turned back to the other woman. He knew her by name, though he couldn’t recall seeing the pretty, dark-haired woman before.
"I assume you're Goldrider Shannen," he remarked, looking at her fancy down and the glittering adornment in her hair with disapproval.
The woman stiffened. The light was behind her and he couldn’t quite read her face as she raised it toward his. "Yes, I am Weyrwoman Adjunct Shannen," she said a little icily, stressing her title. "And you are...?"
"R'stel, bronze Braysoth's rider. Formerly of Northwind Weyr."
"Come to await the rising of the queen?" she asked. He was slow to reply and she smiled a bit smugly. "Even a blind woman couldn't help but notice when half the bronezriders on Pern are lurking about in the Weyr's dark corners, twiddling their thumbs while they wait for the flight. Have you come to woo Valkyra and better your chances with Halvath?" She laughed.
"I'm not concerned with Halvath, and I don’t need to woo Valkyra," R'stel said blithely. "I'm getting to know the Weyr so I can refine my plans before Braysoth wins Halvath’s flight."
"Confident," Shannen said. Despite her mention of blindness, when she tipped her head he could tell her eyes were upon his head and shoulders, though something was not quite right in the way she gazed at him. "And what makes think you'll be the winner, exactly?"
R'stel's voice grew warm. "Braysoth has won Halvath four times. Including her last flight here, Shannen. It was Shannen? Weyrwoman... fourth?"
"Third," Shannen corrected. "Adjunct Weyrwoman of Shipfish Dragonhold. You're new, so I suppose you might not realize High Reaches posts a Wing there."
He had heard of it, and wondered if it was as prestigious as she made it sound. He couldn't keep from baiting her. "A blind goldrider ranks above a useful one? This Weyr could certainly use a fresh hand at the tiller."
Shannen sniffed, looking insulted--as he'd intended. "Well, if your Braysoth has won Halvath before perhaps you're not as pathetic as the rest of the pack, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be any luckier. Assuming its even Halvath who rises first. She's due next, but the dragons may have other plans."
"We'll see about that," R'stel returned. He would've had more to say, but the Headwoman interrupted him with her return.
# # #
D'jay signed the transfer paper with a flourish. "There, that's done, and it's good to raise our number of bronzes, if only by one. I'll have a copy delivered to Northwind. I understand you were a Wingleader at Northwind." He smiled in a jovial way. "I hope you're not expecting us to give you a Wing immediately!"
R'stel's answer was serious. "No. I can wait until Braysoth catches Halvath again."
D'jay's amusement evaporated, then he forced a laugh. "Mustanth's caught every senior queen for the past six Turns, so I hope you don't get your hopes up too far. He's even caught Halvath--twice since Valkyra returned."
"Braysoth has caught her four times, including her last flight at Northwind. And he would've beat out Mustanth if we'd been here." R'stel smiled as if making allowances for D'jay. "With that in mind perhaps I should spend the next few sevendays working with you instead of the Weyrling Wing. Of course I understand that's that regular route, but I'm not your average transfer. I should be preparing for the changeover so you can turn things over to me smoothly when Halvath rises."
A little vein pulsed steadily in D'jay's temple as he stared wordlessly at R'stel. After an extended silence he cleared his throat. "I'll take that under advisement," the Weyrleader said tightly. He looked down at the paper on his desk as if sorry he'd ever seen it, and R'stel realized that the news of his impending loss of rank was coming as a shock to D'jay. "Thank you," R'stel said, standing. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
D'jay nodded his permission and R'stel left.
# # #
R’stel wasn’t surprised to find himself posted to the Weyrling Wing. Disappointed, but not surprised. Either D’jay underestimated Braysoth or found R’stel threatening. It was obvious to R’stel that by placing him in the Weyrling Wing, Weyrleader D’jay hoped to quiet his rival.
R’stel did not let that stop him. He continued his survey of the Weyr, noting current procedures and possible changes. He had to admit that the Weyrling Wing was a very good place to observe the fighting Wings of High Reaches; they flew low enough that falling Thread was relatively light and didn’t require all his concentration.
Outside of Threadfall and drills, he looked up the other goldriders to make his greetings. Shannen, the compellingly pretty Weyrwoman Third with the sharp tongue, took every opportunity to send verbal jibes his way.
Something Shannen said set them all giggling when he approached the high table after dinner. R’stel’s jaw tightened but he ignored them in favor of Valkyra, who was seated at the end.
“Valkyra, may I walk you back to your weyr?” he asked.
Valkyra flung her hair over her shoulders, but nodded. She held out her hand. R’stel took it, helped her step down from the dias, and led her away. Behind, the goldriders giggled again.
“Have you come to bring me flowers?” Valkyra asked as they stepped outside. “An embroidered scarf, perhaps? Silver buttons? I should warn you I already have a fine collection of trinkets from the two dozen bronzeriders ahead of you.” Oddly, she sounded irritated.
“Hardly,” R’stel said. He couldn’t imagine how the other bronzeriders thought silver buttons would win them the mating flight.
Valkyra stopped, hands on hips, and turned to him. “Well, what do you want, then?”
“I told you, Valkyra. The Weyrleadership. And you, of course,” he added quickly when her eyes narrowed. “Think about it. Your spirit, my leadership. We could really make something of this Weyr. D’jay is a good enough Weyrleader for now, but he doesn’t have enough vision. You and I, we have vision.”
Valkyra’s lips stretched into a thin smile. “I can see it.” She leaned forward to close the distance between them. She stared at him for a long moment, and then, unexpectedly, she laughed. At the very same moment, R’stel saw Halvath’s glowing form stretching her wings on Valkyra’s weyrledge. “But you’ll have to catch us first!”
# # #
The silence lay heavily on the council room during the traditional post-flight meeting. R’stel paused at the foot of the table. Valkyra and D’jay were standing at the head of the table, behind the largest and most imposing seats.
Having made sure everyone was aware of his arrival, R’stel paced to the head of the table. The two men stared at each other in silence until D’jay stepped to R’stel side. The vein was pulsing in his forehead again, but the man's hands were firm as handed the blue-and-black rank cords to R'stel. “Weyrleader R’stel,” D’jay said. “I pass the leadership of High Reaches on to you.”
“Thank you, Bronzerider D’jay.” R’stel stepped past D’jay to stand beside Valkyra while D’jay took a seat among the other riders. He paused, surveying the collected Wingleaders, Wingseconds and goldriders of High Reaches Weyr.
The people of High Reaches Weyr: the people he would lead.
THE END