All the Weyrs of Pern Read Free

Probably result? But the possibility exists?” F’lar strode to the screen and put a hand on each side of its subtly glowing blankness. “I would do anything
—anything—
to rid Pern of Thread.”
    “If you are prepared to relearn lost skills and perfect them, the possibility does exist.”
    “And you
would
help us?”
    “The end of these incursions remains the first priority of this facility.”
    “Not half as much as it is of ours!” F’lar replied. F’nor fervently seconded him.
    The Lord Holders exchanged quick glances, hope warring with surprise. The destruction of all Thread was what F’lar had promised them nineteen Turns before when he had become leader of Pern’s then single Weyr. Benden’s wings of brave dragons and riders had been all that stood between the certain reduction of humankind on Pern to hunters and gatherers by the totally unexpected resumption of Threadfall after a lapse of four hundred Turns. In their extremity, the Lord Holders had promised support of all his emergency measures. Struggling with the exigencies of the Pass, they had quite forgotten his vow. But all three were quick to perceive the advantages to
them—
if they could also see the disadvantages to the Dragonriders—to be quit of their ancient responsibilities. Jaxom, as both rider and Holder, regarded F’lar with consternation. Yet there was no doubt the Benden Weyrleader meant exactly what he said—that he would do all he could to rid Pern of Thread forever.
    “Then there is much to be done,” Aivas said in a brisk tone. Almost, Master Robinton thought, as if the thing was relieved to have employment after so long a recess. “Your Records, Masters Robinton and Fandarel, would be of immense value in assessing your history and potential, and what knowledge of science you currently possess. Certainly a synopsis of your own history would assist an evaluation of the educational programs required to achieve your goal.”
    “The Harper Hall has assiduously kept accounts,” the Harper said eagerly, “though the oldest of them have become illegible over the hundreds of Turns which have passed. I think the more recent Records of the seventeen Turns of this current Pass would inform you adequately. Jaxom, could you and Ruth possibly go to the Harper Hall and collect them?”
    The young Lord Holder immediately rose.
    “If you wouldn’t mind, bring Sebell and Menolly,” Robinton added, glancing at F’lar, who nodded emphatically, “back with you?”
    “The Records of my crafthall,” Fandarel began, inching forward on his stool, wringing his huge hands together in an uncharacteristic gesture of tension, “are missing so many words and explanations—perhaps even one about this Oort Cloud. Generally what’s missing is just where we cannot possibly figure out from the context what was meant. If you were able to tell us what words were missing or corrupted, you would be granting the most invaluable assistance to our efforts at self-improvement.”
    He was about to continue when Robinton’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. They all heard Master Esselin come bustling down the corridor, directing those who carried food, cups, and wineskins to hand them over to Jancis and Piemur. He peremptorily gestured those carrying pallets and blankets into the smaller adjacent rooms. At a nod from F’lar, he hurried back down the corridor, out of earshot.
    “A moment, dear friend,” Robinton said when Fandarel was about to continue his request for help. “Aivas, you may have all the information the colonists considered relevant, but I don’t really think we should dispense it without due consideration.”
    “Exactly what I was about to say,” F’lar added.
    “Discretion is a built-in feature of this Aivas model, Masterharper, Weyrleader. You should discuss among you who is to have access to this facility and in exactly what ways it may be of use to you.”
    The Masterharper groaned, holding his head in both hands, and was