Master Shonagar sighed heavily. I do wish youd have waited a trifle longer, Piemur. His groan was wistful as well as resigned. Tilgin is going to require much coaching to perform creditably. Now, dont you repeat that, young Piemur! The thick forefinger pointed unwaveringly at Piemur, who affected innocent shock that such an admonition might be needed. Away with you!
Obediently, Piemur turned, but hed gone no more than a few paces to the door when a second shock stopped him. He whirled toward the Voice Master.
You mean, just now, sir, dont you?
Just now, sir? Of course, I mean now, not this afternoon or tomorrow, but now.
Nowand always? asked Piemur uncertainly. If he could no longer sing, Master Shonagar would take on another special apprentice to perform those personal and private duties for him that Piemur had been undertaking in the past Turns. Not only was Piemur reluctant to lose the privilege of being Master Shonagars special lad, he honestly didnt wish to end the very rewarding association with the Master. He liked Shonagar, and those services he had performed for his Master had stemmed from that liking rather than a sense of duty. He had enjoyed above all the droll humor and florid speech of his Master, of being teased for his bold behavior and called to task by a man he had never managed to deceive for an instant with any of his stratagems or ploys.
Now, yes, and there was a rumble of regret in Shonagars expressive voice that eased Piemurs sense of loss, but assuredly not always, and the Masters tone was brisker with only a hint of resigned irritation that he was not going to be forever rid of this small nuisance. How can we escape each other, immured as we are in the Harper Hall?
Though Piemur knew perfectly well that Master Shonagar rarely left his hall, he was obscurely reassured. He made a half turn and then came slowly back,
This afternoon, youll need some errands done?
You may not be available, said Master Shonagar, his face expressionless, his voice almost as neutral.
But, sir, who will come to you? and again, Piemurs voice broke. You know youre always busy after the midday meal
If you mean, and Shonagar spoke with real amusement crinkling his eye folds, do I plan to appoint Tilgin to the vacancy? Sssssh! I shall, of course, have to devote a great deal of time to improving his voice and musicality, but to have him lurking about on tap The thick fingers wiggled with distaste. Away with you. The choice of your successor requires considerable thought. Not, mind you, that there are not hundreds of likely lads who would undoubtedly suit my small requirements to perfection
Piemur caught his breath in hurt and then saw the twitch of Master Shonagars expressive brows and realized that this moment was no easier on the older man.
Undoubtedly Piemur tried to turn away on that light note but found he could not, wishing that Master Shonagar might just this once
Go, my son. You will ever know where to find me, should the need arise.
This time the dismissal was final because the Master slanted his head against his fist and closed his eyes, shamming weariness.
Quickly Piemur walked to the entrance, blinking at the bright sunlight after the darker hall. He paused on the bottom step, reluctant to take the final one that severed his association with Master Shonagar. There was a sudden hard lump in his throat that had nothing to do with his voice change. He swallowed, but the sensation of constriction remained. He rubbed at his eyes with knuckles that came away moist and stood, fists clenched at his thighs, trying not to blubber.
Master Robinton had something to tell him about new duties? So his voice change had been discussed by the Masters. To be sure, he wouldnt have been callously thrown out of the Harper Hall and sent in some obscure disgrace back to his herdsman father and the dreary life of a beast farmer simply because he no longer had his soprano voice. No, that wouldnt be his fate, despite the fact that singing was his one undeniable harper skill. As Talmor said of his gitar and harp playing, he could accompany so long as his playing was drowned out by loud singing or other instruments. The drums and pipes he made under Masters Jerints guidance were only passable and never got stamped for sale at Gathers. He copied scores accurately enough when he put his mind to it, but he always found so many more interesting things to do than spending hours cramping his fingers, to renew Records someone else could do more neatly and in half the time. Yet, when pushed to it, Piemur didnt actually mind scribing, if he were allowed to add his own embellishments. Which he wasnt. Not with Master Arnor looking over his shoulder and muttering about wasted ink and hide.
Piemur sighed deeply. The only thing he was really adept at was singing, and that was no longer possible. Forever? No, not forever! He spread his fingers in rejection of that prospect and then closed them into tighter fists. Hed be able to sing all right: hed learned too much from Master Shonagar about voice production and phrasing and interpretation, but he might not have a voice as an adult. And he wasnt going to sing unless he did! He had his reputation. Better if he never opened his mouth to sing another note
Tilgin flubbed another phrase. Piemur grinned, listening to Tilgin repeating the phrase correctly. Theyd miss Piemur all right! He could sight-read any score, even one of Domicks, without missing a beat or an awkward interval, or those florid embellishments Domick insisted on writing for the treble parts. Yes, theyd miss Piemur in the chorus!
That knowledge fortified him, and he took the final step onto the flagstones of the court. Clipping his thumbs over his belt, he began to saunter toward the main entrance of the Harper Hall. Not, he reminded himself, that a lowly apprentice who has just lost his privileged position, should saunter when sent to the Masterharper of Pern. Piemur squinted into the sunlight at the fire lizards on the roof opposite. He didnt spot Master Robintons bronze fire lizard, Zair, among those sunning themselves with Menollys nine. So the Masterharper wasnt with the day as yet. Come to think of it, Piemur reflected, hed heard the clear baritone voice of the Harper in the Court late last night and the noise of a dragon landing and departing. These days the Harper spent more time away from the Hall than in it.
Piemur ? Startled, he glanced up and saw Menolly standing on the top step of the Main Hall. Shed spoken quietly, and when he peered at her, he knew that she knew what had happened to him.
It was rather audible, she said, again in that gentle tone, which both irritated and appeased Piemur. Menolly, of all within the Harper Hall, would sympathize with him most acutely. She knew what it was to be without the ability to make music. Is that Tilgin singing?
Yes, and its all my fault, Piemur said.
All your fault? Menolly stared at him in surprised amusement.
Why did I have to pick now to break my voice?
Why indeed? Im sure you did it only to annoy Domick! Menolly grinned broadly at him, for they both had experience with Domicks whimsical temper.
Piemur had reached the top step and experienced another shock on this morning of surprises: he could almost look Menolly squarely in the eye, and she was tall for a girl! She reached out and ruffled his hair, laughing as he indignantly swatted her hand away.
Cmon, Master Robinton wants to see you.
Why? Whatm I going to be doing now? Dyou know?
Not for me to tell you, scamp, she said, striding on her long legs across the hall and forcing him to a jog pace to keep beside her.
Menolly, thats not fair!
Ha! She was pleased by his discomfiture. Youve not long to wait. I will tell you this: Domick may not be pleased that your voice changed, but the Master was.
Aw, Menolly, one little hint? Please? You know you owe me a favor or two!
I do? Menolly savored her advantage.
You do. And you know it. You could pay me back right now! Piemur was irritated. Why did she have to pick now to be difficult?
Why waste a favor when a little patience on your part will bring the answer? They had reached the second level and were striding down the corridor toward the Harpers quarters. Youd better learn patience, too, my friend!
Piemur halted in disgust. Oh, cmon Piemur, she said, with a broad swing of her arm. Youre not a little un anymore to wheedle news out of me. And wasnt it you who warned me that you dont keep a Master waiting?
Ive had enough surprises today, he said sourly, but he closed the distance between them just as she tapped politely on the door.
The Masterharper of Pern, his silvering hair glinting in the sun streaming in his windows, was seated at the worktable, a tray before him, the steam of hot klah rising unnoticed as he offered pieces of meat to the fire lizard clinging to his left forearm.
Glutton! Greedy maw! Dont claw me, thats bare skin, not padding! Im feeding you as fast as I can! Zair! Behave yourself! Im perishing for a taste of my klah, but Im feeding you first. Good morning, Piemur. Youre adept at feeding fire lizards. Pop sustenance into Zairs mouth so I can get some in mine! The Harper shot a look of desperate entreaty to Piemur.
He whipped around the long worktable and, grabbing up several chunks of meat, attracted Zairs gaze.
Ah, thats more the thing! exclaimed Master Robinton after hed had a long gulp of his klah.
Absorbed in his task, Piemur wasnt at first aware of the Harpers scrutiny, for the man was applying himself to his own food with his free right hand. Then Piemur saw the keen eyes on him, lids narrowed as if weighty from sleep. He could tell nothing from the Harpers expression, for the long face was quiescent, slightly puffy about the eyes from sleep, the grooves from the corners of the mobile mouth pulled down with age and accumulated fatigue rather than displeasure.
I shall miss your young voice, said the Harper with a gentle emphasis on young. But, while were waiting for you to settle into an adult placement, Ive asked Shonagar to release you to me. Ive a suspicion that you wont mind too muchand a smile twitched the Harpers lipsdoing the odd job for me and Menolly and my good Sebell.
Menolly and Sebell? Piemur gawked.
Im not sure I care for that emphasis, said Menolly in a mock growl, subsiding as the Harper threw her a quieting glance.
Id be your apprentice? Piemur asked the Harper, holding his breath for the answer.
Indeed, youd have to be my apprentice at that, said Master Robinton, his voice and face turning droll.
Oh, sir! Piemur was stunned at such good fortune.
Zair squawked petulantly in the little silence, for Piemur had paused in his feeding.
Sorry, Zair, and Piemur hastily resumed the task.
However, and the Harper cleared his throat while Piemur wondered what disadvantage to this envious status was about to be disclosed (there had to be one, he knew),you will have to improve your skill in scribing
We must be able to read what you write, said Menolly, sternly.
learn to send and receive message drum accurately and rapidly He looked at Menolly. I know that Master Fandarel is very keen to have his new message-sender installed in every hall and craft, but its going to take far too long to be useful to me. Then, too, there are some messages that should remain privy to the Craft! He paused, staring long at Piemur. You were bred on a runner beast hold, werent you?
Yes, sir. And I can ride any runner anywhere!
Menollys expression indicated disbelief.
I can, too.
Youll have ample chance to prove it, I fear, said the Harper, smiling at his new apprentices stout claim. What you will also have to prove, young Piemur, is your discretion. Now the Harper was in solemn earnest, and with equal solemnity, Piemur nodded assurance. Menolly tells me that despite your incorrigibility on many other counts, youre not given to indiscriminate babbling. Rather, and the Harper held up his hand as Piemur opened his mouth to reassure him, that you keep close about incidental information until you can use it to your benefit.
Me, sir?
Master Robinton smiled at his wide-eyed innocent expression. You, sir, young Piemur. Although it does strike me that youve exactly the sort of guile He broke off, then continued more briskly, leaving unsaid words to tantalize Piemur. Well see how you get on. I fear you may find your new role not as exciting as you think, but you will be serving your Craft, and me, very well indeed.
If he couldnt sing for a while, thought Piemur, being the Masters apprentice was the next best thing. Waitll he told Bonz and Timiny; wouldnt they just choke!
Ever sailed? asked Menolly with such a piercing look that Piemur wondered if shed read his thoughts.
Sailed? In a boat?
Thats the general method, she said. With my luck youll be a seasicker.
You mean, I might get to the Southern Continent, too? asked Piemur, having rapidly added up assorted pieces of information and come to a conclusion; all too hastily spoken, he realized belatedly.
The Harper lost all semblance of lassitude and sat bolt upright in his chair, causing his fire lizard to protest vehemently.
Menolly burst out laughing.
I told you, Master, she said, throwing up her hands.
And what makes you mention the Southern Continent? asked the Harper.
Piemur was rather sorry now that he had.
Well, sir, nothing special, he said, wondering himself. Just things like Sebell being gone for a couple of sevendays midwinter and coming back with a tanned face. Only Id known hed not been in Nerat or Southern Boll or Ista. Theres been talk, too, at the Gathers that even if dragonriders from the north arent supposed to go south, some of the Oldtimers have been seen here in the north. Now, if I was Flar, Id sort of wonder what those Oldtimers were doing north. And Id try to keep them south, where theyre supposed to be. And therere all these holdless men, looking for someplace to live, and no one seems to know how big the Southern Continent is and if Piemur trailed off, daunted by the keen scrutiny of the Master Harper.