Missing In Action (PLOT) (ALL) [7.27.2707]

[Kendrall]

It's only a routine patrol, she said. You worry too much about what could happen. And besides, we had a Searchrider down there only a few sevendays earlier.

G'rett couldn't help but let those very words echo through his mind each time he mounted up on Coth and headed out towards the far southern desert community known as South Sands Hold. Each and every time he and his Bronze arrived from between near the Hold, the Rider had to hold his breath and let it out slowly when there was nothing to suggest a sandstorm was brewing. He wanted to smack Cybele for doing this to him, as he felt grounding himself for a sevenday was adequate punishment. But as the Weyrwoman pronounced her judgment upon the former Wingleader for his drunkenness and his actions during the Hatching Feast, G'rett couldn't help but worry. He knew with the coming of the rainy season meant the likelihood of sandstorms increased significantly, but Cybele wouldn't have any of it. The Bronze Rider couldn't help but direct a cruel thought in the Weyrwoman's direction as he left, but kept it to himself. By the Egg, Cybele, if Coth and I perish out there or go missing, you'll have an uprising on your hands if you don't watch your step. Quindara will see to that personally.

Part of him wanted to rip into Toniel and Q'del both for what he perceived as their parts in inflicting this punishment on him, but after he had time to think it over he realized it was just as well. Toniel had never loved him, never bothered to return his feelings for her. Yet she and Q'del weren't exactly cozy, either, as G'rett so blatantly pointed out during his drunken speech. Quindara would be far better in bed than she, he bragged, and furthermore the Queen Weyrling would be looking forward to bearing his children. If looks were able to kill, G’rett wouldn’t have walked out of the Dining Caverns that night. Toniel didn't think Artemth was anywhere near a Queen based solely upon color, but Cybele suspected otherwise, and would therefore tutor Quindara during her one month of probation. G'rett hadn't seen his beloved since she and him shared a dance in his quarters, and he missed her greatly. Each time he returned back to Nova, he hoped against hope he would catch a glimpse of his future weyrmate or her Silver Artemth, but no such luck. Ten days. Ten days since he felt those copper locks of hair through his fingers, ten days since he tasted her lips. What G'rett never told Toniel - or anyone else for that matter - was during Kiyoni's Flight, Quindara had surreptitiously made her way to the Flight Room, only to barge in on him and Kiyoni in the middle of Flightlust. The redhead was soon caught up and joined in the affair, making it a threesome. Yet the morning after proved to be an embarrassing situation, as Arktos caught wind of it and punished the young lady for her actions. Luckily, Quindara didn't conceive. But G'rett didn't know about Kiyoni. Once he was reinstated and got his rank back, he'd make some inquiries. Then wait for another two to three sevendays before he’d be allowed to see his beloved again when Cybele would measure Artemth’s maturity level.

Rukbat was high in the sky and was beating down on Rider and dragon both. Coth simply coasted on the breeze, exerting as little effort as possible to conserve his energy. But he knew his Rider was bored beyond belief. Try to cheer up, G'rett. Four more days of this, and we'll return to flying with our wing. You'll be back to your old self I'm sure, especially when we get our rank reinstated. Peering down at his bonded through his goggles, G'rett simply smiled. You're right, old friend. I'm looking forward to it, personally.

Well below them, several miles in the distance was a group of buildings that marked South Sands Hold. All around them was nothing but an endless sea of sand. G'rett had only come this far south once before on an exercise, but never bothered taking his wing further into the south polar regions. That zone was forbidden for all Riders, and for anyone to travel there not only risked his or her own life and that of the dragon's, but it was courting very harsh punishment including being grounded permanently.

South Sands Hold soon flashed below them, and was starting to fade on the horizon. Let's take it up and around, Coth. Just as before. Crooning his compliance, the mighty Bronze started into a gentle climb, then banked into a gliding curve towards the right before swooping down low again. Coth always welcomed the challenge of flying just above the sand dunes, often rising and dipping to follow their contours. G'rett simply chuckled. His dragon always did love to find ways to amuse himself to make light of the monotony.

Climbing over one sand dune, as the pair started their descent a sudden crosswind from the right rocked them, sending them slightly off-course and off-balance. Of course, it was nothing new to them...but just to be sure...You alright, Coth? I'm fine. That crosswind was unexpected. After this next rise, start climbing to put some distance between us and the sand, would you? A physical, verbal acknowledgment, and the Bronze started to climb. Only this time, straight into a very strong head wind, nearly pushing them back. Had G'rett not kept his safety straps down tight, he would have fallen off.

G'rett lowered his mask that he kept with him. "Coth!" he shouted. "We might have to..."

He never did get a chance to finish his sentence to order his Bronze to veer left or to the right to get away from the head wind. The roaring sound only intensified, and the man's eyes widened in horror and quickly hastened to pull his mask back up over his mouth and nose, then pull his hood down as tightly as possible. A dark wall was approaching them rapidly, and he knew what that meant. Sandstorm!

Coth! Roll and climb as fast as you can! Get us out of here! It was more of a mental panic than order, and G'rett knew Coth wouldn't be able to go between if he couldn't rise above the sandstorm to safety. Crooning, Coth started to roll until he could put his back to the wind and to the oncoming sandstorm, and started to beat his wings as fast as he could. But he was no Blue, as he was built for distance and strength, not speed. The Bronze tried in vain to climb into the skies and out of the path of the sandstorm, but it was too late. The sandstorm only pushed the pair further south, causing them to invert belly-to-sky before tumbling wildly out of control. He couldn’t hear his own screaming nor that of his bonded’s. G'rett could only cling on for dear life, praying that his Bronze was smart enough to close his eyes to protect his vision. What little of the ground he could see was rapidly approaching, and the Rider couldn't do anything about it.

He felt the impact, but that was all he knew before his world went black.

[Kendrall]

"Well," came an unfamiliar voice, full of cold mirth. "Look what we have here, boys. Ain't we got ourselves a pretty one here." About a half-dozen or so Riders, all clad in black riding gear and masks, were huddled around the unconscious form of G'rett. One of them looked over at the large Bronze, and started to walk over to the dragon to see how badly he was hurt. Coth could only growl at the unknown Rider, his eyes flickering between orange and white, indicating he was badly hurt and couldn't move much, but was still able to give a warning to whomever this person was. "Mind yourself, dragon," the person warned. "I'm only making sure you're still able to fly, but if you try anything foolish, we'll kill your Rider and force you to go between. Your choice. If you were smart enough, you'd come with us."

Coth fell silent but kept an eye on the stranger. He could still feel his bond to G'rett, but wasn't able to communicate with him, which only worried the dragon. By the same token he was obligated to remain close to his bonded, and had to find a way to get them both out of this situation. The Bronze let the stranger look him over, then watched as he headed back to the other person, apparently the leader of this bunch.

The dragon's wings were slightly torn as was a few places on his hide, but otherwise could still fly. He'd just be a bit slower. Watching as his bonded was draped over the back of a Green dragon and secured tightly, the leader then gave the signal and all the dragons lifted off, Coth included. Once everyone was airborne, they went between and vanished from sight...

...only to appear near a large mountain range completely covered in snow and ice; in the side of the mountain was a large cavern. This was it, then, their final destination; the mouth of the cavern open like a giant mythical beast ready to swallow its prey whole. The walls seemed to close in on the group, with the only source of natural light soon fading quickly, before giving way to an even larger cavern that was illuminated by dimglow lanterns and oil lamps reflecting off thousands of embedded crystals within the rock walls. Columns of steam rose from unseen vents, chasing away any last traces of the cold and providing ample heat and humidity. The group of dragons - all of them Green - descended toward the floor of the cavern and landed. Dismounting from the lead Green dragon, the leader pulled back the hood and removed the mask to reveal the face of a young boy, barely into his teens, his hair black in the reflected light. The lad sported several scars on his face, but his eyes were cold and distant. "Send for Lord K'ain," he said grimly. "And have our esteemed Healer El'dan come look over our prisoner and his Bronze, then have him see to it they're unable to report back to wherever they came from."

[sorra]

El'dan was well away from everyone. He was spending some much needed time with his dragon. Tyverith was the only thing that kept him mostly sane since their jump. He was oiling the blue's icy blue hide when the scouts returned. He had stopped caring what they found. It never seemed to be good news.

Cheer up, Tyverith crooned. Surely all of Pern isn't bad.

The blue rider frowned. I'm glad you can look on the good side of things, Ty, he said. He looked over when he heard footsteps and was surprised to see one of the scouts. "Who's hurt?" he growled, leaving the oil and grabbing his bag.

The scout didn't say anything as they turned on their heel. El'dan looked back at Tyverith before hurrying after the scout. He had no idea what he was in for and he wasn't so sure he really wanted to know. Anything was likely to set K'ain off now and he wasn't in the mood to deal with their Leader's bad temper.

[Kendrall]

"Lord K'ain. You're needed in the main cavern, sire. The scouts have returned."

K'ain was sitting in his high-backed chair - more of a throne, really - and was resting his eyes when the voice of a drudge echoed through his weyr. He slowly opened his eyes and casually rose to his feet, then strode out of his chambers and towards the main cavern. The drudge who had just sent for him had long since disappeared, not daring to be seen. It was just as well. The drudge was nothing more than that - a mere servant. Yet help was hard to find these days.

For twenty turns the former heir to Bitra Hold had kept his ragtag group of survivors in the shadows, watching and waiting for the one day he could restore them to their glory. He could do nothing as a mysterious disease stripped most of his senior Riders and their dragons from their existence, forcing him to rely heavily on their offspring and hatchlings from a Green dragon he forbade to chew firestone. It was the only way K'ain could keep his band together, to give them any hope of survival. Raids on traders' caravans were often carried out swiftly. Spies were often sent to the nearest Hold - South Sands, as it would be later known - to determine if there were other Holds on the continent and if there was another Weyr. Just a few Turns ago he had the answers he was looking for. South Sands wasn't the only game in town. There were other Holds farther to the North, the largest of them being Nova Hold. And it was protected by a Weyr whose Riders were descendants of his own people who escaped the destruction of the North long ago. By all rights, he was their lord and ruler, and therefore those Riders were to be brought under his heel, as were all other Holds on this continent.

K'ain always resented giving up his claim on the lordship to Bitra. But now that his entire family was no more, his beloved Chanirra lost to Threadfall as was the rest of the Riders...timing it by two hundred fifty turns only turned his sadness and resentment into a cold, calculating rage. He was a Rider, and therefore all Riders should rule with an iron fist, Thread be damned. All others were merely peasants and serfs, and he could care less if they suffered and died a horrible death.

Yet what surprised him were the sudden mutations in the dragon colors during the last clutch: two Grays and a Red. K'ain wasn't sure if either of the three females would produce clutches, but he was willing to bet the Red would be fertile. There was no way she would ever produce a Gold egg, but perhaps if these mutations kept cropping up, something equally as valuable as a Gold dragonet would hatch. The man was no fool, as his own research with El'dan's revealed these new colors should be resistant to the disease that claimed most of the original Riders. Perhaps the Red would lay a Queen egg, but she would have to be mated to a Bronze in order to do so. There hadn't been a Bronze in the last twenty turns, and Greens could never produce a Bronze nor a Gold. No, he needed to find a Bronze, and soon.

His scouts had reported to him two days earlier that a Bronze dragon and its Rider were seen flying patrol around South Sands. That was unusual, as Bronzes were rarely seen flying solo unless they were on Search. But when the scouts indicated the Rider never landed, K'ain didn't know what to make of it, but carefully laid out a plan to capture the Rider and force him and his Bronze to do his bidding.

As he approached the main cavern, he took in the sight of the Bronze and his eyes widened appreciatively. Magnificent beast, he mused. Much more so than my own Joreth.

Are you saying there's someone better than me?[/color] came the challenge from the aging Brown, bringing a smile to K'ain's lips. Fear not, my friend. No one could ever take your place. No, it seems we have a Bronze with us now, which means we can go forward with our grand scheme. Stepping forward to take a closer look, he nodded at Coth then turned to take a look at his Rider. The boy - barely an adult - was still unconscious and looked much worse than his dragon. K'ain merely clicked his tongue in contempt, then turned to the lead scout who bowed at him respectfully.

"Have you sent for our Healer?" came the rich, melodic voice.

"Yes, m'lord, we have," the scout replied.

"Good. Have El'dan keep the Bronze Rider under wraps. Some fellis should do to keep him from knowing where he is, and likewise prevent his Bronze from sending for help. Once the Rider is drugged, tie him up and place him in his own quarters, along with his Bronze. I want them both under guard for the time being."

[sorra]

El'dan grumbled in frustration when the scout seemed to disappear on him. Over the past 2o Turns everyone had turned skittish, even the riders. He sighed and kept walking. He figured he'd bump into everyone before long. The place wasn't that big.

El'dan, Tyverith scolded. Stop scowling.

The Healer sighed. Alright, Ty.

His blue was right. The Healer just kept hoping one day they would be able to live in peace again. He missed his family and the easy bantering they used to share. El'dan cringed a little when he heard K'ain's voice. He stayed at the back out of the way.

El'dan stared in surprise when he saw the bronze and his rider. Maybe his dream would come true sooner then he had hoped. Although the rider looked pretty beat up as did the dragon. Now it made sense why he had been called.

[Kendrall]

K'ain turned around and saw El'dan staring in awe at the new arrivals. "El'dan," K'ain addressed the Healer, "we have guests. Do see to their needs, would you? After all, we wouldn't want our newest Rider to get himself hurt. Perhaps if he were to be kept soundly asleep then bound that should keep him from harm, wouldn't you agree?" In spite of the rich melody his voice portrayed, there was anything but compassion evident.

He then turned to a couple of drudges who were skulking in the shadows, trying not to be seen. K'ain beckoned them closer. "Help the good Healer take care of them." He let an edge creep into his speech then turned to two of the Green Riders. "You two will stand guard over the Bronze Rider and his dragon. No one is to know they're here until our Red Rises, at which point her Rider gets to have her way with him." The one-time heir started to laugh softly, then erupted into a more sinister laugh that echoed throughout the chamber as he departed to his personal quarters.

[sorra]

El'dan managd to keep himself from jumping when K'ain addressed him. He knew the brown rider didn't like that and he wasn't going to give K'ain the benefit of seeing him cower. "Of course," the blue rider nodded. "We wouldn't want them to hurt themselves. That would just be awful." At least this way he got to see how badly injured the bronze rider and his dragon were. He inwardly sighed. He wasn't surprised that K'ain wanted the rider to be kept asleep. "Anything else?" he asked as he made his way over to G'rett and Coth. He kept a close eye on Coth, not sure how protective the bronze was.

[Kendrall]

K'ain waved his hand dismissively at the Healer. "That will be all, El'dan. Do let me know when our guest is secured within his quarters along with his Bronze, and guards have been stationed. I'm curious to find out where he's from, although I suppose I already know the answer to that one."

He strode back to his quarters and pondered. Surely that Bronze wouldn't be so bold and daring as to call for help from his fellow dragons and their Riders. Once the Bronze Rider's head was full of fellis, it would effectively prevent any word from getting back to their fellow Riders. Though by the time the Red's Flight took place, it would no longer matter. The Bronze would Catch the Red and mate with her...and should produce a Queen egg. K'ain didn't know what color it would be, but he knew well enough it wouldn't be a Gold. From that clutch would be several eggs, and once the Queen hatched and matured, he'd have that captive Bronze fly her to produce an even larger clutch. Finding the Candidates would be a relatively straightforward manner, and K'ain wasn't above kidnapping.

Soon. Soon he would have his army of dragonriders...then his reign of terror would begin...

[sorra]

El'dan nodded. "Of course. I will personally come to let you know when they're secure and sleeping," the Healer said. He walked past K'ain and headed over to G'rett and Coth. He held his hands up and hoped that the bronze would realize he meant no harm. He wasn't sure if Tyverith would be able to help calm Coth or not. El'dan slowly knelt down by G'rett, ignoring anything else going on around him. Right that minute helping G'rett was all that mattered.

[Jazzeh]

Raziela had seen the greens appear over their makeshift weyr with a form much, much larger than their own. The hide was grayed, likely in pain or weakness, so that she could not immediately discern the color of the dragon, but she bet more than anything that it was a brown. The thought of it being a bronze never crossed her mind. They didn't have any bronzes amongst them and as far as she could tell, there was no other Weyr on Pern. Which was why they were reduced to using greens as breeding stock, as despicable as that thought was. A scowl formed on her pretty face, the face that seemed to be too pretty. Certainly too much so for the darkness of the woman's thoughts.

The bluerider spun on a heel and made the trek from her stony weyr to the main cavern, where the group was just now landing. She saw K'ain enter and wisely stayed out of his way. The man was hardly a ray of sunshine to begin with and their trip so many Turns ago had changed him in a way she could not even begin to explain. She reached a hand up and gently rubbed her scalp as she watched, letting her arm fall when she heard K'ain's voice ring out into the cavern. Bronze? This was a bronze dragon? But...how? How could a bronze suddenly appear when they had no bronzes with them? Their only two bronzes in the Wing were long gone, one lost between in the jump and the other dying shortly afterward of shock.

The cold blue-gray eyes narrowed as she watched them haul away the strange man, who she could only assume was the rider of said bronze. How was he a bronze? Then again, he was easily the size of one of Benden's queens, so the possibility of him being a brown really was quite absurd. But this had wheels turning in Raziela's head. Where had he come from? Had someone from Benden Weyr found them and made the same jump that they had twenty turns ago?

[Kendrall]

K'ain strode past the gathered Riders when he caught sight of Raziela staring, her facial expression suggesting more surprise than anything else. Ceasing his laughter, he stopped and turned to look at the vain woman, simply arching an eyebrow in amused wonder. "You act as if you've never seen a Bronze before, Raziela," the man said, slipping next to her to face the dragon, his arm around her shoulders as if suggesting camaraderie. Truth was, K'ain had nothing but contempt for a woman who thought she was far too beautiful than any other female on Pern, and that same contempt was doubly reinforced because she thought she deserved something more than a Blue. She will never be the equal of my Chanirra, he thought to himself. Nor will any woman in our band of survivors.

Still, he gestured at the large beast with a wave of his hand. "Isn't it truly magnificent? Our scouts first noticed him two days ago at South Sands. Finally, we have a Bronze we can use to breed to that Red. You've studied these new colors, have you not? What do you suppose the color of the Queen egg will be, if not Gold? And what do you make of our newest guest? If I didn't have plans for him already, I'd let you have your way with him. You could use someone to cuddle with at night." K'ain was unable to keep the mocking tone out his melodic voice. He knew just exactly which buttons to push when it came to Raziela, and by the same token he knew she wouldn't dare cross him either in private nor openly. He chuckled lightly, then released the woman's shoulders. "Do cheer up, my dear. Everything is going according to my plan."

[sorra]

El'dan caught sight of Raziela out of the corner of his eye. He felt bad for the other blue rider. Sure, she could be a real pain sometimes and she was vain, but at the same time he could understand what she was going through. They had all lost a lot in their jump between times. And the things they lost they could never get back. Although he had never really tried to get close to Raziela. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to at least try to talk to her.

Concentrate on the bronze and his rider, Tyverith interjected. Worry about talking to her later. Although it's not a bad idea.

El'dan flushed a little at his blue's reprimand. He shuttered when he saw K'ain put his arm around Raziela. He quickly looked around, not wanting to see any more. "Alright, fella," he said gently. "I'm just going to see how badly your rider is hurt. I mean no harm," he told Coth as he knelt down and carefully unfastened G'rett's helmet, goggles, and flight mask.

[Kit]

Q'del jogged to the Weyrwoman's office to deliver some disturbing news. He almost wanted to run, he was so bothered, but he didn't want to cause a panic either. Still he didn't bother to knock on Cybele's door, he just barged in, much to her surprise.

"Weyrwoman, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I have some important news," he said breathlessly.

Eyes wide, Cybele indicated he should continue. "G'rett did not report back from patrol today." In any other man, in another situation, this wouldn't be a big deal. Patrols were not urgent matters, and if one had gone smoothly, well the report could wait. But G'rett had been so anxious to prove himself, he'd reported immediately every day, if somewhat tersely. But that wasn't even the worst of it. "I had Demnoth speak to Coth, and got no response at all, though Demnoth said he could still sense him. This isn't like him at all, I'm afraid something has happened."

Cybele blanched and took a deep breath. "Be calm...perhaps Coth is just ignoring Demnoth for some reason.." She was silent for a moment. "There is one dragon Coth would not dare ignore however."

Chandrath, tell Artemth to send Quindara here right away please. Tell her its urgent. The Queen complied and in a few tense minutes, the silver weyrling appeared, looking wary to see her brother there.

"Please sit down, Quindara." Once she had complied, the Weyrwoman continued. "What I am going to say will shock you but please remain calm. Nothing can be done about the situation if we panic. Now, G'rett has not returned from patrol today. Demnoth has been unable to get a response from Coth, although he sense that he is still living. We need you to see if Artemth can reach him."

Quindara has gasped when the news was delivered. Her face was pale with worry but she nodded. Artemth, please...ask Coth where he is.

It seemed to take forever for the silver to reply. Mine, he does not answer.....I can feel him, though he is far away. But he will not speak to me..he feels funny...

Quindara had to take a few breaths to keep her voice steady. Shadow, sensing her distress, appearing crooning on her shoulder. "She said she can't talk to him either...she said he feels funny? I don't know what she means..."

"Hmm...If it was any other rider, I'd say he'd gotten drunk and passed out somewhere..so drunk the dragon had been affected. But he would never jeopardize his rank that way," Q'del said, frowning and feeling more worried than he had before. Quindara was now sure that something terrible had happened..she fought to hold back tears.

Cybele frowned. "You're right...there is something very wrong here." Seeing Quindara's panicked face and the flit trying to console her, she gave the flit a thoughtful look. "Do you think Shadow would be able to find Coth, and see what was happening?"

The weyrling nodded, dashing the tears away from her eyes. She gave the black firelizard a piercing look, holding his gaze for several seconds. Shadow chirped his assent, and disappeared.

The firelizard arrived high in the shadows of the cavern, noticed by no one. Once he had seen all that he could see, he went back to his pet. As soon as he relayed his information, Quindara gasped, torn between fear anger and confusion. Tears began to run down her face.

"Come on girl, pull it together and tell us." Cybele said, her voice taut with impatience.

"Shadow says that he is in a big cave full of unfamiliar dragons and riders. it is very cold there. G'rett is tied up and unconscious and Coth is there too, but he's injured," she replied shakily.

There were several moments of stunned silence. Then Cybele seemed to gather herself. "Well....I guess its now a rescue mission. We'd best go to the Council Chamber. You too, Quindara," she said as she pushed back from the desk, purpose written in every sinew. As she marched out of her weyr she called to Chandrath.

Chandrath I need every Wingleader and their second in the council chamber right now. Also Toniel, G'fal and Arktos.....and the Weyrhealer.

The Queen complied, bugling with anger as she did so. How dare someone steal one of her bronzes?

[Jazzeh]

Raziela nearly jumped as she heard their leader's voice so close to her. She'd been so caught up in the bronze that she hadn't noticed Lord K'ain's approach, something that was always a mistake as far as he was concerned. She was disconcerted when he slipped an arm around her shoulder, her muscles tensing warily. Too close. He was too close for comfort. The man was brutal and she always avoided arousing his interest, especially hard to do considering her uniqueness. Still, she had mostly succeeded since she was of no real use to him. She didn't ride a green so all she was was a bluerider. Next to worthless, especially considering she had taken no partners since the jump and had therefore borne no children to use as Candidates for their meager, but essential clutches.

"It's been a long time, Lord K'ain," she responded, her voice uneasy. Her voice was light and rang cheerfully in her ears, even when she was in the worst of moods. Just another thing to add to her hatred of herself. Raziela cast a sideways glance at their leader before redirecting it at the beast. "Yes, magnificent," she echoed softly. She found herself again glancing at him, this time sharply as he mentioned the possibility of a queen egg. Is that....is that what he had planned for this pair? Would he finally bring them what they needed to survive as a true weyr? Hmm...if golds and bronzes were the highest of the ladder, then it must be another metallic color to take the place of the queen. "Silver or copper, perhaps?" she suggested.

His next comment caused her eyes to narrow and her jaw to tighten. But any retort that might have risen to Raziela's lips was firmly kept in check. One misspoken word could end very badly with him. Very badly. And as harsh as their existence was in this horrid place, it was still an existence. The words were mulled over in her head and she tried to come up with something to say that wouldn't result in punishment. Ah! There it was. "Maybe after Kanly is done with him, you can send him to me, Lord K'ain," she said in a perfectly level voice. The idea did not please her one bit. She needed a man at night like she needed a Threadscore. She was relieved when the brownrider released her and tried not to shudder. She could anger anyone but him. Anyone but Lord K'ain.

[Kendrall]

K'ain simply nodded when Raziel gave her assessment on what color the Queen egg would be. Silver or copper. Yes. Either would do. He glanced up at the mighty Bronze again. Surely this one's seed would be capable of helping to produce either color. A Queen. "Perhaps you will be proven correct, Raziel. We'll know the answer before long. Chrysoberyth will Rise any day now, and I trust El'dan's skills to ensure our Bronze will be strong enough to give Chase. Which reminds me." K'ain brought his eyes to bore directly into the Bluerider's before continuing, his voice terse. "I want everyone out of this Weyr save for the two Green Riders guarding our guest when the Flight happens. We don't need any complications by having a Blue or Brown participating. I want that Bronze alone to be able to catch Chrysoberyth." The laugh lines in his face had faded, then were brought back to life by a faint smile when Raziel said the Bronzerider could be sent to her after Kanly had him. K'ain knew Raziel had little time for a man, but whether it was a personal choice or she didn't want to bear a child and therefore ruin her figure he couldn't tell. His only daughter had never been with a man before; perhaps the Bluerider could fill her in on what to expect?

"Perhaps," he said thoughtfully. "Yet my daughter has still to be with a man. I don't dare let any of the men have their way with her as she is far too valuable. But if you were to have a...woman to woman chat...with Kanly, she might not be so worried about the upcoming Flight." K'ain wasn't about to admit he had little time to explain the wherries and the trundlebugs to his child. That particular topic should have been explained by someone else when his daughter was a bit younger, but it was never discussed. The way he suggested Raziel have the talk meant he trusted the bald woman to take care of it.

------------------------

Coth could only watch the man approach him, his hands up and palms facing outward as if suggesting he meant no harm. He crooned softly when the stranger went to examine his bonded, removing his goggles, mask, and helmet; revealing G'rett's facial features. The Bronze was worried about his lifemate, too worried to focus on his own wounds. At least they were still alive for the moment. But Coth was unable to fathom what their captors had in store for them.