The Master Harper of Pern

have sent you our problem." He turned back to Petiron. "And?" "When she repeatedly refused to learn a simple score ..."

No one of the Harper Hall group so much as batted an eye at Petiron's remark.

"... and started to rant in an hysterical fashion, I slapped her. Once." And Petiron put up one finger in emphasis.

Everyone on the steps nodded.

"We all heard the entire argument," Master Ge

"She'd need more than one," a brother said.

"We shall take her off your hands," her father said in an almost meek tone, though it was obvious that he was probably not one whir less proud than his daughter.

"Nonsense," Master Ge

Halibran was astonished; the brothers muttered among one another.

"That is too fine a voice to be misused," Master Ge

"I'd say she is," one brother murmured, and received a buffet on his leg from his glaring father.

"Give us until the Spring Equinox, Holder Halibran, and you will be pleased with the change."

"How do you propose to achieve that?" the holder asked, tucking his gloved thumbs into his thick riding belt and regarding not only Ge

"If you would make it ... exceedingly ... plain to her," Ge

Halibran considered as he removed his gloves, stowed them in the saddle bag and flexed his fingers. "If she does, it will be the first time in her life," he said, "but it had better come now." He opened and closed his fists.

The expression of profound satisfaction was mirrored by all three brothers and, indeed, the other six men of the party.

"I'll lead the way," Ge

"Is that the girl you said had a superb voice, Petiron?" Grogellan asked, moving up to the steps from where he and his men had been a witness to the interview.

The oldest brother, recognizing that this was the Lord of Fort Hold, respectfully dismounted and gestured for the others to do so, inclining his upper body politely to one of higher rank. Just then Hala

"If she keeps on forcing the upper register like that," Washell remarked to no one in particular, "she may end up soprano instead of alto... if she's any voice left at all."

"Hmmm," was Grogellan's reply, as he turned his head up to the window. "She certainly shouldn't be allowed to carry on like that."

"It's a speciality of hers," the oldest brother remarked. "She's developed it into a fine art, and none of us' – he included his brothers – "could do a thing about it."

Grogellan looked at him with such a glare that he grimaced, shrugging his shoulders. Fort's Lord Holder did not approve of sons criticizing their fathers, no matter what the cause.

"Any moment now," Washell said, gri

He was right. Hala

That tone altered to outraged cries, screams, and finally into penitent sobs which gradually, over the next few minutes, dwindled into silence. Or at least to a level which was not audible to those below.

To give him credit, the oldest brother controlled his expression as he turned to Washell. "Our mounts need to be refreshed before we start back again," he said.

"Then follow us," said Grogellan. "You will guest at the Hold, for I know the Harper Hall is presently filled to capacity." He gestured for the Istans to follow him.

The oldest brother, astonished and grateful for Grogellan's hospitality, looked from him to the doorway of the Harper Hall. "I should await my father." He turned back to Grogellan. "I am Brahil, and those two are my brothers, Landon and Brosil," he said by way of introduction. "And Gostol, here, is our good captain who sailed us here."

Grogellan nodded approval of Brahil's ma

The Istan holders stayed three more days, until Hala

"For so many children, disapproval is sufficient, or a rap on the knuckles," she said to Merelan, who was genuinely worried when Hala

"Then there are some who have to have ma

"But..."

"He uses only his hand, and it's more her pride that's been offended than her butt end," Ginia said. "If the issue is not forced now, she will become far worse in later years and end up disgracing her entire family and hold. That can't be allowed."

"It's just that we've never had a child that difficult," Merelan said.

Isla joined them, breathless from a fast walk across the courtyard.

"He's taking most of her clothing back with him, and has asked me to provide warmer garments. Just a few, and nothing fancy, though I did talk him into permitting one nice outfit for Gathers and performances." She looked almost regretful, though Hala

Hala

Ge

"She brought it on herself," Halibran said sternly.

"That does not require me to compound it," Merelan said, lifting her chin to match his attitude.

"You are a gracious lady," he said, relenting and bowing to her.

Hala

"And, if you should decide this regimen doesn't suit you," her father said in so cold a voice that Merelan shivered, "and attempt to run away from the Harper Hall, I will have the drums repudiate you across all Pern. Do you understand? You wanted to sing, you wanted to come here to the Harper Hall so that you could improve your voice. Now you will do just that, and nothing but that! Do you understand, Hala

Head hanging after the ordeal of apology, she murmured something.