The Master Harper of Pern

The ru

"Evenek's been severely beaten and thrown out of the Hold. In fact, if a ru

Robinton did, since he had often studied the disposition of Ru

Evenek had been very kindly attended by the Station Master, who had brought in the nearest healer he could reach.

"I've done what I can." Germathen, the healer, shook his head clearly distressed by the incident. "They broke every bone in his hands. They also mangled his throat so badly I'd be surprised if he ever sings again."

"Does he know who did it?" Robinton demanded once he had calmed down the vengeful mutterings of his companions: hard to do with rage consuming him, but he knew that retaliation – however satisfying that might be – would achieve nothing helpful for the Harper Hall.

Germathen shrugged. "I think he does, but he won't say – and talking is painful enough for him. I've set all the bones I could, but

I'd wish for someone more adept than I to check my settings." "Can he travel?"

Robinton noticed the Station Master's interest in the answer.

"If you take it by slow stages," Germathen replied. "In fact, I think Evenek will not feel safe until he is back in the Harper Hall." "If any of us are safe there ..." one of the apprentices muttered.

"Fort and Ruatha would protect the Harper Hall to the last man," Robinton said firmly. "May I see Ev now?"

The wounded man had been installed in the last, and safest, of the co

Evenek was asleep, his hands swathed in bulky bandages and cushioned by pillows. His face was a mass of bruises, and his neck was covered in bandages as far down as his chest. Robinton was sick to his stomach, and one of the other harpers abruptly retreated from the room. As Robinton stood there, a bitterness welled up in him of a strength he had not imagined himself capable of feeling -far deeper and more primitive even than that which had assailed him after Kasia's death. He thought briefly of asking for F'lon's help to transport Evenek, but with such injuries the cold of between was inadvisable.

The joy and relief in Evenek's eyes, his broken attempts to thank them, had an even more profound effect on those who had come to his aid. He managed to indicate that he would endure any discomfort which travelling might cause him.

"Home ... the Hall ..." he kept repeating.

Germathen and the healer journeyman had a quiet professional discussion and told Robinton that they could start back the next morning. If those in the Ru

"To do that to a harper, Robinton, is something I never thought to see," the Station Master said, shaking his head. "I don't know what the world is coming to, I don't."

After di

It was some time before the shock of Evenek's injuries was absorbed by the Hall. But Lord Grogellan, with his sons, made a formal visit to Master Ge

While such brutality seemed to be an isolated incident, harpers everywhere were warned to be on their guard and to travel with traders or other known-to-be-friendly groups.

Master Ge

"So where can you send me this time, Master? I do believe that I've met every Lord Holder, most of the minor ones, and been in every Crafthold on the continent. What place can I have missed on my travels for you?"

"Oh, I've found one," Ge

"What?"

"I thought that would get your attention. Tarathel means to have a chat with the man. He's a

"I shouldn't wonder."

"Nip tells me that Fax is pla

"In what?"

"Parades. And wrestling. With daggers."

"How are you with a dagger, Rob?"

"I've pi

"Oh, really?" Ge

"Oh?"

Ge

"I've had a purpose in sending you here and there, to every major Hold and Hall on pern."

"Really!" With great difficulty, Robinton kept curiosity out of his response. But it was hard.

"Yes, I'm growing old, Rob, and I've to look for a replacement. Of course all the MasterHarpers vote as their conscience dictates, but I've made my wish clear. You!"

Robinton stared at his old friend. He hadn't expected that.

"You'll be around a long time yet, Ge

"No, I think not," the MasterHarper said. "What with this joint-ail and no Betrice to fuss' – Ge

election and spend my remaining time on a warm beach in Ista." "Now, wait a minute, Ge

"The Hall must have someone young and vigorous as MasterHarper, Rob." Ge