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"He left us, and with Master Robinton gone, we need him now more than ever."
Not we, you. But that is the wrong way to think about this.
Aivas left behind all the information you need and you have only to access it to solve problems now.
For the first time in their long association, Jaxom resented Ruth's words.
Probably, Ruth said at his drollest, you know I'm right. I think that Aivas was as tired as the Harper, having waited all those long Turns to complete his tasks and keep faith with his makers.
Though Jaxom resisted the thought, the words of Aivas's last message reverberated in his head. How much Robinton had enjoyed Aivas! Had Aivas ended his existence before, or after, Master Robinton had fallen into his last sleep? Surely if Aivas had been aware of Robinton's condition, he would have summoned help. Those options had exercised everyone yesterday.
But everyone had agreed with D'ram that Aivas had achieved those ancient priorities-with great honor.
Then give Aivas the honor that is due him, Jaxom. Anger and resentment cloud your mind and heart.
Jaxom sighed, accepting the gentle reproach of his white dragon. "I haven't been thinking straight, have I?"
Think of what we have done together, you and I, to show Aivas that we could. We did the impossible because I knew where and when to do it. It's as well you cracked my shell that Hatching Day, Jaxom, or where would Pern be now?
Laughter burst from Jaxom, provoked by the dragon's sly cajolery. But draconic logic had lifted him out of his depression.
"'And a time for every purpose under heaven'!" he cried into the air about them. What Ruth said was true: Only he, Jaxom, Lord of Ruatha Hold, and Ruth, the white dragon, could have done what had to be done to free Pern forever from Thread, serving their world as only dragon and rider could, united in mind and heart to their purpose.
And so Jaxom and Ruth turned back to Cove Hold, ready to delve into the legacy of knowledge that Aivas had left for them.