Chapter 1 Summary

Robinton, the Masterharper of Pern, wonders what ballads to compose for a wedding that the notables will attend. How does one portray the common debt to the dragonmen? At Fort Hold, Lord Groghe has every inhabitant planting crops to the detriment of the fire watch. Perhaps in protest against Weyr neglect, he ignores the duty of removing greenery near his habitations, but guards his forest against Thread. At Fort Weyr, T'ron and Mardra are also lax. Using satire on them is pointless, and because the weyrs are autonomous, prodding F'lar of Benden Weyr cannot help. At any rate, he has ceded leadership in the face of Oldtimers' objections. Perhaps it is time just to emphasize the threat that a mere 200 dragons and their riders must withstand. Robinton finds ways to portray the notables in song - Lessa, F'lar, Fandarel, and Lytol - but...