Chapter 5 Summary

Jaxom, the 12-year-old Lord of Ruatha, is overwhelmed by all he must know, do, and understand to please Lytol, his Warder. Jaxom often hides just to think. Jaxom has never seen his parents and knows that Lessa is the last of the Ruathan blood. He does not understand these things but knows he must. Jaxom has changed into his finest clothes for a dragon flight to Benden Weyr. He is disappointed they have sent only a green dragon, but delighted that its rider is Jeralte, a former playmate. Jaxom misses the thrill of take-off as he broods over being reminded to use the proper honorific: J'ralt. Soaring over the valley restores Jaxom's spirits, but makes him feel sorry that Lytol has lost the status of dragonrider. Jaxom gasps as they enter between and cannot count to three before they emerge over Benden Weyr...