Chapter 9 Summary

F'nor resists a straight flight to the headland, but Canth refuses to go between with his wound. The rhythm of flight soothes him and how Toric, a grounds crew chief, is determined to Impress a lizard, having been turned down at Fort Weyr for a dragon. F'nor wonders how Holders can claim weyrfolk are aloof, patronizing, condescending, and arrogant while being filled with envy for their dragons, possessions, and women." Dragonriding may require no greater skill than the crafts, but does risk loss of life. Toric - and perhaps everyone else - would lose some bitterness if they Impressed lizards. The Oldtimers would react poorly, but they need to realize they are no longer adolescents. As F'nor grows restless, thinking about Brekke if Orth flies Wirenth, Canth soothes him and, as they land, tells him Brekke wants to see him.

Brekke is feeding...