All the Weyrs of Pern Read Online Free PDF

we were, and what we can be.”
    “Well, I suspect Aivas might well create more problems than he solves,” Piemur said, “but I guarantee you it’ll be exciting.” He helped Jaxom remove the Records, carefully, from the sacks. “Aivas is right interested in you and Ruth, too.”
    “What have you been telling him?” Jaxom asked in what Piemur privately called his Lord Holder attitude.
    “Me? Nothing you’d object to, friend,” Piemur hastily reassured him. Jaxom could still be touchy about other people discussing Ruth. “I spent more time reciting Lessa’s ride, which he said was of epic proportions.” He grinned broadly.
    As Piemur talked, Sebell had been taking in the details of the room, studying the strange wall furnishings. Sebell rarely rushed in the way Piemur did.
    “And this Aivas has preserved itself from our first days on Pern?” Sebell let out a long, soft whistle. He tapped one of the clear panels and looked around the room. “Where does it store its records? Jaxom said it displayed amazing pictures of our past, as well.”
    “Aivas, speak for yourself,” Piemur suggested cockily, wanting to see how Sebell—or Menolly, who entered just then—handled the entity. “Aivas?” he prompted. “This is Sebell, Masterharper of Pern, Master Robinton’s successor, and Master Menolly, Pern’s ablest composer.” When there was still no response from Aivas, Piemur felt his irritation rising. “They’ve brought the Records for you to read.”
    Aivas remained silent.
    “Maybe it’s used up the power stored in the sun panels,” he said, forcing himself to keep his tone light as he wondered how the Aivas could be forced into answering. He scowled at the unresponsive screen and the green pulse winking in the corner. The feckless thing was awake, so it had to be listening. “I don’t understand,” he said to the others, disgusted by the inactivity. “He was talking up a storm to me just before you came—oh, shards!” He slapped his forehead dramatically with one palm. “Neither you nor Menolly are on his list yet.”
    “His list?” Jaxom asked, frowning in irritation.
    “Yes, his list,” Piemur said. He sighed wearily and sagged onto the nearest stool. “The people he is authorized to speak to. Master Robinton and the others decided to limit those who have access to Aivas.”
    “But
I
was here,” Jaxom exclaimed.
    “Oh, he’ll probably talk to you once Sebell and Menolly leave. It got set up so that it takes a Weyrleader, a Lord, and a Masterharper for Aivas to add someone to the privileged list.”
    “Well, I’m Lord Holder of Ruatha,” Jaxom began.
    “Piemur’s not a Master yet, and there are no Weyrleaders present,” Menolly said with a little laugh. “Aivas is doing as he was told, which is more than you always do, Piemur.” She grinned at him.
    “Yes, but now would be the best time for Aivas to catch up on our history while there’s peace and quiet. And before Fandarel returns to monopolize him,” Piemur said, scrubbing at his face. The effects of a very exciting day were catching up with him.
    “I’m on the list though, am I not?” Jaxom asked, a touch of asperity in his voice.
    “Yes—you, me, Jancis, Master Robinton, all of us who were in the room when Aivas woke up.”
    “And he talked to you when you were alone,” Jaxom said. “Maybe, if Sebell and Menolly leave—sorry about that—he’ll talk to me, and I can feed the Records to him.”
    “Our feelings won’t be hurt,” Menolly said, glancing up at Sebell to see him nod in agreement. Sebell’s good sense and equable nature were two of the many reasons she loved and respected him. “There’re other empty pallets, Piemur; you look to be out on your feet. You and Sebell go sleep in with Master Robinton, and I’ll join Jancis. If this Aivas has waited—how many Turns did you say, Jaxom? Twenty-five hundred—” She gave a little shudder for such a long span. “—we can wait until tomorrow.”
    “I