Considerations for the Future

Avidian took a look at the two of them, his eyes raking down Br'son's form, then Ashrah's.

"You're a young one," the old smuggler said to Br'son. "And that Titan queen is yours?"

Br'son nodded. "Br'son of Yllaveth," he said, extending his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Avidian gave a little "harrumph", but took the other man's hand in a tight grip. The boy gripped back, Vid noticed with private approval. Young, but no pushover. Well, that would follow, if he rode a queen. Say what you liked about Vid's morals and such, but those who could control a fully grown queen dragon were no one's doormats. Fair enough.

"We've work to do," Vid said. "You and yours are welcome to the topside for now. And the springs. Stay out of the caves, except this one, until I have a chance to speak with your leaders. We'll find you this evening, and we'll have a talk."

Then the stillmaster smiled at the other dragonrider, the female, and turned to walk back into the shadows the way he'd come. His posture made it clear that he expected Dividia to follow him.

Let's see how the young queenrider deals with that, the big man thought.

Ashrah watched the pair go off in silent watchfulness. Part of her felt she should have spoke up, being the older of the two of them. She knew better, however. Now was not the time to shadow over him like a teacher expecting failure. He was their Weyrsenior and he needed her quiet support, so that he could spread his wings.

"Until then." she said and turned to Br'son.

"Thank you, Weyrsenior." she said. "Shall we return to the others and alert them to the progress?"