By dinner time the rumors surrounding the appearance of the green and her rider were all anyone could talk about. He didn't know anyone at Eastern, nor did he have any interest in those that were dying. However, Rhaenthwor was practical and he was aware of what would happen if they lost the entire dragon population. He didn't want to know what would become of those who inhabited Pern without protection from Thread. Whether it be this Pass or the next, there would be a day when they had nothing left to live on.
Bothered by thoughts of possibly imminent death, he didn't seem all that interested in his food as he sat in what was now considered the mess hall. He wasn't one to join other people's conversations though from the sound of the voices in the room, he knew what was on everyone's mind. It was far easier to focus on the negative than the positive. For instance none of their dragons were sick and the new Hatchlings were progressing well.
There were not enough dragons here to really protect much of the area even with the new clutch and the young new Queens added into the mix. And he really didn't know much about them but if they rose as often as other Queens the Pass could well be over before they had the right numbers. Bringing his mug of ale to his lips, he stopped there, musing a moment with his eyes glancing over the rim of the mug before he took a large gulp and set the mug back on the table.
He also had his own new decision weighing on his mind. Wher Candidate. His father had agreed that it seemed like a good idea. Rhaenthwor was not one hundred percent sure he was doing the right thing. He hoped he was. After all, he wanted to be more useful to his people.
