Aside from disconsolate bronze riders, there was a Weyr still occupied by sick dragons, injured riders, injured dragons, and worried weyrfolk. They needed Fiona.

She mounted Talenth and built the image of Fort Weyr in her mind even as her great dragon labored to gain altitude.

Cisca will expect us to help out, Fiona told her dragon as she instructed her to go between.

The cold of between was a tonic for her, washing away the numbing heat of hot Igen and revitalizing her in a way that she’d never noticed previously.

She burst into the air above Fort Weyr and was not surprised to find that the watch dragon was slow in challenging her.

He says that Rineth flew her, Talenth reported as she overflew the dragonpair and Fiona waved down in greeting at the rider. The gold’s tone was disgruntled—not just because she already knew that, but also, Fiona discovered, because Talenth felt let down by the whole affair, almost as though she’d had to leave a party that she wanted to join.

You can’t be jealous of your mother, Fiona chided her with a humorous tone. She felt Talenth’s muted response and realized that her queen had already recognized her own feelings and regretted them. Your turn will come soon enough.

Again, she felt Talenth’s mixed emotions. This time she got a good enough distinction that she could soothe her fears. I’ll be fine! Fiona told her with all the confidence she could muster. Remember, I’ve already practiced.

Fiona found that, even though she’d “practiced,” the memory still had her blushing. She knew enough from the mating flights of greens to expect that she would find her emotions tied to her dragon’s desires, and she was certain—no, she corrected herself, she hoped—that she would be able to handle the mating flight.

There were Records of what happened to those riders who couldn’t control their dragons. Fiona took a steadying breath; some of those Records made grim reading.

Where’s Terin? Fiona asked Talenth as they glided toward her quarters.

She’s with F’jian, Talenth responded.

All right, where’s Bekka? Fiona asked, guessing that the younger weyrfolk would be quickest to recover.

She’s with Xhinna, Talenth replied. Of course. Xhinna would be guarding and protecting the youngsters no matter how much passion beat about her; she was a natural parent.

Take me to them, Fiona said.

They’re in Seban’s quarters, Talenth responded, changing the angle of her flight.

Tell them I’m coming, Fiona said as she leaped down from her dragon and onto the landing ledge.