“As cured as Talenth,” Fiona assured her.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Terin said, bursting into tears and burying herself against Fiona, who, unbalanced, fell against Talenth before she could wrap an arm around her friend.

As if Terin’s relief was a signal, Fiona felt tears flood down her own cheeks.

What is it? Talenth asked in concern. Why are you crying?

Because you’re safe! Fiona told her. Because you’re not going to die without me.

Talenth rumbled happily as she reminded her rider, Didn’t I tell you?

Fiona clung tighter to Terin, letting relief wash over her until they were both cried out. Terin pulled away long enough to wipe her eyes on her sleeve, disregarding Fiona’s scowl, and laughing when the Weyrwoman ruefully realized she was no better placed to clean her face and, in chagrin, wiped her own eyes the same way.

“How did Tenniz know?” Terin wondered as she stood up. Fiona raised an eyebrow in confusion. “That Lorana would come here?” Terin elaborated.

Fiona felt her face drain of color and she shook her head, suddenly feeling full of dread. Knowing that Lorana would come here, what message had Tenniz sent her?

Surely it would be a note of congratulations, she told herself. After all, what more could be asked of the woman who’d sacrificed her queen to save Pern?

She shoved her thoughts aside. “We need to inject the others,” Fiona declared, putting her words into action and returning to Lorana, who directed her in refilling the syringe.

There were only three syringes so Fiona, Terin, and Jeila were kept very busy injecting all the remaining dragons.

“They’ll probably feel tired,” M’tal warned.

“You don’t look so good yourself,” Kindan said just as Fiona opened her mouth to make the same comment. She gave the harper a rueful look before gesturing M’tal toward the Dining Cavern. “Perhaps you’d care for something to eat or some klah?” she offered.

“Both,” Kindan said decisively with a humorous glance at the older man. “I don’t think he’s eaten since … when was the last time you ate?”

“When was the last time you ate?” M’tal retorted.

Fiona scrutinized all the Benden riders appraisingly. “Terin!” she called. The younger woman glanced up from where she was helping Lorana, quickly followed Fiona’s gaze, looked consideringly at Lorana, then rose to her feet, calling over her shoulder as she trotted toward the Dining Cavern, “I know! Food for foolish riders!”

M’tal chuckled at her words, saying to Fiona, “She was with you at Igen.”

“Yes,” Fiona said shortly. “She’s well-versed in the ways of foolish riders.”

A sudden noise from nearby distracted them, and Fiona moved just in time to prevent Jeila from collapsing onto the ground.

“She’s exhausted,” Fiona said. She glanced at the riders and weyrfolk clustered around, then shook her head, saying to M’tal, “Help me get her to my quarters.”