Secret Agent Man - Southern Patrol

[stolenhart]

No Northerners allowed until it's time

This is highly interesting, the bronze dragon rolled his eye back to his rider as he sent an image of empty air and no one around. While it had been many turns since T'ran had been in the North, the only time being an assignment from his father, he still remembered the secluded beach and empty night sky above. The star patterns had been easy to remember as had the beach, both of which were the same as they had been turns ago. Except for the small pile of firewood but T'ran had put that there himself so his riders would have something to remember if they had to come back.

It will get interesting soon, T'ran replied, eyes scanning upward in the age old habit all riders gained. Though it had been centuries since Thread fell, all Weyrlingmasters still taught their riders to look up, not down. Nowadays it was the dragon's job to look down. Why are we hear again?, Knymawth asked, casting about as he searched for his fellow wing mates. Formed into a 'V' there was just enough distance between them that T'ran could barely make out the single glow strapped to the rider on the left and the rider on the right of him.

We are trying to find out what their strength is at the moment. And we can't do that in the usual methods, T'ran replied, glancing down his line. Tell Ytaisuth to go further forward and report any contact, he ordered the bronze. Ytaisuth, fly out a bit further. Report contact. I'en and his green were scouts, but they were also targets. The greens being so much faster than their larger siblings could fight the few precious moments it would take for the larger dragons to escape. And no one minded too terribly when a greenrider died. There was always more to replace them.

Tell everyone silence, the lights of the hold were just ahead now, T'ran could smell the cooking and other fires. Silence, Knymawth's order was calm and collected as they began to circle around the Hold, headed for the Weyr. Above them the stars twinkled merrily, a few grey clouds drifitng by but it was a clear night. Still T'ran kept his eye to the sky.

[lucius]

I have a feeling we're just decoys.

Ytaisuth's hide had always been very light, the wrong sort of color for night trips. As the cold of between faded away, I'en could see a truth in her statements. Scouting at night was never good for a dragon of her coloration, and as a green, she was expendable. That knowledge put a bad taste in the back of I'en's mouth: to sacrifice the small and save the strong was the way of the dragon wars, and he hated it.

She followed, not using too much energy or she'd otherwise tire. Gliding was simple, and for a while I'en thought that nothing would happen. And then Knymawth ordered to move. She relayed the orders, ignoring I'en's snap of, And if we do run into anyone, he'll let us die like dogs.

Roger that, said the green. Then she dipped to one side and broke formation, gliding with ease as she moved outward. I'en held the straps tighter, shivering from the cold night air. It can't be too bad, Ytaisuth said after a while. We might not see anything, really. And if we do, what's a quick trip between going to hurt?

If we're attacked, I'en pulled his gloves on tighter, you won't be focused enough to go anywhere. We'd just go in and never come out.

Ytaisuth might have said something, but then they were silenced. There was no sign of anything yet, but I'en was still nervous. The knowledge that he and Tai were worth next to nothing to T'ran put them both on edge.

[Femisis]

Though every rider in the weyr (Or the lower ones, anyway.) pulled watch duty at some point in time, Y’kito still hated it. He needed his beauty sleep, after all, and you didn’t get it by sitting up half the night watching for imagined foes that never came. He’d never experienced an attack by Southern before, but it was only a matter of time before he did. The blond couldn’t help but shiver from the cold, but Syra’s warm hide beneath him dispelled the majority of the chill. “I love you.” He murmured, slumping forward to wrap his arms around his Green’s neck.

I love you, too, Mine. Syranoth trilled as she turned her head to nuzzle her rider. While Hers was one who hardly ever complained, she could sympathize with him. She would most certainly rather be in her warm weyr rather than sitting in the chilly Weyrbowl, but they had a duty to fulfill. Maybe we'll get to sleep longer in the morning. She suggested with a flick of her tail before resuming watch, though her eyes were on the stars rather than the horizon.

“That would be wonderful.” He murmured wistfully against her neck. They were quiet for some time after that, content to watch or, in Y’kito’s case, doze. Syra’s neck was comfortable enough and as long as no one decided to check up on them he could nap as much as he liked. He was in the middle of such a nap when he felt his Green move and frantically prod his mind. “What is it?”

There's something coming. She said nervously, prancing from foot to foot, prompting her rider to look at it for himself.

“Alright, alright…” He grumbled, lifting his head to look off into the distance. Sure enough, there were figures on the horizon, dragons if he was any judge of shape. But unless someone had left while he was asleep, then they weren’t Northern dragons… “Shards!”

Rearing up on her hind legs, Syranoth let out a warning bugle as her protective side kicked in. Intruders from the South! She cried, roaring her challenge to the skies. Southern scum, coming here to try and hurt Hers! They would pay!

[stolenhart]

Tell them to find the Weyrleader, T'ran ordered his dragon seconds after the roars of an awakening Weyr began to split the sky, Do not engage unless it is absolutely necessary, he added as an afterthought. They weren't here to fight, merely to scout out who was the Weyrleader and test his preparedness. Maybe he'd be a pushover, wouldn't that be great?, he thought as he cut his glow, watching it drop towards the ground. Now it was just him under the moonlight.

Be on the lookout for a leader, and do not engage unless necessary, Knymawth spread the orders around the wing as he rose higher. He preferred height in his battles, then he did not have to worry about injuring any dragon but the one he was dealing with. Though as a bronze he was a target for the agile greens and blues.

[shouriko]

The bugle echoed throughout the Weyr, the alert was not a common occurrence and so to respond dutiful was out of instinct rather than practice alone. As some prepared to greet any amount of Southern dragons, others were calmer and prepared for perhaps nothing more than a display of their wing formation or even just the reaction alone. For Kaelu, as much as she wanted to fly out and meet with them she had to resist. She was Weyrwoman of Northern Weyr and unless Kyreith clutched and it hatched and produced a healthy gold, they could not participate. They had to stay back and act as support. It was frustrating, but it was her place for now.

They want Yeskith and his M'tias, the Weyrleader. Kyrieth snorted, upset that they did not want to meet her. Why not? She was the gold, the queen, the one who was brooding over the makings of a clutch. It was right near insulting for her. She let out a long bugle, calling the Weyr to be alert.

Kaelu smiled with disappointment evident in her tired face. She had her gear ready just in case, but she remained on the ledge as her eyes scanned the night sky for the Southern dragons. Calm now, Kyrieth, you are making new wings for Northern. If we are needed, we will know. We best serve here, even if you are the biggest, baddest dragon on Pern. Faranth save her, she dearly loved Kyrieth. She had to admit though, if ever there was a chance to have a talk with Southern, tonight was the night and if only she did not have to think of the well being of the Weyr. Maybe M'tias would think of that and find a way to bring them into the Weyr whether as visitors or captives, that would depend upon the outcome.

Kyrieth snorted, If they hurt any of my dragons, not even you can stop me from taking retribution for their pain. On that she was firm. This was her Weyr, they were her dragons, and she'd not want any of them to come to harm.

[lucius]

The alert came, another spotted. Ytaisuth curled in her wings, dipping a few meters before spreading back her wings and turning to head back to the others. Only Knymawth's orders prevented her from going back between to the Southern Weyr. I'en bared his teeth, clenching the straps as an overwhelming sense of doom filled the pit of his stomach. A sacrifice, a tribute--did he really want to die for a cause? He pretended that his old life was gone, but the riches and pampering of Shaltiri still remained.

From the group he felt no safer. He was just an equal target, easily hit because of his beloved Ytaisuth's light hide. She tried to reassure him, but it was in vain. Faranth I hope Naraez remembers to eat and sleep.

He will, Tahldorth will remind him.

No one listens to Tahldorth, Naraez especially.

--

Intruders.

An ugly head turned skyward, grotesque lips baring stained teeth. Yeskith's eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed. Subconsciously, M'tias's features mimicked those of his dragon as he set down the quill he was using to record yet another of his detailed reports of the day.

Coordinates?

Given to us by a green.

Anything else?

They're asking for our presence. Laughter hinted from Yekith's tone. Kyrieth wishes to intercept them as well. Perhaps we could bring them here. Then the bronze stood, wings dropping as M'tias prepared his riding gear.

Tell the Scout we're coming, said the Weyrleader as he pulled on furs and grabbed Yeskith's fighting straps. Get a few wingriders as well. Greens, blues, maybe a brown. I want fast and agile, and ones that won't question orders.

As the straps went on, orders went out. A blue and green rider flanked Yeskith, one on either side. P'gren of blue Westoth was n older rider, hardened from many years of experience. L'ust of green Wrath, on the other hand, was fairly new to the ranks of dragonmen, but he was quiet and submissive and did exactly as he was told. Good.

Yeskith gave the order to between, and so they appeared where the patrol was. On a whim, Yeskith swooped down, then up, then whirled, showing off as his eyes glinted and teeth bared. You called? He watched each one with a condescending amusement, his general demeanor displaying his more vicious side. He would not hesitate to strike, not if he was provoked.

[stolenhart]

You called?, the amusement of the voice quickly garnered his attention and the large Southern bronze looked for who was calling. T'ran glanced up as well, spying a bronze surrounded by a blue and green rider. Do we attack?, Knymawth asked, rumblings of a roar beginning deep in his throat. T'ran was torn, he wanted to imprint his superiority on the North but furthermore if he went home and Hallek found out there had been no attack, just a patrol, T'ran would not hear the end of his cowardice.

Ytaisuth is with me, we will take the bronze. Shalivyth will take the green, T'ran sent the order to his dragon. Ytaisth to me! Shalivyth take the green, other orders were given to other dragons, relayed among the wing as they gathered for their attack. Firestone was liberally fed to the gluttons of the sky, eyes whirling in the colors of excitement, aggression and determination. Ready now, Knymawth rose up coming to meet his adversary on an even plain. Ytaisuth look to his wings while I distract him. The object was not to kill, the dragons could not abide death of one of their numbers even an enemy, no the object was to ground their foes. How could you brag about yourself if your enemey was dead afterall?

Come little one, Knyamwth beckoned to Yeskith, letting loose a roar that shook the heavens and slightly deafened his own rider.

[shouriko]

T'rell already had his gear on and Zurith was fully stocked for whatever might come of the sudden intrusion. The man covered his head of curly, chestnut locks with his riding helmet and looked up at Zurith. The blue had his gaze firmly on the sky and his gaze had an intermingling of red. Though he was a shy and peaceful blue, with a gold yet to clutch in the Weyr, every dragon seemed to feel the sudden pull of protective instinct over her. Even if she was larger, stronger, and faster than them all, the most capable of great destruction, the urge to fly before her and keep her safe remained. Even he, Zurith, felt it.

We are to fly with Yeskith and his. Zurith relayed the message, turning his head very slightly to look back at his chosen. It was an honor, but it was dangerous, that meant that Zurith would be vicious in the air, but as ever responsive to orders. He would provide a good distraction for others.

T'rell had to admit he was a bit nervous, but maybe it was because it had been some time since the last skirmish they had been in. Or perhaps the tingling in his hands was more excitement. The last skirmish was when Zurith had been injured and coincidently scarred. This could be a chance for revenge for such a wound that only made his shy blue more self-concious of his appearance. It was a good chance too, for Zurith was as dark as the night sky and he would blend easily. Right.

He pulled himself up, strapped himself in, and went with the others, mostly greens and blues, into the air. A strange wing formation. No other bronzes and maybe two, no, one brown? Was this more of an ambush than a defense over their home? T'rell wasn't very sure of this, but still, M'tias was Weyrleader now, perhaps he knew something that they didn't? Do as instructed unless it becomes dangerous.

If it becomes dangerous for mine, I will not back down, I will draw blood. Zurith was intensely serious about this and as they flew with the collected wing and blinked in and out of between he was more than ready to burn holes in wing sails and leave scars on other dragon's faces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kaelu's hands were balled into fists as she watched dragons ready for battle take to the sky. How she longed to join them and fight witht hem. How she wished she too could protect her Weyr with them as bravely as any man. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Having a fit over such a thing now was not right for the moment. What was, was making preparations for the wounded, having supplies ready to restock, and keep wings at the ready in case they may be needed. Kaelu looked to Kyrieth and knew that the gold could read her thoughts and intentions and would command as such.

Yeskith, I will never forgive you if you lose to them! Bring them to me! Do not make me have to rise with the colors of war! Kyrieth snarled as she said it, but chortled and bugled loudly as she finished. Let the voice of the Northern gold be heard, let it inspire her dragons and put fear in the heart of the Southern intruders. They should be frightened of her, for their was no fury greater than her own when her dragons were put in harm's way. To the rest of the Weyr she did as Kaelu bade, Be ready for Yeskith's call, do not let our Weyr go undefended!

Kaelu put her rider gear on just in case, even Kyrieth'd flight straps were on. She could not be caught unawares. She ran through the halls and shouted, "Healers! Be ready for any wounded, I want hands available to stem any bloodflow!" From there she shouted into the supply stocks, "Do not falter in keeping the stock available, if they need more, do not make them wait!" Kaelu might not be able to fly and fight, but if it came down to defending and being ready to recieve, that was within her power. "If the enemy falls, caputre them without hesitation, but do not harm them! This is my Weyr and even an enemy is a rider under my protection and jurisdiction! I will give them judgement!" Her voice was loud to begin with, but as she shouted, her voice, like Kyrieth's bugling, was echoing to all ears able to hear it.

[Femisis]

Syranoth reared up on her hind legs again, letting loose another bugle as she waited to join the action. They hadn’t carried any firestone with them since they were only on watch duty, but the wait for someone else to bring them a sack was excruciating. It was rare that they wanted to battle, but they’d do anything to defend the Weyr, even if it meant death. “Relax, Syra. Getting all hyped up will only get us hurt.” Y’kito murmured comfortingly as he rubbed her neck. He could feel her tensing beneath him, ready to fly, but she wasn’t rash. She would wait, but not patiently.

I will. She assured him, voice still soft despite the heightened emotions. He fluttered her wings a bit, relaxing as much as she could while they waited for firestone. It wasn’t a long wait from there, Y’kito shouting his thanks to a Bluerider as he caught a sack of firestone. Ready?

I am! Syra roared, spreading her wings to take off. She turned her head to chew a few mouthfuls of firestone, feeling the fire in her belly before her full attention was back on the fight. Begone your southern scum lest we sear you from nose to tail! The presence of firestone and other Northern dragons seemed to give her a confidence far beyond what she usually possessed as she charged toward an enemy Green, one with a strange red marking on her throat.

------

There is trouble.

Fen lifted his head from where it was laid against the pillows, a brunette head following. Both he and his current squeeze were fully clothed, but it wouldn’t have remained so for long if Aeyth hadn’t butted in. “What kind of trouble?” He asked aloud, more for the girl’s benefit than his own.

The South. His voice was calm, but his body language was much less controlled. He snarled, wings snapping open as he lumbered to the weyrledge and roared his challenge to the south.

“You’d better go.” Fen told the girl who merely nodded and stood, giving him a quick hug before leaving the weyr. She wasn’t one who scared easily, but the sight of an enraged Bronze was enough to unnerve even the bravest souls. Once she was gone, it wasn’t long before Aeyth’s straps were on and Fen dressed, vaulting onto his dragon’s neck as he called for firestone and plenty of it. He hadn’t been called on specifically, but there was no way he was sitting this one out. Opening his wings, he powered his way into the air, flapping his wings until he was high in the sky. We have come, and we will fight. Aeyth announced, eyeing the coming dragons with distaste.

[lucius]

There was a reason, M'tias always had one. This tactic was an idea, one that spurred from the concept of being demoralized when efforts meant nothing. He once had to deal with a trundlebug infestation and nothing made him feel defeat but the possibility of a seemingly endless foe. Thus, why he had only chosen a small number of blues and greens and a brown or two. He would prevent death on both sides by having injured riders flee but be instantly replaced by another, moving in and out, never ending, never tiring.

So when the attack was initiated, M'tias felt his stomach churn as he lowered down onto the straps, securing his upper arms before he felt the pulse in his mind.

anima. anima, mind, soul, anima. animal. anima.

In truth he had hoped for peaceful negotiations. Yeskith certainly didn't mind fighting, but there was the fact that Kyreith was growing egg-heavy. Both dragon and rider intended to see the clutch hatch, and perhaps to see the Weyrlings in the sky. Then there were other ideas, ones that would destroy the moldering Weyr Hierarchy that M'tias had so long despised, and others that might give Northern a greater chance against the machine of Southern.

If he died here, these ideas would never come to be.

And so the idea would play out, M'tias acknowledged that as he felt Yeskith's mind press into his own. He could not hear and could not speak with any dragon but Yeskith, but the bronze relayed words as they came, each one talking with the godspeed of the sentient mind. Kyreith, keep the blues and greens ready. We have a plan, one that might keep casualties low. Keep everyone else on the ground and in the Weyr unless I call--

There it came, the screech as Aeyth arrived. Yeskith's eyes widened and M'tias himself joined the bronze's roar of reprimand. Get back to the Weyr! That distraction had him not following the other one. Knymawth was forgotten and M'tias felt the outrage at having been disobeyed. His plan was one of clever coordination, not of brute strength.

Ytaisuth could have just as easily got him right then, had not the green scout moved.

--

She swooped close to Knymawth for a moment, I'en nocking an arrow. Usually bows were useless but when Ytaisuth placed herself in the right position and I'en got the aim just right, an arrow could add an extra injury that could be beneficial for a smaller dragon. She swooped forward, aiming and then--

claws.

She barely had time to prevent losing her eyes to Syranoth's claws as she whirled to one side and got hit in the wing. I'en's arrow flew harmlessly to the left of Yeskith's head as Ytaisuth struggled to stay aloft when her wing was shattered. Would this be the end?

But the order came, one that could be heard as another blue swooped to catch her. A Northern blue, wasn't it?

Take the fallen to the Weyr, keep them as prisoners! Kyrieth will decide what to do with them.

So was she going to Northern? She struggled, able to see Yeskith. Oh, now he was moving...

--

Now the green was gone and Kyrieth was keeping back Aeyth. Yeskith swooped up, eyes whirling and teeth bared as the wind whistled around his head. He could see Knymawth, the Southern Bronze of Bronzes. Pretty, noble, smart--just like one would expect him to be. Yeskith bared his unaligned teeth, grinning in a maniacal fashion.

Little one? Oh, I do like more creativity in my foreplay. Can't please them all, though. How would you like your innards, 'round your neck or down my throat? Yeskith paused as M'tias reprimanded him. Oh, gee, looks like my rider has other ideas. Such a pity.

But he would not strike, just watch with hideous eyes. You have a few choices. You can leave now and return to your Weyr with only minimal losses, you can land and discuss this like men, you can surrender and return to our Weyr, you can fight and we'll take you captive, or I can kill you right now. Make your choice, or I'll make it for you and not even M'tias could hold me back.

[shouriko]

Keep casualties low? Kyrieth's fierce, defensive nature lessened at such words. The words were shared with Kaelu and they shared a brief moment in which their hearts lightened. Neither wanted to lose any riders or dragons if they could help it. The gold let out a call to the collective mass of dragons, Blues! Greens! Be ready! Your wings and flame will be needed this night! At the call rise to the skies for battle! This is OUR Weyr! Not long after she had seen Aeyth rise into the sky. She was certain that he had not been summoned to the battle. He was not listening to Yeskith's orders and in turn was not respecting her. Kyrieth issued forth a great bellowing bugle, Aeyth! Come back to me! You must protect me here! Do NOT disobey me! If she gave him the duty of staying closer to her, she could at least keep an eye on him.

Kaelu knew better than to just let Kyrieth's order be issued alone. She rushed out and looked for Wingleaders and Seconds. She grabbed their attention and to each one she said in a loud, shouting voice that was firm and adamant, "Keep your green and blueriders at the ready! They may be called to the skies! You will send them and wait here to protect the Weyr in case the Southerner's break through!"

She went to each person she could, issuing her order to protect the Weyr and send the rest of the wing. Kaelu hoped that if they would dare refuse the Weyrleader's orders they would at least follow the Weyrwoman's, they had to for the sake of everyone else in the Weyr. This was an excellent test, the best way to prove to everyone who doubted M'tais that he could be Weyrleader. If they didn't believe in him now, perhaps after this they would so long as they were successful. Besides, she believed in M'tais, and she didn't understand how that was not enough for them.

"You can do this M'tais. I know you can. I believe in you, I do." Kaelu said quietly to herself.

[stolenhart]

Knymawth snorted. I've eaten tougher wherries than you, the bronze replied to Yeskith but he dutifully relayed the choices to his rider. We can't leave Ytaisuth, T'ran told the dragon and Knymawth was getting harder to control. He did not like some impudent bronze telling him what was what when everyone knew Southern was THE Weyr which made Knymawth THE bronze of Pern. And T'ran was not going to bow down to a bunch of honorless thieves who'd probably kill him once he landed anyway.

Do we fight then?, Knymawth asked, intent on Yeskith. Let's land and see what he has to say. Order the others out of their battles but they are to stay just in case. There was disappointment in the dragon's mindvoice as he relayed the orders. T'ran glanced down and finally found a place, near the Weyr, he could land. Tell the other bronze his rider it to meet us, T'ran ordered. Land and meet us or do we fight?, Knymawth asked Yeskith as he landed on the flat headland. T'ran removed his helmet and glanced around. On the ground he was sure of his skills against any man, it was only in the air, and he never let Knymawth know, that he was unsure.

To enforce his supremacy, Knyamwth lifted his head and shot an impressively terrifying spout of flame into the air. I feel better, he admitted to his rider, who gave him a friendly pat.