"You mentioned that the Long Interval caused the decline of the Weyrs' authority and its prominence in your society," Aivas said. "Do you know how many times the cycle has been similarly altered?"
"The cycle?"
"Yes. How many times has the orbit of what you call the Red Star failed to bring Thread to Pern?"
"Oh, you mean how many Long Intervals? There have been two recorded in our history. We were told that long intervals would occur, but I don't know who knew that. That's why so many people were so certain, right up till the time we had our first Fall of this Pass, that Thread had actually disappeared forever."
From her favorite spot, wrapped loosely about Piemur's neck, his golden fire-lizard roused and gave a warning cheep.
"Sensors register that the lump on your shoulder is actually a creature clinging to you."
"Oh, that's only Farli, my queen fire-lizard."
"The creatures have remained in contact with you?"
"Yes and no." Piemur did not think there would be time to give Aivas the recent history of the fire-lizard.
"She just told me that Ruth and Jaxom have returned with the records and Sebell and Menolly." Piemur stood up, draining the last of the klah from his cup. "Then you'll know all that's happened this Pass. Which hasn't been dull at all, but you-you sort of cap it.
Piemur could hear the exchange of low-voiced conversation down the hallway, and he started to the entrance in case Esselin's guards were being officious. He had taken no more than a few steps when Jaxom, Sebell, and Menolly, bowed under the weight of the sacks they were carrying, came striding down the hall. Menolly, her dark hair still tangled from her flying cap, reached Piemur first.
"Where's Master Robinton?" Menolly asked, looking about, her narrow, elegant features reflecting her perpetual anxiety for her mentor.
"In there, Menolly," Piemur said, pointing. "As if we'd risk him."
She thrust her heavy sack at him and ducked into the room to reassure herself, while Piemur smiled tolerantly.
"And they left you to mind Aivas all on your own?" Jaxom asked in a whisper. "Learned all the secrets of the universe yet?"
Piemur gave a snort. "As it turned out, I answered his-its-questions. But it was interesting all the same," Piemur said. "And I gave him-it-a few tips to the wise. "He laid his finger along his nose, grinning. "Which is a harper function."
Sebell, looking browner than ever in the dimly lit corridor, gave Piemur the slow smile that added considerable charm to the handsome, intelligent face of the tall Masterharper.
"According to Jaxom, this Aivas of yours is a tale spinner to shame the best of us, with knowledge of all that we were, and what we can be."
"Well, I suspect Aivas might well create more problems than he solves," Piemur said, "but I guarantee you it'll be exciting." He helped Jaxom remove the Records, carefully, from the sacks." Aivas is right interested in you and Ruth, too."
"What have you been telling him?" Jaxom asked in what Piemur privately called his Lord Holder attitude.
"Me? Nothing you'd object to, friend," Piemur hastily reassured him. Jaxom could still be touchy about other people discussing Ruth. "I spent more time reciting Lessa's ride, which he said was of epic proportions." He grinned broadly.
As Piemur talked, Sebell had been taking in the details of the room, studying the strange wall furnishings. Sebell rarely rushed in the way Piemur did.
"And this Aivas has preserved itself from our first days on Pern?" Sebell let out a long, soft whistle. He tapped one of the clear panels and looked around the room. "Where does it store its records? Jaxom said it displayed amazing pictures of our past, as well."
"Aivas, speak for yourself," Piemur suggested cockily, wanting to see how Sebell -or Menolly, who entered just then-handled the entity. "Aivas?" he prompted. "This is Sebell, Masterharper of Pern, Master Robinton's successor, and Master Menolly, Pern's ablest composer." When there was still no response from Aivas, Piemur felt his irritation rising. "They've brought the Records for you to read."
Aivas remained silent.
"Maybe it's used up the power stored in the sun panels," he said, forcing himself to keep his tone light as he wondered how the Aivas could be forced into answering. He scowled at the unresponsive screen and the green pulse winking in the corner. The feckless thing was awake, so it had to be listening. "I don't understand," he said to the others, disgusted by the inactivity. "He was talking up a storm to me just before you came-oh, shards!" He slapped his forehead dramatically with one palm. "Neither you nor Menolly are on his list yet."
"His list?" Jaxom asked, frowning in irritation.
"Yes, his list," Piemur said. He sighed wearily and sagged onto the nearest stool. "The people he is authorized to speak to. Master Robinton and the others decided to limit those who have access to Aivas."
"But I was here," Jaxom exclaimed.
"Oh, he'll probably talk to you once Sebell and Menolly leave. It got set up so that it takes a Weyrleader, a Lord, and a Masterharper for Aivas to add someone to the privileged list."
"Well, I'm Lord Holder of Ruatha," Jaxom began.
"Piemur's not a Master yet, and there are no Weyrleaders present," Menolly said with a little laugh. "Aivas is doing as he was told, which is more than you always do, Piemur." She grinned at him.
"Yes, but now would be the best time for Aivas to catch up on our history while there's peace and quiet. And before Fandarel returns to monopolize him," Piemur said, scrubbing at his face. The effects of a very exciting day were catching up with him.
"I'm on the list though, am I not?" Jaxom asked, a touch of asperity in his voice.
"Yes-you, me, Jancis, Master Robinton, all of us who were in the room when Aivas woke up."
"And he talked to you when you were alone," Jaxom said. "Maybe, if Sebell and Menolly leave-sorry about that-he'll talk to me, and I can feed the Records to him."
"Our feelings won't be hurt," Menolly said, glancing up at Sebell to see him nod in agreement. Sebell's good sense and equable nature were two of the many reasons she loved and respected him. "There're other empty pallets, Piemur; you look to be out on your feet. You and Sebell go sleep in with Master Robinton, and I'll join Jancis. If this Aivas has waited-how many Turns did you say, Jaxom? Twenty-five hundred-" She gave a little shudder for such a long span. "-we can wait until tomorrow."
"I shouldn't leave it all to Jaxom..." Piemur said, definitely tempted by the thought of lying horizontal for a while. That last cup of klah had made no dent in his fatigue.
Menolly took him by the hand. "I'll even tuck you in, the way I would Robse." She grinned at his disgusted snort." You're no better than Master Robinton in taking care of yourself. Come, get some sleep, now. You, too, Sebell. Tomorrow-no, it's already today here, isn't it-well, I suspect everyone is going to rush about like headless wherries. So it'll behoove us to stay cool and calm."
When the doors had closed quietly behind them, Jaxom turned to Aivas.
"There's just me here now, Aivas."
"That is obvious."
"You were obeying your orders, then, weren't you?"
"That is my function."
"All right, then it is my function to show you the Records of our history, as Master Robinton wanted."
"Please place the Record facedown on the lighted plate."
Carefully, with full regard that Master Arnor, the head archivist at Harper Hall, would have his guts for garters if he damaged a single one of the precious pages, Jaxom opened the first Record, Present Pass One, and laid it on the green glowing panel.
"Next!"
"What? I barely had time to place it," Jaxom exclaimed.
"Scanning is instantaneous, Lord Jaxom."