Manipulated

Writers: Devin, Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 21st March 2024

Characters: N'vanik, Cyradis, Bertin
Description: Bertin reports to the Weyrleaders what he learned from Enali.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 10 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Corowal, Urlene, Enali Follows: "The Truth Emerges"

N'vanik

Cyradis

Bertin faced the Weyrleader and the Weyrwoman, laying his hides to the
side as he began to speak. "I've spoken with Enali as requested by
Urlene." His voice, as always, was a gentle masculine burr that rarely
failed to both soothe and encourage. "She's not the ringleader by far.
But she gave me names." He exhaled and handed the hides to both
Weyrleaders. "She doesn't know everyone involved, but it appears, at
least from what I understand, that the real target is not just the
Weyr, but Corowal as well."

Cyradis' eyes snapped wide. "Corowal?" She looked at N'vanik with a
puzzled frown. "But why Corowal?"

"He was one of the judges that condemned Grevan to the mines," N'vanik
said. "And he has a good relationship with the Weyr."

"She said the same men spoke to Grevan as well. It appears that they
may have encouraged him strongly to act against the Weyr. I think..."
Bertin took a breath, taking a moment to organize his thoughts," its
his relationship with the Weyr may be the exact issue. There was
mention that 'Corowal is weak.' I think whoever is acting against the
Weyr is targeting Hold leadership."

"So we'd better warn him he might be next." N'vanik didn't know who
was behind this, but he still imagined wringing their necks.

"I'll leave that to you." Bertin inclined his head, then sighed,
steepling his fingers. "About the girl, though..."

"What?" the Weyrleader asked.

Bertin took a moment to collect his thoughts, glancing at the
Weyrwoman before he spoke. "I'm not saying that the girl is an
innocent in this situation, but she was taken advantage of,
Weyrleader. But all things considered, she should not be allowed to
mother her child. She cares nothing for the babe she carries; in
truth, it doesn't seem as though the babe was going to be anything
more than a tool for her. She knows the gravity now of what she has
done and she fears what the consequences will be. She's young, barely
an adult herself."

Cyradis sighed heavily. "I was afraid of this," she said. "Well, the
child will go to the creche and we'll provide a foster mother for it.
I'll check with Master Urlene and find out when she's due. We can keep
an eye on her in the infirmary if needs be."

"I want her under guard at all times," N'vanik said. "And to be blunt,
I never intended for her to keep the kid once it was born. It ain't
hers, it's the Weyr's."

"And if I might ask, what are your plans for the girl after the child
is born?" Bertin turned his head to look at Cyradis and then N'vanik.
"She's provided the names you wanted."

N'vanik shifted and glanced over at Cyradis. "Depends on how upset the
Weyrwoman might get at what I'd like to do."

Cyradis lifted one elegant brow at N'vanik then her eyes shifted back
to Bertin. "I'd much rather punish the people who sent her to us with
a head full of lies and a twisted view of the Weyr." Then she looked
at N'vanik... "And what did _you_ want to do?"

"Leave her out for Thread."

The Mindhealer visibly winced, then softly sighed. "I was afraid of
that." His voice was soft. "That is, of course, between the two of you
and I can empathize somewhat, considering what almost happened, why
you would feel that way. I would understand it more, if a life had
been lost." He sighed again and rose. "Is there anything else you feel
I could assist with? And is this decision final?"

Cyradis put a hand on N'vanik's arm. "No it is not," she said to him
and then looked back at the mindhealer. "Thank you very much for your
help Master Bertin. We do appreciate all you've done."

N'vanik frowned at his Weyrwoman, but didn't contradict her in front
of the healer. He needed to find a way to convince her that Enali had
to pay, and in a way that no one would forget the cost of trying to
kill dragons.

Bertin inclined his head and nodded. "You are both welcome, of course.
Please keep me informed if it's appropriate." He nodded to N'vanik as
well before excusing himself.

N'vanik tried to rein in his temper, because he suspected he was about
to have an unpleasant conversation with his Weyrwoman.

Last updated on the March 24th 2024

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Manipulated