When mankind had finally expanded to the breaking point on its home world of Earth, survey ships were sent to the stars in search of space—and what resources Earth could no longer provide. The third planet of the Rubkat system had provided the former, but little of value in way of the latter. Labeled P.E.R.N. (Parallel Earth – Resources Negligible), the lush southern continent of the planet had revealed green valleys that stretched for miles upon miles broken only by an occasional desert area or range of extinct volcanoes. A fascinating discovery of indigenous, though apparently not sentient, life forms that resembled small, flying lizards posed no real problems. The creatures were shy of humans and appeared non-lethal. In fact the only obviously carnivorous creatures on the planet were a form of snake that seemed to feast on a large bird similar to an ostrich though capable of flight. All in all, the planet was a perfect place for farmers—if you wanted to live as far away from the center of the Federated Sentient headquarters as one could get in the known galaxy. The survey ship had failed to notice another planet in an elliptical orbit around Rubkat. More a meteor than a planet, the rogue had been sailing through space when it was caught in the star’s gravitational pull. The surveyors were blissfully unaware of its existence, hidden as it was in the Ort cloud that surrounded the solar system. Approximately one hundred and ninety years later, a group of hardy colonists, tired of the interplanetary war that had resulted from humankind’s encroachment into alien space—and the regulations of Earth, braved the fifteen-year journey to settle their new home. For eight years the colony thrived. Then the rogue planet’s orbit brought it close to Pern. The effects were devastating. The southern continent was inundated by earth(pern)quakes, tidal waves, unpredictable weather patterns and, worst of all, volcanic activity that threatened the human colony. Finally, having no other options, the colonists left their established homes and moved to the more mountainous northern continent where they could be protected in the huge natural caverns. Leaving much of their immovable technology behind, the settlers took all their ships and crudely lashed together rafts could carry. But the Red Star, as Pern’s rogue stepsister would come to be called, wasn’t through with them yet. From across the vacuum of space, the spores came. Called “thread” because of its stringy appearance, the spores went unnoticed at first. Falling on snow covered ground and into the oceans, it had little effect. Only when the weather warmed and green things began to grow did the Pernese notice the spores. For thread, while not sentient, was voracious—it’s only goal, to eat anything in sight. Only solid rock and flame could stop this menace. Their Earth resources rapidly depleting, the colonists turned to their new home for a way to fight this enemy. Kitty Ping, a brilliant geneticist, worked long hours, days and months to develop from the little flying lizards what would become Pern’s saviors. Called dragons, due to their resemblance to the old Earth legends, the creatures possessed a high level of telepathy as well as the ability to teleport across great distances. Far more important—and far more useful, was the draconic ability to chew great lumps of coal-like “firestone” and, belching out streams of flame, burning thread to a crisp in mid-air. Young people, also strongly telepathic, were recruited to “Impress”—bond with—the dragons. For the next fifty years, until the rogue’s orbit would take it once again out of reach of its sister planet, the dragonriders and their mighty beasts defended their planet from the spores. Communication with Earth was lost during this first “Pass” as the colonists fought for their very survival. But survive they did, using every means at their disposal. New methods were developed as the old Earth technology finally wore out. Alliances were formed as a means of self-defense. Family groups formed small holdings, which “looked to” a lord holder who in turn supported the mighty dragons in their weyrs in return for protection from thread fall. As the internal communication equipment began to fail, groups of swift young people were formed to carry messages from one holding to another. Small, family run stations were set up along trails established by the “runners” so that no one feared being caught out during thread fall. At the same time, a massive effort was underway to retain as much of the knowledge brought with them from Earth as was humanly possible. Any person with the inclination or the ability to write legibly was recruited to copy the hundreds of historical files from the last of the computers before their power supplies and motherboards died, leaving the machines useless. For the purists among the readers, I’m taking a few liberties with the time line of this story. No one is really sure (not even Anne McCaffrey) when the first of the survey ships left Earth, so I’m setting the date as roughly 2018, with the colonization of Pern taking place in what would be 2208. The story itself takes place in the forty-second year of the first pass, roughly 2260 old Earth time, making it four hundred years after the time of the Pony Express. If you want to know more about the Dragonriders of Pern, check out www.annemccaffrey.org. “Back again, young dragonrider?” the librarian teased. “You spend so much time here, your dragon must be jealous.” He immediately regretted speaking the words as a fearful look passed across the girl’s face. I would never be jealous of your books, Tari. They give you too much joy. The thought was so immediate and so full of love that Tari actually grunted aloud in surprise. Just three turns had passed since she had Impressed the beautiful green dragon, Sarinth. The bond of unconditional love she had felt since that moment still caught her unaware at times. Born a runner, she had spent her early years in the solitude that could only be found as she ran messages from one end of the Northern continent of Pern to the other. To know now that she would never again be alone left her feeling awed at times. I would never neglect you, my darling, she told her werymate. I have eaten, I am comfortable in this place, I am not neglected. Sarinth’s musical “voice” held a trace of sleepy amusement. Still! Tari promised. I won’t be long! I will nap here in the warm sun, there is no hurry, came the response. The librarian looked on enviously, knowing the young woman was “speaking” to her dragon. He knew he was no different than the rest of the “common” folk on Pern in his desire to be one of the elite who were chosen as life-long companions to the flying beasts. Knowing that he was one among many didn’t lessen the envy so much as one whit. Nothing could do that with the exception of being presented—and chosen—himself. So far though, none of the dragons who flew on Search for likely candidates had so much as twitched in his direction. He was drawn back to the library as he realized the girl had been speaking to him. She held out a piece of paper with a series of numbers on it. Taking it from her hand, the librarian bowed primly and rushed off to gather the books she had requested. Much later Tari finally left the library. She started to pull on her heavy riding jacket, then thought better of it. She wasn’t far from the runner’s station her parents managed. Smiling at the thought of a long overdue visit, she decided to fly “straight” to the station, saving her the need to bundle up against the cold of between. With any luck, her brother Thom would be there. Thom was the only one who ever listened when she spoke of her research project. No one else understood how exciting it had been for her to happen across a reference to an Old Earth organization known as the Pony Express. The similarities between “the Pony,” as she had discovered it had been called, and her family’s chosen craft as runners had fascinated her since she had first read a log of a meeting between the leaders of Pern almost fifty turns earlier. After the migration to the northern continent and the inevitable expansion of holdings, the leaders had recognized that, as the resources they had brought with them from Earth were depleted, a reliable means of maintaining communications was needed. One of the historians of the time had brought up the Pony Express. The idea had not been implemented in its purest form because there simply weren’t enough mature runner-beasts—they called them “horses” on Earth—on Pern at the time. Instead, the runners had been organized from the swiftest young people on the planet. The system had worked and, over the generations, runner had produced runner, until those of Tari’s craft had developed as a breed apart. Few had ever been selected to Impress a dragon as Tari had, but the very fact that she had, gave her the opportunity to satisfy her thirst for knowledge. The threat of thread was lessening as this pass came to an end, so she had time. Her rank as Dragonrider gave her access to Pern’s dwindling supply of usable computers. In return for being allowed to do her private research, she had been assisting the librarians in transcribing the old records, preparing for a time when the computers would no longer be available. None of the other riders—or for that matter the librarians—understood her need to find out all she could about an old Earth organization that had been abandoned almost four hundred turns before she was born. Tari wasn’t totally sure herself. It was an almost physical need though—one she had to satisfy, even if the rest of her world believed her to be crazy. You are NOT crazy! Sarinth’s eyes began to whirl an angry red. Whoever says that will have to deal with ME! Tari smiled, sending soothing thoughts to her fearless friend. By the time the pair arrived at Runner Station 109, Sarinth was back to her normal self. Green dragons were temperamental by nature, but much of their temperament was taken from their riders. Unlike many green riders, Tari was calm as well as competent, someone quite content to ride alone instead of flirting with any male rider who glanced in her direction. Oh, to be sure, she never lacked for partners, especially in the relaxed moral situation that was the weyr, she simply wasn’t as promiscuous as many of the hold bred riders for whom Impression had been a release from the drudgery of hold life. She often wondered, though, if her own reserved nature kept Sarinth from rising to mate as often as her contemporaries. I am happy as I am, her dragon assured her. You are wonderful as you are! Tari replied. Please remember to land down-wind of the herdbeasts? Of course, Sarinth agreed. By the time Tari had dismounted, her mother had come to the field to greet her. Not standing on ceremony, the older woman gathered her youngest child, and only daughter, into a massive hug. “What a wonderful surprise!” she exclaimed. “We weren’t expecting you!” “I was at the library and decided on the spur of the moment to stop by,” Tari told her as they walked hand in hand back to the station. “I hope it’s not any trouble.” “As if having my child pay a visit would be any trouble!” her mother admonished. “If Sarinth is hungry, we can . . . ” I have no need, thank you, Sarinth answered politely. Tania started slightly. No matter how long her daughter had been a dragonrider, she doubted she would ever get used to having that voice in her head. It always amazed her that the beautiful creature would speak to her at all. “Dragons speak to anyone they choose,” Tari reminded her with a smile. “Have you heard from Thom?” “He’s here, too,” Tania said. “He got in from a run early this morning and is still sleeping.” “Wonderful!” “According to the books,” Tari finished excitedly, “their stations were set up much like ours. A “home” station where the riders were based and other stations across the country. The only real difference, other than the horses, is that they didn’t have whole families involved. In fact, most of the riders were orphans. The book says that, even though the Express didn’t last very long, they proved it could be done. There was reference to another book that’s supposed to have some pictures of the stations, but my time was up for the day. I’m going back tomorrow.” “I find it hard to believe that you can’t find a better use for your time,” her father, Toussaint, remarked, shaking his head. “I am being useful, Father,” Tari countered. “I have helped transcribe three of the old books in just this past seven days.” “I don’t know what good will come of that,” Toussaint said, voicing an oft-spoken complaint. “What good does our learning about a world none of us have ever seen—or will ever see—do any of us?” “’He who does not learn from the mistakes of the past is destined to repeat them’.” Thom quoted. “Earth’s past has little bearing on what happens in Pern’s future!” his father protested. “Dinner is ready,” Tania interrupted before the tiresome argument could escalate. “All of you, go wash!” “I have no runs scheduled for tomorrow,” Thom said softly as the siblings cleaned up. “Do you think I could go with you to see the pictures?” “Of course!” Tari said, smiling broadly. “Of course, Deryck may put you to work.” “I don’t mind.” Tari had Sarinth inform her wingleader’s dragon that she would be spending the night with her family. With thread fall a full day off, there was no problem—especially since her dragon didn’t mind sleeping in the open field. Besides, Tari reasoned, should any need arise, she and Sarinth could be anywhere on Pern in the length of time it took to cough three times. She and Thom rose just after sunrise the next morning. Tania was already up and about, feeding two runners who had arrived only minutes earlier. Directing them to a table, their mother set klah and sweet rolls before them. “You two eat up and be on your way,” she ordered, refusing their offer to help. “Will you be back for dinner?” “I have to get back to the weyr,” Tari told her. “Thread falls over northern Benden tomorrow.” Tania shivered involuntarily, then hugged her daughter tightly. “Fly carefully,” she said as they parted. “Good morning, Sarinth,” Thom called politely as the pair walked to where the dragon waited patiently. “I hope you slept well.” Good morning, runner, Sarinth replied. I slept very well, thank you. Tari settled into her customary position between two of Sarinth’s neck ridges, then reached down to help her brother mount. “Thank you, Sarinth,” Thom said as the green dragon offered a foreleg to help him up to her back. You’re welcome, runner. Thom felt the might beast gather herself, then with a massive leap, Sarinth was aloft. “Are you ready?” Tari called back to her brother. Now, Sarinth, she ordered at his affirmative squeeze of her right arm. For a few brief seconds there was a nothing so absolute that Thom couldn’t even feel Tari’s arm under his hand. All he felt was the unbelievable cold that was between. Then they were circling over the library. Leaving Sarinth to find a place to warm herself, Tari led Thom to the building. As she had predicted, the head librarian immediately put them to work copying information from the computers to carefully horded plasticine sheets. “Work before play, children,” Deryck ordered, totally unconcerned that he had just relegated a seasoned dragonrider to the role of a clerk. “I expect at least five chapters from you Tari and you . . . Thom is it? . . . you should be able to do at least three chapters by the mid-day meal.” Smiling at the dual groans, he added. “If you are half as good as your sister at copying accurately—and legibly—Thom, I know I will be satisfied if you do only that much.” Tari and Thom set to work immediately. By the time the mid-day meal was served, both had exceeded the old librarian’s goals. Stretching, they worked the kinks out of their backs, then attacked the platter of food as if they had not eaten in days. “If I ate as you do,” Deryck moaned, “the doors to the library would have to be expanded.” “Can’t help it,” Tari mumbled around a bite of meat roll. “It’s our metabolism,” Thom added in agreement. “Would that I had your metabolism,” the portly librarian said. After lunch, the brother and sister waited patiently as the librarian checked their work. “Not sure why I bother with yours, Tari,” the older man muttered. “Letter perfect as always.” “And you, brother Thom, are better than many first timers. If the rest of these were half as competent and dedicated, I’d have the library completely transcribed by now,” he told them. “Are you certain you wouldn’t rather work here full time?” Sighing as the pair solemnly shook their heads, he asked, “What can I get for you today?” Thom looked up as Tari inhaled sharply. His “What’s wrong?” was overlaid by an identical question from Sarinth. Nothing to worry you, my darling, Tari thought, dealing with her dragon first. I just found a picture that surprised me. Are you sure? The green dragon asked, her thoughts full of concern. Yes, I’m sure, Tari answered. Thom is with me, I’m fine. All right, Sarinth said, relaxing again. Thom waited until the unfocused look left Tari’s eyes before asking. “What’s wrong,” he repeated. “Look!” his sister ordered pointing to a picture on the computer screen. She rapidly clicked on the photo to bring a larger version into focus. “He looks like Father,” Thom whispered. “He looks like you!” his sister corrected. “It would appear our running genes stretch farther back than the First Fall.” She watched as her brother’s deep brown eyes widened in understanding. Pushing a lock of heavy black hair from his face, he breathed, “You think he might be one of our ancestors?” “How else would you explain, dear brother, that you could be a twin to . . . “ She hesitated as she scanned the screen for the name. “ . . . to Buck Cross of Sweetwater in the Wyoming territory of old Earth?” Hours later, after taking Thom back to the station, Tari prepared to return to Benden Weyr. She carried with her, securely bound in a lined case, three pictures of the Pony Express rider. She had bartered away much of her next few days of computer time in order to get the copies made, but she didn’t mind. It had taken both her and Thom most of the afternoon to find what information they had found and they weren’t going to risk losing it to a computer failure. Very few current day residents of Pern could trace their ancestry any farther back than the original colonists. If her theory was true, she now had proof of relationship, not only to someone who had lived on Earth, but someone who had lived almost two hundred turns before the original colonists had left their home for planets unknown. IF her theory was true. There was no way, of course, that she would ever be able to prove the theory. While the medical facilities on Pern still had the ability to perform DNA tests—a necessity in a closed world such as theirs—the people of the 1800’s on Earth would never have felt the need to keep samples—if, indeed, they had even been aware of DNA. Still it was nice to dream, to imagine what it would have been like to be in his life back then. Returning to her sleeping quarters, Tari slipped the carefully preserved photos from their carrying case and spread them out on her writing desk. Thom had found a second photo that showed Buck with a group of other riders and an older couple gathered in front of a fence. The sun was setting behind them, giving the photo an almost surreal look. She had chanced upon a third photo showing the rider stretched out in a chair on the front porch of a building identified in the text as the Sweetwater bunk house. This last photo could so easily be Thom in their home, that it was rapidly becoming her favorite. Shaking herself from her reverie, she left her quarters to check the preparations for the fall of her ancient enemy, thread. She couldn’t afford to be distracted at a time when a moment’s hesitation could cost them—and all of Pern—their lives. The picture was the first thing Tari saw when she returned to her quarters the next afternoon after too many long hours of exhausting darting, flaming, flitting between and above all destroying thread. As always, immediately upon the release of her wing, she had spent more hours checking Sarinth for thread score, then helping the dragon bathe and finally giving her a thorough oiling. She could have asked for help, she knew. The weyr was currently full of young candidates eager and willing to help the dragonriders while awaiting their own chance to make an Impression. But Tari seldom asked, feeling Sarinth was her responsibility. As filthy as she was, she didn’t dare touch the photo. Instead she shrugged out of her clothes, knowing they would be taken and cleaned before she would need them again, and padded barefoot to her private bath. After scrubbing herself thoroughly with sweetsand, she relaxed in the warm water, resting her head on a shelf that had been installed in her tub for that very purpose. As tired as she was, she still found herself thinking about the man in the photo. Her research told her that the Pony Express riders had faced many dangers while carrying their messages. Smiling, she wondered what Buck Cross would have done if he had come face to face with thread—or for that matter a fire-breathing dragon. We flew well today. Sarinth’s mind reflected her own weariness. I flamed every thread that came near me. None escaped my flames! she added, justifiably proud. You flew bravely and well, my darling Sarinth, Tari agreed. You flamed better than any of the others. You had better go to your bed before you fall asleep and become all wrinkled. Wearily, Tari agreed and rose, pulling her towel from the heated rack. She had been very lucky to get this particular weyr. It was bigger and better equipped than most green riders were afforded. Her luck had run well because Telgar, the newest of the weyrs, had been formed and a contingent of Benden blues and greens had been sent to join the new wings just as Sarinth and Tari had been ready to move from the weyrling barracks. At that particular moment though, the extra distance from the bathing pool to her bed was almost too much for the exhausted rider. As she passed the desk, her eyes were drawn once more to the photos. I wish I were able to talk to him, she thought as she pulled the sleeping fir over her naked body. Too bad he lived so long ago. As her tired mind fell into a deep sleep, she imagined she heard Sarinth saying, If you truly wish it, I will take you to his when. The sun was well into the morning sky when Tari finally woke. “Why didn’t you wake me?” she demanded reproachfully. You needed to sleep, her dragon replied simply. “We were to fight thread with Telgar at dawn,” Tari reminded her. With the two newest weyrs still not up to full strength, the various wings of Benden and Fort were alternating filling in. Today was to have been Tari’s day in the rotation. Ista flies with Telgar, Sarinth told her. Brianth gave the order to stand down just after you fell asleep. The green’s thoughts took on a wounded tone. I would not forget, Tari. “Oh, Sarinth, I’m so sorry, my darling!” Tari apologized. Reaching up, she scratched the dragon’s eye ridges until Sarinth’s eyes whirled blue/green with contentment. “Are you hungry?” Tari asked. Not yet, came the reply. But you are! Laughing, the girl bounded down the steps to the weyr kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of klah, she found a place at a table and sat down to eat. Biting deeply into a fresh red-fruit, she chewed thoughtfully as she debated what she would do to put the unexpected free time to good use. Do you not want to go to the man in the picture? Sarinth’s thought caught Tari off-guard. Startled, she spilled her klah, biting back a yelp as the hot stimulant splashed across her fingers. Breakfast forgotten, the girl ran back to her rooms. “How far back did you go?” Thom asked. From the minute Tari had told him of Sarinth’s startling announcement, he had been certain his sister had tried it—just to prove it could be done. “It had to be a time I could remember, but not so far back that a dragon in the sky would have been a sight people would make note of,” Tari explained. “We went back to the day I was Searched.” “And you suffered no ill-effects?” “I felt very tired,” his sister admitted. “But Sarinth felt nothing unusual. And I think I know why.” Thom waited expectantly for her to continue. “I read in one of the books I was transcribing that an old Earth scientist had theorized that matter could not exist in two places at the same time.” “That makes sense,” Thom agreed. “And yet, in my case, that’s exactly what was happening, Thom,” Tari said excitedly. “I watched myself being selected for the Search. And I remember a sudden weakness that day, but I had just put it off as being excited. I think Sarinth felt nothing because she hadn’t been hatched yet so she was only in that time once.” “So, what do you intend to do now?” Thom asked. “I’m not sure,” Tari replied. “Sarinth says that the image I give her from the photograph is vivid enough to go there, but . . . “ “But it’s a mighty leap—and not just in time,” Thom finished. “That’s most of it,” Tari agreed. “If Sarinth says she can do it, I know she can. But if she can and any of the dragons can, why hasn’t anyone tried?” “Paradox,” Thom said absently. “Paradox?” “I read too, you know?” Thom said, eyes twinkling. “The paradox of time travel. If you went back in to a time when your grandfather was young, before he met you grandmother and before your father was born. Say something happened and you killed your grandfather. Then your father would never be born—and neither would you, so you couldn’t go back in time . . . a paradox.” Tari nodded her understanding. “I doubt I’ll be killing anyone in that time, but there is a risk of changing something that would ripple through time and change our ‘now’. And there is an even bigger problem—where does one hide a twenty-five foot, flying, fire-breathing dragon in 1860’s Earth?” “Are you going to tell M’hall?” Thom asked much later. The two had discussed the situation from every possible angle. He knew how much his sister would want to go, if for no other reason than her own curious wondering if it could be done. “And explain it how?” Tari answered. “I found out my dragon can go back in time, so I want to go back to see if the man in this picture is my ancestor?” “That would be a bit strange,” Thom agreed. “It makes no sense at all,” Tari stated firmly. “And there is a very real possibility that Sarinth or I could be hurt. M’hall and Sean would never risk one of their precious dragons.” “Why do I hear a ‘but’ in there?” “Theoretically, we could be gone and back before anyone would even know we were gone,” Tari told him. “I was back in time for almost a half day, but when I came back to now, it had been as if I never left.” “Theoretically?” “I guess I’ll never know until I try.” “Are you going to try it?” Tari chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. “I don’t know why, Thom,” she said quietly. “But I have to try. I have to know if I can do this. And more importantly, I have to know about him,” she added, nodding at the photo in Thom’s hand. “When are you leaving?” Thom asked, knowing her decision had been made. “No time like the present,” Tari replied, laughing at the unintentional pun. Brother and sister stood in the clearing, neither knowing quite what to say to the other. Finally Tari climbed onto Sarinth’s neck and, giving Thom the “thumbs up,” ordered the dragon aloft. “Good luck,” Thom whispered as the pair winked out. Between had never been so cold. Nor had Tari ever experienced a leap so long. Normally the time spent in the void was only the time it took to cough three times, but this—the nothingness seemed to go on forever. She started to scream but stopped as Sarinth’s reassuring thoughts comforted her. Finally, just as she was beginning to believe they were lost forever, sensation returned and the world around them came alive again. She and Thom had discussed the exact spot to which she and Sarinth should “jump.” It wouldn’t do, they decided, for her to suddenly appear in the yard where the Express riders were having their picture taken. They had carefully reviewed all of the photos of the Sweetwater station and had been able to create a reasonably detailed map of the surrounding area. Tari was able to visualize the station’s buildings as if she were standing in front of a small grove of trees to the north west of the main house. As a further precaution, she visualized Earth’s single moon as low in the west, reasoning that there would be little likelihood of anyone being up and about in the middle of the night. If anyone was up, hopefully Tari and Sarinth could take cover in the stand of trees before they could be seen. “We did it,” Tari whispered triumphantly as she looked down on the dark station. We are here, Sarinth agreed, then added smugly, I knew we could. I should never have doubted you, you marvelous beast! Tari confirmed, slapping the dragon’s neck affectionately. Unclipping the safety straps, Tari slid from Sarinth’s neck. As her feet touched the ground, the after-effects of her momentous flight caught up with her. Staggering slightly, she fell to the ground in an unconscious heap. Buck Cross woke with a start. He lay perfectly still, his mind totally alert, trying to identify the noise that had wakened him from a sound sleep. In the bunks around him, the other riders were all asleep. Cody was snoring loudly as usual while Kid muttered something too softly for Buck to make out. Neither of these were all that unusual—at least not enough to wake someone who was used to them. Then he heard it again. An almost eerie keening noise that seemed to reach deep into his soul. At first he thought it was an owl, but no owl had ever sounded like that. A feeling of fear came over the young man. It took him several minutes to realize the fear he was feeling was not his own. Slipping quietly from his bunk, he pulled on his pants. Clutching his shirt and boots in one hand and his gun belt and knife in the other, he padded silently across the room and, careful not to make any noise, pulled the door open just enough to allow his slender body to pass through. He stood on the porch for a couple of minutes, inhaling the cool, fresh air, waiting for his eyes to become accustomed to the darkness. Shivering slightly, he sat on the steps long enough to pull on his boots. He was just slipping his arms into the sleeves of his shirt when the sound came again. Turning only his head, he searched for the source of the sound. It appeared to be coming from the small stand of trees on the other side of Emma’s house. Resolutely strapping his gun belt around his hips, Buck left the porch and started across the yard. Sarinth watched from the trees as the man she recognized as their reason for being here walked towards Tari. While the fire lizards from which the great dragons had been bred had been, for the most part, unintelligent, Kitty Ping’s genetic alterations had left the resulting dragons as self-aware, sentient beings. Further association with their human riders had developed their in-bred abilities—and Sarinth was unusually keen, especially for one of her color. Tari was still alive, Sarinth could feel her and her breathing, but she couldn’t get the woman to respond to her. The green dragon could only hope the approaching human could help Tari in ways she could not. Having “listened” to Tari and her brother discuss the travel to Earth, Sarinth knew that these humans had no knowledge of her kind. Tari had been concerned that Sarinth might frighten the humans of Earth—a notion the dragon had found ridiculous. Her rider had discussed ways to keep Sarinth hidden. Fighting the in-bred urge to protect her rider, the dragon stayed hidden in the trees, knowing that is what Tari would want. She reached out mentally, gently probing the man’s mind. What she found there comforted her to some degree. Sarinth decided she would allow the man to help Tari. Buck noticed the irregular dark shape among the other dark shapes long before he got to the trees. He picked up speed as the dawning sun revealed the lump to be a body. Kneeling, the Kiowa carefully turned the body onto its back. The clothes were of unusual material, he noticed absently, similar to leather but not quite the same. A cap of the same material covered much of the head and lower face. Gently undoing the fastenings on the jacket—fastenings he’d never seen before—Buck was shocked to discover that the body belonged to a woman. He carefully removed the headgear to reveal closely cropped dark hair framing a slender face with high cheekbones and long lashed eyes. Buck stared at the face for a few minutes trying to decide who the woman reminded him of. She wasn’t very old, in fact, he would have been surprised to find that she was even as old as he was. Finally, shrugging aside his curiosity, he set to work to determine if she was injured. He noted the heat that seemed to radiate from her body but a thorough check revealed no broken bones or bumps to indicate a head injury. He was still debating whether it would be safe to move her by himself or if he should go for help when he saw Ike coming out of the bunkhouse. Standing, he called for his friend, waving his arms to get the other’s attention. Sarinth had taken comfort from the fact that the man had found nothing physically wrong with Tari. She could “hear” her rider’s thoughts becoming stronger though not yet coherent as the young woman began to regain consciousness. When the second human approached Tari and the first man, Sarinth’s surprise grew. This one’s thoughts were almost as strong as the first but far more focused. As she watched, the hairless one’s hands moved rapidly. “I don’t know here she came from, Ike,” the first responded. “I found her here just a while ago.” The hairless one’s hands moved again. “She doesn’t seem to have anything broken,” the first said. “But she’s burning up with a fever. We need to get her down to Emma’s.” Sarinth struggled to control her desire to charge out of the trees as the two men lifted Tari from the ground. Only the gentleness with which they treated her and the obvious concern in their thoughts kept the dragon in her place. She would know if Tari was being hurt—and if that happened, these would face the full fury of an angry dragon. Buck glanced behind them several times on the way down the small hill. At Ike’s curious look, he said, “Just feels like we’re being watched, that’s all.” Ike nodded his agreement but neither man could see more than the varying shades of green in the shrubs and brush under the trees. Had they looked closely they might have been able to discern Sarinth’s eyes whirling yellow behind her first set of eyelids. “She’s burning up,” Emma confirmed after getting the girl settled in a small room off her kitchen. “I’m going to need cool water for compresses.” Ike nodded, then grabbed a bucket from beside the door and headed out for the well. “What’s she saying?” Buck asked. He and the other riders were watching, along with Teaspoon, from the door as the girl twisted and turned on the bed. An odd sensation of déjŕ vu filled him as he struggled to remember who the woman reminded him of. “Don’t know for sure,” Emma replied. “It sounds like Sara to me. Are you sure there wasn’t anyone else out there?” “Not that I could see,” Buck said. “But I was more worried about getting her down here,” he admitted. “I’ll go look around,” Jimmy offered. Tari struggled to sit up. Buck instinctively moved to push her back to a reclining position. “It’s all right,” he soothed. “Rest now, you’re going to be all right.” He looked up at Emma as if for confirmation. “We need to get that fever down,” the woman whispered, passing him a wet towel. “Cody,” she said to the last of the riders who had come to see what all the excitement was about. “Ride into Thompson’s store. See if he has any rubbing alcohol.” Cody nodded and ran to saddle his horse. Tari had calmed a bit as Buck spoke soothingly to her. Her eyes were open but unfocused as she stared past him. “Sarinth?” she murmured softly. “Who is Sarinth?” Buck asked softly. “Was she with you?” The girl turned to look at him. A smile spread across her flushed face as her eyes focused on his for a moment. “You look so much nicer in person than you do in your picture,” she whispered, sighing. Her eyes were closed before he was able to question her further. “It was the durndest thing!” The voice broke through Tari’s feverish haze. The speaker was in the room with her but not talking to her—at least she didn’t think he was. Deciding he wasn’t, she started to fall back to sleep. His next words, however, brought her closer to full consciousness than she had been in a while. “Old Tyson goes out to his field and finds three of his cattle slaughtered,” the voice continued. “More than that, they had been bled dry.” “Doesn’t sound like wolves,” A second, quieter voice said “I know,” the first voice agreed. “Tyson says there weren’t any tracks, ‘cept those right around the carcasses. And those had claws like a big cat but they had five toes ‘stead of four.” “Big cats don’t bleed their kills,” the second voice mused. “Besides, a single cat wouldn’t kill three—not all at once.” “I know, Buck. Tyson says there wasn’t nothing left but hide and bones—all in a neat little pile.” The voices trailed off as the speakers moved out of the room. Tari fought to stay awake, reaching out to Sarinth with her mind. I am here, the dragon responded instantly. Where are you? Tari asked. I found a cave, Sarinth replied. The men were searching the woods. I knew you did not want them to see me, so I hide. Good! Tari said drowsily. You’ve eaten? I was so hungry. The green’s reply was tinged with shame. It’s all right, my darling, Tari comforted. Just be very careful. I am careful, Sarinth said proudly. I hunted at night. No one saw. You are so very smart, Tari agreed. I’m so sorry that I can’t help you. You are sick! her dragon protested. They take good care of you. He is with you much of the time. How do you know? Tari asked, surprised. I hear him, Sarinth explained. He is very strong, as is the hairless one. I hear the others but I must listen very hard for them. Tari’s eyes drooped as she began to lose the fight to stay awake. Sleep now, Tari, Sarinth ordered. You must sleep to get well. I am safe and I am here. “Stay safe, my darling,” Tari murmured softly. “Stay safe.” Buck heard the woman’s words as he came back to the room. For a minute, he thought she was awake. Her closed eyes and steady, even breathing told him otherwise. Moving to the side of the bed, Buck stood looking down at the slight woman. Sighing he replaced the cloth on her forehead with a fresh one. She felt cooler, he decided. Maybe her fever was finally breaking. The next time Tari woke, the room was dark except for a dim light that came from an unusual—to her—contraption that sat on a table against the wall. Sarinth? I am here. The dragon’s reply was so immediate that Tari knew her friend had not been asleep. I sleep all day, Sarinth said, a trace of amusement in her thought. This world is very interesting after the sun sets. There are many strange creatures here to watch. You remain hidden? Tari asked worriedly. No one can find me, the green replied confidently. If they come near, I go between. “Are you awake for real this time?” a human voice asked softly, causing her to jump. “Sorry,” the man apologized as he moved to where she could see him clearly. Regrettably, he wasn’t the man Tari had hoped would be there. He was there until just after sunset, Sarinth informed her. Then the woman made him sleep. “I’m awake, I guess,” Tari responded as she realized the man was waiting for an answer. “Emma said your fever was breaking,” the man said. “How long have I been here?” “Been almost a week now,” he replied. “I’m Jimmy, by the way. Jimmy Hickok.” “My name is Tari,” she offered. “Just Tari?” Jimmy asked curiously. “Tari Benden,” the girl amended, more thankful than ever that she and Thom had discussed so many aspects of her journey—including the fact that the people of Earth used surnames. “You don’t live around here,” Jimmy stated. “I’m just passing through,” Tari replied. “On my way West.” “Alone?” Tari hesitated. It hadn’t occurred to her that women didn’t travel alone in this era. “Sure,” she answered as calmly as possible. “Why not?” “No reason, I guess,” Jimmy said. “Just that we don’t get many women traveling by themselves. Especially on foot.” “I wasn’t on foot,” Tari countered, immediately regretting her words. “Oh? We didn’t find a horse or a wagon.” “Jimmy,” a woman’s voice said reproachfully. “She’s just woke up and you’re acting like she’s done something wrong.” “We were just talking, Emma,” Hickok protested. “Did it occur to you that she might need to do something more than talking?” It was only just then that Tari realized she was indeed “in need.” She started to sit up and grew momentarily dizzy. “Let me help,” Emma said, moving quickly to offer her hand. “I’m sorry to be such a bother,” Tari said apologetically. “You’re no bother!” the woman replied firmly. The short trip to the little shed in back of the house took all of Tari’s energy even with Emma’s help. When she was finally back in the bed, she lay back with a sigh. She couldn’t remember ever being this weak, not even after being thread scored. “Would you like some water?” Emma asked as she brought the blanket back up over Tari’s body. “Yes, please,” Tari replied. Emma nodded her approval as the girl took only small sips and not a lot of those. “You should rest now,” she said after Tari had had enough. “I feel as though I’ve done nothing but rest!” Tari protested. “And you’re exhausted after being up for five minutes!” Emma countered. “You’ll have plenty of time to wear yourself out tomorrow. For now, just rest.” She waited until Tari settled back and began to relax, then added, “I’ll be right next door if you need me. All you have to do is yell.” “All right,” Tari said softly. She was asleep before Emma even reached her door. “Where is the man who found me?” Tari asked over breakfast the next morning. Emma had pronounced her fit enough to eat what she called “oatmeal.” “Buck?” Emma replied. “He went out on a run this morning. He’ll be back tomorrow.” “If not sooner,” Jimmy muttered from across the table, earning himself a frown from Emma. “I just wanted to thank him,” Tari said quietly. “You’ll have plenty of time to do that,” Emma told her. “I doubt you’ll be leaving before he gets back.” “I really shouldn’t impose on your—“ “It’s no imposition!” the other woman interrupted. “In fact it’s kind of nice to have another woman to talk to.” “What about—“ Tari started looking in Lou’s direction. It was obvious to her that the rider was female, for all that she wore men’s clothes and affected not to be. “I don’t have a lot of time to go into town, what with feeding this lot and all,” Emma interrupted again. She is thinking that the older man does not know, Sarinth supplied. I don’t understand, but it’s important to the little one. “Besides,” Emma continued. “I’m not much of a mind to listen to gossip and that’s all most of the women in town have to talk about.” “You know, we looked high and low for your horse,” Jimmy said, neatly changing the subject. “We didn’t find hide nor hair of it.” Before Tari could respond, Cody jumped in. “Probably went and got himself ate by whatever it was that got Tyson’s cows.” “You’re not going to start on that again, are you, Cody?” Lou protested. Ike pantomimed a person drinking. “Ike’s right,” Jimmy agreed. “Everyone knows Tyson drinks like a fish.” “He swears he was stone sober,” Cody argued. “To hear Tyson tell it, he ain’t ever had a drink in his life,” Teaspoon laughed. “It was probably a band of renegade Sioux,” Lou offered. “Sioux wouldn’t leave the hides behind,” Cody muttered, but said nothing more. “You better get saddled up, Jimmy,” Teaspoon said, putting an end to the speculation. “Rider from Fort Laramie is due in this morning and you’re up.” It’s good that one goes, Sarinth remarked as Tari watched Jimmy ride off. He has too many questions. I’m surprised the others don’t have them too, Tari mused. They do, Sarinth confirmed. But She tells them not to ask. “She” was Emma, Tari knew. Dragon’s seldom used human names for anyone but their riders, so Tari was used to the descriptive identifications instead. “The hairless one” was Ike, of course, while “the little one” was Lou and Teaspoon was “the older one.” Sarinth had no specific phrases for Jimmy or Cody but Tari had a sense of disapproval when she spoke of Jimmy and humor when referring to Cody. Buck was always “He,” with an almost audible capital “H.” Tari smiled softly as she leaned back on the bench. Emma had insisted that she get outside for some sun and fresh air. After settling the girl on the bench with a pillow and a blanket in case she got chilled, the woman had ordered Tari to call out if she needed anything and had returned to the house. Warmed by the sun, Tari had relaxed to the point of dozing off when a sudden thought caused her to sit up with a gasp. What’s wrong? Sarinth asked, immediately on the alert. You need sun as well, Tari cried mentally. Your cave must be dark and damp. I chose well, Sarinth assured her. The cave has a large dry cavern with a shaft that goes to the top. There is plenty of sunlight and warmth. You are so very smart, my darling! her rider praised. No other dragon on all of Pern could have done so well! I know, the dragon replied smugly. I sleep now, as you should. He will be back soon. Buck rode into the yard just before dinner that evening. As he always did, he took care of his horse before going up to the house to check in with Emma and Teaspoon. He stopped at the kitchen door, surprised to see Tari sitting at the table helping Lou and Ike peel vegetables. Unseen, he stood watching the girl as she laughed at something Ike had signed. Since no one had translated, he could only assume she understood the signs. Another surprise. She looked tired but far better than she had when he had checked in on her before he left this morning. Knowing Emma would not allow her to do anything she wasn’t ready to do, he figured the girl was well on her way to recovery. Comparing his dusty appearance to the cleanliness of those in the kitchen, Buck decided a quick shower wouldn’t hurt him any. He slipped away as quietly as he had come. Tari caught a movement out of the corner of her eye as she laughed at the story Ike was telling. She had been as surprised as the others to discover that the signs the mute rider was using were almost identical to those her father had taught her and her brothers when they were very small. When asked, she had been able to reply honestly and the Express people had been satisfied. He is back, Sarinth announced. Why didn’t he come in? Tari asked. He is washing, the dragon replied, a visual of her own bathing pool coming across quite visibly. “Hey, Tari,” Lou prompted, “where did you go?” Tari shook herself to refocus on the concerned riders in front of her. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “Guess I was daydreaming.” Noting the concerned look that passed between the pair, she added, “I’m all right! Really. It’s just a nasty habit of mine.” The conversation was interrupted by Buck’s return to the kitchen. Tari knew Ike was signing something behind her back, and judging from the look on his face, it wasn’t something Buck appreciated, but she didn’t care. There was absolutely no doubt that the man who stood before her was related to her family. He and Thom could have been twins. There was a moment of silence before Lou finally stepped forward. “Tari Benden, this is Buck Cross,” she said, grinning impishly. “Hi” Tari said, wondering where this sudden shyness was coming from. Okay, she thought. So I’ve just met my great-great-great-great-whatever-great-grandfather. That’s no reason to act like a silly whery. You are not! Sarinth stated emphatically. “You’re looking a lot better,” Buck said. “I’m feeling much better,” Tari agreed. “Thanks to you.” “I didn’t do anything special,” Buck replied, flushing with embarrassment. Ike’s hands moved rapidly. “He’s right,” Lou said. “We’ve got work to do.” Taking Buck by the arm, she turned him in the direction of the door. “You need to let Teaspoon know you’re back,” she commanded, giving him a shove in the right direction. With as sigh, Tari returned to her tubers—potatoes—she corrected herself. That evening, Tari lay on her bed, thinking about Buck. She had been watching him surreptitiously all evening. So many of his mannerisms reminded her of her father and brother. He is very much like the Runner, Sarinth agreed. As her dragon ”spoke,” Tari was aware of a hunger that could only be coming from the green dragon. Oh, Sarinth! Why didn’t you tell me you were hungry? she scolded. She couldn’t prevent the anger that flared within her. I have been so foolish and neglecting you! You have been ill, Sarinth countered simply. Now that you are well again, we will be together. But tonight you must eat! Tari commanded. Should I return to the same hold? the green asked. No, that wouldn’t be fair and would put a strain on the holder, Tari answered. There should be some wild animals here, I believe they were called “buffalo.” I didn’t see any that where not in holds, Sarinth said. But I didn’t travel far from where you were. Meet me at the stand of trees and we’ll go hunting, Tari told her as she rushed to pull on her riding clothes. I come. Across the way, Buck was having his own sleepless night. He had noticed Tari watching him most of the evening. There was something different about the young woman, something more than her strange clothes and her occasional lapses where she just seemed to be unaware of her surroundings. And yet, at the same time, there was still that nagging familiarity that he hadn’t been able to put his finger on. She wasn’t a raving beauty, he decided, too long and stringy for the current “style.” Yet she moved with a graceful confidence, not of someone highbred, but of someone fully aware and secure of her abilities. She was a strong woman—her rapid recovery from her illness had proven that. She had the muscles of someone who worked hard and, judging from her legs, rode often—but her hands bore no calluses. He’d noticed some odd looking scars on her arms and legs when he’d been helping Emma. They appeared to be burns—not brands but burns none-the-less. After tossing and turning for a few more minutes, Buck finally decided he wasn’t going to be sleeping for a while. As he had just a week earlier, he quietly pulled on his pants and left the bunkhouse carrying the rest of his clothes. He noticed the shadow making its way across the field behind the house just as he finished pulling on his boots. Recognizing that it wasn’t one of the riders, he could only assume it was Tari. Curious, he followed her silently. Sarinth’s joy at seeing her rider on her feet again, combined with her growing hunger was enough of a distraction that she failed to notice Buck’s presence. The dragon offered her rider, a foreleg to help her aboard, waited until she was settled, then leaped skyward. Buck was too far away to see who or what Tari was meeting, only that it was another larger shadow in the trees. He started forward, then heard what he could have sworn were wings, but looking skyward he could see nothing but the moon. “Are you satisfied now?” Tari asked as Sarinth finished her third buffalo and waddled over to where her rider waited. Very, Sarinth replied, burping softly. These beasts are filling but their hides are very tough—and hairy. “Well, it’s still better than hunting the tamer herd beasts where people might notice.” I’m sorry, Tari, the dragon apologized. I was just so hungry and I didn’t want to leave you. “You did just fine, my brave friend!” Tari said slapping the green on the neck affectionately. “But now we should get back before the sun rises.” Glancing at the lumps and bulges that showed on the green’s smooth hide, she added, “Will you be able to fly between?” It’s a short distance, Sarinth replied confidently. I will be able to fly easily. Buck spent the better part of an hour searching for Tari among the trees and found nothing. Finally he gave up and started back to the bunkhouse. He hated the idea of waking the others, but he was worried about the girl. No matter how well she seemed, she was just recovering from a serious illness and could get tired easily. It was easy to get lost in the dark and she could be hurt. He was just at the edge of the trees when he felt a presence and heard the sound of wings a second time. He felt rather than heard a startled exclamation and then he was alone. I’m sorry, Sarinth crooned apologetically. Tari had barely managed to stay with her dragon after the rapidly aborted landing. One instant she had been above the trees and the next they were crouched behind the barn. “What happened?” she whispered when she was finally able to find her voice. He was there, in the trees, Sarinth explained. “Buck?” Tari asked, trying to order her thoughts. “Did he see us?” No, the dragon replied with certainty. But He heard me as I started to land. He has been looking for you. Tari sighed with relief even as her heart leaped at the thought that Buck would worry enough to look for her. He is curious, the dragon confirmed. He looked for you for a long time. Which is why you brought me here! Tari exclaimed as understanding dawned. You are the smartest of all dragons! The cave was too far away, Sarinth told her. Even for a runner. I must let him see me as I return, Tari decided. Hopefully he will have fewer questions that way. You need to go now then, the green urged. He is coming across the open ground. You’ll be okay? the girl asked, hesitant about leaving the dragon alone. As soon as you distract Him, I’ll return to the cave. Giving the beast a final thump on the shoulder, Tari moved around the barn. Buck searched the area of the woods where he had heard the sound, then started back for the bunkhouse. He was more determined now than ever to find Tari. Something very strange was going on in those trees and he didn’t like it at all. He had just come around the house when he saw the girl coming towards him from the barn. More curious than ever, he moved to intercept her. “Buck!” she said in surprise. “What are you doing out here?” “I was looking for you,” he said. “Why?” she asked. “I just needed to go for a walk.” “That’s not a very good idea after dark,” Buck told her. “Especially after dark.” “You’re doing it,” she countered. “I know the territory.” Tari stepped past him, then turned. “I can take care of myself, Buck,” she said firmly. “With what?” he asked. “You’ve got no gun or even a knife. This ain’t like back East. There are things out there that would be happy to make a meal out of you.” “Like whatever ate Mr. Tyson’s cows?” Tari said with a short laugh. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time, Buck. I don’t need someone to watch over me.” Whatever he planned to say was interrupted by a loud cry from the direction of the outhouse. Argument forgotten, the pair turned and ran in that direction. “I swear!” Cody said fervently for at least the tenth time. “The thing was huge! It was at least fifty—sixty feet long.” Buck turned to hide a smile. When Cody had told his story the first time, the thing he’d seen was only thirty feet long. It had grown progressively longer with each telling. Teaspoon waited until Emma poured the rider a cup of coffee liberally dosed with whisky, then waited a bit longer for Cody to stop sputtering after taking a healthy swig. “Now, son,” he said finally. “I want you to start over from the beginning and tell us the whole story.” Tari got the impression that Cody was enjoying being the center of attention. She watched as the rider took another gulp from his cup. “I was sound asleep when I woke up needing to p—answer the call of nature,” he began, hastily correcting himself when he remembered Emma and Tari were present. “So I got up and went out to the facility. I had just stepped out and was headed back inside when I saw it behind the barn.” He paused a moment to let his words sink in. “I didn’t get a good look at it, but whatever it was, it as at least sixty feet long! It had four legs and a great big tail and WINGS!” His voice grew hushed as he continued, “Even while I was watching it, the thing jumped up into the air and then, just like that, before I could even blink, it disappeared.” Looking around, he noticed the skeptical looks on his friend’s faces. “I SWEAR I seen it!” he said adamantly. “You guys gotta believe me!” “Could have been an eagle,” Buck suggested. “Eagles don’t have four legs and a tail, Buck!” Cody protested. “And they don’t grow seventy feet long!” Jumping to his feet, he reached for a lantern. “You just come out with me! There’s got to be some sign out there.” “We may as well wait for morning, Cody,” Teaspoon said. “We won’t find anything in the dark and we could mess up whatever might be out there.” Before the younger man could protest, he continued, “First thing in the morning, it’ll be a lot easier to track whatever it was you saw.” Cody hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “First thing then. You’ll see! All of you!” I’m sorry, Sarinth said as Tari and Emma walked back to the house. I didn’t know that one was there. It’s all right, my darling, Tari comforted. I will make sure there are no tracks, the dragon promised. Just be very careful, Tari warned. Don’t let anyone see you. I’ll wait until they are asleep, Sarinth vowed. I hope this isn’t a problem. It’s all right, Tari repeated. I don’t think anyone believes him. “There’s nothing here,” Buck said quietly to the others who stood back so as not to disturb the “evidence.” Cody climbed over the fence, moving to take a look for himself. “There has to be something, Buck!” he exclaimed. “It was standing right there when I saw it. There has to be something!” “I’m sorry, Cody,” Buck said apologetically. “But there’s nothing here.” “Hasn’t been much rain lately,” Teaspoon offered. “Ground’s mighty dusty. Probably wouldn’t hold any tracks.” “But as big as it was, it should have left some kind of sign,” Cody protested. “Teaspoon’s right, Cody,” Buck told him. “The ground here’s hard as a rock. An elephant wouldn’t leave any tracks on this stuff.” “Then there’s no proof!” Cody said bitterly. “And none of you believe me!” With that he stalked off. Buck started after him, but Teaspoon stopped him. “Let him go, son,” the older man said. “He needs to be mad for a bit.” “Cody doesn’t lie.” Tari looked up at Buck. They were alone on Emma’s porch. Cody had ridden off not long after his outburst saying he needed some time alone. “He may exaggerate things sometimes,” Buck continued. “But he doesn’t lie.” “I never thought he did,” Tari told him. “You didn’t see anything?” he asked suddenly. “Why should I have?” “You were over near the barn when I saw you coming back,” Buck said. “You should have seen whatever Cody saw.” Tari hesitated. She didn’t want to lie to this man. Doing otherwise, though, would mean risking him finding out about Sarinth and possibly changing his future—and her past. “I didn’t see anything unusual, Buck,” she said finally. He eyed her speculatively, but said nothing more. I didn’t want to lie to him, a dejected Tari told Sarinth later. You did what had to be done, the dragon replied sympathetically. “I know,” Tari agreed, unaware she had spoken the words aloud. Buck stood watching her from inside the house. He saw that her eyes were unfocused as they frequently were and heard her muttering to herself. Something wasn’t right, he decided. Tari had come from behind the barn. She had to have seen what Cody saw—and Buck had no doubt that Cody had seen something. The girl would bear watching, and he was determined to do just that. No one seemed concerned that Cody hadn’t returned by lunch, but when he wasn’t back for dinner, the riders became worried. “It’s not like him to just run off,” Lou said. “Especially when he’s up for a run tomorrow.” “We shouldn’t have let him go,” Buck agreed. “Sounds to me like he just needed some time to think,” Kid argued. He had returned from his own run earlier that afternoon and had been filled in by the others. “If he thinks no one believes him, Ike,” he added in response to the mute’s signs, “it’s even more of a reason to get away for a while. He’ll be back for his run.” “If he’s not back by tomorrow,” Teaspoon said, drawing their attention to him, “you can go look for him.” Tari lay awake for the second night in a row. Cody’s face when he realized there was no proof to validate his claims of what he had seen haunted her. Buck words, “Cody doesn’t lie,” repeated over and over in her mind. The girl tossed and turned well into the night as she struggled to come up with a way to vindicate Cody while at the same time keeping her secret safe. Finally exhaustion won out over determination and she fell asleep. Tari! Sarinth’s frantic call woke her from a wicked nightmare. “What’s wrong?” she asked, immediately alert. There has been a cave in, the green replied. The falling rocks have trapped the one called Cody! “Are you all right?” Tari asked as she rose and began pulling on her clothes. Yes, but the man is hurt, Sarinth answered. I cannot reach him. “Can you get out of the cave?” The opening in the roof is very narrow but I think I can make it. “Do it, but be careful!” Tari ordered. “I’m going to get some help.” Buck’s reaction to Tari putting her hand over his mouth was predictably violent. She managed to avoid his swinging fist, leaning in close to whisper, “It’s me, Tari, I need your help.” She waited until she was sure he was totally aware, then motioned for him to follow her out of the bunkhouse. Quickly pulling on his pants, Buck grabbed the rest of his clothes and move quickly to the porch. “What’s wrong?” he asked as he slipped into his shirt and stuffed his feet into his boots. “Cody’s been in a cave in,” Tari explained. “He’s hurt and I need your help to get him out.” She turned and started for the trees only to have Buck grab her by the arm. “How do you know?” he demanded. “Sarinth told me. Hurry up, we’ve got to help him.” “There aren’t any caves around here,” Buck protested as he followed her. “We’ll need horses.” “There’s no time for that,” Tari argued. “Sarinth will take us.” “Who the hell is Sarin—“ Buck’s words ended abruptly as they entered the clearing where Sarinth waited. One look at the dragon had the Kiowa backing away so fast that he tripped over a tree root, landing flat on his backside. Please don’t be afraid. The words resounded in his head although his ears heard nothing. I won’t hurt you. “Who said that?” Buck gasped as he scuttled backwards trying to get away from the monster in front of him. The trunk of a large tree brought him up short. “This is Sarinth, Buck,” Tari explained calmly. “She is my dragon. She won’t hurt you.” The dragon crooned softly as her eyes whirled gray. “How? What?” Buck choked the words out. This can’t be real, he thought. I am very real, the voice in his head countered. “Buck, please!” Tari pleaded. “We don’t have time for me to explain. Let’s help Cody and then I promise, I’ll tell you everything.” “This is all a bad dream,” Buck said emphatically. “I’m going to wake up in a few minutes.” It is NOT a dream! the voice said sharply. You must help your friend or he will die! Buck looked from Tari to the—what did she call it—dragon. “Did you say that?” he squeaked. The dragon’s great head moved up and down in a nod. I will not hurt you, but we must hurry. “Buck,” Tari said quietly as she walked to stand beside him. “I know this is a big shock to you.” “You can say that again!” Buck agreed adamantly. “But,” Tari continued, “I wouldn’t have let you see Sarinth if it wasn’t very important. Please try to get past the shock and help Cody!” She placed extra emphasis on the last words. Buck shook his head, but rose easily to his feet. “You have a lot of explaining to do,” he said as he walked cautiously towards the winged creature. “How are we going to get to the cave?” “Simple,” Tari said lightly. “We’ll fly.” “Fly?” Buck stopped dead in his tracks. “Come on,” Tari ordered as she stepped onto Sarinth’s foreleg, then easily leaped to the back of the dragon’s neck. Buck hesitated, then gulped back his fear as he followed the girl’s lead. If she can do this, I can do it! he thought determinedly. As he settled himself on the dragon’s neck behind Tari, he could have sworn he heard the dragon chuckle. Tari turned then and slipped a leather strap around his waist. “What’s that for?” he asked, curiosity overriding fear. “It’s to keep you from falling off,” Tari replied casually. “Falling o—“ Buck’s words were interrupted as the dragon bunched her haunches and then leaped skyward. He was thrown backwards so suddenly, all he could do was grab for the body in front of him. At that same moment he was thrown forward again. His chin connected with the top of Tari’s head. I’m sorry, the voice said apologetically. His head had barely cleared when he heard Tari yell, “Hold on!” In the next instant Buck felt a cold unlike any he had ever experienced. He knew his arms were still around Tari’s waist, but he couldn’t feel her—or the dragon between his legs. There was nothing but darkness and cold. We are here, the voice comforted. You are not alone. Even as the words registered, the world around him reappeared and the warmth of the night breeze blew gently across his face. “You can let go now,” Tari gasped. He realized his arms were wrapped so tightly around her waist that she was having trouble breathing. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he loosened his grip. “It’s okay,” she said grinning back over her shoulder. “Hold on, we’re landing.” Buck glanced around quickly, trying to find a recognizable landmark, but could see very little. He got the impression of floating down between canyon walls and then they were on the ground. Tari released the safety harness, then slid easily to the ground. Buck attempted to do the same but his legs refused to cooperate. Instead of a graceful landing, his knees buckled and he fell to the ground. “Are you all right?” Tari asked, her voice rich with worry. “I will be,” Buck replied. “Once I get over the fact that I was just riding through the air on a flying dragon.” Again he heard a rumbling laugh. “Is he really talking to me?” he asked in awe. “Yes, she is,” Tari said. “And believe me, it’s quite an honor. Dragons don’t talk to just anyone.” “Dragons don’t talk to just any—“ Buck started to repeat, then shook himself. “Where’s Cody?” “He’s behind here,” Tari said, motioning to a large pile of rubble. “Sarinth says he’s in an air pocket and is still alive, but we need to get him out quickly.” Buck didn’t waste any more time. Instead he set to work moving some of the larger rocks. Tari joined him immediately. The pair worked steadily for almost an hour before pausing to take a breather. They had made good progress but still had a distance to go. “Too bad she can’t help,” Buck said between gasps. “Can you, Sarinth?” Tari asked, amazed and angry with herself that she hadn’t thought to ask sooner. The dragon turned her head to eye the pile of boulders that still blocked the entrance to the cave. Stepping gracefully forward, she reached out with her forepaws and pulled one of the larger rocks free. With extra strength and renewed determination, the opening was cleared in no time. Buck spotted Cody’s foot not long after. “We should finish this by ourselves,” he suggested. “We can’t risk another cave in.” Tari nodded and Sarinth backed away to wait patiently. Tari and Buck dug through the remaining rubble, holding their breaths every time loose rock and dust fell from above. When they finally uncovered Cody, they found him gray with dust. He lives, Sarinth answered their unspoken question. But he is very close to going between. I will keep him here. “His leg’s broken,” Buck said after a quick examination. He stood and made his way to the entrance of the cave. “I’ll find something to make a splint.” While she waited for Buck to return, Tari gently wiped the dust from Cody’s face. Placing her fingers on his wrist, she found his pulse to be strong, if a little rapid. What happened? She asked Sarinth finally. I was asleep, the dragon answered. I didn’t hear him coming until he was in the cave. This one was even more surprised than He was. He ran away. And triggered the cave-in in the process. Tari concluded. He must have, Sarinth agreed. I didn’t mean to scare him, she added mournfully. “I need something to tie this with,” Buck said as he placed a sturdy branch on either side of Cody’s injured leg. “Give me your belt.” ”Aren’t you going to set it?” Tari asked as she complied with his request. “Let’s get him out of here first.” Together the pair was able to lift the still unconscious man and carry him out of the cave. With Tari’s help, Buck was able to set Cody’s leg and get the splints back in place before the injured rider regained consciousness. Following Sarinth’s directions, they found a small spring and, using the bottom of Tari’s shirt as a cloth, were able to wash Cody’s face. “He’s going to be in a lot of pain when he wakes up,” Buck said. “But there’s nothing we can do until we get him back.” “Actually, there is,” Tari said carefully. Reaching into an inside pocket of her jacket she removed a small pouch. Buck watch curiously as she undid the binding on the pouch and removed what looked like a cloth pad. He noted that she held the pad very carefully by one corner, using only two fingers. “It’s called numbweed,” Tari explained as she shook the cloth out to its full size and laid it across Cody’s leg. “It’ll keep the leg numb for a while—at least until we get back to the station.” “Don’t touch it,” she warned, reaching out to grab his arm. “Unless you want to lose the feeling in your hand.” She started to turn away then but he grabbed her by the arm and turned her to face him. “Who are you?” he demanded. “I’m just what you see, Buck,” she replied wearily. “I promised you, I’d tell you the whole story when Cody was safe.” “He’s safe now.” “I give you my word,” Tari promised. “As soon as we get him back to the station and into Emma’s hands, I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” “I’ll hold you to that,” he vowed. “Will you tell me too?” Cody asked quietly. Cody looked pale but much better. He started to sit up and only Buck’s strong hands on his shoulder kept him in a reclined position. “You’ve busted your leg,” Buck told him. “Really?” Cody asked, trying to get a look at his leg. “I don’t feel anything.” “That’s because Tari used some herbs on it,” the other man explained. “Just stay put or you’ll undo everything we did.” “Well, Tari?” Cody said, turning his attention back to the girl. “Will you tell me everything too?” Tari stalled for time by giving Cody something to drink. Then, stripping off her jacket, she wadded up the material and used it as a pillow under his head. “I know what I saw,” the rider said after a long silence. “And I’m guessing you’ve got something to do with whatever it was that I saw.” Tari nodded and opened her mouth to speak. “I also know,” Cody interjected before she had the chance to say anything, “that once them rocks started falling in on me, I reckoned I was a goner. And I was ready to give up until I heard the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. She said her name was Sarinth and that she wasn’t gonna leave me alone and she wasn’t gonna let me die. And I could feel her in here,” he said, tapping his head. “I can still feel her.” He shifted a bit, looking bewildered as he saw the splint on his leg move but felt nothing. “People ‘round here don’t think I can keep a secret,” he continued after a couple of minutes. “But I can. And I will—if you tell me. Doesn’t have to be now. I’m too tired and I really just want to get home and in a nice soft bed. But you gotta promise to tell me real soon, all right?” “All right, Cody,” Tari agreed. “As soon as you are feeling up to it, I’ll tell you everything.” “The question now is how do we get him out of here?” Buck mused, eyeing the canyon walls that surrounded them. “Yeah,” Cody agreed. “I’m feeling a lot better but not good enough to climb those walls. Not even with that herb stuff you used. Unless you got a miracle in your pocket, I reckon you better go for help.” “Even after we get out, we’re going to have to find a way to get him back to the station,” Buck added. “Maybe I should—“ “Sarinth can carry us all,” Tari interrupted. “Sarinth is real?” Cody asked curiously. “You sure she can handle three at once?” Buck asked, ignoring Cody. I have carried far heavier people, Sarinth informed them, a visual of the plump Lord Holder of Benden bringing a smile to Tari’s face. I am very strong. “Who said that?” Cody squeaked. “Did you hear that?” You are the strongest of all the green dragons on Pern, Tari praised the dragon silently. “All right,” Buck agreed. “How do we get him on board?” “You get on first,” Tari told him. “I’ll lift him up to you.” “You sure?” “I’m very strong, too.” “WAIT JUST A DURNED MINUTE!” Cody shouted. “Who is Sarinth and who was that who was talking?” Buck turned to his friend, a sly smile splitting his face. “I thought you said she was talking to you earlier.” “She’s for real?” the injured man said, attempting to sit up. “Where is she?” I am here, the dragon said moving into the moonlight where Cody could see her. “HOLY COW!” Cody all but screamed. “I wasn’t dreaming,” he said in a quieter tone. “You guys do see her don’t you?” “Sure do,” Buck said with a grin. “But I gotta admit, you’re taking it a lot better than I did.” “That’s only because his leg is broken this time,” Tari reminded them. “He can’t run.” Why are you afraid of me? the dragon asked, her tone confused. “I’m not afraid anymore,” Buck responded, moving up to boldly slap the dragon on the shoulder. Cody was still staring at Sarinth with his mouth hanging open. “This is unbelievable,” he whispered. Turning to Tari he added. “You are really going to have some talking to do.” “We better get started back,” Tari replied. Sarinth leaped skyward far more gracefully this time. Cody rode securely between Tari and Buck with his splinted leg resting on her thigh. It had taken all three humans and an assist from the dragon to get him there but he wasn’t going anywhere now that he was. Do you want me to go between? the dragon asked. Tari hesitated. Cody needed to be tended to quickly but the cold of between might do more harm than good. The sun will be up soon, Sarinth added. “What’s wrong?” Buck called. Tari twisted to face the others. Cody, she noted absently, sat, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, staring at the ground below them. “We don’t have a lot of time before sunrise,” she called back. “But going between could cause more problems for Cody.” “What’s between?” Cody asked. “Is that what we did coming out here?” Buck asked, remembering the almost unbearable cold. “Yes,” Tari nodded. “And if we don’t do this between, the sun will be out and people might see Sarinth,” Buck deduced. “What’s between?” Cody demanded. “It’s the coldest place you’ll ever want to know,” Buck told him, shivering at the memory. “But it will get us back to the station much faster than flying straight,” Tari added. “If others see Sarinth, it will cause all kinds of trouble, right?” Cody asked. Tari nodded a second time. “We’re willing to risk it, if you don’t want to take the chance.” “Take us between,” Cody ordered. “Better not to cause any more trouble than we already have.” I’ve already caused more trouble than you can possibly imagine, Tari thought as she visualized their destination. Aloud, she called back to the other two. “You’ll be there by the time you can count to five. Just remember we are here, no matter what your senses tell you.” The moon was a bit higher in the sky when they arrived at the clearing. Neither Buck nor Cody seemed to notice, however. The injured one needs help—and we could not be seen, Sarinth said unapologetically when Tari started to reprimand her. The girl was still shaking her head as she slid from the dragon’s back and turned to help Buck lower Cody to the ground. When Buck joined them just seconds later, he wore a pleased smile as he remained standing this time. Can you go back to the cave safely? Tari asked the green. There are other caves, Sarinth confirmed. I will be safe. Reaching up, Tari scratched the dragon’s eye ridge until her eyes whirled blue. Then, affectionately slapping the beast on the neck, she ordered her to go. Buck and Cody watched as Sarinth rose easily, then disappeared in the wink of an eye. “How did she do that?” Cody breathed. “I didn’t get to say thank you.” He started a bit as the dragon replied, You’re welcome. “That I can’t tell you, Cody,” Tari said. “I don’t know myself.” “He’s lucky you found him when you did,” the doctor commented. As soon as Tari and Buck had carried Cody to the house, Emma had insisted that Ike ride to town for to bring the physician. Tari was barely able to get the numbweed-laced cloth from Cody’s leg before he was surrounded by his friends. The doctor had arrived a bit later and had complimented Buck on the way he had set the bone. “The leg will heal fine,” he pronounced. “If you can keep Cody off his feet for a few weeks.” “We’ll just buy him some dime novels and we won’t have any trouble with him,” Lou joked. “He’s asking for you, Buck,” the doctor added. “And for you—if you’re Tari.” “Thanks, Doc,” Buck said quickly. He took Tari by the hand and led her to Cody’s room before they could be asked any more questions. Cody was looking well but it was obvious he was now in pain. He was in a big bed with his leg propped up on a bunch of pillows. “Wish I could have those herbs of yours now, Tari,” he said quietly. “Do you think you could show them to Emma?” “I’ll see what I can do,” Tari replied, knowing she would never be able to explain numbweed to anyone here on Earth. “I told Doc you two found me when you were out for a walk,” he confided in them. “The bank in the arroyo just down the road from here washed out yesterday, I don’t think anyone’s seen it yet. Only problem is, now he thinks there’s something going on between you two. Somehow I didn’t think you’d mind,” he added with a devious smile. “What about your horse?” Buck asked practically. “He got spooked when I fell,” Cody replied confidently. “He was newly broke so it’s hard to say if we’ll ever find him. I’m really going to miss that saddle though.” “Cody, I—“ Tari started. “You just remember your promise!” Cody interrupted. “And promise me a real trip on Sarinth as soon as I can ride again.” “All right,” Tari agreed. “As soon as you’re up to it.” “Fine,” the rider said wearily. “Now get out of here! Fella can’t get no sleep with you two yammering away all the time.” “Sleep well, Cody,” Tari whispered as she leaned forward to give him a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Hey, guys?” Cody called after them as they walked to the door. “Thanks!” If Teaspoon, Emma or the other riders were at all suspicious of the story the three travelers told, none let on. Instead, Ike volunteered to take Cody’s run and Emma ordered the two weary heroes to go to bed and stay there until they couldn’t sleep anymore. As tired as she was, Tari still couldn’t sleep. Instead, her discussions with Thom started replaying in her mind—most prominently, his theory of the paradox. “At least I haven’t killed him yet,” the girl murmured as sleep finally claimed her. “EMMA!” The bellow woke Tari far too early the next morning. “So much for sleeping in,” she muttered as a second call followed the first. Stretching, she noticed a few aches that weren’t there yesterday but was pleased to discover they were nothing serious. Rising, she pulled on her trousers and shirt, making a note to find time to wash them as soon as she could, then padded barefoot to the invalid’s room. Cody’s mouth was open, preparing to call for a third time, when she pushed the door open. “Will I do?” she asked. “I just wanted someone to bring me some of my books,” he replied. “I’m getting bored just laying here.” “Let me get my boots on and I’ll go get them,” she told him. “Cody!” Emma reprimanded as she came around the corner. “You’ll wake Tari!” “Too late,” the girl said with a smile. “What did you want?” Emma asked Cody. “My books,” the rider answered meekly. “I’ll get them, Emma,” Tari offered as she finished pulling on her boots. “If you’re sure you don’t mind,” Emma said, the relieved look on her face speaking volumes. “No problem,” Tari answered. “Where are they, Cody?” “On the shelf, over my bed.” The bunkhouse was empty when Tari got there, except for Buck who lay sleeping, a small smile on his lips. She stood watching him for a few minutes before giving herself a mental shake and moving silently to Cody’s bunk. The shelf in question was crammed with so many books, Tari had no idea where to start. “He usually keeps the new ones on the right,” Buck said, causing her to jump. “I didn’t mean to wake you,” she apologized. “You didn’t,” he told her with a grin. “The house isn’t that far away. It’s going to be a long few weeks.” Rising, he came to stand beside her. “He was reading this one the last time I noticed,” he said reaching past her to pull a book from the shelf. “Which means these three are the new ones.” As their hands met, Tari felt a tingle run through her. Judging from the look on his face, Buck was feeling the same way. They stood for a few moments, neither wanting to break the contact. Finally, Tari pulled away reluctantly. “I should get these back to the house,” she said. “Teaspoon’s asked me to go look for Cody’s horse,” Buck told her as he walked back to his bunk and began to pull on his shirt. “Would you like to go along?” The words were said casually enough, but Tari couldn’t help but hope that there was more to them. “Sure,” she answered in what she hoped was the same casual tone. “When do you want to leave?” “I’ll have the horses saddled by the time you get back from the house,” he replied. “I could ask Emma for something for lunch,” she suggested. “Good idea,” he agreed. “If we end up being out for the night, I’m sure I can rustle something up.” “Cody says we should check out Green Canyon,” Tari said as they left the station. “Sarinth says his horse isn’t far from the cave.” “We’ll be gone overnight then,” Buck said. “Green Canyon is a good fifteen miles away.” They rode on in silence for a bit. “Do you always hear her?” Buck asked. “When she speaks to me,” Tari told him, knowing he was asking about Sarinth. “But she doesn’t always talk to you?” “It’s very rare, and then only when she is being stubborn,” Tari laughed. I am NOT stubborn! Sarinth’s words carried such an indignant tone that Buck had to join Tari in the laughter. “She’s always there, isn’t she?” he asked curiously. “Yes,” Tari replied. “She has been every since her hatching and our Impression.” Buck didn’t quite understand the terminology, but the blissful look on the girl’s face told him this “Impression” was a good thing. It’s a joy unlike any we can describe, Sarinth told him. “Why can I hear her? And Cody, too? Can anyone hear a dragon?” “A lot depends on the person,” Tari said. “Dragons can speak to anyone, but they don’t choose to speak to just anyone, and sometimes the person doesn’t listen.” “And only one had the kind of bond the two of you do,” Buck guessed. “Yes.” She gasped then as they topped a small hill, revealing a valley below with a good sized lake in the center. “I figured we could stop here for lunch,” Buck told her. “We’re in no hurry, are we?” “No hurry at all,” Tari agreed. After they had eaten, Buck leaned back against a tree and eyed her speculatively. She knew he was waiting for her to say something, but stalled by putting the remains of the food back in the basket. “That can wait,” he said finally. “Talk to me.” “I’m not even sure where to start, Buck,” Tari exclaimed. “I’m not sure what to say or how to say it so that you would understand, let alone believe me.” “I’m not stupid, Tari,” Buck said. “Oh, shards, I know that, Buck!” she cried. “It’s just that anything I tell you would be so far beyond anything you’ve ever experienced—“ “Try me,” he interrupted. She chewed her lower lip for a few seconds, then sighed. “All right, you asked for it,” she declared. “I am from your future.” Buck wasn’t sure what he had been expecting from Tari—but he knew it wasn’t the story she told him. She was from his future—not just from the future, but from another planet in the future. “Say something, please?” she pleaded after several long moments of silence. “I don’t know what to say,” he answered. “I shouldn’t believe what you’re saying, but you’re here and your flying dragon is here. You’ve already proven that you can tele—“ he paused to search for the right word. “Teleport,” she supplied. “Teleport from one place to another, so I guess one time to another isn’t a whole lot different.” “It isn’t in terms of what we do,” Tari agreed. “But the effects are very different.” “Is that why you were sick, when I first found you?” he asked curiously. “Because you had gone between times?” “I think so,” Tari said. “It was a very long time.” “How long?” he demanded. “A year on Pern is different from a year on Earth,” Tari explained. “But if the computers in the library are accurate, it’s almost three hundred and fifty years, give or take a decade.” “Give or take a decade,” he repeated absently. “Buck, I—“ “Wait,” he interrupted. “Please. This is a lot to take in right now. I don’t think I’m ready for any more just yet.” “Do you want me to go?” she whispered. “Yeah, that might be a good idea.” he agreed. “At least for a little while.” “Okay, I’ll be down by the lake.” He didn’t respond. As she walked away, she looked back to see him leaning against the tree. His eyes were closed, his head was bowed and his hands were clasped as if in prayer. “Three hundred fifty years give or take a decade.” The words rolled through his brain over and over, as the two parts of him—the skeptic and the believer—warred with each other. It isn’t possible!, the skeptic roared. Time travel—travel between planets—it just isn’t possible! Flying dragons weren’t possible either, the believer argued. Yet you flew on one—TWICE! It’s all a dream, the skeptic protested. I’m going to wake up and all of this will be a dream. Tari is no dream! What you feel when you look at her—when you touch her—is NOT a dream! Besides, if you were going to dream up a woman, would you dream up a woman who wore trousers and rode flying dragons? He had no argument for that. The skeptic surrendered. “I guess I may as well put the time to good use and wash out these filthy clothes,” Tari muttered to herself. She could hope that the activity would distract her from what was going on back in the clearing. She almost decided to call Sarinth and go home, but decided she couldn’t do that. She would wait to hear what Buck had to say. There would be plenty of time to run away. If anything, she had nothing but time. She reached for Sarinth in her mind, but the green was dozing comfortably. The dragon’s lack of concern about what was going on was oddly comforting. As she scrubbed her trousers, Tari thought back to what she had told Buck. She had been careful to tell him as little as possible that could lead to the paradox Thom had warned her about. He had understood that part at least—the part that knowing too much now could change his world and hers. He hadn’t asked any of the questions she had expected him to ask about his future. She had dreaded the idea of lying to him if he asked her what she knew about his life. Throwing her clothes over some bushes to dry, Tari sat on a boulder, staring into the water. Finally deciding brooding would do her little or no good, she stripped off her undergarments and dove into the cool, clear water. Buck paused when he found Tari’s clothes hanging on the bushes. He fingered the trousers to find them still wet, then heard the sound of someone splashing about in the water. He stood on the same boulder Tari had just vacated, watching as she dove deep into the clear blue water of the lake. She was under the water for an impossibly long time. Just as his concern had grown to worry and he was on the verge of diving in after her, she surfaced, gulping great deep breaths. Looking up, she realized he was watching but displayed none of the usual concern or embarrassment he was accustomed to seeing. “How’s the water?” he called. “It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed. “I wish Sarinth could enjoy this.” “She likes the water?” Buck asked in surprise. “She loves to take long baths,” Tari confirmed, swimming towards the boulder with long, sure strokes. “It’s too bad we’re too close to the other people.” I bathed last night, the dragon interjected sleepily. Now I sleep. Buck would have laughed then but he had just noticed the fact that Tari’s underclothes lay on the other side of the boulder. Trying hard not to stare blatantly, his eyes were drawn to her naked body. “Are you all right?” Tari asked quietly. “I will be,” he answered, forcing his eyes to meet hers. “Do you have more questions?” “Not right now,” he replied. “Maybe later, but not right now.” “So, why don’t you join me?” she asked changing the subject. “You don’t mind?” “Should I?” “Most women would,” he said. “Especially white women.” “Stupid women!” she declared. The pair spent most of the afternoon swimming and playing. They could almost forget the circumstances that brought them there—almost. Later, as they lay on the boulder, basking in the warmth of the sun, Buck began to chuckle. “What’s the matter?” Tari asked, turning on her side to look at the man. “I just can’t believe that I’m here right now—with you,” he answered. “Why not?” “It’s not what you think,” he said. “It’s not because of who you are or where you come from. What we are doing right now is just not something women do here, especially white women and especially with half-breeds like me.” Tari doubted she would ever understand the way Buck was feeling. She had noticed his look when he had realized she was naked and had been surprised by his embarrassment at the thought of stripping to join her. The men she was used to, especially the weyrbred and the older dragonriders, seldom showed any compunction in that respect, it was as much a part of life for them as wearing riding furs when they went between. She should have realized that things were different on Earth in this time, but her reading had led her to believe that the Native Americans had been less inhibited than their white counterparts. Once he had gotten past his initial embarrassment and had practically decided that it would take a long time for his underwear to dry if he wore them in the water, he had been able to relax. He had nothing to be embarrassed about—and she had told him so, smiling when he blushed at the compliment. “Even before I became a dragonrider, I wouldn’t have had a problem,” Tari explained. “The closest thing we have to racism or prejudice on Pern is the jealousy that exists between those who ride dragons and those who don’t.” “Why is that?” “Think about it. We are set apart simply because we cannot live as normal people. We have another life that is indelibly linked to ours. When a dragon dies,” she shuddered at the thought, “the human half of the team is just that, half a person. Something will always be missing.” “And if the human dies?” Buck asked, and immediately regretted the question. “The dragon goes between,” Tari answered simply. “And never comes back,” he said, understanding. “What about after?” “After?” “You said before you became a dragonrider. What about after?” “After there was even less of a reason,” she answered thoughtfully. “Why not?” “It has to do with the dragons,” Tari said. “The link between the dragon and the rider is very, very strong, even when, most especially when, the dragon rises in a mating flight.” “Oh,” he said, then repeated the word as the meaning of what she had just said sank in. “You mean—“ “When your dragon rises, she flies with as many of the males as possible trying to catch her. Only the strongest, fastest or most clever male succeeds. And when he does, his rider and the female’s rider are so caught up in the emotions of their dragons that they mate as well.” “Does this happen often?” Buck asked cautiously, surprised at her candor. She was definitely a unique individual. “More-so with greens than with the golden queens,” Tari said matter-of-factly. At his confused expression, she tried to explain. “There are five colors of dragons. The golden queens—there are very few of these because they are the only fertile females—the greens like Sarinth also female, and three colors that are male. The bronzes are the biggest, they are the only ones to fly the queens. Then come the browns and finally the much smaller blues.” “What about the greens like Sarinth?” Buck asked. “They aren’t as rare as the queens?” “Oh no, there are many more of them. But they are sterile by design.” “Huh?” “It’s difficult to explain in terms you would understand,” she said, smiling to take the sting out of the words. “Just believe that when the dragons were bred, the breeders specifically set about to make the greens sterile.” “All right, I’ll take you at your word,” he said, nodding. “Does love have anything to do with the mating process.” “Not really,” she said candidly. “I’ve been told that if a green or gold rider prefers a specific male rider, her dragon will often ‘arrange’ for the male’s dragon to be the one to mate with her, but I’ve never experienced that.” “And there is no problem with this on Pern?” he asked, knowing full well that a woman who allowed many men to take her would be considered a whore on Earth. “No,” she said simply. “We are brought up seeing the dragons mate all the time. It’s part of our moral structure. It’s considered compensation for the obligations we have to deal with.” “Obligations?” “That’s something I really can’t explain to you, Buck,” she said. “It’s one of the things that could potentially destroy my time if it were to be come known. In return for the joy of linking with the dragons, we are expected to fill a need in society.” “All right,” he said. “I won’t ask anything more.” “You can ask anything you want,” Tari told him. “Just know that there are some things I can’t tell you.” “You say the green dragons are sterile—are their riders?” “No more so than other women.” “Is the rider capable of mating without the dragon being flown?” Smiling at his brashness, Tari teased, “Would you like to find out?” As the day grew cool, Buck lay, one arm behind his head, reviewing the amazing things that had happened in the space of just twenty-four hours. If he woke to find that all of this was a dream, he decided, it would be a dream he never wanted to forget. He knew he would always remember the feeling of riding through the air on Sarinth’s back. Even the cold of between had been worth the feeling of power he had experienced in those all too brief moments aloft. He could only imagine how Tari must feel knowing she could be anywhere at anytime in little more than a blink of an eye. And then there was the girl herself. Her unbelievable story had to be believed—there was no other explanation. He would have loved to ask her more questions, but he knew she was right. Knowledge was a good thing, but knowledge of his future? Well, maybe he was better off not knowing. Still, it would have been nice to know if he would ever be truly happy. He seriously doubted if her history would include anything about him having a family. He had been shocked at her very forward proposal—and even more surprised to find she was totally serious. While hardly inexperienced himself, his Kiowa life had seen to that, he could not remember ever having such a willing and eager partner. When Sarinth had added her mind to the mix—well, he doubted he would ever know that depth of sensation again. The girl had made him no promises, and, in truth, there had been an urgency in their love making that had told him she knew she wouldn’t be staying. Involuntarily, his free arm tightened around her sleeping form. He felt her move against his chest and looked down to find her eyes open. “Why did you come?” he asked quietly. She hesitated, trying to decide what to say. How could she begin to explain to the man that she was hoping to find out he was her ancestor? “Curiosity, I guess,” she said finally. “Before Sarinth, I was a runner—I delivered messages all over Pern. I read that our service was based on the Pony Express and decided to find out for myself.” “When you woke up the first time after I found you, you told me I looked better than my picture,” he told her. “The books I was studying had pictures of the station and you—all of you,” Tari explained. “That’s how I was able to come to this particular time.” “I don’t understand.” “For a dragon to fly between places, she has to have a mental image of her destination.” “And you got that image from the pictures?” “With a little modification,” she confirmed, moving her head so she could see him better. “If I had visualized the exact image, we would have appeared right behind the photographer right as the picture was being taken. “Now THAT would have started some real trouble,” he chuckled. “No doubt!” Later, Buck was able to snare a couple of rabbits and, after skinning them neatly, had put them across a fire to cook. Tari was fascinated by the preparations. “This is so soft,” she murmured, fingering the rabbit skins gently. “No rabbits on Pern?” Buck asked. “Considering how Emma complains when they get into her garden, you may be the lucky ones,” he said when she shook her head. “The Kiowa use the hides to make moccasins and belt pouches,” he offered as she continued to rub her hand over the hide. “Tell me about the Kiowa,” she told him. “What do you want to know?” “What was it like with them? Why did you leave?” Buck turned the rabbits on their spits as he talked. He found himself telling her about his childhood with his mother’s people. He told her about his mother and his half-brother, Red Bear. To his surprise he was even able to talk about his feelings growing up as an outsider no matter where he went. “I decided that until I knew my other side, I could never truly belong to either one,” he finished. “So I left. I started off at the mission school—that’s where I met Ike. After we finished school, we traveled around for a while and then ended up in Sweetwater and became a part of the Express.” He pulled their dinner out of the fire. “Be careful, it’s hot,” he cautioned as he handed her one of the skewered rabbits. “This is delicious!” she exclaimed. “You’re a great cook!” “Everything tastes better out in the wild,” he agreed. “I wish this could go on forever,” Tari murmured. The pair had returned to the boulder by the lake to watch the sun set over the lake. “But it can’t,” Buck finished. The girl shook her head sadly. “Every moment I stay here, I risk making that one mistake that could change everything.” She paused for a moment as the sun slipped below the horizon. “Besides, Sarinth needs her own kind.”” “I understand,” Buck said. “I don’t have to like it, but I understand. When will you leave?” “Let’s not talk about that now,” Tari said. “We have time.” “All right,” Buck agreed readily as he rose to his feet. Reaching down, he took her hand and pulled her up and close. “Can we go for a ride?” he asked impulsively. “I’d like to know what it’s like to fly on a dragon without going between. I come, Sarinth said in response to Tari’s request. Buck had to believe that soaring high above the ground, swooping soundlessly through the night sky had to be just about the best ending to an already wonderful day. Leaning forward to get close to Tari’s ear, he shouted to be heard over the roar of the wind. “I wish we could do this in daylight. It would be nice to see what we’re flying over.” He watched as she chewed her lower lip—a sign he was coming to recognize as an indication that she as thinking furiously. She leaned back into him. “Do you know of a place here there’s not likely to be any people?” she called. He remembered a time when he had gone to a place with Red Bear and his father. It had been a sacred place to the Kiowa, who only went there during the spring months. Miles from the nearest town or village, he decided it would be the perfect spot. “There’s a place I saw once as a child,” he told her. “It can’t be when you were there,” she told him. “Can you visualize it at another time?” He nodded seeing the canyon’s rim covered in snow. I have it, Sarinth told them. “Hold on,” Tari called as they winked out. The canyon reminded Tari of part of Pern known as High Reaches. Deep crevices balanced out with craggy peaks. Towers of rock rose majestically from the valley floor. Snow flew in all directions as Sarinth back-winged to land neatly on a rocky ledge. “Good thing I’m not afraid of heights,” Buck commented as he slid from the dragon’s neck to stand beside Tari. A dozen steps in any direction led to a sheer drop-off of several hundred feet. “Would you like to ride alone for a bit?” Tari asked, watching his expressive face light up at the thought. “Will she let me?” he asked. “Ask her yourself,” Tari told him. “It’s a lot like riding a horse,” she told him a few minutes later as she helped him get settled in the rider’s position. “Use your knees and your mind to let her know where you want to go.” “Never had safety straps on a horse,” Buck quipped. “You never had to worry about falling this far from your horse!” she teased. She stood back to watch as Sarinth walked to the edge of the cliff and fell from view. Listening she could hear Buck’s shriek turn to a whoop as the dragon’s wings spread and the pair soared skyward again. Laughing, Tari watched as her dragon took the man on the ride of his life. She could hear his shout across the valley as Sarinth made a wingtip turn, to sweep back across the face of the cliff. Tari was probably as surprised as Buck, when Sarinth winked from one side of the canyon to the other. He wondered if it was possible, the green rumbled, immensely pleased with herself. The pair flew the length of the canyon twice more before Sarinth winged her way back to where Tari waited. The dragon’s eyes whirled a happy green, as Buck slid from her back, his thanks spilling from him both verbally and mentally. ”Riding a horse will never be the same!” Buck declared as Sarinth landed easily back at the lake. “Oh, oh,” Tari said. ”Cody’s HORSE!” the both exclaimed, then bit back laughter. “Well, I guess that critter was just getting too good at hiding from us,” Buck said, attempting to be serious—and failing miserably. “We’ll just have to try harder tomorrow. “Are you always this prepared?” Tari asked the next morning. “If you call hardtack, jerky and lousy coffee ‘prepared’, then I guess I am,” Buck answered with a grin. “I guess we have a different definition of ‘lousy’ then,” she argued. “Because I think this is delicious. Then again, it may be because it’s all so new to me.” “I’m sure that’s true,” Buck agreed. “Most things are better the first time.” “Well, that doesn’t explain last night,” the girl teased, laughing as he flushed red. “You blush so prettily.” “Are all the women on Pern like you?” he asked, changing the subject. “Like me, how?” “Are they all so forward and open about things?” “Not all,” she admitted. “Dragonriders tend to be. When you risk your lives on a daily basis, you really don’t want to waste time playing games.” He slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him. “I wish you didn’t have to go back to that.” “I have no choice,” she said, leaning into his embrace. “People are depending on me. And Sarinth—“ “Needs other dragons,” he finished. He pulled away then and began to pack up. Tari joined him to roll up their blankets and tie them behind their saddles. Buck poured the remains of the coffee over the fire making sure it was completely doused. “We should be able to make it to Green Canyon by noon,” he said as he swung up into the saddle. The pair rode in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Tari marveled at the lush green of Earth. She knew from her reading that, in less than two hundred years, the population of this world would make vast expanses such as this all but impossible. She was amazed at how much the Earth of this time resembled Pern and briefly experienced a moment of homesickness. I miss my weyr, Sarinth’s voice echoed in her mind. This planet is nice, but it is not Pern. The silence gave Buck time to once again consider all Tari had told him. Her world seemed almost perfect—except for whatever it was that the girl refused to talk about. He had to admit, being in a place where the color of his skin meant nothing had more than a little appeal. Briefly he wondered what Tari would say if he asked her to take him with her when she left. He wishes to go to Pern, Sarinth told Tari privately. Sarinth! the girl reprimanded. You shouldn’t be listening! It’s very difficult not to, the dragon replied, unrepentant. His thoughts are very strong. Tari’s anger faded as she considered the information she had been given. There was no possibility that Buck could go with her—not without causing the ultimate paradox. She was going to have to come up with a good reason without telling him too much. It wasn’t going to be easy to be convincing, she knew. Especially since, the longer she was with him, the more she wanted to be with him. The more she thought about it, the more she wished she had never come. True to Buck’s prediction, the couple arrived at Green Canyon just before noon. They found Cody’s horse right where a smug Sarinth said he would be. Tari watched, fascinated, as Buck fashioned a net like basket from branches he had cut from a small tree. “What’s that for?” she asked curiously. “Watch” he replied, pulling off his boots and socks. Moving slowly, barely creating a ripple, Buck waded into the creek that ran through the canyon. When he reached the shade of a massive oak tree, he gently lowered the basket into the water. As Tari watched from the bank, the man stood unmoving for several minutes. Finally, grinning with satisfaction, he raised the basket again. To Tari’s amazement, there were two large fish in the contraption. “Lunch,” Buck told her as he waded back to where she waited. “If we start back now,” Buck told her as they broke camp, “We should be able to get back to the lake by nightfall. We’ll camp there and go back to the station tomorrow.” “All right,” Tari agreed, not at all disappointed at the idea of spending another night on the trail with him. “Sarinth will need to eat tonight.” “How often does she feed?” Buck asked. “Every three to four days,” Tari answered. “Depending on how much she eats and what she does between feeding.” “She’s the one who ate Tyson’s cows, isn’t she?” “She didn’t know she shouldn’t,” Tari answered defensively. “I wasn’t able to tell her.” I ate very little, Sarinth added meekly. I was very hungry. “It’s all right,” Buck told them both. “Old Tyson won’t miss them.” I tried to choose from a large hold, the dragon added. “Hold?” Buck questioned. “The Pern equivalent of a farm or a ranch,” Tari explained. “Interesting term.” “When the settlers came to Pern, they agreed to a charter that allowed each person all the land they could profitably maintain,” Tari told him. “As much as they could hold.” “They do something like that here, too,” Buck said, a trace of bitterness in his voice. “Hopefully on Pern there aren’t any native people.” “Oh no!” Tari replied vehemently. “If there were, the ships would never have been allowed to go there.” Noting his skeptical look, she added, “We did learn something from our mistakes on Earth and elsewhere after three hundred and fifty years.” “Give or take a decade,” Buck added with a smile. That evening, Buck watched in awe as the green dragon neatly snatched her third buffalo from a sizable herd without so much as spooking the rest. “That is unbelievable,” he murmured as Sarinth lifted the mighty beast easily, then flew a short distance away where she neatly ate all but the hide and bones. “She’s always been a bit finicky,” Tari said with a smile. Any other dragon would have probably ended up scattering the entire herd to the four corners of the earth. There is no need to frighten them, Sarinth said, looking up from her kill, her mouth dripping blood. It just makes it harder to catch the next one. “She has a point,” Buck laughed. He watched as the dragon waddled to the creek and fastidiously began to wash her face and front claws. “Would she bring one of the buffalo to you if you asked?” Would you like one? Sarinth asked. “No,” Buck said quickly. “I was just curious. When I think of all the times my family and I went hungry—“ “What are you going to tell Cody?” Buck asked. He and Tari were sitting side-by-side, leaning back against the now sleeping Sarinth, watching the sunset for the second time that day. “I hadn’t really given it much thought,” Tari replied. “You don’t think he’ll take it as well as you did?” “I can almost guarantee you the first words out of his mouth will be, ‘Am I famous?’,” Buck said with a laugh. Tari chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. “Buffalo Bill” Cody did, in fact, become very famous, as did “Wild Bill” Hickok. Of all the riders of the Sweetwater station, they had been the easiest to trace. Her requests on the others had not been processed before she left. “You’re not going to be able to tell him, are you?” Buck asked quietly. She shook her head. “And you don’t want to lie to him either.” “No, I don’t.” “Then tell him that,” he told her. “Cody may act stupid but he’s not. Just tell him what you told me. Anything you say could change what happens, so you’re not going to say anything.” “You think that’ll work?” she asked. “It’ll have to,” he answered firmly. “If all else fails, tell him he’s going to marry a tall red-headed woman and have a dozen kids.” She looked at him curiously. “That’s what a fortune teller told him a few years back,” Buck explained. “He’s always swearing the woman had second sight and all he had to do was wait.” Buck woke the next morning to the smell of coffee. At first he thought Tari had gotten up but then realized she was still snuggled next to him under the blanket. Carefully, so as not to draw attention to himself, the Kiowa moved his hand towards where his holster had been the night before—only to find it missing. “It’s over here.” Jimmy Hickok’s voice sounded almost pleasantly. Buck felt Tari move against him and knew she was awake. Pushing himself to a sitting position, he took care to keep the girl covered with the blanket. “What’re you doing here, Hickok?” he growled, not sure who he was angrier with, himself or the man who sat across the fire from him. He’d been tired after two nights with little sleep but that was no excuse for allowing someone to get this close to them unnoticed—especially someone like Hickok. “I could ask you the same thing,” Hickok replied lightly. His face and tone became more serious as he added, “Teaspoon’s worried about you. He didn’t figure it’d take this long to find a horse.” “Well, it did,” Buck snapped. “I’ll bet,” the other rider snorted. Buck tensed, but before he could respond, Tari spoke. “If you two are going to start arguing, I’m going for a swim.” Totally unconcerned, she slipped out from under the blanket and rose to her feet. Ignoring Hickok’s stunned look, she turned to Buck. “You going to join me?” she asked. “Maybe later,” he said, not taking his eyes off Hickok. “All right.” Tari leaned down to give him a quick kiss. “Don’t fight,” she whispered. “Please?” Then, gathering her clothes, she walked barefoot towards the lake. “Close your mouth, Hickok,” Buck ordered, reaching for his pants. Jimmy wasn’t listening. He was too busy watching as the naked woman dropped her clothes on a rock near the lake, then turned to dive smoothly into the water. “What the hell is going on, Buck?” he demanded, turning to face the other man. “Nothing that’s any of your business,” Buck responded, pulling on his socks. “Ain’t none of Teaspoon’s concern either.” “You don’t know anything about her!” Hickok protested. “I’ve been asking around. Nobody’s heard of a wagon train that lost a woman and nobody’s seen a woman dressed like her traveling alone.” “I know all I kneed to know about Tari!” Buck said angrily. “You just keep your nose in your own business and stay out of mine!” The Kiowa pulled on his boots, then stood and walked to where Hickok had laid his gun and knife. “Buck—“ Jimmy started. “Hickok, I do not want to hear it!” Buck said quietly. “You’re welcome to stay for breakfast—as long as you keep your mouth shut about Tari. If you can’t, you may as well head back to Sweetwater and tell Teaspoon we’ll be there later today.” The trio rode into the station yard just after noon. At first Tari had attempted to keep conversation going but gave up after listening to Buck and Jimmy grunt surly answers to her questions. This is all because of me! she thought sadly to Sarinth. Not really, the dragon comforted. He is angry with himself for allowing the other one to get too close to you while you slept. He is also angry that the older one and this one are trying to tell him what to do. But Jimmy couldn’t have done what he did if Buck hadn’t been so tired, Tari protested. And neither Jimmy nor Teaspoon would be upset if not for me. Nothing can be changed now, Sarinth said practically. He is as He is—and He is happy with you. “’bout time you got back!” Cody called from his seat on the porch. “I was beginning to think you two ran off with my horse.” “Horse must be smarter’n you, Cody,” Hickok laughed. “At least Buck was able to find you!” “I’ll bet the horse wasn’t hollering for help,” Cody joked back. “Glad you’re back, Buck,” Teaspoon said, coming out onto the porch. “We’ve got a problem.” “What kind of problem?” Buck asked sharply. “Sam was out earlier,” the station manager replied, eyes narrowing at Buck’s tone. “Army needs some help tracking a band of renegade Paiute.” “I sure hope Buck can find them easier than he did Cody’s horse,” Jimmy chided. His smile faded as Buck glared at him. “Sam says he’s going to be riding out this afternoon,” Teaspoon continued. “Said for you to meet him at Stone Bluff if you got back in time.” “I’ll get a fresh horse,” Buck said moving towards the barn. Jimmy offered to take care of Tari’s horse but she declined. “I can do it,” she told the rider. As she walked to the barn, she heard a bewildered Cody ask, “What’s going on?” Tari said nothing as she unsaddled the horse and began to rub her down with a cloth that Buck threw to her. “I’m more mad at myself than anything,” Buck said quietly after a few minutes. “Why?” “Hickok should never have gotten that close!” Buck replied bitterly. “If he had been Paiute, we’d’ve been dead.” “But we’re not!” Tari protested. “We were lucky!” I would have warned you, Sarinth interjected. Buck’s angry look was replaced with one of surprise. “Forgot about her, didn’t you?” Tari grinned. “Promise me one thing?” Buck said, slipping his arms around her. “If I can.” “You won’t leave before I get back.” “I promise.” “No matter what Hickok or Teaspoon or anyone says?” “No matter what anyone says,” Tari vowed. “You just promise me that you’ll stay safe!” “I’ll do my best,” he agreed. Tilting her head back, he kissed her hard, then pulled away to finish saddling his horse. If dinner that evening was any indication of how the next few days were going to go—well, Tari wasn’t sure she would be able to stand it. Between Jimmy’s occasional snide remarks and even more frequent looks that told Tari he was remembering her nude, Teaspoon’s undisguised disapproval and Cody’s all too obvious attempts to hide what he knew, the girl couldn’t remember a time when she had been more uncomfortable. “I really think I should move into town,” she told Emma as she helped the older woman clean up. “What about Buck?” Emma asked. “I promised him, I’d stay until he got back,” Tari admitted. “But I could stay in town just as easily.” “You have any money?” “Well, no . . . but—“ “No ‘buts’ about it then,” Emma said firmly. “You’ll stay here.” When Tari started to protest, the woman interrupted again. “This is my house, Tari. I’m the one who says who stays and who goes. I’ll talk to Jimmy and Mr. Spoon. They’ll leave you alone.” Tari only hoped she was right. “You’re from the future?” Cody was probably even more stunned than Buck had been. “You’re from the future!” “Yes, I’m from the future” Tari repeated quietly. They had waited until Emma had gone to town and Teaspoon and Jimmy were down in the bunkhouse before Tari had decided to tell Cody her story. “But how?” the rider gasped. “You aren’t joshin’ me are you?” “I’m not, Cody,” Tari confirmed. “I can’t really explain how because I don’t really understand it myself. You remember how we went between to get back to the station the night we found you?” “How could I forget? I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold before.” “Well, dragons don’t only go between places, they can go between times,” Tari explained. “I wanted to come here, Sarinth was able to bring me.” Cody sat, silently pondering the information for a few minutes. Finally he nodded. “I know you can do the one so I guess I’ll believe you can do the other too. But I’ve got a question for you.” “All right,” Tari said hesitantly. “I’ll answer it if I can.” At his questioning look, she added, “There are some things I can’t tell you, Cody. What I am, where I come from, is what it is because of my past—your future. If I tell you something that causes you to do something you wouldn’t have done, didn’t do in my past, then it could change things and I don’t know what kind of an affect it will have, but it won’t be a good one. Does that make any sense?” “Not really,” Cody admitted. “I guess I don’t see how anything you do can change what has already happened in your past, but I guess I’ll have to accept your word for it.” “Do you still have a question?” Tari asked. Cody paused again. She could tell he really wanted to ask the question, but was worried because of what she had told him. Finally he looked up and smiled. “Can I still go for a ride?” Tari laughed in relief. “Of course you can,” she confirmed. “Just as soon as you are able.” A couple of days later, Tari realized she had a problem. Emma had been true to her word and had spoken to Teaspoon and Jimmy. Neither had asked any questions nor had they made any further remarks. But, to Tari’s dismay, she realized she was being watched. She hadn’t seen them talking to each other, nor did any of the others seem to be treating her differently but it was obvious that Jimmy and Teaspoon had decided to keep an eye on her. If she went to the corral to watch Ike work with some newly purchased horses, Jimmy would just happen to stroll by. If she was helping Emma with the laundry or in her garden, Teaspoon was inevitably on the porch, hat tipped over his eyes, but according to Sarinth, very much alert. Tari couldn’t say anything to Emma without the other woman asking why it mattered. The problem arose from the fact that Sarinth was going to need to be fed again—and soon. I can go on my own, the dragon suggested. I know where to find the buffalo creatures now. You wouldn’t mind? Tari asked. Not if it means less trouble, Sarinth told her. The old one and the other are already showing concern about you. All right, Tari agreed reluctantly. I don’t have to tell you to be very, very careful. I will. The next evening, Tari stood at the corral fence, resting her arms on the top rail. Linked to Sarinth as the dragon flew after the buffalo, she didn’t hear Ike as he approached. I’m sorry, Ike signed as she jumped at his touch. “It’s all right, Ike,” Tari said, smiling. “I was just thinking.” About Buck? “Among other things,” Tari admitted. “I just hope he’s all right.” He is. Ike’s sign was almost as emphatic as Sarinth’s thought. He should be back soon. They stood in amicable silence for a bit, watching one of the new horses gallop wildly around the corral. You’re not going to stay, are you? Ike asked. “I can’t,” Tari responded honestly. “I have obligations elsewhere.” Obligations more important than Buck? “Yes.” Does he know? “I’ve never lied to him, Ike,” Tari said firmly. “He knew from the beginning that I wouldn’t be here forever.” He’ll want to go with you, Ike declared. “I know, but he can’t.” He’ll be hurt. “No more than I will,” Tari whispered. “But he’ll have his friends to help him through it. He’ll have you and the others.” What about you? Will you have friends? Feeling Sarinth in her mind, Tari replied, “Yes.” Ike nodded, then turned to leave her alone. Buck returned late the following evening, tired, dirty and not very happy about what he had just had to do. “Renegade Paiutes!” he snorted. “They were a bunch of scared, half-starved kids. They only had one rifle, a couple of pistols and maybe a handful of bullets between them.” “What’s going to happen to them?” Tari asked. “The army took them,” Buck replied bitterly. “If they’re lucky they’ll end up on a reservation somewhere.” “I’m sorry you had to do that,” the girl whispered. “It’s not your fault,” Buck told her. “And it’s not the first time or the last.” She started to slip her arms around him, wishing there was some way she could help him with the pain he was obviously feeling. “I’m filthy,” he said, stepping away from her. “Let me take a shower first.” “You need some help?” she asked coyly. “Gotta minute, Buck?” Buck had been heading for the barn when Teaspoon called out to him. Judging from the look on the older man’s face, the Kiowa wasn’t going to be happy with what he was about to hear. Turning back, he met the man halfway across the yard. “Let’s walk,” Teaspoon suggested. They walked in silence for several minutes before Teaspoon finally coughed and said, “It’s about Tari.” “What about Tari?” Buck asked, immediately defensive. “No don’t go getting your back up, Buck,” the older man replied. “I just think maybe you need to think about how you two are looking to other people, that’s all.” “And just how are we looking to ‘other people’, Teaspoon?” Buck demanded stiffly. “Look, Buck, Jimmy told me about how he found you two out by the lake,” Teaspoon said, not realizing that he was saying the worst possible thing he could say at the moment. “And then there’s last night.” It had been hard for him to miss what was going on out at the makeshift shower under the water tower. The laughing and occasional squeals had been pretty loud—especially when the window to his bedroom was on that side of the house. “You were watching?” Buck asked incredulously. “No, I wasn’t watching,” Teaspoon replied firmly. “But I didn’t have to be watching to know what was going on.” “Look, Teaspoon,” Buck all but growled. “I told Hickok and I’ll tell you. What’s going on between Tari and me is nobody’s business but ours.” “I ain’t saying it is, Buck,” Teaspoon protested. “Then what are you saying?” “I’m just saying that there’s some folks who wouldn’t think the same as the boys and Emma and me. There’s some folks that might have a problem with the two of you acting that way in public.” Buck looked at Teaspoon hard, trying to discern if there were hidden meanings in his words. Finally he sighed and said, “It doesn’t really matter anyway.” “Why not?” Teaspoon asked curiously. “She’s not staying much longer,” Buck told him. “She made a promise to Cody and once she’s kept that promise, she’ll be leaving.” Teaspoon took a few minutes to digest these words before asking, “You going with her?” “No,” the rider replied softly. “But not because I don’t want to.” Teaspoon raised an eyebrow questioningly, but Buck said nothing more. Instead the rider turned and walked off in the direction of the barn. This time the older man let him go, knowing there was nothing more to be said. “Maybe Doc should have a look at you too, Tari,” Emma suggested the morning of the day that everyone hoped would be Cody’s last as an invalid. “You’ve been looking a little peaked lately.” “It’s nothing, Emma,” Tari protested. “I’m just off my feed a bit that’s all.” Emma considered the younger woman thoughtfully. She had been sick that morning, for the second day in a row. They were interrupted as Cody clomped into the kitchen on his crutches. “How soon is the doc supposed to be here?” the man asked irritably. “He said he’d be here before lunch, Cody,” Emma replied patiently. “He’ll be here as soon as he can.” “Can’t be soon enough,” Cody groused. “I can’t wait to get this thing off!” “You know, even after you get the splint off, you’re still going to have to take it easy, Cody,” Lou remarked, earning a glare. “I know, I know,” Cody replied. “But once I get the danged splint off, I can at least—“ He cut himself off sharply as he realized he was about to say, “ride Sarinth.” “Get around a little easier!” he finished as an alternative. “And start doing things for yourself,” Lou muttered under her breath. The doctor couldn’t get there soon enough for any of them. “Why don’t we go out and wait on the porch, Cody?” Tari suggested. “Sure,” the rider replied brightly. Once outside Tari helped him get comfortable on the bench, then leaned back to soak in the sun. “Are you all right?” Cody asked, concerned. “Emma’s right, you don’t look so good.” “I’m fine,” Tari replied. “I think I just ate something that didn’t agree with me. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Lou.” “Good idea,” Cody agreed. “She gets a bit touchy when people make remarks about her cooking.” He hesitated, looking around to make sure no one was near enough to overhear, then asked eagerly, “When can I go for a ride?” “You will probably need a few days to get used to not having the splint on,” Tari told him. “That’s only if I want to walk without the crutches,” Cody protested. “I shouldn’t have any problem riding!” “Let’s just wait and see what the doctor says,” Tari suggested. “I don’t want you to hurt the leg again because we let you do something too soon.” “But if he says I can get up and around, then we can go?” the rider persisted. “If the doctor says it’s all right,” Tari agreed wearily. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and tried to ignore the butterfly feeling in her stomach. She had told Buck that as soon as Cody got his ride, she was going to have to leave. Sarinth was coming into her cycle and they would have to be home before she could rise to mate. Tari had no idea what would happen if they didn’t get back to Pern—and other dragons—before that time and she really didn’t want to find out. “Tomorrow night then?” Buck asked quietly. He and Tari were back at the lake, sitting on the boulder watching the sunset. “Yes,” Tari said in the same tone. “I don’t think we could make Cody wait any longer.” “How soon will you leave?” Tari sighed. “I suppose right away,” she answered sadly. “Sarinth is getting too close to rising. I can’t take any more chances. I don’t know what would happen if there were no other dragons around for her to mate with.” Buck waited a bit before saying what he’d been thinking. “I could go with you.” “You can’t, Buck,” she told him. “Why not?” he asked angrily. “I’ve got no one here—at least no one who’ll have a problem with me leaving.” “That’s not true and you know it!” Tari countered. “You’ve a lot of good friends who will miss you.” “Not as much as I’m going to miss you!” he stated stubbornly. “It just has to be this way, Buck,” she said. “You’re needed here.” “Why?” he asked. “Just tell me why I can’t go with you!” “Because I might not be born if you don’t!” Tari cried. “Wha . . . What are you talking about?” Tari reached into her pouch and removed a single photo. Turning it to face him, she watched as his eyes focused and his face grew pale. “Who . . . Who is that?” he said, pointing at the man in the photo. “He’s my brother, Thom,” Tari explained. “He’s on Pern right now waiting for me. He’s the reason I’m here—or more importantly his resemblance to you.” “So you’re telling me . . .” “I’m telling you that you are most likely one of my ancestors,” she confirmed. “But you . . . I . . . we . . .” “It’s all right Buck,” Tari comforted. “Three-hundred and fifty years is a long time. There’s no danger.” “You knew?” Buck asked incredulously. “Not really,” she admitted. “I’m still not sure. There’s no way to tell here without tests that aren’t possible in your time.” “It’s pretty hard to deny that there is a resemblance here,” he countered. “I know,” she answered. “But there is always a possibility that the resemblance is simply a matter of a combination of genes that just happened to produce someone who looks like you.” “I don’t understand any of that. I do understand that he looks like me and you—you look like my mother.” “What?” It was Tari’s turn to be surprised. “From the minute I found you, I’ve been trying to figure out who you reminded me of,” he told her. “I couldn’t put a finger on it.” “But now you do?” “You look like my mother—you have her features, her nose and her eyes, your skin is lighter but . . .” He paused to reach out and touch her hair. “If your hair were longer it would be straight and thick like hers.” Tari nodded. Before she’d had it cut, before becoming a dragonrider, her hair had been long, very thick and as black as Buck’s. “No matter what,” Buck said, suddenly angry again. “How could you have let what happened between us happen? Or is inbreeding so common on Pern that it doesn’t matter.” Tari winced as if he had hit her. Then her anger flared to match his own. “Even if you are related to me—even if you are my direct ancestor, there are at least twelve generations between yours and mine. We understand inbreeding far better than this world has ever understood. If I had had any concerns at all, it would have never happened. And right now I’m beginning to wish it never had!” Before he could stop her, she was on her feet and running for her horse. Vaulting effortlessly into the saddle, she was off at a dead run before he even reached where his own horse was tied. Her horse was fast, but his was faster and he had the advantage of knowing the terrain. He caught her at the edge of the stream that fed the lake. Leaping from his saddle Buck grabbed Tari around the waist and they tumbled to the ground. Tari surprised him by fighting back with skill and a strength born of fury. She almost got away from him again as she managed to get a boot into his stomach and flipped him over her head. She expected him to let go but he surprised her by holding on. In a maneuver even she couldn’t have predicted, he rolled back the way he had come and landed squarely on top of her. Straddling her waist and holding her wrists to the ground he struggled to get his air back. “STOP IT!” he ordered sharply. Her own breath was coming in great gasps as Tari lay still, trying to recover enough strength to throw Buck off her. She tensed, preparing for another round, but was completely surprised when he suddenly released her and rose to his feet. Backing away until he was safely out of reach of her very effective feet, Buck gasped, “I don’t want to fight with you. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean what I said.” Tari lay where he had left her, fighting to get her breath under control. She watched him warily as he crossed his legs and dropped slowly to a seated position in front of her. “You have to admit, meeting your great-great-great-great-great-times whatever granddaughter would be a shock to just about anyone” he said matter-of-factly. Remembering her own shock, even knowing what she had known, she could only nod. “There’s no real proof you know?” she asked softly. “I don’t know that we would be able to prove it even with the technology that we have on Pern.” “All right,” Buck replied. “Let’s just say we are related. I’m still not sure how my going with you would prevent you from being born.” “Do you have any children?” Tari asked. “None that I know abou—“ Buck hesitated as he realized what she was saying. “Oh.” “You have to stay here, Buck,” she repeated emphatically. “You’re needed here.” “You mean I can really ride her all by myself?” Cody sounded like a little boy who had just been given the keys to a candy shop. At Buck’s suggestion, they had flown to another canyon a few miles from the one where he had taken Tari for his ride. Even though he doubted Cody would be able to find the place that was sacred to his Kiowa people, he didn’t want to take any chances. “Cody won’t know the difference,” he whispered to Tari as they helped the rider aboard the dragon late the next evening. “She says it’s all right,” Tari agreed. “As long as you are very careful. I doubt we’d be able to explain another broken leg to Teaspoon and Emma.” “Don’t you worry about me!” the rider said cockily. “I’m not going to fall off.” “I know,” Tari laughed as she fastened the safety straps around his waist. “I wore them, too” Buck added as his friend looked at the straps with a wounded expression on his face. Cody shrugged, then asked, “Now what?” “Tell her what you want her to do,” Tari instructed. “With your mind as well as your voice.” She laughed again as Cody’s face became a picture of intense concentration—and could hear Sarinth’s rumble at the same time. Buck burst into a laugh as Sarinth dropped from the ledge. “Did I sound like that?” he asked. “You were even louder,” Tari teased. Tari and Buck sat together on the ledge watching Cody as he flew from one end of the canyon to the other. The rider wasn’t quite so daring as Buck had been—he didn’t try to fly between on his own, but it was a long time before he finally directed the dragon back to where his friends waited patiently. “This is unbelievable!” he shouted as Sarinth hovered near the ledge. “Do you want to stop?” Tari called back. “Not unless I have to!” Cody answered. “Go ahead, fly some more,” Buck yelled over the sound of the dragon’s wings. “We’ll be here.” I will take him to the other side of the canyon if you wish, Sarinth added. Just let him have fun, Tari said. But be careful that he doesn’t get hurt. “I wish there were some way you could stay,” Buck told her. They had moved to a more comfortable place at the base of some rocks. “Me, too,” Tari said sadly. “But look at Sarinth. Do you notice anything different about her today?” “She looks brighter,” Buck mused after a few minutes of watching. “Greener somehow.” “That’s because she’s very close to rising,” Tari explained. “She’ll be even brighter when she’s in her flight.” They sat watching as Cody flew until he was finally too tired to fly anymore. Sarinth flew to land gracefully on the ledge and, after unbuckling the safety straps, the rider slid carefully to the ground. He staggered briefly until Buck handed him his crutches. “I can’t believe it,” he sighed. “Did you see me? I was flying like a bird.” Actually, I was flying, you were riding, Sarinth reminded him. “I know, Sarinth,” Cody laughed. “And I appreciate your taking me along.” You are most welcome, William F. Cody. “She said my name!” Cody crowed excitedly. “Did you hear her? She said MY name!” The trio remounted the dragon and she returned them to the lake where they had left their horses. Except for the short time when they were between, Cody regaled them with story after story, as if neither of his companions had ever ridden dragonback before. “What’s wrong?” Cody asked. They had landed at the lake and Buck had helped him to the ground, then into the wagon they had used to get him to there. Tari, however, had remained on Sarinth’s neck. “I’m not going back, Cody,” Tari told him. “Why not?” “I have to go back to Pern,” the girl said softly. “I only stayed as long as I did because I promised you I’d give you a ride on Sarinth.” “Do you have to leave?” Cody protested. “She has to leave, Cody,” Buck answered before Tari could. “She’s needed there.” Stepping up to the dragon for the last time, Buck reached up to take Tari’s hand. “Thank you,” he whispered. “And thank you, too, Sarinth.” Tari reached into her pouch and pulled out the tiny photo she had shown him earlier. “Something to remember me by,” she told him, slipping it into his hand. “Somehow I doubt I’m going to forget you anytime soon,” he answered with a wry laugh. “Nor I, you,” she vowed. “Goodbye, Grampa,” she added, smiling, as he backed away and Sarinth leaped skyward once again. “What did she call you?” Cody asked as Buck returned to the wagon. “Nothing,” Buck told him turning to wave at the girl one last time. “Nothing at all.” As the two men watched, Tari turned to return their wave before the pair winked out of sight. 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