"I'll have to introduce you to her, later perhaps.  What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Phaedra asked.

"I was going to meet up with my father, but I don't think that's until maybe
dinner," Argent replied.

"Good then," Phaedra nodded.  "Why don't you join for me a walk around the warren?  I'll introduce you to some other dragonriders, and even though you may halfway know your way around Geode, let me give you a small tour." They
turned and made their way to the natural cave complex. 

*************

The new rider's jaw dropped as she looked towards the ceiling. "I don't 
believe it."

Phaedra smiled. "It's true. They're all amethysts. The Masterminer almost 
had a heart attack when he saw this hall, and another when I wouldn't let
him mine here. It makes a perfect hatching chamber."

"Why is it so hot?" Argent still couldn't tear her eyes off the walls, lined
with precious gems. Her skin looked ruddy in the strong violet-tinged
light. The hall itself was huge, stretching away in all directions. A rough 
sphere, the twinkle of gems belied its immense size.

"I'm told that the amethysts reflect the heat from the sands. Geothermal heat
runs close to the floor here, eventually goes to Boiling Lake. Someday, it
will work its way through into this hall and it will be useless to us."

***************************

"This is H'nin, the Alpha Wingleader.  Our Beta Wingleader is not here right
now, but I will arrange a meeting later. H'nin, meet Argent, rider of Silver."

H'nin bowed low. "Silver? Then I take it, we have another queen rider.
Pleased to meet you, milady," he said, brushing her knuckles with his 
lips.

"And you too, H'nin," Argent replied. 

"Where is Cygnus?" Phaedra interrupted hastily. 

"With MasterHealer Kelley, where else? They're out collecting plants 
downriver." 

"I guess I'll have to try and explain the Medical Center then," Phaedra 
said. "Come on, Argent..."

"Why, I'd be happy to help you escort the pretty lady along," H'nin 
volunteered. 

"No thank you, H'nin." Phaedra looked at him as they passed out the door.
Didn't the man have something to do? Ever?

*********************

"Well, I've given you the brief tour...if you have any questions don't hesitate to 
ask, Argent," Phaedra said.

"Of course, and I'll be seeing you tomorrow about handling the paperwork 
and administration?"

"No, no, take a day or two off and see your family. It will be here when you
get back. I'll want you to be rested and refreshed."

"Thank you! I'll see you in a couple of days, then." Argent waved and moved
out.

Inside, Phaedra seethed. [Did you see the way he acted?]

<<Who?>> Melith replied.

[H'nin, he looked like he was ready to devour the poor girl.]

<<If you mean Silver's rider, I think she can handle herself. Or are you jealous?>>

[Don't start anything, Melith.]

<<Retick's rider can handle himself, too. He is not mated to anyone. That is
your fault.>>

[I don't want him.]

<<Of course you don't, dear. I'll remember that.>>

*************************

Okay, that should catch Phaedra up.


Allen Veazey
wolf@dbtech.net
	
	"I'm not really bad, I'm just drawn that way."
			--Jessica Rabbit