<T'grat>

"T'grat, why don't you go back and tell Hered we're safe?  He'll be worried
sick.  Then go back to Norwall.  I think between Malachite and Vonn we can
get everyone back to the Warren.  If you meet us out by the bridge just
outside of town after dark, we'll be there."  


"I'm not sure I like leaving you here Meena."  T'grat objected  "I'd prefer
to be around if there's any trouble with Harkon or his guards. Besides Naomi
will skin me alive if I don't do as she told me."


"What do you think will happen to her, dragonrider?"  the other woman asked
with a sneer 


"She'd be a good bargaining chip for you." he said tightly  "A way to take
the pressure off you and your son.  Don't tell me the thought hadn't crossed
your mind."


They both caught the flicker of guilt on her face, and T'grat turned to
Meena urgently


"How do you know that Harkon hasn't already heard about this little meeting.
Anything could have been happening while you've been talking.  Come back
with me now Meena."  T'grat begged  "We can still take them to the Warren
tonight... but let me get you to safety first."


Meena shook her head.  "You don't know my father, I do.  If he suspected
Greta was here then he'd move the heavens to get to her.  I'm as safe here
as anywhere.  Greta won't put her son in danger any more than I will mine."
she turned to Greta  "Isn't that right?"


"I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't considered using you in the way he
suggested."  Greta admitted  "But you're right... I'd not endanger my
children and dealing with Harkon would do that.  She'll be safe here I
promise.  Just find a safe place for my family...."


Reluctantly T'grat agreed to leave Meena and report back to Naomi.  "But
I'll meet you at the bridge two hours after moonrise tonight.  And somehow
we'll think of a way to distract the guards on that side of town to allow
you to pass unmolested.  Take care."


Still unhappy about the situation T'grat returned to Hered's shop.....


***********


<Naomi>


"You're sure that this child is Stont's bastard?"  Naomi asked T'grat  "If
I'm to lay the Warren's integrity on the line then I have to be sure of my
ground.  Can you imagine the pleasure Harkon would take in proving me wrong!"


"I didn't know Stont so can't comment.  But Meena was sure of it and Harkon
has made it fairly plain that he believes the boy to be his grandson. I
can't imagine him going to these lengths otherwise.  Whitbarrow is crawling
with his guards and every child of about the right age is scrutinised
closely before being allowed to leave."  T'grat sighed  "I'm not sure how
we're going to get them out of there."


"We'll think of something, don't worry.  Now have you thought where they
should be put once they get here?  I want to keep things as quiet as
possible, the less people involved in this the better." Naomi asked him
"And I don't want D'gerrit knowing about this either."


"I thought I'd assign riders that I know I can trust to the patrols tonight.
They'll turn a blind eye as long as there's no danger to the Warren should I
ask for their help.  Ask no questions either." T'grat answered thoughtfully
"I'd thought of G'raint, As'tarth and M'narrin."


"Ah.. now there we have a problem.  I had As'tarth and M'narrin in here
earlier requesting transfer to Beta wing.  They were very uncomfortable
about it, and wouldn't give a reason, but.... Have you had to discipline
them for any reason?  Slighted them maybe?"


"It's a mystery to me Naomi."  T'grat shook his in puzzlement  "As far as I
know they're happy enough with my wing.  No problems or upsets with other
riders to account for it.  I was even considering M'narrin for flightleader.
I'll have to have a word with them when I have a bit more time."


"Well we'll get it sorted out. Now what do you suggest by way of a diversion
to keep the guards occupied?"


"I was hoping you might be able to think of something there."  T'grat
shrugged  "I'm not a subtle person and anything I can come up with will
probably start with hitting the nearest guards hard."


"You always were the practical one, even when we were children."  Naomi
laughed "Leave it with me.  If Lacey and I can't come up with something
between us then we don't deserve to be Queenriders."


T'grat left and Naomi contacted Garnet


*Ask Lacey to come and see me as soon as possible please Garnet.  It's very
important....*


Submitted by

Naomi & Amethyst
<and others>

-- 
Les

the voice and soul of

Timi Caplain  CMO    USS Javelin        T'beth  Counsellor     USS Magellan 
Lillith the Mage         Broken Lands      Minty, Kirimith's rider  Dragon Lands

Naomi, QueenRider to Amethyst, Norwall's WarrenLady,  Dragon Lands