Naomi listened to D'gerrit with growing wonder and concern.  The man seemed
to truly believe what he was saying...


*I think we may have more problems with D'gerrit than we'd thought love.*
she sent to her dragon  *Has T'grat arrived yet?  I'd like him here just in
case...*


*He's here now.  Malachite and I are watching Orobos.  Do you want me to
tell Malachite to send T'grat in?*


*No... I'll talk to him after this....*  she broke off as D'gerrit mentioned
that Jaquel had appointed him Beta's Wingleader.  <*What had the woman been
thinking of.  The sooner Lilliana ran those tests the better...*>


>'Then it may behoove me to point out that Jaquel had taken the 
>liberty of appointing me Wingleader of a new Beta Wing.  I had appointed 
>K'Lestide, rider of Redspann, as my second, and had mentioned to many 
>others the structure and organization of my wing.  I can inform them all 
>that's not necessary if you'd like ...'


"We can talk about that later, although I can see no problem with it.."  she
said quietly


> 'As with you, the Warren is my highest concern, and as with Jaquel.  But
she was >always very particular about how she wanted it run ... I would
appreciate it greatly 
>if you would tell heer you are assuming all responsibilities as of now.
I'm not sure 
>how I would go about it or how she'll handle it.  Especially now.'


"Agreed."  Naomi said, wondering at the man's audacity.  


*Amethyst,  either he has a problem with reality or a monumental ego.  I'm
not sure which!  Speak to Malachite and have him and T'grat keep an eye on
them when they leave here.  He's got something planned, but I'm not sure
what....*


"I will expect to see you tomorrow, to discuss the arrangement for your new
wing.  Now if you will excuse me, I have to deal with Harkon." she said as
he took his leave.


She watched him leave the Hall, a faint frown creasing her brow.  That one
would bear more watching than she'd realised.....


*********

<Naomi's office>


"What happened to your brother isn't important.   What is important is that
your child should be rich and powerful and you are denying him that
privilege!"  Harkon was saying as Naomi entered the room.  "Bout time you
got here girl..."


"My apologies Lord Harkon.  A small matter of internal Warren discipline.
I'm sure there are times when you have faced this.... always best to tackle
these things quickly, before it spreads."  Naomi said smoothly  "D'gerrit
took too much on himself..."


"Yes yes I agree with you.  Let matters go and before you know it the entire
place is in uproar.  Didn't think to find sense in such a young woman
though.  D'gerrit said you didn't have the training to run this place
properly...."


"I assure you Lord Harkon, I have spent seven years training... since I
Joined with my Queen."  Naomi answered  


"Didn't mean to imply...."  Harkon spluttered  "Can we get down to business
girl.  I want the boy for my heir, and I have tradition on my side in this.
The boy belongs with me, being groomed to lead in my place when I die.  You
should understand that.  Didn't you just say that you'd been trained for
your own position?"  Harkon's tone held triumph,  


"True Lord Harkon.  But there's the small matter of the Treaty to consider.
I'm reliably informed that Demee has strong dragon affinity, and in that
case the best place for him is the Warren."  Naomi's voice was quiet, but
determined  "I see no reason to deprive Meena of her son if he will one day
return to the Warren to stand as a candidate at a Hatching, do you?"


"But that little girl can't possibly know what she's talking about..."
Harkon's face turned red with anger  "It's a delaying tactic."


"I can assure you Lord Harkon, that 'little girl' is perfectly qualified to
call Search on your grandson.  However if you doubt her word I can arrange
for you to speak with M'lent?"  her voice rose questioningly  "I'm sure
you've had dealings with him before today."


"I've met him a few times.  Seems a decent sort, for a dragonrider."  he
muttered to himself  "Never been wrong before that I know about.  And you
say that M'lent will back this little girl up?"


"My sister has been working with M'lent to expand her talent."  she said  


"Your sister?"  Harkon asked, startled  "Don't look much like you does she?
Can't argue with tradition and Treaty I suppose.  What if I can persuade
Meena to let me take the boy?  What then?"


"That of course is up to Meena." 


"Well Meena?"  he turned to her, and demanded  "Don't you want the best life
possible for your son?...."


Submitted by


Naomi & Amethyst


NRPG  OK Kris... you have final say on this.

Ismail... Naomi will be free to see Darrkon as soon as Harkon leaves the
Warren, come visit!
-- 
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