Mawgrim

Yes, they just needed to recognise that.

At least George has confirmed about the smell (although it might have been Maurice who told him about it as he's not got much sense of smell). He's also confirmed that Trevor liked to be in the limelight, making it more likely his story about the ghosts was either totally fabricated or a gross exaggeration.

Tuesday morning found me at the library, eagerly checking my emails. There was as much spam as ever, but among them was also the one reply I'd been waiting for, from George Whitaker, former chief at the Regal. Dear Terry Sorry I didn't reply straight away, but I've been on holiday. It seems like a lifetime ago that I was working at the Regal, and I'm sure the old place hasn't changed too much. Glad to hear you enjoyed my brief history. I was interested to read the account o

F'nor is bound to pass on his observations to F'lar and Lessa, which is all to the good for D'gar's reputation.

F'drun has been lucky to get away with what he's done so far, although even at High Reaches he was demoted from Wingleader and the Weyrleader transferred him as soon as he could.

M'rell has various reasons, which become clear over the next few chapters.

Kylara is one of those people who makes you wonder how on earth any dragon picked her. She must have been the best of a bad bunch at the time Prideth hatched.

F'nor doesn't meet Brekke at Southern for a good seven Turns yet.

I've often thought that if F'drun hadn't Impressed a dragon, someone would have murdered him long ago.

He's young enough to want to find out. Part of the problem that arises is because some of the older riders who came forward didn't want to understand how Pern had changed in the Long Interval and damned if they were going to change.

F'nor reports to F'lar that there have been dust storms in Upper Tillek, High Reaches, Crom, Upper Telgar and Bitra, prior to the first viable Fall over Nerat. Quite a few folk weren't prepared to believe until Thread actually fell in their own areas of Pern. The meeting F'lar calls with the Holders and Craftmasters is after Nerat, when they are panicking suitably and Robinton gives them all a good tongue lashing for neglecting the Weyr up until that moment.

Social media gives people an instant audience and can be seen as one of the curses of modern society. My story was inspired by the Facebook page of the village where I live. Some of the posts are useful, but there's an awful lot of rubbish and scaremongering, too.

I do try and write to the prompts, although sometimes life or other projects makes me too busy...

A threat arises! I wonder why another ship has been sent out. Maybe they hope to bring more humans to settle there? Let's hope Ned can get through to them, although I have my doubts about whether they will believe until something bad happens.

A real treat of a story about the perils of getting drunk on St Patrick's Day. I won't say any more as it might spoil the ending. Read it for yourself to find out what happens.

Love the twist in the tail at the end. Very funny and well done.

Whatever the dragons don't manage to burn has to fall somewhere and at this stage the Benden Weyr dragons and riders are still inexperienced enough to let through a fair amount, then have to clean up afterwards. You are so right about Vikkel not using slates. As far as he's concerned, it's far more cost effective to roof with reeds.

Even if he doesn't get eaten, he's going to have to eat humble pie!

You are so right there - Jevikel isn't comfortable with deceiving anyone. Anyone who has already read 'Gone Away, Gone Ahead' knows some of what's in store for Jevikel and Kadin, but I'm hoping to show by this story how Jevikel became such a strong character.

Yes, it was a bit of luck for them all. Kemi will do well at the Weyr, whatever happens. It's a pity she couldn't have Impressed Prideth instead of Kylara, but Ramoth is a prolific egg-layer, so she may get a chance before she becomes too old. Weyrwomen are usually older than the boys who are chosen to try and Impress, so she has a good few Turns yet.

So much happened in this chapter. Mihkkel turned the tables on the bullies and the last dog race was so full of tension and drama. Mihkkel is so lucky to have a grandfather like that. He is helping the boys to feel accepted, as is Eidno's father. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

Loren is starting to cave in. Just love his frustration at having to play Stratego instead of snuggling.

The rest of the evening was awkward. Kemi persuaded Kadin to play again, but it was evident his heart wasn’t in it. They were all tired, so retired early. Kadin had already put two mattresses side by side in the shelter. Jevikel pulled one further away for Kemi. ‘You two won’t have much space on that,’ she said. ‘It’s fine. We’ll manage, won’t we?’ Kadin caught Jevikel’s eye. ‘Er, yes.’ It felt odd sharing the small space with a third person. Although he fell asleep quickly,

The Good: I've booked myself in on a residential writing course at Arvon in mid April. It's not because I lack inspiration, I just want to get better at what I'm doing. Plus, there hasn't been much opportunity for travel these past few years and it'll be good to get away. The next story I'm working on is set in Yorkshire, not too far from Lumb Bank where the course is being held, so I can do some research at the same time. The Bad: Bloody health again. Had an expected call from the hospital last Wednesday to tell me firstly that they'd suspended my treatment and secondly that they were going to have to have a meeting concerning my latest scan results, to get a second opinion from the radiographer. This is what I call a cliffhanger phone call. I won't get to see anyone until tomorrow, which means I've spent a week wondering what the f**k they've found in there. The Ugly: Have to go in to hospital tomorrow for the dreaded meeting. Since Covid, they usually only want to speak to you face to face if it's (a) bad news or (b) a change of treatment. I always expect the worst and nothing can really match up to those first meetings, when, as a cancer virgin, the phrases 'stage 4' and 'palliative care' made me think I didn't have long to go. And that was over three years ago! New treatment is always a worry too. I've got used to what I'm on now. I can cope with the occasional nausea, peeling fingernails, zapped tastebuds and neutropenia. But starting new medication can bring all sorts of other exciting side effects. Never mind. I've just written a new prompt story for St Patrick's Day - Leprechaun Magic. Maybe the wee folk will grant my wish for a few more months of good health.

For Kemi, the earthquake was a lucky break. Depending on how bad the damage was back at the Hold, they may not have anyone to spare to send out.