kalinara (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
kalinara) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
i_read_what2020-04-13 02:50 am
kalinara) wrote in i_read_what2020-04-13 02:50 am
Dragonsinger - Chapter Seven
So last chapter, Silvina at least actually got up off her ass to do her fucking job (Robinton is still MIA) and handily resolved the closest thing this book had to actual plot or conflict. It was pretty frustrating conflict, to be fair, but its absence is still felt.
We start with Menolly waking up and thinking rather irritably about the downsides of sleeping with nine telepathic flying cats. She's had a busy day, her hand hurts, and she's just a little cranky. But there's something wrong: the fire lizards aren't dreaming, they're awake, and they seem to be frightened. The watch dragon in Fort Hold (which is apparently visible from the Harper Hall) doesn't seem to be disturbed.
Menolly starts to get a little nervous that any commotion from the lizards might disturb Robinton and he'd therefore disapprove of Silvina moving her there. And I'm reminded again how annoyed I am that Robinton has had all of one real conversation with the poor girl, and still hasn't clearly explained what he wants from her.
So they end up telepathically sending her their terror and sense of danger. Menolly gets a mental impression of what's clearly the Red Star, and suddenly she hears a scream "DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"
So, we're still running parallel with Dragonquest. What we've got is F'nor's idiotic flight to the Red Star, and Brekke bringing him back to life. Poor Brekke, I'm still mad that what started as a fairly decent, if not very original, triumph over the mean girl plot ended up with her basically reduced to satellite for F'nor. No dragon, no position of even sort of power, no career or trade, just a life with her rapist who is so stupid that he tries an unprotected flight to a literal death planet without any sort of preparation and doesn't even have the courtesy to die.
But I digress.
Anyway, Menolly must have cried out when Brekke did, because suddenly Robinton's in the room. She points out the window to the Watch Dragon, which is launching itself into the sky. I'm a little perplexed by the timeline, because I would have thought this would be when they went up to catch Canth. Brekke's scream would have happened when F'nor and Canth were already on the ground. But maybe this dragon is just slow on the uptake.
Anyway, Domick also comes charging in. Robinton gets Menolly calmed down, but she can't really explain what's going on. Of course Morshal, being one of the jerks that hates Menolly, thinks she's a hysterical child trying to get attention. Silvina shuts him up and starts sending folks off to their beds.
This kind of thing is what I mean when I complain of lack of nuance. It isn't just that some characters seemed to be arbitrarily assigned to be Menolly's adversaries, with no real look at their motivations. It's that they're never allowed to be right about ANYTHING. Even when it's unrelated to their feelings about her. It's like how, when Pona and Audiva argue about the Red Star. Pona, the bully, takes the incorrect position that they should go to the Star straight out. Audiva, the sympathetic one, of course is correct about being cautious.
Honestly, I feel like if you're a character McCaffrey doesn't like, you could say the sky is blue and McCaffrey would make sure it's bright red, just to prove you wrong.
Sebell speaks up in support of Silvina, in a "voice as close to anger as anyone had ever heard in him", urging people to leave. He asks Menolly if it's about the eggs, and she says no. Silvina notes that Menolly's hands are cold and she's not having hysterical tremors...
But isn't she? I mean the tremors are as a result of the psychic vision, not a physical reaction. I'm not a doctor though, so maybe there's a meaning I'm missing.
Anyway, eventually Menolly's spasms stop and she realizes that whatever's wrong has also stopped. And now I'm utterly perplexed. Did Brekke scream when F'nor was still in the air? I suppose that would make sense. I'd thought her scream was after he'd fallen and wasn't breathing. But the crisis would have ended a lot sooner. I suppose I could go and check, but I hate Dragonquest and I'd rather not open that book right now.
I'll check later and amend this review accordingly. Either way, we'll just assume that Brekke's scream was when F'nor was still in the air, and the dragons went up to catch Canth. It makes more sense that way, and there's nothing to say Brekke couldn't have screamed twice.
So the fire lizards have gone between. Menolly tries to explain what happened, but she really doesn't know much beyond scattered visions. She feels compelled to tell them. The fire lizards return as suddenly as they left. Robinton urges her to find out where they'd gone. Menolly gets a vivid vision of a Weyr and realizes they must be talking about Benden, and there were a LOT of dragons and excited people.
A question about what frightened Beauty gets her so upset that she draws blood as she launches from Menolly's arm. Menolly gets the picture of a dragon falling. Silvina notes that if something happened at Benden, they'll send for Robinton. Her voice is dry, and I'd like to think it's a sardonic comment about Robinton and F'lar's mutual weird love affair. Silvina also promises Menolly a "dose" of something, before going out to yell at the peanut gallery outside.
Robinton is still thinking about the incident. The big thing is the dragon reacting: he'd never seen one go off without his rider before, and he wonders if T'ledon will be coming for an explanation. Though since T'ledon is already psychically linked to the dragon in question, and they can talk in language, unlike the lizards, I'd hazard a guess that T'ledon is already informed.
Robinton actually takes a moment to be a mentor, asking Menolly after his hand, and noting that it's too red. He thinks that she's been doing too much. Okay, then maybe talk to her instructors about that? You are the dude in charge.
...also, it's a bit awkward to have this conversation in her bedroom dude. I'm reminded of that X-Men issue post AvX when Cyclops consoles time traveling Jean in her room and accepts the scolding from Kitty for it later. They both know nothing happened, since Jean's too young and Scott's both too honorable for that and not a pedophile, but it's still inappropriate conduct, and both of them realize that. Someone should have that conversation with Robinton.
Someone should have a LOT of conversations with Robinton.
Anyway, Menolly awkwardly reports to Robinton that her lizards can fetch things. Robinton finds this very interesting and hadn't realized they had so much initiative. He notes that Brekke, Mirrim and F'nor have used theirs as messengers with messages in a collar about their necks, but they aren't good at arriving properly.
Honestly, unless this is something they only started doing two days ago, MENOLLY should have more knowledge of this than Robinton. Given that Mirrim was actually her friend and all. Hey, whatever happened to that friendship, Ms. McCaffrey? Then we get an exchange that I honestly don't understand:
“I think you have to make certain they know how urgent the matter is.”
“Like having your pipes for Master Jerint?”
“I didn’t wish to be late, and I can’t walk fast.”
“We’ll let that stand as the reason then, Menolly,” said Robinton gently, and when Menolly glanced up at him startled, she saw the kind understanding in his eyes and flushed. He stroked her hand again. “What I don’t know, I sometimes guess, knowing the way people interact, Menolly. Don’t keep so much bottled inside, girl. And do tell me anything unusual that your fire lizards do. That’s far more important than why they did it. We don’t know much about these tiny cousins of the dragons, and I have a suspicion they’ll be very important creatures to us.”
There seems to be a subtext to this exchange that hasn't been followed through anywhere else. It SEEMS like Robinton is implying something about Menolly's bond to her lizards, and it has been established that Menolly can do more with them than the others, but generally that's just been attributed to her ability to train them. I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea that Menolly has some sort of special ability like Lessa or Brekke, but I feel like that's something that should have been hinted at sooner.
Menolly asks if "the little white dragon" is all right, and honestly, this is a point where a little more introspection would help because the question seems like a non-sequitur. Robinton says that Ruth is all right, and she shouldn't fret about Jaxom and Ruth. Which would make a bit more sense if at any point in the book Menolly had spared a thought to them.
Silvina brings Menolly a mug of something, while announcing that a messenger has come urgent for Robinton. After Robinton leaves, Silvina clarifies that Lord Groghe of Fort Hold had the same kind of unnerving nightmare and wants Robinton to explain it. Why he thinks Robinton would know is beyond me. Groghe, if you don't remember, was the lord that was really pushing for the Red Star trip. He was irritating but not necessarily a bad sort like Meron. He just thought there was a really obvious solution. It occurs to me that Groghe may have been one of the few vaguely nuanced characters we get.
Menolly goes to sleep thinking that if Groghe's lizard also reacted then she's not hysterical.
She wakes up later having slept well into the day. The lizards aren't hungry and she realizes that Camo and Piemur must have fed them. She doesn't hear any music or voices, so she figures that it must be afternoon.
Conveniently, Silvina chooses now to enter with a tray of klah. She looks like she hasn't slept at all. She's here to fill Menolly in with what happened, and she also thinks Menolly should see the eggs. Basically she gives Menolly a bare bones run down of F'nor being an idiot, and how that set off the lizards. Everyone with a lizard had the same problem, though Menolly's was worse because she got a nine-fold dose. (Seems like NOT having a lizard actually has some tactical advantage. I feel like F'lar might consider the uses of that at some point.)
Silvina says that her visions were of the Red Star and is smug about how this will shut up the Lord Holders for wanting to go there. Um, Silvina, someone almost died. I mean, yes, F'nor is worthless. But still. Being proven right isn't worth being smug if someone suffers in the process.
Anyway, Menolly asks after Canth and F'nor, and is told they're alive, but only just. And what Menolly heard was Brekke screaming. How Silvina knows THIS, I don't know. Also it seems like that sort of thing should be private? Brekke was a private person and I don't think she'd want people gossiping about her emotional state more than they were already.
Menolly wonders how her lizards could have known what was happening, and more, responded BEFORE Ramoth called the Fort dragon or Menolly heard Brekke's call, but that will remain a mystery. Silvina does note that dragons talk to each other. Menolly points out that dragons make sense and lizards don't. Silvina points out that the lizards are babies, and then brings up Camo, who "doesn't make much sense, but he does have feelings."
Um, fuck you lady. So far, Camo's made perfect sense. We're told that he and Piemur did indeed feed the lizards. Camo apparently fussed and fussed until Silvina sent him and Piemur up here to feed them.
UM. You sent them to Menolly's bedroom? While she was asleep? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?
I know Camo and Piemur aren't rapists or anything, but when the hell is it appropriate to send a grown man of indeterminate age and a young male child into a young woman's room without her permission, WHILE SHE IS ASLEEP?!
God, I hate the Harper Hall. I really do.
Amyway, they go off to investigate the eggs. Sebell is apparently around and hovering. I like Sebell, but I do wonder why Sebell specifically merits an egg when apparently Domick, Morshal, Silvina, or the other notables don't. He's just a journeyman after all. Did he do something particularly meritorious? Does anyone resent him for it?
So Silvina takes some time to gently nag Menolly about using her salve, before checking on the eggs. There's some banter about Menolly and Beauty checking on the eggs as "experts". Menolly notes that the eggs are harder and likely to hatch any time now.
Silvina is frustrated because getting ahold of Robinton is difficult. Groghe calls him, F'lar calls him, even Lytol for Ruth. WHY? I mean, F'lar consults with Robinton, okay. Groghe wants an update...eh, I sort of get that. But it's not like F'lar didn't station a dragon rider in Fort for this reason. But why is Lytol calling Robinton. Robinton isn't a fucking dragon rider and would have no more knowledge about Ruth than anyone else.
Also, if Robinton isn't at Harper Hall, who the fuck is running the joint? NO ONE. That's who. Maybe that's why Sebell gets the egg, because he's the only person we've seen doing any kind of interpersonal management here. And he's a journeyman!
I would actually enjoy this if I thought this was on purpose, and Robinton would get called on the fact that he's got way too much on his plate and is neglecting the students. But that would require Robinton having acknowledged flaws.
Menolly points out that if Robinton wants to Impress his fire lizard, he'll have to choose to come back. Silvina is delighted by this, since it is a reason to pull Robinton back since he hasn't had more than a few hours sleep per day. God forbid actually helping his students be a reason to come back.
God, I hate Robinton so much.
Anyway, Silvina does admit that what Robinton is doing is important, so she asks if there's a sign about a hatching being eminent. Menolly notes that when Beauty and the others hatched, the adult fire lizards started humming. Menolly has the same thought I do, which is that this isn't Beauty's clutch, so she doesn't know if they'll do the same thing. She notes that the dragons at Benden hummed for Ramoth though, so it seems logical that the fire lizards would.
Um, I see a hole in your logic, Menolly. For a very long time, Nemorth, Ramoth's mother, was the only living queen dragon. Benden is the one Weyr that didn't travel through time, so every single dragon there, if they're not Ramoth's own child, is at least a sibling either full or half (Depending on if F'lon or R'gul was Weyrleader at the time).
But I'm not sure how much Menolly knows about that, so I shouldn't quibble. Besides, she acknowledges that she's guessing. Silvina asks what the lizards eat when hatching. Just about anything, but red meat is best.
Silvina notes "cryptically" that this will please Camo. Um. Why? Is Camo going to feed the lizards at hatching? It would serve these assholes right if Camo bonded with a lizard instead of Robinton.
Menolly suddenly starts panicking when she realizes that she has to go to Shonagar. Silvina's response is FASCINATING:
“Oh, he was, was he? And will he explain to Master Robinton that your voice is more important than the Harper’s fire lizard? Oh, don’t get yourself in a pucker. Sebell can sit in for you. And you tell your fire lizards to stand by…” Silvina walked to the open window and peered down into the courtyard "Piemur! Piemur, ask Sebell to step up to the Harper’s room, will you? Menolly? Yes, she’s awake and here. No, she can’t attend Master Shonagar until Sebell arrives. Yes? Well, go through the choir hall to the journeymen’s quarters and give Master Shonagar my message. Menolly answers to Master Robinton first, me second and then any of the other masters who require her attention.”
I mean, Menolly is a HARPER APPRENTICE. So yes, actually, her voice SHOULD be more important than the headmaster's glorified pet! Sure, Menolly is happy to be a fire lizard baby sitter, but that is NOT what she came here for.
But this really does show where both Silvina and Robinton's priorities lie. Can someone mutiny and give the Harper Hall to Domick? Or Shonagar? Or anyone who actually has an interest in TEACHING these kids. Ideally someone who won't write half of them off as not having the talent to ascend past apprenticeship. God forbid someone NOT be a quick study here.
Sebell comes running. Silvina updates him that Robinton is at Ruatha, and had been to Benden first, and soon would be going to the Mastersmith. Sebell is surprised that she's talking so openly in front of Menolly, and Silvina's response is...interesting...
“More than any other, saving yourself, Menolly will need to know how many tunes a harper, much less the Harper, plays,” she said. “I’ll send more klah and…” now she chuckled, “have Camo lay about with that hatchet of his on the meat.”
Um, okay. Let's unpack:
a) We still don't have a clear explanation on what a Harper actually does, do we? Even now, we're not hearing what Robinton is DOING at any of these places, just that he's going there. Right now, it kind of sounds like he's being a glorified messenger!
b) Shouldn't ALL young Harpers know what they're supposed to be doing?
c) Why is Menolly singled out here? Sebell makes sense, we know he's got a job that requires some kind of undercover work. But Menolly is a good musician, that's it. There's been no attempt to teach her anything about history or politics, or espionage work. They have no idea if she'll be any good at that!
It seems clear, or at least heavily implied, that being a Harper is about more than just being a good musician. Menolly is a great musician, but so far, that's all she is. What about these other skills?
Who teaches them? Is she expected to spontaneously generate the ability just because she happens to be able to sight read a symphony?
So anyway, Menolly goes to Shonagar. Shonagar goes on this weird rant that is somehow both yelling at Menolly and praising her at the same time:
“I do not know what it is about you, young Menolly, that you can disrupt an entire Craft Hall, for you are not presumptuous. In fact, you are immodestly modest. You do not brag nor flaunt your rank nor put yourself forward. You listen, which I assure you is a pleasure and relief, and you learn from what you are told, which is veritably unheard of. I begin to entertain hope that I have finally discovered, in a mere slip of a girl, the dedication required of a true musician, an artist! Yes, I might even coax a real voice out of your throat.” His fist came down with an almighty wallop on the sandtable, the opposite end flapping onto its supports. She jumped. “But even I cannot do much if you are not here!”
Yes, yes. Menolly is FRUSTRATINGLY awesome. I get it. Also dude, she missed one class because she wasn't assigned to you yet. She's late for this one because she's recovering from a psychic episode. Back the fuck off.
See, this is the point where a good headmaster might step in and note to a teacher that a student might have multiple demands on her time. I wonder where we can find one of those.
Shonagar rants further, and it comes out that Silvina herself is a good musician. She is not however a Harper. Why not? What makes a Harper? Why do we not get an answer to this question? I'm about halfway through the second book in the HARPER HALL Duology, and I still don't know!
So anyway, he tells her that she's to be there without fail every day. Then he calms down suddenly and starts the breathing exercises.
God forbid we see a lesson where Menolly isn't automatically fantastic at something, we skip ahead to the end of the lesson. Despite his rant earlier, he tells her to come the day after next, since the next day is a rest day. She ends up greeted by many of the boys when she goes back to the fire lizard eggs. She is warmed by this, though she doesn't know their names.
Finally she gets back to the quarters. Sebell is there, strumming a gitar. He notes that he's had an audience, but doesn't know if they're pleased by the music. Menolly tells him how to tell and we get some nice fire lizard expression lessons:
green means sleeping pleasure, red means hunger, blue and green are general shades, white means danger and yellow means fright. Apparently, the speed that their eyes whirl around tells you the intensity. How do they SEE anything if their eyes whirl around?
It's interesting! But I do kind of wish Ms. McCaffrey would give us the same kind of explanation for the Harpers themselves. I'm really frustrated by this. WHAT DO HARPERS DO?
They can't just be performers, or Silvina would be one. So would Audiva, Pona and company. Are they archivists? Chroniclers? Are they sources of news? Are they spies?
And if they are, why is Silvina so dismissive to the ones with less musical talent? Surely subtle, sneaky Audiva would make a pretty good spy or agent, even if she's not a spectacular musician.
There's more fire lizard lessons. Menolly shows Sebell how to stroke Lazybones, and teaches him how to oil the lizards. They discuss the fire lizards singing, and Menolly explains how it started with hers.
Apparently, we learn, Lord Groghe's queen has been singing along with HIM. Which raises some interesting questions about where she might have picked up the talent. Or maybe Menolly's not the most spectacular Fire Lizard trainer ever?
Menolly ends up segueing into F'nor and Canth. Because everyone needs to be worried about Ms. McCaffrey's favorites. Sebell notes they have much to live for, and Brekke needs them to stay alive. Sebell thinks she'll MAKE them live. He probably means that in an emotional sense. But I remember Lessa's talents. I suspect if F'lar died, she COULD just zombie him back up again out of sheer fit of pique.
Camo appears bringing food. Menolly thanks him for feeding the lizards that morning. Sebell tells Camo that he's a good man, and gently urges him to go to the kitchen, because Abuna needs him. And I'm realizing that Sebell may be the only person we've seen actually speak to Camo like he's a person.
It's possible I've just latched onto Sebell because I'm really annoyed by everybody else. Except Menolly. It's not her fault that McCaffrey thinks that constant, overblown praise equals a fucking story.
Anyway, Camo leaves after getting a promise that they'll feed them tonight. Menolly notes that the "wistful, piteous way" that he'd asked for the promise suggested that a lot of people conveniently forget making promises to him. Poor guy.
This is another thing I'm mad at Robinton about. We don't know yet that Robinton is Camo's father, but really, that sort of reveal isn't meant to be a complete shock. When we find out that characters are related, that should CLARIFY things. It's supposed to bring a new context to interactions that we've already seen. But Robinton and Camo have had no interaction. And it isn't clear that Robinton has done ANYTHING to make sure that his son is happy or treated well.
It doesn't seem like Harper Hall is as bad to their drudges as say Fax was. But still, they seem awfully blithe in how they use this guy. Do you even check in on him?
Anyway, Sebell had apparently sent for food for her, as Silvina had noted she'd only had time for Klah when she woke up. Sebell keeps her company and chats with her about the fish lessons. He recites them all for her, much to her amazement. He also notes that he's arranged to have a bronze rider at Fort take them to a body of water that she approves of for sailing lessons, in secret.
Menolly is a bit horrified at the thought of teaching him to sail in one lesson, but Sebell reassures her that he doesn't think he'll actually have to sail. He just needs to know the fundamentals enough to fake it.
The vague planning for an outing transitions, pretty naturally, into Sebell relating his own experience as a novice. Sebell remembers how his Hold Harper taught him fundamentals, and he'd thought he was a good musician until he got to the Hall and "learned just how much more there is to harpering than playing an instrument".
...like what?
I'm serious. Like what? Right now, all of Menolly's lessons have been musical. WHAT DO HARPERS DO???
Anyway, Sebell notes that while Menolly was excused from Domick's morning lesson, she wasn't excused from work, so he'll help her use the time now. He compliments her on the day before, noting that she'd struck exactly the right note with him. He's surprised when Menolly responds literally (I never play flat), and realizes she meant it and was not dissembling.
Of course not, Sebell. Haven't you realized? Menolly is the Ur-Musician. Which I would be less annoyed by, if her Harper Hall lessons ever involved something else. There's more to a story than watching Menolly rock everything at first try.
I mean, seriously, she's been here like four days. She has: past every initial test in flying colors. She's won over Jerint by making awesome instruments. She's won over Domick by playing his new composition near flawlessly and loving it. Singing is her problem area, but she apparently is already good enough that Shonagar is both gushing and frustrated by her. She's outclassed all of the girls effortlessly.
What exactly is Menolly LEARNING here? Because it kind of seems to me like she's GOT the music stuff. So why aren't they teaching her the rest.
Why does Sebell need to know how to act like a seaman?
Why does Robinton need to go everywhere under the sun?
Where are the classes in that: I've named history and politics, but what about disguise? Acting? Cosmetology? Costuming?
Does Menolly even know that the Question Song is what made Lessa realize that she had to go back in time?
WHAT DOES A HARPER DO? And why, after SEVEN CHAPTERS OF FUCKING NOTHING do I still not have an answer?!?!
So anyway, Sebell makes a wry comment about whether or not Menolly will still be enthusiastic after enduring more of Domick's projects. They start playing. It's tricky, and eventually Sebell calls a break, saying that they won't get it note-perfect in one sitting.
Then things get kind of interesting, because Menolly tries to apologize, and Sebell gently calls her out on constantly apologizing for the wrong things.
And FINALLY, FINALLY we get a hint about what Harpers do, because Menolly asks Sebell what HE does: basically it's anything Robinton needs. He journeys, naturally. He looks for youngsters in hold and craft that would be likely recruits. He brings new music to distant harpers.
And unfortunately, we trail off here, before we get some useful information, because Sebell notes that the music he brought recently was hers. And we get to YET ANOTHER reiteration of how awesome Menolly is. Menolly herself is modest, and compares her music to Domick's. But Sebell notes that hers is easy to play well, and that's not a bad thing. Menolly's melodies spread far and have mass appeal.
Sebell notes that both Domick's music and hers are important, and do different things. Menolly takes this moment to ask something that was bothering her: her fire lizard song. Robinton had rewritten it, but he still attributes it to her.
Sebell notes that Robinton has his reasons (like what?), and reassures her that he didn't change it much. He just tightened it up. The melody is still what people remember, and that's hers. He tells Menolly that she needs to learn how to polish her music without losing its freshness, which is what Domick can teach her.
Menolly starts getting emotional, and Sebell is regretfully interrupted by N'ton. He has to speak with him. And I'm as frustrated as he is, because I'm realizing that the conversation is never going to get back to what a Harper actually DOES.
I'm not sure Ms. McCaffrey KNOWS what a Harper does at this point.
So Menolly is introspective, mulling over his words and thinking about music. She realizes that one of the chords in the exercise piece modulated into tones that reminded her of the agonized cry of the night before. She starts composing.
...okay, so, I'm assuming that one of the things Harpers do is the bard thing about relating current events through song. I'm assuming, because McCaffrey never actually told us this. So the idea that Menolly might make a song about it is probably natural.
But I have to admit, the idea of composing a song by using Brekke's psychic cry just seems so gross and intrusive to me. At least get her permission first?! Brekke's a collection of virtues wrapped in a dress, but she deserves a say about her privacy and dignity, doesn't she?
God, after all the poor girl's been through already: all the mating anxiety, Kylara's bullying, her rape, losing her dragon, almost losing F'nor...NOW she gets her private feelings turned into a song by a clueless fifteen year old.
So anyway, at some point Sebell returns, and Menolly realizes that he's been writing down her song as she composed it. He notes that it needs some polishing, but the refrain is poignant enough to set a Hold to tears. He gives her some specific criticism, which strikes me as a far better method than just rewriting the song for her.
They look over his notation, and Sebell starts playing it back. Menolly thinks its embarrassing, but realizes it's not a bad tune. Robinton comes in and praises Sebell, who credits Menolly with the song. Robinton credits her with saving him a chore, but doesn't explain what the chore is. (Presumably writing a song about the event?)
He's also creepy, holding her hand tightly as he tells her to listen to the song "as a Harper".
Then the eggs start hatching! It's quite exciting, of course. Menolly has to be the voice of common sense and point out the eggs can't hatch IN the pots they're kept in. But that doesn't bother me, since the dudes are basically anxious dads right now. Menolly gets the meat ready. As this happens, another queen suddenly appears. It's Lord Groghe's Merga. Robinton orders someone to escort Lord Groghe, since he's bound to be a little worried.
But Groghe's already here. Wise man. He's a little blustery, but takes the explanation well enough. He's introduced to Menolly, and he greets her quite friendly and reassuring.
Ooo. Now THIS is interesting to me. Groghe was a pain in the ass in Dragonquest. Not malicious, but not friendly either. But here, to Menolly, he's being quite nice and approachable. I'm looking forward to seeing another side to him.
The eggs hatch. And there's been a bit of a mix-up. Robinton gets the bronze and Sebell gets the queen. Sebell is horrified and class conscious and about to hand her to Robinton, but Menolly tells him it's too late. Feed it. Robinton is oblivious and delighted with his bronze.
I mean, really, I understand Sebell's impulse. But both bronze and golds are the "royalty" of dragons after all. It would have been more interesting if Robinton had gotten something like a green or a blue. But of course he wouldn't. Ms. McCaffrey would never give him less than the best.
There's a cute moment where Robinton gushes at Groghe, and Groghe, kind of embarrassed, agrees with him. Bonding with a fire lizard is awesome. Robinton feels like he understands dragonriders far more. And he understands a bit better about how Lytol and Brekke suffered, and why Jaxom can't give up Ruth. He thanks Menolly for the gift.
...I mean, F'lar actually gave them. But I guess Menolly did find them in the first place. Sebell is still apologetic that he got the queen, when it was supposed to go to Robinton, but Robinton doesn't mind at all. In fact, he thinks it might be more adventageous for Sebell to have the queen, since he goes out and about.
Wait, what? How is a queen better than a bronze for that? Robinton is thrilled, and suddenly sleepy too. Silvina steers everyone out, including Groghe, who makes a great show of tiptoeing across the room. Hah. Okay, Groghe can stay.
As they all leave, Groghe notes that he'd like to have a long chat with Menolly about lizards. He wonders for example if she agrees with Robinton, that what one lizard knows the others do too. She's quite intimidated, because Groghe is a very important lord, but a nod from Silvina encourages her.
Also, of course Robinton is right, Groghe. He's Robinton.
Anyway, Groghe wants Menolly to teach him how to train his Merga. When she agrees, he says something cryptic about how she's not what he expected and he can't trust other people's opinions. Never did, never will. He'll arrange something with Robinton. Hah, good luck, Groghe. That's expecting Robinton to do his job.
Of course he will now, because god forbid Groghe have the grounds to criticize.
Menolly wonders about Groghe's comment, about how she's not what he expected. Silvina notes that there's been some "loose talk", and she's put a stop to it. Menolly is rightfully furious, attributing it to the cot girls, since they stay at the Hold. Silvina quells her, telling her she'll handle it.
Menolly stews after Silvina leaves, and finally Sebell speaks up, telling her to leave it and focus on Harper business. He reminds her that Robinton wanted the song copied onto sheets. Menolly does, but still stews on what the girls thought they'd accomplish by prejudicing Groghe against her. I'd be more invested in this plot if I thought it'd go anywhere. But it won't. Groghe already likes Menolly. Robinton and Silvina like Menolly. And more importantly for the actual running of things, Sebell likes Menolly.
She'll be fine.
Anyway, she reminds Sebell to name his lizard, and feels guilty that her worries have diminished his bonding joy. Sebell names her Kimi. And the chapter heads to a close.
I'm just...okay, the Hatching was fun. But I'm sick and tired of how there is no plot or consequence in this book. Menolly encounters some minor challenges, but they don't go anywhere. Domick doesn't like her. Actually he does, as soon as she gets a chance to prove herself. Morshal doesn't like her, but he's treated as the nonentity that he is. Shonagar is frustrated but only because he is amazed by her potential. The girls sabotage her, but the sabotage is immediately dealt with. It doesn't even effect her reputation because it is immediately revealed.
Every single person in authority loves Menolly and praises her to high heaven. She's pretty much automatically awesome at any music related thing. And for some reason, while it is clear that Harpers do more than music, there is NOTHING in the Harper Hall curriculum that reflects that.
And no one is running the damn Hall. Robinton and Silvina are clearly not involved in anything day to day. They're not reining in the instructors or disciplining the students, they're not paying attention to logistics. They're doing nothing to help a new student adjust, and they're ignoring that Menolly specifically has some individual concerns.
Menolly wasn't even assigned an afternoon mentor. Shonagar insisted.
The only person who has remotely done anything to help her deal with everything going on is Sebell, who helped run interference with Domick and reassure her about her talents. Robinton hadn't even bothered to explain what rewriting her song meant or what she's supposed to do here. And given that Sebell's job involves a lot of traveling, who's doing ANYTHING when he's not here.
Again, this would be fine if I thought it was on purpose. But it's not. No one ever criticizes Robinton for being an incompetent headmaster. The most we get is that he spreads himself thin. No one points out that the students and staff are running amuck.
Honestly, I'm starting to think Ms. McCaffrey never meant to write this second book. She's clearly never bothered to think about what Harpers actually do (aside from say important things at F'lar's councils). She's never bothered to think about how the Harper Hall should be structured in order to actually function. She's never thought of anything beside music that these kids need to know. One presumes they're at least learning the major songs...but when? Is there a class for that?
It's so frustrating because Dragonsong was GOOD. It was interesting. And while it wasn't particularly deep or complicated, it didn't have to be. I was invested in Menolly and her conflict. Dragonsinger just takes the flaws of Dragonsong and amplifies them twenty fold. I'm frustrated. Ms. McCaffrey can do better than this.
We start with Menolly waking up and thinking rather irritably about the downsides of sleeping with nine telepathic flying cats. She's had a busy day, her hand hurts, and she's just a little cranky. But there's something wrong: the fire lizards aren't dreaming, they're awake, and they seem to be frightened. The watch dragon in Fort Hold (which is apparently visible from the Harper Hall) doesn't seem to be disturbed.
Menolly starts to get a little nervous that any commotion from the lizards might disturb Robinton and he'd therefore disapprove of Silvina moving her there. And I'm reminded again how annoyed I am that Robinton has had all of one real conversation with the poor girl, and still hasn't clearly explained what he wants from her.
So they end up telepathically sending her their terror and sense of danger. Menolly gets a mental impression of what's clearly the Red Star, and suddenly she hears a scream "DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"
So, we're still running parallel with Dragonquest. What we've got is F'nor's idiotic flight to the Red Star, and Brekke bringing him back to life. Poor Brekke, I'm still mad that what started as a fairly decent, if not very original, triumph over the mean girl plot ended up with her basically reduced to satellite for F'nor. No dragon, no position of even sort of power, no career or trade, just a life with her rapist who is so stupid that he tries an unprotected flight to a literal death planet without any sort of preparation and doesn't even have the courtesy to die.
But I digress.
Anyway, Menolly must have cried out when Brekke did, because suddenly Robinton's in the room. She points out the window to the Watch Dragon, which is launching itself into the sky. I'm a little perplexed by the timeline, because I would have thought this would be when they went up to catch Canth. Brekke's scream would have happened when F'nor and Canth were already on the ground. But maybe this dragon is just slow on the uptake.
Anyway, Domick also comes charging in. Robinton gets Menolly calmed down, but she can't really explain what's going on. Of course Morshal, being one of the jerks that hates Menolly, thinks she's a hysterical child trying to get attention. Silvina shuts him up and starts sending folks off to their beds.
This kind of thing is what I mean when I complain of lack of nuance. It isn't just that some characters seemed to be arbitrarily assigned to be Menolly's adversaries, with no real look at their motivations. It's that they're never allowed to be right about ANYTHING. Even when it's unrelated to their feelings about her. It's like how, when Pona and Audiva argue about the Red Star. Pona, the bully, takes the incorrect position that they should go to the Star straight out. Audiva, the sympathetic one, of course is correct about being cautious.
Honestly, I feel like if you're a character McCaffrey doesn't like, you could say the sky is blue and McCaffrey would make sure it's bright red, just to prove you wrong.
Sebell speaks up in support of Silvina, in a "voice as close to anger as anyone had ever heard in him", urging people to leave. He asks Menolly if it's about the eggs, and she says no. Silvina notes that Menolly's hands are cold and she's not having hysterical tremors...
But isn't she? I mean the tremors are as a result of the psychic vision, not a physical reaction. I'm not a doctor though, so maybe there's a meaning I'm missing.
Anyway, eventually Menolly's spasms stop and she realizes that whatever's wrong has also stopped. And now I'm utterly perplexed. Did Brekke scream when F'nor was still in the air? I suppose that would make sense. I'd thought her scream was after he'd fallen and wasn't breathing. But the crisis would have ended a lot sooner. I suppose I could go and check, but I hate Dragonquest and I'd rather not open that book right now.
I'll check later and amend this review accordingly. Either way, we'll just assume that Brekke's scream was when F'nor was still in the air, and the dragons went up to catch Canth. It makes more sense that way, and there's nothing to say Brekke couldn't have screamed twice.
So the fire lizards have gone between. Menolly tries to explain what happened, but she really doesn't know much beyond scattered visions. She feels compelled to tell them. The fire lizards return as suddenly as they left. Robinton urges her to find out where they'd gone. Menolly gets a vivid vision of a Weyr and realizes they must be talking about Benden, and there were a LOT of dragons and excited people.
A question about what frightened Beauty gets her so upset that she draws blood as she launches from Menolly's arm. Menolly gets the picture of a dragon falling. Silvina notes that if something happened at Benden, they'll send for Robinton. Her voice is dry, and I'd like to think it's a sardonic comment about Robinton and F'lar's mutual weird love affair. Silvina also promises Menolly a "dose" of something, before going out to yell at the peanut gallery outside.
Robinton is still thinking about the incident. The big thing is the dragon reacting: he'd never seen one go off without his rider before, and he wonders if T'ledon will be coming for an explanation. Though since T'ledon is already psychically linked to the dragon in question, and they can talk in language, unlike the lizards, I'd hazard a guess that T'ledon is already informed.
Robinton actually takes a moment to be a mentor, asking Menolly after his hand, and noting that it's too red. He thinks that she's been doing too much. Okay, then maybe talk to her instructors about that? You are the dude in charge.
...also, it's a bit awkward to have this conversation in her bedroom dude. I'm reminded of that X-Men issue post AvX when Cyclops consoles time traveling Jean in her room and accepts the scolding from Kitty for it later. They both know nothing happened, since Jean's too young and Scott's both too honorable for that and not a pedophile, but it's still inappropriate conduct, and both of them realize that. Someone should have that conversation with Robinton.
Someone should have a LOT of conversations with Robinton.
Anyway, Menolly awkwardly reports to Robinton that her lizards can fetch things. Robinton finds this very interesting and hadn't realized they had so much initiative. He notes that Brekke, Mirrim and F'nor have used theirs as messengers with messages in a collar about their necks, but they aren't good at arriving properly.
Honestly, unless this is something they only started doing two days ago, MENOLLY should have more knowledge of this than Robinton. Given that Mirrim was actually her friend and all. Hey, whatever happened to that friendship, Ms. McCaffrey? Then we get an exchange that I honestly don't understand:
“I think you have to make certain they know how urgent the matter is.”
“Like having your pipes for Master Jerint?”
“I didn’t wish to be late, and I can’t walk fast.”
“We’ll let that stand as the reason then, Menolly,” said Robinton gently, and when Menolly glanced up at him startled, she saw the kind understanding in his eyes and flushed. He stroked her hand again. “What I don’t know, I sometimes guess, knowing the way people interact, Menolly. Don’t keep so much bottled inside, girl. And do tell me anything unusual that your fire lizards do. That’s far more important than why they did it. We don’t know much about these tiny cousins of the dragons, and I have a suspicion they’ll be very important creatures to us.”
There seems to be a subtext to this exchange that hasn't been followed through anywhere else. It SEEMS like Robinton is implying something about Menolly's bond to her lizards, and it has been established that Menolly can do more with them than the others, but generally that's just been attributed to her ability to train them. I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea that Menolly has some sort of special ability like Lessa or Brekke, but I feel like that's something that should have been hinted at sooner.
Menolly asks if "the little white dragon" is all right, and honestly, this is a point where a little more introspection would help because the question seems like a non-sequitur. Robinton says that Ruth is all right, and she shouldn't fret about Jaxom and Ruth. Which would make a bit more sense if at any point in the book Menolly had spared a thought to them.
Silvina brings Menolly a mug of something, while announcing that a messenger has come urgent for Robinton. After Robinton leaves, Silvina clarifies that Lord Groghe of Fort Hold had the same kind of unnerving nightmare and wants Robinton to explain it. Why he thinks Robinton would know is beyond me. Groghe, if you don't remember, was the lord that was really pushing for the Red Star trip. He was irritating but not necessarily a bad sort like Meron. He just thought there was a really obvious solution. It occurs to me that Groghe may have been one of the few vaguely nuanced characters we get.
Menolly goes to sleep thinking that if Groghe's lizard also reacted then she's not hysterical.
She wakes up later having slept well into the day. The lizards aren't hungry and she realizes that Camo and Piemur must have fed them. She doesn't hear any music or voices, so she figures that it must be afternoon.
Conveniently, Silvina chooses now to enter with a tray of klah. She looks like she hasn't slept at all. She's here to fill Menolly in with what happened, and she also thinks Menolly should see the eggs. Basically she gives Menolly a bare bones run down of F'nor being an idiot, and how that set off the lizards. Everyone with a lizard had the same problem, though Menolly's was worse because she got a nine-fold dose. (Seems like NOT having a lizard actually has some tactical advantage. I feel like F'lar might consider the uses of that at some point.)
Silvina says that her visions were of the Red Star and is smug about how this will shut up the Lord Holders for wanting to go there. Um, Silvina, someone almost died. I mean, yes, F'nor is worthless. But still. Being proven right isn't worth being smug if someone suffers in the process.
Anyway, Menolly asks after Canth and F'nor, and is told they're alive, but only just. And what Menolly heard was Brekke screaming. How Silvina knows THIS, I don't know. Also it seems like that sort of thing should be private? Brekke was a private person and I don't think she'd want people gossiping about her emotional state more than they were already.
Menolly wonders how her lizards could have known what was happening, and more, responded BEFORE Ramoth called the Fort dragon or Menolly heard Brekke's call, but that will remain a mystery. Silvina does note that dragons talk to each other. Menolly points out that dragons make sense and lizards don't. Silvina points out that the lizards are babies, and then brings up Camo, who "doesn't make much sense, but he does have feelings."
Um, fuck you lady. So far, Camo's made perfect sense. We're told that he and Piemur did indeed feed the lizards. Camo apparently fussed and fussed until Silvina sent him and Piemur up here to feed them.
UM. You sent them to Menolly's bedroom? While she was asleep? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?
I know Camo and Piemur aren't rapists or anything, but when the hell is it appropriate to send a grown man of indeterminate age and a young male child into a young woman's room without her permission, WHILE SHE IS ASLEEP?!
God, I hate the Harper Hall. I really do.
Amyway, they go off to investigate the eggs. Sebell is apparently around and hovering. I like Sebell, but I do wonder why Sebell specifically merits an egg when apparently Domick, Morshal, Silvina, or the other notables don't. He's just a journeyman after all. Did he do something particularly meritorious? Does anyone resent him for it?
So Silvina takes some time to gently nag Menolly about using her salve, before checking on the eggs. There's some banter about Menolly and Beauty checking on the eggs as "experts". Menolly notes that the eggs are harder and likely to hatch any time now.
Silvina is frustrated because getting ahold of Robinton is difficult. Groghe calls him, F'lar calls him, even Lytol for Ruth. WHY? I mean, F'lar consults with Robinton, okay. Groghe wants an update...eh, I sort of get that. But it's not like F'lar didn't station a dragon rider in Fort for this reason. But why is Lytol calling Robinton. Robinton isn't a fucking dragon rider and would have no more knowledge about Ruth than anyone else.
Also, if Robinton isn't at Harper Hall, who the fuck is running the joint? NO ONE. That's who. Maybe that's why Sebell gets the egg, because he's the only person we've seen doing any kind of interpersonal management here. And he's a journeyman!
I would actually enjoy this if I thought this was on purpose, and Robinton would get called on the fact that he's got way too much on his plate and is neglecting the students. But that would require Robinton having acknowledged flaws.
Menolly points out that if Robinton wants to Impress his fire lizard, he'll have to choose to come back. Silvina is delighted by this, since it is a reason to pull Robinton back since he hasn't had more than a few hours sleep per day. God forbid actually helping his students be a reason to come back.
God, I hate Robinton so much.
Anyway, Silvina does admit that what Robinton is doing is important, so she asks if there's a sign about a hatching being eminent. Menolly notes that when Beauty and the others hatched, the adult fire lizards started humming. Menolly has the same thought I do, which is that this isn't Beauty's clutch, so she doesn't know if they'll do the same thing. She notes that the dragons at Benden hummed for Ramoth though, so it seems logical that the fire lizards would.
Um, I see a hole in your logic, Menolly. For a very long time, Nemorth, Ramoth's mother, was the only living queen dragon. Benden is the one Weyr that didn't travel through time, so every single dragon there, if they're not Ramoth's own child, is at least a sibling either full or half (Depending on if F'lon or R'gul was Weyrleader at the time).
But I'm not sure how much Menolly knows about that, so I shouldn't quibble. Besides, she acknowledges that she's guessing. Silvina asks what the lizards eat when hatching. Just about anything, but red meat is best.
Silvina notes "cryptically" that this will please Camo. Um. Why? Is Camo going to feed the lizards at hatching? It would serve these assholes right if Camo bonded with a lizard instead of Robinton.
Menolly suddenly starts panicking when she realizes that she has to go to Shonagar. Silvina's response is FASCINATING:
“Oh, he was, was he? And will he explain to Master Robinton that your voice is more important than the Harper’s fire lizard? Oh, don’t get yourself in a pucker. Sebell can sit in for you. And you tell your fire lizards to stand by…” Silvina walked to the open window and peered down into the courtyard "Piemur! Piemur, ask Sebell to step up to the Harper’s room, will you? Menolly? Yes, she’s awake and here. No, she can’t attend Master Shonagar until Sebell arrives. Yes? Well, go through the choir hall to the journeymen’s quarters and give Master Shonagar my message. Menolly answers to Master Robinton first, me second and then any of the other masters who require her attention.”
I mean, Menolly is a HARPER APPRENTICE. So yes, actually, her voice SHOULD be more important than the headmaster's glorified pet! Sure, Menolly is happy to be a fire lizard baby sitter, but that is NOT what she came here for.
But this really does show where both Silvina and Robinton's priorities lie. Can someone mutiny and give the Harper Hall to Domick? Or Shonagar? Or anyone who actually has an interest in TEACHING these kids. Ideally someone who won't write half of them off as not having the talent to ascend past apprenticeship. God forbid someone NOT be a quick study here.
Sebell comes running. Silvina updates him that Robinton is at Ruatha, and had been to Benden first, and soon would be going to the Mastersmith. Sebell is surprised that she's talking so openly in front of Menolly, and Silvina's response is...interesting...
“More than any other, saving yourself, Menolly will need to know how many tunes a harper, much less the Harper, plays,” she said. “I’ll send more klah and…” now she chuckled, “have Camo lay about with that hatchet of his on the meat.”
Um, okay. Let's unpack:
a) We still don't have a clear explanation on what a Harper actually does, do we? Even now, we're not hearing what Robinton is DOING at any of these places, just that he's going there. Right now, it kind of sounds like he's being a glorified messenger!
b) Shouldn't ALL young Harpers know what they're supposed to be doing?
c) Why is Menolly singled out here? Sebell makes sense, we know he's got a job that requires some kind of undercover work. But Menolly is a good musician, that's it. There's been no attempt to teach her anything about history or politics, or espionage work. They have no idea if she'll be any good at that!
It seems clear, or at least heavily implied, that being a Harper is about more than just being a good musician. Menolly is a great musician, but so far, that's all she is. What about these other skills?
Who teaches them? Is she expected to spontaneously generate the ability just because she happens to be able to sight read a symphony?
So anyway, Menolly goes to Shonagar. Shonagar goes on this weird rant that is somehow both yelling at Menolly and praising her at the same time:
“I do not know what it is about you, young Menolly, that you can disrupt an entire Craft Hall, for you are not presumptuous. In fact, you are immodestly modest. You do not brag nor flaunt your rank nor put yourself forward. You listen, which I assure you is a pleasure and relief, and you learn from what you are told, which is veritably unheard of. I begin to entertain hope that I have finally discovered, in a mere slip of a girl, the dedication required of a true musician, an artist! Yes, I might even coax a real voice out of your throat.” His fist came down with an almighty wallop on the sandtable, the opposite end flapping onto its supports. She jumped. “But even I cannot do much if you are not here!”
Yes, yes. Menolly is FRUSTRATINGLY awesome. I get it. Also dude, she missed one class because she wasn't assigned to you yet. She's late for this one because she's recovering from a psychic episode. Back the fuck off.
See, this is the point where a good headmaster might step in and note to a teacher that a student might have multiple demands on her time. I wonder where we can find one of those.
Shonagar rants further, and it comes out that Silvina herself is a good musician. She is not however a Harper. Why not? What makes a Harper? Why do we not get an answer to this question? I'm about halfway through the second book in the HARPER HALL Duology, and I still don't know!
So anyway, he tells her that she's to be there without fail every day. Then he calms down suddenly and starts the breathing exercises.
God forbid we see a lesson where Menolly isn't automatically fantastic at something, we skip ahead to the end of the lesson. Despite his rant earlier, he tells her to come the day after next, since the next day is a rest day. She ends up greeted by many of the boys when she goes back to the fire lizard eggs. She is warmed by this, though she doesn't know their names.
Finally she gets back to the quarters. Sebell is there, strumming a gitar. He notes that he's had an audience, but doesn't know if they're pleased by the music. Menolly tells him how to tell and we get some nice fire lizard expression lessons:
green means sleeping pleasure, red means hunger, blue and green are general shades, white means danger and yellow means fright. Apparently, the speed that their eyes whirl around tells you the intensity. How do they SEE anything if their eyes whirl around?
It's interesting! But I do kind of wish Ms. McCaffrey would give us the same kind of explanation for the Harpers themselves. I'm really frustrated by this. WHAT DO HARPERS DO?
They can't just be performers, or Silvina would be one. So would Audiva, Pona and company. Are they archivists? Chroniclers? Are they sources of news? Are they spies?
And if they are, why is Silvina so dismissive to the ones with less musical talent? Surely subtle, sneaky Audiva would make a pretty good spy or agent, even if she's not a spectacular musician.
There's more fire lizard lessons. Menolly shows Sebell how to stroke Lazybones, and teaches him how to oil the lizards. They discuss the fire lizards singing, and Menolly explains how it started with hers.
Apparently, we learn, Lord Groghe's queen has been singing along with HIM. Which raises some interesting questions about where she might have picked up the talent. Or maybe Menolly's not the most spectacular Fire Lizard trainer ever?
Menolly ends up segueing into F'nor and Canth. Because everyone needs to be worried about Ms. McCaffrey's favorites. Sebell notes they have much to live for, and Brekke needs them to stay alive. Sebell thinks she'll MAKE them live. He probably means that in an emotional sense. But I remember Lessa's talents. I suspect if F'lar died, she COULD just zombie him back up again out of sheer fit of pique.
Camo appears bringing food. Menolly thanks him for feeding the lizards that morning. Sebell tells Camo that he's a good man, and gently urges him to go to the kitchen, because Abuna needs him. And I'm realizing that Sebell may be the only person we've seen actually speak to Camo like he's a person.
It's possible I've just latched onto Sebell because I'm really annoyed by everybody else. Except Menolly. It's not her fault that McCaffrey thinks that constant, overblown praise equals a fucking story.
Anyway, Camo leaves after getting a promise that they'll feed them tonight. Menolly notes that the "wistful, piteous way" that he'd asked for the promise suggested that a lot of people conveniently forget making promises to him. Poor guy.
This is another thing I'm mad at Robinton about. We don't know yet that Robinton is Camo's father, but really, that sort of reveal isn't meant to be a complete shock. When we find out that characters are related, that should CLARIFY things. It's supposed to bring a new context to interactions that we've already seen. But Robinton and Camo have had no interaction. And it isn't clear that Robinton has done ANYTHING to make sure that his son is happy or treated well.
It doesn't seem like Harper Hall is as bad to their drudges as say Fax was. But still, they seem awfully blithe in how they use this guy. Do you even check in on him?
Anyway, Sebell had apparently sent for food for her, as Silvina had noted she'd only had time for Klah when she woke up. Sebell keeps her company and chats with her about the fish lessons. He recites them all for her, much to her amazement. He also notes that he's arranged to have a bronze rider at Fort take them to a body of water that she approves of for sailing lessons, in secret.
Menolly is a bit horrified at the thought of teaching him to sail in one lesson, but Sebell reassures her that he doesn't think he'll actually have to sail. He just needs to know the fundamentals enough to fake it.
The vague planning for an outing transitions, pretty naturally, into Sebell relating his own experience as a novice. Sebell remembers how his Hold Harper taught him fundamentals, and he'd thought he was a good musician until he got to the Hall and "learned just how much more there is to harpering than playing an instrument".
...like what?
I'm serious. Like what? Right now, all of Menolly's lessons have been musical. WHAT DO HARPERS DO???
Anyway, Sebell notes that while Menolly was excused from Domick's morning lesson, she wasn't excused from work, so he'll help her use the time now. He compliments her on the day before, noting that she'd struck exactly the right note with him. He's surprised when Menolly responds literally (I never play flat), and realizes she meant it and was not dissembling.
Of course not, Sebell. Haven't you realized? Menolly is the Ur-Musician. Which I would be less annoyed by, if her Harper Hall lessons ever involved something else. There's more to a story than watching Menolly rock everything at first try.
I mean, seriously, she's been here like four days. She has: past every initial test in flying colors. She's won over Jerint by making awesome instruments. She's won over Domick by playing his new composition near flawlessly and loving it. Singing is her problem area, but she apparently is already good enough that Shonagar is both gushing and frustrated by her. She's outclassed all of the girls effortlessly.
What exactly is Menolly LEARNING here? Because it kind of seems to me like she's GOT the music stuff. So why aren't they teaching her the rest.
Why does Sebell need to know how to act like a seaman?
Why does Robinton need to go everywhere under the sun?
Where are the classes in that: I've named history and politics, but what about disguise? Acting? Cosmetology? Costuming?
Does Menolly even know that the Question Song is what made Lessa realize that she had to go back in time?
WHAT DOES A HARPER DO? And why, after SEVEN CHAPTERS OF FUCKING NOTHING do I still not have an answer?!?!
So anyway, Sebell makes a wry comment about whether or not Menolly will still be enthusiastic after enduring more of Domick's projects. They start playing. It's tricky, and eventually Sebell calls a break, saying that they won't get it note-perfect in one sitting.
Then things get kind of interesting, because Menolly tries to apologize, and Sebell gently calls her out on constantly apologizing for the wrong things.
And FINALLY, FINALLY we get a hint about what Harpers do, because Menolly asks Sebell what HE does: basically it's anything Robinton needs. He journeys, naturally. He looks for youngsters in hold and craft that would be likely recruits. He brings new music to distant harpers.
And unfortunately, we trail off here, before we get some useful information, because Sebell notes that the music he brought recently was hers. And we get to YET ANOTHER reiteration of how awesome Menolly is. Menolly herself is modest, and compares her music to Domick's. But Sebell notes that hers is easy to play well, and that's not a bad thing. Menolly's melodies spread far and have mass appeal.
Sebell notes that both Domick's music and hers are important, and do different things. Menolly takes this moment to ask something that was bothering her: her fire lizard song. Robinton had rewritten it, but he still attributes it to her.
Sebell notes that Robinton has his reasons (like what?), and reassures her that he didn't change it much. He just tightened it up. The melody is still what people remember, and that's hers. He tells Menolly that she needs to learn how to polish her music without losing its freshness, which is what Domick can teach her.
Menolly starts getting emotional, and Sebell is regretfully interrupted by N'ton. He has to speak with him. And I'm as frustrated as he is, because I'm realizing that the conversation is never going to get back to what a Harper actually DOES.
I'm not sure Ms. McCaffrey KNOWS what a Harper does at this point.
So Menolly is introspective, mulling over his words and thinking about music. She realizes that one of the chords in the exercise piece modulated into tones that reminded her of the agonized cry of the night before. She starts composing.
...okay, so, I'm assuming that one of the things Harpers do is the bard thing about relating current events through song. I'm assuming, because McCaffrey never actually told us this. So the idea that Menolly might make a song about it is probably natural.
But I have to admit, the idea of composing a song by using Brekke's psychic cry just seems so gross and intrusive to me. At least get her permission first?! Brekke's a collection of virtues wrapped in a dress, but she deserves a say about her privacy and dignity, doesn't she?
God, after all the poor girl's been through already: all the mating anxiety, Kylara's bullying, her rape, losing her dragon, almost losing F'nor...NOW she gets her private feelings turned into a song by a clueless fifteen year old.
So anyway, at some point Sebell returns, and Menolly realizes that he's been writing down her song as she composed it. He notes that it needs some polishing, but the refrain is poignant enough to set a Hold to tears. He gives her some specific criticism, which strikes me as a far better method than just rewriting the song for her.
They look over his notation, and Sebell starts playing it back. Menolly thinks its embarrassing, but realizes it's not a bad tune. Robinton comes in and praises Sebell, who credits Menolly with the song. Robinton credits her with saving him a chore, but doesn't explain what the chore is. (Presumably writing a song about the event?)
He's also creepy, holding her hand tightly as he tells her to listen to the song "as a Harper".
Then the eggs start hatching! It's quite exciting, of course. Menolly has to be the voice of common sense and point out the eggs can't hatch IN the pots they're kept in. But that doesn't bother me, since the dudes are basically anxious dads right now. Menolly gets the meat ready. As this happens, another queen suddenly appears. It's Lord Groghe's Merga. Robinton orders someone to escort Lord Groghe, since he's bound to be a little worried.
But Groghe's already here. Wise man. He's a little blustery, but takes the explanation well enough. He's introduced to Menolly, and he greets her quite friendly and reassuring.
Ooo. Now THIS is interesting to me. Groghe was a pain in the ass in Dragonquest. Not malicious, but not friendly either. But here, to Menolly, he's being quite nice and approachable. I'm looking forward to seeing another side to him.
The eggs hatch. And there's been a bit of a mix-up. Robinton gets the bronze and Sebell gets the queen. Sebell is horrified and class conscious and about to hand her to Robinton, but Menolly tells him it's too late. Feed it. Robinton is oblivious and delighted with his bronze.
I mean, really, I understand Sebell's impulse. But both bronze and golds are the "royalty" of dragons after all. It would have been more interesting if Robinton had gotten something like a green or a blue. But of course he wouldn't. Ms. McCaffrey would never give him less than the best.
There's a cute moment where Robinton gushes at Groghe, and Groghe, kind of embarrassed, agrees with him. Bonding with a fire lizard is awesome. Robinton feels like he understands dragonriders far more. And he understands a bit better about how Lytol and Brekke suffered, and why Jaxom can't give up Ruth. He thanks Menolly for the gift.
...I mean, F'lar actually gave them. But I guess Menolly did find them in the first place. Sebell is still apologetic that he got the queen, when it was supposed to go to Robinton, but Robinton doesn't mind at all. In fact, he thinks it might be more adventageous for Sebell to have the queen, since he goes out and about.
Wait, what? How is a queen better than a bronze for that? Robinton is thrilled, and suddenly sleepy too. Silvina steers everyone out, including Groghe, who makes a great show of tiptoeing across the room. Hah. Okay, Groghe can stay.
As they all leave, Groghe notes that he'd like to have a long chat with Menolly about lizards. He wonders for example if she agrees with Robinton, that what one lizard knows the others do too. She's quite intimidated, because Groghe is a very important lord, but a nod from Silvina encourages her.
Also, of course Robinton is right, Groghe. He's Robinton.
Anyway, Groghe wants Menolly to teach him how to train his Merga. When she agrees, he says something cryptic about how she's not what he expected and he can't trust other people's opinions. Never did, never will. He'll arrange something with Robinton. Hah, good luck, Groghe. That's expecting Robinton to do his job.
Of course he will now, because god forbid Groghe have the grounds to criticize.
Menolly wonders about Groghe's comment, about how she's not what he expected. Silvina notes that there's been some "loose talk", and she's put a stop to it. Menolly is rightfully furious, attributing it to the cot girls, since they stay at the Hold. Silvina quells her, telling her she'll handle it.
Menolly stews after Silvina leaves, and finally Sebell speaks up, telling her to leave it and focus on Harper business. He reminds her that Robinton wanted the song copied onto sheets. Menolly does, but still stews on what the girls thought they'd accomplish by prejudicing Groghe against her. I'd be more invested in this plot if I thought it'd go anywhere. But it won't. Groghe already likes Menolly. Robinton and Silvina like Menolly. And more importantly for the actual running of things, Sebell likes Menolly.
She'll be fine.
Anyway, she reminds Sebell to name his lizard, and feels guilty that her worries have diminished his bonding joy. Sebell names her Kimi. And the chapter heads to a close.
I'm just...okay, the Hatching was fun. But I'm sick and tired of how there is no plot or consequence in this book. Menolly encounters some minor challenges, but they don't go anywhere. Domick doesn't like her. Actually he does, as soon as she gets a chance to prove herself. Morshal doesn't like her, but he's treated as the nonentity that he is. Shonagar is frustrated but only because he is amazed by her potential. The girls sabotage her, but the sabotage is immediately dealt with. It doesn't even effect her reputation because it is immediately revealed.
Every single person in authority loves Menolly and praises her to high heaven. She's pretty much automatically awesome at any music related thing. And for some reason, while it is clear that Harpers do more than music, there is NOTHING in the Harper Hall curriculum that reflects that.
And no one is running the damn Hall. Robinton and Silvina are clearly not involved in anything day to day. They're not reining in the instructors or disciplining the students, they're not paying attention to logistics. They're doing nothing to help a new student adjust, and they're ignoring that Menolly specifically has some individual concerns.
Menolly wasn't even assigned an afternoon mentor. Shonagar insisted.
The only person who has remotely done anything to help her deal with everything going on is Sebell, who helped run interference with Domick and reassure her about her talents. Robinton hadn't even bothered to explain what rewriting her song meant or what she's supposed to do here. And given that Sebell's job involves a lot of traveling, who's doing ANYTHING when he's not here.
Again, this would be fine if I thought it was on purpose. But it's not. No one ever criticizes Robinton for being an incompetent headmaster. The most we get is that he spreads himself thin. No one points out that the students and staff are running amuck.
Honestly, I'm starting to think Ms. McCaffrey never meant to write this second book. She's clearly never bothered to think about what Harpers actually do (aside from say important things at F'lar's councils). She's never bothered to think about how the Harper Hall should be structured in order to actually function. She's never thought of anything beside music that these kids need to know. One presumes they're at least learning the major songs...but when? Is there a class for that?
It's so frustrating because Dragonsong was GOOD. It was interesting. And while it wasn't particularly deep or complicated, it didn't have to be. I was invested in Menolly and her conflict. Dragonsinger just takes the flaws of Dragonsong and amplifies them twenty fold. I'm frustrated. Ms. McCaffrey can do better than this.
no subject
Case in point, Sabine the musician/spy in Long Live the Queen. She's good enough to the untrained ear, but an Elodie with some musical training can recognize that she's nothing special and test her for "other" skills. Which you should do, as she's the best spy asset in the game. Good luck finding out who tried to poison you without her.