Free Masterharper of Pern by Anne McCaffrey Page A

for his father, he swept the others ahead of him toward the Hold. “How was the sea on your way here, Master Gostol?” he asked, assuming the duties of a genial host.
     
    The Istan holders stayed three more days, until Halanna finally capitulated—from sheer physical exhaustion. Ginia had naturally attended the girl after each session with her father and, although she was discreet, she did imply that it was no more than the child required to make her mend her ways.
    “For so many children, disapproval is sufficient, or a rap on the knuckles,” she said to Merelan, who was genuinely worried when Halanna showed no signs of repentance after the second chastisement. “Then there are some who have to have manners thumped into their heads. Oddly enough, they seem to recover more quickly than the sensitive child who is only verbally rebuked.”
    “But . . .”
    “He uses only his hand, and it’s more her pride that’s been offended than her butt end,” Ginia said. “If the issue is not forced now, she will become far worse in later years and end up disgracing her entire family and hold. That can’t be allowed.”
    “It’s just that we’ve never had a child that difficult,” Merelan said.
    Isla joined them, breathless from a fast walk across the courtyard. “He’s taking most of her clothing back with him and has asked me to provide warmer garments. Just a few, and nothing fancy, though I did talk him into permitting one nice outfit for Gathers and performances.” She looked almost regretful, though Halanna had driven her to despair with her snide comments and spiteful ways. “Only she’s not to pick it out. I’ll let Neilla do so. She has the best taste and the most forgiving heart.”
    Halanna was required to apologize to the MasterHarper, Journeywoman Healer Betrice, and Master Petiron for her intransigence. Gennell had wanted to include Merelan, but the singer put her foot down. She would have the instructing of the humbled girl, and that was going to be hard enough to handle without the child experiencing further abasement.
    “She brought it on herself,” Halibran said sternly.
    “That does not require me to compound it,” Merelan said, lifting her chin to match his attitude.
    “You are a gracious lady,” he said, relenting and bowing to her.
    Halanna was granted a room to herself, the attic one, which had sufficient space for her much reduced wardrobe. Her father had left instructions with Master Gennell to take disciplinary steps if she did not apply herself to her lessons.
    “And, if you should decide this regimen doesn’t suit you,” her father said in so cold a voice that Merelan shivered, “and attempt to run away from the Harper Hall, I will have the drums repudiate you across all Pern. Do you understand? You wanted to sing, you wanted to come here to the Harper Hall so you could improve your voice. Now you will do just that and nothing but that! Do you understand, Halanna?”
    Head hanging after the ordeal of apology, she murmured something.
    “I didn’t hear that. Speak up.”
    A flash of her old spirit flared in her eyes but vanished when her father lifted his hand. “Yes, Father. I understand.” She stood, head up, lips and chin trembling slightly. Satisfied with her demeanor, he strode out of the MasterHarper’s office.
    “Mastersinger Merelan will be your primary instructor, Halanna,” Master Gennell said. “You will review your foundation lessons with the first-year apprentices”—he was almost glad to see the flare of dismay in her eyes. Her punishment had not broken her spirit, even if it had quelled her arrogance—“until you have learned enough to graduate to the more advanced classes. Although classes have begun for the day, Master Washell has given permission for you to arrive late this morning. Now go on to room twenty-six. And you’ll need this slate and chalk.”
    He handed her the items she had refused to carry or use in her first days at the Harper Hall.