Threats and counter-threats, part two

Writers: Devin, Paula, Suzee
Date Posted: 26th March 2015

Characters: Corowal, N'vanik, Cyradis
Description: Corowal comes to see the Weyrleaders for explanation and it just gets worse...
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 11, day 1 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: J'ackt, L'cor

Notes: Yet another follow up for "Unchained Rage"
Notes: part 2 of 2

N'vanik

Cyradis

"I see," she replied coldly. "A public gesture without trial? And if

we don't bow to your 'request' you'll cut off our food? Is that it

Corowal? You have yet to ask to review the facts and are rushing to

the judgement phase. We should just want us to hand him over to you

for punishment? Your guard pulled _steel_ on a dragonrider yet we are

leaving his punishment to you." In that moment she was no longer angry

with J'ackt and Zith but with a holders who disobeyed rules and then

expected the Weyr to pick up the pieces. Privately she thought perhaps

one of the wings should practice their flaming drills on Emerald Falls

fireheights.

A roar of displeasure sounded in the werybowl from the throat of an

angry queen followed by answering roars from the throats of a hundred

dragons.

"We have assured you he is being punished for his actions with the

guard. If you'd like to interview the witnesses and watch his

punishment, you're more than welcome."

"Don't test us, Corowal." N'vanik glared at him, angry enough to hit

something. Loseth scraped his claws against the rock of the heights,

fueled by the anger of his rider and his queen. "If you want to deny

us the tithe, we can deny you protection."

"Yes, please, I would like that very much," Corowal replied to Cyradis.

He turned to make an eye contact with N'vanik. "You don't want to go there
if I were you. If Thread destroys our crops, we have even less to send you.
Not to mention it would make people reluctant to send their youngsters
here. We can't deny you your right for Searches...but I can't prevent
people hiding their children to cellars at the first sight of dragon's
wings either. If you deny us your protection from Thread, which is your age
old duty, you will find out that I can be much worse than Enrizial ever
was. He was just crazy and rash." He paused to collect his thoughts and to
control his temper.

"You're just not _listening_ what I said. I was trying to find a solution
to this dilemma, salvage what I can. You speak of trials... the average
dirt digger doesn't give a wherry's droppings about trials or J'ackt being
given a fair treatment, but they do love a good show. There are all kind of
public gestures. It's called politics and it involves all kind of lying and
play acting." He leaned backwards and let his gaze wander between the
Weyrleaders. "Since you can't control your riders..should I start to worry
about L'cor? Outside Thread Falls? Will J'ackt go after him next, in some
kind of twisted revenge? Since he will probably blame me of his
punishment?" That should give the something to chew on.

"Unless L'cor is planning to attack J'ackt with a knife, you have nothing
to worry about." N'vanik wanted to keep reminding him that J'ackt hadn't
just randomly attacked like a feline leaping out of the bushes. "The way
you say 'public gesture' I get the feeling you're imagining a whipping or
something." Some holders would probably love watching that. "Beyond the
fact that you don't get to discipline _our_ riders, I'll let you know that
I will never, _ever_ lay a hand on that boy."

"So the bottom line here is that threats are not going to work for either
of us and we're not giving you the boy." Cyradis looked directly at
Corowal. "We _are_ giving you your guard back and not asking for a public
demonstration against _him_ for pulling steel on a dragonrider. We
discipline the rider and you discipline your guard. Or do you have another
suggestion?"

"No, threats not going to work, for every threat there's a counter threat,"
Corowal pinched his nose bridge. The whole mess was giving him a major
headache. "How about a compromise? A compensation for Cronfur's wife and
children from the Weyr? And we pay compensation for your rider's injuries?
Everyone saves a face," he suggested. It rankled his pride but he saw no
other way out of the deadlock. "And you shouldn't worry about Cronfur, he
will be punished. Do you really think I would let him stay in guard force
after this mess? I can't trust him to protect my family or my hold if he
has that little self restrain." There would be long term consequences, he
knew that. The holders may not be satisfied by that solution. There would
be tension between the Hold and Weyr.

N'vanik looked over at Cyradis. Payment would fall under her
responsibilities. He'd been considering suggesting it himself before
Corowal started talking about public gestures.

"Like amount?" Cyradis raised a brow. She wasn't above bargaining. She
didn't intend for the Weyr to pay for the mans family to live in luxury but
the Weyr had provided healing for both of the combatants at least to this
point.

"Well, the man had three young children who have to have their basic needs
covered," Corowal said and flashed her some of his famous charm. All that
was left to do was the haggling.

Last updated on the May 9th 2015

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Threats and counter-threats, part two