Book 1 Weyr Search - Chapter 3 & 4 Summary

Four days later, F'lar still endures Fax's company. It's only through F'lar's practiced self-control that the situation hasn't turned explosive. He glides on Mnementh into Ruatha. The decline of the Weyr and its influence isn't only due to the Holding Lords; the decay is also from within. It's the result of an incompetent queen and inferior Weyrwomen. Along with the encroachment of grass came the withholding of tithes. Little by little, the Weyr's influence lessened so that even ancient holds didn't take proper precautions to keep Pern free of Threads.

As they cut through the pass from Crom to Ruatha, a clear distinction is noted. Ruatha lies in near ruin. The sight stuns F'lar. He had thought for sure the answer to the search would be found here to the south. Fax has met resistance...