Chapter 12 Summary

Canth tells F'nor that F'lar is in his quarters and Mnementh is not worried about him. Tiny Grall swoops in and nuzzles his cheek. To avoid being seen, the half-brothers head to the entry to the Hatching Ground. In a large chamber, stone troughs are planted with various floras. F'lar distributes grubs and is satisfied the grubs can prosper under northern conditions. To complete the experiment, F'nor must collect live, viable Thread this afternoon, which, if the grubs consume it, will lead to mass production and distribution, allowing Thread to fall harmlessly. F'lar has been wondering why humans have spread so slowly across Pern. The ancients possess the equipment needed to leave but not dragons big and intelligent enough. The dragonmen's goal has always been to protect the planet but never to eliminate Thread. Everything has now come together for that to happen...