The rumble-thud-boom of the big drums answering a message from the east roused Piemur.

So it was only Menolly who heard Piemur say to the tired little golden queen that clung to his neck: "I wish I had a drum big enough to tell the whole world how happy I am!"

Of all the young singers at the Harperhall of Pern, Piemur was the one chosen for the leading role at Lord Groghe's Gather . . . and then his voice broke. Suddenly his whole future at Harperhall became uncertain. But Masterharper Robinton, Menolly, and Sebell had other plans for Piemur. They were sure that his quick wits and discretion could be used to keep a check on the troublesome Oldtimers and their strange traffic in fire lizards. So, whilst serving as a messenger-drum apprentice, Piemur carried out special errands for the three. And it was on one such errand that he realised his wildest dreams.