As long as the people of Pern could remember, the Holds had protectedthem from Thread, the deadly silver strands that fell from the sky. Inexchange for sanctuary in the huge stone fortresses, the people tithedto their Lord Holders, who in turn supported the dragonriders, Pern'sgreatest weapon against Thread.But not everyone on Pern was protected. Some had been rendered holdlessas punishment for wrongdoing. Some, like Jayge's trader clan, simplypreferred the freedom of the roads to the security of a hold. Others,like Aramina's family, had lost their holds. And they all feared theoutlaws who preyed on holds and holdless alike.
The Lady Thella's renegades were the most dangerous yet -- all theyneeded was Aramina, whose telepathic link with dragons could help themevade the dragonrider patrols. But Jayge was out to stop Thella... andhewould never let her have Aramina!
