In a period when simply no Thread has fallen for centuries – when, indeed, most are starting to dare to hope that Thread will never fall again – a youngster exists to Harper Hall. His name is usually Robinton, and he’s destined to be one of the most well-known and beloved leaders Pern has ever known. It really is a perilous time for harpers. They sing of Thread, however increasing numbers of people are beginning to question the return of that fatal scourge. They instruct reading, writing, background, but Fax – who hates the harpers generally – about The Masterharper of Pern is determined to keep his growing area of influence free of the learning that may sow unrest. Plus they extol the dragonriders, whom many look at increasingly being a drain around the resources of the Holds. Now harpers are becoming turned from the holds; and, even worse, they are becoming derided, attacked, actually beaten. It is the weather of unrest that Robinton should come into his personal. For despite the tragedies that beset his own life, he continues to trust in music and in the dragons, and is set to save lots of his dearest Pern from itself .so that the dragonriders could be ready to take a flight against the dreaded Thread when it at last returns!