Keylí was in a giant field, surrounded by spectators oohing and aahing over the latest events. The Hatching. The most talked about event in the weyr, in the Craftholds, everywhere! Boys dreamed of Impressing a bronze day and night, girls fantasized about becoming a Weyrwoman, the highest post in all of Pern. It was an honor to be a candidate in the Hatching.

Keylí hated it.

Stupid dragons. Keylí thought. Stupid dragonmen. Stupid eggs, stupid Weyrwomen. . .

She stole a glance at F'lynn. At least her brother was happy. He had been dreaming about this moment his entire life and there he was, stroking the biggest bronze dragon that had hatched today. Keylí wished she shared his love of the beasts.

A loud crunch directed her gaze to the large golden egg in the center of the room. She forgot about the hot sands biting into her feet. The crowd around her hushed like a door had closed in front of them. A young girl next to Keylí whimpered in fear and Keylí pulled her close, trying to comfort the terrified girl.

A flare of anger coursed through Keylí's body. What did they think they were doing, those Weyrleaders? Half of these girls were too young to be partaking in such an event.

The egg teetered, and to Keylí's horror she could not keep herself from watching. A crack as large as her hand split the egg in two and the scaly body emerged. Immediately several girls screamed and backed away. Keylí pulled the girl closer to her body as the dragon advanced. The dragon locked eyes with the small blonde, but Impression did not occur. Instead the golden body launched itself, claws extended, at her. Before Keylí could move the girl out of the way the dragon had ripped the front of the white dress, scratching her. Blood stained the perfectly white cloth. The girl screamed in pain and fell to the floor. Struck with a sudden rage, Keylí swatted the dragon away from the girl.

"Stop it!" she cried.

The crowd gasped. Several of the spectators stood, a horrified expression on their faces, ready to stop the Hatching at moments notice. F'lynn stared at her, his dragon forgotten. But Keylí only had eyes for the queen advancing toward her. She felt herself being drawn towards those bright eyes . . . No! she thought, tearing her gaze to the girl beside her. I will not Impress! She sent thoughts of pure hate and malice to discourage the beast.

As if sensing her refusal the dragon moved closer, those eyes boring into her soul. Horrified, Keylí watched as the dragon crawled into her lap, all the while staring at her. She felt a mind pressing against hers. No! No! No! Keylí wrenched away, tears streaming down her face. The dragon followed. Keylí stumbled toward the wall, determined not to let the dragon speak. No! I won't do it! She ran not from fear, but from denial. She would not, could not Impress a dragon. No! she screamed in her mind. Go away!

Finally she collapsed against the wall as the dragon approached her. Keylí flung her arm over her eyes. The dragon curled against her chest, nuzzling her way to Keylí's face.

Softly, but strong, Keylí heard a voice in her head.

My name is Dawn.