Dragonsong

The wound in Menolly’s hand becomes infected, and she is unconscious for days with a fever. Her mother fears that the arm will have to be amputated, but Menolly finally begins to recover. When the unconscious girl pleads to be allowed to “play just once more, just once again” (45), Mavi regrets her decision to ban Menolly from playing music. Similarly, Yanus feels disquieted when Elgion praises whoever taught the children after Petiron’s death. The narrative also reveals that Masterharper Robinton has shown Menolly’s songs to Elgion, who must now seek out the unknown musician behind them. Although Elgion recognizes the composer’s skills, he is unable to discover their identity. One of Elgion’s main responsibilities is to gradually shift Half-Circle’s staid focus on tradition and encourage the holders “to examine new ideas and ways” (48). For example, he wants to help Yanus think beyond the needs of his own Hold and take a greater interest in Pern as a whole.

After Menolly’s fever breaks, everyone avoids mentioning music around her because her hand no longer has the dexterity needed to play instruments.