Word had come to Ruatha Hold that the Hatching was likely to occur that day. Ever since the battled between the two queens, Lytol had been even more gloomy than usual, unnerving the entire Hold. A drudge comes up to Jaxom to announce that the Hatching was about to start, and that Lytol had said for him to change into his best. He quickly changes and heads into the courtyard, where a dragon awaited. Jaxom resented Lytol's decision not to accept fire-lizard eggs. Lytol was giving some instructions for the day's work to the stewards, when he arrived at the dragon. They take off and go between to Benden Weyr. As soon as they land, Jaxom is greeted by Felessan. Soon after they find a seat, the first egg begins to rock. The smallest egg, the one that Jaxom had touched, was not rocking, and Feles