Towards the end of the Sixth Pass, Moreta, the recently-made Senior Weyrwoman of Fort Weyr, travels with her heavily pregnant queen dragon Orlith to a Gather at Ruatha Hold, held by the new Lord Holder, Alessan - avoiding the Headwoman's complaints about, Fort's Weyrleader, Sh’gall, has gone to convey Lord Ratoshigan of Southern Boll to the Gather at Ista; which is exhibiting a strange animal that was found at sea.