At Benden Weyr, Ramoth’s latest clutch hardens on the Hatching Grounds. Keevan, the son of a dragonrider, is one of the candidates for this, although Beterli; an older candidate, repeatedly teases him about his small stature, suggesting the dragons won’t want him. At dinner, Keevan overhears a group of older riders; including F'lar and Lessa, debating about whether or not to let the younger candidates attend the hatching - restricting the hatching to older riders so they can fight Thread sooner. Lessa notes that fewer candidates on the Hatching Grounds could mean a dragon wouldn’t find a compatible mate.