Jaxom

Another one from The People of Pern, published by Donning in 1988. Taken from Anne McCaffrey's book about the world of Pern, and the Dragonriders, Holders and Crafters that inhabit it, the book is a series of drawings and paintings I did to match Anne's descriptions. Anne wrote the text for the finished book. The original is an oil painting on masonite.

Jaxom is the son of the tyrant Fax and his first (unwilling) wife, the Lady Gemma. Born shortly after the death of both of his parents (his mother in childbirth, and his father in a knife fight arranged by Lessa) he is raised by Lytol, who was a Dragonrider until the death of his dragon, and then became a Crafter. Since he also served as Holder while Jaxom was growing up, Lytol is in the unique position of having belonged to all three of the groups. He raised Jaxom to be a conscientious holder.

But Jaxom accidentally impressed a white dragon, Ruth, the only one of his color on the planet. This put Jaxom in the position of being the only Lord Holder who is also a Dragonrider.

Eventually, he met and married Sharra. Together, they are destined to be movers and shakers on Pern.

• This print is an 11x14 photoprint, limited to an edition of 250 signed and numbered by the artist. It comes shrink-wrapped on a piece of foam-core board, and costs $35 + shipping and handling.
• This print will not be available online after December 31, 2004