The Dolphins Of Pern: Anne McCaffrey

When Master Fisherman Alemi takes young Readis out to catch redfins for the evening feast, neither knows the day will herald a a new chapter in the history of Pern. When a sudden squall blows up, their mast is splintered and broken, their boat is capsized and they are saved by the shipfish who hold them firm above the water, guides them back to land and above all, speaks to them. Alemi learns they are dolphins - brought to Pern by the early colonists to help and guide them through the oceans of a new planet. Now all the old dolphin laws had to be rediscovered. Readis is fascinated by the dolphins and aided by T'lion, the bronze dragon rider, he fights against parental opposition to become Pern's first dolphineer. Cover art by Steve Weston.