Eriana decides to hold a court of her crew to deal with several outstanding issues. The Epp Ale is explained, the Norse residents of Forguland wish to return to Palarand with their wives and a missing crew member is discussed. Later, one of the residents may have a solution for the absence of a pilot for the onward journey.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

37 - Eriana Holds Court

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2021 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Eriana led the female contingent into the breakfast chamber the following morning. All curtseyed before the Duke and Duchess, who had already arrived.

"Your Grace, Your Grace, good morning," Eriana greeted them.

"Good morning to you and your ladies," Sildenar responded. "How are you today? Are you fully recovered now?"

"Your Grace, I am."

But Berilda had an excited look on her face and broke in. "What an interesting idea! Eriana, do tell me where that hairstyle came from! Was it your homeland?"

"Indeed not," Eriana replied with a smile. "This is a suggestion of Garia, from her homelands."

The two exchanged a look. Berilda knew of Garia's origins but they could not be mentioned in public.

"Her assistant, Lady Merizel," Eriana explained, "was wearing the style when we first met and I saw that it would be practical for someone of my own disposition." Waving a broadsword about. "Normally the hair is not plaited but allowed to hang loose. It is named a pony tail."

Sildenar interrupted. "If you please, ladies, let us continue this conversation at table. Your hair style is most distinctive, my dear." Those eating moved towards the table while Tyra joined the other servants at the serving station. "If I may ask, whatever is a pony, to have a tail like that?"

After they had all seated themselves and the serving had begun, Eriana replied, "Sildenar, a pony is a smaller version of a fabled beast from our ancient sagas named a horse. I am told that Garia learned to ride on a pony, when she was yet eight years old."

"Do you tell me? An accomplished rider, then, and at a young age too. Did you learn to ride when you were young?"

Eriana snorted. "No woman of Einnland would be permitted to ride, Sildenar! It was not our place. Few men could ride either, since frayen do not prosper in those chilly lands."

"And your pony tail?" Berilda asked. "Was the tail of the beast bushy, then, as some of our smaller vermin?"

"No, indeed, Berilda, the sagas told us that the tail was all hair, which sprung directly from the end of the beast above the disposal holes. I cannot conceive of such an arrangement but Ursula can confirm the details."

Attention swung to Ursula, who was pouring milk on her cereal. "Your Grace, I have seen such animals and Her Highness's description is correct. The tail is made of coarse hair and grows as ours does. It would hang nearly to the ground and the animal could swing it about to remove troublesome insects from its rear parts."

"It could do that? With just hair? Incredible! And did you ride these... poneris, my dear?"

"Your Grace, the plural for pony would be ponies. I did not know how to ride any animal before I came to Joth, though I can just about ride frayen now."

"Ah." Berilda returned to Eriana. "And does Princess Garia also wear her hair thus?"

"Curiously not, Berilda. As Ursula does, Garia wears her hair short, in a different style, something she calls a bob. I have wondered whether I should have my hair cut so but not yet, I deem. I am too attached to my tresses, as most women are. One day, perhaps, when I am older."

"As you say."

Breakfast proceeded with conversation on other topics, but near the end Sildenar asked, "If I may know your intentions this morning, my dear."

"Of course, Sildenar. After we have breakfasted I must hold court with my men - all my men - to discuss what happened in Gylfi's Rest and some other matters. Once we have finished there, we must go to the wharves and see what damage has been caused to the ship. I wonder, is there a chamber we may borrow for a short while? I would only need it perhaps an hour."

Sildenar spread a hand. "A chamber? This is the palace, my dear, we have several. I will ask Tenion to prepare one large enough for you and your men." He cast a glance at her. "I will instruct him to provide chairs sufficient for you all. I have no doubt that some of your men will still suffer the effects of the drink." He frowned. "You used a new word then. I have not heard it before."

"What word?" Eriana was puzzled. "Sildenar, I do not recall."

Ursula said, "Highness, you suggested the chamber would be used for about an hour."

"Oh! Aye, you are right, Ursula. Hours... let me see. In the Great Valley your days are usually divided into twenty parts named bells, yes? And the numbering begins at dawn and again at dusk."

Sildenar frowned. "That is so, Eriana. Is there any other way?"

"Oh, yes! In Einnland we divide our day into twenty-four parts, each named stunder, and the numbering begins at midnight. Where Princess Garia comes from, they also use twenty-four, but they are named hours and the numbering begins at midnight and again at mid-day. This I discovered when I arrived at Robanar's palace." She suddenly grinned. "If I may ask, how many clocks do you presently have in the city?"

Startled by the apparent change of topic, Sildenar thought before answering. "I do not know, Eriana. Eight, perhaps, maybe nine? If there are too many then the bells become confusing, depending where you may reside."

"I can believe that! I can also tell you that in Robanar's palace alone, they had twelve clocks when we departed and by now there are probably twenty or more."

The clatter of cutlery ceased and conversation died. All eyes turned to Eriana.

"What? How is this possible? How does one tell the bells from one clock from those of another?"

Eriana grinned again. "There are no bells, Sildenar. At least, not ones that may be heard. The palace still has its original Great Clock which tolls the bells for all to hear, but the new clocks show the time to all who can see them. These clocks are new devices like a thin cabinet which is fixed to a convenient wall, and on the front are pointers and numbers by which anyone passing may simply read the time, both in bells and in hours."

"But... why go to all the trouble? Is not Robanar's Great Clock sufficient?"

"Ah, I wish I could tell you, Sildenar, but I do not have the art. It seems that making clocks the new way is apparently easier and does not require great chambers or towers to house them. Palarand's astronomers are enthusiastic about the new clocks since it makes their own observations much easier too. Perhaps you should consult your own, I understand that all are being told of the new clocks and all that goes with them."

Sildenar was confused. "If they do not require great chambers, how do they work? Is this something that Princess Garia has introduced?"

"As I said, Sildenar, I do not know. The ideas may have come from Garia but the clocks themselves were invented by a very clever young girl named Milsy. She thought up the whole idea despite stiff opposition from the Clockmakers Guild. There is one master clock which keeps accurate time and all of the other clocks, spread around the palace, are connected by wires to the master clock and merely show what the master clock believes to be the time." Eriana held up her hands. "More than that is beyond me. To learn more, you must needs wait until Robanar's wagon train arrives here."

Fard spoke up then. "Father, it is true. I have seen the new clocks in the palace and they can be more convenient to use. Of course, you must needs be in a room where such a clock was, but I have no doubt that in time most rooms in even King Robanar's great palace will have such a clock."

The ruler of Forguland was shocked. The new semaphore system had obvious advantages both in peace and war, and was simple enough to understand, but this sounded like something much more significant. What on Anmar was going on in Palarand?

"Eriana, it seems that more is happening at the lower end of the Sirrel than I had realized. Shall you join me this evening to speak of such matters?"

"I will, Sildenar, but you must understand that I am ignorant of much of what is happening there. Others may be able to tell you more. Even your own son. Perhaps Maralin, when he returns from Ferenis."

Berilda leaned forward and asked Ursula, "What of you, dear? Are you joining Eriana today?"

"Your Grace, I will join her when she meets her men but I have arranged a meeting with the city healers this morning, after what happened yesterday. Um, I would also like to borrow a chamber, but there will be fewer of us."

"Of course, Ursula. Tenion will arrange all."

The chamber Sildenar provided was easily large enough for all the Norse to fit in. There were chairs for the men - and for three wives, two of them pregnant - and something that was not quite a throne for their liege. Smaller but comfortable chairs either side held Ursula and Kalmenar while Tyra, Bennet and Semma sat to one side.

The men ambled in from their hostel nearby. Some of them shambled, not yet having thrown off all the effects of the drinking two days before. Much of this would be normal in Norse society. Mindful of their manners, all the men remained standing until Eriana appeared in front of her seat.

"Sit, if you would. Lars, are any missing?"

"None, Captain. Difficult to shift some but all here now."

"Good." Eriana took her seat and waited until everyone else was settled. Her eyes roved over the assembly, noting eyes still bloodshot and unsteady dispositions. «I do not intend to shout at anyone nor to cause any of you unnecessary distress.» There were several snorts from the back. «You may know - Ursula will certainly tell you - that I have suffered the same fate as yourselves. She will also tell you that the effects may have been greater on the body of a woman.»

There was silence in the chamber now as she continued, «Fortunately, the other women of our party, excuse me, the ship's company, heeded her advice and drank only one mug of the brew each. That is why they had clear enough heads to sail the Visund back across the Sirrel and dock it in Forguland again.»

The proverbial pin could easily have been heard as each man belatedly understood what had occurred that day. There was some uncomfortable fidgeting.

Eriana gave them a wry smile. «By chance there were enough men to help them with this unexpected task. Halsten, Olof, Torvald and Haakan are Torulf's men, so could easily have stood aside, but provided the muscle to raise and lower the sail at Tyra's command. Since I was, ah, indisposed, our pilot, Kayt, ordered all while the ship was steered home by General Gwilli himself. The rest of us, I am told, snored, slept or were violently sick, fortunately most of which went over the side, as is proper.»

There was a definite buzz now, which subsided when Eriana stood.

«There will be no blame to any for what happened. We were all affected one way or another. We could not have known that the local word which sounds like ale does not mean ale. It is done. However, some matters arise.» She changed language. "Tyra, please stand."

Tyra shot up, eyes wide. She curtseyed. "Highness?"

"Our thanks go to you for your contribution that day. It is possible that we would have managed without your help but doubtless the Visund would have suffered other adventures without it." Eriana grinned. "We'll make a Viking of you yet!"

"Th-thank you, Highness."

As Tyra sat down again, overwhelmed, Eriana grinned at her men. «I told her we would make her into a Viking! She is halfway there already!»

There were several chuckles and a number of grunts and nods of approval.

She continued, «Then there is the matter of the ale itself. I will name it ale for now. I am told that it is not ale but a special wine brewed from fruit preserved since last fall. The fruit is preserved with herbs and when it is brewed other herbs, together with honey, are added to the drink to make it taste better. Normally just a small goblet or glass of the wine would be drunk, for example at a wedding or other celebration. How did we come by it? Who found it?»

Radwan raised a hand. «Captain, I was talking of your arrival with some local friends in a tavern. I explained that we usually had a special party to remember those who had died in battle and that you would want to do that when you got here. All there knew of what we had done and wanted to help. I was given the name of a brewer of such ale and, because it would not be easy for me to go myself, told Matz the next day to investigate.»

«Matz?»

"Captain. It took me some time to find the brewer. I find that I get lost easily in a place this big. They gave me a sample and it tasted fine, but they said that they only had one barrel in stock and that it would take time to brew another. They knew of two other places that brewed the stuff and a boy from the brewery guided me to the first of them. That brewer had two barrels but one was promised to a wedding party. I explained who we were and what we wanted to do and they offered both to us instead.

"Looking at the barrels, I doubted that three would be enough. How was I to know? I went off and found the third brewer the next day. He also had two barrels, though one needed to stand a week before drinking. So we had four. We called at the palace and His Grace's treasurer gave enough geld to reserve the four barrels. When the ship arrived, the barrels were paid for, but I don't know if the geld paid was the price I was offered."

"Do you remember what was asked?"

"Yah, Highness. In the first brewery, ten of the local geld was asked. Forgans, they call the geld here. I did not collect the barrels, a local carter did. When I went to the other places I assumed that they would ask the same, but I see that was stupid. Highness, forgive me."

She changed languages again. «I will use Norse so that all may understand this. I paid fifteen a barrel when you were asked ten. It is possible that whoever sold you the barrels was not the person who asked payment when it was collected. It is also possible that by wanting four barrels a shortage was caused and that pushed the price up. It is also possible that someone was just greedy, or that they were stealing from the owner. No matter. His Grace will investigate the problem and recover any geld that should not have been paid.»

«Captain. I am becoming more familiar with the ways that these people do business but it is hard sometimes. I am no trader. I apologize if I have made any mistakes.»

«No matter. There is no blame here, only ignorance of how the locals live. Like the mistake with the ale word.» She turned to the rest of the men. «It is important that you all understand that each of these countries that we will be passing through are different in many ways, even though they appear to speak the same tongue. Their geld is all different, though that may change in time when all are bound into the Federation. They may use slightly different words one from another to name the same thing. We have already seen that their armies use different ranks, sometimes confusing even to me.

«Be careful! Though you may think you know what you are doing, you may become trapped, in danger, robbed maybe, because of something you thought you understood but did not. I do not want one of you to discover that he has by chance sworn himself to marry a woman he met along the way!»

There was laughter at this, but many could see that she was right. The ale incident had only resulted in sore heads, there were other dangers if they did not take care.

"Very well." She switched languages again. "I use the Valley tongue now because this meeting concerns more than just my people and there are several here who may have other choices. Radwan, Matz, Lukku, you all now have wives. When we first met that evening I told you that you could choose to stay with me as honored retainers or to find another who you would give your oath to. Indeed, I have discovered that among these people it is possible to live without making oath to anyone.

"In Einnland the custom is for a new wife to join the clan of the husband. In this Great Valley, she would join the House of the husband, if he has given someone his oath, which is much the same thing. Radwan, Matz, Lukku, if I may ask if you have thought of these matters and made any choice."

Matz stood. "Highness, we talked this over when we first began making friends with the local women. We have been honored in these lands and their families have no complaint with us marrying their daughters, even if we may no longer fight as we did before. Our wives will be content to leave Forguland and come away with us, but first, Highness, I must needs ask where we would come to if we followed you. A warrior will go wherever his leader commands, but wives have other needs."

Eriana compressed her lips. "Matz, it is a question I have asked myself ever since we fled Jotlheim. Part of the question is easily answered, that we would reside somewhere in Palarand. I may tell you that we are as respected in Palarand for our battles as we are here, so you may have no fear of being overlooked or forgotten. If you decide to join me there you would not be without food, shelter, work... or proper ale. Our funds are sufficient and Robanar looks kindly upon us.

"What shall we do there? Aye, that is the real question. You will not know that I have been given a task by the new Federation, a friendly grouping of most of the countries this end of the Sirrel. As any such land does, the Federation will have rivers and borders and therefore will need men-at-arms of many kinds to look after its peoples. Knowing of my past and my nature, I have been asked to create... water-borne forces, if you will understand me. These new forces will be named the Navy and there will be four parts, perhaps more."

She looked around and saw that everyone was intent on her words. "Firstly, there will be river patrols. I understand that there are river robbers and brigands -"

"Do you mean pirates, Highness?" Matz interjected.

"Ah, you know of such matters, then. Good," she smiled, "because you can explain them to the rest of us! So, maintaining peace and safety along the Sirrel first. For that task we will use the Visund and however many of the galleys of Yod, war booty, as we desire. Later there will be steam-powered ships which will need neither sails nor oars, but for now we use what we have.

"Second, there will be a like force for the open ocean, the great salt sea we are all familiar with. Larger ships, of course, more masts, guns to defend ourselves, and we will go sailing beyond the limits known to these people. Part of that force will be for defense, perhaps even against my father should he care to make mischief. Another part will go exploring. I was told by Garia, and I do believe it, that the world is a huge round ball and these lands but a small part of what may be there. Out there will be other peoples, strange lands, fearsome creatures, adventures and danger." She grinned at her men. "Who could want for more?"

She looked around and then came to a decision. She signed Matz to take his seat and then resumed her explanation. "The third part is the boring part, and that may be where people like you three can be of service if you should so desire. To support all these boats and ships will require an organization on land, in Palarand and elsewhere, that may end up having as many men as those afloat. We will be building ships, training crews and managing supplies, both for the ships and for the men. There will be Houses of the Sick for those injured while employed by the Navy. For that part we will prefer people like yourselves, veterans of the battle, unable to fight any longer, but still desiring to be of service.

"The last part is what Garia thought might interest most of my men. On board our ships and boats will be specialized fighters she names marines. These will be trained to defend their own craft and to attack others, also to land on hostile shores and do whatever is required." She grinned as she saw the expressions on most of their faces. "Curiously enough, Garia thought that you men here, in this room now, would need no training at all. It is what you already do, my people."

There was an immediate buzz, part of which was from those who could understand the local tongue well explaining to those who did not, but others were discussing their own possible parts in what was to come. Eriana held up her hands and the noise slowly subsided.

"I will tell you all now that I do not intend to force any of you to do something that you may not wish to. We are of Palarand now, not Einnland. There will be many other jobs available to all who so desire. When we have a Navy, you will all be welcome to be part of it. Indeed, I can foresee many of you here commanding your own ships or battalions of men in time, if you become capable of doing that. But the Navy will not be as we were before, a single ship of warriors sworn to their captain, raiding towns and villages, taking hostages and booty, enjoying both the successes and the failures. Nor will it be as the armies of this Valley, a small professional base with many levies in times of war. We will be a permanent service based in the Great Valley, maintaining the peace, saving lives, pursuing criminals, exploring the wide ocean."

She grinned at them. "Best of all, since we will be creating this new service from nothing, we can mold it as we desire. The Navy may be the Navy of the Federation, but I am determined that its rules and customs will follow ours, we who know the sea full well. Robanar has so agreed."

There was a stunned silence as the men digested this, then they were all on their feet roaring. It seemed that her ideas met with their approval. When the excitement died down, Matz stood in front of her and went down on one knee.

"Highness, I was your man and I remain your man. If I can help you build your Navy, then command me. Kelys my wife agrees, this is a good thing to do."

As one, all the other men in the room went down on one knee as well, in many cases pushing aside their chairs to make space.

"Rise, all of you." There were tears in her eyes. "This will be a different adventure for all of us. I hope that I do not betray your trust."

As the men regained their seats she turned to Matz. "To the immediate future, then. You three present somewhat of a problem, I deem. I dare not take you and your wives on board, it would be folly with two pregnant. By the time we returned to Palarand the situation would be much worse. I have Ursula here, doubtless she would be midwife at need, but an open ship is no place for a new-born babe.

"No, best you make plans to leave Forguland and travel to Palarand before we return from upriver. I will send a letter to Robanar, or perhaps Garia..." she trailed off in thought, then said, "Your welcome will be assured whoever I write to. If you start soon, you should arrive there before it becomes too difficult for your wives to travel. Hmm. You must needs take an escort, I deem."

She looked around at her men and then at Bennet and Semma before shaking her head. "I cannot spare anyone from the crew. I wonder, someone from Forguland, or even from Joth?"

Lars stood. "Highness, we have two traveling with Prince and Princess. Would they be useful?"

She snapped her fingers. "Of course! Djerk and Maarku! Thank you, Lars. I wonder if they will return in time to be of use?"

Kalmenar spoke for the first time. "Of whom do you speak, Highness?"

"Ah, you may remember that two of my men have joined Prince Keren's party as they travel to Blackstone," she explained. "I do not know how long they will stay there or when they would have returned, to be of use."

"Highness, you know when the Prince departed Dekarran, it was the day before we departed. It would probably take ten to twelve days to travel to Blackstone... they will have been there many days now. The Prince had planned to stay maybe three weeks or so, planning to return before the heat of summer became too uncomfortable. If he keeps to that plan, I estimate that your men should reach Dekarran in about four weeks time. I would suggest that you send your letter to Duke Gilbanar at Dekarran, such that your men may be diverted there and travel directly here by the trade road to escort your men and their wives back to Palarand. If that is done, they should reach the city long before the rains begin."

"Four weeks? Of course, he is the heir, he may not travel as lesser folk do. Very well. Remind me later and I will write a letter... oh, I do not think that either can read!"

"Highness, they travel with Countess Merizel, who has taken on the task of teaching all who cross her path to read and write. While I doubt not that her own time will be limited, I would expect your men to have at least begun the process. However, for safety I deem you should address any letter to her."

Eriana nodded. "Agreed. We can discuss the details later, if you would." She turned. "Matz? Lukku? Radwan? You heard? I will ask Djerk and Markku to come to escort you and your families safely to Palarand. There will be plenty of time for you to arrange your affairs."

Matz stood and bowed. "Highness, you are too gracious."

She nodded. "You are my people, I must provide for you, it is my duty. Very well. If I may now ask you to explain what you know of Dakig."

Matz spread his hands. "Highness, there is little more to say. After the battle we four were placed in the House of the Sick, as they name such places here. We became friendly with some of the attendants and, when we were fit enough to leave, lodgings were found in the city for us. Dakig's injuries seemed grave at first but he recovered much more quickly than we three. Thus he departed first, saying that he had been lodged with a maker of sails."

"Ah. And though he is no seaman, like most of us he can sew canvas at need."

"As you say, Highness. When it was time for each of us to leave, he knew what we could do, he found places for each of us where we would be of use. We were moved to lodgings all over the city."

Matz wrinkled his nose. "Now I think about that, I begin to wonder if it was done deliberately? We four were alone in a strange city, barely able to speak their tongue. It was difficult at first but we each found ways - and wives. Our women have been a great help to each of us, Highness, helping us to learn the speech of these people."

"But I thought that you said you were lodged near each other."

"That is true, Highness. Dakig realized his mistake and we were moved to lodgings nearer to each other, where we could at least converse with one other and share ale - and we could help Radwan. We kept the jobs we had been given, though. Then one day Dakig said that he had an idea, but it meant that he had to move to another lodging to be closer to his work... that was the last we saw of him."

"Do you think that he is still in the city?"

Matz shook his head. "I do not, Highness. After two weeks we became concerned and asked at the sail maker where he worked, to be told that he had left... two weeks before. We reported the matter to the city authorities but the whole city was full of warriors... soldiers... and it was impossible to find him. I suspect that he may have gone to Yod with some of those passing through."

"But the war has been over these several weeks."

"Yah, Highness. But Dakig has not been seen since that day."

Eriana simmered. Another mystery! She nodded abruptly to Matz. "Thank you, Matz."

She turned to her men. "Right! Enough of talk. Men, we have a ship to repair. Whoever desires to help may come with me." She grimaced. "I must needs find out what state the Visund is in. The rest of you, relax until you are recovered and then you are free to explore the city." She wagged a finger. "Beware of what you may drink this time!"

The men laughed.

* * *

There was a knock at the door. The five women looked at each other before Eriana called, "Enter!"

A footman opened the door and came in. "Forgive the intrusion, Highness, but there are two men who desire to speak to you. I believe that one of them is one of your men."

It was evening and the women were having quiet conversation before retiring for the night. All except Tyra were wearing long gowns. Eriana considered leaving the interruption until morning but thought that, if it was one of her men, then it might be urgent.

"They may enter."

Lukku came in first with another man who appeared to be a roughly dressed local. This man took off his cap and stood nervously in front of Eriana while Lukku spoke.

"Highness, this is Hashim, who I came across while on business at the city wharves. We have shared ale and exchanged our stories. He says that he comes from a land far beyond Yod, that he was second on a barge that was captured by those people, and that after being freed at the end of the war he is anxious to return to his home and family."

"He desires passage? We have little room for passengers and no need for more crew."

The man bowed. "Your Highness," he said nervously, "I thought to be of more use to you than mere passenger or crew. I was Second Mate on a barge, part of a fleet owned by a merchant in Faralmark."

"Faralmark! I met your liege the Margrave at a conclave some four weeks ago in Dekarran. As we journey upstream Faralmark will be one of the places we intended to call at. If I were to take you, what is it you think you can do for me that my present crew cannot?"

"Highness, you may or may not know that there is a shortage of pilots who know the stretch of the river through Yod, for obvious reasons. Many were killed or captured, those that are available now are sorely pressed by those desiring passage."

"Aye, I know of the shortage, I have wondered how we may manage. I thought to ask in Ferenis, where we will next call."

"Highness, I have traveled this river many times from lands beyond Faralmark as far as Joth carrying wines one way and cloth and timber the other. I know these currents and sandbanks well, I would be your pilot if you would have me."

"You would be pilot? Yet I am told that one reason so few pilots will venture that way is because the river will have shifted during the time of the war, with no-one to mark the shallows. How do I know that you will not strand us on a shoal in the middle of Yod?"

Hashim looked even more nervous. "Highness, it is as you say, yet I am familiar with the river and know how it may move over time. I may not be able to show you a map with sandbanks and shoals marked on it but I am confident that I can read the river well enough to avoid them."

Eriana stared at him while she thought about the proposal. "What happened to you after the Yodans captured you?"

"I was chained to a galley oar, Highness, like many others who made their living on the Sirrel. Once the galley was captured and I was freed, it was brought to Forguland and here I have stayed ever since, trying to find a way home."

"I see. And without coin, you could not buy passage, of course. What have you done since you arrived in Forguland?"

"A laborer at the wharves, Highness, once I was deemed fit again. It was that or starve."

Eriana grimaced. "I understand you. You did not think to fight?"

"Highness, our barge was from Faralmark, which to my knowledge was not party to the fighting, and we trusted to the laws of the river for our passage. It appears that those of Yod did not care where we came from. Besides, the galley was captured just at the end of the war, as the crew were fleeing Yod. Someone threw something into the galley which -" he shook his head. "I have no words, Highness. There was a very sudden, loud noise and some of the crew were... I can only describe it as shredded. When we were released, I could see that blood and bone had been splattered all over the rear of the galley. I do not know how it was caused, only that it probably saved my life."

She nodded. "Ah. I believe that you speak of a grenade. I did not know if many made it to the fighting before the enemy surrendered." The Princess thought for a while. "Very well. You make an interesting proposal and, it is true, we have found few pilots here willing to guide us through that stretch of the Sirrel. I must make sure that you know whereof you speak, though. Are you presently employed? I mean, are you free to go to the wharves tomorrow morning?"

Hashim dipped his head. "Highness, if going to the wharves tomorrow morning will gain me a place on your ship, then of course I am free."

"Then you shall go to Tor son of Magnus - I believe that they might name him Tor Magnusson here - and tell him what you have told me. He is the Master of the Visund, as I am the owner and Captain. He will probably ask you questions to discover your knowledge both of the Sirrel and of the working of boats upon it."

Hashim bowed very low. "Highness, you are gracious. I thank you for this opportunity to help you and your ship as I know that doing that will help me. I trust that you will not be disappointed."

Eriana nodded and then said, "It is becoming late and I am sure you will desire to return to your lodgings. Good-night to you."

Hashim bowed and withdrew. Lukku remained, so Eriana spoke to him.

"You will want to get back to your wife as well, I deem. Is this man... what was his name again?"

"Hashim, Highness. "

"Is Hashim what you supposed him to be?"

"Aye, Highness. He has told me more of his time in the galley and I have heard from others rescued at the same time. Several are from cargo craft captured by the Yodans during the fighting." He shrugged. "If he can guide you through those waters I do not know, but from my own knowledge of these last few weeks I deem it will be hard to find a pilot to take you upstream. There is a great shortage."

"And that is perhaps the only reason I have thought to employ him. Shall you also go to the wharf tomorrow and speak with Tor? Make sure that Hashim is questioned properly. I do not want some out-of-work soldier on my ship who just desires a passage home."

"I understand you, Highness, but I am certain that Hashim is genuine. However, I will seek out Tor and make sure he knows who is coming and why."

"Good man. And now, perhaps you had better return to your wife."

Lukku bowed. "As you say, Highness. Good night to you, and to you all."