The Visund continues along its journey to their next port of call. Hashim proves his worth by reading the currents and shallows of the great river as they head into unknown waters. Because Ursula is still looking for herbs, a side trip is called for. Unfortunately, danger lurks!

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

49 - Sandbars and Creeks

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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"There, Captain, do you see?" Hashim pointed at an apparently featureless stretch of river water.

Standing in the bow beside him, Eriana frowned. "I see nothing obvious, Hashim. What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"It is difficult for me to describe, Captain," he replied. "Let me see. There is a kind of... upwelling, perhaps, just there, where the color of the water becomes very slightly lighter. There is a shoal there which means, firstly, that the waters part to flow either side of the obstruction, giving that upwelling, and secondly that the bottom reflects some sunlight even through the murk of the water."

She was silent a moment, as the Visund drifted past propelled by two pairs of oars at each end.

"Ah! I see it! Are all the river signs so subtle, then?"

"By no means, Captain. Some, like the Cauldron, are plain to even a blind man. But when the river becomes low we must needs use our wits to pass certain points, since the mud can be churned from the bottom and obscure much. But seeing sign like that is only the first step. Having discovered a shoal, one must then determine how it lies. If that were the nearest end, does more of it lie across our path? For this shoal, I do not think so."

"I see what you mean."

"Fortunately for us, now that we are past the joining of the two branches there should be few further complications. You already know that the outside of any bend will be the faster flow, and thus the deeper, but sometimes rivers, inlets and creeks can cause changes to what one would normally expect."

"As you say. Do you suggest that we are too close to the bank?"

"Not to this bank, Captain, no. But I would still advise a keen look-out, since this region is known for shoals and sandbanks."

"Did you hear that, lads? Look for changes in the color of the water and, if you are unsure, use the depth rods to check we have enough water beneath us."

Brodgar smiled, "Aye Captain," and Vynil added, "Of course, Captain."

"These sandbanks," Eriana remarked thoughtfully. "If we may make use of one at lunch time?"

"To moor, you mean? I do not see why not, assuming that we can find one large enough. Fishermen in the reaches beyond Yod do that all the time, Captain." He grinned. "It is a means of avoiding possible port fees and other officiousness, so many will do it." The grin faded. "Because those of Yod occupied the other bank, Master Yussuf's barges were customarily sent along the other branch of the river, so I do not know this branch as well as I ought. I am certain that we should find a suitable stopping place -"

He suddenly turned to Brodgar. "If you would signal back, please."

As Brodgar blew three short notes on his whistle he explained to Eriana, "Look at those ripples! A large, low sandbank lies yonder and almost across our path."

Hashim grabbed hold of the prow and raised himself as high as he could. "Yes, yes, it trends to our left. If you could signal right, then we should be able to proceed, now that the current has taken us away from the bank."

Brodgar blew a single short note and Tor, at the far end of the ship, leaned on the oar and sent the Visund to the right and away from the obstruction as the men began rowing again.

"You must needs be issued with a whistle, Hashim," Eriana observed. "It makes no sense for you to ask someone else to do it every time when the signals are so easy to understand. Regrettably we have no spares on board, mayhap some may be found or made along our route."

Vynil pushed his rod directly down into the water so far that he was almost crouching, but found no bottom. "Good water, Captain."

Eriana nodded. The depth rods were about the diameter of a man's finger and over three strides long. They had been strongly advised to the Norse when the Visund had been modified at Dekarran, in view of the likely conditions. If one could be dangled in the water, it would hang almost vertically when there was sufficient depth below. The holder would soon know if an obstruction approached since the end of the rod would drag along the bottom as it shallowed. Unfortunately, that only worked at slow speeds - and when the bottom was firm enough.

"I have seen your men use their whistles," Hashim remarked. "Most vessels would not require them, being smaller, but to shout from one end of this one to the other all the time would strain my throat, especially if the crew were rowing."

"Aye. The code we use on board is simple enough for any to learn. I will tell you that, on land, different codes are used depending on circumstance."

"Ah? Of course, if all have whistles, and all know the codes, it makes communication so much easier, I deem."

"It is something we developed a long time ago, for use when raiding, but they became so useful that other, more gentler codes are now used for everything from ship-handling to herding beasts in the fields and mountains."

Hashim's eyes had kept scanning as he spoke and he pointed into the distance. "Look there, Captain! That is no shoal but a river monster, I deem."

"Is it dangerous to us?"

"That one? Not at all, Captain, except by chance. The zereft eats only the vegetation which grows along the margins of the quieter stretches of the river. It has few enemies so may grow to great size."

"Can it be eaten?"

Hashim looked doubtful. "Captain, I do not know if any have ever been caught alive. And, as you know, most water creatures once dead rot very quickly. Only eaters of carrion will usually attend such a corpse."

"Ah. As you say. The fish of the sea do not corrupt so quickly as those of the river, so I am told. Perhaps it is something to do with the salt. Never mind. There is much in this river that can be eaten, should our lines snare some of it."

Further along the Visund Tyra carefully snipped a thread and held up the garment she had been finishing.

"There, Mistress. This tunic should now fit Kaldar, if we can yet find a place where he may change."

"We'll need to stop soon," Ursula responded. "Apart from the thirty or so people wanting lunch, I am going to need a quick wash."

"Oh. Of course, Mistress. But we have no bathing chamber nearby and you dare not get into the river!"

"You have my complete agreement there, Tyra. But on a previous occasion, didn't the Captain put up a screen or something?"

Tyra shook her head. "Mistress, I was not with you - or the ship - then. What happened?"

Ursula looked doubtful. "Now I think about it, I remember very little of that time."

"Mistress," Bennett said. "It was the first night, right after we found you. There was a largish island, it had many trees on it, and the ship was tied to one side. A large awning - one of the sails, I think - was put up to shelter the men and a smaller one for us women. A separate screen surrounded us so that we could change without being overlooked."

"That's right," Semma agreed, "and there were arguments because of what you were wearing. You had strange clothes, including trousers, which were torn and covered in blood, yet when we took them off you to tend your injuries none could be found."

Kaldara's eyes were round. "Mistress, what happened?"

"That is apparently what happens when someone is transferred from one world to another, Kaldara. A new body is made for you, as we explained before, and it is dressed in copies - it is thought - of exactly what you were wearing just before the transfer - and in the same condition. In my case it seems that I had been dying after a fight with a large wild animal."

"Really? Do you know what it was, Mistress?"

"I remember nothing at all about whatever happened just before I left. Apparently this is the same for everyone we know who has been transferred." Ursula shrugged. "From rips in my tee shirt I have been told it was likely a bear, which is a very large animal covered in fur which has very long claws."

"Oh. Are there bears here, Mistress? On Anmar, I mean."

Ursula looked at Bennett, who replied, "From the description, not that we know of, but we know the creatures of only a very small portion of our own world. Even some creatures familiar to Her Highness and her men are unknown in the Valley, so who knows what may roam elsewhere?"

"As you say, Bennett."

Semma muttered, "What are those men doing?"

Beyond the mast a group of men not required to row had gathered and were engaged in some activity. Every so often one would turn around and glance at the women but no clues had so far emerged. The activity involved knives and, for some, lengths of cord. Ursula had just assumed that it was something related to the workings of the ship.

"Doubtless we'll find out soon enough," she replied. "And we'll probably be disappointed when we do."

"Sometimes it is better to be disappointed, Mistress," Bennet remarked. "Especially after yesterday's happenings!"

"I cannot disagree, Bennet."

The Visund had departed the dock about mid-morning and all aboard were glad that it had done so. Earlier, just as they had finished their breakfast, the sound of two explosions could be heard and afterwards a thin column of smoke was seen rising from the center of the city. Naturally, everyone around the hostel, inside and out, was on edge and this had complicated their checking out, but the men had arrived and helped get everything down to the pontoons.

Now they eased gently up-river, just making way with the few oars Tor had judged necessary for the purpose. Eriana had wanted the sail raised but that would have been folly in unknown waters. Hashim had managed to obtain copies of reasonably up-to-date charts from the port office, but, as he explained, "With the river now lower much that was hidden is rising towards the surface. The chart will tell us where the deep channel may be found, but mostly it will be necessary for us to find our own way."

"There! What about that one?"

A mound rose above the surface of the river in the distance. It was higher than Eriana expected but, considering the present water level, not so surprising. A flat top contained mostly scrub which showed that the tiny islet would likely survive even the annual floods. It looked good enough for them to use.

"I have used this one in the past, I believe," Hashim replied. "Of course, that was when the water level was much higher. Captain, I would caution you, since the mound is now so high we cannot see what is on the further side. There may be others with the same desire to rest as yourself."

"Others who may not be so friendly, perhaps?"

The pilot shrugged. "As you say, Captain, but I rather think that they will be alarmed by the numbers sailing with you."

Eriana smiled. "I have no desire to spoil the lunch of others but, should they depart, my mind would be easier."

She lifted her own whistle and blew two short notes, a space, then two more. An answering note came from the stern.

"I had better go and tell Tor what is planned, then. Shall you stay and watch for more shoals?"

"As you wish, Captain."

As Eriana made her way aft she explained what they were about to do to Lars and Adin, and then to Tor once she reached the stern. After some whistled commands sent backwards and forwards the bow was turned towards the islet and the ship made good progress towards the mud of what passed for a beach. Once Tor judged they were close enough, he turned the prow directly towards dry land and the Visund ran gently up onto the margin of the mound.

«I like not this muck,» Eriana observed to Tor. «Are we going to have a problem refloating?»

The ship's master considered. «Captain, I have done this so many times that I did not consider the surface. Fortunately, I do not think so. It is as well that you remind me we are in places unknown where conditions are so different.»

Her smile was hard. «Indeed, Tor. The last time we were on a shore like this was when we were washed up on Plif. At least there we could rely on the tide to refloat us! Here there will be no raising of the water level for months, so I was told.»

Tor grimaced. «Captain, after we all get off I will go around and see if there is likely to be any problem. If there is we will likely have to use the praam to take an anchor out, so that we can haul ourselves off.»

«Please. Ah, I see that Lars has already organized a party to survey the island. It would be unfortunate if there was a large and hostile vessel the other side, would it not?»

Tor smirked. «Unfortunate for them, perhaps. They have no idea what they face.»

The two grinned at one another.

Part of the way up the side of the shallow mound a jetty had been built. Right now it was well above the river level but must have been appropriately positioned at some point. Rough log steps led from the jetty to the top of the mound and also part way down, to assist those who needed to climb up as the river level changed.

Lars cautiously led a small group over to these steps and up to the top, taking all necessary precautions. Once there the group scouted the far side and Lars returned to the top to whistle an "all-clear" down to the Visund. That was a general signal for many of the crew to let themselves down from the ship and join those above, some carrying poles and tarpaulins, others with some of Adin's large pots, more with bundles of firewood.

"Coming, Mistress?"

"I would think so. It is safe, isn't it?"

"If Lars has given the all-clear then I am certain we are the only people on this small island," Bennet replied. "You may climb off with confidence. Oh, will there be a problem, Mistress?"

Ursula thought. "I should be all right if I can climb down off the ship," she replied. "Once I get up there I have asked Adin to boil me some water to clean myself up."

Eriana joined them. "Aye, everything is arranged, Ursula. The boys have done as much for me any number of times."

The side of the ship was shallow enough that it was easy to climb down over the side, though Ursula did get her feet wet. The others could jump from further along the hull but she did not want to risk that in the present circumstances. She followed the others up the crude log stairway, past the now useless jetty and up to the top of the small mound. Here she discovered that her eyeline was about level with the tip of the ship's mast.

The islet was teardrop shaped with a flattish top which had been colonized by the usual scrub she had already become familiar with along the shoreline. This islet bore no proper trees, though one or two of the saplings looked as if they might manage it in time - provided the river did not wash them away first.

An area in the center had been cleared by previous visitors, the scorched soil showing where the fires had been lit. Some of the men were busy building another fire there, freely chopping chunks from the local brush to feed it, while others were erecting a screened enclosure for the women to use. More were at the western edge, digging a latrine before that, too, had screens erected around it.

"If I may ask you to join me, Captain," Hashim asked.

"Where?"

"The upstream end is slightly higher and may make what I am about to show you more clear."

"As you wish."

She followed Hashim to the upstream point of the islet and he gestured to the river.

"Oh! That is amazing!"

Even though they were only a little higher than the top of the mast, it was possible to plainly see most of the shallows of the river. Despite the sediment suspended in the water the sunlight pushed through far enough to show the many banks and shoals which now riddled most of the river bed. To their left, the east, the water darkened as it formed the main channel of this branch.

"Captain, as the water level lowers through the seasons, more of this will emerge from below. Eventually there may be five or six channels left, parting and joining, and only one or two will be able to take most craft. Fortunately for us, the outside of the bend will always carry the deepest channel, though your own ship may find it possible to use others, you have not the draft which most river ships do."

"I see," Eriana replied. "There is one river familiar to us in Einnland, smaller than the Sirrel, which mostly flows through dank and marshy regions," he nodded, "but in certain seasons a similar process happens there. What I see here is new to me and, if I am to become Mistress of the river, then I must needs learn its ways. Hashim, I am indebted to you for this knowledge."

"Captain, Highness, it is an honor to pass on my knowledge to one who is already so knowledgeable."

"But I know little of rivers such as the Sirrel, Hashim. To know what happens as the seasons change is to be able to vary tactics accordingly. Out on the open ocean I know what is happening, where the dangers are and what to do. Here the problems are different and I am in need of your instruction."

Hashim put his hand on his heart and bowed. "Captain, I am honored to provide it to you."

Eriana cast her gaze around in every direction. "What can you tell me about this place? Others have obviously used it before us."

"I have used it myself, Captain, in the past, but when those of Yod began to become obstructive most vessels moved to the other branch of the river, which originally ran completely through Lower Fanir. I did come this way on two occasions, but by the second time those of Yod had invaded the Fanir island," he gestured at the western shoreline, "and made a lookout post here. At that time they did not interfere with traffic and I passed through peacefully enough."

His expression changed. "It was when we returned that we were taken, Captain. At first we were merely held in an open compound but then many of us were made to pull the Yodan oars."

He was suddenly silent, staring at the river, deep in his thoughts, for long enough that Eriana prompted him.

"Hashim?"

"I was just thinking, Highness, how grateful I am that you have permitted me to join you as a means of returning to my own country. But then I thought, I have seen many places, learned many new ideas and I wonder now just what my country is. I am no longer a simple barge master, I have seen too much."

"Master Hashim," she told him softly, "what you say is true of all of us. I was but a Princess of a distant country, these men around us, most of them, my retinue. When we came to the Great Valley we were all amazed by what we found. The land of my birth, and that of my men, is our land no longer. We have seen too much, learned too much and we are all different because of it. Have you yet thought what you might do once you return? Have you family?"

Hashim nodded. "Aye, Highness, a wife, two sons and a daughter. Our children are all accounted adult now and have left for homes of their own. My sons," he paused again to think, "are in the trade, I do not know if the war has affected them - or taken them. My employer, Master Yussuf of Bibek in Faralmark, looks after his people and will doubtless have made provision for my wife. I hope. As to what I might do once I return, Highness, I have begun to wonder... what difference I may make in a world that has begun to change."

"I am in like circumstance, Master Hashim. You may address me as Highness but I am only a ship owner with some few retainers as crew. If you feel that you may have something to offer, I will tell you that Palarand needs every man - aye, and woman - who desires a job. You have seen our paper, our forks, our guns and other items from the east and they are but the first of much that will flow from that land. I am certain your presence, and that of your wife, should she agree to any move, will be welcomed there."

"Do you tell me? Highness, I have visited Palarand in the past and found it to be rich but, perhaps, sleepy. Has it changed so much?"

Eriana laughed. "Aye, Hashim, it certainly has! Since Princess Garia came among them they barely know which way is which! It is as though someone has taken a spear and poked with it a sleeping zinakh. There are so many new inventions, ideas, projects that my own mind cannot understand them all. I am certain that you will be able to find rewarding and interesting employment there."

Hashim was silent a while, staring at the current which carried the muddy waters past the islet.

"Highness, your words suggest a future I had not considered. If I may have time to think about what may be possible."

"Take all the time you need, Hashim. I expect to spend some time with Simbran before we venture further upstream but I also expect to call again on our return journey."

He bowed. "You are gracious, Highness."

She turned as Ursula joined the pair. "Is there some problem?"

"Not at all, Captain. I have been thinking about the herbs I will need for Kaldar. To do that I would prefer to take him with me when I visit the local healers, and, if I do so, he should be presented as the boy he should be. It will make his need plain."

"As you say. Has he enough male attire?"

Ursula gave a small smile. "We still have the original outfit he, um, borrowed, Highness, but Tyra has now completed a set of tee shirt and shorts exactly like the ones the men wear... with certain allowances. I thought, as there is a place set up for me to wash, he could change in there. I will tell you that, having to still wear a dress is causing him some... emotional problems."

"So he would properly become our ship's boy, then. And what will he do when we must needs reside in a hostel overnight, as we did last night?"

"Highness, he understands the need for himself to sleep with us in hostels for now. He suggested to me that, when we approached a port, he could slip the green dress over his male clothes and no-one would know they were there. Obviously, once we got out onto the river again he would simply take the dress off again."

Eriana thought for a moment before nodding. "Agreed. But if there is any problem, any trouble at all, then he must become Kaldara again. I do not want him put into danger - of any sort, from anyone."

"Done, Highness."

* * *

"Is that too tight?"

"No, Tyra, I think it is about right. What I had before, that would keep sliding down all the time. This is much better... even if it does look like those harnesses you all wear."

"That is because it is one, mostly. We don't have the patterns with us to make more bras but that isn't what you want." Tyra grinned. "Then I had this idea. I could use a piece of plain heavy cloth and fix it up just so."

The cloth stretched around Kaldar's upper torso, covering his breasts and pressing them flat. Just like the bras, straps went over each shoulder to keep it in the right position and tails went right around his back to be tied neatly in the front, in the center of his chest, hiding that which should not be seen. They had not been able to use the proper buckle-style adjustments for the straps but Ursula had showed Tyra how to do something similar with double rings. That had been a good idea until they had tried to find enough rings of the right size while trying to avoid explaining what they wanted them for. Fortunately Tor heard about the problem and had suggested a shop which sold fishing tackle.

"Can I put the tee shirt on now, Mistress?"

"Yes, of course."

Kaldar pulled the cloth shirt over his head and settled it into place, Ursula noting that he had done so as a boy would, not how she would have done it. He hitched up the shorts and grinned at her.

"How do I look?"

"Just like you are supposed to look, Kaldar," she replied gravely. "I cannot see any sign of the... garment underneath. Tyra, I am impressed at how flat you made that knot."

"Thank you, Mistress. It was just something my father taught me that I remembered. Did you not realize? It is the same way the knots are done for all who wear ship dresses now. If it were done the way we do it for day dresses, a lump would show."

Ursula smiled. "That just shows how unobservant I can be, Tyra. Thank you."

She cocked her head as she considered Kaldar's hair. She told him, "I think we might need to ask the Captain about your hair. It is a little long like that. If we can trim it back a little then it would make you look more like a boy."

"But most of the men have long hair."

"That is a little different. Most of the boys your age that I have seen on our travels have had short hair. What do you think, Tyra?"

"The Mistress is right, Kaldar," the maid agreed. "I know boys with hair that long but boys would have it styled different." She grinned. "Though no boy would ever name it a style! It will do for now but I think it will need to be shaped a bit."

He was downcast. "As you say, Tyra. I was just concerned that, if I have to put on the green dress again, I would look even more strange."

"That is a thought."

Ursula considered what they had seen as they had worked their way around Yod.

"Kaldar, you still have a cowl, don't you? We got it in Tobeligo when we bought the green dress."

"Mistress, I have two, that one and another which we bought in Yod itself with that other dress. Oh, I see. I could wear a cowl with the dress. Yes. Perhaps I should have my hair trimmed, then. Who will do it?"

"Let us check with the Captain first. If she agrees, then I think any of us can do what is needed. One of the men might offer. It will not be like styling a woman's hair, of course."

Kaldar pulled a face. "Aye! I used to hate it when Momma took us to have our hair done. Hate it!"

Ursula smiled. "I don't think that will ever happen to you again, Kaldar. Do you want to go outside and show the others?"

"Of course! But first, what is this other harness thing for?"

Kaldar pointed to a near-copy of the 'harness' he wore to control his breasts. This one had softer cloth and had gathers under each arm and in the center.

"Since we didn't have patterns," Tyra explained, "and there might be times when you needed a change from what you have on, I made that one so that you could let your breasts have some relief. We all know how sensitive they can become and you really don't need them rubbing on tee shirt or dress, believe me."

"Oh. I suppose. Thank you, Tyra. But surely, I won't need them in time, will I?"

Ursula replied, "That is true, but 'in time' could be some weeks yet, or even longer. I have no idea how quickly any of these herbs will take to change you, so it is best to be prepared."

"As you say, Mistress."

"In addition," she added, "I want you to acccompany me when I visit any healers who might be able to help you. To do that, you should be dressed as you are now, but you should wear the other top to demonstrate your problem."

Kaldar thought about this. "I see what you mean, Mistress. If I look like this, then any healer may wonder why I might need any herbs, but if they see those," he cupped his hands to his chest, "then my need would be apparent."

"That is the idea. Fortunately your breasts have not grown too large yet. Another year or two and hiding them could have been a lot more difficult - and painful."

"Yes." He nodded. "As it is, I look just like a boy with a big chest."

"Indeed. It is now time, perhaps, that you joined the other men."

Kaldar pushed the canvas aside and went outside. The men turned as he appeared and they applauded politely. Lars came forward and addressed him.

"You are boy now, yes? Member of crew?"

"Yes, Master Lars, if the Captain says so."

"Good." In an echo of Ursula's appraisal, he cocked his head and studied the boy's head. "Hair needs cutting."

"Yes, Master Lars. Mistress Ursula said so."

"Good," he said again. "Then come and join us, pel is nearly ready." He turned to Ursula. «Mistress have own problem?»

«No, Lars, thank you. Everything is just as it should be.»

He grunted. «Girl becomes boy, man becomes woman. Sometimes I think the Gods play a joke at our expense. Come, lunch will soon be ready, maybe help Adin.»

He is smarter than he looks, certainly, but he still has ideas about what men should be doing and what women should be doing. She sighed. Unfortunately, he is mostly right.

"Come, Tyra, let us go and see what needs doing."

"Aye, Mistress."

* * *

The Visund eased its way along the overgrown channel under oars, since they were now heading east against the prevailing winds. Hashim was in the bow with Eriana, who was staring at the vegetation which crowded both banks.

"I do not understand how these trees can come right down into the water. If the river level rises and falls so much, why are they not swept away, or drowned? The roots of trees do not like being under water, so I was told."

"That is mostly true, Captain. This particular tree, however, is different. It grows mostly in the southern parts of Yod, along the rivers and in the marshes, but also in certain lands far to the west. Mayhap some seeds from those far lands have been carried downstream to here, to find fertile soil. It puts new roots down from the branches, and extends itself by that method."

"But the roots still go down into the water!"

"Not all of the root, Captain. I do not know how it does it, but it seems to me that it survives because much of the root is always above water."

"Ah, as you say. I know little of such matters, except to know what is safe to eat, or what is best to make houses and ships from."

"Since this tree extends by putting down new roots and making trunks from them, I do not think any trunk grows to such a size that would make them useful for timber, Captain. Neither do I know if any part of them is safe to eat, or whether parts may be of use to Mistress Ursula."

She gestured. "When we get to this town perhaps we can ask. It is always useful to know such things, if they are to be found along the river banks."

"Indeed, Mistress. If you look yonder, I can just see craft to our right which may be moored at the town."

"Have you been here before?"

"Not me, Mistress. Some of Master Yussuf's other barges called here years ago, before the war, that is the only reason I remember the name."

"Well. I wonder if they will be friendly?"

As the Visund edged closer, the mooring arrangement came into view and Eriana struggled to understand it. It seemed that the locals had actually trained the strange trees into shapes they could make use of while still permitting them to grow. Some of the trunks at the edge of the tangle of growth were tall and straight, making perfect poles for the line of pontoons to attach to.

Some of the internal branches had been encouraged to grow at a steep angle, providing a framework for the stairways which came down from above, and from somewhere behind. The steps and handrails of the stairways were made from conventional cut timber but even these seem to have fused with the living wood in places.

She stared at the odd arrangement and also at the men waiting for them on the pontoons.

"Hmm. I like not the expressions on those faces. Tor, we'll turn the ship before we dock, in case we need to make another quick departure."

There were several fishing boats there as well as at least three barges but, for a town supposed to be of some size, the number of craft appeared small. Just as strange, there was no-one in view except the two men. Halfway along there was a space big enough for the ship and, when they came abreast of it, Tor and the rowers spun the Visund before edging over to the pontoon.

Eriana took another look at the men who had walked along the pontoons, keeping up with their progress, and came to a quick decision.

«Lars! To me!»

He came swiftly as she hopped down from the stern deck to face him. «Captain?»

«I do not like what I see here, Lars. It is possible we may have strayed into enemy territory. If so, they will not pay any heed to a woman who says she is in charge. You know the plan?»

«Of course, Captain. I do not like it, though, as you well know.»

«I know it and I wish that I did not put you in this position. However,» she briefly grinned, «one day you may have a command of your own and you will have to get used to doing the job.»

«Captain, I hope that day will not come for a long time.»

«It comes today, Lars. I know you will not let me down.»

He took a breath and nodded. Eriana turned to the crew and raised her voice.

«Men, these men look as though they could be hostile to us, which may mean the town is still in the hands of those who started the war. I want no mention of the name of the land of our birth nor of the land we are now sworn to in case it makes them do something they will regret. Speak only in Norse and pretend not to understand them if they speak to you. A word or two is permissable, we would have learned that along the way. If any should ask, then we are merely travelers from, ah... Vinland, perhaps. For now, Lars is Captain and I am just a noble passenger being taken to, ah... Faralmark, I believe. Ursula, please inform the other women.»

As an afterthought she added, «Oh, and make sure you keep your weapons with you at all times. Do not provoke, but be ready should we need to strike.»

There was a mutter as the men digested this and then Lars turned to Tor, a finger pointing at the jetty.

«Of course, Captain.» Tor raised his head. «Moor the ship! Use quick-release loops. You know why.»

As the nearside oars were brought inboard and the Visund drifted close enough, two sailors leaped onto the pontoons and secured the ship with loops which could be released from on board if necessary. Once everything was stowed, the usual apparent chaos on board as everyone got ready to disembark covered the fact that the men were arming themselves.

Kaldar leaned over to whisper to Ursula, "What is happening? It does not look friendly."

"Her Highness thinks the same, Kaldar." She gestured the other women round her and spoke quietly. "Listen, all of you! Do not mention Einnland or Palarand here, it may cause problems. The men are only going to speak Norse and, because Eriana is a woman, she thinks those on the pontoon will not take much notice of her. So, for the time being, Lars will appear to be Captain. Oh, and Bennet, Semma, I think it would be a good idea if we all stayed with ship or day dresses. They will not expect women to be wearing uniforms - or carrying weapons."

The expression on the faces of the two guardswomen was grim. Bennet nodded, "As you say, Mistress. But, if our men are not from... those places, where are they from? And what are we doing on the ship?"

"The ship and the men will be from a place named Vinland, which is actually where the original Norse were heading to on Earth when they were picked up and brought to Anmar. We do not speak Norse but are passengers being taken to Faralmark along with Eriana... who might not be a Princess for now, but just a noblewoman. I do not know what she has in mind."

Lars jumped onto the pontoon and faced the two men. They were dressed in the usual Yodan fashion but had plain red sashes. The taller of the two, who had a red knot on his left shoulder, addressed him.

"What is your business here? Why have you come to Bakhrad Creek? We have nothing to trade with you, be on your way."

Lars stared back impassively. «I have no idea what you just said but I do not like your tone.»

This went back and fore for a few sentences and then Lars turned to the ship.

«Lady Eriana. Join me up here. I do not know what these fools are saying.»

Unlike her usual method of disembarking, Eriana climbed carefully onto the pontoon, aided by two sailors.

"Gentlemen, I regret that our Captain and most of the crew do not speak your language. If I may introduce myself, I am Lady Eriana Embriktsdottir and my father is Lord Embrikt, Resident in Faralmark to His Grace Duke Simbran of that land. That is why I do speak your tongue, and I must needs act as interpreter for our party. We come from Vinland, which is far to the west. We have been voyaging downriver and are now returning to Faralmark."

"Vinland? Never heard of it!"

"Why should you, sir? Before I journeyed aboard our ship I had never heard of Yod, nor any of the other places we have been."

The man stared at her and then grunted. "It is true. Very well. What is your business with us?"

"If I understand my Captain correctly, he asks for the usual wants of travelers on the river, namely fresh water and other foodstuffs and a place to rest for the night. We understand that most places along the river are accustomed to provide such needs."

"That is true but we are not on the river."

Eriana pointed. "I see river barges there. If a ship as large as ours can come so far then I deem that this place to be on the river. If you can offer us rest for the night? Since I do not know how large your town is, I have no idea what facilities you might have."

The man stared at Eriana, calculating. His response was interrupted by a nudge from his companion, who muttered something low.

He turned to Eriana. "If you would excuse me a moment."

The two moved off and held a discussion before returning.

"My friend here has reminded me that there is, in fact, a hostel for travellers at the edge of our town, though it has not been occupied for some time. Because of its condition it could require some tidying up before use. Tell your Captain that, if he and his men are prepared to do that to use it, there will be no charge to him."

Eriana conveyed this to Lars, who considered and asked a question.

"He asks if your town may provide meals for us. We do have food we can bring but of course we have no means of cooking, out on the river. If you can do this he will accept your offer."

"I am sure that we can provide what you need," the man responded. "If you would follow us to the town and your hostel. Because of the season a walk is necessary."

Eriana repeated the information in Norse, adding, «There is something strange happening here. I would suggest that you accept but we will be alert for any danger.»

Lars nodded. «I feel the same. Make sure our women understand the risks. What about sentries for the ship?»

Eriana asked the question and was answered with a shake of the head. "None are necessary. There are always observers who watch the creek for any new arrivals - such as yourselves. The townspeople will not interfere with anything that is here."

Lars apparently consented to this, so Eriana raised her voice and explained what was happening - at both levels - to the crew. Everyone began to clamber off the ship onto the pontoon, crowding the two men towards a stairway into the tangle of trees. Ursula took the opportunity to inspect their surroundings.

Mangroves! That is what these are. Not the same, of course, but a similar evolution. The town will obviously lie on the landward side of this tangle.

At least the men will be ready for action if there is trouble. I just hope that Tyra, Kaldar and myself can keep out of the way.

After climbing for a short while the stairway opened out onto a wooden ramp, suspended among the trunks, which led off away from the water. This made walking a little easier and the men spread out to take advantage of it. Eriana, Bennet and Semma kept behind the larger men who led the crew but stayed near the front while Ursula, Tyra and Kaldar were escorted by heavily armed men further back.

Eriana has managed to remove the epaulet sleeves from her dress which would have given her rank away. I wonder when she did that? She can be short-tempered and impulsive but there is no doubt she has a warrior's mind.

They are all obviously expecting trouble ahead.

The town square came into view and Ursula realized that she had been mistaken. While an area of ground had been cleared to make the square, most of the buildings around it were built into and around the many trunks of the mangrove-like vegetation, which appeared to go into the distance in all directions. Most were elevated, as was the usual custom, a stride or so above the surface, and the walkways followed this arrangement. Two roads, tracks rather, led off from the further corners of the rough square.

The townsfolk had stayed in their dwellings, if that is what they were. No-one stood waiting for the visitors except a group of officials backed up by what were obviously soldiers. Some of these were in brown smocks and carried a variety of swords and spears; some stood behind, obscured by the officials who stood waiting. The two men who had led them from the pontoons went to speak to the apparent leader. He listened and then beckoned to Eriana.

Lars and Eriana went forward to meet them while the rest of her men spread out to either side, though not too widely. A hand on Ursula's shoulder and a muttered word from Ragnar made her and the other women stand back, sheltered behind a wall of muscular, heavily armed men.

"Good afternoon," Eriana said. "Very few of our ship's crew speak your tongue so I am here to translate. Will this be satisfactory?"

The one who was obviously in charge looked her up and down with disdain. He wore a dark blue coat of Yodan design with a red sash and a yellow knot on each shoulder. His eyes then studied Lars and inspected the arc of men facing him.

"If it must be. Who are you, woman, who speaks the tongue of Yod when your men do not?"

She repeated her made-up introduction. "I am Lady Eriana Embriktsdottir, daughter of Lord Embrikt, Resident of my people to His Grace Duke Simbran of Faralmark. That is why I speak your tongue. We are from Vinland, a land far to the west, where our tongue is different. We are returning to Faralmark from a journey down river."

Clever, Ursula thought. The implication is that people will be waiting for them to arrive and will send out search parties if they do not.

She continued, "If I may introduce Captain Lars. He does not speak your tongue but understands some few words."

"A strange crew from a land I have never heard of," the man muttered. "Tell him that I am Naskath Blackblade, Commissioner in this place and of the surrounding region. Tell me, do you people always dress in that scandalous fashion? I have never seen attire like that before."

"As I said, our land is to the west where it is hotter. Our attire is more comfortable in the heat."

Naskath curled his lip. "It is hot here in the summer also but no woman dare go around half dressed as you are. You have come from downstream, you said."

"That is correct."

"Then you may have called at Yod our capital."

"We did, briefly."

"What of the conditions there? Does the Ascendancy still hold sway?"

"It does not, Commissioner. There is fighting in the city, which is why we departed."

She had hesitated before replying and he had noticed. "What do you mean, fighting? Have you not seen the invincible weapons we hold? How can that barbarian rabble hope to conquer such as we?"

Eriana spread her hands. "Commissioner, we are strangers, we are not party to whatever is happening along the river but merely travelers. I have no idea what you are talking about."

He sneered at her. "You lie, woman! If you called at the capital then it was only because those accursed barbarians permitted you to, and that means that you must be known to them. You cannot have traveled the river without knowing of the desperate war those of other lands wage against we of Yod. You may be from a distant land, I cannot think your scandalous attire is some subterfuge, but you have not told me everything. Why, most of those I see are wearing uniforms, even yourself, exotic though they may look. You must be some kind of military party, I deem. I will have the truth of this matter."

He half turned and raised a hand. "Thunder Pipes, advance! Show these pitiful barbarians your power."

Four men pushed through from behind. Two were holding improved versions of the Yodan 'shotguns' while two more held smoldering fuses at the ready. The gunners swiftly raised their weapons to their shoulders and aimed them at the crowd of Norsemen.

"Tell your Captain that each of these weapons can kill ten of your men, which means two will kill most of them. You are all condemned into custody and will be held for questioning. Your craft will be confiscated, it and its contents will be used for the greater good of Yod."

Eriana's expression was wild. "But, Commissioner, you cannot do this! We are innocent travelers on the river, that is all!"

The sneer returned. "I can do whatever I wish, I am the duly appointed Commissioner. Tell those men to throw down their weapons or my men will obliterate them!"