Garia learns where the brigands were hiding out before getting stuck into the inevitable paperwork. Brydas brings an interesting proposal and asks advice about Senidet's situation. The afternoon brings letters with news of more developments in Palarand before Garia tackles the problem of the smith and his daughter.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Garia beckoned to Toranar the next morning, right at the end of breakfast.

"My Lady?"

"We never had a chance to hear your report about what you found yesterday," she said. "Sit down and tell us now, while we're all together."

"As you desire, milady. But... should we not be attending our morning exercises?"

Garia jerked a thumb at the window. "If you fancy training in all that rain, be my guest. If we have to fight while it rains, then we'll do so, but there's no reason we have to do it otherwise. There's nothing special we can learn by doing the moves in the rain."

Toranar bowed assent. "As you say, milady. Should I ask the others to join us?"

"Of course. This would be a kind of de-briefing, I suppose."

Toranar waved his hand and the three who had been with him on the patrol came over to the top table and took seats. Some of the others gathered round, curious, but Garia had no problem with that. The more that people knew about their surroundings the better.

"So, what happened?"

"Milady, we took frayen expecting to ride but quickly discovered that, although our mounts could be walked through the narrow way, it would not be practical to ride them. As it happens there is a small-holding not far from the entrance and the holder was willing enough to allow our beasts to share one of his fields. The family appears content with your rule, milady, and were anxious to offer any assistance."

Garia nodded. "I hadn't thought of that, that the passage might be that tight. But you could walk a frayen through, you said."

"Aye, milady, as we eventually discovered. The entrance is but a brush-choked crack in the hillside, and if Briswin had not pointed it out to us we would not have noticed it. It is behind some short scrubby trees so anyone entering or leaving would be concealed most of the time. We entered on foot with our weapons ready, milady. It was immediately apparent that others had been that way, and recently. There were many footprints of men going both ways - and those of frayen. We pressed on, taking care against ambush, and the way grew wider after a space."

Garia nodded. "Go on."

"There were many signs of booted feet, milady, so that we could not say how many gathered there." Toranar glanced at the window. "We were lucky to have determined to go yesterday, milady. If we had delayed then all evidence may have been washed away." He continued, "We progressed further through the narrow passage and Briswin pointed out a hidden place above us. Milady, it is on a shelf of rock some four to five strides above the trail, being concealed from both above and below. Briswin climbed up and found that a camp had been made there. There were signs of a small fire and some rubbish piled at one end."

"Was that where they laired, do you think?" Keren asked.

"I do not think so, Highness, not all of them. The place was too small. From the rubbish Briswin though it possible this was the hiding place of those two of Trogan that had escaped. To know of the existence of such a place one would have to be a townsman or know somebody local. Briswin said that all the local boys knew of the ledge."

"Ah, I see. And then?"

"Highness, we found a widening further along where there was another, larger, camping place. This, I deem, was where most hid themselves. There was a latrine dug nearby so some may have stayed there for several days. Another fifty or so strides beyond that the canyon opened out more widely, with a small pool or pond in the middle. It was here we thought that their beasts had been kept, we found places where lines had been fixed to some of the shrubs growing there. Highness, Milady, it was there we found that beast we brought back with us. It was loose and apparently waiting the return of its owner, who was most likely one of those killed in the battle. It did not care to come with us at first, but we circled it and encouraged it towards the narrow way, the way we had come. Eventually it could go no further and we secured it."

"It couldn't come out?" Keren asked, curious. "How, then, did you manage the feat?"

"Highness, it could pass but not while bearing a saddle or pack. Once we removed those, leaving only the bridle, it could be coaxed through to the vale beyond, while others brought the gear it carried."

"Ah! Aye, of course, Toranar. Garia?"

"Did you find anything left behind, Toranar?"

"Besides the rubbish, milady? Aye, there were some sacks of meal and grain stored under an overhang near the main camping area. From the number of empty and half-empty sacks I deem they had prepared well for this venture, milady. We left such items behind, having to deal with the captured beast. Did we do wrong, milady? Perhaps we ought to have returned, once we had brought the beast through."

"That's fine, Toranar. They'll be safe enough under that overhang, I take it?"

"Aye, milady, if this rain is your concern."

"You didn't go any further along than that pool, then."

"No, milady. The ground becomes more open and we feared ambush, should any remain to contest the area. We did see several small groups of pakh, milady, grazing the hillsides in the distance. Might those have belonged to that farmer we spoke to? The one in the second farm?"

Garia shook her head. "I couldn't say, Toranar. I don't know anything about farming pakh or how the herds are identified." She glanced at the window. "Once this rain lets up we'll send another party through there to clear out those supplies you found, I think. There's no sense leaving them there for someone else to make use of, someone who could cause more trouble."

"As you say, milady."

"Did you notice anything else while you were there? Meat bones, for example?"

Toranar nodded. "Aye, milady, there was a pile by the larger fire. Most likely of pakh, I think. It would not have been hard to bring down one of those we saw." He thought. "Also brifil bones, both there and on the ledge. Trogan's men might have thought the taking of a pakh would lead to discovery, milady. That's how I would read it." He grinned. "Milady, the fires we saw were of wood only, as much as I can recall, yet around them were seams of coal, plain to the eye. It seems that those men were not familiar with the secret of coal."

"Really? That's good work, Toranar. Would you be prepared to describe what you saw to Master Yarling, when we next see him? It might be more useful to take coal out that way from that area. The miners could widen that crack easily, I think."

"Of course, milady. After our expedition I am beginning to notice such signs in the ground. I will tell all to Master Yarling. Ah, there is one more thing, milady. In the saddlebags of the stray frayen we found nondescript clothing that could belong to any man, but there were also some small items that Henard recognized as belonging to Durko. It seems we have found the beast he used, milady. When we returned to the Claw the man Sethan was sent for and he identified the beast as being the one Narrin usually rode. That means we have accounted for all those used by Trogan's men."

"So," Keren ventured, "Durko found the tenth frayen - Narrin's beast - and hid it out somewhere, knowing that eventually Fikt would appear and arrange an attack. I wondered how he found a mount, since those from the mining camp took only their own beasts."

"I wish we'd thought about this sooner," Garia added. "We assumed that whoever had those beasts just wanted to escape. We couldn't have imagined that they would hang around just to get their own back on us." She waved a hand. "Never mind. We're never going to find out the full details, are we? Toranar, that's good work. Thank you."

The others all gave their reports and the table discussed what they had seen and found for a while before Garia wound the session up.

"Right, I think that will do for now." She thought, then turned to Feteran. "Commander, I don't think we'll be doing anything in the yard this morning, so you may assign the men the usual sort of tasks bearing the weather in mind. As for me," she rolled her eyes, "I have more letters to write. If you need anything we'll be in the office."

"Aye, milady."

~o~O~o~

Garia's fingers ached as she put down the pen. Although Merizel was perfectly capable of writing any and all that Garia wanted she felt it important to write some herself, if only to improve her own abilities. Compared to the Latin script she had been brought up with the local letters were strange to write, especially with an unfamiliar tool. The language spoken in the Valley states was reasonably phonetic but, like many Earth languages, the written form retained certain historical quirks which made writing something of an art. Garia could appreciate why Master Jepp had recommended Merizel for further training and why she needed to improve her own attempts at writing.

A knock came at the office door and the three writers turned to see what the interruption was about. The door opened to reveal Brydas and Jepp, swathed in the customary wet-weather gear.

"Milady, we were told you were here. Do we interrupt anything?"

"Not at all, gentlemen! Take off those wet things and come in."

There were pegs outside the door, on the covered walkway, where their gear could drip while the men sat inside. Garia sent Jasinet off to fetch some pel for everybody, glad of the break from routine.

"What brings you here today, Master Smith?"

"Guildmistress, Master Jepp has told me of his desire to enter Milady Merizel as Journeywoman." Merizel blushed as Brydas gave her a look of approval. "It then occurred to me that, with your consent, we may make use of you as a member of high guild rank while you yet reside in Blackstone. We know, guildmistress, that you must shortly begin your return journey to the capital."

"Well, Master Smith, I'll do what I can, of course, but you know that my rank is more of an honor than something earned after years of study. What did you have in mind?"

"Guildmistress, as you know Blackstone is too small a town to have a Guild Hall of its own or any offices for the crafts. Those of us who are guild members meet informally from time to time, usually in the Bell or occasionally, when the weather is good, at the campsite above the town. While we have many members of many crafts we have no-one of your rank, guildmistress. If there is anything that requires such authority we must needs travel to Tranidor or request a visit by one such from there. After hearing Master Jepp's proposal and your consent it occurred to me that we have an opportunity to hold a proper Guild Court in the town while you yet reside here. Amongst other things it will give you a chance to meet all the guildsmen of the town before you depart. Would you consent to such a court, guildmistress?"

"I don't know, Master Brydas. What would it involve? How many people would there be?"

"It would be much as the courts you hold as Baroness, guildmistress. We bring forward disputes and problems which cross craft boundaries, usually. There are occasionally, as with Milady Merizel, proposals for apprentices, journeymen - ah, and journeywomen, I deem - to approve and maybe the very rare trangression of guild rules to cast judgement upon. As for numbers, guildmistress, we would fit in your common room, if you would consent."

Garia nodded. "Yes, of course. The Claw is the largest building in town, isn't it? But you wouldn't have used it while it was derelict."

"As you say, milady."

"What about the rules and regulations, that kind of thing? I know nothing about how the guilds conduct such meetings. The only one I have been to so far is a lunch at Palarand's Hall of the Guilds, accompanied by the King."

Jepp said, "Have no fear, guildmistress. Knowing of your inexperience, we shall guide you through the necessary obligations, which -" he caught sight of her expression "- are not onerous. After all, we have conducted such meetings without the presence of a Guildmaster before now. We do not stand on ceremony in this remote place."

She gave Jepp a wry smile. "Master Jepp, you have no idea how relieved that makes me feel. Okay, then, we'll do it. What kind of notice does everybody need?"

"We could arrange it for tomorrow, guildmistress, for our part. There are no tradesmen away from the town at present. Of course, we do not know what you may have already planned in your other capacity, guildmistress."

Garia turned. "Merry? Anything planned we can't put off?"

"You have a court session arranged for the townspeople tomorrow morning, Garia. I don't think it will be possible to re-arrange that because so many people will be there. Other than that, there is nothing for tomorrow. Of course, we have some planning of our own to do but as it is raining we might as well do that today."

"Very well. Master Brydas, Master Jepp, we'll hold the meeting tomorrow afternoon after lunch, say at the sixth bell. Will that do?"

"Aye, guildmistress, it will serve well. We will walk the town when we leave, notifying all who should attend."

"What about the miners? Should we be inviting them as well?"

"An interesting question, guildmistress. I had overlooked the miners up at their camp. Perhaps, when we reach that far, I shall speak with the gangmaster. He may delegate one or two of their number to attend." Jepp considered. "There is also Mason Bezan, presently at the road house. Should I send a rider for his attendance tomorrow, guildmistress?"

"That's a good idea, actually, yes please. Master Bezan is going to be overseeing the changes to the town so a chance for the rest of you to see what ideas he has can only help. Yes, if he can come, then ask him to."

"As you desire, guildmistress."

Jasinet appeared with a tray of steaming mugs.

"Please," Garia said, "have a hot drink before you go. The rain at this time of year is cold and miserable, isn't it?"

"As you desire, milady." Brydas took a mug and sipped cautiously. "I understand your men discovered another stray frayen yesterday."

"That's right. It looks like the attackers were camped out in that first crack beyond Blackstone Vale. It is possible that the two of Trogan's men who escaped had been holed up there ever since they had gotten away. Toranar says that there was a much bigger camp further in with traces of many men and frayen."

"To think that they were there and we did not discover them," Jepp remarked.

Keren answered, "I do not think that they resided there immediately after their escape, Master Jepp. I deem they returned once the hunt had quietened down. As I recall, we searched all those places once we had their numbers and realized two had fled."

"As you say, Highness."

"Another matter, Milady," Brydas said. "Or should that be Guildmistress?" He grinned. "I do not know which hat you ought wear to answer me. It concerns Senidet, milady."

"Senidet?" Garia smiled. "She's spending more time down here than she is in your forge, Master Smith. Is this causing you a problem?"

Brydas smirked. "Yes and no, milady." Garia grinned back at him. "I cannot fault her for coming to those who she may learn most from, milady, but my concern is for her future, not her present activities. Aside from any possible romantic considerations, I feel she may not wish to remain in Blackstone when you depart, but rather obtain with you that learning I cannot provide, nor any in the town."

"I had wondered what to do about her," Garia said slowly. "She has obvious talent of both a practical and theoretical kind. Why don't you teach her yourself?"

"Milady," Brydas spread his hands wide, "She knows almost all that I may teach one such as her. She has not the build to take hammer or file so I cannot make her a smith, even should I wish to. You spoke to us once of engineers who will design and build these wondrous devices you are introducing to our world, milady. I wondered if she could become one such."

Garia thought. Senidet was a problem, since she would be on her own once Garia left. Could she take her away from her father, to the other end of Palarand? Would that be fair to either of them? What would she be? Garia had enough maids to run a hotel and Senidet wasn't the maid type anyway.

"Let me think about that one, Master Brydas. I'll give you an answer when we meet tomorrow, if you would."

"As you wish, milady."

"What about yourself? Would you wish to come south with us? You once thought that you might. It would keep you and your daughter together if you did. I don't want to be the reason your family splits up."

Brydas ran a hand through his hair. "Milady, like many I would dearly wish to come to the capital and enjoy the wonders our guild brothers are bringing forth at your direction, but I feel that I must stay and guide our own town through what is to come. It seems to me that Blackstone may change faster than any other place and it will need men familiar with the surroundings and people to guide it through those changes." He looked at Garia. "I trust this is what you had in mind, milady?"

"Well, yes, but as I said I didn't want to break up your family." She frowned, her gaze on the table. "Let me think about all this, please. There has to be a way to get what we want."

"As you say, milady."

~o~O~o~

Lunchtime came and went. The afternoon brought sacks of mail so they spent most of the time reading letters from friends in the capital.

"What letters, Garia? Anything of interest?"

"Of course, Keren! It looks like the guilds are going crazy down there, inventing things I barely thought of. You know Fulvin had that vertical press designed to make bra buckles?"

"Aye, I saw the samples he sent us."

"Well, he realized that the same idea could be used elsewhere. It's only using sheet brass at the moment but they have experimented with sheet steel as well, so he says. But they are making belt buckles, harness links, pen nibs, buttons and any number of other items that way now. They even tried to turn out blanks for knives, forks and spoons but the metal for those is too thick for the press to make an impression. He's talking about making a much bigger press if he can find somewhere to put it. And, Keren, he wants to use steam to lift it up for the drop! He's realized that a vertical press is just like a steam engine cylinder, really."

Keren blinked. "So it is! That didn't occur to me. I wonder what other methods like that are staring us in the face that we just haven't noticed?"

"A few, probably. But if someone like Fulvin, who isn't familiar with things the way we are, comes along and takes a look they might just spot something useful. That's the way progress sometimes happens, Keren."

"As you say."

"Master Hurdin says he is opening two more factories. One is for sheet glass, which is what I expected. The other is for jars of various shapes and sizes. You remember, when I first talked about glass-making at council, Keren? About using molds and compressed air? Well, it seems he remembered as well and he's been doing some experiments. The compressed air part was the hardest but he realized that if you used a boiler shape you could pump it full of air with a steam engine and then use that to blow molten glass into molds. The results aren't usable right now but he says that it's only a matter of time. And there's a shortage of lead in Palarand now, since there is so much demand for lead-acid batteries."

"What do they want those for? Surely the devices we have are too crude for ordinary people to make use of."

"That's true at the moment. Some are for experiments by both Questors and Guildsmen, but most are for welding experiments. Welding with electricity is so useful that the development has been made a top priority. There's just too much you can do with it to ignore it."

"There is? I understand what you have said about wagons and boats of steel but those are for the future, surely. What else may it be used for?"

"So much, Keren! Taking an immediate example, which Master Parrel describes, arc welding is going to revolutionize the making of plate armor. You can just cut out the bits you want in any shape and then weld them together. You don't have to worry about holes for rivets or plate overlaps or any of that. The result would be stronger and fit the wearer more comfortably." She frowned. "Of course, gun warfare is going to make armor obsolete in a very short time, isn't it? I'd better warn Parrel not to get too carried away with that idea."

Keren grimaced. "I like not the notion that I must go naked to battle, so to speak. While most dislike the weight of armor there is a certain comfort given by wearing it. Are you so sure this is what will happen, Garia?"

"It's what happened on Earth. The idea with gun warfare is to be able to move out of the way quickly, I guess, and all that armor just slows you down. If you're wrapped up in a set of full armor and you have to throw yourself on the ground, then how quickly are you going to be able to get up afterwards? Much better to have as little weight as possible and be able to move that much quicker." She thought. "We do wear helmets, though. The head is your most vulnerable part and any hit, even a ricochet, could cause serious injury."

"What is a ricochet?"

Garia had to explain the idea of a round entering an enclosed space at high speed and bouncing off everything it touched. Keren was horrified.

"Ow! That's... not nice, Garia. What you're saying is that, even if I take shelter, so that I'm not visible to whoever has the gun, he may still hit me? Maker! Now I begin to see why you wanted to keep gun warfare quiet."

"Yeah... I know, Keren."

"So... welding, you were saying."

"Yes. Once we have enough steel coming off the production line we can start using it for construction. I'm thinking of things like buildings and bridges but there are doubtless other uses. It is a lot easier to build bridges, for example, by welding sections than by riveting or bolting. Some of the early iron and steel bridges on Earth had millions of rivets holding them together. That means drilling at least two holes per rivet and local furnaces to heat up the rivets and... let's just say we can save a lot of time and effort and end up with a stronger product."

"What sort of bridges would these be, then? I mean, how big? What would use them?"

"Oh, not around here, Keren. Crossing biggish rivers... not the Sirrel, not yet, that would be too much, I think. But we could bridge the Palar at Dekarran, high enough up that ships with tall masts could sail under it. Most other rivers up the Palar valley as well."

Keren's eyebrows rose. "A single bridge that wide? A single span?"

"Yep. We might need piers like those going out to the King's Tower but basically yes. And for use, a lot will be for the new railroads, to take them over roads, rivers and even other railroads. Or as a viaduct to carry them through or over towns if there isn't enough room to lay them at ground level."

He nodded. "You are familiar with your own towns and cities so I must accept what you say, but I find it difficult to imagine some of these ideas. It is a pity that you had no sketches or drawings with you when you arrived."

"Sketches... oh, you means pictures! There were some pictures on my cellphone but I don't know if that would be anything but junk by now, if it came across at all. And I wouldn't have bothered taking photos of bridges on the off-chance I was going to be yanked off somewhere else entirely." Garia grimaced. "It's no good, Keren. I didn't have any choice in what came and what didn't. We just have to work with what we have and," she grinned at him, "I don't think I'm doing so badly, am I?"

He grinned back. "Am I complaining? You have already done more than I could believe any single person could do. And you have not been with us a year yet!" His eyes glowed. "I look forward to the future with eagerness, Garia, if this is how it is meant to be."

~o~O~o~

"I've sent a letter off to the factor at Tranidor, Keren, for him to forward to Jaxen, wherever he is right now. We're going to be short some wagons going back. You remember, we had to rearrange the numbers when we had to sneak out of the castle instead of joining your party in the normal way."

Keren nodded. "Aye, of course. And then Feteran went off separately with his father. Tanon provided two, didn't he? And we are more returning."

"That's right. We're down one man-at-arms but we still have to return Thoran's effects to his family. We also have two trainee men-at-arms and two new maids to consider. The boys will ride, of course, but they will have gear to transport. I don't think either Lanilla or Jasinet will ride so they'll need a wagon seat each, plus room for their chests."

"They won't have much, surely? I would think you mean to equip them once we reach the palace."

"I do, but they can't wear the same gown from here to the palace, can they? If they can't wear colors all the time they'll have to have good traveling clothes like the rest of us."

"As you say. There is another that may accompany us. What of Senidet?"

Garia scowled in frustration. "I'm not sure, Keren. There's no reason she shouldn't go but I'm not sure how she'll fit in the organization. I don't want to make her a Blackstone servant, that would limit any advancement she might make in the future once we get to Palarand."

"That need not be a problem, Garia. If Merry can be noblewoman, secretary, your vassal and guild journeywoman all at the same time, why cannot Senidet be many things?"

She was suddenly thoughtful. "Merry's a special case as we both well know. But, then, I'm a special case, aren't I? ...but Merry was already a reasonable scribe when I met her. I'm not sure of the level of Senidet's education." Her eyes narrowed. "Let me think on that one, Keren. I have a vague idea but it will need to be thought out somewhat."

~o~O~o~

When they emerged onto the covered walkway Garia spotted Tedenis and Senidet across the yard hiding from the rain, which was now little more than a light drizzle. When they saw Garia the two separated guiltily.

"I'll be right there, Keren," she said, "I need a word with those two."

She led the way round the walkway towards them, Keren peeling off at the door to the common room.

"Tedenis! Are you supposed to be on duty?"

He saluted. "No, My Lady. I have the evening watch." His eyes showed alarm. "Is it not permitted -"

Garia dismissed his concern with a wave. "No, that's fine. Just so long as you two mind your own businesses when Ted is on duty, that's all. Don't forget that the Commander will be on your case if you ignore all the other things you are supposed to do when you're off duty, like keeping your clothes clean and making sure your gear and weapons are ready for action."

Tedenis gulped. "As you say, milady."

"How are you getting on with the longbow?"

He gave Garia an embarrassed smile. "Milady, I can barely pull the string. At least my arrows fly in the right direction. The commander says my sword work is promising, though, and I am to try out with spear when an opportunity occurs. As for longbows, Briswin is the better, milady, by far. Stott saw his talent immediately."

Garia nodded. "That's good to hear, Tedenis. I wanted a word with Senidet here but you can stay since it might involve you."

Both perked up at this, their eyes becoming bright.

"Senidet," Garia continued, "you must know that we will all be leaving Blackstone soon to return to the palace. Aside from the obvious attractions of Tedenis here your father thinks you might wish to leave as well. He thinks your education would be better served elsewhere. Would you tell me your own thoughts?"

Senidet was shy, lowering her gaze.

"Milady, I do not know how to begin. When I was young father permitted me into the workshops because he saw that I was interested in the work he did. Like some few in Blackstone I learned my letters and numbers, the better to help him at his work. I saw that there must needs be... drawings? sketches? of each workpiece before it may be made, so that all may be correct when it is fitted together. I found I could read the drawings and imagine the pieces that could be made from them and father found it useful. Now he says he has little more to teach me. Until you came I did not know that it was possible for girls such as us to be guild members, milady. My eyes were opened and I realized that, should I move south, I might, might be able to prove my worth in a way I may not in Blackstone."

"Ah, well, at the moment I am the only female guild member, and that is because of my special circumstances," Garia cautioned. "If you want to go that route you'll probably have to serve an apprenticeship just as the boys do. Although, the way things are going right now you might be better off in one of the newer subjects like electricity." She grinned at a thought. "If there's anyone else who might become a guildwoman soon it will be a girl I met in Dekarran. Her situation was different, she was a kitchen servant in the castle, but she's about my size and shape so she was asked to be my double and ride back to Palarand with the King and Queen."

Their eyes were round with excitement. "Will you tell us the story, milady? Please?"

Garia grinned. "If you travel with us then yes, I will. It's a proper adventure, at least the part I know about. Anyhow, that girl reached the palace and immediately attached herself to a young man I have there who is making electrical things."

Their expressions changed to puzzlement at the strange word.

"Ah, you'll find out soon enough, I guess. Don't worry about it now. But it seems that the girl is better at the subject than the boy is. She has already made inventions that are going to change Palarand."

"Oooh," Senidet breathed. "Then I must come, milady, if such things are possible."

"It's not a regular guild position," Garia warned. "Tarvan is a guildsman, true, but, uh, the girl is not, so far as I know. At least not yet. They both work for me, in the palace, at a workshop I have there."

"You have your own workshop?"

"Oh, it used to belong to the old Royal Questor before he was murdered." Senidet gasped. Garia smiled. "Don't worry, there's no danger. We've started to clean it out and we've found many interesting things there, including a device that came from the same world I did."

"From another world?" Tedenis said. "I was not sure that was true, milady."

"You'll hear all about it, soon enough. It's true. So, Senidet, tell me. Do you still want to come? If you did, what would you do when we reached the palace?"

Senidet curtseyed. "Milady, it is not my place to invite myself into your retinue. But I feel that there is more for me to learn and the city is the better place to do it. I had thought... perhaps, that I might apprentice myself to someone there, now that I know it may be possible."

Garia considered. "I have thought about this and I'm not sure what to do. I don't think I can take you as part of House Blackstone. You don't want to be a servant, do you?"

Senidet shook her head. "No, milady. It is true that there are guildsmen attached to some of the noble houses, or so I have heard, but they are guildsmen and not servants. I must needs serve as apprentice before anyone would accept me." She thought. "Milady, I would be content to become your vassal."

"How old are you? Are you an adult?"

"I have been adult these seven months, milady." She blushed. "Father says I must discover some answer soon or risk becoming a housewife and mother. Not that I would mind that," she said, with a hurried glance at Tedenis.

"Now, I don't know the rules here," Garia cautioned. "Are you old enough to be apprenticed, or is it too late? I don't know when these things are supposed to happen."

"They are not so strict on years, milady," Tedenis explained. "From time to time the young men of the towns must go off to battle so the guilds allow older apprentices. This much I know. Senidet would qualify, though the very words seem strange for me to say."

"What about your health? Are you recovered from that business with Trogan and his men?"

"I... believe so, milady. The healers can do nothing more for me, they consider me whole again."

"And what about your father? He has talked to me so I know he wants the best for you, even if that means moving away. But it's not just about education, is it? If you leave Blackstone he won't have you around any more. I gather that it's unusual for an unmarried daughter to move away like this. If you leave Blackstone he won't be there any more when you need someone for comfort and support. It's not all going to be..." Plain sailing? Roses and chocolates? "...fun and interesting, you know. You'll be a young woman in a strange place with few who know you or care."

"Is that not what you faced, milady, when you came to Palarand?" Senidet reddened slightly. "And I would know some few in that place, since I would be near you and your party, would I not?" Her eyes slid to Tedenis once more. "Father is content for me to leave Blackstone, milady, and he trusts you to ensure that I am not placed in danger. For himself, it is true he is left here but not alone. I deem I would be invited back next year to share the joining of himself to Mistress Sukhana. Do you not agree?"

Garia nodded. "Very well. Since your father agrees, Senidet, we'll find some way to take you with us. I'm not entirely sure you're going to end up a guildswoman, though." She grinned. "But I can guarantee that life in the palace won't be boring."

~o~O~o~

The rain had ceased, but the yard was cold and damp. Tonight there were four couples standing at different points on the covered walkway, much to Garia's surprise. In front of the kitchen stood Sukhana and Brydas, their bodies almost touching. At the rear of the block which held the women's rooms stood Garia and Keren and they were a lot closer together. At the junction between that block and the front building, beside the entrance to the common room, stood Jenet and Feteran. At the far end, by the carriage entrance were Senidet and Tedenis.

"I didn't set out to be a matchmaker, you know," Garia said casually. "It all just happened."

"Chance meetings by those who would not normally come together," Keren replied. "I am told that this is the way such things sometimes occur." Garia thought that a tinge of bitterness crept into his tone then. "I would not know, myself. The affairs of rulers are not as those of common men and women."

"Would you like to put that right? I know that some royal families on Earth marry commoners, in fact one or two insist on it, to maintain a connection to the people."

"I would hardly name you commoner, Garia. It is a thought. Assuming I ever become King."

"Now, don't talk yourself out of a job! We have a long journey back to the palace and a lot can happen along the way. You know that."

"Aye. I shall be sad to leave this place but happy to be back in the saddle again. As will you, I know. What of these others, Garia? Jenet and Feteran will of course be at your side, but I'm thinking that Sookie will remain here. She seems much attached to the smith. And what of his daughter? What did you talk about this afternoon?"

"She's coming with us, Keren. I think she's bright enough to do well down south. Perhaps not such a big spark as Milsy but bright enough she should have the chance to show us what she can do." Garia frowned. "I'm not sure how I can do it, though. She wants to become an apprentice but I think things are changing too fast for that to be the best way of teaching her more. I'm working on it."

"And, of course, she will follow her boy. Do you think she will wish to ride? There is no time to order more saddles."

"Huh. I never thought of that. Oh! That's going to be annoying, isn't it? We almost certainly won't be staying anywhere long enough to have saddles made, for her or anyone else in fact. They'll have to wait until we get back to the palace."

"As you say. Now, come here and let's just have a cuddle."

Garia sighed. "I wish we could do more, Keren. This is good - no, this is great - but I know how much more there could be between us, don't you?"

He snorted. "We are fortunate to be so far from the palace and with friends who understand us, my love. If Fet and Jenet desired it, we would be kept apart by custom. What mother would think I can well imagine! Best enjoy what we have while we may, I think. It must change once we return."

"I know," she replied miserably. "I know."

~o~O~o~