The combined party of women examine the barges to find out what the Yodan troops left behind. A welcome discovery is that of clothing, which solves an immediate problem for those who were rescued. Then Nethra retrieves a document and matters begin to spiral out of control for several of the party.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

53 - The Green Ptuvil

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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Ursula rolled over in the dim dawn light and remembered where she was. This was the men's dormitory in the tiny hostel, designed only to provide for at most twelve to fifteen barge men. The accommodation for women was cursory, just three small chambers intended for any wives who happened to be along. The common room was larger, since arrivals could come and go during the day and meals would be required, but sleeping accommodation was at a premium.

We arrived here with five women, she thought. Now there are ten! Eleven if we include Kaldar.

And what is going to happen next is almost inevitable. I wonder if Eriana has worked it out yet?

The men had been forced to stack the tables and benches and bed down in the common room. Even so there was not enough room for their dunnage bags and some had been stored in one of the women's chambers.

She made a silent giggle. At least they will not have far to go for their toilet!

She sat up in the cool air, yawning. Because of the forest the air here did not heat up quickly the way it did in the towns and cities they had passed through, but the temperature was not uncomfortable.

There was a groan to her left and suddenly Bennett was sitting up, shaking her head to clear it of whatever dreams remained. That started a general rousing and soon everyone was awake and staring around at each other. Ursula saw that Eriana had one of the ex-captive women either side of her, though they had at least given her a little room this time. The Princess had recounted what she had found when she had woken the previous day... and that included where Nethra had ended up.

Kaldar scrambled to his feet. "Good morning, Captain. By your leave?"

At Eriana's nod he hurried from the dormitory and those remaining looked at each other.

"There are ten here, I deem," the Princess said, "and I do not know what the facilities here are like. Who can tell me about the bathing?"

"There is a tub which may fit four," Semma suggested doubtfully.

Banest said, "I have been here before, Captain. The tub will fit four but the boiler is not that large. If I might suggest, you and your ladies should go first, since you are accustomed to such luxuries. We five have waited long enough, another bell or two will not go amiss."

Larys added, "Besides, Captain, once we have bathed we must needs put on the same clothes again, since there is nothing else. Because of that, there is little point in us bathing as thoroughly as you might."

Eriana's lips set as she understood the realities of their situation. "I am forced to agree, though I would rather not." She addressed them all. "Ladies, once we have cleaned ourselves," a smile, "as best as we may, and broken our fast, we have much to discuss. I will tell you now that I do not believe that you can go back to the life you had before and thus we must consider something different for you."

"But I am a wife of the Sirrel," Banest objected. "I know little else. I doubt any of my family remains, it was small enough to start with. What can one such as me do, adrift in the world?"

Eriana smiled. "After breakfast, I beg you. I have been thinking, and Ursula has been thinking also. She has made to me some suggestions which startled me at first but they have grown on me overnight. For now, we all require use of the few privies in this place. Let us therefore rise - before the men get there!"

Breakfast was a little of the grain porridge but with only water available it tasted bland. There was plenty of fruit to follow, though, of a kind nobody had seen before. Matta provided the answer, though it was an effort for her to speak.

"Vines. Sashilis grow on vines which climb the trees. Good to eat."

Eriana raised an eyebrow. "Even this early in the season?"

"Good now. Better later. Grow larger, turn red, soft."

Once everyone had been fed Eriana turned to immediate matters.

"Ladies, I would like to take you down to the pontoons for you to inspect the barges. It is possible that some of your belongings may remain. Matta, Vellana, I am going and so should you. I believe that the fresh air and a little exercise will be good for you."

Larys objected, "Captain, I do not know if we can walk so far."

"We will use some of those carts, then. The rest of us can push."

With each of the fit women pushing a cart, the walk to the end of the track leading to the pontoons did not take long. It took longer for the unfit women to clamber down the maze of stairways to the pontoons, and Matta nearly fell in when they reached them.

"We can take our time," Eriana soothed. "I know that Marshal Boranar is coming this morning but he will wait for us to return."

Three of the women had their attention fixed the other way.

"That is your ship? Maker!"

"Aye, that is the Visund." She addressed the sole man on board. «Good morning, Brodgar. Any problems?»

«Good morning, Captain. Adin had to shift some things to find the grain for breakfast, I am just making sure everything is well stowed again. Uh, did you want to bring those women on board? I can go if you do.»

«Not this time, Brodgar. We'll be inspecting the barges this morning.»

«Ah. Tell me if you need anything.» He turned back to whatever he had been doing.

Nethra raised an eyebrow. "I did not understand a word, Captain, but the tone of voice shows that you are casual with your men. Does this not cause problems?"

"Not at all, Nethra. All know where each stands and we have sailed together - and fought together - long enough we each know what the others can or cannot do. When lives depend on it, one must needs be sure of one's companions. Now, which of these is yours, Nethra?"

She pointed. "The second one, Captain, the Green Ptuvil. If we had drums to unload here we would choose the closest mooring to that hoist which lifts them up to the pathway." She shrugged. "This time the Faral Wintik was there so we went as close as we could. This time we carried mainly beans but also some consignments of other foodstuffs. The beasts ate everything."

"Ah, I see. So this one is the Faral Wintik, then?"

"Yes, Captain. The name should be on the stern but it is very worn. That would incur a fine at some ports. Our name is much more visible."

"And the furthest one?"

Nethra shook her head. "That arrived after we were taken, Captain. I know not her name, where she came from or what she carried... though from here it looks like timber."

Banest confirmed, "Captain, that is the barge Larys and I were on, it is the Nerrinar. Like fools we did not stay away from this cursed place but sought, as you did, shelter for the night and a hot meal."

"I trust we have now lifted the curse," Eriana said. "You have seen my ship, all those of my homeland are made in like fashion even if most are not so large. I am not familiar with the construction or use of these river barges. If any of you can give me your opinion of the state of these three I would be grateful. It is possible that we might make use of one or more of them."

Larys was doubtful. "Captain, none of us who were captured, women or men, are strong enough to handle even one of these!"

"A way may be found, but first I need to know if these are even... ah, river-worthy."

The three barges were roughly the same in shape and layout but, since they had not been produced by the same builder, there were many differences. Each was about sixteen to twenty strides long and five to six wide at the widest point. At the rear of each, visible since all were pointing upstream, was a cabin reached by several steps, in front of the tiller. Forward of that was the after hold, separated from the forward hold by a braced transverse beam which supported the single mast. Lying along the length of each vessel was the great yard which would support the lateen sail when under way.

Nethra leaned over to peer into the after hold of Faral Wintik. "Those fools did not even replace the covers after they unloaded their booty! Look, there is water in the hold, probably from rain, which must needs be pumped out. Some of the ironwork looks rusty. Otherwise, Captain, I do not see much amiss. I may be able to give you a better idea of the condition of the Green Ptuvil, though."

"This is the ship of Baros and Kedian?"

"Captain, those two were unknown to us until we were all released. Since they are not from either the Green Ptuvil nor the Nerrinar then I assume that they must be from this one."

Nethra walked along the pontoon until she reached the barge she had arrived on. She began to step off the pontoon but thought better of it.

"If I may have some help?"

Bennett hurried along and helped her onto the deck, from where she promptly walked to the stern and ducked into the cabin. Bennett glanced at Eriana and then followed Nethra below. Eriana gave a warning glance to Ursula and Semma and then jumped onto the Green Ptuvil and entered as well.

The cabin was a kind of common space, with benches either side and a dismountable table, presently folded, which would be used for meals. At one corner stood a cast-iron stove on a stone plate next to a counter-top for preparing food. Under and over the benches, and covering every other wall space, were cupboards, all of which had their doors open and the contents ransacked, much littering the floor.

"Let us pick up some of this mess," Eriana suggested. "I see charts there and we may need those in future. Put everything on those benches for now."

Enough was cleared for them to walk to the forward end where there was a narrow door either side. The right-hand one led to a smaller cabin with three-high bunk beds either side. At the end was simple storage space for the men's few belongings, now empty. Nethra looked in and then turned to the other door, which was partly open. This small cabin was mostly filled by a double bed, the rest of the space stuffed with cupboards and drawers, all now open and the contents strewn everywhere.

"Captain, this is the owner's cabin," Nethra explained. "It is enough for a husband and wife. My dresses and skirts!" She bent down and lifted up a bundle, laying it on the bed.

Eriana commented, "I wondered if we would find something like this. The beasts would have had no use for the attire of women and would not have thought of bringing along a change of attire for their captives. How much is there? Enough to fit you out anew?"

"Indeed, Captain. Let me look in this other cupboard... yes! Here are panties, bodices, pads for Kalikan..." She stopped. "It would embarrass me to wear such finery when my sisters could not."

"Do not concern yourself, Nethra. If you attire is still here then it is likely that the attire of Banest and Larys may be still aboard their barge also. This is one of the main reasons I desired to come here before we spoke to Marshal Boranar."

"Of course, Captain. Oh," Nethra sadly lifted a tunic sized for a larger man, "here are some of Padaran's things. What should I do with these?"

Eriana replied, "We have six men who may or may not still have attire aboard these barges. If you are willing to donate... Unless it would pain you to see another wearing your husband's attire."

"I do not know, Captain..." she shook her head. "I do not think so, but the test will only come when somebody does wear them."

"As you say. Now, mention of your husband brings me to another reason for coming here. You said that he was owner as well as master, would there be a document attesting that on board? That he must needs produce to justify himself to some important port official?"

"Why, of course, Captain. In the main cabin. I do not think the beasts would even have looked for it."

"But they might have searched for geld... excuse me, coin or valuables."

"As you say."

Back in the main cabin Nethra removed the middle drawer under the counter-top and reached an arm within the hole.

"If I may ask someone to lift the counter up. It hinges, though not obviously."

When lifted, a flat slot was revealed containing a leather folder. Nethra retrieved this and handed it to Eriana, who removed the parchment inside and began to read. Finally she looked up and smiled.

"Congratulations, Nethra. You are now the proud owner of your own barge."

"What? But I am a woman, I cannot own such a thing!"

"I am also a woman who owns a ship. I do not think there is any law which forbids such a thing, it is mainly custom. As we have traveled along the Sirrel, none have questioned my right to ownership, and sometimes I have made efforts to conceal my status."

"If you say it is so, Captain, then I must needs believe it. But I am an owner without a Master or crew! I could sell it, I suppose."

Eriana held up a hand. "Do not be hasty, Nethra. There is still much to do. Tell me, did the beasts find your coin or valuables?"

Nethra's eyes momentarily glanced at the stove. "I do not think so, Captain. That means I could at least employ crew for some short while."

"As I said, there is still much to do. If you are satisfied with what we have found here, then we should do the same with the other barges."

"What about this mess?"

Eriana flicked a hand. "Another time, Nethra."

Nethra was by now irritated and confused. Eriana had something in mind, why did she not just speak out? However, she also realized that much may have happened since the fateful day they had been captured so chose to wait.

"As you desire, Highness."

If Eriana noticed the change in address she did not react, merely leading the way back on deck. From there she walked along, looking into the holds.

"You have two holds!"

"That is so, Captain," Nethra said when she joined Eriana. "Sometimes it was a blessing, other times a curse. It was useful to keep smelly food away from, say, grain, but when we were not carrying food it could make it awkward to get cargo in and out again."

"As you say. What do you think of the water in these?"

"Less than in Wintik, Captain. I don't think it will be a problem to bail out."

"Good." Eriana looked up at Ursula, standing on the pontoon and watching them. "Is this what you had in mind?"

"I was not sure, Captain. Maybe. I have less experience of these barges than you have now had."

"Hah." Eriana leaped lightly onto the pontoon and offered a hand to Nethra. Bennet followed.

"We'll do the end one next," she announced. "There are six crew from that one and it was the most recent capture, so may have suffered the least damage."

Nerrinar was the largest of the three barges, since it had been designed to carry timber. The cabin area was larger and part of the cargo had been stowed on top of it. In addition to the lateen boom, another spar attached to the base of the mast served as a derrick for loading and unloading the timber.

Bennett helped Banest and Larys down onto the deck. This time Ursula joined them while Nethra remained on the pontoon with Semma, Matta and Vellana. Inside the cabin, seating and a fixed table were one side while a more formal kitchen and cooking stove ran along the other. As before, the place had been ransacked and contents scattered over the floor, which upset Banest and Larys. They busied themselves picking up charts, plates and pots and setting them on the table.

In the middle of the front of that cabin a narrow corridor led to four more cabins. The nearest two each had four bunks while one of the others had two narrow beds. In these all the storage had been ransacked, but it was evident that most clothing had just been dumped on the floor.

"Larys, come and see! I would think that all our attire is here, though sorely handled."

The two women began picking up clothing and separating it out, putting some on each bed. Eriana, standing in the doorway, was interested.

"You shared this cabin, then?"

"Yes, Captain. Normally this would be for the First Mate and his wife but, because there were two women this voyage, we slept together and our men slept with the others." Larys jerked a thumb. "That one is where poor Master Soran resided. Those who took him did not like the tone of his voice."

"Oh? Any special reason?"

"We were carrying this timber to the Yodan capital, to be used in the repairs to the dock facilities," Larys explained. "When they heard who the timber was for, that Commissioner became very angry and killed him on the pontoon."

"Ah. The Council of Marshals, I deem. An admission that Yod had fallen."

"As you say, Captain."

"If there is a document of ownership, like the one we found in the Green Ptuvil, I suppose you would have no idea where it would be kept?"

"None, Captain, nor do I think any of the men will know. Only Master Soran or my husband Jessak would have known the secret place."

"Very well. Find yourselves a fresh set of attire each and bring them back to the hostel. Nethra will be doing the same. You can all have a proper clean-up now." She thought. "Ah! Have you anything that Matta or Vellana might wear until we can make other arrangements?"

Banest looked at Larys, who nodded. "Surely, Captain," the latter replied. "We do not have much but there is no doubt we can share. I am not sure what will fit whom but we will bring a selection."

"You have my grateful thanks, ladies."

Back on the pontoons Eriana led the way back to the Faral Wintik, jumping across the gap onto the deck. She ducked into the cabin and emerged a little later before returning to the pontoons.

"Very little," she reported. "As this was the first one captured it has been stripped clean. Some of the men's attire remains, it may be possible to salvage that. No charts remain, no cutlery, no cooking pots, nothing. Let us return to the hostel where it is likely that Marshal Boranar will be waiting."

The women were helped back up to the carts, with their fresh clothing, and the party returned to the village.

«Tor,» Eriana asked when back inside the hostel, «is there hot water available?»

«There is, Captain, since Adin bakes bread for lunch. You desire a bath?»

«Not me! Our rescued ladies have found fresh attire to wear, but of course must first make themselves clean.»

He nodded. «I will make sure it is available to them, Captain.»

«Has Marshal Boranar arrived yet?»

«He has, but when he learned that you were elsewhere he went out to talk to the villagers. He has probably seen you come back.»

After getting the bathing organized Eriana returned to the common room to find Boranar talking to Tor. The Marshal turned and saluted Eriana.

"Good morning, Captain! That bread smells good. I may invite myself to lunch!"

"Marshal, you will be welcome to join us. We have been down to the barges and discovered that all are still usable though they will need some tidying up. Have you yet seen the regulations concerning such craft?"

"Aye, Captain. All craft requisitioned, captured or stolen by those of Yod are to be returned to their original owners where possible. Ah, excepting their war vessels, that is, which are forfeit to... some strange new organization, it seems, which will replace all our local river patrols."

She smiled. "That would be me, Marshal. I am to head the new Federation Navy, one part of which will indeed do what you have just described."

He blinked. "Do you tell me? That is interesting! If I may learn more, in case we come across other such vessels in future."

"As you desire, Marshal, but it is the barges I am presently concerned with."

"As you say. It is understood that it may take some time to return these craft since the crews may be dead or scattered and others must needs be found. I am to take note of all such vessels in my area and report them to the Council at Yod. Have you information concerning the three that are here?"

"I have, Marshal." She explained what they had found. "So Mistress Nethra is now the owner of the Green Ptuvil and there is a document which will prove it for you. It is in her husband's name, of course, but his intent was clear and the law, as I understand it, is also clear. As his widow she inherits."

"I will accept your word for that, Captain. Shall you require a new document for the new owner?"

"Lord Kalmenar will write one if it is required, Marshal."

He looked at Eriana speculatively. "It is apparent to me that you have some scheme, Captain."

"I do, Marshal. Now, can you tell me what the regulations are concerning the cargoes any such vessels may have been carrying?"

Boranar shrugged. "Mostly they are considered lost, Captain. In fact, when those of Yod captured certain vessels, to use them downstream, they pitched the cargoes overboard. If I may ask what there is? I thought they all carried food which has been stolen and eaten."

"That is true for two of them, Marshal. The third is still laden with timber. The tarpaulins have been pulled away for the Yodans to find out what was there so there is some rain damage. I think that some of the exposed wood will likely have warped."

He nodded. "No good any more. Did you find out where it was going?"

Eriana grinned. "The Yodan capital, Marshal, to help repair the port facilities."

The look was back. "What is your intention, Captain?"

"It is a mixed load of different lengths and sizes of timber, Marshal. I would make use of some of it and gift the rest to the villages for their trouble."

"Ah. You want the barges, then."

"One or two, perhaps. I must needs discuss matters with my ladies before I can say for certain."

"And the ladies would include those you rescued, I deem?"

"As you say, Marshal. Because of their sensitivity I regret you may not be present."

Boranar thought. "Then I will grant you the timber, the rest to come to these villages. If there is any left over they may offer it to the town."

"Done."

* * *

Eriana looked at the women sitting around the table. Two tables pushed together, actually, to accommodate all ten comfortably, with benches on all four sides. They were in the common room, which had been cleared of all men, though the crew's dunnage bags were still neatly positioned either side. The five rescued women now had clean, fresh clothes over clean, fresh bodies. It was unfortunate that all were malnourished and so the clothes hung loosely.

"Ursula mentioned to me last night," she began, "that between us we have some problems. It would be wrong of us to simply sail away and leave you five," she indicated the rescued women, "and the six men, here behind us. For different reasons Matta and Vellana cannot remain in either village, they are too close, so they must also needs leave... but none of you can yet bear to be around men as perhaps you once did."

She smiled at Nethra. "One of you may bear to be near one of my men, it is true, but that is a limited prospect." Nethra blushed.

"Equally," Eriana continued, "it would not be possible for you to join us on the Visund. I have twenty men and we are all in close contact most of the time. In addition, for folk such as yourselves, weakened, the open hull of the Visund is not a place any of you should be for a long period.

"Fortunately there are as many as three possible solutions moored at the pontoons. Marshal Boranar has confirmed for me the regulations on vessels taken during the war and two of those barges must needs be returned to their owners. It so happens that the owner of the third vessel is sitting here and it is to her that I must make my proposition, though it will affect all of us.

"It seems to me that I have three choices. To begin with, I could leave you all here to make your own way in the world, a thing that is not honorable. I will not do it. Secondly, I could buy the Green Ptuvil from Mistress Nethra and use it to carry you all to a better place. That would mean that all the women could travel on the Green Ptuvil and that will keep them away from my men."

Nethra held up a hand. "Captain, there is not enough accommodation on the barge for us all."

"That is true, but you would be carrying no cargo. My thought is that we would use some of the timber from the Nerrinar and convert both holds to be used as accommodation. Marshal Boranar has given me the pick of the cargo, with the rest being donated to the two villages."

"Clever," Nethra nodded. "But who will sail the Green Ptuvil? None of us could ever hope to pull that yard up even if we were fit once more!"

"I understand that. That is why I would convert both holds. The smaller would take enough of my men to manage the sail and any other tasks requiring strength."

"And the other barge men?"

"Would use the existing accommodation in the cabin, if that is suitable." Eriana shrugged. "Or the other way around if that is more practical. None are yet strong enough to sail the barge, though."

"Captain, you mentioned three choices."

"I did. The third choice would be that I, using coin available to me from Palarand, would charter your barge. The holds would still be converted as before, the difference is that you would remain the owner of the vessel."

"Begging your pardon, Captain, you have overlooked a fourth choice."

Eriana looked surprised. "I have?"

Nethra smiled. "Indeed, Captain, or whatever your real rank is. The fourth choice is that we could join you. From words I have heard from Commander Lars and from Mistress Ursula, you are taking your ship upstream to explore the lands of the Sirrel. Then you will become head of some organization which will manage, control, the river traffic somehow.

"We are five who are now adrift in the world. If we go to any land at all we will just be women with a damaged past who must needs do what we may to survive. That would be hard for all of us. You and your crew are moving with some purpose through this Valley and, if you will have us, we could become part of that. We trust you, we trust the honor of your men though our reactions presently make us wary of close contact. That will end with time whatever we choose. You have told us yourself that you do not know how to sail the craft of the river. Let us join you and we can assist you, the captive men as well."

Eriana realized that her mouth was open and closed it.

They understand what we are doing.

At some point soon I must needs expand the service and employ local people. She is right about the local vessels, too.

But I am not supposed to be recruiting yet!

...Having another vessel, a local one, may make that easier. The Visund is becoming crowded and I seem to be adding new people every time we arrive at a port, people who are not used to an open hull.

"You have discussed this among you?"

"A little, Captain. When we were bathing. I guessed why you wanted to look at the barges. I would certainly join. Banest and Larys are wives of bargemen... widows of bargemen, now. I do not yet know how much heed they took of what their husbands did. Mata and Vellana, well, they know that they have to depart and they know that the men of the Visund will not take advantage of them."

"For me this could be an unexpected complication."

"Not really, Captain. Since I appear to be the legal owner of the Green Ptuvil, I can instruct that you make the changes you propose to accommodate whom you wish. We can decide on ownership or other legal matters later."

Eriana looked at Ursula, who appeared equally surprised. "Is this what you thought would happen?"

"I did not know one of these would become the owner, Captain. I had no idea of those regulations either. I thought we would actually end up with the Faral Wintik, purchased as salvage from Marshal Boranar or some similar arrangement."

"Ah. And the rest?"

"It makes sense, Captain. With your permission, all of the women crew could move over, making life easier for the men - and the women."

Eriana smiled. "I would not be so sure about the men! They would forever be worrying about the safety of the women on the other vessel."

She turned to the two local girls. "Matta?"

Matta nodded. "Good. Take time to heal. If ever. Must go away. Stay close to friends on barge."

"Vellana?"

She just nodded, unwilling to speak even now.

Eriana nodded back and then asked, "Banest?"

"My husband was First Mate, Captain. I knew what he did, he had done it for many years. I am not confident that I could do the same."

"Right now nobody is asking you to be First Mate or anything else," Eriana told her. "Just to travel with us and recover. Like several of my crew you may find in time that you can do something else for us, if that is what you desire."

"Then I will join, Captain."

"Larys?"

"As Banest says, I am not sure what I can do for you. But to be near you and your men, on the river, would be enough for me. In time I may be able to do more."

Eriana's attention now moved to the other women on the table.

"I know what Ursula will say, so let me ask Tyra first. Is this what you want?"

"To follow my mistress is all I ask, Captain. If there is more in future then... that is the future."

"Bennett? Semma? How say you?"

"It makes sense, Captain," Bennett replied. "Depending on what changes we make to the barge it could become comfortable for us women. More comfortable, that is. Another point is that we would be there to defend them at need."

Eriana grinned. "And if you are there, what about me? Who looks after me?"

Bennet flipped an hand and grinned back. "Do you really require looking after, Captain? Besides, Mistress Ursula said all the women. I assumed that you would be joining us."

Eriana discovered that her mouth was open again. "Ah, I had not, Bennett. But what you say has merit, indeed... Well. This is all unexpected. Now, by your leave, I must speak to Marshal Boranar and with all my men and find out what they think of all this. I wonder if Adin has any pel ready?"

* * *

"But I do not understand what happened! Ursula, I am in need of your thoughts."

The two had met by chance when using the women's toilets at the same time. Eriana had subsequently led Ursula along a side passage she had previously wandered into by accident. This went up some rough stairs to an enclosed outside space that must have been the local equivalent of a patio. It was small, circular and had comfortable woven seating with a table in the center, high enough to receive good light levels but below the level of the upper canopy so that those using it would not be in the direct sun.

"I did not foresee the whole affair but what happened was more or less what I expected, Highness. We could not leave those women here, they could not go on the Visund so the conclusion was plain. You would buy, requisition," she smiled, "or steal one of the barges to carry the women with us while keeping them separate from your crew. At that point it became obvious that it would make sense for all of us women to transfer to the other vessel."

"But my own men have thrown me off of my own ship!"

Ursula tried to keep a straight face. "Highness, you should look at this another way. How many ships does your father own?"

"Why, he has many, of course. He does not own all of them but he has an interest in a number... you are trying to tell me something."

"Highness, you are supposed to become the head of the Federation Navy in time. That Navy will own many, many vessels of all shapes and sizes. You cannot be Captain of all of them, others will do that at your command. This is a similar situation. When you had one ship, the Visund, then you could be both owner and Captain. Now you have two and the numbers can only increase. You no longer command a ship but... a flotilla? A squadron? I do not know the fine detail of such matters. Not a fleet, certainly, but a number of ships, presently two.

"You are still the personal owner of the Visund but you can no longer be the Captain. A Captain is the man - or woman - who has final command over a single vessel. It was inevitable."

Eriana stared at Ursula, her mind attempting to grapple with her new and novel circumstances.

"If I am no longer a Captain, what then must I be?"

Ursula shrugged. "It varies, Highness. Where I grew up we were far from any sea and I have only a rough knowledge of naval ranks. I doubt Maralin would be able to advise any better, though." She was silent a moment. "At the very top there may be four ranks of Admiral."

"Ah! Garia spoke to me of Admirals! Is that what I am, then?"

"Actually, once you get the Navy into proper operation, you might be higher than that. Let me think about Admirals, Highness. There are four ranks, from lowest they are Counter-Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Admiral, Admiral of the Fleet."

"Such peculiar names! But, surely, from what I was told, all Admirals command fleets?"

Ursula shook her head. "It is partly to do with organization and partly to do with history, I believe. Some of the lower Admirals may command what are known as Task Forces, sent to do a particular job."

"And they would be part of a fleet? I understand. But, Ursula, I have yet no fleet."

"As you say, Highness. For you there is a rank between Captain and Admiral which fits perfectly: Commodore. This is often a title given to a senior captain who is in overall command of a small group of ships, often gathered together for a single sailing, but can also be a permanent rank."

"I trust we will be together for more than the journey to our next port!"

"With all the women together on the Green Ptuvil, it will be awkward if we are not! Of course," she added thoughtfully, "now you have other decisions to make, Highness. Do the two vessels keep station or do we proceed independently? Do you keep the crews the same or do you rotate them? The latter may be more useful since it will expose the women to more of your men in a familiar setting."

Eriana nodded. "And it will give us all experience of running a river vessel, I deem. Aye, Ursula, you are right. There is much to think about anew." She gave the healer a sidelong glance. "And, if I may, I suspect that I will ask you for advice again in the coming days. You see, when we set off two nights ago to raid that farm, we did so as we Norse have always done. I soon realized that we had overlooked many things, notably meals, but also we were in terrain that we did not know, facing an enemy we did not really know. Things could have gone wrong many, many times that night, Ursula, and we have decided that, as part of the development of the Navy and the troops they will provide, we must needs begin a range of training to ensure that we do not get ourselves into trouble in the future. It has occurred to both Lars and I that you have special knowledge that neither Garia nor Maralin have."

"Me? I am a doctor, a healer, and not particularly experienced at either art. What can I do that they cannot?"

"Garia is too young, she tells me, and Maralin was a woman, a cook in a city so large I struggle to understand it. You, it appears, are the only one from Earth that we know about who has had any formal military training."

* * *

Eriana's next task had been to speak to the bargemen. They used the tables already set up for the women's meeting. The six who had been rescued were there and they had been joined by Tor and Hashim.

"Some important decisions must needs be made," she began, "and many of those already made have concerned the rescued women. As you may understand, with one partial exception they will not go near men now, they have been so badly used by those beasts. You yourselves know what that was like. It is possible that such injuries, to mind as well as body, will heal in time but you all know that may not happen.

"The two who came from the two villages, Matta and Vellana, cannot return to them. Neither can they journey on my ship, the Visund, which is full of men. Now by chance one of the other women, Nethra, was married to the owner and Master of the Green Ptuvil and has thus inherited that barge. She has graciously consented to let us use it as transport for them."

Baros waved a hand. "I would think that we are presently too weak to help, Captain. I presume that you intend to use your men as crew?"

Eriana grinned at Tor. "Yes and no, Master Baros. The crew of my ship is, in fact, a small part of the number who sail in it. Many of the others can be of help, aye, but they are not all sailors. They are my personal retainers, sworn to defend me. Besides, even the sailors I do have cannot sail those barges, we do not know how. I would use some of you as advisors, by your leave, with my men as muscle."

He nodded. "Possible, Captain. But it is plain there is more."

"Aye. First, I realize that of course, unlike the women, you six once recovered may go your own ways, perhaps to return to your former employers or your homes. You could even remain here, minding your barges, until those employers send a full crew to recover them back to their home ports. I will tell you now why the Visund and its crew is here, what those women have decided and then you can consider what you each might do."

She explained the mission of the Visund, who she was and what she would become in future. She told them that the women had decided to become part of that adventure and that, over time, there would likely be further vessels to join her tiny flotilla.

The six men looked at one another. Baros seemed to be their spokesman and he asked, "Captain, we should talk privately, by your leave."

"I would expect nothing less," she said. "Hashim, Tor, if we may rise and speak privately. I would discuss what we found on the barges when we went earlier."

The three rose and gathered in a corner out of earshot while the bargemen held their own conversation.

"Hashim, what is your opinion of those men?"

"I have never met any of them before, Captain, but that is not so surprising on so great a river. Baros knows his business, I deem, and Kedian is as good a cook as Adin, though I know that both would argue which were better. The others, they seem competent enough."

"Why were there so many on the timber barge? I would not have thought it needed so large a crew when the others do not."

"Ah, for the loading and unloading, Captain, which might be done at a place like this where there is no dockside workforce to help. In transit, also, that load can shift and must be watched as few other loads need to."

"Ah, I see. Now, tomorrow I intend to send those six down to the barges to recover any of their own belongings and to do some tidying up, just as the women did today. Tor will take some of our men to help. You'll probably need carts to get the men down to the pontoons. In addition Marshal Boranar has agreed that we can requisition the timber to refit the holds of the Green Ptuvil as extra accommodation for the women... all the women, including, it seems, me. That means unloading it all. Carpenters and joiners will be coming from Bakhmenek tomorrow to begin that work. Tor, I'll need you and some men to oversee the activity down there."

"Yah, Captain."

In time the table discussion was over and the three returned to join the bargemen.

Baros spoke for them all. "Captain, your description sounds interesting to us all. Unlike the women, however, we all have existing commitments such as employers and, in two cases wives, who must first be satisfied. Like the women we are all at loose ends here and will sail with you to help your mission, at least as far as Bibek in Faralmark. If I may ask, what rates of pay you would offer us?"

"Baros, gentlemen, I have no idea how bargemen are paid. On board the Visund we offer no pay at all. That is because, as I mentioned, the whole crew are sworn to me and are my retainers. At any port we may call at I have the ability to call on as much coin as is required for our needs. Other than that, you would receive lodging, probably on the Green Ptuvil, and all the food and drink you can consume. I will add that, for the first part of your journey, you would be little more than passengers."

"I understand your point, Captain. Now, if we were to join your enterprise, then I assume that all other expenses would be covered?"

"Other expenses? Oh, wives! And, presumably, any children you may have. That circumstance has not yet occurred to us but provision would be likely be made... a thought for the future, I deem. Be assured that we would not dump you on the quay at Bibek with nothing to your name."

"Then we are prepared to travel with you at least as far as Bibek as passengers, our passage to be covered by exchange of knowledge concerning the use and sailing of each vessel. I do not think we can ask for more than that, Captain. If we become fit enough then of course we will play our part. During the voyage we may learn enough that we would be willing to join your enterprise."

"I could not ask for more than that of you, gentlemen. Done."

* * *

The document was simple and straightforward. The parchment had been provided by Marshal Boranar and it had been inscribed by Lord Kalmenar. They had both signed it and the register copy, as had Eriana as a Federation representative. Now, as the two men backed away, Eriana took the document of ownership and handed it to Nethra.

"There. Now no one can dispute your right to ownership, Nethra. Whatever arrangement you and I may later make, the Green Ptuvil today belongs to nobody else but you."

She curtseyed. "Thank you, Your Highness." She turned to face the men, now at a safe distance. "Thank you, My Lord, Marshal. This is novel to me, that I may own so great a vessel. All my life I have assumed that only men could do such but I have Her Highness in front of me to show me that it is not so. It will be a great responsibility and I will make certain that I will manage it as best as I can, with the help of those friends I have around me."

She glanced to a corner of the common room, where the third male in the room stood impassively watching the proceedings. Lars gave her a brief nod of support and then looked at Eriana, who gave him a nod of her own.

"Well," Boranar said, rubbing his hands, "that is the legal part done, I deem. The day passes on, I must consider returning to the town soon. Highness, tomorrow I will send such craftsmen as are available to Bakhrad to begin making changes to the Green Ptuvil. I regret that I will not be available myself as I must needs preside over the first of the trials of the outlaws. I will endeavor to return before you depart, though. Will you require anything else?"

"Food is always a problem, Marshal," she replied, "but with the fishermen now free to provide what all need I trust there will be few other difficulties. If there is anything else we will, of course, send to the town."

"As you say, Highness." He came to attention and saluted. "Good evening to you all. By your leave, Highness."

As the Marshal marched smartly out of the hall Eriana looked around. "Good. Matters had begun to look so complicated I did wonder if I would ever see a way through. My thanks to you, Ursula, for seeing what I could not. Lars, you'll be taking the men down to the barges after breakfast tomorrow to begin unloading the timber. I have already instructed Tor to use his men to assist and advise, but they will also be cleaning up the mess in the three barges.

"Now, I deem, it is time for us ladies to prepare ourselves for the evening meal. Good work, everyone."

* * *

There was no ale but the men did not mind. The pel that Kedian produced was, all agreed, just right for the occasion. The circumstances were special since their liege lady had inadvertantly gained a promotion. Commodore sounded a fine title and all agreed it described exactly what she would be.

There were other promotions. Tor Magnusson formally became the Captain of the Visund while Baros became Captain of the Green Ptuvil. The latter had been offered to Nethra but she had refused, saying that she still needed time to adjust to her new circumstances and to build up her strength.

It had been decided that the vessels would stay at Bakhrad for at least another two days. That would give the crew time enough to unload the timber and for the carpenters and joiners sent from Bakhmenek to perfom a conversion of the Green Ptuvil's two holds into basic accommodation. Basic, because as their journey continued, it was considered that there were likely to be alterations. Thus there was no point wasting time and effort building something that might be dismantled in a week's time.

Ursula lay on her pallet under the canvas roof, which was softly lit by Kalikan's light. Most of the other women were already asleep.

That was all... unexpected. Once I saw the captive women I guessed what would happen but I failed to take it through to the proper conclusion. But the right solution presented itself and now we have a barge as well as a longship.

Hmm. Neither of those are going to be suitable for the future.

We? How did I just include myself in this? Why am I planning for a Federation I know nothing about, for a Navy that does not yet exist, on a planet somewhere else entirely?

Another matter. How can a lowly conscript - who admittedly had a father who did more - hope to advise these people about military matters? Almost everything I know is going to be irrelevant here.

Although Maralin did so for Joth! She was a cook, a drug addict who spent her days watching TV in an addled haze, and yet she picked up enough to rebuild Joth's military for them.

Am I sure I am not dreaming? That farm was unpleasant, but dreams can be like that.

If it is all real, then I have work to do.