Ursula goes to the market to find more suitable attire for the two Yodans and later begins to teach them the Garian numbers, revealing an unexpected talent. Meanwhile Lars attempts to find something suitable for the men to drink and takes a side trip to a brewery. There he overhears a casual conversation.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

66 - Hats and Numbers

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) 2022 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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"Good morning, First Director."

Eriana scowled. "I do not deserve that title!" The scowl was replaced by a small smirk. "Good morning, Ursula... or should that be Director of Welfare?"

"Highness, don't! The situation is already awkward enough. I think that neither of us are ready for the positions that were forced on us yesterday."

"Indeed not, Ursula. Sit down, they are about to bring the food. I did not have time to ask you yesterday evening, how was your visit with Count Darkwin? Was everything satisfactory? What of his wounds?"

Ursula considered what she could say before speaking. "Highness, strictly speaking I should not discuss a patient with you but given the circumstances I can provide you with a general description of his condition. He was struck about the head during the invasion by Yod, sufficient to convince everybody present that he had died along with his parents. He was, in fact, only badly wounded and was taken away and treated in secret. He has a very rough scar across his scalp which is fortunately concealed by his hair. There is soft tissue damage to his left shoulder, his legs are weak and he cannot stand bright light for very long. Otherwise he is reasonably fit and mentally sharp."

"Think you he could become Duke in time?"

"Yes, Highness, though of necessity he will not be able to do the usual things that the various rulers I have met so far are able to do. Count Olva will rule as regent until he is of age, as you know, and then will probably continue in some senior position, providing a visible face for the Duke. The Duke himself may appear for festivals and the like but I suspect he will mostly retire from public gaze."

"Hmm. Oh, thank you," she added to the servant who had just delivered a mug of pel. "I am told that there is a possibility that Upper Fanir may choose to join with Faralmark, and there are already moves for Faralmark to join, or should I say rejoin, Upper Faral. If that happens Darkwin may just rule over a part of the combined lands. I do not know if he would still be considered a Duke by then."

Ursula shrugged as she reached for a dark blue fruit. "I have no feeling for these countries, Highness. I had just about understood Joth when we departed. Most of these others are just names."

"As they are to me, Ursula. If I may ask for one of those rolls? When I arrived I asked if there was zurin available and they said some would be prepared for us immediately."

In Ursula's head the word zurin was echoed in English as bacon so Ursula took a roll from the plate after Eriana.

"At least they are beginning to understand that we have different tastes than them," she remarked.

"In the hostel they meet river folk from distant lands so they are used to our odd requests," Eriana explained. "However, their idea of ale was not what I expected so their zurin may not be either. We shall see."

A plate of sizzling meat strips arrived and was closely examined before anybody touched anything. It appeared that the meat had been grilled but certainly looked and smelled different. After a nod from Eriana Ursula took a strip and cautiously nibbled the end.

"It is edible, Highness. I think they may have used different spices, salts or whatever to cure the meat so it does taste different than the last zurin we were given. I do not detect anything that might cause us trouble."

Which of course does not mean that there isn't anything!

"Good. Thank you, Ursula."

Eriana took two strips and folded her roll around them before starting to eat. The rest of the table followed suit and it was a while before the Princess asked another question.

"What are your plans today, Ursula?"

"Unless you have need of me, I plan to go with Tyra, Adin and Kedian to the market this morning. We are mostly looking for herbs and food supplies, the usual, but I will keep my eyes open for anything else that might look useful. Like, for example, ribbon for shoulder slides."

Eriana nodded. "I will not detain you, then. I want to have a talk with the men this morning about what was decided yesterday and discover if any of them have good or bad to say about it." She leaned back. "Then, after our naps, there will likely be a certain amount of preparation for the mock battle we will fight tomorrow. Shall you attend that?"

"The preparations? I'll need to check over the medical supplies but no, Highness, I do not think that will be necessary. If Bennett and Senna will be there -" the Princess nodded, "- then you might include Tyra as well. I do not want to hold her back if that is what she wants to do."

"Thank you, Ursula. It has been some few days since she last trained with the men, I wonder why?" A strained smile. "We have been so busy these last weeks."

"Yes, and she has had some rough treatment in that time. I want her to be able to defend herself, at least. Anything more will be a bonus."

"As you say, Ursula. If I may ask for another roll? This zurin tastes good."

* * *

Tyra went to the chamber door to answer the knock, turning to Ursula when she heard the request.

"Mistress, it is one of the hostel servants. She says that the two Yodans are downstairs and desire your presence."

When Ursula went to the door the woman's face had a disapproving look.

"Is there some kind of problem?"

"No, Mistress, but no man may ascend here. They are only Yodans, shall I send them away?"

"You have some problem with Yodans? Of course you do. They invaded your country, killed many of your people and stole everything in sight. Is that about right?"

The woman flushed. "Yes, Mistress, it is. My own family were thrown out of our house so that some Yodan soldiers could be billeted there. They took everything we owned. They were even billeted here in the hostel! I have no love for such folk. Why do you permit them to travel with you?"

"Well, now. Not all Yodans are the same, just as not all Upper Fanirans are the same. We have four Yodans sailing with us, two women and two men. The two women, along with three barge women who happened to arrive at the wrong time, were enslaved and kept haltered in a stable to be repeatedly raped by a renegade troop of Yodan soldiers. Would you hate those women just for being Yodans?"

The woman flushed. "No, Mistress, I did not know that. Oh, that they would do such things to their own people!"

Ursula began to get annoyed. "We have just spent two weeks traveling along the river through Yodan territory and I can tell you that they are divided. A small number want the Ascendancy back, as you might expect, but many more do not and some of those were always opposed to the Overlords, as they called them. Most are glad to be rid of them.

"The young man, Karan, is a trainee healer and did not agree with the outdated methods that his Yodan mentor forced on him. When I appeared he decided to leave that healer and learn from me instead. If those of Yod were to catch him now they would certainly kill him."

"Oh, Mistress, I am sorry, we did not know that. It is just that we have learned by experience not to have anything to do with those of Yod. But what of the other one, the older one? He has a different air about him."

Ursula thought about how much she should reveal. "That man, Zakaros, is a... I do not know the word. A counter of coin?"

"Oh, do you mean a moneylender? I understand, Mistress."

"Yes. Because he is well educated he had to join the Ascendancy and was made an official in charge of a district. In Yod, mind you, not in one of the countries that Yod invaded. I do not know what he did there, good or bad, but he was probably chosen because he could count up their taxes. When the war ended he went into hiding and by chance our paths crossed. He provided assistance to us, assistance which meant that others of the Ascendancy would consider him a traitor and kill him as well. That is why he travels with us. I would add that both of those men are under Her Highness's protection."

"Mistress I apologize, I did not know. If I may tell the other staff of this?"

"I suppose that you must, yes, but remember, the more that know there are Yodans here the more that other people will see a chance to take revenge. These two have left Yod for ever, they should not be thought of as Yodans any longer."

"Mistress, your words are wise. I will be careful what I say to the others."

"Thank you." Ursula smiled. "And now, we have kept them waiting, I think I had better go and see what they want. Tyra?"

"Coming, Mistress."

At the foot of the stairs was an uncomfortable Zakaros and a pensive Karan.

"Mistress, good morning," the older man began. "The hostel staff are treating Karan and myself poorly, they do not want to have anything to do with us."

"That servant who knocked at our door said as much and I had to explain why you two were traveling with us. She has apologized and will explain why you are with us to the other staff. What can I do for you?"

"That is the problem, Mistress. Karan and I wear attire that is obviously of Yodan cut and we are noticeable. In fact, since our departure was so hasty these are the only garments we possess. I have spoken to Her Highness and she says that she will authorize fresh attire, and that as you were going to the market today..."

Ursula nodded. "She wants me to find something, ah, less obvious for you two."

"As you say, Mistress."

Ursula thought. "I can do that, but you know what clothes bought in markets are like, they normally would like you to try them on for fit."

Zakaros shrugged. "What must be, Mistress. If you measure us, would that suffice?"

"I am a healer, I can make up a suitable story. Two men injured, their clothes ruined by sword cuts, that sort of thing. Very well, I will need to fetch a measure and then find a room down here we can use to measure both of you."

The two women retreated to their chamber where Tyra dug out a tape measure while Ursula found a scrap of parchment and a reedlet. Downstairs again they bade the Yodans remain where they were and went to find the hostel manager, who looked concerned when they appeared.

"Good morning, Mistress? I know that you are Her Highness's healer, was there some problem with the breakfast?"

"So far as I know it was all good food. We particularly liked the zurin, Master..?"

"Ah, Mistress, if it please you I am named Ranomar. How may I serve you?"

"Then, Ranomar, I need to borrow a small chamber for half a bell or so."

"Surely, Mistress. If you would follow me. There is a chamber over here which Her Highness has already used this morning but the one next to it should be - ah, good. Use it for as long as you desire, Mistress."

Ursula remembered the battle. "It is possible that I may need it again later or tomorrow for healing purposes. The men are doing some demonstrations tomorrow and there might be minor cuts and bruises to look at."

"Of course, Mistress. If you have need of, say, a couch or bed for your patients to lay upon, just ask."

"Thank you, Ranomar."

They retraced their steps, fetched the men and returned to the small chamber.

"I will need to measure both of you to try and get something that is about the right size."

Karan asked, "Mistress, I thought that we would be getting attire like those of the other men?"

"That is true, and you probably will eventually, but I do not think we have enough of that cloth left to make enough for either of you. That means I will have to find you both tunics of a local style which should make you less obvious. I think your tights will be good enough though the colors are not what I have seen in the streets so far. Once you have fresh tunics you should be able to go and find yourself other garments as you need them."

"I understand, Mistress."

Ursula made the two strip off their long Yodan tunics for her to measure their chests, waists and other vital statistics including inside leg, in the event that tights were available in the market and reasonably priced. Zakaros took an interest in her list of measurements.

"If I may ask, Mistress, what are these? I do not know these signs, are they some kind of secret healers' code?"

Oh. He is an accountant, he should be shown the Garian numbers. I think I had better have a word with Her Highness first.

"You know that I come from another world? The letters are those from the land of my birth but the rest are the numbering system we all use there. I am sorry, but I'll need to speak to Her Highness before I can say any more."

Zakaros raised his eyebrows but said nothing.

After they re-dressed she eyed them carefully. "One problem you both have is that your hair styles are very distinctive. I cannot order you but it would be to your advantage to let your hair grow out and then let one of the men cut it. That way you'll become less noticeable."

Karan objected, "Mistress, growing our hair will take some time. Is there some way we can disguise ourselves until then?"

Zakaros answered, "Of course, Karan. We may wear hats, it is only sensible if we are to spend time in the sun."

"Hmm," Ursula said. "The problem there is that you would be exposed if you came to the market to find hats, even wearing less noticeable clothes. I'll measure your heads and see what I can do. You'll just have to accept what I come back with."

Zakaros bowed. "Mistress, we are in your hands. You have already done much to make Karan and I safer, I doubt that we can ever repay you."

"I am not prepared to deal with any obligations at the moment. Let me go to the market and you can decide what to do when I return."

"As you desire, Mistress."

* * *

Ursula, Tyra, Zakaros and Karan met again in the same chamber just before lunch. Ursula's visit to the local market had been fruitful and both she and Tyra carried bags of clothing.

"This is for you, Zakaros, and Tyra has clothes for Karan. There should be time for you to try them on before we sit down to lunch. We managed to find some summer tights so you might choose to change into them as well. Oh, and we found a hat each for you. It happened that Adin's head is about the same size as yours, Karan, and Kedian's head is just a little smaller than your own, Zakaros. If the hats do not fit they can be changed but there are enough men in our company that we can probably do some swapping around instead."

"Thank you, Mistress."

Karan placed a straw hat on his head. "This one fits well, Mistress. There will be no need to change it."

Zakaros examined his hat, which was made of cloth and had a wide flat stiffened brim.

"This is an unusual style for me, I deem."

"That one has a drawstring which means that it can be slightly adjusted," Ursula told him. "I thought that a wider brim might be useful in providing more shade, and it has the advantage that your face will be more in shadow so you are less likely to be recognized."

"Ah. I had not considered that, Mistress. You are good at this craft."

"I spent some time wandering around... various lands... being pursued by people who wanted to kill me," she explained. "I am alive now because I was good enough then."

"As you say, Mistress. Karan, shall we go and see if this attire fits us?"

"There is one other thing before you go," she stopped them with a raised hand. "I have spoken to Her Highness and she has given me permission to explain the Garian numbering system to you. If you are free after our naps, we can make a start on that this afternoon."

They both looked at Ursula with interest. Zakaros asked, "The Garian numbers, Mistress? What are they?"

"I will explain later. You had better go," she told them. "I can hear the servants setting out the tables for lunch."

"As you command, Mistress."

* * *

"Do they not hurt themselves, ah, Admiral?"

Eriana shrugged. "There may be some minor bruises, I doubt not, but my men are used to practising their craft in this manner," she replied. "From your question I guess that you use some other surface to train your troops upon?"

"For some of their activities, Admiral, aye." Tevos winced as Stine was thrown by Eirik, landing on his shoulders on the cobbles of the courtyard, continuing the roll to bring himself to his feet again. "What is this kind of fighting called? I have never seen the like."

"I am told that there are various names for this art, since although it all looks very similar to the untrained eye there are a number of different schools teaching different styles," she explained. "What you see before you is named by Princess Garia to be a fusion style, that is, it is adapted by her teachers to use elements of many different styles. To name it you would just call it unarmed combat."

Marshal Vikzas shook his head. "Admiral, it does not seem to be that this exercise would be of much use on the field of battle."

"You would be right, Marshal. This method will be of greatest use inside buildings, or perhaps on the lower decks of your enemies' galleys. Or perhaps to deal with a robbery, an unexpected mob in the street, that kind of thing. Though we are all of course proficient with our weapons there are times when their use would not be appropriate." She called out, «What is it, Stine?»

«Captain... Admiral, the ground is too hard for this. Can I ask Ursula to look at my back?»

Eriana looked at the other men, noting that some of them were moving around a little gingerly.

«Woden's Spear! I have forgotten!»

She clapped her hands and the men stopped, turning towards her.

«My apologies, men! When we have practised before we have had mats or straw to fall on. Stop now before there are any more injuries. One of you go and fetch Ursula, I want her to look at any damage you have already suffered.»

"Admiral?"

"My own mistake, Marshal. You are right, there should be a cushioning surface down for the men to practise on. We have used special mats or, often, just a layer of straw. Since we did no practice while we traveled through Yod I had forgotten."

Tevos nodded. "Admiral, it is for that reason we customarily train upon grass when we do anything similar. Tomorrow's exercise will be held at our usual training place, the Shevesty Field, which is fully grassed. I would have offered our mock battle today but I knew that the field was being used for some matches, it was not available."

Eriana was confused. "The, ah, Shevesty Field?"

"Of course. Do you not know of them? A great oval field, often surrounded by banks where those who watch may sit? I thought many of our cities had them though it may not be so further downsream, I will admit. It is said, though I do not believe it myself, that an ancient civilisation called the Chivans created the fields many hundreds of years ago."

Her smile was warm. "Oh, yes, Marshal, I know about such fields, there is a great one in Palarand itself, able to hold the entire population of the city. It was where Princess Garia was wed to Prince Keren, in front of rulers from many of the nearby countries - and even some unexpected, distant arrivals like Margrave Simbran. What I did not know was that there was more than one field so named, I thought there was only one and that in Palarand."

"Do you tell me? That is interesting. You say it can hold the entire city, about how many would that be?"

"I could not tell you, Marshal. I was there, I saw the field completely filled, but the numbers are too great for my mind and, as you may understand, my attention was on the wedding of Keren and Garia. I believe that Robanar once told me there were more than forty thousand living in the city but many others would have attended from nearby towns and villages as well. Indeed, I suspect that, since the changes which Garia brought have attracted folk from far and wide, there may already be many more than forty thousand residing there now, more likely fifty thousand or even more."

"Great Maker! So many? I knew Palarand was rich and well-founded but fifty thousand? Maker!"

"And I can tell you that it is known that the Chivans did, in fact, build the Shevesty Field in Palarand so it is more than likely they also built the others. There is attested evidence from Princess Garia herself."

Tevos stared at Eriana, who smiled back.

"Admiral, I bow to your knowledge. Ah, here comes your healer. If I may ask questions about related matters another time?"

"How about tomorrow? We will not be at battle the whole day, I presume."

"Done."

Ursula, Tyra, Karan and Zakaros joined Eriana and Tevos. In the yard, the men were dusting themselves off and standing about in small groups.

"Admiral," Ursula greeted Eriana. "What has happened? I understood there to be injuries."

"Aye, Ursula, minor ones most likely. When we have trained before, there have always been mats or a layer of straw to soften our falls but today I forgot - and nobody thought fit to remind me. There may be scrapes and bruises among the men."

Ursula looked around at the cobbles and nodded. "I understand. If this were a real fight then it would happen whatever the surface but it is always better to take precautions when training."

Eriana's gaze grew hard. "It shall not happen again, I deem. It seems to me that I should leave the training of the men to those best suited to the practice. If I am in charge of the entire Navy then mayhap Lars should take my place here."

Ursula looked around again, trying to spot Lars and failing. "I do not see him in the yard."

"He went out muttering something about ale, I did not catch all of it. That is why I stepped in."

"Yes. He had a thought about the ale and asked my advice. I think that he also spoke to the kitchen staff. I should be looking at injuries, Admiral."

"Carry on, Ursula." Eriana raised her voice. "Men! Come to Ursula if you have hurt yourselves this morning."

The bumps and scrapes were many but mostly slight. Karan knew enough to treat the scraped skin while Ursula dealt with bruises and possible sprains, finding only one of concern. She was surprised by the number of bruises, most of which had been ignored by the men.

"Admiral, there are many more bruises here than I would have expected. After all, you have only been training for, what, a bell? A bell and a half?"

"The surface, Ursula. I do not think that my men's bodies have suddenly softened."

Ursula had a thought. "Ah, but what they are wearing has an effect, Admiral. They have tee shirts and shorts where before they would have been wearing canvas tunics and heavy trousers. In fact, did you not tell me that you and the men wore furs when you went to Boldan's Rock? Heavy clothing like that would make all the difference."

Eriana and Tevos exchanged a glance. "I had overlooked that fact," she admitted. "In Einnland it does not become as warm as it is here in the Great Valley, even in summer, so we have always trained in heavy attire - and on grass or the beach, thinking more of the matter. Thank you, Ursula, for pointing that out to me. Tevos, Vikzas, we should go apart and consider these matters. Know you that our men might likely be called to fight in regions and climates different than what we are all accustomed to. Our remit is much wider than that of the Sirrel Valley, I deem."

Vikzas said, "Admiral, you are right. We cannot always assume that our men will be fighting in places which they are familiar with. We should have spoken of this yesterday."

"Indeed, but we were very busy yesterday. If you would note it for our next meeting?"

"Of course, Admiral. If I may suggest, at your rank you should by now have an assistant to manage your appointments and affairs. I do not believe that Lord Kalmenar is such a person?"

"He is a servant of my King, it is true, but his purpose is to provide me with advice on legal and other matters which may be required along the way. He is not an assistant of mine, though he sometimes provides help. Mayhap you are right, I have no assistant, until now I have not needed one."

Tevos suggested, "Admiral, it may be that we can offer someone suitable. It would be right for you to have someone from this part of the Sirrel upon your personal staff. You have just told us your own experience, so different than our own. Mayhap someone with a different background could broaden that experience."

Eriana's grin was wry. "Another one to add to my motley band! Very well, I agree, if you find someone then put them to me, but I am in no hurry and you should not take a rejection as any insult."

Tevos bowed. "Admiral, we understand. Yet I will see if there is anyone who may fit your needs."

"Done. Ursula, surely I have interrupted you from some task?"

"Admiral, I had started to teach our two... passengers... the Garian numbers."

"Ah, of course. When you are satisfied that my men have all been attended to then you may resume their numbering."

"Admiral."

When the four had moved off to return inside Tevos asked, "Admiral, what are the... Garian numbers?"

She grinned. "A different way of presenting numbers, gentlemen. The numbering system comes from the other world and is easy to understand once you have learned the special signs it uses. It will make your own work, and that of anyone who must needs administer coin or, perhaps stores, so much easier."

"And may anyone learn this new art?"

"It is a gift from Garia to Anmar, gentlemen, and Robanar has no issue with anyone learning the method."

Tevos and Vikzas exchanged looks. "We must interest ourselves in this art," Vikzas said. "At least we two should examine it and decide if our sailors and troops would benefit from it."

"Have no doubt about that, gentlemen," Eriana told them. "In Palarand Robanar has found that it halves the time taken for his clerks to administer his accounts. In the future the method will be taught to every adult and every child, just as soon as teachers can be found for the purpose."

Tevos looked taken aback. "Do you tell me? Then, Vikzas, we have little choice, I deem."

"I will ask Ursula to explain matters to you," Eriana said. "You will soon understand the significance of the method."

"Admiral."

* * *

"Mistress, I struggle to understand these strange shapes. This one I can recognize since it is essentially a hole and that means to my mind that there is nothing there. This next one is like a finger and so it must represent the number one, that much is apparent. But all these other shapes... why, Mistress?"

"Zakaros, I do not know," Ursula replied. "I think the original idea was to choose something that was not like any of the letters in whatever script was in use at the time but in practice many of them do match letters from, uh, other lands. I know it is always hard at first to learn another script but there are only ten of the shapes and it will become easy very quickly - or so I am told."

Zakaros grunted. Unused to any script other than the standard Valley one he struggled to assimilate the new symbols in front of him. Until he did, Ursula knew, it would be futile to try and teach him the new positional arithmetic.

I need some flash cards! Only they can't be card, not around here... I wonder if I can scrounge some scraps of parchment from somewhere.

I wish these printed pages had been laminated as well, they are beginning to look a little dog-eared after so much use. Only that technology is a long way off yet.

I know - if I can find some parchment I can get these two to copy the page out. That will help them to familiarize themselves with the digits at the same time.

"It looks as if you are going to need a little help," she said to them. "See what you can make of those sheets while I go and see if I can find some writing materials to make things a little easier for you."

She went out of the small room she now considered her "office" and immediately found Kalmenar in the next office, reading mail that he must have recently collected.

"Mistress? If I may help?"

"My Lord, I am trying to teach the two Yodan men the Garian numbers but it is not easy. Is it possible I could have some parchment? The printed paper with the instructions on is becoming harder to read and I want to get them to copy it out onto parchment. That way they will learn the new shapes more quickly and the parchment versions will last longer."

The little diplomat considered. "A sensible way of preserving the instructions, Mistress. Paper is good enough for most of our needs but is not so robust, I find." He frowned. "But you intend to teach the Yodans. Is this necessary? They will not be with our company long, will this be a waste of your time?"

"My Lord, I do not intend to teach the Yodans, I am teaching them, with Her Highness's approval. I suspect that both men will be with us for much longer than just a few days. Karan will likely be with me until the Visund returns to Palarand and will need to know the numbers for his work as my assistant healer. Zakaros is a... moneylender... and of course is familiar with accounts. Teaching the Garian system to him will improve his abilities and make him much more useful to the company - or anyone else he might be employed by, if the does not remain with us. He might once have been a Yodan but he was also an administrator and there are now enough of us that we could do with someone with his abilities."

Kalmenar stared at her. "I did not think that a day would come in my life when I must needs work with Yodans, Mistress. I find the idea to be unsettling."

She shot back, "But you are already working with a foreign Princess and her crew of bloodthirsty sailors, not to mention someone from another world."

He nodded slowly. "This is true, Mistress, and I wonder at it. Very well, I have parchment here but, with all the extra treaties and agreements Her Highness has signed in various lands, I fear that I must needs go out and find some further supplies." He opened a leather folder. "If I may ask what exactly you require."

She detailed what she wanted and even persuaded Kalmenar to cut some small rectangles to use as flash cards.

"Oh, and of course we'll need some ink and pens."

"Mistress? What are pens?"

"Oh, uh, reeds, My Lord. I forgot the word. On Earth the use of reeds is a long time back in history and we use other materials for writing with now."

A raised eyebrow. "Oh? I cannot think of an easier way to write than with a reed."

"In the past we have used metal nibs with a wooden handle, together with ink much like you use here. With a metal nib you don't have to keep sharpening the end of the, uh, reed. Nowadays the inks we use are thicker, much like those used for printing, and they can be contained in thin tubes which last a lot longer than reeds would."

"If the ink is thicker, how does it come out of the end of the tube?"

Ursula opened her mouth to explain ball-point pens and then paused. "My Lord, I could explain, but this might be one of those things that the Duke of Joth told me to be careful about. I was told that there is some means, in Palarand, of regulating knowledge from Earth?"

Kalmenar looked surprised but then nodded. "Aye, Mistress. There is a special Council but I know little more than that. You are right, such matters should not be spoken of except where absolutely necessary to preserve life. You require ink and reeds? Here is my spare pot of ink, here are some lengths of reed, reasonably fresh. I doubt not that, what is his name? Zakaros will know how to prepare the reeds."

"Thank you, My Lord."

* * *

"Mistress, this still seems to me to be a waste of time and effort. I already know how to add, subtract and do all that is required with the numbers we already use. The method these sheets explain is novel, it is true, but I can see no advantage."

Ursula suppressed an internal sigh. "Very well. Karan? What do you think?"

"Mistress, I use numbers in my work as a healer, it is true, but what I use is familiar to me. As Master Zakaros says, I wonder why I must needs learn another method."

"Let me try an experiment with you both, then. Zakaros, think of a number, a big number, maybe more than..." Ursula thought furiously. The local numbering method was cumbersome. "...say, twelve eighties. You can make it much bigger if you want to."

The Yodan looked at Ursula with interest. "Mistress, I have dealt extensively with numbers that are so large... Accounting the harvest in my district was... So. Let me see. Sixteen eighties, eleven score and seventeen."

"Both of you write that number down as you would usually do."

Zakaros and Karan carefully wrote down the number on a corner of a scrap of parchment, using the local notation.

"Now, Karan, you think up another big number, please."

"As you wish, Mistress. Um, what about, twoscore eighties, nineteen score and eleven?"

"That's fine with me. Both of you, write that down as well and also write down... let me see, threescore eighties, two score and three. Write that down as well."

Mystified, the two men added the numbers to their scraps of parchment. Ursula, for her part, had also written the numbers down after converting them to decimal, but the men could not see what she had written.

"Now add the three numbers together as you would normally do."

Converting the numbers to decimal had been the hardest part, adding the results together was easy. Ursula opened her mouth to provide the answer when a voice came from behind.

"Mistress, nine thousand nine hundred fifty one."

Zakaros spun around, his expression one of confusion.

"What?"

Tyra curtseyed. "Oh! Master, I must ask your pardon. I am used to counting in tens, hundreds and thousands now. Let me see." Her eyes defocused as she concentrated. "Um, six score and four eighties, leaving... two score and eleven." She turned to Ursula. "Mistress, is that right?"

Ursula looked at her jottings, frowning. "Yes, that is right. Zakaros?"

"You did this difficult sum?" he asked Tyra. "Where is your parchment, your reed?"

"Master, I did not need any. The new numbers are easy enough to do in my mind, I did not need to write anything down though," she added shyly, "another time I might need to."

Zakaros turned and stared at Ursula. She smiled back.

"I was about to give the answer myself," she said. "Tyra learned the Garian numbers a long time ago in Joth, when we were both learning to read and write."

This time she received stares from both men.

"Mistress," Zakaros began respectfully, "I intend you no insult but that is an outrageous statement. Do you tell me that, before you came to Joth, you could not read or write?"

"Of course I could, Zakaros! I have been able to read and write since I was a child... on Earth, in my own native language. In fact, I have learned three other Earth languages and another script. When I arrived here I could speak the local language but did not know any of the letters. That was what I was doing, learning the letters you are familiar with."

"And your maid? Surely she could not write your other-worldy letters before she met you?"

"No, obviously she could not. While Lord Kalmenar was teaching me the script we noticed that Tyra was paying attention where she stood near me as my chaperone. Kalmenar reasoned that, as she appeared to be interested she might as well learn at the same time. It was harder for her because she had never read nor written before that point, but she is a quick learner, as you have seen."

He turned and gave a nod to Tyra. "I offer my apologies to you, Tyra, if anything I have just said offended you."

"I am not offended, Master, but I might add that there is much that any woman might do if she was given the chance to do so."

"So I am reluctantly beginning to understand." He turned back to Ursula. "Mistress, your calculation was so quick that I now understand why you would have us learn the method. If I may ask you to instruct us."

"That is why we are here, Zakaros. The Garian numbers are a different way of describing any amount, but the real secret is that they can make your math so much quicker and easier. Let me write down those three numbers the way you did and then show -"

* * *

Ursula chose a long gown for the evening meal. As a traveler she did not have to, but decided to use a woman's prerogative and select something more comfortable and a little different to her usual daily wear. Tyra, of course, was also now wearing a long gown. The two made their way down the Woman's Stair and into the hostel's dining chamber.

The men at Eriana's table immediately stood.

"Mistress, good evening," Marshal Tevos exclaimed. "You grace our presence with your traditional womanly attire. Highness, I find it hard to believe that such fine women travel with your shipload of ruffians."

Eriana favored Tevos with a sly glance. "Including myself, Marshal? I can assure you that all the women among my company may attire themselves as the occasion requires. I do understand why Ursula felt the need for something a little more feminine this evening."

Since none of the men dare make the obvious comment, Ursula made it for them.

"Highness, I must apologize if I have embarrassed you by dressing for dinner when you have not."

The Princess waved a hand airily. "Oh, do not concern yourself, Ursula. I know that I am not made like most women, I have a taste for action and adventure that most do not. It is true that I could have changed this evening, indeed I should have changed this evening, but I became distracted by details of tomorrow's activities. In future I will try and follow custom a little better, especially in strange lands. Shall you join us, Ursula?"

"As you wish, Highness."

Ursula took the chair that Tyra held out for her. Once she had seated herself, Tyra went off to join the other servers while the men regained their own chairs.

"How have your afternoon activities progressed, Ursula?"

"Not entirely the way I expected, Highness. Zakaros and Karan seemed unsure why the Garian numbers would be of benefit to them but an unplanned demonstration made everything clear."

"Oh?"

"I asked them each to choose a big number and write them both down. I added a third number, intending for them to add them up and discover that I had already done so with the Garian numbers. Imagine our total surprise when Tyra added the numbers up in her head before I had even finished working out the answer myself!"

"Do you tell me? By the Gods! Yet Tyra could not even read or write when we first met her in Joth."

"What is this?" asked Marshal Vikzas. "This is about that numbering system you mentioned earlier, is it not, Highness?"

"It is, Marshal. If I may explain. When we first arrived at Joth Ursula was unfamiliar with anything and everything, being dropped unawares into a strange land and not even able to dress herself without help. By chance Tyra, one of Wallesan's house servants, began helping her to discover her way in the city and he has made the relationship a formal one. She is now sworn to Ursula as maid and assistant."

"Ah? Of course any woman must needs have a maid, as all know, but what is this about reading and writing?"

"When Ursula came to us she could speak our tongue but did not know the letters or numbers used here. Lord Kalmenar here," he nodded from across the table, "began to teach them to her. As he did so they noticed Tyra taking an interest in what was being said and done. It made sense for Tyra to join the lessons. As a servant she would not, normally, have been taught to read and write, you understand, but she has become proficient in both now."

Both marshals nodded. "As you say, Highness. Few of our people can read or write, it is not needful for the tasks they do."

"Yet in Palarand we have discovered that reading and writing will be essential for the future of our own people, since they will require both in order to make use of all the new ideas and inventions being made there."

Tevos nodded. "I begin to understand, Highness. I could not believe my eyes when that barge arrived with demonstration samples of some amazing devices and materials. I long for the day when our paper... factory? Is that the right word? When paper is freely available for all to write down our needs."

She smirked at him. "You should have been more interested in that steam engine, Marshal. With one of those in each of your galleys you can dispense with rowers and turn more of their crews into marines instead."

Vikzas frowned. "Highness, I do not understand. I thought the steam engine was nought but a curious toy."

Eriana's smile disappeared. "Oh, dear. Marshal, I think that we need to have another long talk about what your ships might look like in the future. Mayhap Ursula can tell us what ships might look like in a hundred years' time."

Vikzas glanced at Ursula. "I am missing something here, I deem. Mistress Ursula comes from another world, how can she tell us our own future?"

"Because, Marshal," Eriana explained, "two hundred years ago the world that Ursula comes from, Earth, was in roughly the condition that Anmar is in today. Princess Garia also comes from that world. Garia understood that all the advancements made on Earth would happen here in time but because she has knowledge of what happened there and when, she could smooth the path of Anmar by avoiding some of the errors and wrong pathways taken there."

The two marshals stared at Eriana, who smiled broadly.

"That is why," she continued, "I can confidently say that, in a scant few years' time, many if not most of the vessels along the Sirrel will use neither oars nor sail, they will look very different than the vessels we are all familiar with today. That is the reason why all must needs learn to read and write - and Tyra is the proof that any woman may be the equal of any man at such activities."

"Maker," Tevos breathed. "His Grace made no mention of such changes as these."

"Aye," Vikzas agreed, clearing his throat. "Highness, your presence here, and your rank, are now more understandable to us. Mistress Ursula, your own presence is also now clear. If you have advice for us, then you may command us."

"Thank you, gentlemen," Ursula acknowledged with a nod, "but most of my specialized knowledge is about healing and the human body. I do know many other things, as anyone from Earth must do, but I could not describe most in any great detail."

"Still," Eriana added, "Robanar pointed out to me that if Garia said that something existed, that mere fact would be enough for someone here to begin to discover how that thing might function. Ursula, do not underestimate your own knowledge. Any tiny fact might prove decisive." She turned. "That, gentlemen, is why we must needs be careful asking about the other world. Yod went to war to gain such knowledge or to prevent others making use of it, believing that only the one they held and Garia in Palarand were holders of such secrets. Fortunately for everyone Yod failed, but next time matters might end another way."

"Highness, your words are wise. Though your pronouncements have made us curious we will seek to restrain our questions."

"Of course there is much that we can tell you," Eriana added. "That, after all, is why we are here, to create the waterborne forces the new Federation will require as time passes."

"Indeed, Highness."

* * *

Lars sought Eriana and Ursula out after the meal had ended.

«Ah, Lars, I understand you went out this afternoon?»

«Yah, Captain.» He grinned. «Or should that be Commodore or Admiral or Director? These days I do not know who I am speaking to!»

Eriana grimaced. «I know. Every time I go somewhere it just becomes worse. If we are speaking Norse then Princess will do. You always called me that even when I was very young.»

«As you wish... Princess. I was concerned by the herbs in that ale we were offered and talked with Ursula. She said it tasted familiar and thought she recognized some of the herbs they may have used. That gave me an idea so I spoke to that man who runs the hostel -»

Ursula interjected, «You mean Ranomar?»

«Yah, Mistress. I wanted to go to the place where that beer was brewed and Ranomar offered to come with me since my speech is so awkward. You were right, they did use those herbs and I asked if he could brew some without the herbs. He did not want to until I told him there were enough people here we could probably drink three to four barrels every day while we were here.»

Eriana asked, «They would supply three of four barrels every day?»

«Maybe, Princess. It will take five days to brew, I do not know how long you intended for us to remain here. Until we get some we will not know if the new brew is even drinkable.»

«That is true. Very well, you have my permission to order some.»

«Good, Princess. Now all we have to do is to convince the producer of zurin to supply more.»

«I doubt that will work,» Ursula advised. «If it is made the same way that it is made on Earth then the curing takes a long time - long compared with our stay here, I mean.»

Lars nodded. «Yah, Mistress. It is a pity, I do like the taste of that cured meat, especially when it is then grilled. Is there anything we can do?»

«Not here in Faralan, I think. But there is no reason we could not send messages ahead to Bibek with our requirements. That will give them time to build up a stock by the time we arrive there.»

«That is a smart idea, Ursula,» Eriana nodded in approval. «I will ask Kalmenar to write to Simbran in the morning.» She turned. «Lars, was there anything else?»

He looked hesitant. «Princess, I do not know if it is something... While we were at the brewery, we, ah...»

Eriana grinned. «Sampled the brew?»

«Yah, Highness. They make three different kinds and - That was not what I wanted to mention. There was a cook there from an inn over the other side of the town, he knew Ranomar and the two got talking while the brewer brought more, uh, samples. Ranomar was telling him about the barbarians who filled his hostel - I tried to keep a straight face - and the other man spoke of what he called hill men who had suddenly arrived in the town and filled his own inn.»

«Hill men?»

Lars waved a hand. «I do not know what that means, Princess.»

«Perhaps,» Ursula suggested, «it is men from the uplands to the north, beyond the wall of the valley. I know most of the countries along the Sirrel have lands beyond the Great Valley itself. Did he give an indication of numbers?»

Lars shook his head. «No, Mistress. I wondered why they had come, just at the same time we were here, but Ranomar could not think of a reason.»

Eriana mused, «It is too early for the Harvest celebration they have here and, so I was told, because of that festival and the onset of the rainy season they do not celebrate Midsummer's Night the way we do.» She frowned. «Curious. Mayhap they have come to see what the new Federation can offer them. I will ask someone tomorrow about the matter. It should not affect us.»

«Yah, Princess. But I thought it sounded odd and that you should know.»

«You were right to mention it, Lars. We are in strange lands, we must make use of all the knowledge we can glean.»

«Yah, Princess. Will there be anything else?»

«Not tonight, Lars. Make sure the men get to bed early and rest properly, we will be demonstrating our skills tomorrow.»

«Of course, Princess.»