"IT'S A TRAP!" Ursula finally understands what the strange happenings around her mean. A race to warn the two Counts, and then another to get to the Shevesty field... where every man-at-arms is equipped only with a practice blade!

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

67 - Treachery in Faralan

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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Tyra asked, "Do you know where we are going this morning, Mistress?"

"Some kind of field, I heard," Ursula replied. "I suspect it will just be somewhere that is grassed so the men don't hurt themselves but I know nothing more than that."

Kaldar said, "Mistress, it is a Shevesty field. I heard Her Highness talking about it with one of the foreign officers yesterday."

"What is so special about a... what did you call it?"

"Shevesty, Mistress. It is a large oval field where they play Shevesty." As Ursula opened her mouth to ask the obvious question the boy-girl explained, "It is surrounded by steep banks where the spectators may sit. There is a sort-of round ball made of leather strips and filled with air. Two teams of men try to get the ball between posts which are set up each end of the field. Uh, there are two posts each end. The team who gets the ball between the posts most times wins."

Sound like almost all large ball games I have ever heard of. Soccer? Rugby? American football? A version of basketball? Volleyball? Polo? Whatever it is, I wonder if another person from Earth brought it here?

"How do you know all that, Kaldar? You've never been to Faralan before."

"Oh, most big towns have a Shevesty field, Mistress. I cannot claim to be that interested in the games but I have heard enough to tell me what I have just said to you."

"Oh. I have just realized that, as a girl, I assume that you would not have been permitted to go and watch."

"That is true but I believe that was all father's doing. I know that some other families went to watch, mother, father, boys and girls. It was some of those girls who told me some of what I know."

"Thank you, Kaldar, that tells me more than I knew before. You are not interested in team games of that kind, then?"

He lowered his gaze. "Mistress, I know very little of such activities except what my brothers and my female friends have told me. My father would not let me or my sisters near any place where such things happened. He thought that women and girls had no business there."

Ursula had a glint in her eye as she replied, "Oh, did he now? There are certain rough games that females ought not to play but on Earth there are some who still decide to play them. Just like men, women come in all shapes and sizes and some are big enough to play games like that. And, of course, there are other games that girls and women can play. As we travel you may get opportunities to see such games and, if you wanted to try some, then I would not stop you... although your own special circumstances mean that you would have to be careful, understand?" Kaldar nodded solemnly. "Of course, anything you wanted to do like that would have to have Her Highness's permission but, knowing her own preferences, I cannot see her refusing you very often."

"It is as you say, Mistress. But today we will not see anyone playing shevesty."

"No. If we had had this conversation yesterday, I might have suggested... No matter. Another time." Ursula turned with a frown. "Tyra, are you really going to take that sword?"

Tyra reddened but looked Ursula in the eye. "With your permission, Mistress. Lars said that he thought I now knew enough I could join in, though I'm not sure that I want to be part of the big battle they are to have."

"I agree and of course you can go. What's that you are putting on your arm?"

"Stine named it a buckler, Mistress. He said it was to protect my arm if someone should strike it."

Ursula nodded. "Make sure it is tight enough to stay on the outside, then. It might slide around if it is loose. It probably won't stop you getting bruises but it will prevent your skin from worse damage or bones being broken. Where did it come from? I do not remember seeing anything like that among our mens' gear."

"War booty, Mistress. Most of the Yodans around Faralan and near the river retreated east when the Alliance attacked Yod, but a large group were trapped well inland, near the Valley wall. They were eventually permitted to return home but all their gear was confiscated. Marshal Tevos donated some to Her Highness for use by her men."

Ursula nodded. "Ah, I see. But the Yodans didn't leave you that outfit, I would guess."

"No, Mistress. As you see, it is patterned the same as the uniforms Bennett and Semma wear but made in some of our spare cloth. The barge women sewed it as we came here from Yod. Do you approve?"

"Ye-es, but they did not quite get the detail right, did they? It does not hang the same way that the uniforms of the guardswomen do. I would imagine that it is difficult getting those pleats right." At Tyra's expression she added, "It looks fine and I doubt anyone will notice the difference. The important point, as even someone like me can appreciate, is that you can wear your sword from your belt now, without creasing up a ship dress."

Tyra grinned. "As you say, Mistress. It is much more comfortable. It also permits me to use my legs when necessary."

"Oh, of course. It is unfortunate that we have been so busy. You need the training but we just have not had the time."

"No, Mistress, which is why this morning's exercise is so important."

"I can take a hint! Are we all ready? Let's go. I bet the men are all waiting for us in the yard, having made themselves ready ages ago."

* * *

When Ursula, Tyra and Kaldar reached the courtyard they noticed an immediate difference in the small crowd gathered there. All the men who were going - and Ursula could not see any absentees - were wearing their canvas tunics and trousers instead of their warm-weather gear. Having learned from the problems of the previous day an order had obviously gone out to wear additional protection despite the impending heat to come.

They were also all wearing bucklers, some had protection for shins and thighs and one or two even had poorly-fitting breastplates. All these were made of hardened leather and were presumably more of the war booty. They also wore their own leather helmets and were festooned with their usual weapons.

A wagon stood near the entrance, empty now that the cargo of barrels had been unloaded. These contained, it appeared, practice swords for the morning's display, but Lars was arguing with an officer in Upper Faral colors.

"No. Change at field. We will not leave our own blades here."

"But those are my orders, sir. There will be no time to change when you reach the Shevesty field."

Eriana joined the pair. She was dressed in her Guardswoman's uniform with her broadsword already slung over her shoulder. «What's going on, Lars?»

«This vitskertr wants us to leave our normal gear here and wear practice swords only to the field,» he explained. «That means that we would be vulnerable on the way there and back, and I do not even know how far away the place is. I can see no real reason why we can't change when we get there. It will not take as long as the fool seems to think.»

Eriana thought a moment and then nodded. «Agreed.» She turned to the officer. "To change here would place my men at risk and there are few enough of us as it is. Load these barrels back on the wagon and it can accompany us to the battle place. It will not take us long to exchange weapons." When the man hesitated she added, "That is an order."

Reluctantly he bowed. "As you command, Admiral."

He turned and began issuing instructions to the two men with him. Lars saw this and shouted for helpers to reload the barrels. Ursula approached Eriana and had to resist the urge to salute.

"Ah, Ursula. You have everything you might need?"

"Everything that is available, Highness. You know there is more that I could use but it has not been invented yet."

"Just so. Tyra, Kaldar, you both intend taking part?"

Tyra curtseyed. "With your permission, Highness. I would try myself against a single opponent, I would not care to throw myself into a battle just yet."

Eriana grinned. "Nor would I let you, Tyra! But you have improved much since you began this road. I doubt not that the Marshals will have someone you may test yourself against. Kaldar, know that you are yet too young to take much part in today's entertainment. You have not the strength to wield a blade nor to withstand the blows of another."

"I know it, Highness," the boy-girl replied, "but I may sit and watch and mayhap learn from the mistakes of others."

"And you will help Ursula, should she need it?"

"Of course, Highness."

"Actually," Ursula said, "young boys did have a presence on the battlefields of..." she became aware that the local officer was listening to the conversation, "...the lands where I was born. They acted as runners taking messages and had drums or bugles to repeat commands, much as you use whistles here."

Eriana's eyes lit up. "Ah? We will speak of this another time, I deem. There may be something we may use from those memories of yours."

She then turned to the two Yodans. "You both understand why it would not be a good idea for you to come with us?"

Zakaros nodded. "Aye, Highness. The risk is too great. We will await you here with your sailors until you return."

"Good. One day things may be different." She shrugged. "Until then I must needs make sure that all in my charge are safe."

"As you say, Highness, and thank you from both of us."

The dranakh which was harnessed to the wagon bleated and Ursula turned around to look at it. The dranakh returned the look and bleated again.

"If you would excuse me, Highness." She walked over to the beast and placed a hand on its head. "Good morning, Tesk. How are you today?"

The driver stared at Ursula. "How did you know the name of my beast?"

"You spoke it earlier." She flicked an absent hand at him. "Let me concentrate."

The images were clear, in color, but very confused. After a while she shook her head and took her hand away. "Thank you, Tesk. Have a pleasant day."

Eriana raised an eyebrow as Ursula rejoined her. "Anything of interest?"

Conscious of the officer nearby Ursula merely replied, "I don't think so, Highness," before adding in Norse, «Maybe later. I do not understand what I saw, but it might not be good.»

"As you say." Eriana turned to face the crowd of men. "Time to go! We'll let the wagon lead the way."

The officer protested, "Admiral! It is unseemly that you walk to the Shevesty field. Should you not ride in the carriage as your royal status deserves?"

She stared him in the eye so hard that he reddened and lowered his gaze. "My man, if I am going to battle I will do so in the same fashion that my men travel. That way they can see that I take the same risks that they do. Once on the field of battle it is no different. No, since my men must needs walk then I will walk with them as is our custom. What is your name?"

The man grimaced but saluted. "Admiral, I am Lootnant Erban, second of the Fasnar Regiment."

"Fasnar?"

"A town near the Northern Ramparts, Admiral, in North-Eastern Province."

"Ah, I see. Then, Lootnant Erban, if you would lead the way."

The procession got under way and Ursula found herself beside Eriana, behind Bennett and Semma who were following the wagon. The men streamed behind in an apparently disorganized group.

«So,» Eriana spoke quietly, «what could you not say while that officer was nearby? We should be safe enough speaking Norse.»

«Of course, Highness. The dranakh showed me a number of different pictures, some of which must have come from other dranakhs and passed along.»

«Ah? This is the same as what happened back at Wadek, is it not?»

«Yes, Highness.» Ursula thought about what she had seen and tried to make sense of it. «I think that the town dranakhs have seen some groups of men this morning, more than are usually around Faralan at this time of year. Many of them had weapons, some had tools which would more normally be found on farms but not in places like Faralan. I saw some pictures where men were tying strips of yellow cloth around their upper arms.»

«Would these not have been men who will take part in today's exercise?»

«Highness, it is difficult to say. Do you understand that dranakhs stay out of human affairs as much as they can? They barely comprehend much of what we do anyway. Their main loyalties are to their owners and to people specifically introduced to them by those owners, they do not see factions like, for example, those of the Ascendancy.»

This last word came out in the local tongue and it caused Erban to turn his head briefly.

«But that dranakh thought the circumstances sufficiently notable that it wanted to tell you.»

«Yes, Highness. There have been strange happenings, they know that I am a friend and I think they are leaving it to me to decide what is going on... and I do not like it. For Tesk to even contact me implies something unusual is going on. I think... we had better be more on guard today when we are not at that field.»

«Done, but you have other concerns.»

«Yes, Highness. There are not very many of us but the numbers of men I saw were possibly in the hundreds. I wonder, could you spare me for a while with an escort? I think it might prudent to speak to someone at the Count's mansion, warn them of the activity.»

Eriana nodded. «An excellent idea, Ursula! Go there and join us when you can.» She turned. «Torvin! Ragnar! Ursula needs an escort, come forward!»

The two trotted forward and smiled at Ursula before giving Eriana their attention.

«She goes to the mansion of Count Darkwin with an urgent message. Join us later when you can. Ah, she can explain what she has discovered as you go.»

«Yah, Princess.»

After leaving the column and immediately getting lost in the back streets, Ursula, Tyra, Torvin and Ragnar found their way to the mansion with the help of passers-by. At the gate leading into the front yard the two guards crossed their spears, denying entry.

"Your business, Mistress?"

"I have an important message from Princess Eriana to Count Darkwin."

The spears were immediately straightened. "I recognize you, Mistress, you are the healer who attended Lord Darkwin two days ago. If you would ask at the front entrance, you should be attended."

"Thank you."

At the entrance door she repeated her errand to the house servant stationed there. He bowed and then went off inside, leaving the group on the steps. Ursula was not surprised when Orlet appeared.

"Mistress Ursula, I could take you to see Lord Darkwin but he is presently indisposed. If your message is simple I may take it to him for you."

Both knew what that meant.

"The message is for both Lord Darkwin and Lord Olva, in fact," Ursula said. "They should know that we have obtained information," she did not specify where from, "that numbers of men are gathering around the town and seem to be preparing for something. My informant said they were tying yellow cloth strips around their arms."

"Oh, if they are tying a color around their arms then they want to identify themselves against others... and that may mean they plan to fight someone." Her brow furrowed. "This could mean trouble. Do you have any idea of their numbers?"

"Our informant was unsure but many, maybe hundreds, are involved. Oh! That reminds me, yesterday afternoon Commander Lars went out and overheard a conversation where 'hill men' were mentioned. I wonder if these are the same men?"

Orlet looked Ursula in the eyes, facade momentarily dropped. "Hundreds? Hill men? Do you know what this means, Mistress? These men must be from our northern provinces, beyond the flat lands of the Sirrel and probably sworn to the Counts who rule those remote slopes. It is not merely a fight they prepare for, I deem, but something worse. They seek to remove..." she grimaced, "...Darkwin from power and there is only one way for that to be successful." Orlet had another thought. "Where are our loyal troops? Were you not to go to the Shevesty field today to see them exercise?"

Several separate things came together then for Ursula, shocking her to the core. "Blya! This is long prepared plan! At field soldiers will fight with practice blades, yes? We were told to change weapons before departing to save time but Eriana refused. I bet all other soldiers left proper weapons in barracks. All loyal soldiers now at field, when traitors attack your men will be defenseless!"

Orlet's eyes widened with shock as she also realized the extent of the plan. "There is no time to lose! Go now, warn them! I will do what I can to make the mansion safe. Why are you still here? Go!"

"One thing more," Ursula called as Orlet turned. "If they have planned this there may already be traitors inside your mansion."

Orlet's expression was grim. "As you say, Mistress. Fortunately I know who I can trust. Now go!"

The four hurried out of the mansion grounds and back to the street.

«What now, Mistress?»

«The Shevesty field and quickly. Oh,» she added, «if we come across anyone wearing a yellow cloth on their arm take no notice of them unless they attack us directly. Pretend I am just someone sent on a task with two bodyguards - which is the truth anyway. We cannot afford to get delayed.»

Torvin nodded, his expression serious. «Yah, Mistress. Must warn others first.»

They found their way back to their original route and followed it out to where the houses, mansions, smallholdings and small businesses ended. Ahead was a shaped mound with a wide, flat top. There was a notch towards one side and they made their way towards that, passing through to gain their first view of the amphitheater within the banks where spectators usually sat. There were a few casual onlookers there this morning but nothing like the crowds that would have filled the banks when the arena had been built centuries previously.

"There, Mistress!" Tyra pointed to their left, where the next entrance cut through the bank and where the Norse could easily be seen gathered ready. Across the arena, other troops were gathered in three separate groups.

"Let's go!"

Ursula led the way to the floor of the arena and set off at a trot. Several of the Norse saw them and spoke to Eriana who turned and waved. What Ursula saw, as the attention of the Norse turned towards them, was the wagon behind them being loaded with barrels. She could do nothing until they got close enough to shout, but by that time the two wagonmen and their officer had climbed aboard and were about to depart in a hurry.

She had an idea and concentrated. Tesk, stay right where you are. Those men mean us no good.

Once they had closed the gap somewhat she pointed and shouted, "IT'S A TRAP! Stop them!"

Eriana turned, saw the situation and issued swift commands. Six men raced off to intercept the wagon but the two wagonmen leapt to the ground and ran, leaving the officer to flick the reins to get the dranakh to start moving. The two men were no match for the chasing Norse who tackled them to the ground and quickly subdued them. By the time two Norse climbed on the wagon to grab the officer he had risen, still holding the reins, and was swearing at the dranakh, which just stood there ignoring him.

By the time the four reached the rest of the company Ursula was breathing heavily. Eriana put her hands on Ursula's shoulders to steady her.

"So you were right, Ursula. What were these to do? Sell our weapons?"

"Worse, Highness, it is an uprising." she panted. "Men from the hills want to take power in Faralan, killing Darkwin and Olva as they do so. They waited until all the loyal troops were gathered here, all with practice gear, before making their attack. I think all their real weapons are probably back at their barracks."

"Woden's blood! A clever strategem, I deem. Yet how may we tell friend from foe?"

By this time the wagonmen and their officer had been brought, struggling, to face Eriana.

"Highness, have them searched for a strip of yellow cloth."

"Aye. But first -" The Princess turned. «Men! We have been led into a trap! Get your own weapons out of those barrels and get rid of this garbage.» She demonstrated by throwing her own practice blade to the ground. «If we are to save these others we must get them some real weapons of their own.»

Lars asked, «Who is the enemy, Princess?»

«Anyone with a yellow cloth around their arm. Anyone who has a hidden yellow cloth ready to put around their arm. Search them!»

Though the three men struggled they could not prevent a yellow ribbon being discovered hidden under each of their tunics.

«Kill them, Princess?»

«Regrettably, no, Lars. We need answers. Bind them. Anyone else who is not an officer is fair prey.» She gave Lars a fierce grin. «Let us not leave too much work for Ursula to do.»

Ursula was outraged. «Hey!»

Eriana turned. «Ursula, if this is as big as you suspect then any loyal troops will struggle to handle large numbers of rebels. I seek to reduce their numbers by example, and by doing so to scare the weaker ones away. I am not as bloodthirsty as you might suppose.»

Ursula realized the magnitude of the task ahead. She nodded reluctantly. «Agreed, Highness.»

By now some of the officers from across the field had noticed the activity and some of them hurried over.

"Admiral." That was Tevos. "If I may ask, what is going on? Why have you arrested those men?"

Ursula put a hand on Eriana's arm. "A moment, Highness."

"If you would give us leave, Marshal. The situation is... unusual."

Away from the others, Eriana was impatient. "What now, Ursula?"

"Highness, you cannot trust anyone from Upper Fanir. We have no idea who is on which side of what is, if you think about it, a civil war. Any one of those people, officers or men, could be hiding a yellow ribbon. The only people we might trust are those from Faralmark."

Eriana thought then grimaced. "You are right again, Ursula. I have seen the same at home... though, that time, a throne was not at stake. Very well, we must needs proceed carefully. I do not want to insult any of these men, many of whom I now account friends."

"And that is the problem, Highness."

The two turned to look at those who had approached. Ursula did not know the names most of but two stood out.

"Vikzas and Torban."

"Indeed." Eriana raised her voice. "Marshal Vikzas, Marshal Torban, if you would join us, we have received a message. I will speak to the others of you presently once questions have been answered."

"Admiral?" Vikzas asked, puzzled. "What is going on?"

"Marshal, it is no coincidence that brings all of Faralan's fighting men to this field bearing only practice weapons. Ursula has learned of a plot to seize Upper Faral and that can only succeed if Count Darkwin and Count Olva are killed."

"Maker! These are grave accusations, Admiral. Are you so sure?"

"We refused to hand over our weapons at the hostel, Marshal. A Norseman feels naked without his familiar weapons to hand. We did exchange them here, but as Ursula approached she noticed the wagonmen preparing to depart taking away our own gear."

"But, surely, there is a simple explanation."

"There is, Marshal," Eriana continued grimly. "Earlier today, Ursula received information that large numbers of men had arrived in Faralan from the north and that these men could identify each other by the use of a yellow cloth strip around the upper arm."

"I see your point, Admiral. We all know each other's uniforms, there is no need for identifying strips... though I see that your own men do not wear their own uniforms today."

Eriana flicked a hand dismissively. "A chance coincidence, Marshal. What is important is that the three men attending that wagon each had one of these concealed under their tunics."

She opened her other hand to reveal balled-up yellow strips which she spread out for Vikzas to see.

"Now," she added, "how can anyone guarantee that any man of Upper Fanir is not of this persuasion?" She pointed across the arena. "How do we know which of them may be party to this conspiracy, even the Marshals and Under-Marshals? You of Faralmark, I deem, are less likely to take sides in the dispute of another land. Do I read you right?"

Vikzas nodded heavily. "Aye, Admiral, you are right. If there is treachery here I doubt that any of our men would be part of it. Though we helped them take back their lands from Yod we could not choose sides in an internal dispute." He braced to attention. "Your orders, Admiral?"

Eriana sighed with frustration. "This is beyond my experience, gentlemen. I am open to suggestions."

Vikzas looked at Torban, who shook his head. "Ours is a peaceful enough land, His Grace is a wise ruler," the latter said. "I can offer nothing."

"Ursula?"

"Highness, to my mind there is only the hard way. We must test every one of those men, starting at the top. It will be difficult and embarrassing but I can see no other way."

Vikzas offered, "We can use my men to help along the process, once we have enough of their officers we can trust to guide their men."

"Mayhap," Eriana demurred. "If you attest that your own men are trustworthy then, once we are sure of our position, I would set them to guard the entrances to this place." Her eyes flicked to the waiting groups. "There are more here today than I expected, Marshal. Can you tell me what numbers we must needs deal with?"

"Certainly, Admiral. Of Faralmark's marines I have brought sixty-two, the entire complement of the Ten-Legged Brakky. There are also five officers including myself." As an aside he added, "My sailors and oarsmen I have left aboard to guard our galley."

Eriana nodded. "As we have done, Marshal, though my own men here today number only twenty-five - and four women who may also try their swords this day."

Vikzas eyed the Princess. "I trust your females are fully trained? My men may have difficulty facing them."

She grinned. "And that gives them an unexpected advantage, Marshal. Robanar's two guardswomen and myself are indeed fully trained, young Tyra here is still learning the trade but desires to test herself, should that be possible."

"We'll see what we can manage, Admiral. Ah, as for the other groups, Field Director Ferrion brings sixty-five of his fighting men from their own galley. The third group is of regular troops of Upper Fanir." He frowned. "I do not know their numbers, nor am I familiar with their officers. Perhaps eighty or so. Mayhap Ferrion can answer your questions."

"From that portion, I deem, is where the danger may chiefly reside."

"And," Ursula added, "we have to do this before the rebels turn up with real weapons and find us all sitting targets in this arena."

Vikzas winced at that. "Maker! It would make a massacre look like children at play."

"Indeed, Marshal. Let us deal with the leaders of the Fanir marines first. Can we do that without the others seeing what we are doing?"

"Probably. But will not some of those question the delay and seek to join us over here?"

Torban offered, "I will go over to them and say that there has been a problem which must needs be dealt with." He suddenly grinned. "It is no more than the truth, after all. That should suffice for now."

"As you will, Marshal, and you have my thanks. Gentlemen, we have work to do."

Eriana explained to her men what she wanted and they formed a loose group around her, Ursula and Vikzas, but concealing any activity from across the arena. Two men were also sent up to the top of the bank to serve as lookouts. Then she called Tevos forward to face her.

"Marshal, do you trust me?"

"Admiral, why should I not? What is happening? What is the matter with those three men? This is all very mysterious and not what I thought we would be doing today."

"What is happening, Marshal, is that a large body of men from the northern hills have arrived in Faralan to take Upper Fanir from those who rightfully govern it. We already know there are traitors in Faniran ranks, we have proof. It is no coincidence that every man-at-arms in this arena is armed only with a practice sword and that their normal gear is elsewhere."

"What!" Tevos looked stunned. "I never dreamed of such a thing! Where is your proof, Admiral?"

Eriana told him gently, "Marshal, we require proof that you are not party to this conspiracy."

At that point Vikzas and Torban drew their swords. Ursula noted that, unlike their troops, they still carried real blades. They apparently had not intended to personally join in the various exercises.

Tevos stared at those around him with amazement. "Maker, you are all serious! Admiral, what do you want of me? I know of no way that I can prove I am loyal to Count Darkwin."

Vikzas told him, "Marshal, you must needs strip to your underwear. If you desire the women nearby to depart, for your own modesty, I am sure that can be arranged."

Eriana added, "When we know the truth you will be told all, I promise it."

Ignoring the modesty offer Tevos immediately undid his belt, letting belt, pouch, scabbarded sword and knife fall to the ground. Swiftly he stripped off his tunic leaving only tights and underpants.

"Enough, Tevos," Vikzas said, putting up his sword. Everyone relaxed. "We have seen enough. You can dress now."

The worried Marshal did so. As he was adjusting his belt he asked, "If I may ask what you expected to find?"

"These, Marshal." Eriana opened her hand to reveal the cloth strips. "Each man of the conspiracy has one of these, to be worn about the upper arm as a means of identifying friend from foe. They were discovered tucked into the tights of the three men who brought our practice weapons here," she gestured at the wagon and the barrels, now on the ground again, "but fortunately we had warning. When challenged they tried to flee, taking our true weapons with them. Now we must needs test all your men over there lest there be other traitors in their midst."

Tevos sighed heavily. "I cannot deny the evidence, Admiral. Aye, all must needs be checked. Kodal! Ferrion! Come forward, we have need of your knowledge."

The sixty or so Faralmark marines were sent to guard three of the four exits, the Norse being near the fourth one. Once that had been arranged the processing began. As expected, the Fanir marines were clear so they formed a boundary while the regular troops were searched, one by one. About a third of them had been cleared before urgent whistles came from the bank top.

"Trouble, Admiral?"

"Aye, Vikzas. What I feared, we are about to be attacked. Your men, true or otherwise, have only blunted blades. How shall they fare against sharpened steel?"

His face set. "Admiral, my men are marines. Of all our soldiery those aboard the galleys have more experience of conflict than any other man of Faralmark. We shall do our duty."

"This is not the tame battle they were expecting. Shall you issue orders to them?"

Tevos shook his head. "Admiral, I trust my subordinates to know what they are doing. In any event, until we see the enemy, we will not know - There!"

He pointed to one of the entrances, where his men were scattering back from the gap in the bank. Through it poured about two hundred men, which was about the same number as were already present. However, the newcomers all wore cloth strips - and carried spears and crossbows as well as swords. Tevos swore as the troops in the arena backed away from the newcomers.

"Lars! Time to make a difference!"

"Yah, Admiral!"

He shouted orders in Norse and fifteen joined him to trot across the arena towards the advancing enemy. About ten strides away, without any command, they broke into a run and charged the front of the column, weapons held high. There was a shudder as the two forces met and the enemy were effectively split into two, whereupon the marines who had backed away to either side fell on them from behind.

In moments Lars blew his whistle and the Norse immediately pulled back, leaving a trail of dead and broken bodies in their wake. The marines figured out what was happening and also pulled back. Then Lars blew again and the Norse charged once more. There were screams of terror and the enemy split completely in two, one group running straight at the mass of men in the arena and the other for the safety of an empty section.

The marines moved into the dead and wounded, picking up proper weapons as they did so. A brief, blunt command from Lars saw the Norse finish off the wounded, raising fear among the watching enemy groups. The group that ran towards the loyal troops were suddenly faced with practice blades - but did not know they were, having unexpectedly faced the live steel of the Norse. Not desiring to turn and face the Norse again many threw down their weapons and raised their hands. In a few short breaths most of that half were prisoners while the remainder roamed about the arena looking for a way out.

The other half saw the lightly defended exit where Eriana and the remaining Norse stood, together with several of the upper ranks from the two militaries. They decided that this would be an easy way out but approached with more caution. Many of those who were left were nursing light wounds given by the Norse and the Faralmark marines.

"By your leave, Admiral."

"What do you plan, Marshal?"

"More bluff to follow that outrageous display by your men."

Tevos walked out from the group with his sword drawn but lowered. The group of men slowed to a halt at a safe distance, watching warily.

"You have just seen what a very small number of Palarandi marines can do," he called. "I desire no more bloodshed here today. Surrender and you shall live, I swear it. Fight us and they will slaughter you utterly. Do you see the tall woman with the big sword? She led her men, for these are they, and captured Boldan's Rock from the Yodans with them, killing more than two hundred of the enemy. Do not think that the women you see behind me are easy meat either, they are better trained soldiers than you will ever be."

Some of the men shouted and pointed up the bank where the two Norse lookouts stood poised with throwing axes in their hands. A section of the regular troops were also making their way across the arena so the rebels' options were shrinking by the moment. Some realized this and threw their weapons away to the side, calling on the others to do the same.

There was a brief discussion which ended with one man having a sword thrust through his chest and a second man disarmed after a scuffle. All the rebels then threw down their arms. One man, made their leader on the spot, walked slowly forward, his hands held high.

"What do you offer us?"

"I can promise nothing but your lives, not until we know the extent of this rebellion," Tevos replied. "With my Liege's life still in the balance you can expect little more today. If we prevail, I will speak sensibly with you and yours to determine your futures."

The man grimaced. "My own liege, Lord Sharen, bade me take up arms to free Faralan from what he said were imposters."

"Imposters? I know of none, what mean you?"

"My Lord, it was said that Lord Darkwin was dead, killed by the invaders, but his death was concealed and his place taken by a retainer, someone who keeps out of the light for fear of discovery."

"I can tell you now, goodman, that Lord Darkwin did survive the Yodan attack and spent months in hiding, recovering from serious head wounds. His eyes are affected, thus he must needs spend his days in shadowed chambers, but I knew him before, I know him now, he is the same man, your rightful liege. This I am prepared to swear."

"Do you tell me? Then mayhap we are sent here on a fool's errand."

"You are not soldiers, I see. Should you not be at home, tending the harvest?"

"Aye, My Lord, we should be at home, the grapes are almost ready to harvest. It seems we were poorly advised."

"Sharen, eh? Is he here with this force or perhaps elsewhere in Faralan?"

"I know not, My Lord. Perhaps. It seems we have misjudged the numbers of those of Faralan."

Tevos opened his mouth to tell the man that many of the troops on the field were foreigners but thought better of it.

"Very well. Permit us to collect your weapons and then you and your men shall sit quietly while we deal with this nuisance."

"As you command, My Lord. Ah, if I may ask, what are marines?"

"Soldiers who fight from ships against other ships and against shore targets. They are not levies but professionals who are paid by their lieges. They do nothing else but practise and fight."

"Maker! We did not know this. And those men in rough attire? Are they mercenaries?"

Tevos smiled. "As I told you, they are from Palarand, chance visitors to our lands on their journey along the Sirrel. They are not mercenaries, merely... unconventional."

As under-officers from the main body arrived Tevos issued instructions and soon all the surviving rebels were seated in a group in the middle of the arena, surrounded by guards with spears. The captured weapons, though of no great quality, were still better than the practice ones and were received by the loyal troops with relief, although there were not enough to equip everyone.

"Ursula," Eriana spoke. "It is safe enough, shall you do your duty? Attend those who are worst injured first, showing no favor to either side."

"Of course, Admiral."

But it was not safe enough. One of the two Norse watchmen at the bank top suddenly tumbled down while the other frantically blew his whistle before running down himself. Through the gap in the bank poured another rebel force. This one was smaller but the group they faced was also small. Crossbow bolts whirred by, some sticking into the turf at their feet, but because those firing were moving no-one appeared to be hit. It did make the defenders begin to close ranks to defend themselves.

The next few moments were a jumbled haze to Ursula. With Tyra, Torvin and Ragnar still shielding her, she was forced to back away from the ill-equipped mob that ran at them. Some had farmyard tools while others held clubs or bare lengths of wood. Bennett and Semma stood either side of Eriana but giving her and themselves room to use their swords.

Soon enough the two groups met and steel clashed against steel, iron and sometimes wood. Though their group was small they all knew exactly what they were doing and soon the ground was littered with dead, dying and injured. Semma had to jump out of the way of a farmer wielding a scythe but she managed a cut at his arm which caused him to drop the tool.

However, this also left a gap for two men to jump at Eriana. One swung a vicious pruning hook at her side which forced her to sway out of its reach, but that brought her into range of the other man, whose club smacked into her chest just below her breasts. She collapsed like a puppet with cut strings, her sword slithering across the turf to stop at Ursula's feet.

The shock paralyzed Ursula for a brief moment and then she flashed into a violent rage, her sight turning red. She grabbed the sword, her fury giving her the strength to lift the heavy blade, and with a yell she flew at the man who had attacked Eriana. Barely seeing him through the red haze she hacked at his neck, partly severing it. As he fell she turned to the next man, hacking him with no thought of her own safety.

A big hand gripped her sword arm hard from behind. She turned, angry at the interruption, to stare into Ragnar's face.

«No, Mistress! She needs you.»

A shocked Ursula let Ragnar take the sword from her hand and propel her behind him. Eriana lay sprawled on her back on the ground and it was obvious that she was out cold - or worse. Her training took over and she hurried over and knelt, not seeing Tyra come to stand guard over the pair. Ursula felt Eriana's face, it was already cold, and her fingers automatically went to the Princess's throat.

No pulse.

Immediately she straddled the Princess and began CPR, pumping up and down with the rhythm that had been drummed into her in medical school. Around her the sounds of battle faded as she concentrated on the single task left in her life, to restore life to another.

A random thought came. How can I do this? There is no defibrillator here, no means to give necessary shock.

The tears began to flow as she began to realize that her attempts were likely to end in failure.

"Come on, Eriana!" she wept. "Your men need you! Your country needs you. Anmar needs you." A deeper truth reluctantly surfaced. "I need you!"

* vitskertr = shortwit