Eriana and Ursula surface from their unexpected activity and then have to deal with the consequences. The following day Ursula visits the market on her way to see Count Darkwin and introduces a new device to Anmar - sun-glasses! At the mansion of the two Counts, further difficult questions have to be answered.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

69 - Awkward Questions

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.

---

"Highness."

"Do not name me Highness here, Ursula. When we are thus I am only Eriana to you."

"High- Eriana. I am not sure this is a good idea."

The two lay side by side on Eriana's large bed. The bedclothes, together with what little they had been wearing, had been flung haphazardly on the floor as passion took over both of them. Now they lay panting, glistening with sweat, and Ursula was beginning to think of the likely consequences.

"The men will not mind, if that is your concern. I believe, from words overheard, that most have expected this to happen for some while. The rest," she raised a hand in the air and waved it, "may think what they will. I do not care for their opinions, they do not concern me."

Abruptly Eriana half-sat and then rolled onto her side to stare down at Ursula with a fond look on her face.

"What does concern me is you, my dearest one. Between us there shall be no distinction of rank, no talk of higher or lower. I would have us be equals in all matters. I desire to share my life with you, but I know that for you to want to share your life with me you must feel likewise. I will not press you on the matter at all but I believe that, given what we have just done, my suit will not go unanswered."

Ursula sighed. "...Eriana... I am half persuaded but my concerns are more immediate. Tyra is in our room waiting for me and," she sniffed the air, "after what we have just done we both smell somewhat strongly. If the men notice anything, it will be the smell. I have no idea what Tyra will think."

Eriana briefly sniffed. "Oh! Aye, I had not realized our... activity would produce such strong reminders. I do not think the men will mind but the serving staff might! I know what rumors such folk will spread. If I may ask your advice."

"We have to go and have another quick wash, Eriana. That is the only way to get rid of the smell. Um," Ursula tried to think of a good reason, "if someone should ask why we are bathing again, perhaps something we ate for lunch has had a delayed effect. It was a field kitchen, who knows what state the food was in."

The Princess nodded. "Good enough, I deem. Now, mayhap, we should rouse ourselves and tidy up the chamber before we permit anyone else inside."

Shortly afterwards Ursula tapped on her own door. Tyra answered. "Mistress?"

"Look, we have to go and have a another quick wash before we dress for the evening meal, Tyra. You can join us if you want but Eriana and I can manage by ourselves if you are doing something else."

Tyra opened the door a little wider to reveal Kaldar. "We were speaking of the battle, Mistress, and of my journey to the docks and back. If you are sure you do not require my assistance?"

Eriana said, "Tyra, we are two adults, we can manage. I have oft times had to wash by myself at my father's Hall before I departed Einnland."

Tyra bowed. "As you wish, Highness. Um, it will not be long before they call us for the evening meal."

"Your warning is noted, Tyra. We will be as quick as we can."

She gave Ursula an odd look before doing the same to Eriana. "I will have a suitable gown ready for Mistress when she returns, Highness. Will you have time to prepare your own attire?"

"I'll manage, Tyra. Let us go, Ursula."

They managed to make their way back down to the bathing block without doing more than raise a few eyebrows of the staff they passed. Closing the curtain of the cubicle that housed the tub, Ursula pulled the ropes for both hot and cold water. They had to let it come up to their knees before Ursula decided there was enough to make a decent, but quick, wash down.

"You lied to me, Highness."

"Eriana, Ursula. What do you mean, I lied? I meant every word I spoke upstairs."

"I meant about your chest. You have been struck very hard but the injury is not what you claimed. If it had been, we would never have been able to do what we did upstairs."

Her eyes lowered. "It is true. My chest does hurt, that much is true, but I thought that, if I could encourage you to examine me when we returned here, we would mayhap discover our feelings for each other. I did not expect what we did, it took me by surprise and then there was no control over what happened next." She added, "I apologize if I misled you, Ursula. My thought was on the unexpected opportunity."

"Which could have been your last, Highness. If there had been broken ribs or if there had been internal damage to your heart then I could right now have been standing over a corpse. Did you even think of that? Why did you think I had you sit in a wagon for most of today?"

She flushed. "I feel so miserable, Ursula. I have risked my life to satisfy my own longings without thought for others. I am young, you have experience, that is why I look up to you, not as a substitute father or mother but as a life's partner, one who would help me do what a crude barbarian Princess cannot." Her eyes appealed to those of Ursula. "Have I been mistaken? Do you not feel the same for me as I do for you?"

Ursula took a deep breath. "Until today I did not, but when you were whacked I understood it for the first time, Eriana. But now is not the time to be having this talk. We need to find a quiet corner after the meal. Hand me that washcloth, please."

The two quickly soaped themselves - and each other - down before rinsing off the suds. Ursula had by now become used to the group bathing sessions and she had done so with Eriana many times before, but this time was loaded with extra significance for both of them. Given that they were by themselves and with time pressing it took a good deal of restraint by both before they were finished and dry again.

"I do not know if I feel better or worse after that wash, Ursula."

"It is difficult, isn't it? If you go down this path with me then there will need to be changes in our domestic arrangements, big changes."

Eriana's lips twisted in a wry smile. "Aye. I do not know what Bennett or Semma are likely to say. As for Tyra... well. Come, let us return to our chambers, time is passing swiftly."

Back in the Women's Corridor they each went to their separate rooms. When Ursula entered hers Tyra was alone.

"What was that about, Mistress? You had only just bathed!"

Ursula was sure that her face was red. "Uh, when I examined Her Highness I, uh, discovered something unexpected."

"Unexpected? Oh, is she injured in some way not apparent to the eye?"

"Nothing like that, Tyra, fortunately. We'll speak later - and privately - after the meal. Is that the gown for this evening?"

"It is, Mistress. Here, let me help you change."

Everybody was already there apart from themselves and Eriana. Lars held out the chair for Ursula and then for Tyra.

«Did you find anything else wrong with Princess, Mistress?»

«Nothing wrong apart from the bruising, no, but I did make an unexpected discovery, Lars.»

«Oh? Anything that should concern me or the men?»

«That could be an awkward one to answer, Lars.» She remembered a conversation. «Remember what we spoke about one evening?»

He stared at her speculatively and then nodded. «Awkward is understatement, Mistress!» He remembered that almost everyone else around the table could understand their words. «Are you ready to explain?»

By "you" Lars meant both of them, not just herself. She shook her head. «We still have some... investigations to do first, Lars. I'll keep you informed.»

He nodded and then sat down next to Nethra. It was a few moments before a flustered Eriana joined them. Eyebrows were raised but nobody said anything. The meal began but Ursula had noticed that the men were subdued this evening. Having just participated in a post-battle sexual encounter of her own she wondered at their mood.

«Lars, I wondered if the men would be celebrating tonight.»

«Celebrating, Mistress? It is too early for that to happen. Until the enemy is destroyed we must hold ourselves in readiness for the next attack.»

«Do you really think they will try again, after what happened today?»

He shrugged. «Who knows? Their spies cannot be very good if they sent only farmers against us. Maybe there are real warriors marching towards the town even now, to ask battle of us tomorrow.»

It was something that Ursula had not considered. «Do you want to talk about it later?»

He shrugged. «If you wish, Mistress, but without further news we can only speculate. I could suggest that you go to see the Counts tomorrow, they will know more by then.»

She eyed him cautiously. «What do you know that I do not, Lars?»

Another shrug. «Only that you seem to be on closer terms with the Counts than Princess is.»

Eriana turned her head. «That is true, Lars, but only by chance, because she ministered to Darkwin. Your reasoning is good, though. If there is no immediate call to battle tomorrow morning I think Ursula and I will pay Darkwin and Olva a visit to discuss the situation.»

She turned to Ursula. "You are thinking of what men do after battle, yes? From experience we Norse know that, until the enemy is finally defeated, whoever they may be, one should not drink, sing songs or do what men do with women since another attack may come before they are recovered. That would only result in an easy defeat. No, we have learned to wait until the end to celebrate victory... and to mourn the inevitable deaths."

"I understand, Highness. But, from personal experience, you must all find it hard."

Out of the corner of her eye she caught Lars twitch and then sniff unobtrusively.

"Of course," Eriana responded. "But if there are more battles, that means more fighting for the men. It is their life, they are content to wait a day or two." She grinned. "Of course, by then the new ale might be ready."

A certain amount of the bitter beer was drunk, suitably watered, but not enough to trouble any of the Norse. Eventually, most got up and retired for the evening. Eriana and Ursula also rose, but Lars stopped them with a hand.

«Lars?»

He approached and spoke low. «Princess, you mentioned that the men have restrained themselves tonight... but I think that maybe you have not.»

She looked suitably guilty. «Lars, I cannot deny it.»

He raised an eyebrow. «After what happened today in the Shevesty field?»

«You are right, it should not have happened, I have already been told off for it.»

A grunt. «So. Does this mean that you and Ursula..?»

«We are taking it slowly and carefully, just as you and Nethra are.»

He gave a slight bow. «Sorry for the personal questions, Princess, but it does affect the men. And myself.»

«You are right to ask, but this is not the best moment.» Eriana turned to see that Ursula's face was flaming. «Matters are in hand, we will keep you informed.»

«Princess.»

He bowed again and moved away to join Nethra.

"Ursula, Tyra. Come."

Eriana, Ursula and Tyra made their way to Ursula's room. The Princess bade them sit down, which meant that Ursula and Tyra sat on Ursula's bed facing Eriana.

"Tyra."

"Highness?"

"Do you know what happens when two women have strong feelings for one another?"

"I do not, Highness. Mistress has discussed such matters with me before but I do not know how 'tis done, since a woman does not have what a man has between his legs." She thought. "Does this mean that you and Mistress have done such a thing?"

Eriana sighed. "It does, Tyra. I will admit that my feelings for Ursula are as yet stronger than her feelings for me but she tells me that they are there. She only realized this today when I was struck down in front of her."

Tyra looked confused. "But... Highness, I know that such pairings exist but I do not understand them. Does this mean that you would consider her your... mate? I do not understand how such an arrangement is possible."

Ursula said, "Tyra, in the normal course of things a man is always needed to provide a woman with a child. When two women come together there is no man and therefore no children. The bond is instead an emotional one, experiences shared but in a different way than if, for example, you were to find a man to marry."

"Oh. And you would do this with Her Highness?"

It was Ursula's turn to sigh. "It seems very likely, Tyra. I did not fully understand what she meant to me personally until today. Whether we can make a good couple," she shrugged, "we will only find out in time."

"Does this mean," the question was tentative, "that you will share a bed with Her Highness?"

Ursula glanced at Eriana before replying. "I am not sure that would be a good idea at the moment," she admitted, "since it would cause confusion among the hostel staff, and talk we could do without. But yes, in time I would expect that to happen. As for yourself, I have no idea what we would do, Tyra. You are my confidant, you will always be, but this introduces angles none of us have considered."

"I have given you my oath, Mistress, to serve you, but I do not know -"

Eriana held up her hand. "Tyra, I would not expect you to serve me as well! You gave your oath to Ursula as her personal assistant, I will respect that. For myself, as you already know my needs are not those of a normal person. I have managed since we departed Palarand with only occasional help from Bennet and Semma, perhaps it is now time for me to look for permanent attendants of my own."

"Thank you, Highness."

Ursula suggested, "Eriana, you may not need to look very far. The two Yodan women who travel with us are not going to go very far from you if they can avoid it. I know they are still coming back to full health but you might consider one of those as your attendant."

Eriana was surprised by the idea. "I had not thought of either of them! Yet you are right, they will not venture far from me if it is possible." She quirked a sad smile. "Now neither of you know this, but when I arrived at Robanar's palace I brought with me two maids. I regret greatly that I treated them badly, I did not understand that the way to get the best out of one's servants and retainers is to treat them better than one does one's family! At the first opportunity they chose to depart my employ for a better life in the palace. Since then I have had no permanent maid of my own."

Tyra's eyes were wide. "Two maids! Of course, if you are the daughter of a King then mayhap your needs would be more than someone like Mistress Ursula requires."

She waved a hand. "My needs were never great, Tyra. My arrogance was. I considered two maids as only my due for my position." Her tone lowered. "Know that the two girls were not as yourself, they were thralls, girls taken from towns during raids. In your terms, perhaps, they would be considered slaves. I know now that slavery is not generally permitted in the valley of the Sirrel."

"Slaves? Maker!" Tyra's face was pale. "Highness, I know that your people have different ways than those of us who live in the Great Valley but slaves!"

"But they are no longer my people, Tyra. My men and I have given our oaths to King Robanar of Palarand and it is his laws that we obey now. Have no fear of the company you now keep, Tyra of Joth."

"I have travelled a long way with them, Highness, and I trust them - and I trust you. We are all different from who we were when we began this journey together."

Eriana inclined her head. "As you say. Thank you, Tyra."

Ursula spoke. "Tyra, I can only suggest that we continue as we began and see what happens. If you find yourself uncomfortable, or find what we might do to be distasteful, then of course I would release you from your oath to me, if that was what you decided."

"Mistress, thank you for your trust in me. I do not know how your arrangement will work but I will attend you as long as possible since I have sworn to do so. I will let you know if I find the arrangement unpleasant to continue."

"Thank you, Tyra," Ursula said softly.

She reached out and put an arm around Tyra's shoulders. Having let out their circumstances all three women were now becoming emotional. Eriana stood, indicating that the others should remain seated.

"I must needs go," she told them. "There is much to think about for tomorrow."

She opened the door and walked out without another word. Tyra leaned her head on Ursula's shoulder. "She is a strange one, is she not? Are you sure that you agree with this arrangement, Mistress?"

"Not entirely, Tyra. My own feelings are unusual and I must try to work out why." She added, "I think, that after today's events, we both need an early night. Like Eriana, there is much to think about concerning tomorrow."

Tyra's voice was low. "Mistress, today I killed two men."

"As did I, Tyra, apparently. I lost my head when Eriana fell and her sword ended up at my feet. I think most of the Norse went crazy then."

"Oh. I did not see what happened to Her Highness but I saw that the men went crazy. We have been in some fights together but this was my first true battle. I will never forget the look on the face of the first man when my sword went into him."

"You will have to learn to accept it, Tyra. You will probably dream of today for some nights, I think. I know that I will. It is a normal part of understanding and accepting what happened. It shows that you are still human, that you have not become a monster who does not care about those whose death you caused."

"But..." She paused, uncertain.

"What we did today was self-preservation," Ursula explained. "If you had not killed the men who faced you then you would have been the one who died. There is no blame in preserving your own life. You must not blame yourself for the actions of those men, now or in the future. If they had not attacked you, they would not have died."

She nodded slowly. "Mistress, your words are wise."

"If you do have any problems, Tyra, you must talk to me. Between us we can try and accept what we feel. To bottle those feelings up is not a good idea."

"I understand, Mistress. Thank you... and it seems I must also ask you to share your own burden with me."

A warm glow spread through Ursula and her eyes became moist. "Thank you, Tyra. That is a brave offer indeed. And now, perhaps, we should ready ourselves for bed."

~o~O~o~

What do I do?

It is now clear to me that there is attraction to Eriana and yesterday's coming together has only revealed that, heightened that.

Looked at calmly and logically we could be good match together. She has more 'male' attributes than I have ever had while I could provide experience and stability to her fire.

So why do I not feel as enthusiastic? Why am I holding back? Am I really such a cold person?

No, but I am Russian. Natural characteristics plus personal problem means that I have always held myself inside. It has been extremely hard for me to relax fully, even after coming to this world and now having body I should have had in the first place.

It is habit I must break!

I am surrounded by friends now, many men and women I have trusted with my life. Tyra of course, but all the Norsemen will certainly look after me. Eriana I know will do anything, I have seen that, to keep me safe. Bennet and Semma also. I am less certain about newcomers in crew, but they have no reason to be against me and, after way I have treated all of them when we rescued them, every reason to support me.

I must learn to relax! I am not in Russia any more. Yes, there are bad people but bad people are everywhere whatever world I am in, there are just as many good people. I must learn to change myself.

Cannot do much yet. Find out local laws. Perhaps wait until Bibek, or will Bibek be no different than everywhere else we have been? This world is frustrating, everywhere different than everywhere else and none of it like anywhere on Earth!

Yet people - humans - still behave like humans. Same likes and dislikes, same jealousies, same ideas of right and wrong. ...Except Yod, perhaps. No, since people in villages there seemed completely normal.

Take tiny steps.

"Mistress? Are you awake?"

Ursula yawned, groaned and turned on her side towards Tyra's bed. "If I was not awake before, your voice would have woken me, so yes." She raised a hand. "I was part awake, just thinking."

"Oh, I ask your pardon, Mistress, for disturbing you." She hesitated. "Was it about what happened yesterday?" Then, because yesterday had been somewhat busy, she added, "I mean, about you and Her Highness?"

"It was, Tyra, but it was just my mind going over and over the same things all the time. Part of problem is me, part is circumstance. You see, where I came from - on Earth - people like me, who looked like one gender but thought they should be the other, were not treated well. I had to hide my true self inside shell of ordinary male and pretend that was normal. There were many secrets to keep. It is habit of mine that I do not need any more but is hard to break.

"Then there are all the various countries here, all of which are different one way or another. Laws may be different, we have spoken of this, but until I know what is truth I cannot make decision. I thought maybe to tread slowly and carefully, wait perhaps until we reach Bibek. Of course you do not know what Bibek will be like any more than I do."

"Until we came aboard the Visund, I did not even know that Bibek existed!"

"Why should you? A far away country, not the concern of fisherman's daughter."

"As you say, Mistress. Since we sailed away from Joth I have discovered that the world is much bigger than I had imagined."

Ursula snorted. "I suspect it is much, much bigger than that! However, most does not concern us today. Do you know what time it is?"

"I did hear some bells. I think it might be a bell or so before breakfast."

Ursula threw back her light covering. "Then I suggest we make ourselves ready for a quick dip and then prepare ourselves for a visit to the Counts. I had another idea while I was asleep, it might be possible to call at the market on our way there."

"The market, Mistress?"

"Oh, yes. We have to replace all the ointments and bandages we used yesterday anyway but I want to find a glassmaker and a jeweler if I can."

"Something special, Mistress? To help us?"

"This time to help Count Darkwin."

* * *

"Do you make frames for pince-nez?"

The jeweler's face was closed, his manner reluctant. "I have done so in the past, Mistress, it is true, but..." he waved an arm around to include the whole the market place, "times are difficult as you know. Can you not manage without for now? Come back in six months when we know whom our ruler may be."

"I am a healer from a distant land," she told him. "Two days ago I was consulted by Count Darkwin concerning his, ah, injuries. What I require is a medical device which will assist him to rule despite his present limitations. If you cannot help me then I will find someone else who can."

The man's manner changed immediately. "I did not know that, Mistress. If it is for the Count, then of course I can help you... but who will grind your lenses for you? Abban the glass-maker yonder can provide the glass, he does good work for me, but I do not think he knows how to fashion lenses or to shape them."

"That is acceptable, Master..?"

The jeweler bowed. "Urjen, Mistress, and you are?"

"I am Ursula, personal healer to Princess Eriana of Palarand."

The man's eyes widened considerably. "I have heard of the exploits of Her Highness and her men," he said, casting a glance at Torvin and Ragnar, Ursula's usual escort. "Your business is welcome here, Mistress Ursula. But there is still the question of grinding of lenses to consider."

"I do not want any lenses ground, Master Urjen. The problem with your liege lord's eyes is not that they cannot see properly, it is that they dislike bright light. What I want is a special pair of what in my homeland are named sun-glasses, which have much larger lenses made of plain glass and usually colored to reduce the brightness."

Urjen stared at Ursula before shaking his head. "I have heard of the wonders coming out of the east, is this one of those? If I am not to be making a normal frame for pince-nez then I will have to see some drawings of what you require, and then I will tell you if it is possible for me to make them."

"Of course. Tyra?"

"Here, Mistress." The maid handed Ursula several sheets of parchment, which Ursula spread out over the front of the jeweler's stall.

"In my homeland it is customary for any devices that will aid the eyes to be fitted on the nose but also to be held in position by means of arms which curl over the ears," she said, pointing. "Usually that means a hinge here. To protect eyes from sunlight the glass must be cut to larger shapes like these," she pulled out a second sheet, "but any glass must be perfectly smooth and flat so that the view is not distorted. So, perhaps they need to be ground in a way, but just to make the view through them as clear as possible."

"Intriguing," Urjen nodded. "I have seen Abban cut odd shapes of glass to fit in window-leading, when the house-owner desires a picture made from the glass... This is an unusual request, perhaps, but nothing that I would find difficult to make." He shrugged. "We had best ask Abban about his glass, I deem. For Count Darkwin, I assume that you would wish the frame of this device to be made in gold?"

"Silver will be fine, Master Urjen. Your lord has more pressing needs to spend his coin on. If I wanted a pair for myself I would be content with brass but silver is probably the best material to use for your liege."

"As you say, Mistress. Ah, it seems to me that I must needs have measurements of the width of the frame here and the length of these side pieces here. Do you yet know them?"

"We are on our way to an audience with Count Darkwin once we have found everything in the market that we need," she told him. "I will call here on my way back with the measurements, and also authority from the Count to proceed."

"Then I will await your return, Mistress." Urjen turned and spoke to a boy in the booth behind him. "Go and speak to Abban, will you? If he is not busy, ask him to attend us immediately, there will be a special commission for both of us."

The boy stood. "Yes, father." He ran out of the booth and across the half-deserted market.

Urjen watched him go and then turned to Ursula. "Mistress, you mentioned that you would wear these, ah, sun-glasses yourself. Yet your eyes seem undamaged to my untrained eye."

"That is true, but prolonged exposure to very bright daylight can weaken anyone's eyes over time. Most people where I come from use sun-glasses when out in the sun, especially during summer. Why?"

"It occurred to me that, should this device of yours prove a success, then others might wish to imitate their liege lord and begin wearing these... sun-glasses. Do you know if there is a design license on the device? I would gladly pay a fee should there be a demand for them."

Oh! I never considered that!

I guess that I will have to discuss that with Eriana and Kalmenar later today.

"Personally I would have no objection to you making these for anyone who asks, but you raise a good point. I am sure that some arrangement exists but I will have to ask Her Highness's legal advisor for details. I am certain that you can make a pair for Count Darkwin, as his is a medical need, but I had better find out more before you make any others." Ursula added, "I had not thought of it but I could do with a pair myself and I am sure that others of Her Highness's company would appreciate some as well."

He nodded. "As I suspected, Mistress. If I may prove the design with an example for Count Darkwin, we can then begin the sordid business of bargaining for any further examples."

Ursula had seen and heard it uttered previously, so she said, "Done, Master Urjen. But you may have to share your fee with Master Abban there."

"What fee is that we are sharing, Urjen?" Abban joined them, wiping his forehead with a cloth. "Your lad tells me there is business to be made today."

Unlike Urjen, who was an unremarkable man the same height as Ursula, Abban towered over even her escorts. Much of this was bulk but his arms and hands showed evidence of burns and scars obtained during his occupation, which had to involve the creation and working of glass.

Urjen waved a hand. "Mistress Ursula comes to me with an interesting commission which requires silver but also glass. I immediately thought of you."

Abban turned to Ursula with an upturned eyebrow.

"Mistress?"

"I am personal healer to Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand and the company she leads," she explained. "In the course of my duties I was asked to examine Count Darkwin's injuries, as I have more knowledge of the subject than local healers seem to have. His eyes have no defect of focus but dislike bright light. I thought of a device common in my homeland which we call sun-glasses."

She showed Abban her drawings and explained what she wanted. The glassmaker scratched his chin and nodded as he took in the requirements.

"What you ask is of course possible, Mistress, but it is not something that I have ever seen done before, at least in Upper Fanir. It will take some experimentation to produce glass as flat as that you require but I have no doubt that we can make such a lens - do you still name these lenses?"

"Usually, Master Abban."

"Then the next question I must needs ask is of the darkness and color which will be required. Too dark and the wearer cannot see anything, too pale and the wearer will still suffer. And I have no idea what color would be suitable for such use. You say these devices are common where you come from, Mistress, what colors are used there?"

Ursula thought and the answer surprised her. "Many different colors, actually. Some have blue, some gray, others brown, of different darknesses as the wearer desires. Very occasionally red or yellow lenses, but those are for particular uses. The lenses are often other shapes as well, since sun-glasses have become fashion items where I come from."

"Fashion items? Maker!" Abban glanced at Urjen. "So this commission for Count Darkwin could be the first of many, I deem. Now I understand what you meant about fees. This puts a completely different angle on your commission, Urjen."

Urjen looked cautious. "Now Abban, we must needs take this commission slowly. To my mind we are commissioned only to provide some special relief for the eyes of Count Darkwin. Once we have discovered a way to provide for him, only then may we dream of what else we may accomplish." He turned to Ursula. "Mistress, it seems that Abban and I must needs discuss your commission in detail this morning. I can already see that we will both have many questions for you before we may put tool to metal or glass."

She nodded. "I have only just realized that myself, Masters. Do you know where we are staying?"

He grinned. "Aye, of course, I doubt there is anyone in Faralan who does not!"

"Then perhaps you could call later this afternoon, or maybe even after the evening meal. We can sit around a table with our legal advisor and go through the fine detail. By then I should have some measurements for you."

"Done, Mistress."

The two men held out their hands and Ursula shook them.

"Thank you, gentlemen, and now it is time we went to the mansion, where Count Darkwin awaits us along with Her Highness."

The two men bowed and Ursula turned away.

"Have we got everything we need from the market, Tyra?"

"I think so, Mistress."

"Then let's go. It is beginning to get warm out here."

The guards at the mansion gates actually saluted Ursula when her party arrived. At the front door an aide bowed and then led them to a reception room where Eriana and Kalmenar were waiting with a number of the local military leaders.

"Ursula, come in, find a seat. Did you do all that you wanted in the market?"

Torvin and Ragnar nodded to Eriana and then departed. Tyra took up station behind Ursula's chair.

"I did, Highness, but there was a complication I had not thought of."

"Oh?"

"I do not want to delay this meeting, Highness. We can talk about it later. Oh, I will need advice from Lord Kalmenar as well."

"Ah? As you say. Well, let us begin. Marshal Tevos? Of Upper Fanir's forces you are the most senior here, shall you guide this meeting?"

"As you wish, Highness... Admiral. To begin with, I should advise everyone that for now, Faralan is safe." There were sighs of relief from several of the others, though some merely nodded. "There are still some rebel troops in the area who escaped after yesterday's battles, they are not thought to present any significant danger. Admiral, if I may introduced Under-Marshal Toktas of Kweren, which is a fishing port on the Sirrel east of here. He arrived this morning with around twelve hundred troops who had been patrolling the river bank between here and Kweren."

Eriana nodded to him. "Marshal. It is good to see you here."

"Highness, uh, Admiral. I ask your pardon, the new ranks were explained to me but the new system is not yet familiar."

"I understand. Continue."

"We have separately heard rumors of insurrection which is why I assembled a strong force and moved west. Other forces have moved north to cut the main routes from the east, with instructions to send messengers if large enemy forces appear. So far there have been none."

Tevos nodded. "So our main adversary is to our north and west, then. Good. The situation to the north-east, north and west is not so clear, but if they have resorted to ill-equipped levies then I do not think they will presently pose much of a threat to our own troops."

Vikzas objected, "Marshal, many of those same levies will have gained experience fighting those of Yod, whatever they may look like. Do not dismiss them on that account."

"As you say, Vikzas."

The reporting continued, concluding with a review of the events at the Shevesty field.

"There is a matter resulting from that business, Admiral," Tevos noted, "which causes me some technical concern. Several have said to me that there were foreign troops present, not allied to Upper Faral by any treaty or other agreement. There is an obvious argument to that since you were there by previous arrangement and were directly attacked, that gives you the right of self defense."

"I agree," Eriana replied. "However I know there will be those who will seek to make mischief of it. Is there some answer?"

"Not that I know of. It will be a matter for higher authority, I deem."

"Of course. Where are our hosts this day? I assumed they would be present when we met here."

"Ah, it is difficult for Lord Darkwin, since his eyes cannot withstand the light. He will appear with Lord Olva for a short time when their presence and authority are required... which, I deem, is probably now."

Tevos turned to some servants who stood near the door. "If you could ask our lieges to join us here," he asked one, and when that man had departed he said to the others, "If you would partly draw the drapes, that Lord Darkwin's eyes may not be inconvenienced too much."

Everyone stood when the two Counts entered the darkened room. They walked to the two better-quality chairs set aside for them and sat, whereupon everyone else regained their seats.

Darkwin spoke. "Good morning, all. I trust that you of my loyal troops have satisfied yourselves as to the state of Upper Fanir?"

"Aye, My Lord," Tevos replied. He then gave an account of what had happened and what the present state of affairs was.

"Thank you, my Marshals, for a difficult task well done. And I must also thank our friends from Faralmark and Palarand for their invaluable assistance in that task."

Eriana raised a hand in recognition while Torban briefly stood and saluted.

Tevos continued, "Questions have been asked, My Lords, concerning those same friends, since there is no official treaty or other document requesting their assistance for what is after all a domestic quarrel. Some could see it as interference by a foreign power, no different than what we suffered under Yod. I do not claim to know how we would solve such a puzzle."

Darkwin turned to Eriana. "Admiral? You have sailed the Sirrel, is there anything in your experience which would guide us here?"

"I know of the treaties which Palarand has with Ferenis and Forguland but I am not versed in such protocols, My Lord. Kalmenar, can you do better?"

"Admiral, I cannot. Other than the recent conflict with Yod, which affected everybody, the other end of the Sirrel has not recently suffered wars in the way that this part has."

Torban said, "My Lords, if I may remind you, we have spoken of the Federation and of course both Faralmark and Palarand are already members. Should Upper Faral join then such concerns would become moot."

Vikzas waved a hand in objection. "But what has happened is in the past, Torban. Any such treaty would come too late to satisfy the trouble makers."

Eriana frowned. "I would not be too certain of that, Vikzas. When we first met on the pontoons you told me that Upper Fanir was considering joining the Federation." She turned to Darkwin, "My Lord, is this true?"

He nodded. "It is true, and personally I consider it to be a prudent move. But will they consider a poor land which still has strife within its borders? If such a union was approved, what of the actions you and your men, together with Torban and his men, took yesterday? Mischief could still be made, I deem, even though our intent to join has been clear."

Eriana smirked. "They are we, My Lord. I am a signatory to the original document creating the Federation and, before we departed, I was given powers to act in its name. Those powers include signing treaties with such as yourself, assuming later ratification by at least three other rulers of Federation member states." She waved a hand. "Oh, I do not claim to know all that is involved in such treaties but I understand enough that Upper Fanir would be welcomed as a member, whatever your internal affairs presently are."

Kalmenar objected, "But, Highness, any such treaty must needs be dated following yesterday's events."

"As you say, Kalmenar. I do not see any way to avoid that."

Everyone sat in silence for a few moments before Ursula spoke up.

"My Lord, Admiral, surely the treaty is the main thing? If you sign it, then it will become valid."

Darkwin nodded. "Aye, Mistress, but the date would not cover any previous events. That is our puzzle."

"Then why not date the document before those events? The date of a document describes when it comes into force, not when it was written."

There was a rustle in the darkened room as many of those present stirred uncomfortably.

Marshal Vikzas stated, "Mistress, you ask us to commit to a lie."

"I never said that, Marshal. I did just hear Lord Darkwin state that it is his intention to have Upper Fanir join the Federation. It seems to me that writing and signing the actual document has been delayed, that is all." She smiled. "Delayed, perhaps, until a Federation representative became available."

Kalmenar was not happy. "Mistress, what you say could just about be considered legal but I would not care to justify it in front of my King."

Eriana responded, "But I will, Kalmenar, and I know that Robanar will grant me the benefit of the doubt. Lord Darkwin, what say you?"

He was hesitant. "It is a way around our puzzle, it is true. I would rather our entry into the Federation have begun in a more customary manner, though."

"Lord Olva, if I may ask your thoughts."

"It seems to me that what the Mistress proposes is irregular, Admiral, but it would satisfy anyone who objects to the presence of Federation troops, I deem. After all, who in Upper Fanir would have actually seen and read such a treaty, had one already been signed? Mayhap there could already have been such a document but it has been hidden away in some safe place within this mansion, against discovery by the rebels."

"Much in the manner of Lord Darkwin himself, for example."

Olva gave Eriana a swift glance. "There is much in what you say, Admiral."

Ursula said, "I had not thought how uncomfortable just changing the date would be, My Lord. But, thinking about it, why not simply have two dates? The date the document was created and signed and the date from which the provisions were intended to start."

Darkwin started and leaned forward. "An excellent suggestion, Mistress! Gentlemen, are we all agreed that it would be in our best interests to become part of this new Federation?"

There was a general muttering.

"Does anyone have any objections or foresee any complications?"

A marshal Ursula didn't recognize raised his hand. "My Lord, regarding the dating, I am certain that there will be those who find the practice questionable but I do not think that they will delay what is inevitable." He added, "Just pointing out that nay-sayers will always exist, My Lord."

"As you say, Odren." He turned to Eriana. "Admiral, how should we now proceed?"

"Why, My Lord, we commission such a treaty and, once we have all looked at it and agreed the words, we sign it."

"And how will we know what to write?"

"Easy, My Lord," she answered with a grin. "Lord Kalmenar has brought with him a copy of the document which Palarand itself signed. We may use that as our guide. I should warn you that, to ratify the treaty, the original must needs be sent to three countries already within the Federation. For that reason it will be necessary to make copies, you may require four or five, to have here while the original travels."

"That will take time, I deem. Have we that time?"

"My Lord, producing the original can be done and signed today. The treaty is not a long document. Copies will take two or three days more."

"Done. Admiral, Mistress, gentlemen, I thank you for your time today. Now, I regret, I must retreat into a more shaded room to consider what we have said here. Continue your other discussions, I beg you, Count Olva will remain to bring word to me later."

As Darkwin rose to leave, Ursula called, "My Lord."

He turned. "Mistress?"

"Can I have a word with you concerning your, uh, medical matters? It should not take long."

"Of course, Mistress. You may accompany me."

* * *

"Is this possible?"

"Not only is it possible, My Lord, where I come from sun-glasses are widely available and sold cheaply to all in shops and booths. Your own need is slightly different to others, of course, but a darker lens should give you more freedom - when Count Darkwin must be seen by his people."

"I had not thought - you are right, of course. Though I much prefer wearing my other face in public there will always be occasions when Darkwin must needs be present. Mistress, I thank you greatly for your kind thoughts - but by your expression, there may be some problem. Are these devices difficult to make, then?"

"Not really. No more difficult than, say, making a necklace. And that is a good comparison, since many women would regard these as fashion accessories in the same way as a necklace or a brooch."

"Do you tell me? That is interesting! But what, then, is the problem?"

"You know of my origins, of course. The sun-glasses come from the other world, the one I was born on. When Princess Garia arrived in Palarand it was realized that, despite her age she knew so much from that world that any device or other knowledge she revealed might cause problems if let loose on Anmar. The obvious example is that of guns, or thunder-pipes as some call them."

"Ah, I understand, Mistress, and you believe that sun-glasses might do the same."

"Sun-glasses are probably not going to endanger society, My Lord, but they will make life easier for very many people, including yourself. I do not think they will cause a great upset in the way that, say, paper is about to do. However, there is a rule that all such knowledge and new devices should be examined before release, with some items being reserved or delayed until a later date."

He nodded. "With your explanation, I can see it is a wise move. But who shall decide what shall be released and what should remain secret?"

"There is, I am told, a committee in Palarand which makes those decisions, My Lord, although..."

She twitched uncomfortably. Do I tell him about Maralin? She continued, "Ah, rulers from certain other countries also sit on this committee. I do not know the details, I doubt anyone who came on the Visund, even Her Highness, knows how it is managed."

"Does King Robanar know?"

"I would imagine so, My Lord."

"Then I will write to him and seek to learn more, if possible." He held up a hand. "Mistress, it will not be a plain letter but one sent in code to our Resident there, who will decode it and hand the result directly to Palarand's King. But what, then, shall we do here about these sun-glasses?"

"I was coming to that, My Lord. For yourself, I feel sure that a medical device to help your sight should be a separate matter. By the time a reply comes back from Palarand you should be used to them and those around you will be used to you wearing them. At that point talks should begin about what are called design licenses for further versions to be made for your own population."

He smiled. "I understand, Mistress. For a fee, I suppose?"

"I do not need any of Upper Fanir's money, My Lord, but a nominal fee, to be kept in a local account, might be a precaution just to stop the idea getting out of control."

"The principle is well-known here, Mistress, as it is in all countries along the Sirrel. I agree. Make your sun-glasses for me, then, and I will be content to sign your design license. Have you yet chosen someone to make this device?"

She nodded. "I have spoken to two men in the market called Urjen and Abban, who will be meeting me later today to discuss ideas."

"I know them, they have both done work for the household and the mansion. Very well, Mistress, I await your return with anticipation."

She stood. "My Lord, perhaps it is now time I left you to deal with more important matters."

"Mistress, you have just proved that you come from another world. There can be little that is more important to Upper Fanir and, indeed, to all Anmar."