Ursula receives a surprise gift from Urjen and Abban before the two vessels depart Faralan for Pakmal City. The waterway leading to the city is neglected but navigable. Once both are moored, Eriana sets off to visit the Arch-Count, but a chance encounter promises trouble.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

71 - The Lone Stranger

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) 2023 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Ursula woke again, as she had done for the last three days, in the early light of dawn. She was also in Eriana's bed, spooned inside the Princess, with strong arms gently holding her close.

I can no longer deny my nature. It will be difficult to sleep without her in the future.

I never imagined the comfort such a small thing could bring! I never had someone like this to look after me in the past. That may be one reason I kept running. Maybe, maybe, if someone had been there...

Nyet. I cannot remake past the way it could have been. Just deal with present, hope future is as good.

She gently turned within the arms to plant a kiss on Eriana's cheek. The Princess gradually roused, to open her eyes with a smile.

"Good morning, dearest."

"Good morning, Eriana. I'm sorry but I have to go now."

"Aye, and I know the reason why. Very well, I will see you shortly at the bathing block?"

"Of course. And then, after breakfast, we must finish packing."

"As you say. Till then, dearest." Eriana responded with her own kiss.

Ursula slipped back into her own room to find Tyra already awake.

"Mistress, did you sleep well?"

"Good morning, Tyra. Yes, I think I am sleeping better now than I ever did before. But I doubt I can keep this up once we leave this hostel."

"As you say, Mistress. We are just lucky that the staff leave us alone at night." Tyra eased herself out of her own bed and stretched. "Are you ready to go down to the bathing block, Mistress?"

"I am, Tyra. Lead the way."

Later, just as everyone rose from breakfast, Ursula received a message that two men wished to meet her. She went out to the front door to discover Urjen and Abban waiting.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Is there some problem?"

"Not at all, Mistress," Urjen replied. Ursula noticed that he appeared to be the more active of the two and often led conversations. He continued, "Good morning. Word reached us that you and your company are to depart this morning and we came to wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you, Master Urjen, but I am sure you did not come to say just that."

He beamed. "Indeed not, Mistress! We come to bring you parting gifts."

He fumbled in the pouch at his waist and brought out two small cloth bundles. Selecting and unwrapping one, he held out a pair of sunglasses to Ursula.

"For me? Masters, you should not have! I am sure you have more important commissions to fill than providing me with something I barely mentioned for myself."

"It is only right that you should share in the fruits of our labors, Mistress, as you gave us the original idea. If you would check that the glasses fit you. I must needs guess at the size since we did not measure you as we did His Honor."

Ursula put the glasses on. The curl of the arms around her ears was not quite correct but Urjen's careful fingers soon fixed that. She stepped outside into the morning sunlight and gazed around. The lenses were gray and were adequate for this early hour. She rejoined the two men.

"They work fine now, Masters. I will not know how effective they will be until the sun is full at lunchtime, but anything will be better than no glasses at all."

"Indeed, Mistress," Abban agreed. "But by lunch time you will be many marks from here, I have no doubt."

"As you say, Master Abban. I am sure that I can deal with any minor problems with the glasses after we leave."

Urjen added apologetically, "These are not entirely gifts, Mistress, except in the early presentation to you before you depart. When we took the other two pairs to Lord Darkwin yesterday he suggested that we fund these two pairs out of the design fees due to you, fees we have of course not yet earned. It seemed to him an easier way of handling the coin than simply letting it languish in his treasury and you have the benefit of the glasses so much sooner."

"Of course, Mistress," Abban added, "we confidently expect that your share will be so much greater than the cost of these two pairs by the time that your ship next returns to Faralan. Have no doubt that we shall not cheat you, this new business will mean prosperity for both our families and for all those we may employ."

"That is the general idea, gentlemen."

Urjen explained, "It also occurred to Count Olva that you would be traveling to other lands which might also desire the benefit of such devices as these. We thought to provide decent samples you may show to any in those lands who may be interested."

Ursula smiled at them. "That was a good thought by Count Olva, gentlemen. Um, two pairs of glasses? Do you expect breakage?"

"The other pair is slightly larger to fit your own liege, Mistress. Do you object?"

"Those are for Eriana? Oh! I did not expect... Come with me, both of you, she should not have started anything yet."

She led the way to the office which Eriana had been using. The Princess was inside making sure that all her writing materials had been packed securely away into a small chest. Ursula knocked at the open door.

"Ursula? Why are you wearing sunglasses? Oh, Urjen and Abban! Gentlemen, what can I do for you? Is there some problem with Lord Darkwin's devices?"

The two men bowed. "Not at all, Your Highness," Urjen said. "His Honor seems extremely satisfied with what we have made for him, indeed, he has commanded us to make such items for every member of his household. Highness, our visit here this morning is to present you with a pair of sunglasses while you are yet at Faralan."

He unwrapped the other bundle and gave the contents to Eriana. She fumbled with them and managed to open the side arms, but needed Ursula to settle them properly on her face.

"Hah. I could not wear these inside, I deem, not unless the sun was very bright through the window. The room looks very strange... Ursula, I assume this is normal?"

"It is, Highness, and your mind will quickly adapt to what you can see. These could be very useful once we are back on the river, since they should cut down the glare from the water."

"As you say. Well, there will be time enough to test them once we set sail again. Master Urjen, Master Abbas, I give you thanks for your prompt work in this matter."

The two bowed. "Highness, we explained to Mistress Ursula the reasons why you have those glasses now and not at some later date. By your leave, we should not keep you any longer from your packing."

The two bowed again and departed with a nod to Ursula. Eriana raised an eyebrow to her.

"Explained?"

"These are not exactly gifts, Highness, though we should treat them that way. The costs will come out of the fees from any they sell locally."

"Ah, I see."

"And Count Olva also felt we should have some decently made examples to show to jewelers and other craftsmen who notice them as we travel further."

"Ah! Now that is a good idea. Can you help me take these off, Ursula? I do not want to bend something within moments of having received them."

With the glasses off and wrapped in cloth again, Eriana asked, "Have you packed? How soon may we depart, do you think?"

"For myself, Tyra, Kaldar, Karan and Zakaros, we are all ready, Highness. The chests have already been brought downstairs. I don't know how long the men will take."

Eriana grinned. "But what you do not say is, 'It is the Princess who holds us up yet again'. I, too am mostly packed, I deem. Matta and Vellana have helped today, but of course know little about how such matters are arranged. Neither had ever left their own villages before those soldiers arrived. Traveling as we do is not in their natures."

"And neither is yet fully fit," Ursula added. "Do you think this will work?"

"If we do not frighten them off or kill them with overwork along the way, Ursula. They both see it as a good way to be useful to the company and they both know it gives them a secure future. I leave it to you to tell me if they cannot manage the work for any reason, since that reason will be mostly medical."

"Agreed, Highness."

"Then let me find someone to take this chest and we can assemble the company, discover what is not yet done."

* * *

The sail up, the weather fine, the Visund rocked in the slight swell on the Sirrel. Behind, the Green Ptuvil strove to keep up the pace. On board the barge several of the company's women stood at the bow, savoring the fine day.

Eriana sighed with relief. "On the water again! I am becoming accustomed to time spent ashore now but my heart sings when I feel the current beneath my feet. I am relieved that Darkwin's people have managed to quell this rebellion so swiftly."

"Yes," Ursula agreed. "Capturing Count Sharen and Count Noban made all the difference. There are some minor barons still loose, I heard, but Marshal Toktas seems to have everything under control."

"And, I am told, he is loyal to Darkwin."

"The nobles were not all bad, Highness. I think it might be more to do with where they were when the Yodans invaded. Those who had lands taken by Yod all suffered the same while those who hid in the uplands were less affected. The hill folk had leisure to think up schemes to conquer the rest of Upper Fanir should they get the chance. In contrast those in the Valley rallied to Darkwin's and Olva's cause as the Yodans retreated."

"And, by chance, there were foreign troops at hand when the rebels came to call."

"Yes. I talked to a few of them out on the Shevesty field and it appeared that Sharen and Noban completely underestimated the support that Darkwin and Olva already had. Add our own presence and that of Faralmark's marines and they didn't stand much of a chance."

"Good. Now Darkwin will be able to build a better country for his people, I deem. Membership of the Federation cannot but help his plans."

"As you say. I have heard stories of what Margrave Simbran brought with him when he returned from Palarand but the details are... confused, to say the least."

"Indeed. I do not know how much he showed to anyone but what he carried with him, I deem, would have been similar to what we saw brought to Joth by that caravan. Do you remember?"

"I remember the paper, of course, and an odd clock with two different faces. There were some crates that had not been opened when we left. What more was there? Do you know?"

"I did not see anything more since I left when you did but there would have been a steam engine, I doubt not. Hmm. Because of the clock, there would also have been..." Eriana wrinkled her nose, "wires, batteries and other items to do with electricity, I deem." She grinned at Ursula to show her ignorance, "About which I know absolutely nothing and little desire to do so!"

"They have electricity in Palarand?"

"Aye, Garia explained it to them, what little she knew of the art. Now you should know that when Garia first came to Dekarran, the place we began this voyage, an attempt was made to abduct her." An airy wave of the hand. "It was foiled, of course, Garia was too good for them, but Robanar decided that she should depart in disguise in an unexpected direction and a young kitchen servant, a double, returned to the palace with the royal party and pretended to be her for some while. That girl's name was Milsy, I have spoken of her before."

"Yes, you have." Ursula was confused. "A kitchen servant? But I thought -"

"As did everyone else, Ursula! But she was born in the castle to parents of low rank and grew up there, what would be more natural for her than to become a servant when she was old enough? Nobody thought to discover what manner of mind lay inside that head of hers. So, when she reached the palace, she taught herself to read and to write in but a few days, introduced herself to the local guildsmen and in a very short time has become a guildswoman herself. It was she who divined how the Great Clock worked, in no more than the space of a bell, and it was she who designed that double clock you saw. I long gave up hope of understanding anything she can do."

"Oh, I see." She asked cautiously, "What kind of electricity, do you know? How much is used there now?"

"I know, as I said, very little of the matter, Ursula. When I arrived at the palace Milsy was fixing lines of wires about the corridors to... operate the new clocks, perhaps. The clocks seem to use electricity that is kept in batteries, jars of some foul liquid. There is also some kind of alarm system there now where one merely pushes a knob on a panel to inform the Guard of an unusual occurrence, such as an attack or a fire. I do not think that electricity is yet used beyond the palace.

"But we were speaking of what the Federation may bring to Upper Fanir. To begin with, should Yod again attempt to invade its neighbors that will automatically bring the whole Federation into the conflict. It is intended that the several armies of the Federation lands will work together more closely, in peace or in war, which should make any response more effective. It is said that trade barriers between the members will gradually disappear, and that goods made in one land shall cost little more in any other, save only for the costs of transporting whatever it may be."

She shrugged. "It is but a beginning, and for the various parties to discover what other advantages may become possible in time. For us, we are building, as you know, forces that will work from river or ocean on behalf of all who belong to the Federation. That means that most of our new vessels, large or small, will probably have some kind of steam engine to propel them. I am patiently waiting the arrival of the first example that we may find out what they could do."

"Admiral," Zoran, the lookout beside them, spoke. "The Visund reduces speed. They may wish to converse with you."

Eriana turned. She did not need to use her telescope to see that the Norse longship was coming closer. Concerned that, like the last time, they had overlooked danger approaching from a different quarter, she swiftly looked around the other directions, seeing nothing unusual.

"It may be some problem," she said, "or it may be some quirk in the river that we must needs be aware of. We will discover what soon enough."

Tor's question, when the two vessels were side by side, was simple enough. Where were the company to have lunch? Hashim had looked at the charts and picked out a spot, but it was on the western side, the bank that was now Faralmark lands.

"Agreed," she shouted back. "I do not think Simbran will object. Lead the way!"

The response was, "Follow us closely but keep watch. The river is low here and there may be shallows we can get over but the Green Ptuvil cannot."

"At your command."

Baros came hurrying forward from the tiller. "Admiral? Is there a problem?"

"Fortunately not, Baros. Hashim asks whether a landing place on the right-hand shore would be suitable for us to stop for lunch. Oh! I told him yes, I ask your pardon, I should have consulted you first."

Baros inclined his head. "Accepted, Admiral. I know it must be difficult for you, now that you no longer command a ship yourself. Hashim knows these waters, I trust his judgment. We are to follow the Visund?"

"Aye, they are concerned that we may follow them too closely since our draft is deeper."

"Noted, Admiral. I had better return to the tiller, then."

* * *

It was later afternoon, the customary shower had passed over leaving everything fresh and pleasant. The two vessels had continued their journey and were now heading south-east towards their next port of call. After some discussion it had been decided that, despite the knowledge that Pakmal might present some problems because of the uncertain organization there, the need to pass on news and information was more important. Therefore, many eyes were scanning the left bank for signs of their port facilities.

"There!" The shout came from several throats. Ahead two tall poles were just visible with large flags of light blue fluttering from each. They had seen a similar pair much earlier, but the levels of water in that part of the river had made it impossible for either ship to cross the shallows to reach that entrance.

Baros explained the arrangement. "Admiral, Pakmal and Zebrin have long held a rivalry on almost everything either may attempt. Thus, when Zebrin was forced to move its main city to be near their border, and nearer to the river Pak, they could not come so close because of the levels of water when the Sirrel becomes high. Canals were thus dug forming a loop in and out of that smaller river, that craft could reach the city at all times of the year.

"Naturally, if Zebrin must needs have a loop of canal into and out of their city, then Pakmal must have one too. Of course, being Pakmal, they did not choose the shortest route nor make their canals deep enough. In a month their port will be completely dry, I deem. However, this end is the deeper of the two channels and by entering here there should be sufficient water for both vessels. It is also the shorter channel and easier for us to navigate."

"We will be safe? I do not desire to abandon either Visund nor Green Ptuvil should the water level drop much more."

"Admiral, even if we are there as long as we were in Faralan we should be safe enough." Baros shrugged. "We will of course keep close watch on the water levels and you will warned immediately if it is likely either craft will become stranded."

"Thank you, Baros. I bow to your knowledge." She turned to Bennet and Semma. "Girls! It seems we must needs make an impression on these effete foreigners. Let us go below and change into our uniforms - and buckle on our weapons."

Entering the channel meant turning north-east and that meant fighting the prevailing wind. The Visund could simply use oars, and did, but Baros had to carefully tack back and fore across the channel to make any headway. After a while the Green Ptuvil was reduced to poling in with muscle supplied by several beefy Norsemen.

Ursula was not interested in canal engineering but what she noticed disturbed even her. The Pakmals had not bothered to grade the banks but simply dug straight down, originally forming a vertical-sided channel about ten strides deep. Each time the Sirrel had risen it had promptly eaten away at the soft earth of the banks, creating undercuts and landslips and filling the base of the channel with silt. Piecemeal repairs had been done all along the sides of the channel with no apparent overall plan, making the banks look untidy and ramshackle.

To keep the traffic away from the dangerous banks lines of poles were placed a suitable distance apart, fortunately permitting craft to pass easily enough. There were only two marks or so to travel but the journey seemed tedious. Finally, very long lines of pontoons appeared lining the channel and the two vessels headed for a convenient gap.

"Where is the city?"

"Further along the channel, Admiral. I could attempt to find a berth nearer the city but I am concerned about the draft. If you care to separate us then the Visund might go further but as you can see by those already moored, barges like this one could be at risk."

Eriana scowled and thought deeply. Separating the two craft - and, more importantly, those who traveled on each - could present a number of problems. However, she had, in theory at least, diplomatic rank and it would be unseemly to moor here and then be forced to travel in to present herself to the Arch-Count who ruled Pakmal.

"We will both moor here, I deem, at least for the moment, until I can discover if the Visund can go further in. I have business with he who rules Pakmal and, as we have found elsewhere, it is likely the Visund is expected, while the Green Ptuvil may not be. If I must needs travel further, I will transfer to the Visund."

As they were mooring two officials hurried down one of the many gangways to reach the pontoons before approaching them.

"Ho! Who are you?"

Since the nearest vessel was the Visund, Tor jerked a thumb at the Green Ptuvil. The two men looked at both craft then approached the barge.

"I have never seen any river craft like that one," the first man said. "It is so big! Are you together?"

Eriana replied, "Aye, that is my ship, I am the owner. There are too many of us for one vessel, thus we acquired another."

"By your attire you are not ordinary travelers on the river. If I may ask, what is your business in Pakmal?"

"I am Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand, on a diplomatic mission to visit several countries along the great river on behalf of King Robanar of Palarand. I desire audience with your ruler where we can discuss many matters of mutual interest. For our craft, we are normal travelers on the river and have the usual needs, food, water and other materials such as cordage, canvas and charts of the upstream stretches."

"Princess?" The man did not know whether to bow or not. "Uh, we are still some marks from the center of Pakmal, Your Highness, it will be necessary to order a carriage to take you to the State House. I do not have the authority -"

Eriana held up a hand. "My man, my ship the Visund requires less draft than this barge does. If it travels further in, would there be somewhere closer for us to moor? The Green Ptuvil, this barge, can remain here."

"Do you tell me? Then, by all means, Your Highness, you may take your ship at least another two marks along the channel. The barge, as you say, would not be safe much farther in, though I deem by looking at it you are not heavily loaded."

"You have it aright, my man. We transport only passengers and crew for now. It looks as if I must needs transfer to the Visund, then. Bennet, Semma, go ahead while I give instructions to Baros. Ursula, will you come? I have no particular reason why you may be required but I would feel more comfortable with you standing besides Kalmenar."

Ursula thought. "Highness, I see no reason why I should not come. Shall I bring my basket with me?"

"Why not? As we know, even rulers may have ailments you may be able to help."

Tyra said, "Mistress, I will go and fetch your basket for you." She headed below.

Eriana gave instructions to Baros before jumping to the pontoon and heading towards the Visund. Ursula wondered what was keeping Tyra. When she returned she had not only brought basket and satchel but had changed into her 'exercise' wear and was armed. Ursula raised an eyebrow.

"Mistress, I remember what happened at Wadek. I thought it best to be prepared, we may not be as lucky as we were then."

"I'm not sure that gives the right impression but I appreciate your caution. Yes, we did have an awkward time when we first arrived, didn't we? Let's go, then, and join Eriana."

Eriana had spoken to the two men and received reasonable instructions, so once Ursula and Tyra had boarded, the Visund cast off and Lars beat the rhythm for the rowers. They made for the center of the channel and headed into the city. The land was lower here so that they could see some distance but the landscape was barren and unkempt. It appeared nobody wanted to live here, an area which the Sirrel would flood for a good part of the year.

There were colored flags set atop the mooring poles at various points and Eriana kept lookout for a particular combination. This was on the other side of the waterway so, once she had located a stretch long enough to moor to, she ordered the Visund turned before being brought to the pontoons. They had tied up before the inevitable two officials - a different pair - arrived.

"You are?"

"Somebody with manners, it seems. Who am I speaking to?"

The senior of the two flushed. "I am Port Inspector Osar and this is Port Warden Naddo. Though I can see cargo in your open hull there are too many men, I deem, for you to be an honest trader. We require your name and business here at Pakmal."

"I am Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand and my ship is on a diplomatic mission to visit the countries of the Sirrel, on behalf of my King, Robanar of Palarand. These men are my retainers, we have journeyed through Yod and their presence was needful. We buy and sell no cargo, our wants are only food and drink for our own consumption."

This stopped Osar for a moment, but he recovered. "A diplomatic mission? I have not heard of any such mission."

"I am not surprised. Though the Messenger Service does run through Yod I doubt not that there may be delays in any packages passing through. Why would someone like you know of such a visit anyway?"

"Well, if any were to arrive from the Sirrel then berths would be prepared for them, as is proper. I do not name you liar but I have heard no mention of such a visit. Palarand? That is many marks away. We have had traders from Palarand, it is true, but none since the war ended. Why do you have so large a crew, and all of them armed?"

"Master Osar, in Yod we fought battles against remnants of the Ascendancy and on the Sirrel we held off a pirate galley. In Faralan, our last port, we helped Count Darkwin quell a rebellion of his hill people. I do not see why I must needs justify my crew to such as you. What is the customary mooring charge?"

"For three berths, one Novin per berth per day."

Hashim was standing next to Eriana and objected. "That is not right. The charge is per vessel, not per berth. Highness, this man is overcharging you and pocketing the difference."

Osar was incensed. "You contradict me? What do you of Palarand know of Pakmal's charges?"

"I may sail on a ship of Palarand but my country is Faralmark," Hashim replied evenly. "Before the war I was second mate on one of Master Yussuf's barges and I am well aware of what should be charged for mooring here."

"Well," the man blustered, "things have changed since the war. Charges had to be increased since the traffic was so low."

"Your cut was going down, you mean," Eriana told him. "You will be paid one Novin each day, Master Osar, and if there is any complaint I will mention you to the Arch-Count."

Ursula thought that there was a flicker in his eyes as he replied, "As you wish, Your Highness."

A thoroughly irritated Eriana leaned down so that her face was close to his. "Let me make myself clear, Master Osar. If there is any obstruction or delay in providing for me and my crew your underlings will be spending a month cleaning the blood from the place where you died. Do I make myself understood?"

The man's face went white as he realized that he had completely misread the situation. "I understand you, Your Highness. Your ship will be charged no more than a Novin per day as is customary. What more may I do for you and your crew?"

"My crew and I will require lodgings for perhaps two or three days, it depends how long our business here takes. My cook will want to go to the nearest market each day to obtain bread and other essentials. For myself, as I mentioned before, I desire a personal meeting with your ruler the Arch-Count. If you cannot arrange such a meeting then direct me to someone who can."

Osar backed away a step and then bowed. "It shall be as you command, Your Highness. I regret the accommodation available is only that for ordinary travelers, I do not recall the last time a member of high nobility arrived as you have."

Eriana straightened, satisfied that she had finally gotten the man's attention. "That is no problem. We have stayed in the like places everywhere we have called on our way along the Sirrel. We are forty-two, including eleven women, but some are on our other vessel, the Green Ptuvil, a barge which has berthed downstream. I assume there are hostels all along this waterway?"

"As you say, Your Highness." Osar gestured at the water. "Because of the low levels at this time of year, hostel space should be easier to allocate this near to the city. Are you and your party ready to disembark? If so, I can lead you to the nearest to begin the arrangement."

"One moment." Eriana turned. "Tor, Hashim, stay with the Visund for now. Lars? With me, to find a suitable hostel. Torvin, Ragnar, attend Ursula as is your duty. Kalmenar, attend me. I will take Semma and Bennet only as companions. The rest of you, keep yourselves ready for trouble."

There was a murmur of agreement and then the usual chaos as the men organized themselves. Once the shore party had gathered Eriana said to Osar, "If you would lead the way."

The man led them up a long gangway onto the bank and then on a road which wandered along the fronts of properties that faced the canal, a variety of bars, shops, flophouses and other amusements for the average traveler. Two blocks further on was a compound that turned out to be the nearest hostel. A conversation with the manager revealed that there would not be enough room for all those on the Visund but the next establishment would probably be able to satisfy them.

The next block was paved and held a number of stalls. Adin gave them a quick glance and then shook his head. They moved on to the next hostel compound which was a further block away. Here the manager assured them that he had room but was sceptical about the rank of his most distinguished guest. However, the sword on her back made him reserve his judgment. An agreement was made concerning the fees due for those who would be staying.

"Now, my good man," Eriana said to Osar once Lars had inspected the dormitories and found them adequate, "I must needs make an arrangement to meet your ruler the Arch-Count."

"Your Highness, such a request is above my station, but I can take you to someone who should be able to satisfy you. If you are content with the hostel accommodation then there should be enough time to travel into the city center to speak to him." He paused. "Your Highness, he may require some kind of fee before attending your request."

"I have met the like before," she replied. "Sometimes a fee or bonus is deserved, sometimes it is not." She stared at Osar until he shamefacedly nodded. "How far must we travel to meet this paragon?"

"Less than half a mark from here, Your Highness. Although it does not appear so, we are not far now from the center of the city. It should not take us long to reach his official residence. If all goes well you could have returned here within a bell or so."

"Do you tell me? Then lead the way."

While Lars returned to the Visund to get the crew ready to bring their gear to the hostel, Osar led Eriana's party outside and down a side road, directly away from the canal. The layout became clear as the route began to rise into the distance. The fine gravel road surface turned into carefully-laid stone slabs. The buildings either side began to look bigger, more solid and more impressive. Soon they emerged into a much larger square containing a more active market, which aroused the interest of many of the party.

"Master Osar, do you object if we should obtain goods in this market? There is no regulation?"

"Your Highness, there are many regulations concerning places such as these. Ah, I believe that you did mention earlier that you carried no trade goods."

"Indeed. Anything that we buy here would be only for the use of our company. Our healer there, Ursula, customarily visits markets to find herbs for her professional use. We also require lightweight cloth since the weather is now much warmer than when we began this journey."

"Of course, Your Highness. I noticed the unusual attire of your men. For such needs I see no impediment to your buying anything that is available here in the market. Ah, much warmer weather? If I may ask, how far have you traveled, then?"

"We began this journey at Dekarran, at the very mouth of the Sirrel, Master Osar. Do you yet know of such a place?"

"I have heard the name, Your Highness, but nothing more."

"It is a town at the mouth of the river Palar, which gives Palarand its name, I deem. There is a huge castle there guarding the narrow route from the sea into the river. But before that I came with the ship you saw from the lands of my father, Einnland, which lies far to the south and ten days journey upon the Shan ocean."

"I do not know those places, Your Highness. Ah, how many marks might that be?"

"I know not. From here to Dekarran, perhaps five hundred marks as the ptuvil flies, but of course by the river it will be more like fourteen or fifteen hundred. On the Shan?" Eriana shrugged. "From the land where I was born to Dekarran maybe one thousand, maybe more, maybe much more."

"Maker! To travel so far!"

They had begun walking through the center of the market, Ursula, Adin and Tyra keeping their eyes open for stalls which could be of interest. At this time of day most of the meat and fish stalls were empty but there were plenty of others plying various wares.

From one of the streets entering the square from the far side could be heard shouting. Osar stopped and turned. "Your Highness, I would advise caution. Regrettably Pakmal is a land of arguments and this may be one such. Normally those not involved would stand aside, lest they be caught up and by chance wounded, should the argument turn to cold steel."

"Hear that, girls?"

All around Ursula could be heard the sound of blades being loosened in scabbards. Suddenly she was glad that she had brought her basket!

"Master Osar," she asked, "are we in any danger here?"

"Mistress?"

"I ask your pardon. My name is Ursula, I am healer to the whole company."

"Mistress Ursula, the danger is very slight. All we can yet hear is distant shouting, which may be no more than a noble berating his servants... though, by the sounds, it is something else... and not the sound of steel that would normally signify an argument."

Eriana asked, "Master Osar, where is this person you brought us to see?"

He pointed. "That building there, Your Highness. If we can gain the doorway we should be safe within."

"Then let us go. I have already encountered Pakmal rivalries when we were in Yod."

The group began to cross diagonally through the market to reach the indicated property but before they could get there a man burst from the street where the noise originated, closely followed by a crowd of locals, most of whom were shouting and screaming at the runner. Several of the frontmost of the mob hurled stones and small blocks at the man, who cowered and dodged as he ran - straight at the party.

By the time the man noticed them he had almost reached them, which was just as well since those who had swords had all drawn them. His motion brought them close enough for Torvin and Ragnar to grab him and bring him into their circle of defense. The whole thing had taken bare seconds and everyone had acted instinctively.

"You are safe here, whoever you are," Eriana told him. "We intend you no harm."

The crowd stopped at the show of swords but stayed in the entrance of the street, calling names at the fugitive. Ursula took a quick look at him, noticing a bloody ear and other small wounds, probably from thrown stones. What arrested her survey was that the man's skin was black, so black she could not remember the last time that she had seen someone that color. Her eyes flicked down, noticing that although he wore tunic and tights, they were unusually styled, and that he also carried a strange sword in a decorated scabbard which was tucked sideways into his sash.

"Are you thief, robber, assassin?" Eriana asked. "We are strangers here and know not the local laws. Why do they pursue you?"

"The color of my skin," the man replied bitterly. His accent was another of his unusual features. "I have traveled far from the land of my ancestors and been received generously in many places, but not in Pakmal. This is a cursed land!"

"Let us get you out of the open," Eriana decided. "Master Osar, your advice?"

As she turned to Osar she saw that his face had a look of disgust, but he indicated the doorway.

"Let us get in there out of sight of the crowd, Your Highness. That may cause them to lose interest and go about their various businesses."

"Or they could invest the building," she responded. "However, the man is bleeding, he requires attention and we have a healer with us. Aye, the building is good enough for now. Bennet, lead the way."

The black man looked at her with astonishment. "Highness? There are no Kings in this forsaken land!"

"No," she replied, "but my father is indeed the King of a land, much more distant than this one. Can you walk so far as the door?"

"Yes. Highness." Ursula saw that blood trickled from rips in both legs of his tights.

"Bennet?"

"Highness."

They made the short distance to the doorway in a hurry, the market locals getting out of the way of the armed group. Some of the mob spilled into the street but, seeing their quarry protected and about to enter an imposing building, many gave up and withdrew.

Osar pushed open the door and led the way inside, to be met by a liveried servant.

"If you would tell Count Korboro that Her Highness Princess -" He looked up at Eriana.

She supplied, "Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand."

Osar finished, "- desires an immediate audience with him."

The servant asked, "And you are?"

Osar bowed. "Osar Barin's son, Port Inspector of the ninth district. Her Highness's ship has recently berthed there."

The servant bowed to Eriana. "If you would wait here, Your Highness, I will inform my master of your request." But then he turned to face the fugitive. "What is he doing here? Why is he bleeding?"

"My man," Eriana told him, "I cannot stand by and watch a man being stoned. I do not know what he may or may not have done but he deserves the just application of the law, not death meted out by a howling mob."

The servant's lips set but he said nothing else, merely bobbing his head and walking off.

"You see?" the man muttered. "Even he dislikes me. I do not understand why my skin should cause such trouble in one land but not in another."

"Ursula," Eriana directed, "see you to his injuries here in this hallway. I think it best if we keep him out of sight of this Count I am to see."

"A good idea, Highness."

There was a chair in the hallway, probably for use by the servant, but Ursula gently took the man's arm and led him to it. Reluctantly he sat while she put down her basket and opened it.

"Tyra? I'll need something to wipe him down."

"Aye, Mistress, but without water it will not be easy."

Ursula considered and then pulled out the bottle which Lars had presented to her at Faralan. She turned to the man.

"Let me have a look at that ear first. Ear wounds tend to bleed freely so it may not be as bad as it looks."

He had obviously been hit on the ear with a stone, possibly a cobble pulled from the roadway. She wetted a pad with the alcohol.

"This is going to sting a lot but it will stop any infection. Do you understand?"

"If it must be. It will not be the first time that I have been beaten."

The first touch of the pad made the man burst out in a strange, almost musical tongue. The words, Ursula discovered to her surprise, were swear words in a language new to her.

«I apologize. If we had some water it would not sting so much.»

His head jerked around, his eyes wide with astonishment. «You speak my language! How?»

«Keep still. Until you spoke I did not know that you spoke a different language or that I knew it. There.»

She peered at the ear, noting that although it had been badly scraped by whatever had hit it, nothing appeared to be seriously damaged. Fresh blood appeared but it flowed slower than before.

She turned. "Highness, if I put bandages all over him, which he does need, then he will be even more obvious when we leave here."

Any further explanation was interrupted by the appearance of the servant. "Your Highness, Count Korboro will see you immediately."

Eriana made a decision. "Gentlemen, ladies, put up your swords now that we are safe inside. Torvin, Ragnar, you remain here with Ursula and Tyra. Master Osar, Kalmenar, Bennet, Semma, come with me. Ursula, do what you can without using bandages. I agree with you, we have to get him back to the Visund, at least, and without inflaming that mob."

"At least." The implication is that he would be safer in the Green Ptuvil, hidden away as we did for Zakaros and Karan.

Eriana wants to get him out of Pakmal. I don't know how practical that is going to be if she has to stay here to meet with Arch-Count whatever-his-name-was. And what kind of rank is that?

We have played these games before. Let us see if we can do so again.

Eriana nodded at her group and then led them off along the corridor. The servant looked at both groups and then hurried after Eriana.

She does not change. I do not think I want her to.

The man asked her, "Who are you people? Why are you doing this for me?"

"We are travelers who arrived in Pakmal barely two bells ago. We are from a distant land -" the man snorted, "- and are visiting rulers along the way to bring news from King Robanar, who rules Palarand. None of us are Pakmals, in fact many of us come from different places. Tyra here is from Joth, these two are from Einnland... and I am from somewhere else entirely. There is a very long explanation of where we came from and why we are together. That can wait until we reach the safety of our ship."

"The mob won't stop there," the man said. "A ship won't be any protection for someone like me."

Ursula, Torvin and Ragnar all grinned. "You don't know us," she said. "Our ship has diplomatic protection -" she held up a hand to forestall the obvious objection, "- and it is manned by some of the fiercest warriors I have ever met. Now, perhaps we had better introduce ourselves while we have a moment of peace. I am Ursula, healer to the ship's company. My assistant is Tyra of Joth and these two are Rangar and Torvin, Norsemen now serving Palarand."

"Fair enough," he said. "Then I must tell you that I am Dithereen Matsuk Hakatoshi, most people in these lands just call me Tosh. I am a Kittrin, exiled from my lands and my people."