Eriana leads a small party to meet the ruler of Zebrin, Graf Nuel. He is anxious to hear first-hand accounts of conditions down-river and what happened to the Visund as it traveled. Her telling of their time in Pakmal causes an unexpected reaction.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

74 - Welcome to Zebrin

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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The tapping at the door was gentle but insistent. After a while, Ursula realized that it wasn't part of her dream but someone wanting to gain entry, someone who did not want to cause too much disturbance.

Then she remembered where she was and came fully awake. Disentangling herself from Eriana's arms, she slid out of bed and headed for the chamber door. Pausing halfway to consider, she changed course and made for the side chamber, opening the door as if she had just come from there. Then she continued to the main door.

"Mistress. I was becoming worried. It is getting late and breakfast will soon be served."

"Kaldar!" Ursula yawned. "I suppose that you had better come in. You'll want your potions first."

"As you say, Mistress."

The boy slipped through the door and Ursula closed it again. She indicated the side room and they both entered, finding Tyra just stretching and also yawning.

"Mistress. Have we overslept?"

"We have, Tyra. Considering that yesterday morning we woke up in Faralan, much has happened since. It is no wonder that we have all slept in."

"Yes." Tyra yawned again. "Should we be going down to the bathing block now, Mistress?"

"I'll give Kaldar what he needs first, I think. If you can drag yourself out of bed," a smile, "you could try and rouse the others."

"Of course, Mistress." Tyra climbed out of her bed and pulled on a light robe, ready to go downstairs, then leaving their small chamber.

Ursula pulled out her basket and found the bottles she required.

"It is just as well that I can make these up beforehand, or we would waste part of every morning," she remarked to Kaldar. "It is still early but have you noticed any differences yet?"

"My breasts seem a little smaller than I remember, Mistress, but that might be me wishing for the potions to work. I can't think of anything else."

"It will take time. Here." She handed him a spoonful which he took and swallowed.

"Oh, there is one thing, Mistress. My throat seems a little rough the last few days."

"Hmm. A thing to keep an eye on, I think. Here, this is the second one."

Kaldar swallowed the second spoonful. "Thank you, Mistress. I know it causes you work but I do appreciate what you have already done for me."

"That's what I am here for, Kaldar. Now, we had all better head for the bathing block before we make messes on the floor!"

Eriana was standing by her bed and blinking when they joined her.

"Ahh, a heavy night, I deem. Mayhap it was that wine they served."

"Good morning, Highness," Ursula greeted her. "I didn't think of the wine." A thought struck her and she added, "I wonder, we have had trouble with wine before. Perhaps someone had better enquire at the kitchen what exactly it was."

"Do you think so, Ursula? I do not feel as unwell as we did that other time, but anything is possible in these far-away lands. Aye, I will enquire, and see if we can obtain something that is a little gentler for our heads."

Matta and Vellana emerged from the other servants' chamber, both yawning and stretching. Eriana looked at the group with amusement.

"My! We have all had a heavy night, it seems. Ladies, shall we go and bathe?"

* * *

Breakfast was the usual traveling staples - the locals did not appear to have any knowledge of zurin or similar tasty morsels. Ursula noticed that everyone she could see drank plain water or pel and wondered if that had anything to do with last night's wine.

"I do miss my small beer in the morning," Eriana muttered, reaching for some fruit.

"Highness?" A passing servant heard her and stopped to attend.

"You should know that in the lands beyond Yod most folk drink beer or small beer in the morning. We are not so familiar with your wines, I regret."

"Oh! Highness, we did not know that you had come so far. It is true that some of the normal barge folk drink beer as you describe, it is possible that we could supply you if that is what you prefer."

Eriana's eyebrows rose. "Beer is available in this distant land? And do you know what is meant by small beer? That is, only slightly brewed, but enough to make the water safe to drink?"

The woman looked uncertain. "That I do not know, Highness. If I may return to the kitchens and make sure of my facts."

"You may go, but I must first ask if you have any beer in your kitchen stores."

"There is usually some, Highness, but those who reside in this hostel, of higher rank such as yourself, do not often request it. I will discover if there is any available."

"If some exists then I would ask you to bring me a sample. You should know that we have tasted liquids named beer in many places along the Sirrel on our journey and the quality has been different everywhere."

The woman curtseyed. "As you command, Highness."

As she departed Eriana remarked, "Strange that these people know beer when we have had trouble obtaining it in ports before we came to Zebrin."

Kalmenar said, "Highness, a major export from Zebrin is grain, which I understand is the main ingredient of beer. It is possible, therefore, that their farmers have gotten into the habit of making beer to satisfy their thirst while they tend their crops."

"Ah. Do you tell me? That may be of some use to us, then. From what Ursula says, it is possible that the wine we were served last night may have been of a special sort - not unlike the Celebration Ale we drank in Forguland."

Kalmenar grunted. "That would explain why we overslept this morning, I deem. I must ask Mistress Ursula if she intends to investigate the matter."

"It had crossed my mind, My Lord," Ursula replied. "I do not know if that can be done before we go to meet Graf Nuel or whether I will have to wait until we return here. Be assured that I will attend to it, My Lord, as soon as I can, since it may affect the fighting fitness of everyone who drank it."

"As you say, Mistress."

The servant returned, accompanied by a man in a white apron bearing a goblet.

He bowed. "Your Highness, we did not know that you preferred to drink as the ordinary bargemen do. If I may offer this sample from our small stock."

Eriana took the sample. "If I may ask your name?"

"I am named Torbin, Highness. I am the head cook for this hostel. It is my duty to see that all the guests who stay here are satisfied, so far as their eating and drinking preferences are concerned."

She drank a small amount. "This tastes similar to what we drank in Faralan, I deem, but nothing like as strong. Do I assume this is what you normally brew from the grain that you grow here?"

"It is as you say, Highness. Faralan? I thought they drank wine there. Those on the other side of the great river seem to prefer it, so I have found, perhaps because it is their main crop."

"Aye, they do, but a small amount of something like this is also brewed for those who pass on the river. How much of this have you available? I will warn you now, my men will prefer this to all other drinks if the supply is sufficient."

"Your men?" Torbin cast his gaze around the room at the seated diners. "I... see, Highness." His gaze grew distant. "I should be able to obtain enough, Highness, but likely not for today. Do I assume that your men will drink quantities of this beer?"

"You do, Master Torbin, especially if the weather remains hot. Some of them might drink twelve or more of goblets of this size."

He bowed again. "Then I will see what can be arranged, Highness. By your leave."

At the end of the meal Eriana signalled to the barge women, who had eaten together on the next table.

"Nethra? Were you successful?"

"Indeed, Highness, though we will need to refresh our supplies of ribbon and thread in the market before we depart Zebrin."

She carried a small bag which she gave to Eriana, who opened it and pulled out a selection of epaulet slides.

"Ah, good. This is what we need for today. Ursula, these two are yours, please make sure you are wearing them before we depart for the Graf's palace. Lars, these are for you, Tor, those two and Baros, here, your two. These last two are mine, I believe, yes. Nethra, ladies, this is excellent work and in so short a time."

"Thank you, Highness. The stars were awkward to do until Larys found a way."

Tor and Baros had been given Captain's bars. Those Eriana had given to Lars had a wide bar and a single narrow bar. Both Eriana's and Ursula's also had a wide bar; Ursula's had two six-pointed stars above the bar, Eriana's had four, all carefully embroidered.

Both Ursula and Lars looked at Eriana.

"Apparently those of Zebrin use signs like these to indicate their rank, so they will be looking closely at us when we appear officially before them. Lars, to converse properly with these people you need a higher rank and it is properly yours, I deem. It is a rank between Commodore and Under-Admiral. For now I will name it Force-Admiral.

"Ursula, you told me that we would in time require higher ranks than that of full Admiral, I believe this is the time we should begin using what was agreed in Faralan. One star for an Under-Director, I deem, two for a Director. I have not thought that we yet need anyone above a Director, until the service grows in time, but there is room. For me, as I am presently head of the service, I chose four stars. What do you think?"

"Highness," Ursula replied, "since you give us these just before we are due to leave there is little point in objecting! The idea is good enough for the purpose. I suspect that all our rank marks and other badges will change over time, it is what usually happens. For now, I am content with these."

A call came from the other end of the dining room. "Highness! Carriages come!"

Through the window several carriages could be seen entering the courtyard and turning. Eriana rose.

"Come! Ladies, Gentlemen, let us prepare to depart. They will permit us a few moments to make ourselves ready."

Ursula asked, "Highness, should I bring my basket?"

Eriana barely paused. "Not this time, Ursula. To appear before the Graf ready as for battle is not appropriate today, I deem. Today I am a representative of Palarand and you are one of the Directors of the Federation Navy. I suggest that Tyra carries what is necessary for every woman but nothing more."

I had overlooked that this is going to be a full audience. If I am to be a Director then I would not often be seen carrying a field medic's kit, at least to a first meeting with a ruler.

"Tyra, just the usual today."

"As you command, Mistress."

Ursual walked over to one of the other tables, where Zakaros and Karan sat uncomfortably alongside three of the crew.

"Karan, I must ask you to check over all our injured while I am away, since I have no idea how long this audience is going to take. I know you are competent enough to change dressings and clean wounds, anything that you do not feel comfortable doing you will have to make a note and tell me when we return."

The Yodan nodded. "As you desire, Mistress."

"Zakaros, have you enough to do this morning?"

"Aye, Mistress, Captain Tor is pleased with what I have already done and he asks me to do more on the Visund concerning its other cargo and supplies. I have to tell you that, although the new signs are still unfamiliar to my eye, I understand now why I am being taught them. The difference they make! I did not believe that such was possible. My eternal thanks to you, Mistress."

"That's good, Zakaros. Now the men have seen that you can be useful in ways they cannot, they may be more tolerant of your presence with us."

The Yodan nodded. "It is as you say, Mistress. Ah, should we remain in the hostel for now or are we permitted to venture forth? I am interested to see how those of other lands behave."

She thought. "This morning is a little strange, Zakaros, since we are newly arrived. If you will be patient and wait until we return from presenting ourselves to the Graf, perhaps we can go to the market this afternoon."

"I will await your command, Mistress."

For most of the party that would go it would mean an extra trip to the bathing block while some had to go upstairs and collect weapons. Eventually everyone trickled out into the courtyard to discover four well-kept carriages, each one attended by a liveried driver and two armed men as pillions. They were met by an officer, distinguished by a diagonal sash across his chest. He bowed to Eriana, who today wore a satin day dress, her own diagonal sash in the colors of Palarand and a thin gold fillet around her brow. Her normally tamed blonde hair now cascaded over her shoulders.

"Your Highness, if I may welcome you to Zebrin. I am Kornal Oznar of His Grace's personal guard. The first carriage is for you, it is His Grace's personal conveyance. Your assistants and honor guard may use the other carriages, I see that we have provided sufficient. All your party may sit inside, my own men shall suffice to carry you to the palace in safety."

"Thank you, er, Kornal Oznar? If I may ask, is that your name or is part of it a rank?"

"Kornal is a rank, Highness, in the forces under His Grace's command, above a Captain and beneath that of an Under-Marshal. In times of war a Kornal would command a regiment but in these days I have but two companies in my charge, both for His Grace's protection."

"Ah, I see. You must understand that, on our voyage here from Palarand, we have passed through many lands and all seem to use variations in their names for ranks. I wonder, if you could provide me at some time a list of the rank names used in Zebrin, it would help avoid confusion in our talks."

He bowed. "It would be my pleasure, Highness. I already know of the confusion caused by the many different rank names used along the Great Valley." He pointed to Ursula's rank slides. "If I may ask you to do the same for me, Highness. I see that Palarand has ranks unfamiliar to me either."

"Ah, I regret that today Ursula bears no rank from Palarand, Kornal. She is not of Palarand but from another land much more distant. Both of us, however, and Lars, the leader of my men, also carry ranks from the Sirrel Federation. Ursula and Lars wear uniforms and ranks of that organization while I, today, am but an envoy of Palarand."

"The, ah, Sirrel Federation? If I may ask what that is."

"I must needs speak with your liege first, Kornal. It is no secret but merely a matter of precedence. The Sirrel Federation is not secret and no doubt you will soon learn what little there is to know."

"Thank you, Highness." He gestured. "If you are ready to board, Highness."

Eriana climbed into the first carriage with Kalmenar, Bennet and Semma. Ursula, Tyra and Lars took the second while Eriana's 'honor guard' of eight filled the final two. With a shout and a jolt the procession departed, swinging out onto the access road and then, almost immediately, into another heading north away from the dock area. As in Pakmal, the road quality improved as they approached the city center, with mansions and other large buildings lining the streets.

The procession turned off at one point and passed through a small park filled with trees, manicured grass and walkways, to end at a set of double wrought iron gates. These were already open and the procession entered to pull to a halt outside the front door of the palace. Liveried flunkies appeared to open the doors and help the occupants alight.

"This reminds me of Robanar's palace in Palarand," Eriana remarked, carefully omitting to mention the difference in sizes.

"As you say, Highness," Oznar agreed. "It is my understanding that His Grace's grandfather attended a wedding in Palarand while he was yet young and determined that Zebrin should have a like residence for himself. I doubt not that much has changed in Palarand since those days."

"Since I am only recently arrived there I could not say, Kornal, but this looks like a fine building. Of course, conditions are different here than in Palarand, we are nearer the ocean and the storms can be fierce."

"As you say, Highness. It is true, we are more sheltered here but the rains still fall each year." He looked around, "I see that your entourage has now gathered, if we may proceed?"

Eriana inclined her head. "Of course, Kornal. If you would show us the way."

Oznar led the way in, along a wide corridor, to a set of double doors which were opened as the party approached. Beyond was a large chamber where the Graf would receive his visitors. They all entered and formed rows: Eriana in front with Kalmenar, just behind stood Bennet and Semma, then Ursula and Tyra, with the fourth row being a line of eight Norsemen with Lars standing at the end.

Eriana walked forward and curtseyed to the man sitting on what was obviously his throne. He was in his late forties to early fifties, broad and showing no signs of fat with a full head of graying hair. The face was square and clean-shaven, the eyes were hard and keen but there was no animosity in their gaze, only a broad smile.

"Your Highness, welcome to Zebrin. Be at ease here, while Zebrin is yet distant from Palarand we account one another friends. Word from your King reaches us regularly," a twist of the lip, "excepting of course during the recent squabble downstream. If I may introduce my family. This is my wife the Grafna Nalys, my eldest son Baron Nurin and his wife Baroness Endia, his brother Baron Parso and his wife Baroness Fasret.

Nuel gestured to a pair of uniformed men standing to one side. "In addition, here are my main military advisors. You have met Kornal Oznar already, this is Grand-Marshal Ethan who commands the armed forces of Zebrin and his deputy Marshal Norzo who is responsible for matters concerning the rivers."

Eriana bobbed again. This man was no fool and had to be taken seriously. From what she had already seen of Zebrin it seemed that Nuel excercised a firm hold over his country. While he claimed friendship with Palarand, they were far away and he had his own responsibilities to take care of.

"Thank you, Your Grace, for your welcome. I must needs ask your pardon, I will never remember all these names, or if I do I will not be able to match name to face!"

"I understand, Highness. It is customary but we are in like condition with our visitors, unless they be familiar. Do not concern yourself. It is no insult to ask for a name."

"Thank you again, Your Grace, for your understanding. If I may introduce my own party. Here is Baron Kalmenar of Palarand, he is my legal advisor, having some familiarity with these distant lands."

"Oh?"

Kalmena coughed and bowed. "Your Grace, when I was younger I traveled so far as Mirdul with my parents and others. But that was some years ago now. I am versed in the general laws concerning the Valley states, though perhaps not so much in the particular laws of each."

"Ah, I see. Highness, if you would continue."

Eriana turned and pointed. "My two female companions for the journey, Bennet and Semma, Guardswomen of the Royal Guard of Palarand."

Nuel frowned. "You permit your women to bear arms?"

Eriana smiled. "It is not I who permits, Your Grace, but my King. Though a woman may never be as strong as a man yet we may bear similar loads. Bennet, Semma and I have already had cause to use the blades we bear. Have you yet heard of the rebellion in Faralan? There we were forced to defend ourselves against rebel nobles from their northern slopes."

"Brief details of that fray have reached me, aye. You were there? Mayhap you would provide me with an accounting of the circumstance later, Highness. Who rules there now? Does Olva still hold sway?"

"He does, Your Grace, on behalf of Count Darkwin, who we have also met. The rebels were soundly routed."

"That is a relief. With the constant turmoil next door in Pakmal, the last thing I need is another unsteady land to my north!" His eyes furrowed. "But you said that you three ladies bore blades, I see no blade upon your person now."

"Your Grace, today I am but a representative for my King in Palarand. To wear a broadsword upon my back on such an occasion would be deemed an insult to you, thus I forebore. I will rely on my honor guard should my person be put in danger." She grinned impishly. "Besides, it does not go with my gown."

Nuel chuckled. "A broadsword? Highness, I do not know if you are being humorous but what you say is true enough. Have no fear for your person, or that of any of your entourage, we do not challenge custom here. Tell me, what of those behind you?"

Eriana turned. "If I may introduce Mistress Ursula, a healer and surgeon of great knowledge from the distant land of Alberta. As well as being the company healer she accompanies us as my close advisor. With her is her assistant Tyra."

Ursula curtseyed to Nuel. "Your Grace."

"Behind Ursula," Eriana continued, "are my honor guard led by our leader of Marines, Force-Admiral Lars."

Lars thumped fist to breast and Nuel looked interested.

"Force-Admiral? Marines? These are ranks and designations I do not know, Highness. If you would explain."

"Briefly, Your Grace, we are are an organization charged with creating water-borne forces for the Sirrel Federation. Both myself and Ursula also have ranks in that organization. Has word of the Federation reached you?"

"I have received word," the Graf replied cautiously. "I did not understand much of what was said and some of it alarmed me. Can you explain more?"

"Aye, Your Grace, I can, since I was present from the beginning at the talks that defined it and my signature is upon the document that created it. Know you that Simbran was also there and signed, even though his domain is distant from most of the others, and while we were in Faralan Count Darkwin also entreated us to permit him to sign. If you desire to learn more I would be happy to enlighten you. The Federation is not an instrument to bind lands and peoples as some have feared."

"Do you tell me? Simbran, eh, and even Darkwin? Later, perhaps we should sit down together and you may tell me all."

"If I may briefly add that marines are men-at-arms who customarily fight aboard or from boats and ships, Your Grace, rather than professional soldiers of the field or levies. There are different requirements for fighting that way."

"Something new, then. As you say, later, perhaps." Nuel glanced at the various people in front of him and came to a decision. "Highness, it is customary to offer food and drink at a first meeting, as you know, and there is much that I must needs discover about the wider world which you and your party have recently traveled through. If I may ask you to consider joining myself, my wife and sons for pel and a few tid-bits in our sitting room. The talk may become tedious, therefore I would suggest that your men-at-arms go with Kornal Oznar where they may enjoy food, drink and conversation of a more practical sort."

"As you desire, Your Grace."

In truth, Ursula thought, we do not have much choice, being guests in his palace. But it neatly separates the men from the women. I wonder if that was intentional?

Heh. The conversation that Kornal Oznar thinks he is about to have could be interesting! Still, after seeing what Eriana's men are capable of, I cannot think they will have much trouble if anything goes wrong.

Nuel gestured towards a side door. After the women of the party, plus Kalmenar, made their way towards it, Ursula noticed that the two sons fell in behind but their wives headed for another door on the opposite side. The chamber revealed was of a decent size and had sideboards, chairs and plenty of low tables. All waited until the Graf had found his customary seat with his family grouped around him. Eriana, Kalmenar and Ursula chose seats of their own while Bennet and Semma stood behind the Princess and Tyra took up station behind Ursula. As soon as everyone was settled servants entered by another door with trays of cups, plates of nibbles and steaming pots. These were scattered around the small tables, the servants poured and then departed.

Nuel gestured with a smile. "Please, my friends, eat and drink as you feel the need." He leaned over to find a reedlet and parchment. "Highness, I will leave it to you to decide where to begin."

Eriana gave a brief summary of events leading up to the war and Robanar's thinking about the future of the Great Valley. Since so many rulers and other representatives had arrived for Prince Keren's wedding, it had been the perfect opportunity to get together and come to some tentative decisions. Further talks proved that many of those present were ready for the next move; the Federation Treaty had been conceived, written and signed by many of the guests before they departed.

"I can see why those at the lower end of the Sirrel might feel the need," Nuel remarked. "I will agree that for too long Yod has been a pestilence to all. But surely you cannot expect the Ascendancy, defeated though it may be, to join such an enterprise?"

"Your Grace, the Ascendancy is legally no more. Those who belonged to it are being hunted down to answer for anything they may have done to Yod's people or others. Presently, with foreign troops upon its lands, the whole land is in turmoil. Our first visit was to a port which has decided that it no longer desires to be a part of Yod at all. It has changed its name from Zemmera to Tobeligo."

"Ah! That explains much. I have received vague reports of happenings in Tobeligo but could not discover it on any of our maps. I must needs - But I interrupt, Highness. If you would continue."

"As is custom," Eriana continued, "on our way from there to Yod City we briefly called at a small village on the river for lunch. There we learned that many of the normal folk of Yod desired little to do with those of the Ascendancy, and indeed, once the Ascendancy fell they disposed of their own Commissioner - permanently."

"Interesting. Of course, we in Zebrin heard only what those who ruled wished us to hear. Spies and informants, you will understand, were not encouraged. So you resumed your voyage."

"Aye, Your Grace. We arrived at the capital and immediately saw that, while those of the Allied forces held sway there, there were internal disagreements among them. Your Grace," she explained, "with so many militaries from at least six lands there it could be no other way."

He nodded. "As you say. For me, it is a wonder that those of the Allied lands even managed to defeat Yod. With Pakmal causing dissent -"

She held up a hand. "Your Grace, Pakmal is not party to the actions of the Allies. It appears to have taken its own chances while those of the Ascendancy were distracted elsewhere. I speak only of lands downstream of Yod, all of whom have sent troops to assist the defence of Ferenis and Forguland. Until we traveled beyond Yod few of Pakmal had met any of the Allied occupying troops."

He raised eyebrows. "Do you tell me? Interesting."

She resumed, "In Yod City we went about our business as travelers. There has been some destruction in the outer parts of the city, though I was assured that this had been caused by Yodans fighting amongst themselves, not by troops from other lands. By chance Ursula uncovered a nest of the Ascendancy in their Directory of Healing, where she had thought to obtain supplies. The following day an assassin was sent to our hostel but by fortune he was subdued by Semma and Tyra."

"He could not have been very efficient, then, if two of your women could overcome him."

Eriana snorted. "Your Grace, he was efficient enough but did not expect us women to fight back. He was attired as a Yodan woman to slip into our quarters and had a number of knives about his body, all poisoned. The Allied port authorities took him away, stripped him and held him for questioning, but they failed to find a last blade with which he then killed himself."

Nuel nodded. "My apologies, Highness. It seems that your people do know their business."

"It is a natural assumption to make, Your Grace," Eriana replied with a grin, "since it depends on what someone is familiar with. We do not claim to be better than any man but we may do what is required of us when needful."

She continued, "We departed the city soon afterwards and thought to stop for the night in a creek where our pilot thought that lodging should be available. Unfortunately the village was held by renegade troops who were capturing unwary travelers who ventured that way." The grin was fierce. "This time it was them who were unwary! A short battle disposed of those who held the village but there were more nearby. We discovered their lair in a farm on the path to Bakmenek, do you know that name?"

"I do not, Highness. If you would give me some names? I will consult my maps later to see where you went."

"Surely, Your Grace." Eriana spelled out the names of the villages and Bakhmenek. "They had already captured and looted three barges when we arrived, killing most of the men and imprisoning the wives and remaining menfolk. The surviving men were tasked as slaves to do their heavy work... you do not need me to tell you why they desired the women."

Nuel's expression was as grim as Eriana's. "Indeed not, Highness. Though, tell me, how many were there of these renegades?"

"We think somewhere around seventy, Your Grace." She gave him an apologetic smile. "We dealt with them in portions as we came across them, the numbers became confused. Indeed, some had already succumbed to bad food before we arrived. Those who were killed we burned, as is the custom here. The rest were given to the Allied authority in Bakhmenek, their commander a knowledgeable Marshal from Ferenis. Of the renegades, six were still under the impression that they were at war, we think their belief to be honest, those have been treated as minor criminals for their actions, the others have all been executed."

"Seventy, you say? And you were, what, thirty? Impressive."

She sniffed. "At Boldan's Rock, Your Grace, we faced five times that number if not more. But not all those thirty are warriors, some are my sailors or otherwise not able to fight. My ship the Visund also carries those who might be considered passengers, such as Lord Kalmenar, Ursula and our pilot Hashim. In addition we have picked up others along the way for a number of reasons, Your Grace, none of whom could presently wield any weapon."

"Ah, as you say. So you departed Bakhrad, then..."

"It was not so simple, Your Grace. We could not leave those who the renegades had imprisoned behind. The five surviving women would not approach any man, to begin with, and all were so weakened by what they have been forced to do, that we must needs bring them with us. They could not be carried aboard the Visund, there are too many men and it is an open hull, but by chance one of the captives had inherited one of the three barges. An agreement was struck and thus I no longer command a ship but a tiny flotilla."

"Ah, that explains your second vessel, then. A port official reported your arrival to me and mentioned the unusual construction of both. You have converted the holds of the barge into accommodation, I deem?"

"As you say. It has two holds, one now houses the men and the other the women. Sometimes I even travel with them myself. So, we departed, as you say, and set off upstream once more. The barge is more vulnerable than my ship, having a greater draft and few oars, and we were spotted by a pirate galley. The Visund managed to draw them off and grounded them on a sandbank, but by then they had already used their guns to damage the sail. We must needs put into port to repair it, we landed at... what was that place called, Ursula?"

"Tserikon, Highness." To Nuel she added, "Your Grace, Tserikon is just a small Yodan fishing port. We were forced to go there to repair the sail damage. Highness?"

Nuel raised a hand. "A moment, Highness, if I may. What is a gun?"

"A gun? Oh, mayhap you do not know that word. Perhaps you may have heard them named as Thunder Pipes?"

"I have heard that name, aye, but although there have been rumors of new Yodan weapons, possibly with that name, we have no proof in Zebrin that any such exists. Do you tell me they are real? What are they?"

"A new weapon, as you say, Your Grace. Those of Palarand have faced them on several occasions. We have faced them, at Boldan's Rock, in Bakhrad and from the pirate galley, though fortunately with no injuries or deaths the most recent times. Ah, a crude form would be easy enough for your people to make but their effect on the waging of war is considerable. Those of the Federation are naturally cautious about spreading that knowledge since, in the wrong hands, such weapons would destroy your whole society."

Nuel appeared shocked. "And Yod had these, these Thunder Pipes? Maker! How, then, did the Allied forces, as you name them, succeed in defeating such a formidable foe?"

Eriana shrugged. "They may be formidable, aye, but the art is difficult and obscure. Those of Yod did not even trust their own people with the knowledge, saving only a few picked officers and artisans. Only a small number of the weapons were produced before Yod fell. They have disadvantages as well, Your Grace. I would suggest a private conversation when we will be able to explain more to you. I intend no insult to any of your family here, but to even speak of such matters in mixed company could be dangerous. In time, knowledge of these weapons will of course spread, since many on both sides will have seen them, but seeing them and making them are two different matters."

Nuel sat back and reflected before nodding. "As you say, Highness." He stared Eriana in the eye. "It may be dangerous to permit many to know of such weapons but I rule Zebrin, the safety of my people are my concern. If we may speak later about this... what did you name it again?"

"A gun, Your Grace. At that time I shall also explain where that word comes from. That touches upon another matter which you should be informed about - in private."

"Very well, Highness. This afternoon, after your nap, perhaps?"

"As you desire, Your Grace. Where was I? Oh, yes, in Tserikon. Aye. That is merely a small fishing port, once the sail was repaired we moved a few marks further on to Wadek for supplies."

Another nod. "I know the place."

"There we met those of Pakmal for the first time. They fought amongst themselves before we had even made our way off the pontoons! The argument was stilled by their senior Marshal ignoring his underlings and walking down the pontoons to greet us. He had taken the time to discover who we were, and he gave us a decent welcome."

"This Marshal, do you remember the name?"

"Field-Director Botanno, Your Grace." Eriana flipped a hand. "Marshal, Director, there are too many ranks! In our new Navy we must needs make even more, just to be different than everyone else. It is no wonder troops from different lands have trouble when they meet."

"Navy? Another new word. What is that, Highness?"

Eriana grimaced. "I have distracted myself! Your Grace, it is the name for the new waterborne force. If I may continue with our journey? I will explain all later."

"As you wish, Highness. Botanno, eh? I know him by reputation only, but those who have met him say that he is to be relied on. Would you agree?"

Eriana hesitated, thinking about all that had happened since. "Aye, Your Grace, of all those of Pakmal he is the most reliable I have met. He reads his dispatches, he is clear in his duty, he is honest. I doubt not there are other of his ilk but we have met none so far. Ah, we had arrived at Wadek."

"As you say."

"The Pakmal forces seemed to have the situation under control but were reluctant to go out into the countryside, Your Grace. There were five galleys moored there of which two bore Pakmal colors, the others being war booty. The problem Botanno faces is that he only has enough men to fully crew one galley and half of the other. His men are mostly levies and are reluctant to pull oars. Thus, despite their vessels, they undertook river patrols only under protest."

Nuel pursed his lips. "The situation is even worse than I feared, Highness. That means that the stretch of river between here and the borders of Yod has only a rustic portion of Faralmark and those of Upper Fanir to patrol them. From my own knowledge, Upper Fanir is too weak to provide patrols of its own. Therefore, that stretch presently has little protection against pirates, of which we have heard several recent rumors."

Eriana raised an eyebrow. "Do you tell me? Do the pirates have galleys? Where do they lair?"

The response was dry. "If I knew that, Highness, I would have sent out my own galleys and dealt with the vermin. All we know is that expected arrivals are missing and there are reports of unidentifiable burned-out wreckage on sandbanks."

"It is possible that the galley we stranded may be one of those you sought, Your Grace. But that was a long way downriver, near to the Fanir island." She grinned. "Still, we have dealt with pirates and renegades on several occasions already, we are prepared should they appear once more."

"Your party is strong, you have many fighting men which an average barge does not, Highness."

"That is partly true, Your Grace. I must also disagree with you concerning Upper Fanir. When we reached Faralan we found two galleys there and, indeed, were met upon the Sirrel by one. Upper Fanir, though accounted a weak land, knows its own danger and desired to join the Federation immediately we arrived. Simbran of Faralmark had passed through on his way home from Princess Garia's wedding and extolled to them its benefits. However, before they could sign, a rebellion arose from their northern provinces and we were forced to assist in denying the rebels."

"Do you tell me?" Nuel sat up, interested. "This is news indeed."

"When those of Yod invaded Upper Fanir," she explained, "they sought to murder all those who might in time lead resistance to their rule. They imagined that they had succeeded but, unknown to them, Count Darkwin had survived, though greviously wounded. He was forced to hide until the invaders were thrown out and has only recently begun taking an interest in his duties. Other nobles from their northern uplands, so we were told, disputed his right to rule and led columns to attack Faralan." She smirked. "By chance, you understand, we were there, as was a visiting galley from Faralmark which was full of marines. They -"

Nuel held up a hand again. "One moment, Highness. You mentioned that word before. What are marines?"

"It is the name given to the armed soldiers who customarily live and work aboard galleys or other vessels, Your Grace. Those men are professionals, not levies, and have different training compared to your usual men at arms. They will fight other vessels or, at need, go ashore to carry out some task."

Nuel wrote notes on his parchment. "Interesting, Highness. You will provide more details should there be the need?"

"As much as I am able, Your Grace. There is no secret to their existence or use. Thus, with the help of those of Faralmark, together with troops loyal to Count Darkwin, the rebellion was defeated and order restored. Following that event Darkwin made his desire to join the Federation plain and, since we had documents available to enact his wish, it was made so."

Nuel frowned. "How could that be? From what you have told me your Federation is presently the other side of Yod."

"Not so, Your Grace. Faralmark is already a member and I am an officer of that Federation, charged with organizing waterborne forces."

"I must needs speak with my intelligencers, I deem," he muttered, "there appears much that they may have missed. So both Faralmark and Upper Fanir are part of this Federation. I must learn more but," he waved a hand, "later, I deem. Did you have any further trouble in Faralan?"

"No, Your Grace. We departed there but two days ago and headed for Pakmal." Eriana grimaced. "Once we arrived there I asked to meet the Arch-Count but instead was taken to Count Korboro, who said that he could arrange such a meeting."

"Korboro!" Ursula noticed that everyone in the room suddenly became tense. "How did you treat with him, Highness? Know you that he is a very dangerous man."

"Of course we knew nothing of that, Your Grace, when we met him," Eriana answered. "He thought me a young girl, a foolish Princess he could milk for all the coin I carried. It was not to be, however. Using us as pretext, his manservant murdered him before our eyes, blaming us for the deed."

Nuel half-rose from his chair. "What! He is dead? You are certain of this?"

"Your Grace, I have watched many men die before my gaze, I can attest that he is entirely dead."

"Heard and witnessed, Your Grace," Ursula added. "In fact, seen and witnessed."

"This may... complicate matters," Nuel said, exchanging glances with his sons as he sank back into his seat. "Nurin, alert the Guard. Parso, go to my intelligencers, make certain they know of this new development."

"Aye, Father."

Both rose, nodded to their father and then hastily made their way out of the room.

"Yet you are here, Highness," Nuel noted to Eriana. "How, then did you and all your folk escape?"

"A long tale, Your Grace, and best told later to those who know most about your relations with Pakmal. Ah, we were forced to bring two away with us, a wandering Kittrin we stumbled across and a port official who witnessed the murder, his life is no doubt in extreme danger."

"A Kittrin? Does he perchance go by the name of Toshi?"

"Aye, Your Grace, and since he desires to travel downstream, he has joined our company and will remain with us until we reach Palarand once more."

Nuel nodded. "We know of him, he is of minor consequence. I remember that he was forced to depart Zebrin recently in some haste. Tell him that he is presently in no danger here, especially if you speak for him."

"I do, Your Grace. We will ensure that he comes to no harm."

"The other one, what of him?"

"He is a Pakmal port official, Your Grace, named Osar. He is concerned that Korboro would have had connections here who will exact revenge upon him. It is likely he will ask you for sanctuary."

"He would not travel with you, like the Kittrin?"

Eriana spread her hands. "He still has a family in Pakmal, Your Grace. He desires to contrive some means to bring them over here to safely join him."

"I see." Nuel considered for a while. "A fugitive Pakmal official, here, may present more of a problem to us, Highness. Those in authority over there may desire him to be returned for questioning. However, until we make any firm decision tell him that we of Zebrin will not abandon him. Given the situation, I regret that any such decision may take some days."

"You have my thanks, Your Grace. I would not condemn anyone who just happened to be in the wrong place to witness such a deed."

"Nor would I, Highness."

Nuel dug into his pouch, pulled out a cloth and wiped his forehead with it. "Know you that Korboro did have connections and influence here in Zebrin, Highness. If he is truly gone then we may now apprehend many of those here without interference, I deem, at least those who do not yet know of his death. We must needs act quickly before they learn of it." He stood quickly, holding out a hand to prevent his wife also rising. "I must leave you now, issue instructions. This is a rare opportunity to rid ourselves of some noxious vermin. By your leave, Highness."

"Of course, Your Grace. I can see the need."

"Remain you here, if you would, and speak gentler tidings with my wife the Grafna. I am sure that you will have much news to exchange, not least the interesting attire that some of you wear today. If you may call again later this afternoon, once the heat of day has passed? I shall offer you all an evening meal to properly welcome you to our domain."

"We would be delighted, Your Grace. Until then."

With a nod, Graf Nuel turned and strode from the room.