Eriana's revelation has disturbed the ruler of Zebrin who alerts his forces. However, his wife is more interested in the attire of their visitors. Other visitors appear at the hostel, raising suspicions which are soon confirmed. Later, Kaldar has a request.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

75 - Conversations and Criminals

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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Eriana looked at Grafna Nalys. "I did not expect so extreme a reaction, Your Grace. Was Korboro so evil? It did not seem that way when we met him, saving only that he seemed somewhat greedy."

Nalys sighed. "Highness, Korboro is, was, as a spider who sits in the middle of a web controlling everything. He stayed out of sight but let his many sworn men impress his authority on whoever strayed too near. He exacted tribute from many, though Nuel has managed to limit his activities over here. Still, he has some number of men in Zebrin, particularly about our city, who will inform him of any transgression and make reply.

"He has threatened Nuel on several occasions after some scheme of his was discovered but the response of Zebrin has been firm enough to convince him that he would not profit by persisting. Still, while he could not bend Nuel to his will there are many others here with interests in Pakmal who have felt his breath on their necks."

"Gods! It seems that we were fortunate, then. I have to tell you that we were not party to what happened, save to see it with our own eyes. I deem that his manservant had been waiting some few years for such an opportunity and we provided it."

"As you say, Highness. Newly arrived in Pakmal you could not have known what he was."

"If I may ask, are there others of his kind in Pakmal?"

"Two or three, Highness, but Korboro was the worst we know of. They are content, as I have said, to sit quietly and manage as they desire without disturbing those who think they rule that land. Sometimes those others will agree to some joint enterprise, or to exist peacefully one with another, other times two may decide strife between them is the only remedy. Of course, the ordinary folk of Pakmal are the ones who suffer from all this."

"Then I am glad we did not remain in that land. Zebrin seems a much safer place, if I may say so."

"As you say, although appearances can deceive. We are generally a quieter land but there are always those who desire some other way to live, and often that is by the labors of others. Is it not so everywhere?"

"Indeed so, Your Grace. In traveling along the Sirrel I am astonished by what we have found in every land we have come to. Fortunately most folk seem to accept the rule of law in those lands."

"If I may, Highness, we should leave such serious matters until my husband returns. Tell me, I see unusual attire on all your women. Is this some new fashion beyond Yod?"

Eriana smiled. "In some measure, Your Grace. Ursula and her assistant do wear attire that is becoming fashionable in Joth, but only after those of Joth saw them wearing their dresses! They were intended as a simple outfit that could be worn while traveling on the river, where, as you may know, it can become very hot. The skirts are slightly shorter to permit free movement about our ship but without outraging modesty," she grinned, "too much. The flare is enough to permit free movement yet not enough to be raised by the breeze. Tyra, if you would stand forward and turn around to show the Grafna your ship dress."

Tyra did so and twirled to show the back before retreating behind Ursula's chair.

"I see! So simple and yet so cooling! But I do not see any laces."

"Indeed not, Your Grace. We simply pull them on over our heads. The cut is designed to permit air to flow freely, thus keeping the wearer cool. I will add that the cut is not so simple as it may appear but requires forethought by the seamstress for the material to fall properly."

"Ah, I see. I will admit that, even though our day attire is well designed for our warmer months, it can still become too hot sometimes. May this design be copied freely, do you know?"

"You raise an interesting point, Your Grace. As worn by Ursula and Tyra the dresses have actually become a uniform for the female members of the waterborne forces I am charged with raising. Together with the summer uniform my men wear, also designed by those of Joth, there is freedom for all to copy and make locally similar designs without restriction. You should know that we have had enquiries from the militaries of almost every land we have visited for such designs, saving only those of Yod."

"Ah, I see, so these are all uniforms, then? May others not wear such designs?"

"In practice the designs are so useful, Your Grace, that many have already copied them, or made like designs, for non-military use. I doubt not that you will see many such examples at your ports in the years to come. They are too useful, too comfortable. Know that I normally wear a ship dress like those of Ursula and Tyra, but today I present myself only as an envoy of Palarand and attire myself accordingly."

"As you say. I must say, Highness, that the day attire of Palarand suits you perfectly."

Eriana's smile was rueful. "Therein lies another long tale, Your Grace, but better left for another day."

"Mayhap, Highness. What then, of those who stand behind you? Their attire is even more unusual than that of your healer and her assistant."

Eriana smiled. "These two are full members of His Majesty's Palace Guard, Your Grace, and this is their normal uniform. Their uniform was designed by Princess Garia to make it possible for women to defend themselves against anyone, man or woman. They can use those swords and other weapons and may even subdue a foe with their bare hands should it become necessary."

Nalys was astonished. "Women in your Palace Guard? Is Palarand so bereft of men that it must needs admit women, then?"

"Indeed not, Your Grace! When Princess Garia arrived - she was not Princess then, of course - it is told that she could defeat every man of the Palace Guard without even using any weapons. It was pointed out that there would always be occasions when any woman could not be accompanied by a man yet might need to defend herself. Garia proved this point on at least two occasions when those of Yod sought to kidnap her."

"This Princess Garia, she is real, then? The tales that have managed to come past Yod from the lower Sirrel have been so wild that neither Nuel nor myself know what to believe!"

Eriana nodded. "She is definitely real, Your Grace. She is a little younger than me and perhaps half a stride shorter. Yet her abilities easily surpass my own, indeed, it was she who taught me almost all the warfare that I now know. When we first arrived at Robanar's court we did not know her abilities and she easily proved to my crew that, although they have always borne weapons since early childhood, as is the custom in the lands of my birth, against her they could not prevail at all. Your Grace, it was a sobering moment for all of us."

"So Princess Garia teaches who, exactly? The Palace Guard? Men? Women?"

"To begin with she has used the Palace Guard as her base, Your Grace. Having watched her fight, Robanar permitted her to teach a small number of men who then became instructors for the next batch, so to speak. By that manner the King intends that all his men should in time be able to fight as she does. In addition, she also taught Prince Keren. She has told me that she kept being asked by women servants in the palace corridors if they could benefit from her teaching and Captain Merek chose four to discover if such a scheme would work, having both men and women in the Guard.

"The scheme worked so well that two of those first four accompanied me to Boldan's Rock and back and Bennet and Semma here are two of the next four. There are of course precautions to be taken where men and women share the same accommodations but so far there has been little trouble. Other lands have learned of the experiment and have tried similar schemes. Joth now has a separate women's regiment and Ferenis and Forguland each have a women's service. Those women do not directly face any foe, it is true, but act as scouts, spotters and couriers about the field of battle."

"Do you tell me?" The Grafna shook her head with bemusement. "But surely, now that Yod is defeated, will not those women go back to their customary activities? What, after all, can be more important than the raising of children?"

Eriana replied, "Your Grace, the world is changing. Palarand has such need for men to fill all the new jobs that, aye, women must needs be employed. Some few will remain as female warriors, it is true, and others will bear and raise children as they have always done, but many have already found new careers making things and performing tasks normally left to men."

She paused, considering how to continue, but the door opened and Nuel reappeared. He nodded to Eriana and his wife and regained his seat.

"As they passed," Nuel explained, "my sons had already impressed some urgency on those I wished to instruct so they were aware of their duties. Highness, I must needs apologize for my abrupt departure, it could be considered an insult to a visitor such as yourself. I am here once more, let us continue. My dear," he addressed his wife, "have you discovered why our guests wear that fascinating attire?"

Nalys leaned forward, her eyes alight. "I have indeed, husband, and it seems that the subject should interest even you! Her Highness tells me -"

- - -

At about the same time, six men sauntered in through the gate of the hostel and took measure of their surroundings. Two wore yellow and black while the other four wore nondescript tunic and tights. All wore swords and the escort also carried clubs. As they entered there were distant whistles but these men ignored them. One of those on the walkway around the courtyard stood and came out to meet them.

"You look for someone?"

"I do. I am looking for the captain of the big ship which recently arrived."

"Yah. I fetch."

Shortly three men emerged from the dining room: Tor, Baros and Hashim.

"I am Captain Tor of the Visund. Is there problem?"

The leading official looked down at a parchment in his hand. "Uh, Captain, there has been an irregularity in your arrival. I am asked to conduct a survey of your cargo to discover goods forbidden in Zebrin."

Tor looked at Baros, who answered, "We carry no cargo, Master. Everything on our vessels is the personal property of the ship owner or her crew."

"That does not matter. I am ordered to search for contraband." The man looked between Tor and Baros. "Who are you?"

"I am the Captain of Her Highness's other ship, Master. My friend here does not speak your tongue so well so I am helping out."

"Two ships? We were not informed..." The man consulted his documents. "I must insist on a search of both vessels, then."

On the veranda, small groups of men had gathered, alerted by the whistle code. Near Stine, who was sitting in a chair with his leg propped up, were Adin, Zakaros, Karan, Kaldar and Toshi. The Kittrin had part-concealed himself behind the others, and with good reason. He gripped Karan's arm and the Yodan turned.

"I know two of those men! They are part of the gang that sought me when I was here before."

"The ones in yellow or the others?"

"The others. They have come to find me, I am sure."

Zakaros put a calming hand on Toshi's arm. "Maybe. There are other reasons why they may be here. Do you forget who is now dead in Pakmal?"

Toshi dropped his hand. "Yes. Of course. But -"

Adin leaned down towards Stine. «Blow known enemy, Stine.»

«Yah. Also surround and capture, I think. Princess will want to speak to these.»

He fished out his own whistle and softly blew a sequence of notes. Some of the others on the verandah promptly disappeared from view while others made certain that their weapons were ready.

"What's that sound?" the official asked, looking around.

Tor gestured towards Stine. "Injured man. Cannot walk. He asks for something."

Hashim stepped forward. "You cannot search either vessel, my man. Do you not understand that they are in a berth reserved for diplomatic vessels? If you set foot on either then Zebrin would be at war with Palarand."

"That is nonsense!" The man said, but his face showed that he had overlooked that slight detail. "There is nothing here to indicate that your ship is anything other than a normal trader."

"Then you are misinformed, my man. Go away and return when you have discovered the truth. There will be no searches conducted on either of Her Highness's vessels today."

Tor smiled. "Hashim, these will not be leaving." He pointed to the line of men blocking the carriage entrance, three with crossbows loaded and aimed. "Whistle told of enemies. Maybe these are not real officials?"

The startled men paused for a moment, surprised at being revealed so soon. Then they burst into action. The two in yellow grabbed Tor and pushed him in front of them, using him as a shield against the crossbows. The other four grabbed Baros and Hashim, angling them in different directions as shields, but it was too late. Norsemen rushed across the courtyard intent on dealing with the intruders. Two of the intruders pulled their swords, intending to use their captives as hostages, but the Norse were upon them before they could even raise their weapons.

The fight was short and ugly.

«Bind them,» Tor commanded, looking at the six sprawled on the cobbles, swords at their throats. «We'll find somewhere to keep them until Princess returns.»

Someone asked, «Should we inform somebody? Get help?»

«If it is only these few then we have already taken care of them,» Tor decided, «but you have a point. Two to watch the front, two at the back. The rest of you, keep your gear near to hand.» He switched languages. "Baros, Hashim, who can we tell?"

The two looked at each other before Baros replied, "We have two in some kind of local uniform, which means that we do not know who to trust, is that so?"

"Yah. But we are few if more come."

"Understood. What about that sentry at the pontoon gate? He sounded as if he knew what was going on, which these two did not."

"Yah. Good idea. One of you go?"

Baros nodded. "I'll do it. The sooner somebody knows these six have been here, the happier I will be."

He gave Tor a brief nod and walked out of the courtyard. Hashim bent down and came up with the bundle of documents the 'official' had been holding.

"I don't know where he got these but they are nothing to do with us," he said, reading them. "Look, this one is an order to survey the cargo of... what is that? Palim's Promise, I think. Oh, I know them, the owner names all his barges that way. I'm surprised his business survived the war. Let's see, the next one is simply a list of craft known to be in port... three days ago. Captain, these are probably genuine documents but out of date and nothing to do with any of us."

Tor grunted. "They came here for something but what? Can do little till Princess returns. Maybe Baros brings help to us first."

"But how will we know who is help and who is more like these?" Hashim jerked a thumb at the intruders.

Tor gave Hashim an old-fashioned look. "Not a help, friend. Must use wits when new folk come."

"As you say, Captain."

* * *

Eriana was surprised by the tense behavior of those in the courtyard when her procession returned to the hostel, tenseness which only relaxed when she climbed out of her carriage. Tor hurried across to meet her.

«What has happened, Tor?»

«Six men came. Two pretended to be port officials.» He shrugged. «Maybe they are, but still in pay of enemy. Tried to take me, Hashim and Baros hostage,» a grin, «did not take long to subdue. We have them in one of the downstairs offices.»

«Is that why there are soldiers on guard outside? Six men? How did you know they were not real?»

«Officials had some kind of uniform, the other four did not, but carried weapons.» Tor gestured. «Our black friend recognized two of those others, they are of a gang he had trouble with when he was here before.»

«Ahhh. If he had not been here you might not have known. Anybody hurt?»

A shrug. «A few bruises, no more. Karan checked them over. Nothing to concern Ursula.»

Kornal Oznar came around from the other side of the carriage, where he had dismounted from his frayen. "Highness, Captain. You look serious, has there been a problem?"

"Kornal, six men came to the hostel earlier, while we were away. Though two were attired as officials, it would seem, two of the others were recognized as being gang members who had previous dealings with our Kittrin. There was a short argument and the men have been..." She turned to Tor. «What did you say you have you done with them?»

"Tied up in downstairs office, Highness."

Hashim walked across to join the group. "Highness, the officials carried documents which were old and had nothing to do with us. I am guessing it was just a pretext to get within... or perhaps to have a look at our vessels. We are not sure. One official spoke of searching the Visund for contraband, he did not know about the Green Ptuvil, and he had not realized that we were berthed in a restricted area."

Oznar whistled. "There is ill intent here, Highness. If I may examine these men."

"Of course, Kornal."

By now the other carriages had been unloaded and Ursula and Lars came to join the group.

"What has happened, Highness?"

Eriana nodded at Hashim and he briefly explained what had happened.

"Is that why there are soldiers outside?"

"Aye, Mistress," Hashim replied, "Baros went across to the pontoon gate guard and raised the alarm. Since two of the men were in uniform there is a risk that some of the soldiers could be suspect but we have had no trouble from them."

"Thank you, Hashim. The question I must ask," Ursula said slowly, "is, how did those men know that their master had died? We arrived fairly late in the afternoon, was there time for someone to bring the news across - and to link it with us?"

Hashim said, "Mistress, you assume that these men are connected to the murdered man in some way. To my mind they could just be the local criminals looking for a vessel to loot. The Visund is distinctive and everything in it is on view, it is possible they just wanted to see what they could get away with."

Oznar objected, "But your two vessels are in a restricted area. If the two in uniforms, are, in fact, genuine officials then they would have known that."

Eriana resolved the discussion. "Gentlemen, it seems to me that the best way to find out the truth is to ask them. Thinking of possible reasons for what has happened is, perhaps, a useful thing to do but proves nothing. Come, let us look at these criminals."

The group began to walk towards the rear entrance to the side wing where the small offices were, next to the dining hall.

Oznar remarked, "The Mistress does have a point, Highness. If these folk did learn of their master's death then they could only have learned of it after both your vessels had departed."

"That should not be a problem," Ursula responded. "We were checked by a customs vessel after we crossed the river and were given directions where to berth. Do the customs men check every vessel and keep a list of who they stop? If so, that should narrow down the number of likely suspects."

The Kornal nodded. "A sensible suggestion, Mistress. Aye, they do note down who arrives and who departs, their list should tell us in what order. I will see what we can discover from yesterday's lists."

"Do not forget this morning's lists, Kornal," Eriana advised.

"As you say, Highness. There is early morning traffic of messengers and the like, I will include them."

Inside it was easy to see which room held the men since two Norse stood outside with drawn swords. Two more were inside the doorway but none were threatened since the six men were firmly tied to chairs. One of the 'officials' let out a sigh of relief when he caught sight of Oznar.

"Sir! Thank the Maker you have come! Take us away from these bloodthirsty barbarians, I beg you."

The Kornal raised an eyebrow. "Barbarians, are they? I have just spent some time at the palace with those men and, to my mind, they are better trained than I am. Enough. Who are you and why have you come to a hostel reserved for visiting diplomats?"

"Edrian, Sir, of the Customs Authority. I was given instruction -"

"By whom?"

"Ah, uh... I forget his name, Sir. Not my superior but another of like rank who accosted me when I arrived for work this morning."

"Indeed? We will discover the truth, I deem. What did this man tell you to do?"

"He, ah, said to investigate a strange craft that had appeared late yesterday afternoon for contraband. He said that, because of its origin, it was likely to contain illegal goods."

"Did he give this craft a name?"

"No, Sir, but he said it would be easy to recognize as it was very large and had no deck."

"What about those here with you? Who are they?"

"Uh, the man to my left is my assistant Urbinar, Sir. The man who gave me the orders assigned these other four to me, I do not know their names."

"Yet you came here with them, men not wearing any uniform nor knowing any of their names. How could you trust them?"

"I thought that they were trustworthy enough, Sir, if that superior trusted them."

"This man you conveniently cannot remember the name of."

"Uh, that is true, Sir. Sorry, Sir."

"Sorry is not good enough, Edrian. I am minded to leave you here for Her Highness's men to deal with." He turned. "What say you, Force-Admiral Lars?"

Lars pretended to consider. "Might get more out with torture. Easiest way, kill them all, take time. No need to bother with trials then."

Edrian's voice was panic-stricken. "Sir! I beg you, do not leave us with these bloodthirsty people! We'll tell you anything you want to know."

Hashim quickly said, "Heard and witnessed!" to which the man looked shocked.

Oznar twitched a brief smile. "As you say, Force-Admiral. Unfortunately, if I did leave them here, I would have to write out many, many forms in order to satisfy Graf Nuel." He sighed. "It looks like I'll be taking them back with me, then. Highness, if you could release them from their chairs but leave them tied."

"Of course, Kornal. Lars? See to it... and not too much more bruising, I deem."

The six men were marched out into the courtyard and linked together with halters which were attached to the back of Oznar's frayen. With the now empty carriages leading, the procession wound out of the hostel yard tailed by the unfortunate men. Almost all those left in the hostel gathered to watch them go.

"I did not think the reaction would be this quick," Eriana remarked.

Ursula replied, "As Hashim said, it could have been just a fishing expedition. The Visund looks unusual enough that it would attract the interest of criminals and they might assume we do not know much about port procedures in the Great Valley."

Eriana smiled. "It is true, when we first beached her on the shores of Plif we knew nothing about how such a populous place manages the many, many vessels that ply this great river. However, we have now been here long enough that we have learned how most places deal with their water craft."

"You told me that was part of why you were making this journey in the first place."

"As you say, Ursula, and we have indeed learned much." Eriana turned. "For now, I require a session in the bath house and then some food! I thought we were intended to remain at the palace for lunch but the death of Korboro has fixed everyone's attention. It is well that we have returned here for some peace and quiet. Shall you join us?"

"Of course, Highness. Coming, Tyra?"

* * *

When they arose after their naps most were drawn to the dining room for a cup of reviving pel. The women, by chance, ended up around the same large table.

"Highness, if I may ask, have this morning's events changed our arrangements?" Nethra asked. "I have an interest in the visit to the local market which was planned for tomorrow morning."

"I do not think so," Eriana replied, "but we will have to consider any escort more carefully, I deem. Zebrin seemed a safe place to come but, as with the river, much may occur beneath the surface without notice by those above. Did you have a particular need?"

"Cloth and sewing materials, Highness. Most of what we have left is offcuts, except for the roll of underwear material, though that is also going down. We also need thread, much more thread, of different colors, both to sew cloth and to make epaulet sleeves and perhaps to embroider more marks for your new services. More needles, perhaps. Shears, too. What we have are sharp enough but we do not have enough for all of us to work at the same time."

"I did not realize... of course, we have more people in our company now, they will all require suitable attire. Toshi! I expect he may desire some, once he sees how comfortable the others are. Aye. Did you intend to go to the market yourself?"

"If Mistress Ursula is going then yes, Highness. Of us five I appear to be the most comfortable presently near men. If I go with other women, it can only help."

Eriana was sympathetic. "And I wish that you had not suffered so, any of you. Ursula, will Nethra cause any problem if she comes?"

"I think it can only help if she joins us," Ursula replied. "I know it may sound cruel and it could even be painful, but the longer that any of them put off meeting normal people again, the harder it will become. I know that will be a problem for the two youngest but I think they are already coming to terms with their new situation."

"Then it is decided. Nethra will join you tomorrow... Nethra, do you expect Lars to come with you?"

"I know he is busy, Highness. I also know that I cannot ask him to accompany me all the time, it would not be good for either of us. Tomorrow I will be safe enough with Ursula, I deem."

"Especially if we have a few good Norsemen with us," Ursula added. "Tell me, do you have a list of what you would like to find?"

"Part of one, Mistress. Knowing that I can go, I can spend part of this evening finding out what else the rest of us may wish to have."

Ursula frowned. "That could make this market visit a longer one, Highness. If we are buying cloth then we'll need a handcart to bring it all back."

Eriana said, "Fear not, Ursula. Adin has already asked for a small cart to bring back his supplies. Either we find two carts or a bigger one."

"Of course, Highness."

The women turned as Hashim, Baros and Osar entered from outside.

"Ah, Hashim. Have you learned what you needed to?"

Their pilot briefly bowed. "I have, Highness. Here are up-to-date charts -" he held up a handful of scrolls, "- of the whole river as far as Bibek and a little beyond. There is still talk of piracy in that stretch but," he grinned, "I doubt that your men will be too concerned by that. Concerning our friend Osar here, we found an acquaintance in the port office he has dealings with who has arranged to have a message taken discreetly to his family. There is also an offer of a job here for him if he so desires."

Eriana frowned. "If he works at the port then he may come into contact with those who might take word back to Pakmal. Is this wise?"

Hashim grinned and shook his head. "It is not a job at the port, Highness. There is a factor here, a merchant who also runs a depot for a Palarand transport company, who has offered the job. When he learned that the Visund came from Palarand he asked me to tell you the name..." He looked at a tiny note scrawled on the back of the outmost chart, "...Tanon, that was it."

"Tanon! Aye, the name is well known to me. So Osar and his family will be kept safe, I deem?"

Hashim bowed his head. "So I have been assured, Highness. Master Taramar informs me that, because of the, ah, problems in Pakmal there has been need to transport various people from and around that land in disguise or otherwise. Master Osar's circumstances will be little different than others he has recently helped."

"Do you tell me? I was aware that Tanon and his men perform, let us say, certain extra tasks in and around Palarand but I did not know that his reach came so far."

Hashim nodded. "So I have learned, Highness. Are you familiar with the man?"

"Indeed I am, Hashim, and one day I will tell you what he did for me and my men, but not, I think, while we remain in Zebrin."

"As you say, Highness." The pilot hesitated, then added, "This seems a strange land to me, Highness. Much has changed since I was last here, mayhap that was because the Graf then was the father of the man we met today. I like much of what I see here, I approve of the efficiency, but there are curious undercurrents which I only notice because it is different than what went before. No doubt most of that is because of the situation in Pakmal and, partly, the recent war with Yod. I hope that in time matters will return to what they were before but part of me wonders if that will ever happen."

"I had a similar feeling during my meeting with Graf Nuel," Eriana agreed. "He is concerned with Pakmal and its influence on his own lands. However, I have met many rulers as we have progressed along the river, they are all different in their ideas, and I do not think there is too much cause for concern here."

"Think you he will join the Federation?"

"Not yet. He is too far away to see how it might benefit him and, indeed, his lands and people. He will watch and see what happens, whether we will thrive and grow or collapse under the weight of so many different ideas and customs. This is what we who created the Federation in the first place expected to happen and I do not blame him for his caution."

"Ah, as you say, Highness."

"He is interested in the idea of joint river patrols, though, and may subscribe to that enterprise once we have established ourselves. With vessels from Upper Fanir and Faralmark passing his lands he cannot fail to notice us and, indeed, his own notions of organization may be of use to us."

"Aye, I thought that when the customs cutter hailed us yesterday."

"Aye. We are not so sharp in Palarand but our river traffic is of a different kind, being so close to the sea. Well, Hashim, Baros, Osar, you have returned soon enough to freshen yourself before we eat this evening."

Hashim bowed. "Highness."

* * *

Kornal Oznar reappeared later on that afternoon. On hearing he had arrived Eriana invited him to join her in the dining room, where he found her at a table filled with women.

"Your Highness." Oznar bowed stiffly. "If I may bring you further news of those your men apprehended this morning."

"Of course, Kornal." She stood, with a hand indicating that the others should not also rise. "Ladies, if you would excuse me. Ursula, Kalmenar, Lars, with me, by your leave."

The selected three plus Eriana and the Kornal found a smaller table in one corner and took seats.

"That was a sharp move by your pilot, Highness," Oznar began, "to turn a plea by Port Supervisor Edrian into an oath! When we questioned him back at the station he did not know what to do, to lie and break his oath, or to tell all and incriminate many others. Fortunately for us he chose to tell all, after I explained to him exactly who you were and what your men had done before reaching Zebrin."

There was a hard smile. "There must needs be a break while fresh attire was found for him, Highness. On this morning's events, it seems that rumors of your arrival had already reached some of the criminal gangs in Zebrin City and, as you thought, they believed that you did not know the regulations, meaning they could find some way to seize some of your cargo, as they supposed. It had not occurred to Edrian that you were berthed in the restricted area, he had not been given that information."

"So it was a simple fishing expedition, then? They knew not that Korboro had died?"

"Indeed, Highness. All they knew was that some high-status female noble had arrived in a strange-looking ship with many retainers. Nobody had bothered to look at the retainers or find out what your rank, name or country of origin were. If they had done so your ship and men would have been left entirely alone. Some news of your previous adventures has, indeed, already reached Zebrin."

"I am relieved to hear that, Kornal. What of the men with the two officials?"

"They were members of a gang which preys on traffic around the port area, Highness. That is why, we think, they had previous dealings with your Kittrin, whom I have just seen sitting in the dining room. Once they had been told that they would likely not have survived any fight with your men they, too, suddenly became able to give us more information than we expected." He smiled. "All in all, a much more fruitful day than I expected."

"And Korboro? Is that news now well-known over here?"

"Aye, it arrived this morning, Highness, we even know which vessel brought it. I will add that, so far as we know, no link has been made between that death and the appearance of yourselves." Oznar remembered a conversation. "Ah, I believe you mentioned this morning that some of your crew desired to visit our markets?"

"That is so, Kornal. We have a number of needs, not all concerning food or supplies for our vessels. Will there be a problem?"

"Not at all, Highness, though, as you might imagine, there is always the chance that the crew of a visiting vessel, unfamiliar with our streets, markets and folk, might encounter those seeking to cause mischief. It would be prudent, therefore, to provide a strong armed escort to your people when they go tomorrow."

"I will heed your wise words, Kornal. Most of the markets we have visited along the way have welcomed us, or at least our coin, and we expected little different this time. As I mentioned this morning my men do not go far without their weapons, it is something they have done all their lives. I will make sure that a stronger escort will go to the market tomorrow, though."

"Good. Highness, are we still to see you and your men tomorrow afternoon?"

"I do not see any reason to change our arrangement, Kornal. Aye, we will be there and then you and your men shall see what we of Palarand can do."

"Then I will look forward to your arrival, Highness. By your leave?"

"Of course, Kornal. My thanks for your help, and that of your men, this morning."

Oznar stood, saluted smartly, turned on his heel and walked out of the dining room.

* * *

"...mix four parts of fat to two of water and one of ground soap-root and then add the liquor from the stewed herbs, which will amount to another part," Ursula read out.

Karan dutifully copied that down and then raised his head. "Mistress, if I may ask, would that be parts by volume or parts by weight?"

Ursula was momentarily derailed. "Um, I don't know, Karan. Let me think. When the healers of Forguland did it, they mixed... oh, it must be by volume, of course. They certainly didn't weigh the liquid from the stewed herbs and they added two jugs of water. But you raise a good point. If you or I ever pass on instructions like this, and, yes, it will happen in your future, we must make certain that the listener knows if it is done by weight or by volume."

"As you say, Mistress. It isn't something I would normally have thought about but, then, I thought of the fat and that is often weighed by the butcher when he sells it."

"That is true. Now, where was I?"

They were sitting in a corner of the dining room at a table following the evening meal. Ursula was giving Karan some information on the herbs she had encountered along the way and what they were used for. At other tables sat the other women, most busy cutting and sewing from the small amounts of cloth the company still had left. Many of the men were idling outside in the evening air, most sitting on the planks of the veranda with their feet on the courtyard cobbles or resting with their backs against the dining room wall.

"Oh, yes. It says here... gavakhan fat from around the theril... do you know what the theril is?"

"Of course, Mistress. Though in the past I have not often eaten offal I do know that it can make a tasty soup."

"Yes, well, fat from around that organ, but you can also use fat from around the buchir, it says here. Apparently, the fat from four-legged animals can be different than fat from six-legged animals, and six-legged would include avians, I think, so fat from six-legs is preferred."

"I see, Mistress. Then what?"

"I am told that the mixture will set to a stiff paste or an ointment which can then be rubbed on the skin to protect it from the worst effects of the sun. Of course it is water-soluble so it would have to be re-applied should the user have to wash their hands or otherwise get wet."

Karan dutifully made notes and then looked up. "I am astonished by the amount of knowledge that you have, Mistress. I swear that I have learned more since I began to travel with you than I have in my entire previous life! I would never have guessed that about mere sunlight, that there are parts which cannot be seen but can harm us."

Ursula spread her hands. "Somebody had to find that out, Karan, but once they did it becomes obvious, as many things about the natural world do. What comes from the sun is not just the light you can see with your eyes. Consider, if you hold your arm out in sunlight then you can feel the warmth on your skin."

"It is true, Mistress."

"The sun emits a wide range of... radiation, we call it, much of which is fortunately blocked by Anmar's atmosphere. What you think of as heat is called infra-red, then there is light, then comes ultra-violet, which is what can cause the damage. Mostly you just go brown and that fades as winter comes, but too much can cause permanent damage to the skin, such that the material begins to grow in ways not intended. Eventually that can kill you."

"So this ointment is not just a salve to protect against burning, then."

"No, indeed, Karan. Most of us have some tolerance to sunlight, we are adapted to it after all, but those with paler skins need extra protection. People with red or blonde hair like our Norsemen can be vulnerable, especially since they come from a land where the sun is not so strong."

"Ah, I wondered about that. Such hair color is not common along the Valley, I deem. In Yod those of such a coloration are very rare and many in the Ascendancy looked down on them. Having now passed beyond into other lands I know that is not true. If you could tell me, are there other hair colors? Might we, for example, encounter those with blue or green hair?"

Ursula smiled. "Yes and no, Karan. There are three pigments which can naturally color the hair of a person, black, brown or red. That person can have one or more of those colors present, which are passed down from their parents. If you do not have any of those pigments then you would usually end up with hair like that of Her Highness, since the natural color of hair is a pale yellow."

"I see, Mistress. Ah, natural color?"

"There is a condition - you might have seen it - where a person has no color at all. Their skin is white, their hair is white and their eyes are pink. That is the result of a defect in the instructions which a baby uses to become a human. It is very rare and those persons have to stay away from strong direct sunlight since it can and will harm them."

Karan nodded. "There was a child, when I was younger, I remember. He survived some eight or nine winters but then died. I do not recall the details. Ah, instructions which a baby uses?"

Ursula pursed her lips. "A very complicated subject for another day, Karan, but," she held up a hand, "it is essential that you learn how the system works, since it makes us all everything that we are, and will explain much that probably confuses you at the moment."

At that moment Kaldar approached the table looking solemn.

"Mistress?" His eyes slid briefly towards Karan. "If I may have a moment?"

"Something wrong, Kaldar? Karan is a healer like myself, if it is to do with your health then you can speak in front of him."

"Mistress," the boy looked uncomfortable, "I... I may need to become Kaldara for three or four days."

"Oh! I am forgetting. Kalikan, is it?"

At that word Karan pushed back away from the table, his expression conflicted. Ursula held up a hand.

"Karan, did your master never tell you of the workings of the female body?"

There was tension in the response. "No, Mistress. We were told to leave that to... the birthing women to deal with."

Ursula muttered some choice Russian swearwords under her breath. "Disgraceful! Half the population is women, Karan, and we as healers are sworn to tend to patients whoever and whatever they are. You will need to learn to handle women's complaints just as I have to deal with men's complaints. If you are somewhere and I am not nearby, you will have no choice."

The young man was pale. "I understand, Mistress." He swallowed. "I will try, but the attitudes of Yod are yet ingrained in me. I may find it difficult."

"I understand that," she said in a softer tone. "We will do what we can, over time." She cocked her head. "What would you do if Bennet or Semma got a battlefield injury? You already know that men's insides are different to women's insides."

Karan's voice steadied. "There is much in what you say, Mistress. I will listen while Kaldar consults you."

"Kaldar? Do you object to Karan listening in?"

The boy gave Karan a lopsided smile. "Since I am supposed to be a boy then I need to become used to a man healer attending me," he replied, "but my insides are yet those of a female and he must needs know the difference."

Ursula sat back. "All right. Kaldar, I don't think you need to become Kaldara while Kalikan is present. On Earth it is perfectly possible for a woman to spend all her days, including Kalikan ones, wearing trousers or similar close-fitting garments. The shorts you wear should be adequate."

The mouths of both dropped open.

"But how is that possible, Mistress?" the boy asked. "Does not the attire become... stained?"

"On Earth they have slightly different ways of approaching the problem, Kaldar, some of which we cannot do here - yet. But I'm sure we can arrange something which will allow you to continue as you are, but perhaps not doing certain activities for a few days?"

"As you say, Mistress. If I had become Kaldara, I would not have been able to do them anyway."

Ursula nodded. "That's right, but this way you won't cause comment among the hostel staff or anybody else, you'll just be yourself but a little less active."

Kaldar thought. "If it can be done, Mistress, then I will try. Of course, if it does not work, then I can always go back to a skirt."

"We'll try to avoid that, Kaldar, but yes. Have you already started?"

"Not yet, Mistress, but the sensations I usually get have begun. Maybe sometime tomorrow."

"Very well. You and I - and Karan - will work out a plan and arrange something for tomorrow morning. I am assuming that, given the potions you are taking, that it should be lighter than before?"

Kaldar shrugged. "I do not know, Mistress. It is what I desire above all else, of course, but desire does not make something happen."

"Indeed. So, let me have a word with Lars and then we can sit down and make a plan for you."

"Thank you, Mistress."

"Then, tomorrow, we three will sit down and I will explain to you both all about DNA and how it passes from parents to children. In fact, it might be worth including all the women in that talk."

"But, Mistress, tomorrow morning you are to go to the market."

"Then we shall just have to find a later time to do it, shall we not?"