The company are recovering in a hostel in Bibek. Eriana decides that she wants to hold a traditional Norse celebration and consults Simbran. On the night of Midsummer all gather at a nearby country estate where a large fire has been built - and ale and meat are freely available.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

93 - Midsummer's Night

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) 2024 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Ursula followed Eriana down to breakfast the following morning. The night had released pent-up feelings and emotions for both of them, and the joint bath doubly so, but Ursula could not help feeling that something did not entirely gel between the two of them. In the back of her mind was the prediction of the Old Woman of the Woods, which unfortunately was sufficiently vague it could mean anything. It was not something that would cause her much immediate concern but there was the possibility that differences could appear in the future.

The hostel the company had been allocated was large enough that everyone aboard the three vessels had been accommodated, even the walk-ons recently added to the Downwind Dasher. Ursula did not know whether this had been accidental, deliberate or even a blunder by the officials who ran the port. Practically, it did mean that the dining chamber was the largest she had ever seen and it was full of travelers having breakfast.

Naturally, when Eriana appeared most of the diners stood and bowed. Many of the Norse, together with the other women of the company, remained seated as they were familiar with Garia's rule of dining.

Eriana waved a hand. "Sit, please! You are already eating, there is no need to rise if I should appear later than you. I see no reason that anyone of higher rank should disturb those who arrived earlier, this is a familiar custom which is now used in Palarand." She added, "Of course, if I had arrived before the meal began then I would expect those already here to acknowledge me or others in the customary way."

Everyone who had risen sat down again and a hum of voices began with travelers explaining to the newcomers what was expected of them. A man who was apparently the manager saw them and approached, bowing to Eriana.

"Good freshness, Your Highness. If I may ask, will you require a table for yourself and your retainers, or would you desire to join some of those already eating?"

Eriana pointed. "We will sit with our other women, by your leave. If we may have pel and zurin rolls this morning."

"Highness, we certainly have pel but since this is a hostel for river folk we can also, if you so desire, provide you with small beer. Even now some of your men are drinking that." The man pointed to several Norse who were holding tankards.

"Do you tell me? Then I will try some, I deem. I have come to enjoy pel but ale is in our blood, you might say. What I do not enjoy is much of the wine served in this part of the Great Valley, my men and I hail from a land where wine is almost unknown."

"Ah, I did not know that, Highness. I will provide you small beer immediately. Ah, what of your companions this morning?"

Eriana looked at Ursula and Tyra. Ursula said, "We are not from the land where Her Highness comes from and pel will suit us fine. If I may ask, as you are here, we have injured and sick among our number, those people cannot come down here for meals, how are they fed?"

"Mistress, those men are together in a separate dormitory. With them are two Faral healers and another healer from downstream. They informed us what was required and food has been taken up to them." He frowned. "Are you also a healer, Mistress?"

"I am, I am in overall charge of that operation. Thank you." The man bowed and moved off.

Eriana and Ursula had been accompanied by Tyra, Matta and Vellana but already present were Bennet, Semma, Banest, Larys and Nethra. Sitting next to Nethra, the sole man at the table was Lars, who was in a discussion with Banest until Eriana appeared.

The Princess smiled at Lars as she sat down at the opposite end of the table to him. "You appear outnumbered this morning, Lars. Do you want to find somewhere else to sit?"

He returned a nod and a small smile. "I am comfortable where I am, Princess. Besides, we were here first." The smile faded. "Do you have instructions for us?"

She shook her head. "Not at the table, no. We'll get everyone together afterwards and decide what to do. You have some thoughts?"

Lars considered and then switched to Norse. «I have asked the kitchen man the date and have been counting the days, Princess. Including today there are four days until Midsummer's Night. I have had three or four of our men asking if we could have a celebration like we used to do in Einnland.»

«I do not know, Lars,» she replied. «We are guests in a foreign land now, I do not know if they will permit such a thing. And remember, these folk also have their own Harvest Festival celebration some few days later. I do not know if it would be wise to do so much just before we leave. You know these Rains are not far away, we have much to prepare, we dare not delay our departure from Bibek for fear of getting stuck somewhere we might not like.»

«You speak of their Harvest Festival, Princess, which takes place during the day, not the evening. That is, I believe, ten days away and would certainly give us enough time to recover, but if you think it would be too much I would understand.»

«I will consult with Simbran and see what he thinks. I believe we are in sufficient favor that he will permit our own celebration but I do not know what else is happening and they may be too busy preparing for the other festival.»

Lars just nodded. «Thank you, Princess.»

The food arrived and the newcomers settled down to eat. Eriana did not say much during the meal and Ursula decided that she was deep in thoughts of everything that would need doing before they departed once more. The end of the meal had a surprise for the table, though. A line of men formed beside Eriana with Benekar at its head.

"If I may do something for you, Master..?"

Benekar bowed. "Benekar, Your Highness. Uh, we traveled with Director Ursula aboard the Downwind Dasher from Hamalbek. Though none of us are yet fit, we petition you to permit us to join your new River Patrol."

Eriana was momentarily stopped. "Well, Benekar, I admire the enthusiasm of you and your fellows but we have as yet no organization arranged which might permit you all to join our company. If I may suggest, the River Patrol in these parts will be managed mostly by His Grace the Margrave. Should you not therefore apply to him when you are fit again?"

"Highness, we discussed that on the voyage and determined that it was your men we desired to join, not those of His Grace. Did you not tell us that you would require an organization at Hamalbek and another near the end of the Sirrel, separate from the local galleys? Most of these men are familiar with the lower reaches of the Sirrel, indeed I myself have been to Teldor and three swear they have visited Viridor.

"We understood from your speech that you will require a whole new organization unlike anything seen in the Great Valley before and that you will have yet done no recruiting so far downstream. If we were to come with you then we could be the base on which you may build your new organization."

Eriana pondered. "It is a thought, Benekar." She turned to Lars and raised an eyebrow.

Lars asked Benekar, "Do you want to be sailors or warriors?"

Benekar said, "If I may have a moment, Sir." He turned and held a quick survey of the dozen men behind him, finally turning to reply, "Sir, seven of us are sailors - bargemen, that is - and six were hands who, having seen your men fight, would wish to train in arms again once they were fit. Is that what you mean?"

Lars grunted. "Yah. Need both kinds in new Navy." He turned to Eriana. «Princess, we could do with some extra hands at the oars when we go downstream but first we have to find out who is going and who stays here until after the Rains stop falling. I do not know how much space we'll have on board.»

«I agree with you about the extra rowers,» she replied, «but you are right, we need to see how much space we will have. My instinct is to say, take the sailors, leave the armsmen here to help build Hamalbek.»

He in turn raised an eyebrow. «You would do it that way? Done, Princess.»

She spread her hands. «We'll be going downstream, it will be easier rowing most of the way.»

«Of course. Should we rise and have that meeting?»

«Yes. I will tell these men what we have already decided.»

She turned to the men. "We have a problem which is, we do not know how much room we will have to take everyone who desires to come. At the moment I have not decided which vessels will be going downstream with the Visund, if any. For now, I will say that we will take the seven sailors among you with us but everyone else will probably have to remain here, understood?"

Benekar bowed. "You are gracious, Highness, and thank you. What of the men who will remain here? Will you still want them?"

"Yes, we will. Once the Rains have come and gone someone will be starting the job of building a big base at Hamalbek. That is where our marines - our warriors aboard ship - will be trained."

"Ah." Benekar nodded. "That makes sense, Highness."

"Then, by your leave, I must now meet with the assembled company to decide what we are doing. That includes all of you."

Since the meeting involved almost everyone who had taken breakfast the decision was taken to hold it in the dining room after the tables had been cleared. The manager was forced to agree since the dining room was larger than the customary common room at the front of the hostel. Eriana and several others moved to a table at one end of the room so that all could see them easily.

"I will speak this morning in the local tongue," she began, "since there are many here who do not understand Norse." She gave her crew a fierce stare. "All of my men should by now have learned enough to understand what I am saying. However, there may be occasions when I must needs explain some point in detail to my men and I will use Norse to make sure there are no mistakes. I ask the rest of you to be patient when that happens.

"Very well. We must needs decide how we are going to spend the days we reside in Bibek and indeed how many of those days remain before we must depart. Lars tells me that Midsummer is four days from now and another six brings us to their Harvest Festival. That's ten for those of you who do not know how many fingers you have."

There was a burst of laughter in the room.

"I am told custom in the Great Valley is to have their Harvest Festival as late as possible before their rainy season begins, which usually happens about a week later. We might be able to go downstream as far as Palarand in a week but that depends on many things, some of which we must decide today. For example, the Visund will certainly be going but I do not know if it will be safe enough to take the Green Ptuvil. Baros, if I may ask your opinion on sailing the Green Ptuvil downstream at such a time, with the waters so low."

Baros, wearing his Navy Captain's uniform, stood so that the room could hear his reply. "First Director. It is true that many craft will continue operating almost until the Rains begin, but by that time most will be heading home or for some safe, known port where the crew may obtain shelter." He shrugged. "In the first three or four days the rain is not continuous and short journeys may still be made with care. However there would be storms and much lightning and every craft upon the Sirrel would be at risk by then.

"With regard to the Sirrel itself, the river will be at its very lowest level and only the deepest channels may be usable. The Green Ptuvil has a small advantage there, as we would be lightly loaded compared to, say, a carrier of grain or timber. However, even since we came that way the shoals and sandbanks may have shifted. I would not care to risk so valuable a cargo in that time, First Director."

"So the Green Ptuvil should remain here until after the Rains cease?"

"And for some weeks afterwards, First Director. It takes some time for the waters to quieten enough for voyages to be safely made, especially over such a distance."

"I understand you. Are you willing to remain in Bibek and bring the Green Ptuvil down to Palarand afterwards, when it is safe?"

"If you so wish it, First Director, then I will do so."

"Very well. What of the Downstream Dasher? Can we make use of that?"

Hashim stood. "First Director, as a vessel confiscated during the war it must needs be returned to its rightful owner. Indeed, it has been, since the dock where we landed is owned by the man who owns the barge. In addition, to use it would be to suffer the same risks as the Green Ptuvil would and it is not fitted out for carrying passengers."

"Of course. Thank you, Hashim." Eriana nodded as the two men sat down. "That means that only the Visund will depart before the Rains and that all who desire to reach Palarand - and all their possessions - must be aboard it. This may present some difficulty since our numbers are much greater now than when we began. I suspect that some must needs remain in Bibek and return with Baros when he comes. I beg you, do not feel slighted if you are chosen to remain behind. The Navy has as much need of you here as it does downstream, if for different purposes."

Lars asked, "First Director, who chooses?"

"I do, Admiral, but since I am not the captain of the ship who will carry those who depart, in practice it will be Captain Tor who has the final word. Much may depend on the provisions we must take and the possessions of those who will go. That will decide the space and weight available for passengers and crew." She paused, struck by a thought, then added, "I will add that most of our women will be aboard the Visund when we sail and women require more space for their possessions. Doubtless Tor will take that into account."

Lars nodded. "Yah, First Director. What happens to those who stay here?"

Eriana reached forward an upturned hand and waved it all around. "His Grace has provided this hostel for all our company and it will be available for those who will remain in Bibek, though I expect it will also be used by others who are trapped by the Rains. By then the Visund will be long gone, I deem, so it will be less than half full of our people."

"When do you make decision?"

"Not until after Midsummer, Admiral. You, Tor and I have much planning to do before then."

"Yah, First Director."

Eriana turned to the company. "Very well. Any questions? You can always come and find us if you have a problem."

A hand went up. "First Director, what about today? Can we go and have a look around Bibek?"

"Settle in this morning and think about what you want to do in future. After our naps this afternoon, once it becomes cooler, then I think you should all be able to go into the city. I would advise going out in small groups so as to be enough to protect yourselves but not too large a group to attract unwanted attention." She pointed to another upraised arm. "Yes?"

* * *

"That looks fine, Kaldar. You can close your mouth now." Ursula put down the small magnifying lens she had been using to look down Kaldar's throat. "It all looks normal to me. I think it is just because your voice is breaking, that's all. Do you have any other problems? Coughing, for example or a runny nose?"

"No, Mistress." His face brightened. "So it is true, then? My voice will deepen just like that of a man?"

"It will take some time," she replied. "And you're still growing, so it will sound higher at first until your voicebox grows big enough to produce the deeper sounds. The pitch of your voice depends on the size of your body, which is why children's voices are so high. You will sound like a young man, though, as you continue to grow, not like a young woman."

The young man breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Mistress, for all you have done for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I do not know what I might have done if I had been stuck in that mansion with my parents."

"Worse," Ursula suggested, "if they had decided to marry you off to someone, someone whose very first act might have been to get you pregnant."

Kaldar shuddered. "Ouch. Mistress, I would probably have killed myself if that had happened."

"Then it is just as well that you thought to come down to the harbor and leap upon a departing ship, is it not? Still, Eriana is your parent now, though she has been very busy lately."

He smiled. "I have noticed, Mistress! The crew have looked after me well since I have joined them. I have even learned some Norse! In fact, I think that I have learned more since I joined the ship than in the whole of the rest of my life so far."

"That would not be difficult, would it? Now, is there anything else I need to know about? Kalikan, for example."

A shake of the head. "It has not called me at all, Mistress, since that first time aboard. And my breasts," he patted the upper part of his chest, "are almost flat now. If you did not see my nipples you would not know I had not been born a boy."

Ursula nodded. "And you have grown, too, since then. Expect to grow a lot more in the next few years, Kaldar, especially your upper body. We'll have to keep an eye on your clothes, make sure that they don't become too small or too tight on you. Anything else?"

"My clothes, Mistress." He pulled a face. "Do you think I can get rid of those girl's clothes now? I don't think I need them any more."

Ursula considered. "Actually, I think that we ought to keep them a while. Aboard the Visund having a disguise handy can be useful, don't you think? You know how to pretend to be a girl, you did it most of your life. There might be a time when wearing a dress could get you out of trouble. I have told you how I have pretended to be both male and female during parts of my earlier life."

His expression dropped. "As you say, Mistress. I had hoped to get rid of my past but you are right."

"The past holds important lessons for us all, Kaldar. It is just a precaution, that is all. Any other problems you need to share with me?"

"No, Mistress."

"Then you had better go and rejoin the other crew before Captain Tor sends out a search party."

He grinned. "I am not that bad, Mistress! It was just that one time."

"As you say. Now, get."

Kaldar practically scampered out of the room, his whole bearing screaming 'boy'. Ursula shook her head and began repacking her basket, frowning over the levels in some of the jars. In fact, she pulled more out and examined the contents, making notes before repacking again and cleaning up.

In the outer chamber Eriana, Tyra, Matta and Vellana all sat with needle and thread, attending to various damage to garments. Eriana looked up and smiled as Ursula emerged.

"Everything as as you expect?"

"Yes, he's fine, just a little concerned over his voice breaking. It sounds rough but there isn't anything else going on that I could see."

"He's certainly developed since we took him aboard."

"Yes, he is a true boy now, except in that one important respect. I doubt he will grow to the size of Lars but already he is as tall as Adin. He should be a fine strapping young man by the time he is eighteen or so, especially with the work he is doing on the ship."

"Which is what he wants and what I want, good. But you have a concern."

"Not with him, no, but when I was repacking my basket I realized that I would need to ensure we have enough medical supplies to last us for the whole of the rainy period, since I doubt that markets would be running while the heavens emptied themselves over everywhere."

"That is true! See how easy it is to overlook something? Is it supplies for Kaldar that you require? I am sure you can find what you need in Bibek."

"I have all I need for Kaldar, indeed I probably have enough to last until the end of the year, by which time he won't need most of the herbs. No, our problem will be female supplies. All the women who go on the Visund will have at least two Calls during the Rains, some may have three."

Eriana pursed her lips. "A most important need, I deem. But all those wants are freely available, are they not?"

"I would hope so, but I should still make sure that I have emergency supplies to hand."

"Another trip to the market, then."

"As you say, Highness. But it is the remembering that is important."

"Indeed." Eriana did two more stitches and then tied off the thread. "Now, if you have time, I think there is another meeting we should have, before the men come back from the city. I need to have an idea of who must go on the Visund, who must stay here and those in between."

"I thought you were going to leave that until Tor had a look at the cargo?"

"It may affect the cargo requirements." She blew an exasperated breath. "Gods! This is the part of organizing that I dislike intensely. It is the one thing that I copy my father in, that I do not like much of the dry planning. Give me a battlefield and I will make answer, but juggling chests and men leaves me numb."

Matta and Vellana both looked at Eriana with alarm, so she added, "All the women will be coming aboard the Visund, all the way to Palarand. I would not think of leaving any behind. Does that answer you?"

"Aye, Highness."

"Thank you, Highness."

"Shall you be comfortable among my men aboard the ship? It is unfortunate that we cannot take the Green Ptuvil this time, but you heard Baros this morning, the river will be too low for it to be safe."

Matta said, "As you say, Highness, but we trust all your men. It is the others who we are not so sure of."

Eriana grimaced. "Unfortunately there will be a few of the others with us, we need men to pull the oars. We used the sail on the way upstream, we cannot use it when we return. My men will look after you, I deem."

Vellana said, "We trusted you before, Highness, you and your men rescued us from a nightmare, we must needs trust you again."

"Thank you, girls. Now Ursula and I must go and meet with others. Will you stay here and continue what you are doing? Ursula, can Tyra stay with them should they have a question?"

"If Tyra agrees, then of course." Tyra nodded. "She is a much better seamstress than me anyway."

* * *

Eriana and Ursula joined Lars, Tor, Baros and Hashim in a small downstairs meeting room.

"I need to have an idea of who is going in the Visund," she began. "Tor will need the numbers since they will affect provisions and space for possessions. His Grace will need the number of those who remain here for like purposes. In between will be men who could be considered either way. If we should make a list then it will not be final, I recognize that, but I do have two groups who are coming downstream with me whatever we decide, all the women and all the Norse. What say you?"

Tor flipped a hand. "What about those men this morning? The ones who wanted to join?"

Lars replied, "We bring seven, six stay here. Seven are bargemen, make good sailors."

Tor nodded. "Good. We will need rowers if we cannot use the sail."

"Remember seven men are not fit yet."

"Fit enough to ask if they can join Navy."

"Yah. Maybe fit enough."

"Ursula?" Eriana asked. "What about you?"

"Myself and Tyra, of course -"

"I included you with the women, Ursula."

"Of course, Eriana, I thought you just meant those we saved at Bakhrad. Of others, Ketko must go, however unfit he is, he will be safer in Palarand."

"Agreed."

"Then there are those we picked up along the way. Have you room for Toshi, Zakaros, Ezran and Karan?"

"They are important to you, of course. Toshi, certainly, as he has the water knowledge. Karan, another healer is always a good idea. The others, let us wait and see how much room there may be. Did you forget the two of Six Cities? They are both of interest to me but again, we must wait on Tor's report."

Tor responded, "I would ask for Zakaros, Highness. He will make provision of Visund easier."

"But would we need him once we leave Bibek?" Eriana put out a hand, face down. "Leave that for now, use him as you need and we will see what room we have later. That is what this meeting is about, is it not?"

Tor nodded reluctantly. "Yah, Highness."

"You mentioned the rescued women," Hashim asked, "what about the barge men? Should they remain here with Baros?"

Eriana replied, "That depends. Baros, the women are committed to the Navy but the Green Ptuvil men are not. We are in Bibek now, have they told you what they intend? Indeed, what are your own desires? Shall you join the Navy? We will have need of experienced officers, as you are well aware."

"Highness, I am flattered by your offer and I have seen what you and your men are capable of doing. Aye, I will join, if you would give me leave to arrange my own affairs first."

"Your affairs? You have family you must return to?"

"I have, Highness, but not in Bibek, they are further upstream in Thrand, a port of Thesk."

"Think you that you could reach there before these Rains begin?"

"If the Green Ptuvil were going there it might be possible, Highness, since we should have almost three weeks before the Rains are due to arrive but," he shook his head, "I doubt I could travel there by myself in that time. I must needs go by way of Zebrin and Benmond before taking a ferry across to Thrand. There is too much opportunity for travel to be interrupted this close to that season."

"Ah, I see. And I would not let the Green Ptuvil go, since the river may soon be too low for it. It - and you - will be needed here anyway once the river opens to traffic again."

"Highness, I would bring my family to Bibek after the Rains end, by your leave, and then follow you down to Palarand."

"Done, and if you can find a reliable crew to man the Green Ptuvil you may use it to fetch them before bringing them downstream. There is no sense in traveling by road and ferry when we already have the means to use the river."

Baros bowed his head. "You are gracious, Highness."

"What of those men? Do any of them have family so far away?"

"Highness, two have family in Bibek, indeed, I have already given Temmar leave to rejoin his wife and children. Vitrak has family here but we have not yet found them, they may not know he is here. Both are willing to join the Navy if they may be near their families. Kedian will join, I know that. If I am to have the Green Ptuvil, he could remain with us as cook. He does not have any family that I know of. Omar and Zoran," Baros shrugged, "have not yet told me of their situation or needs. I suspect that Zoran may not wish to rejoin his wife, neither has he yet told me if he desired to remain with our company."

"Hmm! It appears that some decisions must needs be made by these folk, though we have until the skies clear once more before we need to know. Baros, what are your thoughts?"

"Highness, it seems to me -"

* * *

Simbran scratched his chin. "Eriana, you speak of a celebration unknown in most of Faral, though I do know that, at times of the year, rural folk in many of the Valley states do hold odd ceremonies not practised in more settled regions. You would have this... fire... just this year, I deem? Since you and most of your men will soon depart for Palarand."

"That is my thought, Your Grace. I expect most of us to be based in Sheldane, eventually, and we may consider holding the custom there in time. But it is of particular meaning only to us Norse and by then there may be too few of us for it to be sensible, especially if it is closely followed by their Harvest Festival. Only time will tell."

"Too few of you? Surely not."

She sighed. "Too many of us have gathered wounds which will prevent them being a sailor or a warrior in the future, Your Grace. I am expecting most of them to find nice Palarandi brides and settle down. Most will be given something to do at the base in Sheldane but, once children come along, their wives may not approve of such a celebration as we customarily hold."

The Margrave's face brightened. "Ah? Tell me more."

"We build a big fire of scrap wood, Your Grace. In Einnland most would have been found on the beaches or be offcuts from the boatbuilders' yards. When the fire is good and hot we will roast a whole gavakhan and portion the meat out among ourselves. There will be plenty of ale, of course, and once the fire begins to mellow then we will begin singing well-known songs and also reciting sagas from our past." She grinned. "Most of the songs are not suitable for delicate ears, Your Grace."

Simbran grinned back. "I should hope not, Eriana! By your leave, if I can find the time I will come by and see what you all do. My main concern is the wood, by the way. Because of the numerous steam engines now running about the city there could be a shortage of wood for fires. You want to do this on Midsummer's Night, I deem?"

"That is the night we have always chosen, Your Grace, for obvious reasons. We'll need a flat place away from buildings, since we do not desire the noise to keep your people awake. In Einnland we did it on the beach, of course, but then there would be nobody asleep at that time."

A nod and a recent memory. "Ah. By chance I have in mind a place for your revels, a large house which burned down in the spring. The ruins of the house may provide much of the wood you require and I will ensure that more is brought so that you have sufficient for your needs. There is a side terrace where you may build your fire in safety. What say you?"

"I will have to see it, of course, but it sounds just the right place. Thank you, Your Grace."

"You are making arrangements for meat and drink? There is not much time for the quantities you could need."

"As you say. Lars has already placed an order for ale... beer, I mean, to be brewed and we do not expect there to be any trouble finding a gavakhan carcass in the markets. We will probably also take some wine, bread and other foodstuffs for the others who may come with us."

"I will gift you your gavakhan, Eriana, as some kind of reward for what you and your people have done for us recently. I would advise you to place your other orders soon since much may be reserved for the Harvest celebration."

"Your words are wise, Your Grace. If you can lend us someone to show us this ruined building, we will begin our preparations."

~o~O~o~

Four days later a line of carriages and wagons rumbled through the north-western outskirts of Bibek, heading downhill along the switchback of roads which covered this part of the city. Along here were larger houses and mansions owned by merchants or wine producers interspersed with the market gardens and dairy farms which supplied the local residents. Their destination was a market garden formerly owned by a prosperous family, all of whom had perished in the fire that had all but destroyed their home. Eriana, Ursula and Tyra were in the first carriage while the next held Lars, Nethra, Banest and Larys. The rest filled several wagons, behind which were more wagons with beer, wine, bread and other foodstuffs.

Almost all of the company at the hostel were going. The small group left behind were Matta, Vellana, Ketko, Karan and Kaldar together with Zakaros and Ezran in case of trouble. Ketko was still too weak to join in, Kaldar would be too young for the kind of party the Norse wanted to hold and it was felt that having any Yodans present might cause problems. Everyone else was going, even those injured and captives who had been on the Downwind Dancer.

Their journey was just over three marks, close enough for many to have walked but not for any of those who had been captives or injured, so transport was a necessity. Besides, as Simbran had remarked to Eriana, it was entirely possible that, by the time their party was over, no-one would be able to find the way out of the lot let alone the three marks back to their hostel. She had reluctantly agreed so all were passengers this evening.

"It looks like this was a big place before it burned down," Ursula remarked as they pulled into the courtyard behind the property.

"Aye," agreed Eriana. "Big enough for father, mother, five children and two grandparents, one from each side. All were taken in the darkest part of night along with a nanny, governess and two maids and, it seems, none had any chance to escape."

"So the house became their funeral pyre."

"Aye, and all their possessions went with them. A terrible night, from all I was told by their neighbors."

Ursula thought of something. "Is it disrespectful of us to be using the remains of their pyre like this?"

"The reverse, it appears. Any timbers from such a house of death would likewise be burned, not saved and re-used. Simbran tells me that would be different had all survived, the timbers would have gone into the new dwelling for good luck, but our use of them like this is deemed fitting enough."

Ursula looked around as they climbed down. "But it looks like all the other buildings survived."

"As you say. We have made good use of the kitchen and that one barn to keep some of our food and drink in. For this celebration we will be well provided and, if it should be unwise for us to attempt to return afterwards," the Princess grinned, "there will be places for the worst affected to lie down, I deem."

"Well thought out, Highness." Ursula noticed people approaching out of the gloom. "Who are these?"

"Many of the outside staff for this place slept over the stables, Ursula, as is customary. Though they tried valiantly they were unable to even enter the mansion, so fiercely was it alight by the time they took note." She shrugged. "This place grows crops for the locals, the crops are still there, they must needs be harvested before the Rains come. The staff have volunteered to stay and do their duty, tonight they will also assist us when needed."

"What will happen to this place afterwards, then?"

"There are distant relatives, I was told, but none can arrive here before the Rains begin. That is all I know. It is why Simbran offered it to us."

Nobody was wearing uniform this evening and the weather was warm and dry so a real holiday atmosphere developed as the company gathered around Eriana. She waited until all had alighted and the wagons moved off before she spoke.

"Welcome to a special celebration we Norse call Midsummer's Night. I expect you can guess why we are holding it tonight?"

There was a smattering of humerous comment from the small crowd.

"The estate staff you see over there began preparations earlier by lighting the large fire yonder. Around it we have placed our gavakhan carcass, kindly butchered for us into six portions, to cook while the sky darkens and we make ourselves comfortable. When they are done, maybe a bell and a half to two bells, the meat will be carved and served out to all. Now in Einnland we would have eaten it wrapped in a square of canvas to save our fingers but we can do better tonight, since we can use bread rolls as we do for zurin each morning.

"While the meat is cooking we will usually start by singing songs. I regret that most of them will be in Norse but I am sure the rest of you will enjoy them anyway, especially once the beer is flowing."

There was laughter at that comment.

"If any of you others know local songs, then by all means join in. Though this has always been a Norse celebration I expect it to become familiar to all in future years which means using the Valley tongue. Ursula has brought her farb and she may accompany the songs if she wishes, and I have asked her to play us some tunes from her homeland as well.

"The kitchen and bathing block of the mansion has survived untouched so we will make use of them. Adin and Kedian will cook additional food should any desire such. They will also provide pel for those, like our wagoneers and carriage drivers, who will attempt to return us to our hostel when we are finished... which will be after midnight, I may remind you. I know that not all the company will wish to consume quantities of beer or wine tonight, we will make sure that all are provided for.

"So, find yourself a place to sit among your friends and let us begin! Beer and wine is available already for those who are thirsty. We must needs wait until the moment of sunset and then my men will begin singing."

There was a certain amount of discussion in the crowd and they separated into groups which took positions around the big fire which Ursula saw was nearly three strides high. She was not surprised to find that everyone had separated into natural groupings according to their origins: the Norse were together, the captives were together, the locals were together and the fitter barge folk made a fourth grouping. She was also not surprised that the women gathered around herself and Tyra.

"Over here?"

Ursula looked to where Tyra had been pointing and saw a collection of rough chairs and benches. The women headed for one group of them to prevent them being taken by the men. She frowned and examined the area around the fire.

"There are a lot of these around the fire," she mused. "I wonder why the farm has so many?"

As she joined them Eriana said, "Apparently farms like these must needs employ a lot of people at certain times of year, to sow seed, to weed and to harvest whatever is needed. I am no farmer and the farms in Einnland have much poorer land than those here in the Great Valley. I was told the weather is usually good enough that those workers rest and eat outside, which is why this flat area exists. Please, find seats, all of you, do not wait until I have made myself comfortable, I beg you."

"Highness," Tyra said, "there are buckets of water here! What are they for?"

"The surviving staff are still very nervous about having so large a fire nearby, Tyra. The water is to quell the flames if our fire should topple or otherwise threaten anything nearby."

"Ah, as you say, Highness."

Banest added, "Just as long as the men do not decide to pee in the buckets, Highness," to giggles from the others.

Eriana responded, "Or trip over them!" She raised her voice over the noise of the flames. "Friends! There may be buckets of water nearby, should we lose control of the fire. If you would make sure that nobody can trip over them."

The sun set late that day, its light falling the entire length of the Great Valley at the furthest point south in its travels. As it slid behind some low hills Lars began the singing with a song Ursula had last heard on the company's way through Forguland, a rough warrior's song with some words which had made her blush the first time. Here, she now knew everyone and understood why they chose to sing what they did. Other voices soon joined in and the atmosphere mellowed right away.

Some of the songs which followed were familiar enough that she could accompany the singers on her farb, which most of the Norse contingent had not previously heard her play. When they heard the tones there were broad smiles and the party became much more festive. After a few songs there were requests to hear some of her own music so she played some simple folk tunes that she had learned as a child, all of which were warmly received. When she was not playing she spent some time interpreting the Norse words to the non-Norse members of the party, to much amusement and surprise.

Adin and Kedian came out occasionally and carefully turned the carcass sections, each of which contained a leg as well as a large chunk of the beast's body. These were impaled on long iron stakes which had been stuck in the ground and angled towards the fire, which meant that someone had to support the cooks to prevent them accidentally falling in as they worked.

Eventually, after several turnings, one chunk was selected and taken away. Kedian returned a little later with a large serving plate laden with bread rolls stuffed with meat. Eriana took the first one and the rest were served out to the women.

Someone shouted, "Hey! What about us?"

Eriana flipped her free hand. "Give the man a chance! If they work any faster there could be accidents. Do not concern yourselves, there will easily be enough meat for all, I deem."

"I ask your pardon, Highness. I meant no disrespect."

"Granted, my man. By the Gods! This is good! Kedian, what has been done to this meat?"

"We fried some finely-sliced chizzen on the kitchen range, Highness, and added certain spices known to Adin. It is a different taste to the way I would have done it but, to my mind, it is better."

"Hmm. You do not know of Maralin, I think. Much of what Adin has learned since coming to the Great Valley has been from a man who was once accounted a very good cook. This way of serving is far richer than we would have done it in Einnland."

Ursula took a bite of her roll and marvelled. It certainly is not onions but the way of preparing that vegetable has made the taste very like. I can see why Eriana thinks it came via Maralin and I am inclined to agree.

"Highness," she said, "Where I come from we have a vegetable named an onion. When meat is served in rolls like this there are often sliced and fried onions with it. Somehow it brings out the flavors of the meat and this does the same thing."

"Do you tell me? Then it is just the right thing to add to our meat tonight. Kedian, hurry back with more rolls for our men, if you please."

He bowed. "As you desire, Highness."

Soon all the chunks had been taken to the kitchen and about two thirds used to feed the company. The songs ceased while everyone took what was a late evening meal before settling back and having quiet conversations. Then Eriana stood up.

«Who will give the first story?»

Tor Andersson also stood. "I will, Highness. I think I can do it in their tongue now."

Eriana sat down again as Tor threw the rest of his drink down his throat and then began pacing counter-clockwise round between the fire and the assembled company.

"I tell you Gisli's story," he began. "In the tongue of the Sirrel a story might be known as a Saga, a tale of the past, something that men say really happened. I do not know if that is so, since many stories have Gods, Giants, Trolls and other suchlike in them. You decide. I will begin.

"At the end of the days of Harold Fairhair there was a mighty lord whose name was Thorkel Goldhelm, and he dwelt in Surnadale. Now he had a wedded wife, and three sons by her. The name of the eldest was Ari, the second was called Gisli, and the third Thorbjorn."

Even in a non-native tongue there was a certain cadence about the way that Tor spoke. Ursula decided that it must be a peculiarity of the custom of story telling. The night was now dark, the fire had burned down sufficiently that there was little noise, and everyone was listening attentively to the story, which revolved around a magic sword that was borrowed and not returned to its owner. Eventually there was a confrontation and both lender and borrower killed each other.

Tor ended with, "There is more, much more, but I will let someone else tell a different story." He grabbed his tankard and walked off to get a refill.

Haakon stood. «I can tell a story, Highness, the story of Thor, but only in my own tongue. Will you tell the river words to the others for me?»

Eriana stood. «That is a good story, Haakon. I will tell the others what you say sentence by sentence. Agreed?»

«Agreed, Highness.»

Eriana told the company, "Haakon tells the story of one of our Gods named Thor, but it begins with the creation of the worlds and those who lived in them that time. There are many names in it but, I pray you, you do not have to remember any of them as we do. Haakon, you may begin."

Haakon nodded and began walking clockwise around the fire. «For silence I pray all sacred children, great and small, sons of Heimdall, that I will Allfather's deeds recount, men's ancient saws, those that I best remember.»

Eriana repeated the line in the local tongue.

«The Jötuns I remember early born, those who me of old have reared. I nine worlds remember, nine trees, the great central tree, beneath the earth.»

The stories went on and though many of the company understood little they were all appreciative of the story-tellers, applauding them soundly when each tale had finished. By this time everyone had realized that what they were participating in was almost a religious experience, though none of them except Ursula would have recognized that word.

By now it was getting late. The darkness to the east had brightened and the Veil had risen, bathing the whole scene with multicolored light.

"You heard us speak of Valhalla, where warriors go to their final rest?" Eriana asked her audience. "What you name the Veil is where we consider Valhalla to be. Of course, since the Great Convocation we know that is probably not so but it fits our stories so well. When the Veil is directly to the north then we know that midnight has come, so there is time for another story. Who will speak?"

Lars stood. "Princess, I will tell a tale, but not of our history or our legends. I would speak of the Warrior Princess and the deeds of herself and her small band, of which of course I was one."

Eriana was thrown. "You can do this? I mean, do you know the words well enough? I thought you had trouble with the Sirrel tongue."

"I have a good woman as a teacher." The big man glanced at Nethra and smiled. "I may ask for certain words but most will know what I mean."

Eriana thought for a moment and then nodded. "Very well. It is good that these folk should know of our own part in history." She turned to the company. "The Princess he speaks of is me. Lars will tell you of my story, what has made me the woman who stands before you. Of course it is also the story of my men and of two women of Palarand when we fought at Boldan's Rock. But all in good time. Lars? If you would begin."

Lars began pacing the fire, now little more than a pile of embers, counter-clockwise.

"King Embrikt ruled a cold, barren land, along the southern coast of the Great Sea. He took to wife Anhilda who gave him daughter Eriana. Wanting a son to follow him he tried again but both Anhilda and her son died in the birthing. Another wife he took named Arnthruthr who gave him sons Torulf, Germund and Steffi."

Ursula listened as Lars went briefly through Eriana's flight from Einnland, her landing at Plif and subsequent arrival at Robanar's palace. Curiously, her time there was glossed over but skipped to her men joining her at an isolated estate, where they were taught to ride frayen and to learn fresh arts of war.

"Garia her name was, younger than all and small, but no Norse warrior could best her with weapons or without. Men wondered how someone so small and young could wield such magic but it was explained that anyone could do so, man or woman, had they the will and the knowledge.

"King Robanar asked the Norse to help with a small problem, a distant fortress overlooking the great river. With new gifts of war from Garia they set forth and traveled over the mountains -"

The fire collapsed and a glowing ember rolled out in front of Lars. He backstepped to avoid it... onto the end of another ember, the remains of a house timber, which promptly turned his ankle and unbalanced him. He automatically put out his left arm to break his fall - and fell directly into the fire.