A small group travel to meet the Council of Fanir, who are anxious to discover just what the 'Federation' is. During the discussions they are forced to relate some part of their previous adventures which impresses their hosts. On returning to the port, however, Tor has some alarming news.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

100 - The Council of Fanir

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) 2025 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"You recognized him? After all this time? How?"

"Highness," Hashim replied, "his face is somewhat distinctive with that scar on his forehead and I recognized the shape of his nose. It is the same man, I would swear."

Eriana began to stand, her expression determined. "To have such a man in Fanir, pretending to be something he is not, I cannot abide it. We must tell the authorities!"

Ursula put out a hand to restrain the Princess. "One moment, Highness. The situation may be more complicated than you think."

"Complicated? How? Did you recognize - No, you could not, we have never visited this port before, either of us! Speak, Ursula."

"Highness, you are overlooking one important point. Here, we are just a ferry ride from Yod City. I have no doubt that there are many who were born one side and now live the other, or have family both sides. When we were coming I looked at Hashim's charts and wondered what kind of connections there have to be between Yod and Lower Fanir, as it used to be."

Eriana sat down with a thump. "You are right, Ursula, I had forgotten that." She put her elbows on the table and her head into her hands. "Gods! You are right, this will be more complicated. At Faralan we were dealing with a land which had been invaded and then thrown off their oppressor. It was plain that nobody there, whether they preferred the present rulers or not, had any liking for those of Yod.

"But Fanir has been Yod's neighbor for many years, I deem, even centuries. Of course there will be much trading, much contact, much movement of folk between one land to another... but wait! On the other side of Yod lies Ferenis, and they have no liking for those across the same river. Can you explain that?"

"Highness, even the people the Yod side of that crossing do not like Yod! Remember, they decided to change their name from Zemmera to Tobeligo and break away from Yod. I would guess that the fact that Yod City is right there in plain view might make the difference in Rufen, Highness. Yodans have to live with Rufen and Fanir all the time but perhaps they just treat Ferenis as land to be trampled over."

Hashim nodded. "Highness, I believe Mistress Ursula has the right of it. Yod has a much greater influence over Lower Fanir... Fanir, as it now is, because it is so close. Those of Fanir may have resented it, it is true, but there was no way for them to escape from Yod and the Ascendancy. I doubt not there are factions in this Council of theirs who favor Yod and others who desire to have nothing to do with them."

Eriana buried her head in her hands again. "Gods! How I hated all the plots and maneuverings of my father's court and now I must needs deal with something worse, something I know little about and less how to deal with! I hate politics, give me a sword and an opponent to fight and I will do my best but this - I am on a lee shore and cannot see the rocks." She lifted her head and looked around the table. "Ursula, Hashim, Kalmenar, shall you advise me? I do not know how to go about this," she almost spat, "this business."

Ursula answered for all of them. "Highness, we will give you all the help we can, but I would point out that until we meet the Council we will not know what they want from us - from you. It may be they just want more information than they have been getting from downstream, which can only be whatever has arrived in the mail from people who have no idea how this country is now run - or who by. I don't think they will want to negotiate with the Federation yet, the situation is not the same as we found at Faralan."

Eriana nodded tiredly. "As you say, Ursula. Mayhap I am making something out of nothing but our present circumstances - the haste to return to Palarand before the Rains - are aggravating my nerves. Let us leave this subject until the morrow and bend our thoughts on this evening's meal, for I see the first dishes approaching even now."

Kalmenar said, "A good thought, Highness. A decent night's sleep may permit your thoughts to organize themselves so that you will be more composed by the morning."

"As you say, My Lord." She sat back, her eyes slitted, as she thought of tomorrow's meeting. "It is as well for us to be prepared tomorrow. This is what I want us to do..."

~o~O~o~

In the light of early morning their attempt at sleep appeared to have had little success. Eriana was still on edge and even a firm cuddle from Ursula had failed to encourage a restful night. And then there were the loud interruptions in the pre-dawn morning...

"That was why." Ursula pulled the drapes back despite protests from Eriana. "Everywhere is soaking wet, Eriana. That must have been a serious thunderstorm we heard earlier this morning."

"A thunderstorm?" Eriana sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Might it be just a storm, do you think, or is this the beginning of those cursed Rains?"

"No, the sky looks bright and blue again, I doubt that would happen if the Rains had just begun - although, of course, neither you nor I have any idea what the sky will look like once they truly begin."

"Aye. We must needs ask Hashim for his judgment, I deem."

"Why just him? Anyone except us or your men will have some experience of the Rains, even Tyra."

Eriana groaned. "Aye, you are right, Gods, I am not yet properly awake." She staggered to her feet. "Come, let us go and climb into a tub of hot water, that will wake us both up."

There was a knock at the door and it opened to reveal Tyra.

"Good morning, Highness. I heard you talking, are you ready to go down to the bathing block?"

"Good morning, Tyra. Aye, I have need of a tub of hot water to awaken myself, I deem. The noises earlier have left me out of sorts."

"Mistress?"

Ursula replied, "Yes, Tyra, let us just collect what we are going to wear today and we'll be there."

After breakfast those who were to go to Fanir found that two carriages were ready and waiting in the courtyard, each with six frayen. Eriana wore a plain day dress with a diagonal sash indicating her rank as Princess while Bennet and Semma wore their parade guardswomens' uniforms. The fourth person to join them in the first carriage was Kalmenar, who wore good tunic and tights and carried a satchel with documentation. He also bore a diagonal sash to indicate his rank as a diplomatic aide.

Those who climbed into the second carriage were, by contrast, all dressed very similarly. Ursula, Tyra, Toshi and Zakaros all wore Marine green tee-shirts. The men wore matching cargo shorts while Ursula and Tyra wore their longer cargo trousers. The men had borrowed straw boater hats while Ursula and Tyra wore their larger-brimmed, softer-styled hats. Of the party only Eriana and Ursula wore no swords while the other six carried practical blades at their sides. Considering their proximity to Yod no-one was going to make the mistake of carrying only ceremonial blades.

"Does anybody know how far we have to go?" Ursula asked as their carriage lurched into motion.

Zakaros replied, "Mistress, I enquired of the driver and was told two and a half to three bells, which means that we should arrive at about the time lunch will be served. Depending on how long the afternoon meeting takes, it might mean that we will return here after dark, a journey that I am not looking forward to."

"Agreed. I did hear talk when we were in Faralan that they might want to carry discussions over until tomorrow, but I doubt Her Highness will let them. After last night's rain she has become very twitchy."

"Aye," Zakaros agreed. "Never in my life did I expect to find myself upon the river, in an open ship, when the Rains began." He looked at Ursula with a frown. "Mistress, why am I in this carriage and why are we attired like this? Her Highness wears attire appropriate to her rank and those with her are clad likewise but we four are dressed in Marine uniform. Now I find it comfortable enough, it is true, but we four are clad so differently to the other four."

Ursula frowned in turn. "Zak, I do not think Her Highness had any particular scheme in mind, now I consider it, but dividing us this way may provide a useful point. That carriage," she pointed forward, "bears a delegation from Palarand, one of the founding lands of the Sirrel Federation. This carriage, by contrast, carries only uniformed members of the Federation - and none of us have ever been to Palarand, making apparent the multi-state nature of our forces."

"Ohh. Aye, I had not looked at us that way, Mistress, you are right. Do you think she might have some scheme for when we arrive?"

"No idea, Zak. She is not good with complicated plans."

He smiled. "I noticed, Mistress."

"We'll just have to keep alert and try not to upset any of her plans - though, knowing Her Highness, she might assume that we know what we're doing instead!"

"Warning understood, Mistress." The carriage jolted and he looked out of the window with surprise. "We travel in haste, it seems. They cannot keep up this pace for long, surely, even six frayen will not last long!"

Ursula looked out of her window and agreed. Six frayen would each have less work than four but we are traveling at a dangerous rate! Can any frayen team keep this up for three bells? I doubt it!

"Perhaps there is some danger here and they want to get us away from it," she commented. "Then they will slow down once we get out onto the open road."

"The main danger to us is if this carriage overturns," he responded in a dry voice. "Ah! They slow."

The carriage slowed right down as they passed through the West Gate on the road to Fanir and then sped up again. The road was fairly well made but their speed meant an uncomfortable journey. Ursula was just beginning to think that this was actually worse than being on the back of a frayen when the two carriages pulled into the courtyard of a road house.

The doors were quickly opened and a servant bowed. "By your leave, Masters and Mistresses, if you would make use of the bathing block while your beasts are changed for fresh ones."

As they climbed out they could see that their frayen were already being unhitched from the shafts and led away, fresh ones being held to one side. No extra hint was needed that their time in the bathing block would be limited and they hurried to do what was necessary. It did not take long before they were back on the highway and rattling along again.

The next stop was longer, permitting them time to take a mug of pel and a pastry or two in addition to the usual bodily requirements before resuming their onward journey. It was not long before the two carriages entered the outskirts of Fanir and began threading their way through the streets towards their destination.

Although the city of Fanir was built on the Sirrel plain the ground was more broken here and it did not look as if the buildings would become inundated by the Rains. In fact, to Ursula it looked much like one of any number of central European cities that she had passed through - with certain obvious differences, of course. No lamp posts, no wires, no tram tracks, no traffic signs, no large shop windows but similar architecture, cobbled streets and steep tiled roofs. The visible locals were dressed in a variety of styles, some wearing the long Yodan-style coats, others in more rustic garb.

Ursula saw little of this as they rattled past to stop in the courtyard of a central building. The carriage doors were opened and they climbed out, the eyes of the servants widening as the took in the unusual uniforms - including women wearing trousers and one carrying a sword! They were ushered together and to one side to join Eriana's party in front of a stunned welcoming committee. The men looked at each of the group, wondering who was the principal, but Eriana stepped forward and gave a brief bob.

"My Lords, gentlemen, I am Princess Eriana of Palarand, leader of this embassy. I am the daughter of King Embrikt of Einnland but disagreed with my father's plans for me and fled with some few retainers to the fabled land of Palarand, where King Robanar has granted us sanctuary and graciously permitted me to retain my rank and status.

"With me are my two companions and shield-maidens Bennet and Semma, who are both members of His Majesty's Palace Guard, and my diplomatic aide Baron Kalmenar of East Bend. I have also brought three officers of the Sirrel Federation should you have questions I cannot answer. If I may introduce Director Ursula of Alberta with her companion and assistant Tyra of Joth, Commander Zakaros of Chidrell and Keronal Hakatoshi, once of Dithereen-jeema in Kittrin. He is Deputy leader of the Federation Marines, our fighting force."

The committee stared at them all in stunned silence until one stepped forward and bowed to Eriana.

"Your Highness, welcome to Fanir. If you may forgive our apparent rudeness, you and your people are not whom we expected to arrive! The sight of..." He paused and began again. "Your Highness, if I may introduce myself and the others of the Council of Fanir. I am Beren Kuldoran, the last remaining noble that has been discovered and thus for the present time Moderator of this council. Although I am the surviving son of a Fanir baron I claim no authority over anyone of Fanir or otherwise. Here are Jaim son of Ullar, Andro of Hof, Plenser Half-tooth, all merchants in Fanir or Market Hof, Master Nicon our port supervisor, Master of crafts Sedanar and finally Vorisan, one of our small surviving number of moneylenders."

Eriana bobbed again. "Well, gentlemen, greetings, and I may ask you for your names again as we speak. If we may go in? I regret that because of the Rains our time in Fanir is short."

"Certainly," Beren replied. "If you would all follow me."

Although the building was arranged in the customary fashion it was not a private dwelling nor a hotel, hostel or inn. The entry corridor had large rooms both sides, many of them with people working at desks. They were led to a large chamber with a table that filled the middle. Around it were about twenty chairs and it appeared that this might be where the council customarily met.

"You have made good time to reach here," Beren remarked as they selected chairs, "which means that you have arrived a little in advance of lunch. If we may begin immediately, Your Highness, and break for refreshment in about half a bell. Food and drink will be brought into the Council Chamber and served to us where we sit. It will save time instead of us all going to the Dining Chamber and then returning."

"Agreed, My Lord... Is that appropriate?"

"It is the style I was born with, Highness, but I use it no longer, much to my wife's disappointment. We are all educated freemen, if you may address us all as Master we would not be offended."

"As you wish, Master Beren. Then you must ask us what you desire to know."

Beren, a middle-aged man with receding hair, gathered his thoughts. "Highness, we have suffered under those of Yod from time to time as you must know. On this last occasion, unlike previous occasions, those across the river came and subjected us to oppressive rule, imprisoning many and murdering many others. They sought, we believe, to behead Lower Fanir and make it a permanent part of Yod itself.

"They singled out nobles for execution and few were spared, even young children. I only survived because my wife and I were visiting her relatives in Hofer, which you may know is a neighbor country in remote mountain lands to our west. I only returned to my own demesne after the invader had been expelled back across the river, to discover that all was bespoiled and almost all my family and relatives who remained behind had been killed.

"The reason that those of Yod had been expelled this time was because there had been rumors of large armies gathering downstream and preparing to strike. These rumors had given heart to those of Fanir who lived under the Yodan lash and they rose up, helping to persuade the invader that this would not become his land. Then there was another rumor, that of some kind of Federation arising downstream, and we became concerned that this would be little better than what went before. Highness, we understand you have rank in this new Federation and seek more information about it and its purposes."

Eriana in turn thought how to respond. "Masters, I can understand your alarm at rumors of some new power arising downstream, especially considering your experiences with those of Yod, but I can reassure you that you should have nothing to fear. Though to begin with I had little interest in what was proposed, I was there at the start, when the ideas were being discussed, and my name is on the document creating what is presently known as the Sirrel Federation."

The men all looked at her with interest as she continued, "Though they are further away even Palarand is familiar with the depredations of those of Yod. This time they even attempted a raid on Palarandi soil, ambushing a caravan bringing Prince Keren and his party back to the palace from the north. This meant war, indeed, and many of Palarand's neighbors were of like mind, which is why such armies as you describe were formed and brought upstream to make answer.

"My men and myself come from a different part of Anmar, Einnland, where war is conducted in other ways. Many here consider us to be but barbarians and I admit that we are not so far from that description. I was in the palace at that time and it was suggested to me that we of Einnland might do something those of the Great Valley could not. It was Lady Garia, now Prince Keren's wife, who suggested we might be able to recover Boldan's Rock for those of Forguland. We trained and went over the mountains behind, seizing the fortress and the wharves below, proving that we could do what was asked of us."

"What!" Plenser said, startled. "Highness, if I may ask how many men you had. That tale spoke of a regiment! I did not think you had so large a company with you."

Eriana tried hard not to smirk. "Gentlemen, we were twenty all told, myself, two female companions-at-arms and seventeen men. Three were killed on the wharves below the Rock and two later died of their injuries."

"Twenty? So few? Difficult to believe, but I would not insult you by naming you a liar, Highness. If you may tell us how you did it."

"Of course, Master, but our time today is short and there is plenty to say first about the forming of the Federation. Many rulers had gathered for Keren's wedding and the war was much discussed among them, the aim being to prevent Yod from ever becoming such a threat again. The Sirrel Federation was a compromise, being a free association of all who desired it, with others given the choice of joining or remaining aloof.

"Presently there is no ruler, nor might there be one in future, only a Congress of rulers who may choose to handle matters jointly or to leave as they presently are. One of the things they did choose to do was to set up a common authority for waterways and I was made the First Director in charge of what will be called the Federation Navy. This body will supervise the existing patrols of the river which each country along it presently operates, but we will not replace them, merely give them a common structure, ranks and regulations."

Several heads nodded. Jaim of Ullen muttered, "A useful aim, Highness. Presently each land uses different ranks, different signals, even different flags! To make a common organization out of all, that all who use the river may understand with confidence, that I can guarantee you, all who trade on the river will thank you every time they come to port."

"As you say, Master. We are still consulting with all before making any large changes but some upstream lands are already changing their methods to agree with what we have decided so far."

"Upstream?" Nicon asked. "But I thought - Highness, if I may ask who belongs to this Federation already."

Eriana thought then gestured to Kalmenar. "My Lord, if you would name them for me."

Kalmenar told the men, "Masters, though Her Highness has indeed sailed the Sirrel from Dekarran to Bibek she is not yet familiar with all those lands which have signed to the Federation. From the mouth of the river they are Plif, Palarand, Brugan, Smordan, Joth, Forguland, Ferenis, Faralan, which used to be Upper Fanir, and Faral, which is the union of Faralmark and Upper Faral. In addition Vardenale is expected to join and, although not yet desiring to become a member, Zebrin has petitioned to join the River Patrol."

"Maker! So many? And even Zebrin, where we know the Graf keeps a firm hand on his own land, he has decided to join your river operations?"

Eriana smiled. "Aye, Master, indeed, we discovered a nest of pirates operating out of a village halfway between Zebrin City and Bibek, on the Faral side. They had captured two galleys of Yod and held captives intending to man them after the season of rain, around a hundred men or so. The Zebrins offered us a force of eighty of their marines -"

"Marines?"

"A word which describes any soldiers or armsmen who work aboard boat or ship, Master, and fight against other vessels or land targets. Where was I? Oh, yes, the Zebrins helped us liberate the captives and capture the pirates, all of whom were later executed by Margrave Simbran. Though Graf Nuel desires to watch and wait before he might commit himself to the Federation, he will willingly add his water craft and their men to our River Patrol, that the river may be made safer."

The men looked at one another, the expressions on their faces showing almost every kind of emotion.

Vorisan asked Eriana, "What of Yod, then, Highness? How will this Federation prevent those of Yod behaving as they did before?"

"Gentlemen, much of what drove Yod was the Ascendancy and the Ascendancy is no more. Zakaros, if you would care to give these gentlemen your impressions?"

The former Commissioner looked at the men across the table. "Masters, I was born in Yod and grew up knowing nothing but the Ascendancy. They told us what life was like beyond our borders and I believed them. I rose in the ranks to eventually become a District Commissioner and I will give you my oath that I believe I governed my people fairly."

He sighed. "Then the war began and all was changed. Eventually our lands were invaded, as we had done to others, and the Ascendancy was deprived of rule. We began to learn of how life was lived beyond Yod and many of us, myself included, refused to believe the truth. It took the woman beside me," he indicated Ursula, "to break my mistaken belief and show me that all was not as our leaders had told us.

"Now the Allied armies occupy most of Yod, except in the south-west, where Pakmal has claimed some land for itself. Many of Yod's people want no more to do with the Ascendancy, others may not even want to remain part of Yod, yet still there exists a remnant of adherants who refuse to admit that Yod was in truth no better than any other land. Because I helped Her Highness and those in her party those believers intended my death and so I sought sanctuary with the visitors, departing Yod in haste aboard their ship.

"Masters, I believe that the Allied Council, those who presently govern Yod, desire that the people should take back ownership of their own futures, save that the Ascendancy should no longer hold sway. They will be left to decide their own fates and if that includes joining the Federation in time, then so be it. For myself, as you can see I wear the uniform of the Federation Navy and I am sworn to do whatever they ask of me. I consider myself to no longer be of Yod. I shall in time travel with Her Highness to Palarand and pledge myself to their King, who sounds a very reasonable ruler."

There was a stunned silence as their audience absorbed his words, then Beren asked him, "These women beside you, then, are they your staff? I do not recognize the uniforms."

Zakaros gave a twisted smile and a hand gesture. "Our uniforms are those of the Federation, Master Beren, and Director Ursula is my superior officer. She is attended, as is proper, by her companion Tyra. On my other side is Keronal Toshi, second-in-command of the Federation Marine force. We are all from different lands and none have yet visited Palarand."

"A Kittrin?" asked Sedanar, raising an eyebrow. "In a party of three men and five women? Has the world lost its reason?"

Kalmenar was annoyed by the tradesman's attitude. "Master Sedanar, you should know that Her Highness led the assault on Boldan's Rock and she customarily carries a broadsword I can barely lift. Her companions are full members of my King's Palace Guard and I have fought beside them in battle. I would advise you to be careful with your words."

There was a brief silence until Beren cleared his throat and said, "Masters, there is much here that must needs be explained. I have heard rumors of women in the ranks of armies from downstream and dismissed them as impossible, but here I see five and their existence may not be denied." He turned. "Yes? What is it?"

A woman had entered the chamber and approached. "Master, by your leave, you asked to be informed when lunch was ready to be served."

"Aye, indeed! Bring it in now, if you would. Masters, Ladies, if you would make sure that your documents are moved to a safe place."

As the serving women appeared with plates, cutlery and platters of food Beren turned to Eriana.

"Highness, by your leave, lunch is served. While we eat I would beg of you to tell us of your assault on Boldan's Rock. I know that I am one of those who thought it impregnable."

"Indeed, Master Beren, it mostly is," she replied as a plate and knife were set in front of her. "However, it seemed -"

* * *

There was an enforced break after lunch as nobody wanted to discuss vital matters while attempting to fend off the desire for a short nap, so informal questions were exchanged instead.

"Director, I have noticed that you and your, er, assistant are wearing trousers. When I first saw them I thought the attire unseemly, if not," Andro of Hof reddened, "unsanitary for any woman to wear. Is there some special circumstance which requires you to do so?"

"Master Andro," Ursula replied, "I can think of at least three things to tell you which will explain why we are wearing trousers. Highness, do you think this is an appropriate topic to discuss?"

"I believe so, Ursula," Eriana responded. "You know what the limits are, of course."

"I do, Highness."

This was observed by the others with interest, but nobody was going to enlighten them - at least today.

"I come from a very distant land," Ursula explained to the men. "Somewhere else entirely, in fact. I have traveled a long way and for a long time to reach the Great Valley and I do not remember most of that journey. However, I can tell you that in the... lands of my birth... women have worn trousers similar to those which men wear for a long time. That land is much colder than around here and trousers are more practical in the colder months of the year. You have snow here?" Nods. "In winter, we could have snow that was waist deep at times.

"For a woman, wearing trousers can present certain challenges that men do not face but, in practice it is fairly easy to manage them." She saw the looks on their faces. "I do not intend to explain any further. Let me just add that all of us at this meeting," she took a small gamble here, "can and do ride frayen, us women riding the same way that men do.

"The second thing to tell you is that this uniform is not what I usually wear aboard. Almost all of us have light summer-weight uniforms designed to keep us cool in summer and allow us to move around our ship easily. The men's uniform is a loose fabric top with short sleeves named a tee shirt with cut-off trousers called shorts which have side pouches to keep belongings in. Our women's uniform is a simple waistless dress we can just pull on over our heads and needs no assistance to put on or take off."

Beren gestured with a hand. "But none of you wear that attire today, Director."

"No, because it would cause comment when we traveled, Master Beren. Wherever we have been, a certain proportion of the locals like what we wear and want designs just like it for themselves but another portion are horrified or disgusted by it. While our trousers are certainly unusual, they do not expose our legs in the way our ship dresses do."

Beren turned to Eriana. "Is this true, Highness?"

"Indeed, Master Beren. I myself wear a ship dress aboard just as all our women do. In this weather, who would not want to?"

There was silence as the men considered these facts, then Andro asked Ursula, "Director, you have mentioned two things, I thought that you said three before."

"I did, Master Andro. When we were traveling between Zebrin City and Bibek we came upon a nest of pirates. I believe that Her Highness briefly spoke of it before lunch." Andro nodded. "We split our forces to attack their camp just before dawn one morning, which involved me leading one force through the tanglewood forest during the night. Wearing a ship dress to do that would not have been practical, nor to fight in, so trousers were hastily made to protect our legs. We also wore boots and gaiters.

"These uniforms are green to permit us to move quietly through wooded areas and make it less easy for us to be seen. We intend that our fighting force aboard the River Patrol vessels will be wearing uniforms similar to what you see here today while the sailors wear the lighter attire."

Sedanar raised an objection. "Director, you said that you led one force through the tanglewood forest at night and that meant you required new uniforms... but that means you went with the armsmen? At night? Are you then a woman-at-arms?"

"Master Sedanar, I led that force but I do not bear weapons since I am a healer. My assistant Tyra and Commander Zakaros, who do bear arms, were with me while Keronal Toshi was with the other force, led by Her Highness. That force assaulted from aboard our ship using the river entrance we had discovered. Guardswomen Bennet and Semma were with Her Highness. All of us were necessary to the success of the operation."

The Fanirs stared at their guests as though they had all grown two heads.

"Women leading an assault on pirates," muttered one.

"Two women leading two assaults," another corrected. "Maker! I shall never look at another woman the same way again!"

Vorisan asked, quietly, "Director, if I may ask what number of pirates you faced?"

Ursula thought, but her memory was still fresh so she replied, "The numbers may not be exact, Master Vorisan, but I believe there were one hundred fifteen pirates, of which sixty-seven were killed, seventy-one captives and twenty-seven Yodans surviving from the two galleys. Our ship held twenty who went with Her Highness on the assault and I took these two and sixty Zebrins. A small number of crew, including our other women, did not go on the assault but remained in Vormarin, a port in Zebrin. So, eighty-three of us against one hundred fifteen pirates."

Vorisan cleared his throat. "So many?"

"The pirates had captured two Yodan galleys, one during the war and one afterwards," Ursula explained. "They needed men to fight aboard them - and men to man the oars. As Her Highness has told you, her own men know different ways of fighting so we prevailed."

Eriana added dryly, "Let us not forget the eighty Faral marines who appeared the following morning, having assumed that the Zebrins were in league with the pirates! That was a busy day, I deem."

Beren asked, the shock evident in his voice, "You fought Faral marines? I thought that they were supposed to be your allies!"

Eriana waved a dismissive hand. "The Tenant in charge misunderstood, Master Beren. We faced each other and matters were explained. A little later Margrave Simbran himself arrived to calm everyone's nerves. After some discussion we were given the land that the pirates had occupied as a training base for the River Patrol Marines, so that everyone may learn common methods of fighting, tactics, signals and organization.

"But this leads us back into our main discussion, gentlemen. Shall we continue where we stopped before lunch?"

Beren gestured. "By all means, highness. The day passes. We were discussing -"

* * *

"Elections," Beren commented later that afternoon, as most of the two groups were standing in the courtyard. "Highness, that may be too much for our people to understand."

"As you say, Master Beren," replied Eriana. "Almost all of us know nothing else except a throne and to find someone sensible to sit upon it." She shrugged. "If that is what you choose it will be no worse than almost every other land along the Sirrel, I deem. Other methods, so I was told, are no better or worse than a throne would be... except how your people view whoever rules them.

"With a King, a Duke, a Margrave, you must either overthrow them if you desire change or wait until they expire of old age, accident or illness. With elections you can remove those who do not do their duty more easily - although you might discover their replacement is no better. At least you will have had the illusion of choice."

"As you say, Highness. You and Director Ursula have told us much about how elections may be carried out and, I think, I would like to experiment with this method in a small way to see what happens." Beren nodded thoughtfully. "Aye. There may be some posts which would normally go to those who have rank when their superior retires or dies, mayhap an election may prove a better way. Highness, we will do this and I will keep you informed of what subsequently transpires."

"Elections are novel to all of us, Master Beren. It will be interesting to discover what happens. I shall await your letters."

Ursula and Tyra reappeared from the bathing block.

"Apologies all, it was a woman thing."

"Ah, as you say, Director. Your companions await, if you would join them in your carriage?"

"Of course, Master Beren. I regret the delay, it was unavoidable." Ursula turned and judged the angle of the lowering sun. "I think, Highness, if we can keep up the speed we had when we came we should arrive just before sunset."

"As you say, Ursula," Eriana agreed. "Though by that time the evening meal will have finished, I deem."

Beren said, "Arrangements have been made to hold food for you and your companions, Highness, when you reach the second changing point. I regret that it will be traveler's fare, no more, but it should suffice. They know you are coming."

"My thanks to you, Master Beren," replied Eriana. She watched Ursula and Tyra climb into their carriage. Now only she remained in the courtyard with their reception committee watching. "I trust you are all now content with what you have learned? I, too, have learned much and will consider Fanir in a different way whenever we do our planning."

"Much has been explained, Highness, and we thank you for taking the time to interrupt your journey to inform us of subjects of which we knew nothing except rumor. I am certain that we will agree to join your River Patrol, but only when the Rains have ended and travel is possible once more. Thank you also for the packages you brought us from Faralan, the relations between our two lands has been made smoother by the documents inside."

"It has been a pleasure, Master Beren, but now I must needs go ere the sun sets while we speak. Fare you well, 'til another day."

"And to you, Highness. Safety on your journey."

Eriana climbed into the first carriage, the door was slammed shut, and the driver cracked his whip. The two carriages and outriders rattled out of the courtyard.

* * *

There had been a small delay at their second frayen change while food was cooked for them. Fortunately it was of items that only required a short time to prepare, a common feature of meals taken by hasty travelers along the arrow-straight highways of the Chivans that connected the various countries of the Great Valley.

Before they restarted, Eriana held a conversation with the drivers, having taken a good look at the early evening sky. The result was that their final leg back to Rufen was at a slower pace than before, thus allowing the travelers a little more in the way of comfort. The sun had just set as they entered the port town but there was easily enough twilight on this summer's night for the drivers to find their way through the streets.

When they arrived at the port area Eriana had directed the carriages first to go to the hostel where both Kalmenar and Toshi were billeted, to drop them before continuing to the inn where the women were staying. At that hostel they found an agitated Tor waiting for their carriages to arrive.

«Highness! I am anxious to speak to you before you retire tonight. We have a problem - perhaps two problems.»

The others gathered around as an alarmed Eriana asked, «Oh? What, Tor?»

«Highness, it rained heavily last night and, although I thought we had securely covered everything with tarpaulins, more water got into the hull than expected. In the center, around the base of the mast, it almost reached the bottom of the benches. Any more and the Visund might have sunk at her mooring.»

«Woden's beard! That is not good. What have you done about it?»

«Pulled many out of our hostel and bailed it all out, Highness. We had to unload much of the cargo onto the pontoon to reach some of the spaces. I don't think any of the cargo was soaked, although we won't know until we unpack it all.»

«Sss! So near disaster and yet the Gods still favor us, Tor.»

«Yah, Highness. Since more rain is forecast, and it is likely to happen overnight, I have taken the decision to lower the mast and erect the awning over the whole ship. With much of the cargo removed that job was easier.»

She nodded. «That makes sense, since we may not use the mast any further downstream and it may even attract lightning. Did the awning fit as we saw when it was tested in Dekarran?»

«Mostly, Highness. Some of the slats had been poorly stored and had been broken by cargo resting on top of them and shifting. The port people have been good and found us substitutes. Um, that exposed something we did not consider.»

«Oh?»

«Yah. The awning covers the whole deck apart from the foaksul and the steering deck - which were added, you remember, after the awning was designed and made. I acquired enough battens and, with the cargo now protected by the awning, I re-used tarpaulins to make a shelter for the lookouts. They will have to sit, not stand, but that should be good enough. The steering deck, well, I could not think of an easy way to shelter the steersman. He will just have to get wet.»

A shrug. «It is what has always happened on voyages on the ocean, Tor. Whoever steers always gets wet.»

«Yah... But I am nervous because of the amount of rain these people insist will fall. If it is that bad we will need the lookouts more than ever, but how will they talk to the steersman? He will not be able to see them and, with noise from the rain falling on the awning, he probably could not hear a whistle either.»

«Ouch. Something else to think about. Let us hope we can get to Sheldane before that happens, Tor.» She frowned. «You said there might be another problem.»

«Yah, Highness. It looks like we have a small leak. As we were bailing the men found two nails below bench level which have become badly corroded - so probably by grakh shit at Bibek which we missed.»

«Oh, no! Is it bad? Can we make repairs? No - we have no time for that!»

He opened his hands. «Not too bad at the moment, Highness. We can keep it down by bailing, at least to begin with. But you know that a weakness like that puts pressure on the nails all around it and the failure spreads as we travel along and the ship flexes. I wish we had time to do something about it but I don't think we can delay long enough to strip the ship, haul it out of the water and roll it so that new nails can be fitted.» He grunted amusement. «I doubt these folk would be interested in doing that either, so close to the Rains.»

«No. These folk are purely concerned to make themselves and their houses ready for what is to come. I have never seen such dedication to prepare for an approaching storm.»

«We have never experienced a storm that lasted two months, Highness.»

Eriana sighed. «I know. We are threatened by the unknown, Tor. What about pitch, then? Could we caulk that area to keep the water out until we arrive downstream?"

Tor shook his head. «The timbers are soaked, Highness, I am not sure if any caulking on the inside would stick enough to be effective against the pressure of the water. Given a week to dry the timbers out, then yes, we could do that, but we do not have a week. I would prefer not to do that anyway because it would all have to be carefully cleaned off before we can fit new nails.» He hesitated. «It might be possible to run a tarpaulin under the hull to keep water out but at the moment the water seepage is not bad enough to need something like that. Perhaps we keep a tarpaulin and ropes nearby if it becomes much worse?»

Eriana considered and then nodded. «Do that, Tor.» She yawned. «It has been a long day and those carriages were not very comfortable. We'll deal with these problems tomorrow, yes?"

«Yah, Highness. Good night to you.»

«And to you, Tor. Till the morrow, then.»