Eriana receives a late request from the Margrave which means a change of plans for the voyage home. Hashim's family are introduced to the Visund then, two days later, the Harvest Festival brings further surprises and another request from Simbran - for Ursula!

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

97 - The Margrave Requests

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.

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During breakfast the following morning Eriana received a messenger from the Fortress, who simply saluted, handed over a sealed note and then departed. Frowning, she opened the note to discover a request from Simbran to pay him a visit "sooner rather than later". She lowered the note and looked at Ursula.

"Simbran desires me to visit him," she said. "The note says, 'sooner rather than later' and also says it could be important. We are all busy preparing for departure and I am loth to spend the time to do this. What do you think?"

Ursula lowered her mug. "To send a messenger, this early in the day, probably means that it is important enough that you should go, Eriana. I suspect that it might also means that our departure plans may have to be changed."

"Oh? Oh! I did not think of that! You are right, Ursula, There is something new, or something he has just discovered, which means that he has something he wishes us to take with us when we leave."

"That is the way I understand it, yes, but there may be other reasons. Do you want me to come with you?"

"To see Simbran? If you would, Ursula. My own mind is full of ship and crew details, I did not see what you so clearly have. I would welcome your support, yes. And the Fortress is not so far, I deem. We should be back before lunch."

"Done, Eriana. I have to go there sometime anyway to collect some salves that Tamina has for me."

Since the Fortress was relatively near, only Eriana, Ursula, Semma and Tyra set out to walk the short distance. When they arrived they were shown immediately into Simbran's office. He stood to greet them with a smile.

"Ladies, I bid you all good freshness this morning. Please find yourself seats. Eriana, I have a request for you, if it will complicate your journey east I would not be offended by a refusal. If I may ask where you intend to overnight along the way."

"Your Grace, we are becoming ever more nervous about these approaching Rains, of which we Norse know nothing. Because that is true, we desire that the main current of the Sirrel would carry us as swiftly as can be to our final destination, which may be Sheldane in Palarand, or if that is not yet suitable for such a vessel as the Visund, the extra few marks to Dekarran.

"We understand that the final supplies we require will not be available until the day of the Harvest Festival, which means the earliest we can leave would be at dawn the following day. We then hope to use some small port along the Sirrel to rest that night. The following night I intend that we should arrive at Yod City, where we may add to our provisions. Next we might reach Ferenis and beyond that Joth the following night. Beyond Joth we will use such ferry ports as may be nearby just as we did on our journey here."

She shrugged. "Of course, we do not know how swift the river may carry us when it is so low, so we must needs be prepared to overnight in any port that is convenient. I believe from your question that you desire us to deliver something that cannot wait until the skies clear again."

Simbran spread his hands. "Of course, Eriana, if you and your ship had not been here then my packages must needs remain in Bibek until after the Rains cease. But as you are here then I would be remiss if I did not explore the possibilities that your departure offers. Aye, I have packages for three places, one of which is Palarand for your King. The other two, well, it seems that there is change around these parts of the Great Valley and Yod is the cause of most of it.

"If I may explain. You already know that we were once Faralmark and Upper Faral but are now combining to form but one land named Faral, after the river which flows through both lands and past Bibek. There was also a proposal from Upper Fanir which, for now, I have perforce abandoned because of other pressing matters -" he smiled, "- such as the Federation, Zebrin and pirates."

"I was therefore surprised to receive notes from downstream, both from Faralan and from Fanir itself. You may know that at one time both Upper and Lower Fanir were parts of one land but the river moved, as it oft-times does, creating the Fanir Island, that which was invaded by those of Yod. The creation of the island means that the actual border between Upper Fanir and Lower Fanir proper is now a strip of land no more than four marks wide, and this will possibly become smaller with each new yearly flood.

"Lower Fanir, being directly opposite Yod, suffered almost immediately when those of Yod decided to do... whatever they had determined to do. Their invasion was complete, forcing the few surviving forces to retreat to the remote reaches of the Hordelend Valley. As had happened in Upper Fanir, they murdered every noble they could find, being more successful there than with our friends in Faralan. Thus, when the invader was eventually defeated, there was no-one left to rule over Lower Fanir."

Eriana leaned forward. "We did not visit Lower Fanir as we came, Your Grace. We had sufficient distraction in Yod City. If there is no ruler in Lower Fanir, then who is sending messages to Faralan?"

"Count Darkwin writes that he has made a correspondence with a Ruling Council in Lower Fanir," the Margrave replied. "This is made up of such surviving minor nobles and eminent men of rank as remain in that land. Since the ability of this Council to rule over all is slight, the two Fanirs have decided to legally divide their lands at the present border and share nothing further except their memories of the past. Thus, Lower Fanir has become simply Fanir once more and Upper Fanir will use the valley custom and rename itself after its governing city, becoming the land of Faralan."

Eriana's eyes narrowed. "Interesting, Your Grace. Of course, back in Einnland we never needed to worry about countries changing in size or shape or renaming themselves. To the point, I believe that you desire the Visund to call at both Faralan and Fanir City to deliver your packages." She nodded thoughtfully. "I would need to see a chart to make certain but I do not think your request would cause us any great problem or delay."

Simbran cleared his throat. "Uh, Eriana, Fanir is not on the Sirrel but some short way inland along the river of that name. I have no doubt your ship could make the journey but, since your time is limited, I would suggest leaving it at Rufen, at the mouth of that river, and taking a carriage the short distance to the capital. Of course, what you do is your decision."

"Leave it at the mouth of the river? A strange idea, Your Grace."

"Eriana, Rufen is the ferry port from Fanir to Yod City. It is a sizeable town I have visited myself."

"Ah, of course." She considered. "So, Your Grace, it will be a simple matter of taking a package to this Council you mention? You are right, it would make sense to leave the Visund on the Sirrel. We had planned to provision in Yod City, it might be possible for Tor to do that in Rufen instead while your package is delivered." She had a thought. "If I may ask why I could not just arrive at Rufen and hand your package to a Valley Messenger to take to Fanir?"

Simbran answered, "Eriana, it is not the package that is important, it is you. You see, to begin with they sought someone whom they could appoint as a new ruler in Fanir but, from talk with visitors from Forguland and Ferenis, they have learned of the Federation and some of the ideas that were spoken of at Palarand and Dekarran. You are an emissary of the Federation, they desire to know if joining the Federation will provide them advantages. They also desire to learn of any alternative methods of rule, such as those mentioned by Princess Garia and Tenant Maralin."

Eriana made an embarrassed laugh. "Your Grace, I barely understand how many of the Valley lands are governed myself! It is true that Garia spoke of different ways of rule from her own world but most of what I heard I could barely comprehend. Hmm. It is possible that Kalmenar may know more, I should have asked him to join us this morning. Very well, I understand what you ask of us, Your Grace, now we must needs go away and discover if it is possible."

"That is all I ask, Eriana. If it is not possible, or safe for you to do so, then," he shrugged, "the whole business must wait until later. But in that case it would be possible someone from Palarand, more familiar with what they desire, to travel there to satisfy them."

"As you say, Your Grace."

"If you would let me know what you decide, since I must needs adjust what I write to those places. If you decide to call at those places, the packages will be brought to your hostel the evening of the Harvest Festival."

"I understand, Your Grace." She stood, so everyone else did. "If there is there anything else?"

"Nothing to request, no. If you have difficulty obtaining your supplies, send here and I will do whatever I can. If I may ask what is causing the delay?"

"Mainly bread, Your Grace, of a suitable form to last more than a day while traveling. Also fresh water since fifty people who may row have a powerful thirst."

Simbran nodded. "I will see what I can do, but you already know that every baker will be preparing for the Harvest Festival and will not want to make to your requirements until that day is over. Tell me, Admiral Lars, how does he fare?"

"Adjusting to life in a wheel-chair, Your Grace. Ursula tells me he is mending as expected and should be fit well before the Rains cease."

"That is good. I will probably speak with him towards the end of that period." He leaned forward, picked up a small bell on his desk and rang it. "Birug will show you out."

* * *

Eriana looked harassed. "I dislike sudden last-minute changes of plan!"

Ursula replied, "Eriana, this is the Navy. We are a military organization. Changes of plan are to be expected, especially at the beginning until we can get the whole set-up functioning smoothly."

The Princess sighed. "I know, Ursula, but there is so much to do before we depart and now this. Hashim, your opinion, if you please."

Their navigator looked up from the map in front of him. "Highness, I do not think you have anything to fear from what the Margrave has requested. Substituting Rufen for Yod City is easy enough, they are two sides of the same ferry between Yod and Lower Fanir, the only question might be the availability of provisions in Rufen. In fact, the easiest way might simply be to go across the river to Yod if that is where the provisions are.

"The extra stop at Faralan might be more of a problem but, since we must needs overnight somewhere between Bibek and Yod or Rufen it may be to our advantage to stay somewhere familiar and friendly to us. It does mean that we have a longer leg from Faralan to Rufen and," he shrugged, "if the river is slow then it might mean an extra overnight along the way."

Eriana was simmering. "We depend, then, on the state of the river, which is unknown to us at this time of year. I like this not."

"Essentially correct, Highness. For nine months of the year the Sirrel can be regarded as dependable, for four it is either too low, impossible or too high. Such is life in the Great Valley."

"It is not your fault, Hashim. I am not used to the ways of the river, that is all. Indeed, that is one reason I wanted to make this voyage, that I and my men may learn those ways, that we might make use of them in the future. Tell me, if we call at Faralan and Rufen, how long might that delay our journey? Is there anywhere else we might change to make up the time?"

Hashim looked at his notes. "Highness, overnighting at Faralan should be a straightforward affair, we should waste little time there unless the Counts have matters which will require consultation." He looked up expectantly at Eriana.

"There is nothing that I know of, Hashim, you are right, it will be merely a delay of an hour or two while the package is delayed."

"Maybe not even then, Highness. The leg from here to Faralan is short enough, the package might be delivered the evening we arrive, which means we could depart early the following day."

"As you say. What of Rufen and Fanir?"

"That is more of a problem, Highness. Fanir is only a short carriage ride from Rufen but dealing with this new Council might mean an extra overnight, perhaps two if they are not well organized. As for what we might do further downstream, I can only note that we could be forced to overnight somewhere in Virgulend, which I know you are trying to avoid."

She nodded reluctantly. "Very well. We will essay this new task for Simbran and make what adjustments as we may. If I may ask, how are your own preparations for this voyage? Is there much for you to do?"

"Highness, it is all in hand. I have spoken to my moneylender and settled all accounts, including costs made while I was away. We are mostly packed, but if I could ask an indulgence."

"Ah?"

"By your leave, I do not desire to load the Visund with unnecessary cargo so we will bring a single chest each, leaving the rest to be packed and transported down to Sheldane as freight after the rains, once we have found new accommodation there."

"Five chests... that would be acceptable, Hashim. What have you left?"

"Some furniture, some winter attire, keepsakes from both our families, that sort of thing. Maybe two crates worth, possibly three. Oh! That reminds me. When I was at home looking out what to put in the chests I came upon our waterproof attire."

Eriana nodded. "A prudent choice, Hashim, considering we are so close to the Rains."

"Aye, Highness, but I began thinking of the rest of the crew. I am sure that your men have waterproof gear, I have occasionally seen it as they get something out of their duffles, but what of those we have rescued along the way at Bakhrad and Hamalbek? I doubt any of the women possess waterproofs."

That brought Eriana up short. "I know that Nethra and Larys have waterproofs, Hashim, since we recovered them from their barges when we tidied them up, but you are right. Neither Matta nor Vellana will have waterproofs, I do not know about Banest. Certainly none of the men we rescued at Hamalbek will have such attire. Ursula, I assume that you and Tyra have such items?"

"We do, Highness, but we have not used them so far. I can remember only two light showers along the way, it did not seem necessary to cover up then."

"I remember. Two short showers and then sunshine again. Very well. Hashim, thank you for bringing this to my attention, it may become important towards the end of our journey." Eriana sighed again. "Ssss! I must needs go to Simbran again and beg rainwear for those who do not possess it. But for now, I have just heard the lunch-time bell and we ladies must needs take ourselves to the bathing block. If you would excuse us."

~o~O~o~

"I have never seen a water craft so big!"

Hashim replied, "It is true, dear, such ships as the Visund are unusual this far from the sea. But even the Visund is unusual in design to my own eyes, since those of Einnland make them in a very different way. What do you think?"

It was the following day and Hashim had decided to give his family a respite from packing by bringing them down to the Royal Dock to see the vessel they would be traveling on. Ursula and Tyra had joined them, while several of the crew were already on board making sure the ship would be ready to sail at Eriana's command.

"It looks to me like a very big rowboat," Aryam replied doubtfully. "I can see there is no cabin, what do the crew do when it rains?"

Hashim shrugged. "They get wet, dear. And, since this ship has traveled the wide sea beyond the end of the Sirrel, they also get wet when the weather becomes rough. The crew are used to such inconveniences and it does not bother the ship at all."

Benor, the older son, asked, "Father, surely the water must come inside when it rains."

"That is true enough but because the hull is so shallow it is easy enough to bail out, I have helped do so myself." He added, "The shallowness is a great advantage, the Visund can go where few other ships this size can, and that has been of great use to us on occasion."

"That pirate galley you told us about?"

Hashim shook his head. "That one was not a pirate galley, son, but crewed by those of Yod, so we believe. After we marooned it on a shoal we did not stay around to ask them who they were."

"As you say, Father." Benor surveyed the row of boxes, crates, barrels and chests already aboard, most carefully placed along the center line to keep the Visund balanced. "Is it easy to move around when you are going? It looks awkward to me."

Hashim smiled and turned to Ursula. "By your leave, Mistress, would it be possible for Tyra to demonstrate her talents?"

Ursula turned to Tyra. "How do you feel about doing that? I don't want you to show off but just let him see how easy it can be to move around."

"I have no objection, Mistress. If you would take care of the bags?"

"Of course, Tyra." Ursula called to Tor. "Tyra wishes to show Hashim's son how easy it is to move around in the Visund."

Tor returned a big grin. "Yah, Mistress. Go ahead."

Tyra deposited the bags next to Ursula and then easily leapt the three strides from the floating dock onto the foaksul of the Visund, arresting her movement by grabbing the forestay. All of the family except Hashim gasped. Tyra then set off skipping along the nearside benches, just taking two steps along the top of the hull at one point to avoid Adin where he sat counting cutlery.

Reaching the stern, she then returned by jumping along the centerline along all the existing cargo and the top of the upturned praam. Back at the bow, she proceeded to swarm up the forestay to the top of the mast where she stood with one foot on the pulley which raised the yard and a hand on the top of the mast. She grinned down at the astounded audience.

"I told you not to show off, Tyra!"

"I ask your pardon, Mistress. This is so much fun."

"Come on down, you're distracting everyone. Look! There are even people in the boathouses watching!"

"As you wish, Mistress."

Tyra then walked herself down the mast to the bottom, jumped off and from there to the dockside, coming to a stop in front of Ursula with an insouciant grin. Ursula could barely stop herself from smiling herself.

Benor could barely speak but he managed to ask, "Are we expected to do that!?!"

"Not at all," Ursula replied. "Tyra was showing off, but what she did is not that difficult. She grew up in a part of Joth where the houses are tightly packed and washing lines cross the street. The children there can all do what she did. All Captain Tor might ask you to do is to haul on a rope on occasion or pull on an oar. Probably the latter most of the time since we will not be able to have the sail up."

"Oh. I can do that, at least."

Aryam asked, "Is it safe? I mean, Omar is yet small and it looks like it would be easy for him to fall over the side. I know that those barges I have seen Hashim on have had higher sides than this."

"It is a concern, yes. Perhaps we will need to put a safety line around his waist." At Aryam's look Ursula added, "The lookouts at the bow have safety lines, it isn't unusual, though most of the men have sailed enough that they don't need them."

"What about food? How do you cook aboard?"

"We don't cook aboard, Mistress. Whenever we need a hot meal we find a suitable bank and make a fire ashore. Or stop at the many places which offer meals and rest places to river travelers. To feed all the crew aboard would take so much kindling and fuel that there would be no room for anything else, and of course the fire itself would be dangerous."

"As you say. And we stop at hostels every night?"

"That is the theory, but sometimes we have camped out. I'm not sure I would want to do that in winter-time, though."

Hashim added, "The men have told me that it is possible to sleep aboard, dear, but it can be very uncomfortable. Normally they find a camping area along the bank where they may sleep properly. I know that Her Highness always has a watch set so there is no chance that anyone can sneak up on the camp."

Aryam considered this. "It will be a different few days, I deem, but if it gets us to Palarand quickly I shall not complain. Aye, husband, we will travel on the Visund and see how these new friends of yours manage their way down the river."

"Thank you, dear. Benor, Omar, have you any other questions?"

The younger son asked, "Father, is it just men on the ship? Grown-ups, I mean."

Hashim turned to Ursula, who told him, "We will have eleven women aboard, including your mother and sister, but most of the others are men, some will be passengers like you. There is one boy aboard, a ship's boy, he is a ward of Her Highness and is about thirteen years old."

Benor's ears perked up. "Oh?"

"Kaldar has been with the crew since we left Ferenis," she told him. "He has joined the crew so he has duties, he is not just a passenger." She hesitated for some moments and then added, "Because of his age he has been adopted by Her Highness. He... has deformities. He can do most things but do not assume he is either incapable or stupid."

"Ah. As you say, Mistress. Thank you."

Aryam said, "Well, husband, we have seen your ship now and we must needs go and make sure that all is done before we leave."

"Yes, of course, dear." Hashim turned. "Tor? Do you have need of me for a while?"

Tor looked up from the rope he was splicing. "Go, enjoy some time with family. See you later."

~o~O~o~

To Ursula's great surprise the Harvest Festival in Bibek was not held in their Shevesty Field. Apparently that arena was both too small for the number of residents in the capital and also dilapidated, not having been properly maintained or looked after by past Margraves. Instead their carriages and wagons took the hostel residents to another fold near where the Faral river broke through the North Wall. Here a great semi-circular amphitheater had been carved out of the rock and fitted out with tiers of seating that could accommodate many thousands.

I have only just adjusted to finding Roman ruins here, now I am looking at a Greek amphitheater! Of course they were all over the eastern Roman world so somebody obviously knew about them and decided that shape would fit this location better.

I wonder if they do performances here? Do they even have anything like the theater we know on Earth?

There was a stage with a large semi-circular pit in front of it in the traditional layout. Instead of a classical backdrop like every Greek amphitheater Ursula had ever seen pictures of, there was instead a simple blank wall four strides high with a doorway at each end. The stage and pit were surrounded by banks of seating that went a long way back up the hillside. It wasn't a perfect arrangement but easily enough room for those of the local population who wanted to take part.

Which appeared to be almost all of them.

Eriana, Bennet and Semma went on stage to join Simbran and some local nobles. The rest of the company were given places of honor, Ursula supposed, at the left edge, looking from the audience's point of view. The 'pit' appeared to be filled with artistically arranged piles of fresh food with, oddly, empty tables scattered among the produce. She could identify fruit, vegetables, sacks of grain, barrels and bottles of wine. She looked at the crowd and noticed gaps where some temporary stalls had been set up but their purpose was not clear.

Simbran appeared last. He strode onto the stage, bowed to Eriana and then stood at the front facing the crowd. The usual murmur that occurs with any mass of people gradually quietened until there was only the distant sound of avians disturbing the silence.

"My people."

He did not need to raise his voice but, with the genius of the amphitheater design, every person could hear him clearly.

"Regrettably, we must needs make short our celebrations today. The appearance of grakh three days ago means that I would be negligent if I should leave you all exposed in this place all afternoon, as is customary. I would not deny this place to those who desire to remain here, as is usual, but I do not desire the seating to be full of folk who would have no easy means of finding cover should grakh attend while you are here.

"Therefore I would ask that we proceed with the customary blessing and the dividing of the offerings as usual, but suggest that most of you take those offerings once prepared and go below, to enjoy your meals among the booths and other attractions. After that I would ask you all to return to your homes and enjoy the rest of today peacefully with your friends and families. There will be no second ceremony this afternoon and I will conduct no audience.

"You may notice that we have important visitors with us today, you may have seen some of them around Bibek in the last few days. Beside me is Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand and with her are her companions and shield-maidens Bennet and Semma, both of Palarand's Palace Guard. Yes, they all wear swords and, yes, they can all use them, even Her Highness.

"In the seating to my right," he gestured, "are many of the crew of her ship the Visund, which recently cleared out a large nest of pirates from their jungle lair downstream. With them are some of the men who had been captured by those pirates. The Visund will be departing tomorrow to return the crew to their homes in Palarand, hoping to arrive there before the Rains begin.

"If I may now ask Bibek's senior priest Brother Jerewin to come forward and begin the celebration. Next year I hope we may return to our normal routine, but I will warn you now that to do so in safety might mean moving our festival a few days earlier."

Ursula watched as a man and two women came forward from the door on the far side to stand in front of Simbran with their backs to the crowd. The man, who must have been about thirty, bowed to Simbran. The three wore long white robes and he also had a stole of red and yellow. What any of this signified she had no idea. This was the first time she had attended anything that could be described as a religious event.

With the exception of some funeral pyres run by military officers. I did get told about this 'Maker' of theirs but it was vague enough that it made little sense. It doesn't seem to interfere with daily life very much.

Once the priest had entered, a number of servants also entered by means of doorways into the pit. They brought with them baskets of meat, fish, pies and fresh bread together with whole joints carried on shoulders, which they carefully placed on the empty tables. Once all were filled they withdrew to the edges but did not leave the pit.

"By your leave, Your Grace?"

Simbran bowed his head and the priest turned to face the crowd, holding his hands aloft.

"The Maker made the world, and the Sun, the moons and the stars above. The Maker made the plants and creatures within the world including ourselves. We do not know the Maker's purpose, and we do not know if the Maker has ever visited the world since it was made. All we know is that this world is the Maker's creation, not ours, and we have a responsibility to live in this world in such a way that it is kept as the Maker may have originally intended.

"This includes the responsibility to prepare ourselves, our families and the animals in our custody for the coming winter, and that includes gathering the fruits that the world has seen fit to provide us with this summer past. All of the foodstuffs we see in front of us have been given by those who took part in the harvest, in order that all Faral may share in the bounty. What we eat together now and later today will be a token of the commitment we make to share the harvest amongst everyone, that none may go hungry in the dark and cold of the coming winter."

The priest turned towards Simbran. "Your Grace, is it your will that this food be distributed?"

Simbran inclined his head. "It is our will. Let sufficient food be prepared, for a luncheon that all may enjoy together, to celebrate this festival of the year's harvest." He added, "The remaining food shall be distributed later today to any who may have need of it."

A gong was struck and the servants in the pit began removing the food, taking it out through the doors. Once the food had all been removed some more tables were set up with a number of folding chairs to go around them. Ursula was familiar with this process as it was the same thing that happened for almost every meal she had attended with the rulers they had visited along the way. Meanwhile many of the crowd had begun trickling towards the various exits from the tiers of seating.

Simbran joined Eriana and they walked across the stage until they reached the foot of the seating where the Visund's crew was.

"If you would come down and join us for this meal," he called up to them. "This may be the last time we may sup together and to do it at Harvest Festival is fitting, I deem."

Everybody rose and followed the Margrave down steps to the pit, where he gestured at the tables and chairs. Simbran himself took a central chair facing the tiered seating, so that the many who had remained there could see him clearly. Eriana sat at his right-hand side and Ursula to his left.

"If I may ask, Your Grace," Eriana said, "do you not have family? Should they not be with you for such an occasion as this?"

"Ah, regretfully I must tell you that my wife died some years ago from an unpleasant fever which gripped our poor land. I have two sons and a daughter but they now have family of their own. They do reside in Bibek but I advised them not to attend today because of the danger from the flying beasts. I am prepared to risk myself but not my entire family."

"A pity this place is too large to have a roof, Your Grace, then the flying beasts could not see your crowd."

"Aye, as you say, Eriana." Simbran had a thought and turned in his chair to ask Ursula, "It occurs to me that..." he suddenly realized that those in the seats above could hear every word he spoke, "...where you come from, your own people might suffer from similar problems. Is there no remedy?"

Ursula thought as she added sliced meat and cheese to her plate. "It is true, Your Grace, that we have places as large as this, even larger, where I come from. Places like this one are generally named theaters," the word came out in English, "and most of them do have roofs. I can think of at least two ways in which this place could be covered, sufficiently that the creatures would not be able to see inside but allowing air to flow freely."

Simbran looked astonished. "Do you tell me? How can it be possible?"

"Firstly, I think, a simple awning would do it. You would need pillars - masts, really - at the top and behind the stage behind us, with strong ropes stretching down above the audience. Then you simply have canvas awnings to cover the whole area."

"But how it is it possible to have ropes that would not stretch or break?"

"Generally, Your Grace, in such installations the ropes would be made of steel wire, which is strong enough to support the weight. Of course, at each end behind the masts you would require strong anchorages for those wires and the masts would likely also be of steel."

Simbran considered this, then asked, "If I may ask how large these theaters would be."

"It varies, Your Grace. Sometimes..." She thought, There are not so many open-air theaters but many more stadiums. "Have you visited any Shevesty fields other than the one here?"

He nodded. "I have, I have watched a game of shevesty at the field in Faralan, one between our team from Bibek and their own." He looked disbelieving. "Surely you cannot tell me that you could cover that whole field with just an awning?"

"Not entirely, Your Grace. We name places shaped like that stadiums. I know of a stadium in another land which is used for running races and similar athletic events which is about the same size as the Shevesty Field in Faralan, but the awning covers just the audience, not the competitors in the middle. There is a rigid steel construction completely around the outside and the awning hangs from that, the inside edge is fixed to a ring of steel wire which goes all the way around."

Simbran considered this but said, "Does not the awning then sag to the ground, Mistress?"

"No, Your Grace, the ring of steel wire has no supports other than the awning itself. It is all stretched tightly enough that it does not."

Eriana asked, "Ursula, how many does that stadium seat, then?"

"I am not certain, Highness. At least seventy thousand, maybe up to ninety thousand for certain events. The stadium is used for a number of different purposes to ensure it is not left idle."

Simbran exploded, "Seventy thousand? Maker! Are there so many people in that place, Mistress?"

"It is called Rome and it is the capital city of a country, Your Grace, and the population must be several millions. I do not know the numbers, I did not live anywhere near that city."

"Maker!" he said again. "To rule so many people, I am not sure I would wish to be that leader. Mistress, I am almost afraid to ask what your second method would be."

"A fixed roof, your Grace, without any pillars inside to spoil the view. Have you heard of something called a truss?"

"Why, aye, I have heard the word, at least." He looked uncertain. "Princess Garia was talking to one of their guildsman about such matters and I overheard their words, but I did not understand them."

"It is a way of making a rigid structure big enough to cover a place like this but strong enough and light enough to be able to construct easily."

Eriana broke in, "Ah, Ursula, if you would, I have also overheard such conversations and, while I only understood a small portion of what I heard, I do know that there may be design licenses involved."

Ursula nodded. "I guessed that might be the case but I did not know how advanced things were. I am sorry, Your Grace, I cannot go into details. I can tell you that such a roof could cover the Shevesty Field in Faralan completely, only being supported around the outsides. That means you could even play games inside when it was raining outside."

"Maker! And these wonders are to come?"

Ursula could not answer but Eriana said, when she saw Ursula hesitating, "I have no doubt that such wonders will reach even Bibek and probably during your lifetime, Your Grace. The steam engines and other things you have received are but the start, I deem."

"It seems we are about to have some amazing times, I deem."

Eriana's chuckle was rueful. "Your Grace, now you know how I have felt ever since I arrived at Robanar's palace! It will be your job to ensure that your people do not suffer during these changes."

"Indeed, as you say, Eriana."

Everybody concentrated on their meals at that point. As they had only been served lunch it did not take long to consume their food and drink. When he had finished Simbran leaned back and wiped his lips with a cloth.

"This is a large place," he commented, indicating the theater with a wave of his hand, "but it is not suitable for shevesty nor many of the other amusements we have in Bibek. If I may ask either of you, what might a place like this be profitably used for?"

Eriana replied, "I have only attended the Shevesty field in Palarand once, Your Grace, and that was for the Spring Dawning festival, oh, and of course two days later for the marriage of Garia and Keren! You were there yourself, I recall. I have never seen a place like this before either. I do not know this game you speak of and I do not know what else it might be used for."

She turned to Ursula who answered, "Your Grace, this would be known as a theater where I come from but theater is a general name for a place where a stage like the one behind us is faced by seating for the audience. They can be large or small and have many uses. There can be plays, where actors act out words and actions from scripts. Sometimes the plays can be accompanied by music from players who would be down here, where we are now, so that they don't spoil the audience's view. Sometimes there can be musicians on the stage, either by themselves or with one or more singers, if they are the performers. What you can do in a theater can vary greatly, I'm not sure I can remember it all," she suddenly realized that everyone could overhear her words, "or that I should."

"Ah," Simbran took the point. "As you say. Music, did you say? To play for the people watching?"

"Yes, Your Grace. From that stage everyone would be able to hear the performance perfectly."

Eriana had a thought and broke in, "Ursula, do you by chance have your farb with you?"

Oh, no! Why did she have to remember that, now of all times! I really do not want to get up there and play! Fortunately the farb is back at the hostel - although, thinking about it, I don't remember anyone taking it out of the bag...

With a sense of dread, she asked Tyra, "I do not suppose the farb is still in that bag, Tyra?"

Tyra opened the bag and rummaged briefly. "Aye, Mistress, it is. Do you want it out?"

Ursula turned to Simbran, who said, "I have heard that you play, Mistress. Might you favor us with a tune or two? I am interested to hear what such music might sound like in this place. If the experiment is a success, then I will know that we can make more use of it with other performances."

She sighed. "As you wish, Your Grace. I'll have to go and stand on the stage to get the best sound, and the tunes I can play will sound different than anything I have heard local musicians play."

"That just makes the experiment more interesting, Mistress." He stood. "Come, I will join you and explain to those who remain above what we intend."

Talked into something I really, really did not want to do! Perhaps it is fortunate that we will be leaving tomorrow. If he finds out just what I can do with a little preparation, I'd be roped into a season of recitals here.

She rose and took the offered cylinder from Tyra to follow Simbran out through one of the entrance doorways, up some steps and onto the stage. Once there she took the farb out of its case and made herself ready while the Margrave moved to the center of the stage and spoke to the audience.

"My people! As you may have heard, I have been learning about some uses of such places as this from one of our visitors, Mistress Ursula, who tells me that like structures are commonly used elsewhere for playing music to listeners like you. I did not know that such was possible, and so I have asked her come and try an experiment which will show us what such music may sound like. She is a visitor from a distant land, somewhere else entirely, and so the music she knows may be different to anything you are familiar with, and, indeed, may sound unusual to your ear. I ask you all to listen quietly and attend her performance."

Ursula walked across to join Simbran as the audience, many of whom were still eating and drinking, rapidly became quiet and attentive. Simbran stepped back to leave Ursula the sole focus on the stage.

"Uh, good afternoon," she said. "I did not expect to do this today so I am completely unprepared. Let me try a few notes first and then I will play some folk tunes from my own land."

She tried a scale to wet her lips and then began. It appeared that her playing in the hold of the Downwind Dasher had served as good practise and she remembered the change in fingering. She played two of the folk tunes she had played before and the audience was absolutely silent and attentive, bursting into applause when she stopped for breath. Simbran came forward.

"Mistress, you have a rare talent, I deem. I can tell that our listeners enjoyed what you have just played. Might you play something of a different kind for us? Though your music does sound strange to my ear it is comforting in a way that our own music is not. Mayhap the folk of..." Simbran remembered where he was, "...your land understand music better than we do."

I have heard music here and it wasn't pleasant at all. I can probably find something different, though the farb isn't suitable for most of what I remember. I'm just glad they don't have grand pianos here or I'd be here all afternoon!

"Your Grace, I do know other music but most of it is not suitable for this instrument. I can try something else, something a little longer, but you'll have to excuse me if I need to pause every now and then to make the tune fit the instrument."

Simbran gestured. "By all means, Mistress. I have asked you to do something without preparation and already you have succeeded more than I expected. If you would play something else I shall be content."

She tried a couple of Beethoven studies and then stopped with a question for the audience, which, she had noticed as she played, had begun to grow as word of the ad hoc performance leaked around the site.

"I am not sure how far the sound of this little instrument can carry. Can I ask all of you who can hear the music clearly to raise a hand? Thank you."

To her surprise everyone raised a hand, even those who were sitting way up at the top of the amphitheater.

She said, "I can tell you and His Grace that whoever designed and constructed this place did a very good job. Thank you, you can put your hands down now."

What do I do now? If I am not careful I will be here all afternoon.

Maybe I could try something a little more modern? But what? Something from a musical? A pop tune of some kind?

This is beyond me. I don't have any music except whatever I remember and there's been no planning, no arranging, I do not even know if these people are used to going to a concert or the theater.

One last tune, then. Something I remember from my travels.

She started "La Mer", a song that seemed to be around wherever she went in Paris and also popped up occasionally in French-speaking Canada. The audience loved it.

At the end she bowed to the applause and then held up her hands.

"Thank you, thank you. I am not used to performing this way but it has been a pleasure." Mostly. "As I said earlier this was all requested just moments before we came on stage and I have had no time for preparation. Thank you for listening to me today."

Simbran came forward, then, holding his own hands up. The amphitheater immediately quietened.

"My people, thank you for allowing us to perform this experiment. I can tell you that, once the Rains have passed, we will be considering other similar uses we might make of this place. For now, I should remind you all that it would be better for all, once you have finished your lunches, if you would rise and leave, since the danger from grakh is still with us. Thank you."

Back down in the pit Eriana was effusive. "Amazing, Ursula! I did not know you could do such things with that little wooden pipe!"

"Neither did I, Highness. This is a simple musical instrument, really. I could have done more with a clarinet or some of the other instruments I am familiar with."

"Do you tell me? Perhaps this is something we could discuss later."

"As you wish, Highness." But any instrument I do know how to play is a thousand light-years away.

Ursula looked around the pit, seeing that everyone else had finished whatever they had been eating and were ready to leave. "Should we be going? It can only get hotter if we stay here, even with those clouds overhead."

"Aye, let us return as quickly as we can to the hostel and some cooling shade."

"And some cooling beer?"

"Hah! Am I read so easily? Mayhap you could be right, Ursula. But all my men will have drained the barrels, I deem."

"I do not doubt it, Highness."

"Then let us go. Men! Time to leave."