The Visund departs Faralan alongside the Hopvalk and the Ten-Legged Brakky on the long leg to Fanir. Unfortunately those of Pakmal are waiting and only the Brakky keeps them from causing problems. Then a second Pakmal galley appears ahead...

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

99 - Faralan to 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.

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Ursula fitted the cork lid back onto the jar and replaced it into her basket. "I noticed you talking to Benor yesterday. Is this the first time you have spoken to someone of about your own age since..?"

The since was left unsaid. Both knew what she was referring to.

"It is, Mistress," Kaldar replied. "He was about what I expected. He does ask a lot of questions, though, and wanted to know about my family - my birth family, that is. Is this normal for boys?"

Ursula smiled. "You tell me, you are a boy!" She thought briefly. "I guess both girls and boys ask a lot of questions, especially on meeting someone new. They are trying to find out whether you are going to become a friend or a... rival, perhaps. But, thinking about it, I think that girls would ask different questions than what boys would ask, since they have different ways of seeing the world."

Kaldar pondered. "I think I agree, Mistress. When I was... at that place... my sisters talked about a lot of things and I didn't understand why they did so in the way they did. They seemed to concentrate on tiny things that didn't seem to me to matter much."

"And those things wouldn't matter to most boys," she agreed. "Boys and girls focus on different things in life, although..." She looked at him speculatively. "Have you found that you have begun to look at boys and girls in a different way lately?"

"I have not noticed so, Mistress. Should I?"

"The substances that are in the herbs you have each day are making changes to your body, you know that." He nodded. She explained, "Your brain is part of your body and that is being changed too. Now what happens to norm- uh, other boys is that the process occurs over a number of years as they are growing up, so that who you are at twenty years old will be a different person to who you were at ten years old."

"Aye, of course! That is what growing up is, Mistress. But you mean something different, I deem."

Ursula began to color slightly. Oh, dear. It looks as if I get to have that talk since I doubt Eriana would be able to do it and I cannot ask any of the men, since most of them probably don't have a clue either.

She sighed. "At age ten you were a boy and at age twenty you will be a man. What can men do that boys cannot? Make babies."

"Ohhh. As you say, Mistress." He objected, "But my body cannot make babies as another man might do, I do not have those parts between my legs."

"No, but it was your brain that has caused you all that trouble to begin with, wasn't it? And your brain is rapidly being changed from that of a boy to that of a young man, which means your thoughts will be changing, even though it happens so gradually that you don't notice what is happening. That is why I asked if you have started looking at boys and girls in a different way."

The reply was slow in coming. "I had not noticed that, Mistress, but I had not been watching for anything like that. Until Captain Hashim's family came aboard I did not have much to do with anybody so young."

"As you say." She smiled again. "We have all been busy, haven't we? But when we get to journey's end you may begin meeting other families - and maybe girls and boys your own age. I wanted to make sure you were aware of what might happen when you do so."

He grimaced. "It is so hard, Mistress, when one has been brought up another way."

"I'll let you into a secret, Kaldar. It doesn't matter how you are brought up, what your family is like or even what your brain thinks you should be. Almost all people of around your age have to solve exactly the same problems and, apart from special cases like yours, do not even know they have to do so."

"I understand, Mistress," Kaldar said gravely. "But I do know and I will try to be as careful as I can."

Ursula took a deep breath. "But there are other related matters you probably should know by now and I doubt anyone has bothered to tell you. For example..."

* * *

Eriana stared at the vessel. "What is that? Is that what you intend to use?"

"Aye, Admiral. This is what we name locally a skate, since it is possible, with a good crew, to skate across the mud which even now is visible across much of the Sirrel."

"I see," she said. "If you would explain what I am looking at. I am endeavoring to become familiar with all types of vessel that ply the river, that those I command might know their strengths and weaknesses." She added, "But this shape looks very strange to me."

Ambronar nodded. "It is not a customary shape for vessels on so great a river, Admiral, but as you will have noticed a season comes each year when the river is so low that normal vessels cannot reach some of their usual customers. Thus this unusual design was invented in Bibek. You may see, in the center, our hold where, as I mentioned last night, up to six barrels may be laid upon their sides."

Eriana leaned over. "But the hold is so shallow! Surely your cargo must poke out above the hatch!"

"If we had a hatch cover, Admiral, then you would be correct. Normally we just use tarpaulins to cover the cargo. In front of the hold you see our mast with the yard now down and moved aside so that we may load your cargo."

She pointed. "What is that other arm? Oh, I see, of course, you may arrive at somewhere where there is no hoist to help remove the goods. That is a derrick?"

"As you say, Admiral. To save weight it is a simple spar, no more, but it is sufficient. We will use it this morning, I deem, to save time. In front of the mast you can see a locker where we keep spare rope, cordage, sailcloth, other needs of our craft. Behind the hold is our cabin where we might sleep at night if we cannot find accommodation."

"But why is the deck so wide? The deck either side of the hold is as wide as the hold is!"

Ambronar smiled. "That is the secret of the skate design, Admiral. What is beneath the decking is in fact three similar and shallow hulls side by side with deck planking going from this side to the other. The two side hulls are empty and usually kept sealed. That gives us stability when on the river and spreads the load when we must needs attempt a sandbank or expanse of mud."

Eriana's eyes narrowed as she considered the arrangement. "But you cannot skate across dry land, I deem. Since there are no tides in this river so far from the sea, in this sun any exposed mud will soon dry out."

Ambronar inclined his head. "It is as you say, Highness, but we have often found alternative ways to avoid such areas. And, if we cannot, then the mud is likely dry and hard enough that carts may be brought across to meet us at the water's edge. We can unload there since our freeboard is so low. There is usually a way for us to do whatever we need, Highness."

"A clever method, as you say." Eriana turned her attention to the low cabin to her left, only a stride high and almost the entire width of the vessel. "I assume the hull is as shallow there as the rest of the vessel? That cabin does not look high enough! How do you manage?"

"Highness, it is cramped but we have done this for several years now. Inside is just enough room for three bunks, our belongings and provisions. Naturally we do not cook food aboard. There is sufficient room behind the cabin for a man to stand at the tiller."

"Very well. I will be interested to see how your craft handles. My captain, Captain Tor, has selected some items which can be moved to your hold, we must needs see how much will fit." She frowned. "Can you also take some of my men?" She sized up the strange, flat craft. "Two or three, perhaps. I want at least one of my own men with you since he will know how to send and receive messages using our whistle code. Any men may help with your sail, if you so desire."

"Just two, by your leave, Highness. This will be an uncommon cargo and we will need room to manage the sail should anything be amiss. You will notice there is nothing to prevent someone falling over the side, I would not wish to cause delay to the voyage if someone should go overboard."

"Done. Let us proceed, the day advances."

Cargo was transferred, including the crate which contained their saddles and a number of the heavier chests. These could be moved around if needed to trim the vessel and permit it to sail efficiently. Ormund and Benekar, who insisted he was fit enough for the duty, also joined the Hopvalk for the journey. Since those on the Visund had no idea how the Hopvalk would handle, it departed first and the longship only followed after a farewell from Marshal Tevos.

"I do not see your Under-Marshals around, Marshal, and I note that your galley is not here. Do you keep up a patrol, then, even with the waters so low?"

"In a way, Admiral," Tevos replied. "Since your encounter yesterday I thought to send the Brakky with you part of the way as escort. You intend to keep to the deep channel, I deem?"

"Of course, Marshal. We have a long way to go and have no desire to become trapped by this rainy season you describe."

"As you say. Kodal and Ferrion will keep you company so far, and the skate as well, and that should discourage those of Pakmal from interfering any further. But the Brakky may only travel so far today and must needs turn around to return here before dark. If that will suffice?"

"Surely, Admiral." The delays had made Eriana twitchy. "By your leave we must depart, else we ourselves will not make port by sunset!"

"As you say, Admiral. Fare you well and I wish you all a safe voyage."

The departure was hasty and Eriana wondered if something or someone had been left behind. She soon became distracted as the Visund followed the Hopvalk out of Faralan's port and back onto the Sirrel. It was just possible to have used the sail on this reach but that may have meant leaving the fastest current so she decided to rely on oars instead for this leg of their journey. For now they just let the downstream flow take them.

The Hopvalk, by contrast, was using its sail which meant that it meandered back and forth across the deep channel - which, here, was still more than half a mark wide - in order to make best use of the morning breeze. Those aboard did not move the sail much which meant that half the time it was pressed against the mast of the strange craft. Eriana shook her head at the curious means of progress.

Tor joined her and the two moved nearer the mast, the former leaning over the sides to judge the freeboard.

«It is good enough, I think. We did not remove much but, with the rest distributed better, I am satisfied we will not ship water any longer.» A grin. «Any more than we usually do.»

Eriana nodded. «We managed on the ocean, I cannot see how it will be worse here. You will keep an eye on it?»

«Of course, Admiral.»

She jabbed a finger at the skate, now some hundred strides ahead. «What do you think, Tor?»

«That is an odd vessel, Admiral.»

«Yes, but they probably consider the Visund just as odd. I think it is whatever you become used to seeing.»

«Yah. I have certainly seen many different designs of water craft as we have moved along this great river.» He gave Eriana a wry smile. «Of course it helps if you have large quantities of good timber around to make those craft out of!»

«Oh, yes! I have seen things I did not know were possible. When we design for the Navy we will have to use every trick these people have learned over the years.»

«Agreed. But who will teach us? Folk like those of Zebrin or Bibek? It might be a long way to come.»

«Not so far, perhaps. Minister Yussuf's barges were all made in Smordan, do you not recall? And for deep water craft which may attempt the wider ocean, well, that is another matter. Mayhap we must needs pay a visit to those of Vardenale.»

«Ah. I had not thought of that. Maybe that is why you are an Admiral and I just direct your ship.»

Eriana's expression was serious. «From what Garia and Maralin said to me the vessels of the future, large and small, may not look anything like those we see around us these days, Tor. We are all guessing what the future might look like and I suspect none of us will guess right.»

«I cannot disagree, Admiral.» Tor pointed. «That is a galley, surely? From Faralan or Pakmal, do you think?»

Eriana uncapped the top of the cylinder attached to her belt and pulled out her telescope. She extended the instrument and aimed it forward.

«Ours, I think. Faralan, I mean. I can just make out the colors. Hmm. I wonder if the other..?» She surveyed the river ahead and then swung to look behind. «There is nothing there I can see, Tor, except some fishing craft. But the stern is blocking my view.» She handed him the telescope. «If you would return to the stern deck and check behind us, Tor. We are late, we are in a hurry and I do not care for surprises today!»

Tor took the gleaming brass tube. «Of course, Admiral.»

The galley ahead moved nearer to the center of the river and thus away from the fastest current. This meant that they moved slower and the Visund soon came abreast of them, whereby the Ten-Legged Brakky swung back closer to the longship. Figures at the bow waved and, when Eriana waved back, two of them saluted. In this way the two vessels kept company with the Hopvalk zig-zagging some hundred strides ahead.

They had reached down the 'Fanir finger' and, on the other bank, the last portion of Pakmal territory, when a short blast on a bugle informed those on the Visund that possible trouble had been sighted. Arms pointed, but the view was obstructed by the galley, so Eriana ordered oars out and to pull ahead. When they cleared the higher vessel another galley could be seen departing from a village on the Pakmal side.

«Tor! To me. Where is Ursula? Ah! Hashim, tell her to come aft, quickly!»

The first thing Ursula said when she arrived was, "I see it, Admiral. Since the fastest current must move to the Pakmal side to go around the bend, I wondered whether someone would be waiting for us over there."

"I should have come to the same conclusion," Eriana admitted, "but I have been distracted by watching our friends here. The Pakmals know we have to go over there and join them, is there any way we can get by them?"

"Perhaps by using the Brakky as a shield," Ursula suggested. "Assuming they do not pursue us beyond the end of Pakmal lands."

"Put up flag again," said Tor.

Eriana's eyes narrowed. "Now that is a good idea! And we do not have to worry about being caught this time since we are not using the sail. Do it, Tor. Then, we slow down and have a word with our friends on the Brakky."

As close alongside the galley as they could get, Eriana called up to those on the bow. "Will they follow us around the bend?"

Kodal answered back, "We do not know, Admiral, since we do not know their purpose. A short way, perhaps. The problem is, we cannot follow you much further either, since we have to get back to Faralan before dark."

Hashim called to Eriana, "Admiral, there is a village nearly opposite, on the Faralan bank, where the Brakky could overnight if necessary."

"Do you tell me? That could be useful." Eriana relayed the information to Kodal.

"Admiral," his reply came, "Fanegada is a poor place ravaged by those of Yod. But it could offer us a safe mooring for the night and we have supplies. We will come with you so far along the next reach if the other persists."

Hashim looked at the chart and pointed. "Admiral, the lands of Faralan go all up the side of the finger and beyond the point where the river parts either side of the Fanir Island. There must be other places along there where the Brakky would find a better welcome."

"Indeed, and we might also make use of such a place for lunch, I deem." Eriana turned and relayed this information up to the galley.

Kodal called down, "Agreed."

The current moved to the outside of the bend, the side where Pakmal ended and Yod began. The Brakky kept between the Pakmal galley and the Visund, despite the other's attempts to maneuver around it. While everyone was concentrated on the activity Zakaros made his way laboriously to the stern carrying a small box.

Ursula asked, "What is that, Zak?"

"Mistress, I noticed it under one of the seats when we were moving crates to put some on that small craft. It has been soaked by the water we had in the hull yesterday. Today I opened it and realized what it was."

"Hoy!" Tor said. "Is the grenades! No use if wet, hey?"

"Indeed, Captain."

Eriana said, "What was that doing under a seat? That should have been hidden away under the foaksul!"

Zakaros replied, "Admiral, we used some of the grenades, you remember, to frighten off the grakh that landed on the ship when it was in the harbor. In the excitement we must have forgotten to reseal the box and put it back."

She rolled her eyes. "They may be no good now. How many are left?"

"Three, Admiral."

"Is it very wet inside that box?"

Zakaros felt inside with the back of his hand. "Definitely damp, Admiral, but no more. No water slopping about."

Ursula said, "The main charge inside those should be dry, Admiral, but the fuses are almost certain to be damp. It might be possible to dry them out - carefully - in time."

She sighed. "Very well, put the box back under the foaksul and we'll look at it whenever we have time... later. First we have to discourage those of Pakmal from following us."

"As you command, Admiral."

The land swung away to their right as the mouth of the river which divided Pakmal from Yod came into view. The name of the river had changed so often over the past year or two that nobody was inclined to give it any name now. Beyond the river mouth the town of Klyhill was just visible on the bank, which was technically Yodan territory but presently under Pakmal control. Once past that point the Sirrel swung hard left until they were facing almost exactly the opposite direction to previously.

Eriana muttered, "Could put the sail up here."

"No point," Hashim responded. "We would then be faster than either the Hopvalk or the Brakky and expose ourselves to the Pakmal galley."

"Ssss! I am impatient! I want to go faster, to get all the way down the Sirrel before the Rains arrive."

Ursula said, "I thought you had been taking lessons to calm yourself."

Eriana turned to her and smiled. "I did and I still do the exercises - when I remember - but I am beginning to become anxious. It is one of my main faults, I deem."

The flotilla continued along the main current for another few marks. Ursula noted that the banks either side were cloaked in the 'mangrove' tanglewood though clear yellow mud showed along both banks where the river had now receded. Overhead, lines of dark clouds moved upstream, some of them dark enough to threaten rain but the main effect was to make it harder to see other vessels in their sharp shadows.

Some small villages were spotted on the Faralan side but the current was still on the Yodan side so they dared not risk crossing what could be dangerous waters, especially for the Ten-Legged Brakky. Eriana was still considering what to do for lunch when thoughts of food were swept away.

A whistle call came from the bow, "Enemy vessel ahead."

Eriana spun. "What? Where?"

Tor, still on the stern deck and holding the telescope, aimed it forward.

"Another galley, Admiral. Difficult to see. Sun."

Although the Sirrel now flowed north-west on this loop of its course, it was nearly noon and the light was reflecting from the surface of the waters. Fortunately a cloud passing across the sun gave Tor the chance to identify the oncomer as it neared.

"Pakmal, Admiral."

The depression which descended on the crew and passengers of the Visund was palpable. With one hostile galley behind and another ahead, they were potentially boxed in, even with their own galley for escort. The Ten-Legged Brakky could not cover both sides at once. It looked like their voyage was about to come to an abrupt end.

Ursula shaded her eyes and stared at the Faralan banks, looking for any port where they might shelter.

"What do you see, Ursula?"

"A way out, Eriana. It has occurred to me that we might be able to find a way across the shallows where these galleys dare not."

"It is a thought. These folk have no quarrel with Kodal, I deem. Let them argue it out without us to tempt them to do something foolish." Eriana also shaded her eyes and stared at the bank which was a good mark away, then at the waters which separated them from the bank. "I like not these low waters with shoals even we might stick upon."

"If the waters are shallow enough to ground the Visund," Ursula pointed out, "we could all climb out and push her off. The water would be barely thigh deep!"

"By the Gods, you are right, Ursula! Hashim, is it possible we could find a way to the safer shallows yonder?"

Any reply was cut off as the pursuing galley, now just visible behind the Brakky, let out bugle blasts and hoisted several flags. The approaching galley made replies by bugle and hoisted its own flags whereupon thier pursuer eased oars and dropped back three lengths. Above, on the Brakky, whoever was looking down at them made an exaggerated shrug and held his arms wide.

"They do not know what is happening either, Ursula."

"From the sounds of those bugles I do not think those two are acting together," she replied slowly. "They come from places too far apart and I doubt they would have had time to pass much news. But those coming from downstream must have recognized who we are. I wonder..? Admiral, I think we may be just about to meet one of the better Pakmals."

"Do you tell me? Where would they be from, so far downstream, Ursula?"

"Wadek is my guess, Admiral. Remember who we met there?"

"Oh aye, I do. What do you suggest?"

"Get ready for a fight but wait to see what happens. If the two Pakmals have an argument then we might be able to slide by. If they turn on us we go left for the shallows."

"What about Marshal Kodal? He needs to know our suspicions."

"Yes."

But Marshal Kodal was busy, since the downstream galley had now eased right up to the Brakky, such that their bows overlapped by a few strides and almost touched. Another sailor looked down at those on the Visund and made some hand gestures which nobody understood.

Eriana fumed. "We must arrange, as soon as possible, a common set of whistles, hand movements and flags such that all Naval craft should understand one another. This is intolerable! What are they doing up there?"

Shortly the sailor made beckoning gestures and a rope ladder snaked down from the bow of the Brakky. Kodal appeared at the bow and gave a sign that appeared to indicate that all was good. Shortly he climbed over the side and began to make his way down the ladder, causing Eriana to issue some swift commands. The oars were pulled in and the longship steered close to the Brakky. Lines were tossed down and made fast, binding all three craft together.

Much to everyone's surprise another senior officer also descended the ladder, this one dressed in the blue of Pakmal and wearing a black sash. Kodal helped him onto the bow of the Visund and the two stood, surrounded by wary but restrained Norse, waiting for Eriana and Ursula to join them. When the two women did so the two men made salutes to Eriana.

"Admiral," Kodal began, "if I may introduce Field-Director Botanno of the Pakmal Forces of Liberation, though I understand that you two have previously met. Director, Her Highness First Director Eriana of the Federation Navy and Director Ursula of the Navy."

Botanno slapped his chest with an open hand and smiled as he held out a hand to Eriana.

"Director, it is good to see you again, though we meet in strange circumstances. Director Ursula, it is good to meet you again as well."

Eriana shook his hand and returned the smile, although a little forced. "Director, it is good to see you here as well! Have you come to rescue us or to detain us?"

"Detain? Why would I want to do that? Is that what that Pakmal galley is about? I thought they were here as an escort!"

"Indeed not, Director. Our friends of Faralan, which is now part of the Federation, provide such an escort since those of Pakmal - begging your pardon - seem intent on pursuing us for reasons unknown. This galley, or perhaps more than one, have attempted to delay us ever since we passed the borders of that land. If I may ask, what are you doing on the river? I thought you were in charge at Wadek."

"My posting has ended, Director, and another now has that duty. By chance I am returning to Pakmal to take up a new position as First Secretary in charge of our military. I saw the two galleys ahead, with your own distinctive ship, and desired to exchange a few words as we passed, but realized that something was amiss when the other galley blew that they had claimed the capture. Fearing some misunderstanding I ordered them to desist and then hailed Kodal's craft for a parley, where the situation was explained."

"Misunderstanding! Director, apart from yourself Pakmal seems full of misunderstandings."

"I know, Director, and I will try to change that when I take up my new appointment."

Ursula added, "Director, it is possible that they think we might have had something to do with an incident when we visited Pakmal City. While we were there," she lowered her voice, "Count Korboro was murdered. In front of us. But we had nothing to do with his death, other than as witnesses."

Botanno's eyebrows shot up. "Do you tell me? That is not the news that came as far as Wadek, you should know. Foreign assassins, the message said, but no mention was made of your good selves." He turned to Eriana. "Director, Highness, I have no doubt that you and your folk are innocent but I must needs ask you to swear that none of you had anything to do with Korboro's death. I am sorry, I intend no insult but an oath will let you pass without further interference from any of Pakmal."

Eriana's gaze pierced Botanno. "Were you allies of that man, Director?"

"Me? Maker, no! But there are many in the city who were and I must needs show them that I am unbiased, as you already know that I am."

She nodded. "I thought that might be so. Shall I make my oath now?"

"I would prefer that someone from my own galley would witness it, by your leave. I know that all here will witness but," he shrugged, "as you know, my countrymen are less trusting."

The captain of Botanno's galley, the Broadsword, made his way onto the Brakky and down the ladder to join the small group. He saluted Botanno but just stared at Eriana. Botanno explained what he had learned and the man relaxed - slightly. Eriana gave her oath as to Korboro's death and he relaxed some more.

"Thank you, Director," Botanno told her. "I may be able to use this information to flush out more of his supporters. By your leave, we will now return to our galley and have stern words with our fellow yonder."

The two said their farewells and left. Kodal stayed a short while longer.

"Highness, I fear that this will be as far as we may travel beside you. With the danger now abated you should be able to continue in peace. While we talked the current has already carried us almost to the Fanir island."

Eriana winced. "This is much further than I expected us to be in company, Marshal. Thank you again for all that you have done."

Kodal's face was expressionless as he replied, "We are the Federation Navy, First Director. It is what we are here for."

"Of course. Will you keep in contact with Botanno? In our previous dealings with him he seemed a decent man."

"I intend to, Director, as much as is possible, especially considering his new appointment. After all, as you have seen, the banks of Pakmal face those of Faralan by a considerable number of marks. We will always have much to do with one another."

"Then good-bye, Marshal, until our next meeting and... safe sailing and good hunting."

Kodal climbed back aboard the Ten-Legged Brakky, the lines were released and the vessels parted. The Visund immediately made for the Faralan shore to find a place to moor for a belated lunch.

* * *

It was as well that the voyage of the Visund had been undertaken at the height of summer, since the sun was setting when they reached the harbor at Rufen. The lines of dark clouds had faded as the heat went out of the day and now the sky was clear. The sun's rays were horizontal as they shone the full length of the Great Valley and it made the panorama in front of them look very strange. The black mooring poles stood stark into the sky as most of the pontoons they controlled lay askew on the yellow silt below. Only the final one or two still floated in what was left of the river.

The scene was not quiet, however. Even this late in the evening there were folk hauling smaller craft onto dry ground and others making certain that hatches on larger vessels were well sealed and tarpaulins securely stretched over other openings. The activity showed how seriously the locals were taking the imminent onset of two months of rain on their craft.

There were still officials on duty, despite the lateness of the day, and two of them guided the Visund and the Hopvalk to berths at the end of one of the remaining floating pontoons. There was no argument about their presence or the sizes of their vessels, for once the advance messages about their arrival appeared to have arrived promptly.

"Your Highness, it is too late for you to travel to Fanir itself today," one of them told Eriana. "We have accommodation arranged for you and all your crew. We have reserved a nearby inn privately for yourself, your women companions and the children I see with you. I regret that many of the places normally available are already taken up by crews of other craft waiting out the Rains and your men must needs be shared between three of our regular hostels. If I may ask, will this be agreeable to you?"

Relieved that she would not have to think of a solution for Kaldar, Eriana thought briefly and then nodded.

"It will, and thank you. I know that as the Rains approach your accommodation has become crowded and I apologize for stretching your needs at this time. We plan to remain here tomorrow, when I have been asked to travel to Fanir City with a delegation, and then depart the following day. Will that be possible?"

The man bowed. "Highness, it will. The message we had from Faralan informed us of your desire to return to Palarand before travel becomes impossible and we will endeavor to help you on your journey."

"That is good. Ah, some of those children you see belong to the family of my pilot. Will he be welcome at our inn?"

"Of course, Highness. The inn of course has family suites available, though we did not know exactly who you were bringing with you. Your pilot will not feel out of place with your party."

"And our vessels. You will notice that our belongings are plainly visible aboard both. Can we be assured that no-one will interfere with them?"

"Indeed, Highness. If you would prefer to leave a watch aboard your vessel we would not object but the port has its own watchmen who will protect your vessels should you all desire a restful night's sleep."

Eriana glanced across the river, where the lights of Yod City were now becoming visible as the daylight faded.

"Aye. We have had a long day, I deem, and all of us are needful of rest. How shall your men know who is permitted to attend our vessels?"

"The uniforms which I see on many of your men and women, including yourself, will be password enough, Highness. There are no other vessels with crew like yours berthing here tonight. If those others dressed in normal attire are with someone in a uniform, they shall be admitted as well."

She nodded. "Good enough. Let us gather our belongings and go, then. I presently desire food and a bed of my own."

The man bowed. "Highness. If you would issue instructions to your company I will conduct you and your families to the inn."

With two carts pushed by four men carrying the required chests, the women plus Hashim walked the short distance into the port town of Rufen to their inn. The inn's staff carried their belongings up to the various chambers and then the men and carts went back to take the men's belongings to their hostels. Eriana, Ursula, Tyra, Kaldar, Matta and Vellana made themselves comfortable in one of the three family suites while Hashim took his family into another and the other women chose the third.

"As I thought," Eriana said when she inspected the suite, "there is a small room here for a manservant. Kaldar, will this be sufficient for you?"

He went inside, flicked a glance over the facilities and turned. "Highness, it will be good enough for me for the next day or two. If I may collect my things? I must needs change and then attend the toilet and bathroom. If I may ask when we will eat this evening? It is later than we would normally eat."

"They have waited until we arrived and are even now, probably, roasting meat and boiling vegetables. Do not concern yourself over the time, Kaldar. All of us must needs visit toilet and bathroom before we may dine this evening."

"As you say, Highness."

Kaldar turned away to prepare himself as Eriana addressed the others. "I have spent all day on the river like this and desire a change to make myself feel fresh again. I would suggest that you all choose a day dress or traveler's gown to dine, no long gowns this evening." She added, "Tomorrow we should be going to visit this Council of which Simbran spoke, I would suggest our best uniforms. Ursula, Tyra, if I may ask you both to wear your greens tomorrow. Tyra, if you so desire you may also wear your sword."

The group found and gathered what they would wear that evening and trooped down to the bathing block. There were four tubs, each separated by wooden partitions, one of which had Hashim and his family in it. There was no time for a proper bath but all stood in their tub and soaped each other down before rinsing. Once dry they put on their fresh clothes and then returned what they had taken off to their suite.

Downstairs in the dining room they found Banest, Larys, Matta and Vellana seated at one end of the single table their hosts had set out and laid but no sign of Hashim and his family. That family joined them shortly afterwards at the same moment the owner of the inn appeared. Eriana immediately stood and walked over to him.

"Good evening. If you did not know, I am Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand. I and my companions are traveling the great river on a mission of some importance for Palarand, but while we remain under your roof you should consider us as no different than a ship captain and some of her passengers. My crew and retainers have found beds elsewhere this night.

"I must needs apologize to you for our late arrival, this was mostly due to a disagreement we encountered on the river between three galleys, two of Pakmal and one from Faralan. We expected to arrive some bells ago."

The owner was surprised. "Do you tell me? Life on our river has become strange since those of Yod went on their recent rampage. I am forgetting myself." He bowed. "I am Harsan Brewmaster and you are all welcome to our inn. Your evening meal is being prepared and should be ready very soon. I understand that you are staying here tonight and tomorrow night?"

"That is so, Master Harsan. We have been asked to consult the Council of Fanir tomorrow which is why we are here at all. We intend to depart the following morning and attempt to reach Palarand once again before the Rains start, though with all these delays I wonder if we are already too late."

"Your Highness, the signs are already there, you have at most three or four days, I deem. I wish you well on your further journey."

"Did you say your name was Brewmaster? Know you that I come from a distant land and prefer to drink ale at mealtimes. Wine is unknown in the lands of my birth."

"Ale? Highness, in these lands it is beer that is mostly preferred by the traveling folk and that is available if you wish to sample it." He frowned. "I understood that wine was available in Palarand? Am I mistaken?"

"No, Master Harsan, you are not. Though I now owe allegiance to King Robanar of Palarand I was born in a much more distant land, beside the great ocean and a thousand marks south of the Palumaks. If I may sample your beer, I will soon tell you if it is to my taste. Should it not be then I would rather drink pel despite the lateness of the day."

He nodded. "As you desire, Highness. I will send someone with some beer for you to try and by then they may be ready to feed you all. By your leave."

Harsan left and Eriana returned to the table to find that Hashim and his family had occupied the other end of the table, leaving a few empty seats in the middle. She sat next to Ursula and turned to ask if all had been as Hashim had desired, but he had an urgent look on his face.

"Highness!" he hissed. "There is something you should know. That man we met at the docks, the one who brought us to this inn, I know him! His face I will never forget. He was the officer in charge of the cutter which captured our barge and made our crew galley slaves. He is a Yodan."