Eriana struggles with confidence as the Visund leaves Rufen to head for Ferenis. Storms along the way give a heavy hint that the Rains cannot be far behind. Finally reaching Ferenis, an old problem has to be handled carefully.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

101 - Storms and a Quandary

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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"Good morning, Eriana." Ursula frowned at the state of the tall, blonde woman in bed beside her, who had just woken up. "Didn't you get a good night's sleep?"

"Ugh." Eriana grimaced and then wiped a hand across her face, trying to bring life to it. "No, Ursula, I did not. I do not know why but my mind is just thrashing around over all our problems, just like an angry brimill caught in our nets." She sat up slowly. "I am exhausted, I deem."

Ursula suddenly realized that her own interest might be more than just that of a close friend.

Is this too much for Eriana? Has she reached some limit, unknown to either of us? There was talk that, before she and the Visund reached the Great Valley, she was an unmanageable wild child, or something very much like that. Yet here she is showing signs of exhaustion - which I can fully understand - and maybe even the beginnings of depression.

How do I find out? Who do I ask? Lars would be the obvious person but he is not here. Tor? Perhaps. If I ask any of her men then I might be seen to be prying places I should not.

"Come on. Perhaps what you need is another session in a hot tub."

"Mayhap you are right, Ursula, but today we dare not tarry. We must depart as soon as all have gathered aboard, we have a long way still to go."

"You are right, Eriana. Tell me, which ports would we likely be staying at overnight in future? I can think ahead, then."

They both began climbing out of bed as the Princess replied, "I think we can get as far as Ferenis today, Ursula. If you would hand me that wrap? Ah, then probably Joth, I deem. Beyond there maybe the ferry ports between Virgulend and Brugan, you know I do not wish to tarry within Virgulend if it can be avoided. How much of that time do you remember, Ursula?"

"Not much, Eriana. I do have a memory of most of that time before we reached Joth but it is hazy. There was a confrontation between us and some noble?"

"Aye, Jarwin, brother of Grand Duke Mariswin of Virgulend. Their ferry ports should be safe enough but I am reluctant to land anywhere else if it can be avoided."

"Oh, I see. So... that's taken us as far as Brugan, where next?"

There came the first smile Ursula had seen that morning. "Why, the next leg takes us to Sheldane, of course, where I am expecting that a refuge from the Rains will await us. If Sheldane cannot accommodate us it is but a short way from there to Dekarran where Duke Gilbanar will have ample space for us and our crew."

So, four days, then. Five if there are problems. I need to look at a map of the lower Sirrel, Hashim's charts are too fine a scale. Dekarran?

"What is at Dekarran, Eriana, that makes you so sure there will be room for all of us?"

Eriana actually laughed. "A monstrous large castle, Ursula, set high above the spot where the Palar river joins the Sirrel before both become part of the ocean. Dekarran castle is so large that, in previous times, it has hosted the whole town, supplies and all, against raiders and also against floods. Have no fear there will be no room for us, it is not possible!"

I have heard a little about Dekarran but I think I want to see it before I believe any of it.

"If you say so, Eriana. Are we all wearing ship dresses today, do you think?"

"Aye, we would be more comfortable, I deem. We have a hard voyage still ahead of us, we do not need to be wrapped in clinging, sweaty attire while we travel!"

"I agree."

Matta, Vellana and Tyra appeared then, so the group gathered what they would each wear and trooped along to the bathing block. At least nominally clean and refreshed, they joined the others in the dining room. Since service had not yet begun everyone stood when the Princess arrived. As the most senior person already present it was Kalmenar's task to welcome the arrivals.

"Good morning, Your Highness. If you would join us." After everyone had settled around the tables, and as the servants were bringing out the breakfast essentials, he added, "Highness, forgive me for noticing, but it appears that you did not have a comfortable night's rest."

She waved a hand. "Ah, Kalmenar, there is much to think about and most of it worry. I will be much happier when we have made our final landing at Sheldane. Until then, I have not only our present voyage to ponder but also many details concerning the Navy which must needs be decided before many more days have passed." She gave him a wan smile. "It is a curse of administration, I deem, which I am ill-suited for. Leading my men into battle, aye, that I can do, but I find the organizing and planning to be most tedious."

Kalmenar bit off a reply and merely agreed, "As you say, Highness."

She transferred her gaze to Hashim, sitting at one end of the table with his family.

"Captain Hashim, you are most familiar with this region, I judge that our next overnight will likely be at Ferenis. Do you agree? Do you think that would be as far as we should go? Should we try for Forguland instead?"

"Highness, I would have to check with my charts but I agree with you, Ferenis is far enough to travel today." He considered. "If the current is swift enough we could, possibly, travel as far as Forguland, but the sun would likely be setting by then, I would not advise it."

"What problems might we face if we try for Forguland, Captain?"

"You know that the docks there are a series of steps, until we arrive we will not know how low the river might be nor how crowded those lowest steps will be with craft lying up against the Rains - or, indeed, if they have made some other arrangement. Besides, if we cannot obtain the docks at Forguland then we must needs face the Cauldron, and at or after sunset. You know the risks."

"Oh. Aye." Eriana looked through the nearest window at the sky, crowded with dark clouds. "And these rains? How much longer can we travel? Should we make plans to shelter in Forguland?"

Hashim studied the view. "The air still seems fine, Highness, which means that the Rains are mayhap at least two or three days away, Highness. I will add that I personally doubt that we may travel as far as Sheldane before we are forced to find shelter."

"Oh, no! Do you tell me?"

Hashim shrugged. "Every single year the Rains are different, Highness. It is entirely possible that we could voyage as far as Sheldane before it would be necessary to stop but it is unlikely, I deem."

"So we will be forced to find shelter somewhere else, you are saying."

"It would be as well to make plans for any other place where we might land, Highness, especially as you are not keen on anywhere in Virgulend. Ah, thank you."

Servants placed knives, spoons, dishes and plates in front of each diner, most of whom promptly pulled out their own forks to help themselves eat. As two tureens of grain porridge were already on the table, Eriana gestured for everyone to begin as she replied.

"The ferry ports in Virgulend might be acceptable but nowhere else, I deem. I do not care to repeat our last visit, especially since we would be moored there for maybe two months."

"I have heard the tale, Highness, of your forced stop there. Virgulend is not a land I have visited very often and I know little of its ruler or his family, few bargemen would bother with such knowledge. Ah, whether we stay in Ferenis or manage Forguland today, I will ask for updated charts of the lower Sirrel when we arrive."

"Thank you, Hashim." But Eriana's expression was unhappy as she bent to her own meal.

When the party arrived at the pontoon with all their luggage they found the rest of the crew and passengers waiting for them, all crowded along the pontoons. Tor met them and gave Eriana a Palarandi salute.

«Welcome, Highness. Can you get past everyone? I wanted you to inspect the ship before we boarded and covered everything with more cargo and bodies.»

«Of course, Tor, but it does make it awkward with everyone standing on these pontoons.»

She manage to pass everyone and climbed aboard the Visund, ducking awkwardly beneath the recently-erected awning. Tor pointed to places where modifications or substitutions had to be made as they picked their way forward to the bow.

«Here is what I had to do to shelter the lookouts, Highness. With this in place they will have to sit.»

He pointed to the jury-rigged tarpaulin over the foaksul, which had required a strong wood bar to be lashed to the inside of the upright prow to support the front of the shelter.

Eriana nodded thoughtfully. «It looks good, Tor, but we won't know if it will be good enough until it rains, and by then I would hope we had already arrived at some suitable shelter.» She turned and looked at the long, ridged awning which stretched all the way to the front of the stern deck and overlapped each side by nearly a stride. «The same is true for all that,» she gestured, «I just have to hope it will be enough.»

«As do I. Highness. Oh, that leak? We had a small amount of water overnight but no more than we would usually get at sea. You know what difference the movement of the ship will make as we go along, though.»

«Yes. Just have to make sure we can bail faster than it comes in.» She asked, «That all looks crowded. Did all the cargo fit?»

«Yah, Highness, but we had to move it all around. I regret we won't be able to use the praam until we arrive since it cannot be got out while the awning is up.»

«It sounds like we wouldn't anyway. Very well. Let us get everyone aboard and go. We could have a long, awkward journey ahead of us today.»

Tor looked at the sky, which this morning was mostly clouds of various shades of gray. «Yah. Get aboard while dry. If we get rained on today that will let us test these awnings.»

Eriana looked around. «Where is the Hopvalk? Oh, there behind our men. I must needs have words with them before we depart.»

As everyone dispersed aboard the Visund, some of the men helping to transport and stow their overnight luggage, it became possible for Eriana to reach the Hopvalk and the men aboard her. Ambronar gave her a bow.

"Admiral, I see your preparations and approve. We can, of course, manage without, though adjusting the sail in strong rain can be tedious, I deem. What would you have of us today?"

"I am informed that, because of the clouds we see above, these rains will begin in but two or three days time."

"Agreed, Admiral, our own estimate is the same. I doubt that you can reach any port in Palarand by that time."

"As you say, regrettably. My present plan is to go to Ferenis today and then tomorrow to make for Joth if we can, we have friends there. I would suggest that we operate independently from now on, since the weather may prevent us meeting or mayhap even sighting one another until we arrive somewhere. Do you agree?"

Ambronar looked at his crew, which consisted of Myros, his Mate, and Ormund and Benekar from the Visund. They all nodded and he in turn said, "Agreed, Admiral," to Eriana.

"Very well, gentlemen, from now on you are on your own. Depart when you are ready and we will meet again in Ferenis. If you arrive there before we do and have trouble just mention my name."

"As you desire, Admiral."

He bowed again and then turned to his crew while Eriana followed the Visund's complement back aboard the ship. She worked her way along to the stern where Tor and Hashim were waiting.

"Let us go, Tor. The Hopvalk will make its own way to Ferenis today, do not expect it to wait for us."

"Yah, Highness."

The Sirrel seemed to be very quiet as the two vessels slipped away from Rufen's port. Ursula considered this and then realized that, if the Rains were so close, nobody was going to be fool enough to be out in it if they could avoid it. One ferry was still operating to Yod City but that was almost all. It seemed as life had come to a standstill on the river and, away from the river, people were hunkering down to await the floods which would inundate much of the land between the steep walls of the rift valley.

Despite the distance to their destination being shorter than that of the previous day it would still be necessary to row rather than let the current take them, in order to allow a margin against unexpected events. Lars was not there to beat the drum so Stine was 'volunteered' to mark the beats instead. Ursula approved of this since it meant that he would not strain his injured calf as he would if he had taken an oar.

The morning passed without incident, the deep channel which held the most powerful current being easy to follow, even for Tor who was steering. Messages from the foaksul were passed by means of a bugle using the whistle code. This seemed to work but whether it would still work when heavy rain fell was another matter.

The Visund had long passed Whyrrham's Wharf and had rounded the next bend, heading roughly south towards Wabern, the ferry port opposite Tobeligo, before the clouds ominously darkened and the winds suddenly gusted. There came an immense flash which left images on everyone's eyes before the bang deafened most of them. Then everything disappeared in the succeeding torrents of heavy rain.

Eriana shouted in Hashim's ear over the rain hammering on the awning. "Is this the Rains?"

He shook his head. "No, Highness, this is just a storm. The Rains, when they come, are worse."

She stared at Hashim in disbelief. "Worse? Hammer of Thor! You do not exaggerate?"

"I would not do so to you, Highness."

Any further words were cut off by another nearby lightning strike which, despite the heavy rain, briefly set a shoreside stand of timber alight. The shock from the strike caused a set of ripples on the choppy water which set the Visund rocking with an unpleasant motion for a short while. The awning functioned as designed but the water which fell onto the poop deck went everywhere, most of it over either side but a proportion poured over the front and into the hull.

Eriana shouted, "There is too much! We have to stop it!"

There was nothing visible which could be used to divert the water which began puddling in the bottom of the hull. Ursula looked around for something suitable and then spotted Kalmenar sitting at an oar three rows back. She jumped onto the benches and made her way forward, the rowers leaning out of her way to let her pass.

"My Lord! We have urgent need of your sash to stop the water coming in."

Kalmenar blinked and realized what she wanted. He quickly unwound his sash and passed it up to Ursula, who made her way back to the stern. She doubled the sash and laid it side-to-side along the front edge of the poop decking. Hashim came to hold one side in place while she held the other, making the water divert and cascade to either side. Behind her, two of the men sitting at the rearmost pair of oars began bailing instead.

When the rain eased enough for speech to be resumed a bugle call came from the bow: row backwards. This was quickly followed by another: raise oars.

"What now?"

Eriana turned and looked up at Tor, who stood on the poop holding the steering oar with two hands. He was completely soaked. He saw her looking and shook his head, raising a hand and jabbing a finger at his ear. Gritting her teeth, she climbed up onto the poop, to be instantly soaked to the skin herself. She turned and looked forward to see that the bow of the Visund could not be seen through the sheets of rain.

Tor leaned forward until he had her ear. «We have been turned. Do not know which way we face.»

She nodded and rested a hand on his nearer arm before turning and climbing down into the hull again.

"Tor can't see anything," she told Ursula and Hashim. "It looks like the ship has turned, that's why the call wanted us to stop rowing. What do we do?"

Hashim leaned in so that they could hear his words over the rain on the awning. "Highness, if we are still in the main current we should be safe enough whatever direction we face," he explained. "If there is a chance we could end up on a shoal then we should put out an anchor till the storm passes. If we are in the current it will still be too deep for an anchor to be of any use."

"But we could drift to one side or the other," Eriana noted.

"Aye, Highness, but if we catch a shoal then -"

The noise ceased so abruptly that they looked at each other in surprise. A glance outside showed that the storm had already moved upriver and sunlight was beginning to lighten the sky where they were.

Hashim gave a wry smile. "Highness, I was about to say that, should we catch a shoal, the wind and current would likely turn the ship and free us immediately. If I may check where we are and, indeed, which way we presently face."

Ursula added, "Highness, it would probably be a good moment to ask everyone to check the awning for leaks and other problems."

"Agreed, Ursula."

Ursula stretched out her arms to hold both ends of the sash so that Hashim could climb onto the now-drying poop to check position and direction. Eriana called down the length of the ship for everyone to examine the awning above where they sat and to report any problems.

"You look like a drowning lab, Eriana," Ursula told her when she had finished. "Are you beginning to feel cold?"

"Cold? Me? Do you forget when I and my men come from, Ursula? Even this rain is warmer than anything we ever experienced in Einnland." Eriana looked down at the ship dress which was plastered flat against her body. "This will be all stained and wrinkled when it dries, I deem. I do have another but care not to ruin another one without reason."

"Look, the sun is coming out, go back up there," Ursula pointed to the poop, "and let the sun dry you out. Should I remind you that we all have wet weather gear? You should be wearing yours and Tor should probably be wearing his, if he is going to be standing up there when it rains."

"And wear all that in the baking sun, Ursula? I would prefer to get wet." The worry returned to her face. "If this is to be our lot for the next day or two, before it becomes even worse, how in the name of the Gods are we to get anywhere? Too much more of this and we'll have to shelter in Wabern. I begin to wonder, should we have stayed in Bibek, as Simbran suggested?"

"If we had you would only have complained that we should have at least tried to get some way downstream before the weather changed. Whatever we did would have been wrong for one reason or another."

Eriana sighed. "Aye, you have the right of it. What is the matter with me? We suffered at least four storms of like size while sailing from Jotlheim to Plif, I did not feel like this then."

"Back then you were a different person, Eriana. Now, you also have responsibilities you did not have before."

"True enough." Her voice lowered. "I am not sure I want those responsibilities, Ursula. I have doubts that I can do what is asked of me."

I cannot answer that. I did not decide that Eriana would become head of Navy... I wonder who did?

She is just Princess from remote and isolated community. It is not surprising that she feels inadequate. What do I do? If there is action I could take, is that something I should be doing?

I still am not sure of my purpose in this world!

As the storm had now passed upriver Ursula removed the sash and carefully wrung it out before returning it to Kalmenar. The Visund had been turned and now faced the correct way, which was a good thing since the forest of poles which indicated Wabern were now plainly visible. Tor steered for them and they grew large... but there was no pontoon for them to moor to. In fact, there were no pontoons at all, just the poles, all with ropes connecting them all together at their tops.

A shout from the shore made them turn to see a man gesturing at the ferry ramp ahead and to their left. Taking the hint, Eriana shouted instructions up to Tor and the Visund turned smoothly to run up the sand beach beside the ramp. The man loped along the foreshore until he arrived just below the bow.

"What happened? Did you drag your anchor or something?"

"Is deliberate," the lookout, Brodgar, called down to him as he untied his safety line, "Captain now comes."

Eriana, Ursula, Tor, Hashim and Kalmenar had made their way laboriously from one end of the crowded vessel to the other. Eriana called down to the man.

"Good morning, my good man. We are travelers intending to go as far downstream as possible before the rain stops us. I am Her Highness Eriana of Palarand, owner of this ship the Visund, and almost all of the crew and passengers are my retainers. If it would be possible for us to obtain a speedy lunch somewhere nearby? We can eat on the move, it is true, but a hot meal would be appreciated."

"Her Highness? Palarand?" The man looked surprised. "A meal? But... you cannot travel so far! The Rains are but days away!"

"We know," Eriana agreed, "yet we would press on to reach as far downstream as we may. If I may ask about lunch?"

"Er, of course! We do, of course, feed so many people whenever the ferry arrives and just before the Rains arrive few are willing to risk the crossing." The man stared at the faces looking back at him. "If I may ask, er, Your Highness, how many of you there are?"

"Fifty-one, my good man, and three more who are children."

He nodded furiously. "The kitchens presently feeds few travelers, as I say... the food must needs be cooked fresh for you but your numbers should be no problem for them. Do you require help to climb down from your... If I may ask what kind of ship that is, I have not seen the like before?"

"The Visund is a longship from the distant land of Einnland, a week's travel beyond the end of the Sirrel and beyond the Palumaks. If you can supply a ladder that our women and children may disembark, the rest of us are accustomed to landing on beaches."

"Certainly, Your Highness! I will arrange a ladder and then go and warn the cooks before returning to escort you to our place of refreshment. I have no doubt that some of your company will desire to visit the bathing block?"

"No doubt at all, my good man."

The man strode off quickly into the distance, since all the visible buildings were at least a mark away. While they waited some of the men climbed down onto the sand and moved to stand on the nearby ferry ramp. After a while a wagon appeared along the ferry ramp with a driver and two men, turning when it reached the waterline and stopping near the Norsemen. The two men lifted off a ladder which they brought and positioned against the ship's hull, while the driver climbed down and approached the small crowd on the slipway.

"You are all from this ship?" Nods. "I regret it will be a long walk to the road house where food will be waiting for you. The Port Manager asked us to bring this wagon for your women and children to ride in."

"Yah," one of the men replied, "legs stiff after rowing, good to walk to make loose again. Women come now."

Hashim had now climbed down and approached. He asked the driver, "I am the ship's pilot, you can see we have cargo - all personal belongings, no trade goods - which is plainly visible, how may we protect our ship while we are marks away?"

"Have no fear, Master Pilot," the driver replied, "since the pontoons have been taken away and stored this area is forbidden to all who have no business here. Only the ferry now runs and, after this morning's storm, I doubt it will run many more times. Few people now desire to cross the Sirrel for fear of getting caught the wrong side." He frowned. "Your arrival is unexpected. Where are you from, and where bound at such a time?"

"We began in Bibek and intend to get as far downstream as possible before the Rains close the river," Hashim replied. "Palarand will be our final destination but I know we will not be able to reach so far."

"Palarand! If you would stay here? I was told there were fifty or so of you and some children, we could probably accommodate you nearby if you chose to remain in Wabern."

"I doubt it, goodman. Our owner is a Princess and she desires to travel as far as possible before we must needs stop. You know how such people are."

"Oh, aye! There was a Duke, I recall... but we cannot stand here gossiping, I deem. If you would tell your womenfolk to come and climb on the wagon, Pilot."

It took a little while before everyone was ashore and the walk which followed, more than two marks along the ferry slipway, consumed more time, so that when they finally arrived at the courtyard of the roadhouse their food was already hot and waiting. Nearly everyone had to visit the bathing block and then they all sat down to eat the varied meal provided.

Nobody wanted to move much afterwards, given the heat of the day, but Eriana insisted that they return to the Visund and continue their journey. Dining and port dues paid, most of the crew climbed aboard and made ready for the others to push them off, but Hashim held up a hand and scrambled back down the ladder.

"A moment, gentlemen."

The driver, who had been about to remove the ladder before Hashim used it, stopped, curious.

"Master? Have you left something behind, perhaps in the roadhouse?" He gestured vaguely, "It is a long way to go and fetch it, I deem."

"No, it is something different. Having seen the way your port has been dismantled, do you think we may have similar difficulty further downstream?"

"Why, it is possible, Master."

The port official joined in. "That is so, Master Pilot. Forguland is, as you may know, arranged differently but further along the river you may have need of a ladder... Ah. What is it you propose?"

"Simply to buy your ladder and take it with us. Normally, this ship carries only Her Highness and her companions who can climb in and out without help but for this voyage we carry women who are less able. What do you say? You are very unlikely to need a ladder for anyone else, this close to the Rains, and you'll have two months to replace it."

The port official thought before answering, "Done. What will you offer?"

There followed the customary haggling concerning the age and state of the ladder before Hashim handed over some Fanir coinage and the two shook hands. He climbed back aboard and the two men helped him pull the ladder up.

Hashim leaned out and called to the Norse still ashore. "I've finished here, lads! Push the Visund out and jump in."

It took some levering to get the heavily-laden ship to begin to move but one last shove and the longship was back in the water. The men clambered in and everyone redistributed themselves along its length. Several whistle commands and they were back in the main current again.

Eriana anxiously looked at the black clouds in the sky. "I like this not."

The hot, stifling air made Ursula uncomfortable. "Highness, I agree. The quicker we get to Ferenis the happier I will be."

Folke had spelled Tor on the steering oar so the latter had joined the others near the stern.

«Highness, I have had a thought. To avoid us being turned, could we not use the drag-anchor?»

«What? Oh, yes, of course we may, Tor! We use it at sea, I should have thought of it before.»

Ursula asked, «What is this?»

«Ursula, it is simply a small bucket made of canvas which is tied on a line from the stern. The sea holds it back and pulls on the stern and that, in turn, means the bow always points in the right direction. See to it, Tor.»

Ursula frowned. «I think I know that but by another name... it will come to me, I'm certain. If that thing acts as a drag, it means that your oars will be pulling it along as well.»

«Aye, that is so, Ursula. Remember, though, we towed a whole barge along when we rescued it before Hamalbek, remember? This will be nothing as heavy to pull as that.»

«Yes, I remember. I was on that barge.»

Eriana's eyes narrowed as she had another thought. «Tor, what about that leak? Has it gotten any worse since we left Rufen?»

«It is near the bow,» he replied after issuing instructions, «and was just about visible when we were beached, so I took a look. The nails either side, and one below, look as if they might be starting to work loose as I thought they might.»

A grimace. «Oh, no! Does this mean we can go no further than Ferenis?»

«Maybe, Highness. If we can beach as we just did at Wabern then I may be able to get down there and make a repair.»

Eriana's disappointment was plain to see. «If you can, Tor - but if we are to venture beyond Ferenis, we cannot delay while you find a forge for the nails.»

«I understand that, Highness. We can manage, there is always a way.»

The Wall of the Great Valley was mostly cliffs or steep escarpments of varying height but around the Ferenis-Fanir stretch it was broken by several small cross-faults which presented themselves as narrow gorges, fissures which permitted runoff from the southern mountains to drain into the Sirrel. These tributaries influenced the Sirrel so that navigation along that reach had become interesting. It was during one of those twists that the next storm hit the Visund.

BANG!

The sound reflected from the nearby cliffs deafened everybody so much that the subsequent downpour was no more than a distant rumble. Further nearby strikes echoed off the walls of the nearby gorges making an indescribable extended pounding. Almost everybody had winced at the first boom and most now had their hands over their ears, the oars they had been pulling just resting loosely in the oar-holes. As before, water began pouring off the poop and two of the crew now held a folded strip of canvas along the edge to deflect the excess into the river.

Once the noise had dropped sufficiently, and their ears recovered, Ursula shouted at Eriana, "Why is that decking like that? Surely there should be a lip, a strip of wood or something? On the barges there was always a lip to stop the water going everywhere."

"At Dekarren they wanted to put something there," the Princess replied in a subdued voice, "but Tor and I told them not to because we were sure somebody would trip over it and fall into the hull. They tried to explain but we could not believe that so much water would stream in. We were used to having water get into the hull and didn't see that it would make much difference."

"Oh." Ursula couldn't think of anything else to add that wouldn't make Eriana feel even worse about that mistake.

They are having to learn about ship design the hard way.

Though I doubt that the Visund will ever be used as a model for future designs, now that they have seen what other folk do.

And steam power will change that all over again.

As before the storm eased suddenly and passed upriver, leaving everything quiet except for a constant drip from the awning. Benor made his way aft to inform Tor, through Ursula, that a seam of the awning near where he and his family had been sitting had begun to separate.

"I will come," the captain decided. "Might be easy to fix at Ferenis."

Eriana agreed, "I will join you, Tor. I want to see how this awning handles the weather."

Ursula was left with Hashim at the stern. "Hashim, I think I need to see a view of the whole valley to understand what our options are. You are going to the port office?" He nodded. "Do you know if it has such maps available?"

"At every port office I have visited, Mistress, there has been such a map as you describe covering one wall, either pasted on or drawn directly on the plaster. If I may ask what it is you seek to learn?"

"I just want to get an idea of the arrangement of countries, their names, where the capitals are and where the ferry ports are, since I am assuming those will be the likely places we would stay overnight."

"Ah, of course. I recall now, you told us before that you did not remember any of your journey until you arrived at Joth, I believe." He thought. "Do you need all of the Great Valley or just the parts between Bibek and Palarand? The Great Valley stretches for some two thousand five hundred marks or so. I am not sure that the further parts to the south-west will be of much interest to you - yet."

"I don't think so. That would be a very long thin map, wouldn't it? Do they make it in parts? I cannot imagine everyone would want the whole thing."

"Mistress, customarily that type of map describes a section, such as from Mirdul to Yod or from Yod to the sea. Would the latter be sufficient, Mistress?"

"Yod to the sea? Yes, Hashim, that would be perfect if you can find one."

"I will ask if such a map can be made available and obtain one if it is possible."

"Made available?"

"Typically, if someone asks for such a map, or indeed any chart, a scribe will make a fair copy from a master version kept at each port, Mistress."

"I see. Ouch. Can that be done in time, do you think? We cannot possible wait around for a map to be drawn."

"It depends, Mistress. Mayhap a copy will be available already or I can ask for one to be drawn with just the major features on it that you desire. That should not take a scribe more than one or two bells, I deem."

"That should do for what I need. Thank you, Hashim."

The Visund negotiated the awkward stretch of the Sirrel and swung, carefully, from pointing due east to heading north-west on the last reach which included Ferenis itself. Because this was a relatively straight stretch the main current presently flowed down the center of the river and was easy enough to navigate. To both sides the river banks were covered with low reed beds and there was no sign of the agriculture visible in most lands they had passed.

When the moment came they swung left and, with the lookouts carefully finding a route through the shallows, headed for the customary forest of black poles which indicated a major port. There was a single ferry crossing the Sirrel but no sign of the other ferries nor any other watercraft. It looked like all activity on the river had already been suspended in preparation for the Rains to arrive.

Like Rufen almost all of the pontoons had been taken away for fear of losing them in the coming floods. Two chains remained and the Visund was directed along the outer side of the upstream chain, all of which was empty except for the Hopvalk near the present shoreline. Using the pontoons looked awkward, as the overhanging awning would make it difficult for anyone to get on or off the ship, so Tor shrugged and ordered the Visund to be driven up onto the shore nearby. The welcoming committee had therefore to run back down the pontoon chain and clamber down in order to reach the longship.

Waiting for them to arrive were three people, the port official who had directed them, Count Saram and Benekar. A smug Hashim deployed the ladder. Once the ship had been made fast Eriana climbed down to greet them.

"My Lord, good afternoon."

Saram bowed. "Your Highness, welcome once again to Ferenis. I must offer the apologies of my father, we did not have any warning of your coming until your man," he gestured at Benekar, "arrived earlier. My father is presently busy with matters regarding the approaching Rains." He looked concerned. "If I may ask, is it your intention to remain here until it is safe to travel again? As you may realize, accommodation at this time is in short supply although we have found ways to manage."

"My Lord, if we may but overnight here I intend to continue downstream until we reach Joth. Whether we may venture further I do not know."

Saram looked surprised. "Joth! Highness, I would not be surprised should the Rains arrive tonight, in which event it would be impossible for you to continue at all. However, as always, the Rains follow no law of man and fall as they will, at a time of their own choosing. You and your men risked Boldan's Rock and won, who is to say that you may not do the same against the Rains?"

Eriana inclined her head. "It is a risk, that I know, but I would venture further if I can. Tell me, do you know our numbers?"

"Aye, Highness, your man informed us just who was aboard your ship and we have found room for all of them, though you must needs be distributed among four hostels." At a look from Eriana he added, "Regrettably there is no room for you to overnight in the palace at the moment since we are sheltering a number of our relatives from southern Ferenis from the Rains. We can offer you and a small number of your people a meal of welcome this evening but that is all."

She nodded. "Your attention is upon these Rains and I cannot argue they are more important than a ship full of foreigners passing by. I will accept the meal, I deem, since there is much that I must needs tell Gathol while we are here. Beyond Yod much has changed and the Federation now looks very different than when we last spoke."

"Do you tell me? Then we must get all your folk settled quickly before the next storm approaches. I have carriages and wagons to take you all to your hostels." He looked meaningfully at Eriana. "Highness, I recall that, when you arrived before, you disdained the use of carriages and wagons. Let me tell you that today we have room enough for all to take men, women and chests for overnight so I beg you to accept this time."

"Done, Saram. In turn I must offer apologies that we have interrupted your preparations against the coming Rains."

* * *

"Highness, I regret, we have but three family chambers to offer you for tonight," the proprietor told Eriana. He stared at the ten women, a single adult male, two teenage boys and two children who stood grouped in front of him. "Every possible place suitable for men is filled, including the servant's quarters, and the women's dormitory is also filled with water folk. I was informed you have a family here, depending on numbers it may be possible to distribute your people among the other chambers which are all on the upper women's floor."

Eriana looked around and then sighed. "Very well. I made the decision to travel despite advice from those who know better, now I must deal with the consequences. If your staff will show us these chambers we will dispose ourselves as we may. Thank you. Ah, you should know that I am invited by His Grace to bring a small number to the palace this evening for a welcoming meal, so we will require no food here tonight. However, those who do not come with me will desire such a meal. At what time will you serve today?"

"At the eighth bell, Highness, but because we presently have so many guests we must needs cook and serve in two sittings. Is it your desire that your folk should eat at the earlier sitting? If so, then I must tell the cook."

She replied. "We have a family who would prefer to sup earlier and some single women who would prefer to eat away from the gaze of your other guests. Do you perchance have smaller dining chambers?"

"Highness, we do. What numbers will remain for the meal?"

"Let me see. I'll take Semma, leaving Bennet here to look after any problems. Ursula, you shall join me with Tyra tonight. I want Kalmenar but he is elsewhere. Four is enough. So, eleven will remain here, including the children, my good man."

"I will make sure that they are all well served and kept away from the crowd, Highness."

"Thank you. I would inspect our chambers now."

"As you desire, Highness. Kari, show these folk to those chambers, if you please."

The servant woman bobbed and said to Eriana, "If you would follow me, Highness."

Upstairs the corridor had rooms both sides, one side being the women's dormitory. Heads looked out of doors each end as the group appeared. On the other side were a series of chambers and smaller rooms, some of which were occupied by families or mixed groups of travelers. Kari showed them three chambers in the middle of this side.

Eriana, Hashim and Ursula walked in and out of the three making a quick check of the furnishings and the state of cleanliness. In the last, Eriana turned to Hashim.

"Your opinion, Hashim?"

"We have stayed in like hostels along our way, Highness, and this is as clean as any of those, if not better. What it will be like by the end of the Rains I could not say but we will not be here then. If I may suggest, I and my family will take the far one, you and your companions, if I may term them that, this one, with the Bakhrad women between us."

"That is much as I had thought, Hashim. Done. I will ask the servant to have our chests brought up."

"A moment, Highness."

"Ursula?"

"What should we be doing with Kaldar tonight?"

"Why, he can..." Eriana trailed off as she considered the problem. "Oh. He cannot stay with us or in the middle chamber since he now has the seeming of a man-child and he would be alone among a room full of women. Hashim, could he sleep with you and your family tonight?"

Hashim grimaced. "Highness, none of my family yet know his story, believing him to be a boy born. It could be... awkward."

Eriana muttered something indistinct. "Ursula, have you some remedy?"

"Well, I did say to Kaldar that he should keep that green dress in case we had problems along the way. And I have just remembered where we are! Did you forget his father, who lives in Ferenis?"

"Gods! You are right, Ursula, I had completely forgotten!" Her gaze became intent. "Which will be safer for him, as a boy among the men or as a girl and with us? I know which I would prefer."

Hashim asked, "What about the servants? They will have seen a boy come up the stairs."

Eriana waved a hand. "Only one, I deem, and we may find some way to satisfy her. A bigger problem may be his hair, which is now as short as that of my men."

Ursula said, "I had forgotten his hair. If we were still in Yod we could possibly get away with a cowl but not here. I doubt the locals have any liking for Yodans."

Eriana came to a decision. "Very well. What plan we make for Kaldar does not affect our other arrangements so I suggest we get everyone moved into their allocated chambers." A small smile. "That will allow us to close the door and discover what alternatives he may have without a stream of onlookers."

Hashim nodded. "As you wish, Highness."

The hostel's male servants brought up their overnight chests, left them in the indicated chambers and departed. Eriana, Ursula, Bennet, Semma, Tyra and Kaldar gathered in their chosen chamber and the door was closed.

Ursula said, "This isn't going to work, Eriana. Look at him! He has grown noticeably since we took him on and that green dress was already small on him when we bought it. His hair is too short and his face has filled out as well, I doubt anyone will think he could be a girl now."

Kaldar was puzzled. "Mistress?"

Eriana explained, "Kaldar, we are in the city where you were born, your father may not be far away. We desire to keep you close to us, keep you safe, but this is a womens' corridor and your... circumstances... are a complication. Having a teenage boy in a chamber of women would be unseemly but, as you have just heard, I doubt we can disguise you as a girl any longer."

Ursula added, "And Hashim's family do not know your circumstances either. The alternative, that you find somewhere to sleep among the male guests, is not possible. We are trying to think of other solutions."

Tyra offered, "Highness, the crew of the Hopvalk are in this hostel. I noticed Ormund and Benekar as we arrived. Might they have some suggestions?"

"We can only ask, Tyra. Semma, go with Tyra and find them, please. Ah, we'll have to find a quiet place to talk. Ormund knows about Kaldar but Benekar does not. Oh, and take your swords with you. We do not need incidents."

"Highness."

After asking questions of a number of servants the pair were directed to the stables, which were underneath the rest of the raised structure. This appeared to be empty of men, servants and animals and was only lit by a single dim lantern each end. The four men were sitting on hay pallets in one of the stalls talking, and rose when the girls found them.

"What's happening? Is anything wrong?"

"No yet," Semma replied to Benekar. "A problem has been discovered and Her Highness wants to have a quiet word with you all."

Ambronar said, "If she wants to keep things quiet then this is as good a place as any, Mistress. There's only us down here."

"Only you? Why is that?"

He gestured. "It is deserted because it will be flooded when the Sirrel swells. Everyone and everything has been moved to higher ground, or upstairs if you are a resident here. We're down here because we're only staying for one night."

"Oh, I see. We'll go and tell her and then we'll all come down together. You should know that Her Highness, Mistress Ursula and we two will be going to the palace tonight for a meal, but everyone else is remaining in the hostel."

"And this is a problem?"

"There is a different problem, you'll see."

A short while later all four women appeared, having now made themselves ready to go visiting. Eriana seemed surprised at the large, empty space.

"Woden's beard! Why were we not told about this place? The whole ship could sleep in here!"

The four men stood up from where they had been waiting, approached the women and bowed to Eriana.

"Highness," Ambronar replied to the question, "There is no more bedding, we had what little was left. Some has gone above, to be used for extra guests, most has followed the beasts to wherever they now reside."

"Oh. This place will be flooded, I was told?"

"Aye, Highness. If you would tell us what you want of us."

Eriana turned. "Semma, Tyra, if you would mind the doors. We want no listeners at doorways or cracks in the walls."

"As you command, Highness."

After the two younger women left Ambronar asked tensely, "Highness, what is this about? Not something we have done, surely?"

"Nothing to do with any of you, but everything to do with the fact that we are in Ferenis city. This is where our ship's boy Kaldar came aboard, running away from his father. I offered him sanctuary and have legally adopted him. You may know of his father, Denethar."

"Denethar! Aye, we river folk know that name, Highness. Kaldar is one of his sons? Then I do not blame him for running away."

Eriana took a deep breath. "I desire an oath of secrecy from each of you and, more than that, an oath of honor."

Ambronar immediately got down on one knee and Myros and Benekar soon followed.

"Highness, command us. I understand why you mention honor. There is no honor in that man, you have done right by taking Kaldar away from his grasp."

Eriana administered oaths which Ursula witnessed. She followed up with, "When that runaway jumped aboard the Visund, as we were leaving, that person was Denethar's daughter, not his son. He will know we have returned and may seek to get his... child back, despite the oaths he signed."

Ambronar's eyes were wide. "Maker! A daughter? Now I understand the problem. But... how? I saw only a fit young man aboard the Visund."

Ursula explained, "His body was that of a girl but his mind was all boy. He did not understand why his parents insisted he was a girl. I have used herbs and potions to change his body into the one you have seen, one that more nearly matches what he needs. Her Highness has a plan."

Eriana told them, "Here is what I propose."