The departure of the Visund is delayed when a fugitive leaps on board. Tensions rise when Eriana sides with him and refuses to let the city folk have him back. Then Ursula makes an impossible statement...

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

41 - Stand-off

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) 2021 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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There was a commotion as a man forced his way through the onlookers, only being stopped by the Watch when he reached the pontoon the Visund was moored to. He looked angry.

"Your Grace, that is my daughter! This time she has gone too far with her nonsense! Maker, she has cut her hair! I want her back, she deserves a good thrashing for making a scene before you."

Eriana, still on the pontoon, changed what she was about to say. "Gathol, if you would let him approach."

"Of course, Eriana. Come, Denethar." But to Eriana he asked, "Is there some problem? A wayward child, we will soon have her back with her family and then you may leave."

"He has just admitted beating her, Gathol. I would hear the truth of this tale, if I may, before I return her to such a man. You know him?"

The man, a stocky man in his forties, well-built, dressed in good cloth, approached them and bowed to Gathol. He ignored Eriana completely but instead offered an explanation to the Duke.

"Your Grace, my daughter has some insane idea that she is no maid but a boy. I have tried to make her see sense but she will not, she persists in this fantasy. If she may be returned to me."

Gathol turned to Eriana. "If I may introduce Her Highness Eriana of Palarand. She is Captain of the ship. Eriana, this is Denethar, a merchant, one of the city's Elders and a Director of the city's affairs."

Denethar seemed startled at the introduction. "Your... Highness? You are not one I expected to see here... If you would return my daughter, I will leave you to your business."

Eriana regarded the man with disfavor. His attitude was not helping the situation.

"You would beat your child for having the dreams of the young?"

The man seemed irritated that his demands were not immediately met. "Your Highness, I cannot control her any other way. She has been a trial all her life. If you would return her to me immediately. Once she is married off she will soon learn how to become a proper wife."

Eriana's emotions were immediately roused. The story resonated so much with her own that she instinctively began to side with the fugitive. By then Lars had reached the center of the ship, still carrying the struggling girl. Behind them came Ursula and Kalmenar and other memories also rose to the surface.

"Gathol, there are deeper currents here than you may discern. If I may speak with my people."

The Duke nodded and Eriana skipped off the pontoon onto the Visund.

"Child," she said, "we mean you no harm and we intend that no harm shall befall you. Your father beat you? Show me."

The fugitive was dressed as a male of about twelve or thirteen, Ursula estimated. Dark short-sleeved tunic over summer tights, with male sandals to match. The hair had been roughly cut short, but rough barbering was not uncommon among local folk along the Sirrel. The face looked anxious but there were no tears, a fact that both Eriana and Ursula noticed. The expression was more truculence, determination, than desperation.

"Here? In front of all these men?" She pulled up a tunic sleeve to show two dark bruises on her left arm. "Is that enough?"

"For now. Lars, keep hold of her... him." Eriana turned to Ursula, her voice low. "What do you think? Could she be of your kind?"

Ursula's response was also low. "Maybe, Highness, but... this is a different time and place."

With the implied caution noted, Eriana turned back to the fugitive, making sure that her voice could be heard. "Why did you come here? Why my ship?"

"I heard that this ship was leaving today and that it was going a long way away," the girl or boy replied. "I would go anywhere, do anything, to be away from him."

"You would sail with us? Do you know aught of watercraft? Is that what you mean?"

The determined gaze lowered, uncertain. "I know nothing of boats. My father would not let me, he said that it was unseemly." The eyes came up. "But I can still learn! If I must needs remain I would rather kill myself!" She glanced at man on the the pontoon. "If he does not kill me first!"

"Here!" The man burst out. "This is wasting my time as well as yours! Give her back to me!"

He made to jump onto the Visund but the two crew nearest him had drawn swords. Ursula noticed in her peripheral vision that others were quietly finding their own weapons. Some of the Watch on the pontoon were gripping the hilts of their own swords, confused, wary.

Eriana turned back to face him, angry. "You may not board my ship! I am a Princess of Palarand, this ship is an embassy, it is as the soil of Palarand. I decide who may come and who may go." To Gathol she said, "Friend, this man admits beating his child and I have seen the bruises. I will release her... him... back to you if you should give me an oath that you will not return her to her father."

Gathol spread his hands wide. "Eriana, you should know that I can give no oath like that. There are... considerations. If we may discuss this matter calmly, especially you, Denethar. Stand away, you may not bully your way through this one."

Ursula thought, Politics! And I thought that Gathol was a good ruler. It seems that, just like on Earth, powerful men have holds on those who think they govern.

"Besides," Gathol added, "this sounds as though it is work for a healer. The child is plainly a girl yet she has delusions which must needs be attended before long. Eriana, I will take her in and find one in the city who may treat her."

"No!" she shouted. "I won't go back there! Not with him around to twist everything!"

She struggled to release herself from Lars' grasp but he was just too big. Ursula noted that he was careful how he held the girl.

"Why do you say this must be a delusion?" Eriana asked. "You must know that some few of your folk may have like thoughts. This young one deserves our help and care, not to be told that what she believes cannot be."

"It must be a delusion, Eriana. What is between your legs determines what you are, I deem. There is no other possibility."

Ursula could not let that lie. She stepped forward to stand beside Eriana. "Your Grace, you know that I am a healer. I will tell you now that there are many, many other possibilities. In the course of my work I have seen them, people who are born halfway between man and woman and who struggle to decide where they fit in."

Gathol waved a hand. "Aye, I will grant you that some babes are born thus, just as some babes are born with other defects. But this is not a defect of the body we discuss, Mistress, merely a desire of the mind. Many have such fancies, that they be taller, or slimmer, stronger or more beautiful, but we must all make do with what the Maker grants us."

Denethar burst out, "See? I told you! Your Grace, this is kidnap, they hold my child against her will."

Eriana burst out laughing. "Kidnap? She jumped aboard my ship, it is she who does not desire to return!"

He pointed. "Then why does that man hold her so?"

"That she might not fling herself in the river." Eriana's gaze hardened. "I am Captain and owner, I have a care for the welfare of all aboard my ship."

His fury deepened. "This is ridiculous! Give me back my daughter! I will beat those stupid fantasies out of her! It is impossible that she could be a boy!"

Ursula never knew what possessed her to say what she did next. "Your Grace, a year ago I was a man."

The man interrupted, ignoring Gathol. "What? Impossible!" He stared at her. "You are a woman, that is plain. I do not believe you."

Eriana said, "I have been shown proof that what Healer Ursula says is true, Elder of Ferenis. Do you name me liar as well? If so, I will fetch my sword."

He sneered. "You might be big but you are only a woman! It would be embarrassing for any man to face you."

Gathol turned on the man, now angry himself. "Denethar, do you have a death wish? This is Princess Eriana, these are her men. These people are the Einnland Regiment who took back Boldan's Rock for Forguland and battled those of Yod at Gylfi's Rest."

The man turned white. He almost groveled but though better of it, dipping his head instead. "I- I did not know. If you would pardon me, Your Highness."

"I will consider it," she told him coldly. "Know you that my father is the King of Einnland and that he used to beat me as you beat your daughter. Like your child, I did not want what my father wanted for me and so I ran away as well. I do not take kindly to those who mistreat their own flesh and blood. You have heard of Princess Garia of Palarand?"

Startled by the revelation, the man could only nod to the apparently unconnected question. "I have, Highness."

"She, also, was a boy a year ago, yet she will now be the next Queen of that land. I will swear an oath to that. Though many may believe different, I now know that there is almost nothing that is truly impossible."

"Princess Garia was a-?" He had trouble swallowing his response. "But how? Highness, I find it difficult to accept your words."

She favored him with a small smile. "I struggled to accept it when I was told. But there have been proofs enough, should you venture so far as Palarand, to satisfy any who would question." She turned to the Duke. "Now. Gathol, we have a problem to solve."

"Aye." The Duke wiped a cloth across his forehead. "I have heard much here today that alarms and disturbs me. What do you propose?"

Eriana thought for a moment. "I am not sure, not yet. Let us state our conditions clearly. The Visund shall not depart, we will remain moored here until we have resolved this."

"Aye, agreed."

"No-one shall board or leave the ship until we have reached an agreement."

Gathol hesitated. Denethar started to raise an objection but thought better of it. Gathol said, "Aye. Agreed."

"Before I can offer terms I deem we must question the child, find out her history, her needs and desires. I think we have heard sufficient of her father to know his needs and desires, though you may question him further if you consider it worth the effort."

Gathol did not like this. "You will report truly what she says?"

"If you should ask, aye, we will. My oath on it, Gathol."

"Very well. Agreed."

"I may not give you instruction, but I would suggest that you clear some of these pontoons. It is well that our business is conducted in the light of day, unlike some other business you may do," she cast a sidelong glance at Denethar which was not lost on the Duke, "but this is no entertainment for idlers. The safety and future of a child is in our hands."

"Agreed."

"Then let us draw apart and see if we can discern some remedy for our puzzle."

"Aye, agreed." The Duke turned. "You! Clear some of these pontoons! This is no fairground!"

Eriana turned. "Ursula, come. Child, will you heed my words?"

She stared at Eriana. "You are a real Princess?"

Eriana smiled. "So my father the King has told me, aye. If Lars releases you, would you still flee?"

"Highness, I have heard your words. I believe that I am safe enough here. I will not run."

Eriana turned. «Let her go, Lars. Go among the men, tell them to be alert but careful. If those on the pontoons see weapons being readied they may decide to rush the ship.» To the girl she said, "Come with us. I believe that my healer has knowledge of your plight. Let us go to the stern, we can speak there in private."

Eriana led the way to the stern, the three clambering over benches, boxes and chests. Bennet, Semma and Tyra followed, making a cordon where the others could speak without interruption.

"Firstly," Eriana asked once they had all found seats, "what shall we call you? I cannot keep naming you child."

"Your Highness? Is that right?" Her expression twisted. " My father named me Kishaera."

"Aye, Highness is enough for now. Should I name you thus? If you are indeed a boy, it would not be suitable. Ursula, what must we do? I do not know how to do this."

"If I may, Highness. Kishaera, what is your true name?"

She stared at Ursula and then burst into tears. "You believe me! It is true, then. But how can you possibly have been a man? There is no man about you at all."

Eriana tried to explain. "The circumstances by which Ursula began life as a boy but is now a woman are obscure. We have not the time. If I take you with us then she may explain to you what happened. What, then, would your true name be?"

"Highness, I would have named myself Kaldar. I had an uncle named thus." Her eyes dropped. "Those of Yod killed him two years ago, but I liked him."

Eriana smiled. "Then, Kaldar, be welcome on my ship the Visund. Ursula?"

"Highness. Kaldar, when did you first discover that you were not born in the right body? That you wanted to play with the other boys, do what they did?"

"All my life, Mistress, as far back as I can remember. I always wondered why I had to dress as my sisters did when I was not a girl. Father became very angry when I tried to tell him the truth."

"And your mother?"

"In truth, she is treated much as I was. She does what she is told, as most girls and women are made to do."

Eriana grinned at that. "Kaldar, it is no longer so! A great wind is blowing along the Sirrel such that women may find that opportunities are much greater than they have been before. Only it is the men who must needs be convinced, I deem. But you are not just a girl who wants to do more, are you?"

"Highness, I am not. I have the wrong body, it is an agony to me to live this way." Kaldar turned and gazed into the water. "I have often wondered if it would be better that I should throw myself in the water and end myself."

"You desire the body of a man, then? Ursula, could it be done? You know what may be possible, is it possible to do such a thing?"

Ursula thought through her explanation carefully before she spoke. "Highness, on Earth it is possible to have surgery to change the outward appearance of a man to be that of a woman. The tissue of breasts is such that, given the right stimulus, they will grow as a woman's would do naturally. It is also possible to have surgery down below to change what a man has to what a woman has, at least outwardly. She would be able to have sex with a man but there would be no womb, no... Call of Kalikan... and no chance of becoming pregnant.

"For a woman who wanted to become a man, the situation is more difficult, but fortunately not so many women want to go that direction. Breasts would have to be removed surgically, by which I mean that the tissue would be cut away and then the chest sewn up. Making a man's penis is not easy either, since there is almost nothing suitable to work with. It can be done but the results can be variable."

Kaldar flinched but said, "If it were possible, I would bear it to be what I should be."

Eriana's look was sympathetic. "I cannot imagine what you must have endured, Kaldar. There are some few in my homeland, Einnland, who wear the attire of the other kind, but none can change their bodies in the way that those of Ursula's lands might do. Ursula, these surgeries that you describe, could you do them here, in one of the Sirrel lands?"

"Probably not, Highness. I know what has to be done, and in theory I could probably manage to do them but there is a lot of assumed help involved in such large and potentially life-threatening operations. I would of course perform major operations to save someone's life, as I did for Mamoot, but that is not the case here."

"Oh." Eriana looked frustrated. "Then, Kaldar, we must needs deal with you as you are, not how you would choose to be. Do you understand me?"

"If there is no other way, Highness. But do not send me back to him."

Ursula held up a hand. "Highness, I did not say that there was nothing that can be done here."

"Oh? Explain."

"Along our journey, and particularly in Forguland, I have, as you know, been picking up information about the herbs and other medicines in use in these countries. I have been told - warned, rather - about certain herbs which can do part of what Kaldar wants. I believe that they can reduce breast tissue, make facial hair grow and contribute to muscle development. That would in time make her - I'm sorry, him - look like any other young man."

Kaldar asked, "Like vitlebin, you mean?"

"You know of that? I would not have thought it was common knowledge."

"I had a friend who- No, that is not important. He brought me some dried, ground leaves of vitlebin but they were found in my room. My father was very angry. My whole room was stripped bare and searched and I was locked in it for two weeks as punishment."

"Probably just as well, Kaldar. That herb, I was told, can be very dangerous if not prepared correctly with other herbs."

Eriana's gaze at Ursula was intent. "And do you have such herbs?"

"No, Highness, I have not had the need. In general they grow in drier parts of the Great Valley, so I am told, and certainly only beyond Yod. I must also add," she said, looking at Kaldar, "that almost all those herbs are dangerous and may cause other complications for someone who began life as a woman. They will stop you having the Call of Kalikan and will probably make you sterile. Do you understand this?"

Kaldar's mouth was dry. "I do, Mistress."

"Those herbs can change what is above, what is visible, but they cannot change what is below, do you understand that? You will still have a vagina, which means that any man who finds out and feels the urge could rape you."

Kaldar gulped. "Mistress, any man may rape me now. That is true of all who are born as women, is it not? So my danger would be no worse than it is now. If that is how it must be then I would gladly pay the price."

Eriana sat back. "So. That is one question answered, and not in a way that I expected. To another, then. If you were to join the ship's company, what would you do?"

Kaldar shrugged. "I know not, Highness. As I said before, I know nothing of boats."

Eriana was amused. "Yet you flung yourself aboard my ship! Fear not, all who make lives upon the water must needs begin somewhere." She looked up. "Tyra!"

The maid turned. "Yes, Highness?"

"I have not asked before, but could you climb the mast?"

Tyra stared at Eriana before turning back and studying the mast. "Highness, I do not think that it would be a problem." She grinned. "I have climbed like posts in Joth, but nothing that is so tall." The grin turned into a frown. "Is it your wish that I climb it now? I am not properly attired, but I would attempt it."

"That is fine, Tyra. Thank you, not today. Kaldar, could you climb the mast? You are not wearing a ship dress, you should find it easier."

Kaldar stood and looked at the mast. "I know not, Highness. It was not the sort of activity that girl children were encouraged to do."

Both Ursula and Tyra opened their mouths but it was Eriana who responded.

"'Not the sort of activity'? Child, when we were your age we all played with whatever was to hand! Where were you, then, that you could not skip and run, jump and climb?"

Kaldar looked surprised. "Why, in my father's mansion. Is that what other children do? I did not know!"

Eriana exchanged looks with Ursula. "There is some other problem here, I deem."

"Maybe, Highness, maybe not. We were all brought up in different places, different customs, with parents who had different ideas. However -" Ursula stopped, thinking.

That man reminds me of people I once knew, unpleasant people. Men, as a rule, who sucked the life out of others for a living.

"Tell me," she asked, "what does your father do? I mean, what is he?"

"Mistress, he buys and sells many things. When there is no war he buys timber from the mountains and sells it to the city and other towns. When those of Yod come once more he buys food and equipment, wagons, frayen and dranakh, to sell to the other armies who come. He is well known all over Ferenis."

Ah. Well, it is not quite a black market but has the same effect.

"When Ferenis is at war, does he sell those things to your own troops?"

A shake of the head. "No, Mistress, only those who come from downriver."

Eriana's mouth twisted. "A leech, I deem. We have vermin like him in Einnland, making money from the wants of others, making them pay more than is needful." She came to a decision. "I am minded to take you with us whatever is decided. Ferenis seemed a fair land when first we came but there are worms beneath the surface. In any event I will not permit you to be returned to your father, you have my oath on that."

Ursula said, "Heard and witnessed."

Eriana grinned. "Mayhap we must needs fight our way out of this port, then, should they not agree to our peaceful departure. I have thirty men, they have hundreds, the odds are in our favor!" She became serious. "Child, if you are to travel with us I must needs become your guardian. Will you consent to this?"

Kaldar's eyes lit up. "Highness, nothing would please me more! Did you really mean what you said about fighting your way out?"

The returned smile was hungry. "Oh, Kaldar, you know nothing about the men of Einnland, do you? We are all born with blades in our hands, we are ferocious warriors all. Aboard the Visund only Ursula does not carry a blade for her task is to save life, not take it. Those two older women there are members of the Palace Guard of Palarand and also carry swords while young Tyra there is learning the warrior's trade as well."

"Really? Then I have landed in the right place indeed. Highness, I will place myself in your hands. This is where I want to be."

"The work will be hard, young one, and life aboard ship is very unlike what you may have been used to. We have no cabin, this is all there is. If the sun shines we get burned, if it rains we get wet." Eriana ruminated. "Aye. We had another like you before, when I escaped my own father's clutches, though he was younger than you. Ship's Wicktrimmer you shall be, though that will not be your only duty. How say you?"

Kaldar's expression was serious. "Highness, if you can remove me from the reach of my father, I will do whatever you ask of me."

"Done. Then let us go and see if we can steal you from a man who does not know what treasure he has ignored."

Eriana stood and moved forward. Ursula and Kaldar followed with Tyra, Bennet and Semma behind. Kalmenar was waiting.

"Highness, I believe that I now know you sufficiently well to say that you intend to keep the child."

"That is true, Kalmenar." She cast him a glance. "I assume that you have words of caution for me?"

"Indeed not, Highness, if that man behaves as he himself has said. But I would remind you that, as His Grace mentioned, there may be other considerations."

"As you say." Eriana lowered her voice. "I have been told that her father sells overpriced goods to armies arriving in Ferenis to fight Yod. I suspect that practice has made him rich enough that he seeks to influence his liege lord. Indeed, he may already have that influence. However, this time I may have an argument he may not refuse."

"Highness?" Kalmenar looked sceptical.

She grinned. "I do not solve all my problems with the edge of my sword, My Lord. I grew up in a King's household filled with intrigue, I can use words as my weapons as easily as I can use a blade."

There were some subdued grunts and smiles from the men sitting nearest, who had listened to this conversation. They all knew what happened within Embrikt's hall.

Eriana turned to Kaldar. "Now I must ask from you a pretense, Kaldar. I will treat with your father but you must not betray your thoughts even by your expression. Since he believes you his daughter then I must needs name you so, understand? After today it will not matter what he believes, you will not be there for him to test."

Kaldar swallowed. "As you command, Highness."

The men made space for them to come to the center of the ship, from which the pontoon was reachable. Gathol and Denethar saw the movement and approached, staying a short distance away from the pontoon's edge.

"Gathol, I would do this peacefully, by your leave."

"I have no quarrel with you or your men, Eriana. What is it you propose?"

"I have a point to make to that man beside you."

"As you wish." Gathol gestured.

"Your name is Denethar, is it not?" Eriana's eyes were hard. "I will remember you when next we come to Ferenis. Listen to my tale, if you would. My father is the King of Einnland. Einnland is a poor land well to the east and south of here, beyond the mouth of the Sirrel, beyond the Palumaks and on the coast of the Shan ocean."

"Your Highness, I do not know of that land but I have no reason to disbelieve you."

"Then know that I am the eldest surviving child of my father the King. Since he desires his son to succeed him, as is customary, he sought to marry me off meanly to a tradesman to foil my right of succession. I am not made for such domestic duties and found friends and allies who thought likewise. One of them had a ship, this one, and we departed Einnland one night to sail for the fabled lands of the Great Valley. I will not describe that adventure but merely say that those who survived the storms found refuge in Palarand."

Denethar shrugged. "As you describe, but what has this to do with me?"

"You shall hear. My father sent men after us to return me to Einnland but Robanar of Palarand had already granted us refuge. He sent them back with a letter saying that since I was now sworn to another King who ruled many, many marks from Einnland, he need worry no longer that his daughter might claim his throne.

"I put it to you that if your child should take passage with us then she will no longer be of concern to you. She is gone, just as surely as if she had been married as you desired. No longer will you have need to listen to her desires, as you name them, nor to chastise her for doing other than what you desire. In return I will become her guardian and teach her our ways, since all who sail on ships must needs know something of a seaman's art - your pardon, a sailor's art. What say you?"

Denethar was surprised at the offer. His first reaction was annoyance that he would not get what he wanted but then he thought through the logic.

"Highness, there is much in what you say." His eyes shifted. "What compensation shall you offer me?"

"Compensation?" Eriana snorted. "If your child had married, as you desired, I doubt not that you would have offered dowry to the family of the groom, would you not? If she comes with me then I would ask no dowry. Doubtless you have no desire to let your coin leak out of the treasure chests I am sure you possess. Your compensation shall be the ending of a worry, with no cost to you."

Denethar grimaced but saw the sense of it. "Aye. You are right, Highness, a husband would have demanded a bride price. But she will be on a ship full of men. How, then shall she fare?"

Eriana spread her hands wide. "What do you care? Once we depart she will be my concern, not yours. If you had bothered to use your eyes you may have noticed that besides myself we have four other women on board. My men, who are all sworn to me, would not touch a single hair of any of them and, indeed, would fight to the death to defend their virtue. Have no fear for your child's safety, Denethar."

Denethar saw the four women and nodded. "As you describe. Highness, I no longer doubt you or your honor."

"Shall you agree?"

"If I must. Your Grace, how shall this be done?"

"Eriana? You have some scheme?"

"I do. I will take oath to become... Kishaera's legal guardian. She shall become my complete responsibility, I will be as her parent until she is come of age. You understand that if she remains with us, as I intend, then she will eventually return with us to Palarand and reside with us there?"

"But if you are her guardian..." Denethar eyed his daughter thoughtfully.

Kalmenar started and leaned towards Eriana, speaking softly. "Highness, I believe that guardianship may not be enough. On our way back past Ferenis towards Palarand he could assert his right as parent, cancelling your authority."

"Is such the law here? I did not know that."

"Highness, guardianship is a provision for those youngsters who, before they are accounted adult, for example, become an apprentice, accompany a regiment as piper or drummer, join a ship's crew, things like that. The appointed guardian or guardians will have rights over the child but would still not legally replace their natural parents. To break the thread completely you must needs adopt this person, I deem."

She nodded. "I understand." Turning to the Duke she explained, "Gathol, it seems that words used in Einnland differ slightly from the way they are used in the Great Valley. I am informed that to properly care for this youngster I must needs adopt them. Is this agreeable to you?"

Gathol's eyes slid in Denethar's direction but his head never moved. "Aye, Eriana, I would have suggested it myself. We will require a notary in any event. Shall I send for one?"

"Do so, Gathol. We have been delayed long enough. I believe that Lord Kalmenar will perform a like task for my party."

"Agreed."

The parties drew back and waited as Gathol issued instructions. Another pontoon each way was cleared, those at the riverwards end being permitted to pass through or to depart by boat. Adin appeared with water bottles, handing them round.

«But we have barely finished breakfast!»

The cook smiled. «You have spoken more this morning, Captain, than you often do in a whole day. If you would wet your mouth, you will be guiding the Visund before long.»

«True enough. I wish it was ale but I will need a clear head for what is to come.»

Adin chuckled. «Captain, I am sure that you will make up for it tonight!»

He moved off to distribute more bottles and Kaldar leaned forward. "Highness, is that the tongue your people speak? Am I expected to learn it?"

"No, Kaldar, unless you wanted to. It is indeed the tongue of Einnland but we are all now vassals of the King of Palarand so are expected to speak the Valley tongue. Most of my men can understand it now but some still have difficulty finding the words to speak it." She had a thought, adding, "Do you read and write? I should have asked you before."

"Yes, Highness. Father insisted that we should all learn to read and write."

"There is something that he did right, then. What about your numbers?"

"Yes, but they are not so easy. It is difficult when you are taught something that you do not then use."

Eriana nodded. "I agree, I am made the same way, though others can soak up such knowledge without trouble I have to do to understand. Have you yet heard of the Garian numbers?"

"No, Highness, I have not. What are they?"

"The numbering system used in the valley of the Sirrel is a very old one and not easy to remember. We do not use it in Einnland. Princess Garia brought with her a new system which, once you know the shapes, makes numbering very easy to do. Perhaps Ursula can show you how they work."

"Mistress Ursula? Why would she know them?"

Eriana waved a hand. "Another long tale. Once we are on our voyage again you shall learn all, but not before we depart."

"Of course, Highness."

"And you should know that the men will name me Captain when we are on board this ship."

"Oh! As you say... Captain."

There was a certain amount of waiting and fidgeting before a harassed looking man appeared with a bag, followed shortly afterwards by servants carrying a small folding table and a folding chair. The man bowed to Gathol and received instructions, whereupon the servants erected the table and chair. Sitting down, he rummaged in his bag and produced reeds, ink, parchment and sealing wax.

"Eriana," Gathol called. "if you and Lord Kalmenar would join us to craft this document. It should be a standard contract of adoption but I do not want there to be any misunderstandings."

"As you say. Coming, Kalmenar?"

She leaped lightly onto the pontoon, the diplomat following more carefully. There was a discussion between Gathol, Denethar, Eriana, Kalmenar and the lawyer, after which the lawyer began scribing. There were arguments over at least two points but all was seemingly resolved. Eriana signed the document. With some reluctance Denethar followed. Gathol applied his ring to the seal. Kalmenar and the lawyer signed as witnesses. Once that was done the lawyer made a copy which was also signed, sealed and witnessed. The copy was handed to Kalmenar.

Gathol sighed with relief. "It is done. Denethar, depart now from this place. There is nothing here that concerns you further."

"Perhaps." He glanced at the ship, noting the large and fit crew. "She has brought no belongings, no attire. Shall I order her clothes to be fetched? I cannot offer a chest."

Eriana turned. "If she is to travel with us then she must needs be attired as we are." Her sweeping gesture took in the whole crew. "Do not trouble yourself, our attire is simple to make and costs little coin, we shall manage." Eriana was of course wearing a ship dress and Denethar may have assumed what she wanted him to. She concluded, "We must needs go. We will have departed long before you could return."

"Very well. It is done."

With a long and final look at his daughter on the Visund the man stalked off along the pontoons. Eriana waited until the lawyer and his servants had collected their things and begun to carry them away.

"You did not tell me you had trouble, Gathol. That man bullies more than just his family, I deem."

Gathol sighed again, this time with frustration. "Most of the time he does not bother me, Eriana. So long as the coin from his deals keeps arriving he seems satisfied. It is only when he does not get what he believes to be his that he comes to me with... requests. I foolishly agreed once and thus he comes again and again."

"Aye. Ursula spotted his taint immediately, mayhap she has had experience of like men before she joined us. Are there more of his ilk?"

"A small number but most dance to his tune."

Eriana grimaced. "You do realize that if Yod joins the Federation there will be no more wars with them for him to leech off? When his coin dries up he could appear with other suggestions." She showed her teeth. "If we were staying I would offer to help you rid of this evil, but I cannot. Can you use your army to quieten him, or do they profit from his demands on others?"

"A little of each, Eriana. I believe, though I have no proof, that some few in the army's highest ranks take his coin. That means that he may rely on them if I should move against him." He cocked his head. "What could you do that my men cannot?"

She grinned. "Oh, we are strangers, we do not know the customs. An accident, perhaps. He may trip and fall from a pontoon... with a rock tied to his feet. Or Lars, the Commander of my men, is known to be clumsy. He may accidentally plant an ax in yonder leech's head."

"Maker! You are a bloodthirsty people, Eriana." His gaze hardened. "Aye. It is time I did something about this meddler in the affairs of Ferenis. When you next dock here, Eriana, I believe that you will find some changes... but it is still better that that child is elsewhere for now. There are stories you have left untold and I suspect that many will not believe any of them."

"Indeed. Gathol, we must needs depart else we will arrive in the dark. I trust your plans go well. Till the next time, then."

"Aye." They clasped arms. "A safe journey to you and your men... all of them. And to your amazing women, of course."

Eriana nodded to Gathol, turned and ran across the pontoon, leaping onto the deck.

"Why are we not ready to depart?"

Tor said, "Captain, we are ready, but we could not leave without our Captain. What kept you?"

She grinned at him and flipped a hand. "Oh, you know, the usual. Hashim? Where are you? You must needs show me the chart, that we might plot our way out into the river. Are the oars ready? Good! Brodgar! Let go forward! Men, push us away from the pontoon. We are on our way!"

The men responded with a roar.

Lars chuckled and turned away to find his accustomed seat.

«What?»

He briefly turned round. «Captain, it will not be the first time we have sailed with a girl in the guise of a boy.»

He turned away and continued walking forward. Eriana stared after him, unable to believe her ears.

«Alrik? Surely not Alrik?»

Tor chuckled as well. «Captain, we thought you knew.»