The two vessels reach Wadek and immediately there are misunderstandings. Fortunately a senior officer of the occupying forces smoothes over the problems. The women are put up in a vacated mansion and make themselves at home before Ursula goes to the market and makes contact with the next link to finding the Old Leader.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

58 - Those of Pakmal

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) 2022 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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The customary forest of black poles appeared in the distance indicating a port along the Sirrel. There were more of these than at their previous stop but that was to be expected. Wadek was known to be a larger port than Tserikon, but after the incident with the pirate galley Tserikon had been the nearest place of safety that could be reached with a damaged sail.

Wadek posed other potential problems, though. Tserikon had been a smallish village and was therefore free of occupation troops, much as Bakhrad had been. Wadek was important enough to be one of the bases used by forces from Pakmal, Yod's neighbor to the south and west. Since Pakmal had taken no part in the Federation talks, no-one aboard knew what their attitude might be. Indeed, no-one knew if Pakmal had even heard of the Federation.

These potential complications did not presently bother Ursula. As before, she and Tyra were the only women aboard the Visund while Eriana contented herself with a passage on the Green Ptuvil. Of the rescued women, Nethra had attached herself to Lars, much to his bemusement. She seemed to be the most stable of the five women but still was wary around men not from the ship's company.

Or should that be expedition? Ursula thought. At this rate Eriana will return to Palarand with an entire fleet!

The other four, though now more relaxed and assured of their own safety, still wanted to be near Eriana as much as they could. The short trips the Princess had made into Tserikon had thrown up some anxieties, especially when almost all her men had vanished to rescue Ursula and they had been forced to shelter on the barge.

I don't know much about PTSD, even though I dealt with the results in Russia. On the other hand, Eriana probably knows less than I do. I am not sure that I can involve myself without causing more damage.

Tor had taken Ursula and Tyra through the simple whistle code used by the Norsemen while sailing. This was a series of short and long notes and was easy enough to remember. He had reminded them that they used other codes when on land and that it could be easy to become confused.

The pontoons were closer now. There appeared to be four lines and all were busy with watercraft. Most were fishing boats but there were a number of barges and some high, bulky vessels at the nearest pontoon chain. One other vessel caught her eye, it was one of the strange double-hulled ferries and had been moored away from the pontoons out in the river.

The bulky vessels resolved themselves into galleys. There were five, two moored on the closer side and three moored the further side. The two at the end carried pale blue flags and had sentries on their bows carrying crossbows. The others were indistinct. Two more men with crossbows stood at the extreme end of the pontoon which poked out between the galleys. Ursula realized that all four were wearing pale blue surcoats.

"I have not seen those colors before," Tyra remarked. "Surely they are not of Yod?"

"There are supposed to be troops from Pakmal here. Not that I know anything at all about Pakmal."

"That is more than I do, Mistress!"

Tor jumped down from the stern deck and made his way to them. «Mistress, I wonder if you have any thoughts on what to do?»

«Me, Tor? I'm guessing that those men in the blue don't want us anywhere near them, judging by their expressions. Maybe that line of pontoons is reserved?»

Tyra pointed. "Mistress, look! Someone waves flags."

On the end pontoon of the next line a man in the same colors waved two flags. Forward, Hashim raised a hand in acknowledgement and then turned, the whistle already in his mouth. He blew two long notes, three short notes and then two more long notes. Tor repeated the signal back to him.

«Did you understand that Mistress?»

"Dock at the third pontoon chain, I think, then he blew for the further side. Is that right?"

"Yah, Mistress." He grinned. "You learn quick."

"Tyra?"

"I worked out it was the third mooring line, Mistress, but mixed up the near and far sides, I think."

"That's right. Two long notes is mooring instructions, the number of short notes tells us which line, then one further long note is this side, two is the other side."

The officials following them along the pontoon seemed to be surprised at the length of the Visund, but because of its shape it could easily be accommodated along a pontoon side if the ends overlapped the supporting poles. What did concern them more was the fact that the Green Ptuvil followed the Visund into that stretch of water and began to tie up behind them. One of the officials ran back and tried to stop them.

Eriana lightly jumped from the barge onto the pontoon and faced the man. "We sail together," she told him. "It is important that we are moored nearby, either together or either side of the same pontoon."

That statement startled the man but he was adamant. "You cannot moor there, woman. The space is already reserved for this strange craft. It carries a noble of great importance and he will not desire to consort with barge folk like you."

Baros, seeing what would likely happen, climbed off the barge and joined her. "Is there some problem, Highness?"

"Highness?" The man laughed. "What, her?"

Baros replied stiffly, "I was not speaking to you. You should know better than to address any woman that way."

"What you call your women is of no concern to me, especially half-dressed mongrels like this one! Do not provoke me, river scum. I hear enough backtalk from the likes of you. The two of you had better just get back on that heap of worm-eaten wood and move it. Now. This mooring is reserved."

The face of Baros darkened dangerously but Eriana put out a hand. "Let us return to the Green Ptuvil, Baros." She turned and called across, where others aboard the barge were listening. "Girls, we must needs change so that this imbecile may discover our true natures."

"As you command, Highness."

The man stood there, hands on hips, and watched the oddly-attired women gather on board, talk, and then disappear below. His fellow joined him.

"Tharno, the captain of that odd ship says that their Commodore is traveling on this barge."

"He is? If so I haven't seen him yet, just some haughty half-dressed cow."

"That man who came off wasn't him, then?"

A sneer. "Nah, just more river scum trying to swindle another cargo, I would guess."

Lars came out of the rear of the barge, buckling his sword belt. His attire looked distinctly unusual, if practical in the hot weather. Still, barge folk often dressed strangely. Lars stared impassively at the two men and then pulled out his whistle. The two men watched as he blew a sequence of notes, then spun in shock as an answering sequence came from the ship behind them.

"Tharno," his mate said nervously, "that big man is dressed the same way as all the men on that ship! Do you think you have it wrong?"

"Nah. Maybe I got some of it wrong, maybe they are traveling together. Don't matter much. That barge is mooring somewhere else. I'm in charge here."

They turned back to see Lars still staring at them. The whistle had disappeared and his arms were now folded. Behind him several other men had appeared and it was noticeable that some were dressed in that same odd way.

"I don't like this, Tharno."

"That's why I'm the mooring allocator and you're just my deputy. Gotta keep control over these river labris or they'll run right over you."

After a short, tense period when Tharno and Lars just stared at each other, each trying to make the other blink, their attention was drawn to a different companionway - wait a moment! Why does a barge have three companionways? - where Eriana, Bennet and Semma were emerging, each dressed in full Palace Guard uniform and with their weapons at their belts.

"What the kobbon are those two?"

"No idea. And look at that big cow! Do you think she can use that sword?"

Eriana led the way onto the pontoon followed by the girls and then Lars. She confronted the pair.

"I am Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand, here on a diplomatic mission. Take me to the commanding officer of the port immediately."

After recovering from the shock Tharno replied stubbornly, " I cannot do that, whoever you are. This barge is not permitted to -"

She cut him off and leant forward, her expression fierce. She spoke slowly. "Then he will come to visit me instead..." She reached over her shoulder and slowly drew her sword. "...to take away your body."

Suddenly the area around the top of his legs felt warm. And wet.

"Ngggh... Neb, I think we need to go and get fresh instructions. Now! Quickly!"

"Right you are, Tharno."

The two retreated, Tharno waddling for some reason. Eriana sighed and rescabbarded her sword. Kalmenar, Hashim, Ursula and Tyra joined them.

"More officious stupidity, Highness?"

"Regrettably, yes, My Lord. Depending what those two do we could be about to face an apology or a battle. Why do some officials seem to make people worse?"

"In my experience, Highness, there are two kinds. The first likes to hold power over anyone they can reach, the second does not but sticks blindly to the rules whatever the circumstances." Kalmenar had the grace to blush as he added, "Highness, I know that I have been guilty of both offences in the past."

"My Lord, I cannot possibly offer a reply to that."

Kalmenar bowed. "You are gracious, Highness."

Baros joined them. "Commodore, -"

"Captain," she interrupted, "if you would excuse me. I have changed hats again. For now you must needs address me as Highness. I will need my full rank to untangle this sorry mess, I deem." She added, "Not the start I would have desired. What was it you were about to say?"

"Just that there does not appear to be room on the other side of the pontoon for the Ptuvil, ah, Highness. I can moor us here, there is just enough room. I would observe that this may be a problem at every port we come to from now on, though our welcome will likely be better."

"It could barely be worse," she responded. "Tell me, have you dealt with those of Pakmal before?" Baros nodded. "What are they like?"

"I have ventured there frequently in the past, Highness. Our company traded with many countries beyond Yod and, of all of them, Pakmal was the most tiring, I deem. They seem to exist in a kind of perpetual chaos. The fellow who gave you unwanted advice is typical of those I have been forced to deal with around the docks and ports there. In the towns the people are somewhat better but suffer from the self-importance of those who deem themselves in authority over them.

"Their army? Highness, that is another mystery. Somehow they have managed to organize themselves and progress so far as this into Yod. It is barely possible that whoever commands them here is competent but I would suggest caution. Any insult they may offer those who must needs travel on the river will likely be through ignorance rather than malice."

Kalmenar nodded. "Highness, I would agree. These folk know little of lands downriver beyond Yod. For the rest of our route along the shore of Yod, and for a little time beyond, we will be in lands controlled by Pakmal. To begin with a conflict here in Wadek may be, ah, unwise."

"I am inclined to agree, Kalmenar," Eriana said, "though what that man said to Baros was not done in ignorance. I am of a mind to demand compensation for those insults."

Baros snorted. "In addition to having to clean his tights, Highness? He insulted you as well, remember."

"Indeed. Ah, Lars."

«Highness. You expect trouble?»

«I have no idea. Better have the men prepared just in case.»

«Right, Highness.»

He turned and headed for the Visund to begin issuing instructions.

Baros asked, "Highness, we could always avoid this trouble, if that is what concerns you. We could sail away before anybody came close enough to complain."

Eriana pointed. "There are at least two galleys there which look as if they are ready to... sail is not the right word, is it? You know what I mean. Two galleys carrying regular troops is a different matter to one galley crewed by pirates. The Visund might escape but I doubt the Green Ptuvil would manage to get away from either of them. Besides, the word of what happened here would soon pass along the coast, ah, I mean bank, of course. We would never be permitted to land in any territory governed by Pakmal, I deem."

Kalmenar pointed across the Sirrel. "Highness, we could always try the other side."

"Possible, My Lord, but I would rather have our position here made certain and that can only be done by remaining and dealing with these oafs. Besides, Ursula has business in Wadek."

Kalmenar was surprised. "Mistress Ursula? I did not think she knew anyone here."

Eriana realized that she had made a blunder. "It is not a person, it is more of those herbs, My Lord. She was informed that certain kinds may be obtained here."

"Ah. Thank you, Highness, I understand now."

Since they were not the only people currently using the pontoons, all around them the other water folk were taking avoiding action. Fisherfolk who had been on board mending nets and lines were casting off and heading out to the river as soon as they could. Goods which were being stacked on the pontoons for transfer were being shifted back onto barges, while crews of other vessels cleared the decks and made themselves scarce.

"Highness, look!"

Two men in pale blue had climbed onto the land end of their pontoon string and begun to make their way along it. Having gotten no more than a few strides they had seen the visitors and beaten a hasty retreat. They were replaced by a loose group of heavily-armed blue-clad troops who bunched at the end of the pontoon string but came no closer.

At least four men of apparent rank joined the mob and a furious argument seemed to develop. Eventually one of the officers gave up and began to walk along the pontoon string. The mob of men cautiously followed, urged by another of the officers. The leading officer reached the pontoon ahead of the one the Visund was moored to and stopped.

"Hallo, the strange ship! If I may approach in peace? There has been a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" Eriana muttered. "I would choose a different word, I deem." To the officer, who wore a black sash across his chest, she called, "Marshal, of course you may approach in peace and safety. Upon my honor."

The man slowly walked forward keeping his hand away from his sword. He approached to within a stride, stopped and saluted, his open hand slapping his chest.

"Your Highness, I must apologize for the actions of the two port officials. It seems that they read the arrival notice, among others, and did not correctly note the description of the leader of your expedition. I will add that we were expecting only one vessel, which I assume is this vast ship. We did not anticipate that you would be accompanied by a barge."

She nodded briefly. The Visund was unusual and had provoked varying reactions wherever it arrived.

"Apology partially accepted... If I may know your name and rank? I would know who is in charge in this place - if anyone is."

He colored but straightened. "Highness, I am Field-Director Viscount Botanno of the Pakmal Forces of Liberation, at your service. I am in charge of the town of Wadek. If you are unfamiliar with that rank, as many of those beyond Yod seem to be, it is usual to address us simply as Director."

"In that case, Director, I am Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand. Presently I am Commodore of this little squadron which consists of the Visund, my own ship, and the barge Green Ptuvil, which we have acquired to use as additional accommodation more suitable for the female members of the expedition."

"Commodore? Another unusual rank, I deem." He smiled. "But then we seem to be meeting others with many kinds of rank that I never heard before. A Princess? From Palarand? Are you the one who has married their Crown Prince, then? If so you are far away from your new husband indeed."

Eriana returned the smile. "Alas I am not she, though it was to Palarand I went hoping to catch his eye. Keren had already declared himself to another. That is a tale for a calmer occasion, Director. If you would tell me what our status in Wadek is to be."

"Certainly I can, Highness. I must needs ask your intentions in Wadek, but I see no reason why anyone should detain you or your people here."

"The usual for travelers on the river, Director, refresh our supplies, perhaps stay here for a night or two before we sail again. Our healer seeks herbs along this stretch of the river, she may desire to consult various colleagues in the town. Nothing to cause concern to you or your command."

"Indeed? Then we shall offer what help we can." He paused, remembering. "Ah, Highness, when we first introduced ourselves you said that you partially accepted my apology."

"As you say. That imbecile Tharno insulted me, he insulted the captain of the Green Ptuvil and his language showed that he considered all who arrived in barges to be naught but vermin upon the river. For the misunderstanding I can accept your apology but not the insults. Such a person is unfit to be employed in such a task, meeting bargemen every day as he must."

"Tharno, eh? If you would leave that to me, Highness. He reports to another Under Director but I will ensure that he is removed from this sensitive post immediately."

"If I may ask how you are sure he will go."

"Easy, Highness." Botanno grinned. "I will inform him that you will demand satisfaction if he remains. Unlike him, I do read the dispatches which arrive from the other side of Yod and I have heard of you and your people."

"Sometimes it is useful to go about without notice, Director, but other times it is necessary to own to some small renown, it seems."

"As you say, Highness. By your leave, I will disperse that rabble at the quayside and make sure that you are offered accommodation suitable for your various statuses. If I may ask your numbers?"

"We are thirty men, Director, and eleven women, though," she smiled, "I sometimes have trouble with the count as our numbers have changed several times since we sailed from Dekarran. You should know that some of our women are released hostages and have sensitive needs. I would ask that we women be all housed together, though having more than one sleeping chamber would be acceptable."

Hand slapped on chest. "Leave it to me, Highness. I will see what I can arrange. If it would be acceptable to call on you this evening? Fresh news from downriver is always useful."

"As you desire, Director."

* * *

Ursula found the situation strange but admitted that it had been the only possible solution. As Wadek was full of foreign troops the usual lodging places were not available. Eriana's men had been split between two hostels near the port; even the Pakmalis had understood the need to reserve accommodation for the crews of river craft that supplied the town's needs.

The women, plus the men from the barges together with Kalmenar and Hashim, had been found a whole mansion near the port to use. The previous owners had been diehard Ascendancy supporters and had fled as the Pakmal advance reached the town, leaving perhaps half their servants behind to handle the resulting confusion.

Director Botanno had supplied troops to secure the mansion and also a small number of additional domestic staff to help out, but Eriana thought that they could probably have managed without them. The fact that the expedition now contained two experienced cooks made a significant difference while the women could handle most domestic chores themselves apart from those concerning the bathing block.

"It seems to me, Mistress," Tyra said as she finished unpacking their chests, "that many of the places we have stayed at have these courtyards in the middle with the buildings all around them. In Joth few have such arrangements."

"I think it has to do with space, Tyra. The buildings in Joth are so tightly packed inside the walls that a courtyard like that one," Ursula jerked a thumb at the view through the window, "would be a waste of living space. As I recall, many homes in Joth have just a small yard behind or to the side. The Duke's Mansion is of course different but even there he shares part of his home with the city defenses.

"Elsewhere I have been there has been room to spread the buildings further apart. Why they are this particular arrangement I do not know. Of course, as you know, I have not visited very much of the Great Valley so far. It is possible that this arrangement is only a local choice."

"As you say, Mistress. I wonder what time it is? After all that confusion earlier it must surely be time for lunch."

As she spoke the nearby sound of a bell could be heard. They both moved to the window of their chamber and looked out into the courtyard. Below, a blue-clad soldier was ringing a hand bell. He stopped and walked back to the kitchen block, where they could now see women servants emerge bringing tableware and cutlery.

"I think that answers your question, Tyra. Are we tidily dressed? If so we should go down and join the others."

In the dining room Eriana had asked for the seating to be arranged as a single table which all the guests would use, sitting both sides. Using Robanar's example, she positioned herself in the middle of one side and the other diners naturally gravitated so that the bargemen were at one end and the rescued women the other, with the original Visund women filling the gap.

Tyra bobbed. "Highness, it embarrasses me to ask this but should I be serving?"

"Of course not, Tyra! Like me you are a guest in this place. There are already sufficient to serve and they are familiar with the way it is done in this mansion. Here, sit at my side today."

Eriana looked around at the others as they made themselves comfortable. "Seating ourselves this way is a practice I learned at the court of my King, Robanar of Palarand. He and Queen Terys sat thus, in the middle of their retinue, so that no-one should feel excluded. Everyone else would sit wherever they chose, with but few exceptions. Those who sat either side of Their Majesties, and those who would sit facing them, were usually chosen, or guests, but others could sit with friends or colleagues. Positions sometimes changed with every meal."

From one end of the table Baros asked, "Highness? Is this something you expect us to do?"

"If you so desire, Captain. It is not my place to force you to do something you might find uncomfortable. However, the practice does permit those who might not normally have much contact with each other to meet and, mayhap, have a chance conversation that might otherwise not have happened."

"Highness, I have never before supped with Princesses nor with Kings yet I find this idea to be wise. I would note that the ladies at the other end of the table might disagree."

Banest responded, "While I have never eaten with nobility before, Highness, this arrangement is little different than the way a barge crew would take their meals when ashore. Since it could be said that we are all now part of a larger crew, I do not find it too unusual. I could not say how Matta and Vellana feel, though."

Vellana spoke. "I am not used to so many people, Highness. I understand that I must needs adapt to my new life but it is difficult." She managed a wan smile. "I do not think of all of you as crew, though, but as my new family."

"Well spoken, Vellana," Eriana said with an approving nod. "The Visund's crew is indeed like a large family and now it has become more balanced, I deem. We all hope that you and Matta will become more comfortable among us in the days to come."

The young woman ducked her head shyly. "Thank you, Highness."

The food was different than most had sampled before, though Hashim informed them that it was typical of what might be found further upriver. The meats and fish were what might be expected but the dishes had been prepared in different ways, with unusual spices, and the sauces and gravies were new. What caused Eriana to purse her lips were the vegetables, which more resembled a salad than anything more substantial. She also grimaced when the only drink offered was wine in well-worn metal goblets.

She put out her hand to stop the serving girl from filling her goblet.

"Highness?"

"I do not care for wine. What else might there be to drink?"

"Highness, the owners of this house drank only wine with their meals, except that they would drink pel at breakfast."

"What, all of them? Every meal? What about any children?"

The girl looked puzzled. "Of course the babies were given milk as is proper, Highness, but everyone else drank wine."

Eriana simmered and Ursula was forced to step in. "If I may ask, what is your name?"

The girl bobbed. "I am Saret, Mistress."

"Saret, Her Highness and most of her crew come from a distant land where most people do not drink wine," she explained. "It was not generally available. Most of them, including Her Highness, drank ale instead. Since coming to the valley of the Sirrel a few have started drinking wine but most prefer pel if ale or small beer are not available. Otherwise it would be fruit juice or water."

Saret seemed incapable of believing that places existed where wine was not available, but she simply bobbed. "Mistress, I will ask if the kitchen can provide pel. How many desire to drink pel?"

Ursula held up a finger and tasted her wine. It seemed acceptable. She raised an eyebrow at Tyra and received a nod. Hashim and Kalmenar raised their goblets. She looked at Kaldara, who pushed her goblet away and shook her head. The two Yodan girls did likewise.

"For Her Highness, then, for our youngster and for the two young women at the end there."

Saret bobbed again and departed.

"Is this what we are to expect from now on?" Eriana grumbled. "Do the foods become stranger the further ones travels west?"

Hashim looked at Baros who waved a 'carry on' with one hand. "Highness, it is partly true that foods change as one travels west but that is because what fruits and vegetables are grown changes as the lands become drier and warmer. You already know that the fish we catch in the Sirrel are different than those you may find in the wide ocean, the same is true of produce from the land." He shrugged. "Most regular travelers understand this and adapt as they go along."

She showed her displeasure. "If you say so, Hashim. Where I grew up we ate... differently. It will take me some time to adjust to these strange foodstuffs and new tastes."

Baros added, "Highness, when we arrive at Bibek you may find the food more to your liking. The method of preparation of many meals may be different, it is true, but it is likely that you will enjoy them better than what is in front of us now."

"Ah? Do you tell me that what is before us is not what I would normally expect?"

"Partly, Highness. Those of Pakmal have certain customary foods which are not normally eaten by those of Yod, so the meal before us is an unusual mixture, I deem. On the other hand, I assume that we will be venturing into Pakmal itself, so it would be well to be prepared for such items in future."

"You assume correctly, Baros, and I will bear your words in mind in future days."

Eriana looked unsettled for the rest of the meal but the pel helped calm her down. When they rose she asked Ursula, "If I may ask what you intend to do later. Will you remain within or go out to explore the town?"

"Probably the latter, Highness. I think it would be a good idea if I discovered the lay of the land before... I attempt anything more serious."

"Ah, as you say. You will need an escort, especially after what happened earlier."

"Of course, Highness. I thought to take Tyra and Kaldara, all of us dressed Yodan-style, just to have a look around at the local markets and so on, so I'd like your men to be dressed the way they did yesterday, please."

The Princess nodded. "Understandable. I'll ask Lars to make the appropriate preparations for you."

"Thank you, Highness."

* * *

When Ursula, Tyra and Kaldara came down after their nap, attired and ready for their outing, they found three Norsemen waiting for them, since the third man was Adin. All were dressed in tunic and tights and looked uncomfortable in the afternoon heat.

The little cook grinned at her. «Mistress, an opportunity to see what is available should never be missed, not for someone like me. The Captain thought that it would be a good idea for me to come since we would just look like servants or retainers from one of the more prosperous households in the town.»

«Now that is a very good idea, Adin.» Ursula looked at Torvin and Ragnar. «Are you two ready?»

«Of course, Mistress,» Torvin replied.

«Let us go, then. Markets are usually better in the morning so I'm not sure what we will find there now. The sooner we go the sooner we will be back.»

Torvin said, «Mistress, there will be no argument from me.»

The women's cowls were useful in keeping the hot sun off their heads as they walked but Ursula was concerned for the men who were bare-headed. Wearing their straw boaters would make them stand out - and in a way that was not advisable. Anyone who happened to have traveled here from Tserikon would recognize them despite their nondescript clothing.

«Boys? The sun is strong, you really should have something to cover your heads with. When we get to the market we can see if there is anything that will fit. As we walk, take notice of what other men are wearing and see if you can find something similar. We don't want to stand out.»

«Yah. Good idea, Mistress.»

The directions given by the mansion staff proved accurate and they soon reached the market area, which was larger than Ursula expected. This was partly because there was a livestock market to one side, most of the stalls there being cleared away as they arrived. The rest of the market was busy but not heavily so, many customers being put off by the afternoon heat.

Kaldara pointed. «Look there. Hats.»

Ursula was startled. "I did not know that you could speak Norse!"

The disguised girl-boy blushed. "Mistress, I sit with the men every day and that is mostly what they speak. I do not have many words yet. It is a very strange way to speak."

"Indeed. It is said that learning your first foreign language is the hardest one of all since all you know is what you were born with. After that, other languages can usually be learned easier because you now know that things may be different. Are they actually teaching you?"

"They did not at first but when they realized that I wanted to understand then they began to teach me properly. But much of it is words to do with ships and sailing, as you might expect."

"Of course, but it is all useful. And now that I know that you want to learn then I can help you."

"You will? But, Mistress, you are so busy!"

Ursula gave Kaldara a look. "I did not say that would be all I would be doing, Kaldara. But we often have free time in the evenings."

"As you say, Mistress."

"Let us find these gentlemen some hats, then, if we can."

By concocting a story about their usual headwear having been put down in the wrong place and chewed by labris, Ursula obtained three straw hats for the men which did not look anything like boaters. That task complete, she asked the stall-holder if there were any cobblers present and was pointed towards two stalls near the beast market.

Selecting one at apparent random, she pulled Semma's boots out of a cloth bag and presented them to the stall-holder. He took them and inspected them.

"I can find little wrong with these, Mistress. What seems to be the problem?"

"They belong to one of my Master's younger women servants, sir. I am the house's healer and she came to me with a sore big toe recently. I wondered if it would be possible for you to ease this part of the right boot to permit a little more room."

He turned the boots over. "These seem unusual footwear for a servant girl, Mistress."

"She has business in my Master's stables, sir. The frayen sometimes stand on her feet. The boots can also be useful in the event that she is caught when out with the animals in a storm."

"A storm, did you say?" Ursula nodded. "Then these are sturdy boots indeed. Let me see. I might be able to do as you require by tomorrow lunchtime. Would that be too soon?"

"If you are busy with other work then perhaps we could collect them the following morning. It will be cooler for us to come out then."

"Ah, as you say, Mistress. Yes, the heat of the sun can be unpleasant at this time of day." He nodded. "I will have done the work by the morning after tomorrow, certainly."

"We will be here. In fact, you may even see us tomorrow. As a healer I have other needs at the market and my friend here is one of the cooks so will also be here again."

"As you say. Then fare you well, Mistress, until the morning after tomorrow."

The six turned away and Ursula spoke to Adin. «I think we had better see what foodstuffs they have here first, don't you? There may not be much to buy today but you can find out what stalls there are and what they sell.»

«Yah, Mistress.» He pointed. «Look, a seller of fish. Let us go there first, what wares he still has will go off quickly in this sun.»

* * *

"If you would join me, Director."

Botanno entered the small meeting room, an eyebrow raised.

"Highness, I do not know how it is done where you come from but in Pakmal it is customary for any woman to be attended when meeting a man not of her household."

She smiled. "Director, this is true, even in Palarand, but I can assure you that any man would not get very far if they attempted something... untoward with me! I may be unsure about many things that are strange to one of my background but my personal safety is not one of those things."

As the Director took one of the comfortable seats either side of the small, unlit fireplace a servant came into the room carrying a tankard. She offered it to Eriana.

"Highness, Master Hofer says that he thinks that this is what you desire."

She sniffed and then took a cautious sip, nodding. "Ah! This is weak, and has an interesting flavor, but it is definitely beer. If you would thank Master Hofer for me. Where did he find it?"

"Highness, some few of those who normally work in the stables frequent a tavern where it is brewed. There they say there is a demand for it from river travelers from below Yod. Knowing that was the direction you came from, they have acquired a barrel for use by the household's guests."

Eriana took a larger mouthful. "Ah, that is good. Not many of my people drink this beer so mayhap a single barrel will suffice. Thank you again."

Saret curtseyed awkwardly. "Thank you, Highness." She turned to go.

Botanno interrupted. "Hold! If I may ask, Highness, what is it that you drink there?"

"It is the local version of beer, Director, which is drunk freely in the lands below Yod. I will add that it is mostly men who drink it, women preferring pel. For myself, I come from a land much further away and almost everyone in my father's Hall drank it all the time, men and women. Shall you try some?"

She passed her tankard to him and he sniffed cautiously before returning it.

"Curious! This is a drink yet unknown to me and I have traveled the Valley these thirty years with the Army." He looked up at Saret. "If you would bring me a small sample that I may try it."

She curtseyed again. "As you desire, Master."

Botanno watched her leave and then turned to Ursula. "If I may ask, Highness, are you content with the arrangements in this Mansion? It was the best that could be found at such short notice for someone of your status."

Eriana took her own seat. "Director, I must admit to some disquiet. I know that you have provided a guard of soldiers about the property and for that we are grateful. I am more concerned with the servants, though. How can you know whether any of them adhere to the Ascendancy? Most of those who are left are women, it is true, but that does not disqualify them."

Botanno spread his hands. "Highness, the same could be said about everyone in the entire town, I deem. That is the great problem with Yod, that one does not know from man to man, ah, or indeed woman to woman, where their loyalties may lie. We did of course question the staff once we knew you would reside here but that proves nothing. Do you have any specific concern, Highness?"

"I most certainly do, Director! Know you that in Yod itself there was an assassination attempt in our private quarters. It was only by chance that the plot was foiled and the man captured."

"Do you tell me? If I may learn more, Highness."

"It was like this, Director."

Eriana proceeded to recount the incident, carefully obscuring the apparent objective of the assassin. Botanno naturally concluded that the plot was against Eriana herself. As she finished Saret returned with another tankard, knocking before she entered.

"Ah, thank you, Saret. That will be all."

Botanno took a sip. "An interesting taste, I deem." He put the tankard down. "Highness, the evening passes and there is much of importance to discuss before I must needs return to my duties. First, if I may ask you if you have further information about something I noticed in the dispatches we have received from the west, and that is something named the Federation, I believe."

Eriana smiled. "Director, I can indeed, since I am an official in that organization. I was present when the Federation charter was drawn up and signed, and indeed my own signature is upon the document. Let me explain how it happened and what it may mean for countries beyond Yod. Ah, I mean, of course, countries upstream of Yod."

- - -

Eriana replaced her now-empty tankard on the table. "And that, Director, is what the Federation will represent. Not a government which seeks to rule everyone, as the Yodans did, but more of an association of like-minded states which already have a great deal in common."

Botanno looked at his own tankard and thought better of taking another sip. It joined Eriana's on their low table.

"It is certainly an interesting idea, Highness. I could even see advantages for Pakmal to join." His expression changed. "However, given our present state, I am doubtful that such a change would be accepted by many who ought to know better." He spread his hands. "That is just the way it is at the moment."

"How so, My Lord?"

Eriana's change of title reflected the fact that the conversation had changed, was now between two nobles rather than two military officers.

A shrug. "We are weak, Highness, in matters of governance. Beyond Yod, downriver, there are many lands which have strong and reasonably benevolent rulers to guide them. Pakmal only has Arch-Count Tofero and he is, frankly, not suitable for the task before him. Some of those under him, such as myself, attempt to provide the needed governance but many seek only to enrich themselves at the expense of others. Did you notice, when you arrived this morning, what happened before I walked along the pontoons to meet you?"

"Why, as I recall, some soldiers came, a mass of them. Then there was an argument, or so it seemed... I could not tell, the line of pontoons is long and there were obstructions partly in my view."

"Aye, you were right, Highness." He sighed. "To briefly explain, the port is guarded by troops led by Under Field-Director Gerran. The town is controlled by troops from two divisions, one commanded by Under Field-Director Masso and the other by Field-Director Bassenar. His division is supposed to be managing the local countryside and the Trade Road but he seems to have decided to base most of them in Wadek.

"Gerran wanted his men to rush the pontoons, assuming that they could quickly overcome the small number of men that had arrived on your vessels. Masso wanted his own men to lead the charge and I suspect that was because he wanted the credit for the, ah, victory for himself. Bassenar and myself argued against, since I knew exactly who you were and what your men would likely do, and Bassenar since it was two of his platoons which were sent to Tserikon to investigate the reports of Ascendancy activity there.

"Once he had learned who had asked for that support, and from me just who you probably were, he soon added his voice to mine. Even though I outranked the other two it was difficult to restrain them from issuing the command to attack. That is why I stopped them by simply walking onto the pontoons and, effectively, getting in their way."

"That was brave of you, My Lord."

"I thought of it more as showing my ability to lead, Highness, though the others will disagree. Tell me, if the troops had attacked, would your men have done as I suspected?"

A wry smile. "Probably, My Lord. We Norse are not known for backing away from a good fight." The smile disappeared. "Of course, it would not have ended well, I deem. Not with those two galleys sitting there."

"As you say. Though you should know that there are barely enough men to crew one and a half galleys. Rowing is not something that Pakmali soldiers will ever volunteer for."

"Interesting! So we could perhaps have escaped, ah, I meant withdrawn, of course." The two shared a grin. "Tell me, if you have too few to crew two galleys, how is it there are five moored there?"

"The other three are war booty, Highness, two captured when we arrived here and the third found abandoned in an inlet upriver as we advanced." Botanno shook his head. "Bringing it here involved threats, sanctions and offers of bonuses before enough were found to man the oars. I am trying to discover a way in which we can remove them to Pakmal without using troops who will object to the duty or empty my war chest."

Eriana coughed. "Ah, Director, I suspect that you were supposed to hand those galleys over to me. You say that you have read dispatches, tell me, have you received anything concerning a new military force to be set up by the Federation? It will be named the Navy and one branch will replace all the different local river forces with but a single one, managing the whole of the Sirrel."

"The Navy, did you say? Let me think... I did see something, it is true, but I thought that it was only of concern to the Allied forces and Pakmal, of course, is not part of those forces."

"Do you tell me? An oversight, I deem, but apparent if you knew nothing of the Federation either. My Lord, we may have a problem."

Botanno grinned. "Highness, it is no problem for me! I will be delighted to hand the galleys over to you. From my point of view it will mean that they are no longer of concern to Pakmal."

"It is not so simple, My Lord. Though these vessels, and others more modern that will follow them, will sail under the flag of the Federation, the Federation would not desire to operate them. It would mean having a base of foreign vessels and sailors upon the lands of each country and few would agree to that. In practice each country along the Sirrel knows its own waters well and vessels operating there would be crewed and run by those nations."

Botanno frowned. "I think I understand. Aye, if a land is part of the Federation then it would be natural to supply men and vessels to play its part." He nodded. "So where will Pakmal fit into this arrangement?"

"My Lord, I have no idea. I wish that I had asked my advisor Lord Kalmenar to attend this evening. If Pakmal joined the Federation the problem would be moot. If it does not," she shrugged, "something may be done with a treaty, perhaps. I do not know, I am not versed in such arrangements between countries."

"Nor I, Highness, though from your own account I know more than you. Tell me, must this be decided here and now?"

"My Lord, whatever we do will take weeks if not months. What is it you propose?"

"Merely to adjourn for the night, perhaps to talk again tomorrow. In that time I will re-read those dispatches concerning the... Navy, was it? And you may consult your advisor."

"Your words are wise, My Lord." She stood and Botanno stood as well. "I trust you will have a peaceful night with no further distractions."

"I could wish for such luck, Highness." He bowed. "Good night to you."

"And to you, Director."

* * *

"Did you meet your contact?"

The two, with Tyra standing watch, were at the bottom of the rear stair leading to the mansion's Bathing Block. There was a lantern there but otherwise the whole courtyard was shrouded in darkness.

"We did, Highness, and it has been arranged for the morning after tomorrow. There could be a problem, though."

"Oh?"

"They are not going to want me to bring an escort along, Highness. I do not think they will object to Tyra and most women go around in pairs or groups anyway, so I would stand out more if I was on my own. But men will be a different proposition."

Eriana looked frustrated. "Ursula... I really, really do not want anything to happen to you. All my being screams out to protect you," a rueful smile, "even though you seem to continually find yourself in scrapes! You are too important to our expedition, to Palarand, to Anmar... to me. I do not want you to go off somewhere unknown without any protection."

"Neither do I, Highness, but at the end of that journey will be an old man from Earth, I hope."

"Why are you so determined to find this man? He is old, his day has come and gone. What use is he now to anybody?"

"And that is exactly why I think we will be safe, Highness. He is not the leader any more so he has no importance to them except as part of their history. And it is his history I am interested in, a history which only I will be able to understand."

"I know that! It is just that I do not trust any of them, not after everything that has happened since we sailed from Tobeligo. I would remind you that we even had an assassin seeking you in Yod City!" Eriana considered. "You are more important than that old man is! I must ask you to go back to your contact tomorrow and see if they will consider letting Torvin and Ragnar come with you."

Ursula shook her head. "Highness, there is no point. Where we will be going we will likely be surrounded by members of the Ascendancy. If I took Torvin and Ragnar then, once we arrived, their throats would be the first to be cut. It is better that we go alone."

The Princess changed targets. "Tyra, are you content with this? I know that you will say that you will go wherever your mistress goes but this is different."

"Aye, Highness, it is, but they already know me and they know that Mistress Ursula will not attend alone. If I am not there then they will suspect something."

"But... but..." Eriana's eyes were wild. "Supposing that I were to substitute for Tyra? I could go as your companion, Ursula!"

"You cannot, Highness. You are too tall, your hair is distinctive, you are already well-known here. Unlike Tyra you would be a worthwhile hostage for them. Besides, you have no suitable attire as you well know."

Eriana's shoulders sagged with defeat. "You are right, Ursula." Her eyes lit up. "What about Semma? No. They know Tyra. Ursula, I cannot bear this."

"I know, Highness. I know."