Garia experiences life in disguise for another day as her journey takes her back to Dekarran and then beyond. She endures poor planning, sleepless nights and boring hours spent waiting for things to happen. She encounters beer monsters and others with six legs, but the journey is finally under way at last.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Garia was happy once the wagon reached dry land at Dekarran again. The twin-hull design of the ferries made the crossing relatively stable, but cooped up inside their hideaway with no means of seeing outside meant that she became a little queasy during the trip. Judging by the look on Merizel's face she was suffering too. Once the wagon reached the main road above the ferry slip the noise from the wheels on the road surface meant that they could conduct a conversation in reasonable security.

Garia leaned her head next to Merizel. "I'm glad that's over! If the trip had taken much longer I'd have been using that pan, I think."

"It was a very strange motion, wasn't it? Not at all like the other times we crossed."

"Wonder what happens now? I guess we'll end up in that warehouse Milsy went to yesterday."

"Probably. I wonder how she is managing?"

"It's anybody's guess. I doubt she'd even seen the river before, let alone been the other side of it."

"As you say. Maker! Smell that!"

The outside noise had increased and it was apparent to Garia that they were passing through the town below the castle. She had not had the opportunity to explore the town the whole time she was staying in the castle and she regretted that now. From the amazing mix of smells they must have been passing through or past a market place since the air coming in was rich with the odor of cooking, strange fruits and spices.

"All that is making me hungry," Merizel said.

"By the time we get through the town and to whichever warehouse we're bound for, it will be lunch time, I guess. We'll just have to sit tight until then."

The wagon jolted on and the noise tapered off slightly. After a significant while the wheels screeched as the wagon turned off the highway and down a slope presumably towards the warehouse. There were more turns and then the quality of sound changed, indicating that they were under cover again. The wagon stopped and Garia could hear men moving about. There was a repeated thumping on the drums.

"You all right in there?" came a muffled voice.

"Yes!" they both shouted back.

Enough of the drums were removed to enable the rearmost one to be lifted away. Light appeared in their little hideaway. Jaxen and Sukhana stood outside.

"Can you move? Careful you don't bang your head."

The two climbed stiffly out and Sukhana took charge of them.

"Follow me."

In a dirty upstairs room they were seated around a plain table and given mugs of water to drink. Sukhana regarded them both with an expression of distaste.

"Jaxen has told me about you," she told Garia shortly. "Of course, he don't know much about what you got up to inside the palace, but I don't believe half of what he tells me anyhow." She leaned forward, her elbows on the table. "Don't matter to me. You ain't in no palace now, and the wagons ain't taking those along who don't do their part, understand me? I heard you was a noble now, though how that can be I can't figure out. I don't want no muck-a-mucks along for the ride, expecting to be waited on hand and foot like those in the King's party do. If there's chores to do, you'll lend a hand, understand me? Ain't nobody giving no orders except me neither. That means both of you."

Ah. Looks like she resents the nobility. Well, before I came to Anmar I'd probably have resented nobility too, being a good ole' American boy, but... my circumstances have changed slightly since then. The picture doesn't look quite so straightforward as it did in Kansas.

"Uh, Sookie?" Garia said. "I wasn't a noble when they found me on that mountainside. In the country I came from, there are no nobles, none at all. The King only made me a noble in order to give me some protection and an independent income, seeing as how I'm essentially an orphan and all." She shrugged. "I can do chores. So can M-, uh, Karizma here. We don't know anything about the wagon business so we'll have to learn but we're quick learners."

Sukhana looked at them both. "Maybe I assumed some things too quickly," she admitted. "As for the chores, it'll be mostly making chow for the men and cleaning up after. Can you manage that?"

Garia hesitated. "I've never cooked a meal on Anmar before," she said, "and I doubt M-, Karizma has either. You don't do your own cooking when you live in the palace. But, like I said, we'll learn whatever needs doing."

Sukhana seemed satisfied and she leaned back, studying Garia. "You're the hot one everybody wants to keep under cover, aren't you? What's she to you, then? Your maid?"

Garia made a wry smile. "Actually, she's my secretary. My own maid will be joining us today, I guess, from the castle. Her maid has gone to the palace with the King's procession to look after my double." She hesitated. "Oh, and Karizma actually is the daughter of a noble. I have no idea what chores she might be capable of."

Sukhana stared at them. "This has to be the craziest setup I ever heard of. She's a noble's daughter and she's your -" She shook her head. "I should have said no to this job, I really should."

She stood. "You'll have to stay up here for a while. I'll bring you some food once I've found out what's going on. There's a wagon missing - we can't use that one you came over the river on, that's a special. And we can't go anywhere until your... maid appears anyhow." As she opened the door she turned. "Oh, and of course you'll have to stay in here, so none of the men catch sight of you. Some of those about in the warehouse ain't coming with us and I don't want no questions asked."

"What about..?"

"Oh. Yeah." She pointed. "Room that way at the end of the corridor."

Sukhana shut the door behind her and Garia and Merizel were left staring at one another.

"Well, I didn't expect a fanfare when we arrived, but..." Garia said.

Merizel giggled. "Abrupt, wasn't she? I think she might have a grudge against the nobility somehow."

"You think?" Garia viewed her friend with concern. "Are you going to manage okay? Have you ever done anything like this before?"

Merizel shrugged. "Not really. It's not the sort of thing any noblewoman would be permitted to do, even if they were very poor. She was talking about cutting meat, peeling vegetables, cooking and washing dishes, wasn't she? I've been in situations where I've seen it done, so it won't be a total surprise." She lifted her hands and examined the palms. "I just hope my hands don't become so rough I can't write any more."

"Oh, I don't think we'll be doing it for very long," Garia reassured her. "Once we meet up with -" It suddenly occurred to her that the walls might be quite thin and that they might be overheard. "- ah, when we meet up with the others, the whole setup will change, won't it? It will have to, because of the others."

"You are probably right, G-, ah, Buffy, but our plan has already changed twice since we came to Dekarran so I would urge caution. We don't really know how long our journey will take or who will be with us."

"You're quite right. Let's not worry until there's need to worry."

Jaxen and Sukhana appeared some time later, Jaxen carrying an iron pot full of stew and Sukhana bearing four turned wooden bowls and four spoons. The table was rapidly set out and they all took their places, Jaxen serving the stew to the women with a ladle.

"You'll have forks before we leave, uh, Buffy. There's a metalsmith in the next road who has a contract with the castle. He says the demand for them has been ridiculous but he'll find a way to produce three or four extra somehow."

"What's a fork, Jaxen?" Sukhana asked her brother.

"A new kind of eating tool, brought to Palarand by," and he gestured to Garia. "Haven't you seen them before?"

Sukhana shook her head. "I've heard the word, but as you know I've only just come back to Palarand from Vardenale. What use are they?"

Jaxen grinned. "You'll see. Once you start using them you'll wonder why nobody ever thought of it before."

The stew tasted good but Garia wondered if she would feel the same way once she had to assemble it from raw ingredients. She knew from Earthly experience that the most delicious meals could be made from the most unappetizing offcuts from the most unlikely animals, vegetables and fruit. Had she at some time actually eaten boiled, roast or stewed frayen? Or even labris? There were certain things it might be better not to know.

Once they had finished eating Jaxen brought them up to date.

"The missing wagon has been found. It's eleven marks from Dekarran with a split axle so I've managed to find another. It should be here and loaded by tonight. Tonight's also when your... other friend will join us, it won't be safe to get her out of the castle until after the sun sets. Assuming that third person makes it out and down here in time, we should be ready to leave first thing tomorrow." He frowned and turned to Garia. "Master Tanon said that we were to join another party of travelers somewhere along the road. Do you know where, by any chance?"

"Not a clue. All I know is they set off... three days ago and at some point one of the wagons will develop a fault so they'll have a reason to stop and wait for us. It seems nobody knew the entire plan except, possibly, Master Tanon."

Jaxen nodded. "That makes sense." He shrugged. "We'll have to take the supplies we would if we were going all the way on our own, so it's not important. I'll check and make sure the right amounts are loaded, but of course there are depots most of the way where we can get more provisions if we need to."

Sukhana regarded her brother. "Most of the way? Do you know where we're going, then? Care to share the secret?"

Jaxen grinned. "Right up the far end of the Palar and turn right."

"How far? Where exactly are we going, Jaxen?"

"The princess, ah, Buffy is going to look over the lands the King gave her, and they're in a part of Palarand Master Tanon has no business interests yet, mainly because there's nothing there. As I understand it, that's about to change completely so we're going with her to investigate the possibilities. The whole round trip will take us, let me see... perhaps five weeks, maybe as many as eight or so."

A furious Sukhana jumped up, glaring at her brother. "You didn't tell me it was going to be that long! It might be acceptable for you men to travel for days and weeks wearing the same clothes but it won't do for us women! All my clothes are the other side of the Sirrel, and you spring this on me! And what are these two expected to wear? If we travel as we are no wild animals will get anywhere near us because of the stink!"

Garia spoke carefully. "Whenever we meet the other party they are carrying chests with our own clothes in," she told Sukhana. "Of course, we don't know how many days it will be before we meet them."

"You mean that these two have only what they wear now?" Sukhana exploded. "Why didn't someone at least ask a woman to take part in the planning of this mad adventure?" She turned to Garia. "Kalikan?"

"Next week sometime."

"You see? Men!"

She stood by the table and collected the bowls and spoons with a very deliberate clatter. Then she turned to Jaxen, still in a fury.

"Very well. It seems I'll be spending this afternoon finding suitable clothing for four women - including certain undergarments - instead of what I was supposed to be doing. I just hope you haven't made as big a balls-up with the wagons and men."

With a toss of the head she stumped through the door and out, leaving a bemused Jaxen.

"This is because the dates were all changed, ladies," Jaxen explained. "Sukhana was never intended to come on this trip. I just hope we all survive, that's all." He lifted the pot. "I'll take this and clear away and then show you your room where you can both lie down. I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to amuse yourselves this afternoon, and you'll have to stay in the room. You really shouldn't show your faces until after we are well away from Dekarran."

Jaxen returned and showed them a room at the end of the corridor opposite the bathroom facilities. There were double bunks either side with a dirty window at the end. As Garia moved to the window to see outside there was a warning from Jaxen.

"I would drop the bolt after I go, ladies. Some of the men aren't so familiar with which room is which and you're opposite the toilet. You won't want any unexpected visitors."

The 'bolt' was a wooden plank fixed by a pin to the door frame which could be dropped into an iron keeper on the other side. Merizel secured the door while Garia rubbed at the window to discover most of the dirt was on the outside. There was no view in any case as the room faced the blank side of another warehouse with just a narrow road between. They each took a bunk and sat down facing each other on the bottom mattress.

"I imagined places like this existed," Merizel said, "but I never thought I'd be experiencing them for myself."

Garia pressed a hand against her mattress. "These ought to be good enough to sleep on, at least. These feel like the beds we had over the Sirrel. Cheer up, Merry. It will only be for one night at the most."

"You're right." Merizel yawned. "Perhaps I can try this out for my nap."

"Actually, that stew was quite filling, wasn't it? A lie down sounds like a good idea."

Garia's last thought before she drifted off was, I wonder if there's any life in these beds? Fleas or lice or bedbugs? There's almost certain to be something similar here on Anmar.

Garia was awoken by hammering on the door, which turned out to be Sukhana. Garia let her in and she entered carrying two full rough-woven sacks.

"Did I wake you? Sorry." Sukhana gave Garia a rueful smile. "Seems Master Tanon didn't make quite such an error of judgment when he made Jaxen his Senior Road Foreman. It appears that there is clothing and other personal gear already packed for the three of you downstairs. I don't know if there's enough to last five weeks but it should certainly do for one, and that's long enough to find your friends, isn't it?" She hefted one of the sacks. "I couldn't get any of my gear over the Sirrel in time so I've spent the afternoon in the market in Dekarran."

Sukhana dumped the two bags at the end of one of the bunks. Merizel had now woken completely and was sitting on the mattress looking at the others.

"I guess you'll want to wash up before we eat, won't you?" Sukhana asked. "The bathing room is next to the toilet, I haven't had a look at it yet but from personal experience of these depots it likely won't be much better than jumping in a cesspit. Buffy, you say you'll do any chores needed, you want to give me a hand?"

"Don't see why not," Garia said.

The bathing room was so filthy they cleaned the whole thing twice before Sukhana pronounced that it was good enough for a woman to use. Garia wasn't surprised at the condition, she knew what facilities could end up like when they were used by men only, and transient men at that with no reason to care about the state they left them in. By the end of it Sukhana was furious again.

"I'm going to find that misbegotten factor and give him a piece of my mind," she fumed. "There's no telling when you might have normal folk bunking down in places like these so the rooms ought to be kept in better condition. While I'm downstairs I'll get the hot water started, there will be men bringing it up to fill the tub but it will take some time." She nodded thanks to Garia. "Thank you for helping, you're a good worker whatever else is said about you. Now, this tub is only big enough for two like us, so we'll have to take turns. Do you mind bathing with someone you don't know? I don't know how they do things when you're a noble. Or, do you want to share with your friend or wait till the third person comes?"

"When we were in the castle," Garia replied, "the tub was big enough we could all get in it together. So, including my double, there were five of us. I've no problem bathing with you, Sookie. And there's no point waiting since we don't know what time the other person is coming."

"That's the truth. Right, it will be you and me, then, and Karizma can go afterward. Now, you'd better hide out in the bedroom until I knock again."

Garia dropped the bolt and sat on the bed beside Merizel.

"That made my arms ache," she remarked. "I don't think I've scrubbed anything so hard for years."

"I saw what it looked like before you started," Merizel said. "Why do they let it get so bad?"

"Men passing through. They turn up one day, use the tub then disappear the following morning. They won't care how they leave the room, that's somebody else's problem. There's no servants here to clean up after them like there would be at the palace. Or the castle." Garia turned to face Merizel. "So, tell me about Terinar, then."

"Terinar? What about him?"

"It seems you two have spent some time together lately. Is there anything going on I should know about?"

"What do you mean? We've just had conversations now and then about subjects we both found interesting. Like that dajan. Terry doesn't play the dajan, of course, but he's learned to play other instruments so he has some musical knowledge." Merizel frowned. "Do you think we've become more than friends, Garia? That our relationship has become... romantic? That never occurred to me."

"It didn't occur to me either until I saw you two together on the wharf. Are you telling me you hadn't realized? What do you think? Would you wish to take it further?"

"I don't know... I never expected..." Merizel blushed. "It's an interesting thought, isn't it? There's only one catch better than Terry and he's already spoken for."

"What, you mean Keren? I can't and you know that. The rules forbid it."

"Rules, bah. You two only have eyes for each other and that's been plain for all to see since long before we arrived at the castle. We're all wondering how the King is going to get round the rules when the time comes. Just you see."

"That's ridiculous." But her heart soared up and down at the mere idea that she might be able to land her Prince. "We both know it's impossible so we're not even trying. And stop changing the subject."

"As you wish, Garia. It had never occurred to me that there might be some romantic connection between myself and Terinar, since you ask." A speculative look came into her eyes. "But now you've given me the idea, of course, I'll have to think about it. Of course, I'm not going to see him again for months, am I? Oh! And If you're concerned I might want to leave you and run off to live in some drafty old castle, the answer is that I am your liege woman and I take my oaths seriously."

Merizel grinned impishly as she pointed out, "You'll just have to wait until Terinar asks you for my hand in marriage! Until that point, which I suspect may not come for some time if ever, I'll be by your side, making sure you do what you are supposed to when you're supposed to, like a good secretary should."

Garia put a hand on one of Merizel's. "You have no idea how relieved that makes me feel."

Men came staggering up the stairs and along the corridor with large buckets of steaming hot water. Once Sukhana judged that the tub had enough in she knocked on the bedroom door and collected Garia. In her arms she had a pile of towels, half of which she gave to Merizel, and some bars of hard soap. Garia and Sukhana then locked themselves into the bathing chamber and eased themselves into the water.

"Ah! That's better," Sukhana said. "Some of the men think that just standing out in the rain is a good enough substitute for a proper bath. Any woman knows better. Do you soap yourselves or each other, Buffy?"

"Whatever works, Sookie. It's not how we do things where I come from, but it's what they do in the palace so I've gotten comfortable with it. How often will we get a chance to bathe along the road, do you think?"

"Well, in theory each depot has an inn with a bath for the men to use so along the main routes you could bathe every night. In practice, and once we get off the normal route, it will be a case of washing whenever the chance presents. I have bathed in rivers from time to time, although it's hard to keep the men away when you do that."

"Why am I not surprised? When we catch up with the other traveling party you should find wild bathing to be easier, because I can set guards so we won't be disturbed."

"Wild bathing? That's a good name for it. And you have guards? That you trust to follow your orders?"

Garia grinned. "You'll see. All I can tell you is that they won't be like Tanon's guards, however good they are."

They soaped their own fronts and each other's backs. While they cleaned themselves they both took casual note of the other's body, in a way that Garia would never have believed possible a year before. Sukhana was about the same age, height and build as Jenet but other than that the two could not be more different. Sukhana's arms and legs were tanned from life on the road, her hair was sun-bleached, and her skin had begun to suffer from the constant exposure to the sun. But the muscles underneath that skin were visible and firm from the manual work she must have done on the wagons, without being overdeveloped like those of a body-builder.

Sukhana for her part found Garia to be a puzzle. Her original idea, that she had to transport two pampered noblewomen and their maid, was obviously not correct, but even Tanon's insistent explanation of Garia's peculiar origins failed to satisfy her confusion at the young female, not much more than a girl, in front of her. She didn't act like any young girl she was familiar with and her movements and speech were not like anyone she had come across in years of travel. Her body had most of the softness one expected for that age, but Garia moved in a smooth, graceful way that implied hidden strength. Never mind. The journey north must inevitably reveal some of these mysteries.

There were no fluffy robes so they wrapped the towels round themselves under their arms to preserve their modesty. Merizel let them into the bedroom and took her turn in the bathing chamber.

"That's better," Sukhana said as she made sure she was completely dry, "let's have a look through these bags and see if I can find something suitable to wear."

There were gowns, bodices, leggings, panties, larger underwear for when Kalikan called, a leather traveling woman's vest, a short pea coat, scarves, waterproofs of the standard pattern, slippers, boots made from the customary knitted string, a sewing kit, comb, steel mirror, a mug, plate, two spoons and three knives.

"Balth! I forgot a hat," she muttered. "No real problem, I can always find one along the way." She grinned at Garia. "Master Tanon has agreed to pay for this lot seeing as how the dates got changed, so I decided to get everything I might need. And I can always sell what I don't need when I get back to South Slip. I suppose your clothing what's up the road is much better quality than this?"

"Yes," Garia admitted. "I haven't seen the other traveling clothes so I don't know what those are like yet. Don't worry, Sookie. I don't think you're going to lose out by this journey."

"So you say, kid. Let's get wherever we're going first, shall we?"

Merizel returned, clean, and the three women made themselves ready for the evening meal. This was eaten in the same room as before, with Jaxen joining them.

"A replacement wagon has been found," he confirmed as their meal was being served out. "We should be able to load it this evening ready to leave at first light. Sookie, I'll send up a chest so that you can pack your new possessions. Did you find enough in the market?"

"Yes, I did," she replied quietly. "And I discovered that our guests' needs had already been provided for." Jaxen looked smug. "Perhaps I jumped a bit soon, brother. You must have some redeeming qualities, mustn't you?"

"That was because of the original plan, Sookie. Their chests were already made up long before you became involved." He tapped a finger along the side of his nose. "Good planning, sister, and attention to detail."

"Unlike that bloated ne'er-do-well downstairs who calls himself a factor," Sukhana said with venom. "If you won't report him to Master Tanon, I will."

"Already done, Sookie. No bathroom should be left in that state."

"Good. I'll be glad to get out of here tomorrow."

It was much later in the evening. Garia and Merizel were talking quietly in the bedroom and Sukhana had gone elsewhere for reasons unknown. A knock came at the door and they heard her voice. Garia opened the door to let in Sukhana and Jenet.

"Milady! Thank the Maker -"

"Stop! There are no ladies here. I am Buffy for now and my big sister is called Karizma. You had no trouble getting out of the castle?"

"It was a secret route, uh -"

"Buffy."

"As you say. We didn't use either of the main gates but another way that came out part way down the mountainside. I couldn't see much because it was so dark and I was concentrating on not tripping over as we came down to the road."

"It's probably best if we don't know too much about the way you came. Are you ready for the adventure? Have you eaten?"

"Yes, ah, Buffy. I ate before we left. The Lord Terinar - Is it alright if I use his name?"

"Don't see why not. Carry on."

"Yes, well, Lord Terinar made sure I was well fed and rested before we left. And he came down almost to the road with me. He sends his best wishes for the days to come."

"Have a seat, I'm afraid it will have to be one of the beds. Here, sit by me. Sookie, what do we do now?"

"Best be thinking about bed, I would say. We've an early start in the morning. You've noticed there are four bunks, we'll all be staying in here until the morning. Jaxen will knock on the door a short while before breakfast is ready. Then we wait until the two other crews have left before we go down and climb in the wagons. That's about it, really. Then we get on the road." Sukhana started. "Balth! You've no nightwear! I'll go and fetch some."

She came back with four loose nightdresses which were all far too large for Garia but more or less fitted the others. In addition she brought several side-tying bikini-style bottoms.

"You'll need fresh underwear tomorrow morning, won't you? This is the best I can do, girls. When we reach Teldor tomorrow night we can sort ourselves out properly."

Despite the qualities of the bedding none of them managed to get a good night's sleep. This was because many of the men had spent the evenings in inns and taverns and returned at odd times in various stages of drunkenness. A number couldn't tell their right from their other right, trying their bedroom door before eventually finding the toilet, usually noisily. One collapsed outside the door, giving it an almighty thump as he slid to the floor. He had to be hauled to his feet by some of his less inebriated fellows and helped away to wherever he was supposed to be sleeping. All through the night there were men wandering about intent on letting out beer that they had taken in earlier that evening.

An insistent knocking at the door brought them all blearily awake. They had decided that the two of lightest weight would sleep on the upper bunks - Garia and Merizel - so Jenet began to get up to open the door.

"No! You don't open a door without knowing who it is." Sukhana said, propping herself on an elbow. She called out, "Who's there? What time is it?"

"It's Jaxen," came the muffled reply. "About a half bell before dawn."

"Oh, Maker, no! We've overslept."

"Don't worry," he called. "We'll have to wait until the other two trains leave before we can get going. You can get ready in your own time, there's no-one left up here. Breakfast will be ready by the dawn bell."

"As you say." Sukhana turned to the others. "Who needs the toilet first, or is that a stupid question?" Realization dawned. "Oh, no! You can guess what state it will be in after last night."

By the time the faintly-heard dawn bell went they were dressed and assembled in the room where they had previously eaten. Sukhana went off to find the food while the other took chairs to wait. Presently she came back with Jaxen carrying between them bowls, spoons, a pot of some kind of grain porridge and loaves of fresh bread. These were rapidly distributed and consumed before Sukhana left again to return with mugs and a pot of pel.

"Couldn't you have found us a better room?" Sukhana demanded once they had drinks. "We had drunk men coming to the toilet all night."

"It never occurred to me," Jaxen cheerfully admitted. "I picked the room with the cleanest beds and bedding in it, and I thought you'd want to be close to the bathing room as well, knowing what women are like."

"As you say, brother. Unfortunately, you forgot what men are like, didn't you? Did you even look at the bathing room then?"

"No, I didn't. Consider me chastised, sister. It's not normally my job to inspect such things but I'll know better next time." He shook his head. "Mardek's really let this place go. He'll claim it's because of the amount of work he has to do and that's partially true, but if he couldn't cope he should have told Master Tanon."

"How long do we wait? Half a bell?"

"Aye, about that. The north train will be well on its way by then and we'll have about half a bell before the first wagons come up from the wharves. You'll be safe in here, I don't expect anybody to come upstairs again until this evening."

"Mistress Sukhana," ventured Jenet.

Sukhana scowled. "Call me Sookie, like I told you when I fetched you in yesterday. And what are we to call you, eh?" She turned. "Buffy? Got a name ready for your maid?"

"I do, as it happens," Garia said. "Call her Sara for now. And it might not be clever to mention that she's a maid, while we're on the subject."

"As you say. Not clever of me, is it? Now, Sara, you wanted something?"

"Only to point out that my... friends and I are not correctly dressed to be what we seem, Sookie. Only a noblewoman would be dressed without a waist pouch and I believe we should also be wearing scarves as you do. Is that not so?"

Sukhana started. "You're right! I forgot. You have a pouch, though."

"I brought my own when I changed before I left the castle last night. It was natural to tie it to my sash, I didn't think anything of it. But these two -" Jenet indicated Garia and Merizel, "- have never worn pouches so might not have realized the significance."

Sukhana's eyes narrowed and then she nodded. "You're right. I'll see what I can do. And you're right about the scarves, too. I don't know what's in the chests -"

She turned an inquiring gaze on her brother, who replied, "No idea. You won't be able to fetch anything out of the chests until the first time we stop, so you'll have to make do with what you can find around the depot."

Sukhana threw up her arms. "Bah! Men again! I told you, a woman ought to have been in charge of planning this!" She lowered her arms and stood. "I'll work something out. Come on, we have work to do."

Jaxen and Sukhana left the others in the room, taking all the breakfast paraphernalia with them. A little while later Sukhana came back with a handful of cloth.

"Here, this is the best I could do," she said. "I had to sacrifice a -"

She stared open mouthed as Garia, Merizel and Jenet took from the pile of colored squares and expertly folded them before tying them around their heads then taking more and securing them around their necks.

"Well! It seems you know more than I thought you might," she said when the others had finished. "One thing, the neck scarves should have the knots at the front, not the back. Where did you learn to do that?"

"We, uh, had a specialist cleaning job," Garia explained. "One that only we could do."

"What could possibly -" Sukhana shook her head. "Never mind, we'll be here all day. Come on, time to get going."

"What about the pouches?" Jenet asked.

"Couldn't do anything about it," Sukhana replied shortly. "Anyhow, you'll be out of sight most of the day. We'll solve that problem when it arises. Mind your feet on the stairs."

Sukhana led them back to the loading bay where they had arrived the previous day. In it were now two wagons, one of which Garia now recognized as a 'chuck wagon' of a type she had seen on her original journey into Palarand. The other, although covered in the same way with canvas stretched over a wooden frame, was laden with bulging sacks. Jaxen came forward as they appeared.

"To begin with," he told them, "we'll have to keep you out of sight, so I'm going to ask you to climb up on top of those sacks. Once we get far enough away from Dekarran you'll be able to ride wherever you want, but we'd best be safe so close to the castle."

Garia noticed that there was a ladder leaning against the rear of the wagon and that some of the topmost sacks had been removed. She walked over and looked up.

"We've taken some sacks out of the middle so you can all sit in privacy," Jaxen continued. "If you keep your voices down nobody will know you're there at all."

"What's in those sacks, Jaxen?" Sukhana asked. "Got a bit of an odor to them, haven't they?"

"Only irris beans, Sookie. They are a little fragrant but they won't do anyone any harm." Jaxen turned to Garia. "The beans are dried and then ground to powder to make a valuable spice. Once prepared each of these sacks is worth about a year's wages for a guard. As it happens we had an order along our route so it makes sense to make use of the wagon. It also makes a perfect way of getting you three out of Dekarran without anyone noticing."

"As you say, Jaxen."

Garia began climbing the ladder, noting that it wasn't easy in the peasant gown she was wearing. At the top the center sacks had been removed and she scrambled forward to find a well in the middle where the three of them could sit comfortably below the level of the topmost sacks. If she knelt, she could just see out of the front of the wagon under the canvas roof. Merizel and then Jenet followed her and they found places to sit. Behind them, some of the sacks were replaced, blocking the entry channel, and then a tarpaulin was lashed down, protecting the rear of the load from any rain.

Jaxen climbed up onto the wagoneer's seat and stood on it, looking in. "Comfortable?"

"We're fine, Jaxen," Garia replied.

"Then we're off. First stop will be a resting place along the road at about the third bell."

He climbed down and then gave surprisingly few orders. Garia realized that these people had been doing this for years and undoubtedly knew what needed doing without too much instruction. The wagoneer clapped his hands and the vehicle jolted into motion.

To begin with the two wagons turned between the warehouses and along dirty streets but eventually they reached the main road and turned west out of town. The road was wide but extremely busy. Several times they were forced to stop to allow other wagons to turn off or on to their route. Soon they were in a stream of wagons, carriages and mounted riders leaving Dekarran.

Eventually the buildings fell away and Garia had her first close look at the countryside of North Palarand. The experience was frustrating as her view was limited both by the canvas roof and by the proximity of the wagon in front of them. To the right the river could be glimpsed below the road, the waterway transporting many barges and other craft in both directions. At the nearer bank some of the heavier vessels were being hauled by dranakh on a tow-path, towards the center of the flow barges made their own way by means of tall lateen sails.

The land between the tow-path and the road was filled with numerous small farms and other dwellings. Once again Garia was surprised by the sheer numbers of people she could see out in the fields. In most cases they seemed to be plowing or tidying the ground ready for next year's crops - if that was how it worked here.

When mechanization comes almost all these folks will be out of a job, she thought. I know the life of a farmer is hard, but am I right to do that to them? The alternative, of work in one of the new towns and cities which are sure to spring up everywhere, might actually be worse, at least to begin with. I know conditions in Victorian cities both in the US and in the old world were pretty squalid right up until the twentieth century and beyond.

Can I find some way to stop that craziness happening? Is it inevitable, or is there some other solution? If I tell the council about what will happen, is there anything anybody can do?

"You're quiet," Merizel muttered in her ear. "Watching the countryside then? See anything interesting?"

"Hm? Oh, just thinking, Merry. If my ideas get taken up here, most of these people won't be able to make a living any more. A steam plow can do the work of ten men, say. What do the others live on if we do that to them?"

The two slid down to sit. It was a little quieter that way.

"Didn't you say that those people who couldn't work on the land would be needed to make all the new devices you're telling us about?"

"I did, but for a great while - a hundred years and more - the living conditions in the towns were really bad for most people, Merry. I was wondering if we could avoid that happening here."

"Ah. I can't answer that, Garia. Perhaps the King or someone else on the council will have ideas. At least with you here we'll know that can happen before it actually does."

"That's what I'm banking on, Merry."

Garia knelt again and looked out the other side. The ground sloped up on the left towards a line of forest. There were farms here, too, but they seemed to be larger. Some of the lower fields had been plowed for crops but others, where the slope was greater, had animals in them. Above the forest the rock-strewn slopes of the mountainside reared up.

"What's that forest?"

"I think that's reserved for hunting," Merizel said, kneeling beside Garia. It will be owned by Duke Gilbanar this close to Dekarran. Further up the valley there will be other areas reserved for hunting by the lesser lords who bend the knee to Gilbanar."

"Like myself," Garia said. "I wonder if there's anything like that on my lands?"

"From the way it was described, I don't think so. I think your lands are mostly unsettled. Perhaps the wild beasts wander all over." Merizel raised an eyebrow at Garia. "Would you hunt, in your own domain?"

"Never thought of the possibility. I don't think so, not just for sport, anyway. If there's something dangerous up there, that might be causing problems round where people live, that's different." Garia shrugged. "We'll find out the lay of the land soon enough anyway."

She started and pointed. "What are those?"

Along the road, being herded by ten or more men, was a group of the strangest animals Garia had ever seen. They had odd-shaped heads with two eyes, holes for ears, a rudimentary nose and a wide mouth full of square teeth, a long, angular body about the same size as a cow, and six legs. They were of a species that had obviously never evolved anywhere near Earth and their presence gave Garia a sense of wrongness she couldn't explain.

"Those? They're gavakhan," Merizel told her. "We used to keep a small herd at home. The meat is delicious and the hides fetch a good price."

With those few words Garia was forcefully reminded yet again that this world was not Earth and that making assumptions about any part of what she saw could be dangerous.

"Oh. Are there more animals on Anmar that have six legs?"

"A few different kinds. Why?"

"Unlike some of the animals I've seen so far, those gavakhan could never have come from Earth. On my world all animals have only four legs or other limbs. Therefore, those must have come from other worlds." She hesitated. "Or... it's possible that the six-legged kinds are native to this world, and that the four-legged kinds came the same way I did." She slid down again. "Oh, this world is so frustrating. So many puzzles and we're not likely to find the answers to half of them!"

Some time later the wagons pulled off the road into a well-prepared rest area. There were brick-built washrooms and open-fronted stalls selling drinks and food to the many wagons, carriages and riders who had chosen to stop there. With some non-obvious movement of sacks a way was made for the women to climb down and they hastened to the washroom block, accompanied by two of the guards. When they emerged they were led to a picnic table where mugs of pel were waiting. Jaxen was there and he bade them sit down.

"Any problems, ladies?"

They each replied that there was not, and Garia added, "It's a pity we have to hide away like this because I can't see much of the countryside as we go along. Up until now I've been stuck either in the palace or that castle and I don't really know much about the country I live in."

"That's true of most people, lass," Jaxen said. "Only regular travelers like myself see most of the lands we pass through. But, you came from the palace to Dekarran, didn't you? Did you not see the countryside then?"

"That's true, but it's not the same when you're part of a huge procession with the King at the front. Besides, that was the Valley. Up here in North Palarand the landscape is completely different and I wanted to get an idea of it, because that's where most of Palarand's wealth is going to come from in the future. It's also where my own lands are. I want to be familiar with the route there and back."

Jaxen nodded. "As you say, lass. I think you'll have to put up with it today and tomorrow morning, though. We'd like to get you and your companions beyond Teldor before you sit on the wagon seats. After that we should be in country where you're less likely to be noticed."

"But... we're out in the open now."

"That can't be helped, can it? Or did you think you could keep your legs crossed until we reached Teldor tonight?"

A red-faced Garia shook her head.

"So we take the chance and act normally. There are too many wagons and other traffic coming into and going out of this stop for anyone to pick us out. We're just folks on the road having a mid-morning break."

"As you say."

Jaxen leaned forward. "There is a matter I would talk to you about, milady, while we are seated here in relative privacy."

"You shouldn't call me that!"

"I won't do it again. I just wanted to make clear that what I am about to ask is a serious question."

"Ask away, then."

"Can you tell me, in simple terms, what the problem is between you and D'Janik? I know that something happened before he joined our crew, but his reaction yesterday was not what I might have expected. Your words about your 'sister' were obviously for the ears of others, so can you tell me the real reason, lass?"

Garia thought. "It's like this. I've been trained, in a previous life, to make use of swords and I wondered if I could do so now."

"Swords?" Sukhana exclaimed. "What nonsense is this?"

"Hush, woman," Jaxen said. He knew about Garia's transformation so understood her meaning. "Go on."

"I went to the Royal Armorer and asked him but all his stock was too big or too heavy or both. Not surprising, given my size."

Jaxen smiled at the small figure facing him.

Garia continued, "While we were talking over the matter one of the guards I had been training said he knew a technique used by women in his homeland and offered to teach me, but there were oaths involved. He and the Armorer worked out a way to get round the oaths - mostly - and I had swords made for me and was trained with them. The first time I wore them in public was at my coming of age ceremony, when I was also confirmed Baroness. D'Janik was in the hall as well as the man who um, didn't quite train me and he guessed the truth. He attacked the other guard and they fought... in the hall... in front of the King, Prince Keren, and all the assembled nobles."

Jaxen grinned. "Oh, Maker! I wish I had seen that! So D'Janik was banished for that?"

"Not banished, no, just dismissed the guard. The King himself said that he understood the problem with the oaths but thought brawling in front of him and his nobles wasn't perhaps the best way to resolve the matter. D'Janik was permitted to remain in Palarand and find other employment."

"Ah! I see." He nodded. "So you consider that the problem is now in the past, so far as this present journey is concerned?"

"Um, actually, no, Jaxen, it isn't, now I think of it. You see, the other guardsman couldn't stay in the palace guard either, for his own safety... so he has become one of my men-at-arms." Garia took a deep breath. "He's up the road with the Prince's party, waiting for us, and I doubt any of them know D'Janik is here with me."

Jaxen winced. "Ouch! You do like to make things difficult for everyone, don't you, lass? Have you a plan?"

"No, since I've only just realized what is going to happen. I think between us we ought to be able to find a way to defuse the situation."

"Defuse? What does that mean, lass?"

Damn, these people don't have gunpowder! Of course he wouldn't know what the word meant.

"You know, find a way to stop a fight before it gets started, that kind of thing."

"Very well. I suggest we keep our knowledge to ourselves until we do find a way to solve this. No sense in complicating the situation." He stood. "Are we ready to continue on the road?"

"We are, wagon-master," Sukhana said, standing. "Come on, you three, we have a long way to go and a ferry crossing to make before we can find our beds tonight. Let's get rolling again."

They were soon on the road again and made the slow, steady progress of two heavy wagons pulled by dranakh. Stops were made at lunch and mid-afternoon, the women spending some time dozing off the effects of an interrupted night. As the sun began to lower behind the mountains to the west they reached a river crossing in front of them.

"Where are we?" Garia asked.

"I imagine that's Teldor over there," Merizel guessed, pointing at the town on the other bank. "Looks like the river divides here and we have to cross this part. Do we get out?"

The valley of the Palar divided in front of them. A leg went west, the other north-west, with the town on the fork. A ferry like a smaller version of those which had carried them across the Sirrel connected the road to the south with the town. Their two wagons joined the line to be carried across. Since the ferries were so much smaller they had to climb down to spread the load and they joined the others at the slip as their wagons were winched on board.

"Where are we, Jaxen?"

"That way," he pointed west, towards the lowering sun, "is the valley of the River Telar. If you go up that valley you'll come to a region where most of Palarand's copper is dug out, along with some other metals. The other way is the Palar as it comes from the north. Up there is where iron ores are found. That's the road we shall take tomorrow. Tonight, we shall stay in another of Master Tanon's inns, but this time I shall make sure that the facilities are both clean and quiet."

"We'll be suitably grateful if you do, brother," said Sukhana. "After all, it couldn't be much worse than last night, could it?"

Jaxen grinned at his sister. "You'd be surprised, Sookie, you really would."

The two wagons eventually reached the other bank and made for the local depot. Instead of staying in the bunkhouse, as they had the previous night, Jaxen found them a small, quiet inn nearby where the standard of accommodation was better. Their chests were taken up to their rooms and the four refreshed themselves before their evening meal. Jaxen, having made his own arrangements, joined them at the table. He held up a leather bundle.

"See? I promised. There was plenty of time to pick these up as we made our way out of Dekarran."

He unrolled the bundle to reveal four forks, of a plain design, made in steel. He handed these round to the women, producing his own from his pouch. Sukhana looked at hers curiously.

"A strange device," she remarked, nodding. "I see what you mean, brother. You can use these to hold food steady as you cut."

"And then," Merizel added, "since the food is already on the fork, you can bring it to your mouth. No need for juggling spoons and knives any more."

"As you say," Sukhana said with wonder. "And this comes from your... world, Buffy?"

"Yes, Sookie. This and much, much more. Watch us and see how we use the forks. You'll soon find you won't want to eat without one."

"Except for soups and stews," Jaxen said with a grin.

"Trust a man to find some problem," Sookie said with a smile as she watched the others begin their meals. She studied Garia thoughtfully. "This is turning out to be a more interesting trip than I first thought."

The others all grinned at her. Garia said, "You have no idea, Sookie. No idea at all!"

Garia's party is delayed leaving Teldor when Jaxen discovers the others have split up. While they wait for information personal matters are discussed. The road alongside the river takes them through another town and then they begin searching for the others. As night falls certain truths are revealed.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

The gentle knocking at the door to the bed chamber roused Garia from a most peculiar dream. It seemed she was observing the vast, multi-dimensional beings again, and the original two had been joined by a third who had requested an explanation for the mistake which had happened. The two were explaining that, whatever had actually occurred, the probability for success had now increased and that they were at a loss to understand the reasons why. There was a dense explanation with terms such as 'quantum flux' and 'electron indeterminism' which passed over Garia's head. It seemed these beings were attempting to determine the future by extrapolating the exact positions and motions of every particle in the galaxy using some kind of insane multi-dimensional calculus...

The knocking came again and the dream vanished immediately. Garia sighed, opened her eyes and raised on one elbow. The first glimmering of daylight seeped through the window.

"Who is it?"

"Mistress, I bring hot water for you and your sister. Breakfast will be ready by the time you dress."

"Oh. Okay. Uh, just a moment."

She grabbed her wig from the night-stand and jammed it on her head, twisting it to position it and tucking stray strands of her own darker locks out of sight. She gestured to her head at Jenet, who had roused from her own bed on the other side of the small sleeping chamber.

Jenet nodded, and Garia said, "Come in."

The wife of the inn-keeper entered, a small bucket of steaming water in her hands. Behind her, a young girl, one of the servants, carried a pitcher. The two containers were placed on the night-stand and the women withdrew with curtseys. Once the door was closed Garia and Jenet rose from their beds, stretching and yawning.

"Mil- uh, Buffy," Jenet began in a low voice, "I like not that we may not bathe after rising. This is the third morning we have not freshened ourselves. What shall we do when Kalikan calls? And we are not able to do the Tai Chi either."

"I dunno, uh, Sara. Once we meet the... others, conditions ought to improve. Don't forget, we're traveling and this is only to be expected. We'll ask Sookie when we go downstairs. She was enthusiastic enough to want a bath when we were in Dekarran, so much so we scrubbed out that whole bathing room."

"As you say... Buffy."

Jenet inspected the two containers.

"This is enough to wash our faces... Buffy. And the other is fresh, cold water to drink or to mix. Shall you go first?"

They washed their hands and faces, the best that could be managed. Then came the question of what to wear.

"The clothing in these chests is quite reasonable," Jenet said. "Have you any preferences?"

"Hmm. I think, actually, we ought to put back on what we wore yesterday. Our dresses smell of those beans and if we wear fresh it will just mean more smelly clothes. What do you think?"

"I had forgotten the smell, I must admit. Yes, that may be for the best."

The two made themselves presentable and went downstairs to the common room of the inn, which was busy with travelers and others eating breakfast. Merizel and Sukhana were already at a table and Garia and Jenet joined them.

"No problems?" Sukhana asked, speaking low.

"No, except I had to remember to put the wig on when they brought up the water."

"Of course," Sukhana nodded. "I think you should be able to dispose of that after lunch today. We should be far enough away that you'll be able to drop your disguises and ride at the front of the wagons."

A serving girl brought fresh bread, cheese, sliced meats and cutlery and they settled down to eat. Pel was shortly provided in mugs drawn from a huge copper samovar-like device perched over a fire at the end of the large room.

Merizel muttered, "A pity we can't use forks here yet. They would be too much of a give-away. Still, this meal doesn't really need them. Lunch and dinner will be another matter."

"As you say," Garia replied as quietly. "Eventually it will be normal but right now we'd just draw attention to ourselves and that's the last thing we want."

Garia had chosen to finish her breafast with a yellow fruit from the bowl placed on each table, and was crunching into it when Sukhana began to rise.

"Jaxen's here. Looks like we'll be moving off shortly."

They all pushed back their chairs and began to stand, but Jaxen waved a hand at them as he approached indicating there was no hurry. He pulled up another chair and joined them at the table as they sat down again.

"There's no hurry, ladies. Slight problem."

"Oh?" Sukhana asked.

"Yes. We won't be able to leave just yet." He looked around for a serving girl, raising a finger to attract her attention.

"A tankard of -" He caught the glare on Sukhana's face. "Ah, perhaps not. A mug of pel, then, if you would."

Once the mug had been delivered and Jaxen had taken a good draw, he explained.

"When I left you all here last night after the evening meal I thought I'd go and find out if anyone had seen the... others. So, the obvious first step was the castle. As one might expect, someone... of his rank and accompanied by an armed guard would have been a guest of the area's overlord. I talked to some of the gate guards and I was right, they did stay that first night. They pulled out somewhat late the following day and, here's the odd part, only one of the wagons, together with an odd-looking buggy, were known to have passed through the north gate. I talked to the guards at the north gate and the west gate, and with the folks at both the Palar ferry and the Telar ferry and no-one remembers seeing any other men in palace colors passing through." He scratched his head. "It's as though half the party has just vanished off the face of Anmar."

"The odd-looking buggy is the special carriage Duke Gilbanar had made for Captain Bleskin," Garia said. "I'm guessing that he wasn't feeling too good and it was decided to split the party, sending him on ahead with an escort." She explained to Jaxen, "The Captain very recently lost his wife of many years and we were concerned for his health. He comes from the north and they were returning to visit family there."

Jaxen nodded. "Ah. Yes, I have of course met Captain Bleskin but I did not know what you have just told me. That might explain the split."

Garia frowned. "But I would have expected the others to follow them out the north gate. What made you think of checking the other routes?"

"I had to make sure there was no reason which might have sent them another way, Buffy. There's a slight complication in the route north, as well. You know we came up from Dekarran along the western side of the river?"

"Yes."

"There's another road, just as good, along the east side. Here at Teldor there's a ferry which connects the two across the Palar. I wondered if they may have chosen to continue up the other side."

Garia shook her head. "Don't forget, they want us to find them. That won't happen if they're the wrong side of the river."

"I know, but it was a possibility." Jaxen looked frustrated. "I want to go and make a few more inquiries before we leave. It will delay us a day, but I don't see what else we can do."

"Where's the next stop, Jaxen? I'm assuming we'll be finding another inn tonight, won't we?"

"Haligo. It's a full day's travel away. Normally, we'd be getting ready to go by now if we want to reach there in daylight, but if we pass the... others because we're on the wrong side of the river..." Jaxen spread his hands in a shrug, "I'm sorry, but we'll have to delay a day."

"Perhaps not," Garia said. "The wagons are all set up for camping, aren't they? Seeing as how we'll be doing that in any event soon enough. Why don't we just start off after lunch, then camp along the way? That means we'll pass through Haligo lunch-time tomorrow. We'll lose half a day instead of a whole one that way."

Jaxen scratched his chin."You're right. I'm so accustomed to using the inns along the route when we're in civilized areas that I never consider camping out." He nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, we'll do that, I think. That will give me a morning to find out what I can. It also means there will be fewer people around when we reach the depot at Haligo. Sookie? Any objections?"

"Not from me, brother. It will give me a chance to go to the market and see if I can find waist pouches for these two. I notice they have already had some looks from those girls in the corner over there. These two may look like traveling women but no woman leaves her chambers without her pouch." She dropped her voice. "Unless she's a noblewoman, of course."

"That's agreed, then," Jaxen said, draining his mug and rising from his chair. "I'll join you back here for lunch and then we'll all depart."

"If I may," Jenet put in. "I wish to join you at the market, Sookie. Would you object?"

"Of course not, Sara." Sukhana regarded the other two. "You two will have to stay out of sight again, I'm afraid. You'd probably be safe enough but we just don't need the complications."

"That's not a problem, Sookie," Garia said. "Uh, Karizma and I know what's involved."

Back in Garia's chamber Garia and Merizel each sat on a bed and looked at one another.

"Here we are again," Merizel said. "Didn't I tell you plans can change?"

"I knew that but I just hoped... what do you think happened to them? I guess the... uh, leader of the others wouldn't have gone with the captain, would he? I would think that the captain's son would have gone with him, leaving the leader and some men to wait for us."

"We can only guess... Buffy. As you said yesterday, there's no use worrying over it. We just have to wait for Jaxen to return." Merizel leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. "So, tell me about you and... him."

Garia spread her hands. "What more is there to say? We can't, and that's that. I know it, he knows it, you know it, heck, the whole... country knows it!" She dropped her hands in her lap, her shoulders slumped and she sighed. "When I first arrived I speculated what my future would be, where boys and men were concerned. I have the body of a girl, a proper female body, and in theory there's no reason I couldn't live like any normal woman might."

"How is that affecting you?" Merizel broke in. "I find it very difficult to understand the way a man might see the world. I can't imagine what you must have gone through."

"I wondered if my background, my previous way of looking at things, might make a difference but I've been surprised by how easy it has been for me to adapt. It was really uncomfortable to start with. I have body parts in different places and I could barely keep my balance at the beginning. I think... the fact that this is a completely different world, where everyone dresses different and also because I had lost my memory, that helped a great deal. By the time I eventually came to my senses I'd been a girl for several days and I'd gotten used to my body. Hah! Until the first call came from Kalikan, that is. These," she cupped her breasts, "were very strange to start with but I'm beginning to think now that they are part of me and I'm not sure I'd like to be without them again. If only they weren't so darned sensitive, not to mention wobbly. They are really peculiar things to have hanging off a body, don't you think?"

"If you describe it like that, perhaps you have a point. But they are part of what makes one a woman, aren't they?" Merizel wrapped her arms around her own breasts. "I'm not sure how I would feel if these were taken away from me." She pointed. "What about... what men have down there? Do you miss those?"

"Sometimes. It's more bother taking a pee for a woman, that's for certain. Beforedays I'd just stand there, pull down my zipper, get my thing out and just point. It's said that a favorite pastime is for boys to write their names in the snow although I never had the opportunity. Now I have to hold all my skirts up out of the way and squat down and there's more mess too."

"What about boys? I'm guessing you wouldn't have been looking at boys in your old life."

"There's been a certain reluctance, you might say, in how I look at everybody since I've not been used to doing things that way but I've discovered that this body has certain definite ideas of it's own... I'm not sure if that ought to terrify me or not." She managed a smile. "Still, I never expected anything to happen quite so fast. I thought I would have some years to adapt to my new circumstances."

"Then you met him."

"I met him before I even had my memory back! Don't forget, to start with everything was just so strange. I didn't understand any of the customs or practices that anyone did. I wasn't even able to put my own clothes on or take them off! Only people doing historical dramas dress like this at home." Another smile, warmer this time. "Then, before I realized it, he was there, and it was as if he'd always been there. Whenever he was around, it was always different than when any other boy was around, although that didn't occur to me to begin with. Every time we were in the same room, everything felt different. Then, during training one day, he touched me."

"I remember. It looked like every other time but your reaction was noticeably different."

"It was! You know how everything seems different when the call of Kalikan is near? It was something like that. Everything suddenly seemed so much more... intense. Every time he touched me it just fired off all sorts of things inside... and I didn't want it to stop." She paused, remembering the waves of emotions that had overwhelmed her. "Then, one day, he gathered me in his arms... Merry, it was the most amazing feeling ever! I never knew it was possible to feel like that. It was then that I knew that was where I was supposed to be, in his arms. The feeling was something I knew no boy could ever feel, but then no boy would ever need to, because it was a feeling that he would look after me, protect me, care for me. And I knew in that moment that he wanted the same things and that we'd gone way too far for it to have been just an accident."

"Oh, Garia, how wonderful!" Merizel reddened as she realized that she had let the name slip, then continued, "I wish I would find someone who could make me feel like that. It's what a girl dreams about, after all. Then... his mother found you?"

"Then his mother found us. Oh, Merry, I felt so miserable, and I knew... he was miserable too. We both knew that it was impossible from the start."

"What will you do?"

"What we are able to do, which is to just enjoy what we can of each other's company while we may. We both know it can go no further." She shrugged. "We're just behaving like brother and sister now, I suppose."

"Will you find someone else, do you think?"

"I expect so. Eventually. On... where I come from, romantic entanglements like this happen all the time, and both parties usually get over it and go on to find someone else. I've been around long enough now to see that there are one or two other prospects hereabouts. Once we get back to the... um, back home, perhaps things will cool down and then we can begin living our normal lives again."

Merizel gave Garia a measured look. "With both of you living in the same building, I'm not so sure. But at least you're both aware of the problem."

"Yes. And I hope your own efforts are more successful."

~o~O~o~

As he had arranged Jaxen joined them for lunch but it was Sukhana and Jenet who were bursting to tell the news.

"We had a good time in the market here," Sukhana said, "but it was Sara here who overheard a conversation. Jaxen, you need to listen to this."

"I hope you've managed to find out more than I could," he said. "Sara?"

"We were at separate stalls," Jenet said. "While Sookie was purchasing a pouch I noticed some items on another stall that looked interesting so I went to see what was there. The stall-holder was talking to his neighbor on the other side and they were wondering what men in palace colors had been doing this far north. I asked them what they had seen, telling them I had a cousin in the palace guard. They said that two days previously two men in palace colors had been in the market buying clothes, particularly tunics and tights and they wondered what they were doing. There was some speculation but none of us could think of a reason for them to do that. I bade them farewell and rejoined Sookie."

"Interesting," Jaxen said. "Anyone any ideas?"

Garia concentrated on pushing some purple pea-like objects onto her spoon with one of the knives. When she had finished chewing she replied, "Once two of them had been kitted out with anonymous clothing it would have been easy for them to go back into the market and buy more without anyone noticing. That way all of them could be kitted out without drawing any more attention."

"Of course," Jaxen agreed, nodding. "But why would they want to do that?"

"Well, look at us," Garia pointed out. "We're trying not to be noticed, aren't we? Suppose the... leader thinks the same? Suppose he doesn't want to have to stay with the local overlord every night, suppose he doesn't want to draw attention to his party, especially once we join him? This way, they can be just another two anonymous wagons on the road like ourselves."

"See?" Jaxen said to his sister. "I told you she was smart." He turned to Garia. "Unfortunately, that only makes our own problem harder, since they will be harder to find along the road."

"Two wagons, more men than usual," Garia said, thoughtfully. "And wanting to be found by us, remember. I don't think it will be so difficult as all that."

Back in their rooms Sukhana produced two pouches, one of tapestry for Garia and the other of a hard-wearing plaid cloth for Merizel. Both had to be shown how to secure them to their sashes. Each pouch was just large enough for a handkerchief or similar, a metal hand-mirror, a comb or small brush and an even smaller leather pouch for holding a few coins.

Once their chests had been packed and sealed two of the inn's male servants carried them down to the rear entrance from where four of Tanon's men took them the short distance to the depot.

As Garia, Merizel and Jenet climbed the ladder into the wagon, Garia noticed that the level of the sacks seemed lower.

"Yes, we off-loaded eighteen sacks last night. The rest will be taken off in Haligo. From then on the wagon will be empty, so we'll redistribute some of the contents of the other wagon. That way the beasts will have less to pull and we'll be able to go a little faster."

"Oh. That's good, I'll be able to get a better view of the countryside, then."

"As you say. I'd still like you to keep yourselves as much out of sight as you can until we've passed through Haligo. First stop after that and you can be yourselves again."

The wagons departed through the north gate and soon were rolling along the well-made road again. Garia noticed that the terrain, what she could see of it, was changing. No longer were there towering mountains to either side of the Palar valley. Instead the tall hills could still be described as mountains but were much less rugged. The vegetation was more lush as well, growing right up to the ridges on either side. Every so often mine workings could now be seen high up the valley sides, the tailings forming scars below the entrances, stumps of trees visible around the shafts where timber had been felled to shore up the tunnels. Nearer the river there were still farms but more often these were of stock rather than crops. The river itself was still of respectable width, though much narrower than it had been below Teldor. There were still many craft making their way up and down by sail or by towing, just as there were still many wagons on the road they traveled.

The sun slid behind the western mountains and the light was visibly fading as Jaxen selected a camping area for them to stop for the night. The wagons were lined up some ten strides apart and the beasts were led off to the large rear corral which was usually a feature of such places. On the facing sides of the wagons the awnings were rapidly put up to provide night shelter for the four women. Between the awnings, in a prepared hardened base, a fire was lit and the evening meal begun. All four women were involved in the preparation and cooking of the food.

"You've done this before, then." Sukhana offered a statement rather than a question.

"I have. Every summer I used to go visit an uncle who owned a dairy farm." Sukhana frowned at the word so Garia added, "Milk-giving animals, bigger than a frayen. He had a son and two daughters and we used to go camping on his land. Oh, maybe ten, fifteen marks from the farm itself."

Sukhana's eyes widened. "So big a farm, then?"

"Oh, we didn't go far, really, just enough that we were away from any buildings and artificial lights. We camped out and, yes, we cooked our own food. How we never poisoned ourselves to begin with I don't know. And we only cooked basic meals, nothing fancy. How many more of these do you want me to do, Sookie? Another four or so?"

Sukhana looked in the pot. "Nearer six or eight, Buffy. Some of those are quite small. Karizma, you seem to be struggling."

"I am," Merizel agreed. "Unlike my sister, I have never done anything like this before. I find it difficult to take the rind off without removing any of the flesh underneath. And these knives seem awkward."

"Indeed. They are quite different than those you use at table, aren't they? Hold the knife in your fist like so, you should find it easier. Is that blood?"

"Yes, the knife slipped."

Sukhana tutted. "You can't carry on like that, we'll end up with noble blood in the pot. Put those down and come with me, I'll find something to wrap that hand in."

So Garia ended up doing most of the vegetable peeling assisted by Sukhana. Merizel tended the pot and the fire. Jaxen had purchased a half-carcase of some animal the size of a large piglet, which Jenet deftly boned, cubing the resulting meat. Everything was thrown into the pot, some herbs were added and the whole lot was left to simmer.

The benches were set up to encircle the fire and those men not on watch joined the others for pel while they waited for the stew to become ready. Garia was formally introduced to the men although the real names of the women were never mentioned.

"This is Keet, Samir, Bildo, Then and Berd. You already know D'Janik. The fat wagoneer over there is Joolen and the other one out that way is Helen. These girls are Buffy, Karizma and Sara."

"Helen?"

"Yes, why? What's wrong, Buffy?"

"Oh, um, where I come from Helen is exclusively a woman's name. Not that I'm suggesting anything, of course."

"As you say, Buffy. How strange, but not that unusual. Some of the places we've been to, the locals have quite strange ways of naming themselves to our own way of thinking. They probably think our own names are odd."

"This seems like a large number of men," she remarked. "On each wagon we've passed there were only one or two that I could see."

"You're right," Jaxen replied. "That's because this part of the Palar valley is reasonably peaceful. Having said that, no wagon or carriage will go anywhere without an armed escort, you must know that." Garia nodded. "But we will be traveling into wilder parts and especially regions none of us know very well, so assigning extra men was prudent." He grinned. "There is another reason. I was informed, rather forcefully, by Master Tanon that you were much more valuable than a mere wagonload of spices. If anything were to happen to you I do not think it would be safe for me to return to report my failure."

The stew, accompanied by bread bought in the market before they left, was delicious. The sky had turned completely dark by the time the women took the plates and cutlery over to the nearby pump to wash them off. Garia looked up at the magnificent spectacle.

"It's a nice, clear night, isn't it?" Sukhana noted.

"I think that's one of the best parts of coming to Anmar," Garia said in an off-hand way that made Sukhana's heart skip a beat. "We just don't get skies like this back home."

Above the eastern mountains the Veil was slowly rotating into view, lighting up the campsite in a way that only the Sun or Kalikan could better.

"No Veil? Nothing like that?"

"No Veil. We have something we call the Milky Way, but it's pale and fuzzy compared to that. We can see spectacular nebula using special equipment but with the naked eye there's nothing at all like that."

"Come on. These plates won't clean themselves. By the time we're finished the Veil will be right up and we can all enjoy it."

With the meal finished and everything put away most of them sat around the fire for a while, talking quietly. Garia wondered that the men were reluctant at first to speak to the women but realized that as they were still 'under cover' and also paying passengers the men might not wish to become too familiar with them. Privately she wondered what would happen when they joined forces with the other party, where she was on good terms with all the guardsmen. Their journey to the north would bring the two groups closely together and they would need to find a good working relationship if the trip was to be a success.

Eventually she began to yawn and Sukhana decided it was time for them all to retire. As before Garia and Jenet would sleep together in one enclosure while Sukhana and Merizel took the other. This campsite possessed no bathhouse so the women rinsed their faces in water warmed over the remains of the fire before retiring to change into nightgowns. With a muttered 'good-night' they settled down to sleep.

~o~O~o~

After breakfast the following morning, as they were packing up ready to move off, one of the wagon guards approached Garia.

"Your pardon, mistress," he said with a bow. "I don't think you remember me, do you? I was the one who originally spotted you, lying on the mountainside on the way back from Moxgo."

"You're Berd, right?"

"As you say, mistress."

Sukhana frowned at the pair of them. She wanted to clear away and get going. Garia waved a hand at her to indicate that she should carry on.

"This isn't really the best time to talk about such matters, Berd. Perhaps you could tell me over lunch?"

"As you wish, mistress. The story is simple to tell, but I would be surprised if you do not have questions."

"Of course. Lunch-time, then."

"Some problem, Buffy?" Jaxen had come over to see what was happening.

"Not really. Berd here tells me he was the one who found me."

"So he was. I had forgotten, it was six months ago after all."

"Can we talk about it over lunch, please? I'd like to know all that you can tell me."

"As you wish, Buffy. Now, we must get ourselves back on the road."

"I know a hint when I hear one." She smiled at Jaxen and made for the wagon.

The valley here was no longer straight so the road zig-zagged from one bend to another, the preferred means of construction apparently being straight lines. Garia frowned at the thought, something being in the back of her mind but never quite making it out where she could examine it. Every so often they would pass a marker by the roadside, the stone being painted white with black lettering and numbers indicating the distance to the nearest town in each direction. Again, there was a faint memory of something but it eluded her.

Garia ducked down as a large train passed in the other direction so as not to draw attention. Both convoys stopped so that Jaxen could confer with the wagonmaster of the other train, relaying knowledge to each other of the conditions ahead. It appeared that the other train was also one of Master Tanon's, mostly open wagons laden with iron ore for foundries further down the valley. Soon they jolted into motion again, heading now through more forested lands.

There was a brief stop at another camping area where everyone made use of the facilities to relieve themselves. Some of the men bought snacks from a vendor at a canvas booth before they rejoined the road. Soon the valley began to narrow again and Garia was eager to find out what was around the next bend. It turned out to be the end of the road, a huge outcrop of rock blocking most of the valley and a bridge across the river. On the other side stood the town of Haligo, wedged between the river and the mountain on the eastern side of the river.

Downstream, there were wharves where river craft were being loaded and unloaded. Looking at the river, Garia could see rapids, this was obviously as far up-river as any barge could come. The bridge they crossed the river on was wide enough for wagons to pass and had been constructed on top of rocks poking out of the rapids. On the eastern end of the bridge was a gate but their wagons were waved through, the men familiar to the town guards. A narrow street led through the most crowded part of Haligo and their wagons joined a slow procession of vehicles heading north through it.

Once through the busy town they headed for the inevitable warehouse district where they pulled in at Tanon's establishment. The dranakh were released and taken away to be fed, the humans heading for the building next door to clean up and get something to eat. Jaxen and Berd joined the women at their table.

"So, tell us about when you found me, Berd."

"It was the trousers you were wearing, mistress. The blue showed up quite well against the gray of the rocks. I thought at first you was a body, someone who had fallen from a wagon or carriage. Still, a body ought not to be left like that so I called to Jaxen and he stopped the train. I climbed down with another man to lift you up and that was when we discovered you wasn't dead and you wasn't a man, if you understand what I mean."

Garia nodded. "I do, Berd. Go on."

"Wait a moment," Sukhana put in. "You were wearing trousers? Seriously?"

"Yes, I was," Garia confirmed. "Where I come from it's not unusual for women to wear trousers of various kinds, although they are often designed differently than what men wear." She didn't want to muddy the waters by explaining that she had been a boy, since some of the caravan men might not know that. "Go on, Berd."

"Well, we took you to Master Tanon and Mistress Merina and they looked after you after that. Perhaps Jaxen can tell you more about what happened later."

"It was very puzzling, Buffy," Jaxen took up the tale, "since your clothing was strange and what you had in your pockets was even more strange. I knew at once you'd have to be taken to the palace. We weren't sure if you had been running away or if you had fallen from a wagon, walked across the mountains or what. You might have been an escaped slave or you might have been kidnapped, in which case you might not wish to be found. We thought the best thing to do was to bring you quietly back to the palace and let better men than us decide what to do with you." He grinned at Garia. "Seems I did the right thing, didn't I?"

She smiled back. "Yes, I think you did. Thank you, Berd, Jaxen. Now, a question or two. Do you think you can find the exact spot again where you found me? Down to the rock I was lying on?"

The two men looked at each other.

"Probably, mistress," Jaxen replied slowly. "It wouldn't be until next year, though. By the time we get back to Palarand it will be almost winter and the high passes will be closed. Next spring, though, we'll have caravans to Moxgo as usual and I can make sure Berd is assigned to the first one. Any particular reason?"

"Two things. First, I think there ought to be more items than you found in my pockets. For example, there should have been a bunch of keys. Oh they'll be smallish keys about this size on a metal keyring. It's possible that my keys fell out my pocket and dropped somewhere nearby." Both men nodded. "And I think there should be a cell phone as well." Both men looked blank at the strange words. "It's a smallish block about so big made out of -" what do I tell them? Can't say plastic. "- uh, maybe something like a very hard black wax, but parts will be metal and there will be a small crystal window on one side as well, above a number of tiny buttons."

"If you say so, mistress, though I don't remember seeing anything like that. Is it important?"

Garia shrugged. "Not any more. If it's been left up there all this time exposed to the weather it will be ruined by now, but it would be good to know if it came across with me or not. It might help me understand exactly where and when I was when I came here, because I don't remember any of that."

Jaxen frowned at the strange phrasing but he eventually nodded. "As you wish, Buffy. I'll give instructions for a search to be made by the next caravan to pass. Mind you, if they go to Moxgo and farther you may not see anything we find until next summer."

"I understand that. That's fine. Just so long as the attempt is made."

"The second thing, Buffy?"

"I'm wondering about how exactly I got as far as that rock. It seems to me, there might be some kind of gate there, in which case others might come through, or it's even possible I could get home that way."

"Gate, mistress?" Berd asked cautiously. "Do you speak perhaps of magic?"

Garia shook her head. "No. Absolutely not. I'm talking about, I think, machines beyond anything you or I know anything about. Machines we might not even be able to recognize as machines. Machines which might be able to move people, animals and things from one world to another."

Jaxen raised an eyebrow. "A wild claim, Buffy. But you will already have considered this. Have you evidence such as we might understand?"

"Tricky. Let's just say that there are a number of animals here which look as if they originated where I come from. Dranakhs, for instance, resemble remarkably an Earth animal called a Hippo, although there are differences. Frayen resemble - a little bit - an animal we have called a Rhino. The Pakh I've seen in the fields as we go along are exactly like animals from my world called Alpacas. Equally, there are animals here which could never have come from Earth, like ptuvils. Grakh, on the other hand, may have come from Earth but we only had them millions of years ago. The insects here are nothing like Earth's. It's a weird mixture."

"You're saying that it's possible some of the animals here may have come through a gate, then, just as you did."

"It's possible. That's not all, though. In Master Morlan's laboratory - um, his workshop - we found an instrument made of brass that did come from Earth, because there's one exactly like it still there. It has writing in an Earth language all over it. I believe that when it came here it was brought by someone, probably in a bag, because it is quite large and heavy."

"Then what you imply, Buffy," Jaxen said slowly, "is that men - uh, and women, pardon me - came from your world to Anmar, and possibly through these gates you speak of."

"It's just a theory, you understand. I'm trying to work out how I came here, after all, and all around me I observe things which could easily have come from my world."

"This talk is too heavy for me, mistress," Berd said. "Can we tell you any more about when we found you?"

"I can't think of anything, thank you. Only, when you go back up there and find that rock, can you mark it? Like with a splash of paint, or something? Just so it can be found easily again if we need to."

"That we can do, mistress."

When they returned to the warehouse all the remaining sacks had been removed from their wagon and some of the chests and other gear transferred from the chuck wagon. Garia, Merizel and Jenet sat in the back on the chests, keeping out of sight as the two wagons regained the road and continued north. Once they had cleared the habitable zone Jaxen reined his frayen in beside their wagon and called in.

"I think you may show yourselves now, ladies. There's still traffic but I can't imagine anyone will connect you with whoever you're supposed to be."

The three climbed out onto the bench which ran the width of the wagon. Helen, their wagoneer, moved over to give them room.

"Besides," Jaxen continued as Garia pulled the wig off and shook her hair free, "if we're to find your friends we'll need extra pairs of eyes, especially those who might recognize those we are seeking."

"I hadn't thought of that," she said, moving over to allow Merizel to sit between her and Helen. Jenet had taken a place on the other end of the bench.

The road they followed ran through a gorge with Haligo as the southern entrance. To their left the Palar ran in a deep, fierce torrent which no water craft could ever navigate. Although, it might be fun to go white-water rafting here. To either side the walls of the gorge rose steeply but even here they were covered by vegetation. Garia could see that the gorge ended a little distance ahead, the obstruction caused by no more than an outcropping of harder rock. Beyond, the sky was blue and large.

They popped out of the gorge into a valley at least as broad as that below Haligo. Everywhere in front of them was green although in one or two places there was a hint that fall was imminent. Almost immediately there was a campsite between the road and river and they all turned to check over the few wagons parked there.

"No sign," Garia said with a sigh.

"Would they have stopped so close to Haligo, Garia?"

Helen blinked as he heard the name but kept his eyes on the road.

"Probably not. They were supposed to have had a breakdown but that close to a town it would be easy to send someone back for help, wouldn't it? No, I think they must be some way along the valley from here."

"Milady?" Jenet called from beyond the wagoneer. "I think perhaps we ought to put on our hats. The sun is still bright and all those women we have seen along the road have covered heads."

"Aye, she's right," Helen said. He glanced at Garia uncertainly. "Uh, how should I address you, mistress? I do not know your rank."

"Garia will do fine, Helen. Technically I'm a Baroness but we're going to be living with each other for weeks so there's no need to get all formal. If we're ever in a situation where you need to give me a title it would be 'Lady Garia' or 'Milady'. My friend here is Lady Merizel but just call her Merizel as well." Garia looked beyond the wagoneer at Jenet. "Are our hats in the chests in back, do you know? Can you get them while we're moving or do we have to stop?"

"I think I can reach them, milady. If there is need to stop I will inform you."

Jenet climbed back over into the body of the wagon and for some while the procession rolled along the broad road. Eventually a tap came at Garia's shoulder.

"Milady, your hat. The chests were not stored in a way that made them easy to open. Milady Merizel, here is your hat."

With broad-brimmed straw hats shading their eyes from the glare of the afternoon sun, now directly ahead, the women sat comfortably as the two wagons moved on toward the north. There were places every half-mark or so where travelers could pull from the road to rest but only every two marks or so were these developed into properly organized camping sites with latrines or washrooms. At each stopping place they slowed and examined every wagon in the area without seeing any that appeared familiar. Finally they reached a campsite more organized than before and Jaxen gave the order to pull off and park up.

"We'll stop here, ladies, and refresh ourselves. I wouldn't mind a drink and a bite before we move on. It will give me a chance to go and inquire whether wagons like those we seek have been noticed recently."

Garia squinted up at the sky, estimating the time of day. "You're not planning to stay here for the night?"

"I'd like to push on, if I may. There's a much better site about eight marks further on I'd like to reach before we stop." He appeared uneasy. "I'm wondering just where these friends of yours might be. From what I was told before we set off from South Slip, I would have thought we had found them by now."

"Eight marks?" Garia was beginning to get a feel for the distances involved by now. "Won't it be dark by then?"

"We're actually making better time than I thought, milady, since we unloaded the irris beans. The sun will be setting, aye, but there should be no difficulty."

"We still have to check over any sites we pass," she reminded him. "It's not as if we can just roll on by."

"True, milady, but the delay is trivial. Shall I conduct you ladies to the washrooms?"

After a brief stop to freshen up and have a drink and a snack they set off again. By this time Garia's confidence that they would easily find Keren and the others was beginning to evaporate. They had to find somewhere plausible for themselves to fake some kind of mechanical trouble, true, but they were now a long way from Teldor. Would they really have traveled this far before stopping? Was there some other reason they had not found them yet?

With the sun now noticeably lower in the western sky the two wagons hastened to reach the campsite Jaxen had chosen for their night's rest. They passed two other sites in which pairs of wagons were parked, and in one of them the wagons looked so familiar to Garia that they pulled off the road to investigate. It was not to be, the pair belonged to some strangely-dressed traders traveling south from lands beyond the northern boundaries of Palarand. The occupants did tell Jaxen that they had passed two wagons at another site which had a number of fit men sitting around apparently waiting for something - or someone.

Even so, they still had to check every place that the road passed and that took time and attention, especially in the fading light. Garia was now anxious to reach their stopping place and anxious to find out if the two wagons mentioned were those of Keren and his men. She sat on the bench mentally urging the wagons to go faster but as far as she was aware the dranakh which pulled them only had one speed.

"Merry, tell me again, how did we talk ourselves into this? Could we have possibly made this whole business any more complicated?"

"I know, Garia. I know I said that plans changed, and by the Maker, haven't ours changed along the way! I thought it was going to be easier to find them than this, though."

"Why didn't we ask them to leave messages for us to find? That would have been the sensible thing to do, then he could have told us more or less where to find them."

"As you say, Garia. Do you know how far it is to our own campsite? I must admit I haven't been taking enough notice of the marker stones as we pass."

"Me neither. It can't be much further, if it is we'll be driving in the dark, and I guess Helen here won't like that too much."

"That's true, my lady. Although the road here is straight enough and the beasts are smart enough to keep us on the road by themselves. As for the stopping place, that must be it up ahead. Can you see those buildings? And the groups of wagons? This is one of the bigger stopping places between Haligo and Holville, called Toomer's Gully. Normally our trains stop here for lunch so I know the facilities are good for the likes of you ladies. You might be able to convince the wagon-master to delay our departure tomorrow morning, they have a proper bath-house here, with hot water and everything."

"A bath? With a hot tub and everything? I'd almost forgotten what they were. Thank you, Helen, I'll certainly ask Jaxen when we get there."

It was definitely beginning to get dark by the time they pulled in and found a place to park the wagons. Certain urgent requirements meant that the four women made immediately for the washrooms, leaving the men to set camp. When they emerged, relieved and somewhat cleaner, the parking area was lit by spaced torches and they could see the bustle round their wagons as the benches were set out ready. Garia groaned.

"What?"

"We have to peel vegetables again, remember? Is that cut of yours healed?"

"I don't think we'll be making our own meal this evening, Buffy," Sukhana said. "We'll take advantage of the local kitchen over there and buy our meals this time. We'll have enough of cooking our own food once we leave the main trade route. It's late, and I think we've earned the right to let someone else cook the evening meal for us."

Garia looked at the brightly lit timber building with tables and chairs on the porch and remembered the stop on the first night after they had left the palace.

"I can live with that," she agreed.

She began looking round at the other groups parked at the site. A big group of at least ten wagons was pulled up in a circle way over to one side. All the wagons were open and had tarpaulins stretched over their loads. In another direction there was a group of five covered wagons with a mixed crowd of men, women and children enjoying themselves in the evening air. Behind them was a pair of wagons, poorly lit, and she made a mental note to remember to check them out in the morning. Turning her head, beyond the diner, she spotted a group of six wagons and near them, another pair.

"That's them," she said, pointing.

"Where? Over there? How can you see in this gloom?"

"See those six in a small circle? To the right. Those are guardsmen for certain."

Without thinking she began walking towards the wagons.

"No, Buffy, wait!" Sukhana grabbed her arm to stop her. "You can't go wandering off like that, not in a place like this. Come back to our wagons and we'll all go over as a group if you're that certain they are the ones we're looking for."

Reluctantly Garia turned away and joined the others to walk back to their own wagons.

"What's happened?" Jaxen asked as they returned. "By the look on your faces -"

"Buffy thinks she's seen the wagons we're looking for. There." Sukhana pointed into the gloom.

"You're sure?" He asked Garia.

"It's them."

Jaxen turned to the men. "Right, Helen, Joolen, watch the wagons. The rest, come with us. Keep your eyes and ears open."

As the group walked over the campsite Garia's body experienced a strange feeling, as though her very flesh was singing. She was certain he was there, and it was no longer possible to damp down the emotions she had been wrestling with all day.

I must keep calm. This is just the meeting between two caravan parties. Nothing unusual. We'll just make certain that it's them, say hello and then go off to get some food.

I must keep calm. Friends meeting friends, that's all it is.

It's not as if we've been apart for months, after all. It's been a bare five days since we were last together.

As they approached one of the men around the other wagons saw them and alerted the others. All stood up and turned in their direction, ready for greeting or action as any two unknown parties might when meeting each other. When they had gotten close enough for each other's faces to register in the light of the torches, but at a safe distance, Jaxen stopped and so did his men.

Garia kept on walking. From the other group a young man stepped out and came towards her. They had as much choice in the matter as two magnets had. When they reached each other they did not stop but simply held out their arms to let the other embrace them. Her hands wrapped themselves around his waist, his hands held her close. Her face came up, his face came down, and the kiss was long and profound.

"I thought she had a sweetheart up here with the other party," Sukhana said as they watched the meeting. "Is he a guardsman? He looks like a fine enough young fellow in this light, anyhow. What's his name?"

"That, dear sister," Jaxen said, "is no guardsman. That is His Highness Prince Keren, the next King of Palarand."

Sukhana suddenly understood the implications of what she was seeing.

"Oh, my!"

Garia finally joins Keren as their parties meet but this just raises more questions. There is another, unexpected reunion before they resume their journey towards Blackstone. The wagon train is forced to travel through the local equivalent to Hell which makes Garia ask some pointed questions.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Eventually Garia came up for air and she immediately pushed Keren away.

"This is impossible!" she gasped, looking up at him.

"This is madness," he replied. "I never realized just how deep my -"

Jenet had seen the pair break and came towards them, interrupting his words. The others were still standing watching in various stages of shock.

"Highness, milady, we must eat," Jenet said, breaking the tension. "As it is now dark, the kitchen will close if we do not attend."

Keren focused and came back to reality. "Quite right, Jenet." He took a deep breath to give himself time to stabilize. "We have already eaten, go over and alert the cooks." He turned to Garia. "Go on, go with her. Send all your men over, I will detail some of mine to guard your wagons while you eat." He smiled and it nearly unhinged her. "They are mostly your men, in fact. Some of mine went with Captain Bleskin. Oh, and Jenet?"

"Highness?"

"There is no Highness at this campsite. I am Master Kethen, son of a Dekarran trader, come to investigate a new trade opportunity."

Jenet's face could not be seen easily in the gloom but Garia imagined her expression. "As you say, Master Kethen."

Jenet walked back to Jaxen's group and Keren turned to Garia. "This is a bad business. Now everybody knows -"

"You think they didn't beforehand?" she asked, still in shock from her own reaction.

"Aye," he sighed. "Are we that blind? Look, we cannot discuss this now. We will have some weeks of travel together in which to decide what to do. Tonight you must make camp and tomorrow we shall have other more immediate concerns. I'll come with you to the kitchen, if I may, and join you in a mug of pel. I'm sure both you and Jaxen will have many questions."

She stared at him in the near-dark. Many questions! That's the least of our problems.

"As you say, Keren, uh, Kethen." She remembered a task left unfinished and it helped bring her down to earth. "Wait! We may have a problem. Did you send D'Kenik off with the captain?"

"No, all your men remain with me, why?"

"Because D'Janik rides with Jaxen now, that's why. You'd better warn him to keep away for tonight. Perhaps we can resolve this in the morning."

"Maker! How did we get ourselves in this mess?" He nodded. "I'll do what is necessary. Now, get you over to the kitchen, Garia."

It was her turn to smile. "Sorry, don't know her. My name is Buffy and I'm with my big sister Karizma and our Aunt Sara. Can you remember all of that?"

"Aye. Now get!"

Garia turned and began to walk back towards Jaxen and his men, finding that Jenet had already passed the message and they were beginning to move towards the kitchen area. Jaxen saw her and waited.

"Milady..." he began.

"No, Jaxen. Not yet. Just Buffy for now. And he's Kethen, son of a trader from Dekarran."

"Ah. As you say, Buffy. Of course he would choose another name, since he travels in disguise. Buffy, then. Should we move our wagons to join that of... Kethen?"

"Your decision, Jaxen, but I wouldn't bother, not tonight. The men have already started to set up the awnings and get a fire going so there would be little point, especially as it's so dark. We'll officially join forces tomorrow morning, I think."

"As you say... Buffy."

Sukhana came by her other side as they walked. "Maker, you sure know how to choose them, don't you, kid! Is that," she nodded her head back to where Garia and Keren had come together, "a good idea?"

Garia sighed again. "No, Sookie, it definitely is not. Before it was a secret, now it's an open secret. And it's not something of which..." the King and Queen. "...either of his parents approve."

Sukhana groaned. "Oh, Maker! I definitely should have stayed away from this one."

"It might not be quite as bad as you think," Garia said slowly. "But we can't discuss it now. Tomorrow. For now let's concentrate on the food instead."

Jaxen's men gathered around one table. Garia, Merizel, Jenet, Keren, Jaxen and Sukhana sat at another. At first the manager of the kitchen grumbled at customers being so inept as to arrive at a campsite so late but Keren told him that they were meeting up and some gold from his purse further calmed the man. One consequence of arriving after everyone else had eaten was that their food was freshly-cooked and the service prompt. By unspoken consent they concentrated on consuming their food so that the kitchen staff would not have too late a night, only afterwards, once the tables had been cleared, did they talk of their own adventures along the way.

"Everything went as planned until we reached Teldor," Keren recounted. "Unfortunately, the poor captain was not in a very good state. I discussed with Feteran whether his father should return south or not, or what else we might do with him. He suggested that his father might be better off among his own family and I agreed. It would not have done the captain any good sitting around waiting for you as the rest of us have done, so I packed him off right away with a wagon and some good men and instructions to go directly to those places where his family lives. Of course I sent Feteran with him."

Keren raised an eyebrow and Garia nodded. "Yes, that's exactly what I would have done."

"Once they were on their way it occurred to me that I could continue up the valley as I had done so far, but it would naturally draw attention to me and when you joined us that might not be a good idea. We would have to stay with local nobles along the route and word would soon spread of who was with me. And... if I were traveling with a group of traders people might ask questions. So I had the idea that, like yourselves, we might travel in disguise. That way I'd get to see the country, rather than just the inside of every noble's house from here to our destination. I sent two men to the market to buy clothes -"

"Yes, we know," Garia broke in.

"What? How do you know?"

"Jenet went to the market with Sookie when we were there and overheard two stall-holders talking about palace guards buying clothes."

"Oh, no!" It was Keren's turn to groan. "So everybody knows what we're up to?"

"I don't think so, no. There might just be enough gossip for a spy to find out and make some deductions. I don't think it's that great a problem, since unlike myself you were supposed to be traveling north, weren't you? How you do that is your own business. You were saying..."

"Oh, yes. So we left Jeldek's castle with proper formality and then found a quiet back alley where we all changed clothes. We had to do some work on the wagons, too, so they wouldn't stand out. Then we just drove out through the town gates like any other wagon party."

"Well done, uh, Master Kethen," Jaxen said. "You are right, you would draw too much attention if you had ridden out officially. This way, you may travel as you please. And, if I may venture, you may find out more about the lands which will eventually become yours than you might if you traveled north officially."

"As you say. Jaxen, for the most part the folk of Palarand are said to be a good people and I must discover if that is true or not. I cannot do that if I am surrounded by armsmen and courtiers, kept away from our commoners. I trust that I may count on you and your folk for advice and support along the way?"

"Always... Master Kethen. We will back you every step of the way, as you know we would."

"Thank you, Jaxen. Now, it's late, and our day has been long. Let us all retire, and tomorrow we must decide how our combined party shall be organized. We still have many marks to ride."

~o~O~o~

Garia was wakened by a scratching on the awning. She and Jenet roused to permit Sukhana to put her head inside.

"Milady, there is a bath house here and we should take advantage of it. In order to go there you will find thin cloaks in your chests to cover you. It is customary to take the clothes you wish to wear and change in the bath house once you are dry."

Garia scowled. "Please don't call me 'milady', Sookie. It's going to be difficult enough trying to pretend that we're travelers as it is and it will be too easy to make a slip." She sighed. "I expect that we'll have to drop the pretence once we get where we're going but until then we are just Buffy and Sara, okay?"

Sukhana flushed. "As you wish, Buffy. It's just difficult to change a habit, especially now that he is with us."

"I understand, fully. Just try, okay?"

"Mil-" Jenet began, then lowered her gaze as Garia's head snapped round to glower. "Uh, Buffy. I would like to have our chests brought over from the other wagons, if I may. There are some items in there I would prefer to wear instead of those Master Tanon has provided." She blushed slightly.

"What do you mean?" asked Sukhana, her head still inside the awning. "All the chests were unloaded last night and are before you. Oh! You mean the other wagons, don't you?" She looked interested, now. "I forgot you have other clothes. May I ask what items you describe, Sara?"

"I speak of our bras, Sookie." Sukhana's brow furrowed at the strange word. "I confess that I have spent twenty five years of my life quite content to wear a bodice under my gowns but since I have begun wearing a bra I now find a bodice to be uncomfortable and restricting. Since our own clothes are nearby, I thought to make use of them. No-one will see what we wear underneath, surely?"

Garia considered. "Except at bath houses and the like," she pointed out. "But we are travelers from the south, and it is known that new ideas and fashions are coming from the south, so I don't think there will be a problem, do you? Yes, that's a good idea, Jenet, ah, Sara. Sookie, can you arrange for our other chests to be brought over? We'll just need the ones with our normal clothes in, tell whoever has to get them out."

"You have other chests, Buffy? Not just clothes?"

Garia grinned knowingly. "Oh, yes, we all do. Once we find a quiet place to camp by ourselves we'll show you all that we have. Be prepared for some surprises!"

Men were dispatched and between the two groups three chests were transferred to Jaxen's camp. By this time Merizel had been primed so that the four women set out together, wrapped in the cloaks to enable them to walk over to the bath house without their nightwear being seen, carrying their day clothes wrapped inside their dresses.

Inside the bath house there were two large tubs separated by a canvas screen, both filled with steaming water. One was occupied by the family group they had noticed the previous evening so they stripped off and climbed into the other. The necessary cleaning was done, to the obvious relief of all four women, and they climbed out and dried themselves on the provided towels.

"This is a bra, Sookie," Garia said, holding hers up.

"Why, there's nothing to it. It's just a harness made to hold up - Oh, I understand!" Sukhana looked speculatively at the scraps of fabric. "But how can that be better than a bodice? Is it possible I could try one to see for myself?"

"Unfortunately, these are each made to fit our own bodies," Garia explained. "It has to be done that way since every woman's body is different. I don't know... J- uh, Sara, might Sookie try yours for a moment?"

Jenet reluctantly handed her own bra over and then fitted it onto Sukhana as she would normally have fitted Garia's.

"This feels interesting," Sukhana said. "I would like to try one out, but I don't want to deprive Sara of hers. Is there another I might borrow?"

"We have several each, Sookie," Jenet told her. "There can be differences according to Kalikan so they are not all the same size. I might have one you may borrow."

"I was thinking, these look easy to make, don't they? I could sew one together as we travel, perhaps."

"They are easy enough to make," Merizel said, "but the art is in the cutting. Each of these pieces is a very particular shape which took our seamstresses some time to determine." She smiled at Sukhana. "I imagine that if you made a mistake in your pattern, you would end up with very strange-looking breasts. Or be very uncomfortable."

"As you say. Still, if you three find that you prefer them to the bodice every woman normally wears who am I to argue? If I may borrow one, to work out the pieces, I may yet make my own." She held up a hand at the look of alarm in Jenet's eyes. "No, I don't want to unpick it! I'll just draw the pieces out on a scrap of parchment."

Garia looked at Merizel then asked Sukhana with a smile, "Have you ever heard of paper?"

When the four returned to their campsite to stow their nightclothes it was obvious that the atmosphere was different. Some of the men were having difficulty restraining themselves from bowing as Garia approached and the normal morning banter, which had accompanied their journey so far, was noticeably absent.

I suppose this was inevitable, especially with Keren around. Not a good idea. We need a council of war after breakfast, clear the air.

Breakfast was taken in the same groups as before, with a third table surrounded by the men in Keren's party. While all were seated Keren went to each table and gave instructions.

"What was that about?" Garia asked when he returned.

"We have to combine our forces properly," he said, receiving a nod from Jaxen. "And we have to decide who does what and under what circumstances."

"That's the main question I have for you, master," Jaxen leaned forward. "Who will be in charge here?"

Keren gave a small smile. "In theory, I imagine that would have to be me, on grounds of rank," he said, "but I am no traveler. Although we made steady progress this far, we were overtaken several times along the way by other trains. Most embarrassing. Some of us have traveled before, on various campaigns under Captain Bleskin, but that is different than what we attempt now. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you were to be wagonmaster for the entire train."

Jaxen thought, then nodded. "I have the experience, master, so what you desire makes sense. Will your men take my orders at need? There may be times when it will be important that they do."

Keren grinned. "My men will do as I tell them, Jaxen. For the rest you had better ask... Buffy, as most of them are hers, not mine."

Sukhana's eyes widened as Jaxen turned to Garia. "Mistress?"

Garia smiled. "My men have become accustomed to the unusual, Jaxen. You'll have no problem with them, but I will make the point officially to make sure." Her smile faded. "We have two other matters to resolve before we leave here. One is D'Janik and the other is..." she reddened, "...what happened last night."

"I will speak with you privately while our men strike camp," Keren decided. "Once we've done that I've called a meeting of everyone so that we can lay all before them."

So, amid the bustle of most of those at the campsite packing away before moving on, Keren took Garia and Jenet to an empty area out of earshot.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better," she replied. "Last night was a shock. I never expected anything like that to happen, honest."

"No more did I. Can you do this? Can we do this?"

"I... think so. Nothing has fundamentally changed between us, has it?"

"No, and that may be our problem. Garia, how do we handle this?"

"Tell them the truth," she said promptly. "I had some time to think it over last night and really, nothing much happened from our point of view. Tell them that the King and Queen know about us, and that we know and understand the limitations imposed on us. Last night was just a brother and adopted sister greeting one another after an absence."

Keren spluttered. "More than that, surely!" He looked disappointed. "I mean more than that to you, do I not?"

"Of course you do! But our relationship is something we have, as you pointed out yesterday, some weeks to resolve. Today we just need to make sure the men aren't spooked out."

Keren groaned. "You mean we're going to spend the entire trip talking about what we know has to happen when we get back to the palace? I don't like that idea."

"Don't be stupid, I didn't mean that at all. Just reassure the men, who probably have a better idea what's going on than we do, anyway."

He sighed, then nodded. "Very well." He looked up and spotted movement. "Here's our other problem approaching us."

D'Janik approached and bowed. He spoke softly, so that his words would be lost in the bustle of the camp.

"Highness, Milady, I beg audience."

"Go on," Keren said.

"I have this morning learned that D'Kenik rides with your party, Highness. If we are to join forces, I desire to bring an end to our differences." He held up a hand as Keren opened his mouth. "Highness, I intend no injury to any. If he may join us?"

Keren nodded assent and turned to Jenet. "Jenet, if you would, please fetch D'Kenik for us."

Jenet returned with D'Kenik, whose expression hardened when he saw D'Janik.

"I will only speak the Valley tongue," D'Janik said, "so that our words may be witnessed by those here." He straightened. "Our upbringing, Highness, teaches us that the oaths we take may never be broken, and that any who break such oaths as we take must forfeit their lives. That was what drove me that day..." He stopped and turned to Garia. "Milady, it was exceptionally stupid of me to interrupt a ceremony in the way I did, and again I beg apology for my transgression."

"You have it, D'Janik," Garia replied. "I can only imagine the emotions driving you at that moment."

"Thank you, milady, that means much to me." He turned to D'Kenik. "I deserved everything the King gave me," he said. "I did not know then that you would take service with Lady Garia. As to the oath I thought you guilty of breaking, I will only say," a small hard smile, "since coming to the Valley I have learned that the makers of oaths do not always understand the complexities of the world, especially parts of the world they have never visited. Brother, faced with the same problem, I might likely have chosen to do as you did. For my part, I would rather see Lady Garia able to protect herself than vulnerable. If you will agree, I would desire this matter ended."

D'Kenik stared at D'Janik for a long time in silence, then spoke.

"It required an effort of will for me to break my oath, but I could clearly see the need for milady to defend herself, and she could not wield such a sword as a man does. I see that it has taken you as much effort to understand my reasons as I did, and if His Highness's journey is to be a success it will require no bad blood between his men. I will agree to this." D'Kenik turned to Keren. "Highness, it is ended. If you require, we shall swear so, but," he smiled wryly, "perhaps you are not so sure of oaths as we are. We may not be brothers or even friends on this journey, but we shall not be enemies ever again. When you have need of us, Highness, you shall find us both ready."

"Thank you both," Keren replied gravely. "My father and I value the experience and steadfastness of the men of the Six Cities. You are both welcome in our party."

A short while later their two groups of two wagons each were the only ones left at the campsite, everyone else having resumed their journeys. Midway between, the men and women were gathered into a circle, with Keren and Garia standing in the middle.

"From this day on we shall be one party," Keren began. "For those of you who have not guessed, I am Keren, son of King Robanar, and this is the first journey I have made unaccompanied by either of my parents beyond Dekarran. Since I came of age my father has instructed that I journey about his realm in order to become familiar with its lands and peoples. This young woman," he placed a hand gently on Garia's shoulder, "is Lady Garia, Baroness Blackstone. Her story is an unusual one which I will leave until another time. My father made her a noble to give her an income and some manner of protection. Doubtless you will all know everything by the time we arrive. Arrive where? It seems that there is something in Blackstone which may be of great benefit to our country in the future."

Many of the men looked puzzled at this.

"You'll learn more as we travel," Keren continued. "Since Garia knows much about these matters, my father suggested that she travel there to survey her lands and find out what might be there. Therefore, Blackstone is our ultimate destination, though we may find other matters of interest along the way.

"Speaking of interest, we desire to avoid unnecessary attention as we travel, which is why we are all in disguise as traveling folk. In fact Garia was seen to be returning to the palace with the King and Queen, so it is important that you do not mention her name or titles, at least until we reach Blackstone. Since none of my party has sufficient experience I nominate Jaxen as wagonmaster of the entire train. I will command you all to obey his instructions in all matters excepting, perhaps, in warfare if that should be necessary. Milady Garia will confirm that of her own men as well."

"I do," Garia said. "It is important that we behave as travelers, not a troop of armed men as we might do otherwise. Tanon's men have the experience, let's benefit from it."

"Finally," Keren added with a rueful look, "there is one other matter. Last night, you may have seen us greeting each other in a somewhat fond manner."

There were snorts and a fit of coughing from some of the men. Others grinned knowingly.

"Milady Garia lives in the palace and her suite of rooms is in the same corridor as my own and that of my parents. It is natural that we would become close to one another, and it is unfortunate. There are customary rules which govern who I may or may not marry and Garia is not eligible. My parents are aware of our... fondness... and we have assured them that nothing will ever happen that might cause any problem. Do not be concerned if you see us close during our journey. Milady Garia is, after all, a maiden and it is every man's duty to assist a maiden. If you have any concerns about this you may speak freely to Garia and myself. Any questions?"

"Uh, Highness," asked Keet, one of Jaxen's men. "I am not accustomed to using the names of those who hire Master Tanon's trains and I'm sure the rest of us will feel just as uncomfortable. How should we address you all?"

Keren nodded. "A good question. Let's make sure everyone understands who and what we are supposed to be before we start. I am presently Master Kethen, son of a trader from Dekarran, and it is my father who hired this train of four wagons, placing me in charge. This is... Buffy, did you say? ...with her older sister -"

"- Karizma, and our Aunt Sara," Garia supplied. "Are we related to you, Master Kethen?"

"Ah... probably not, Mistress Buffy. In fact," Keren grinned, "let's make all the women Mistresses, that way there should be no doubt how you should name them." He looked at the surprise on Sukhana's face and the disapproval from Jenet, giving them a twisted grin. "I have promoted two of them for the length of this enterprise which balances the temporary demotion of the other two, does it not?" He turned to Garia. "I have no doubt that you will have some tale ready should any inquire."

"No doubt at all," she agreed.

"Sir, uh, Highness," A man she didn't recognize broke in. "Uh, I suppose I should say master, shouldn't I? Why exactly are we all in disguise? It would seem to me better that we travel as the retinue of a noble, if not the King's son."

"You should know this, Jarrin, coming from Dekarran castle! Some days before we left, Baroness Blackstone was attacked in the castle in a kidnap attempt." There were some whistles from Jaxen's men. "What some of you may not know is that there have been a number of attempts before that to kidnap or possibly to kill her. We are fairly certain that those of Yod are responsible, although we're not sure why. Baroness Blackstone was seen to return south to the palace with the King and Queen under heavy armed protection, while Mistress Buffy takes a journey north with a wagon train. It is the King's opinion that once away from the attention which always follows royal affairs interest in the Baroness will fade. At the same time it gives both of us an opportunity to visit a part of Palarand neither has been before."

"Ah." Jarrin nodded. "As you say... Master Kethen. I had not connected that business with our own party."

Keren grinned. "Exactly! I hope it stays that way."

Garia said, "Let me see who is here. There are some faces I'm not familiar with."

She turned, examining the group that surrounded them. Those from Tanon's party she was very familiar with now, even if she couldn't always match names to faces of the men. Besides Jaxen and Sukhana there were Keet, Samir, Bildo, Then and Berd. D'Janik and the two wagoneers Joolen and Helen. Then there were her own men-at-arms, Soomit, Frando, D'Kenik, Toranar and Brazan. Tord was missing, on his way back to the palace with Milsy and of course Feteran was ahead of them escorting his father. Then there were four who she recognized as palace guardsmen. She spotted a familiar face among these, one she hadn't expected.

"Stott? What are you doing here?"

The man grinned, then bobbed his head. "Begging your pardon, milady, uh, mistress. The King wanted the best for this party and seeing as how I'm the best longbowman, I was volunteered, as it were."

"Tell her the rest, Stott," Keren said with a smile.

"Aye, uh, Master Kethen. Uh, I'm familiar with the wild animals that live in these parts so I may be of use later on. I'm used to hunting for them, see, and I knows their ways."

"What he carefully didn't say," Keren said dryly, "is that his familiarity with the animals comes from the fact he was poaching them at the time." There was general laughter. "But he's a King's man now, isn't he? Let's hope we can put his knowledge to good use in coming days."

Garia pointed. "I'm sorry, I don't know your names."

"Chinnar, milady," the first replied. "Uh, mistress. Third Quadrant."

"Varno, mistress, Third Quadrant," and "Denard, milady, First Quadrant," the others said.

"What about you two?" Garia asked of the last pair. "I heard you say that you come from Dekarran, and you kinda look familiar, but..."

"I'm Jarrin, mistress," one of them replied, "and this is Durko. You remember that trip out to visit the miner's guild in Dekarran? Well, we was driving the carriages that time. When the Prince's plans all got changed about we ended up getting chosen to drive his wagons."

"Ah. Yes, I remember, now. Thank you. Um, I'm going to take a while to get all your names straight, I expect. Keren? Oh, I should say, Master Kethen? Anything more?"

"Probably, but we've delayed here long enough, I think. Perhaps we'd better fetch our animals and get ready for the road." A thought came to him and he grinned broadly at Garia. "I'm forgetting something! There's one reunion which has not yet happened, has it?"

Garia looked at him blankly for a moment, then realized what he meant. Without a word she strode out of the circle, heading directly for the corrals behind the campsite. After a few steps her direction shifted abruptly towards the kitchen.

"What do you mean, Master Kethen?" asked a puzzled Sukhana. "Who?"

Keren beamed at her. "You'll enjoy this, Sookie. Follow Merizel, excuse me, Karizma to the corral and you shall see something unusual."

While some of the men headed for the wagons the rest trailed after the women who were making for the corrals. These were in fact fairly large well-fenced pastures behind each campsite where the mounts and draft animals were customarily left to graze overnight. Merizel, Jenet and Sookie arrived at the same time as Garia after her diversion to the kitchen. In the distance, a herd of frayen were all cropping grass together, while at a distance their dranakh could be seen grazing. Each of these had plenty of room around them, unlike the smaller animals who stayed close together.

"Snep! Here, boy!"

In the herd a neck suddenly shot up, the head questing in every direction.

"Here boy! Snep Snep Snep!"

The herd scattered as a lone beast shouldered his way out from the middle. Once free he set off towards them at a trot which soon became a gallop. Nearing them he slowed down and then came directly to Garia's outstretched hand.

"Hello, boy! Did you miss me?"

He sniffed her hand and then took the vegetable offcut she held out, crunching it before nuzzling her hand again.

"It's time we got on the road again," she told him. "You probably need some exercise by now. Have you spent all your time here stuffing yourself with grass?"

Despite not having a single moveable muscle in his face, Snep managed to give Garia a look of pure disgust which caused some chuckles among the onlookers.

"How does she do that?" Sukhana asked Keren.

"I have no idea," Keren told her. "It seems that G-, she has a special way with the animals. It may be that most women are able to do what she does."

"Hear that, brother?"

"Aye, Sookie," Jaxen said. "I heard."

"Come on, boy," Garia said, ignoring the byplay, "let's get you out of here."

She moved to the gate and opened it. Immediately the other frayen, who had followed Snep more slowly, gathered around the gate and the men moved in to collect them. Behind, the dranakh ambled towards them, ready for the day's work.

"Mistress, don't you need a halter for him?" asked Helen, their wagoneer.

"I don't think so," Garia replied. "Leastways, he'll follow me to the wagon with no trouble."

Once through the gate Snep looked at Garia and then craned his neck round to look at his back.

"Did that beast just do what I think he did?" Sukhana asked in wonder. "He actually wants you to ride him? Is that true?"

Garia nodded. "He did and yes, that's what he wants. But I don't think we can do that today, boy. I guess it will have to be the leading rein for you, although you can walk by the side of our wagon." She turned to Keren. "Has he been ridden since you left Dekarran?"

"Yes, he has. I've ridden him twice but not a whole day at a time. It was just to give him a bit of variety."

"Master Kethen," Merizel asked, "Are Topik and Brit with your party? I don't see them in this group but they are all moving about so much."

"Yes, Karizma, they're here but I don't know which they are. I'm not so practised at recognizing beasts as Mistress Buffy is. Don't worry, the men are taking good care of them."

The men were now leading the frayen back to the wagons, ready to have saddles fitted. Garia followed more slowly with Snep and the others. Behind them their four dranakh made their own way to their appointed places, ready to have harness attached.

"You ride, then?" Sukhana asked. "I have seen it done in other parts of Alaesia but I know it is not the custom in the Valley for women to ride."

Both Garia and Merizel grinned at Sukhana. Garia said, "It was hard work persuading them but I got my own way in the end. I used to ride before I came to Anmar and I didn't see why I shouldn't do so here. Besides, I found out that even the Queen rides when her husband isn't looking."

Sukhana's eyebrows rose. "Is that so? And do you not find it uncomfortable?"

"The saddles the palace guard use aren't that bad but they aren't that good, either. I told them about a different design, similar to what we use at home and that's what Merry and I use. If you look closely at... Master Kethen's men, you'll see that they all use them now too."

Jaxen was interested. "I have not yet seen what Master Kethen's men use, mistress. Might such saddles be of use to my own men?"

"Absolutely, Jaxen. You'll have plenty of time to examine them and make up your own mind."

The frayen were saddled up, with the exception of the spare mounts which just had halters and leading reins fitted. The dranakh were harnessed to the wagons and everyone made sure that the campsite had been cleared away and that everything was securely aboard. There was one final surprise before they left.

"Before we leave, mistresses," Helen said to them before they boarded, "best you be properly introduced to our beast, since you spent the last two days hiding in the back. If you would."

They followed him to the front where the dranakh regarded them with interest.

"This is Beth, our dranakh," Helen said. "Beth, this is Mistress Buffy, Mistress Karizma and Mistress Sara."

Each placed her hand briefly on Beth's warm, dry snout, getting a waft of warm, herb-laden air from her breath in return. A distant memory came back to Garia then and impulsively she thrust her arm into Beth's mouth. Merizel squeaked and jumped back in surprise.

"I'm impressed, mistress," Sukhana said as Garia retrieved her arm, now slick with Beth's saliva. "I didn't think you knew of that custom."

"It was shown me just after I was found," Garia said, "up in the mountains the other side of the Valley. I don't know why it's done but I have a feeling it's important."

"It may be, mistress, but it is a very old custom and nobody knows the reason any more. It is just something that traveling folk do."

"The others are moving," Helen said then. "Come on, ladies, let's get aboard before we're left behind."

~o~O~o~

Since they started out late Jaxen wanted to push on in order to make up time. A brief comfort stop was made mid-morning but the four wagons and their oversize escort were soon moving again. It seemed Jaxen wanted to pass through the next town before they found somewhere to stop for lunch. Garia soon found out why.

"Urgh. This is terrible!" Garia gasped from beneath the scarf she held over her nose and mouth. Her eyes stung and tears tracked down her cheeks.

The landscape bore some resemblance to the approaches to Dante's Inferno. There were pits either side of the road as far as one could see interspersed with spoil tips. Dotted here and there were small shacks, open-sided lean-tos and squat brick and stone buildings all blackened with soot and pollution. From some of the buildings could be seen red glows where furnaces and forges operated, the stubby chimneys filling the air with black smoke which hid the further reaches from view. Here and there were groups of mounds, each smoldering white smoke.

Among these hellish workings were many men, women and animals, the people working hard at pit, furnace and anvil, the animals standing ready to operate hoists or pull small, two-wheel carts. Some of the carts held ore, others were piled high with wood. Garia noted that the both animals and people looked undernourished and spotted several frayen carcases left rotting by the edges of the road.

"What is this place?" she asked Helen, trying to breathe as shallowly as possible. Beside the wagon, Snep coughed.

"This is Holville, mistress," came the reply. "On account of all the holes, you see. Many years back there was a gold rush but that weren't no good. It turned out there was silver here instead, though, so others came and now they take lead, tin and zinc from the ground as well. A lot of those you see aren't miners, they make tools and provide what the miners can't do for themselves."

Garia looked more closely and saw that the forges were making picks, shovels and other tools, there were shacks and tents serving food and providing places to sleep and that the smoking mounds were producing charcoal for the furnaces and forges. The whole place stank.

"Who permits this?"

"Permits, mistress? Why should any permit? Why should any deny? As long as the lord gets his taxes, he don't care what happens here."

Garia became very angry then, so angry that the red haze began to form in her vision and she had to force herself to calm down again. Not easy when she couldn't take the deep breaths her technique demanded. Once she was steady again she asked, "Should we go faster? Get away from this place quicker? This can't be doing men or animals any good, can it?"

"As you say, mistress. But if we go faster, the animals have to breathe harder and that ain't good for them. No, we has to just keep a steady pace and not strain the beasts too much. I know it means we'll be breathing this muck for longer but it can't be helped."

"Does Duke Gilbanar know what happens here?"

Helen hacked and spat by the roadside before he answered. "I wouldn't think so, mistress. Why should he? It's possible the local lord - whoever he is - makes everyone down tools when the Duke's party rides by but I've not been around when that's happened so I couldn't say." He looked sidelong at Garia. "Why, mistress? What's so different about what happens here?"

Garia took a breath to speak and wished she hadn't. "Later, Helen. Later. I want to speak to Master Kethen when we next stop, I think." Her expression was hard and Helen turned away from that determined gaze.

Eventually, some marks beyond the last of the workings, a campsite appeared and the party gratefully pulled off and parked. The beasts were unhitched and led to the corral to feed while the humans all converged on the rest rooms. This site was obviously favored by those trying to avoid the industrial area and was well appointed with facilities including rest rooms, a bath house, kitchens serving a variety of food together with stalls offering fast food, accessories and trinkets.

"That ride was awful," Merizel said as they emerged from the womens' rest rooms. "I feel dirty. Do you think we can convince Keren to delay our journey and let us have a bath? I won't feel right until I've cleaned myself from hair to toes."

Garia felt the same. Her skin smelt and she really didn't want to think about the condition her hair was in. She took a deep breath of clean air, noting the metallic taste still in her mouth.

"I'd really like that, Merry. Uh, Karizma. Somehow I don't think we're going to, though. I think Jaxen wants us to move on as much as we can today, especially as we set off so late. I'm going to ask him to make sure we stop for the night somewhere with a decent bath-house, though. I'm afraid to think what that stuff is doing to our clothes."

"Buffy?" Sukhara asked. "Why, what will happen to our clothes?"

"The air back there was so bad it will rot the fibers. Especially so if it had rained while we were going through. Fortunately, it didn't this time." Her expression hardened again. "I'm going to speak to... Master Kethen. This has to stop."

Keren smiled as they approached but the expression faded when he saw the look Garia gave him. Motioning the others to go and collect food for them he took her aside.

"What's the matter?"

"That place. Holville. This has to end, Keren, and end soon."

He raised an eyebrow. "What does? I don't understand. Yes, it was bad along there, but that was because the wind was in the wrong direction."

"That's because we just passed along the highway on our way through, and the wind normally blows east to west, doesn't it? The point is not how it affects us, it's how it affects those who have to live there, Keren. Those people are going to get sick and their lives are going to be nasty and short. If they have children, their lives will be even nastier and shorter. Look at the state of the animals we saw! There were carcases, carcases lying by the side of the highway! Nobody cares, Keren, and it has to stop. All that pollution will get in the river and poison all the towns downstream. Do you want that? I thought the Kings of Palarand were supposed to be responsible stewards for their people. How can they be if they allow this to happen on their lands?"

Her voice had risen as she spoke and now she found that those nearest were looking at them in amazement. She took Keren's arm and led him to a table further away, sitting down on one of the two benches. After a moments hestitation he sat down facing her.

"This has gotten you really upset, hasn't it? It isn't such a big area though, we have passed through many marks of quiet countryside since leaving Dekarran. When miners burrow there will always be a certain amount of mess around the workings, will there not? And the miners are hardy folk, used to the conditions."

"And their children, Keren? Do they deserve to be brought up in such conditions? The point is not the mines, in any case, it is the uncontrolled way that everything has been left to develop. If the Industrial Revolution which is to come is allowed to happen the same as the mining here, half of Palarand will soon look like that. I've already seen the beginnings of something similar on the way out of Dekarran, and Teldor is little better. Do you want to see half of Palarand turn into the same state as Holville?"

Keren stared at Garia, taken aback by the emphatic nature of her arguments. Finally he nodded.

"I think I begin to see, Garia. Forgive me, I'm not in charge of anything and there was no reason I should have been told about any of this." A wry twist of the mouth. "Not that anyone would have thought to mention it. I doubt any consider the situation in Holville worth mentioning." He leaned forward, speaking quietly. "This was what happened on Earth, wasn't it? That's why you're so upset, you do not want the same to happen here."

"Damn right I don't, Keren. It took us a hundred, hundred fifty years to get over the mess we made at the beginning, possibly longer. And governments had to make harsh laws which the greedy and ignorant fought every inch of the way. After all, if I mine silver and throw the tailings down the hill, what business is it of mine? I just want the silver, everything else is someone else's problem. Never mind that the tailings are poisonous, and are going to make the groundwater undrinkable for eighty years and cause crops, animals and people to grow poorly and stunted. The conditions in the towns and cities weren't much better than this, either."

"I'm sorry, Garia. I just didn't appreciate what was likely to happen." He frowned in concentration. "I don't know enough about the situation here. I don't even know whose lands these are. The next time we get to a big enough town I think I'll sit down and write a long dispatch to my father. He needs to know what is happening here."

"That's the first step and, Keren, thank you. I think I need to write something to the Guilds as well, perhaps with Merry's help. We must stop this before it becomes any worse."

Garia turned to find Jenet and Merizel approaching them, each carrying two steaming plates. Merizel smiled as she placed a plate in front of Keren.

"I'm starving so I imagine that you both are as well. Here, eat. It won't stop you two setting the world right, will it?"

With plates of food in front of them they all busied themselves eating. Soon they had filled themselves and Jenet went to return the plates and bring drinks for them.

"Let me guess what you two were talking about," Merizel said. "Holville, wasn't it? I've never seen anything like it and I hope I never will again."

"Sorry, that's not going to happen," Garia said. "Remember, we have to do this route in reverse to get back to the palace, don't we?"

"Oh." Merizel grimaced. "I'd forgotten that." She turned to Keren. "Any more unpleasant surprises like that on our way?"

"I don't think so, Merry." Keren frowned. "I don't know how much notice Uncle Gil takes of these upper reaches of the Palar. He mostly leaves the administration of these parts to the minor lords who hold the lands, as you might expect. I don't know how he'll take your views, Garia. He might agree with you or he might be disinterested. As long as everybody pays their taxes, I think he's inclined to let the lords do as they wish."

"What about the laws of the land, then?" Garia asked. "I don't know how such matters are handled here, but at home the same laws bind everybody, not just the commoners."

"It is the same here, Garia." He frowned again. "Yes, that might be the way to handle this. Merizel, can you begin a list of matters to raise when we return to the palace? I'm sure there will be other times along the way when we find circumstances that raise questions."

"As you command, Highness."

"Keep your voice down, Merry," Garia hissed. "We're getting funny looks from those four men over there."

"As you wish, but remember, as far as they are concerned we are two silly girls having a bit of fun with a good-looking boy. Remember who we are and what we're supposed to be, Buffy. A bit of giggling now and then isn't going to do anyone any harm."

Jenet reappeared with a tray bearing four tankards. Garia took one and sipped. She was now used to the small beer which was often the staple of traveling stops like these, although she preferred pel or even fruit juice if either was available. For now she had to stay in character so drank off the beer easily, although she knew she would be burping for an hour afterwards.

The four joined Jaxen and Sukhana before setting off back to the wagons.

"Jaxen," Garia asked, "can we please stop tonight at a campsite which has a decent bath house? We'd all dearly love to have a complete wash to get the stink of that place off ourselves."

"Not just us," Sukhana added, "I think we'd better all do some clothes washing as well. Us traveling folk don't have rooms full of clothes like you noble folk do, so we have to wash them more frequently."

"Oh do you?" Garia asked innocently. "I wouldn't know, I just get the palace laundry to do mine. My maid puts our dirty clothes out each day and they come back clean and fresh and ironed."

Sukhana stared at Garia without saying a word before switching her gaze to Jenet, who reddened.

"Actually, Sookie, she speaks the exact truth. That is precisely what happens."

Sukhana's lips thinned but Keren stepped in before anything was said. "Look, Sookie. Palace routine is different than what you know. It's not because we are rich, or because we are powerful. We have people look after us because it leaves us time to be able to look after the Kingdom, which includes people like you. We can't be building roads or mending bridges or judging disputes or criminals if we spend all our time cooking food or washing clothes."

Sukhana reluctantly nodded. "Aye, Master Kethen. I knew all of that really but it still annoys me." She forced a smile as they began to walk back to the wagons. "I know that without the King the roads wouldn't be safe for the likes of us to travel and I appreciate that. I also know that without the various lords and the like there wouldn't be resting places along the roads like this one, or markets in towns for us to sell the goods we carry. I just -" she trailed off, unable to explain her reasons.

"Perhaps we can talk about it one day," he said. "In the palace we serve just as much as you do. I'd like to tell you of our lives, just as we are presently finding out about yours."

"We'll even invite you to visit," Garia added. "Assuming your slave-driver of a brother lets you away for a day or two."

"I thought -" Sukhana began, then shook her head. "You four are nothing like I expected."

Keren grinned. "We've barely begun yet! You wait until we can begin to relax, away from prying eyes. Personally, I can't wait to restart the Tai Chi and the unarmed combat training."

Jaxen raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. The four continued towards the wagons.

~o~O~o~

"Ooh! I like this!" Merizel slid down into the warm water in the large wooden tub. "This water seems different somehow. Sort of silky and smooth."

"Soft water is what they call it," Sukhana told her. "I have heard it said that it is because of the different rocks the water may seep through before it comes to well or spring. Sounds like a strange idea to me, but that's what they say."

"And it's right, Sookie," Garia agreed, watching the bubbles form as she lathered up a block of soap. "Certain tiny parts of the rocks are soluble in the water and they make it hard or soft. They can also make it taste different, too."

Merizel bent her knees and slid so that she submerged completely, coming up again with a whoosh as she let out her breath.

"Will it make my hair all soft as well?"

"Yes, it probably will. Want me to wash it for you?"

Garia had thought at first that the communal bathing practised in the Valley was a peculiar custom but after so many months she now appreciated the time she spent in the tub together with her friends. It was just a time to relax and enjoy the company of women and she marveled again at how far she had come since arriving on this strange planet.

If ever I have to go back this is one of the things I'll miss the most.

I'm not sure I ever want to go back again.

Not that that's very likely at all, is it? I have no idea how I got here and no idea even where 'here' is. I'm not sure 'here' is in the same galaxy as Earth or even in the same universe.

If any of it is real at all.

Who cares? I'm here and I like being here, despite things like Yod and Holville. I'm contributing something useful to this society and I hope I'm going to stop them making the same mistakes we did. Isn't that reason enough to be here?

"Buffy?"

"Huh?"

"You looked funny there for a moment. Are you going to wash my hair?"

"Yes, of course. I was just counting my blessings."

"As you say." A little later. "Buffy? What's a 'blessing'?"

Later, lying in her camp bed beside Jenet, she said, speaking low, "Did you see Keren today? He took charge just like that, didn't he? He's definitely a leader, isn't he?"

"As you say, milady," Jenet replied as quietly. "Since he has become a man it is possible to see the future King in him. This journey will prove the making of him, I think. But, milady, you have not considered yourself, have you? I have watched the leader emerge in you as well, strange though the notion is to one like myself."

"Me? A leader? I never imagined... Jenet, you must be mistaken. I never wanted to be a leader. I never considered such a thing."

"Do you think His Highness wanted the task appointed him? Sometimes we do not choose the path we must follow."

"Well, that's certainly true of me, isn't it? One moment I'm an ordinary Kansas boy, then wham! I could never have imagined any of this." Garia sighed. "You're right, of course. I'm here, and I'm who I am, and I just have to take the future as it comes. Good night, Jenet."

"Good night, milady."

A problem with a wheel causes a delay for Garia and her party, resulting in a number of questions being raised - including a terrible dilemma for Garia and Keren. While they wait for the wagon to be fixed Snep decides to show Garia what he can do for her. The party are forced to spend an extra night at the next stop on their journey to Blackstone.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Hold!"

Jaxen came cantering to the front of the train, his arm raised. Those riding in front of the first wagon turned their heads, saw his arm and reined their frayen to a stop. Garia, seated today on the bench of the first wagon beside Jenet, called out.

"What's happened, Jaxen? Is there a problem?"

He walked his beast close to the front of the wagon.

"There may very well be, mistress. There is smoke coming from an axle of the third wagon."

Soon the four wagons had pulled over to the side of the road and most of the crew was gathered round the third in line.

"I told you that was going to happen," Helen said to Durko. "We should have fixed it before we left the campsite today."

The rear wheel hub had stopped smoking but it was obvious that was the site of the problem, since the wood nearest the bearing had already begun to darken with the heat.

"I thought that extra bit of grease would be enough to get us as far as Tranidor," the other replied. "We could have looked at it there where there are better means of repairing it."

"Enough, you two," Jaxen said. "Durko, have you experience driving a wagon or carriage this far?"

"No, master," was the sulky reply. "I been this far before but not driving nothing."

Jarrin said, "Durko's done day drives from Dekarran, Master Jaxen, but I don't think he's been farther in charge of a wagon. Since we knew we'd be back in the castle before nightfall each time there was usually no need to fuss over the mechanical side, the castle men do all our maintenance."

Jaxen gave an exasperated sigh. "Look, it's different when you travel long distance as we are doing. You have to check everything every day, understand? The least cause for trouble and you tell me as soon as you can so I can make plans to get whatever it is fixed before it fails completely. Otherwise we get stuck out here like we have now. Very well. Samir, Boldo, get out the trestle and the levers, we'll have to take this wheel off and see how bad the damage is. Keet, Then, while we're standing here you might as well go round all the wagons and see if anything else is amiss."

"Aye, Master Jaxen."

Keren dismounted and came to Jaxen.

"Ah, Master Kethen, a minor problem. We'll be here about a bell finding out how bad it is."

"What will you do here, if I may ask."

"We'll raise the axle and take the wheel off to look at the bearing. There's a chance we can clean it and get as far as Tranidor where we can do a proper repair. I'm sorry, master. This will mean a delay, I'm afraid."

"Don't worry too much about the delay, Jaxen," Keren said. "We're not delivering goods to another party so all we're spending is time. I'd prefer the wagon to be repaired properly rather than lose it entirely in a week's time."

"As you say, master."

"What's in this wagon?" Keren mused. "I wonder... would it be worth reducing the load? The wagon that... Buffy rides in is half empty. Will it help to transfer some of the load?"

"Master, I ought to have thought of that myself. Yes, of course. With less weight on the axles the bearing will last longer. Let's begin unloading before we start to prop it up."

Keren's - and Garia's - men began removing things from the wagon bed and piling them on the road behind it. Sukhana and Jaxen went closer to look at the goods when they saw the chests and saddles being placed on the ground.

"So many spare saddles? These are the new type, aren't they? I've seen your men using them, Buffy, and they seem quite different than our normal style."

"They are, master," Brazan remarked as he carefully placed another saddle over a chest to keep it in shape. "They are much more comfortable to ride, though it takes a week or so for your muscles to get used to the idea. These aren't spare saddles, though. These are the saddles milady and her secretary and maid use to ride."

Garia joined them at that moment and said, "That's right, and I'm wondering if we might get some use out of them now. Kethen, what do you think? I'm getting real reproachful looks from Snep. He's feeling quite neglected."

"It's a thought. Jaxen, do you think we could get away with having the women ride with us? I think we're far enough away from Dekarran that nobody shall make a connection."

"And it will take some weight, ah, excuse me, mistress, some weight from the wagons also," Jaxen mused. He nodded. "Very well. As we'll be here a bell or so we have time to harness their beasts."

"You forget, Master Jaxen," Garia said, "we'll have to change our attire as well. We'll change in the front wagon before you load all this stuff into it."

"Change your attire, mistress?"

"Of course! We can't ride looking like this, can we? There is suitable clothing in that chest and that one. If someone can bring them?"

Jaxen turned to Sukhana. "What is it with you women and your clothing? Men seen to manage without all this fuss."

"If women went about wearing nothing but tunic and tights then indeed there would be no fuss," Sukhana replied tartly. "Since you insist we clothe ourselves modestly you have to put up with the consequences."

"I wear tunic and tights on occasion," Garia put in with a twinkle in her eye. "I wouldn't care to ride dressed like that, though."

The expression on both their faces was most satisfying.

Some of the chests already in the first wagon had to be unloaded to make room, but Jaxen said that was all right since the load would have to be reorganized in any case. Their two chests were lifted into the back and then the four women crowded in, lacing the canvas flaps shut behind them.

"It's not so easy to see in here with the canvas down," Sukhana observed, sitting on one of the chests. "What's so special about these clothes, anyhow?"

"Two things," Garia explained, "First, we have to wear a special undergarment to preserve modesty and, if I may add, preserve wear on our delicate backsides. Second is that we have a skirt of a different shape that covers the whole saddle and hides everything that ought not to be seen."

Jenet, rummaging in the opened chest, held up Merizel's circle skirt.

"Ah! That's interesting. And whatever is that?"

"That is breeches, Sookie. As those yours, Merry, or mine?"

"That's my chest, Garia. We're sitting on yours. If you'd like to change places?"

"Why only two chests?" Sukhana asked Garia. "Does not your, uh, does not Sara also ride?"

"I do, Mistress Sukhana," Jenet replied, "but I am a beginner at such adventures. Today, I shall stay on the wagon bench while those more experienced take to the saddle."

With Jenet's help Merizel changed from her traveler's dress into one of her riding outfits and then changed places so that Garia could do the same.

"Do you not get too warm with those strange undergarments?"

"I haven't so far," Garia replied as Jenet adjusted her outfit, "but then again we didn't start doing this until after the rains. I don't know what it would have been like in high summer. We chose the cloth for the breeches and skirts quite carefully so we wouldn't get too hot. Of course, when winter comes we can have other clothes made to suit the season."

"It must be quite convenient to have seamstresses running round after you, making anything you want," Sukhana said wistfully.

"Hah! I wish! To begin with we had such a... ptuvil running the Queen's Wardrobe there was an out-and-out battle to get her to do anything for me. In the end the Queen had to forcibly retire her. These days they know I am likely to ask for strange things, like riding clothes or bras, but they know there will usually be a good idea in there somewhere so they do what I ask. Would you be surprised to know that everyone in the palace wears a bra now?"

Merizel giggled. "The women, she means. I don't think they would do much for the men, would they?"

"Hardly. Now, have we everything, Sara?"

"Your helmets, mistress?"

"Oh, yes." Garia grimaced. "I guess we have to, don't we?" To Sukhana's inquiring look Garia explained, "That was a condition the King made when he permitted me to ride, that I always wore a helmet. Since they were used to people falling off he was worried I might get a head injury and I'm too important to Palarand to take the risk. So I have to wear something like this -"

Garia hefted out a helmet like Merizel's bowler hat for Sukhana to see, then pulled out her 'Roman' style helmet.

"- or this. You do get used to them after a while but I wish there were something lighter we could use. Unfortunately it will be a hundred years or so before Alaesia discovers high-performance plastics."

"I have no idea what you just said, Garia, but I agree you should look after your head. If I were to ride I think I would want to protect myself against falling as well."

"With these new saddles you'll fall less often than from the traditional style," Garia said. "Do you want to learn to ride, Sookie?"

"I've used a chair, of course, but mostly I've just ridden the wagons. It's a thought, isn't it? Would I be too old to learn the art, Buffy?"

"Not at all. If Sara here can learn then you can as well." Garia grinned. "Now all we have to do is get the idea past Jaxen."

The four climbed out and Sukhana looked critically at the result.

"Hmm. No, I don't think anyone is going to believe that you're traveling women, not dressed like that." She stroked her chin with a hand, unconsciously imitating her brother, before nodding to herself. "Yes. I have an idea. Back inside, the pair of you. Sara, if you would come with me."

Garia and Merizel climbed back in, mystified. After a while Sukhana and Jenet rejoined them, both carrying clothes over their arms.

"Those jackets won't do," Sukhana explained. "They are of a cut and quality only a merchant's wife or a noblewoman would wear. Fortunately there are short coats in your traveler's chests you may wear instead. You'll need to wear these underneath, I expect."

These turned out to be what Garia immediately termed 'camisole' but Sukhana called an 'undershift'. With those on, the short pea-coats over and their scarves re-tied outside the coat collars they looked more like traveling women might if they rode frayen. When they climbed out again Sukhana tossed handfuls of road dirt over their skirts and then roughly brushed them off to give an impression of wear.

"That's better," she said, satisfied. "Now you look more natural, like you've been riding some time." She smiled at them. "Maker, but you two do look cute dressed like that. I hope this fashion catches on."

"I'm not sure about this whole cute business..." Garia began doubtfully.

"Nonsense! You're both sweet young girls and you have everything a man might look for. I'm glad you have such a strong band of armsmen around you, to fight off all the interest!"

"But what happens when it is one of the armsmen who is interested in you?" asked Merizel.

Sukhana grinned. "Then why fight him off?" The grin faded. "I know to what you refer, Mistress Karizma. I hope your younger sister finds some answer before you all return... south."

When they emerged from between the wagons they discovered that the wheel had been removed and three of the men were busy cleaning the surfaces of the bearing. Jaxen stood talking with Keren and the two he had sent to check the other wheels. He saw them and beckoned.

"Mistresses, we have some disturbing news," he said to them. "Inspecting the other wagons, wheels and fittings has discovered a cracked spoke and some worn fittings. The spoke we may deal with temporarily but will need replacing when we reach Tranidor. The fittings the smith can do at the same time. The bearing," he pointed, "will last till then once cleaned and regreased but will also need attention. I must find accommodation for us all when we reach there, I'm afraid. It will take at least a day, maybe two, before the repairs are complete."

"Not Master Tanon's bunkhouse, I hope?" Sukhana asked, wrinkling her nose.

Jaxen shook his head. "Not in Tranidor. Master Tanon does not own his own warehouse there but shares others with some trader associates. There is a bunkhouse, which some of the men will use, but there are more of us than usual this time. For the rest we shall find room in inns in the town. It is not a problem, Sookie." He frowned. "I thought you'd been to Tranidor before?"

"If I have it was years ago because I don't remember it. All right, brother, you know best. Now, I want to see these two climb on a frayen."

Garia's men had already saddled and harnessed Snep and Topik and the two turned expectantly as the group approached. Snep nuzzled Garia's hand but she had to disappoint him.

"Sorry, boy, I've nothing left for you, you'll have to wait until lunchtime."

She dropped her mounting loop and then swung expertly into the saddle, closely watched by Sukhana. The loop was stowed and her skirt twitched to cover her saddle and legs. Sukhana walked around Snep to examine Garia.

"That looks good and comfortable as well. What's that? You have a knife sewn to your boot! Jaxen, look at this! Why didn't we think of that?"

Jaxen saw and shrugged. "An odd arrangement, mistress. Might I ask why?"

"A woman's hips are wider than a man's," Garia explained. "If I hung a knife from my waist it would stick out awkwardly when I stood or rode so we came up with this alternative. I can reach it just as easily as you can reach yours."

"As you say. It's a good idea, I think. I can think of times when it would be a better place to have a blade than dangling from a belt." He stood back, hands on hips. "Shall you ride for us?"

"When Karizma mounts, yes we will. Karizma?"

Merizel, being taller, needed no loop so was soon mounted.

"My! Topik wants to run, I think."

"So does Snep. Jaxen, we'll ride them back along the road a ways and then return. We should be back here long before you get that wheel back on and everything loaded."

Jaxen nodded. "As you say, Buffy. We have a bugle, someone will blow it if there is need for you to return at once."

Keren said, "Should you two go on your own like this? I'll detail two men to join you, if I may." He thought further. "Jaxen, do you have any need of me? I think I'd like to go with them myself."

Jaxen looked at the action around the removed wheel. "No, master, you go. I'd feel happier if you were with them, in any case."

Keren brought his own frayen back and swung himself into the saddle, the two men he had detailed to accompany him walking their own beasts on their reins. All were taken by surprise when Snep took off up the road followed almost immediately by Topik. Everybody stopped work to watch the progress of the disappearing pair. Jaxen remembered he was supposed to be supervising repairs and turned on the men.

"Back to work! The girls are only riding off because they are waiting for you lumps to finish!"

Keren let off several oaths he should probably have been too young to know and flicked his rein to get his own mount to follow.

"Come on, you two!" he shouted to the men who were attempting to mount, "We're supposed to be looking after those girls! Let's go, or they'll soon be out of sight!"

Sukhana watched the three chasers set off and then spun on her heel to face Jaxen.

"I want to do that!"

Jaxen was distracted by the men working and he turned slowly to attend to his sister.

"Huh? What, Sookie?"

"I want to do that!" She stabbed a finger at the fast disappearing riders. "If Buffy and Karizma can ride like that I can see no reason why I can't as well. Well?" She planted her hands on her hips, facing Jaxen.

"Uh, Sookie, this isn't -" She glared at him and he sighed. "Look, Sookie. Have you thought about this at all? You'll need a frayen of your own, and a saddle like theirs, and I don't know how much either of those are going to cost, and then you'll tell me you'll need clothes as well, since you can't ride dressed like you are, can you? Who shall pay for it all?"

"Don't give me that, brother. Who pays for your own frayen and saddle, eh? And of course I'll need clothes! What woman doesn't need clothes? Don't worry about that part of it, Jaxen. You just work out a way to get me a beast and saddle and I'll handle the rest."

Jaxen shut his mouth and stared glumly at his sister. Master Tanon paid for beast and saddle, of course, since they were necessary for riders accompanying trains. Sukhana's own position with the train was somewhat more flexible and might not be treated in the same fashion.

"Very well," he said finally. "I'll do what I can, but..." he waved a finger in her face, "I'm not promising you anything. I learned that lesson long ago! And don't expect me to be able to hand you a frayen the moment we get to Tranidor, either. I'll have a busy day or two there trying to mend these wagons."

"As you say, brother. I'm not expecting the impossible." She turned. "I'd better be off, Sara and I have several chests to repack."

Along the road, Garia was hanging on tightly as Snep galloped along the verge of the road. When they had started she was all over the place but she soon realized that Snep was moving his body about beneath her to ensure that she stayed seated. Very soon the two, rider and mount, synchronized and their motions became one. The ride went from disconcerting through breathtaking to purely exhilarating. Garia realized she was wearing a huge grin as they thundered along at full gallop.

Soon she wondered whether this was such a good idea right now and began to make Snep ease off.

"Easy, there, boy. Don't let's get carried away. Easy, now, easy."

The headlong flight began to slacken down from a gallop to a canter and then a trot. Garia sat up and began to breath a little more easily. She noticed that Snep was breathing hard as well.

I'm an idiot. I've only ever ridden Snep in the Large Training Hall, out on the palace field, and once or twice in procession. I've never been able to go this fast for so long before. I'm lucky I never got bounced off within half dozen yards of starting.

Snep wouldn't have let me, would he? He wants me to stay up here whatever happens. Wow!

I think he wanted to show me what he could do, that's why we raced off like that. Boy, have I got a treasure here!

Garia patted Snep's neck. "Good boy. Whoo, that was a ride, wasn't it? I enjoyed that, boy. I hope you did too."

A rhythmic thumping behind her announced the arrival of Merizel and Topik. She reined her mount down and the two walked quietly on.

"Maker, Garia! I didn't know these animals could go quite that fast! I thought I was going to fall off for sure but Topik made sure I didn't, I'll swear! This is such good fun, isn't it?"

"You said it, Merry. I'm sorry I shot off like that but I'm not sure it was entirely my idea. I think Snep wanted to show me how he would look after me and I guess he succeeded."

Merizel turned in the saddle and giggled. "I don't think Keren approves, though! Here he comes now, with a face as long as that of the beast he rides!"

They stopped and Keren reined in beside them.

"You were supposed to wait for your escorts, girls! You're not making our job any easier, running off like this."

"I'm sorry, Keren. I think it was Snep's idea. He wanted to show me what he could do, and nobody told him he had to wait for an escort."

Keren raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The two riders detailed to accompany them drew near and reined their mounts in.

"How far do you think we have come, Master Kethen?" Merizel asked. "Should we turn back, do you think?"

"About a mark and a half, I would guess," Keren replied. "Shall we turn back now? We ought not get too far from the wagons."

"This is far enough for me," Garia said. "I think Snep's had his run now so he'll be happy to return at a slower pace."

Keren nodded. "I forget these beasts of ours spend their days in a stable with limited ability to exercise. Aye, they have been out in corrals these past few days but sometimes it does them good to have a proper run. Let's return slowly and allow all to regain their breath. Frando, you go ahead, D'Kenik, take the rear. We'll walk, it will take them a while to seat that wheel and fix it in place."

"Aye, Master Kethen."

The group turned round and began to walk back. Garia found that Snep was quite happy to walk this time, he had obviously gotten his run out of his system. They were walking along the verge of the highway, a strip of cut grass about four strides wide between the made surface of the road and the immense ditch either side. Garia had noticed that lone riders traveling the road preferred to ride the verges, probably because the surface was kinder to their mount's feet. She had to remind herself again that frayen didn't have hooves and therefore had different abilities and weaknesses.

After a while she noticed that Snep kept looking to his left, at the ditch, and realized what he might want. She nudged him leftward and began to angle down the bank of the ditch until they reached the water right at the bottom. Snep immediately stopped, lowered his head and began to drink.

Keren stopped and looked down at her. "What are you - Oh, of course."

Soon Merizel and Keren had joined her while the two men kept watch high up on the verge.

"These ditches are absolutely enormous," Garia said. "Oh, of course. The rainy season. I keep forgetting, you have to allow for the immense amounts of rainfall you get two months of the year. I'm just not used to that kind of weather in Kansas."

"Not so much rain, then?" Merizel asked as she watched Topik drink.

"We get rain, but it's not concentrated into a short period like it is here." Garia looked at the banks as she waited for Snep to finish. "The grass is kept tidy, I see."

"Aye," Keren acknowledged. "If the roadside and the banks of the ditches are left to grow wild then everything would soon choke up and we'd have floods. We have work parties to clear the growth several times a year. Everybody takes part, it is seen as a civic duty to keep the roads clear and usable."

"I was just thinking that. We must have come many marks since we left Dekarran and that's a lot of roadside."

"It's in the interests of the local population to do it, Garia. If they didn't the roads would soon be impassable and the fields under water."

When the frayen had finished drinking they climbed at an angle back to the verge proper and resumed riding towards the wagons again. Garia soon came to a halt and dismounted next to a stone sticking out of the verge.

"I never had a chance to look closely at one of these before," she said as she crouched down in front of it. "These are what you say the... builders of that empire left behind?"

"The Chivans. That's right," Keren replied. "One engraved stone every mark. Or, rather, we measure our marks against the stones they left us. Of course we don't understand their writing so we put our own names and numbers on the stones."

They were like broad, low tombstones, obviously shaped originally by a mason. The surface both sides had been heavily painted with white limewash or similar and then an inscription drawn over the top.

"There's a lot of paint on this," she called up. "I can barely make out the original engraving, except where the sun shines at an angle, and even then it's impossible to read."

"The stones are traditionally repainted every five years," Keren told her. "There are crews which do nothing but go round the roads repainting them. Do you think you'd be able to recognize the original markings, then? What would that tell you?"

"I might be able to recognize them, yes. I'll let you know then what I can deduce from the marks. It's like that brass object from Morlan's laboratory." She didn't want to use the name in front of the two men. "If I can recognize the script I'll know that the Chivans came from... somewhere else entirely, and possibly from which part."

"As you say."

Garia remounted and they rode back to the wagons, where the remaining men were tidying up after refitting the wheel. She dismounted and tied Snep back to their wagon. Jenet joined them.

"You went away at great speed, mistress," she said. "Was it dangerous? Will your beast do that at any time?"

"Not at all, uh, Sara. I think Snep just wanted to show me what he can do. Thinking about it, I don't think we've ever ridden that far before. And," she lowered her voice, "you must make sure I have one of the other bras on, next time! You wouldn't believe what the bouncing up and down will do to your..."

Jenet winced. "I can guess, mistress, all too well. Will you ride now, until we reach the next town?"

"Yes, I think so, Sara. Now I've gotten Snep I ought to ride him, I owe him that much."

"Should you change your bra, then?"

Garia considered. "No, I think I'll be all right now. I don't think we'll be able to go racing off again like we just did."

Jaxen and Sukhana joined them.

"I am impressed, mistress," Jaxen said. "You have good riding skills."

"I learned to ride about eight years ago," Garia said with a smile, "and our beasts are much larger than those here in Alaesia."

He nodded. "That explains much." His eyes slid in Sukhana's direction. "And now I have another who wishes to ride as you do."

"Will it be possible, Buffy?" Sukhana asked anxiously. "You made it seem so easy."

"It's not so easy to begin with," Merizel said. "You have to use muscles you never knew existed and you have to learn how to stay in the saddle by using your balance. If you essay this desire parts of you will become very sore for some days."

Sukhana flushed. "As you say, Karizma. I shall attempt it, though, since it offers me much in return."

"Then you are welcome to try," Garia said. "I suggest, though, that you wait until we reach Blackstone. I don't think we'll have long enough in Tranidor for a saddle to be made for you."

She looked a question at Jaxen and he shook his head.

"One day, I hope, we shall stay there of necessity. Two days if we must."

"That's not long enough to have a saddle made, Sookie. It will take a saddler at least a week, and probably longer since this is a different design than he will be used to."

"He may even object to making you something different," Merizel added. "It wouldn't be the first time we have had trouble like that."

Sukhana's face fell. "As you say, Buffy. Very well, I shall wait impatiently until we reach Blackstone."

With everything reloaded the train set off again. Jaxen wouldn't let Garia or Merizel ride in front of the wagons but permitted them to use the verge alongside. From time to time he or Keren joined them for light conversation.

"Where do we go when we leave Tranidor, Jaxen?"

"That's where we leave the main trade route north, mistress. Tranidor is where three valleys come together. One, the valley of the Sufen goes west and is another important mining region. The Palar which we follow now continues north-west, eventually to end at a low pass which leads to vast areas of grasslands. Do you have such areas on your own world?"

"We do, we call them prairies. There are other names for them in different parts of the world, though. Some call them steppes and others savannah. You have traveled across them, then?"

"Several times, mistress. The road of the old builders goes as far as a city at the northern edge of the grasslands called Tel Botro. We obtain tropical fruit, spices, rare gems and hardwoods there."

"Interesting. Have you been further? What's it like beyond the grasslands?"

"I have, once, but that is a tale for another time, perhaps an evening around the fire, mistress. To answer your original question, there is a third valley leading north from Tranidor, the valley of the river Bray. There is a minor trade route through part of the valley which goes over the mountains to strike east for the coast, but we shall take another road which leads to the head of the valley. There, I believe, we will find Blackstone and the lands the King gave you."

"I see. So, how long will it take us from Tranidor, do you reckon?"

"I have no idea, mistress. Best guess, if I remember my one journey along that trade route, is that it should take us no more than two days."

Garia's brow furrowed with concentration. "Let me see. How far have we managed each day? About thirty-five to forty marks?"

"A little less, mistress, through delays of our own making. We would normally reckon on forty marks for a day's travel on roads such as this but once away from them we might manage no more than twenty-five or thirty. Worse if the weather is poor."

She nodded. "I'm impressed. You're lucky to still have roads like this after all this time."

"As you say, mistress." He paused. "Mistress, I have heard - it may be just a mistaken word overheard by accident - that you might know of the Chivans, the people who built us these roads."

"It's possible," she admitted. "I'm not promising anything, but the setup is remarkably similar to an empire from my homeworld, an empire that lasted... a very long time. They started about twenty five hundred years ago and only finally collapsed about a thousand years ago."

Jaxen's eyes widened. "So long? And they made roads like these?"

"I don't really know, Jaxen. You see, the Romans lived on another continent and where I lived we don't really pay much attention to what they did, not in that way." Seeing his blank expression she added, "You understand how Alaesia is like an enormous island in the middle of the ocean?"

"That is how I have always pictured it, mistress."

"Well, the continent - the big island - that I lived on would be about," she concentrated, "seven thousand marks or so away across the ocean from the one the Romans lived on. They never sailed across that ocean to the one I lived on, and I've never been over there. All the roads and other remains they left are over there, as it were." She smiled at him. "Perhaps that is a tale for an evening around the camp fire, Jaxen."

He gave her a rueful look. "You have given me much to think about, mistress, and I already have much to think about. Perhaps you are right, this is a tale for another time."

At little later she was joined by Keren, who looked thoughtful.

"What now?"

"I've been thinking. About us." He gave her a smile. "I've been wondering, what were my parents thinking, sending both of us off together like this?"

"Well, that was the original plan, wasn't it? I was to journey north to see my new lands, and incidentally find out whether the black rock was what we thought it might be, and you were going to accompany me to provide an escort and incidentally to learn about the lands which will be yours one day."

"As you say. But, Garia, that was before we discovered - mother discovered our... fondness, shall we say. If you remember, both my parents had strong words to say to both of us about the matter, and we were made to swear that it would go no further."

"I remember, how could I possibly forget?"

"But here we are, miles from the city and almost completely unsupervised. I find it difficult to believe that father or mother - especially mother! - allowed us to continue with our original plan like this."

"But... then I was attacked at Dekarran. That changed your father's thoughts, do you remember?"

"I do but that just complicates the puzzle." Keren shook his head. "I just hope that I have no problems this tangled when... I succeed my father." Keren twisted in the saddle to face her. "Garia, I wonder if this is all some kind of test."

Garia stared at him. It was certainly possible. Why had she never thought of that herself?

"You mean, if we can get through this entire journey and return with you," she smirked, "having resisted my feminine charms, then your father will judge you fit? Is that what you mean?"

"That would be one possible test, I agree. But have you considered the alternative? Are they testing whether our... fondness for one another is real, is strong enough to overcome the custom of the Valley? Were it not for your lack of noble blood we would be promised together right now. Which choice will they consider success and which choice failure?"

She stared at him again, this time in horror.

"My God, Keren! How are we supposed to deal with that?"

He shook his head again. "I do not know. I do know that we have until we return to the city to make a decision and that decision is going to change everything, whatever choice we make."

"Oh. Wow. This is so not a good idea. I'm beginning to think Sookie was right, this whole expedition should have been abandoned before it started."

Keren gave her a sympathetic smile. "Aye. But then we wouldn't have had all this fun, would we?"

"Fun? Well, perhaps you're right. Excepting maybe Holville. I can quite manage without having experienced that, thank you."

"As you say."

As the afternoon progressed the hills fell away either side of the valley and ahead Garia could begin to see the twists of smoke which indicated civilization approaching. Although there was some development south of the confluence of the three rivers Tranidor had been established either side of the Palar north of the two joining rivers and that was where most of the town was situated. Their train headed there, reaching the town by crossing one of the many bridges which joined all parts together. As they rode through the streets people took notice of the female riders but it was evident that they were not considered particularly unusual. Jaxen led the wagons to an open courtyard surrounded by three warehouses and a large stable.

"Jaxen! You finally got here, then!"

"Kurdor you old bandit! Of course we did! We had an axle problem barely twenty marks down the road, that's why we're delayed."

"It didn't take you three days to fix an axle, did it? I could have built an entire wagon in that time!"

"Long story - which I might tell you if you buy the beer. Now, we're in a hurry, so -"

The manager of the warehouse complex eyed the dismounting men and women thoughtfully.

"A big party, Jaxen."

"Aye. A special contract I can't really talk about right now."

Kurdor's eyebrows raised. Jaxen rubbed finger and thumb together in a universal gesture and Kurdor nodded.

"Very well. You need to have that axle looked at, don't you?"

"And I've another wagon with a cracked spoke."

Kurdor's eyebrows went up again. "That's not like you, Jaxen."

"As I said, it's complicated. Now, can you get some of your lads to help us unload? There's no trade goods, just trail supplies and personal belongings. We can put most of them in the strong room, we won't need them while we're here."

"Aye, that's what we're here for. What'll you do?"

Jaxen understood the question. "Master Kethen there and the four women, I'll take to the Weaver's Arms, I think. We'll need one of the wagons to take their chests along." Kurdor nodded. "The men, can we put them up here?"

Kurdor did a quick head count. "Too many. I know a cheap inn which can take the extras, though. The Iron Spear, down by the Sufen bridge, do you know it?"

"Aye, that'll do. Any mail turned up for me?"

Kurdor barked a laugh. "You'll not believe what I have for you in the strong room, Jaxen."

"Is that so? Well, let's get this lot organized and we'll see about that beer and swop stories."

~o~O~o~

Garia gazed about their room. They had managed to find one big enough for the four of them, which meant that they could talk and show each other the contents of their chests without having to wander around the inn. Like most town inns this was built around a courtyard, with the common room at the front and the men's dormitory over. At one side was the owner's accommodation with the women's dormitory over, reached by a separate staircase. On the other side was the stables with the staff accommodation over, and making the fourth side was the cookhouse and bakery with a bath house beside it. There were a small number of private rooms for families or small single-gender groups and they had been able to rent one of these.

"It's good that we've been able to get a room together," she said. "It will make it easier for us to talk."

"This is a family room," Sukhana said, looking at the furniture. "Those two beds look a little small to me, more like beds for children."

"I'll take one of those, Sookie," Garia smiled. "After all, I'm not so big, am I? It will only be for one or two nights, after all."

"As you say, Buffy."

"This is a big room, mistress," Jenet said. "Enough room, perhaps to do our Tai Chi in the morning?"

Garia considered the arrangement of the furniture. "I think you're right, Sara. If we're careful, we won't get in each other's way."

"Have we time to bathe before the evening meal?" Merizel asked.

"I would think so," Sukhana replied. "I'll go and ask. If they are cooking the evening meal now there should be plenty of hot water."

Bathing was possible and the four women, wrapped in their thin capes, trooped down a back stairway directly into the bath house.

"Ah! That's good," Merizel said, seeing the steaming tub. "I must admit, certain parts of my body would enjoy a soak right now. I had forgotten just what a day in the saddle does to one's backside."

"Too true," Garia said. Sukhana eyed her critically. "It's fine," Garia soothed. "It's just because you are sitting in a way you wouldn't otherwise do and your body needs time to adapt. After a week you won't notice a thing."

"As she says," Merizel agreed, slipping out of her cape. "Come on, I can't wait to clean the dirt of the road from my body."

"Ah," said Garia as she removed her own robe. "Sara, I think that Kalikan is about to call."

"Shall you need to wash separately, Buffy?"

"Um, not today, Sara, but we'd better start taking precautions from tonight."

Merizel, in the tub, frowned up at Garia. "Strange, I usually notice a change in you just before Kalikan comes. Do you not feel the change in yourself this time?"

"Not this time, though I'm still learning what my body wants to do each month. I wonder if it is the traveling, or perhaps just the riding, which is making a difference."

"It's possible," Sukhana said as she joined the others. "Just riding the wagons can make a difference to me, I've noticed."

"Another thing to file away for reference."

Clean and dressed in fresh gowns from their traveler's wardrobes, they ventured down the front stairs to join other diners in the common room. Keren was already there with Jaxen and he waved them over to their table. Garia had some calculating looks from other women in the room and she thought that might be due to her short hair style. The wife of the inn-keeper hurried over.

"We have a thick soup of gallin with seasonal vegetables, masters and mistresses, grilled fish or slices from a gavakhan we have turning on the spit, both with roast vegetables. Bread, of course, fruit, and anything you choose to drink."

They gave their orders, a serving girl brought their drinks and they settled down to wait for their meals. Other people in the room were eating, drinking and just talking. Two passed by their table and nodded to Jaxen, the second clapping him on the shoulder.

"Where bound this time, my friend?"

"Special commission this time, Halban. We're going up Bray Vale towards Blackstone."

Halban sniffed. "Whatever are you going there for? There's nothing there but a few hill farms and pakh-shaggers. The miners have crawled over that valley for years without finding anything of value."

Garia found it extremely difficult to keep a straight face.

"So I was told," Jaxen replied smoothly. "I've heard - it's only a rumor, mind you - that the Duke has granted part of the land up there to a new baron. It seems that this new lord might have ideas to improve the area."

"Is this him?" Halban indicated Keren. "He's a little young, I grant you -"

"No, no, Halban. This is Master Kethen, the son of a Dekarran trader, who's joined my train to learn the business the proper way. But the Duke asked his father to inspect the lands and he volunteered his son."

"Then why -" Halban raised his hands in resignation. "The ways of nobility just mystify me sometimes. Me, I'm going south, since you ask. I'll see you another time, Jaxen."

"As you say, Halban. Care on your journey."

"As yourself."

Halban gave them a wave and wandered off into the crowd as the inn-keeper and the serving girl appeared with the first of their plates.

"Here you are, ladies and gentlemen. Sorry to keep you waiting, you can see how busy we are. Ah, you are Jaxen, aren't you? I thought I remembered that name."

"Aye, I am Jaxen."

"There was a message, master. I was asked to tell you to call at the Guildhall if you should chance to stay here. The messenger didn't say why, not that it's any of my business."

Jaxen shook his head. "I have no idea why I might be needed there, inn-keeper. Thank you for the message."

Jaxen slipped the man a small coin before he bowed and left. The six began eating.

"The Guildhall?" Keren asked. "Any ideas?"

Jaxen shrugged. "Like I said to the inn-keeper, no idea. Why? Is there something that might be of interest to you, Master Kethen?"

"Possibly. Given the circumstances," Keren looked around to see if anyone was taking a particular interest in their conversation, "yours might be the only name that could be mentioned, do you see? It might not be known exactly who was traveling with you."

Jaxen nodded. "A good point, master. Shall you join me at the Guildhall tomorrow, then?"

Keren grinned. "After we visit the wagon-wright and the local saddler, you mean? Aye, I think so."

The room was crowded and it was easier to eat their meal in silence because of the noise level which rose as the evening went on. Finished and full they sat with the remains of their drinks and talked in low voices with their nearest neighbors. Garia had a thought and leaned towards Jaxen.

"Maybe it's just me being paranoid, Jaxen, but is there anything unusual in the fact it was the two Dekarran wagons which had damage?"

"The thought had crossed my mind, mistress. It is unusual. But... I would think that the castle would keep their carriages and wagons maintained to a high degree, wouldn't you?"

"That's what I thought. So, is it accident or is it design? What would have happened if that bearing had seized up?"

"We would have been stuck on the road for some days, mistress. Depending how bad the damage was, it may have needed a wagon to come here to Tranidor and fetch back a new axle, possibly a new wheel as well." Jaxen took a gulp from his tankard. "The other problem, the spoke, if that had shattered the wheel may have disintegrated with no warning at all. Then we would have needed a replacement wheel sent out, with more delays. The wagon itself may have been damaged as well."

Sukhana leaned forward, her expression angry. "You two saying that those were deliberate? For what purpose?"

Garia sighed. "We'll tell you, Sookie, but not here. Too many flapping ears. Let's just say it may have been a careful choice of wagon in the castle, intended to delay us somewhere along the way. Looks like we spotted the problems in time, though." She turned to Jaxen. "You'll be alert in future?"

"Of course, mistress, especially now that we know there may be mischief in the air."

Keren joined in. "The two wagoneers are both Dekarrans, aren't they? Do we trust them?"

Jaxen shrugged. "Of all our men those are the ones we know least about, master. I would not accuse without proof, however. Others may have set this snare."

The conversation was brought to an abrupt halt by an explosion of voices at the far end of the room, away from the dining tables. Chairs were knocked over, tankards and plates went flying and it was plain a brawl had just begun. Many rose from their chairs, Keren included.

"Up, all of you! We have to get out of here. Out, into the courtyard."

The six forced their way through the crowded room and out through the back door to the courtyard, gathering to one side under the veranda.

"We could have handled ourselves, Kethen," Garia said, although she was pleased to be out of the trouble.

"Aye, we could indeed," he replied. "But the town would have been talking about the affair for weeks after, wouldn't they? You can bet our style of fighting would be remarked upon. And we are supposed to be blending in, aren't we?"

"Yes, of course. Sorry, I'm not thinking straight."

The inn-keeper bustled out of the door and spotted the group.

"Ah! There you are, master. I'm sorry about this, we don't often have fights in the common room. I see you managed to get the women out in time."

"I thought it best, inn-keeper. You can handle the trouble?"

"Of course, master. For such a happening my male servants are all strong and experienced in the trade, though I have also sent for the watch, as is required. Shall you retire now, master?"

"We'll talk out here for a little if you don't object, inn-keeper. If Jaxen and I retire, we won't have much rest with that going on beneath us."

"As you say, master. If you'll excuse me, I'd better be returning to the fray now."

He gave them a short bow and then disappeared through the door.

"Looks like our evening just ended," Sukhana said. "Perhaps we'll retire now?"

"As you say, Sookie," Jaxen agreed. "The master and I will stay here for a while and consider all that has happened today. We'll see you in the morning."

"Then good night to you both, Jaxen, Master Kethen."

"Good night, ladies."

After a morning visiting wagonwright, saddler and guildhall the company return to their inn to read the mail which has accumulated for them. While they are there, two new members join the party, but are either to be trusted? Garia discovers a down side of the Call of Kalikan.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Boss."

"Yes." Moriskin lowered the parchment he was reading and looked at the door-keeper. "What is it this time?"

"There's a wagonmaster outside says you left a message for him to come here. Name's Jaxen."

"Oh, yeah, I remember." Moriskin frowned. That was a strange business. He put down the document and rose, heading for the shelf where he kept pending letters. "Well, what are you waiting for? Show him in."

The man licked his lips nervously. "Er, boss, he has children with him. A boy and two girls."

Moriskin started, then shrugged. These wagon folk were strange and had some odd customs. Perhaps he had a family who had to tag round with him. Nevertheless -

He noticed the door-keeper hadn't finished. "What?"

"Uh, there's eight armed men with them and they're all mounted."

"What the -"

Resigning himself to spending time on the interruption he stomped towards the door, gesturing the keeper to precede him. Outside the front of the building he found quite a crowd, mostly heavily armed men. The 'children' weren't quite what he had assumed, the young man and at least one of the girls were clearly old enough to be adults. Two of the men had dismounted and one approached him with a smile.

"I'm Jaxen, Senior Wagonmaster to Master Tanon of Palarand. I received a message at our inn that there was some business here for me."

"Well, yes, that's true enough. I'm Moriskin, the local guild representative." Moriskin frowned. "Guild rules, as you know, mean I cannot allow females inside our doors. Why are you..?" He waved an arm about, indicating the armed escort.

"Ah! Your pardon, guildsman, we have just come from visiting the local saddler and are on our way back to our lodgings. The guildhall was on our way, I thought I'd save time." Jaxen turned about, studying the vicinity. "If you object to our ladies entering your premises, perhaps we can make use of a room in yonder inn?"

Moriskin was beginning to feel a little confused. This man had no idea why he had been asked to come, yet he apparently insisted on taking these young women with him wherever he went?

"It's not that important. I have here a letter from the Guild Hall in Palarand asking me to assign two guildsmen to your party when you arrive. Can I ask when you'll be leaving? I can send the two to wherever you are staying now that I know you have arrived in Tranidor."

"One of our wagons had a failing bearing on the way so we are delayed until tomorrow," Jaxen said. "We'll probably be leaving immediately after breakfast." Jaxen scratched his head. "Two men? Does your letter give any details why we have been asked to take them with us?"

Moriskin shrugged. "No idea. For that matter, I have no idea where you are bound, or for how long. How shall I instruct them to pack?"

"Ah. I am on a special commission for Master Kethen's father, who is a Dekarran trader. We expect to be away perhaps four weeks but it may be longer. We'd certainly expect to be back here before winter sets in. We have wagons so they will not need pack animals, provided they can get their gear to our inn. We are presently in the Weaver's Arms. I can send some men for their gear if there is need."

Moriskin shook his head. "No, both reside in the town, they and their gear can find their own way as far as the Weaver's Arms. And I notice you carefully didn't mention exactly where it is you are bound."

Jaxen smiled at Moriskin. "No, I carefully didn't, guildsman. Do you object?"

"This is a commercial venture, then? Customary percentages to the Guild, and so on?"

"I would imagine so, yes." Jaxen turned to the other dismounted person, the young man, who nodded. "Yes, that appears to be satisfactory. We will provide food, bedding and shelter as required for your men and their beasts and a certain amount of spending money whenever it becomes necessary. We will of course pay the guild the usual daily fee for their hire."

The young man spoke then. "We do not know why we have been asked to take these two men with us, guild master, but if your instructions come from Palarand I can think of good reasons for it. May I ask, were these men named in your letter?"

"They were, young master."

"Then we may ask them to sign contracts before we return to Tranidor. Does this concern you?"

"It is a fairly common commercial practice, young master. Such contracts will have to be ratified by a Guildmaster before they become legal, though, so you must needs bring them to the guildhall on your return."

For some reason the younger of the two women grinned then.

"Then, if there is nothing more, our business here is finished," Jaxen said. "Send your men to the Weaver's Arms. I shall instruct the inn-keeper to put them up tonight, it will save time tomorrow morning."

He leaned forward and clasped arms with Moriskin, then turned. Moriskin watched the two men mount again, then watched as the party rode away along the street, the women carefully shielded by the armed men. Shaking his head he turned to enter the guildhall again.

"Boss? There's something funny about the way those people ride."

"What? Yes, you're right. Well that wagonmaster did say they had been to the saddler, didn't he?"

"As you say, boss."

"Send runners to find Bezan and Yarling, tell them to come here so I can speak to them."

"At once, guildmaster. Uh, guildmaster, Yarling's not going to like this, is he?"

"No, but he was named in that letter from Palarand, so he has to do what he's told. Get him here, we need to make sure he knows what we expect from him."

~o~O~o~

"That went better than I expected."

"You imagined something like what happened in Dekarran?"

"As you say, Kethen. Smart move, handling it like this, we didn't get too involved."

"I wonder what was in that letter? I'd like to know what surprises the Guild Hall are dropping on us."

"Perhaps the Guild Hall wrote us as well. Perhaps there may be something in that huge bag Jaxen has hanging from his frayen."

"He did have a lot of mail, didn't he? We'll find out when we get back to the inn."

They made their way back to the Weaver's Arms. Garia dismissed her men back to their lodgings and the rest went straight in because it was nearly lunch time. Jaxen arranged a night's lodging for the two extra men and engaged a downstairs room for the afternoon, because he expected that they would all spend it inspecting papers and writing letters to go back south. Before they sat down to lunch Jenet and Sukhana returned from a fruitful morning in the local market. Dropping their bundles of purchases in the room the four women shared they joined the others around the lunch table.

"What did you get, Sara?"

"Some more scarves, mistress. Some extra cloths for, uh, your Call. Sookie bought most that we brought back."

Sukhana said, "I bought some cloth, Buffy, for making one or maybe two of those skirts you ride in and some other cloth for making breeches."

"Don't forget the leather, Sookie."

"Oh, no, I won't forget that, especially at those prices! I have leather for the breeches, and I thought of using some of the offcuts to start making boot scabbards for our knives."

"That won't work," Jaxen objected. "You'd need fairly stiff leather for a scabbard and I'm sure our knives will be too long."

Sukhana waved a dismissive hand. "Details, brother. There are enough other odds and ends about I can manage. What have you all done this morning?"

"We went to the wagonwright when we left here, the axle will need to be replaced but he had one on hand. It will be ready for us tomorrow. The wheel with the cracked spoke is another matter. Picking the wheel apart, turning a new spoke and re-making the wheel will take all day. The smith will try and finish today but there are no promises."

"Can you use another wheel?" Garia asked. "Where I come from, it is customary for our vehicles to carry a spare wheel but that wouldn't be practical with a cart, would it? Do you have spares in the warehouse?"

"The wheels are all of a standard size," Jaxen mused. "We might borrow one off another wagon, if any were available. I expect ours to be ready when we need it, though, no need to worry." He gave Garia a sharp glance. "I could ask many, many questions about... vehicles... which all carry an extra wheel just in case one breaks, but I suspect I wouldn't understand the answers."

Garia smiled. "Yes, it wasn't a clever thing for me to say, was it?"

The inn-keeper interrupted to take their orders for food and drink. When he had departed Jaxen resumed.

"After leaving the wheelwright we went to the saddler, who was just as difficult as the mistress foretold. He saw no reason to clutter his mind with new designs of saddle," he grinned, "until I pointed out there were eleven frayen with just that type of saddle right outside his door, and likely to be more appearing from the south with every day that passed. He took the point immediately and, in fact, once he had tried climbing onto the young master's frayen, seemed to have had a change of mind."

"He will begin making saddles for us?" Sukhana asked.

"For you, you mean. Aye, that was my first request, of course. He used Sara's saddle for a pattern but what you might do if it doesn't fit I don't know. He'll send the saddle on the first wagon which goes in our direction so you might see it in a week if you are lucky. Ah! The food."

They busied themselves with their lunch for a while. When the inn-keeper came back to check that all was satisfactory he noticed their tableware.

"Master Jaxen, I see you have brought some of the new forks with you. Might I ask if you have any to spare? I am willing to pay a very good price."

"Regrettably not, friend. We have barely enough for one each and there so few even my men do not have any. Do not the local metalsmiths make them?"

"They are very busy, master. I have placed an order, but..." he raised his arms in a shrug. "I thought, maybe..."

"The problem, friend, is that everybody wants them. If I could find any down south and bring them up for you next time I came then I would, but there are none to be had. I only managed to get these few because I know the person who invented them."

"Oh. A pity, wagonmaster. I'll leave you to enjoy your meal, then."

The inn-keeper retreated and Jaxen looked at the expressions on his companion's faces.

"What? As it happens," he grinned, "I do know the person who invented these, do I not?"

"Not quite 'invented', perhaps, but near enough," Garia murmured.

Sukhana asked, "Did you go to the Guild Hall, brother? What did they want with us?"

"I'm not entirely certain, Sookie. The local guildmaster had a letter from headquarters which asked him to send two men with us. I have no idea why, perhaps there is a message for one of us in that mass of letters I collected."

"Two men?"

"Yes, they'll be joining the train. I've asked that they stay here tonight so that we can leave promptly in the morning. That will give us an opportunity to meet them in advance."

"Usual extortionate guild rates?"

"Come now, Sookie, be charitable. They have to make their loot somehow."

"I've a feeling," Garia said reflectively, "that any plans the guilds here might make have a very slim chance of happening the way they expect."

Keren smiled. "Aye! I particularly liked that 'ratified by a guildmaster' statement he made. I wonder if he believes everything he reads that comes from Palarand. If not he is in for a shock."

They all gathered in a private downstairs room and Jaxen upended the bag over the table, producing a cascade of letters and packages. He stared moodily at the pile.

"You'll have to excuse me, masters and mistresses, since I believe every single one of these is addressed to me. At least the covers are, so until I break the seals we'll have no idea who gets what."

"As you say, Jaxen," Keren said.

"Get on with it, brother," Sukhana said more bluntly. "I want to know who all these are from."

Jaxen began opening the covers, some of parchment and others of oiled canvas, cutting the yellow ribbon which bound each package with a knife. As he discarded the wrapper and read what was on the next layer he passed the contents to one of the others. Soon Keren, Garia and Jaxen had the largest piles but even Merizel and Jenet received some. A fuming Sukhana was the only person who had nothing. The others began opening and reading their own piles, Garia and Keren sorting theirs into date order to make sure that the contents made sense.

Jaxen's first letter came from Tanon and confirmed the addition of two men to their party.

"You'll probably find something in one of your letters explaining who these two are and why we apparently need them to come along," he said.

"Yes, I have it here," Garia said, holding up a letter. "This is from the Guild Hall in Palarand, from Guildmaster Hurdin. If I'm reading this right he thought it would be a good idea if we had a miner and a mason along. Now, I don't think these two actually dig ore or chisel stone blocks, they have other specialties. One of them is what I'd call a geologist, that is, someone who has made a study of different rocks and ground features. He also knows how to plan a mine out, as it were. Where to put the entrance, how to build access roads and what to do with the spoil, details like that. The other one is also a planner, but of buildings, roads and bridges. I think that Hurdin expects our journey to be successful if he is sending people like this along with us."

"They are putting a lot of faith in your description of the rock you seek," Jaxen said.

"Not really," she replied. "Remember, we asked for and were sent a wagon-load of coal just before the rains began. We know that it is really there, it's just a question of how much and how easy it will be to get out."

She put the letter down and turned to Keren.

"You know, I hadn't really thought through the implications of what we are going to do up there. Equally, somebody in the Guild Hall has, thank goodness. This could end up being huge. Keren, they're sending us a town planner. All my thoughts have been on what we intended to do with the coal, I never really considered just what will happen to Blackstone itself."

"As you say. I would keep silent about that part of the project for now, Garia. We cannot plan until we reach Blackstone and we may face considerable resistance."

"What about the questions?" Sukhana asked. "Those two men are sure to be curious about this journey. Shall you answer them?"

Jaxen shook his head. "We won't need to, Sookie. It's a commercial contract and they'll understand the need for secrecy, at least until we get out of Tranidor. After that -" he shrugged. "They'll be committed, whatever happens."

They continued reading the mail. Garia had one from Robanar and two from Terys. The Queen was obviously feeling lonesome with all the young people missing from the palace. Her letters were much like any that a mother would write to a traveling daughter. She was interrupted by a squeak from Merizel.

"What's up, Merry? Who's your letter from?"

Merizel was red-faced. "It's from Terinar," she said. "I, uh, I think I'd better leave this one to read later."

"Terinar," Sukhana said. "Is he that young man who brought Sara down to the bunkhouse at Dekarran?" The look on Merizel's face told her everything. "Ah, I see. It appears that Buffy is not the only person with a romantic problem, is she?"

"Don't, Sookie," pleaded Merizel. "This is difficult enough as it is. For both of us."

"As you say." Sukhana smiled. "I mean no harm, kid, to either of you."

Some of Keren's packages had enclosures and he piled them to one side as he read his letters. One he passed to Garia.

"This is for you, from father," he said. She unfolded it and discovered an ornately-scribed document with an enormous seal at the bottom. Keren explained, "It is an official copy of your right to the title of Baroness. Father thought it might be a good idea to have something with you to wave in people's faces should we have need."

She read through it briefly and added it to her own pile, picking out one of her own.

"I have this, also," she said. "It's a copy of my right to the title of Guildmistress, probably for similar reasons. What's the betting your father and Hurdin had a conversation?"

Keren grinned. "No bet at all. At least, if it comes to a fight and we run out of arrows we can hit them with all these weighty documents."

Garia found another letter that made her first chuckle, then giggle, then burst out laughing. She waved it at Keren.

"It's from Tarvan, bringing me up to date with developments on the electrical side. Do you know he now has a new assistant?"

"I quite believe he may have a new assistant, but why..?" he asked, mystified.

Merizel made the connection and burst out laughing.

"Milsy!"

"Exactly! Tarvan said they met in the palace by accident and she became interested in his descriptions of what he was doing. Apparently she can now run the steam engine for demonstrations on her own and understood electricity far quicker than he did. She's better at winding coils for motors, as well. I guess that's Milsy's future sorted out, once we get back to the palace."

Keren smiled. "That's good news, Garia. I had wondered what might become of our young actress."

"Tarvan says she is learning to read and has started doing the Tai Chi in the mornings with the palace guard, as he is now doing himself." Garia paused. "I hope those two aren't going to distract one another too much."

"I don't think so, Garia. They have a common interest, do they not? It will be something for them to explore together."

"Do you know, it never occurred to me what might happen when those two met, and they were bound to meet sooner or later." She giggled again. "Oh dear, I hope I'm not starting a trend."

Keren favored her with an old-fashioned look.

Sukhana asked, "Who are you talking about, Buffy?"

"Um, Milsy is the girl who went back to the palace with the royal party pretending to be me. Obviously, we found someone about my height and size although otherwise we don't look much alike. We cut her hair short and dressed her in my gowns so that from a distance onlookers would think it was me."

"She was a kitchen servant in the castle," Keren added. "She was just washing pots and peeling vegetables but it became plain once we came to know her that she is very bright. I wonder just how many other talented men and women there are hidden away in Palarand, just doing routine jobs or tending fields or animals? Our country is ill-served by the barriers we build round ourselves."

"I would stop right there if I were you," Garia cautioned. "You're touching a subject which might inflame passions in other company. It is something I ought to have explained in more detail at one of our council meetings but we've always had so much else to discuss. Trust me on this, Keren."

"As you wish, Garia." But Keren's face expressed puzzlement.

I don't know what to do about this. Along with the Industrial Revolution is probably going to come another revolution of a different sort. Problem is, if it follows the pattern of Earth then it could be unpleasant and bloody, something we just don't need right now. I don't want Palarand's monarchy to be butchered like the French or Russian ones were, I want them to understand what their people are likely to do and help engineer a new society that will be more balanced than this one is. There are constitutional monarchies on Earth and from what I remember most of those are stable and balanced. Palarand seems like the kind of place that idea might work in the future. For now, we just have to go with the flow.

A little later Keren held up another letter with an enclosure. "This one is from Uncle Gil. There's been no word concerning the search for those men, not that any expected there to be. This document," he made an odd smile, "I'll keep for later."

"Hmm? What's so special about that one?"

"Uncle Gil has given me temporary extra powers to handle any extreme problems that might arise. Essentially I'm acting as his agent while we're in the Bray valley. From what's happened so far I can't see the need for such a heavy hand but as always, it will be a useful thing to have if it becomes necessary."

"Oh, I see. As you say."

Sukhana said, "Sara, you do not read your letters?"

"Sookie, I cannot. I do not have the art."

Jaxen said, "Sister? Shall you not read Mistress Sara's letter to her?"

"Brother, I am little better than she. I can name the letters and barely write my name but reading is a struggle. I have not had the need to read and write as you have done."

"Then we must make sure that both of you can read by the time we return," Keren said. "It is clear to me from Garia's example that reading and writing will permit you to learn much more and you will be happier for it." He turned to Jaxen. "I would like the men to be able to read and write as well. One day all in Palarand will be taught to read and write at a young age, it will be a necessary skill for finding one's way in that which is to come. Us older folk," he smiled, "will be at a disadvantage if we do not keep up with them."

Jaxen nodded. "Most of the men are of a practical bent, as you may realize, but most will welcome the chance to broaden their knowledge. I will consider what needs to be done, master."

Garia stared at her last letter in dismay. "Oh, no!"

Everybody else stopped reading and looked at her.

"What's wrong, Garia?" Keren asked.

"This is from Master Gerdas," she explained, waving the paper. "Either his writing is terrible or his scribe is unwell but I think I understand what he is proposing. He's apparently been speaking with other astronomers, that is star-gazing Questors," she explained for the benefit of the others, "and they have all decided to change their method of describing and cataloging the night sky. They plan to use the three-hundred sixty degree circle and twenty-four hour system that Earth uses instead of the current system."

Keren thought briefly then nodded. "I understand, I think. But what's the problem?"

Garia sighed. "I tried so very hard to avoid this. I didn't want everything here to be just an imitation of what we do on Earth. Some of what we do isn't that good, you see. I'd kinda hoped that given a fresh start we might do something better here."

"Aye, I do see. You wanted to use the opportunity to benefit from Earth's mistakes. But, surely, whatever makes astronomy more efficient must be of benefit to us? It will only affect astronomers, won't it?"

"Sadly, no. One of the people they've been talking to is Master Parrel, because to use the new system they will need accurate clocks which measure the time in twenty-fourths of a day rather than twentieths. It seems Master Parrel did some math - using the 'Garian' numbers, naturally - and discovered that making a clock that way is actually easier than the old way. I'm sorry, everyone, but in a few years every clock in Alaesia will probably show twenty-four hours a day, not twenty bells."

Jaxen frowned. "Mistress, shall you explain to the rest of us? What will this mean?"

Garia put her letter down. "Jaxen, I'm going to have to give you some background. I think we have time before we have to go upstairs and change. It's like this..."

The afternoon passed. The letters were all examined and bundled, the covers and some unwanted mail being burnt in the fireplace. A serving girl brought pel and pastries, when she came to collect the empties there was a message.

"Master Jaxen? A man awaits you in the common room, if you please."

"Ah. The first of our men. Thank you, dear. If you would ask him to join us in here? We are expecting another, shall you also send him here when he arrives."

"As you wish, master."

The girl turned to go but Keren stopped her.

"Take these mugs and plates to the kitchen first, would you? Then bring the young man." He smiled at the girl. "That way we will have a moment or two to tidy up."

She curtseyed. "As you wish, master."

When the door closed Keren said, "What shall we do with this guildsman? Should we say anything about our project yet?"

"Leave it to me, master," Jaxen replied. "I may not have the experience that Master Tanon had in such matters but this will be a normal business arrangement and we do not have to say very much just yet. We just need to make him welcome."

"As you say."

The door opened and the guildsman entered. Garia estimated he might have been in his mid-twenties, shorter and more slender than Keren but that still allowed him to look fit and well-balanced. He had light brown hair with a slight hint of red. He closed the door and bowed, uncertain who was in charge.

"Greetings. I am told that one of you gentlemen is Jaxen? My name is Bezan, and I am from the Guild of Masons."

"That would be me. Will you join us, Master Bezan? Take a chair wherever you wish to sit."

"Thank you, sir."

Bezan took a chair between Jenet and Sukhana, since they had been sitting closest to the door. He frowned.

"Sir, I do not know what I do in this company. I understand that I was specifically requested to join you by Guildmaster Hurdin himself, if you can believe such a thing."

"Aye, I believe it. I can explain some of what we are about, Master Bezan, but I regret that certain details must wait until we have departed Tranidor." Bezan nodded. "I am a wagonmaster for the trader Master Tanon, who you may have heard of." Bezan nodded again. "I lead a train of four wagons on a special commission for... a party I may not name right now. As an agent of that party, we are led by Master Kethen here." Jaxen gestured. "As to your own task with our company, I cannot help you. When we left... from the south we had no idea that you and another would be asked to join us. It may be that your purpose will become clear in time."

Bezan nodded again. "As you say, Master Jaxen. I am not too troubled by the prospect. We go where we are needed. As a miner must go where the ore is, so a mason must go where building is required. Can you tell me anything now about the task we face? How long might I be away from Tranidor, for example."

"We do not know, Master Bezan. Perhaps four weeks, perhaps more. We would expect to be returned here before the winter begins, if that is a worry to you."

"Please, just Bezan, sir. I am not yet experienced enough to be called Master within my guild. Yes, my parents reside in Tranidor and neither are well. I do not grudge the fact that I must travel but I would wish to return when I may."

Jaxen smiled. "I'm sure there would be no difficulty there, Bezan. And I am no Master either, just Jaxen will do."

Bezan looked around the table, curious as to why there were four women seated around it.

"These women will be traveling with us," Jaxen explained. "I may not yet give you reason but the one to your left is my sister Sukhana and she is an experienced traveler with the caravans."

Bezan bowed briefly while sitting. "Mistress." His gaze became fixed on Garia. "Mistress, I feel I should know you."

Oh great. There had to be someone who recognized me, didn't there?

Keren leaned forward. "Bezan, it is important that you do not reveal to anyone what you may think you know about us. To anyone. To do so might put one or more of us in mortal danger."

Bezan looked surprised at the unwelcome implication.

"Master... Kethen, was it? The guild has taught me well to keep secrets. I shall not bare my thoughts to any person."

"Even your fellow guildsman, when he arrives?"

"If you so desire, master, then I shall not speak to any until you give me leave." He continued looking thoughtfully at Garia. "I will mention, however, that I have recently been at the Guild Hall in Palarand itself." He held up a hand to forestall Keren's comment. "If this party is who I believe it to be, then," he smiled, "I look forward eagerly to the enterprise!"

Busted! But fortunately by someone who appears to be on our side. On the surface, at least.

"Be very careful, Bezan," Garia said. "We do not know who we may trust." She smiled. "Pleased you can join our company. I am called Buffy, and this is my sister Karizma and our aunt Sara."

Bezan stood then and bowed properly. "As you say, mistress." But his tone indicated that he thought that they were aliases.

It began to darken since the afternoon was progressing so they decided to head for their rooms to make ready for the evening meal. Keren and Jaxen took Bezan with them as they went up to the men's dormitory. By unspoken consent all the documentation went with the women since it appeared that the room they shared would be more secure than the long open room the men shared. Jaxen was called by a servant just before the evening meal was ready with a message that the other guildsman had arrived. Two of the inn's manservants carried his chests up to the dormitory as the others gathered round the table they shared.

This man was older than Bezan. Garia put him in his mid thirties, with dark hair already receding at the front. Taller, with broad shoulders and deep-set eyes, she disliked him immediately. It appeared the feeling was mutual.

"Master Jaxen, I believe? I was told to come here and report to you. I understand you are taking a wagon train somewhere?"

"That's right. And you are..?"

"Your pardon. I'm Yarling, of the miner's guild." He scowled. "Can you tell me what this is about? I've been dragged off a job up the Sufen to join you."

"Please join our table, Yarling." Jaxen remembered Bezan's comments. "Or should we call you Master Yarling?"

"Aye, I'm entitled to it but there's no real point, is there? Yarling will do."

He sat down and looked expectantly at Jaxen, ignoring everyone else.

"It will be a commercial contract, I expect. I can't say more for a day or two because of that. We leave immediately after breakfast tomorrow morning. Around four weeks, maybe longer, we don't know yet. Let me introduce you to the rest of the company. I'm wagonmaster, as you know, but Master Kethen here represents those who hired us. This is my sister Sukhana, this is Karizma, her sister Buffy and their aunt Sara. Oh, and this is Bezan, who is also a guildsman. He joins us today as you do."

Yarling briefly nodded to the others then returned his gaze back to Jaxen. He stared at the wagonmaster for a moment then relented and sat back in his chair.

"Oh, what's the use? You're not to blame. This whole business smells of a screw-up in the guildhall to me. I just hope this job better be worth it, that's all."

"You'll be paid the standard contracted rates until we return to Tranidor," Jaxen said, but Yarling dismissed that with a wave.

"It's not the money, wagonmaster. It's doing half a job then getting pulled away before it is finished. I likes to finish what I started."

"As do we all, guildsman. I take it you are reluctant to leave your last job?"

"As you suggest, wagonmaster. There are two mines drifted into the hillside along the Sufen, my task was to join them and make better use of the shafts, thus increasing production. I was halfway through the project when this summons came, so aye, I resent what has happened. Now another must take charge and there will be delay while he understands the work to be done."

"You would rather return to your mineshafts?" Keren asked.

"I would, master, but I must obey the directions of my guild, as must all guildsmen." He flushed. "You must not think that I will prove less diligent in your own project, master. I am merely annoyed by the sudden uprooting."

"As would I be, guildsman."

Jaxen gave a wry smile. "If it helps, guildsman, I, too was pulled from another train to lead this caravan. I feel sure that you will not be disappointed by the work we may have for you."

Yarling seemed to take note of the women for the first time.

"So many women in the company? This is unusual."

"My sister is employed from time to time by Master Tanon. These others are merely traveling in the same direction as we so are passengers, although they also have a stake in what we propose to do."

Yarling inspected each woman, giving Garia a hard stare but saying nothing.

The food was served and they set about the business of eating. When most of them produced forks Bezan smiled, dug into his pouch and pulled out a fork of his own.

"I see you also have souvenirs from Palarand," he said.

Yarling looked at the strange metal implements. "I have heard of these things," he said, "this is the first time I have seen them, though. How are they used?"

"You'll just have to watch us eat, I'm afraid," Keren told him. "I regret we have no spares or I would offer you one. It seems that every person in Palarand wishes to own a fork these days."

"They look simple enough," Yarling said. "I do not think, however, that I shall have time to have one made before we depart." He shrugged and picked up his own spoon and knife. "Perhaps somewhere along the way."

The meal progressed to a conclusion and the diners sat back with goblet and tankard while the servants cleared the rest away. Talk was light because the existing members of the company didn't want to give anything away so found it difficult to think of safe subjects while the two guildsmen had as yet little in common with the others to hold a meaningful conversation.

The inn-keeper came by to ask if all was well.

"I heard word, Master Jaxen," he added, "that you planned to travel by Blackstone this time. I think you should take care around those parts, the locals are said to be very odd, as people in remote areas often are. Why it is even said they are so stupid that they burn rocks to keep themselves warm each winter!"

Jaxen smiled. "I'm sure we'll take the care we usually do, inn-keeper. I thank you for your warning, though."

When that worthy had moved off Yarling leaned forward, his face angry. "Blackstone? Is that where we are going? I've been up there, there is nothing! " He leaned back, crossing his arms in displeasure. "This entire business is a complete screw-up! I shall make my displeasure known at the earliest opportunity! What a complete waste of a month of my time!"

Jaxen became serious. "Shame on you, guildsman! Did you really think we would go somewhere where it is known that there are no ores? This is merely misdirection to conceal our true destination."

And what a beautiful statement that was, mused Garia.

Yarling looked contrite. Briefly.

"Wagonmaster, I must apologize. You know your job as I know my own. I should immediately have understood that you would dangle false bait for those who might wish to take advantage of you."

The presence of Yarling had soured the mood somewhat so any thought of staying in the common room soon faded. By now, the place was beginning to fill up in any case, with various groups appearing to buy food or, more often, drink. Jaxen twitched his head and they all rose, Bezan saying to Yarling that he would help him get settled for the night.

The group made their way to the rear door and reached it just as another group came in from the courtyard. This was a group of men about Bezan's age, dressed in rough work clothes and obviously in need of a drink... and more. One of them leaned forward and grabbed Garia's arm.

"Hey, sweetie! Come and sit with me and we'll have some fun!"

Some of his companions had realized she was with a fairly large group and tried to restrain the man but he persisted. Garia found that she couldn't easily shake his grip on her arm. Full of food and drink, and with Kalikan beginning to make itself felt on her breasts and stomach, she didn't want to use her abilities if she could avoid it.

So she twisted in his grip and hacked his shin with her boot.

"Ow!"

The man let go and reached down with a hand. Garia stepped back just as Keren stepped forward. Their eyes met and she shook her head, indicating that they should try and keep things calm.

"You tore my hose!" the man complained. Then, as he brought his hand up, he discovered it was wet. "Hey! There's blood on my hand! I'm bleeding!"

Sukhana stepped in front of him and put her hands on her hips.

"Serves you right, idiot! You don't go messing with traveling women if you know what's good for you." She smiled nastily at him. "Especially one who's wearing boots with steel toecaps!"

Everybody's eyes went down but of course the metal was hidden beneath the knitted covering and not easy to see in the poor light. The man's lips thinned with anger and he stamped down on Garia's boot, only to have his foot bounce off it. Sukhana slapped him.

"And that is for calling me a liar!"

"What's going on here?" The inn-keeper bustled up, a towel in his hands.

"This oaf tried to molest us as we were leaving," Sukhana said. "He got a kick on the shins and a slap for his troubles. Is there a problem?"

"Not at all, mistress. You, you're all banned from the inn. Go and get your belongings and find somewhere else to stay. These are respectable people and I won't have have this house turned into a fighting-pit. Now be off with you."

The group turned and went out the door again, voices beginning to be raised as they rounded on the man who Garia had kicked. The inn-keeper turned to Jaxen.

"I apologize for that, Master Jaxen. We normally run a quiet establishment but I can't check every single person who asks for lodging."

"No harm done," Jaxen said. "Fortunately, we can mostly look after ourselves but we do try to steer clear of trouble when we can. Here, you're going to lose custom by this, perhaps this might help."

Jaxen fished out some coins and dropped them into the inn-keeper's hand.

"Why, thank you, sir! And good-evening to you!"

They went out into the courtyard and stood, uncertain. The men didn't want to climb to the dormitory while the other group were still around and the women didn't want to leave them there. Finally they split into small groups, scattered along the darkened cloister which ran round the courtyard. Keren stood with Garia, with Jenet and Merizel just near enough to provide modesty.

"Oh, Keren!" she muttered in a low voice. Abandoning all pretense, she wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest. "That was awful."

"A good idea, to keep our skills concealed," he said. "Are you injured?"

"I'll probably have a bruise on my arm," she replied. "Oh, it's the Call, everything is so much more sensitive and I've just eaten. I didn't know what to do."

"That's all right," he said, gathering her in. "That's what we men are here for, isn't it? To look after the women when they can't defend themselves."

"It's just so... horrible, not being able to do anything. I've always been able to look after myself, and now this..."

"Don't worry now, it's over. Tomorrow, we will be on the road again... I've been meaning to ask, will you ride, seeing as how Kalikan..?"

"I don't think it makes much difference, Keren. Whether I sit on a saddle, ride on a wagon or just walk alongside the same thing is going to happen inside my body. I might just as well sit on a frayen as anything else - and it stops Snep feeling miserable as well." She looked up at his face. "Thank you for being concerned. I never understood what happened to girls when - this - happened to them. I have to keep reminding myself that it is all perfectly natural."

"As you say." He decided to try and take her mind off the subject. "What do you think about Yarling? Is he going to be trouble?"

"How should I know? He's annoyed at being dragged away from whatever he was doing but whether there's something else going on I don't know. I'm not old enough to have that kind of experience of men and I don't think you are either. Let's wait until we get on the road. The men will soon sniff out any bad fruit. And, for what it's worth, we should keep an eye on the other one, Bezan, as well. Just because he seems helpful now is no guarantee he's not going to be unhelpful in the future."

"Aye." He frowned, although she couldn't make it out in the gloom. "You're becoming quite cautious, aren't you? What happened to the adventurer?"

"Oh, she's still there. I can't wait to get out on the road either. It's just that we're starting to pick up some unknown faces and we can't trust them yet. First it was the two wagoneers, now it's these two guildsmen."

There was a clatter from the stairs and Keren drew her back into the darker shadows, turning her so that his body hid her from sight. The men came down with their bags, closely followed by a manservant who had made sure they hadn't stolen anything from other lodgers. The group apparently never noticed those who were standing around in the shadows. They went out the carriage entrance to the street, still arguing about whose fault it was and now they had to look for somewhere else to lodge. With a sigh Keren released Garia.

"There. Perhaps we should retire now. I expect tomorrow will be a long day."

"Yes. And we're nearly there. Will our problems end once we arrive, or will they start?"

He shrugged. "Who knows? Sleep well, Garia."

"Good night, Keren."

The caravan leaves Tranidor on the last stage of the company's journey to Blackstone. All goes well until Garia spots something that has to be investigated... which leaves her literally in a mess. A chance find and a mellow evening around the campfire help to restore calm to the travelers.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

It was for the best, as it happened. Garia needed extra time in the morning to prepare herself for the day's ride, two wagons needed to be brought and loaded with the chests of eight people and their frayen had to be fed, watered and harnessed ready for the day. This meant that it was well after the usual time when the wagons left the inn, which in turn meant that the streets were not as crowded.

Along the way they met up with the men who had been lodged some distance from the warehouse. Finally, the other two wagons rolled out of the warehouse complex - after hasty but careful fitting of the rebuilt wheel - and the caravan began the final leg of the journey to Blackstone.

Yarling reined in beside Jaxen. "An uncommon number of men in your guard, wagonmaster. Do you plan a war?"

Jaxen smiled. "Fortunately for us, Master Yarling, our men seek only to guard the wagons and those traveling with them, else we would have trouble with His Majesty's men. Some of our riders, as you must have realized, ride with us because of the women who travel with us. The others... well, let us just say we are being careful because of where we go and what those who hire us wish us to do."

Yarling frowned. "As you say, wagonmaster."

"Call me Jaxen, if you please. We shall enjoy each other's company for a month at least, we should not have time to be so formal in the company. You will discover that the others in the company forget titles when we are on the road."

"As you wish... Jaxen. Two of the women ride, I notice. I did not think such a thing is customary in Palarand. The young one, the one called Buffy. She seems to have a foreign air about her. Is that the reason?"

"She comes, I understand, from a distant land called Kansas, but she now resides within Palarand. It seems that some of the customs of her homeland have been adopted by those she knows and it may be they will become popular in time. Do you object to a woman astride a frayen like a man?"

"It seemed to me an odd thing to see a woman riding at first but she appears so natural I wonder why more do not attempt it. Do your older women ride?"

"Now you touch on a sore topic, Yarling. My own sister has seen what is possible and demands a frayen of her own! I have been forced to commission a saddle but where I shall find coin to buy her a beast I do not know. Perhaps the profit from this venture may suffice but I cannot yet say."

"It is ever said that a woman is a costly thing to have," Yarling agreed. "Your words remind me of something else I have noticed, Jaxen. Some of the riders seem to use a different kind of saddle than yours or mine. In fact, now I think on it," Yarling twisted around in his saddle to observe the other riders, "they ride a saddle like Buffy does. Did she bring that new design with her as well?"

"You force me to admit, Yarling, that she did describe a new design of saddle."

"It seems, then, that Mistress Buffy is not simply a young girl along on an adventure."

"As you say. If you will excuse me, we must needs turn right ahead, I should go to the front of the train."

The caravan made its way back through the streets retracing the route that they had used when they had originally entered Tranidor. Crossing over the last bridge, the one over the Bray, instead of turning right to go back along the road south they instead turned left to follow the valley of the Bray northwards. Keren rode beside Garia.

"How do you feel this morning, now that we are on the road?"

"A mixture, I think. Part of me is glad to be back on the open road again. I like this, Keren, I think if I did not have so many other demands on my time I would quite like to ride the caravans, visit strange new places as Sookie does." She grimaced. "Part of me right now is wishing I wasn't quite so female at the moment. The feelings inside are quite indescribable. Parts of me are rather more tender than I would ever wish them to be."

"Do you feel ill, or have a headache?" he asked with concern. "I know Malann had some quite unpleasant Calls. It is fortunate we have such good healers at home who help the women through the worst of times."

"Not this time. So far, when I've had these, every single one has been different. I wonder if it is my body trying to work out what is the worst possible combination of symptoms to inflict on me."

"You have my sympathy. Are you happy to ride?"

"Oh, yes. As I said last night, I don't think it makes much difference what I do, it just happens. I think Snep knows somehow. He's being very careful not to jolt me."

"I think these frayen have more brains than we believe, Garia. With you to show us the way, we now realize that these animals have more to give and are willing to give it if we treat them properly."

"I think you underestimate the dranakhs as well," she said. "There's something strange going on there but I can't work out what. It's almost as if they can read minds."

"They have been draft animals for so long that perhaps they have grown to understand our ways," he replied. "I'm certainly glad they take our part in a quarrel than otherwise." He looked along the line of wagons and riders. "Tell me, what do you think of our two guildsmen now?"

"Bezan knows, I'm sure of it, but he's quite content with that and I think he'll keep his mouth shut. I don't think he'll cause trouble on the road. Yarling, on the other hand, is asking questions. Lots of questions."

"Looking around we're not exactly like a normal-looking caravan, Garia. I'm not surprised he's asking questions. What is he likely to do when those questions start giving him answers?"

"With any luck we'll have gone too far for him to back out. Although... I'm wondering quite why the Guild decided we needed these two along with us in the first place."

"No idea. Perhaps they will explain once we return to Palarand."

The valley of the Bray was wide and gently sloping here, near the confluence with the Palar and the Sufen. It was heavily farmed, with only small stands of trees dotting the arrays of fields, most now plowed ready for winter crops. The sun shone, there was a light breeze and the view was calm and ordered. Despite her internal twinges Garia had never felt so happy just riding along with her friends beside her.

"What are those?"

"Avians, Garia. Did you not..? Ah, I remember, there was some confusion when we talked of such things before. You said, I remember, you did not have avians on Earth."

"Apart from insects our flying creatures are called birds and bats. The fact that neither of those seem to translate in my head to avians worries me."

"Perhaps we may snare one for you to examine. That way you can tell us what difference there is between avians and the flying animals of Earth."

"If you wish, but I wouldn't make a special project of it. We've plenty of time and I'm sure we'll come across one sometime. Besides, there are other things flying here that aren't avians, aren't there?"

"Oh?"

"I can think of grakh and ptuvils. Perhaps there are others."

"You are right. I had overlooked those." He frowned. "Perhaps you were right when you said Anmar is a collection of creatures from other worlds, brought here for some unknown purpose."

"It's getting so that I'm no longer sure what I think any more. Every time I turn round there's something new and strange." She winced. "Uh, this is so not pleasant."

"Should you be riding?"

"It makes no difference, Keren. It's not like taking a piss or anything like that. What happens, happens, we have no control over it. I have heard it said that it uses the same muscles as when a woman gives birth and you know how controllable that is."

"Milady, I wish to learn no more. Perhaps Jenet has something that may help?"

"Duh! I should have thought of that. I'll go ask her."

Garia reined in to the side and let two wagons pass her then pulled alongside the last, where Jenet was sitting beside Helen.

"I don't suppose you have anything in that pouch of yours which can help me at the moment? I remember Margra pounding up potions and strange green mixtures."

"I do, milady. Not in my pouch, it is true, but near at hand. I wondered when you didn't say anything at breakfast. You are in need?"

"It's beginning to be noticeable, Jenet. Oh, there's no need to stop, I'm not feeling bad enough for that, but when we next stop will be fine."

"As you wish, milady."

The mood was catching. All up and down the train the disguises were slowly falling away like dust washed off by fresh rain. The guardsmen all sat up straight and became more alert, observant and protective. Their aliases also faded away causing amusement among Jaxen's men but only confusion with the two guildsmen. Jaxens' men in their turn also took the mood of their fellows and sharpened their behavior, easy because besides D'Janik both Samir and Bildo had previously served as men-at-arms. It seemed all knew that their destination was not far and they wanted to prepare themselves for any eventuality.

"Did you hear that?" Yarling growled to Bezan. "I swear that man addressed Master Kethen as Highness. What transpires here? Do you know?"

"Me? I have been told just as much as you, brother. Are you sure you heard right? The wagons are noisy on the road."

"I know what I heard. And the men seem different, somehow. What is going on?"

"All I know is that we have been contracted to travel with these people for some purpose which requires our abilities. Calm yourself, brother. Whatever the real names of these people may be, we still have a contract with them."

"As you say." But Yarling wasn't happy. "Another thing. Last night the inn-keeper spoke of... Blackstone." He said the name as though he was swearing. "We were told that this was merely a device to divert others. Yet this is the road to Blackstone, is it not?"

"It is also the road which leads over the mountains to the eastern coast, brother. Naturally Jaxen would choose some town along our present route since any could see which way we left Tranidor. He merely keeps up the pretense until we are out of sight."

"Hmph. There is much about this enterprise which troubles me."

"I agree, it is unusual, but any new venture might seem unusual. Shall you not wait until we are properly told?"

"Since I must, then so I must do. You find nothing strange in this? You are not troubled?"

Bezan shrugged. "If I do, there is little I may do, and in any event the truth will soon be told. Why bother worrying?"

Yarling snarled and rode forward to find someone else to bother. Keren chose that moment to join Bezan.

"He is unhappy with what he finds here?" Keren asked.

"He is, like many, a person who does not like being led around by the nose, Master Kethen. He would rather have his facts presented to him beforehand." He looked at Keren out of the corner of his eye. "Or should I call you Highness, as I have just heard one of the men name you?"

Keren grinned. "I have been called many things in my years, guildsman. As to what I may be called presently you will have to draw your own conclusions. Some of the men, I grant you, may have an exaggerated respect for the son of the person who is said to be their employer."

Bezan considered these statements carefully for a moment, then grinned back. "I believe I understand... master. You travel this way to keep the lady safe, is that it?"

"I knew you would understand, guildsman. If you would stay your tongue until we halt for lunch then I think the time for concealment will have passed."

"As you command... Highness."

Keren relaxed. "Tell me, I have not visited this region before. Can you tell me anything of it?"

"Very little, Highness. This end of the Bray valley, through which we travel, is as you see rich farmland. On the eastern side of the Palar this far up there are few minerals, as I understand it. I am no miner. Further up the ground changes completely and becomes a virtual wasteland. Of Blackstone itself I know only by reputation and hearsay. There are farms there, but mostly pakh farmers and just enough crops to provide for themselves and their beasts through the year."

"What of the town?"

Bezan shook his head. "Again, I know very little, Highness. By all accounts it is little better than a large village. It is known as a poor area, with strange people." He shrugged. "That is often said about remote areas, Highness. The truth maybe somewhat different."

"As you say."

The caravan pulled into one of the rest areas for a break. Jenet and Garia immediately went for the comfort block, in this case basic but adequate. When they returned to the circled wagons Garia found that Sukhana had brewed up some of the necessary herbs for her.

"Oh, thank you, Sookie. You didn't have to do that for me."

"It saves us time, milady. Besides, I am often the lone woman with the train and have to make my own potions. I am well practised in the art."

"I think, in view of the fact that I will doubtless need such potions in the future, that I might benefit from that knowledge, Sookie."

"But, milady!" Jenet protested.

"Yes, I know that you can do it, Jenet, but it never hurts to learn new things."

"If you put it like that, milady."

Onward they went. The valley began to climb towards distant hills and the road climbed with it. The farms became sparse and then ceased altogether, the land becoming covered by broad-leafed forest instead. The sun was beginning to get warm and the shade from the trees which now lined the road was welcome. Soon they reached a well-appointed camping area with a large roadhouse set back from the road with separate toilet and bathing blocks. There were no other stalls or booths here, reflecting the reduced traffic along this quieter route.

Jaxen and Keren stood eyeing the establishment while the others of the company used the facilities.

"Do you not trust them, Jaxen?"

"I don't know, Highness. I have only traveled this way once and I do not remember what happened last time. Such places on the edges of Palarand sometimes have an unsavory reputation."

"But we are not on the edge of Palarand, are we? The whole of the Bray valley lies within the borders. My father's rule - or rather the Duke Gilbanar's rule - extends here, surely."

"You are right, of course, Highness. I just have a feeling..."

"Are your feelings reliable?"

"More often than not. Very well, Highness, we shall try the food. We are a large party in any case, there should not be trouble, but we must keep our wits about us."

"As you say, Jaxen."

In the event there was no trouble, but as Jaxen was paying the tab on his way out, after everyone else had left, the proprietor asked him, "Where bound, wagonmaster? Chaarn? It will be a long pull over the passes."

"As it happens no, my friend. We head for Blackstone, I have a special commission there."

"Ah? In that case, are you licensed to carry mails? I have some for there, you might take them."

"I am, Master Tanon has long held a mail license both in Palarand and in many surrounding countries. Do you wish to see my letter of authority?"

"That won't be necessary, Master Tanon's name is well-known throughout Palarand. I have bags, I shall have them brought down for you."

"As you wish. I thought Blackstone was served by the Messenger Service, as are all parts of Palarand."

"There are so few letters and packets for the upper end of the valley that they are usually left here by Messengers who are going over the pass. Normally someone from the valley collects them from here. You see, the valley folk don't often come down to go to Tranidor and there are few who wish to go the other way so we are often used as a transfer point for goods and produce for Blackstone and the valley. Someone comes down every week or so to collect goods and mail and leave produce to go to Tranidor."

"Ah? I suppose that is reasonable, if the valley is so remote."

"As you say. If I may ask, what business does your principal have in Blackstone?"

Jaxen shrugged. "That I do not know, friend. I am merely providing transport for them."

Keren came back into the common room. "Some problem, wagonmaster?"

"Not at all, master. If you would help me with these bags?"

Outside Jaxen said, "Have you yet spoken to them, Highness?"

"Not yet, I was waiting for you. Why?"

"I think my feelings were right, Highness, but I cannot yet say why. These, as you can see, are Messenger bags with mail for Blackstone. It seems that the service no longer goes there."

"Oh? That's unusual, isn't it?"

"Well... it is a remote, rural area, Highness. Nevertheless, I would like to suggest that, whatever you may tell them, we should keep to our disguise until we know what is happening in the town."

"You mean, go in as we are, rather than all in uniforms and with banners flying?"

"Aye, Highness. As before we can find out what the local sentiment might be before we declare their new Baroness to them."

"Are you sure that will be necessary?"

"I don't think it will hurt, Highness." He smiled. "It will save their uniforms some wear and tear, if nothing else."

"Very well."

The mail bags were secured in a locked compartment underneath the chuck wagon before Keren called everyone into a circle again. This time he stood alone in the center.

"Most of you know who we really are. For the benefit of our two guildsmen friends I will tell them now that I am Prince Keren, son of King Robanar. Having recently come of age I am traveling our great country to know its lands and peoples. The journey we are presently on has a particular purpose and that is to travel to Blackstone to investigate certain... resources said to be there."

"Blackstone?" Yarling swore. "I knew it was so! Highness," he bent a knee to Keren. "I mean no disrespect to you or your father but this is a wasted errand. There is nothing in Blackstone that could interest anyone."

"Nothing, guildsman? Can you say that when you do not even know what we seek?"

Yarling looked uncertain. "Uh, that is true, Highness. But what..?"

"You shall find out in due course, guildsman. Unless, of course, you do not wish to continue with us? I would release you with no penalty here and now if you feel so strongly about the matter."

Yarling flushed. "I cannot... it would mean disgrace, Highness, should I withdraw. I consider myself to be honorable, therefore I will stay with the company."

Keren resumed. "Very well. Joining me on this journey is my adopted sister Garia who the King has given the title Baroness Blackstone. You know her as Buffy." Yarling started. "She is traveling with me to inspect the lands the King granted her. With her is her maid Jenet and her secretary Merizel, who is the daughter of a baron and also a lady of the court.

"Now, I notice that some of you have slipped into giving us our true titles, and on the road that is of little consequence. However, until we say so, I ask that you still call us by our alternative names and titles when in other company and when we reach Blackstone. We do not know what the situation is there and milady wishes to see how the population lives before she reveals herself." It was Garia's turn to give a start, since this had not been discussed with Keren before he spoke. "This also means that we should keep our various colors concealed. It does not mean," he grinned, "that you can all go back to being indolent wagon guards. We will shortly be leaving the caravan route over the pass and may be on unfriendly ground. Keep your eyes open and your weapons to hand at all times."

"Unfriendly ground, Highness?"

"A suggestion only, Varno. But this is normal operational procedure when out in the field, is it not? You must assume that the land is unfriendly even when it is familiar. Where we are going is familiar to none of us."

"Of course, Highness. I wasn't thinking."

"I don't blame you, Varno. Until now this journey has been just like a casual ride out to meet friends. I can tell you that I do not know if there will be friends waiting for us in Blackstone. We must prepare ourselves in case there are not. Am I understood?"

There was a chorus of, "Aye, Highness."

"Very well. Dismissed. Jaxen, you may place the men as you desire."

"Thank you, Highness."

Jaxen sent out an advance party and also a rearguard which proved that he was taking Keren seriously. The wagons pulled out and almost immediately the road began to rise, angling right up the face of the hill they were passing. The slope was not steep enough to cause the dranakhs problems but their pace slowed noticeably. On their left the ground sloped away beneath the trees to the river which could be heard occasionally but not seen.

They came across a part of the road where there had been a landslide in times past. The road had been swept away and Garia could see that many, many wagonloads of rock had been tipped into the breach to repair the gap. Beside her, Bezan surveyed the patched pavement.

"I would not wish to be the person who had to repair this road, milady."

"No. I bet it took them a long time and lots of effort. Still, it had to be repaired, didn't it, else the entire route would be closed."

They passed over the patched area and Garia stopped, sliding from Snep's back. She stood at the edge of the road, her eyes shaded, looking down.

"Milady? Do you see something?"

"Yes, look here." She pointed to the side of the breach.

"A marker, milady." His tone said, 'so what?'

"Yes, but if you look closely not a Chivan marker. That stone is next to it, broken off I guess by a stray boulder from the landslide."

"I do not follow."

"I wondered if the rest of the original stone was visible, down the slope somewhere. Yes! That looks like it."

Garia immediately began scrambling down the slope, heedless of the small rocks and stones she sent tumbling. Above, the wagons came to a halt and Keren reined in beside Bezan.

"What's happened? Did she fall?"

"She's looking for a stone, Highness. I know not what for."

"A stone?"

Bezan pointed to the marker and the stump next to it. Keren dismounted.

"Come on! She may need our help to climb back up again."

"Of course, Highness."

The two scrambled down after Garia while a number of the men looked on until Jaxen told them to resume their positions. Garia waited for the others beside a flat stone about twenty strides down the slope from the road.

"Is it any good?" Keren asked when he reached her. She merely pointed at the surface of the slab. It read:

"I think that answers that question," she said.

"That looks like English," he said, brushing the loose dirt from the stone.

"It isn't, but it is from a language that uses the same letters as English called Latin. That's the language the Romans spoke all those thousands of years ago. Will you two help me turn it over? There should be more on the other side."

The two men manhandled the slab over, carefully lowering it so that it would not shatter. The slope was steep, the job was difficult but they succeeded. The other side answered all Garia's questions.

"I've seen markings like those before," Bezan said. "There are some old stones in the Masons' Guildhall that have writing like this on them. Nobody has any idea what they mean but we assume that it is the writing the Chivans used. Is that so, milady?"

"Indeed it is, Bezan. And I can read it. Sort of. The top line says, 'Decarinium one hundred forty-four marks', the next line 'Trifluvium twenty-nine marks', the third line 'Castellum Septent ninety-five marks' and the bottom line 'Saxum Niger thirty-nine marks'. Hmm. I guess the top line is what you now call Dekarran, isn't it? The name sounds so similar it must have lasted over the years."

"How far did you say?" Keren asked.

"One hundred forty-four marks."

He nodded. "That sounds about right. Good work, Garia! What about the other lines? Do they mean anything?"

"My knowledge of Latin is rather sketchy, I'm afraid. After all it's a language that's been mostly dead for a thousand years. However, my own language uses ideas and words from it so there's a kind of resemblance. Let's see: Trifluvium is... three rivers, I think. Of course! That's Tranidor, isn't it? As for the rest, I'm not so sure. I guess Castellum is a castle or maybe a fort, Romans did forts everywhere... Sept is to do with seven so maybe it's the seventh fort? Niger has to mean black, but I don't see... of course! The bottom line must be Blackstone. Thirty nine marks away that direction, that would be about right, wouldn't it? I don't know what Saxum is but I'll bet it means stone of some kind."

Bezan stared at her. "Do you tell me you understand the Chivans' writing, milady? How is this possible?"

She smiled at him, knowing that a long talk was forecast. "Because the Chivans and I came from the same place, Bezan. Those people were ancestors of the people I belong to."

There was a hail from up above. "What's happened? Did someone fall?"

Keren replied. "We're okay, Jaxen. We'll be up immediately." He turned to Garia. "Do you need assistance?"

She looked at the steep slope, covered in loose boulders. "Maybe. Let's get back, we're holding everyone up."

Each assisting the other they managed to get so far up the slope by themselves. By that time Jaxen had a rope unshipped and the end thrown down so that they could haul themselves up using it. When they regained the road again Garia discovered that Jaxen was unhappy.

"What happened, milady? Did you drop something, perhaps?"

"No, Jaxen. I saw that that marker stone had broken off and I wondered if I could read it if I found it."

"But milady, the stone has been replaced, it is there."

"Not what the stone says now, Jaxen," Keren elaborated, "She means what was written originally on the stone... by the Chivans."

"And did you have answer, milady?"

"Oh, yes, Jaxen. The top half of the old stone had the original markings still visible and it has answered a lot of questions."

"Perhaps, milady. But did you think, you departed the road into an area we could not give you aid? Below there may be lawless men or a band of brigands or even wild animals. If you had been attacked we would not have had time to descend to your side." Jaxen turned. "And you, Highness! If it was unwise of Milady Garia to descend without preparation then for you to follow her was complete folly. You place the throne itself in jeopardy."

Keren reddened. "Jaxen, you have my humblest apologies. I was a fool to put myself at risk like that."

Garia was upset. "I'm sorry, Jaxen! That was stupid of me. I saw the broken-off marker and went down without thinking."

Jaxen nodded. "You are both still young and you have not the experience of travel in regions such as these. I trust you shall both take more care in future?"

"As you desire, wagonmaster," Keren said.

"Certainly, Jaxen," Garia said. "It was stupid of me to do that, for a number of reasons." She grimaced. "Do you know how far our next stopping place is? I am in urgent need of a bath."

"Milady? Are you hurt, or merely dirty?"

She shook her head. "Nothing so simple, Jaxen. I moved around too much while scrambling down and up and things have come adrift..."

Jaxen cocked his head, so she explained with a single word. "Kalikan."

All the men nearby went pale and took a step back.

Garia gave a small forced smile. "It isn't catching, you know. Just... messy. Jaxen?"

"Milady? Um, it's not that simple. I have a note from the team that brought that original consignment back, milady. It seems the facilities along the Blackstone road are neglected and they were forced to camp elsewhere." He brightened. "Beside the river, as it happens. That may serve your purposes, milady, but we will not arrive there until late this afternoon."

They all turned to look out over the forest, sweeping away from them towards the valley floor.

"That seems a long way down, Jaxen," Keren observed.

"The road that leads to Blackstone turns away within the next mark, Highness. I trust this means that our way will descend, unlike the main road which creeps ever higher. Milady, can you manage?"

"I must, Jaxen. Let's get going."

Idiot! I allowed myself to get distracted, and now this... Eww. Thank the stars I'm wearing these breeches or it would be running down my legs.

What was I thinking? Jaxen is dead right. Anyone or anything could have been down there under the trees! Stupid, stupid, stupid!

"Milady?" It was Jenet.

"Ah, lets move away from these men."

The men were, in fact dispersing, getting ready to move on. Two stayed near Garia and Jenet, crossbows at the ready. Garia gave them a sign and walked, awkwardly, a few paces.

"Something's shifted and I'm leaking," she explained. "I'll need to bathe as soon as I can and I'm sure these breeches will be ruined."

"Milady, you should not have -" Jenet caught sight of Garia's expression. "I see you already know this. Which may be better for you? Snep's back or a wagon seat?"

Garia sighed, then wrinkled her face in disgust.

"Are we sure that the breeches are secure enough? Yes? Then I'll stick with Snep, I think." She shuddered. "Perhaps stick isn't the word I should be using."

Snep caught his owner's distress as she mounted and did his best to make sure that she stayed put in the saddle with as little movement as possible. The caravan moved off and almost immediately came to a fork in the road. The trade route continued to edge higher up the mountainside while the side road immediately began to angle back under the trees into the valley.

In this way the afternoon passed. There was a brief stop for a drink but nobody said anything when Garia stayed in the saddle. She grew more uncomfortable and more miserable with every mark that passed. They moved on, deeper under the trees, on what was a smaller, narrower road but still bearing the signature of Chivan construction. Jaxen had been counting the markers and soon brought the procession to a stop, a scrap of parchment in his hand. Keren and Garia rode forward to join him.

"Highness, remember I said that the camp site was no good? The other train turned off the road somewhere along here to make camp well away from the road to avoid surprises. They marked the place for future use by sawing a branch from a tree."

He gestured to a tree on the right side of the road which had a lower branch cleanly removed. Turning, he examined the ground between the trees.

"I think it should be possible to take our wagons through there with care. First, though, I want to send the advance party forward to find out if there is another tree with a cut branch ahead of us."

"You suspect a trap?" Keren asked, searching the vicinity between the tree trunks.

"It is possible, Highness. A few moments pause here will ease our concerns."

He gave orders to three men and they moved off up the road. Others he asked to fan out on the left and try and discover any wagon tracks under the leaf litter. Keren turned to Garia.

"You don't look all that good, Garia."

"I don't feel all that good, Keren. I did something stupid and I'm paying for it."

Keren frowned but decided it was better to keep quiet than possibly make things worse. They waited, tense, in front of the front wagon until the men came riding back.

"This is the only cut branch, sir. We went almost a mark and found nothing similar. We did reach the camp site and found it as you described. The area hasn't been used for some time. There's a latrine block and a bath house with a boiler to the side for heating water, but the roofs of both have been burnt away, probably some years ago."

Jaxen nodded. "Very well. We need to turn through these trees, head for the river. It seems the way can be made out if we look hard enough."

The wagons jolted off the road and between the trees. Fortunately the forest was mostly clear of ground cover which meant that it was reasonably easy for the wagons to pick their way between the trunks. Jaxen made sure that any disturbance made by their passage was concealed by their rear guard.

They had traveled almost a mark when the trees suddenly ended. They were faced with a low, broken wall and a strip of blue sky which was obviously above the river. The space between the wall and the trees had been cleared for about a bowshot but the state of the visible stumps showed that this was not recent. The river made itself apparent by the loud roar which made it necessary to speak in raised tones.

"What's this, Jaxen?"

"I think it's the remains of an old Chivan fort, Highness. The river lies beyond. If we can get inside, it may provide enough defense for our overnight stay."

"As you say. I think there's a gap that way. The river is loud, isn't it?"

Once through the gap in the wall an overgrown but treeless area was revealed. Wagon ruts and firepits showed where it had been used by previous travelers. D'Jenik rode through a narrow opening on the far side and then returned, beckoning to Garia and Keren. They followed him to discover they were on a strip of land between the river and the fort - and the river disappeared abruptly to their left over a jumble of rocks.

"Will this suffice for bathing, Garia?" Keren shouted over the din.

"Maybe," she shouted back. "I'll let Jaxen get camp set up and guards posted before I do anything."

The wagons were drawn up in a square in the middle of the fort. The dranakhs, once released, headed immediately for the forest to find forage. A picket line was set up for the frayen and then the men were assigned watches and duties. The chuck wagon was opened and cooking equipment brought out ready for the evening meal. Sukhana approached Garia, sympathy in her eyes.

"I sorry this had to happen to you, kid. It's the part I least like about being a woman. I'm amazed you wanted to ride at all today."

"It wasn't the riding, Sookie. Snep was a lot smoother than a wagon seat would have been. It was the climbing down and up that slope did me in. I should have stayed put, instead I've made myself all -" Garia made an ick face. "I didn't have to do that then, it could have been looked at on the way back. I didn't even have to go down there myself."

"What was down there anyhow that was so important?"

"One of the original marker stones with the original Chivan writing still visible on it. Which I can read."

"Oh, I see! So... does that mean you're a Chivan, then?"

"No, not unless I'm more than fifteen hundred years old, Sookie. But the Chivans came from my world, that's now certain."

"As you say. Well, there's food to prepare, now, for all these fine men." She held up a hand as Garia opened her mouth. "There's no chance you can do anything while you're in that state, kid. Get yourself washed up and maybe you can help later. Milady Merizel says she will help and a couple of the boys will do the hard work."

Garia contented herself by helping to dole out fodder for the frayen while she waited for the camp routine to settle. Watching them eat the hay which she pulled from compressed blocks seemed to calm her down, although she was still feeling fragile.

I need animals in my future. Whatever I end up doing or being, working with these seems to be good for me.

She idly examined the enclosure as the animals chomped their hay.

No, not a fort, it's nowhere near big enough. A good Roman fort would have been four times the size of a football field and filled with enough buildings to house a legion. This is more like... a compound like those you see in the middle east or Afghanistan. It'll do for -

One of her armsmen interrupted her musings.

"Soomit. What can I do for you?"

"If you would join us, milady. We have discovered something." As he led Garia through the camp he explained, "We were asked to investigate the area downstream, milady. The river goes over rocks and then falls, which is why it is so loud." He was having to shout now, as they reached the river bank. Jenet was waiting. "This way, milady."

He led them to the left, downstream, to the point at which the river disappeared with a deafening roar. Below there was a jumble of hard rock which the river poured over. It was more a cascade than a true waterfall, the water tumbling thirty feet or so over and between the boulders.

Soomit led them part way down the slope beside the falls onto the rocks which caused the obstruction. D'Janik was waiting there to mark the place.

"If you follow me, milady," Soomit said, "and mind where you place your feet, I will show you what we discovered."

He led them down into the falls, stepping onto large boulders round which water poured. They were about a third of the way down the cascade. Suddenly it became quieter.

"That's better. Round here, milady."

The boulders had fallen into such a formation that a space had been left in the middle of the falls. A clear pool lay before them, water entering from between two of the boulders which formed the rear wall of the recess and exiting over another which formed part of the lip.

"We wondered if this would be suitable for your bath, milady. See, you cannot be seen from above, below or from either bank. There is even a dry space for your clothes behind, here." He gestured. "If a guard is placed at the entrance you will be entirely private."

Garia looked around. "It's perfect, Soomit. Thank you for finding this for me. Us, I mean, because I know the other ladies will want to use it as well." She looked around. "I guess we might be seen, I suppose, if anyone were to climb those trees down there..." She smiled, the first time since she had climbed down to the marker stone. "I'm sure we'd notice if they did that! Jenet, Let's get bathing."

"Milady, I shall fetch soap and fresh underwear," Jenet said. "Shall you stand at the bank until I return?"

"I will, Jenet."

Jenet, after telling Sukhana and Merizel what had been found, returned with essentials and joined Garia at the side of the pool where they both stripped. Garia baulked at the smell that came from her breeches.

"I don't care what anyone says, Jenet, I'll never get used to that smell."

"As you say, milady. After we have cleaned ourselves I will wash your things in the pool." She examined the breeches at arm's length. "The cloth would dry out tonight but I am concerned about the leather parts. Perhaps this design may need some adjustment in future."

That's telling me, tactfully, Garia thought. It seemed a good idea at the time, but however was such a garment going to be cleaned? Especially after accidents like today's?

"As you say, Jenet." Garia stripped the rest of her garb off and stepped into the pool. "It's cold! Not too bad, actually, but I'd hate to have to wash in here in winter." She thought back. "I think this is the first time I've washed in cold water since I arrived on Anmar. What do you think?"

"Milady, you may be right."

With the water constantly flowing round them it didn't take long to clean Garia up. The coldness of the water meant that there was no temptation to stay in the pool so both climbed out and toweled each other off before dressing again. Garia dressed in everything she had been wearing before but with fresh underwear and no breeches. As they were checking each other's tapes and knots Merizel came round the boulder to join them.

"My! This is a wonderful place, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's exactly what I needed, Merry. Will you bathe like us?"

"I'm busy with dinner, Garia. I came over to fetch water and I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about."

"It's brilliant, isn't it? Will you wash tonight? It may be too dark by the time we've eaten."

"We'll all come first thing tomorrow morning, Garia. You are all cleaned up now?"

"I am, and I hope I never end up like that ever again! It wasn't funny. All done, Jenet? Let's all go back together."

"Milady, I have some washing to do. If you would return with Milady Merizel?"

"Of course, Jenet. I'll come find you when the meal is ready."

Garia and Merizel joined the others round the main fire, where a carcase the size of a wild boar roasted on a spit - except this carcase had six legs. Another fire had a cauldron of simmering vegetables which Sukhana was stirring. Garia looked at the amount of food and did a double-take, then glanced round the camp counting up their numbers.

No wonder Yarling thought we were an army, there are twenty-seven of us! And there's another six or so away with Captain Bleskin... we're certainly strong enough to deal with any trouble.

Sukhana saw Garia and smiled. "Feel better now, milady? I won't ask you to help with the food tonight, I have enough willing hands. Just rest until we are ready to eat."

"As you wish, Sookie."

Garia found a creeper-covered stone block and sat down to watch.

Just how did this happen? I was all happy this morning and now this. By making a serious error of judgement I've put the whole project at risk. I was crazy to agree to do any of this.

Merizel loomed out of the fading light. "Shift up, Garia."

"I'm an idiot," Garia muttered as her friend joined her on the stone. "I put myself at risk, I put the whole Kingdom at risk, just to satisfy my curiosity over something that didn't even matter that much. This whole journey is just crazy, I should never have come. I'm just a stupid little girl who should have stayed safely in the palace. I've no business out here where I know next to nothing about the dangers we face."

"I know you by now," Merizel replied. "How Kalikan affects you. You were in good spirits this morning, and then you have one little setback and start thinking you are inadequate. It's not so, Garia. You are certainly not stupid and you were never a little girl. You might be young and you are small, it is true, but you are a woman and a noble with responsibilities. You fight better than almost all the men here, you can ride a frayen as though born on one and you are smart enough to be able to handle most dangers we might face. Those we cannot, then the men will protect us as they are sworn to do. Just four or five days every month, Garia, that is all we have to bear and in time you will adjust to what you may do and what you should not."

The tears trickled down Garia's cheeks as she grasped Merizel's hand.

"You are right, Merry. It's these damned hormones, isn't it? It all kinda sucked me in without me realizing it." Garia pulled out a cloth from her pouch and wiped her face. "You're right, I'll adapt in time, I'm sure." She smiled weakly. "Aren't you supposed to be stirring something or poking that carcase?"

"The men seem to think they can do that better so I'm not going to object. Come on, we'd better get the plates out, it will soon be ready."

After a delicious meal of roast vikhan with vegetables and gravy the food plates and utensils were cleaned up and put away. Everyone settled down round the two fires with mugs and goblets to rest for a while before turning in. Merizel went off to rummage in the back of a wagon and returned with her dajan.

"I thought I'd favor you with a tune or two before we settle down," she said brightly. The men perked up at the mention of entertainment.

"Milady," one of them asked, "is it only courtly music you know, or have you some of the common songs as well?"

"I know some of each," she replied. "I won't do any dance music or the more formal ballads I might have done in my father's court, those wouldn't be right for this gathering. Let me start with some of the popular tunes."

As she began plucking Keren came and sat down beside Garia.

"I didn't know she had brought her dajan with her," he said. "It will be just right for this company tonight, I think. How are you feeling now?"

"Much better now I'm clean and with food in my stomach," she replied. She added more quietly, "Much better now you are here."

He slid an arm round her waist. "I don't like seeing you upset, Garia. I don't think any of the men do. I don't have to ask that you be more careful tomorrow."

"No," she replied dryly. "I've learned that lesson somewhat well, thank you. Hush! Let's listen to Merry."

She leaned into his side and they joined the company listening as Merizel played one tune after another. Some they just let her play by herself, others, obviously common songs, they joined in with gusto and sometimes laughter. By degrees Garia relaxed and regained her equilibrium.

"Milady," Jaxen asked during a brief break, "shall you favor us with a song? I have heard it said that at one time you sang at court."

"Ah, no, Jaxen," she replied. "Not tonight, not after today's unfortunate episode. You are right, though, I did sing, and perhaps one day soon I'll sing you some songs from Earth. No promises, though."

"As you wish, milady. Milady Merizel? A last song, if you please, then we should get ready for the night. We have only some thirty marks to travel tomorrow to reach the end of our journey but there are some... signs... we ought not ignore. I wish to arrive while there is still plenty of light."

It is closer to late afternoon rather than High Noon but Garia has the eerie feeling that she has ridden onto a set for a western movie as the caravan pulls into Blackstone. The actions of the locals don't help, either... something very nasty is going on! Abruptly they are forced into a confrontation that can only have one ending...

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

They were fresh sounds, forest sounds, and they brought Garia out of a deep sleep to listen. It was just after dawn, she estimated by the amount of light filtering through the canvas awning. Rubbing her eyes she slowly sat up, careful not to disturb Jenet sleeping next to her.

She frowned. The sounds weren't those of Earth, however much she wished them to be. Okay, wind through trees was much the same, as was the ever-present sound of water on stone. However, whatever perched in those trees and made those sounds had never flown through the skies of Earth.

Outside she heard the sound of the camp beginning to come to life. With more than twenty men it was never going to be possible to keep the noise right down. With a sigh she pushed the thin blanket back, ready to rise. The action disturbed Jenet, who opened her eyes.

"Another day has begun, Jenet."

"Uh. If you say so, milady." Jenet rubbed her eyes and her cheeks. "Is it time to rise? I am so used to the palace bells that I know not what time it is."

"I can hear some men stirring outside, so I guess it is. We can leave it a few minutes if you like." Garia considered the cool air. "Actually I think I'd like a warm drink inside me to wake me up properly before we head for that rock pool. What do you think?"

Jenet shuddered. "I had forgotten that pool, milady. The water will be quite cold this early in the day."

They made themselves tidy and emerged to find many of the men moving about, getting ready for breakfast. Sukhana gave them a cheery wave as she continued to stir a big pot of grain porridge.

"Morning. There's pel in that pot if you want some."

"Thanks. Are we expected to eat that? I just wanted a drink before we go and bathe."

"This isn't for us, milady. There are so many of us that I must feed half then start again. These great lumps will soon eat all this up, so I will join you in the pool before breaking my own fast, if you would wait."

"Of course. Anything we can do to help?"

"Bowls for the men, mugs as well of course. Oh, mugs for yourselves - and here is Milady Merizel."

Merizel joined them yawning and stretching. Garia observed her with interest.

"Merry. How did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well, Garia. I think the noise of the water helped me go. Yourself?"

"I think you're right, I feel quite fresh. The noise of the avians is what woke me up."

"As you say."

"I've been thinking, watching you standing there. Do you think we could talk Jaxen into letting us do Tai Chi before we move off? It's been far too long since we last did it and I know some of the men miss it too."

"That's a good idea, Garia. It's time we got ourselves back to our usual routine."

Garia raised an eyebrow. "Including some morning training? That ought to provoke some interesting comments."

Merizel chuckled. "Perhaps not today. I'm sure we will once we get to Blackstone. What do you think we'll find?"

"I have absolutely no idea, Merry. I know Jaxen has some reservations so don't be surprised whatever happens."

Merizel chuckled again. "After living with you? It would be hard to find something that would surprise me more than anything you can do."

Once the first shift of men were fed the women went down to makeshift latrines at the bottom of the falls before returning as far as their 'private' pool. The water was cold, but not enough to make their dip unbearable. Sukhana and Merizel waited on the dry boulders while Garia was cleaned up, the flow of water taking away what the Call of Kalikan had left. Then, once the pool was clear again they all climbed in and bathed properly together.

They had brought their day clothes with them so that they reappeared in the camp fully dressed and ready for action. Action in this case was the second sitting for breakfast which included Jaxen, Keren and the two guildsmen. Garia gestured at the surrounding stonework with her spoon.

"What do you think of this place, Bezan? What could you make of it?"

"Difficult to say, milady, as we don't know what purpose it was originally made for. It must have been a solid structure when it was built. If it were nearer the road I could contrive a dwelling, there is enough space inside the walls for a courtyard. As it is," he shrugged, "it would make a very large building, were it to have an entire roof. Did you have a suggestion, milady? Not that anyone is ever likely to want to build anything here."

"You'd be surprised, Bezan. As a place to come and just rest I think this spot has great potential. A lodge, I guess. You can just enjoy the forest and the river. If you were feeling a little more active you could go fishing in the river or hunting in the forest. "

"I see what you mean, milady. But, we do not know whose land this is. It would be for the lord whose land this is to commission such a lodge."

"And," Garia mused, "what you aren't saying is that it would be the lord and his guests who enjoyed such a lodge, wouldn't it?"

"I think," Keren said, "that the owner is probably Uncle Gil - the Duke Gilbanar, I mean. I doubt he has ever been here or knows that such a structure as this exists. Garia, do they have such lodges on Earth?"

Garia thought. "In parts of the great continent I live on, there are wild areas similar to this place. Some of them have been given to the people as... communal parks, I guess you could say. That is, anyone has a right to come and wander about on those lands and enjoy the great outdoors. You can even hunt and fish there under certain conditions. Obviously you are supposed to take care of the lands and not hack down all the trees or leave rubbish but people generally do the right thing. On those parks are often lodges which are either run like the inns in town, with paying guests, or as small structures you either own or rent by the week."

"Interesting. Is it your thought that we should make such a park in this place?"

"That's for the future, I guess. The reason for the parks is more important, actually, it was to insure that part of the land was kept in the same state that man found it, instead of being gradually taken over and turned into farmland or new developments - uh, houses or towns or industry, I mean. The rules for building in those areas is quite strict. The idea was to make sure that something was left for future generations to appreciate."

"Instead of just being in histories and peoples' memories, I take it," Keren nodded.

"Your thinking is unusual, milady," Bezan said. "I approve of the sentiments, though. Sometimes in the urge to create the new we forget the old, which brought us to this place."

"As you say, Bezan," Keren agreed. He turned to Garia. "How much would you like? A mark each way, measured from the falls? Two marks? Five? And as far as the road?"

Garia stared at him. "You wouldn't, would you? Have you that authority? What will Duke Gilbanar say?"

"Oh, Uncle Gil will be okay with it, and yes, I can do that if you so wished it."

Garia was embarrassed. "I don't want to... perhaps once we're settled... Merizel?"

Merizel rolled her eyes. "Yes, milady. I will add it to the list."

The men helped to clear the camp away and then those who had become used to the discipline formed a square in one of the less-overgrown areas. The others watched with interest as Garia led them through the forms, noticing some lapses and some grimaces as stiff muscles responded to the activity. Once the exercise was finished everyone dispersed to collect their mounts, just as the dranakh reappeared from the forest.

"How do they do that?"

"Do what, Garia?" Merizel asked. "Oh, the dranakhs? I don't know. They've always done that, haven't they?"

"Perhaps I should have asked 'why?' instead of how. Never mind, Merry."

"Are you going to ride today?"

"Uh, no, I don't think so. After yesterday I think I'll keep myself out of mischief by sitting with Helen. Besides, I only have two pairs of breeches and I don't want to risk messing up the other pair. You'll ride, won't you?"

"Of course. My backside has now gotten used to being such a shape and I wouldn't want to put that to waste, would you? But... you're wearing your riding skirt."

"Yes. I deliberately decided to wear a circle skirt today to, um, let some air circulate, you know? It might also come in useful when we get to Blackstone."

Keren joined them. "Riding today, Garia?"

"No, I'll sit on a wagon today, Keren. It'll be safer that way."

"Ah." He smiled at her. "Perhaps that would be prudent, after yesterday."

Jaxen and Sukhana came to join their group.

"Highness, Your Ladyships, are we ready? We ought to depart."

"As you say, Jaxen. Let's get going."

The train pulled out of the enclosure and Jaxen let the dranakhs retrace their route back to the road, arriving just opposite the sawn branch. Turning left they resumed their journey along the road towards Blackstone. It was not long before they came across the 'official' camp site and could judge the state of disrepair for themselves.

"A bad business, milady," Helen said to Garia as the wagon rolled by. "There must be traffic along this road, and the wagons and other travelers must needs stop each night, where would they go? Do they hide in the forest as we did?"

"I don't have an answer for you, Helen," Garia replied. "This is all new to me so I don't know what they would do. Perhaps there is another site further along."

Further along was an 'unofficial' campsite, in Jaxen's words, which was simply a cleared area at the base of a rock formation near the road. There was no fresh water and no obvious latrine, but scorched ground showed that others had used the place despite the lack of facilities.

"Perhaps there is no money to repair these places," Garia suggested as they rolled past. "Who covers the cost of the camp sites, anyway? The local town? The landowner?"

"I always assumed it was the Duke, milady, him being the landowner round these parts. The main roads, such as the road from Dekarran to Tranidor, are maintained by the King within Palarand as a duty to all but I don't know about minor ways like this one."

That means that it might become my duty. Garia considered. This route will need to be upgraded once we begin shipping coal out, won't it? We'll need one at least as wide as the trade route we forked off. Oh, and upgraded rest stops, naturally.

Hmm. Need the road follow this line? We'd be going loaded and coming back mostly empty. Perhaps we can find a better grade? This route's a bit of a switchback.

Hmm. I wonder... perhaps a canal? How long is it going to be before I can put in a railroad between Blackstone and Tranidor?

Oh, God. I'm turning into a railroad baron!

"Would Jaxen know more about such matters, Helen?"

"Maybe, milady," the wagoneer replied cautiously. "But we use the roads, we are not builders of roads. What about that young guildsman of yours, Bezan? He might know more, especially since he's from Tranidor."

"You're right. I'll ask him once we reach Blackstone."

They found a clearing a little later on to pull over and brew pel. The forest seemed thinner here, the trees less robust as though they struggled through poorer soils. The sun broke through the canopy more frequently here even though most trees still retained all their leaves. The caravan pushed on.

As the morning ended the trees became more and more sparse and then ceased completely just as Jaxen was beginning to look for somewhere to stop for lunch. The landscape before them was a wide valley with a few stands of trees but mostly rough grass over which flocks of pakh grazed. Garia could see that the road now paralleled the river perhaps a bowshot away. Here and there were small cottages or huts, most with an enclosed kitchen garden on the north side to catch the sun. People could be seen in the distance, attending vegetables or flock, these stopped and watched as the caravan passed by.

Finally a widening of the road together with familiar buildings indicated the spot where travelers customarily stopped. The wagons circled and the dranakh were released. Much to everybody's surprise they didn't wander off but stood nearby watching the travelers. The women made for the comfort station as the men pulled out the tables and benches. Because of the odd behavior of the dranakh Jaxen posted a strong watch while the food was prepared.

Yarling approached Garia as they were eating.

"Milady, we are almost at Blackstone. Shall you now tell us what you seek? Surely it would be sensible, so that my colleague and I may begin our tasks?"

Garia leaned back and chewed reflectively.

"Very well, Yarling. Have a seat. Bezan, you too. Now, what can you tell me about coal?"

"Coal, milady? 'Tis worthless rubbish that causes us any amount of trouble when we find it underground. It generates a noxious air that is poisonous to breathe but may yet cause catastrophic falls. The stuff is weak, so that any tunnel through such a seam has to be shored every stride or so, lest it fall and bury us. Why, milady? Is there coal in the way of that we seek?"

"Yarling, it is coal that we seek. We are not here to find anything else."

"Milady, this is madness!" Yarling began to get heated. "Coal is useless! You have been told a wild tale, milady, if you think there is anything of worth within coal."

"It is the coal itself we want, Yarling. We are going to take away all that we can get out of the ground. We need that coal, rather the ironmasters need that coal, because it is the key to the mass production of steel and that will allow us to do many other things."

Yarling stared at Garia, complete incomprehension written on his face.

"Do you know," she asked him, "what coal is made of?"

"Made of, milady? Why should I? It is a rock like any other."

"It's not that simple, Yarling, and you know that. If it were a rock 'like any other', then all rocks would contain gold, silver and iron, wouldn't they? They don't, and that is because each kind of rock was made in a slightly different way, in a number of completely different processes many millions of years ago."

"Millions of years? Milady, this is..." Yarling stopped, suddenly conscious of who he was speaking to.

"Crazy talk?" Garia smiled at him. "Perhaps, from your point of view. But I do have some small knowledge of such things and it is that which lets me know that coal is going to be the most important thing that will ever come out of Blackstone."

"Milady, I must ask," Yarling said cautiously, "you claim knowledge of such matters, yet you are too young to have any knowledge of the miner's art. And you are also a woman, who is not permitted to join any guild, so how is this possible? Was your father perhaps a miner?"

Garia considered the best way to break it to Yarling.

"Where I came from, coal has been used for hundreds, thousands of years as a fuel. It was about three hundred years ago that the usefulness of coal for making steel was discovered. Coal has been around so long that everybody knows what it is and what it can be used for."

"A fuel? I don't understand."

"Remember those rumors we heard in Tranidor? About the stupid locals who burn rocks to keep warm? Those weren't rumors, they were the simple truth, disbelieved by people who had never seen a coal fire. Trust me, Yarling, hearing that rumor was just confirmation that this valley has coal and that's why we are going there."

Yarling stared at her and then nodded reluctantly.

"You said you knew what coal was, milady. How is it possible for a rock to burn?"

"I think we have time for this," she judged. "But I'll want a meeting with you two when we reach Blackstone and we find out just how much coal there is. I'm sure you can imagine that you were sent by the Guild Hall in Palarand because they want you," she pointed to Yarling, "to plan out how to extract it, and you," a gesture at Bezan, who had kept his mouth shut the whole time, "to work out a way to get it down the valley to Tranidor and possibly beyond. So, the composition of coal. Tell me, you know what a swamp is, don't you? Well, imagine a swamp which looks like this..."

~o~O~o~

They were definitely nearing the end of the journey. Ahead, the valley walls gradually neared and then swept together in a bowl-like configuration. All around them the ground sloped up in a curve which ended in cliffs high above. Very occasionally, narrow canyons cut into the valley, leading off into the surrounding mountains. Garia could see, easily, that the rocks high above were laid down in layers and that some of those layers were of the thick black rock which gave the area its name.

The road angled slowly away from the river, which was now little better than a wide stream, towards a jumble of buildings that just had to be Blackstone. Behind, a larger canyon than usual emptied into the valley, the way to the town crossing a stream from the canyon by means of a low stone bridge.

That must be Blackstone Vale. Oh, well, it's not much but it's all mine. And so are those mountains either side! Look at the thickness of those coal seams!

The caravan rattled over the stone bridge and Garia stared in amazement. Blackstone appeared to be a single street lined both sides with buildings of stone or wood and it looked very familiar.

I've wandered into a set for a spaghetti western! If it wasn't for the pitched roofs this could be anywhere in the Wild West. Where's Clint Eastwood, then?

The wooden buildings followed a pattern she was familiar with from the towns they had passed through. Mostly two stories, and with either a covered raised sidewalk or a covered balcony above the sidewalk, necessary because of the rainy season. The road was different than a western street would be, too, a surface of flat stones designed to drain the water rapidly away. There were occasional single-storey stone buildings but these too had raised covered sidewalks. She began reading the signs above each building as the wagon rolled past.

Tanner. Butcher. She frowned over a large, dilapidated building with a side arch which typically indicated an inn. It looked as if it hadn't been used for some time. The Ptuvil's Claw. Next to it another dilapidated building, this one a single storey stone building with no sign but a faded yellow flag on a short pole. Beside her, Helen stirred uneasily.

"I like this not, mistress," he muttered to her. "Where are the people? If visitors are so rare, they should all be out in the street welcoming us."

Garia looked around. There had been a few people walking the streets but when the first wagon made its noisy way over the bridge all had scuttled away out of sight. She had the impression that there were people still watching them, out of sight behind the doors, windows and shutters. The sense of being in a western movie intensified. Helen casually leaned back and made sure that the strap securing his crossbow was released. He twitched a brief grin at her.

"Best you act a little stupid, mistress."

Garia saw the point immediately. She hadn't expected anything particular when she arrived here but this was definitely unexpected. If there was trouble, she would be vulnerable, especially in her present state. She glanced forward to see Keren riding beside Jaxen, the two talking quietly. She wondered whether any sign had been noticed by them or the others in their party.

From an alley between two buildings on their right a man casually strolled out into the middle of the street, a crossbow negligently but expertly cradled in one arm. He stood in front of the caravan and they were forced to stop abruptly. Jaxen immediately rode forward to speak to the man but he gestured back behind, at a building to the right hand side. From this building three men strode out, two carrying crossbows who fanned out to cover the wagons. The third was dressed in a much better fashion and he stood there inspecting the wagons and men halted in the street. Above him, two further men came onto the balcony, also carrying crossbows. Jaxen rode to meet the better dressed man, who was obviously in charge.

"You! Are you in charge of this train?"

Jaxen dismounted and approached the man. He stopped short when the two either side of him raised their weapons.

"I am, sir. I am Jaxen, Senior Wagonmaster for Master Tanon of Palarand. What is the meaning of this?"

The man gave a depreciating smile. "We are disturbed when so many armed men come uninvited to our town. What is your business in Blackstone?"

"You shall ask those who hired us, master, whenever they arrive. I am just providing some transport. Who, might I ask, would you be, to threaten traveling folk with raised weapons?"

"I am Trogan, appointed Assessor of Taxes by the lord who holds these lands. It is my business to keep these people safe and I deem so many as you bring to be a danger to us. I ask again, what is your business with these people?"

"We are no threat to you or your people, sir. Do you not know it is necessary to travel with a heavy guard in such remote regions as these? As for our business, I am not fully informed but I believe that it involves mining. As I say, those who hired us may tell you more when they arrive."

The man looked frustrated but realized that Jaxen wasn't going to tell him any more. He tried another angle.

"Then tell me, wagonmaster, how long you think you might stay in this town? You are a large number, we will have to find provisions for so many."

"For some days we shall provide our own food, sir. If necessary we will buy further provisions, any that may be available. You should not worry that we would burden your town."

"So you bring your own provisions?" Trogan nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, we can bear your presence within the town for a short while - but I expect answers from your principal when he appears." He pointed up the street. "You may park your wagons yonder, there is flat ground beyond the buildings there."

"As you wish, Assessor Trogan."

"One more thing," Trogan added casually, as if remembering an oversight. "There is a toll for crossing the bridge, payable immediately. Let me see... a crown for each wagon, of course, and ten feniks per man." He smiled. "I shall not charge you for the women I see in your party." He scanned the wagons and riders. "About twenty men, call it another crown."

Jaxen stared at Trogan. "I have no coin to hand, sir, of so great an amount. Can we not park first and then I shall return and render you your toll? It is not as though we intended to turn in the street and ride away immediately."

Trogan's eyes narrowed. "You have coin to pay the toll, then?"

"Of course, sir. But you must know that it is standard practice among traders to hide such monies deep within the loads, to prevent robbery and petty pilfering. It will take time to unload the wagon to reach the strong-box."

"Then you had best be about it, wagonmaster. You shall not move before the toll is paid."

Trogan's voice had become hard, and at the tone of the last few words the men around him raised their weapons.

So that is what this is all about! This man has obviously gone rogue if he is really a tax assessor at all. No wonder the townsfolk ran away when they saw us coming.

If Jaxen begins unloading a wagon to get at the strong box it will leave us vulnerable with everything spilled all over the street and the way blocked. Trogan knows this. What does he plan to do? Arrest us all? That will be interesting.

"You charge us a crown a wagon for crossing a bridge over a river so small I could wade across? What manner of lord gives you the right to levy such taxes? We paid fifty feniks a wagon to cross out of Tranidor and none for the men at all."

Trogan looked annoyed. "By what right do you question my assessments, wagonmaster? All bridges across rivers within North Palarand are subject to such tolls, as you must already know."

"No, they are not," muttered Helen to Garia. "Only those that give entrance to towns, usually."

"...so pay up, wagonmaster, or I shall be forced to confiscate goods to an equivalent value from your train. What say you?"

Keren had ridden slowly up to Jaxen and now dismounted, speaking quietly in his ear. Jaxen looked startled at first but recovered quickly. He turned to Trogan.

"My lord, I cannot unload in the street, we would still be here at sunset. I offer you surety for the toll price, let me park my wagons and retrieve the coin in seemly fashion."

"Surety? What surety?"

"Surety?" Helen muttered. "Hostages, he means. Whatever is Jaxen about?"

"We have two children, sir, of whom this is one. You shall mind them for a bell or so while we organize ourselves. Buffy? Shall you join us?"

He's mad! All he's doing is handing us over to that beast. Once he finds out who we really are there will be no stopping him!

Then she saw Keren looking steadily at her and she had a revelation.

Keren, you are brilliant! Those poor saps won't know what's hit them.

A second, colder assessment of the situation came as she carefully climbed down from the wagon seat.

There are five with crossbows. What can we do about them?

There was a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach as she walked unsteadily across to join Keren and Jaxen. Kalikan's still here. I'm really glad now I didn't wear those other breeches. This is going to be a real battle with real enemies and there are going to be real wounds at the end of it. Possibly deaths. Possibly mine. I'm not right yet, I just hope I can do this.

As she walked a call came out from behind her, a call in the language of the Six Cities which confused her for a second.

"Daughter-Guide of Warriors! What must we do?"

That's D'Kenik... and D'Janik is probably out of sight behind the wagons! Oh, thank you, Maker! Perhaps we can do this!

She turned slightly to allow D'Kenik to hear her reply.

"When we move, take out the two on the balcony."

"We will so do, Daughter-Guide."

"Hey!" Trogan said angrily. "What did she say?"

Jaxen spread his hands wide. "Your pardon, sir. The girl is foreign, as you can see, daughter of the man who called. She merely reassured him what was happening."

"As you say."

Trosan had his first proper look at Garia and smiled. A callow youth and a young woman? It seemed this entire unexpected situation was playing right into his hands. Once he had the children, why... He spread his hands wide.

"Agreed, wagonmaster. I shall entertain these two while you make your camp and bring me the assessed toll."

Keren looked at Garia from two steps away.

"Do you trust me?" he asked quietly.

Not daring to speak she nodded, careful to keep the new confidence from her expression.

The two began to walk the short distance to Trogan. Garia noticed that the armed men followed them with their eyes instead of keeping them on the wagons, which suited everybody. When she came within a step of Trogan, as he was reaching out a fat hand to grab her, she spun.

Her first kick took him in the gut. He folded with an oof! and began to collapse on the ground. Garia continued to swivel and her second kick took him on the shoulder, rather than his chest as she had expected.

Accuracy's off, she noted. Damned Kalikan!

Still turning, her right arm straightened and the heel of her right hand smacked into Trogan's forehead instead of his temple. He fell over backwards, his head striking the pavement with a distinct crack. Garia began straightening up, continuing to turn so that she could see what else was happening.

I should so not be doing this now!

As Garia spun Keren, who was still a few paces from the man on Trogan's left, dived forward to try and reach him before he released his bolt. Fortunately for him the man had realized that he should still be covering the wagons and his weapon had begun to move back... bad move. Keren's head took him in the stomach, the bolt was released to clatter on the stones and the two went over onto the ground. Keren managed to roll to one side and regain his feet as the weapon fell out of the man's hands. Keren stamped on the man's knee, then, when he involuntarily spasmed with pain, followed it up with the sole of his boot to the man's head.

By the time Keren regained his breath it was all over. One man slumped over the edge of the balcony with a crossbow bolt through his chest, the other was slumped back against the wall of the building with a bolt through his chest and another through his neck. The fourth man was sitting on the ground with a knife sticking out of his shoulder and two men, Keet and Frando, standing guard over him with drawn swords. In the distance, in front of the train, the last man was flat on his back with a longbow arrow sticking out of his chest.

"Keep alert!" he called. "There may be more! Defensive positions, all!"

Those who were exposed crouched down to make themselves smaller targets while the rest drew back against and between the wagons. Keren turned to Garia.

"Okay?"

She tried a weak smile, the fight hormones still blasting through her veins along with all the other hormones. "I think I need a bath," she said, "but otherwise I'm okay. What do we do now?"

Keren scowled. "We take this thug and question him," he said. "And those two others. Do you think he's really Uncle Gil's man?"

"If he was he's been my man for a while," Garia replied with her own scowl. Suddenly, at that realization, something so fierce welled up inside her that it shocked her. "Keren, these are my people! This trash did this to my people! I will not allow it!"

"As you say, Garia. There is a great wrong here and we are just in time to end it. Do you think there are more of them?"

"Almost certainly, Keren. I don't think six could have held a town this size on their own..." She frowned as a thought came to her. "He wanted us as hostages, didn't he? The moment he saw us - me - he wanted to take us prisoner. That would have stopped Jaxen in his tracks, even though there are so many of us. Suppose he has others locked away somewhere?"

"But where?"

Keren looked around at the buildings in the street, most showing signs of neglect and dilapidation. One of these, perhaps? Had Trogan and his men been bleeding this town dry for so long? His attention was taken by the people who had now begun emerging from the buildings, men and women, most soberly dressed in plain country style. They approached the wagons silently, although keeping well clear of the armed men, just forming a loose circle round the whole caravan. Several of them thought to come closer, look at the dead and injured. Jaxen's men made to stop them but Keren gave a sign. In the lead was a middle-aged woman who came and stared down at Trogan before turning with fury on Keren and Jaxen.

"What have you done! In the Maker's name, what have you done to us! If he is dead, the Lord Gilbanar will kill us all and burn down the town!"

Keren turned to her, relaxed. "Oh, I don't think anything like that will happen, mistress. My uncle is not that kind of person."

She regarded Keren as though he were mad. "What does the uncle of a traveling man have to do with it? Master Trogan told us what penalty would be paid if he or his men were to be harmed. Do you think we are fools?" She began wringing her hands. "Now we shall all die, because some brainless traveling boy thinks to use his fists on the Lord Gilbanar's appointed officials."

"Mistress, nobody in Blackstone is going to die." He looked down at Trogan, who was beginning to revive. "Except probably that brute." The crowd gasped. He turned to the woman. "My uncle is the Duke Gilbanar, mistress, which makes me his nephew, and my father the King."

She gaped at Keren. "This cannot be! Why, you are but -"

"- a young man about the age Prince Keren would be?" He bowed. "At your service, mistress."

"But, but, you travel with the common folk, attired as a traveler! I do not believe it! If you are truly the Prince, where are your men?"

Keren looked up the street and raised his voice. "Varno, report!"

"Highness, the man is dead," came the shouted reply. "Stott's aim is incredible!"

"If I travel in disguise, did you also think my men would be in uniform and armor? Most of these men are my escort."

The woman stared at Keren, unable to quite believe what she was hearing. Impulsively, she got down on bended knee, and the whole crowd followed her.

"Rise, please, all of you. This is no place or time for ceremonies. Mistress, did this man take hostages?"

The woman crumbled before his eyes, the tears streaming down. "He did, Your Highness! My husband and my daughter..."

"Where? Show us!"

She pointed to a single-storey stone building beside the one that Trogan and his men had come out of. Keren immediately headed for the door, Garia in his wake. The crowd parted for them.

"Locked."

"Aye, my lord," A voice came from nearby. "This may assist."

A brawny man of middle age held out an iron bar to Keren.

"You have greater strength than I, master smith. Force the door, if you would."

The man stared uncertainly at Keren but the Prince gestured with a smile. The man jammed the lever between door and frame and heaved. With much splintering the door gave way and flew open.

"A light, someone!"

Inside there was a small office occupying the whole width of the building and a door leading to the back. Garia's sense of the Wild West returned. This was so like a sheriff's office it was uncanny. At the rear of the building was a row of three cells. In the first were two young girls, the other two held three men each. From their condition all had been there some time and badly fed.

"Father!" one of the girls cried.

"Keys, my lord. From the office."

The smith handed a bunch of keys to Keren, who tried each and then opened all three cells.

"It is ended," he told the astonished occupants. "Go home, clean yourselves up, eat and rest." His expression hardened. "Tomorrow, there will be a reckoning. For tonight, recovery."

The woman from outside, embraced by a young girl of maybe fourteen years and a thin husband, turned to Keren.

"Highness, what of the Lord Gilbanar? These are his lands. What will happen to us now?"

Keren gave a reassuring smile. "Mistress, these are no longer Duke Gilbanar's lands. He ceded them to the King at the Harvest Festival and the King has made a new barony called Blackstone. Tomorrow, perhaps, I shall introduce your new liege to you."

"A new barony?" her husband muttered. "A present to some crony of the King, perhaps? Will it be little better than what we have endured these last months?"

"Master, I ask you not to speak of my father in such manner."

The man had the grace to flush. His wife said, "This young man says he is the Prince Keren, husband."

Keren continued, "You must be sorely tried if you think such of all nobles. I intend to prove to you - to the whole town - it is not so. We have not yet learned the full details of the villany of Trogan but we shall discover all before he meets his proper judgment. Go, all of you, and rest yourselves. It is nearly dark."

"Your Highness, I beg your pardon, I did not know. This is a dream surely?"

"It is no dream, master."

"Highness," the smith drew Keren's attention. "These other men are too weak to move. May I ask for healers?"

Keren frowned. "I want them out of here, master smith. This place is... offensive. These cells have new tenants, who wait outside. Can you not find boards to take these to their own houses?"

The smith grinned. "Aye, Highness, that we can."

"Then let us all get out of this place. We have a camp to set before it is too dark."

On the veranda Keren put an arm round Garia's shoulder.

"Is that all right? Were you hurt?"

"No, not at all. So, what now?"

"Time to get the camp set up, I think." He smiled apologetically at her. "I'm sorry! I took over, didn't I? This is your domain now. What do you wish, Baroness?"

"Stop it! You're doing quite well on your own, I think. You're right, let's get the wagons up the street and camp set up. What about guards?"

"Hmm. Jaxen's men can look after the wagons, but we'll need a detail for the cells, I think. Your men or mine?"

"Doesn't matter. Don't care. Keren, I need a bath."

These last words were heard by the woman who had just emerged with husband and daughter. She turned to the pair.

"Highness, I heard the mistress's words. I run - my husband runs - ran -" she looked wildly at them then smiled. "We run a small inn over there called the Bell. We have not room for all your men but we could make room for the women and perhaps yourself, if that would be agreeable to you. There is, of course, a bath house and heating water will be no trouble."

Garia smiled at the woman. "Oh, thank you, that would be great! I'm sorry, we have not been introduced. I'm Garia."

"I'm Yanda and this is my husband Fedren and our daughter Kasinna. Shall you walk with us, mistress?"

"I think we'll have to give instructions to the wagon-men first, but we'll be over as soon as we can, Mistress Yanda. There are four women in our party, we're used to sleeping in the same room if necessary, can you manage?"

"Of course! We may only be small, but since the Ptuvil's Claw was shut we are the only inn in Blackstone. We can accommodate you." She grimaced. "Of course, there have been few visitors these last months."

Garia sighed silently. These poor people are about to go from drought to flood, she thought. Do they really deserve this after what has been done to them?

"That will change," she said. "But, get your husband and daughter home, please! They are your first priority right now."

The smith emerged with his own daughter.

"Thank you, Highness, for what you do this day," he said. "We are in your debt."

"Take your daughter home, master smith. There is much to be done, and tonight is not the time to do it. I take it you are of note in this town?"

"Aye, Highness, I was on the local assembly... before they came. Why?"

"Not tonight. I'll call on you tomorrow, if I may?"

"As you desire, Highness. My forge is up there." He pointed along the street.

"Good, and now, perhaps we ought to be about our own business. Good-night to you."

The invalids were taken away on boards by the townspeople. Once the lock-up had been cleared the three surviving men were shut in the cells and the place left with a two-man guard. Another four men searched the property Trogan had used and sealed it to prevent evidence being taken or destroyed. Jaxen had taken the wagons to the parking-place and the normal routine had settled in, as much as it could. When Keren and Garia arrived he called a meeting of those left in the company.

"What are your instructions, Highness?" Jaxen asked.

"We don't know if that was all the men involved in this business, so set a watch and remember those we faced had crossbows. I'll not tell you your job but you know the precautions to take. There is an inn down the street and we - the four women and myself - have been offered rooms there which we are taking." Keren smiled. "Apparently the presence of hot bath-water is a fatal lure to the fairer members of our party."

Jaxen grinned in reply. "As you say, Highness. Will you need a guard setting at the inn? We have enough men to do that."

"Garia?"

"I think we'd better, especially after recent events. Soomit's guarding the lock-up, perhaps I'll take the other four of my men with me. Is that okay?"

"Excellent, milady! Aye, that will be a good idea. I'll send some food down with the men so that your hosts aren't overloaded. Highness, have you decided what happens tomorrow?"

"I'm not sure, Jaxen," Keren began.

"I am," Garia put in. "Tomorrow, I want these people to know who I am. And that means we dress up so that they all know exactly who we are and what we represent. Agreed, Keren?"

"Agreed, Garia."

"So, clean uniforms tomorrow, parade dress, bright weapons, the works. These people have been left out on the edge for far too long and that's about to change. Let's give them a show."

"Aye." His gaze hardened. "Then we shall begin the business of judging those men."

"No!" Garia objected. "I want to do this properly, Keren, so that there is absolutely no doubt about who those people are and what they did to this town. That means properly gathering evidence and holding a proper trial. I want it written down who did what to who and what was taken from who, that kind of thing. I want a complete list of their crimes before we pass sentence."

Keren spread his hands. "It's your barony, milady. You may run matters as you see fit. But we know these are guilty, why bother with all this? We have already seen enough to condemn them."

"I know. But it will matter to the people they abused, Keren. If they feel that justice has been done and seen to be done, they will accept it better. And, don't forget, it will show them what kind of people we are."

Keren smiled at her. "Did I ever tell you how clever you are? As usual, you make good sense. Very well, let us go to the inn and clean ourselves up, get some food. I believe Jaxen will be happier when we are out of his way."

Jaxen grinned. "I didn't say a word, Highness. Which is the inn? I'll have your chests taken there, along with those of milady's party and of her men, before we do much more here. And, if I may, I will join you after the meal to discuss what may happen next."

"What you mean is, you'll join us for a jar of ale, true?" Keren grinned at Jaxen. "Come down, as you wish. Perhaps our guildsmen should join us also."

There was a brief period of chaos in the camp until Jaxen realized it would be better to unload a wagon and use that to take all the chests to the inn. The party walked down the street together, with the wagon following, to arrive at the inn's door. Yanda was standing waiting on the threshold.

"Highness, mistresses, welcome to the Bell Inn. We have made rooms ready for all of you. Shall you enter?"

Inside Garia found a typical inn laid out on the standard plan. They followed Yanda up the 'women's stairs' to a corridor with various sized rooms off. The four decided that it would probably be safer to begin with if they all shared the same room, so male servants came up with all their chests, causing Yanda to raise an eyebrow.

"So many chests, mistress? I know a woman wears more than any man but do you travel with all your belongings?"

Garia laughed. "Yanda, we are wearing traveling costume as a disguise. That accounts for one chest each. Another chest has our normal clothes, a third contains formal evening wear and riding clothes and the last contains... exercise gear, armor and weapons."

"Weapons? Riding clothes? Formal evening wear? What manner of people are you, if I may ask? I have never heard of the like."

Garia glanced around. The men had gone, there were only women left in the room together with a large number of chests.

"Let me properly introduce ourselves to you, mistress. This is Sukhana, she is sister to Wagonmaster Jaxen and a true traveler. Next is Jenet, who is my maid. This tall girl is Lady Merizel and she is my secretary and close friend. Finally, I am Lady Garia, also known as Baroness Blackstone."

Yanda stepped back, her eyes widening. "You are the new liege of Blackstone? Milady, I did not know..."

She attempted to get down on one knee but Garia prevented it.

"We don't need any of that fuss, Yanda. Tonight we are all just guests at your inn. You may address Merry and I as 'Milady' if you must but I won't bite your head off if you don't. Now I seem to remember you mentioned something about a bath..."

It seems that Garia and Keren are only just beginning to understand what Trogan and his men have done to Blackstone. Jaxen joins them that evening to bring disturbing news. As the full nature of the plot becomes clear plans must be changed, causing a search of the town the following morning.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

When the four women returned to their room after bathing there was an intense discussion about what to wear that evening.

"Milady," Merizel said, "Perhaps it would not be wise to appear in clothes that are too fine this time. I understand what you wish for tomorrow but this evening," she reddened, "I would not want to draw attention to Mistress Sukhana's lack of fine clothing compared to ourselves."

Sukhana glanced at Merizel, reddening herself. Garia stepped in.

"You're right, Merry. It's going to be tricky working with these people, isn't it? They all have to know that I am Baroness and therefore in charge here but I don't think that's any reason to go rubbing their noses in the fact we have much better clothes than they do. Uh, of course, Sookie doesn't have such clothes because she is a traveler."

Garia stopped because she realized that she might end up insulting Sukhana if she continued.

Jenet offered, "Milady, if you are their liege then those under you would expect you to own and wear finer clothes. Indeed, they may wonder should you not. Were we in Palarand then this situation would not arise since all know their own place and what is appropriate to wear at any occasion. Folks such as those who met us today might not understand such fine distinctions."

Sukhana said humbly, "Aye, milady. Folk such as these will have little experience of life even in towns such as Tranidor. These are rural people, isolated from much that happens elsewhere. For myself, I do not see a contradiction that you shall wear fine clothes and I shall not. I might buy better gowns in the markets we have recently visited but in truth I have little need for such garments."

"And space in your chests is at a premium," Garia nodded. "I understand. But tonight I want us to just be travelers staying at an inn, like we have done other times, I think. If we go downstairs..." laden for bear, "...dressed too well it might make people fear us and that isn't such a good idea right now, is it? One of the things Kendar told me that I have to make the right impression on my people and I don't want to seem too isolated from them. I want them to be able to come and ask me anything without fear of being ignored or thought stupid." She thought. "I also don't want to be seen as a young woman with little idea of what to do in these circumstances which is why I wanted to make a big impression tomorrow."

"We understand that, Garia," Merizel said. "My thought was more to ensure that Mistress Sukhana didn't feel out of place tonight."

"I'm no mistress no more, Merizel," Sukhana protested. "That little pretense ended the moment we rolled into town."

Garia smiled. "I'm sure that you are wrong, Sookie. The Prince said he was upgrading you and Jenet while we traveled and temporarily downgrading myself and Merry. He was quite specific about that. I bet you'll find that your status is that of Freewoman from now on, and the Prince can make it stick if anyone can."

Sukhana stared at Garia with shock. "You would not make a joke, milady?"

Garia grinned now. "Me? Joke? Not this time, mistress."

Jenet looked pale. "And myself, milady? Does this also apply to me?"

Garia spun to Jenet and hugged her. "Yes! Jenet, indeed it does! It is good that we get to hand out rewards occasionally and I'll be quite pleased to agree to this one."

Jenet's eyes glistened. "Milady, I don't know what to say."

"When you think what we've all done these last few weeks I'd say you thoroughly deserved it, Jenet."

Merizel said, "Congratulations, Sookie and Jenet. But we still have to decide what to wear and soon. I can smell the scent of rich cooking rising the stair. If we do not dress, it will be all gone!"

"As you say, Merry. Clean traveler gowns, I think. Let's get dressed!"

When they reached the foot of the staircase they found Keren and Brazan talking, waiting for them to appear.

"Ah!" Keren said with a smile. "I began to wonder... if I would miss my meal!"

Garia's expression was serious. "It's all right for you, you just have to throw something on! We had to consider the effect on the townspeople of whatever we chose to wear."

Keren sobered. "As did I, Garia."

They noticed that he, too was wearing traveler clothing, although in his case he had added the thin gold headband indicating his status as a Prince of the realm.

"You were right," he continued, "when you suggested we do things properly tomorrow but tonight is slightly different. I didn't want our hosts to -" He stopped at their smiles. "What?"

"That's exactly what we were trying to decide," Garia said. "See? Great minds think alike."

Keren grinned. "As you say. Interesting saying, if I may say so. From Earth?"

"Indeed, Keren. Now, perhaps we ought to get at that food."

"Milady," Brazan said. "A word before you enter. Since the stables here are clean and empty Mistress Yanda suggested we bring your beasts down and we have done so. Also, we were told that there is room for ourselves and the guildsmen also, so we have moved our gear in as well. Is this acceptable?"

"Why yes, of course!" She frowned. "I don't know how long we'll be staying here but until we find somewhere else to go it makes sense for all of you to stay here as well." She nodded. "Good. I'll look in on the frayen once we have finished eating."

"As you wish, milady."

Inside the common room she found the two guildsmen seated at a long table behind which Frando and Toranar were standing, watching the activity in the room. The last of her armsmen, D'Kenik, was standing by the door into the common room from the street. All three saluted when Garia entered. The party walked over and sat at the table with the guildsmen, followed closely by Yanda who asked them what they wished to eat and drink.

"Highness," she said before she left to organize their food, "we are grateful for the extra provisions which you have supplied. To suddenly have eleven guests appear without warning can be a strain to an out-of-the-way inn as this is. I can assure you that we will have no difficulty providing meals after tonight."

Keren gave her a smile. "It made sense, mistress. The food was there, we would otherwise have eaten it. We did not know what we would find when we arrived here so we came supplied." He grimaced. "We did not expect to be threatened but that is another matter. Your husband and daughter, they are now recovering?"

"Thank you, Highness, they are. I think my husband wishes to speak with you after you have eaten, if that is acceptable." Her face changed. "Kasinna was used by those men, Highness, as was Brydas's daughter Senidet. A lack of food may be remedied but... your pardon, Highness." Yanda turned and ran out of the room, her hands wiping her eyes.

Keren glowered after the retreating figure. "Does she speak truly? I will execute them myself!"

Garia reached a hand to Keren's arm. Her face was pale. "We don't know the whole facts yet but we know those men to be evil, Keren. With young girls in their power why wouldn't they do such things? Leave it for now, please. Let's have our meal in some kind of more pleasant mood. Those men have what's coming to them and I want to do this properly in front of the whole town."

The other women looked pale as well. Keren realized that for them the girls' ordeal had a more personal significance. His face was grim as he nodded.

"As you say, Garia. Let us speak of more pleasant matters."

The meal was difficult because none of them could forget what had so recently happened and what might happen in future days. Smalltalk didn't get very far and the only interesting moment came when the serving girl asked about the forks most of them were using. The mood extended to the other people in the common room, who talked among themselves in low voices but kept well away from the Prince's table, casting glances every now and then at the armsmen posted at the doors.

Just as they were finishing Jaxen entered, saw them and walked over. He found a seat and sat down, scratching his chin.

"Highness, Ladies, Mistresses. I find myself with an unexpected problem. While I was unloading the wagons as we made camp I remembered the messenger bags we were given at that way station. It seems that there is no-one to deliver them to."

"There's a messenger office in the street, Jaxen," Keren objected. "I remember passing it as we came in."

"True, Highness, but it is deserted. I discovered the reason as I walked down to the inn, as it happens. I had a word with the smith as I passed his forge. One of the men who was imprisoned, one of those too ill to walk, was the messenger agent for the town. He will not be able to perform his office ever again, I think. So, what do I do with the mail I brought?"

Keren frowned. "I have no idea, Jaxen. I'm not familiar with the exact rules of the service, especially in this respect. What about yourself? You said you had a letter of authority, is that good enough to permit you to serve as a temporary agent?"

Jaxen scratched his chin again. "I'll have to read it, Highness, to find out. I don't think so."

"Then," Keren said as he swung to Garia, "it looks like you'll have to give them to Garia, as this is her domain. She'll have to appoint someone, probably Merizel, to deal with the mail as a temporary agent until she finds someone more qualified."

"I've heard a lot of talk about the Messenger Service, Keren," Garia said. "Tell me more."

Keren opened his mouth to explain but then frowned. "Garia, Jaxen, there is a very serious point here. If those men had imprisoned the messenger agent then it must follow that they were opening and reading any mail that came to Blackstone." He stared at the others, his gaze hard, his eyes glittering. "If that is so, then these men's fate is sealed. The treaties governing the establishment and the running of the Valley Messenger Service among all the countries along the Sirrel and many others which border them are specific and detailed. No-one, and I mean no-one, may interfere with the operation of the service on pain of death. That's why Jaxen, for example, has to carry a letter of authority just to transport the mail bags and letters."

He sat back, staring at them, deep in thought. Jaxen looked shocked. Garia tried to understand what had happened.

"So, you're saying these men imprisoned the agent and then kept collecting the mail for Blackstone? Wow." She had an idea. "Does this mean, then, that Brogan might not really be a tax assessor, or whatever he said? Might he be an outlaw pretending to be an assessor?"

"It's possible, Garia, or he might just be a properly-appointed assessor gone bad." Another grimace. "That is also possible. We try to make sure that our administrators are honest people but there will always be one or two who are bad, or who go bad."

"So, this messenger service."

"Ah, yes. It was set up many, many years ago because it was proving impossible to reliably deliver anything from one end of the valley to the other, particularly if there was a war or some kind of conflict going on. A treaty was signed which meant that identifiable mail carriers could travel without let wherever they wanted to. This meant, in practice, that a messenger could ride through a war affected area without getting shot at or stopped. It proved a useful way for two sides in a conflict to talk with each other. There are further treaties expanding the idea including the setting up of the messenger offices and the use of traders like Master Tanon to take mail to places the messengers didn't go, or to places outside the treaty area. Tell me, do you remember seeing riders with a yellow headband as we traveled from Dekarran to Tranidor?"

"Why, yes, I did. Those were messengers?"

"Aye. A messenger wears a yellow sash and has a yellow neck scarf and yellow headband. Any man from any country may become a messenger, even for just one journey, but they have to give an oath and sign a declaration. They, too, must carry a letter of authorization as Jaxen does."

"The local agent, I take it, collects mail for a messenger to take elsewhere and holds delivered mail for people to collect in return." She nodded. "There is a very similar system in my own country, although of course we don't have riders any more. I'm beginning to understand the extent of the problem we might have here, Keren."

"I'm pleased you do because I'm not sure I do myself." He gave her a small smile. "Jaxen is our resident expert so we'll have to rely on his knowledge, I'm afraid."

"Me? Highness, I'm a wagon and dranakh man, not a legal expert. Of course you are welcome to whatever I know but it will not be sufficient, I think."

"This agent the smith told you about, can we question him?"

"Perhaps, Highness. Not for some days, I think. From what I saw, those who were carried away on boards were very ill through neglect, abuse and starvation. They will need rest and food before they are well enough to speak." Jaxen shook his head. "A bad business, Highness."

They turned as the husband of Yanda and their daughter approached. When they reached the table they bowed and curtseyed to Keren, who waved an arm at them.

"Please, be seated. You should not be on your feet so soon after such an ordeal."

"Thank you, Highness." The two took seats.

"I trust you are washed and fed?"

The man nodded. "We are, Highness. The first proper meal for many weeks. We thought to come and give you our personal thanks. Whatever we may do to ensure that justice is now done, that we will do freely."

"I'm sure you will, goodman. You are the inn-keeper, I take it? Your wife was running this place while you were imprisoned?"

"Aye, Highness. Fedren is my name and this is my daughter Kasinna. I was a member of the town assembly and I was one of those who objected to the onerous levies that man laid on us. I was punished for my presumption but that was not enough, my wife Yanda gave battle in my place and poor Kasinna here was taken to muzzle her protests."

Fedren put a protective arm around Kasinna, who looked in awe at those seated around the table. Both looked gaunt and malnourished but now that they had been freed showed residual spirit.

"I have heard about Kasinna, goodman," Keren said quietly. "Wagonmaster Jaxen here spoke to the smith on his way down to the inn."

The haunted expression Fedren gave Keren would stay with Garia for a long time.

"Aye, Highness. I shall not speak of it here. To be locked away, unable to ward my own daughter..." The tears began trickling down his cheeks. He wiped them away with shaking fingers. "I am glad the beast is caged, Highness. Such men ought not to be permitted to live in the same world as normal men."

"Nor shall they," Keren agreed strongly. "But Milady Garia here insists on a fair trial and a just accounting. Shall you bear that?"

"Highness, the law governs all men. If we do not follow the law, then all is lost. I will look forward to the trial, though I know it will bring forth painful memories for many." He paused and looked around at the women. "Which of you is the Lady Garia? My wife tells me she is the new liege of Blackstone, if such a thing be possible."

"And so it is, goodman!" Keren gestured with an arm at Garia, who nodded her head at the inn-keeper.

"But... I was led to believe... you are so young, milady!"

Garia smiled. "So they keep telling me. Master Fedren, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, especially if you are on the town council."

Fedren and Kasinna got to their feet and attempted to bow and curtsey. Garia waved them back to their chairs.

"Did you not hear the Prince? You two shouldn't be on your feet after what you have been through.You don't need to keep doing that to me either." She smiled again. "I'll let you get away with it this time because it is the first time we have been properly introduced but I don't need it, really."

"But milady!" Fedren protested as he sat down. "It would not be proper! We are respectable townsfolk, we pay respect to our betters!"

"But you are bowing and scraping to a sixteen-year-old girl who you barely met two bells ago," Garia pointed out. "After what you have just been through, how can you possibly know if I deserve your respect? Where I come from, respect has to be earned."

Fedren stared at Garia wordlessly. Kasinna gave her a shy smile.

"Milady," she said in a quiet voice, "you bring strange ideas to Blackstone Vale. Is it like this at your home?"

Several of those around the table broke out in smiles.

"Milady Garia is a stranger in Palarand," Keren explained. "She comes from somewhere else entirely and aye, they have very different customs than we do."

"A stranger," Fedren said slowly, "and yet a Baroness? How can this be?"

"A tale for another time, goodman. Believe me, she has earned the right. For now, we have a town to save. I would ask you two questions, if I may, concerning recent events."

"I will answer whatever I can, Highness."

"We found one today called Trogan who claimed he was a Tax Assessor." Keren held up a hand to stop Fedren speaking. "We are concerned with numbers tonight, goodman. There were five with him, of which three are now dead and two in the cells. Are there any more of this foul pack?"

"Highness, I can name nine, but I suspect there may be others." His face twisted in a grimace. "There are also those in the town who took - or claimed to take - the side of Trogan. Not many, but the townspeople will soon root them out for you. They may have sought to win Trogan's favor but I do not think they will threaten you, not with so many as you have brought to Blackstone."

"We have twenty-seven," Garia said, "though four are women and I doubt some of the wagoneers would be much good in a fight. Still, sounds like enough to clean the town up, don't you think, Keren?"

Fedren and Kasinna looked taken aback at the casual way the two conversed but Keren didn't notice.

"Probably, Garia, but we are a mixed bunch, remember. I have four men, you have five, Jaxen has... how many?"

"Eight, Highness, with two being wagoneers."

"Then there's two of Uncle Gil's wagoneers and our two guildsmen friends there. We have not fought or trained together at all, have we? I think we did well to escape so lightly this afternoon."

"But all of mine came from the palace guard," Garia objected, "and D'Janik was also a palace guardsman. I know one or two of the other wagon men have served in guard outfits as well. We may not have trained together, Keren, but I'll bet they can all take orders when necessary and they know what to do."

"Highness," Yarling added, "we may not have military training but we can both use a sword. If it had come to a battle you would not have found us wanting and we would certainly have taken your instructions." He paused, thinking the unthinkable. "Or those of Milady Garia, perhaps."

"I thank you for your support, guildsman."

Keren had a thought and stood, beckoning to D'Kenik. D'Kenik strode from his post at the front door and saluted when he reached the table.

"Highness?"

"We are told there are four more of those men abroad, D'Kenik. Warn the others here, then go across the street and warn those guarding the cells and that office." He calculated. "Can you find someone to go up to the wagons? You ought not go alone."

"I can take word, Highness," Jaxen offered, getting to his feet. "I ought not to stay here too much longer, I think."

"Very well, Jaxen. D'Kenik, warn the others."

"Highness!"

"You bring a strange party to Blackstone, Highness," Fedren said as Jaxen and D'Kenik walked away. "Wagoneers, guildsmen, armsmen and women!"

"Again, goodman, you shall be answered in time once your town is safe again. I have a second question for you tonight, and it is a simple one. Name me those whom Trogan imprisoned."

"As you wish, Highness." He noticed Merizel taking paper and pencil from her pouch and waited until she was ready. "There was myself, of course, and Kasinna here. Senidet, who is the daughter of Brydas our smith. Poor Mesulkin who was the steward appointed by Duke Gilbanar. I do not know if he will live many days, Highness. There was Polbinar who is the Agent of the Messenger Service, Blandel our mason and Jepp the town scribe."

"So, mostly those of the town assembly, then?"

"Indeed, Highness."

Garia said, "I had hoped to arrive here and stay quietly in this inn for a day or two finding out how the town worked, goodman, before I made myself known. That's obviously not going to happen now. Would those of the town assembly be prepared to take up their old positions for a time? I'm not going to start appointing people I know nothing about."

"Aye, milady, we would." He considered. "Those that are able to, I should add. Milady, I must ask, what you intend to do in Blackstone?"

"Not tonight, goodman. There will be changes, yes, there have to be after what just happened! But I'll explain all to you before we start anything. Let's get this mess cleared up first." She turned to Keren. "Perhaps it is time we retired, Keren. I'm beginning to feel a little worn down."

"Aye, Garia. It has been a busy day and tomorrow will be the same." He rose, causing everybody else to stand. "If you could find someone to guide our way, inn-keeper, we will go to our beds."

"I'm going to check the frayen first," Garia said, "but then we're off to bed as well."

~o~O~o~

"Sookie, what do you think you will do now? I'm going to send Jaxen back to Tranidor, probably with two wagons. Would you go with him or stay with us? I won't object either way."

They were getting ready to go down to the bath house early the following morning.

"Why are you sending him away, milady? I would think that you needed his men close at hand till the others are caught."

"We have to restart the messenger service, Sookie. Do you realize just how many letters this business is going to involve? I cringe when I think what the King and Queen will do when they find out what happened here and Duke Gilbanar isn't going to be at all happy either."

Sukhana nodded. "Aye, milady, I wasn't thinking. Of course Jaxen must go, it is his business after all. Why me, milady? Have you special need of me here?"

"Only if you feel like staying, Sookie. I wouldn't object if you decided to put some road between yourself and Blackstone. This is hardly what you expected, is it?"

"Maker, it's hardly what anyone expected! Let me consider, milady. You do not need an immediate answer, do you? There are no letters yet for Jaxen to take."

"You're right. After reading all that pile in Tranidor all I managed was a thank you note to the Queen. I suspect that Merry and I are going to spend all afternoon for several days just writing letters to everyone. To answer your question, you'll have to agree what you want to do with Jaxen. If you want to go, good, but if you want to stay, then I'll be happy to have your support. Fair enough?"

"Aye, milady, and I'm honored that you would think of me."

"Then let's get down to the hot tubs! Today could be somewhat busy."

Back in their chamber Sukhana looked with interest at the Blackstone colors which until now had remained in their chests.

"You choose strange colors, milady. You might not be made out, were you in a forest."

"That's exactly the idea, Sookie!" Garia replied to Sukhana's surprise. "There wasn't a great amount of choice actually, since most other color combinations had already been used, but I quite like shades of green and there was always a thought that to have colors that blended in could come in useful sometime."

"As you say, milady. Your skirt, might I guess that came from the same place as the forks?"

Garia smiled. "You might, Sookie. Like it?"

"The arrangement is... curious, milady. I like how the colors change as you move. Would it be possible..?" Sukhana left her question hanging.

Garia teased her. "If you keep having things made that you've seen one of us wearing you'll need another chest, won't you? Would Jaxen permit that?"

Sukhana smiled ruefully back. "A woman's burden was ever thus, milady. No man may understand the needs a woman has. I doubt not there will be a discussion."

"As you say! And the answer is yes, if you can find a seamstress I'd be quite happy to let you copy this skirt."

"Will you wear your swords, milady?" Jenet asked.

"Not right now, Jenet, because I have to sit down to eat. Bring them down and I'll put them on after we finish breakfast."

"Of course, milady."

Sukhana looked in Garia's chest.

"Maker! Six swords? Why do you need so many?"

"They are in pairs, Sookie. I'm so short they have to go on my back, which means it can get awkward sitting down sometimes. I have three pairs, a training pair, which are the ones with the stained scabbards, a dress pair for formal occasions, those are the ones with the fancy hilts which are usable but not properly tempered and finally the plain pair at the end are the ones I'll wear today. Those are proper fighting swords. We don't know what we'll be facing today so I'd better make sure I'll be ready should it be necessary."

"Can you really use those, milady? They are not just to make a point?"

Garia smiled. "That as well, Sookie, but they are intended for real use. I've trained with the swords enough so that I can defend myself and that's all. I've not encountered a situation yet where they have been necessary, and I hope I never do."

Jenet fussed over Garia, settling the sashes and pinning her badges of office on the diagonal one.

"Just your hair now, milady."

Once Jenet was satisfied that Garia was, literally, dressed to kill she turned her attention to Merizel, who had been helping Sukhana while she waited. Soon the four were ready to leave the room.

"You three look really good," Sukhana said, nodding with appreciation. "You look suitably feminine but no-one could pretend that you didn't mean business. Will you mind having me walk beside you?"

"Of course not, Sookie! This is all for the benefit of the townspeople. We'd be delighted to walk beside our friend."

At the foot of the stairs Keren and Brazan waited for them. Both were dressed in their respective uniforms and saluted when Garia appeared.

"Good morning to you," she greeted them. "Any trouble during the night?"

Brazan replied, "None that has been reported to me, milady."

"A quiet night," Keren added. "You three look magnificent this morning," he said, "while Mistress Sukhana reminds us that we have some serious business to handle today. Shall we go in and eat?"

"It is true, then, Highness?" Sukhana asked as they walked to their table. "I did not believe that my change in status would be permanent."

"I have asked Jaxen about your previous works, mistress, and I believe that I am justified in giving you the status you should already have had. If any should object I shall provide you a document confirming your status."

"And Jenet?" Garia asked as they sat down. "You will confirm her status as well?"

"Dear Jenet," Keren said with a smile. "I have known you all my life, you have been a true and loyal servant of the crown these many years. I have no doubt you will serve Garia just as loyally. This is a small token of my love for you."

"Highness," Jenet said through her tears, "you are a bad, bad boy. You have made me cry at breakfast."

"But they are tears of joy, yes? I would not have it otherwise."

As they were eating they became aware that the level of background noise was rising. Toranar, who was guarding the front door, came to them.

"Highness, Milady, a crowd is gathering in the street. I do not think they mean us ill but some of them keep looking at the watch building."

Garia said to Keren, "Do you think they mean to lynch those men?"

"I don't know, Garia." He looked at his half-empty plate. "I think I'll go and try and calm them down."

"Do you want me to come?"

"Not this time, if you wouldn't mind. If they see you, you won't get another meal until lunch time so sit and eat while I say a few words."

Keren walked to the door and out onto the covered sidewalk. There were about fifty people in the street, all in a half-circle facing the inn. The moment Keren appeared they all bowed and curtseyed.

"People of Blackstone," he began. "You are wondering about those who arrived yesterday and when justice might be meted out to those who recently oppressed you. We break our fast, we will join you presently. Do not think to take those who we arrested yesterday and revenge yourselves on them since that will only mark you out as being no better than they. I give you my word that they shall be judged according to the laws of Palarand as soon as we can determine the facts and arrange a trial. Will you give me leave to finish my food?"

The idea of the Crown Prince asking a mob of townspeople permission to go and finish breakfast overwhelmed some of them and they fell to their knees again. There were some mutterings of "Aye, Highness," and Keren returned to the table.

"That will keep them a short while," he said as he sat down again. "Let's finish up here and make our entrance, shall we?"

Jenet and Merizel fixed Garia's swords in position and then her four men preceded the party outside onto the sidewalk. The crowd, now swelled in number, all bowed and curtseyed again.

"Rise, please," Keren said. "I am Prince Keren, son of Robanar, King of Palarand. My presence here was not because of the evil that beset you but entirely by chance. Will you hear my words?"

Keren could see that he had everyone's full attention so he continued, "There are two matters I shall put to you, people of Blackstone. Our most immediate concern is the men that are presently in the cells behind you."

Several people at the rear of the crowd turned and looked at the stone building with one of Keren's men standing outside before turning back again.

"These men, and any others of that spawn still at liberty shall be tried according to the laws of Palarand for the crimes they have committed. If any of you can bear direct testimony of such crimes I would ask you to come forward sometime today and have your testimony recorded. We have been told that there are others of the breed still abroad, we would ask your assistance in finding and detaining these men. You do not need to be told that they are armed and dangerous. I would remind you all that there are a number of guards with the wagon train that brought us and they are also armed and dangerous. Do not mistake your quarry. If you find any of these men call for assistance, there have been enough deaths and injuries already. We want them alive to be tried and judged. Am I understood?"

There were mutterings of "Aye, Highness," but clearly some did not like the idea that the evil-doers could not just be hunted down and killed.

"Blackstone is part of Palarand," Keren said over the muttering, "and the laws of Palarand hold sway here. Let us show these people that we are better than they."

Several of the crowd stood straighter when he said those words, nodding as they appreciated the sentiment.

"The other matter," Keren said with a smile, "is a much more pleasant duty. At the recent Harvest Festival Duke Gilbanar ceded Blackstone Vale and the town of Blackstone to the King, so that he could create the lands as a new barony. The reason for the bestowing of that barony is a long and complicated one and I do not doubt you will all learn it in time."

Many of the townspeople looked confused. Blackstone was at the back end of nowhere, why make it a barony?

"Palarand is about to undergo some great changes and those changes will begin at Blackstone, since Blackstone has a treasure that has been ignored until now. I speak of the rock which gives the town its name, coal. The barony was awarded to the person who gave the secret of coal to His Majesty and much else besides. This person stands here besides me today, your new liege, Baroness Garia of Blackstone."

Garia stepped forward to stand beside Keren. Since the sidewalk was raised above the pavement all could get a clear view of the young woman standing beside the Prince. Most were confused by her presence and there was more muttering in the crowd, with people moving restlessly. Garia decided to put an end to the speculation.

"People of Blackstone," she began. "Greetings to you all. Yes, I really am your new Baroness. Yes, I really am a young woman and yes, I really can use the swords you see on my back."

The crowd stared at Garia, silent now. She returned their look, gauging the crowd the best she could.

I dunno. This might be worse than facing the Questors! At least I could walk away from their hall once I'd finished, I can't do that with these people. My people.

"I'll keep this brief for now, since we have bandits to catch and bring to trial. I was not born in Palarand or even Alaesia but somewhere else entirely. I have sworn fealty to your King and told him of many things familiar in my homeland but unknown here in Alaesia. For that reason among others he has made me a Baroness and I intend to prove to you and our King that he has made the right decision.

"You know nothing about me and that means nothing you may hear about me is likely to be true. You may think me a young woman with little experience of governing and you'd be right. With your help I want to do my duty, to make Blackstone once again the proud town it should be. As time passes we'll come to know each other and I hope that you'll decide that I am the right person for the job."

The crowd was silent, taking her words in. Garia wasn't happy.

I don't like this. What are they waiting for? Do they expect me to do something special? Is there some kind of ceremony that was supposed to happen? Have Keren and I screwed it up somehow?

Keren coughed and everyone's eyes switched to him. "If any of you have questions for either of us, ask. There will be time later for a full accounting but we may answer one or two now."

The smith shouldered his way through the crowd. "Highness, you spoke of coal. Do I assume you intend to mine the rock?"

Keren nodded. "As you say, Master Brydas." The man's eyes widened as he realized that Keren had remembered his name. "The subject is complicated but we intend to take as much of that black rock out of the mountain as we can, over the next fifty to one hundred years." That started a buzzing in the crowd. "For Blackstone it will mean many miners coming to live here, which in turn will mean that they will need places to sleep and eat and they will need to buy clothes, equipment and provisions. For most standing here it will mean more money than any of you will ever have seen."

"I'll add to that," Garia said to the crowd. "I don't want to see Blackstone or its people destroyed by undisciplined mining and overdevelopment. I want those here to have the advantages of the extra wealth but none of the disadvantages. Any mining here will be carefully planned, with your full consent and co-operation." She looked at the crowd, now animated by the magic word money. "Enough. We have evil doers to find and catch. Will you let your Prince guide you?"

There were mutterings of Milady and Highness and the crowd turned to Keren.

"Split into groups of no less than six people. I want every building searched, every room, every closet big enough to hide in, basements, flat roofs, attics, kitchens, store-rooms, stables, everywhere. If you find someone who should not be there, call for assistance and I shall send some guardsmen to help. If you should find sign that someone has been there, tell us immediately. Account for missing food, clothing, tools, weapons or beasts. Do not separate so that you are out of sight of each other. Take the greatest care, even in your own houses. Those who we seek may have changed hiding places even as we stand here. We will look in the building opposite where they kept court, and in the messenger office. Bring any word to the inn here, where you may speak with any you see in these uniforms."

The crowd immediately turned and condensed into a number of small groups who set off in all directions.

"Well! That was different," Keren mused as he watched the groups disperse.

"You know what they say about rural people," Sukhana said from behind them. "They tend to be more direct than you soft, city-living noble-born."

"It also means we don't stand around arguing when there's work to be done, Highness," Yanda added. "We want those men out of our lives and the quicker the better."

"All right!" Keren smiled and raised his hands in surrender. "I take your hint, ladies. Let's go, Garia, Merry."

Keren walked across the street to the 'watch building', where two palace guardsmen stood waiting. Garia, Merizel and two of her men followed while the rest stayed at the entrance to the inn and watched.

"Any trouble?"

"Not so far, Highness. We fed 'em this morning, which is apparently more than they did to those you released last night. Fair amount of grousing about what'll happen to you when the Duke finds out, that kind of thing. If I might respectfully ask, what did you tell the mob?"

"There are four others abroad. The townspeople are searching for them. Keep a sharp lookout in case they try to come and free their fellows."

"Aye, Highness, since we were told last night we've been careful of all who approach."

Keren nodded. "Good. I think we'll look through the building next door before tackling them, it seems they used it as a base. We need evidence to convict them."

The man grinned. "Aye, Highness, but I don't think that will be difficult somehow."

Keren led them next door where they found themselves in another office. Doors led off at both sides of the back wall.

"This looks tidy," Merizel remarked. "I expected... more mess, somehow."

"Don't forget, Trogan either was a Tax Assessor or was pretending to be one," Keren said. "To appear to have the authority he claimed, he would need to behave as a legal official, at least in his dealings with the people. Why don't you give this office a going over, Merry? Just flick through the piles and see if anything obvious comes to the eye. It would be useful to find the summary judgments that put Fedren and the others in the cells, find out what device he used."

"As you command, Highness," she said, moving to the desk that occupied one side of the office.

"Let's look in these other rooms, Garia."

Keren led the way through one of the back doors and found himself in a narrow covered way on one side of the inevitable courtyard. A door at the far end opened into the kitchen, here as usual forming the rear of the courtyard. Next to the kitchen was a small bath house, an exit way to a back lane and then a wider block forming the fourth side. The lower floor was the stables, there were six frayen contentedly munching fodder - and a guardsman, standing prepared with a crossbow at the ready.

"Highness."

"Carry on, Chinnar."

An outside stair at the end led to sleeping quarters which had been hastily abandoned. Keren spent some time here trying to determine how many had used the room but failed. Finally, shaking his head, he moved to the upper floor at the front of the building, finding three rooms, one of which had obviously been used by Trogan.

"Any ideas?" he asked Garia. "It would help if I knew what we were looking for."

"Not really, although I think we're missing something. If this is the house of the Tax Assessor, surely there ought to be some money somewhere? A cash box, strong room, something like that?"

A quick search through the house showed nowhere that could be a strong room. Back in the front office with Merizel they talked.

"Where is the strong room usually, Merry? Any ideas?"

"Why look at me? Daddy had men to look after his money - not that he ever had very much." She frowned. "Don't strong rooms usually have stone walls? You know, to stop thieves breaking in but also to protect the contents in the event of fire? This house is all wood."

Keren and Garia looked at each other. "Stone rooms," she said. "Kitchens!" he replied.

It was a narrow closet reached via the kitchen entrance, which looked in passing like an extra pantry or a store-room. Naturally, it was locked.

"We'll have to get the smith," Keren said. "He's strong enough to force this door open."

"You'll probably find," said Merizel, who had followed them out, "that he made the door and lock in the first place."

Keren rolled his eyes. "Of course, Merry!" He turned to Brazan, who had accompanied them around the building. "Can you go and find the smith? Tell him the problem, he may have another key."

Brazan banged his chest and disappeared. The others went back to the office.

"If I'm reading these right," Merizel said, "these men were demanding heavy taxes from everybody in the town and all the surrounding farmsteads as well."

"And they had to pay up," Keren said with a sigh, "since of course they believed him the real assessor of taxes. He kept the whole town under his heel through fear of retribution." His lips compressed. "That shall happen no more."

"Keren," Garia asked, "will these people actually have to pay taxes in the future? Can't we run the whole thing out of the fees from the coal mining?"

Keren shrugged. "I don't know, Garia. You'd have to talk to our tax experts when we get back to the palace. My opinion is, this is your domain, you can finance it however you wish."

Garia nodded. "I'll take advice, but that's how I'd like to do it, I think. These people will have enough to worry about in the future without having extra burdens like taxes." She turned. "Did you find anything else, Merry?"

"They have definitely been opening mail, Garia. But, of course, if he is real then he is allowed to, isn't he?"

Keren's eyes narrowed. "Just mail addressed to the Tax Assessor and mail addressed to Trogan personally, or does that include mail to others?"

"I've seen letters addressed to the Steward and letters to the Messenger Agent," Merizel replied. She licked her lips, suddenly dry. "That means he definitely broke the Messenger laws, didn't he?"

"Aye, Merry, and that seals his fate. All their fates, since they are all jointly guilty of that crime."

"Could they not have taken the letters after they imprisoned the Steward and Agent?" Garia asked.

"It's possible," Keren started, but Merizel interrupted.

"Highness, it is not. Some of the letters are dated quite recently, after the Steward and Agent were locked in the cells. I do not believe that Trogan would hand unopened letters to prisoners."

They talked about what Merizel had found until Brazan returned with Brydas, who was holding a bunch of keys.

"Highness," he said, "I made the locks for that room, I have spare keys in case of loss or need."

"Lead the way, Brydas," Keren ordered. A thought struck him. "Did Trogan know you had duplicate keys?"

The smith came very near to a smirk. "Highness, it never occurred to him who might have made those things."

Once open the room, though small, was found to contain sacks of coin and bundles of documents. Keren ordered the documents to be removed and the room locked again.

"I've seen enough," he said. "We still have men to find and this is using up time. Let's move on to the next building. Uh, Merry, I'd like you to stay here and continue going through the documents. Would you do that for me?"

"What you really mean, Highness, is that you'd like me out of the way of any danger," she replied with a smile. "I think I can manage that. Are you going to leave the guards here?"

"Of course! The contents of this building could become quite important to us. There may be important letters somewhere in these documents and in the front office."

"As you say, Highness."

A small procession walked out of the front door to the next building, which was the one with the yellow flag. Garia now realized this indicated the Messenger Office. Keren looked at the front door and then at Brydas, who smiled.

"No need to break this one down, Highness. I have the keys here, anticipating your need."

Inside was a single room with no rear access. A table, a desk and three chairs, all in disarray. The rear wall had three safes embedded in it, the iron doors all now hanging open and empty of all contents. A pile of scrolls lay heaped on the floor under the middle safe.

"Ah, that saves me the trouble of opening them for you, Highness," Brydas said. "The left one was used for mail from elsewhere to be collected by whoever it was addressed to, the center one had his fees and records and the right one was for letters and packets to be sent elsewhere. We suspected that Trogan was opening the letters but as the most senior official left in the town we thought maybe he had the right." He shook his head. "Do you tell me this is pure villainy, Highness?"

"All of it, Master Brydas," Keren said heavily. "All of it. An isolated town, easily controlled by fear and milked for all it could be made to give. He had to open all mails, to warn them should someone important - like us, for example - be due to appear. Our special circumstances meant we arrived without notice and gave them no chance to set a trap or prepare some story, and that was the only reason we succeeded yesterday."

"You are so many, Highness! You would have prevailed, surely?"

"Aye, but at what cost? If they had been given time to set an ambush there may have been ten dead instead of three." Keren waved a hand indicating the discussion was ended. "There is nothing here. Let us move on. Brydas, I do not think we need lock the door again."

A man came down the street to them at a trot, puffing as he stopped in front of the party.

"Highness," he said. "We have found one, but he climbed onto a roof to try and escape. Unfortunately he slipped and fell, breaking his neck. I am told to tell you that we will leave his body where it is for now while we continue the search. Is that your wish?"

"Aye, goodman. If any of you bring the body down here to join the others it may give another a chance to move, perhaps somewhere you have already searched. We shall collect it later, there is no urgency."

The man saluted and jogged back up the street. Keren, Garia and Brydas turned their attention to the next building.

"The Ptuvil's Claw," Keren said, looking up at the large frontage. "Do you know your way around inside, Master Brydas? Where should we begin?"

"The front door has been nailed shut these two years, Highness. If we enter by the carriage arch we should be able to reach all parts from the courtyard."

They walked through to the courtyard. A gesture from Keren sent two men to check the stables. One of them appeared by the door.

"Highness, there are fresh frayen droppings in here. Perhaps more than one beast. The stable is empty now."

"Very well. We had better check the servant's quarters next."

With men left in the courtyard on guard the rest climbed the stairs to a covered veranda over the stables, walking along it to search every room. Some were smaller rooms, whether bedrooms offices or store-rooms Garia did not know. At the rear end were four larger rooms which might have been dormitories. Keren led the way down the back stairs to a single-storey stone block which made the rear side of the courtyard.

"Next we'll look in the kitchen and the bath house. There is only one way into each of those places."

Neither the kitchen nor the bath house showed signs of recent usage although there were footprints in the dust. From the cobwebs in the kitchen it looked as if it had not been used for some time.

"We cannot tell how long those prints have been there, Keren," Garia said. "They might not be anything to do with our fugitives. Where next? In there?"

Brydas said, "That door leads to the inn-keeper's chambers, milady. There is another door at the other end, just by the stair to the women's rooms."

With signs Keren directed two men to the other end, where the stair from the women's dormitory and chambers came down to the cloister surrounding the courtyard. They waited there with drawn swords while Keren pushed open the rear door and entered with his own sword drawn. With the others following they searched all the rooms until they came out where the other two were waiting.

"Nothing. Where next, Highness?"

"We'll have to go up these stairs next," Garia said, "otherwise we might leave them behind us."

"Aye. You two, guard the stair while we check above."

With Keren and Brydas in the lead they climbed the stair to reach the corridor that ran the length of the building above the cloister. Garia grimaced and tugged Keren's sleeve.

"Have you forgotten," she whispered, "There must be another stair at the other end, for women to get to the bath house?"

"Aye, I did," he whispered back. "If any should run that way they won't get far."

The big dormitory, the first chamber, was empty and bare, as was the next smaller chamber. Beyond was a closet for linen, then another small chamber. At the end was a further chamber but this one had rough bedding laid out on the floor.

"We have found their lair," said Brydas in a low voice. "But where is the quarry?"

"Hssst!" Garia whispered. "There's a noise... above!" She pointed upwards with a finger.

"The roof-space," Brydas breathed. "I know not how to enter it."

"I think there was a hatch," Garia said, "in that closet."

Keren nodded, "And shelves to climb up to it."

He indicated the chamber door and led the way out into the corridor. Garia decided that this was perhaps the moment she ought to be drawing her swords and did so, silently, as she followed the men. In the linen closet the hatch showed no signs of interference or use, but that proved nothing.

"If he's up there," Keren muttered, "we cannot approach, it is too defendable."

"Highness," Brydas said in a low voice, "in these buildings the roof space will continue through into the front part. There may be another way up - or down."

"As you say," Keren replied quietly. "Let's go. We'll leave two here and search the rest of the building."

The search was abruptly terminated by a crash from ahead of them. Keren raced off to the end of the corridor and turned into the larger women's dormitory. The others followed but skidded to a halt, not entering the room. When Garia reached them she saw why. Within, a plaster-covered man had Keren backed against the end wall at sword-point.

"Stay there! Stay where you are or I'll spit this little lordling!"

Keren is in a tight spot but there is help at hand... with the immediate danger over Garia begins to make plans for the future. And so do the people of Blackstone, much to everyone's surprise.

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Stay there! Stay where you are or I'll spit this little lordling!"

Garia wasted no time, pushing immediately between the men. Brydas put out a hand to restrain her, thinking to protect her, but when he saw the two swords and the expression on her face he stepped aside. She strode into the dormitory, her swords held out straight in front of her.

Keep moving. Don't let the situation stabilize because it will be harder to succeed from an entrenched position. Keep him off-balance.

The plaster-covered man saw her and turned, astonished by what he saw. Automatically, his sword-point moved as well to cover the new threat. Garia kept walking and the man was forced to back away into the room. As soon as he was able Keren slid away to join the others, now entering the doorway.

The man waved his point around in a circle and then suddenly thrust forward to test his new opponent. Garia immediately flicked her swords up into an X, trapping the man's blade and deflecting it to the left with a twist of her wrists. He pulled his blade back and tried an overhead cut, to be met the same way.

This isn't a training exercise, this is for real! I gotta be real careful here.

The man tried a cut from Garia's left, the expression on his face one of uncertainty. Garia met it with her X and then swept the blade down to her left. This freed her right-hand blade and she twisted her trunk while thrusting with the blade, scoring a hit on his left thigh. The man winced and then pulled back, staring at his opponent in fear.

He doesn't know what to do! He has no idea how to deal with a female opponent and my unconventional swords confuse him as well. He probably can't use a sword that well in any case. It's fine for looking macho and intimidating townspeople but...

The man tried another cut from the left but pulled his sword away as Garia swept it down, hoping to expose her right side but she was too quick for him. She moved forward a step, pushing him back around the room. He tried a cut from the right then, while Garia was still moving, using his longer reach to lean forward and prick her chest with his point before retreating. There was a gasp from the others but Garia merely moved another step forward, her blades out again, forcing him backward.

He tried an undercut, hoping to get his blade between her hilts but discovered why that wasn't a good idea. Garia slid a blade so that his was trapped in the curl of her cross-guard and twisted. With difficulty he pulled his own free and stepped back again. Desperately he lunged again and again she trapped his blade, freeing her right hand to thrust forward. He leaned back to avoid the point - and tripped on the pile of material he had dislodged when he fell through the ceiling. As he went backwards he automatically put down both hands to break his fall... and the sword came flying out of his hand and went spinning across the bare floor.

"I yield! I yield!"

The others rushed forward, blades at the ready, to ensure that the man stayed down. Brydas came to Garia.

"Milady, you are injured!"

"No, Master Brydas," she said, breathing heavily, "only my clothing. He didn't get deep enough to draw blood."

"But I saw - " He looked at the expression on her face. "Never mind."

Keren came forward with the man's sword, which he had retrieved, in his hand. He examined it briefly before sliding into his scabbard. Garia's eyes widened in disbelief.

"That was your sword?"

"Aye," he agreed, giving her an embarrassed smile. "We collided at the doorway and I dropped my sword as we both fell. It was my misfortune he discovered it first."

"Highness," Brydas said, "that was a rash move, but you already realize that."

"Aye, master smith." Another embarrassed smile. "Blame my youth and inexperience for that."

"Highness?" The man on the floor blurted. "You are the King's son?"

"Aye," Keren said shortly, turning to him. "What of it?"

"I did not know... we did not expect..." He shook his head. "This day has turned from disaster to calamity. Master Trogan is taken?"

"Yesterday, when we arrived. You did not know?"

"Highness, I was bringing the beasts in from pasture. I did not know what had happened. My fellows told me that we were hunted in the town by armed men, I knew not who."

"My presence here in Blackstone is circumstance. I am escorting the new Baroness of Blackstone to view her newly allotted lands."

The man's face drained until it was completely bloodless. He stared at Garia.

"She is... Highness, we were told nothing. We thought the Lord Gilbanar still ruled these lands."

"Trogan did not tell you? Surely there must have been letters announcing the change?"

"I know not, Highness. Only one or two besides Master Trogan can read. He tells us only what he wishes us to do."

Brydas asked, "You call him Master Trogan. Do you believe him to be legally appointed as Tax Assessor?"

"Why, yes, master smith." He looked at the faces surrounding him in horror. "You mean he is not?" His eyes fell. "I am a dead man."

"Almost certainly," Keren said, which made the man look up at him. "Can you stand? What of those who were here with you? How many?"

"Highness, we were three last night." His tone became bitter. "When I awoke this morning they had gone, taking my beast with them. I am left to face the consequences."

Keren stared at the man as Brydas and Brazan helped him to his feet. Blood trickled down the man's thigh but it did not look like a serious wound. He came to a decision.

"I may not prejudge your trial, but if the outcome be death, and you have told us what you can about this business, I will promise that it shall be quick and clean. What say you?"

"Highness, I will take whatever you offer. I must throw myself on your mercy, there is no other way."

"Your name?"

"Sethan, Highness."

Keren turned. "Let's go. We will complete our search of this building since we may not yet trust what this man tells us. Brazan, Dennard, take this man to join the others."

"Aye, Highness."

The two guardsmen took the man out, limping between them. Brydas turned to Garia.

"Milady, I was sure I saw him stick you. Are you sure there is no wound?"

She smiled at the smith.

"Brydas, you may know of the King's Armorer, a smith named Haflin." Brydas nodded in recognition. "Inside this tabard he hid plates of steel for just an event such as this, although he did not expect them to stop a sword thrust. I have a tear in the cloth which can easily be repaired, that's all."

Brydas came closer and searched the cloth, noting the bright glint through a small ragged tear. He also noticed her badges and his eyes widened in shock.

"Milady, you wear a guild badge! How is this possible?"

Garia tried and failed to hide a glow of pride. "Look closely, Master Smith, and read it."

"Guildmistress... number one! This is amazing! You are also a warrior... I cannot believe it of any woman, that such may be possible! Yet you are not even old enough to be a prentice. Tell me, milady, how this is done."

"There will be time for all this, master smith," Keren interrupted. "We have a building to clear. Hmmm. If that man speaks the truth, then the others have fled before us. Still, we must make sure that none remain lurking nearby. Come."

The front of the building held the men's dormitory and two smaller bedrooms, all bare. At the top of the stairs Garia sagged against Keren.

"You are injured, milady!" Brydas exclaimed.

"No, Master Brydas," Garia said as Keren put his arm around her. "Just coming down from the high of fighting, is all." She smiled at the smith. "That wasn't a long fight but it was my first with swords and it involved a great deal of concentration. It can be done but you pay for it afterward. I'll be okay in a moment or two."

Brydas stared at the young girl. Her first fight? With swords? Whatever else had she done?

Downstairs they entered the common room, which took up the whole width of the building apart from the carriage entrance. In one back corner was an empty cubicle where the inn-keeper usually sat. There was no furniture except a single broken bench. Garia turned to the smith.

"What happened here, Master Brydas?"

"Years ago, milady, the town was more prosperous from the sale of wool and this inn was built to accommodate merchants who came to buy. A disease of the foot reduced the flocks and the trade collapsed. This inn was too big to survive the loss of business. The Bell Inn, where you reside, barely manages with the tavern trade, milady. Without the wool we are no better than a poor mountain village."

"The owners gave up and went, then? So, who owns this property now?"

Brydas shrugged. "I know not, milady. I guess... it returns to the owner of the land, who is the Duke. Ah, perhaps that means that you own it now, milady. As you may know, all properties are held by title from the liege of the land and ultimately the King."

Garia turned to Keren. "What do you think, Keren? This building is vacant and available and we need somewhere to make a headquarters." Brydas frowned at the strange word but Keren nodded. "When Jaxen gets sent off to start a link to Tranidor we'll lose most of the accommodation up at the camp site so we'll need somewhere to put the men up and they can't all stay at the Bell. Why not here?"

"It's a good idea, Garia. This place is big enough it ought to be able to take everyone we brought with us, and we'll need somewhere in town until we return south. This room," he gestured, "is big enough for us to exercise in, to hold meetings, even perhaps to hold trials. There's plenty of room out back for our wagons and beasts. The only concern is the state of the building. Master Brydas, you walked the building with us, your professional opinion?"

The smith considered. "It's not all my specialty, Highness, but in such remote regions we must perforce learn of each other's trade. Let me see... We are mostly weather tight, there are broken windows and some woodwork needs repair. I know not of the roof." He grinned. "Of course there is a new hole in the ceiling of the women's dormitory to repair. There is also a complete lack of furniture to remedy. If you will permit, I will ask those of the proper trade to come to assess the work needed and bring a report to you and milady this evening at the Bell."

"As you wish, Master Smith. Consider this your authorization to begin immediately any works you deem urgent."

"Thank you, Highness."

When they regained the street they found groups of people waiting. A man came to them, bowing to Keren.

"Highness, we have searched the whole town and found no other living. The body has been taken and placed with those who died yesterday."

"Thank you. It seems that two have escaped with three beasts. We captured the third within."

Jaxen walked across the street from the Bell Inn, people making way for him.

"Highness, it seems the town is clear. I hear you flushed one yourself."

Keren gave a rueful grin. "Aye, Jaxen, I did, although I was almost spitted by my own sword for my trouble." Some in the crowd gasped. "Milady here took him on and bested him."

Jaxen grinned. "I would expect no less of milady." The grin faded. "Two here report food and fodder to be missing this morning, Highness."

"Aye. It seems that two got away with three frayen, leaving their fellow to his fate. No doubt they took provisions for their flight."

"What are your commands, Highness?"

"We must spread the search more widely, I think, though it will not involve all the townspeople. Most have their lives to resume, although a watch will need keeping in case those men return. As for yourself, I think milady has plans for you."

"Ah? Milady, at your service."

"Carry on this morning, Jaxen," Garia said. "We'll talk over and after lunch."

"Now," Keren added, his eyes hard, "we have to face those men. Garia, are you prepared?"

"As ever I'll be," she replied. "Let's do this."

"Master Smith, shall you join us?"

"Aye, Highness."

The three entered the watch office and made their way through to the back. Trogan was sitting in a cell while his men were in the other two.

"So, Trogan," Keren began, "you have some explaining to do."

"You are the son of the King?" Trogan said, not bothering to rise.

"I am," Keren replied evenly. "The question I ask is, are you a properly appointed Tax Assessor, and if so, who appointed you? By what right do you leech these people?"

"I have a letter of appointment, if you would permit me leave to show you."

"Anyone may wave a letter of appointment about," Keren countered, "especially if it was taken from its rightful owner. Or," he added as an afterthought, "taken from a messenger. Give me the name of he who appointed you."

"It was... I forget now, it was some time ago. Who is she? What manner of woman wears swords and kicks her elders and betters?"

"This is Milady Garia, Baroness Blackstone, come to inspect her lands."

Two of the men in the other cells jumped to their feet.

"You never told us about no baroness!" one accused Trogan hotly. The other added, "What else have you kept from us?"

"You didn't need to know that," Trogan said sulkily. "You just had to do what you were told. Besides, we only have this boy's word of who they are. We will be freed once the mistake is discovered."

"Trogan," Keren said, "you are a fool." He turned to the other men. "I am Prince Keren, son of King Robanar of Palarand. Beside me is the Baroness of Blackstone, created at this year's Harvest Festival. Since that day she has been liege over this town and all Blackstone Vale although it is only recently that we have been able to visit these lands. Whether Trogan is who he claims to be or no, let it be understood that he stands accused of opening without authority packets carried by the Valley Messenger Service, which crime carries an automatic death sentence for him and all associated with him." The two men abruptly sat down.

"In addition," Keren continued, "he will have to answer for his conduct in the office he assumed in this town. If he is who he claims to be then he will be transported to Palarand to answer for his conduct. If he is not, then the real Tax Assessor, should one have existed at all, must be dead and therefore he is guilty of murder. If no Tax Assessor did exist, then he is guilty of impersonating an appointed official. Do I make myself clear?"

"Aye, Highness," the first one said heavily.

Trogan curled his lip. "If you kill us you will have murder on your own hands."

Garia spoke. "Not so. You shall be brought to trial in the town, before all your accusers, and we shall find the truth of this matter. We will do this strictly by the book."

"Book? What means she?"

"She means," Keren explained, "that all will be according to the laws of Palarand. Her expressions are sometimes... unusual." His gaze hardened. "Do not be misled by this seeming young girl. You have time, ask Sethan how she handled those swords you see. And she does not need swords. In Castle Dekarran she killed a man with a single kick."

Trogan sneered, "Fanciful tales of the young!"

One of the men muttered, "She kicked you hard enough," which wiped the expression from Trogan's face.

"Will you tell me the name of he who appointed you?" Keren asked again.

Trogan gave Keren a sullen look but did not reply.

Keren turned. "Milady, Master Smith, we have wasted enough time here. Let us go somewhere less noxious."

In the outer office, with the internal door shut, Keren asked Brydas in a low voice, "Can we separate Trogan from those others? I begin to wonder if we may find out more were he not present to overawe them."

Brydas thought. "I think so, Highness. I will need to check the place, and the security of the doors and locks, before I name the place. Did you notice how one did not appear so surprised when milady's name was mentioned? The man Sethan would already know but the others should not."

Keren nodded. "A good thought. Perhaps we may split them all up? I am not versed in the ways of extracting information from criminals."

Brydas grinned. "Nor are any of us, Highness. Most hope never to need that knowledge. Is there anything else we need do this morning, Highness? It will not be long before lunch, and while we rude tradesmen may eat attired as we are, I do not doubt that milady will want to refresh herself."

Keren nodded. "Aye, Brydas, let us make ready for lunch. Afterward... Garia, you had some plan?"

"I think I want to get everyone who came with the caravan together afterward, Keren. We need to go over what happened yesterday and this morning while the events are still fresh. And I have plans for Jaxen, yes, and others." She smiled at the smith. "Master Brydas, can I leave you to organize the townspeople? I don't think there will be much danger from the two who escaped. We'll leave guards at the Sheriff's Office, of course."

"My Lady?"

"Uh, I mean the watch office. I'm sorry, where I come from we'd have a man called a Sheriff looking after the law in a town like this. I just forgot, is all."

"As you wish, milady."

Keren and Garia walked across the road into the common room of the Bell Inn. The place was busy, with servants already serving beer and food to some of the locals, no doubt hungry after scouring the town. Unlike the previous occasion there was no hush when they entered but rather a muted applause with everyone standing briefly before resuming their meals. Keren responded with a wave before guiding Garia out the rear entrance into the courtyard. They were followed by Jenet, Sukhana and Brazan.

"Oh! We forgot." Garia turned. "Sookie, would you mind going across the road and fetching Merry? She's still in that big building reading documents. We're back here to get ready for lunch."

Sukhana smiled. "As you wish, milady."

As she went back into the common room Keren looked at Garia with a raised eyebrow. "You are not, by any chance, about to gain another retainer, I take it?"

She smiled. "I don't think so. Sookie's too independant for the kind of life we lead." She looked around. "Jenet and I will leave you now, Keren. See you in a few moments. We won't be long."

She turned to go up the women's stairs but Keren caught her arm.

"Jenet, Brazan, will you let us speak in private a moment?"

He led Garia into the middle of the courtyard where they could be seen but not heard. She looked up at him with a question in her eyes.

"You took a big risk this morning," he said, "with both our lives. What made you decide to come straight in like that with your swords out? One or both of us could have been injured - or worse."

She shook her head. "No, Keren. On Earth we are taught how to deal with a position like that which would have turned into a hostage situation. The men all round the door had frozen which was the very last thing we needed so I had to go in by myself. If we had waited even a few breaths Sethan would have had time to think about his circumstances and make changes which would have made your release much more difficult. The idea is to keep moving, keep changing things, positions, so that the other guy has no time to think out what he wants to do to get the result he needs. I knew he would never have faced an armed woman before, knew he would never have even seen anyone using swords like mine. The worst that could have happened is that one of us might have gotten cut. You and I both know he was never getting out of that room, was he?"

"Aye." He nodded. "But, even so -"

"Keren," she added, "I could no more have stood by in that situation than I could have stopped breathing." My love. "You mean so much to me that I will do anything to fight by your side or for your life. There was no way I would have stopped outside that door with you in danger."

Keren stared down at Garia, his heart singing. Did she know how much her own impulses reflected his own? Probably. His arms twitched, he wanted to crush her to his body and kiss her - but this was not the time, not with chaperones watching.

Instead, he replied tenderly, "And I would do no less for you, as you know very well." He sighed. "Garia, what are we to do? My parents have set us a riddle I doubt can ever be resolved."

Her eyes flared. "There will be a way, Keren. We will find it." She paused, thoughtful. "I wonder, I do not think the Queen is as opposed as you might imagine. For that matter, I wonder if your father's objections are as much to do with what others might think rather than his own choice."

"Hmm. Rather like the riding of frayen in public, you mean?" He nodded slowly. "Perhaps you are right, but in truth we do not know. All we can be sure of is that we must resolve this by the time we return to the palace."

"Agreed. And now, if you don't mind, I have a pressing previous appointment in the bath house. Jenet!"

~o~O~o~

"Milady, you said you had plans," Jaxen said, reaching for his tankard.

"Yes, I did. I've been thinking about what needs doing and while it will take me some time to figure out the mess we've landed in, certain things are fairly straightforward. You see, Keren and I will have a lot of letters to write and I've no doubt there will be a whole lot of correspondance going back and fore while we're in Blackstone. Can you imagine what the King and the Duke are going to say when they find out what's happened?"

Jaxen grinned. "Oh, yes, milady. I already imagined that."

"I'm assuming you have some discretion from Master Tanon what you can do while you're out here with us?"

Jaxen shrugged. "I'm technically on contract to the Crown, milady, but these are your lands and the Prince is here anyway, so aye, whatever you need I'll consider."

"Then I want you to start up a shuttle service between here and Tranidor."

"Shuttle service..? Oh! Yes, I see! Very good, milady!"

"To begin with you'll just be the mailman, I guess, but this town is going to need lots of everything soon and they'll need a transport link to bring it from Tranidor. Can you do that?"

"Easy, milady. If I just run a wagon or two between here and Tranidor that will be two days each way..." Jaxen calculated, finally nodding. "Aye, I can do that. Blackstone ought to have been one of Master Tanon's routes in any case. We'll have to stop overnight, milady..."

"I was coming to that. Bezan, I want you to accompany Jaxen's wagons on the first trip."

"Milady." The mason sat up straighter.

"Stop at that campsite and do some survey work. I'll want the two burnt-out blocks rebuilt and you can draw up plans for a permanent road house there, with plenty of parking space for wagons. Aim to have accommodation for staff and guests and somewhere for messenger riders to get remounts. You can begin hiring whoever you need for the work once you reach Tranidor. Jaxen, you'll allow him time to survey the site?"

"Of course, milady. He may require my knowledge of such places in any event. We'll stay as long as he decides is necessary."

"Milady," Bezan said, "I understand the need to rebuild what was destroyed but a road house? Will there be the need?"

"I haven't finished yet, Bezan. Think about the future. I want you to start building, now, what I just described to you." Bezan nodded. "But also plan out the site so that it can be expanded as and when it becomes necessary. Say, in stages, up to maybe... two hundred wagons overnight."

"Milady! You are not serious!"

Garia grinned. "Ask your fellow guildsman just how much coal is up that mountain behind the town. How are we going to get it to the foundries?" She added, "It won't just be coal going down into Tranidor. There will be tools, materials, supplies, people and food coming the other way to support the mines we are going to have here by the end of next year. All that traffic will need somewhere to rest overnight. I've assumed a hundred wagons a day going each way, so plan on that basis once the work picks up."

"Milady, this sounds..."

She grinned again. "Crazy? I've barely begun, Bezan. Oh, and when you get to Tranidor, I'll want you to come back as soon as you can after finding people and contracting them for the construction work. We - or rather you - are going to have to look at exactly how this town runs and what might happen if another five thousand people suddenly turn up. I told the townspeople I wasn't going to let there be disorganized development and that means we - you - get to do the organizing."

Bezan looked stunned. "As you command, milady," he eventually said. "But, what you ask cannot be done without money."

"Don't worry about money just yet. One of the packets I received when we arrived at Tranidor was from the Queen, a letter of credit for four thousand crowns." She smiled. "I have no idea how much that is, but it should be enough to get you started?"

Bezan looked wilted. "As you say, milady," he agreed faintly. "It should."

"Oh! One final thing," she added. "When you get to the camp site, and you're wandering around laying out lines or whatever it is you do, keep an eye open for graves. I can't imagine that place was burned to the ground without somebody paying for it."

Bezan nodded as Jaxen stirred. "Milady, you raise an interesting point. I'll ask my men to do a search while we are there."

Yarling put his tankard down. "Milady, five thousand? How can you know how many might be needed?"

"Oh, that was just a figure I picked out of the air, Master Miner. You're the expert, after all. We might end up with..." she shrugged. "Two thousand, twenty thousand, who knows? All I do know is that it will be a heck of a lot more people than lives here now."

"As you say, milady. Any of those numbers might be right in time. And... do you have a task for me, milady?"

"Yes, I do, but it is not quite so urgent as those of Jaxen and Bezan. Have you talked to any of the townsfolk since you arrived?"

"No, milady. I was out with a search party this morning, that is all."

"Then see if you can find someone who knows the area and is willing to help you make up a small surveying party. I want to get an idea of what is around Blackstone and the end of Bray Vale at first. Don't bother with Blackstone Vale, we can do that later. Bring back samples of the different rocks you come across, with the emphasis on coal, naturally. Did you tell me you'd been here before?"

"Yes, milady. We found little of interest, but then we ignored coal completely. I still find it difficult to understand how it is used, milady."

"Two things, then. After lunch we are all going up to the caravan to have a talk with the whole crew. I'd like both of you to come, if you wouldn't mind. Once we are back down here, Master Yarling, go into the kitchen and you will see coal being used to cook your food and heat your water. That's the basic way that coal is used as a heating fuel."

Yarling nodded.

"Coal has another trick for us, though, and it is this trick the ironmasters will pay good money for. If you heat wood in an enclosed vessel you end up with charcoal, right? In the same way if you heat coal you end up with something called coke which can be used for ironmaking. It allows a hotter fire and a purer iron or steel, so I am told."

"If you say so, milady." Yarling looked sceptical.

Garia shrugged. "Write Guildmaster Parrel if you don't believe me. With coke providing better steel the guildmasters expect iron and steel production to increase greatly in the next few years."

"Increase production greatly?" Yarling echoed Garia's words cautiously. "How much do you anticipate, milady?"

"I'm thinking of..." She stopped and grinned. "You won't believe me if I tell you, Master Miner. Let's just suggest you think of the biggest quantity you possibly can, then multiply it by a hundred. A thousand. Ten thousand. But that level of output won't happen for fifty years or so, it will take Palarand that long to think up uses for all that steel."

"So much, milady? Why, most steel now is used for swords and armor. You cannot intend to arm and armor every man, woman and child in Alaesia, surely?"

"Master Yarling, we have not time to go into this now." She smiled to defuse her words. "Perhaps this evening, I may tell you what it's like where I came from and then you might understand."

Yarling stared at Garia, puzzled by both her knowledge and the apparent power she seemed to have. Why, even the Prince listened to her! He had been given certain instructions, it was true, but it seemed that those who issued those instructions failed to understand the nature of what was happening. Perhaps it would be best to wait and see what more this young woman had to say.

He looked at her, sitting across the dining table from him, saw her curious attire with the sash of office over a quilted tabard. She had removed the swords now so that she could eat, as they interfered with her comfort while seated. On the sash - his eyes narrowed - two badges, one he recognized as an indicator of baronial rank, the other -

"Milady, forgive me," he found himself saying. "I note that you bear two badges of rank on your sash. One I recognize as your mark of nobility, but how came you by the other? Surely that is not a Guild badge I see?"

He was not comforted by the smile on Bezan's face.

"It is a Guild badge, Master Miner. It was lawfully award to me by a convocation at the Hall of the Guilds in Palarand by Master Hurdin himself."

"But, but, how is this possible? You are a woman..."

Garia frowned. "How else did you think it got there, Yarling? Do you think I stole a lump of gold, hammered it into a sheet, cut out the shape, filed it down, polished it and then engraved it myself? I'll show you a document sent by Master Hurdin himself, if you wish, giving me the right to wear this badge."

Now Yarling was at a complete loss. "Milady, how is it you know so much about the jeweler's art? For one so young, and yet a woman, you cannot possibly have had time to learn of such matters!"

"Actually, there you are quite wrong, Master Miner. But - Keren, this will take too long, we have places to be, meetings to attend."

"As you say, Garia. Master Yarling, will you heed my words? Milady Garia is not from Alaesia but from somewhere else entirely. Her life until she arrived here has been completely different than you may imagine and she does, indeed know of what she speaks. If you will take my assurance, all will be answered - but not at this table, we are too busy."

"Highness, your words assure me. I look forward to learning more of this mystery."

"Then let us all rise. Brazan, shall you collect all who came with our caravan and conduct them up to the camp site? There are matters which need the attention of everyone."

"As you command, Highness. But what of the criminals? Who shall guard their cells?"

"We'll find some townspeople to guard them the bell or two necessary, I think. Go, find all the Baroness's men."

Keren led the party out onto the covered sidewalk in front of the inn where all stopped in astonishment. Across the road, people swarmed over the Ptuvil's Claw. There were two men on the roof, one hammering back loose tiles while the other crawled along the ridge with a pot in one hand and a brush in the other. On the balcony, one man was mending a damaged siding slat, another was removing a broken pane of glass while two more were trying to fix a twelve-foot pole so it hung out over the street. On the covered sidewalk in front of the inn the front doors were now open, two men examining the hinges of one door while a third, apparently a carpenter, was mending the other.

Their party was soon noticed and one of the men inspecting the front door turned towards them, waved and then came across the road. It was Brydas.

"Highness, Milady. Apart from the hole in the dormitory ceiling," he smiled, "the building is essentially sound. One or two of our tradesmen have thought to show their appreciation for your efforts by hastening the work needed to ready the building for your use. I trust this meets with your approval?"

When Garia had recovered she replied, "Uh, yes, Master Brydas. I didn't think that you would start work so quickly. I thought you were going to come by this evening with a report?"

He smiled and bowed. "Milady, after watching you fence that man, and after hearing of your fight yesterday which another witnessed, we soon realized that you were indeed the right person for this town, to do, what did you say? Your 'job'. We recognize your youth and inexperience but also your determination to serve your people - and your Prince. If you would permit us, we will make you one of our own, guide you in the decisions you must take on our behalf. We know that there are many in your party and that not all may be accommodated in the Bell so we decided to begin the necessary repairs as soon as we could, for your benefit." His expression grew hesitant. "I trust we do right?"

Garia was overcome. "Master Brydas, you just carry on. It was not absolutely necessary to begin right now but since you have begun, you'd better finish what you started. Is there anything you cannot fix?"

"Furniture, milady, to begin with. We can find enough to seat you all for meals, but bedding and other fixtures must await the turn of the days. It takes time to make such items. Paint, also. You can see by looking along the street how much we lack paint, since we were not able to send to Tranidor to replenish our supplies."

Jaxen stepped forward. "Paint I can arrange, Master Smith. Tell me what you need and I'll bring back a wagon-load."

"My thanks to you, Wagonmaster. Milady, there is also the matter of plates, utensils and such for eating and drinking. Oh, and for cooking, of course. The kitchen has been empty these two years."

"We can use what we brought with us," Keren said. "But of course the establishment will need to be set up anew. Perhaps we can ask Mistress Yanda to advise us."

Jaxen grinned. "Suddenly I'm beginning to see why milady spoke of so many wagons. I will do what I can in Tranidor, perhaps while Master Bezan meets his contacts." He thought. "Master Smith, do you think the building is sound enough for us to move in immediately? While we can manage up the street the shelter of a building is always preferable to a night under canvas."

"I do not see why not, Wagonmaster. Certainly you may bring your wagons and beasts to the stables. There are only four of the ladies, is that not so? Therefore, you should be able to use the smaller rooms, the dormitory is not yet fit for use. The men's dormitory is already available, although, as I said, there are yet no beds."

Keren turned to Garia. "What do you think? I hadn't thought we could use the building this soon, but if we can..."

"We'll stay over here for the time being, I think," she said after a little thought. "But there's no reason why the others shouldn't move down from the camp site. The nights are not as warm as they once were and I noticed we had the odd rain shower last night. Jaxen, if you want to move, you have my permission."

"As you wish, milady."

Garia turned to Brydas. "One thing that is puzzling me. What is that pole for?"

Brydas looked surprised that she should ask. "Why, for your standard, milady! Do you not yet have one? It will identify the building as your residence while you are with us."

"Actually, I do have a standard. I'm not sure where it is, but we'll dig it out. Hmm. That gives me an idea. Master Brydas, can you arrange to gather all the townspeople together in front of the Ptuvil's Claw tomorrow morning? Maybe send out runners to the nearby farms? I won't want to keep everybody for very long but perhaps I should formally introduce myself to... all my people."

Garia wasn't sure she should have phrased it quite that way but Brydas smiled broadly.

"As you command, My Lady! It is fitting that the person who released us from this evil should be properly displayed to her people. I know there are many in the town who have heard about you but not yet seen you and such a gathering as you propose will satisfy many unanswered questions." He thought, then nodded to himself. "Milady, if all gather perhaps a bell before lunch, that will allow time for those farmers you mentioned to arrive, then to return home while it is yet daylight."

"Whatever works best, Master Brydas. You'll organize that?"

"Aye, milady." He looked at the group of people outside the inn door properly for the first time. "My apologies, Highness, Milady. Were you about some business?"

Keren answered. "We were, Master Brydas, until we were arrested by the sight of so many working on yonder building. All who came with our caravan are going to have a meeting up at the camp site. Can you find some reliable men to stand guard over the watch office while we are away?"

"Aye, Highness, that will be easy. If you will permit, I shall go and find those men to allow your own to accompany you."

Brydas bowed, turned and walked back to the inn, going in through the carriage arch. They heard some shouting, then four men came out and went along the sidewalk to take the place of Garia's and Keren's men. Now assembled, the whole party walked up the slope to the camp site, where Keren asked them to form a circle as they had done before.

"Milady Garia has reminded me of a useful habit the palace guard and her own men have gotten into. This is something that we do as soon as possible after every incident while the details are still fresh. You all know that every person sees something different than his fellows and so only by everyone describing their own part can the whole picture be seen and all lessons learned. We call this process 'debriefing'. I don't know if you of the wagons have a similar custom but I commend it to you. Now, we shall first speak of the fight yesterday because few who took part saw what most others did. I certainly didn't see much and I would welcome the tale of how the other men were dispatched. After that, we may describe what happened earlier this morning at the Ptuvil's Claw." He flushed. "My own actions were questionable and I would welcome the advice of those more experienced in such matters."

"Highness?"

Keren looked embarrassed. "You'll all hear later. First let us deal with yesterday's fight."

Each member of the caravan, including the women, then described one by one where they were and what they saw and did during the encounter. For Keren and Garia, since they were the only two who experienced personal combat, the assistance of a guardsman or armsman was used to demonstrate exactly what had happened. Most of Jaxen's men had heard rumors of what those two were capable of but hearing it described and seeing it demonstrated merely made them wonder if they had ever understood the young woman at all.

The only really interesting description, from Garia's point of view, came from Stott.

"I knew something was going on, but I was the wrong side of the wagons to see all that happened. I was riding beside the first wagon, on the left. I could see that man come to stand in front of the dranakh with a crossbow but that was all. As I was out of sight I thought it best to stay that way, until something started, if you know what I mean. I looked at all the buildings on my side but there wasn't nobody threatening that I could see.

"Then I heard D'Kenik call out in some funny language. I know he's foreign, I guessed it was his own tongue. Anyhow I heard milady answer! I didn't know she spoke that foreign talk and I couldn't hear that clearly from where I was, I just knew it was her voice. I turned round in the saddle to see what was happening and there was D'Janik giving everybody hand signals! So I thought, what could I do, and I thought about the man in the front with the crossbow. I quietly pulled my bow out and looped the string, at the same time guiding my beast with my knees and legs to where I could take aim.

"Milady, I never realized just how much control those new saddles give the rider! I could get right up close to the side of the front wagon without being seen, all without using the reins. Milady, I'll apologize now for what I said when you first came to learn about frayen. I didn't know you could do things like that! Anyhow, I set my arrow and pulled back but the dranakh was in the way. If I moved away from the wagon to get a clear sight he'd-a seen me so I didn't know what to do. Then the dranakh moved to one side to give me a clear aim. When I heard the sounds of fighting he looked up, I let fly and got him in the chest. Once things settled down I dismounted and went to make sure he was dead."

"A fine piece of work, Stott," Keren told him warmly. "You have earned your place in the guard with that arrow. You thought quickly and carefully in an unexpected situation, you have my thanks."

"Thank you, Highness."

"That dranakh," Garia mused. "Do you think that was coincidence, Stott?"

"Milady, after some of what I've seen recently I'm not making any guesses at all about what happened." He thought briefly. "I do wonder, it seemed to happen just when I needed it to."

"I have a theory," she said. "It's a pretty wild theory, even for me, and I'll say no more about it today. Perhaps we'd better move on. Anyone anything to add to what we've all said?"

They all talked over the action to the point of diminishing returns and then moved on to what happened in the Ptuvil's Claw. First Keren and then Garia led them through the search and the fight in the dormitory, with Brazan acting the part of Sethan. There was a certain muttering among the guardsmen about young Princes who went off without sufficient cover which resolved Keren to be more careful in the future. Once that had been settled talk moved on to Garia's plans.

"I probably won't want Jaxen to leave tomorrow or possibly even the following day. It depends on how fast Keren and I can write the letters we need. Personally I have to write the King, the Queen, Duke Gilbanar and Guildmasters Hurdin and Parrel and I'd like to write some others as well. That being the case Master Brydas the local smith has suggested the wagons and your effects move down to occupy the Ptuvil's Claw. There's very little furniture yet but at least it will be a roof over your heads and there's a sizeable kitchen and bath house out back. The stables look in good condition too so the beasts and wagons will be out of the weather.

"While I'm in Blackstone Keren and I will make the Ptuvil's Claw our base of operations although for a day or two we'll still sleep at the Bell Inn. Tomorrow morning I've asked for all the townspeople to gather outside the Claw a bell before lunch so I can properly introduce myself to them and tell them what I expect will happen here in the future. One thing I can say is that it isn't going to stay a sleepy end-of-nowhere town for very much longer. I'll have to decide what to do with those who aren't going to like the changes. I've explained what Masters Bezan and Yarling are going to be doing so I guess, Jaxen, it's time to pack up the -"

Garia's last words were cut off as a huge head thrust itself into the circle, scattering those nearest.

Beth. Now how do I know that?

"Beth," she said to the dranakh, startling the wagoneers. "We're about to pack up camp and move to a big building at the lower end of town. Will you call your friends? We'll be moving the wagons. There's a stable where you can have some shelter and somewhere dry to sleep."

The dranakh gave a single bleat, turned and ambled off into the scrub behind the buildings.

"Milady," Jaxen asked her, "is there something you know of dranakh that we do not?"

"Not really," she replied. "Just a hunch, is all."

"Right," Jaxen said, turning and clapping his hands. "Let's get this camp packed up for the move. Come on, all of you! As you're all here, you can all help."

Just as everything was secure the four dranakh reappeared and backed themselves between the wagon shafts. The wagoneers fixed the harness and the procession rattled down the street to their new home. Garia led the way through the carriage arch into the courtyard.

"Let me see this kitchen you spoke of," Sukhana said. "Is that it?"

She strode off and Garia turned to Merizel. "Oh, dear. If you can remember what happened in Dekarran I know what's coming. That place hasn't been touched for two years or so."

"Oh, really?" Merizel said. She smiled. "I know where the soap is," she said, looking back for the chuck wagon.

Sukhana came out of the kitchen and went straight into the bath house before emerging again and walking across the courtyard to join them.

"Huh! At least this time I can't blame the conditions on ignorant warehouse managers. Still, it don't look too bad, with a little cleaning up -" She stared at Garia. "I don't suppose you'll have time to help, will you? You did good the other time but you're going to be too busy."

"Ah, I'm sorry, Sookie. Like I said, I have letters to write. Merry has some too, so she won't be able to help either. Why don't you go and find Master Brydas? I think he's in the common room at the moment. The townspeople seem eager to help right now, you might get some assistance from them."

"As you say, milady. There's another thing. How am I supposed to cook? I can use our pots and such but there's no wood for the fire, just a few bundles of kindling."

"You'll use coal like everyone else does, Sookie. Master Brydas will show you how that works as well."

"That filthy black stuff? Don't seem natural. Very well, milady, where did you say this Brydas was?"

~o~O~o~

Keren joined Garia at the foot of the women's stair just before they retired for the night.

"I was wrong," she said immediately. "What I did this morning was stupid. I could have gotten you killed."

"But you didn't," he replied, "and for all the reasons you said then. I don't think either of us was in any real danger once you entered the room. And... I love you all the more for it."

"Oh, Keren, this is crazy. It's just as well we are too busy to think about... that because I think I'd just go mad. I know what I want and I know what you want and the whole world is conspiring to keep us apart. How fair is that?"

"But we're not apart, are we?" he said softly. "We're stuck together and somehow that makes it seem worse. You are right but I can see no answer to our problem."

She put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. In the almost-darkness few could have made them out. At a respectful distance Jenet and Brazan stood, keeping watch on the pair but not interfering.

"I know what answer I'd like," she muttered.

"Tell me," he said, trying to change the subject, "what do you think of Blackstone now? It seems you have stolen their hearts as you have stolen those of the palace guard."

"It just gets worse and worse," she said. "It was hard enough to come to terms with having Jenet follow me everywhere but then there was Merizel and Bursila and now I have my own armsmen as well! I'm not sure I can cope with an entire town on top of that."

"Just think how I feel," he said. "In time I'll have a whole country to look after! It seems to me you adjust well to your new responsibilities. There are many who will not have started so well as you at such a task. You have the knack of command, milady."

"So you tell me. Well, I don't feel like I do. There's very little I feel certain about but one thing I am certain of is you."

She looked up at him and he naturally tilted his head down. Their lips met and they were once again lost. Eventually they broke apart.

"Oh, Keren. Whatever are we going to do?"

Garia discovers that she knows very little about the finances of her new world, the men make a mess in the Ptuvil's Claw and Sukhana makes an unexpected proposal. Then, the moment comes for Garia to face the townspeople and tell them what the future holds. Later, there is an earnest discussion about... tarpaulins?

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"What are you looking at, milady?"

"Oh, I'm just making sure the blade is clean, Jenet."

Garia held the thin blade of a sword next to the window to catch the early morning light. After using it yesterday when defeating Sethan she had, of course, cleaned the small slick of blood from the tip but she was just making sure she hadn't missed any in the confusion in the dormitory. It was unlikely, she knew, that the blade would suffer because there was too much nickel in it for it to rust. What she was more concerned about was making sure none had been smeared down the inside of the scabbard where it would be impossible to clean - but might start smelling much later on.

"But you clean them all the time, milady."

"That's true but yesterday I stuck one in a man's leg. I'm just making sure."

"Oh? Did you have an accident?"

Garia turned. "Oh, no, Jenet! It was very deliberate. Don't you remember, we described the fight yesterday up at the camp?"

"As you say, milady. I didn't realize that you actually wounded that fellow though."

"It wasn't that bad but it made him back away the way I wanted him to."

"Shall you wear your blades today, milady?"

"I think so, but like yesterday we'll wait until after breakfast to strap them on. Merry, how are you for time?"

"Nearly ready, Garia. In our colors two days together! I could become used to this."

"Only for so long. We don't have that many outfits in the colors, do we? Today is something special, though. After that we should be able to mix and match a little more."

"What about our riding outfits? Do you think we'll be able to ride much?"

"I'm hoping so. Remember, one of the reasons we convinced the King to let us ride at all is because we can only travel up Blackstone Vale by pack animal."

Jenet said, "Milady, I trust by then I'll be as comfortable riding a beast as you and Milady Merizel are. I have not managed much practice lately."

"Nor have any of us! We've been busy chasing criminals." Garia sighed. "We have to go through a trial yet, Jenet. I'm not looking forward to any of that."

"I'm guessing," Merizel said, "that the way you deal with criminals in Kansas is very different than the way we do in the Valley."

"I have no idea, Merry," Garia answered cheerfully. "I just know it usually involves a lot of arguing, is all."

"Milady," the fourth person in the room reminded them, "we'll have to cross to the Ptuvil's Claw as soon as we may. Once we are there I'm sure there will be many who can advise you on our ways of justice. It will take some time for the townspeople to gather. We are fortunate the day is yet fine and dry."

"You are right, Sookie. Ready, Merry? Then let's go."

There was the usual muted applause when they entered the common room to get breakfast. As they sat down Garia asked Merizel, "What are you going to do today, Merry?"

"I think I'll spend a bell or so in the Steward's Office, Garia. Just before I left yesterday I found a bundle of letters which Trogan seemed to want kept out of sight. Some of them appeared quite fresh, the quick glance I had of them yesterday. Don't worry, I'll be there to join you on the balcony later."

"Ah? That's good. Oh, thank you, Yanda. What everyone needs first thing is a good cup of pel."

"Mistress Yanda," Merizel asked the inn-keeper's wife, "where is His Highness? Have you seen him today?"

"Aye, milady. He broke his fast early and went across the street saying he had exercises to do. That's all I know, milady."

"Exercises? Of course! I'll wager he's with the men in the courtyard doing Tai Chi."

"Another morning missed," Garia said. "Mistress Yanda, we will all shortly be moving to the Ptuvil's Claw and using that as a kind of baronial base. That way we can have everybody together and out of the weather. We'll be able to do that as soon as the townspeople have found us something to sleep on. I'm sorry, this means we won't be here as your guests much longer. I know that you need the income, is there anything we can do?"

Yanda smiled. "Thank you for your concern, milady, but it is not necessary. Last night I had a word with Wagonmaster Jaxen and with Sukhana here about that very thing. It seems that once his company begins a regular service to Tranidor he will make the Bell Inn the stopping point for the caravans. It would become awkward for a commercial business to use the Ptuvil's Claw regularly, especially once you are in residence, and this way the Bell will receive a regular income."

"Why, that's great! I never thought of that. Sookie, you didn't say anything."

"We've all been busy, milady. I would have made sure that you knew eventually."

The four women were joined by the two guildsmen and the group settled down to the serious business of breakfast. When they were finished Jenet strapped Garia's swords to her back and the party went out onto the street. Even at this early hour there were people around, obviously waiting for the appointed time. Most gave a courteous bow as she appeared then stood back to allow them all to pass. Merizel separated to go to the Steward's Office while the rest went toward the carriage entrance of the Claw.

"Milady," Bezan said as they reached the sidewalk, "Would you excuse Master Yarling and myself? We have two bells before your appearance, we wish to walk about the town and gain some familiarity with the arrangements."

"Of course! I guess much of what I'll be doing inside will be of less interest to you than to the rest of us. You'll be back before the fourth bell? I want you on the balcony up there with us, to make you properly known to the locals so that they won't chase you off when you are doing your jobs later on."

"We will endeavor to be back before the appointed bell, milady."

Garia added, "Try not to be late. If the whole town turns up you might find it difficult to make your way through the crowd."

"As you say, milady."

In the courtyard two of Jaxen's men were cleaning a wagon with buckets of water. A wagoneer in Dekarran colors appeared from the rear entry with a huge heap of fodder which he carried into the stables. Near the back, Keren was talking to two of his guardsmen. He noticed them and waved them over.

"Did you come over here early to do Tai Chi?" Garia asked.

"Aye, Garia, and good morning to you, too."

"Highness." She gave him a quick bob. "I'd quite like to do the Tai Chi myself, you know. You might have asked."

"The men have duties now, Garia. I waited for a short while but you did not come to breakfast so I had to leave. When we all reside over here we may arrange matters as we wish, you were not forgotten."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Keren. I'm a little nervous about later. Was there anything to report?"

Keren shook his head. "A quiet night, apparently." He turned to Sukhana. "Sookie, I'm afraid some of the men made a mess with last night's meal. If you wouldn't mind..?"

Sukhana rolled her eyes. "Men! What have they done now?"

"I'm not saying a word." Keren gestured to the kitchen. "If you need help, or guilty bodies for scrubbing duty, let me know."

"What?" Sukhana curtseyed to Keren and Garia and made for the kitchen at speed.

Keren turned to Garia and Jenet. "Best we be elsewhere, ladies. Our mistress of the wagons has a sharp tongue."

In the common room they found most of the men not assigned to duties, some still finishing their breakfasts. Jaxen beckoned the three over. Garia saw that the room was now well supplied with simple benches and tables, most made by pegging planks of wood together without nails. She was surprised when two girls, obviously from the town, appeared as they sat to offer them cups of pel. They all declined, turning to Jaxen for an explanation.

"Highness, Milady, it seems the womenfolk of this town do not consider that men may look after themselves without their help. Begging your pardon, milady. None of them know that we may go weeks on the road without the help of a woman's hand, and without poisoning ourselves, either. We have had helpers pressed upon us to serve the food and to clean, women in the public areas and men where women may not go. I trust this meets with your approval?"

"We-ll, wait a moment," Garia said. "While I quite like the idea of someone else doing the hard work I am supposed to be in charge here. I'd rather I wasn't rushed into anything without the chance to have my say on the matter."

Keren added, "She is right, of course. However, I suggest, Garia, you let the present arrangement stand until you move over, then we can decide what extra help might be needed to run this place. It occurs to me that, after the extortions of Trogan, some of these people might have need of the extra income."

"Hmm. I'm rich by their standards, I guess, but I don't have a great deal of money to just give away."

"Yet," Keren qualified. He added, "Let us wait and see. The townspeople are presently eager to help, it would be wise to let them do so."

"As you say, Keren." She turned to Jaxen. "You and your men settled in okay?"

"Aye, thank you, milady. With the help of the Prince's men we soon had ourselves organized. Ah, milady, we have had requests from several of the townspeople to bring supplies from Tranidor. I trust you have no objection if I were to make the customary arrangements?"

"Sounds good to me, Jaxen. This is just your normal commercial business, I take it? Then carry on, so long as it doesn't interfere with what I've already asked you to do." Jaxen bowed assent. Garia thought, then eyed Jaxen speculatively. "I wonder, do I get some kind of fee out of this?"

Jaxen smiled back. "That depends entirely on you, milady. Some nobles demand a fee, some do not." He thought a moment. "I may trade any fee against my contract as a mail carrier, perhaps. That is how it is often done. Might we discuss this later, milady? When you have had time to consider the financial consequences. I know your morning is already accounted for."

"Uh, yes, Jaxen, that would probably be a good idea. Look, I know very little about financial affairs. At home - before I came to Anmar, that is - I earned a little spending money and I lived at home with my parents. I didn't really manage finances the way someone with a family or a business would. The way you handle money here is very different than we do in Kansas. Up until now the Queen has negotiated all my contracts and fees."

Jaxen nodded. "She is renowned for driving hard but fair bargains, milady. You are fortunate to have her experience as your guide."

"Thank you. But, my point is, I don't know how money really works in this society. Heck, I don't even know what the coins look like! I've seen you pay people but it's just a glint of metal as they pass from one hand to another or a pouch that rattles. I know you have cash buried away in one of the wagons but I don't know how much or what you use it for. Another thing. Do you have banks, money-lenders, anything like that? You can't go round carrying large bags of coins for everything, can you?"

Keren answered. "Mostly we do, Garia. There are money-lenders, otherwise that letter of credit you received from the Queen would be useless. As it is there are no money-lenders here, the nearest will be in Tranidor. I don't know what you mean by a bank."

"Whoa. So, you're saying I'm stuck out here with people wanting money and I have a piece of parchment which is essentially useless? Keren, this is going to cause big trouble unless we find an answer quick. These townspeople are depending on me now." She had an unsettling thought. "Keren, we've come all this way from Dekarran and I haven't paid for a single thing!"

"As it happens, milady, I also have coin hidden in one of our two wagons. Do not trouble yourself over that matter since, as this is a joint enterprise, the Crown is providing our travel expenses. You are right, though, we have to answer this riddle before the townspeople turn on us."

Jaxen said, "It seems there is much we must teach each other, milady. I suggest a meeting this evening where we may discover what each other has to offer."

"Done. Up until now all I've needed to do was to look after myself and maybe Merry - Lady Merizel - and two maids, and most of that time we lived in the palace anyway. Now I find I have men-at-arms and more to house, clothe, feed and pay and possibly a town to run financially. I need to know how it all works, Jaxen."

"As you say, milady. You will find most of what we shall tell you to be readily understandable, if different than your own knowledge."

"That's another point," Keren added. "While Garia needs to find out how the system here works, I'm also confident that what her world does can be of benefit to us." He turned at an interruption. "But here comes Mistress Sukhana, approaching in the manner of a storm."

The expression on Sukhana's face was so angry that Garia almost flinched. Jaxen did flinch. Sukhana stood at the end of their table, clenched fists on hips, glaring.

"I want them all sacked, Jaxen! No, I want them flogged, then driven from the town! How can it be that trained men can destroy so many cooking-pots in one evening? We are ruined."

Her composure momentarily broke, so that her eyes began to glisten. She rallied, her anger too large to be contained.

"They have destroyed almost every pot from the kitchen-wagon, brother. I do not know how or why but there are holes in the bottom of most of them. Only the largest two survive. If they wish feeding in the future they shall be content with bread and cold meats. I would prefer not to feed them at all, to teach them the consequences of their stupidity. What say you?"

Jaxen half-rose and then slumped back in disbelief. Keren looked at Garia, who responded with a single word.

"Coal."

All eyes switched to her.

"What mean you?" Jaxen asked. "Is there some obscure knack to this burning of rocks?"

Garia shrugged. "I don't know. Almost nobody uses coal for cooking these days in Kansas. But I'm guessing that it's the problem here. Let's see, usually you're cooking over a camp fire, with the pots hung from that iron frame, aren't you?"

Jaxen and Sukhana both nodded.

"Well, in that kitchen I saw a big range with ovens to the side. Probably unfamiliar to most of your men? The coal will get hotter than a wood fire would be and I don't think anyone knows how to set it up properly. Easy enough for someone unfamiliar with the setup to miss something."

Sukhana's stiff stance relaxed as she took in Garia's words.

"Milady, you do explain it. But how are we to feed the men? Who shall teach us the art of coal?"

"I'll ask Yanda over lunch, Sookie. I'm sure that she'll be ready to help, especially as she knows we are all unfamiliar with how to use coal."

"As you will, milady." Sukhana stood there, a resolute expression on her face, apparently wondering whether to add something. She evidently decided to plunge ahead because she said, "Milady, I beg your agreement. This house requires a knowledgeable person to ensure that it runs properly and I think I may be that person. With respect, Highness, you and your men - and Milady and her men - will have other demands on your and their time. Milady, permit me to run your house and I shall order all." She turned to Jaxen. "Brother, it seems we must part for a time. Both His Highness and Milady Garia have need of me in Blackstone for some while."

They were all taken aback by the force of Sukhana's offer.

"Let me get this right," Garia said slowly. "You want to set yourself up as my housekeeper, is that it? So, you'll manage the building, the meals, the bedding, stables, servants and everything else?"

"As you say, milady. It is what I know. Ask Jaxen, he can vouch for my past experience. I have spent time on the wagons, it is true, but as much has been spent remedying Master Tanon's inns and bunk-houses. I do not think he will begrudge you my services in the circumstances."

Garia turned. "Jaxen?"

He grinned. "Take her offer, milady, before she regrets the outburst and changes her mind."

Garia turned back to Sukhana. "Then I agree, Sookie. You're hired, or whatever they say around these parts."

Sukhana curtseyed low. "Thank you, milady. I shall begin immediately."

"Ah, one thing, Mistress Sukhana," Keren raised a finger. "We shall agree that the damage caused to your kitchen was caused by ignorance of the proper way to use coal, shall we not? I do not want you to chastize our men for something they could not have known about."

Sukhana curtseyed again. "As you command, Highness. With your permission?"

Sukhana turned and stalked out of the room, her bearing straight.

Jaxen groaned. "Maker, what have we unleashed?"

"Organization and method, I hope," Garia said. "I was wondering how we were going to keep everyone in line and I'm not ever going to be the world's best housekeeper. Everyone knows and trusts Sookie and I'm sure she's just what we need right now. It'll take a lot of the minor organizing off our hands."

"The art of delegation," Keren said with approval. "That's what you have to learn when you become a noble."

"Jaxen," Garia asked suspiciously, "did you know that the men had ruined the pots?"

"Uh, milady, I knew there had been some difficulty but not the extent of it." He reddened. "Milady, last night I was the one in charge of this establishment, it is my fault. There shall be no cost to Blackstone for replacing the pots and whatever else needs doing."

"Um, Garia," Keren said, "Some of those were my men. It seems the blame is shared among us."

Garia glowered. "This is ridiculous! We can't do anything today, there is no time, but first thing tomorrow morning, before we all start our Tai Chi," She wagged a finger, "I want a parade in the yard. We need to find out who did what and I want everyone to know that destroying equipment is not without its consequences. It's not just the cost, it's the fact that we'll have to beg or borrow to cook our meals until we can get replacements, and that won't be until Jaxen gets back! A little more thought, a little more care could have avoided this."

"Aye, Milady," Jaxen agreed meekly.

"As you command, Milady," Keren said with a straight face. Garia glared at him but kept her peace.

Sukhana appeared at the back door to the common room. She pointed a finger.

"You, you, you and you. Yes, you! Come with me."

Two of the men turned to Keren but he shook his head.

"Do as she asks, boys... you haven't considered the alternatives, have you?"

The four trooped out after Sukhana as three men came in the front door. One was Brydas. The three bowed to the table.

"Highness, Milady, may I present Master Jepp our town Scribe and Master Sinidar our Tanner."

"Please be seated, masters," Keren invited them. "How may we help you?"

The three took seats and Garia studied the two men.

"Master Jepp, you were one of those in the cells, right?"

"As you say, milady. I must thank you again, and His Highness, for our freedom."

"Are you beginning to recover? I know that man didn't treat you right."

Jepp gave a small smile. "I am much better, milady, for being properly fed, although it will take maybe a week before I come to full strength. I was more fortunate than the others, I was not imprisoned so long."

"Milady," Brydas explained, "Master Jepp records the meetings of the town assembly and writes for those who cannot write themselves."

"I also assisted our steward Master Mesulkin and Master Polbinar who is the Messenger Agent," Jepp added. "It was my misfortune that I was taken in by Trogan when he appeared. Highness, Milady, I must give you my apology that I did not realize that this man was a rogue for far too long. Perhaps something might have been done sooner."

"It is entirely possible that you had been killed if you had noticed earlier, master," Keren told him. "Do not reproach yourself for this business."

"It will be difficult, Highness. There was no-one to whom we could appeal to discover the rights or wrongs of our circumstance. Master Trogan made sure that none would leave the town, Highness. Eventually, when I became suspicious of Master Trogan's attitude towards us, I encouraged two to leave secretly, to try and gain Tranidor where someone could be petitioned to answer our plight. Since none came I assume they did not arrive there. Some time after that, Trogan accused me of treachery and made me prisoner with the others. Then you arrived, seeming just another caravan, to take the usurper by surprise, and thank the Maker you arrived when you did, Highness."

"Aye. Well, as I related before, our arrival here was pure chance. We met nobody along the way, saw no evidence except that the camp site had been burned down."

"Ah. Is that so? Then perhaps the two who were sent were ambushed there. I did not know the site had been burned, Highness. We have no knowledge that anything had occurred beyond the edge of the forest." He paused. "Highness, this is perhaps best discussed another time. I am here today to tell you that I am knowledgeable in the practice of the criminal law, as I served my journeyman years in the legal office in Teldor. You and Her Ladyship are both young, I do not think you will have much experience of such matters so I am offering my assistance in that which you must do here."

Garia asked, "You are a victim, Master Jepp. Will this not compromise your position?"

Jepp looked attentively at Garia. "Milady, you show an unexpected understanding of the law. Perhaps I am mistaken in my beliefs."

Garia smiled. "Master, where I was brought up, a long, long way from here, we are beset by laws and lawyers. Even a small child will know something of the law because we are exposed to it all the time. I don't know Palarand's laws, though. I'll be happy to take your advice, but I'm just noting that the defense may make something of the fact that you are an interested party, so to speak."

"The defense, milady? I do not recognize this term."

Garia was nonplussed. "Surely you allow the accused to speak in his own defense?"

"Why, yes, milady. Oh, I see what you mean." Jepp considered then shook his head. "I do not think that will be important, milady. After all, it is you who will judge these matters, unless His Highness exercises his prerogative. You may take into account or discard whatever you so wish."

"Oh. Well, I've learned something already." Garia smiled at Jepp. "In that case I think we'll be spending some time talking to you, Master Jepp. If you feel up to it, of course. What do you think, Keren?"

"I agree. Master Jepp, you are the right person to help us get directly to the truth here in the quickest time. We will make full use of your knowledge and experience. I do not think this trial will have any but one result, however. Trogan has been opening letters not addressed to him and that condemns him directly."

Jepp was cautious. "Highness, he may claim to have opened such letters in his capacity as the most senior official in Blackstone."

"But we believe him to be an imposter, with no authority at all," Keren countered. "I am not convinced there ever was a Tax Assessor named Trogan."

"I have seen his letter of appointment, Highness. Surely that makes him legitimate?"

"He may have taken it from the body of the real official, Master Scribe. Possession of a letter is no guarantee of the man."

Jepp was shaken. "I had not considered that possibility at all, Highness. I thought him someone duly appointed who had gone bad, not a bandit who had usurped the post of his victim."

"Allegedly," Garia said. "Remember, we have to prove he is guilty somehow." Her eyes narrowed. "Wait a moment. If there were letters addressed to those of you in the cells, would he have authority to open them himself? Or would he be legally obliged to pass them to you unopened?"

"We had not been convicted of any crime, milady. He has no right to open letters addressed to those not convicted. Letters to convicted criminals must also be passed to them unopened but may be examined afterward by their jailers if required. After all, it might be necessary to prevent any attempt at escape. Do you tell me he has opened letters addressed to those of us he put in the cells, milady?"

"Almost certainly. I have my secretary going through the papers in the Steward's Office now. If we can draw up a table of dates when things happened that may be enough. I'll ask Merry when she comes in. Uh, that's Milady Merizel, daughter of Baron Kamodar of South Reach who is my secretary. She's not a Scribe but she's doing the work of one."

Keren switched his attention to the other man. "Master Sinidar. How may we help you?"

"Highness, Milady. I am also of the town assembly and I wish to make known that I shall serve milady as loyally as I may. I am the Tanner for the town, and since, as Master Jepp relates, we have not been able to leave the town since before the rains, I am short of certain materials necessary for my craft. I would like your permission to travel to Tranidor with the caravan to obtain those materials I require."

"Master Brydas, will we have need for the town assembly in the near future? You obviously approve of Sinidar going to Tranidor."

"As you say, milady. I do not know your intent, Milady, nor yours, Highness, but I think that any assembly business can wait the four days until Master Sinidar returns."

Garia nodded. "Agreed. We'll be busy trying those men, I guess. Jaxen, have you room for Master Sinidar?"

"Aye, milady. Someone who knows this route will be most welcome. The presence of an assemblyman in Tranidor may be useful to your own purposes, milady, so I will be happy to take him with us."

"Great."

Garia looked up to see Merizel approaching. She glanced at Jenet who said, "Milady, it is but a quarter before the fourth bell."

Merizel came to their table, curtseyed and sat facing Garia, placing a bundle of letters on the table.

"Garia, I found these. Some of them are addressed to you. Rather, to Baroness Blackstone the title-holder instead of you as a person. From the dates I would estimate they came in the most recent bag of mail which Trogan's men picked up before we arrived."

Jepp said, "There can be no doubt of his guilt, milady, not with this evidence. He should never have opened anything addressed to you."

Garia agreed, "As you say, Master Jepp. Merizel, this is Master Jepp, the town scribe. I imagine you and he will be working together for a while sorting out that office. Master Jepp, this is Lady Merizel, my secretary."

"Milady Merizel."

"Master Jepp. I'm pleased to meet you."

Jepp regarded Garia and Merizel. Two young ladies, one a baroness and the other her secretary? Well, anyone could be a baroness, he supposed, if their parents suddenly died and she was the only surviving child. From what rumors he had picked up in the town that didn't seem to be the case here, though. To have her own secretary might be appropriate for one so young but then the secretary couldn't be that much older. And what of her relationship with the Prince? They spoke to each other as brother and sister, not Prince and minor noble. These young people seemed to ignore the conventions of rank and status completely. Had he spent too much time out here in Blackstone, could society have changed so much since he came here? He thought not, so what was going on?

"Milady," Jenet said as she stood, "I must inspect your attire before you stand on the balcony. If you please?"

"Oh. Yes, of course, Jenet."

"Highness," Brydas said, also standing, "if you would permit, I would inspect your own attire."

"Master Brydas," Keren said as he got to his feet, "you are too kind."

With everybody standing and checked over, Keren led the way out of the rear door and along to the stairway to the men's quarters. He turned at the foot.

"I'll just make sure the way is clear," he said with a smile. "I doubt there is anyone left upstairs in a state not fit for ladies to see but one can never be sure."

He skipped up the stairs and checked several doors before beckoning the party.

"You're safe. Come on up."

They ascended the stair and turned into the large dormitory which occupied the bulk of the upper floor over the common room. There were blankets laid out in rows along the floor, neatly folded, against the walls where beds would have been. On top of most of the blankets were satchels or duffels containing what few belongings each man owned.

At the front of the room were two pairs of double doors opening onto the balcony which ran the whole width of each building. Brydas walked forward and out of the nearest, the rest following. On the balcony already were Brazan and Denard, standing at one end near the pole which had been erected over the street. Garia walked forward to view the street and received a shock. Below them was a huge crowd, filling the street from side to side and a long way in each direction. When the party appeared on the balcony applause erupted and grew until the whole mass of townsfolk was clapping and cheering.

Wow. I didn't think this many people lived in Blackstone. Where have they all come from? I have no idea how many are down there but it has to be many hundreds.

Keren stood forward, placing his hands on the balustrade, and the noise gradually tapered off.

"People of Blackstone. I am Keren, son of King Robanar of Palarand. Recently come of age, I am traveling my father's kingdom to become familar with our lands and people. It was chance brought me here, a chance that has freed you from an oppressor no-one beyond the forest knew existed. That man, who sought to leech you of your honestly-earned coin, now awaits the judgement of the laws of Palarand, as do those who sought to aid him in his enterprise."

There was a distinct buzz in the crowd as Keren made this pronouncement. He raised a hand to quieten them and smiled.

"You were not assembled here this morning for me to tell you that, although I know you will all feel the safer for the hearing of it. Instead I must speak of another matter entirely. Some months past, in the heat of summer, a young woman was discovered in the mountains to the south of Palarand by a caravan led by the same wagonmaster who brought us here, Wagonmaster Jaxen."

Keren indicated Jaxen to the crowd. He bowed to acknowledge his name.

"That woman," he continued, "comes from a far distant land called Kansas and she has no idea where it is, how she arrived among us or how she might return home. All we know is that Kansas is not in Alaesia but somewhere else entirely. That being so, my father gave her shelter and she now resides with the royal family in the palace. It seems that knowledge and custom in Kansas are very different than they are in The Valley and so this woman has sought to repay my father's kindness by sharing her knowledge with us. She has spoken of wonders so strange we struggle to grasp their meaning and of ideas so simple that we cannot understand why we have not discovered them ourselves.

"Such is my father's gratitude for this knowledge that he has made her a baroness, since she is alone and will need income and the protection of men-at-arms to support her life in our lands. In return she has pledged herself utterly to my father and to the Kingdom of Palarand. She is here with me today, and I present her formally to you: your new liege, Baroness Garia of Blackstone."

Garia stepped forward to join Keren, her lips suddenly dry. There was a certain amount of applause from the crowd but not as much as she had expected. She looked down at the sea of faces, wondering what she was going to say to them.

There are so many! Women and children too. Well, I had a sort of rough speech lined up, let's see if I can remember any of it. I never was any good at public speaking before and these people aren't like the Questors but there are any number of ways this can go wrong...

"People of Blackstone," she began. There was much shuffling of feet but the noise died away quite rapidly.

I'm going to have to raise my voice so's those in back can hear me. And try and lower the pitch. Someone told me a long time ago, I forget who, that lower-pitched voices sound more authoritative.

"People of Blackstone," she repeated, attempting to project her voice. "I'm not noble born, unlike anyone else you might have come across in the past. In Kansas, where I come from, we don't have nobles at all and we run our affairs very differently than you do here. I have told the King I will try and follow your customs where I can but you should expect me to make some mistakes here and there. You should also expect me to try out some new ideas from time to time. I will rely upon your assistance and forebearance to make my position here function the way you expect it to."

She had the crowd's attention now. Press on.

"I'm not going to run Blackstone like some other nobles might have done. That's partly because I live down south in the palace with the King and Queen and Prince Keren and I am extremely busy most of the time. I have many dealings with all the Guilds and the Society of Questors as well and unfortunately that means I have to spend a lot of my time in the capitol. I figure Blackstone is quite capable of looking after its own affairs much as it has done these past years. I am quite content for your Town Assembly to resume meeting as it did before that man appeared.

"I will make you one pledge, though. I will visit Blackstone at least twice each year in future, each visit to be no less than four weeks in length. These visits will be in the Spring and Autumn, since I have been told it is too hot to travel midsummer and very difficult in Winter. As a formal link with myself when I am not here I will find someone to become my steward, since I believe the steward previously appointed is no longer well enough to do that job."

Okay. Now let's cut to the chase. Money is important to these people and Trogan screwed most of it out of them.

"As far as the matter of Taxes is concerned, I do not need your money. I shall not take a single crown from Blackstone. Any taxes you need to raise will be spent solely for the benefit of the town and the people in it. As for the money already taken from you by that man, I am told we are not sure who paid what, so the money will be given to the Assembly to pay out to those who need it most."

Behind her, Brydas and Jepp could not restrain their astonishment.

"Milady!"

Without turning round Garia held up a hand to one side to stop them.

"As I said, I don't need your money. I am placing my trust in all of you to ensure that the money we found goes where it is needed most. I don't know if that is all he stole, or if there is more he has spent or hidden away. If any more is ever found, it shall be returned to you. Now, I'm about to give you some news that some of you are probably not going to like. I would ask you to let me finish before you begin complaining."

She stepped forward and placed her own hands on the balustrade.

"Did you know what they call you, people of Blackstone, in the town of Tranidor? They think you simple foolish country folk who keep themselves warm in winter by burning rocks."

There was a chuckle from several quarters of the crowd but there were also those who showed sour expressions. Garia continued.

"You know the secret of the black rock and unfortunately for you so do I. I know another secret of that rock, and that is, if it is suitably treated it can be used instead of charcoal to make large quantities of high-quality steel."

That got their attention. Some of them had already figured out what was coming next.

"I have given this secret to the Guildsmen and they are anxious to begin large-scale experiments in steel-making. You can all guess what that might mean. There are going to be incomers to the town, miners and all the others who are needed to support the mining effort, and this town will become busier and richer than any of you will ever have known. Some of you are already thinking of the fortunes that you are going to make in the coming years. All I can say is, good for you.

"However, there will be others who will not like what is going to happen to this town. Inevitably, it is going to grow and the small community you now are is going to change forever. Blackstone may, in fact, become a sizeable city. You will have to stop thinking of Blackstone as a small town out in the back of nowhere which is known for its wool, leather and meat - and rustic locals who burn rocks. It is unlikely that you will be able to graze herds of Pakh around here, or up Blackstone Vale, for very much longer. Blackstone will become a mining town and the land will be taken up with dwellings, spoil tips and processing areas.

"Because of this I will make you two promises here and now. Firstly, I will not permit the miners and others to pillage the land around here as I have seen them do elsewhere. All shall be planned and controlled so that everyone has the benefit and the workings are clean and safe. Any developments within the town itself are for the Assembly to decide, not me.

"Secondly, if any of you finds what is to come to be too much to bear, I will fund you to leave Blackstone and settle somewhere else that you might find more comfortable. This offer is only open to those of you who live at the present time in the town of Blackstone or in the surrounding area as far south as the edge of the forest. For that reason I'm going to ask the Assembly to provide me with a complete survey of every man, woman, child and beast who lives in my lands and what their properties consist of. I have been told that this is something a noble does anyway on acquiring new lands."

And thank you, Kendar! I can play this 'according to custom' but I can make it serve my own purposes as well.

Garia waved her hand at the two guildsmen who came forward.

"These are two guildsmen that the Guild Hall in Palarand suggested I bring with me to Blackstone. Master Yarling is a Master Miner and he specializes, so I am told, with laying out mines and the associated works. Master Bezan, despite his young looks, I am told is expert in the planning of towns, roads and the works that accompany them such as fresh water and drains. You will be seeing them in future days walk the town and the countryside discovering what is available and the best way of using it - or protecting it.

"Finally, I must thank you all for coming. I'm going to be very busy for a day or two, because I have to write letters to the King and Queen and Duke Gilbanar explaining what happened here, and then tomorrow we'll begin putting those men on trial. Once we get that business over and done with the Prince and I will be available if you wish to speak with either of us." Garia smiled down at the crowd. "Don't think that because we are nobles you can't speak to us. You are my people and I want to find out all about this town and the people in it. It is my duty to look after you all and I intend to take that seriously. I'm sure the Prince feels the same way."

Garia stepped back slightly, indicating that she had finished, but Brydas coughed.

"Milady, perhaps you had best explain those pins on your back."

"Oh. Right." She stepped forward again. "I wear swords upon my back because, in the land where I grew up, women can do most of the things that any man can. I can use these swords, in fact I used them yesterday to capture the man called Sethan. I can also fight without using any weapons at all. In the palace I train with the guard and have taught some of them to fight the way I do. In fact, this has been so successful that they are experimenting with the idea of allowing women into the guard itself.

"I can ride like a man and some of you will notice that the saddles we use are different, another design from Kansas, where I was brought up. The men say it makes the frayen more comfortable and easier to control. There is much of a practical nature which I have told the King and his advisors and it is partly for these ideas that I have been made a baroness. I have no doubt at all you will be seeing many more of these ideas in the future."

"Milady." That was Brazan calling from the end of the balcony.

"Oh, of course. While His Highness and I reside in the town we will use this building since it was empty and we are quite a large party. Mistress Sukhana, who happens to be the sister of Wagonmaster Jaxen, has volunteered to be our housekeeper during our stay here. I have not decided what will happen to the building when we leave, that may depend on what goes on while we are here. My man at the end there is about to show you my colors. Many of the more attractive combinations have already been taken but I quite like this one. I hope you do too."

Brazan hauled on a rope and the standard dropped free from the pole and hung over the crowd. The applause started again and grew until it was at least as loud as at the beginning. Garia heaved a sigh of relief.

"Well done, Garia," Keren murmured. "A good beginning, in front of your people."

"Aye, milady," Brydas added. "You have raised many questions but answered more. Now no-one can say they do not know what you intend."

Garia waved at the crowd, who showed no signs of dispersing. On an impulse Keren took her hand and the two stood forward to receive the response. Eventually Keren had to raise his free hand to quieten the crowd.

"People of Blackstone! Thank you for your support for your new liege. I trust you will excuse us now, since I fear Milady Garia requires some small morsel of lunch to sustain her after such an effort. We will not keep you any longer since I know some of you have traveled some distance to be here this morning and you must needs return to your homes. As Milady Garia has said, we shall both reside in the town for at least four weeks so there will be time should any wish to petition us. Thank you."

He turned and led Garia back into the building, whereupon she immediately sagged at the knees.

"What ails you, milady?" Brydas asked as Keren supported her with an arm.

"Uh, just energy, Master Smith. I used up a lot of nervous energy out there, though I tried my hardest to hide it."

Brydas nodded. "As you say, milady. You are very young to have such a task set upon you. As you suggested in your speech, all in the town will support you in your duties as Baroness. I doubt many will object to the changes you have foretold. Do you need help with the stairs?"

"Thank you, no, Master Brydas. Once I get across the road to the Bell and get some pel inside me I'll recover quickly." She smiled at him. "As you say, I am quite young and we're supposed to be full of energy."

The group pushed their way through the crowds who remained in the street, receiving applause and encouraging words from many. Inside the busy common-room of the Bell they found that a table had been reserved and Yanda was waiting.

"Pel, bread and meats for us all," Keren instructed. "Maker, I could eat a frayen!"

~o~O~o~

"Ow. My fingers hurt."

Garia flexed her fingers and rotated her hand to try and restore some circulation. Her eyes hurt as well from her attempts to see adequately in the late afternoon light. There were lamps on the table but they were not enough for someone more used to electric lighting.

"I know what you mean," Merizel said. "I've been writing all afternoon and my own fingers are sore. How many letters have you written so far?"

Garia counted the folded parchments on the table. "This is my fifth," she said. "The King and Queen were quite easy and even my note to Master Gerdas didn't need too much effort. Writing to Uncle Gil was a different matter and now I am trying to say something sensible to Master Parrel. It's your language, I'm afraid. I can speak it quite easily but attempting to put the words down on parchment is a whole other matter. I like the script but forming the letters with these reed pens is quite difficult. I guess you've been doing it so long you find it easier?"

"Well, yes, Garia. It is what I was taught as a child, after all. I can quite believe that if you are used to making another kind of shape you would find ours hard. Keren?"

Keren carefully replaced his own reed in the ink-pot and leaned back.

"It is as you say, Merry. Normally, of course, people like us would have a Speed Scribe at hand to jot down our words and then make a work of art from them afterwards. I do not remember when last I wrote so many pages at one time." He smiled at the girls. "Fortunately, once we are done the need for so many missives should slacken somewhat. Perhaps we can find help for future writing sessions."

"Says you," Garia said with a snort. "We'll have to write up the coming trial and then Jaxen will bring back all kinds of letters from every official in Tranidor, Dekarran and Palarand who thinks they have some kind of authority. Not to mention all the letters from guildsmen and the howls of rage from miners and every other trade who will want a piece of the action here."

"That's perfectly normal, Garia," Keren said complacently. "We get those all the time and there are people employed in the palace just to deal with all that nonsense. Father, Mother and I only see the most important documents. I'm sure you'll find people around Blackstone who you can use for the same function."

"I probably will, although I'll feel guilty dumping all that on them. After all, it will be the townspeople who are going to have to manage the changes which are to come. It will take a letter a week to get from the palace to Blackstone, after all."

"Perhaps not. In my letter to Uncle Gil I've asked him to consider making a semaphore link to Blackstone a priority."

"How will you get a semaphore through the forest?" Merizel asked. "Once you enter the trees you can't see a thing."

"That's easy," Keren replied with a grin. "That's the beauty of semaphores, that they don't have to follow the roads. We can put a station or two high up the side of the mountain where they can be easily seen from both ends. We don't need to go through the forests at all."

"A semaphore link will make all the difference," Garia mused, still massaging her fingers. "I can ask them something and probably get a reply the following day."

"And then there's this other idea you told us about," Keren said. "What was it? Telegraph. I wonder, we're going to need such quantities of copper my mind refuses to accept the idea."

"You'll be surprised," Garia said. "Besides, the wires don't have to be copper all the way. In fact, copper will be too soft and too easy to corrode for outside use. We'll probably use steel or some alloy instead."

"This is intended to help? So, we'll need thousands of tons of steel instead of thousands of tons of copper." Keren shrugged. "I just hope you are right about what is to be found inside the ground."

Garia smiled. "Trust me, Keren. It will be hundreds of years before you ever get to a position where the minerals in the ground start to become exhausted. This planet is big. If we are careful and reclaim everything useful out of any old and broken equipment we'll be able to carry on for centuries. Still, this is a subject for the council. How about some pel while our fingers return to normal?"

With one of Yanda's serving girls and a tray of pel came Jaxen.

"Highness, Milady, Mistress, I am not interrupting anything?"

"No," Keren replied, "come in, we are glad of any excuse to save our fingers from injury this afternoon. Seat yourself, and I believe there is a spare mug on that tray."

"Thank you, Highness. I see you are busy writing letters."

"Or not writing them, as you can also see," said Garia. "I am not used to writing like this, especially in a script I only learned just recently."

"There are so many letters," Merizel added. "We could fill an entire room with scribes."

Jaxen smiled. "That is why you are nobles and I just make wagons go from town to town. Milady, you have my sympathy. While I can write letters, I find it painful after a short while. I believe that should I do enough of it the pain would lessen. The effect, I think, may be similar to that experienced when riding a new saddle."

"You're right, Jaxen! I never thought of it like that. Now, while you're here, I had an idea."

Jaxen and Keren rolled their eyes.

Garia ignored them and continued, "Do you by chance have any spare tarpaulins? If you do, I might like to borrow two while you are away."

"Tarpaulins, milady? You have a use for such items?"

"I do. I've been wondering how we - that is, Keren and myself and all the men-at-arms - are going to do our usual training while we're here."

Keren stopped reaching for a mug and looked attentively at Garia. "You have some idea, then to replace our felt mats?"

"That's right. I saw one of our men this morning going into the stables of the Claw with a huge heap of fodder. Now, if we were to spread a tarpaulin out in the courtyard, then lay an even thickness of fodder over it and put the other tarpaulin over the top..?"

Keren nodded, excited. "Aye, that would be just right. The lower tarpaulin would keep the courtyard clean and the upper one would stop us getting fodder all over our clothing."

"That's right! And afterwards the fodder would still be good enough to feed to the frayen."

Jaxen considered. "I'm not sure our tarpaulins would be suitable, milady. They - I hate to admit this - they are somewhat the worse for wear." He brightened. "It is possible the tarpaulins carried by your two wagons may be of better quality and those wagons are staying here, aren't they?"

"Will they be big enough?" Keren asked.

"We'll find out this evening," Garia said. "It won't take long."

"These felt mats you spoke of," Jaxen said.

"Ah. Aye, they are what the palace guard use for certain kinds of training," Keren said, explaining what size they were and how they were made.

"I might be able to commission a mat for you while I am in Tranidor," Jaxen offered.

"There's no real point," Garia said. "We're not going to be here long enough for it to matter and it will be quite bulky to take away with us when we leave. I just hoped to find some substitute for the short while we are here."

"As you say, milady. Still, I will make enquiries while I am there. After all, it is not just the palace guard who practice, is it? I may be able to find one to borrow for a month and bring back with me, returning it on our way back to the south."

"As you will, Jaxen."

Jaxen inspected the contents of the table.

"Highness, Milady, do you think you will have finished your letters by tonight? If so, I will make plans to leave in the morning for Tranidor."

Garia shook her head. "Sorry, Jaxen. I think we're going to need another day."

"That's fine with me, milady," Jaxen said, reaching for his mug.

~o~O~o~

"Do you think we got away with it today, Jenet?"

"I don't know, milady. I do not recall ever being in a similar situation. I believe that most of the crowd are friendly, or at least not against you. It is difficult to tell with crowds, since all may appear to be of one mind in front of their fellows and may say something different when elsewhere."

"As you say. Perhaps we'll learn more as the days go by. The trial tomorrow should make people happy, do you not think?"

"Of course, milady. Who would not cheer when such as Trogan receives his just reward?"

"I hope so. It's just... I'm finding this whole situation difficult to get my head round."

"Milady?"

"As I told them, we don't have nobles or liege lords or that stuff back in Kansas. In fact, I don't think this situation exists anywhere on Earth any more. It's hard for me to figure out my relationship to these people. They're not slaves, they're not serfs, but they are still my people and that is a situation I find hard to understand. Oh, I know the King and the Dukes and the other nobles have the same situation but that's all they have ever known, and the people are just the same. It's me I'm having trouble with."

"I'm sure you will have little difficulty, milady. Everything you have done since you arrived at the palace shows that you can command any circumstance. I think you will do well for your people, as you have done well by myself and the others who now belong to your house."

"That's another thing. I'm head of a House... this whole business is just crazy!"

"Milady, this is but a beginning. There is a distance to travel yet, and I have no doubt that you will overcome all obstacles."

"I wish I had your optimism, Jenet. I just wish I did."

There is momentary surprise as Garia and Keren discover the interest the townspeople have in the trial of Trogan and his men - but considering their reign of terror that is not so unusual. Space for a court is quickly found and arrangements made to accommodate the crowd. Then the questioning begins. Will they learn anything more from the captured men?

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) 2011-2012 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"What the..?"

Keren ground to a halt as he led the way into the common room of the Bell Inn. The place was crowded, unexpectedly so since their own party were the only ones lodging there.

"Ah, Highness, Milady, good morning."

"Mistress Yanda. What's all this?"

"I imagine they are all here for the trial, Highness. Do not worry, you shall be served breakfast, we would never leave our guests to go hungry. Your men have kept your usual table for you."

"Uh, thank you, Mistress Yanda."

Keren led the way to their regular table and the group took their usual seats. The others in the common room had bowed and curtseyed as they passed but this was no longer anything unexpected.

Funny how one adapts so quickly to the local customs, Garia thought. It even seems normal to have two of my armsmen stood against the wall.

Merizel leaned in and said in a low voice, "Are all these people here for the trials? I never expected this interest."

"We should not be surprised, Merry," Keren replied, "not in... so isolated a town. Naturally, any event like this is bound to be of interest to all, especially since Trogan and his men have affected so many."

"I can understand that," Garia said, thinking of small town politics back in the US. "What are we going to do, Keren? We can't hold the trial in the Claw if there are as many people outside as are waiting in here."

He smiled at her. "We'll have to be creative, then. You have taught me how to look at situations with a different eye, perhaps we can find some other place large enough."

"I don't think there is any, Keren. From what I remember of our walk through the town, the Ptuvil's Claw is the biggest building here." She thought. "This is a special circumstance, isn't it? There's no law which says we have to hold it in any particular place, is there?"

Keren shook his head. "Not that I am aware of." He considered. "Actually, what we are about to do is to hold a session of your baronial court in the town. The fact that it is only going to be for the trial of those we caught is incidental."

"My court? Yes... I guess you are right. I never thought of it that way. In Kansas, a court is where criminals go to be dealt with or for lawyers to argue out some dispute. I never thought about the origin of the word which must go right back to our own days when we had nobles and such."

Keren frowned. "I though you never had nobles?"

"Technically, no. My country, the whole thing, that is, not just the State of Kansas, started out as a number of colonies from another country way across the ocean. That country had a medieval past which ran, thinking about it, pretty much the way you do here." She nodded. "Funny how words get re-used."

"Interesting. You've told me a little of your history but it sounds even more interesting than I thought." He smiled again. "You'll have to tell me more when we have some free time."

Both Garia and Merizel snorted.

"Free time," chuckled Merizel. "I like that, Highness. Which year did you say that would be?"

Keren grinned back. "I forget, ladies. What was I thinking? Free time, indeed." He looked up. "Here is the pel, some fresh bread and bowls of porridge to sustain us through the morning. Perhaps afterward we can find Jaxen and see if he has any ideas."

"We might end up having it in the street," Garia said, reaching for a mug. "Assuming the weather holds out."

Breakfast over they made for the front door to find that Garia had been right. The street outside had far too many people innocently standing or strolling about to be considered normal. All stopped and bowed or curtseyed as they appeared. Keren decided that an announcement was necessary to keep everyone calm.

"People of Blackstone! If you will give us leave to go to the Ptuvil's Claw and consult, we shall make an announcement concerning the trial presently. We have had no chance to make any arrangement, we must do so now."

There was a murmuring and more bowing and scraping but everyone seemed content to let them carry on, so Keren led them across the street and in the front door of the Claw. The men who were still in the common room all jumped to their feet and saluted. Jaxen came forward and bowed.

"Highness, Milady, what are your wishes today?"

"We have to try those men we caught, Jaxen," Keren explained. "Unfortunately, everyone in town has invited themselves to view the proceedings. Are we right in assuming this is the biggest building in town?"

"Aye, Highness." Jaxen turned to survey the room. "I take it you had intended to use this room for your court?"

"Milady's court, you mean. Aye, we did. But this will not do. Have you seen the crowds outside? Unless we can find another place mayhap we will end up in the street."

Jaxen scratched his chin thoughtfully. "With so many who wish to view the proceedings - and I cannot blame any of them for wishing to do so - I fear you may have no option, Highness. Unless, perhaps..." Jaxen turned and stared at the rear entrance to the common room. "Have you considered our own courtyard, Highness? It may not fit all but it may satisfy most."

Keren nodded. "Let us look, it can do no harm."

They went out onto the covered walkway which ran around the front, right side and rear of the courtyard, the fourth side being the stables.

"It is big, isn't it?"

"Aye, Highness. I discovered we could easily turn the wagons when we arrived. If you set yourselves up there, perhaps," he pointed at the right-hand side, which held the inn-keeper's quarters downstairs and the women's sleeping quarters upstairs, "then some may even use the balcony over the stables yonder."

"Done. But how will we be seen? Have we time to erect a stage or some other platform?"

Jaxen grinned. "Leave that to me, Highness. We cannot use the kitchen wagon but we have three others to choose from. If we unload two completely there is a way to use them that is often done at fairs and country markets. Leave it to me and the boys."

"How long?" Garia asked.

Jaxen estimated. "It will not take long, milady. You should be able to convene your court at about the third bell."

"Excellent, Jaxen. Carry on. We will go and inform the townspeople and then perhaps, while we have time, we will have a talk with the man Sethan."

Jaxen bowed. "As you command, milady."

He strode away toward the stables, shouting orders which brought people running from all parts of the building. Garia stared in amazement as most of those who appeared seemed to be locals. Sukhana came out of the doorway of the kitchen, saw them and strode across.

"Highness, Milady, welcome." She curtseyed. "What is all this fuss? You have Jaxen running around like a fevered lab."

"Mistress Sukhana," Keren greeted her. "We intend to use the courtyard today for our trial since so many of the townspeople wish to see justice done."

Sukhana's eyes widened. "They are all coming in here? Maker! Shall they need food or drink? I cannot provide for so many, Highness."

Keren soothed her. "No, Sookie, I don't think you'll be feeding any of them, but I suggest you find a few fellows to stand guard at doorways and stairs you would rather keep them away from. Jaxen suggested that some of the crowd may see better from the balcony there," he pointed over the stables before adding, "How are you managing at your self-appointed task?"

Sukhana flushed. "I have made a start, Highness, Milady. I have had help from many in the town and we now have stable boys, chamber maids, waiting staff and even help in the kitchen. There have been donations of benches, chairs, tables and the means of eating and drinking but we still lack beds and bedchamber furniture. The bath house is now clean and working and I can report the water is wondrously hot and plentiful."

"That sounds like a good start," Garia said. "How soon are we expected to begin paying for any of this?"

"Paying for it, milady? The townspeople see this as their duty to their liege. I do not think they will accept coin from you, especially after you gifted them the treasure which Trogan stole."

Garia realized that her mouth was open. "What? I can't accept that, it isn't right. You must pay for the food you use, surely, and your staff will have families to look after at the very least."

Sukhana looked at Garia strangely but Keren intervened.

"Garia, this is how the system works in places like this. You are doing your part by looking after these people and they in turn will look after you and yours. Sookie, our way of life is completely unlike that which Milady Garia is used to in her home land of Kansas. She is finding some of our customs, especially those of the country, difficult to adjust to."

"As you say, Highness. If you will excuse me, Highness, Milady, I had best be making sure no-one disturbs anything while your court sits."

Sukhana bobbed and headed for the kitchen. Keren turned to Garia.

"I think I understand your difficulty, Garia. In your world, as I understand it, every man and woman works for coin and no reason else, is that so?"

"We call it compensation," Garia said. "This way seems so alien to me."

"Not so alien. The people here merely take their compensation in safety and security, Garia. You give them a safe, prosperous place to live and they in turn will ensure that you are free to keep it that way for them."

Garia shook her head. "I really don't understand, Keren. Perhaps I need to sit down and weigh up who gets what out of a contract like this before I make any judgements. Somehow this just seems wrong."

"Perhaps. Perhaps there is some injustice here we have overlooked. The running of a barony, after all, may be a complex business but not all nobles take sufficient care to ensure their people are justly provided for. That's not important now, we have not the time and we would be better out of Jaxen's way. Shall we go and speak with our villains?"

They walked along the covered way and out of the carriage entrance, meeting Brydas as they reached the street. The smith bowed to them.

"Master Brydas! You have a bigger voice than any of us, shall you inform your fellows that the trial will take place at the third bell, in the courtyard behind us?"

"With pleasure, Highness! And shall you require my assistance, or that of any others of the assembly? We are all nearby, that is, those of us who retain our health."

Keren smiled. "I might have known. Aye, if you will join us we will be glad to make use of your experience. We are already expecting to use the knowledge Master Jepp has gained during his days in Teldor."

Brydas bowed. "Of course, Highness. At the third bell? We shall be there." He raised an eyebrow. "If I am not delving in matters that may not concern me, you have an errand?"

"Aye. Perhaps you would care to join us, Brydas. Milady Garia wishes to interview the man Sethan."

"I will inform Jepp, who I see yonder, of the plan and join you at the watch office, Highness."

Brydas walked into the growing crowd as Keren, Garia, Merizel and Jenet continued toward the Watch Office. Garia still had difficulty trying not to refer to it as the 'Sheriff's Office'. The two guards standing outside bowed and opened the door for them. A third man, seated at the table in the front office, leapt to his feet and thumped his chest.

"Rest easy, Stott. We'll be putting these men on trial in the courtyard of the Ptuvil's Claw beginning from the third bell. Be prepared to move the prisoners out under escort when we call for them."

"Aye, Highness."

"One at a time, that will be," Garia amended.

"Pardon, Garia?"

"I think..." she lowered her voice, "I think I want to try them one at a time," she explained. "That way they won't be able to make up alibis by listening to each other. If we deal with the small fry first -"

"Small fry?"

"Uh, we're talking tiny fish here, Keren. Let's start with Sethan, then the other thugs and that will let us find out enough about Trogan to seal his fate." She glanced at Keren. "That's all right, isn't it? There's only four of them, it shouldn't take us too long to try them one by one."

Keren shrugged. "You may proceed any way you desire, Garia. This is your court, after all. I think I like your idea, though. Customarily all the criminals would be brought in together but, as you say, that allows them to agree a story. Let's try it your way today."

Sethan was brought out and his hands secured behind him with a leather strap. He looked frightened.

"Where shall we do this, Garia?" Keren asked. "This office is too public."

"I thought to use the messenger office."

"Good idea. Lead the way."

They walked along the sidewalk, Sethan in the middle of the group, with the crowd murmuring in the street beside them. Garia thought that they didn't sound too angry to see Sethan, which seemed to confirm an impression she had gained when they first encountered him. In the office Sethan was placed on the only chair and Keren and Garia leaned against the desk. Almost immediately Brydas joined them, shutting the door to keep the noise out.

"Sethan," Garia began. "When we first met you told us you would throw yourself on our mercy if you co-operated with us. I'll expect you to keep to your side of the bargain. Now, tell us, how did you meet Trogan?"

Sethan stared at Garia, his face pale. He licked his lips.

"Milady, is this the trial? Am I treating for my life in this place?"

"Not yet, Sethan," Keren said. "As you have seen by the crowds outside there is a fair amount of interest in the trial of you and your fellows. Regrettably for you you shall have to face those you committed crimes against. Before we properly begin the trial Milady Garia wished to find out what you knew. It may have a bearing on your fate, should you tell us all you know."

"As you say, Highness. Um, well, it's like this. Me and my cousin Narrin was sleeping in that camp-site along the road because we had nowhere else to go. See, we was farm laborers but we wasn't any good at anything much and we ended up going from farm to farm looking for somewhere to work. Only, I confess we sometimes had to feed ourselves from the farm stock without asking the farmer, if you know what I mean?"

Keren nodded, then remembered Garia was supposed to be asking the questions. He looked at her and she took over.

"You stole, is that what you mean?"

Sethan lowered his eyes. "Aye, milady. It were either that or go hungry, like, and you can only go hungry so many days before you aren't strong enough to work, see, so... We moved on and we moved on and pretty soon we couldn't stay anywhere around Tranidor so we thought to come out this way, thought maybe we could make a fresh start out here where nobody knew us. Only, neither of us can read so we didn't know where we were going, not really. We didn't know Blackstone was so far from Tranidor, neither, so we ended up at that campsite trying to forage food from the forest while we wondered if we would starve before we got to the next village or town. Then Master Trogan found us."

"He was traveling the road, I take it? Which way?"

"Toward Blackstone, milady."

"How many men did he have with him then?"

"Uh." Sethan looked confused. "I dunno, milady. I can't do numbers. Let's see. Um, Brakkis, Bildo, Vordan, Fret, uh, Kasmar, Bildo." He frowned with concentration. "Is that it? No, I forgot one. Juddas, milady. No! There was Pexen as well."

Garia looked at Merizel, who was writing down the names on a scrap of parchment, watched with interest by Brydas.

"I make that seven, Garia," she said. "He named Bildo twice."

"Is that right?" Garia asked the man. "There weren't two called Bildo, were there?"

"Uh, no, milady."

"So, with you and your cousin, together with Trogan, that makes ten, right?"

"If you say so, milady. As I said, I can't do numbers at all." He shrugged. "Not without using my fingers."

"We can do that for you, Sethan. So, what happened when Trogan came along?"

"Uh, his men were going to spit us with their swords but he stopped them, milady. Asked us what we were doing there and when we told him he said he could use a couple of extra men. Said he was a Tax Assessor and we'd be needed to make sure the people paid up, like. And he had all those frayen so he needed someone who knew how to look after them, so we agreed terms and joined him."

"All those frayen?" Keren asked, curious.

"Aye, Highness. Each man rode a frayen and there were five extras. Three had packs but two had saddles. I thought they must be remounts though usually you move the saddle when you have remounts, don't you? I didn't know, I thought maybe a Tax Assessor could afford extra saddles."

"As you say," Garia took up the questioning. "So, what happened when you arrived at Blackstone?"

"We stayed at the Bell Inn one night then Master Trogan somehow had us all invited to sleep in the Steward's house. I don't know what he said but it was something like he had to go through the accounts or something. After a few days he started going round the town asking for tax money. Then he sent us out in fours to get taxes out of the nearer farms. Then... how much more do you want, milady?"

"How did Trogan end up imprisoning people?"

"I'm not sure, milady. Me and Narrin were out the back feeding the frayen when there was a furious row inside the house one morning. Later at lunch he told us he'd found something wrong with the steward's accounts and had to hold him until the Lord Gilbanar came to sort it out. Next it was the Messenger Agent who wouldn't hand over any of the steward's letters, milady. Anyone knows you can't touch the mail but I thought that only applied while it was being carried. If he had taken over the steward's job, like, he'd have to read the mail, wouldn't he?"

Garia and Keren both nodded. She said, "I'm beginning to understand what happened now. Did you or your cousin personally abuse anybody when you demanded taxes from them?"

"Well, not exactly, milady. We was told to look like we knew what we was doing but we had to remember we was supposed to be collecting legal tax so we couldn't act like robbers. We just used to look menacing and put our hands on our sword hilts."

"Did any of the others offer violence, do you know?" Keren asked.

Sethan looked away. "Aye, Highness. I was with a collection party and they beat up one of the carpenter's journeymen because he wouldn't pay up. I wasn't proud of that."

"What about the two girls?" Garia asked. "Did you know what happened to them?"

"Master Trogan had shut up the owner of the Bell Inn because he kept complaining the master was taking too much tax and the inn-keeper's wife Mistress Yanda just took up in his place, so Master Trogan shut his daughter up as well to keep her quiet. He did the same with the smith's daughter, begging your pardon, Master Brydas, because the town assembly was beginning to be concerned with the way things were going."

"But... did you know that both girls had been repeatedly raped once they were kept in the cells?"

Sethan looked up sharply, shock and horror in his eyes.

"Milady, I swear, I did not. I don't think Narrin would have known either. Despite we was doing his work, Master Trogan and his men treated us as outsiders or mere servants. If they did such a thing we had no word of it."

Keren pressed him. "You're sure? Your life may depend on your answer."

"Highness I shall swear by whatever you desire me to, but if you should believe me, I cannot say."

Keren nodded, frustrated. "As you say. Garia, have you heard enough?"

"Almost, I think. Who was with you in the Ptuvil's Claw, who got away with your frayen?"

"Uh, that would be Vordan and Kasmar, milady. I never liked Vordan and I don't think he liked me or my cousin. Uh, milady, what happened to Narrin? Did he run away as well?"

"I don't know, Sethan. You have told us the names of the only two we know escaped, and there are three others in the cells with you. There are four dead, three were killed in the fight when we arrived and the last fell off a roof about the time we captured you."

"Ah, would that last have been at the top of town, beyond where the smith lives, milady?"

Brydas stirred. "Aye, Sethan, it was. He was your cousin then?"

"He'd gone out to find the saddler the day before, get a strap fixed." He shrugged, as much as he could with his hands tied. "Stupid way to die." He looked up at Garia. "Milady, what happens now?"

"Why, we take you with us and try you," she said. "If you have truly told us what happened, and those in the crowd confirm your story, I do not think you need fear death. Keren?"

Garia turned to Keren for confirmation.

"I wouldn't condemn a man over what he has told us so far, Garia. Sethan, your life is safe, I think, providing you have told us the truth, but you must needs pay something of the bill."

"Highness, I know it. I am at your mercy."

It was necessary to keep Sethan separate so they found a guard who could remain with him in the Messenger Office. The rest went back out onto the street where they found that the crowd had lessened since their original walk. This was because most were now waiting patiently to file through the carriage entrance of the Claw to get into the courtyard.

"Jenet, what time is it?"

"I know not, milady. I do not know the bells of Blackstone."

"It is but a half between two bells and three, milady," Brydas said. "Opposite the camp site is a Town Clock, minded by a family who have done so for generations. They wind up the weights, attend the pendulum and mark the time by ringing a bell. The sound is not the same as that of other bells I have heard, it takes a week or two for the ear to become accustomed."

"As you say. Keren, looks like we'll have to go around the crowd and in the front door."

Inside the common room Garia found that the recently-added furniture had all been stripped out. As they came out the rear entrance the reason became evident. Most of the courtyard had been set out with benches and tables, most from the Claw but so many that she thought the Bell might have been stripped out as well.

To their right two wagons were placed back to back. Both had been completely stripped down to the bare boards, the contents presumably piled somewhere within the stables out of the way. The two tailboards had been dropped horizontal and supported by spars lashed between the two wagons, making a continuous platform. The sides facing the crowd had been dropped completely while those facing the building were still fixed in place, providing protection for those who would stand on the wagon beds. Where the tailboards projected between the wagons the portable steps which usually leaned against the backs of the wagons allowed people to climb up from the walkway alongside the courtyard.

The crowd had begun taking seats although most preferred to stand at the rear. Some had gone upstairs to take places on the balcony in front of the servants' quarters to get a better view. Garia noticed that the composition of the crowd was different today than yesterday. When they had appeared on the front balcony of the Claw the crowd had been entirely mixed with men, women and children in reasonably balanced proportions. Today there were roughly twice as many men as women and there were no children at all.

Jepp saw them and joined them.

"Highness, Milady. I trust this is satisfactory?"

"I have no complaint, Master Jepp," Keren replied. "Milady Garia desires to try each of the men by themselves in order to ensure the trials are fair. Thus, each may not influence what another may say. Shall you guide us through the procedure?"

"A worthy decision, milady, though it may mean the trial will continue into the afternoon. This is acceptable?"

"I guess, Master Jepp," Garia said. "How long do you think this will all take? I mean, how long does a trial usually take?"

Jepp shrugged. "It depends on the crimes, milady. To account all that Trogan has committed may take considerable time." He turned to Merizel. "Milady Merizel, might you share the task of recording the court with me? I would be honored if you could be of assistance."

"Garia?"

"Of course, Merry. Writing all this down could be the slowest part of the proceedings so anything that will help speed it up is a good idea. Yes, go with Jepp and figure out what you both need."

Merizel left with Jepp and the others stood waiting as the courtyard filled with townspeople. Jaxen came in from a rear entrance to the court, saw the group and hurried over.

"Highness, Milady, you see our preparations. The wagons have been unloaded into the stables, and I have placed men at all doorways and stairs. The frayen I have taken from the stables and sent to one of the town paddocks since I felt the noise of the crowd may disturb them too much. Oh, and that includes the six frayen that were kept behind the Steward's house." He grinned. "Mistress Sukhana complains about the extra noise and fuss the court makes but she would complain when the sun rose if she could."

"Six frayen?" Garia said thoughtfully. "I had forgotten those." She smiled. "It so happens at least three of those have lost their riders and I suspect the other three won't have riders either by the time we have finished. Suppose we gift one of them to Sookie? Would that improve her mood?"

Jaxen grinned broadly. "I didn't think of that, milady. Aye, I think she will be much improved by your suggestion. I'll go and tell her now."

Jaxen bowed to them and made off across the court, skirting the chairs and benches to reach the kitchen and disappear within. Eventually all who could squeeze in had done so and the murmur of small talk gradually died away. Finally a bell could be heard in the distance and the whole court became silent, waiting for the proceedings to start.

This is a test! All my fine talk on the balcony yesterday was one thing but this is me, me, actually doing my job. This is where they find out if I can cut the mustard.

And I have very little clue how this trial works. I just hope everybody allows me a goof or two along the way.

"Milady, it is time for us to begin." That was Brydas, gesturing to the ladder behind the wagons. "If you would permit me, as leader of the town assembly, to announce you."

"You know how these things are supposed to work, Master Brydas. Go ahead."

Brydas climbed onto the platform and faced the crowd.

"This is the court of Milady Garia, Baroness of Blackstone, and the first she holds in her own demesne. Rise and show respect for your liege."

The whole crowd stood and bowed or curtseyed. While they remained standing Brydas beckoned.

"Highness, Milady, take your places."

Keren climbed up first, followed by Garia, then Jepp, Merizel and finally Jenet. Jepp and Merizel took positions on one of the wagoneers' benches, each carried a satchel. Jepp began putting the contents of his satchel out on the bench between them. Brydas indicated a bench to one side to Keren and Garia. Garia sat while Keren remained standing. He spoke to the crowd.

"People of Blackstone, please sit if you are able." Once those with seats had sat down again he continued, "This is Milady Garia's court, not mine. My business here is to offer advice and support since Milady Garia is unfamiliar with the customs of court as she explained to you yesterday. Our purpose here today is to try those who we have captured in accordance with the laws of Palarand. Each man will be tried separately, in order to give every man a fair trial untainted by the words of his fellows. This means that the trials may take all day and possibly longer. I ask your patience during the proceedings. We may call for those among you who these men have wronged to come and testify." He turned to Garia. "Milady, we are at your command."

Garia spoke to Brydas. "Master Smith, bring the first of the accused."

Sethan was brought in by two guardsmen in palace colors and helped up the steps onto the platform. He was made to sit on the bench on the other side with a guardsman each side of him.

"This man is named Sethan. He is associated with the principal accused named Trogan," Brydas announced. "Who here accuses this man?"

There was a murmur in the crowd, people looking at one another in confusion. Finally four people near the front stood up. Brydas questioned them briefly and received answers based on appropriation of food accompanied by threats. He turned to Garia and shrugged.

Garia said, "This will not work, Master Brydas. I suggest we will learn more by asking Sethan to tell his story."

"As you command, milady."

Sethan was made to go through his story again as he had told it before, with additional questioning by Brydas, Garia and Jepp. The muttering in the crowd grew as they realized that Sethan and his cousin had been only bit players in what had happened. Finally Garia called a halt to the questions.

"I have heard enough to convince me here. Does anybody in the court wish to make some other accusation against Sethan? From what he has said he only did what he was told by someone who he believed had authority to order him so."

There was silence from the crowd.

She continued, "Master Jepp has stated that Sethan has broken some minor laws and that he is also liable for certain crimes he has admitted committing elsewhere. He has admitted his guilt to these crimes. Master Jepp, what penalty should he pay?"

"Milady, I suggest he should be branded criminal in the usual way and made to serve a year's labor for the benefit of the town. As his crimes are not such that he would anger the townspeople by remaining here I would not suggest he requires transportation to some other place."

Garia was surprised. "This is the customary sentence for what he has done?"

"Aye, milady."

"Then... it is so ordered."

Sethan stood, surprising his guards, turning to Garia before awkwardly kneeling and bowing his head.

"Milady, I thank you for your clemency."

"Rise, Sethan, and let us hope that the rest of your life will turn out better than what has happened to you so far."

He was helped down the steps by the guards. Garia, Keren and Brydas held a hurried discussion about what to do with him before deciding to put him, with a guard, in one of the upstairs rooms of the Claw, away from sight and sound of the courtyard. The guards were ordered to bring out the next prisoner. While they were waiting Garia had another thought and went into a quick huddle with Keren, Jepp and Brydas.

"Master Brydas," she said, "We may have a problem. The bad treatment of your daughter and that of Fedren is bound to come out during the trials. Will she be required to testify? That's not the way we would treat a rape victim in Kansas. She'd be kept away and her testimony taken as written evidence or she may be hidden behind a screen or something."

"Milady, that is not our custom in Palarand but I thank you for considering her feelings," Brydas replied. "We have talked about a likely trial and she is prepared to speak against these men if she must. I know that she must needs relive her ordeal and that Trogan, in particular, may attempt to influence her because of that. However, out here in front of all the town he will find that difficult. You control the court, milady, and you may permit or deny any words or actions you desire. He shall not prevail here." He paused, thinking. "Of Fedren's daughter Kasinna I do not know. She may yet be too frail to face your court."

"He speaks rightly, milady," Jepp agreed. "We all know that women of any age may be abused or used by men since they are weaker... excuse me, milady. I know that there may be exceptions. I would be interested to speak with you about other ways in which we can assist women in cases such as these and knowledge of the customs of your birthplace may be of help. But for today we must allow the accused to face the accuser. It has always been so."

"I could argue that," Garia said. "What about a murderer? You can hardly ask a corpse to testify."

Jepp gave a faint smile. "You speak like a legal man, milady. Aye, you are right. But, for today and for these two young ladies, they must appear before the court in order to face the accused."

"Very well. Let's take our places then, because I can see our next accused coming now."

The next man was brought to the steps and hauled roughly up onto the wagons, struggling against the guards all the way. They thumped him down onto the bench and held him there by main force.

"This man is named Juddas," stated Brydas. "Who here accuses him?"

About half the men in the crowd stood up, startling Garia. She stood and joined Brydas.

"All right," she told the crowd. "If we take all your names we shall still be here tomorrow and there are two more to judge. Let's do a quick survey and find out what you are all accusing this man of."

This procedure seemed novel to the crowd but they didn't take long to understand her intent. By asking questions and getting them to raise hands, she found out that Juddas had demanded money with violence, confiscated food, drink, goods and animals without proper authority, committed actual violence against many, damaged property and finally was accused of raping five women including the two girls. Garia took sample statements from several of the crowd to be entered in the record with the names of other victims and numbers of similar offences set against them.

The rape offences were treated differently. In one case nobody had known that one young woman had been attacked since she lived away from the town and hadn't realized that anyone else had been affected. She was prepared to give evidence, though, in front of the crowd.

"You have no proof that I did anything of the kind!" Juddas protested. "You are merely claiming what these others claim, in order to blacken my name."

"I may not have any proof, Juddas," she replied evenly, "yet. But when my child is born, and begins to grow, we shall see if he or she resembles his or her father."

That shook Juddas but he continued blustering until Kasinna appeared beside Fedren. One look at the young girl and he turned his head away, refusing to look at her. Kasinna, in her turn, looked steadfastly at Juddas as she told the crowd exactly how the two girls had been treated once they had been locked up. The crowd had grown silent, now, as they realized the full extent of the nightmare Trogan and his men had brought to Blackstone.

"Do you admit these offences?" Garia asked when Kasinna had finished.

"I cannot deny them," Juddas said, hanging his head.

"Let Kasinna's evidence be admitted to the record against the next two accused as well," she directed. "I will not have her go through that ordeal again."

"As you desire, milady," Jepp said.

Garia turned to Brydas. "What about your daughter, Master Brydas? Do you want her to testify?"

Brydas shook his head. "It is not necessary, milady. We have enough evidence from these others to prove the case. Since Kasinna has spoken, perhaps we should leave Senidet to confront one of the other accused."

Jepp looked up from his documents. "We cannot record any offence by Juddas against Senidet if she does not testify."

"I understand, Master Scribe. Since he must pay the penalty in any event, there is little point."

"Milady?"

"Just make a note, Master Jepp," Garia decided. "We must move on. Juddas, I want to ask you some questions. Where and when did you first meet Trogan?"

"I dunno," the man answered roughly. "It was a long time ago."

"Fair enough," said Garia, who was beginning to have an idea of the limitations of each man by now. "Will you tell me now for the record if Trogan is, in fact, an appointed official?"

Juddas shook, as if with laughter. "No, milady, that he ain't. Not that I ever heard of."

"So, how is it he came to be in Blackstone pretending to be a Tax Assessor, then?"

The demeanor of Juddas changed in an instant. His face stiffened and he looked at the wagon floor.

"I don't rightly know that I can tell you that, milady. You'll have to ask him yourself."

"But you knew, when you all came here, that he was not what he told the townspeople he was."

Juddas only nodded.

"Impersonating a legally-appointed official," Jepp noted. "I'm not sure that's a crime that happens very often in Palarand. I don't think I know the penalty, although I can make a guess. But this man is not guilty of that crime."

"As you say, Master Jepp," Garia agreed. She turned to Juddas. "Can you read, Juddas?"

"No, milady. I can just about make my sign on a document, that's all. I don't know my letters."

"So, if I was to tell you that Trogan will be accused of intercepting and opening letters not addressed to him, would you think he was guilty of that? Did you ever see him open any such letters?"

Juddas sighed. "Aye, milady, I have, though I knew not who they were addressed to. Once he put the Agent in the cells it was clear enough what he was doing."

Keren interrupted. "If I may, milady. Juddas, you have all been in Blackstone some months. When we were traveling here an owner of a roadhouse along the route gave us mails for Blackstone, saying the bags were collected on occasion. Were you ever party to those collection journeys?"

"Aye, Highness. From time to time two or three of us rode into Tranidor for various reasons. We took mail to that road house and collected it from there."

"Because you couldn't take them all the way to Tranidor, or collect them from there, where questions would be asked?"

"You have the right of it, Highness."

"You know the penalty for transporting mails without a letter of authority?"

Juddas sighed again. "Aye, Highness, I do."

Keren turned to Garia. "Milady, this man has confessed to transporting mails without a letter of authority. Your duty is clear."

Bang! Here it is. It has to be my decision, my own voice, that condemns a man to death.

"The laws concerning the Messenger Service are very strict, milady," Jepp added.

I have no choice, do I? This is justice, raw in tooth and claw. Killing somebody in the heat of a fight is one thing, this is sentencing a helpless man to death.

Then she glanced at the front of the crowd where Fedren and Kasinna sat. She realized that carrying a few bags between Tranidor and Blackstone was only a tiny fraction of the evil that this man had committed against these people. Her people. Time to begin putting things right.

"Master Jepp, what is the prescribed penalty for this offense?"

"Death, milady. He is to be hung immediately." Jepp paused, thinking. "In this case, where you will judge others for the same crime, they might all be executed at the same time."

"So be it. Take him away, hold him somewhere safe while we try the others." Garia turned to Brydas. "Have we time before lunch to try another one? I'll leave Trogan until last."

"Aye, milady, we have time, if the next takes no longer than Juddas. If necessary we may delay our meal slightly. Shall he be brought?"

"Yes, please. I want this finished today."

The next man gave no fight to the guards. His right shoulder was swathed in a bandage which had a large, dried bloodstain on it. Garia remembered that one had been brought down by a knife thrown by one of the wagoneers. The man looked pale and uncomfortable.

Brydas announced, "This man is named Brakkis. Who here accuses him?"

A significant number of the crowd, now familiar with the process, raised their hands.

"A moment before we get down to business," Garia said, standing. "What's wrong with him?"

"Milady," one of the guards explained, "he has a shoulder wound from the fight in the street. The wound has become infected."

He's unlikely to live long enough for it to become an issue, she thought.

"Very well. Brakkis," she asked him, "can you answer the questions we wish to put to you? Are you well enough?"

"Aye, milady. I can manage," he replied, his voice shaky.

Garia turned to the crowd and, with the benefit of the questions already asked of Juddas, made up a list of offenses which Jepp wrote down with the names and numbers of accusers. After this it was Senidet, with the assistance of her father, who detailed the several occasions on which most of the men of Trogan's band had shared the two young girls amongst themselves. Then Garia asked some further questions.

"When did you discover that Blackstone had been made a barony?"

"Uh, Master Trogan showed me a letter he had with the proclamation," Brakkis said without thinking. "I didn't see what difference it would make, since the taxes wasn't going anywhere."

"So you can read, then. The letter Trogan showed you, who was it addressed to?"

"The steward, milady. Since the steward had been arrested Master Trogan said that he was the most senior official in the town so he should read those letters addressed to the steward."

"But he wasn't the most senior official in the town, was he? In fact, he isn't an official at all, is he? What happened to the real Tax Assessor, Brakkis? Did you murder him somewhere along the route, perhaps?"

There was a gasp from the crowd as many of them hadn't understood that Trogan had been bogus. There was much muttering and Brydas had to call for silence before Brakkis could reply.

"I cannot answer you, milady."

"You acknowledge that I am, in fact, the real Baroness Blackstone? You can read, I can show you my charter if you like."

"With respect, milady, anyone can have a document saying whatever they wish. Doesn't mean that the person holding the document matches the person named in it."

"So, you admit that the man you call Trogan has a document describing someone with that name as a Tax Assessor. And you further admit that the man you call Trogan is not the named man."

Brakkis stared at Garia, realizing that his weakened state had made him admit that 'Trogan' was bogus. Finally he nodded, lowering his eyes.

"Aye, milady. All that you say is true."

"Jepp?"

"Unconventional, milady, but he has admitted the truth of your statement and that is enough. Do you need more?"

"I don't think so. You accompanied Juddas, I believe, on journeys to and from Tranidor, collecting mail bags from the roadhouse as you did so?"

"Aye, milady. We all took turns fetching supplies..." he stopped.

"Or getting rid of your loot in Tranidor?"

Brakkis looked at the floor. "Aye, milady," he said in a low voice.

"The verdict is clear," she said. "Interference with the Messenger Service means death by hanging, as soon as possible. For the rapes I would impose the same sentence. There is a strong possibility that along with the man we know as Trogan you murdered an official of Duke Gilbanar's court," she remembered the five frayen Sethan had mentioned, "along with others, possibly his servants. Do you now wish to confess to that crime?"

"Milady," Brakkis said, not meeting her eyes, "I cannot say."

"It doesn't matter. Take him away."

Garia let out her breath slowly and forced herself to relax. Fighting someone to save your own life was one thing but coldly sending men to the scaffold was entirely another and the stress was beginning to tell.

Oh, how I wish Feteran was here now. I could do with some of his strength and experience. He knew what would happen after I made my first kill, he'd know what to say now.

She looked at the crowd and realized that they were all still seated waiting for her to direct the proceedings. Brydas was now down in the courtyard with his daughter Senidet, standing beside Fedren and Kasinna. That made her consider the situation and come to a decision. Reaching down with one hand, she lightly dropped from the wagon bed to the courtyard, causing gasps from some of the crowd.

"Master Fedren, I believe you might have a problem."

There followed an intense discussion with the two men, resulting in Brydas climbing onto the stage to make an announcement.

"In order to seat you all we have taken all the chairs, benches and tables from this place and from the Bell Inn amongst others. That means that those of you who would seek your food from the Inn will not be able to eat it there. Milady Garia and Master Fedren have consented that you may purchase your food there and bring your plates and eating tools to the courtyard to eat your food. There will also be sufficient space for those who brought their own lunches to remain here as well. We shall rearrange the chairs and tables so that you may eat in some comfort. His Highness and Milady Garia, as they both presently reside in the Bell Inn, will be collecting their own lunch and eating it in this courtyard among you. Regrettably, although Mistress Sukhana is now in charge here at the Ptuvil's Claw, she is not yet able to supply anyone food from her kitchen.

"This court shall reassemble at the half between the sixth and seventh bells in this place to try the man know to us as Trogan. The expected sentences will be carried out at the flat beside the river bridge immediately afterwards. So it has been decreed."

The unpleasant task of convicting Trogan proceeds after lunch. Once that is concluded to everyone's satisfaction the three convicted men must be executed - and even now Trogan tries to influence the proceedings. Garia's stamina and resolution is tested during this most trying of days.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"You can't sit there, milady! It wouldn't be right!"

"Why not?" Garia turned to look at Brydas. "If it is good enough for the King and Queen at the Harvest Festival, then it's sure good enough for me."

"But, milady..."

Brydas attempted to convey his meaning with his arms but this was difficult as one hand held a loaded plate and the other a full tankard. Against Garia's protests they had been pushed to the head of the line and served first, which meant that the courtyard of the Ptuvil's Claw was still relatively empty. The benches and tables had been re-arranged to accommodate those who wished to sit down and eat, and Garia had chosen a table right in the middle of the courtyard.

"It's not a problem, Master Brydas, it really isn't. I'm not ever going to be one of those lords and ladies who think the lower orders crawled out of a ditch. Four months ago I was no different than any of them and nothing's changed except the King has given me a whole load of new responsibilities. I need to get to know my people, don't I? And I'm giving them a chance to see what I'm like."

Keren put his plate and tankard down on the table, smiling at Brydas.

"Give in now, Brydas. I'll tell you now that you will in the end. Garia usually manages to get her own way, as we all have learned." He sat down, indicating the surrounding spaces with a free hand. "She is right today. This is surely an occasion when she will be safe among her own people. Sit, please."

"But, Highness, I thought it might be better, should you both be seated on the wagons where all can see you."

"Master Brydas, this may be the custom in some noble halls but I can assure you that in the palace, the King sits - as I do today - in the middle of the table and those surrounding him change at every meal." Keren grinned. "Of course, it would be unwise of any to refuse the Queen the chance to sit next to the King, as you may imagine."

Garia had now sat down and reached out a hand for the fork which Jenet held out to her.

"It's true," she confirmed. "The King is still the King but he tries very hard not to be cut off from anyone. I quite like it, actually. It makes for a very friendly family atmosphere at table."

With a certain amount of muttering Brydas joined the others as they all sat either side of the long table. Jepp joined them, sitting opposite Merizel.

"You have a very good writing style, milady," he told her. "We had much to record today and your writing is quite legible, even though we were in haste."

"Thank you, Master Jepp," she replied. "From a Master Scribe that is praise indeed."

"She is Garia's secretary," Keren explained, "and this presently involves much recording of all that the Baroness tells us. We also have palace scribes, Quick Scribes, who record all the more formal meetings and demonstrations which she attends but Lady Merizel performs an essential function at milady's court. She is well used to haste in her work."

With Merizel's praises in their ears they began to eat. Brydas noticed the immediate difference.

"Highness, what are those you use? I have not seen that tool in your hand before but it looks a most useful addition to any meal table."

"These are forks, Master Smith." Keren held his out for Brydas to inspect. "This was the first novelty which Milady Garia described us when she joined us at the palace."

"Ah. I might have guessed, Highness. I gather these are common in your homeland, milady?"

"Oh, yes, Master Brydas. Would you like to make some?"

"Tools of the table are not my specialty, milady, but I have a journeyman who would be happy to copy what I see here. If I have your consent, milady?"

"Of course, Master Smith. There is such a huge demand for these in the rest of Palarand right now you might as well begin making your own. I'll see if we can find one you may borrow. Of course, we use them all the time so that might be difficult."

"Heh," Keren chuckled, "What she isn't telling you is that she holds a design license on forks, courtesy of the Queen. A twentieth of the price goes to the Guildhall and a twentieth goes to Garia."

"Is that so?" Brydas raised an eyebrow as he studied Garia, his expression gradually changing into a smile. "Ah, now I understand what milady meant when she said that she desired no coin from Blackstone. If every person in Palarand owns but one of these then milady must soon become rich." He nodded. "If I am right about these... forks... then I will gladly pay the design fee."

Brydas returned the fork to Keren and they set about eating their lunches. Behind them, as people came through the carriage entrance into the courtyard, some did a double-take on seeing their Prince and Baroness eating in the middle of the crowd, expressions which changed on many to smiles and nods of approval. Soon the yard was filled with people eating at all the tables, the talk a low hum in the background. Out of respect for Keren and Garia nobody chose to join their own table but one or two did stop by to introduce themselves.

"I have had a thought, Master Brydas," Garia said, putting her fork down. "Is there anyone in this town who can sketch faces? Anyone we might get here for this afternoon, maybe?"

"Why, milady, there are one or two I may name." He frowned with concentration. "I take it you wish someone to make an image of Trogan's face, since Trogan himself may not be with us for much longer."

Garia nodded. "Yes, that's exactly it. What I was thinking was, perhaps we can send a picture with Jaxen to Tranidor and see if anyone there can recognize him." She grimaced. "I'm fairly sure his name isn't really Trogan but I can't think of a way to get him to tell us who and what he really is."

"You could keep him a while," Keren suggested, "see if a little torture can make him talk."

Garia shook her head. "That's not very likely to work, Keren. He knows as well as any of us that once his usefulness is ended he's for the rope. There's no incentive to tell us anything we really need to know."

"But what do we need to know, milady?" Jepp asked. "Surely, all the townspeople can identify him in person today, there is no possibility we have the wrong person. The man will soon be dead whatever his real name might be."

"Both Juddas and Brakkis told us they took some of their ill-gotten gains to Tranidor, so presumably they have confederates there. If there are others we can go after, then a picture of Trogan will be of some help."

Jepp and Brydas both nodded. Brydas said, "You make a good point, milady. I shall find two or three who can sit near the front of the crowd and draw for us. Do you think we will need images of the other two, as they were among those who traveled to Tranidor?"

"If we can manage it, Master Brydas." Garia turned to Merizel and smiled. "Merry, have you that never-ending list near to hand? I want to speak to Master Hurdin when we get back concerning the subject of photography."

~o~O~o~

Trogan had entertained ideas of sowing uncertainty among the townspeople by casting doubt on the legitimacy of the two 'children' who had brought his reign to an end. These ideas had collapsed immediately the moment he had caught sight of Garia's standard hanging over the street as he was brought, roughly, along the sidewalk. No-one would go to the trouble of having a standard like that prepared if their claim was not legitimate. So, it appeared, the remainder of his life was to be measured in bells only.

He was surprised to be taken in the front door of the Ptuvil's Claw, which as far as he knew was still derelict. When he and his men had arrived in Blackstone he had considered making it his base before deciding that moving in with the Steward was a better, more 'legitimate' plan. Inside the Claw the common room was empty, as he had expected. He was not expecting to be taken straight through and out the rear entrance where the courtyard was filled with townspeople waiting his appearance. He was pulled along the covered walkway and up some steep steps onto a stage made from wagon beds. On the stage were the two children together with Brydas, Jepp, another young woman and more guards. He was pushed roughly onto a bench.

"This man is known to us as Trogan," Brydas declared to the crowd. "Who here accuses him?"

Most of the crowd remained seated but put up their hands. Garia stood and walked to the front of the stage.

"Okay, let's get a list of the crimes this man is said to have committed."

Trogan curled his lip as townsman after townsman - and townswoman after townswoman - detailed threats of extortion, confiscations, beatings and assaults both physical and sexual. He watched as Jepp and the other young woman wrote down details of every crime and the names of all those who that crime had been committed against.

Jepp stood up. "Milady, we also have to add the repeated rape of the young girls Kasinna and Senidet to the sheet of charges. These crimes are confirmed both by the other persons noted during their earlier testimony but also the accused Brakkis and Juddas."

Garia turned to Trogan, addressing him directly for the first time.

"Trogan, we can read out the accounts of multiple rapes, which everyone here has already heard, or you can admit them now. Do you wish to do so?"

He sneered at Garia. "I don't have to say anything to you, child. It is up to you to find me guilty of something."

Garia was nettled. "I'm no child. I came of age two months ago, at the same ceremony when His Highness Prince Keren came of age. I received my colors from the hands of the King himself. I am quite capable of holding my own court, thank you. In fact, the laws of Palarand require that I do so. There is already enough evidence before the court to condemn you. If you wish to waste the court's time by having us read over more evidence then that will count against you."

In fact Garia was beginning to realize that Trogan might be a tough customer. Just as there were difficult lawyers in Kansas so Trogan didn't have to lift a finger to help the court. In fact, the longer he could string out matters the longer he could draw breath and everyone in the courtyard knew that.

"Milady?" Jepp intervened. "I suggest we just read out the testimony. It will avail him nothing to hear all the details."

Garia waved a hand. "As you suggest, Master Jepp."

The entire courtyard listened in complete silence as Jepp read out first Kasinna's statement, then Senidet's statement, followed by the confirmation by Juddas and Brakkis of their - and Trogan's - part in the attacks.

When the accounts were finished Garia swung to Jepp, her eyes flat.

"The sentence?"

"Death, milady."

"Then it shall be so. Is there anything else?"

"Aye, milady. Intercepting and opening letters and packets carried by the Valley Messenger Service."

"Oh, yes. Not hard to work out the sentence for that one, is there? Death."

"What for?" Trogan protested. "All I did was legal."

"It might be argued that you had legitimate authority to open the steward's mail," Garia told him, "though only mail addressed to the Steward as an official, not the man personally. You had no business at all opening any mail addressed to Baroness Blackstone. Nor did any of you have authority to transport mail between here and that roadhouse on the way to Tranidor. Death. Anything else?"

"Several items, milady. The holding of hostages, against all law and custom."

"As you say. None of those you held in the cells, Trogan, have ever been accused of any crime or misdemeanor, or if you did you forgot to write down the charges as the law requires. You held the girls only to stop complaints by their parents, nothing more. We have found nothing to indicate why any of the men were held. The penalty, Master Scribe?"

"An unusual crime, milady. The holding of hostages is only something the King or a noble would normally undertake and that by decree. Trogan does not have the authority to issue decrees, so he is guilty of exercising authority he does not possess. Death, milady."

Trogan curled his lip as Garia nodded. "It shall be so."

"Next, milady, there is the attempted murder by starvation of those townspeople who he imprisoned. That crime is also punishable by death."

"I fed those people!" Trogan protested. "They each had at least a meal a day."

"Milady," Jepp said, "as one of those imprisoned I can testify personally that the food offered was inadequate and very poorly made. The amounts supplied would not have been sufficient for two people, they could not possibly have fed six."

"I have seen with my own eyes the state of those we released," Garia said. "I declare the accusation proven. Death. What's next?"

"Uh, impersonating an appointed official, milady. We have testimony that this man is not, in fact, the Tax Assessor named as Trogan but another who possibly murdered the said Trogan."

Garia spun to Trogan. "What have you to say to that?"

Trogan sneered again. "Why do I have to say anything? You've all made up your minds what happened, I'm not going to be able to say anything to make you change them."

"You don't deny the charge?"

"Of course I deny the charge. I am known as and have always been known as Trogan. I was appointed by the Lord Gilbanar himself to come to Blackstone and oversee the collection of taxes here, at the most remote part of his lands. It might be true that some of my methods -"

"Now that part is certainly false," Keren interrupted. "You may not know this but we have just traveled directly from Dekarran where we stayed five weeks as guests of Duke Gilbanar together with my parents the King and Queen. It's strange that while Uncle Gil mentioned many of those he knew in Blackstone he never once mentioned a Tax Assessor named Trogan." He thought. "Or any Tax Assessor at all, thinking on it."

Trogan immediately rounded on the crowd, knowing his cause was lost.

"Look at you! Mindless pakh, the lot of you! I came here with my men and you believed me for half a year, half a year when we bled you dry! Now you have this witless girl to rule you, a child who knows next to nothing about how to get coin out of people." He turned to Keren. "And you, petty princeling, you had better hope your father lives a long time so that you can try and scrape up enough wisdom to follow him."

Keren started up, furious at the insult, but Garia held out a hand to calm him.

"No, Highness. He's trying to get you angry and turn this into a contest of honor. There is no honor in this man and he would not win a contest against you in the ring, but this is a court of law and I mean to make sure that he is treated as the criminal he is."

Trogan sneered at Garia. "If this is the best that Palarand can offer its people I'm glad I'm leaving. The King has made a big mistake giving this poor backwater to a child, she can only ruin you."

Much to Trogan's surprise neither Prince nor Baroness seemed offended by his words, in fact, the crowd weren't as upset as he had intended either.

Keren smiled at Garia. "He doesn't know, does he? Nobody bothered to tell him why we came."

"That's true, Highness." Garia stood and walked in front of Trogan, keeping a safe distance. "You see, Trogan, there are some facts you don't know yet. Blackstone may be a poor backwater now, as you said, but it is about to become a rich, bustling town thronged with miners. You see, we've discovered a use for all that black stone. It seems that it can be used to make high-quality steel in quantity. In a few years we'll be pulling so much rock out of here I can charge next to nothing and still have more money than I know what to do with."

Her expression became a fierce stare as the bottom fell out of Trogan's world.

"I am no 'witless girl', either. The King saw fit to make me Baroness Blackstone because, where I come from, knowledge is more advanced than here and I offered to share it all with Palarand. I know stuff you couldn't possibly dream of, and I can prove that it's no dream either but good, solid invention that will change the face of Palarand in time."

"Fantasy!" Trogan blustered. "Sheer, childish fantasy!"

"Hm," Keren said. "My father didn't think so, and neither apparently does the Ascendancy of Yod, who have made several attempts to kidnap the Baroness." There were gasps from the audience. "I have seen enough of Milady's ideas to know that the future of Palarand, our future, will be very different than the past. She has shown that she can tame lightning and has changed the practice of astronomy forever. She can fight with or without a sword and can ride a frayen like no-one else I have ever met. There are things... forgive me, this is not appropriate for a criminal court."

Jepp coughed. "Highness, if your intent was to demonstrate that Milady was a fit person to hold this court, then you have succeeded." He pointed at Trogan, who sat like a man stunned.

"Do we take it," Garia asked Jepp, "that Trogan has admitted to not being a legally-appointed official?"

Jepp looked down at his papers. "I'm not sure, milady -"

"I admit nothing!" shouted Trogan, but his face was pale.

"Ah, milady," Jepp said, "We have testimony, you remember, from Juddas, who stated positively that the man we know as Trogan is not, in fact, that man."

"Is that enough?" she asked. "Do we know what the penalty would be?"

Jepp frowned. "I think, technically, he ought to be held and taken before a higher authority, milady. If he is supposed to be impersonating an appointed official, then it ought to go to the court of the noble who is said to have appointed him."

Garia nodded but scowled. She wanted the business finished with.

Keren said, "Would a Prince of the Realm do, Master Jepp?"

"I - I'm not sure, Highness."

Keren turned. "Merry, have you that document in your bag? The one Uncle Gil gave me in case of need?"

"Of course, Highness."

Merizel rummaged in her satchel, pulling out documents and examining them. One she passed to Jepp, who opened and read it.

"Ah. This document," he read to the audience, "is a decree signed and sealed by Duke Gilbanar allowing His Highness Prince Keren to act as his Agent in any matter that the Prince shall so determine, and with the Duke's full authority. That means that he can act as that higher authority I mentioned before. Thank you, Highness."

He folded the document and returned it to Merizel, who put it back in her satchel.

Keren turned to Garia. "With Milady's permission?"

"Of course, Highness."

"Then I shall resolve this question in the following way. Either the man known as Trogan is legally appointed, in which case he has grossly usurped the authority given to him, or he is an imposter, in which case he is nothing but a thief and a robber. For either case I determine that the sentence should be death, since no official should behave in such a manner before the people they serve and if he is nothing but a thief and a robber the list of his crimes is too great to permit otherwise.

"This shall also serve as a deterrent to all others who think that any document gives them the right to leech the people who make this land. To levy taxes for the safety and security of the people, to provide them good roads, clean water and good drainage is one thing, to take money and provide no return is criminal. I have spoken. Milady, is this sufficient?"

"Highness, it is. Trogan is condemned to death. Have we done enough, Master Jepp?"

Jepp shrugged. "Milady, we could probably spend several bells more convicting the man known as Trogan but... the afternoon passes and he can be executed only once."

Garia smiled. "That's not quite true, actually." Jepp's eyes widened. "I can remember some stories from home... but that's not important right now. I have no doubt of the man's guilt, I just wanted to make sure that the townspeople saw justice being done." She turned to the crowd. "Have I done this right? Are you satisfied with today's proceedings?"

The response came back, not synchronized, but growing like an amplified murmur.

"Aye, Milady."

"Take him away, then, and secure him somewhere."

A struggling Trogan was hoisted to his feet and led to the steps. It proved difficult to get him to descend and he ended up in a heap at the bottom. Two guardsmen dragged him away as Garia turned to Brydas and Jepp.

"Okay. What do we need to do next? Is there a process we have to follow?"

Brydas spoke first. "Milady, the carpenter and his boys are erecting a suitable frame down by the river bridge. I remember you saying earlier that occasionally criminals were executed in your homeland. Do you know how such executions are carried out?"

"It varies, Master Brydas. Um, most are methods we can't use here, though. What options are there in these cases, Jepp?"

"Milady?"

"I don't know how you execute people in Palarand. What are the usual methods? I know you hang people, because we sentenced Juddas and Brakkis to hang."

"There are a large variety, milady. I am no expert, though. Perhaps His Highness has better information?"

Keren nodded. "There are a large number of ways, Garia, depending on circumstances usually. You can't for example, set up a gallows during a battle." He shrugged. "They have been chained to a rock at low tide. Or chained to a weight and thrown over the side of a ship. We used to -" he gave a wry smile, "- it occurs to me that many of our methods involve chaining people to things. At Dekarran, when it was the capitol, the custom was to take the condemned up the mountain at the back and chain them to a rock for grakh to feed on. We stopped doing that since the grakh couldn't tell the difference between condemned men and anyone else, and we didn't want them to have a taste for the flesh of people."

"What happened if the grakh didn't come?" she asked.

Keren shrugged. "They'll take carrion as easily as live flesh. I have heard of cases of people being chained to their own funeral pyres - while still alive, of course. And one case of someone chained at the bottom of a latrine during an expedition." He expression became one of distaste. "We're not pleasant people, sometimes."

"Do you behead people?" she asked.

"Very rarely, Garia. It is supposed to be something reserved for nobility but I cannot remember the last time that method was used. Most who die these days are hung. It is the method that involves the least time and effort."

"Very well. Master Brydas, will you inform the people that the sentence will be carried out shortly and the place."

"As you command, milady."

Brydas turned to face the crowd and his voice boomed out. That was a general signal for everybody to stand, make obeisance to Keren and Garia and begin filing slowly out of the courtyard.

"Milady, there is a final task for you."

"Master Jepp?"

"You must sign orders of execution for each man who is to die. It will take Milady Merizel and myself a short time to create these documents, which are customarily signed at the site of execution."

"Oh. Right. Do you need anything from me?"

"Actually, milady, we will need your seal for the orders to become valid."

"My seal? I don't have a seal."

"Surely, milady, you would have been given a seal when you were made baroness? It is required whenever you make orders or decrees in your own name."

"Then I guess there must be one, but if so it will still be in the palace somewhere. Keren?"

"Probably Kendar gave the order to Fulvin to prepare one for you, Garia, but given the disruption that happened before we left I doubt it has been finished." Keren balled his right hand into a fist and presented it to the scribe. "Master Jepp, will this do?"

"Your signet, Highness," Jepp observed. "Of course, that will certainly be sufficient."

"Then, gentlemen," Garia decided, "if you don't mind, I have to pay a visit. Jenet? We're going to the bathroom. We'll meet you back here in a few moments."

"Of course, milady."

It was a very short walk from the Ptuvil's Claw back down the main street to the bridge over the tiny river that flowed out of Blackstone Vale. On the level ground beside the river, below the bridge, two poles had been erected into existing holes made in the rock, wedges of wood holding them firmly upright. Across the poles at about five strides up another had been firmly lashed. This pole had three thick iron staples embedded in it from which rope nooses dangled. The other ends of the ropes were secured around temporary pegs on the uprights.

The townspeople parted to allow Garia, Keren, Jenet and Brydas to gain access to the clear space in front of the gallows. Awaiting them were Merizel and Jepp who stood by a small folding table on which were reeds, ink, parchment and a small lamp. Garia turned to examine the scene.

The townspeople occupied every vantage point except that immediately behind the scaffold. Many were on the other side of the river and others lined the stone bridge. The rest stood on the ground next to the road and the rocky ground beyond the scaffold, where the lowest buildings of the town began. This time there were some present who hadn't made the trial. Garia could see women and children, although there were none of the latter below about age six or seven. The whole crowd was silent, waiting for the proceedings to begin.

"What are we waiting for?" Garia asked Brydas in a low voice.

"If you are satisfied that all is prepared, milady, then we shall begin."

"Well, I don't know what I'm expecting. I've never done this before."

Brydas smiled. "Then I will tell you that all is ready, milady."

He held up an arm and three small two-wheel carts came down the main street, each pulled by a single frayen. They came into the cleared area and turned so that each cart ended up under a noose, the frayen pointing back into town. The drivers climbed down and unhitched the tail boards of each cart, revealing that the three men were inside, each bound hand and foot to prevent escape.

"Milady," Brydas asked, "do you wish all to be executed together, or one at a time?"

Garia thought. "Let's not drag this out," she decided, "but we'll keep Trogan till last. The people deserve that."

Brydas gave orders and men climbed onto the two outer carts, manhandling the two men into standing positions and holding them up while nooses were slipped over their necks and tightened.

"Milady," Jepp said quietly. "You must sign the orders now."

Garia bent, dipped reed into ink and signed the first order. She looked at the parchment with puzzlement until she realized that she had signed in English, using Gary's regular signature.

"Oh! I shouldn't have done that! Let me have another go. Have I ruined this order now?"

"What have you done, milady?" Jepp asked as he bent to see the document.

Keren said, "She has signed it in her own tongue, Master Jepp. She wishes to re-sign it in our script as well."

"Oh, I see. I think, milady, that whatever you wish to do shall be legal. If you desire I shall make a small note explaining the extra entry."

"Yes, thank you."

Garia re-signed, slowly, in the local script and then signed the second order. Jepp used the lamp to melt some sealing wax with which he trapped a strip of ribbon threaded through cuts in each square of parchment. Keren used his signet ring to set the wax.

"It is done. Milady, shall I give the order?"

I'm about to do something irrevocable. This is not about defending myself in the heat of battle but of me issuing an order which is about to end somebody's life. In the US people kill other people all the time but it's never like this. Only a Governor gets to do this.

Why me?

She scanned round the waiting crowds, seeing the faces of people who Trogan's gang had terrorized. None seemed eager to have the executions but all knew that such things were necessary to prevent their lives being ruined by others.

Because I just happen to be the person the King decided to award this place to as a token of his trust in me. None of us knew any of this was happening here when we started out. This could have been anybody and any town, it just chanced to be me.

She sighed. "Do it."

Instead of the heavy spars used to support the tailboards in the courtyard each was propped up by a single length of timber with a thin rope attached to the upper end. When Brydas's arm dropped men at the sides pulled the ropes, the timber fell away, the tailboards dropped - and so did the men standing on them. Both were jerked up before their feet reached the ground. One died immediately, the other twitched spasmodically for a second or two before falling limp.

"Milady, the last order, if you would."

As she bent to sign Brydas signaled the men and they hauled Trogan upright. He kicked and twisted in their grip, making it difficult to position him on the tailboard. He shouted out loudly.

"You will come to regret this, little girl." He rounded on the townspeople. "And you, you are little better than a flock of pakh, being led wherever that child wishes to take you. I hope you all have short, miserable lives!"

Bryudas watched the men struggling on the cart and murmured to Garia, "He makes his own end a struggle, milady. Shall we quieten him?"

Garia looked up and watched the action. It seemed that preparing the tailboard would be difficult given Trogan's movements. Garia could begin to feel the red mist beginning to rise.

How dare he? These are my people he violated! This is my town. Let him suffer!

"Master Jepp, Master Brydas, do we have to drop that man? Can we just let him swing? I want the townspeople to see him suffer a little."

Brydas looked at her carefully. "Milady? Certainly, if that is what you wish. Are you sure?"

She turned to him. "I'm not sure I like doing this at all, Master Brydas. I don't plan to make a habit of executing people. But, just this once, I think the harm done by this man to my people, my town, demands a little bit of payback, don't you think?"

The smith returned her look, his expression grim. "Aye, milady, in this I think I will agree. Jepp, is there any reason..?"

"No, Brydas. She can execute her condemned men any way she so desires."

Brydas turned to Garia, who said, "Do it."

The smith walked over to the cart and had some words with the men surrounding it. Very soon the area cleared and Trogan was left standing on the bed of the cart, his head held firmly by a taut rope, the loop too tight for him to speak any more. Brydas dropped his arm and the cart driver simply drove away, leaving Trogan suspended in the air.

The rope quivered and twitched for many heartbeats as the load it carried struggled for life. Then the twitching stopped and there were no more heartbeats.

The crowd began to disperse quietly. They had come to see justice done and their wish had been fulfilled. No more would Trogan and his gang rule Blackstone. Garia turned to Keren.

"Take me away from this, please. I think I need some time to be quiet by myself."

The moment they entered the courtyard of the Bell Garia wrapped her arms around Keren, who gathered her in.

"Keren, that was hard. I feel awful. Even knowing what that man did I still feel terrible for having to take a life."

"I feel the same myself," he told her. "I have long watched my father dispense the power of life and death but watching someone else do it is not the same. Watching you make that decision has made me realize what a terrible power we have over other men's lives. One day I will have to exercise that same power and I will like it no better than you. We must thank the Maker that this part of the history of Blackstone is now over and we may consider gentler questions."

"Not so, remember there are still two out there somewhere. They won't worry the town again, they'll always be fugitives, but it's not quite over." She buried her face in his chest. "Oh, God. I get to do this all over again?"

"This is part of what it means to become a noble," he told her softly. "Our lives are beset by the endless making of decisions. This will be part of your lot from now on, though I expect that you will have to face few days like today ever again. When you are at home in the palace you may leave such work to those who are prepared for it."

"True." She looked up at him. "But Blackstone is mine and only I can determine life or death for these people unless Uncle Gil or the King comes to call." She hesitated. "I'm afraid, Keren. Afraid I... might get used to it."

He looked down, considering. "Aye," he said finally, "that is a danger, that one so becomes used to the wielding of such power that one forgets there are real people who suffer because of it."

"Like Duke Jarwin, for example."

"As you say. He did not execute people but he caused as much distress in the lives of all he touched. We who hold power also must bear responsibility for our actions. I think that is also my lesson from today's business and one I must needs remember when the day comes that I succeed my father."

"Keren, this is all too soon! To become a judge in the criminal court takes a long time and lots of study and experience. Back in Kansas I would probably have been just out of high school or just beginning college by now. I'd have at least three years of college, probably more, before I qualified as a lawyer and then I'd spend the next fifteen to twenty years at a law firm - that is, a company of lawyers - before I was anywhere near qualified to become a judge. Even then I'd only be judging the lesser criminal cases, not capital offences as I've had to do today. As it is I'm barely a know-nothing child dealing with unfamiliar customs. I'm not ready for any of this!"

Garia tried to pull clear but Keren held her.

"No. I don't think it would be such a good idea for you to be by yourself right now. Come, let us go into the common room, find ourselves a corner and just rest quietly among friends until dinner is ready. That will serve better to turn our minds to more pleasant thoughts."

Garia relaxed because she knew Keren was right. She had gotten through the day on auto-pilot and it was obvious that there would be a reckoning to come. She so wanted to go and hide in a dark corner somewhere but also recognized that would not be a smart thing to do. These people needed her! Besides, she valued Keren's opinion - and his touch, his concerned attention. At least his thought processes were clear!

"As you say, Keren."

Inside, the common room was busy but the locals were subdued. Theirs was a close-knit community and all had suffered by Trogan's actions but they, too, were ambivalent over the taking of lives. There seemed to be a quiet satisfaction that their new liege had taken prompt action to correct the situation but the shock of the past few days would have side effects for weeks to come.

Keren and Garia took their seats and they were promptly given mugs of steaming pel by Yanda. They were joined almost immediately by Merizel and Jepp.

"Milady," Jepp began, "I regret there is more signing for you to do. It will be necessary to send copies of those orders to Dekarran, the originals remaining here."

"Yes, I know," Garia sighed. "I'm going to have to write something for Duke Gilbanar as well, I guess. Keren, we'll have to spend at least part of the evening writing so that Jaxen can take the letters in the morning."

Keren nodded. "Aye. It is frightening just how document may spawn document at the least excuse. On Earth, I suspect that paper has much the same effect?"

Garia smiled. "Oh, yes. Everybody curses the mountains of paper we get through. Your turn is yet to come. It will be some time before you can get to the 'paperless office'. We've been trying for some fifty years and we haven't managed it yet."

"'Paperless office'? How is that even possible?"

"More machines, I'm afraid. I'm not sure I can even describe what I mean in ways that any of you can understand right now. Of course I'll talk about it when we get back to the palace but I think computers are going to be a long way off in Anmar's future."

"Milady?" A confused Jepp blinked at Garia.

"It's a long story, Master Jepp, which you are just at the beginning of right now. I'd rather not talk about it in the open, though, because I'll only start all kinds of wild rumors. Let's just say that the changes which are coming to Blackstone came to the lands of my birth more than two hundred years ago."

Jepp looked even more confused but he decided that Garia was right, that talking of such matters would only be misunderstood by those in the common room with them. A swirl of people at the street door and Jaxen and Sukhana joined them at table.

"Highness, Milady," he said. "I watched the executions from afar." He took note of Garia's expression and added, "I think you did well for one so young. I hope the rest of your stay in Blackstone will be much quieter."

"So do I, Jaxen. How are the wagons? Will you be ready to roll out tomorrow morning?"

"Of course, milady. It seems I will be carrying some quantity of letters from Blackstone, as many of the townsfolk wish to contact family and friends in Tranidor and beyond. There are also orders for provisions and supplies from many of the traders and I will be taking three with me who wish to travel to the town for business." He smiled. "I shall not charge excessive rates but the return journey will more than cover any costs. However," he added, "I fear that there will be more than two wagons on the journey back. Certain essential supplies are scarce in Blackstone and will take more than a single wagon. This is of little concern to yourselves, of course, so long as the goods arrive in time and undamaged."

"You know your own business best, Jaxen. We're not going to interfere. Just so long as we have a regular link with the rest of Palarand." Garia turned. "Sookie? What brings you across the street?"

"Milady, we have had two beds delivered today with the promise of two more in the morning. If you wished, you could move across tomorrow."

"Four? But... who is going to use them?"

"The Prince, yourself, Milady Merizel and Mistress Jenet, milady. Presently I am sleeping on a bed made from sacks of flour." She waved her hands at the expressions the others made. "Do not worry for me, milady! I have many times slept in such a way while with the caravans. I am promised my own bed frame in two days so I do not mind."

"If you say so, Sookie. What about food?"

"There is no problem, milady. The use of the kitchen range with coal is... interesting. The ovens are hotter and it makes better bread than I have eaten anywhere else. We have supplies for all for a week to ten days and Jaxen will bring us anything from Tranidor we cannot find locally."

"Keren? Shall we move over tomorrow sometime?"

"I don't see why not, Garia. After all, your banner flies over the Ptuvil's Claw, doesn't it? We all need to get back to routine now that the unpleasant business is finished. It will be a good idea to get us all under the same roof as our men, as well."

"Oh, yes! I can't wait to get back to doing Tai Chi and trying out our makeshift mat idea in the yard. Then we can get back to what we were supposed to be doing when we arrived here..." She stopped, lowered her head and rested her forehead in her hands. "Oh, no! I've just realized! I'm going to be spending days introducing myself to everyone, aren't I? Am I expected to hold audiences and dinners for the town? I don't know these things!"

Keren smiled. "Only if you want to, Garia, but I think the townspeople would like a little attention."

Jepp cleared his throat. "Milady, I think that the people of Blackstone will all want to meet you, especially after... I do not think you will find our attentions to be onerous, though. We know that you are young, that you will be busy and that you have plans of your own. You are our liege, we will accept whatever you wish to give."

"Thank you, Master Jepp. Let us get settled in across the road and then we can try and organize something."

Yanda came to their table, nodding to Sukhana, a slate and chalk in her hand.

"Highness, Milady. Since you are all here, I can serve you dinner." She smiled at them. "What may I get you all to eat and drink?"

~o~O~o~

"Milady?"

Jenet's whisper was loud in the quiet of the night. Garia turned over to face her.

"I'm all right, Jenet. Can't sleep easy, though."

"You are worried by what happened today, milady?"

Merizel's snores filled the room as Garia tried to collect her thoughts.

"Who wouldn't be? Part of me thinks that what happened today was dead right, another part would rather I didn't get involved at all."

"Ah. Milady, it is part of being a noblewoman. Your path is tougher that that of, say, Lady Merizel's, since you are the liege in this place. You are still very young to have such deeds thrust on you but I know you have a good heart and your rule should become easier as the days progress. Do you wish me to find something that will help you sleep easier?"

"Uh, no thank you, Jenet. I gotta learn how to deal with this myself, I guess, since this won't be the last time. At least it's over now and we can get back to normal."

"As you say, milady. Good night."

"Good night, Jenet."

Jaxen sets off for Tranidor and Garia takes the opportunity for a ride on Snep. She learns more about the country around Blackstone and discovers how a vital resource is provided. The afternoon is taken up with the party's move to the Ptuvil's Claw and she receives a number of requests, both expected and unexpected.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

There was quite a crowd gathered in the street to see the caravan set off. For most of the townspeople their previous existence had been ruled by fear and they hadn't been encouraged to show any curiosity. Since yesterday, though, everything had changed and there were many who wanted to see what the new regime was going to be like.

In the center of the flagged roadway stood two wagons. The first was the chuck wagon with Joolen waiting to urge the lead dranakh into motion. Beside him were Keet and Then riding their frayen. Behind was an empty wagon driven by Helen, flanked by Samir and Bildo. At the rear of the short procession were a large group of riders mounted on frayen, not all of whom would be going all the way to Tranidor.

"I barely looked at the area when we passed, milady," Bezan was saying to Garia. "I just noticed the burned-out buildings and that was all. I have no idea how long it will take to run a quick survey."

"We have plenty of time," Jaxen said. "It's not really a two-day journey, just over a day and a half. At worst we'll reach Tranidor the following morning and the return journey will be delayed. But, since we don't know how long our business in the town will take, well," he shrugged, "maybe we lose a whole day on the round trip."

"I'm not too concerned about the time," Garia told them. "I'd rather Bezan did a good job than rushed matters just to get to Tranidor before dark."

A distant clang from the higher end of the street made everyone attentive.

"Highness, Milady, we'd best be going. If you have no further instructions?"

Garia smiled at the wagonmaster. "I'm having enough trouble keeping all this in my own head, Jaxen. I certainly don't want to confuse you by asking you to do any more. Lead on."

Jaxen pulled out to the side and called ahead. Joolen flicked the reins and the wagon train began rolling down towards the river bridge, followed by all the riders. Keren and Garia rode side-by-side, as was their custom. Behind them were Merizel and Jenet, the latter feeling very self-conscious on her mount. Behind the women rode Bezan and Yarling, the town's tanner Sinidar, seed merchant Jerill and draper Waltan, all of whom had to inspect the wares they would buy personally before selling to the townspeople. To either side of the group rode Garia's men, with the four remaining men of Keren's escort bringing up the rear.

Keren leaned over to remark to Garia, "You have started something here! Did you see how all those women were watching you on Snep's back? Don't be surprised if you are met by a deputation when we get back into town."

Garia nodded. "I am expecting something to happen. The townswomen are interested in me because I'm wearing new styles, if for nothing else! It will be one way of getting to know them, I suppose." She gave Keren a wry smile. "I had to face the same thing in Dekarran, if you remember. At least here there won't be Queens and Duchesses interrogating me!"

He grinned back. "Ah, we crude men retired to a suitably distant chamber to drink beer, if my memory serves me. But don't let that stop you. I imagine the notable men of Blackstone will wish to ask me about happenings in the rest of Palarand while you are entertaining the women. Shall you mind?"

"Huh? Oh, you mean that you'll entertain them while... of course not, Keren! You're much more familiar with what's going on in your father's kingdom than I will ever be so carry on!" She grinned briefly. "Only don't get too drunk, will you?"

"Hardly," he replied. "Sookie has yet to begin the brewing of beer for the Claw's residents so we will be limited to what supplies the Bell has to offer. I imagine the afternoon will be a sober affair, only interrupted by occasional sips of water."

"Keren, don't! You'll make me laugh and I might scare the animals."

"You won't scare Snep, Garia. He knows you too well."

The procession came to the bridge and began to rumble over it. Looking to her right Garia saw that nothing remained of the gallows but the two upright poles.

"You don't leave bodies up, then?" she asked. "In some places on Earth the bodies would be left hanging as a warning."

He shook his head. "That sounds unpleasant. No, we take them down as soon as we are sure they are dead. They no longer own the body and it would be disrespectful to leave it up there."

"That's... an interesting viewpoint. What do you do with the bodies, then? I can't see anyone wanting to remember them at their pyre, like we did for Taranna."

Keren shrugged. "They'll be burned, same as usual, but I don't think anyone will attend the pyre except the priest and possibly a witness. Around here, I don't know what local customs they might have."

"Jepp told me they haven't had an execution here that he can ever remember. They'll be relying on the memories of people like him and older to prepare the funeral."

Yarling rode up beside Garia. "Milady, do you view your lands, now that we are beyond the town?"

"Uh, no, Master Yarling, I hadn't so far. You wanted to point something out?"

"Perhaps, milady. I am not sure of exactly where the boundaries of your lands are, if you would excuse me."

"I was given a description before I left the palace but when you're actually here it doesn't seem so easy to describe. Let me see. 'The whole of the town of Blackstone and the whole of Blackstone Vale, the limits to stretch as far as the waters of the river Bray and along the banks one mark above and one mark below the point where the Blackstone river joins the Bray; The farther borders to be the highest points of the mountains which lie either side of the Vale'. But Uncle Gil - that's the Duke Gilbanar, I mean - said that wouldn't be sensible since any mines would likely go beneath the mountains beyond those limits anyway." Garia shrugged. "I don't think that he's that interested in this region at all, it's just too far away from Dekarran. If I can find something useful to do with it he'll be moderately happy to let me take charge."

Keren added, "That was just the bare title Uncle Gil and Kendar made up when he proposed giving you some land for the barony, Garia. You remember, it had to be some lands that were apparently useless, so that the other barons wouldn't complain."

Yarling suddenly grinned. "Ah! I see that the politics of court closely resemble those of the guild, Highness. I must admit certain aspects of this business puzzled me greatly."

Keren grinned back. "As you say, Yarling. So, Uncle Gil gave me leave to adjust the boundaries of Garia's lands as I saw fit, and that will partly depend on what deposits of coal we are able to find."

Yarling nodded. "There is certainly a great wealth of coal in the hillside above the town, Highness, Milady, but of course I have yet done no proper survey. If you look yonder, across the valley, you can see that other, narrower clefts open into the valley as they do on this side. Blackstone Vale is merely the largest. All will require detailed investigation."

"You shall survey as much as you wish, Master Yarling," Garia told him. "If this region has been neglected until now we must put that right. We need to know what is here before the miners arrive so that we can plan development properly."

"That's an interesting point, Garia," Keren said. "Presently all the land across the Bray belongs to Uncle Gil. If the coal should extend over there, we could have other miners set up on his lands in competition."

"You're thinking that I can plan whatever I like over my side but the other side could end up like Holville?" Garia scowled at the though of the devastation that might cause. "Not if I can help it. But I don't want it to seem to Uncle Gil that I'm doing a land grab."

"I know of Holville, milady," Yarling said, "Regrettably that is how many mining districts end up." He gave Garia a wry grimace. "It was ever the way of the Miner's Guild, milady. It is only recently that specialists such as myself have been asked to bring some order to what is, after all, a free-for-all."

Garia smiled at Yarling. "It seems that the Guild Hall made the right choice when they requested that you join our party, Master Yarling. If we can work out some means to organize the mining here, I'm sure all Palarand will benefit from our ideas."

Keren added, "Then we must all use our time to consider how we shall solve this question. We have a chance to plan this from the beginning, we must not waste the opportunity. For now, let us enjoy the ride."

Garia looked at the farms, fields and pastures either side of the road. As before, the inhabitants had stopped work to watch the wagons and riders pass by, some waving, a few others bowing at the procession. She wondered how much of this would survive into the future.

We can't just lose the farms, though. However many people end up at Blackstone, they will all still need feeding. Do I know enough about intensive methods of agriculture? Is the land any good for that? I have no idea of the climate, what kind of crops will grow here? Perhaps that seed guy is the one I ought to be talking to.

Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the river, now about a mark away from them on the right hand side.

There's not enough water in that for a canal, surely? The river is large enough further down but here it's still shallow enough to wade across. Well, maybe not for me, I keep forgetting how short I am. I could certainly ford it sitting on Snep.

I wonder if frayen can swim? Never thought to ask.

I wonder if I can swim? Had no opportunity to find out, so far.

If you dam the river lower down and clean up the banks you'd have enough water to float a flat-bottomed barge, but then you'd need locks and you lose water each time a barge goes through. Hmm.

"Garia? Seen something?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about the river there. I don't think it's going to be big enough to allow barges to go all the way up to Blackstone."

"Milady?" Yarling seemed surprised. "I would have thought that you could dam the river to make it higher, clean out the river bed, there would be enough for a barge."

"Yes, but in order to let the barges in and out at the far end you'd need locks and you lose water each time you operate the lock. I don't think there's enough flow for that."

"Locks, milady? I know the word you use but I do not understand how it is connected to canals."

"Something clever, Master Yarling. It needs a drawing or perhaps even a model. We'll talk about it when we get back, but I suspect we don't have enough water coming out of the ground to make a canal workable."

"So the alternative is a huge number of wagons, then," Keren suggested. "As you thought when you gave Bezan his instructions."

"Yes, at least to begin with. I had in mind another method, actually, but we'll need a regular supply of steel before we can set that one up. I'm thinking about a railroad."

Jaxen came back along the train and reined in beside the three.

"Highness, milady, I don't know how far you had thought to accompany us," he said. "We have just passed another Mark stone."

Garia looked around and discovered that their procession had made good progress and that Blackstone was sufficiently far behind them she couldn't make out individual buildings.

"As you say, Jaxen." She turned to one of her men. "Brazan, give a signal, please."

Brazan blew a single parp on his bugle and the caravan shuddered to a halt.

"We'll let you continue in peace," Garia told Jaxen with a smile. "You know what needs to be done when you reach Tranidor. So, see you in four days, then?"

"Probably be five, milady, and just possibly six. Aye, now that we have traveled the route we should make better time, but there is business to be conducted in Tranidor and I have no idea how long that will take."

Keren grinned at the wagonmaster. "Just be sure you bring Sookie's saddle back with you, that is all I would suggest."

"As you say, Highness. Without it I dare not show my face in Blackstone, I fear."

"Fare you well, Master Jaxen."

"As your own party, Highness."

Garia and Keren watched the wagons and men move off towards the distant forest before turning to each other.

"You wanted to exercise the beasts," Keren said. "What do you desire now?"

"I have no particular plans. Master Yarling?"

"I would like to inspect all that I can see, milady, but today is not the occasion for that. We cannot cross the Bray anywhere I can easily see so we may not ride on the other side of the valley today. There is a track -" he pointed up the slope to their left, "- which leads along the valley above these small farms. Perhaps we could return part of the way by means of the track."

Keren nodded. "A good suggestion. It will give our beasts a chance to walk natural ground."

They found an access way across the ditches which lined the road and the procession headed across the rough pasture towards the track. This paralleled the road but was high up the side of the valley, almost a mark from the road and maybe fifty or seventy feet above that level. There was enough room on the track for three or four to ride abreast, so they turned for home and began to make their way back without haste.

"See, milady?" Yarling pointed. "There is a seam of coal, right there."

The line of dark material was almost completely overgrown but once pointed out Garia could follow it along the side of the valley just above their track.

"It is much thinner than the seams nearer the town," he added, "but I could not say if it should thicken within the mountain. Only a test shaft will tell us the truth." His gaze rose. "Look! There is another seam much higher up. That one looks more promising, milady. See, the rock appears darker to the eye. If what you say is right, then we must concentrate on the darkest ores of all. Excuse me, milady. Of course these are no ores, but as a miner I am used to thinking in such terms."

"I gather your metals are harder won," Keren noted. "Do you not find useful masses of such ores elsewhere?"

"Highness, it is rare to find such quantities of whatever we seek as we see around us here. Only the masses of ironstone are comparable in thickness and extent."

"That's good," Garia said. "Iron ore is the other material we're going to need huge quantities of."

"Of course, milady."

The riders continued along the track until it began to dip towards the river which came out of Blackstone Vale, the town now plainly visible ahead of them. Here the way parted, leftwards to descend towards the bridge across the river, rightwards to curve into Blackstone Vale itself.

"It's still early," Garia decided. "Shall we go a little way up the Vale? That river down there is small enough we can ford it almost anywhere. I can see a track running along the other side of the valley over there so we should easily be able to get back into town."

"As you wish," Keren agreed. "I think our beasts are enjoying the change of scenery almost as much as I am."

As they turned Keren shaded his eyes and took a good look along the vale.

"It's bigger than I thought," he commented. "Do we know how far it goes?"

"I was told," Garia said, "that it is somewhere between five and ten marks long, although by the time you near the upper end you are almost out on the plains to the north. There's no proper boundary, as I understand it. I know that shepherds take the flocks up there after the rains when the grass is really green but not very many people live up there or go there regularly. Once we're settled in at the Claw and comfortable I want to spend a day or two riding the vale if I can. After all, it's why we're all mounted in the first place."

"As you say. Yarling, I expect you would join us on such a ride?"

"Of course, Highness! When I visited Blackstone on an earlier occasion we ventured maybe a mark along this vale but that is all. Now that I have a different quarry in mind I will be interested to see how the seams change along the vale. It is possible that the vale will prove the richer place for the mines milady proposes."

Their track dipped down and followed the river bank as it wound between the rocks. Garia could see that making a road into the vale, should one be required, would take some effort even if they used all the spoil which would result from the mining. She contemplated the river, now little more than a stream, which flowed beside them.

"This river isn't as big as I expected, Keren."

"You would know more than me, Garia. I just see a river. What is the problem?"

"Not enough water. See, the banks are up there, so the flow must have been much greater at one time."

"Milady," Yarling said. "Perhaps this river, like many, varies according to the time of year."

"But... we're only a couple months or so after the rains. I'd expect the level to be higher."

"Do we get the same amount of rain here as we do in Palarand?" Keren asked. "We're much further north, after all."

"A good point. We're almost at the north end of the mountains, that might make a difference. Perhaps someone in town knows."

They rode along in single file until, at an arbitrary point, Garia called a halt for the frayen and riders to take a drink. While the beasts all crowded the river bank their riders stood around with leather water bottles. She looked up at the sun and considered the time.

"Jenet, Merry, how are you managing?"

"I'm enjoying the ride, Garia," Merizel replied. "We should do this more often."

"Milady," Jenet said, "Although I am enjoying the ride certain parts of me are not. I would prefer to return to town if it is not too much trouble."

"Why of course, Jenet! I'm forgetting you haven't had as much chance to get used to the saddle as we have." She glanced around at the company. "It's probably enough for our first outing, especially as I expect we'll be busy after lunch moving our stuff across the road."

Keren nodded agreement. "As you say. If we cross here we can make our way back by yonder path."

Once they had remounted two of Garia's men splashed across to check the way and then everyone else followed. Snep didn't seem to mind getting his feet wet, for which Garia was thankful.

It would be just my luck to pick the only frayen in the herd who didn't like water.

The farther bank was quite steep and, although they scrambled up at an angle to make the ascent easier, it was still a effort to reach the path Garia had spotted earlier.

Again, I have to stop thinking that I'm riding a pony. Snep doesn't have hooves but feet, and climbing this slope is more like being mounted on a huge, hairless dog. Fortunately he seems more sure-footed than any pony or horse would be.

"This is strange," she said to Yarling when they had all assembled. "This is almost a road."

"As you say, milady," Yarling replied. "I noticed the end of this path when I walked the town with Bezan." He smiled at Garia. "Can you hear anything?"

Garia gave him a puzzled look. There was a certain amount of noise from the men and animals and she had to call for quiet before she could concentrate.

"Why, it's water! But... is it an underground spring, or something?"

Yarling grinned at her. "If that were so, milady, it would empty into yonder river, would it not? If I were to tell you that this path is almost level..."

"It's an aqueduct! Of course! That's why the river is so low and how the town gets its water, isn't it?"

"Aye, milady, and I am surprised that you know of such construction. The water beneath our feet feeds a cistern above the town which supplies all the water."

Garia nodded. "Of course. I'm guessing that somewhere up the vale there is a dam where the water is tapped off the river, right?" She frowned. "If we're already taking the bulk of the water to feed the town as it is, then -"

"- there's not going to be very much left for any miners who come here," Keren finished. "Another problem to be solved."

"Let's get back to town," she decided. "We can work out details another day. Yarling, what is under our feet, exactly?"

"I don't know, milady, but if it is like other aqueducts in these valleys it will be a stone or brick lined channel with stone slabs to roof and protect the water. You are right, we will have to consider the water available to us very carefully."

The path was easy to follow and came out above the higher end of the main street. Garia could see the whole town strung out below her. To her right was a large, low square building with a curious roof which looked like that of a factory. There were no windows but a single small door.

"The cistern, milady. Do you want to have a look?"

"Not today, I think, not while we're riding. I can take a walk up the street one day and have a look at it." She pointed beyond the low building. "Is that where the townspeople get their coal from?"

Beyond the cistern building a broader path led toward the head of the valley of the Bray. On the right, where the valley wall sloped up, a great hole had been gouged in the thick seam of coal which had been exposed.

"Aye, milady. I'm guessing they have mined this coal for many hundreds of years and scarcely made any impression on the amount available. If you look above there are at least another two seams of coal ready, almost, to be taken away with little effort on our part."

"Is that what you expected to see, Garia?" Keren asked.

"Yes. It's a start, and a good one. Let's get back to the inn for lunch. Master Yarling, I don't see anyone collecting water."

"No, milady, there is no need. In those places where the Chivans have built such water storage methods for us, there are pipes already laid, usually made of lead. Of course, we have had to repair or replace most of those pipes but some remain. Behind the buildings in Blackstone, either side, a water pipe travels and is tapped off as required. Beneath each pipe is a great sewer tunnel large enough for a man to walk inside. The overflow from the cistern is directed through each sewer and helps to flush all down to the river. It is a most ingenious system."

The group of riders came down the whole length of the street, people greeting them and waving from almost every building. They passed the empty steward's house and the messenger office and Garia frowned. Another problem! They stopped briefly in front of the Bell Inn but Garia turned the other way and led them all into the courtyard of the Ptuvil's Claw.

"If we're moving over here this afternoon I don't see any point in taking our frayen into the Bell, they might as well come over here now," she explained. "It'll be one less thing to do later."

Stable boys came out and took the reins of their beasts as the riders dismounted. Garia took Snep into the stable herself and made sure he was cleaned and settled with fodder available. When she emerged into the courtyard Sukhana was waiting.

"Are you moving now, milady? Will you all require lunch from me?"

"Ah, I think we'll eat lunch over the road today, Sookie, and bring our stuff over afterwards. Will you have enough food and people to feed us all tonight?"

Sukhana smiled. "Aye, milady. I have ample food and many willing helpers, you shall not want at table. Besides, I have been feeding the men this while, you are only five extra mouths. And some of the men have departed with Jaxen, of course, so I may even come out ahead."

"I didn't think of that," Garia admitted. "Very well, we'll see you after lunch."

~o~O~o~

"That's the last one, milady," Brazan said, lowering his end of a chest to the floor. Toramar stood up from the other end, stretching his back as he did so.

"Thank you both, men," Garia said. "and thank the others for me, will you? It's not often we have to move chests around and we appreciate what you've all done for us."

"It is no trouble, milady. And now... if you'll excuse us, we'd better get out of the women's quarters."

The two men saluted and withdrew. Garia looked round the room, at the chests and at her companions. They had decided to share one of the smaller rooms of the upper storey despite the fact that only four women now lived at the Ptuvil's Claw. With three bed frames so new they still smelled of sawn wood and an embarrassing number of chests, the room was crowded.

"Perhaps we ought to have gotten them to put some of these chests in another room?" she asked. "We'll be falling over them all the time."

"It's a thought," mused Merizel. "We can stack them up but then when we wanted something we'd need to get men up here to shift them for us."

"It is not too bad, milady," Jenet judged. "If we move the beds against the wall here, here and here, then we can put the chests there and there." She frowned. "There would be no room for any hanging rail or table, though. Perhaps it would have been better to put some of the chests elsewhere."

"Are any of those other rooms bigger than this one?" Merizel asked.

"Not really," Garia replied. "I had Brydas measure them up for me and they are all about the same size. Excepting the dormitory, of course, but we wouldn't want to sleep in there, it would be like sleeping in a barn."

"A barn smelling of damp plaster," Merizel added. "You have any ideas for using that room? It would seem a waste of space."

"We won't need it for storage, there's plenty of that in the rest of the building. Especially after Sookie showed us those outbuildings behind the kitchen. When we searched here the other day it never occurred to any of us - Brydas included - to look behind the kitchen."

"Sookie got the beer started, then?" Merizel asked, referring to the brewhouse which was one of the outbuildings.

"Yes, but I would guess that we'll only get a decent brew out of it by the week we're due to leave." Garia snorted. "I don't imagine any of the men will notice, though." She turned. "Let's get this room tidied up before the evening meal."

"But, milady," Jenet began, "should we ask for some of Mistress Sukhana's servants to assist us?"

Garia turned round, her hand out to indicate the cluttered room. "There's not enough room. Besides, I want a little 'us' time, I think. Just the three of us for a bell or so, without any interruptions."

"As you wish, milady."

They managed to push the beds and chests into positions which allowed them to move around a little more freely, although the effort made them all puff with the exertion. While Merizel began opening chests to find something to wear to the evening meal Garia sat on another for a breather.

"Milady," Jenet said, standing in front of her.

"Yes, Jenet?" Garia said, looking up. She knew her maid well enough that she would normally just come out with whatever she wished to say, so this was unusual.

"Milady, I would like you to consider taking on... some more staff. Perhaps an under-maid or two, from among the local people."

Garia was about to say, "but why," when she considered what Jenet was asking. Poor woman, looking after both herself and Merizel, and her own apparel too! And they didn't have the almost-invisible services of the palace to help, either, which meant that Jenet's workload had increased without either noblewoman really noticing.

"Oh, Jenet, I'm so sorry!" Garia leaped up and hugged her maid. "We haven't thought about your problems at all. Even if we had brought Bursila here with us there would have been more work to do, wouldn't there? I'm sorry, we just been caught up with all the other problems." She eyed Jenet. "So, you must have thought about this. Tell us."

Jenet blushed. "It is as you say, milady. There is always more to do when away from home but before I've always been with the royal party so the work was spread among us. This time there is only me. Your own activities, milady, are beginning to require more service than just a maid may supply."

"Because I'm riding and I have different sets of exercise clothing?"

"As you say, milady." Jenet hesitated, still unsure whether she ought to be suggesting what she wanted.

"Look, Jenet, if there's something, or somebody, you want, then tell me! Unless you do, I'm never going to find out, am I?"

"Milady, I am thinking of two under-maids to serve you - um, that is, to serve yourself, Milady Merizel and myself while we reside in Blackstone. If you would approve, I would wish you to consider taking one of them back to the palace with us when we return."

"Jenet makes sense, Garia," Merizel said. "She is stretched providing for both of us and, practically, it is time you had some more domestic staff. If Jenet accompanies you, as she must, who is there to wash and clean?"

More staff! At this rate I'm going to need someone like Kendar just to manage them all.

"It still feels faintly ridiculous to have so many people running round after me," she said, "but of course you are both right. Do you have anyone in mind? Do they know that they might be leaving Blackstone when we go?"

"I have noticed some of the girls who serve the establishment, milady, but I have not been over here often enough to become familiar with any of them. Perhaps we could talk to Mistress Sukhana?"

"That's a good idea, Jenet. She'll either know someone or know someone who does. Two under-maids?"

"Aye, milady."

"Don't forget, Garia," Merizel added, "that Sookie's establishment is now your establishment. Since you moved over all these have become your people, even if it is only for a few weeks."

Garia groaned. "Don't remind me! I'm still not comfortable with all this."

~o~O~o~

"I don't know, milady," Sukhana said. "I agree, Jenet does need some help and there must be one or two townswomen who would be willing to serve. You would be looking for younger girls, I take it?"

"That's the idea. We would train them up and then one would come back to Palarand with us and the other could either remain here, go over to the Bell or perhaps find a position in Tranidor." She thought. "Younger doesn't have to mean younger than Merry or me, though."

Sukhana nodded. "Of course, milady. If I may think for a bell or two I may be able to find you someone." Now it was Sukhana who began thinking. "Milady, since you now all ride beasts, perhaps it is time you considered employing a groom? I know you like to pay good attention to your own animal but there are other demands you must satisfy as well. Considering both your own beasts and those of your men, you really ought to have some hands to manage the feed, the harness, and all the other things a stable needs."

Garia stared at Sukhana. "Is this some kind of conspiracy?" she asked suspiciously. "At this rate I'm going to employ more people than the King and Queen!"

"Milady, you are the head of a noble house. You are expected to have staff."

Garia sighed. This was one battle she wasn't going to win any time soon.

"Fine. As you wish, Sookie. But I don't want you to overdo things, you hear? When we get back to the palace I'll somehow have to find quarters for all these extra people, understand?"

Sukhana curtseyed. "As you command, milady." She hesitated. "Ah, milady, yesterday you mentioned a frayen..."

"Of course, Sookie! You have six to choose from, those owned by the bandits. Have you had a chance to look them over yet?"

"Alas no, milady. I find my time is taken up, firstly running the house and then with your own move from the Bell. Presently those beasts are at pasture, they are not stabled as your own beasts are."

Garia thought. "We can easily sort you out a good beast, Sookie," she frowned at a thought, "assuming there are any that are any good, that is. I'm not sure how well Trogan and his men looked after them."

"I understand the men Sethan and Narrin looked after the beasts, milady."

"Did they? Oh, yes. Then we'll find Sethan tomorrow and ask his advice."

"Milady? You would ask a criminal?"

"We can always have others to check what he tells us, but he is the one who knows those particular beasts best, so why not? The beast isn't everything, of course. Your saddle won't come from Tranidor until Jaxen gets back but I'm sure we can lend you one to get started. What about your clothes? I remember you said you were going to sew something up yourself."

"I should only require a circular skirt like your own, milady, and breeches to go beneath. I have cut out cloth for such a skirt but there was no time in Tranidor for me to sew. And I regret the shape of your breeches is beyond my skill."

"I think," Garia said, "that judging by the crowd we had round us when we set off this morning I'm going to be asked to spend some time soon with the women of Blackstone. I'm sure they are going to want to look at all the clothes I've brought with me and maybe copy some of them. I don't object to that because what we wear in Palarand is going to be different than what they have to wear round here. That means that some of them will be seamstresses and we can ask them to make up your skirt and anything else you might want. Would that be okay?"

"As you say, milady. I have some small skill with a needle but I am no seamstress. I am willing to allow a woman knowledgeable in the craft to make such items for me."

"That's settled, then. You'll need a hat as well," Garia added.

Sukhana looked truculantly at Garia who stared impassively back.

"No," Garia said, "this time I am going to make it stick, I think. Jaxen would never forgive me if you fell off and mashed your head somehow, and I need to stay on the right side of Jaxen. Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to wear a monstrosity like mine but you could wear a hat like Merry wears, can't you?"

Sukhana grudgingly nodded. "As you command, milady. It is a sensible precaution, after all. Now, would you care to inspect the kitchen, as we are nearby?"

"Yes, why not? We aren't interrupting anything, are we?"

"Everything is in hand, milady. The kitchen does not even require the use of my own abilities any more, the cooks and boys and girls are accomplished in their work. This way, milady."

Garia followed Sukhana into the kitchen where, despite all windows and doors being open, she was met by a blast of heat. There were six people already in the kitchen when they entered and all paused briefly to bow and curtsey when Garia appeared. There were two cooks, a man and a woman, two teenage boys and two teenage girls. On a spit turned half a large six-legged animal while two smaller four-legged whole animals waited their turn. On the range were various pots which steamed and promised tasty vegetables and side dishes, while on the central table more vegetables were being peeled and chopped.

"It is barely enough," Sukhana said, "to feed all, but your appetites will be less than those who rode away with my brother so we should suffice. I am pleased that we may offer variety while we reside here, milady. The fare of the road can become boring after many days."

"Well, I look forward to tonight's meal, Sookie. Whatever are those?"

Those were four small carcases hung by hooks from a rail at one end of the kitchen.

"Those are brifils, milady," came the answer. "We have eaten them before, do you not remember?"

Garia walked over the floor towards the creatures, the kitchen staff keeping out of her way. Without touching the bodies she inspected them closely.

"Are these avians?"

"Aye, milady. Did you not know?"

"I've never managed to see one close up before. They don't look like this on a serving plate."

The creature had two front legs, a pair of wings vaguely similar in shape to bat wings and two rear legs. The rear legs were much larger than the front ones but both had four front-facing toes and two rear-facing toes, each tipped by a wicked looking curved claw. The head, on a short neck, was streamlined and had a long thin snout full of tiny needle-sharp teeth. The whole body, including the wings, was covered with fine scales which glittered with many colors in the light from the fires. There was a tail, again covered with scales, which flattened out towards the end and presumably acted as some kind of control surface. The whole thing was about the size of a goose.

That explains why the word 'avian' doesn't get translated, then. These must have the same ancestry as ptuvils.

Garia nodded. "These are interesting. We don't have these in... um, my home country, they must be unique to Alaesia." Or to Anmar. "I must admit, I was expecting feathers."

"Feathers, milady? What are feathers?"

As Garia had said the word she realized immediately that it had not translated.

Of course not. If 'avian' didn't translate then feathers wouldn't either, would they? Let's see.

"Um, a feather is what the avians at home have, to help them fly and to keep them warm. I have been told a feather is a special kind of scale. It looks like the scales on these brifils are different than what I know."

She tried to ruffle the scales by running a fingertip up the body. It was like running your finger up sequins, she thought, not that Gary had ever had the opportunity. Or the desire. The scales were considerably smaller and thinner than sequins, though they sparkled in a similar manner.

Like the scales on a butterfly's wing.

"They will be cooked to make tomorrow's lunch, milady," Sookie told her. "If you wish, I could -"

She was interrupted by the appearance in the doorway by Keren.

"Sookie, do you know where -" He saw her and smiled. "There you are! There's a delegation of townswomen in the common room, if you have the time."

"I'm good, Keren. Sookie was just showing me the kitchen." Garia turned. "Thank you, Sookie, and thank all of you for the fine food you serve us. I have to go now."

Garia followed Keren across the courtyard and in the back door of the common room, to find four women standing uncomfortably near the front door. Garia walked toward them and they all curtseyed.

"You don't look happy to be here, ladies," she said. "Remember, this is not an inn any longer so you needn't be concerned at who you find in here or what they might be doing. There's no beer here, even, since Mistress Sookie has only just started brewing. What brings you here?"

"Milady," one started, but said no more. Garia guessed that they were finding it difficult to come to terms with having a noble appointed over them, someone they did not know and who was very young as well.

"Come and sit, please," Garia said. "Let's get comfortable. Look," she said as she led the way to a table and benches, "It's obviously been hard for you to come here but think how much harder it has been for me. I've only been a noble a month or two and where I come from we don't even have nobles. I'm new at this business and I'm having to learn all the rules and customs as I go along. So I'm probably going to feel more awkward about this than you are, see?"

They sat and another one spoke. "Milady, we, uh, watched you this morning when the caravan set off for Tranidor. We watched you ride away with them on your own beast. Now although it is often frowned upon, especially in the towns, we women do very occasionally ride beasts as you do." The woman gave an embarrassed smile. "We were amazed and... interested in the apparel you wore today. We were also present with our families when you addressed the town from the balcony and some of us were in the courtyard yesterday. We wondered if..." her voice trailed away.

Another woman, an older, thickset person finished their request. "We wondered if you might find the time to show us your apparel, milady. We are far from Palarand and often we only hear rumors of the styles of gowns and coats that others may wear. Although we know you must have worn sturdy clothes to travel all that way we know that you have brought others, some of which we have seen from a distance."

"Milady," the fourth one added, "We know that you have much to do, especially after the unpleasant events which have just ended, but we wondered if you could spare us just a bell to see what women elsewhere in the kingdom are wearing these days."

Garia smiled, although it was not entirely natural. By now she had a reasonable grasp of what the female mind thought most of the time and she understood their curiosity. The part of Garia's mind which wasn't female knew that the inevitable session would last much longer than a bell and would involve her pretending to be something that she could not yet claim to be.

"Ladies, of course! I would expect nothing else. Um, let me think how to arrange this. How many of you are likely to want to come?"

"Milady? You will do this for us? I don't know... perhaps twelve or so. Will that be too many?"

"Not at all. Now, I don't have anything much scheduled in at the moment and my secretary is elsewhere but I think tomorrow afternoon will be free. We're not using the women's dormitory upstairs so we can go in there and get everything out. Up there we'll be safe from any interruptions. I'm sorry, it will have to be some of these benches, we don't have any comfortable chairs or soft carpets anywhere in the Claw."

"Milady!" the first one said. "To have a chance to see gowns that have come from the palace itself, we would suffer to stand if that had been our only choice."

"Speak for yourself, Tilla," the thickset one said. "My knees aren't as good as yours. Milady, benches will be good enough for such as ourselves."

"Then that's settled. I have a warning for you, though, and a question."

"Milady?"

"As you can see I am a very young woman. In fact my coming of age was only around three months ago, so you must understand that the clothes I have with me are suitable for someone my age. Those of you who are much older may not approve of what I choose to wear."

"We understand this, milady," the second one said. "We will not mind at all. We were all young once, just as you are today. To see the fashions and the fabrics, that will be enough for us. To see a pretty young girl in a becoming gown, well, that will be an extra joy."

"You mentioned a question, milady?"

"Are any of you by chance seamstresses? I may have a commission for one or more of you if you are."

"Milady, yes! That is one reason we take so much interest in your choice of gowns. We shall ensure that our seamstresses are present tomorrow, milady." The speaker looked interested. "May I ask what you intend, milady?"

"Of course. Mistress Sukhana, who runs the Ptuvil's Claw for me, wants to ride. We'll give her one of the frayen that used to belong to those bandits but she needs suitable clothing. I wondered if you could help."

"We would be delighted to help, milady! I assume her riding attire would be of a similar design to your own?"

"That's the idea, yes. She's just told me that she has already cut out material for a skirt but she's had no time to sew it. She'll need more than one skirt plus some other items we'd best discuss in private." Garia gave them a knowing look.

There were big smiles from the four.

The first said, "Milady, we'd be delighted to help!"

The fourth asked, "Would milady permit us to use such patterns for our own attire?"

"Absolutely. Uh, I mean, yes, of course."

The first woman stood up, which caused all the rest to join her. The four curtseyed.

"Then we will depart, milady, and leave you to the preparations for your meal." Behind her, Garia could see the serving girls beginning to set out the tables. "After lunch tomorrow, milady?"

"Yes. If you gather in the carriage entrance I'll have someone show you up."

The women departed and Garia sat a few minutes in the common room with Jenet watching it being made ready for the evening meal. Merizel appeared through the front door, her cloak billowing around her. She saw the two and made for their table.

"You can tell the seasons are changing," she said, settling on the facing bench while folding her cloak over her arm. "It might be warm during the day but I notice that the early mornings and the evenings are starting to become somewhat cool. I didn't need this cloak when I went out but it made a difference coming back."

"I thought that when we were gathering for the ride this morning," Garia agreed. "I was beginning to wonder if I will need to wear a little more in the future. Those pea coats are quite warm for now and I do like the way our skirts trap the heat of our frayen and keep us comfortable in the saddle."

"Yes, I know! I was surprised myself today. That skirt design is brilliant, Garia!" Merizel leaned forward and said in a low voice, "You might not have worn them before you came to Anmar but you certainly have a good eye for the design of women's clothing. Almost everything new you have introduced has been an improvement in one way or another."

"Well, I'm not sure where it comes from, Merry," Garia said. "If anyone on Earth had tried to get me interested in women's clothes I would probably have fought, bit, scratched and kicked like a wild animal to get away. On the other hand," she mused, "if I had started out as a girl on Earth, perhaps that is the kind of subject that would have interested me." She shook her head. "We'll never know, will we?"

Merizel looked around. "Where's His Highness?"

Garia grinned. "Keeping as far away from me as he can, at the moment. I've just been entertaining four of the town's women who want to have a look at all the clothes I've brought with me. We've set up a session for a dozen or so of them for tomorrow afternoon, Merry, and I'm afraid that will include you and your clothes as well. We'll use the women's dormitory upstairs so we'll have room to change and we won't be interrupted by the men."

Merizel looked at Garia with interest. "Knowing you, I wouldn't have thought that kind of get-together would interest you, Garia. What's changed?"

Garia shrugged. "We have both new and novel designs, Merry, and we have chests of clothes from the palace. It didn't seem fair to dangle them out of reach of the townswomen, who after all don't have much opportunity to see the kind of gowns that are worn elsewhere." She sighed. "And I'm also realizing that I have obligations to these people. There's no reason I can't be nice to them occasionally. Like my grandfather used to tell us, politeness costs nothing but can return great rewards."

"As you say. I don't think there's anything planned for tomorrow afternoon, so that's agreed, then. What are we eating tonight?"

~o~O~o~

"I hate myself for doing this, Keren, but I just can't help myself. Having your arms around me like this is just so wonderful. It does all kinds of funny things inside of me."

They were standing on the covered walkway in the courtyard, outside the rooms where the inn's owner originally lived and which Sukhana now occupied. The activity in the Ptuvil's Claw had quietened down for the night but there were still sentries set. One watched from the bottom of the stair to the women's rooms alongside Jenet, neither moved or spoke.

"I confess that I enjoy the sensation of holding you, Garia. Since you came to live with us I have become aware that you have revealed feelings inside me I never thought could exist. To know that you are beside me, and safe in my arms... I cannot describe what I feel, only that it only happens with you, and that I do not want it to end."

"Is that your decision, then?"

She could feel him shake his head in the near-darkness.

"I wish that it were, Garia. But the decision of the Heir to the Throne of Palarand must needs be a colder thing and that is a decision I do not wish to make."

"We need to talk about this properly, Keren. Not just a few snatched moments in the dark here and there. We need to find somewhere and sit down, away from prying eyes and ears and work out what options we have and what we might do for each option. What we might have to do. What it would cost us."

"What it might cost Palarand," he completed. He sighed. "Aye, you are right. But in this town I do not know if that will be possible, we are too well known, we are watched by all whenever they can, and with good reason! We cannot find a private room, a quiet space, for tongues will begin to wag."

"It is possible that they wag already," she said. "I think one or two are wondering just what our relationship is, why you chose to come here with me. Do they think our relationship is not proper? I don't fully understand the local customs." She had another thought. "Keren, what if they think we are already engaged?"

"Engaged?"

"Uh... betrothed."

"I don't know. In the normal course of events, when one of the royal family becomes betrothed then an announcement would be sent out to all towns and villages in Palarand. However, your circumstances are... unusual. I do not know what would happen if..."

They were both silent with their own thoughts. Finally Keren spoke again.

"This is hopeless, Garia. Whether we are together as man and wife," and how that expression thrilled her inside! "...or whether I am forced to choose another for reasons of state, you will always be part of my life. You have pledged yourself to Palarand and I do not think you would willingly go and live in another country now. The knowledge, abilities and attitudes you bring to us make it certain that you will always be highly valued here. My father called you a treasure and such you are, such a treasure that I do not know if they have yet realized just how important you are to us. That is why we shall always play a large part in each other's lives whether we will it or no. What I do not know is how we might withstand the strain should we not be wed together."

Garia looked up at Keren, her eyes streaming. "Are we just making the final decision harder on ourselves?"

"Perhaps."

He bent down and gently kissed her on the forehead.

"We should retire," he added. "There are many days yet in which to consider our futures, whether they be together or apart. Tomorrow, we should attempt to resume our exercises."

"As you say, Keren."

The townspeople begin to discover just how extraordinary their new liege is, as they see her in action and speak to her and Keren. Sukhana gets a mount and Snep gets a new friend while the womenfolk of Blackstone inspect the latest fashions from the palace.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

The boy walked down the center of Blackstone's main street towards his home. It was early morning, and still cool, so he was glad of the warmth that the two loaves, each the shape of a flattened basketball, gave him as he clutched them to his chest. The baker had been late this morning and his mother was waiting for the loaves to feed his brother and sisters their breakfast.

His route took him past the old inn where the new liege of Blackstone had taken residence. He wasn't sure exactly what a 'liege' was, and the girl appeared to be young to be somebody in charge, but the ways of the world were strange and no doubt he would soon find out how things stood. The Prince who had come with her was interesting, though. He was about the same age as his older brother and he could imagine that one sitting on a throne and handing out orders, there was just something about the way he moved and spoke. Why, only yesterday -

His thought processes evaporated as he heard shouts and a girlish cry of laughter from the courtyard of the old inn. Automatically, his curiosity dictated that his footsteps swerved toward the carriage arch leading into the courtyard. Once able to view the scene within he stopped and stared, astounded by what he saw happening.

His undivided attention was only broken by the burning of the hot loaves against his chest. Starting, he turned, ran out into the street and made for home as fast as he could. A very short time later he was back, towing his two sisters by the hand with a reluctant older brother bringing up the rear. Once back through the carriage entrance he pointed and hissed, "See? Told you so!"

The four watched disbelieving until their mother, furious at the way the loaves had been dumped and her children then deserting the kitchen, came up behind them with the intention of severely scolding them and dragging them back home for their breakfast. Once she had gotten over the shock of what was happening in the courtyard she gathered her children in front of her, her arms around their shoulders, to join them watching.

Keren dived left out of the way as Garia aimed a kick at his neck which would have snapped it if she had made contact. He rolled and came up to aim his own kick at her back, but she turned and swayed out of his range, her feet automatically adjusting her balance. Their arms simultaneously came up, ready for the next attack. She feinted a duck forward and he saw the intended opening, aiming a kick at her face. She twisted sideways, grabbing the foot as it went past, unbalancing him and pulling him down on his side. She had to twist and roll to keep away from his falling body, he took advantage by thrusting his other foot into her side.

"Oof! That was unfair!"

"It wasn't unfair when you did almost the same thing to me before," he smirked.

She pouted back and then grinned. "I acknowledge the hit," she said formally. "Time for a breather, I think," she added. "We've had enough fun, now it's time for some of our men to have theirs."

Sukhana came from the kitchen with a tray of steaming mugs and all the participants stood around drinking and discussing the action. The boys took the opportunity to slide out into the street and spread the word. By the time that two of the armsmen were facing one another on the makeshift mat a small crowd of onlookers had formed, discreetly positioned in the shade of the carriage entrance.

Sometime during the subsequent tuition and practice Garia noticed her audience and turned, giving a quiet word to two of the armsmen who stood watching. These two headed unobtrusively into the common room and out of sight of the watchers. Eventually Keren and Garia decided that everyone had done sufficient and called an end to the session. Towels were distributed and more drinks were brought out.

Garia walked directly toward the onlookers, who suddenly realized that perhaps their presence there might have been unauthorized. The younger members of the small crowd, now numbering around twenty, turned and made to run off but found their way barred by the two armsmen, who stood across the carriage entrance with spears held horizontally to prevent passage. Knowing they could not escape, all turned and bowed or curtseyed low toward the young woman.

"Rise, please," she told them. "It's all right, I don't mind you watching what we're doing in here, I really don't." She smiled at them. "I might change my mind if the whole town turns up, but if you have nothing better to do then I think that it's right that you can see how we train. We have nothing to hide here. I really only came over here to give you a warning, though."

The mother put her arms around her children's shoulders, worried.

"Please, don't, under any circumstances, attempt to do what you have seen us do here this morning," Garia warned them. "Our exercises are not just tumbles and fun, they are designed for fighting among men - and women - and can easily kill or cause permanent injury. We are all well trained and know exactly what our opponent intends to try. I don't want you children to try out any of the moves you have seen us do here this morning and accidentally hurt one another because you didn't have the knowledge or control over what you did. Do you understand me?"

The audience all stared at Garia, too afraid to know how to answer.

"I'll ask again, do you understand what I am telling you? What we do here is dangerous. Yes or no?"

There was a chorus of "Yes, milady", together with some shuffling of feet.

Garia regarded her small audience critically before adding, "There are some useful exercises that can be done by everyone, which we ask all our men and women to do before we begin training them. Hmm. I'm not sure if we'll have enough time to begin teaching them to anyone in the town but I'll think about it if any of you are interested. I see some older boys here and I wonder if any of you are thinking of becoming a man-at-arms. I'm not promising anything, but if you are you could come along some time and we can talk about it. All right? We've finished here so I think it's time you all went about your business."

Garia nodded to the armsmen and they raised their spears, allowing the onlookers to depart. It was only when she had turned and walked halfway back to the group near the kitchen door that she remembered that she had no skirt on.

~o~O~o~

Keren and Garia had washed and changed after their exercise and spent some time that morning dealing with various small problems connected with their move across the street. There were guard details to arrange, shifts to organize, minor wrangles to be smoothed out. Merizel had continued her previous activities along the street in the Steward's house with Jepp, straightening out all the paperwork that had been neglected by Trogan. They were sitting in the common room enjoying yet more pel when Brydas came in through the front door.

"Ah, Master Brydas, what can we do for you?"

Brydas bowed and then asked, "May I join you?"

Keren waved a hand and Brydas sat opposite Keren and Garia. This late in the morning the common room was quiet, with most of the men busy washing clothes, cleaning kit or attending to beasts.

"Highness, Milady, I hear a tale," Brydas began, "I find almost impossible to believe. A Prince and a Baroness, the girl seemingly half-dressed, battling without weapons in the courtyard beyond. If my informant was right, no quarter given yet no injuries taken."

He said no more but simply raised an eyebrow. Keren and Garia both laughed.

"Let me explain," Keren said. "When the baroness first came to the palace, long ago, she insisted that she used to exercise every morning. Eventually my father permitted her and then it was necessary to invent some suitable clothing for her to wear. She wears, in fact, the same as the palace guard do, as I do myself when I join them for training.

"She has taught us an unusual style of unarmed combat, as she calls it, which she gives the name of 'Martial Arts'. It is not suited to open battle but is very useful in close quarters or inside buildings. It takes some months to become proficient and she has trained a number of the guard who have now become instructors. Naturally, to continue to practice what we have been taught is important if we are to keep our reflexes."

"Highness, this is a useful addition to the arts of war?"

"Master Brydas, it is." Keren's face became serious. "You have heard us speak of attempts to kidnap the baroness." Brydas nodded. "During one of those attempts, she killed an assailant with a single kick. Mayhap you have heard of Duke Jarwin?"

"Aye, Highness, his depradations among the womenfolk are notorious even in these remote regions." His eyes narrowed. "Do you tell me that he attempted to..?"

Keren gave a hard smile. "Not quite. The baroness resisted his attentions, having been warned about the man. Jarwin switched to Lady Merizel and was only foiled by Garia's efforts. The following morning she somehow contrived a duel between herself and the Duke in the circle of honor, with herself as forfeit."

"Maker! She did that?"

"Don't worry, Brydas. Jarwin was never going to win. Garia basically kicked him apart, breaking two of his ribs, smashing a knee joint and then knocking him out. His reputation is quite destroyed, he is retired to the country now."

"Do you tell me?" Brydas shook his head with amazement. He looked at Garia with new respect. "Milady, it seems you knew what you were doing when you met Trogan in the street."

Garia shrugged. "Trogan, yes. But martial arts can't help you against swords or crossbows."

The smith nodded. "That's why you wear those knitting pins, then."

"As you say. They are only intended for defense, though. My place is not on a field of battle."

"I should think not, milady!" He nodded. "But to be able to defend yourself, I can understand the reasoning." He cocked his head. "This land you come from... are the women there all like yourself?"

"Some are, some aren't, Master Brydas. Most are just like those here but we are educated differently than people in Palarand are so we see things differently."

"You wish to change the ways of Palarand, then."

"To begin with, yes. But it will be a slow process. Um, did you have some reason to find us other than the passing of rumor?"

Brydas smiled. "One of my journeymen watched your exercises, milady. It took me some while to find out what he was talking about. He also said that you were recruiting armsmen."

Garia sighed. "Rumors again. What I said was, if anyone was interested, I'd speak with them, that's all. I'm not actively here to recruit, if that's what you mean."

"Ah, I thought it was something like that."

"I only have five men with me, you see. There is also one who has returned to the palace with my double and my commander is somewhere near Tranidor with his father who has just lost his wife. Those seven men I have effectively stolen from the palace guard, although it was with the King's blessing. I am told I should have more. Armsmen, that is."

"...and you can't keep stealing from the King, can you? Milady, I see your problem." Brydas nodded. "It would make sense to have some of your armsmen from your own lands, milady. It will strengthen the bond between the town and yourself, though I doubt you need it myself."

Keren smiled. "I agree. She has that effect on people, we find."

"Would you permit me to put names forward, milady? There are a small number of young men who might benefit from a wider view of the world."

"As you wish. No more than two or three, I think. Any more and they might become a liability in so small a force."

"I understand, milady. Now, as to the real reason for my visit. There is the question of the offices of the town. I know you have not had long to consider, but we will have need of a Messenger Agent, a Watch Master and, once you have departed, a Steward."

"We've talked about a Messenger Agent, but none of us know exactly how to go about making one legal, or whatever you call it. I haven't thought about a Steward yet and we have a week or two to decide what to do there. The Watch Master, who is that? What does he do? Is he the person who should be operating out of the offices where your daughter was held?"

"Aye, milady. He regulates the petty law in Blackstone, though normally we have little need of such services. He'll help find lost animals, break up minor fights, investigate thefts, that kind of thing. He is a member of the Assembly, and he reports to it."

"But there is no Watch Master now," Keren observed.

"Highness, he is one of those we sent to Tranidor to find out if Trogan was who he claimed to be. We have assumed, since help did not arrive, that he was waylaid along the road and killed."

"So we need someone new," Garia said. "Does he need special training or can anyone be appointed?"

"He would normally be one of the Assembly, milady, which means he would be educated enough to understand the common law of the land. Naturally he would have the help and support of the rest of the Assembly, particularly Master Jepp who has some past experience of legal matters."

Garia nodded. "I suppose it would be me who appointed the Assembly, wouldn't it?"

"Aye, milady. Before you were granted these lands it would be the Steward who made the appointments."

Garia looked unhappy, then nodded. "I understand. Will you let me think about this for a few days? Apart from the Messenger Agent we don't need Watchmen or Steward while we are here so we have some time." She looked speculatively at Brydas. "I think I might want to try something different."

Brydas bowed his head. "As you wish, milady."

"Brydas," Keren said after a short silence, "Milady Garia is entertaining some of the townswomen after lunch. Matters of great importance to the female mind, so I am told."

Garia shot Keren a fierce look which did not go unnoticed by Brydas, who had to struggle to keep a straight face.

"While she is so occupied it occurred to me that I might entertain some of the townsmen down here. I can give you news of what has transpired in the rest of the kingdom while you were all penned up in the town. Although I have spent much of my life within the palace yet my father makes sure that I am kept abreast of all that is of concern. Would that be of interest to you?"

"Why, Your Highness, it would! I am sure that there is much we might learn of what has transpired elsewhere. You wish me to gather others?"

"Aye, Master Brydas. It is short notice, I know."

"I can think of few who will resist such a summons to come and listen, especially from the King's son." Brydas looked pleased. "We are honored that you might think of us, Highness."

"If there is one thing that associating with Milady Garia has taught me, it is that one can never learn too much about anything, Master Brydas. I shall expect you and your friends after lunch, then."

"There's one thing," Garia added. "We have no beer here yet. You'll have to ask Mistress Yanda to send some over."

The two men both gave her looks of complete innocence.

~o~O~o~

"Is this the best one?" Garia asked, eyeing the frayen with a critical gaze.

"I regret, milady, that it is," Sethan replied. "Master Trogan didn't have much regard for his beasts and his men were no better. Sometimes it was all we could do to control them when they required attention."

"Sookie?" Garia turned. "It looks like he will need a little taming before you will be able to ride him."

"As you say, milady," Sukhana replied. "I wonder, this project of mine seems doomed to fail."

"Don't say that!" Garia tried encouragement. "In the palace we found that a little decent treatment can bring even the most awkward frayen around."

She held out her hand to put it on the beast's head, but before she touched it it flicked its head out of the way and went for her fingers with a snap of teeth. Garia swiftly moved her hand and slapped it on the snout. The animal stared back, its eyes showing instant hostility.

"Does it have a name?" Garia asked.

"Milady, Master Trogan didn't bother to name his beasts of burden." His voice softened. "He barely bothered naming his men, especially Narrin and myself."

"So, Sookie, you get to choose a name for him yourself."

"Uh, milady, it is a her, not a him."

"Oh? Oh, well, that just means you have to choose from a different set of names, doesn't it?"

She addressed another member of the group standing in the courtyard. "Jarrin, do you know if female frayen are different than male ones? Anything we should look out for?"

"No, milady. As far as riding goes, they are much the same. In fact, if you can tame this one Mistress Sukhana should find it a quieter ride. I will be interested to find out if you can do that, milady."

Garia smiled. "I've not had many failures so far. D'Kenik, will you let Snep out, please?"

D'Kenik grinned at Garia. "As you command, milady. Harness?"

She shook her head. "That won't be necessary, just let him out as he is."

D'Kenik walked into the stable and opened Snep's stall. The frayen gave an inquiring look at D'Kenik then ambled out of the stall and into the courtyard. He walked straight over to Garia and nuzzled her. She responded by digging a cube of sweet vegetable out of her sash and offering it to him. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the ears of the other frayen swivel up and forward.

While she rubbed Snep's neck with one hand she faced the other frayen. The beast had clearly watched the exchange and now, hesitantly, she put one foot forward before withdrawing it. Her head tossed uncertainly as she tried to reconcile what she remembered about treatment by humans with what she had just seen happen in front of her. She tried again, bringing her other foot up to match, then walked unsteadily forward, her head down. When she reached them she nuzzled Snep briefly before looking up at Garia.

"See? These beasts are smart, if we allow them to be. She's seen that Snep is comfortable around me and she wonders if there's anything in it for her."

Garia raised her hand again and this time managed to put it on the frayen's head. The beast flinched but otherwise did nothing.

"Good girl," Garia said, digging another treat out and offering it to the frayen. The animal gently took it from her hand and began munching. Snep gave his owner an inquiring look. Garia smiled fondly at him.

"Don't worry, greedy-guts, you haven't suddenly gotten competition. I'm just convincing your lady friend that there are better ways of doing things than she's known before. Here, have another nibble."

"Remarkable, milady," Jarrin said.

"It seems you have a touch I do not, milady," Sethan added. "I have endured many bites from these particular animals - and before. I would take your instruction, milady."

Garia fed Snep another treat after which he turned and began investigating his companion by gently smelling her body with his nose.

"Milady," Jarrin said, "Frayen are herd animals in the wild. It is said that if frayen are left for a time without our husbandry they will return to their natural state."

Sethan started. "Oh! Milady, that had not occurred to me. Those six have been left to pasture these few days." He bowed. "I offer my apology."

"I don't think a few days is going to make that much difference, Sethan," Garia replied. "I think it was more the way that Trogan's men had treated them that has made them like this. And you could do little while you were locked in the cells, could you? Don't worry about it, it wasn't your fault."

Garia turned to Brazan. "It's a good point, though. Perhaps we should bring them all in from the field? There's enough room in the stable, isn't there?"

"Ample, milady. If I take a couple of our men and their beasts, we should be able to round the others up without any problem."

"This one," Garia mused, "could benefit from a little civilizing influence, don't you think? Perhaps we could put her in the same stall as Snep? If that's not possible, have we bigger stalls they could share?" She turned bright red and giggled. "Oh! I'm not thinking this through properly, am I? A boy frayen and a girl frayen...are we asking for trouble?"

Jarrin cracked a one-sided smile. "Milady, as Sethan says, she has been out to pasture these few days. It is quite possible she is already with foal. They are usually named as bucks and does, milady. It is a natural hazard that does will bear foals from year to year. It is one of the reasons that the castle guard - and other guards, of course - normally only select bucks for their mounts."

"That's true," Sukhana agreed. "Jaxen says the same holds true for the caravan folk." She frowned. "Will that mean that I won't be able to ride this one? Would it be better to choose another?"

"You should be able to ride until the depths of winter, mistress. If she is in foal, and I'm not sure I can tell this early, I do not have the art, it would usually be born in the spring."

"Very well," Garia decided. "We'll keep this one. We have a little time before lunch, so let's get started. I want all of you except Sookie to clear the courtyard, please. If you want to watch stay on the walkways or go up on the balcony."

The men all moved away until only Garia and Sookie were standing in the center of the courtyard with Garia holding the female frayen's halter and Snep as an interested spectator.

"What are you going to call her, Sookie?"

"Um, Tixi, I think. Does that sound a good name to you, milady?"

"Don't ask me, Sookie. All the names here in Alaesia are nothing like the names we have at home, people or beasts. Tixi it is, then. Okay, watch and learn."

Garia stood at Tixi's head, but not facing the beast directly. She began talking to it in a low tone, not saying anything in particular but just letting the animal become used to the sound of her voice. Gradually it began to visibly relax and Garia was able to put her hand on its neck and then its back, gently rubbing the tough hide from front to back. Eventually she came back to Tixi's head and offered both frayen a sweet treat before turning to Sukhana.

"This is how we do it, Sookie. I've heard it said that it's something in a woman's voice but I don't completely believe that since the men can learn to do it as well. I think the trick is to not just treat them as a dumb beasts you force to do what you want them to, although that certainly works, but to treat them instead as a kind of child. You can't baby-talk them but they will understand the tone of your voice. Obviously all frayen are different and Snep here is one of the smarter ones but you should be able to make your new friend understand that you and she are going to be partners. If you look after her kindly, she'll do the same for you when you need it the most."

"If you say so, milady." Sukhana smiled. "Why, I do believe that your beast is smarter than some men I have known!"

Garia returned the smile. "That probably wouldn't be difficult, would it? Look, there's someone hanging out the kitchen door, let's go and get these two settled in the stables because I guess lunch is almost ready. I can't spare you any time this afternoon but we can have another session tomorrow morning."

"After exercises and combat practice?" Sukhana asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Why, of course! And now you have the kitchen well organized you can join us for the Tai Chi."

"Milady, I-"

"Nonsense! If Jenet can do it you can. Here, Snep. I'm afraid that's all the action you're going to see today, boy. We'll put you next to this lovely lady, though, you can tell her all about it."

~o~O~o~

"Brazan, about all those chests you moved up to our room."

Her armsman gave her a wary glance. "Yes, milady?"

Garia smiled to defuse the request. "After we've finished having lunch I'm hosting a group of the town's women. They'll want to look over all the nice clothes I have which came out of the palace, you know? We'll go up and use the women's dormitory because we can be all private up there. Can you find someone and move all our chests into the dormitory for this afternoon? Put them against the wall next to the corridor, please."

"As you command, milady. And will you want them moved back afterward?"

"We'll want them out of that room but there's really too many for where we sleep so we'll choose some you can put in another room, if you would."

Brazan nodded. "As you wish, milady. Ah, do you require seats for your guests?"

"That all right, a couple of Keren's men are taking some of these benches up once we've cleared the lunch things away. If you could just move those chests, they're all ready to go."

"Aye, milady."

Brazan straightened, saluted and left the common room. Merizel's gaze followed him out of the door with an appreciative look.

"You certainly do have the gift of command, don't you? Ordering those men around like that, and they're happy to go and do whatever you ask!" Her eyes grew dreamy. "I was once told, I forget by who, that that was the best state for a woman to be in. She has men who protect her and look after her but who will do everything just as she asks them to. I wonder if I'll ever be in that state?"

Garia smiled. "Depends on what Terinar inherits, doesn't it?"

Merizel grew red. "That's unfair. He's written me one letter, that's all. I have no expectation that anything more will develop."

"You wrote him back, didn't you? Give it time, girl. We'll be passing through Dekarran on our way back, don't forget."

"How can I forget, Garia?" Merizel looked pensive. "What chance does a low-status noblewoman like me stand with the nephew of the King? Is this a foolish enterprise? Is this just a silly daydream of mine?"

"What if it is? You're entitled to have silly daydreams, silly. And at least you got to meet the King's nephew and he likes you, so why not?" Garia's voice lowered as she glanced at Keren, giving directions to his men at the other end of the common room. "You have a better chance of landing your man than I do with mine."

Merizel opened her mouth to speak but closed it again without saying anything. She regarded her friend unhappily. Most of those in their party knew and fully appreciated the obstacles in Keren and Garia's way. Most understood the pressures they faced, with possibly a kingdom at stake.

Sukhana came through the rear door and headed for their table, wiping her hands on a cloth as she did so. She sat down next to Merizel facing Garia.

"Milady, milady." She made a face. "It was so much easier when you two were just Buffy and Karizma. Well. I am ready for this meeting with the townswomen, even though it will use time I could better employ elsewhere." She held up a hand. "Don't misunderstand me, milady. Knowing the womenfolk of this town and making their acquaintance will make my life so much easier, it is just that there is so much to do."

"Are you regretting taking over the Claw?" Merizel asked.

"No! Not at all, Milady Merizel. It is just that I have two years of neglect to remedy and a shortage of everything that was not nailed down." Her face darkened. "Not to mention the loss of all my pots, though the townspeople have been very good at providing substitutes until my brother returns." She turned to Garia. "You must agree, milady, that without my help you would be sorely pressed to organize your own men, and those of His Highness."

"That's very true," Garia admitted, though she added, "I'm sure the townspeople would have taken us in if you had not offered to run this place."

"Maybe so," Sukhana agreed, "but they are all strangers to you and your ways and I consider that I am neither a stranger nor do your ways surprise me any more." She grinned. "At least, I know now to expect almost any happening whenever you are involved, Milady Garia. Are we to expect more of the same this afternoon?"

"I don't know, Sookie," Garia responded. "I have to remember that these people live a relatively sheltered life far from what you or I might call civilization. In fact, you have probably seen more life than I have, considering your travels with the caravans. The fact that Trogan was here for, what, eight months probably hasn't helped much."

"As you say." She looked up as a guardsman in palace colors came to the table. "Yes? Is there something you need?"

Varno cleared his throat. "Uh, milady, mistress, His Highness desires the tables and benches moved for his meeting this afternoon..." He tailed off, embarrassed to be implying that he was ordering his betters to shift themselves.

"Ah, yes," Sukhana said. "Milady, if we should find somewhere else to stand while these fine men move the furniture."

"Of course. Let's go out into the courtyard," Garia agreed.

"We may find that some of the townswomen have already arrived," Merizel suggested.

Under the carriage arch there were a group of women waiting and Garia, as hostess, formally introduced Merizel, Sukhana and Jenet to them. They waited, making only small talk, until the last stragglers arrived before Garia led them across the courtyard to the women's stair. As they reached it Brazan came down and thumped his chest.

"Milady, all is ready for you and your party. I shall stay at the bottom of the stairs to ensure your privacy, and should you require anything."

With a nod to her armsman Garia led the women up the stairs and into the dormitory. Her guests looked around at the bare room.

"It looks so bare without all the furnishings, Tilla," one remarked. "Do you remember the drapes, the wall-hangings and the fine bedding?"

"I never came up here when the Ptuvil's Claw was an inn," the woman called Tilla replied. "I do not doubt it looked better than it does now. What is that stain on the ceiling?"

"That," Garia told them, "is where the man Sethan fell through the ceiling when we were chasing him. He had gone into the roof space to hide from us when we searched the building. Ladies, please find yourselves seats. I'm sorry, you have all told me your names but I may get them wrong this afternoon. Don't take offense, please."

Four benches had been placed along one wall under the windows, facing the fifth which was in front of a line of their chests. Garia, Merizel, Sukhana and Jenet made themselves comfortable on the fifth and faced their audience, who numbered eleven. Garia smiled at the townswomen, who ranged from approximately mid-twenties in age to one of the oldest women she had seen since coming to Anmar.

In truth she felt uncomfortable facing these women. This was not like facing Guildsmen, Questors, nobles or even armed kidnappers but knowledgeable individuals who naturally assumed that she was the same as themselves. Her status might be enough to cover the cracks but her confidence of carrying the afternoon off wasn't high to begin with.

"I'm sure you have many questions to ask and you'll want to see all that we have in our chests," she began. "I must tell you that I cannot answer every question you might have for me, partly because there are many things I just don't know and partly because there are some things that the King thinks it better left untold at the moment. I hope you won't be offended if I refuse to tell you something, but I'll do my best wherever I can. I've already told some of you that I have not been a noblewoman long and that I'm unused to local customs. Just treat me as if I was a visitor from a different place and that is exactly what I am, except that I can't go back home. So, who wants to begin?"

The row of women all looked at her, their expressions varying. The younger ones seemed to be interested to find out what the new girl in town was wearing and why, while the older ones appeared more disapproving. No-one seemed inclined to actually open their mouth and start a conversation yet. Garia sighed internally.

This is going to be like getting blood from a stone.

"Look, if you're all going to just sit there we'll waste the time we have. Perhaps I'd better begin by telling you how I came here and what has happened to me so far. After that I think we'd better talk about Mistress Sukhana's wants since she'll need to go downstairs and supervise our evening meal. After that we can have a look at the rest of what we have with us."

"Milady," the one called Tilla ventured, "I must ask pardon on behalf of my sisters. In Blackstone we have had nothing to do with any noble in all the years that any of us can remember, yet you do not fit what we believed a noblewoman to be. If you see confusion on our faces, it is because we are confused."

"I can understand that, mistress. Let me start from the beginning, then."

Garia gave them a carefully-edited summary of her life since coming to Palarand and an even more carefully edited version of her life before, leaving out the fact that she had not been female on Earth. That kind of information would only cause unnecessary confusion for these people. The fact that she had come from another world was difficult enough for some of her audience to comprehend.

"So you see," she concluded with a smile, "that's how I came to be in the palace with basically no suitable clothing of my own. Most of what I'll show you comes from the palace wardrobe and in fact some of the gowns previously belonged to His Highness's sisters. Thinking about it, Milady Merizel is in a similar situation, since her father's holdings are right at the southern edge of Palarand, and she's told me that it is very rural there. She has also been given gowns from the palace wardrobe, which holds vast rails of clothes for all who might have need."

"Do they all dress so fine in the palace then, milady?" an older woman asked.

Garia smiled. "Yes and no, mistress. Of course the King, Queen and their children have to have fancy clothes for ceremonies and that sort of thing but the wardrobe also provides clothing for all the servants, guardsmen and officials who work in the palace. For those who live in the palace as well, there are everyday clothes as well as special outfits. We don't walk around in fine silk all the time." Garia remembered the Harvest Festival preparations. "There is a whole set of special clothes ready for ceremonies like Harvest Festival." Some of the women nodded. "And one time we had a funeral out the back of the palace, I had to wear a long gray mourning gown in the heat of summer, that wasn't comfortable at all."

"We wear gray gowns to show respect for the dead," one of the older ones said. "Comfort is a lesser requirement at such times."

"Show some sense, Jorine!" another woman said, "Milady has just told us that all her clothes came from the palace wardrobe. She has had none made to fit her own figure so it is not surprising that her gown was uncomfortable, being shaped for another."

"As you say, Hasinet. Milady, please forgive my thoughtlessness."

"That's okay, mistress. This is an unusual situation for all of us. You probably don't know many who have to wear clothes made for other people."

"Not so, milady," Tilla said. "In Blackstone as in many of the poorer regions, folk are forced to wear clothes made for their older siblings, indeed, perhaps made for their parents or other older relatives. Normally, of course, a seamstress would adjust the garments but sometimes the family is not even able to afford that small service."

Garia blushed, embarrassed. "It is my turn to apologize, ladies. The practice of hand-me-downs is well-known among the poorer folk of my own country. In my case very little of what I wear has been altered to fit me, and I have to add that of course I have had clothes made especially for me as well. Most of those clothes would be for activities that the ladies of the court don't usually do, like exercise or ride."

"As you say, milady," Tilla agreed. "Would those garments include those which Mistress Sukhana desires, perhaps? You mentioned riding attire earlier."

"Yes, that's right. Sookie, have you the pieces you already cut out there? Good. Whose skirt did you base that one on?"

"Milady Merizel's dark blue skirt, milady."

"Merry, can you find that skirt and put it on, please? That will show the ladies what it looks like."

Merizel, with Jenet's help, found her chest, pulled out her riding skirt and put it on, walking up and down in front of them to show them how it sat and swung.

"Oooh! I like that," one said. "Notice how the hem swirls."

"Aye, mistress," Merizel said with a smile. "It seems that the eyes of the young men who pass by take notice as well. Now Milady Garia has a swing to her walk I do not and her skirt moves in a way that even I find fascinating."

"It seems a little short," one of the older women observed critically.

"Remember that these skirts are part of a riding outfit," Garia explained. "There is ample cloth to cover everything when you are in the saddle. It is just sufficiently long enough when standing to permit modesty. Both the King and Queen have approved the design."

Jorine asked, "Milady, it would seem that your attire is suitably modest when you ride, then. But what of climbing on and off your beast? It would seem to me that certain parts of your body must therefore be seen by others."

Garia smiled. "I'm glad you asked that, mistress. Underneath the skirt we wear another garment for that very reason. Jenet, can you pull out Merry's breeches, please?"

There was a concerted gasp from the women as Jenet held up the breeches and it became apparent what they were.

"In normal wear," Garia explained, "They are hidden beneath the skirt. When you are standing you might just see the bottom edges of the legs where they are buckled below the knee. In practice, no-one can see anything."

"Might we examine the garment, milady?"

"Sure. Hand it over, Jenet."

The women ooh'ed and aah'ed over the breeches, which were examined closely by all. Questions were asked about the patches of leather, the shape of the upper part, how warm they were and what happened when Kalikan called. Garia explained that the whole thing was a compromise between comfort, modesty, safety and durability and that the design was a work in progress. She explained what had happened on the way when she had climbed down to inspect the Chivan markstone.

"You wish us to make a pair of these for Mistress Sukhana, then, milady?"

Garia looked at Sukhana, who nodded.

"That was the plan. Actually, a single pair probably won't be enough. Like the skirt, she'll probably need between two and three of each to begin with. I expect, as fall continues and the weather becomes cooler, that we'll need others made in thicker materials."

There was an intense discussion between the seamstresses about sizing, pattern-making, selection of cloth and leather and so on resulting in a request to Sukhana that someone could come and measure her properly. This was agreed, so talk moved on to other garments any of them might wish to be made for them. Once that had ended Sukhana stood and curtseyed to Garia.

"Milady, I must return to my duties, since the cooks will now have begun preparing the evening meal."

"That's fine, Sookie. I know you can't afford to stay any longer."

Sukhana smiled. "Thank you, milady. I wish I could, since even I have not seen you wearing some of your fine gowns yet."

"You'll likely have the chance soon enough."

Sukhana curtseyed again and departed. Garia turned to the women.

"It looks like it's time for Merizel and myself to do some modeling for you all."

"Modeling, milady?"

Once the term had been explained Jenet began opening the lids of all their chests and the women gathered round.

"So," Garia said with a forced smile, "Where would you like me to begin?"

~o~O~o~

"So you see, gentlemen," Keren told his listeners, "Milady Garia is like no other girl presently on Anmar. While she seems a young woman, indeed one who might be my own sister, she has learning far beyond anything we know here in Palarand. As I have mentioned all in her world are taught from very young until our own age and for many for some years to come. Every man and woman can read and write and does so easily. There is common everyday knowledge of subjects we would find astounding." He lowered his tankard to the table. "Yet she has chosen to give as much as she can to Palarand, to speed our progress in the arts and sciences."

An older man pointed a finger. "Highness, my wife tells me that she saw the Baroness taking exercise this morning among her men and yours, all the while being half-dressed. Is this what she expects us to do?"

Keren fought to keep a smile from his face. The questioner had an important point which had to be taken seriously in order to keep Garia's reputation pure.

"Sterrold, is it? What your wife saw was true. Milady Garia trains with the men as I do myself. In fact, what she saw this morning was the Baroness teaching the men. She brings to our lands a special art called unarmed combat and she is an expert at it. I can tell you that I have with my own eyes seen her break a man's ribs and cripple his leg permanently. She has also killed a man, who attempted to abduct her, with a single kick to the head." His face became serious. "Master Sterrold, what your wife witnessed was no light-hearted game. She trains the men to incapacitate, to maim and to kill."

Sterrold didn't seem convinced. "But, Highness, I am told she wore no gown this morning."

Keren shrugged. "She wears the attire of the palace guard when she trains, good master, as do I. Let me assure you that nothing is visible which ought not to be and the men have learned," he grinned, "often the hard way, that she is to be treated with respect. No allowance is made for the fact that she is female and no concession is made for her size. Trust me, she is the equal of any man in both our retinues."

Another man asked, "Highness, you wear guard fatigues while training, that I may - just - understand. Yet, when any blow falls, you cannot expect to be attired thus. What of milady's training, whenever she does wear a gown?"

"A good point, master. In fact, this caused her some trouble when we were attacked during the Harvest Festival this year. She was wearing the customary festival gown and -"

Keren went on to explain what had happened and his audience was suitably shocked that a lady could be attacked in that fashion.

"Since then her clothing has been subtly modified in style to permit her to respond to any further attacks. The changes turned out to be appropriate when she was again attacked in the corridors of Dekarran castle. It was there that she killed the man I mentioned before."

"Maker, Highness! Are her people then all warriors, men and women? Are we in danger from them?"

"You need not fear an attack from Garia's people, master. Their world lies too far away, somewhere else entirely, and I do not think they even know which direction Anmar is or that she is here. Just be pleased, instead, that she chooses to share this valuable knowledge with us while she is here. As to her people being warriors, she tells us that the fighting she teaches us the men and women of her world mostly do for fun, without harm to one another. That is how we train, but we also know how to finish the movements to injure our enemies." He sobered completely. "She has also told us, privately, how her people make war. They use devices we may barely comprehend and the damage they can cause is beyond belief. We hope, sincerely, that such devices are never brought to Anmar."

~o~O~o~

"Milady, what is that?"

"What? Oh, this! This is a bra. I've introduced them to Palarand. In the palace nobody wears bodices any more, we all wear bras instead. They support your breasts much better, are cooler in hot weather and allow your body more freedom. Besides which, they are dead easy to make, using tiny scraps of cloth. Jenet?"

Jenet had already fished a spare bra out of a chest and it was handed round the women.

"Are you all wearing these... bras now, milady?"

"Yes, we are. Um, we don't have any spares, of course, so I'm not sure how we can do this."

Merizel suggested, "They need a set of patterns, milady."

"As you say." She turned to the women. "Once I showed the women in the palace how to make these we realized that it would be awkward to keep patterns for everyone as each woman is of course slightly different. However, all the women who work or live in the palace were measured up and we discovered that of around two hundred women, about half could be fitted with only twelve patterns, and half the rest with another eleven patterns. So that's what the wardrobe do, they keep a set of patterns and each woman's pattern number is kept with her record. I'll ask for a set of patterns to be sent up, I should have thought of it before Jaxen went off."

A woman, fingering the bra, said, "Milady, I don't think we would need the patterns you suggest. Surely we can make these garments, should we need them, without such a pattern?"

"We-ll, you can, but I'll tell you that it could be tricky. Although the pieces of cloth are small they have to be cut pretty accurately and sewn together carefully as well. If you don't get it right you could end up looking a strange shape or be uncomfortable. It is much easier just to use the pattern pieces. Remember, you'll need more than one of these per woman. You'll want at least three and then, when Kalikan calls, you'll probably want one or two of a larger size as well."

"As you say, milady. I had forgotten how our breasts may swell during the Call. Then we shall await the arrival of the patterns with anticipation. You say that all in the palace wear these garments now?"

"I do, mistress, even the Queen. The practice is spreading to the city even now and I've had to have patterns sent to Dekarran as well. You'll be seeing these in Blackstone sometime even if I didn't send for the patterns for you."

"Milady," another woman was inspecting the bra, "these little buckles on the bra. How are these made, and who shall provide them for us?"

"A good question. The first few were made by the palace jeweler, actually, although I believe they are now made in bulk in the city. You'll need a lot of them, as each bra has four and you'll have, say, five bras each... Hmm. Perhaps I'll send a note to Fulvin asking him to ship some out here to get you started. There are substitutes you can use. It is possible to use metal rings, although I'd have to think about how that would work. Merry, add those things to the list, would you?"

~o~O~o~

"Highness, does the Baroness really intend to mine all the coal in Blackstone? All who have come here before considered it little better than rubbish. They laughed at us when we used it to cook and heat our houses."

"What nobody knew until Milady Garia explained it to us, master, is that coal can be treated the same way we treat wood to make charcoal. If you do the same to coal the result is a substance called coke which can be used instead of charcoal in the making of iron and steel. Not only is it easier to dig coal out of the ground than to grow forests and cut them down all the time but she tells us that coke makes better quality steel than charcoal. In Palarand's future we shall need to make a great quantity of steel so we will need your coal. Milady has, however, stated that the supply of coal for domestic use here in Blackstone shall be preserved for all time."

"Steel, Highness? What will all this steel be used for?"

"Making vehicles, to begin with. She plans something called a railroad from here to the capital, similar to the iron roadways which the miners use to move their ores about." Several of the men nodded. "Only the railroad will be much larger and be able to haul huge loads long distances in times so short I thought that she was crazy until it was explained to me. It will also be able to haul passengers." Keren smiled at his listeners. "How would you think of traveling from here to, say, Teldor and back in a single day? Or from here to Dekarran in a day? We cannot yet conceive of bridges that would cross the Sirrel -"

"Highness! What you suggest is madness!"

"Are you so sure, Sterrold? With a goodly supply of steel she assures us that similar rivers on her own world have been bridged numerous times. If bridging the Sirrel is not possible, then we may instead go underneath."

"A tunnel, Highness? Surely one would die through lack or air!"

Keren shrugged. "The Sirrel is but three marks across at Dekarran, masters. It takes a ferry two bells to cross when the tides are right. If that is so, and the railroad train is quick enough to travel from here to Dekarren in a day, then crossing the Sirrel will not take long. I do not think you would be unable to breathe during such a short journey."

"Highness! What you suggest is incredible!"

"Aye, I know it, but I have also seen the proof that such things are possible. The world our children will grow up in will be very different than we or our fathers have known."

"And you may be King by then, Highness."

"Aye. I do know what I am likely to face, and what my country is likely to face. Gentlemen, these changes shall come to Palarand, and the Valley, and all Alaesia, whether we wish them or no. All we may do is to attempt to manage what happens. We cannot stop what is to come, nor may we delay it. All we can try is to profit by the mistakes that happened on the Baroness's world when those same changes happened to them."

"Ah! Highness, all now becomes clear. We understand what faces us all and you may be assured of our full support."

~o~O~o~

The women, all animated now, crowded around Garia, Merizel and Jenet at the foot of the stairs.

"Thank you, thank you so much for allowing us to see your fine gowns, milady! We are delighted to see the latest fashions!"

"Oh," Garia said quickly, "I told you before, nothing I own is the latest fashion, so far as I know."

"But for us, in far away Blackstone, they are the latest fashions, milady. It is so sweet to see a young woman in gowns that suit her face and figure. Even your short hair style suits you so well."

"Thank you, Mistress Jorine."

"And the attire you have designed for exercising and for riding," one said, "You show real talent and an eye for detail. I'm sure you shall see such garments in Blackstone before long."

The youngest added, "You have shown us that there is more a woman may do than she has done before. In the future, perhaps, you may find that more of us are exercising and riding and trying some of the other things you mentioned."

"You are not at all what we expected," the oldest woman told her. "We have little knowledge of the ways of nobility but you make a refreshing change from those who have visited our remote town in the past."

"You are so young and so easy to talk to," another said, "Not like we imagined a noblewoman to be at all! We all enjoyed our visit to your chambers."

"So mature, too," a third added.

"Indeed! His Highness is very fortunate to have you as his consort. You will make a fine Queen for Palarand. Good-night to you, milady."

The unexpected nature of the final comment left Garia speechless as the women curtseyed, crossed the courtyard and left to make their way home. Finally she turned to Merizel.

"I didn't see that coming."

"Really? You must be the only person in the entire town who didn't, then. You're the center of attention here and everybody is watching you and His Highness very closely. How is it that we can all see what you do not?"

A frustrated Garia threw up her hands. "If only it was that simple, Merry! If what you say is really true then a lot of people are going to be disappointed whatever we decide. Come on, let's go back upstairs and put everything back in the chests so that Brazan can move them again. Then we can choose what to wear for the evening meal."

~o~O~o~

"Keren, all the women think we are betrothed! What are we going to do?"

"The men also, Garia. It is not surprising, really -"

"It was to me!"

"Your attention has been elsewhere. You are their liege, there is much that occupies your mind lately. It is not surprising, though, that the townspeople consider us betrothed when you think how we behave, how we speak of one another. In their place I would probably come to the same conclusion. Did you correct their assumption?"

"I didn't! I was so surprised I couldn't say anything. Did you?"

"In a way, although I did not deny it. I told the men that, although we are close to one another, there has yet been no formal declaration. I said that it was possible that my father may have other ideas given the customs of the Valley."

"I suppose that's better than nothing, Keren. If I said one thing... no, I didn't, did I? If I led them to believe one thing and you told them the opposite it would cause all kinds of confusion and we have enough of that already. What shall we do?"

"Take extra care in future, I think. Who's there? Sookie, is that you?"

"Highness, Milady, I know that you meet here each night and I am sorry that I am interrupting a private conversation, but I think this is important."

Keren and Garia both turned to face Sukhana.

Garia asked, "What is it?"

"I been thinking, milady, but the numbers keep going round in my head and I can't seem to get it right. See, you gave me Tixi this morning and I got to thinking about the other five frayen and then I started thinking about the men Trogan brought with him and I can't make the numbers add up."

"What do you mean?" Keren asked.

"Well, Highness, it's like this. When we arrived there was that battle in the street, right? Three were killed then and the other three captured. Those were the three you tried and executed, milady, weren't they? So that's six. Then there's that man Sethan and his cousin Narrin who died falling off the roof, that's eight."

"Yes, that's right."

"Then there's the two who were with Sethan here in the Claw before you captured him. You remember, he said that they had run off taking his frayen with them. That makes ten altogether, don't it?"

Garia nodded. "That's right, Sookie. Ten was the number we reckoned, including Trogan himself. What of it?"

"Well, it's the frayen, see? There was six out the back of the Steward's house, they're in our stable now, and then there's the three what the two men who were with Sethan took. That makes nine. So, what happened to the tenth frayen?"

Garia takes on some more staff as they attempt to discover what happened to the tenth frayen. In order to investigate quietly she begins a census of the town which causes further confusion. Sookie has her first ride on Tixi and then a meeting is interrupted with alarming news...

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

The next morning the crowd gathered in the carriage arch had about doubled from the previous day. Most of those who had come for the first time were adults although a few extra children had managed to find a way in to witness the strange happenings, with or without parental permission. All were silent most of the time, concentrating on the intense activity on the makeshift mat, with only the occasional indrawn breath or a hiss of surprise as an attack failed to reach its target.

Among those Garia noticed in the crowd was Brydas, standing beside two tall youths she assumed were his journeymen. She asked one of the Claw's servant boys to request that he stay behind when the morning's exercises were over.

This time she remembered to get Jenet to help her back into her skirt when they had finished.

"Milady," Brydas said with a bow, "what may I do for you today?"

"There is a delicate matter," Garia replied, casting a glance at the two youths.

Keren joined the small group, wiping his face with a hand towel.

"Ah! Your Highness," Brydas made another bow, this time accompanied by the youths. "Highness, Milady, may I present Tedenis, who is my wife's sister's son, and Briswin, eldest son of one of Blackstone's weavers. It would appear that both may be interested in becoming armsmen, milady." He frowned. "A delicate matter? Perhaps this was not the best time to introduce these boys to you."

"No matter," Garia said quickly, "it will wait." She smiled. "We have time to talk to these two while the yard is being cleared."

She looked at the two young men, sizing up their physical attributes in a way that would have shocked her even six months previously. Tedenis was slightly shorter but made up for the fact with wider shoulders, no doubt from helping at his uncle's forge. Both were reasonably well muscled and their gazes were alert enough that she did not think that either lacked in intelligence.

She asked them, "What is it you think we can do for you that staying in Blackstone would not?"

Tedenis replied, "Milady, I wish to see more of Palarand. I would like to become proficient with sword and bow, there is little need for either in Blackstone. I would learn if I may be of use to you, My Lady."

"I, too, wish to see what is beyond the valley of the Bray, milady," Briswin added. "I wish also to take service somewhere to improve my abilities at arms, since there is little need in the town. Milady, I am curious about the method of fighting without weapons you have shown us today."

"Very well. I am no expert in judging your fitness and abilities, but all of the armsmen I presently have come from the Palace Guard and I'm sure they can find out for me if you are going to be suitable to join them. Do you understand that if I take you on it is possible that you'll spend most of your life away from here? My life so far has been somewhat unsettled and I can't see that changing into the future. If you become my armsmen it is unlikely that you are going to spend your time walking castle walls. Will you be comfortable living away from the homes you have known?"

"Aye, milady, else we would not have come here today."

"As Ted says, milady, you offer us the chance to better ourselves."

Garia looked at Keren, who nodded. He turned to the two.

"You two are both accounted adults?"

"Highness, we are. I am seventeen and Briswin is eighteen."

Keren smiled at them. "Then you are both older than either of us, boys. I see no reason that you should not make fine additions to the Baroness's men-at-arms."

"Right," Garia said. "I'll have a good talk with you both later, perhaps, but this morning I think the best thing I can do is to let you speak with my men." She pointed. "Do you see the man on the left in green, with the short haircut?"

"Aye, milady."

"That's Brazan and he's temporarily in charge of my men while my commander is elsewhere. Go over to him and explain who you are and what you want while we have a word with Master Brydas, will you?"

Both banged fists on chests. "As you command, milady."

The three watched the youths walk off.

"Are you happy about this, Brydas?" Keren asked.

"Aye, Highness. There are always one or two in any town who find the town becomes too small for them. Better they are tested in the Baroness's service than making mischief in her town." He turned to Garia. "Milady, you mentioned a delicate matter?"

"Yes," she said, making sure they couldn't be overheard. "Yes, indeed. Last night Mistress Sukhana noticed something that we ought to have spotted days ago."

She explained about the missing frayen and Brydas surreptitiously counted up men and beasts on his fingers, finally nodding.

"Aye, milady, I should have noticed that also." He looked speculatively at Garia. "There must be some reason you have not immediately begun a search."

"If this frayen actually exists then someone must have, hmm, acquired it, shall we say. There is a chance that person was friendly to Trogan's band. If we just do an all-out search of the town we might scare them off. I wondered if there was a quieter way to find it without alerting whoever has it." She frowned. "We are right, aren't we? There were ten of them with a frayen each?"

Brydas nodded. "Aye, milady. When Trogan and his men first appeared in Blackstone there were pack animals as well but I believe that the extra animals were taken back to Tranidor and sold when the men went there from time to time. Every man kept his own beast that I may recollect. I would guess that the missing beast probably belonged to Narrin. Sethan said that he was at the higher end of town when you arrived, seeking a repair to some harness work, I believe. After the battle when your party arrived he would naturally have hidden, only to be flushed from cover when we searched the next day."

Keren nodded. "And gotten himself killed falling off the roof."

"As you say, Highness. Now, as to the beast, I do not think that any in the town would acquire it, as you put it, since all knew there must be a proper reckoning once Trogan's rule was ended, as it surely would. If any had found the beast, one of the Assembly would have been told and thus milady in turn. Therefore, as milady suggests, whoever has the beast must be a sympathizer of Trogan."

"Perhaps," Keren said. "Perhaps someone who just saw an opportunity."

"Can you hide an extra frayen like that?" Garia asked. "Surely someone would notice?"

"Any frayen would need feed and pasture, milady. They would certainly be noticed. There are few secrets in a town this small."

Brydas gave Garia such a measured gaze as he spoke that Garia's cheeks reddened.

"I believe," Brydas continued, "that milady spoke some days since about making a list of the town, the people and the assets of each. Perhaps this is the way to flush your quarry, milady."

"You're right!" Keren said. "Garia, you did mention such a task."

She nodded. "A census, we would call it. Yes, we need to do such a thing in any case but it will be a good cover for our investigations."

"Will you require our assistance, milady?" Brydas asked.

Garia thought. "No, I don't think so. In fact, that's a good idea. Let me and my men do it and then you can have a look through the results and see if you notice any discrepancies."

Brydas grinned. "Milady, you have a flair for intrigue. If I may, I would make it known that such a telling is to be made, so that none may be alarmed when your men come to visit."

"As you wish, Master Brydas." Garia smiled at the smith and then groaned at a thought. "No, wait! That's not going to work! Making a census is going to involve people writing and I don't know how many of our men can do that. Yet." She screwed up her face in concentration. "I bet D'Kenik can but I don't know about any of the others. Keren?"

"I don't think any of mine can write well enough to record the details you desire, Garia. I don't know."

Brydas suggested, "Milady, why don't you and Milady Merizel do it yourselves? You are both well practiced in the Scribe's art, I have heard Jepp say so."

"I didn't want to, because think it will seem strange to the townspeople to have their own liege, herself, do a job that her staff ought to be doing. If Merry and I went up the street asking questions and writing down stuff what kind of impression do you think we'd make?"

Brydas bowed. "Milady, forgive me, you are right." He thought, then smiled. "Milady, I have had a thought. The two young men I brought with me today may serve. Since Tedenis has helped at my workshop, with the original intention of joining a guild, I have taught him the rudiments of smithcraft so I know he can write enough to be of assistance. Of Briswin's abilities I know less but if he were attached to your man D'Kenik I'm sure that you may find him useful."

Garia nodded. "That ought to be enough, then. Merry and I will think up some forms, perhaps with Master Jepp's help, and then we'll get started." She nodded thoughtfully. "This should allow us to find out if those two are going to be suited to life in House Blackstone. Thank you, Master Brydas, for your advice."

Brydas bowed again. "At your service, milady." He gazed at the courtyard, now being swept of the last few strands of hay by two of the stable boys. "What now, Highness, Milady? Do you attend your animals?"

Garia smiled but looked down at her sweat-stained tunic. "I will, Master Brydas, once I have bathed and changed. First, though, I have a commission for you. Jenet, would you go and fetch your bowler down for me?"

Jenet vanished up the women's stair and reappeared carrying her riding hat, which she handed to Garia. Brydas looked at it with a question in his eyes.

"Milady, I am a smith, not a maker of hats."

Garia smirked and handed it to him. Brydas's face changed as he took the unexpected weight. The smith turned it over, rubbing the material with his thumb and examining the inside of the crown.

"I see, milady. It appears as a normal item of headwear but it conceals a metal frame, is that so?"

"That's right. The King made us promise to wear some kind of protective headwear whenever we rode. This is one of the ideas I came up with. Mistress Sukhana will soon require a similar hat. I know that we'll need the seamstresses to finish it off but would you make the metal frame for it?"

"Of course, milady. Is this steel or iron?"

"Wrought iron, I think. I think Master Haflin wanted to use Star Metal but there wasn't enough available. The main point is that it must protect her head if she falls on it, and then protect her against being stepped on."

Brydas nodded. "As you say, milady. I do not think this task should prove so difficult to do. Of course, I must make the shape to fit Mistress Sukhana's head, must I not?"

"I don't think you'll have much problem getting her to let you measure her up," Garia said with a grin. "She can't wait to get on the back of the frayen we gave her. When her brother turns up with the saddle we ordered in Tranidor she'll be hanging round your workshop waiting for you to finish the hat."

Brydas smiled. "Then, milady, I'd best get started. If I may borrow this briefly as a template? With your leave? Highness."

He bowed and made for the kitchen, certain to find Sukhana busy inside. Garia turned to Keren.

"That's good. We'll have to organize the census but that can wait until we've visited our frayen. What happened to those two boys?"

"They went into the common room with our men," Keren replied. "They'll be safe enough there for now. Let's get cleaned up and changed ready to visit our beasts."

~o~O~o~

"Milady? You wish us to number the town?"

"It's not quite so simple as that, Tedenis. What I need you, Briswin and these two of my men to do is to visit each house and record on these sheets who lives there, their ages, dates of birth if known, relationship to each other, occupation and so on. Also the approximate size of the house, how many rooms, what animals they have and other details like workshops, barns, stables and other outbuildings. You can see we've written up at the tops of the sheets what information we want, so you won't have to keep remembering what to ask. D'Kenik? Are you happy with that?"

D'Kenik examined the sheet of parchment in his hand. "Aye, milady, this we can do." He looked at his companions. "It would not require four to do this task, milady."

"As you say. No, I'm making you into two teams of two. You can each take one side of the street, start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. It isn't a race so take your time and do the job properly. Once you've finished that we can decide what to do about the nearer farms and small-holdings."

"Milady, you place great trust in us," Briswin said.

"If you are to become a man-at-arms then the person you guard must have your trust, is that not so?" She smiled at the boy. "This is your first chance to show me that I can trust you.You'll be on familiar ground asking questions of people you know. D'Kenik will keep you company to make sure we get honest answers. I know you won't intend to cheat but some of those you ask might have things to hide, if you take my meaning."

Briswin bowed. "Thank you, milady. I just regret my letters are not good enough to write for you yet."

"I intend, in time, to make sure that all my staff can read and write. That's why you're with D'Kenik today, because I know he has already had a decent education." Garia turned. "Toranar, are you happy to follow Tedenis around? I'm sorry, we've been so busy over the weeks and months that I haven't had time to get you started with reading."

Toranar gave Garia a twisted smile. "Aye, milady. But remember, we are your armsmen first and your scribes second. I would rather you taught us more unarmed combat than face us with reed and ink."

"As it happens, I agree. One day soon, though..." She considered, then turned to D'Kenik. "Have you both enough sheets, do you think? There isn't a huge supply in Blackstone."

Her armsman nodded. "Aye, milady, we have enough for the town. By the time we come to visit the outer holdings Jaxen may have returned with a further supply."

She looked at him sharply. "Did you know I requested paper to be sent up?"

D'Kenik grinned. "Milady, we use so much it was not difficult to draw the conclusion. There has been much need for parchment and paper in Blackstone these last days."

She sighed. "I guess you're right. Good. Any questions, you can come and speak to me, to Milady Merizel or to Master Jepp, who helped us draw up the forms. I suggest you begin after lunch, okay? Oh! I almost forgot. Jenet? The sashes."

Garia's maid stepped forward with two sashes of green-on-green. Garia took them one by one and wound them around the waists of the two boys.

"There, you're official now. Don't make me have to take them off you."

The two boys straightened and thumped their chests.

"Milady, we shall not fail you," Tedenis said.

"It is an honor to serve," Briswin added.

~o~O~o~

The old man struggled to sit up in his bed but his visitors would have none of it.

"No, no! We can see that you are not well. Just rest easy, Master Steward."

"Highness, forgive me, I cannot give you the welcome you deserve."

"Do not strain yourself, Mesulkin. We were fortunate to arrive in time to release you from that evil place. Had we not, we might never have had this meeting. Rest easy in your bed, everything is in hand. Are you well attended?"

"Aye, Highness, I am. Though many are now busy most find time to call and exchange a few words with me. I have been kept informed of all that you and your lady have been doing in Blackstone. Such a wonder, eh? The healers have attempted their best though I do not think I will ever be the man I was before that... bandit came to ruin us. The man you see lying in front of you is a shadow of the steward I once was."

The speaker eased back onto his pillow, half propped in his bed. They could see that he was still lined, gaunt, and his skin was gray. The efforts of the town's healers had brought him back from the brink of death, it was true, but the kindest thing anyone could now do was to allow this faithful servant to live out his remaining days in peace. The eyes in that sunken face were bright, though, and they fixed on Keren's companion.

"Milady? You are the new Baroness?"

"I am, Master Mesulkin," Garia confirmed. "I was made a noblewoman by the King at the Harvest Festival for services rendered. I am sorry that news of the change was kept from you."

"You are so young, milady!"

Garia smiled. "So everyone keeps telling me. Where I come from they number the days differently and it has been difficult to figure out exactly how old I am. The King decided to make me the same age as His Highness here and we had our coming of age ceremonies the same day."

"So you are truly the liege of Blackstone now? It seems my stewardship is at an end."

"Master Mesulkin, if you had been sound of mind and body I might well have retained you as my own steward," Garia said. "As it is I am entirely happy for you to enjoy a well-earned retirement. If you wish you may stay here in Blackstone or we can transport you wherever else you wish to go. The next steward of Blackstone will need to be fit and healthy, I'm afraid. There are changes coming to Blackstone which mean the job of the next steward or two will be a much more demanding one."

"It could not be otherwise," Mesulkin agreed. "I have heard about your desire to mine away our coal. I regret that I am not able to be of service to you, My Lady."

"You never know," Garia said. "You still have much experience of the area and we can make use of that, if you would talk to us from time to time."

"As you desire, milady. I am told," he added, "curious tales about yourself, the half of which I do not believe. Do you really spar with the men of His Highness's guard each day?"

"It is true, Master Mesulkin, although we do not use weapons most of the time. When you are feeling a little better, perhaps we will bring you to the Ptuvil's Claw and you can see for yourself what the strange young foreign girl gets up to every morning with her men."

"Foreign? You do not speak as a foreigner does, milady."

"Perhaps not, though I had an accent when I first came to Palarand." She smiled. "It's not my accent that has everybody talking, it's all the new ideas I brought with me."

"Aye," Keren added. "Ideas the King fully agrees with and supports. That in part led us here in our quest for coal. What Garia has told us will turn Palarand, and eventually all Alaesia, on its head."

"I can only offer my desire that I may live long enough to see these changes, Highness."

"You are beyond the worst, Master Mesulkin," Keren said. "From today you can only improve."

Back in the street Garia turned to Keren.

"Seeing that poor man looking like that just makes me so angry," she said. "I'm really annoyed we couldn't get here sooner, stopped some of what happened."

"You cannot wish your life away on the thought of chances not taken," Keren replied. "Each day comes as it will and no man - or woman - can change what that day will bring. All we may do is to face each challenge the day brings us and hope that we may prove equal to that challenge. To wish that some other course was taken is folly, since that other course did not happen and will not happen."

Garia sighed, frustrated. "Yes, I know, but..."

"Perhaps you should take what happened as a lesson," Keren suggested. "Since what happened happened, consider what might have been done another way to prevent it, then apply that lesson to the future."

"As you command, Highness."

~o~O~o~

"Milady, these are the two girls who wish to serve as your maids," Sukhana said. "This is Lanilla and this is Jasinet."

The two girls curtseyed. Garia examined them with a very odd feeling.

Those two boys were different, somehow. If I was a girl I wouldn't have minded going out with either of them, I think. I'm not sure what I feel about sizing up girls this way. It's almost a cattle market. I'm taking on domestic staff, it's not the same as meeting someone like Merry and becoming friends.

Duh, I am a girl! But I wouldn't want to go out with those boys under these circumstances. Is this what they mean by the class system? Am I too good for any of these people now? How did that happen?

She sighed and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, girls, this still seems strange to me. Where I come from very few people have servants and I'm just not used to doing this yet. Has Mistress Sukhana explained what you would be expected to do here?"

"Aye, milady," Jasinet replied. "We are to assist your own maid in her duties to you."

"Just so," Garia agreed. "I'm sorry, but the work won't be very glamorous. I'm not sure exactly what you'll be doing but it probably won't be much different than what you did at home."

Jasinet was short, almost as short as Garia but almost twice as wide. She might have been two years older. Lanilla was almost her opposite, tall and slender, the younger of the pair.

"Milady, this we understand. If the work has to be done then someone must do it." She frowned. "Milady, how is it that you only have one maid between two? This we do not understand."

"Ah, yes. It's like this. When we left Dekarran things were somewhat complicated and Milady Merizel's own maid had to go back to the palace with the King and Queen. Jenet offered to serve both of us but it has become too much for her, especially away from base." Garia smiled. "No doubt you will hear the whole story some time but..." she waved a finger, "that story is not to be told in Blackstone under any circumstances, do you understand?"

Jasinet blanched. She protested, "Milady, we would never tell any secrets!"

Lanilla added, "If we are to be in your service, milady, then we know that we will learn things which should never be spoken of. Shall you require us to give an oath?"

Garia glanced at Jenet who nodded. "It seems that an oath is required in these circumstances." She smiled. "See? I didn't even know that. We'll organize a ceremony for your oaths later on when we have some witnesses around, okay? For now just tell me a little of yourselves."

There was not a great deal to tell. For two young girls, living in a town on the edge of civilization and, for the last eight or so months under the thumb of Trogan, most of their lives had been spent inside their homes, away from the gaze of any man not a relative. Both professed an interest to see the wider world, even if it meant traveling as servants to a noblewoman.

"Then it looks like I'll take both of you on," Garia told them. "I'm not sure what will happen when we leave here but I had thoughts of taking one with me, possibly two." She smiled at them. "That might mean you end up living in the palace, but don't count on that because I could easily spend some time traveling. If I don't take both of you all the way I'll make sure that I find somewhere you can become a proper maid, not just some young girl's washerwoman."

Jenet gave Garia an old-fashioned look which she ignored.

Garia continued, "It seems to be the day for handing out sashes, doesn't it? If I give you these, then everyone will know that you are supposed to be here and that you are members of my staff. Jenet?"

Garia handed out two more sashes from the small stock they had brought with them and then turned to Sukhana.

"Sookie, we must have room for these two to live in the Claw, surely?"

"Aye, milady. There are two more rooms up here on the women's floor that could be used, besides the space in the servants' quarters over the stables. Which would you prefer?"

"Hmm, as they will be personal maids they would be better off over here, I think. Jenet?"

"Milady, I think it is time that you and Milady Merizel had your bedchamber to yourselves. If I take these two and share the room next door, then you shall have more space and we will all be nearby at need."

"But, Jenet!" Then Garia remembered just where her maid had slept when she had first come to the palace and nodded sadly. It was time for things to change. "Very well, that's what we'll do. I'll leave it in your hands how you want to organize everything. Oh, and I must tell Brazan of the changes."

"As you desire, milady. And... I must ask for two more beds for your new staff, milady."

Garia gave her maid a wry smile. "It's never-ending, isn't it?"

"As you say, milady."

~o~O~o~

Garia looked at the pile of parchment on the table and put her head in her hands. Three days had passed and the census had been completed. Apart from some initial misunderstandings the whole affair had gone reasonably smoothly, at least the data collection phase of the operation.

"I just don't understand," she said. "How can an entire frayen just disappear? You don't think someone ate it, do you, bones and all?"

Keren tossed the reed he had been using to tick off columns onto the table and grimaced.

"You're right. We've been through these lists forwards and backwards and there's just no sign of it. Either it doesn't exist or it's been hidden so well we couldn't discover it."

"Or," Merizel pointed out, "someone has managed to take it out of town to hide it somewhere in the countryside. We haven't spoken to every farm all the way down as far as the forest, have we? And we haven't gone very far up Blackstone Vale either."

"Milady," the fourth person around the table spoke, "only two farms exist in Blackstone Vale since it is so remote. I doubt any has gone so far just to hide a beast." Brydas shrugged, holding his arms wide to show his bemusement. "I still fail to understand what use such a spare beast might be. The two who were with Sethan already have a spare, who else might have such a need of a beast that they would hide it so?"

Keren threw his arms up in frustration. "That's the whole point, isn't it? We know that beast ought to exist, our own numbers make it so. So where is it, and why is it being concealed?"

"Almost as important," Garia added, "somebody must be concealing it. Who, and for what purpose?"

Merizel asked, "We've ruled out Trogan's men, haven't we?"

"Almost," Keren said. "We know there were only ten of them all told. It is just possible the two survivors have found the missing beast and have taken it elsewhere to sell. Since most of their plunder was found still locked up in the Steward's house they may be short of coin to fund their escape."

"Then who else?" Garia asked. In a low voice she added, "Yod?"

"I cannot imagine," Keren replied emphatically, "that Yod has the least idea where you are, Garia. They certainly wouldn't have known that you were coming here before we arrived and only trusted men came to the town with Jaxen's caravan. No, that is a very unlikely chance, I think."

"Trusted men," she mused. "What about the two guildsmen? We don't know much about either of them."

"As you say. But Bezan left with Jaxen and Yarling has been busy climbing all over the mountainsides. Why would he need to keep a beast secret? He has his own here in the stables of the Claw."

"Highness, Milady," Brydas spoke diffidently, "I have heard you occasionally mention Yod. Might I ask what you speak of? Yod is very far from Palarand and even further from Blackstone."

"Very well," Keren said. "We'll tell you, Master Smith, but this is information that should go no further than this room. It's not secret, technically, but if it were to become known throughout the town it could upset people. When we've told you you'll understand why."

So Brydas had a more thorough explanation of what had happened to Garia since she had arrived on Anmar, including all the attacks, Garia's double and their journey north in disguise. At the end he nodded.

"You do not think that those people know you are in Blackstone, milady?"

"It is unlikely but not impossible. Eventually the fact that I am here will leak out and everyone will gradually find out where I am. By that time it shouldn't matter too much." She grinned at the smith. "That's one good thing about living in a small town, as you told me the other day. There are few secrets here so any strangers will stand out like a sore thumb."

"Until the mining gets going," Keren qualified.

"Yes, but by then we'll be on our way back to Palarand, I would guess," she said, "and with a good strong escort. We won't be traveling in secret like we did on the way up. I can't imagine we'll have trouble on the way home, can you?"

Keren opened his mouth to speak but Brydas beat him to it. "You know better than that, milady. Complacency is ever your biggest enemy."

Garia reddened. "I stand corrected, Master Brydas. I can assure you that on our way home we'll take nothing for granted."

"You have sent Jaxen to Tranidor with Bezan and instructions for works to be started," Brydas noted. "Once they begin spending coin there I doubt not that your presence here will become known."

"Possibly not," Keren said. "I spoke to both Jaxen and Bezan before they left and made it clear that the Baroness's name should not be mentioned unless it was unavoidable. When contracts are made or coin handed over they were to use my name instead. After all, it is Garia's whereabouts which must be obscured, not my own." He shrugged. "All will become plain in time, no doubt, but the longer we can delay the news of her presence here the better."

Brydas nodded. "As you say, Highness."

~o~O~o~

"I really like this!"

Sukhana twirled, allowing the circle skirt to fly out around her waist. The expression on her face was one that she hadn't used since she had stopped being a teenager. The others watched with appreciation.

"It makes you look entirely different, Sookie," Garia said. "I think, now that you're a respectable woman, you could experiment a little more with your styling."

"Me? Respectable? Hah!"

Sukhana grinned at her audience. The humans responded with smiles of their own, the three frayen merely looked on with interest.

"You may have a point," she continued. "I have spent so long wearing sober, serviceable, hard-wearing clothes for the road that I have begun to think proper gowns were for other people. Tell me, honestly, what do I look like in this attire?"

"Honestly?" Merizel responded, "Honestly, you look completely different, Sookie. Oh, perhaps your hair could do with a slight tidy up but I think you could grace any noble gathering and not seem a stranger. The pea coat and skirt take years off your age."

"Really." Sukhana's response was dry. "If any man had told me that I might have taken a knife to him, but from you, milady, it is a genuine compliment." She grew thoughtful. "Perhaps I might reconsider my future, ladies. If I am now, what was the word you used? Respectable. If I am respectable, I must needs consider my wardrobe. May I ask you both for your advice?"

Garia smiled again. "Perhaps, Sookie. You would be better off asking Merry or Jenet for advice, I am little better informed than you are."

"Milady, this is not true! These designs come from your world, do they not? It seems that everyone wishes to wear the skirts and gowns you bring from there. I therefore deem that you are more informed than they."

Garia bowed an acknowledgement. "If you insist. But, Sookie, you'll have to come back to the palace with us, won't you? It's only there we have the freedom to experiment. Here in Blackstone I've already had whispers that some think my skirts are too short."

"The palace? Do you really think I could?" Her expression became wistful. "Even for a short time? I'd be no bother..."

"There's weeks yet before we can decide that, Sookie. For today, you want to ride Tixi, don't you?"

"Milady, of course! That is why we're here. What must I do?"

"Mount up just like the men do. You're that much taller than me so you shouldn't need a mounting loop. Go on, grab hold of the saddle handles and lift your left foot to put it in the stirrup."

"Like this? It seems awkward. I would never be able to do this in an ordinary skirt, though."

Garia suggested, "Merry, why don't you climb on Topik, show Sookie how you do it. My mounting technique is slightly different so won't be as useful to watch."

Merizel put her left boot in the stirrup, heaved and smoothly swung over the saddle. Sukhana watched intently then made her own attempt.

"Whoa! Oooh. This is comfortable, isn't it? I hope my own saddle is as good as this. Wait! How do I get my right foot in... Ah, got it."

Sukhana straightened up and looked at Garia and Merizel.

"See, Merry?" Gari asked. "That was the exact expression on your face when you first managed to climb on Topik."

"Aye." Merizel turned to Sukhana. "Good, isn't it?"

Snep had his own opinion of the situation. He looked at Topik and Merizel and then at Sukhana sitting on Tixi before pointedly looking at Garia and then around at his own back. Garia gave him a fond smile.

"Okay, boy, I can take a hint."

She used her own particular method of mounting before turning to Sukhana.

"Any problems? Are the breeches comfortable? That was the one thing we weren't certain of. If the cutting was too far out you'd have wrinkles right where you wouldn't want them. No tight spots? No twisting?"

Sukhana slapped her left haunch. "I could do with a little more slack here," she reported, "but otherwise it seems a good fit, milady. So, now I have mounted, what is the next thing I must learn?"

"You are both learning together," Garia said. "You are both finding out how to adjust to each other's bodies. If I lead out, I reckon Tixi will just follow of her own accord. Merry, you bring up the rear and watch out for problems."

"As you wish, Garia. What shall you do?"

"It's the first time that Sookie's been on Tixi's back so we'll just keep it simple for today. We'll walk slowly round the yard to let them become accustomed to each other. Sookie, just keep talking to her, let her know you're happy with what she's doing and that you want her to keep on doing it. If she shows signs of stopping, just shake the reins and ask her to walk on as we do. Snep, boy. Let's show your lady friend how it's done. Walk on."

~o~O~o~

Tedenis had joined Stott standing guard outside the front entrance to the Claw. Brazan had decided to attach the youngsters to various members of the team to give them as broad an experience of the life of an armsman as possible, given the limits of their location. Stott, as a recent recruit, was most familiar with the procedures used in the palace for training and he was explaining them to the young man.

"Do you ride yet?"

"I can ride, sir, but I haven't for some while. While Trogan was around..."

"Yeah, I understand. That you know how is a good start. Have you seen the new saddles we use in milady's service? You'll take a week or so to get used to them but then you'll find they are much better than the traditional style. We was taught their use in the palace."

"Is that something else milady has introduced, then?"

"Aye, lad. She's only a tiny little thing to look at but she's cleverer than many a Questor and as smart as most guildsmen as well." Stott reddened, remembering his first meeting with Garia. "I thought she was just some stuck up noble girl with a pet frayen but she soon put me straight, I can tell you! She's gotten that beast of hers to do things I would never have believed if I hadn't seen them."

"I have seen her spar in the mornings, sir. To see her toss men twice her weight around is incredible! It is easy to imagine she can speak with the beasts."

"She's still a young girl, though, and needs our protection like any other. Those skinny swords of hers are only any good for close-in work and she can't pull a bow at all." Stott sized up the young man. "Now you, on the other hand, have a fair width of meat on your bones, do you not? Have you yet been tried with the bow?"

"Some years since, sir. In Blackstone there is scant need for the bow."

"Are there not wild animals hereabouts? How shall you defend yourselves?"

"Wild animals rarely come beyond the forest, sir. We have the occasional visit by grakh, according to season, but I understand a bow is no remedy for such creatures. Their hide is too thick, I am told."

"It is possible to down a grakh with an arrow but there are few who can hit such a target." Stott smiled. "It seems that I am one of the few."

Tedenis looked at Stott with skepticism but the archer returned his glance impassively.

"Look, boy, there are some things a man may boast of but even the King acknowledges my skill with a bow. I would give you and your friend a try-out, if I may. We can set up targets in the paddock behind the Claw and see if you have the talent for it. Whether it is the service of the King or of Baroness Blackstone, a skilled bowman can always find a place."

"Why, sir, thank you! I will tell Briswin of your offer. How is it you became so skilled, then?"

Stott flushed. "Ah, well, you see, lad, I was not always a guardsman of the King. In fact, I am a recent recruit, which is why we are put together today. Before I came to the palace, it was like this -"

"Sir," Tedenis interrupted. "Who comes? Look! A multitude approaches."

His finger pointed along the road into town. Stott turned, his eye widening in surprise. He spun to Tedenis.

"Look, boy, this is important! You go inside and find milady, tell her what approaches. I'll go in the carriage way and alert the other armsmen."

Tedenis thrust open the door and entered to find Garia, Keren, Merizel and Brydas seated together at the end of the room. He walked up to the table and saluted.

"Milady, an army approaches! It is difficult to see because of the dust but there are many mounted men and wagons!"

Jaxen has returned from Tranidor... but his caravan is much larger than anyone expected. Accompanying it are both strangers and unexpected friends. In some of the wagons are mysterious crates and packages, demonstrating that the guildsmen have not been idle while Garia, Keren and party have been absent from the capital.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Milady, an army approaches! It is difficult to see because of the dust but there are many mounted men and wagons!"

Those seated all stood immediately. Garia looked at Keren with alarm.

"An army! Whose?"

"I don't think it's anyone we should be worried about, Garia. Tedenis, what exactly have you seen? Who was with you outside? Is the alarm raised?"

"Highness, Stott was with me, he has gone to warn the others. There is a line of wagons, about a mark distant before the bridge, approaching with mounted men either side. I cannot tell how many."

"Very good. Garia, come on."

As Garia followed Keren out onto the covered sidewalk she discovered that most of their armsmen were coming out through the carriage entrance, some settling their sword belts. She turned and gazed into the distance.

"Not military, I don't think," Keren remarked, his hand shading his eyes. "If they are, then not any of Palarand's that I recognize."

A cold feeling gripped Garia's gut. "Yod?"

"In such a fashion, through the center of our Kingdom? I think not! No, I believe you will discover that the leading vehicle is one you shall recognize. Remember, it is now seven days since Jaxen left, it seems he has met friends while in Tranidor."

Garia looked more closely and, as the procession approached the bridge, realized that the front vehicle was the special carriage which had been made for Captain Bleskin by Gilbanar. Further, the man riding beside the carriage was wearing green-on-green with others in palace colors riding the other side and behind. She gave an immense sigh of relief.

"It's Captain Bleskin and Feteran! But however many wagons are there? It might just as well be an army!"

"Beside the good Captain's special carriage," Keren replied, "I think there might be six or seven. It is difficult to see, they are throwing up considerable dust."

As the procession approached them Jaxen rode forward and spoke to Feteran, who conveyed a message to his father. The carriage pulled up in front of the Claw, the rest of the wagons halting in a line behind. Jaxen reined in in front of Keren and Garia.

"Highness, Milady," he acknowledged them with a grin, "we are returned, returned in strength. I apologize for leaving you waiting, we met friends in Tranidor and decided to travel here together."

"Apology accepted," Keren said, returning his grin. "I see you were successful?"

"Aye, Highness. I have brought goods for the town and fresh mails for almost everybody. I have a wagon filled with crates for Milady Garia -"

Garia's attention was fixed on the man climbing out of the carriage. He turned, dusted himself down and saluted them. Her emotions all welled up inside and her tears began to flow.

Damn stupid time to get all weepy. I didn't know how much I felt for him.

She stepped down into the road and walked towards Bleskin, wrapping herself round him as she had done once before. He was initially startled but then returned her hug.

"Pleased to see me then, lass?"

She stepped back and looked at him, wiping her face with the back of a hand.

"I am amazed to find that I am, captain." Her expression became serious. "You are in good health?"

"Aye, I am!" His own face showed calm. "Thanks mainly to your own efforts, milady. I have learned that while the dead must be mourned the living yet have needs. Jaxen told us of the foul events that happened before you arrived here. If I may be of any service, milady, then here I am."

"Oh, Captain, you shouldn't!"

"He insisted, milady," Feteran added, dismounting. He braced to attention and saluted. "Milady, since we have both arrived at your own lands I consider my detached duty to be ended. As you can see my father is himself again and insisted on accompanying us from Tranidor."

Garia smiled at him. "I'm pleased to have you back again, commander. You may resume your duties, although I would suggest you find out how we have gotten the Claw organized before you attempt much!" Her smile became humorous. "Mistress Sukhana is my housekeeper and she keeps strict order here."

Feteran looked confused. "The... Claw, milady?"

"Ah, yes." Garia waved a hand at the building behind them. "This is an old inn called the Ptuvil's Claw. It was derelict so rather than all squashing together in the Bell Inn opposite we took this over and made it our headquarters. We've plenty of room, easily enough for the men you've brought back with you."

"Highness?" Jaxen made them turn. "Not knowing the situation, I thought to send all the men up to the camp. Do you tell us there is enough accommodation?"

Keren nodded. "Aye, Jaxen. We have room enough for men, wagons and beasts. Direct ours here, if you would. Mistress Yanda awaits you yonder for your own needs, attend us if you are too many for her. Doubtless you shall join us when you have everyone settled? After the evening meal, perhaps. Mistress Sukhana has today produced the first beer brewed in the Claw for two years."

Jaxen looked slightly apprehensive. "My sister brews beer? Highness, the world has ended."

Keren grinned. "We have not tasted it yet so you may be correct. We'll see you later, then."

With a nod Jaxen turned his mount and rode across the street. Garia turned to Bleskin and Feteran.

"Come in, please! We have chambers for both of you if you so wish. Come in and relax a moment before you go and unpack. I'm guessing there's a story behind your appearance here." She turned to her waiting men. "Brazan, take the Captain's carriage through and get his stuff unloaded, please. There are wagons for us, get them into the courtyard as well. Have the Captain's, Feteran's and the men's mounts looked after, and you can turn the dranakh out to find our own on the mountainside."

"Aye, milady!"

Brazan saluted smartly and her men gathered around the carriage to dispose of it. By unspoken arrangement the four of Keren's men already billeted at the Claw took positions in front of the building as guard. Garia led the way inside. Sukhana was standing near the rear entrance, wiping her hands on a towel, her expression uncertain.

"Milady, I heard a fuss -"

"It's okay, Sookie! Your brother is back, with reinforcements it seems! Here, let me introduce you. This is Captain Bleskin, recently retired as head of His Majesty's palace guard, and this is Feteran, commander of my armsmen and coincidentally the captain's eldest son. Captain, Commander, this is Mistress Sukhana, sister to Jaxen and housekeeper to the Ptuvil's Claw while we are in Blackstone. Oh, and Sookie, since the Captain had an escort of men who are really His Highness's troops we have six extra to accommodate in addition to these two. I thought the Captain and Feteran could have those two other rooms at the top of the men's stair?"

Sukhana curtseyed and nodded. "As you desire, milady. I will have the chambers made ready for them." She turned to Bleskin and smiled. "Captain, welcome to House Blackstone. Milady has spoken fondly of you."

Bleskin blushed and smiled at Sukhana. "Mistress, I would expect no less from her. I hold her in like regard. We do not stretch your accommodation?"

"Oh, no, sir. Milady expected that her commander and His Highness's men might return and we have planned accordingly." She curtseyed again. "If you would excuse me, Highness, Milady, Captain, Commander..." She grinned. "Such a fuss, naming everyone! I must leave you, have your chambers prepared, adjust the amounts for tonight's meal."

"Yes, Sookie," Garia said. "I'm sorry, we've given you a lot of extra work."

"Not so much, milady. With your leave?"

Sukhana curtseyed again, turned, and went out the rear door. Bleskin turned to inspect Brydas.

"I feel I should know you."

Garia started. "Oh! Forgive me, my mistake! In the excitement I overlooked the introduction. This is Master Brydas, Master Smith for Blackstone and a member of the Town Assembly. He has been our liaison with the assembly while various matters were worked out."

"Bleskin," Brydas said. "It must be forty years."

"Aye, about that. I did not know you had come to Blackstone. Well met."

The two clasped arms and Bleskin turned to Garia and Keren.

"We are distantly related, Highness, Milady. Brydas must have been about six years old when I left Tranidor to serve His Majesty. Ah, that is, His Majesty's father, of course. I did not know what course his life had taken though I knew he had become a guildsman."

The smith stared at Bleskin with satisfaction. "I always looked up to you, captain. To serve the King, we all do that, but to serve the King at his palace meant much to those who stayed behind. I wished that I could do as much but fate had other plans for me."

Bleskin looked embarrassed. "Aye, well, the average guardsman is harder to mold than a lump of metal, I deem. To live in the palace is not so special as some would believe. We must sit down together, you and I, and catch up on each other's lives."

"Aye, with milady's leave we'll do that. Did you know that Mesulkin is here?"

"Mesulkin? Here? Of course, he was made Steward by the Lord Gilbanar, was he not? How fares he?" Bleskin noted the look on the faces of the others. "What? What has happened?"

Keren asked, "What is Mesulkin to you, Captain?"

"We are cousins, Highness. He is the older by two years. What has happened to him? Was he affected by the recent troubles in Blackstone? I must go to his side!"

"Easy, now, Captain," Keren said. "Mesulkin lives but is in poor health. You may visit him presently but first, I think, we must sit and exchange stories. Since we parted severally much has happened to each party, I can see that. There is much you should know about what has happened to us and in this town before we may do much more. Garia, shall you send for some pel?"

"An excellent idea, Keren. Jasinet? Would you ask Sookie to send fresh pel for five over? Thank you."

~o~O~o~

"Astonishing." Bleskin shook his head. "Milady, I cannot believe that you may encounter so much incident along your way." He smiled and his eyes twinkled. "Ah, that I were twenty years younger! I would have enjoyed such adventures as you and His Highness have experienced."

"Thank you, captain," Garia replied with a smile. "Although, there were one or two parts that weren't so pleasant." She wrinkled her face. "Like Holville, for example. Being threatened with crossbows when we arrived here wasn't fun either."

"As you say, milady," Bleskin agreed. "We may not only choose the fun when an adventure begins but must take whatever transpires. If I may ask, milady, what are your plans for the future now that Jaxen has returned?"

"I think I want to hear his story first," Garia decided, "and that will probably happen after we've eaten. He talked about bringing letters with him and there was also mention of a wagonload of... I'm not sure, exactly. Did Bezan, the mason, come with you?"

"Aye, milady, he did, with a troop of guildsmen and workers, to begin clearing that road station in the forest. He has come with us himself to Blackstone to report progress, milady, then he wishes to return to the site tomorrow with the messenger wagon." He looked around, remembered where he was. "I think he must have gone to the other inn with the wagonmaster, I did not see him after we arrived here."

Feteran nodded. "Aye, father, I saw him follow Jaxen. Milady, he has left his work party in capable hands."

"Did they find -" Garia stopped and shook her head. "No. Let's wait and hear first hand. Master Brydas, will you join us after the evening meal?"

"Milady, I desire to but I would spend some time with my daughter if I may. Senidet is physically recovered from her ordeal but cannot spend all her time with our neighbors, especially since Tedenis is now a servant of Blackstone."

"I'm sorry, I'm missing something. Your wife?"

"Dead these eight years, milady. I believe I have brought Senidet up reasonably well but she is a young woman and I am no longer equal to the challenge."

Keren asked, "Is there any way we may help?"

"Highness, I do not know. Let me speak with her, discover her desires."

"If there's anything you think we can do," Garia said, "let us know immediately. It is no fun being a single parent even on Earth."

"As you wish, milady."

Garia smiled. "You mentioned Tedenis."

"It would seem, milady," Brydas replied with an answering smile, "that Senidet and Tedenis are intent on reaching some kind of agreement between themselves. I would not be opposed to such a union, though if Tedenis leaves Blackstone as part of your retinue, milady..."

Garia's grin was large. "...they will both curse me forever for keeping them apart, is that what you mean?"

"Aye, milady. Doubtless some answer may be found to this riddle."

The front door opened and Yarling came into the room, stopping when he saw the group seated at the end table. He bowed.

"Highness, Milady. I noticed activity in the town and hurried back."

"Master Yarling, come and join us."

Garia introduced everyone and then explained that Jaxen had come back with a large party. The miner nodded.

"I saw the dust, milady, which convinced me something of the like had happened. Milady, I have now investigated the ground within easy walking distance of the town in some detail. It will take me some time, perhaps a day or two, to make certain of my findings and present you a formal report." He smiled, "I can tell you, however, that your belief in the existence of large quantities of coal was correct, and there is certainly enough for extraction to be worth our efforts. I would wait, however, before saying more before I have spoken with Jaxen. The transportation and eventual destination of what we extract may be as important as the actual extraction itself, milady."

"That's right," Garia said. "I think the whole point of bringing Bezan and yourself here was that you would consider the whole operation, not just getting the coal out of the ground."

"As you say, milady. Ah, with your permission, I would like to withdraw and clean myself up before eating. I know that the bath house will shortly have many women descend upon it, so..."

"Of course! I can see you've been scrambling about the hillsides. Go and jump in while you can have some peace. Um, come and join us after the meal, I'm expecting Jaxen to come over and tell us what he's been doing."

"As you command, milady." Yarling stood, bowed and left.

The door opened again and Jaxen entered followed by two men. They approached the others and bowed.

"Highness," Jaxen began, "we have filled the Bell completely and I thought it better if you could find space for these two travelers who came with us from Tranidor. This is Master Kardenar who is Tranidor's Messenger Agent and this is Selden who works for him."

"Welcome to Blackstone," Keren said. The two bowed again.

"Master Kardenar," Jaxen explained, "has come to explain to you the legalities of appointing officials able to run the messenger system, Highness, Milady. He may not remain long in the town because," a crooked smile, "of the increased mail now passing through Tranidor, no doubt in part due to your own presence here. He offers Selden as a possible Agent for Blackstone, with your approval."

"Then let me welcome you as well," Garia said. "Um, I don't know, Jaxen. About them staying here, I mean. Jasinet, run and fetch Sookie, would you?" She turned back to Jaxen. "We have six extra guardsmen and two more wagoneers as well as Captain Bleskin and Commander Feteran." She frowned. "Of course, the women's dormitory is completely empty and this isn't a proper inn any more but I don't know if we can use it that way."

"Milady," Feteran broke in, "If needs be I can share a chamber with my father, leaving the other for these gentlemen, if that is agreeable to both of them."

Garia nodded. "It will only be for a couple of nights at the most." She frowned again in concentration. "Where did Polbinar live? There's no accommodation at the Messenger's office."

"Brydas would know," Keren said, "but we will not see him again this day."

Sukhana came in the back door and curtseyed. She nodded to her brother and looked over the two men with him. "Highness, milady?"

"Sookie," Garia said. "The Bell is full and there is no room for these two who are Messenger officers. Feteran has offered to share his father's chamber the one or two nights we'll need to put these others up. Can we manage?"

Sukhana thought it over quickly before nodding. "Aye, milady." She sighed. "I'd better put more food on, then." She switched abruptly to her brother. "Got my saddle?"

Jaxen smiled and spread his hands. "Of course, dear sister! Did you think I would dare turn up here without it? It is in one of the wagons in your courtyard."

"Good. Then, Highness, Milady, if you would give me leave."

Sukhana curtseyed and left for the kitchen, grumbling about the change of numbers. Jaxen bowed.

"Highness, milady, I'd best be getting back to the Bell."

Keren rose as Jaxen disappeared and addressed the two newcomers. "I'll have some of my men go over and fetch your chests, gentlemen. While they are about that we can show you to your chamber. I regret that there is little furniture since this place was completely empty when we took it over barely a week ago. I think it is also time that Captain Bleskin and Commander Feteran were shown to their own room, perhaps to refresh themselves. We have kept them here almost a bell, I believe. I know the ladies will wish to change before eating."

~o~O~o~

Jaxen entered the front door of the Ptuvil's Claw to find the common room full of people. The bulk of these were guardsmen and armsmen just finishing their meals, most of them engaged in bringing their fellows up to date with their adventures while the parties had been apart. He noticed two tables at one end around which were gathered all the higher-status men and women involved in the current enterprise and turned toward them, waving a greeting to many of the men as he did so. Behind him the door opened again to admit Bezan and Yarling, who followed Jaxen toward the high tables.

"Jaxen! Bezan! Yarling! Glad you could join us." Keren waved an arm to indicate free space at the simple benches they all sat on. "Come, find yourselves a seat. Jaxen, your sister has the brewer's touch." He turned to the serving girl standing behind their bench. "Three tankards of ale for our hard-working friends, if you would."

The young girl bounced a curtsey and walked off to the alcove where Sukhana was rationing out the beer from casks set up against the rear wall. Once he was seated and had tasted his drink Jaxen returned his attention to the Prince.

"Highness, Milady. I guess you'll want to hear the whole story tonight. We left Blackstone as you know and made camp at that site with the burned-down buildings. Master Bezan began walking about and sizing the site up so I had some of my men make a discreet search of the surrounding woodlands. We found two shallow graves, Highness."

"Ah? As we suspected, then."

"Aye, Highness. After much discussion we decided to dig them out and find out what - and who - might have been buried there. The bodies were those of two men, Highness, but so degraded it would not be possible for any to recognize them. Their only clothing was undershirt and tights so we could not determine their station. We thought it best to rebury them for the time being, Highness, since we had no provision to take bodies in that state with us. The graves are now marked so may be found easily enough when the time comes for a respectful funeral."

Garia asked, "From the state of the bodies do you think these might have been there since before the summer? Could they have been the tax assessor and his manservant, perhaps, that Trogan robbed and killed?"

Jaxen shrugged. "Milady, I am no expert when it comes to bodies, especially old ones. Ah, I understand your question now. They are more likely to be of those men, milady, than of the party that Master Brydas sent out to obtain help, if that is what you suggest. That would not have been so long ago, would it?"

"That's what I thought," she agreed. "That means there might be two more bodies out there somewhere."

"As you say, milady. If that is the case then we will be sure to take better note as we pass through the route on future journeys."

"Let's leave the bodies for now. What next?"

"As we ate our meal that night Bezan and I had a long discussion about the route, milady. If we are to be carrying wagons laden with rock then Bezan was concerned that the road might not be particularly good for that purpose."

"Milady," Bezan explained, "you remember that the trade route climbed along the side of the mountain some way before the fork where the Blackstone road separated and then descended into the forest after that. The laden wagons would have to climb up to the fork, a difficult journey on a narrow road."

Garia nodded. "Yes. I have been thinking about that, as it happens. For the immediate future, we'll have no choice so building a decent road house there will still be necessary, I think. For the longer future I think we'll have to use another method."

"Milady?"

Garia waved a hand. "Not important now. Go on with your story."

"So Bezan paced out how he thought the site should look and we left after lunch the following day," Jaxen resumed. "We stopped overnight at that other road house, you remember, the one where we picked up the mail?"

"Yes. Any trouble?"

"No, milady. The messenger service was never mentioned, nor Blackstone. We kept to ourselves to avoid too many questions. The following morning we set off as normal and arrived at Tranidor mid afternoon, where I discovered that some of your wants had been anticipated, milady."

"That's to do with those mysterious wagons out the back, then?"

Jaxen grinned. "Partly, milady. There was also another bag of mail for you and His Highness."

"Why am I not surprised? Go on."

"Why, then we went about our separate businesses, milady. Bezan went off to contract men for the works at the camp site and I discovered that Master Tanon had contracted with the Guild Hall for the immediate supply of coal, to be delivered to a new location near Palarand. Something called a 'blast furnace', I believe?"

Garia grinned. "That's right, Jaxen. Did he by any chance mention bricks at all?"

"Why, yes, milady! He said that he had found it necessary to set up a subsidiary business just to transport bricks to the site of this furnace. He speaks of thousands of bricks, uncountable thousands." Jaxen looked suspiciously at Garia. "Milady, what have you done?"

"This is a test site, Jaxen, just so that the guildsmen can figure out how the process works. They'll be making steel using the coal from Blackstone as one of the ingredients. Once they know what they are doing they'll set up larger blast furnaces but those will be nearer the raw materials."

Jaxen nodded. "That would make sense, milady. No point taking heavy materials like that a long way just to mix them together."

"As you say. You mentioned a coal contract."

"Aye, milady. To begin immediately, if at all possible. I have brought four wagons, including the ones your goods are in, to take the coal away in. It will prove to us if the road will be good enough to take the traffic."

"A good idea," Keren agreed. "Best we learn if this road is suitable for what is intended before we find ourselves too deeply in this business."

"Aye, Highness. So, then we began collecting the various needs of Blackstone ready to bring back here." He grinned. "Milady, I have two felt mats for you to tumble upon. The upholsterer who supplies Lord Trosanar had just finished an order for the castle and had materials ready to hand to make at least one mat. I asked if he could make two in so short a space of days and he did so, to our surprise." Another grin. "I wager we paid less for your mats than Lord Trosanar paid for his, too! It seems that the good Lord does not have the complete support of his people so does not obtain the best bargains."

"Interesting," Keren mused. "I didn't know that. Do you know why..? No, we may discuss that another time, Jaxen. Go on."

"Briefly, Highness, there is tension with the miners. As you say, another time. To continue, we have a wagonload of paint for the town and another filled with casks of smelly chemicals for the tanner. There are some bolts of cloth and notions for the draper. Various other items required by several of the townspeople. I have brought Sookie's saddle, a complete set of new pots and some other items she requested.

"The men were occupied most of the time but one day D'Janik was at the market with Keet and there they chanced across the Commander who thus discovered what had happened when we first came to Blackstone. I went with the Commander out to Dremso to meet Captain Bleskin and told them what I knew of the story and they both immediately decided that they wished to join you out here, milady. I tried to dissuade them but," he spread his hands, "here they are. It was necessary to delay our return by a day for them to get ready but considering all we accomplished in Tranidor I am surprised we didn't take longer."

Garia asked, "You have fully informed Master Kardenar about what happened here?"

"Aye, milady. As you once said, I am the nearest thing we had to an expert on matters concerning the service so I was able to tell him all that we found. He decided that, if I would have him, he would come to Blackstone and deal with the matter himself."

Garia nodded. "We'll deal with the Messenger Service tomorrow, I think. Let everybody have a good night's sleep after their journey. What are your future plans? I thought I heard you say that you were returning immediately."

Jaxen grinned. "To use your own expression, milady, yes and no." Garia stuck her tongue out at him. "There was a long discussion among the factors at the Tranidor depot and the arrangements have been changed slightly. Tomorrow, if all goes well, a kitchen wagon will begin the journey back to Tranidor taking those who cannot stay here any longer. Three days later, another will go, meeting the first wagon at the camp site on its way back. Thus, instead of one wagon traveling both ways and taking four days, we'll have two, giving a two-day service."

Keren frowned. "That doesn't sound right."

"No, Highness. I'm only sending the first one back tomorrow because Bezan wishes to return to the works and because Master Kardenar needs to return to Tranidor quickly. Normally I'd wait a day."

Garia looked at Keren. "Have we time to write more letters, do you think?"

"Not the kind of letters we wrote before, if that's what you mean. We could perhaps write short notes confirming that all is now well in the town. Our parents and Uncle Gil would appreciate that, I think."

"Yes. We'll do that. Jaxen, do you think you could delay the departure until after lunch tomorrow? If we have incoming goods to examine I might want to send off some more notes."

"Aye, milady, That's more or less what I had decided anyway. We can still manage the trip in time."

Garia switched her attention. "Bezan, any problems?"

"Not so far, milady. I have men clearing the ground to a bowshot around the site. Much of the timber we fell may be used constructing the buildings although we will require more. Highness, do you remember, on the original journey here, we discussed ownership of the forest? We will require more timber for the buildings than the immediate clearing will provide."

Keren nodded. "Aye, Bezan. You may take your timber on my authority, although it would be well to select from a wider area of the forest and not just clear-fell a section near the site."

"And," Garia added, "there's something I'd like you to start doing. Whenever you fell a tree consider planting some more to replace it. We're going to need a heck of a lot of timber in the future and trees take a long time to grow."

"Milady, you give us wise words. I shall consider what needs to be done."

Jaxen yawned. "With your leave, Highness, Milady, I will seek my bed. I have had a long day."

"Aye, you are right," Keren replied. "We should all turn in, I think. Tomorrow promises to be as busy as today has been."

Sukhana met Jaxen at the front door.

"Well, brother?"

"You can brew a good cask of beer, Sookie, I will admit that."

"Aye, well, I had help from the townspeople. The next batch might taste entirely different. All is well? My saddle?"

"Fit for a lady to ride on, Sookie. I have brought a whole set of pots for you as well."

"Where are they? Can I get them out and use them for breakfast?"

"Probably not. There are wagons full of goods, all carefully and tightly packed. You know how we do this as well as I."

"I must be patient, then. Good-night, brother."

"Good-night, Sookie."

~o~O~o~

Garia rolled over and tried to open her eyes, shaking her head gently in the early morning light. Her sleep had been disturbed by another of those weird dreams and she had a foul taste in her mouth besides. She groaned and sat up.

"I thought it was me who was supposed to snore. You certainly showed me how it should be done."

"You haven't heard yourself, Merry! Ah, it'll be a hundred years at the earliest before I can get some recording equipment going and prove it to you. Ow."

She raised an hand to her head as her headache pulsed.

"Trouble?"

"Another of those peculiar dreams."

"What, with the multi-whatever creatures in it? What are they saying now?"

Garia flopped back onto her mattress. "I'm not sure. Most of the talk, and it wasn't actually talk, of course, these things don't speak the same as we do, most of the talk I couldn't understand at all. I think they are as far beyond us as we are beyond the bugs. Anyhow, one thing they seemed to be saying is that me turning up here as a girl actually produces a better outcome than if I had been a boy, which is what they intended in the first place." Garia rolled over and faced Merizel. "I'm not sure if I like the sound of that. There's only one thing I can do that Gary couldn't, and that's the one thing the King won't let us do."

Merizel considered this for a while and then said, "That makes sense. If you were a boy the most you could hope for would be to become the King's Questor or someone of a similar rank. You already are a guildmistress, after all. As a girl, you can marry the Prince which will make you Queen in time."

"Merry, I'm not even considering that at the moment! I just do not want to go there! I have enough problems as it is."

"...which being Queen might ease considerably, if you ask me. There is another aspect you might wish to consider, though. Being married to the King means that your children are automatically in the line of succession. That could never have happened had you stayed a boy."

"That's not entirely true. If I'd been the Royal Questor, say, and married, um, for the sake of argument you, then it's possible one of our children might have married one of Keren's children, so my grand-children would be in the line of succession." Garia scowled. "What's so special about my descendants, then?"

"The fact that they are descended from you, silly. And will likely be as smart as you are. And His Highness is."

"Oh. I hadn't thought of that."

Garia began to think about a possible future in which she married and became a mother. She shook her head.

"No! I do not want to think about that right now! That's crazy talk. Merry, I can't even consider that part of my future until we get back to the palace."

"But -" Merizel thought about the pressures and responsibilities which had suddenly become heaped on her friend. "As you say. I won't mention it again. But," she added, "you must tell His Highness what you have learned. It may be important."

Garia blushed. "What, that because I'm a girl I can marry him? He knows that already."

"No, about the creatures' plans being improved because you're a girl. It's another strong hint that there is such a plan, even if we may never be able to understand it."

A knock on the door meant the arrival of Jenet, Jasinet and Lanilla. The maids helped Garia and Merizel into fluffy robes and then the five trooped downstairs to the bath house to begin the day. The atmosphere in the bathing chamber was tense. Both of the local girls had initially been taken aback to be asked to climb into the tub with their employer. Apparently, in Blackstone it seemed that only family bathed that way. Lanilla had eventually been persuaded to enter with Garia and Merizel but Jasinet had seemed so uncomfortable that Garia had let her bathe with Jenet in future. The tub wasn't big enough for all five at once, in any case, so that separation was practical.

Bathed and dressed they entered the common room, already busy with activity. Most of the men stood as Garia entered.

"Sit, please! Look, I don't want you all standing just on my account, men. Especially not when you've already started eating. If we were to enter a hall all together for a formal meal then that's different. I understand that you're showing a sign of respect and I appreciate that but I don't think you need jump up every time I walk in a door. All right?" She smiled at the diners' faces. "Good, carry on."

Garia led the way to their table and curtseyed to Keren. He raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You've just told the men off for showing you respect and then you do it to me."

"That's different, Highness. I'm the one showing respect but I'm not the one who's already eating."

He blinked and then gave a wry smile. "Are you sure you're not a lawyer? Please, sit." He looked closely at her face as she sat opposite. "Bad night?"

For some reason she felt defensive. "As you say. Strange dreams again."

"Not those, what did you call them?"

"Yes. Them." She was short, and wished he would change the subject. Merizel gave her a fierce look. Go on then, tell him!

"Ah?" He clearly wanted details. She shook her head.

"Mostly too incomprehensible. Look, my head hurts. Can we discuss my dreams later, please?"

"As you wish, Garia." He grinned. "So, aching to find out what's in those wagons?"

"Now you're being silly. Of course! It's just like Christmas, isn't it?"

There were blank looks around the table so Garia had to explain what a typical Christmas holiday might consist of in Kansas. Bleskin nodded.

"Milady, that sounds very like our Midwinter Festival. That happens on the shortest day each year and is usually a family affair with a certain amount, should I say, of feasting. The giving of presents is not a normal custom in these lands, though if someone visits relatives for the festival a small gift, usually of food, is often taken."

"I see," she responded. "Well, in our lands the exchange of gifts is fairly recent, I suppose, ever since people had more money and there were more things around to become gifts. It's gotten silly at home, anyway, with people feeling obliged to give presents even to relatives they don't really like. I'll be happy if that custom never happens here."

Her food and drink arrived and she settled down to breakfast. While eating she asked Lanilla to go and have a word with Brazan, who arrived at the end of his meal and saluted.

"Milady?"

"Brazan. We have those two wagons to unload this morning so we'll have to skip combat practice today." His face fell. "Don't worry, Jaxen has told me he has two proper mats for our practice in future. They're on one of the wagons. We'll just do the Tai Chi and then I expect we'll take the rest of the morning organizing ourselves. Mistress Sukhana's saddle is in there as well so we'll probably be bringing Tixi out for a fitting."

Brazan grinned. "As you command, milady."

"Have you spoken to the Commander yet?"

Brazan nodded to Feteran, sitting further along their table beside Bleskin. "Aye, milady. I have explained all our arrangements and he has declared himself satisfied."

Feteran added, "Milady, I would name Brazan as my second, if you agree."

"I have no problem with that, Feteran. Tord would have been your original choice, I take it, but he's far away. I wonder how he's managing?"

"We cannot know, milady, but I assume he remains at the palace, looking after your double."

"Yes, Milsy! You're right. I guess the palace guard is looking after her the same way they looked after me."

"As you say, milady."

Outside Garia stood with the others and looked at the two wagons. Both were without frames with just tarpaulins stretched over the raised sides to protect whatever lay hidden beneath. She looked at the sky. There had been the occasional shower on previous mornings but not enough to halt anything they had been doing then.

"Tai Chi first. The wagons will have to wait."

The yard was filled with people this morning. Almost all of the servants who did not have immediate tasks were there as were all the armsmen and a growing number of townspeople. The two Messenger officers watched with amazement as Garia and Keren led everyone through the forms. Messenger Agent Kardenar spoke to Garia when they had finished.

"I have never seen the like, milady. We assumed at first that it was a kind of dance but it appears not."

"It helps you to clear your mind and prepare your body for the day ahead. It can make your muscles more supple and your joints more flexible. Anyone of any age may do it, as you have seen today. There are further moves one can learn which turns this simple exercise into a form of fighting without weapons but most people don't need those."

"As you say, milady. Is this practised in the capital, can you tell me?"

"In the palace there are many that do it," Keren told him. "It is likely that more will do it as time passes and that it will become common in our cities and towns. Are you interested, Master Kardenar?"

"I am become stiff of late, Highness, in the mornings, no doubt due to my extra years. If this may help my body then aye, I am interested."

"This would require two weeks or more of your time to learn properly," Garia said. "A pity you can't stay with us for longer."

"As you say, milady. Ah, have you forgotten that we need to speak before we return to Tranidor?"

"Not at all, Master Kardenar, but it will have to wait until we have emptied those wagons. I see Jaxen waiting for us, so shall we begin?"

Jaxen's men removed the tarpaulins to reveal that one wagon contained several crates of various shapes and sizes while the other had packages wrapped in canvas and packed in straw. Other small items had been wedged into the remaining spaces. Only one of the crates, the largest, was heavy and they were all carefully lifted down to the courtyard cobbles.

"These all have your name on them, milady," Jaxen said, "your title, actually. Do you want me to open them for you?"

The largest crate was carefully levered open and the small crowd gathered round the object, trying to figure out what it was. It appeared to be a cylinder of steel about two feet in diameter and a stride long. One end was a thick disc of steel which was fixed to the cylinder by heavy bolts while the disc which fitted the other end was secured by metal wedges which had been hammered into tabs poking out of the structure. On the further end a small pipe had been screwed which came down to a small nozzle.

Garia looked at Keren. "Do you have any idea what this might be? I can't imagine... wait a moment. This end comes off easy, right?" She looked round for Brydas. "Master Brydas, can you knock these wedges out for us please?"

"Aye, milady," the smith said, going off to the stable block to look for a hammer. When he returned it took little effort to knock the wedges out and release the loose end. Inside there was an envelope which Garia opened.

"Ah! Yes, that's obvious now I think about it." She addressed the crowd. "This is a special oven of the kind which will be used to turn coal into coke. You load it with coal and clamp the door shut, then heat it over a coal fire. The pipe with the jet on the end is used to allow the unwanted gases to escape. If we want to, we can trap the gases and burn them or distil them. Um, oh. There's a bit more technical information here." She nodded to Keren. "Good. We can demonstrate how the system works with this oven. We can even make some coke for Master Brydas to experiment with. Let's unpack some more crates."

The next largest crate held a gleaming brass steam engine. Everyone crowded round to admire the excellence of the engineering. Jaxen handed Garia a waxed canvas package which had been put inside the crate. She opened it to find a wad of drawings and a letter.

"Okay," she said as she read. "This is a new type of steam engine the metalworkers have thought up. Hum. There's some technical details I won't go into. Right. What we have here is a model of a much larger engine they are going to put in the palace. I'm not sure where it's going but I suspect it will be used to power the pumps which lift water up to the High Tower."

She suddenly giggled. "Keren, I've just realized! Parrel has written this letter with a typewriter! See, it's real easy to read. I'm so used to reading this kind of text at home it didn't hit me at first."

While Keren looked over the letter Garia examined the model engine. It had a cylinder each side driving a pair of flywheels linked by a shaft but there was a take-off pulley as well. The firebox was entirely inside the boiler, something she hadn't thought of and realized the guildsmen had worked out on their own. Above the boiler was a rectangular water tank with what looked like an injector connecting it to the inlet of the boiler. Both water tank and boiler had sight glasses to show water levels. The whole thing had been carefully made and polished so that it gleamed in the morning sun. Garia turned.

"Bezan! Bezan, I want you to see this in operation before you leave us. It might make a difference to your future ideas."

"As you wish, milady."

"Jaxen, can I ask you to delay your return?"

"Milady, that depends on Master Kardenar. It was he who wished to return at once to Tranidor."

Kardenar said, "Milady, I'm not sure what I am looking at here. This appears to be a very complicated device. Is this some new thing the guildsmen have invented?"

"Master Kardenar," Keren informed him, "this is a device from Milady Garia's home lands. It is she who has introduced it to Palarand, along with much else."

"Milady Garia? I don't understand. How can... excuse me, milady. How is it possible that you have such knowledge? You are but a young girl."

"I would go no further were I you," Keren said firmly. "In the land where Milady Garia came from such knowledge as this is known to all. Indeed, what you see here is an idea so old that they barely use such devices any more, having progressed to other ideas more suited to their society. Of her own free will she shares her knowledge with us, wishing to improve Palarand in many ways. The King fully approves and supports her."

"Highness, I did not know. I admit, I find this difficult to believe."

"As did we, Master Kardenar, until she showed us plain proof. Larger engines designed to use the same process as this one will make the mining of ores much safer and easier. Perhaps we shall see other wonders in these other crates."

"Highness, Milady," Kardenar said, "I would like to remain and see what else is here. Wagonmaster, I will be content should you delay our departure until tomorrow."

Brydas pushed his way to the front of the crowd, his eyes widening as he saw the engine. Garia smiled at him.

"This is one of the reasons we need the coal, Master Smith. The engine will run on anything burnable but coal is the best fuel. What do you think?"

"It seems a complicated device, milady."

"It's actually very simple when you look at it in detail. We can't build larger engines in brass because they would explode so larger ones will have to be made in steel. Here, you might as well take a look at the drawings Master Parrel sent along with the engine."

She thrust the drawings into his hand and his eyes widened again as he began to make sense of the diagrams. Garia, meanwhile, had turned to Jaxen.

"That long thin one next, I think. I bet I know what's in that."

The crate turned out to hold a telescope about half the size of the ones delivered to Dekarran. There was a tripod with it and it was soon assembled in the courtyard for the curious onlookers. Garia explained what it did and how to adjust the focus. A number of the audience had a look, aiming the scope at the mountain behind the town to see how it worked. Feteran was the last to try.

"Feteran," Garia said when he had finished, "at the higher end of the Main Street you'll find a large square building without windows. That's the cistern holding fresh water for the whole town."

"Milady?"

"I think, if you climbed on top of that, you'd be able to see the entire valley, wouldn't you? Especially with this telescope."

"You're thinking of setting up a lookout post, milady?"

"Something like that. I know we shouldn't be in any danger out here but I feel a little unhappy that there's been no preparation at all."

Her commander nodded. "I'll look into it, milady."

Keren added, "Include my own men in your plans, commander. There are few enough of us as it is."

"As you command, Highness."

The next crate proved to be packed with waxed packets of new paper, all neatly stacked and bundled.

"Well, that solves our document problem for a while."

"Are you sure about that? The amount of letters we need to write -"

"- don't remind me!"

The following crate was about two feet on a side but not very heavy. When it was opened they all had a surprise.

"They've sent us a typewriter!" Garia exclaimed. "That's astonishing. I would have thought that they were too few and too valuable for one to be sent away like this."

"I think they were making a point," Keren suggested. "Also, perhaps, to convince those in Blackstone of your abilities."

"There's a note here," Garia said, pulling a waxed-paper envelope from the packing, "let me read it. Ah. It's improved over the designs we saw, Keren. We'll have to try it out." She smiled. "This note, naturally, was typed on this typewriter." She turned to Merizel. "Merry, I think this is meant as a gift for you. I think Master Jepp is going to be interested to see it."

Since everybody had questions about the strange machine it was necessary for it to be demonstrated there and then. One of the packets of paper was opened and a few sheets were fed through the typewriter. Garia discovered that not only had the mechanism changed but the order of the keys was different. It was enough to show everyone how the typewriter was used.

"What have we got left? What's that?"

The last crate was small and flat and contained something else unexpected - a framed mirror about the size of a sheet of paper. The unusual part was that the mirror, unlike the familar local ones of polished steel, was made from a silvered sheet of flat glass. This time it was the women who gathered round, Sukhana among them.

"Is that what I look like? How others see me?"

"It is, Sookie," Garia told her. "What do you see?"

Sukhana sighed. "An old, weatherbeaten woman, milady, with nothing left of any of the beauty she might once have had. I have spent too long on the roads."

"That's not so!" Garia protested. "You might not look like a teenager any more but you're certainly not an old woman yet. Yes, you've had a little too much sun but that will soon go over winter. There's nothing wrong with you, Sookie."

"Milady, you say the kindest things."

As the women were apparently coming to blows to view themselves in the mirror Garia gave instructions for it to be set up on a wall in the women's dormitory so that all could make use of it.

"What about us, milady?" Tedenis asked.

"What about you? Do you not know how handsome you are already?"

Tedenis blushed. "Milady, you jest, but sometimes it may be useful to see if we have cut ourselves shaving or if our hair is appropriate to the occasion."

"Then I'll move it into the common room, Tedenis, so that you can all admire yourselves - but not until us ladies have had a fair chance at it."

Instructions were given for the other items to be stored downstairs in Sukhana's quarters, much of which she was not using.

Brydas asked, "I have never seen a piece of glass so large and yet so flat, milady. Is this also from you own lands?"

"These are my lands now, Master Brydas, but yes, you are right. We can make flat sheets of glass many strides in width and length."

The smith fell to one knee. "Milady, Guildmistress, if I did not already agree that you were entitled to that rank, then I would do so now. Now that I have witnessed your gifts to us I fully understand why you were awarded that rank despite your tender years. Command us, guildmistress."

At his words Bezan and Yarling had also fallen to their knees and many of the others did so as well. Garia was embarrassed by the display.

"Rise, please. My knowledge of all of this is nothing special where I come from. All I'm doing is what I can to pass what I know along to Palarand."

"You are a true treasure, guildmistress, and we shall attempt to ensure that you remain under our protection so long as you reside in your town. You have already done much for Palarand by these things we have been shown today."

"Thank you all. But we have another wagon to unpack yet."

"I should hope so," Sukhana said. "Fancy gadgets are all well and good but where's my saddle?"

Sukhana is anxious to try out her new saddle and takes a ride around Blackstone with Garia. On their way back Garia discovers that Senidet has hidden talents and makes her a proposition. Later, the steam engine is demonstrated and Master Yarling makes a confession.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

The frayen was confused. It hadn't been like this before. Before, the humans smelled bad and just dragged her and pushed her around, hitting her with sticks if she didn't do exactly what they wanted. There had been uncomfortable saddles to bear or heavy weight to carry. Occasionally there had been a change of owner or a change of scenery but nothing really changed.

Now something seemed to be different. This stable was just like many others the frayen had known but the atmosphere was different. She could tell that from the way the frayen in the other stalls behaved, they sounded different and there was a kind of ... calmness about the place. It wasn't the calmness of despair, either, more like contentment. Oh, she wouldn't get her hopes up, since this had happened before and it hadn't lasted long. Just until the new set of humans began pulling and pushing her around as the previous ones had done.

Her ears pricked up as the stable door opened. A human came, one of the nicer smelling ones. He stopped by her stall and opened the door wide, standing back in the central passage. Well, wasn't he going to come in? What did he want? He surely didn't expect her to just walk out as she was, without any halter or harness?

He did! No wonder she was confused! Peering suspiciously at the human, she slowly walked to the entrance to her stall and looked out. Nobody else around? The human surely didn't expect her to walk out of the stable itself? She would get a beating for that, for certain!

Unsure, she stepped back into her stall. This couldn't be right! But the human spoke quietly to her and held out a treat. Now treats were something she definitely approved of! She ambled forward and carefully took the nibble. If he was so good as to feed her, then she could return the favor by not snapping at him. She looked up at his face and he seemed to want her to go out the door. Trembling, she made her way towards the bright rectangle of daylight.

"Come, Tixi."

Her ears pricked up and swiveled to locate the speaker. It was the human who had been speaking to her before! She liked this one, had even let her sit on her back on one of those saddles that were so comfortable. Beside her was the other human, the little one, the one who had first started speaking softly to her. She could trust these two! She walked toward the pair, nuzzling both to see if any further treats would be forthcoming.

"There," Sukhana soothed, laying a hand on Tixi's neck. "You're a good girl, aren't you? This must all be very strange for you, mustn't it?"

"Give her a treat, Sookie," Garia said. "Coming out here on her own will have been quite stressful."

Sukhana fed the frayen a cube of sweet vegetable and Tixi looked up at the pair as she munched.

"See? She wants to know what is going on. Just talk for a few minutes and then we can put her harness on. Once we've done that I'll hold her while you try and fit your new saddle."

Once the harness had been fitted Garia held Tixi while Sukhana lifted the saddle by the handles and swung it over the frayen's back. With a few words of assistance from Garia Sukhana settled everything in the right place and made sure the straps were secured. Tixi turned her head to view this new saddle, because it felt more comfortable than the others had.

Would her human ride? She would feel more confident with her on her back. It seemed so! Sukhana grasped the handles and pulled herself up into the saddle, flicking her skirt out of the way and spreading it out over Tixi's back.

"I think I like doing that," she remarked. "This whole thing seems so right, somehow. Are you going to ride with me?"

"Of course! Snep would never forgive me if I didn't."

Garia called to Brazan and her armsman let Snep out of his stall. Once at the stable door, and in sight of Sukhana on Tixi, he trotted directly over and stood ready, nuzzling Garia for a treat. Soon he was harnessed and saddled with Garia mounted beside Sukhana.

"What shall we do, milady?" Sukhana asked.

"We'll go out the back way to begin with, I think. Let's continue your exercises in the paddock for a while until you get used to the new saddle. Oh, I'd better warn you - remember what happened when Merry and I first rode, along the road to Tranidor? How Snep and Topik decided they wanted to gallop off?"

Sukhana gulped. "Aye, milady. You think that might happen to me?"

"I don't know. But if she does, don't get mad at her. She'll do her best to keep you in that saddle even though she's going like the wind. Just keep talking to her as you have done and she'll eventually slow down."

"If you say so, milady." Sukhana wriggled in her saddle. "This one fits me better than Milady Merizel's did. I have more meat on my bones than she, her saddle did not have enough room for my backside to be comfortable."

"As you say. In theory, we could all use each others' saddles but they are made to fit each rider. You should find that one very comfortable once you have ridden it a week or so."

Sukhana grimaced as they turned to walk out the rear entrance to the courtyard. "Milady, I am not looking forward to that, but since I wish to ride, I know I must bear it. Tixi, walk on."

The two, with Feteran and Toranar keeping mounted guard a discreet distance behind them, rode out onto the paddock area immediately behind the Ptuvil's Claw. Garia watched and encouraged as Sukhana exercised Tixi on the open grass, showing that rider and beast had reached a good understanding and that Sukhana had learned her riding skills sufficiently well. Eventually Garia rode over beside them.

"I have had an idea," she said. "You're wearing a borrowed hat, why don't we go and see if your own one is finished yet?"

"Ride up to the forge, milady?"

"Well, sort of. What I was thinking was we could go up the back there until we reach the aqueduct. Then we can call in the forge and ride back down the street to the Claw."

"Aqueduct, milady?"

"Oh! That's like a flat path that goes along the hillside there. Under it is a pipe that brings the town's fresh water."

Sukhana considered, then nodded. "Aye, milady, we can do that. But I should not spend any more time riding today, there is much that needs doing at the Claw with all the extra residents."

"Nor I, Sookie! I have many letters to write before tonight. It's agreed, then. Feteran!"

Garia explained the plan to her men and the group scrambled up the hillside behind the town until they reached the top of the aqueduct. Turning, they followed it along the contour until it reached the flat space where the caravan had originally camped. Feteran looked around with interest.

"Interesting, milady," he commented. "That building must be the cistern you spoke of?"

"Yes, it is." She pointed to the bowl-shaped end of Bray Vale. "One day I'd like to take a mounted patrol around the end of the valley there."

"What lies over the ridge, milady?"

"I have no idea, Feteran. Jaxen talked about a huge grass plain but I don't know if that's just over the top or some marks away. There might be another valley for all I know. I'm sure some of the locals have been up there."

Toranar leaned forward. "Milady, if you look closely, there is a faint path leading up the far side of the valley to the ridge."

"You're right. Maybe some of the shepherds take their flocks up there and over the top. Something to explore in future, don't you think?"

"Definitely, milady," Feteran answered. "Anyone coming from the north that way would overlook Blackstone. They would have the advantage, milady."

"As you say." She nodded. "Let's give ourselves a day or two to get settled and then we can start making plans to check out the entire area. I don't have to go on every ride but I'll want to join you for at least some of them. For now, let's just go down to the forge."

Garia led the way down to the top of Main Street and over to what she thought was Brydas's house. A wide side entrance led to a group of workshops behind the dwelling. Brydas emerged at the sounds of visitors. He saw them and bowed.

"Milady! Commander! We did not expect you."

"Ah, Sookie's trying out her new saddle and giving Tixi a little exercise into the bargain. We walked along part of the aqueduct to the cistern and I wondered if her riding hat is ready yet."

Brydas beamed. "It is, milady! If I may invite you into my workshop a moment." He gave Garia a deprecating smile. "I cannot claim to be as well equipped as those workshops in Palarand, milady, but I have sufficient to handle what work the town requires."

"Don't concern yourself, Master Smith. Why should you clutter your shop with tools you won't use?"

The four dismounted, secured their mounts and entered the workshop.

"Here it is, Mistress Sukhana," he said, lifting the bowler hat from a hook on the wall, "Mistress Patilla was unsure of the thickness of felt to provide, you may find it a tight fit at first."

Sukhana put the hat on, keeping the straps out of her face as she did so. Her hand went to the back of her neck.

"Ah. I was not sure about the exact angle of the strap fixing, mistress. With the felt inside it makes a difference to how the hat sits. If you would..." Brydas took the hat and carefully bent the fixing slightly with a pair of pliers. "Try that, mistress."

Having become familiar with the straps through using a borrowed hat, Sukhana soon had things adjusted to her satisfaction.

"A fine piece of work, Master Smith," she said. "It is a little tight but Milady Garia tells me the felt will ease with time. I am satisfied with the work."

Brydas beamed. "As you say, mistress. It is always a pleasure to be given a new challenge to work on. I did not ever think I would become a maker of hats, even if the seamstresses have contributed the larger part of the work." He turned to Garia. "Milady, I expect that in the future I will have many more new and unusual items to work on. I look forward to the challenge."

Garia smiled. "As you say. I can't promise that you'll be able to handle all of them, though. Many are only suitable for groups to work on and some will need specialized tools. Are you coming to the demonstration this afternoon? You'll have a good chance to look over the steam engine and see what I mean."

"Of course, milady! I would not miss such a chance for anything."

Senidet came in from another part of the building clutching a sheaf of paper in her hand.

"Father, this is most interesting. I wish - Oh! Milady, I did not know you were here."

She made an awkward curtsey.

"Don't mind us," Garia said. "We only stopped by to pick up Mistress Sukhana's new riding hat."

Garia recognized what Senidet was holding and, together with her father's plea the previous day, had an idea.

"What have you there, Senidet?" she asked. "Is that by any chance the drawings of the steam engine?"

Senidet colored, embarrassed. "Aye, milady, it is. I ought not to be reading secrets of the guild, ought I?" She put the papers down on a bench in front of her father and backed away.

"You can clearly read, then. And what about your numbers?"

Brydas looked at Garia and then his daughter and suddenly realized what Garia was trying to do.

"Milady, my daughter has been schooled by myself. While she may not become a member of any guild that is no reason why she should not be educated so much as her mind may bear. Is that not what you told us recently?"

Garia grinned. "I think you'll find that the restriction of guild membership to men only no longer applies, Master Smith. I'm the living proof of that! I see no reason that your daughter could not become a member... if she so wishes. I would point out, though, that soon enough there will be openings for engineers who won't have a need for the sort of physical strength a smith must have."

Senidet was confused. "Milady, you make fun of me! I seek only to improve myself, as much as any woman in a small town would desire."

Garia replied, "I'm not making fun of you at all. I am, as your father can confirm, Guildmistress Number One and if you come down to the Claw I'll show you my badge and charter." She thought. "I had a different idea, though. Mistress Sukhana, while a very able and busy person, does not have your ability with letters and numbers. I wondered whether you'd like to come down to the Claw and help her out sometimes. With your father's leave, of course."

Sukhana turned to Garia. "Milady, it had not occurred to me to ask for help. Aye, if this young woman is willing, there are documents and accounts that I struggle with. I would welcome someone to assist me."

Senidet spun to her father. "Oh, could I? It's difficult for me to be here sometimes when you are busy elsewhere in the town. I'm sure I could be of help to Mistress Sukhana."

Brydas pretended to consider. "Very well, daughter. But, only half each day, mind! There are still chores at the forge and at our house we must share."

Garia smiled. "That's settled, then. I'll expect you both down at the Claw for the demonstration." She gave Senidet a knowing grin. "And there's a young man down there you'll be closer to, is that not so?"

Senidet blushed. "Milady, you must not think I take advantage -"

"Nonsense! Enjoy each other while you can. He'll have duties, mind, so you must let him do his job as you do your own."

Senidet curtseyed. "Milady, thank you so much! You are very gracious."

"I'm only trying to help. Now, as we have Sookie's new hat, perhaps we'd better be getting back to the Claw. I'm sure it must be nearly time for lunch."

Clang. Clang.

"That is the noon bell, milady," Sukhana said, Brydas nodding confirmation. "While the kitchen staff are capable enough to begin without me, I suggest that we take our leave of Master Brydas and Mistress Senidet and return."

"As you say. Master Brydas, I'll expect both you and your daughter at the seventh bell, okay?" Garia pointed to the bench and grinned. "Oh, and you'd better bring those drawings with you. We might have need of them."

The four mounted and made their way back to the Ptuvil's Claw. Inside the courtyard, there was bustle as the kitchen and serving staff carried the first food across to the common room. Nevertheless, Garia made sure that all four beasts were safely taken into the stable, saddles and harness removed and fresh fodder and bedding provided before they left.

Tixi relaxed in her stall after her walk and munched her feed with contentment. Life had become good and she intended to make sure that it stayed that way.

~o~O~o~

"Heard and witnessed."

"And that, milady, is that. If you would sign here and here, you will become fully authorized to commission Messenger officers."

Garia, as a noble, automatically had the right to commission those who ran the Messenger Service, but it required an oath and a signature to confirm it. Only the rulers of each participating country were above this requirement. With a document signed by herself and witnessed by Keren and Kardenar she could swear in riders, wagonmasters and office agents within her own lands as needed. She suspected that she already had such a document, signed when Kendar had instructed her about her rights and responsibilities, but the Messenger Service had had little meaning for her at that time. She had signed many documents then without fully understanding their significance. Now Kardenar had given both Keren and herself a good grounding in the theory and practice of the service and she understood what was involved.

"Um, do I have to swear Master Selden in as the Blackstone Agent, then?"

"It is not strictly necessary, milady, as he is already authorized, but it will confirm his appointment here and give you practice in the swearing process. Here is the document ready."

Garia took Selden's oath and signed his authorizing document, Keren acting as witness.

"Then we are finished, Highness, Milady," Kardenar concluded with a smile. He looked round the office. "When this place is cleaned out and put right then your new Agent may take possession, but for now I suggest we return to your... residence in order to distribute what mail Wagonmaster Jaxen has brought with him."

"Aye," Keren agreed. "This place cannot be used until Master Brydas has changed all the locks. But before we may read our mail there is a demonstration to be made. Do you desire to see the steam engine in operation?"

"Indeed, Highness! I am interested to learn what such a complicated device may be used for."

"It isn't complicated, really," Keren said as they walked the short distance back to the Claw, "the principle is very simple and even I can understand it."

"Highness, you are too modest."

A small crowd awaited them when they entered the courtyard. Keren had suggested making the demonstration in the common room but Garia pointed out that with all the smoke and steam that idea wouldn't be practical. A cask had therefore been set up on end in the courtyard, near the kitchen to make the most of the afternoon light, upon which the wood base of the engine had been placed. Another cask supported some tools and fire-lighting accessories while buckets of water and of crushed coal stood alongside.

After filling the tank and boiler with water Garia pulled the long, trough-like coal holder out of the engine and with help filled it with coal and some kindling to help start the fire. Once it was properly alight it was pushed back into the engine to begin bringing the water to the boil. Garia took the opportunity to explain to her listeners what was happening and what was expected to happen.

"So you see," she concluded, "the trick is to make sure that the steam goes into the cylinder and comes out only when you want it to. Because the flywheel can only go round and round everything becomes very predictable and we can use the position of the wheel to get the steam to do what we want. Now, I'd like you all to stand right back until the water boils, please. Since I've never operated this engine before I don't know how safe it is. If the valve has stuck then we might have an accident."

Brydas asked cautiously, "What kind of accident, milady?"

"An explosion. Um, boiling water and large pieces of hot, mangled brass could get flung everywhere with great force," she told them.

Everybody immediately moved back to the covered walkways around the courtyard. Garia and Keren walked away more slowly. Everyone waited as the engine apparently did nothing at all. Garia occasionally went over and made sure that there was sufficient water in the boiler and that the various controls had been set properly.

It was just as she walked back to join Keren that the safety valve let off with a loud hiss, causing the onlookers to jump. Garia watched for a short while before going back to the engine and examining it with satisfaction. She pushed the control lever and the flywheels began to turn.

"It's okay, everyone, you can come back now."

Garia operated the engine, running it at varying speeds, showing her audience what it could do. One new feature on this model was the fact she could reverse the direction of operation. She had discussed that idea with Tarvan before leaving and was pleased that he had found a way to make it work. It was a necessary step to making a railway locomotive, a step that was going to become more important if they were to make the most of Blackstone's coal reserves. Finally she brought the engine to a stop and pulled the firebox trough out.

"Astonishing, milady," Brydas said, echoing the feelings of most of the watchers. "To think that you can do so much with the breath of boiling water is amazing."

"An interesting toy, milady." That was Yarling. "But I do not see how such a thing may be of use to us."

"Then perhaps you are not the right man for the job you were brought here for," she replied sharply. "This is merely a demonstration model, made to show the principles of construction and operation. Even so, if you rigged up a rope to the pulley this model is powerful enough to lift you up to that hayloft up there."

Yarling's eyes narrowed as he looked at the doorway above the stable block.

Garia continued, "You as a miner ought to be able to appreciate this, of all people! You can use a steam engine to operate an elevator down a mineshaft, meaning you can dig deeper than ever before. You can use an engine to pump water out of your mines or to blow fresh air into them. Engines can be used to pull your wagons away from the mines to wherever you need your rock to be taken. In some cases you won't even need to dig mines! An engine can be used to dig the rock up and move it elsewhere for disposal. We have removed whole mountains this way."

Yarling now looked as one stunned but Garia continued, "Besides the obvious mining uses, engines can be used for plowing. Set one up on a wagon at one side of a field and use it to pull a plow across. Move the wagon, next furrow and so on. They can also be used for reaping, threshing, baling and for grinding the grain into flour." She turned. "An engine, Master Smith, can operate all the stamps, dies and lathes in your workshops. One single engine can power a whole building full of spinning and weaving machines, and they don't have to be next to a river to do it, either."

Brydas stared to Garia, his expression speculative.

"That's merely the start," she continued. "The whole point of this is portable power. You can set up a steam engine wherever you need to do something, rather than being stuck beside a river. This engine will run for a week without rest, provided you keep it supplied with coal and water. You can mount it on a flatbed wagon and use it as a crane, hoisting building materials, Master Mason, wherever you build something new, and take it away to your next building when you have finished. It can power wood saws, stone saws and winches saving immense amounts of labor. It can crush rock for roads, it can dredge ditches and rivers. It will change Palarand for ever."

Yarling said weakly, "As you say, milady." His expression was troubled.

"About that, milady," Brydas said. "You suggested that such an engine might be mounted on a wagon. Then it must follow, if the engine can pull or push according to how you have arranged it, it must be able to pull or push itself and the wagon, is that not so?"

"It's not quite that easy, Master Smith," Garia replied, "but basically, yes. In that case you would use the engine only to move the wagon or other vehicle. You have to set it up with special gears and other arrangements because of the way vehicles behave on roadways. Now, this all leads up neatly to something I want to propose for moving the coal away from Blackstone and that is something called a railroad. That uses special engines and wagons which stay on the rails at all times but I don't think I need to go into details today. For now we'll have to use Jaxen's wagons."

"This... railroad is in use in the lands you came from, milady?"

"Oh, yes. We can move... Another time, Master Smith."

"As you wish, milady."

He appeared deep in thought and Garia answered some questions from others in her audience. She could see that most were simply overwhelmed by the implications of what they had witnessed. Finally Brydas spoke again.

"Milady, I did not understand. This morning I thought I knew what you were doing for Palarand but I did not consider anything like this. In just a few years Palarand, and indeed all Alaesia, will be completely different than what we know today, is that not what you intend?"

"I don't intend anything, Master Smith. Your future is your own to make. My world passed through this stage about two hundred years ago," there was a gasp from some of her listeners, "and I know that Anmar will eventually do so as well, whether I help it along or not. My purpose here is to make sure that you benefit from the mistakes that we made along the way."

"My Lady," the smith said slowly, "with you to guide us I doubt not that we will avoid the mistakes your own world suffered. We are fortunate to have such a wise person as yourself among us."

There was a general muttering of "Aye," from the small crowd.

"Right!" she said breezily. "It's time I cleaned up the engine ready to be put away. I think we've done enough for today. Thank you all for coming."

Brydas was scandalized. "Milady, you should not be doing such menial work! Let others clean the engine for you."

"And how, Master Smith, will anybody know what to touch and what to leave alone? Do you let just anyone in off the street to clean up your workshop?" She decided to soften her rebuke. "Master Brydas, it maybe that one day we can allow others to clean the engine but for now, only His Highness and myself have the necessary knowledge." She smiled. "Don't worry, we are used to doing this and other like tasks. You'll find in the future that people like us may not mind getting our hands dirty. If you wish to watch us, then perhaps we can tell you what we're doing as we go along. Highness?"

"Aye, Garia, we will welcome the smith's help. We'll have to let the engine cool for a while, it is still too hot to touch." He turned to call to the kitchen door, "Mistress Sukhana, mayhap there is some pel to be had in your kitchen? Being an engineer is thirsty work."

"Is it pel you want or beer, Highness?" Sukhana responded. "I could wipe the casks and wring a cloth out if you desire beer."

There was laughter. All the beer she had produced had been drunk the previous evening.

While the engine cooled everyone stood in the courtyard and drank mugs of pel. The engine was soon cleaned and stored and everyone dispersed, Keren and Garia to clean themselves up before meeting the Messengers in the common room. By the time they came downstairs again they had been joined by their friends as Merizel, Jenet, Jaxen, Jepp, Feteran and Bleskin sat waiting around the table. Kardenar up-ended the bag over the table and packets cascaded out.

"Two for Master Jepp. One, two, three for Master Brydas. Something here for your Steward, milady."

"I'll open that. Can I do that?"

"It is your right, milady, no steward yet being appointed. If it had been addressed to Master Mesulkin by name -"

"- Yes, I know. I'd have to give it to him to open."

"Aye, milady. Now let me see. There are three for His Highness and six addressed to Baroness Blackstone. Two for Wagonmaster Jaxen. There are four others here whose names I do not know but I assume they are townspeople. Master Jepp, can you confirm?"

"Aye, Master Kardenar, I know all these who are tradespeople in Blackstone. I shall send runners so that they may come and sign for the packets."

"A letter for Lady Merizel," Kardenar said. "You are the young lady?"

"Aye, I am Milady Garia's secretary."

Garia asked, "Does Lady Merizel have the right to open my mail if I'm not around? I'm not always going to be sitting around waiting for the postman and I'm sure the King doesn't open his own mail."

"As you say, milady. It requires no oath but you would be advised to write a document of authorization."

Keren groaned. "See what I mean? We won't be destroyed by famine or killed off by a horrible disease, we'll all be buried under strides of documents."

Kardenar smiled. "As you say, Highness. Unfortunately, unless such matters are clearly regulated someone will find a way to bend them to their own use, is that not so? Thus, for important matters we must need make more documents. Milady, is it not the same in the lands you came from?"

"Oh, yes, Master Kardenar! Regrettably, yes. Whole forests have been chopped down to provide work for people who think that the reason we exist is to fill forms and make declarations." Garia's scowl changed into a smile. "Nowadays we've found a way to make documents take up less room. They are still there but don't fill up whole buildings that take ages to search if you want something." She shook her head. "Can't do that here, though, not yet. You just don't have the means or the knowledge to set up on-line storage. You need to learn to walk before you can run and that's going to mean accepting the limitations that go with walking."

Kardenar looked surprised. "You speak of mysterious matters, milady." He looked at those with piles in front of them. "Perhaps Selden and I should leave, allow you to read your letters in private? I see the royal seal upon some of them." He rose and Selden followed his lead. "By your leave?"

The two left and Jepp called a servant to send runners. The others began opening their letters and packets.

Merizel said, "Mine's from Terinar. Maker! He must have been quick to answer this, there's barely been time for a rider to reach Dekarran and the reply to come back."

"Not so quick," Keren said. "I have one here from Uncle Gil. It's only a short confirmation note but he says he is confident we can handle whatever problems arise in this region."

"I've a short note from Uncle Gil as well," Garia added. "He is pleased we have stood the test, as he puts it, and promises to send a longer letter by a later delivery. Oh, and he is somewhat displeased by what we reported concerning Holville. We'll hear more about that later as well."

It did not take them long to read their letters since there were fewer than on previous occasions. Keren put his down and looked at the others.

"Anything we should know about?"

"One of my letters is from Fulvin," Garia told the group. "He's managed to get a brass punch set up and he's now producing bra buckles in quantity. He's sent a batch with the letter in this little packet." She held it up for them to see. "Now, it's no use to me but it might be to Blackstone's seamstresses. There can't be very many in here so I thought I'd give them to Master Brydas and see if he can make some more for local use."

She passed the packet to Brydas who opened it and examined the tiny objects.

"How are these made, milady? I see no marks of filing or smoothing."

She described a vertical punch, demonstrating pulling the lever and moving a strip of brass through the bottom.

"I see," he said, nodding thoughtfully. "I ought to be able to make such a device, milady. How many of these buckles might be required?"

Garia grinned. "How many women are there in Blackstone? Four buckles per garment, five garments per woman, perhaps more."

Brydas's eyes widened as he did the math. "I see, milady, why a press is required. I would grow old making these by hand."

"I have a letter from Guildmaster Parrel," Garia continued, "telling me of progress in various new projects the guilds have begun. Do you know they have had to open a third paper factory, the demand has been so great?" She giggled. "Perhaps Kardenar wasn't so far off the truth as we thought. There is also an unexpected demand for typewriters."

Keren shrugged. "Perhaps scribes see that the results are more readable than when written by hand."

"They'll have to be careful," Garia cautioned, "since the typewriter is likely to put them out of a job. Anyone who can read can potentially operate a typewriter. Although from what I've seen so far the scribes are all busy turning themselves into printers." She smirked. "That's not the fun thing I have to tell you, though. My last letter's from Tarvan. For some reason it was necessary for the Great Clock to be serviced and Tarvan was invited along since he'd never seen it. Naturally, Milsy went along too. Keren, she's invented the electric clock!"

Keren's brow furrowed. "Electric clock? I can't imagine how that would work."

"Oh, yes you can!" Garia said, grinning. "It's easy! Milsy saw the pendulum swinging and they explained that without the weight dropping down the pendulum would stop eventually. Of course, the pendulum does stop while they wind the weights up again every three days or so and this makes the clock lose time, ever so slightly. So, Milsy suggested an electromagnet to pull the pendulum instead, operated by a contact which was only made when it came near. It's just enough of a nudge to keep the pendulum swinging without needing the weight at all."

"They did this with the Great Clock?" Keren asked, alarmed.

"No, they wouldn't risk the Great Clock, not yet anyway. But they tried it on another clock at the Guild of Clockmakers' workshops."

Keren thought the idea through, then nodded. "I can see how that would work. But, surely, you would still lose time whenever the battery was changed?"

"That's the clever part. You can add a new battery into the circuit before you take the old one out. No time lost at all." She gave another smirk. "Then it occurred to Milsy, if you could do that, why not run some wires to another clock mechanism and have that driven by the same circuit? That way you could have clock faces all over the building all keeping exactly the same time."

Keren stared at Garia. "Of course. This electricity, it has implications we have not yet thought of."

Brydas asked, "Milady, what is this you speak of? I have not heard this word before."

Garia and Keren looked at the smith. She answered, "A new subject and one you'll probably be hearing a lot of in the future. I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to introduce it here just yet, even though I think you're smart enough to handle it, Master Smith. There's a lot to learn and, like much else, it can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. I will tell you that if you wish to come to the capital and join the other guildsmen having fun with electricity you are welcome to do so. Oh, and Senidet as well."

"Guildmistress, you dangle a bait I am reluctant to resist. But if I leave Blackstone, who will care for their needs?" He shook his head. "Whichever I choose, someone will be the loser. Milady, I will have to consider your words carefully."

A serving girl appeared then to remind them that the evening meal would shortly be served, a reminder that everyone should go and refresh themselves.

~o~O~o~

The flames died down as the last of the wood was consumed. Around the pyre stood almost all the townspeople, only those too old and infirm being unable to make it. Messenger Agent Polbinar had been known to all in the town and of the words said by many this evening none were of his faults.

The man had no wife or relatives in the town so Kardenar, as the representative of the service, led the mourners in remembering the man. It was Kardenar who turned away finally to lead the procession back into town and their homes. All of Garia's party were there except two armsmen who had remained on watch at the Ptuvil's Claw.

"Highness, Milady."

They turned to find the speaker in the rapidly fading light.

"Master Yarling," Keren acknowledged. "Is there some service we may offer you?"

"Highness, Milady, I desire a word with both of you, if I may. In private. There are things... you should know."

"Perhaps you'd better come with us back to the Claw, then," Keren said. "There is a room there we may use."

Back at the Claw the three took chairs around a table in Sukhana's quarters where they had previously held private meetings. In the lamplight Yarling's expression was unhappy, but Garia thought that part of that might be a trick of the light. After seventeen Earth years of life by electric light it was sometimes difficult for her to adjust to local conditions.

"Highness, Milady, I have a confession to make," Yarling began. "Please believe me when I say that I mean no ill to either of you or any in your party." A grimace. "Our party. If you would recall, when your caravan arrived at Tranidor Wagonmaster Jaxen received a message that he was to call at the Guildhall there."

They both nodded.

He continued, "I was called to the hall to be instructed that I was attached to your party by orders of the Guildmasters at the Guild Hall in Palarand. Neither Guildmaster Moriskin nor myself could disobey such a command, as you may expect, Highness, Milady. But, before I arrived at the hall Guildmaster Moriskin had already spoken to Guildsman Bezan, who had recently returned from the capital. It was suspected by the Guildmaster that the party we were joining contained the new Baroness Blackstone and he saw an opportunity for the Miner's Guild to make some easy money.

"Now, if your party was indeed traveling to Blackstone, it seemed to us that it was a fool's errand since everybody knew that there was nothing of worth in such a remote place. I was given specific instructions, Highness, Milady. I was to pretend to find whatever you thought was there and to begin works to extract it, arranging the works in such a way that the Miner's Guild would benefit greatly from the folly. It was up to me to ensure that we obtained the greatest benefit possible before the scheme collapsed and, at the end, we could arrange some suitable explanation to give to the baroness since, of course," and here Yarling smiled, "it was obviously not possible for any noble to understand the secrets of the miner's art, was it, especially a woman?"

"You must have thought her as an easy mark at a country fair," Keren remarked. "So, what changed your mind?"

"The caravan, Highness," Yarling admitted. "Nothing I saw or heard that first day made any sense at all. There was no person present I could identify as likely to be the Baroness, unless it was the person I now know to be Mistress Sukhana. There were two young girls and an obvious servant - your pardon, Mistress Jenet," Yarling nodded to Jenet, standing in the gloom at the back of the room, "and there were far too many men, some of who were obviously men-at-arms. Highness, it never occurred to any that a Prince would be a member of the party. I began to think that Guildmaster Moriskin had made a mistake and that the caravan was bent on a normal commercial expedition, although the presence of young people and so many armsmen still confused me.

"Then, Highness, we stopped and you explained all to us. I saw at once that Guildmaster Moriskin had been both right and wrong. Right in that the caravan was what he suspected and wrong in thinking he could defraud the Baroness without anyone noticing. I did wonder at Milady's insistence that there was something of worth in Blackstone, since I knew there to be none. I decided to continue and see if there were any way the guild could profit from what seemed to me to be a whim of a young woman. A young woman who could, of course, know nothing about a place she had never been and who, of course, could have no knowledge of the miner's art."

Yarling gave a sheepish smile.

"It seems that I was the fool, Highness, Milady. Once we arrived here - and after defeating an unexpected enemy - I discovered that there was something here of value to Palarand, something I could barely comprehend at first. After all, who would think of setting fire to rocks? Who would think of treating the rock as charcoal is done and then using the residue to make steel? I knew at that moment that neither Guildmaster Moriskin nor myself had any idea what the true circumstances were and that, rather than pretending to make a mine to dig out imaginary ore I was faced with a real task, one that could expand to a huge investment in time, people and materials."

Yarling looked Garia squarely in the eye.

"From that moment, milady, I was your man. Even though you were a woman and so young, you obviously possessed knowledge beyond anything we knew in Palarand and I was eager to learn it, the better to extract the coal I knew was here. I thought perhaps your father had been a miner and you had learned the art that way. I know that in other parts of Alaesia they do not have the guild system we have in the Great Valley, so your knowledge would not have been impossible to obtain.

"Then, milady, Jaxen arrived again with the extra wagons and I witnessed the wonders you have brought with you. To simply see those devices and materials in those crates forced me to understand that I do not know what you are, milady, but that you are the equal of any man in Palarand, even as young as you are. I knew at that moment that the Miner's Guild had the wrong of it and that what you do here is more important to our future than any petty fraud and bickering my guildmasters may propose.

"Even then, milady, I did not fully understand. Not until I saw you operate the steam engine and explain how such machines might be used. I could not imagine such a thing! But there it was, in the courtyard in front of me, and I realized that you had just changed the art of mining beyond all imagining. Tell me, milady, did you speak right? Where you come from, do they really remove entire mountains to obtain the ore? You did not exaggerate, did you?"

"Master Yarling, I had no need to exaggerate. Yes, we do strip off entire mountains. Sometimes, the mountain itself is all ore, other times, the top is taken off to expose ore or huge seams of coal. Most mining, however, is still done the traditional way, though with the aid of many machines."

"Yarling," Keren said, "you attest that the Miner's Guild intended to defraud Milady Garia here in Blackstone?"

"Aye, Highness, but there is only my word to confirm it. All others will deny, naturally."

Keren smiled nastily. "I'm not going to go after Moriskin, Yarling. He will soon discover that he is the fool here, will he not? In a year or two what we begin here will become such a large enterprise that petty thieves like him will become an irrelevance. However, we will still meet resistance from those in the Miner's Guild who cannot see beyond the end of their noses. Shall you assist us in correcting their short-sightedness?"

"Highness, it will give me great pleasure to do so. I will take your instruction in this matter, Highness. And, if you will permit, Guildmistress, I would serve you also. I have passed by Holville and I did not like what I saw. There are other places of similar like in Palarand and it is time that such practices were ended. If we may benefit by knowledge of how mining is conducted in your own lands, then we shall take such instruction as you can give."

"I'll tell you whatever I can remember, Master Yarling," Garia told him, "but I must remind you that I am, actually, no miner at all. All I know is what most people of my world might know."

Yarling smiled. "Milady, even that must be better than what we do now."

"As you say. I'll tell you right away, change won't come that quickly. Making steam engines requires a lot of coal and iron and we have to have that before we can begin to use them for mining."

Yarling nodded. "Of course, milady. There is a saying about avians and eggs..."

Garia grinned. "We have a very similar saying. You understand, then. The first couple years here are going to be quite hard."

"If I may discuss the project another time, milady, when I have my notes and samples in front of me."

"Of course. Thank you for telling us what you have, Master Yarling, and welcome to the future."

~o~O~o~

The courtyard was dark, lit only by a lantern in each corner. Most of the occupants of the Ptuvil's Claw had already retired for the night but five remained. One, on guard, stood concealed under the carriage archway. At the foot of the stairs Feteran stood with Jenet, their faces indistinct in the darkness. Ten paces away Keren faced Garia outside Sukhana's quarters. Sukhana herself was in the common room, tidying up after the last few drinkers had gone.

"Did you suspect that the Miner's Guild was up to something, Garia?"

"I'd have been surprised if they hadn't. Wouldn't you?"

"Aye. Master Yarling seems to have come to his senses, though, especially after today's demonstrations. You have gained another follower, it seems."

"That's not always a good thing, Keren. It means I have to keep producing for them. If I slip..."

"I foresee little chance of you failing to produce, Garia, not for many years. As for slipping, we are only human. You and I are still young, after all, and not expected to have the experience of our elders. Even my father occasionally makes an error, though there are many around him who would prevent it becoming too bad to correct."

"As you say. God, I'm tired."

"We've had much excitement today, haven't we? Unloading Jaxen's wagons, opening the crates, reading our letters, running the engine, a funeral, even talking with Yarling. And you went for a ride with Sukhana as well, returning with a new assistant for her."

"Keren, she can make sense of those drawings Parrel sent with the engine. She's going to become an engineer, I think, in not too many more years."

"And why not? You have always maintained that a woman may be as good as a man. With Senidet and Milsy leading the way you have proved your point. They will both make fine engineers, I am sure of it."

"Aye. Look, do you think we can have a couple of quiet days? I need to... relax a bit, I think."

"We may but try. If you were to ride with Sookie, would that count as relaxing? Of course, we cannot order all that may happen in the next few days but perhaps you can reduce what you do yourself. After all, that's why you have staff, isn't it?"

"I suppose so."

"Now, shall you tell me about your dream?"

"What dream, Keren?"

"Don't be difficult. The dream you had last night about those... things."

Garia paused a long time before replying. "I don't want to. There are some things that I think it's better you didn't know."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Reluctantly she admitted, "I found out something that might affect the decision we - you - have to make. I'd rather I didn't tell you in case it affects what you decide."

"Garia, you can't say that to me! Now you have to tell me, let me make my own judgment on how it will affect any decision I - we - make."

"I'd rather not."

"Look, surely we trust each other enough, don't we? If we are in l... fond of each other, there's nothing we should hide from one another, is there? Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you, silly!" More quietly, "With my life, as you well know. But this is different, it's not what you think." She hesitated and then gave in. "Very well, I'm trusting you, but take care. I think I've discovered how these beings operate."

"Why, that's wonderful, Garia!"

"Wait until I've explained before you celebrate. I think what they can do is to take the exact position and motion of every particle you can see, out to the farthest star, right down to the tiniest grain of dust, and then calculate what is going to happen to it into the future. So, in a sense, they can predict the future."

"But that's impossible! Isn't it?"

"For us, certainly. But for them, perhaps not... Now, I don't think they can interfere themselves in what happens on Earth or Anmar or any other world. I'm not sure that's even possible. What they can do, I think, is to transport certain objects, animals and people from one world to another and let them act as agents of change. Just like I'm doing here in Palarand. Of course I still don't know if I'm really here or if I'm a copy and Gary is still wandering around on Earth knowing none of this."

"Aye. But you're saying they brought you here... and they can predict the future... Ah! So they can predict how the future changes with you in it."

"Exactly. It's all to do with probabilities. In other words, if I'm here, then it's more probable that certain things could happen than if I wasn't here, get me?"

"Aye, I do. So, the fact that they brought you here -"

"- must mean that there's some kind of plan. Yes. A plan we probably wouldn't understand if they could describe it to us. But, Keren, this is the point. Because I'm here as a girl, the probability of their plan succeeding appears to be much greater than if I had come here as a boy, which was what they originally intended. In other words, it's much better for me to be here as a girl than as a boy."

"Well, aye. We talked about that before. If you had been a boy then you might have been captured by someone and may not even have been brought to the palace. Just another stranger in the city who tells improbable stories."

Garia was becoming irritated. The day had been long and event-filled and now she just wanted to fall over and go to sleep. She so did not want to have this particular discussion right now!

"That's unlikely and you know it. There's really only one basic difference between Gary and Garia and that is the fact that, as a girl, I can marry you."

"But, of course! Any fool -"

Keren's eyes narrowed as he thought through the significance of her statement. He opened his mouth and then closed it. Garia waited impatiently.

"Aye," he said finally, nodding. "What you are saying is that should you marry me then the creatures' plan would have a much greater chance of success? Maker!" He groaned. "I didn't need that responsibility, Garia. This makes our choice even more difficult. Oh, would that I had never known this! Why did I let you tell me?" He gave another groan.

"Because you told me to trust you, Highness! Did it ever occur to you that this works both ways? What about trusting my judgment as well? Well, it's done now and you'll have to make the best of it." Her eyes stung with the tears that threatened. This was the first time that she and Keren had ever disagreed and it cut her deep inside. "I've had enough for today, I'm going upstairs. Good night, Highness."

Without waiting for his answer she stumped to the foot of the stairs. Feteran and Jenet hastily separated.

"Bed, Jenet. Now."

"As you command, milady."

In her chamber Lanilla had just finished getting Merizel into her nightgown. One look at the expression on Garia's face and the maid scurried out of the chamber.

"Just get me out of this gown, Jenet," Garia commanded. "I can do the rest myself tonight."

"As you wish, milady."

"Garia?" Merizel asked. "Something wrong?"

"Yes!" She bit off a hot retort since it was unfair to inflict her own temper on her friend. "Tomorrow, Merry. Tomorrow."

Keren and Garia realize that they can delay no longer in discussing the two major issues confronting them - the 'beings' and their obvious love for each other. A small group rides out into the country and many things are spoken of, including free will, predestination, the tests of Kings, transfers between worlds, hostile countries and much else besides.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Are you still mad with everyone?"

Garia rubbed her eyes. "No, Merry," she replied tiredly. "I made a spectacle of myself last night, didn't I? Well, it's over this morning. Did I upset you?"

"Me? You did, but then I've seen you do this before, haven't I?"

"I can't blame this one on Kalikan, Merry. I did it all myself. I let something blow up all out of a simple disagreement."

"Tell me. No, let me guess. It was about that dream, wasn't it?"

"Got it in one. I didn't want to tell him but he convinced me to so I told him. Then he understood why I didn't want to tell him and he blamed me for telling him. I was tired and twitchy and I didn't want to be out there at all so I got all grumpy and left."

Merizel looked startled at this blunt retelling of the evening's events but decided not to make too much of it. She tried humor instead.

"Is it finished, then? Shall you ever speak to him again?"

"Oh very funny. No, I let my temper get the better of me and I shouldn't. We have to figure this out, Merry, we have no choice and it's too important for us to keep putting it off. No, I'll have to apologize but then we need to talk about it like rational people."

"As you say. So, milady, what are your commands?"

Garia stuck her tongue out at her friend before replying, "Let's get our maids in first, straighten them out, then get ready for breakfast. I foresee a morning ride in our near future, I think."

There was a knock on the door almost immediately, since Jenet could easily hear them talking from her own chamber and knew they were both awake.

"Come in, Jenet." When the door was opened she added, "Fetch the other two as well, would you please?"

When all three were lined up in their chamber Garia told them, "I must apologize for my attitude last night." Lanilla and Jasinet could hardly believe their ears. "I had a... disagreement with His Highness and allowed my temper to flare up. I should not have taken it out on any of you. Unfortunately since arriving in Palarand my temper seems to be worse than when I was..." ...a boy. "...at home in Kansas and I've not gotten used to the change yet. If it happens again please be assured that it's nothing personal." She smiled. "Right. Today I think we'll do the Tai Chi after breakfast and then I have to go for a ride. Merry and Jenet will be riding out with me. You girls can manage without us?"

The two curtseyed and then Jasinet said, "Milady, there is sufficient for us to do. If we have need can we ask Mistress Sukhana for advice?"

"Yes, of course. She runs the place so she'll know what to do if you have a problem. Let's go and bathe, then."

When the procession came down the Womens' Stair for breakfast Keren and Feteran were waiting at attention at the bottom. Garia curtseyed to Keren, her staff following. He made an elaborate bow in response, his expression carefully neutral.

"Milady," he began, "I must apologize for my behavior last night. I upset you unnecessarily by forcing you to do something that was probably unwise. It shall not happen again."

"Highness," she responded with a similar expression on her face, "whatever the fault and whoever might be to blame I should not have treated you as I did. I must offer my own apology to you."

"Milady, Garia, it seems we are of like mind," he said, a slight smile appearing. "Shall we consider the matter closed?"

"Highness, if you refer to last night's... difficulty, then we had both better forget the incident as quickly as possible." Keren gave her an emphatic nod. She continued, "If you refer to the subject under discussion, I think it is time we both gave it our undivided attention before something else happens. With your agreement, I have a suggestion what to do about it."

"Advise me, Garia."

"Breakfast first, of course, then Tai Chi as normal. After that we take a small party and go for a ride in the country somewhere. We'll aim to be back by lunchtime, I think, unless you think we need longer. We'll stop and sit down and have that talk we've been threatening for months."

He nodded. "Small party?"

"You, me, Merry, Jenet and Feteran with three each of our guardsmen ought to be enough. The five of us are the ones who know all about what's really going on here."

"Excuse me, milady," Feteran interrupted. "I don't know what you are speaking about."

"You should do, commander," Garia said. "You can't have failed to notice how close Keren and myself have gotten, can you? But it goes way deeper than that and I think, as the head of my personal protection force, you need to know everything."

Her commander bowed. "As you command, milady."

"Breakfast first, then. Feteran, you'll select some men?"

"Aye, milady."

Keren, Garia and Jenet followed Feteran into the common room where most of the men were already breakfasting. Garia saw Feteran approach several men as she took her seat at their table.

Sukhana came in to check that everything was all right and looked relieved when she saw Keren and Garia sitting together. It seemed that, late though their meeting had been, word of it had already passed round the company. The rest of those in the common room, almost all of them armsmen of either Keren or Garia, kept their voices low but cast occasional glances at the top table.

Breakfast was eaten quickly but quietly. At the end, as the serving girls were clearing all but the diners' drinking vessels from their tables, Jaxen entered from the street and approached, bowing.

"Highness, Milady, good morning to you. Our wagon leaves for Tranidor at the next bell, unless you have other instructions. Are there any further letters to go today?"

"We have written all that we need to," Keren replied. "Do you travel with the wagon?"

"Aye, Highness, as far as the overnight stop. Master Bezan will be coming with us. We must find out if the workers there require materials to be ordered from Tranidor and make the necessary arrangements. If the other wagon is there, we shall return with it to Blackstone tomorrow."

Garia asked, "What about this shipment of coal you mentioned?"

"Aye, Milady. With the work party are two miners and four laborers who are preparing the ground for the new buildings. Once construction comes above ground they will travel here and mine and bag the coal we require before accompanying the wagons back as far as Tranidor. By using the men thus we avoid contracting a separate work party for each task."

"That's clever, Jaxen."

"Milady, Master Bezan thought of it. He knew that some excavation was required at the site before the buildings could be put up."

"That's good. Keren, any instructions?"

"All appears to be well-organized to me. Fare you well, Wagonmaster."

"Highness, Milady." Jaxen bowed and took his leave.

The yard was full this morning with those doing the Tai Chi. The mornings had definitely started becoming cooler, Garia thought. In a week or three it would be necessary for them to start wearing extra layers or thicker clothes for at least part of the day. For now, even when the occasional showers fell, her current attire was still adequate.

When the men began bringing the frayen out of the stable to be harnessed and saddled Sukhana shot out of her chambers.

"Milady, do you ride? May I accompany you as yesterday?"

"I'm sorry, Sookie, not this time." Sukhana's face fell. "This is a special patrol we're taking out today and I didn't want to get you involved." Garia smiled to lessen the blow. "Now we're getting properly settled in it should be easier for us to find time to take leisure rides but today is different."

"As you say, milady," Sukhana replied, obviously disappointed. She cast looks at Merizel and Jenet who were dressed in their riding clothes, wondering what such a mix of people was planning to do.

"Look! Here comes our smith with his daughter," Garia said, pointing to the carriage arch. "You'll need to sit down with Senidet this morning, I think."

Sukhana smiled. "Indeed, milady. When I saw frayen being brought out I forgot that they were coming here this morning. I wish you all to have a safe ride, milady."

Garia watched as Sukhana conducted Brydas and Senidet into her chambers before hauling herself onto Snep. Once everyone had mounted she nodded to Feteran and her commander led the way out of the yard onto the main street.

"Did you have a particular destination in mind, milady?"

"Not really. Somewhere different, although I know we've been places you haven't. How about the river? Can we get across that, do you think?"

"Which river, milady? The Bray or the Blackstone?"

"Uh, the Bray was what I was thinking of. Let's ride down to the bridge and take a look."

They did not cross the bridge but rode across the cleared area where the executions had occurred and the funeral pyre had been located. To one side, raised on stones to prevent rot, still lay the three poles used to make Trogan's gallows. Beyond, the land sloped gradually down towards the Bray and they took this route in single file. If anything, the river before them seemed smaller than the reduced flow coming from Blackstone Vale.

Feteran offered his opinion. "We may ford here safely, milady."

His face wrinkled with distaste as he looked to his right, behind the lower side of main street. It was on this side that many of the town's artisans had their workshops, the nearest being that of the tanner. The drains from these buildings flowed directly into the river and it showed.

"I would not want to walk further along, milady. I would not wish to let my beast step in those rank marshes."

"As you say. Here will do. How deep do you think it is?"

"Barely a foot, milady. You will not get wet."

Feteran sent Frando across to test the bed of the river and the rest followed once he had proved the route. They set out southward at an easy pace alongside the west bank of the Bray. The group rode comfortably along on the short grass beside the river, the frayen preferring the soft ground to the cobbles of street or road. Groups of pakh stood watching them suspiciously as they went past while above them unseen avians made strange cries.

After a while Garia turned to Keren. "Is this far enough for you?"

"Aye, Garia. Let us find a suitable spot and sit ourselves down."

A clear area was located not far from the river. There were no trees nearby to impede the view and no shrubs or prickly undergrowth to make sitting uncomfortable. The frayen were picketed and the armsmen set out in pairs to keep watch while the five principals seated themselves in a circle.

"If I had known we were going to do this," Merizel said with a smile, "I would have asked Sookie to furnish us with food and drink. This is a fine spot for an outdoor snack."

"You're right," Garia said. "Unfortunately, I didn't think of that and so we only have our water bottles with us."

"Garia," Keren prompted, "perhaps you'd better begin."

"As you say." Everybody turned their attention on her. "Now, you each know something of what I'm going to tell you but I don't think you all know everything. Jenet has been with me almost from the beginning but I'm not sure even she knows it all. Some of it is what I know and some is what I think I know. For some of it I've had to use my Earth knowledge and experiences to try and figure it out so it may involve ideas you might find difficult to understand. Heck, it involves ideas I find difficult to understand! Yes, Feteran?"

"Milady, I am still not sure why you have asked me to share this knowledge."

Garia thought. "Because what we are going to talk about is going to be very, very important for the future of Palarand. It will affect your future, my future, His Highness's future and also my safety. As our military expert your opinion may be valuable."

"As you say, milady."

"There are two things at stake here," she continued, "and just recently those two things have collided with each other. The first thing I shall call 'What am I doing here' and the second is my relationship with Prince Keren. You all know the story about where and how I was found and how I was brought to the palace and eventually adopted by the King and Queen. I come from another world a long way away with very little chance of ever returning. That being so I have decided to show my gratitude for my new country by sharing what little knowledge I have with them. That's why we've had the introduction of paper, steam engines, printing and all the rest.

"The second thing is my relationship with His Highness." Garia colored. Talking about personal matters like this was difficult but perhaps that was part of the problem. She continued, "He was almost the first person I met when I was brought to the palace and he has been present in my life every day since.You all know I was a boy before I came to Anmar, you also know I have a love of martial arts and that has led to me teaching what I know to His Majesty's men. Adapting to the life of a girl has not been as easy but Keren has supported me all the way. Since we now live on the same corridor, do most of the same activities each day and accompany each other almost everywhere it was inevitable we would fall in love."

"But, milady," Feteran said, "you must know of the customs -"

"- which govern marriage between those who will become rulers in the Valley? Yes. We had only really discovered what had happened between us a short time before the Queen realised what was going on and confronted us. We gave oaths to the King and Queen that we would take it no further and, to the best of our abilities, that is what we have done."

"That's not quite true," Merizel put in, "When Jaxen's caravan joined His Highness's caravan, you two met in such a fashion that we thought you would rip each other's clothes off there and then."

"Ah, yes," Garia said, reddening.

"As you say, Merry," Keren added, looking uncomfortable. "We had been apart some days and that was when we discovered that keeping such oaths as we had given would not be an easy thing to do. After that meeting we decided, if you recall, to take the time spent before we returned to the palace to determine what decision we must both make." He gave a wry smile. "I fear that as each day passes, such a decision becomes more difficult. But let Garia continue."

"So we both began trying to think the situation out," Garia said. "Keren had an interesting thought a day or two after that meeting which had us both wondering. You see, the Queen was still suspicious of our relationship, as you'd naturally expect. So why did the King and Queen allow both of us to go away and be in each other's company for at least a month? Keren thought that it might be a test, the problem was, he couldn't work out what the test was for and neither can I."

Feteran asked, "A test, milady?"

Keren answered, "Aye, Feteran. Am I tested against the laws and customs of the Valley, so that I may show I will abide by them against all temptation? Am I being tested to show that I would take Garia as my bride despite what custom may decree? Am I tested to show that I will obey my father and mother in all things? Or that, becoming King, I will make my own decisions whatever the cost? Is there some other question I must answer?" He shook his head. "This is a puzzle I cannot solve. Without knowing what the test might be, I cannot know how to respond." Another wry smile. "Perhaps that is the test, my response to an unsolveable problem."

Garia added, "We intended to talk this out once we reached Blackstone but as you all know we've been a little busy up until now. Today is about the first day we've had a chance to just sit and talk."

"But this must be a decision between the two of you," pointed out Merizel. "What do you desire from us three? Advice?"

"Aye," Keren responded. "You have a different view of our problems since you are not directly part of them. You may notice things we are too blind to see. And there is something else. Tell them, Garia."

"My other problem. I think only Jenet and Merry know about these in detail although Keren knows I have them. Ever since I've lived in the palace I've been having the occasional dream. Now you all know about dreams, your mind gets up to all kinds of crazy random stuff and most of it means nothing at all. But every now and then, not regular as far as I can tell, I get a particular kind of dream which I think is me linking somehow with those who sent me here. Let me describe them for you if I possibly can. I'm in a vast, dark space, floating. There is no ground, it's like I'm out floating between the stars although I don't remember seeing any stars. Around me are a small number of these... beings, is the only word I can use. They are like... um, do you have soap bubbles here? Yes? You have a bit of wire or I suppose a loop of grass stem or something, and you dip it in soapy water and blow... right, it's a bit like that, only these are huge, vast things who exist in a space I really can't describe. These creatures can move through one another and they don't use words to speak to each other. When I'm there I think I might look like one of them but they never seem to notice that I'm there so they just keep doing whatever it is they do."

"And what is it they do, Garia?" Merizel asked.

"That's the hard part. They are so far ahead of us I really don't understand much at all. It's like... can you imagine what's going through the mind of that insect there? What can he understand of us? Palarand? Anmar? Well, this is the same. I just get the occasional flash, that's all. The first time I remember dreaming about them they talked about some kind of mistake in the transfer process. That had to mean me, I reckon. After all, I started out as a boy and here I am as a girl, with all my boy's memories intact."

Feteran frowned. "You suggest, milady, that you were brought here deliberately, and that you should have arrived as a boy?"

"I do! In fact, I arrived wearing all the boy clothes I would have been wearing on Earth. Obviously they didn't fit me any more, because on Earth I'm about Keren's height and build. As time went on I began to discover other things that might have come from Earth. In fact I have knowledge of several that did come from Earth because they have writing in Earth languages on them."

Feteran looked shocked. "You imply, milady that this has been going on some time?"

"Oh, yes! More than years or centuries, I reckon you could go back half a million to a million years at least. The Chivans came from Earth, they probably started out as a small group from an empire that ceased to exist there a thousand years ago. Frayen and dranakh are very similar to Earth animals. Pakh are Earth animals known there as Alpaca so they must have come recently. Equally I have seen animals here that have never come from Earth, although I wonder if a few didn't go the other way occasionally. Commander, there are no six-legged animals on Earth nor have there ever been any."

"But you just said -"

"Yes. There are legends of creatures called dragons on Earth, all over my world, but no remains of such a creature have ever been found. What they describe fits the description of a ptuvil exactly."

"Milady, a ptuvil has but four legs."

"Oh, sorry, I misspoke. What I meant was four limbs. On Earth those can be arms, legs, fins or wings depending on the animal. A ptuvil has four legs and two wings, just like avians here. Anyhow, we're getting off the point a bit. The first point is that on Anmar there are animals from at least two worlds, one of which must be Anmar and another which is Earth. I haven't seen any vegetation yet I recognize but that doesn't prove very much, plants are different all over the world. The second point, and the more important one, is that these beings have a plan and we are all part of it."

Feteran rocked back as he took in this idea.

"It gets worse," Keren added. "Tell them, Garia."

"So. One thing I worked out from my visits to these beings is that they can somehow see into the future." She let out a big breath. "I have no idea how I can explain this to you, but here goes. You know, for example, if you fire an arrow, you can work out more or less where it's going to land?"

"Aye, milady."

"That's actually governed by a strict set of natural laws and calculations which can determine exactly where the arrow will fall, given you know the position of the archer, the angle of the bow, the tension in the string and everything else that might affect it. You can measure all these and calculate the exact location the arrow will hit and how hard it will hit and so on. Do you follow?"

Feteran nodded. "Aye, Milady."

"Now, if you were to divide everything you can see or feel up into bits as fine as you can you'll eventually get down to particles so small they are impossible to see. The whole universe is made up of such particles. Imagine a math that can calculate the future by taking the exact location, speed and energy of every single particle in the world and working out what will happen to it over time, just like that arrow. These beings can do that."

Feteran's mouth opened and closed but he said nothing. Merizel looked confused. Jenet and Keren had both heard all this before and, while they might not have been able to comprehend the magnitude of what Garia was saying, they understood what she was trying to tell them.

Finally Feteran said, "Milady, now I understand your comment about the insect."

"Well, exactly. That's just how I feel when I see them do things like that. But, now comes the clever part. They can redo their calculation to see what the future would be like if something were to be changed. Oh, like, for example, a boy - or girl - suddenly appearing in some nearby mountains."

Feteran nodded. "I see, milady. Just like, if you were planning a battle, you could try the effect of moving some troops to another position."

"You got it, commander. Only thing is, I don't think they can plot the future exactly, it's more a kind of probability thing. I'm not sure how detailed their look into the future can be, or how far. In other words, my arrival here simply means that their plan has a greater probability of success than if I hadn't arrived." She paused and lowered her voice. "Worse, the chances of success are now greater because I'm here as a girl than if I were here as a boy."

"I can see that," Merizel said. "You were taken into the palace almost the moment you arrived. If you'd been a boy you'd probably have been locked up as a crazy person. Oh, I doubt not that you would have eventually prevailed, Garia, even as a boy, but you have been able to accomplish things which you would not have as a boy."

"I kind of agree with you up to a point," Garia said. "The problem for me is that, the way I see it, all that I've given Palarand would eventually have been given either way. There's just one thing I am able to do as a girl I can't do as a boy and that is to marry Keren."

There was silence as the other four digested this information. Keren cleared his throat and spoke.

"Let me see if I can summarize this. Firstly we have the relatively simple," he gave a twisted smile, "problem of the next King of Palarand and who his bride might or might not be. Secondly it seems that this entire situation - perhaps the entire history of humans on Anmar, even - has been arranged by some immense beings for purposes we know nothing about. Is that right, Garia?"

She nodded. "Yes. I might add that not only don't we know what their plan is, we have no idea of our part in it. We don't know if anything we do will result in Anmar existing for thousands of years into the future or whether the planet will get mashed into gravel in a year's time."

"I don't think we need consider the beings' plans at the moment except where they concern us. There will be time in future to look at such matters, assuming the coming Industrial Revolution doesn't take up all our time," he added dryly. "What concerns me more is," he held up a finger, "they have plainly interfered with events on Anmar for a long time and," a second finger, "what happens to Garia is critical to their plans. They had planned on Gary arriving here as a boy and, presumably, he would have provided much the same information that Garia has, only perhaps not so quickly. We have to assume that that was what they had originally intended, and if that is so then they would have considered the outcome more favorable than if he had not come."

"Yes," Garia said, nodding. "That's the way I see it."

"But you arrived here as a girl and set the palace on it's head. There is much that has happened that would never have happened if you had been a boy, correct?"

"Yes, Keren. Women exercising. Women riding frayen. Short haircuts. Women as guild members, women as questors."

"Thus, the outcome becomes more favorable still for our beings. That seems to be because their plans may progress faster than they had desired. Now, you have stated that you think the outcome would be better yet if we were wed, aye? What benefit would our beings gain if you became my Queen?"

Keren had said, finally, what all of them had thought but none had dared speak, that Garia, in marrying Keren, would become Palarand's Queen.

"Merry had an answer for that yesterday when I told her about my latest dream."

"Highness," Merizel explained, "the point is not that Garia would gain more power since she is already a noblewoman and a Guildswoman and I can't imagine the Questors keeping her out again. The point is that the children of such a union would inherit the talents of both their parents, which can only be a good thing for all our futures. If you did not marry Garia then she considered that it might be possible for your children to marry her children and inherit that way."

Keren nodded slowly. "But such unions would not be so good, since there would needs be two other grandparents. Aye. But we are pushed into this marriage by beings who do not consider our interests but only their own."

"Highness," Feteran asked, "can these beings be considered... gods?"

Keren looked at Garia who answered, "I can't answer for Anmar as I don't know your definition of a god but on Earth, at one time, they would certainly have been thought of as gods. Their activities are similar to the activities attributed to other gods we have had on Earth in the past. These days we are more enlightened and we would just think of them as aliens, real beings who meddle in various parts of the galaxy without considering the local life-forms."

"They can foretell the future," Feteran added. "If they know what decision we make is this talk of ours a waste of time?"

"That's an old question people have argued about for centuries," Garia said. "On Earth we called it the choice between free will and predestination. In other words, is the future made from instant to instant by the individual decisions of everyone and everything in the world, or is the whole future of the world mapped out at the start of time right up until the end?"

"But, you explained that the beings could calculate the future," Keren objected. "Does that not imply the future is already known?"

"Not quite," Garia replied. "Remember, what they calculate is probabilities. Now the probability of me arriving here as a girl must have been extremely low but it did in fact happen. That makes me think that the future is mostly known, for a short distance ahead, but can be thrown off by certain critical events - like me turning up here as a girl." She shrugged. "There might be some kind of long term smoothing effect but we can't know that. For example, some people imagine time as a river flowing down to the sea. Now, a landslide may alter the course of the river temporarily but the general route still stays the same and eventually the landslide washes out. An earthquake, on the other hand may divert the river and make it come out somewhere else entirely." She thought. "Back to your original question, commander. Whether the future is already mapped out or we make it up as we go along doesn't matter. We still have to make those same decisions to make the future come out the way it is going to."

Merizel rubbed her forehead. "My head is beginning to hurt."

Garia grinned. "I know how you feel. We had a substitute teacher once and he tried all this predestination or free will stuff on us and most of us felt as if our heads had exploded. What do you say we stop for a breather and have a drink?"

"An excellent idea!" Keren agreed.

Jenet stood and walked over to where the frayen were picketed, Merizel joining her shortly afterward. They both returned with water bottles. Merizel smiled an apology at Feteran.

"I'm sorry, Commander, we're not sure which your mount was so we couldn't bring your bottle."

Before anyone could say or do anything there was a nearby blast on a bugle and everyone stood up, looking around for the source.

"It's Jaxen!" Garia said, shading her eyes. "I though the wagon had already left."

On the other side of the river they could all clearly see the wagon with its outriders traveling along the road to Tranidor. Jaxen waved as they saw him and some waved back.

Feteran turned to one of the guardsmen and said, "Send them an 'alls-well', if you would."

"Aye, commander."

The man blew a short sequence of notes and Jaxen waved again in response. They watched as the wagon disappeared into the distance, taking pulls at their water bottles as they did so. Eventually everybody resumed their positions and looked at Keren. He looked intently at Garia.

"Garia, is there anything else you have learned of these beings?"

"Give me a chance! It was months before I finally realized that these weren't normal dreams at all but something else, some kind of interaction. The whole setup is so strange I don't have much clue what's going on and the beings communicate with each other in such a way I don't understand much of what they say at all." She paused, thinking. "Having said that, there are two things I have noticed that might be important. I think that there is more than one group or team of these beings doing similar work. That might imply that Earth and Anmar are not the only two worlds involved. The other thing is, I get the distinct impression that there's a deadline to what they are doing."

"A deadline? That might be important, Garia. Have you any idea when?"

She snorted. "Important for who, exactly? Them, not us. I don't think you need worry yet, Keren. One word I keep hearing is 'centuries', but whose, Earth's, Anmar's or theirs I have no idea. There is one final point you ought to consider. I am almost certain that at or about the time I was 'transferred' to Anmar, however you might want to put it, someone else was brought here and was likely grabbed by Yod. All the evidence points that way."

Keren nodded. "Aye, all their actions imply that they know whence you came and what knowledge you bring with you."

"But the situation is not as the beings intended, remember. If I was supposed to be a boy, and there's another in Yod, that would imply that the opposing forces would be more balanced, wouldn't it?"

Keren looked startled, then his eyes narrowed as he considered Garia's conclusions. Finally he nodded, though his expression showed that his own conclusions were less than satisfactory.

"Very well. We can do nothing about the situation in respect of Yod except what we have done up until now. That is, make sure we have adequate defense against sudden attack - and I'm not just speaking of armed attacks. If the direct approach continues to fail they will try other means. Yod itself and your conclusions must needs be left to my father to deal with."

"Agreed."

"As for the beings, we can do little except discover more about them as the days pass. Garia, I must request that you tell me every new detail you may learn of these aliens and their plans. I know, our argument last night was because you knew that the new knowledge would affect any potential decision between us, but we cannot know what may become important and what may not."

Garia was obviously unhappy with this verdict but she could see the sense of it.

"As you wish, Keren."

"Feteran."

"Highness."

"We must act as though the decisions we take are our own and not already made for us. We cannot escape responsibility for our actions by pretending another directs them. Therefore we shall proceed as if we make our own destinies."

"As you say, Highness."

Keren sighed. "That leaves the question which drove us out on this ride in the first place, and I regret that I cannot give an answer yet. Whether we marry or no, Garia will always be an important part in my life. We were brought together by chance and we have remained together ever since. Once I would have considered that my obedience to the customs of the Valley to be of greater importance than any single person could be but after today's talk I am not so sure. Whatever I decide - and, in the end, it can only be my decision - the future could be difficult for all of us. Feteran, Merizel, Jenet, you are all sworn to Garia and I would not have you betray the loyalty you have all already shown to her. I just would ask you to consider that, by Garia's own words, the stakes we play for are much greater than any of us had suspected. This may lead either or both of us to make decisions in the future you may disagree with. Please treat us gently."

"Highness," Feteran said, "you may have no fear of any conflict in our responsibilities. We understand what is at stake and your particular difficulties. Jenet and myself, after all, have watched you grow from babe to man."

"Well said, commander. Thank you."

"Don't worry about them, Keren," Garia added. "They may be my retainers but they still have brains and plenty of common sense. If the situation demands it I will trust them to do what is right."

Keren nodded. "Aye. Now, the morning has gone, perhaps, and we should think about returning for lunch. I suggest that we have another discussion like this before we leave Blackstone for the palace. By then we may have learned more."

"Agreed."

"And we do not speak of this to any other person," Keren cautioned.

He stood and the others followed. The armsmen noticed and turned inwards.

"Anything to report?" Keren asked.

"No, Highness."

"Then we return at once for the Ptuvil's Claw and our lunch. Our business here is ended."

The group mounted up and they began to ride back up the valley towards Blackstone. The sun was almost directly ahead and Garia was glad of the peak she had asked to be added to her helmet. Both Merizel's and Jenet's bowlers had brims wide enough to shade their eyes from the sun, lower in the sky at this season, but the men either had to look aside or use a hand to see properly. When they reached the spot where they had forded the river the group stopped, because the water now ran yellow with effluent.

"I'm not taking Snep across that."

"Don't blame you," Keren muttered. "That looks like it might come from the tanner's workshops. We'll have to ride further up and get across above the town."

They turned away and continued riding.

"Keren, I'm going to have to try and do something about all the waste the town throws out. I know they re-use a lot of it but this is just pollution. Animals downstream will be drinking this stuff."

"What can you do?"

"Trap it in pools and try and find a way to reprocess or re-use it, I suppose. I'm already thinking about what happens to the output from the town sewers. Imagine what it will be like if we get two thousand miners here as well!"

"Garia, I know absolutely nothing about such matters. I wash or use the toilet and that is the end of it for me. It has always been for others to... dispose of what we produce."

"It probably still will be, Keren. But at the moment, just dumping it all in the river isn't a clever thing to do. There are people, animals and crops downstream that depend on that river. I'll speak with Bezan when he comes back, perhaps he has some ideas."

Most of the buildings on the river side of main street had workshops behind and Garia saw that between the workshops and the river the tradesmen had used some of the ground for dumping waste products. Garia considered this as she rode and thought about how towns were managed in Kansas.

I don't know enough. Something about zoning, I guess. I can't do much until Bezan gets back, until then I'll just have to keep my eyes open.

~o~O~o~

Garia and Keren take a ride out for the day, to find out what is beyond the ridge above the town. The answer is surprising to all. Yarling learns about geology while Feteran discovers why no enemy may attack from the north. Their day out is ended by the appearance of some unexpected visitors...

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"This is a curious harness, milady." Lanilla held up the sports bra which Garia had asked her to fetch out of her chest. "Is this what the noble ladies wear at court?"

Garia smiled. "It has little to do with your nobility, Lanilla, and more to do with where you happen to live. Right now, almost all the women who live or work in the palace are wearing them, from the Queen right down to the kitchen staff and cleaners. I'm not sure exactly what's happening in the city but I'm willing to bet that city ladies, noble or otherwise, are putting them on just as fast as they can be made and sold."

"Ooooh." Lanilla's eyes were round. "Do you think..? Would it be possible..? I mean, might I..?"

Garia laughed gently. "You want to try one out? I'm sure they'll reach Blackstone in time. If you end up traveling with us then you might get to wear them sooner. I don't think anyone here has one you might try, though. I'm sorry, Lanilla, you are just so much thinner than any of us."

The under-maid's face fell. "I know, milady. Not all in Blackstone can eat as some do and my family have struggled in years past. I know that they welcome your efforts to bring coin to our town."

Garia held her arms out so that Lanilla could slide the shoulder straps over. "They might not be so welcoming when the town is six times its current size and full of drunk miners. It is possible to be poor even in large towns, Lanilla." She raised her arms. "Now, just hold it there while I lean forward and settle my breasts right." Garia suited action to words and positioned herself comfortably. "Right. Now, you'll have to cross the ties over and bring them round the front. I usually hold one while Jenet walks round with the other."

"Like this, milady?"

"That's great. Now, the trick is to pull evenly and carefully so that the band under the breasts stays flat and snug and then to tie it off under here, like... so. If it's too tight it will cause you to get red marks on your chest or on your shoulders. How do I look?"

"Milady, you look... amazing, as always." Lanilla cocked her head and gave Garia a wistful look. "I wish I looked as beautiful as you."

"Ah, well, it's not all good news should you happen to look good. Looking good means too much attention from the boys and I can use my swords to beat them off whereas another girl might not be so lucky."

"Surely, milady, having attention is not a bad thing? If a freeman or a guildsman, or, dare I say, a nobleman, were to attend me then why would my beauty be considered bad?"

These girls don't have much clue, do they? Let's see if I can improve their chances of survival.

"All right, let's see if I can explain. The tunic next, if you would."

Garia put her head through the neck and then each arm in turn. Gary would have put his arms through the sleeve holes first and then pulled the tunic over his head but her shorter arms and different body shape made the feminine method more logical for Garia.

"You might get lucky," she explained, "and find a good man who can look after you. But if you are too beautiful, that won't stop the other men coming to make their own try. Three things can happen, either your husband wears himself out fighting off other men, he locks you away in your new house so that they can't get at you, or you betray your husband by going off with one of the others."

Lanilla was outraged. "Milady, I would never betray a solemn vow of marriage!"

Garia just looked at her until the girl reddened.

"That's easy enough to say when you're newly married but what about in five years time, when he's always off hunting, drinking with his buddies or spending all his time counting his money? You have young kids by then and you are as bored as... anything. A young man who pays you the compliments your husband has stopped doing could look very attractive." Garia paused as she stepped into her riding skirt. "There are other dangers as well. You might fall foul of a type of man who will just use you and throw you away. Like Trogan and his men, for example. Not being too pretty probably saved you this time." Lanilla's expression became thoughtful as she tied Garia's skirt tapes. Garia added, "It can be worse than that, much worse. Remind me to tell you what happened when Duke Jarwin came to stay at the King's court."

"Duke Jarwin? Who's he, milady?"

"Another time, Lanilla. I think I need to tell that story to Jasinet as well so we'll wait until the two of you are both together and we have a little spare time. What?"

Lanilla's expression had changed when Garia mentioned Jasinet.

"Oh, nothing, milady."

"Nothing indeed! Tell me."

"I mustn't tell tales, milady... but Jasinet wants to argue all the time. We both do all the work that is asked of us but she seems to find fault with everything we do. I don't like that because it isn't necessary so I end up arguing back. I'm sorry, milady, it seems so silly."

"Nonsense! Look, you're girls and that means you are going to have disagreements from time to time. I'm guessing you weren't both friends before you came to the Claw, were you? So, why would you expect it to be any different after? People who disagree have to work with each other all the time and they have to learn to get along. Now if there's a problem between two of my staff, any two, I need to know about it so I can fix it. I'd rather you were both here and happy than having to send one or both of you away."

Lanilla curtseyed. "Oh, thank you, milady! I don't want to go away, I like working here. I've learned so much already."

"That's the right attitude. Good. My tabard comes next."

"Why do you wear this, milady? I have seen tabards worn by cooks and the weaver women when they work but they are not padded like this, nor so fine."

"It's for riding, Lanilla. It gives me a little extra padding if I should fall off and it keeps my body warmer without restricting my arms. When I wear my swords on my back it stops the straps rubbing... my front."

"Ooooh. Aye, I see. I think you're very clever to be able to use swords. I would probably cut myself. Will you need your swords today, milady?"

"Yes, because I'm riding out with the men and it's best to be prepared when you're in unfamiliar country. Now, if you'll hand me that sash we can go and join the others."

~o~O~o~

The courtyard was full again this morning, but this was after the daily Tai Chi participants had dispersed. In fact, there were now so many attending that exercise that Garia had been thinking of moving the routine out into the street to have more room. This time the courtyard was filled with men and beasts getting ready for their first big patrol out into the valley.

Yarling came through the carriage entrance from the street leading his frayen. Beside him was a local leading his own mount. The miner discovered Garia in the mill of men and beasts and made his way over to her.

"Milady, good morning." He bowed, one hand on the reins. "This is Michen, the local guide I have been using for my survey."

"Master Michen, good morning," Garia said as the man bowed. "I trust that Master Yarling has explained today's expedition?"

"Aye, milady. We are to take the west track up to the crest of the mountain behind the town. It is not a long ride, milady." He looked at Garia quizzically. "I do not know what you expect to find, milady. I know that Master Yarling seeks the lines of coal but there is very little for anyone else to see up there."

"Just call it curiosity, Master Michen. I'm the new landowner and I want to find out what's here, that's all. It's also an opportunity for us to take a ride."

Michen glanced around the yard. "So many men, milady? We are unlikely to be attacked on our ride, however far we might go."

"It's an opportunity for the men as well. There's only so much drill and standing watch anyone can do without getting bored or jaded. My commander will want to come to get an idea of the country with a view to defending it." She held up a hand as Michen made to speak. "I know, we won't be attacked, but he's my military man and that's his job. I would rather he found out how any enemy might approach the town and find ways to defend it than just have them suddenly appear with no idea how they got here."

"As you say, milady." That was from Feteran who had arrived during the conversation and now saluted. "We are about ready to leave, milady. His Highness and Mistress Jenet are already mounted."

Merizel appeared then. "I wish I was coming but I understand why I should not, Garia. Take care."

Garia smiled at her friend. "Another time, Merry. You'll probably go out for a ride with Sookie later?"

"Almost certainly, but we won't be going far if you're taking the whole garrison with you today."

Garia considered, but it was too late to change the arrangements now. Two armsmen had been left behind and together with Jarrin and Durko, the two wagoneers from Dekarran, they were the only 'guards' who would be around to look after the Claw today while the rest were riding. However -

She smiled. "I'm sure you could convince Master Brydas to accompany you. I doubt even a grakh would tangle with him!"

Merizel grinned. "Aye. He seems to spend much of his time at the Claw now that Senidet is helping Sookie, doesn't he? I wonder who is giving her the most help?"

"Brydas, I would wager, since Senidet spends some of her time going over that steam engine. Look, Merry, they're waiting, we'd better go."

"As you say. Fare you well, then, Garia."

With everybody mounted Yarling and Michen led the way out of the courtyard. Following them was Feteran and Bleskin, who had seized the opportunity to take an interesting ride. Next came Garia and Jenet, then Keren, Brazan and finally their men. The procession turned right and headed up the street through a thin crowd of onlookers before reaching the cistern building.

"Straight ahead, milady?"

"Yes, please, Yarling. I want to have a look at the coal workings as we go."

Despite the fact that this end of the town was a little way above the valley floor the slope here was still gentle and so the 'coal workings' were more of the nature of a quarry than a pit. It was difficult to get an estimate of the thickness of the seam but Garia guessed something between fifteen and twenty feet. She could see that the seam was so large that, as Yarling had previously said, there was little chance of the townspeople exhausting their supply any time soon.

The procession walked carefully beyond the quarry and then Yarling came back to ride beside Garia.

"Milady, for the first consignment we have little option but to take from the existing workings. I know that you wish the quarry left for the townspeople so I suggest we open a second quarry face beyond for further consignments. As you can see, the seam remains as thick for a significant distance."

Garia nodded. "That's more or less what I had thought, Master Yarling. Did you plan to run the wagons through the town?"

Yarling looked at Garia and then down the slope to the headwaters of the Bray. He nodded.

"Considering the quantities you speak of, milady, perhaps that is not the best idea. There would be nothing but wagons endlessly going through the town. You are thinking of making an access road below?"

"To begin with, yes. We can talk about that when you present your report."

"Aye, milady."

Ahead the track faded into rough grass and the valley side began to bend left to create the huge bowl which constituted the head of the valley of the Bray. The land had been extensively grazed so that there was no difficulty finding a way around the head of the river, which had been Garia's chief reason for choosing this route. As they rode their path gradually came lower and lower until, opposite the rough jumble of rocks that gave birth to the Bray, they were almost on the valley floor.

Their route took them near one of the two smallholdings right at the head of the valley and Garia opted to call at it on their way. By the time that they arrived the occupants, man, woman, grandmother and three small children, were lined up outside bowing and curtseying low to their visitors. Garia, Keren and Michen dismounted while the others waited.

"Good morning to you," Garia greeted them. "We are just passing through, no need to worry yourselves. We're just going to ride up the ridge and take a look around. We'll be returning this way sometime this afternoon."

"As you say, My Lady," the husband replied.

"Are you well?" she asked. "Is there anything we can do for you? Anything you need?"

There were tears in the man's eyes. "Thank you for asking, milady. There is nothing presently but we will call at your residence if we have need."

Garia smiled at them. "Then we'll be off and get out of your way as soon as we can. Good bye."

"Fare you well, Highness, My Lady."

The three mounted again and Garia turned to Michen.

"Which way, now? Over there?" She pointed to the steep slope.

"If we were on foot, milady," came the reply, "then we could go that way, but it is not so suitable for our beasts. We have time, if we ride yonder we may find a smoother path."

"Lead on, then."

They soon found the bottom of the narrow track and began to ascend it in single file. On the way up Yarling called back to Garia.

"Here, milady, is the same coal seam as we passed the other side. It is barely two strides thick here but still workable should we require it."

Garia had envisaged the head of the main valley as looking like a tub of ice-cream with a scoop taken out, but as they climbed up she could see that the valley edges, which looked so sharp from below in the town, were nothing like that at all. Gradually and imperceptibly the slope changed to near horizontal and stretched away in front of them, any detail being concealed as yet by the curve of the slope. The track became wider, too, so their men came alongside and began to spread out ready for possible trouble. The terrain was rough here but the grass was close-cropped proving that pakh came here regularly.

Around the party the horizon opened up until they were riding beneath an open sky with sun and clouds and a tolerable breeze from the east. Ahead was a slight rise that concealed the land to the north and the party rode on to see what there was. When they finally reached the crest Garia stopped in confusion.

"A wall?"

"It's not what you think, milady," Michen explained. "From here it seems a wall but when we approach you shall discover the truth."

Ahead of them what appeared to be a regular wall blocked their path as far to either side as they could see. The stones were tumbled and overgrown and on seeing them Garia had immediately applied the word Chivan to them. The connection seemed stronger when they saw a ruined stone building to their right, just short of the wall. From the inside several pakh peered at them over the waist-high blocks. At the west end, nearest to them and against the highest of the remaining walls, a lean-to had been built consisting of dry-stone walling, turf, roof timbers and thatch made from the grasses Garia could see growing on top of the long wall. A thin wisp of smoke curled out of a chimney at the end of the building. Asleep in a chair in front of the lean-to was a very old man.

"Milady, I'm not sure what he's going to think of so many coming to call," Michen said quietly. "Normally he just minds the wool-beasts and enjoys his solitude."

"We'll set up camp over there, then," she decided, pointing the other way. "Let him doze until our activity wakes him naturally."

Feteran and Bleskin joined them.

"Your instructions, milady?"

"We're in your domain now, commander. What do you suggest?"

"Three men each way a mark or so, milady, to test out the land. Master Michen, what lies over this wall? Can we get over it?"

Michen smiled. "It is no wall, commander, but the edge of the Stone Sea. You may consider yourself safe from that direction but doubtless you will need to make your own judgment. The ground beyond is not suitable for frayen, however. They will be in danger of breaking their legs should you attempt to take them over."

"The Stone Sea?" Feteran frowned. "What is that? I have not heard of such a thing. Father?"

Bleskin said, "This is the border of the kingdom, Feteran. Milady, this rock barrier, which appears a wall to us here, is the northern limit of the Kingdom of Palarand as well as being the boundary of your lands. It is a strange kind of rock which is extremely difficult to cross on foot or by beast. In the Palar valley, the river has breached the boundary and provides a passage for the caravan route to Tel Botro, but here as in most places you should consider it impassible."

Keren had caught the explanation as he arrived. "Impassible? How? Or should I say why?"

"Let's get the camp set up," Garia suggested, "and then we can explore. Commander, send out your men. How long did we take getting up here, do you think?"

Feteran scratched his head. "Two and a half, maybe three bells, milady."

"Then we'd better make sure we start down early enough, that's all. I don't want to be stumbling through that bog below the town in the dark."

"As you say, milady."

All the men were of course well-trained, being either current or former members of the Palace Guard. This meant that patrols were sent off, the remaining frayen were picketed and a simple camp-fire was soon established with little fuss or noise. While they were standing about speaking in low voices Bleskin spoke.

"Highness, the ancient wakens."

"Ah." Keren looked at the others. "Let me handle this, if you would."

He walked over to the lean-to and crouched down so that he was on a level with the seated man. He was the oldest person Keren had ever seen, lined with exposure to sun, wind and rain and dressed in clothes that were little better than patched rags.

"Grandfather, do we disturb you? We did not know that any lived up here."

The eyes that looked back at Keren were bright. "I prefer the sound of my own voice, lad, but today your party makes a welcome change." His eyes flickered at the men working behind Keren. "Why so many men, lad? Are you afraid?"

Keren grinned. "Nay, grandfather. This is just a welcome ride out for the men. There is only so much polishing and cleaning a guardsman can do. Do you mind us here? We shall be gone by mid afternoon."

"Do as you will, lad. I do not mind. I have heard that the town has a new liege."

"That is not my lot, grandfather. Your new liege is the small girl with the swords." Keren pointed.

The old man regarded Garia for a moment then nodded. "Good. She has fire, she moves with purpose, I like that." The gaze swung back to Keren. "She will be good for the town and good for... you."

"Grandfather, I -"

"I once rode with your grandfather, lad," the old man said. His eyes went to Keren's sash. "When he wore the colors you now bear. I fought beside him at the Battle of Perent River."

Keren's eyes widened and he stood abruptly before bowing low to the man.

"You are worthy of my respect, grandfather. Would my father know you?"

"He might, lad. Tell him that Larsenar of Teldor still lives, though I am no longer the man his father knew."

"I shall tell him. Have you a mug? We are about to brew pel."

"Aye, lad. Inside the door on the shelf. I appreciate your kindness."

Keren returned to the group at the fire carrying a rough pottery mug.

"What did you find? Is he all right?" Garia asked.

"I think so. Garia, he is the oldest person I have ever seen. He must be at least seventy if not eighty years of age. He fought beside my grandfather while he was still a prince."

Even Bleskin gave a low whistle at that. "Few survive to such an age, Highness."

"Aye, captain. He has no concern with us being here but I would suggest that we try not to upset his flock. Even if he knows them all by name it would take time to collect them should they scatter."

"We will take care, Highness," Feteran declared. "This is his domain, not ours."

Garia asked, "Does he know who we are?"

"Aye, Garia." He smiled. "He approves of you and thinks you'll be good for the town, as he puts it. I'm not so sure he'll approve quite so much once we begin digging out the mountains around him." His expression changed to a scowl. "He also thinks you'll be good for me."

Garia smiled brightly at Keren. "Duh. We already know that, don't we?"

He looked pained. "Don't start, please. We have enough problems as it is."

"Highness?"

Keren sighed. "Captain, there are... personal... matters between Garia and myself." He stopped, struck by a thought. "Perhaps... but this is not the place for such matters. Let us provide Larsenar of Teldor with a mug of hot pel, have our own drink and then inspect this curious wall before us."

When they were finished the group set out to walk the hundred and fifty strides to the wall.

"As I explained, Highness," Michen said, "it is a natural phenomenon. In some places it is above the level of the touching land and in others it is below. The nature of the surface is such that it becomes impossible to walk any distance on it."

"I am curious to see this strange soil. Is it like a marsh or bog, then?"

"Highness, you will see for yourself shortly."

"And no man may cross it, you say?"

"Highness, it stretches for many marks to the north. Some parts are more passable than others, it is true, but any man would have to be very determined to wish to cross to the other side. Any man or beast will be at risk of injury to their legs or feet."

"Yarling, do you have knowledge of this Stone Sea?"

"I have heard of it, of course, Highness. I have never encountered it. My duties to the guild and its clients have kept me in other parts of the Kingdom. I am interested to see it for myself."

The wall was about five feet high at the point they reached it but that was no obstacle since the many tumbled blocks provided an easy route to the top. Feteran went first to ensure that the way was clear and the rest followed, to stand in a line looking towards the north.

"You're right," Garia remarked to no-one in particular, "I've never seen anything like this before. No wonder it's impassible."

At their feet the rock was worn by the weather into random blocks of anything from a handswidth to a foot in size, the cracks running in all directions. The blocks themselves were heavily weathered leaving an uncertain surface with random points and dips and deep cracks between. Some of the blocks tipped when stepped upon. In the crevices between the blocks thin, dry grasses issued, the stems reaching waist height. Garia could see green shoots below, but it was obvious that any plants would have a hard time getting enough sustenance to flourish.

As the eye moved away towards the distance the grass stems began to hide the ruined surface and presented the viewer with the impression of a gently undulating landscape which stretched to the horizon. The rise and fall of the ground, as shown by the grasses, showed a perfect impression of a sea frozen at one instant in time.

"Wow. Just wow. So, how far does this go?"

"Anything from two hundred to five hundred marks, milady," Michen replied, "although none have been able to survey it properly for obvious reasons."

"We might be able to do something about that," she said. "There may be ways we can measure this using our new instruments and the stars. I'll ask Master Gerdas when we get back to Palarand. Merry -" Then Garia remembered that Merizel was not with them.

Keren smiled. "I'll remember to tell her to add it to the list, Garia."

Garia looked at her feet. "Now I understand why you can't bring frayen up here, Master Michen. They wouldn't get very far, would they?"

Keren added, "Does that mean there is no life out there? No animals of any sort?"

"There is plenty of life in the Sea, Highness," Michen replied. "Small furry scurrying things, mostly, but of course there are many avians, none of which are bothered by the rock at all."

"Ah, I see."

Yarling bent down and picked up a chunk of loose rock. "Limestone, I think."

Keren asked him, "Good enough to use for construction, would you say?"

"No, Highness, this stuff is too rotten for such work, even a miner like me can tell you that." He considered. "If we were to go much deeper, then we may find better quality stone."

"I'm betting you won't," Garia said. "This surface had gotten like this because the rainwater slowly dissolves the rock, which is why it looks like it does. Deeper down the water still flows through it and the rock may all be as bad as this. Now we have an explanation why there is so little water at Blackstone. It is easier for the rain to go down through this stuff."

"Where does the water go, milady? It can't just keep going down forever."

"Nope, it probably forms huge underground rivers that come out marks away." Yarling's eyes widened. "I'm guessing this is about the highest point of the mountains round these parts? The rivers would come out the other side of this, then." She pointed north before turning to Yarling and smiling. "We can't build with this stuff but on the other hand it will be just the material to go into the new steel furnaces. All we have to do is get it down into the valley below." She had another thought. "We can also grind it up to make mortar. It's probably good enough for that."

Yarling nodded absently, his mind already on the details. "As you say, milady."

Feteran had his telescope out and was examining the plain before them in detail before swinging around and using the vantage height to inspect the valley to their south. Yarling watched him and turned to Garia.

"What does your commander do, milady? Is that another of your devices?"

"Oh! Yes, Master Yarling. I keep forgetting I have this thing with me now."

Garia pulled the cap from the leather tube hanging from her belt and brought out her own small telescope. Keren remembered that he also had one and pulled his own out.

"This is a device which can make distant things seem a little closer," she said. "There are magnifying lenses in each end and if I pull it out," she did so, "you can have a look for yourself. Here. You might find it blurred to start with, you have to twist -"

Garia explained how to use the telescope before handing it over. Yarling took it gingerly and placed it to an eye, waving it about until he found how to focus on something distant. Eventually he gave it back to Garia with a bow.

"Another amazing device, milady. I can see it might have many uses, even for such a person as myself. Might I ask? Would it be possible for me to obtain one of these, or is the use restricted?"

"The only restriction is that of demand," she replied. "As you say, they are so useful many people want one. I might also add that they are being made in a number of different shapes and sizes. This is just a small personal version, given to a number of us as gifts by the guilds in Palarand. You think this might help you in your work here?"

"Aye, milady. To inspect the valley without having to climb for a bell each time would make my work here a little easier."

"Then I'll lend you mine, I think. I keep forgetting I have it with me when I ride so I won't miss it, but I'll want it back before I leave Blackstone, if you would."

Yarling was overcome. "Milady, I couldn't possibly -"

"Nonsense!" She began unbuckling the strap which held the case to her belt. "You have a real need for it at the moment and I don't, simple as that. If I need one I can always ask His Highness."

Yarling reluctantly accepted the case from Garia, holding it in one hand while using the telescope with the other. Once the others were satisfied with what they could see they all climbed down and returned to the camp fire.

"Milady?" Feteran asked. "Do you wish to ride before lunch?"

"I think so, commander. That was the original idea, wasn't it? Let's go over there, it can't be more than two marks or so."

"As you wish, milady."

Feteran began issuing commands. A number of the men remained at the camp site while others made ready to escort Keren and Garia on their ride. They collected their animals, mounted and set off westward along the ridge. As they left the end of the valley the group veered south to follow the ridge along the valley side. Soon they had advanced enough that they faced Blackstone, lying snug under the opposite valley wall.

"It looks very small from up here," Garia remarked. "When we're down there in the town it seems so big and busy but from up here it seems little more than a village."

"Milady," Michen replied, "we know our town is but a poor outpost, far from the life and bustle of such places as Tranidor, but we do not expect any more from it. It is enough for most of us and we have almost all that we need." He looked at Garia. "That is why many were surprised when Blackstone was announced a barony. We could not understand the reason unless it was to give some pampered noble a title in name only." Garia opened her mouth but Michen continued, "Milady, we were surprised when we understood just who you were and what you intend for us. It seems our King and his brother show rare judgment in this matter. To give you a title which other nobles consider a matter for laughter means they do not enrage the nobility with accusations of favoritism. By the time the wealth beneath our slopes begins to flow it will be too late to complain."

Keren said, "Aye, Michen, that is what my father and uncle planned. But do not imagine that all nobles are so easily deceived. There will be work ahead for all of us for this project to succeed without opposition."

"As you say, Highness."

Yarling had dismounted and was sketching the town with charcoal and parchment. He looked up at Garia.

"Milady, this is an excellent vantage point. I can see the whole town clearly and it will permit me to consider my thoughts more easily. If I may finish?"

"Of course. We're in no hurry today. The more detail we can get now the less we'll miss later on."

Once Yarling had finished they continued riding along the west ridge of the valley until the ground ahead dipped sharply toward the first of the narrow canyons which cut the valley each side.

"This is about as far as we can go, I think," Garia decided.

She looked west along the narrow, crooked channel cut into the rock in front of them. The mountains disappeared into the distance in all directions, hazy beneath the weakening sun.

"How far away that direction is the Palar valley, do you think?"

"I have no idea, milady," Michen responded. "Someone will have made the journey, no doubt, but not in recent years. Perhaps thirty, even forty marks." He shook his head. "I am but guessing, milady. I know the herders take their flocks along these narrow ways to the uplands you can see beyond but they do not venture far from Blackstone except in high summer."

"Thank you, Michen. Commander?"

"It all sounds safe, milady, but were we to be quartered here permanently I would send surveying parties along all these side ways so that we knew as much as possible about such places. As it is," he shrugged, "there seems little point when we may be needed closer to Blackstone. At any rate I believe that I now begin to understand this landscape. I take it you plan to ride over that side after lunch, milady?"

"That was the general idea, yes." She turned to the other riders. "Have we all seen enough?"

"Milady, there is coal down there," Yarling said, pointing. "The seams are narrow, as I would expect, but I can see at least three from here. We may be able to make use of such deposits. And of course, there is water flowing through this narrow way. That may be the more valuable resource to us in the future."

Garia nodded. "Yes. Water is going to be our main problem, I think. I may have some ideas about that although I don't know how practical they'll be. Let's get back to the camp, I'm beginning to feel as though I need to eat some lunch soon."

They rode back at an easy canter and soon made themselves comfortable around the camp. More pel was set to brew while they began eating the food they had brought with them. Because this was just a short day's ride out the food was cold and mostly eaten in the hand but that was not unusual for circumstances like these. While they sat and ate Yarling had some questions.

"Milady, since you seem to have some knowledge of the formation of rocks, indeed, in many respects your knowledge exceeds my own, I wondered if you had any explanation for the Stone Sea. I cannot think how such an arrangement may have happened."

"What, me? I don't know anything about geology, Master Yarling. Uh, not in the detail you seem to think I do."

Then Garia realized that wasn't entirely true. Yarling and the other miners had practical knowledge of particular rock formations and how to get the precious ores out of them but they didn't have the long view about how the rocks had gotten there in the first place. Garia didn't have the detail but at least she had the long view.

"Well," she continued, "I could make an educated guess, I think. You know how rocks get worn down over many, many years through the action of wind, ice and water? That's how river valleys and all the other features you can see around you get formed."

"Aye, milady," Yarling said slowly. All the others listened intently, since what Garia would doubtless explain would be something else new to Alaesia. Yarling asked, "Exactly how many years are we talking about, milady?"

"Oh, I don't know. It probably varies for all kinds of reasons. We're generally talking thousands, millions of years, perhaps."

"So long, milady?"

"Yes. Look, think of where we are sitting, for instance. Once upon a time that valley, the Bray, wasn't there at all. Perhaps we would have been sitting on a cliff-top perhaps twice as high as we are now. Over there, where the Stone Sea begins, would have been a cliff edge and a long drop to a real sea. We're talking maybe one hundred, two hundred million years ago now."

There was a startled silence as her listeners tried to envision such an appalling distance of time.

"Okay," she continued, "now let's suppose that the whole land begins to sink beneath the sea, cliff and all. Very soon, we're deep under water and the sea is full of tiny marine creatures that live in shells. When these creatures die their shells sink to the ocean floor and over time build up deposits. Are you with me so far?"

Yarling's face lit up. "Ah! Now I understand, milady. We have often wondered how limestone came to be filled with so many tiny shells. You say these are all sea creatures? Does the land go up and down all the time, then?"

"It does go up and down but extremely slowly, Master Yarling. It would take many thousands of years to do that and no-one would really be aware of it. Now, you can see what happens. The shells fall everywhere so they fill up both below the cliff and on top of it. Remember, this takes millions of years so that the rock has time to build up such a great thickness. Eventually the land rises again and sticks out of the ocean forming a new land mass. Then the weather gets to work on it and erodes the top levels away. Eventually, we end up with the situation we have today with two completely different rock types side by side." She shook her head. "That might not be exactly what happened, I'm only guessing. But it is a likely explanation."

"Milady, I am astonished once again," Yarling said. "I am not accustomed to thinking in such great numbers of years but, with your explanation, I can see how what you have described to us may have happened. I had not thought Anmar to be so old."

"You'll have to go back much further than that," Garia told him. "My world is thought to be about four and a half billion years old. There are ways of measuring the age of rocks." Yarling looked interested so she added, "we won't be able to use those techniques for a long time yet, I'm afraid. We'll just have to make educated guesses based on what we see in the field."

After lunch they mounted up and rode east, to the valley ridge above the town. Garia wanted to get a proper feel for the lands around Blackstone Vale.

"I notice there are rock outcrops this side, and going east." She pointed to a clump of rounded reddish boulders sticking out of the turf.

"Aye, milady. On top of the highest coal deposits this side is a cap of sandstone. It is a hard rock most useful for grinding grain and sharpening tools. Although it is very hard it does fracture so can be quarried with some effort. In some places it is used as a good building material, but Bezan can probably tell you more about that when he arrives tonight."

"Is it going to make it difficult to get at the coal underneath?"

"No, milady, we can go in at the edges. Although, supporting such a large mass will be difficult once we remove the coal."

"Would it be easier just to take the whole lot off?"

Yarling stared at Garia, speechless. She grinned back at him.

"Look, you're probably thinking that removing all this would be a big waste of effort just to end up with a huge amount of leftover rock. You've just told me this is useful stuff, haven't you? We're going to need an immense amount of building material to make this project work and here it is, in the way of the top layer of coal. It isn't going to be wasted effort. We can even set up a side industry selling mill wheels and grindstones."

"Milady, once again I underestimate you. You are right, of course."

They rode some way along the ridge at the north side of Blackstone Vale before Feteran looked at the angle of the sun and suggested that perhaps they ought to be getting back. Reluctantly Garia turned and the party made its way back to the camp. Another drink was waiting for them when they arrived, those who had remained at the camp having seen them approach in the distance.

Garia had just finished her pel and was wondering where it might be best to go to let some of it out when she was startled by three pakh galloping past the camp, their necks stretched out in front as they fled. As they reached the point beyond the picket lines where the ridge widened to form the head of the valley the three scattered in different directions. Behind her came a hoarse shout.

"Grakh! Tend your beasts!"

Everybody scrambled to their feet and made for the picket line. Garia didn't need to be told what the consequences might be if their frayen panicked, she had seen the results on Duke Norvelen's leg. When she reached the lines she could see that some of their mounts were already in trouble, pulling at their reins and bucking nervously. But Snep calmed down somewhat as soon as she reached him, putting a reassuring hand on his neck. She noticed that most of the other animals calmed as well when their riders arrived. The only person who seemed to be having trouble was Michen.

Ah. He still has the old-style saddle and hasn't had the benefit of my 'frayen-whispering'.

"Keren, help Michen," she said. "He doesn't have our rapport with our animals."

"Aye, Garia."

Under the circumstances Keren didn't stand on ceremony. He was closest to Michen and moved to assist while Garia did a quick scan of the skies to try and find the threat.

"There! Don't look, concentrate on your frayen. Four of them, coming from the east. Height, I dunno, about five hundred feet or so."

They were still a mark or more distant and looked like tiny black shapes flapping through the sky. They were heading parallel to the edge of the Stone Sea and Garia wondered if they had been seen.

Our clothing is pretty well blended in with the landscape, even the Palace Guard uniforms. The frayen are gray, perhaps we'll get away with this... damn, no, those pakh stand out with their white fleeces and they're scattering from the point where we all are. Nothing says 'food here' like - ah, shit.

She thought the last word as the grakh peeled off like an echelon of dive-bombers locating a target. They had obviously spotted the party.

Now, how do I get my swords out while still hanging on to Snep?

Garia noticed that others, hanging on to their animals and trying to calm them, were also trying to figure out how to make their weapons available in time as well.

Suddenly the line of diving creatures pulled up sharply, scattered in all directions. After some confusion they regrouped and flapped off strongly towards the north-west, ignoring the party on the ground. Garia scanned the skies for another possible threat but could find nothing.

"What was that all about? Why do you think they abandoned the attack?"

"I know not, milady," Feteran replied. "There are few things I know of that will deter grakh and I see nothing in the skies."

Garia breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that's over."

Keren was standing tall, his telescope to his eye, aimed at the departing creatures.

"What do you see, Keren?"

"Fascinating. I have only ever seen such as these from a great distance, as you might understand. They are not avians but another kind of flying animal. Perhaps the ancestors of those creatures came from Earth as well."

"It's going to be almost impossible to find out, you realize. On Earth those things have been dead sixty five million years."

Keren closed the telescope with a snap and returned it to its case.

"I think perhaps it is time we returned to the town, don't you? I can take a hint." He indicated the skies.

"I agree. Commander?"

"Milady, what about the pakh? Should we offer to go round them up for the old man?"

Keren said, "Let's ask him."

Keren and Garia walked across to the lean-to where the man still sat in his chair.

"Grandfather, your flock has scattered. Shall we fetch them in for you before we leave?"

The old man flipped a hand in dismissal.

"You need not worry, lad. I know all of my flock, they will soon find their own way back once the panic is past. They'll be here before dark, I assure you. Do you depart?"

"Aye, grandfather. We must be back in the town before the sun sets. Fare you well."

"Fare you well, lad." The old man's gaze switched to Garia. He grinned. "I wish the girls rode as well as you do when I was the Prince's age," he said. "You stopped your beasts from panicking, too." He nodded. "You'll be good for Blackstone. Fare you well, milady."

"Fare you well, sir."

"Look after her, lad."

"I will, grandfather."

The two walked back to their camp, where the men were packing up the few remaining things and dousing the fire.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Aye, Keren. Let's go home."

~o~O~o~

Crossing the valley floor the grakh were still on Garia's mind.

"Ptuvil?"

"Eh? I don't know, Garia. We'll have to ask in the town, but I don't think there can be any that close to the town otherwise we would have been told. No, I believe they nest in the mountains far to the east of here."

"Far to the east? I thought there was just a couple mountain ranges and then we'd be at the coast of Vardenale."

Keren took one hand from his reins and rocked it.

"Maybe, but that still covers perhaps two hundred marks or so. Much of that land is untamed, lying between Palarand and Vardenale. Apart from the trade route which we followed on our way here I don't think many live in those wastes."

"That may change in the future if that is where the coal has ended up," she pointed out. "What is the policy on claiming empty land like that?"

"Father would have to meet the King of Vardenale and make up a treaty deciding who owned what and so on. Before that we'd both have to send out expeditions to properly map out the whole region. That could take years."

"Oh. That's for the future, I guess."

The party arrived at the cistern building just as the sun dipped below the mountainside opposite Blackstone. On the flat camping area a group of men were busy erecting tents beside four open wagons. There was a shout, the party stopped and Bezan walked over to join them.

"Highness, Milady, greetings! Did you have an interesting day out?"

"Aye, Bezan," Keren replied. "Have you heard of the Stone Sea?"

"Aye, Highness, I have, though I have never seen it." His eyes lit up. "Do you tell me it is beyond the ridge?"

"Barely. And we had a fright, four grakh flew overhead just as we were leaving. Who are those men?"

"Ah, Highness, those are the miners and laborers who will dig out the first consignment of coal for the south. We shall begin the extraction tomorrow. Grakh?"

"Aye. We came to no harm. We must needs find out what those in the town know of such creatures. Shall we see you this evening?"

Bezan bowed. "I am at your command, Highness, Milady."

"Then we shall leave you erect your camp and we will take our beasts back to their well-earned rest."

"By your leave, Highness."

Back at the Claw they headed directly to the stables to settle their frayen. While Garia was rubbing Snep down Merizel appeared.

"Everything went well?"

"Almost. Four grakh flew over just as we were about to return. We learned a great deal about the lands around Blackstone, you'll have to come with us up there one day. Yourself?"

Merizel quirked a smile. "Almost. You have some letters from the south, including one from the Queen, nothing serious enough to worry about. I managed to take a short ride with Sookie and Brydas and then after lunch I helped Sookie and Senidet go through the Claw's accounts." She frowned. "I had to send Lanilla home for the night. There was a serious disagreement between her and Jasinet."

"Oh? Lanilla told me this morning that Jasinet argued all the time."

"That wasn't quite the way I understood the situation," Merizel said slowly. "Aye, there was an argument but I have the impression Jasinet is behaving like a labris caught in a trap, which is why she is causing trouble."

Garia finished off settling Snep for the night and then the two walked across the yard to their quarters.

"I'm no good at dealing with this kind of situation, Merry. I've only been a girl some months, remember? Although I am now comfortable in my body here I don't have the experiences that any girl would have growing up. Could you handle this for me?"

"I'm not sure, Garia. I'm a noble and they are commoners, they treat me differently than they would behave with their own friends. I don't know how the young people in such a town as this behave. Why can't you do it? You manage the townspeople extremely well in my opinion."

"Yeah, but they are older, mostly. I have a different relationship with what I still see as adults and of course they treat me differently because I'm not just a noble but their liege. Jasinet and Lanilla are our own age and I'm not finding it easy to figure out how to handle people that age." Garia grinned. "Present company excepted, of course. My own friends, well, that's different."

"It's a different relationship, isn't it? We treat each other as equals but those two girls are staff so of course we see them differently. Back at South Reach I made friends with many of daddy's retainers when I was little but I never forgot that they were staff however friendly we became. It will be the same here."

"Yes." Garia sighed. "I still have much to learn, haven't I?"

"As you say. You haven't been brought up in our society so it isn't surprising you sometimes have more to find out. You are going to bathe before the evening meal?"

"After a whole day riding? You bet. Look, let's leave the problem of our new staff members until tomorrow. I think I want to have a word with Brydas before speaking to either of them again."

"What will you do this evening, then? There is nothing planned."

"We'll all meet in the common room and have a thorough debrief of today's ride."

"You'll need me to take notes, then." Merizel shivered as they began to climb the Womens' Stair. "Grakh, you say? Your travels are never boring, are they?"

Garia's investigation into the fighting between her new maids reveals a deeper, darker secret, one which she must drop everything to resolve. Out of her depth, she calls in help from the town assembly. The evil-doers are confronted, but there is an unexpected side-effect...

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Jenet knocked at the chamber door and let herself in. Garia and Merizel were just beginning to think about getting out of bed, having talked for a short while after waking.

"Good morning, Milady, Milady Merizel."

"Morning, Jenet," Merizel said breezily. "What's the day like?"

"Fair, milady, with some sun, though the early mornings are getting noticeably cooler now. What has milady planned for today?"

Garia groaned. "More meetings, I guess. There's that letter from the Queen to read and Brydas wants to talk to me about coke-making." She ran a hand through her hair, pushing it off her face. "I need a trim, Jenet. Do we know who does such things in Blackstone?"

"I do not, milady, though I have already seen two of the local girls with hair cut to the same style as yourself. Doubtless Master Brydas may know who provides such services."

"Hah!" Merizel was dismissive. "He's a man. He won't have much to do with the care of women's hair, especially since he's been a widower for some years. You'll get more out of Senidet, I think."

"As you say, milady."

"Oh, there's that business with the two girls to sort out," Garia remembered. "Jenet, you haven't noticed anything between them, have you?"

"They do argue, milady, between themselves. To myself they show only respect and they are both good workers. Between the three of us the work is easily done, we are not overstretched at all." Jenet hesitated before continuing, "There is one thing, milady. Jasinet bears stripes upon her back."

Garia had a mental vision of a strange sub-species of human with tiger-like stripes before Jenet's meaning connected.

"Wait, you mean she has whip marks? Is that right?"

"I do not know if they are whip or rod, milady, or something of the like, but aye, there are at least four marks there. I only noticed them by accident as we worked yesterday."

"My God! Who would do such a thing? And why?"

"None of us, that is certain," Merizel said. She pointed out, "That would explain why she is reluctant to get in the bath with us, Garia."

"You're right." Garia's eyes narrowed in thought. "That might also explain her behavior, if she is being pressured to do whatever she is doing."

She swung her feet onto the floor and sat on her mattress facing Merizel. "Right. What do you suggest we do about it?"

"You were going to speak to Brydas about the problem," Merizel reminded her. "That may still be the best way of finding out more before you have to take any action."

Garia nodded. "We can still do that, but we'll be facing Jasinet before then." She looked at Jenet. "Where is she now?"

"She is filling the bathtub ready for us, milady. It is possible she has already bathed, so as to avoid us seeing her injuries."

Garia considered and then shook her head. "Best we let things lie until after breakfast. There's no sense investigating this until we're all washed, dressed and fed for the morning."

"And which attire shall you choose today, milady?"

"Hmm, that's an interesting one, I think. We'll be doing the Tai Chi as usual afterwards but I want to get to the bottom of this. Find me a normal gown with a big enough skirt I can do the Tai Chi, please, Jenet."

Merizel raised an eyebrow. "Not exercise gear, then."

Garia grinned. "No. I think that today I need to put my Baroness's hat on. Let's go get in that bath."

~o~O~o~

After the crowd now attending Tai Chi had dispersed, Garia asked Merizel and the three maids to join her in the room next to the Womens' Stair she had begun using as an office. Since Lanilla had appeared just as breakfast had started the two younger girls had kept a cool distance between themselves, preferring to conduct their duties in silence. Now they both looked apprehensive as Jenet closed the door on the group, since it was obvious why the meeting had been called.

"It seems there was an incident yesterday while I was out riding," Garia began. "Either of you want to tell me about it?"

"Milady," Lanilla replied, "I was pleating your skirt with an iron but... Jasinet said I shouldn't do it like that. She said there was a better way and she tried to push me off. I had to drop the iron so I wouldn't get burned but..." she looked extremely guilty, "...it fell on the skirt and burned it, milady."

There was an intake of breath from Jenet, who of course had been out with Garia.

Jasinet looked truculent but frightened. "Milady, it wasn't like that! She wasn't holding the iron properly, it was bound to slip from her hand!"

"But you did try to take it from her, then?" Garia asked.

Jasinet repeated, "Milady, it wasn't like that!"

"Okay, let's move on. What happened next?"

The two girls just looked at each other, silent.

Merizel said, "Sookie called me and said these two were fighting. I think it was mostly words but I didn't see so I can't be sure. When I got there both were separated, crying. They both began making accusations against the other but I couldn't make sense of any of it so I decided to keep them apart. In the end it seemed better to send Lanilla home to her parents for the night."

"Why Lanilla?"

Merizel shrugged. "No particular reason, Garia, except that Jasinet seems to be the one who starts these arguments so I wanted her here where someone could keep an eye on her." She thought. "I suppose I could have sent one of them to help Sookie rather than sending her home but I didn't think of that yesterday, I was busy."

Garia regarded the two. Their faces were pale, drawn. They both knew that what they had been doing would probably result in the dismissal of one or both of them, and when the news got out their family reputations would probably go down the pan. Not funny in a small town like this where everyone knew everybody's business.

There's something more going on here. Is Lanilla just too stupid to do the work? She seems able to do whatever Jenet has given her but what do I know? Even after living in the palace for months I still have little idea how this system works.

...Then there's Jasinet. If Jenet has seen whip marks they must be fairly recent which means since she began working here... what does this mean? I'm supposed to be the one in charge and I have no clue how to handle this.

"Lanilla," she began, "is it your wish to remain here with us? Do you find the work hard? Are you not being treated right?"

Lanilla fell to her knees. "Oh, My Lady! I like it here with you! I have learned so much and I want to go on learning." The tears started to fall. "I beg of you! Please don't send me back to my family!"

Garia remembered that Lanilla had more or less admitted that her family was one of the poorer in the town and that finding a position for a daughter probably meant more food for the rest. Sending her back would not be a charitable thing to do to any of them. Besides, Lanilla wasn't the disruptive party here.

"Rise, please. I have no intention of sending either of you home, at least not until I have figured out what is really going on here."

Jasinet looked even more frightened as Garia switched her attention to her.

She is frightened... but not of me!

Garia opened her mouth to speak but stopped, shaking her head.

"Merry, I don't know how to do this."

"If you would permit me, Garia?" Merizel turned to the girls and addressed them. "Milady Garia finds this business hard to handle because she is not a noble born. Where she comes from, far away, they have no nobles at all and therefore no servants or retainers either. I, however, am familiar with the customs of Palarand since my father is a baron. Girl!"

Jasinet's eyes widened and she sank, soundless, to her knees.

"It has been said throughout the building that you are awkward and argumentative, seeking to find fault with your fellow under-maid's work whenever you can. What have you to say for yourself?"

Jasinet trembled. "Milady, I tried only to do the best work I could. If there is anything I have done wrong I am sorry for it. Lanilla doesn't... Lanilla doesn't know how to do many of her duties properly so I have tried to help her."

Merizel's eyes flicked to Jenet. "Jenet, what is your opinion of Lanilla's work?"

"Milady, I can find no fault with it. The work that both girls do is certainly adequate for our present circumstances."

Garia took that to mean that, considering they were new hires and just learning the business far from the structured environment of castle or palace, she was satisfied with what they did.

Merizel continued to Jasinet, "I have heard that there are marks on your back. How did they come there?"

Jasinet looked absolutely terrified. "Milady, an accident. I shall be more careful in future."

Garia was beginning to fume. Jasinet was patently attempting to cover something up, but what?

"Okay, I think I've heard enough," she said. "Everybody upstairs, now, our bed chamber."

"Milady?" Jasinet was fear-stricken.

"Get off your knees, Jasinet. It's time for the truth."

The five trooped up the Womens' Stair and into Garia and Merizel's chamber. Once the door was closed Garia turned to Jasinet.

"Right. Strip."

Horrified, Jasinet backed against the wall. "Milady, I dare not."

"Girl," Merizel commanded, "Your liege has bade you remove your clothes. Do so now."

Once Jenet had helped Jasinet out of her gown and bodice she stood in front of them wearing only a pair of tie-side panties. The others stared in horrified silence at the weals across her back and down her buttocks.

"Who did this?" Garia grated out.

Jasinet shook her head, the tears streaming down her face. "Milady, I dare not say."

"Girl," Merizel said, gently, "you are a sworn retainer of Baroness Blackstone now. You have been greviously assaulted. An assault on you is an assault on her honor. Do you not understand? She will protect you, as will I." Fiercely, "As will every man under this roof, do you understand me? Tell her who did this thing to you."

Jasinet broke down completely, sobbing into her hands. Garia strode across and comforted her. Her first touch made the girl flinch but she did not resist Garia's embrace. Jenet came and wrapped a fluffy robe around Jasinet's shoulders to try and keep her warm.

After a while Garia spoke quietly. "You are not to blame, Jasinet. If you are being forced to do something against your will, you cannot be to blame. Now, was it your own decision to become a maid here with me?"

Jasinet nodded without looking up. "Aye, milady, it was."

"Then who beat you? Does your family disapprove of you coming here?"

A quick shake of the head. "No, milady, my family wanted me to -" She stopped.

"Did they want you out of the house, perhaps? One less mouth to feed, is that it?"

Another shake of the head. "No, milady, just the opposite. They were proud for me to take service with you. They wanted me to -" Again she stopped.

Garia was puzzled, and by Merizel's expression she couldn't work it out, either. Then a realization began to come.

"Wait a moment." She stood away from Jasinet and looked the girl in the eye. "You wanted to be the only maid we took on, right? That's why you kept finding fault with Lanilla's work, wasn't it?"

Jasinet nodded silently, her expression miserable. Jenet handed her a cloth to wipe her face with.

"But that was not your idea, was it? You were just happy to be here. So, was it your father beat you, then? Made you try and get rid of Lanilla?"

Another shake of the head, but the expression was uncertain. Wondering, perhaps, if she had made a mistake by not confiding in Garia from the beginning.

"Your mother?" Merizel asked, incredulous. "Your mother did this to her own daughter?"

The tears came again, in floods. Jenet made Jasinet sit on one of the beds and helped wipe her face as the girl, clearly distraught, continued sobbing.

Garia turned to Jenet. "Jenet, go and get Sookie to make us some pel. Bring it up yourself, please."

Jenet curtseyed. "As you command, milady." She went out, closing the door behind her.

Garia sat on the bed beside Jasinet, putting an arm around the girl.

"Now, we're going to find out what happened in the end so you might as well come clean right away. I mean, tell us everything. I don't know what you've heard about the way nobles behave but I've no intention of beating you to make you talk. Now, it's better that you tell us so that we get the facts right and don't go accusing innocent people of things they haven't done. If you're being forced to do something you don't like we can fix that. If there's somebody who is doing bad things to you it is better that they are stopped now before they do bad things to anyone else, isn't it?"

Jasinet nodded. "As you say, milady." But she was clearly unhappy about implicating one or both of her parents.

"Okay. Let's take this slowly. I know it isn't going to be easy for you to tell us what you need to."

By the time Jenet had returned with five cups of pel they had the gist of it. Her father, the town's shoemaker, was on the town assembly and her mother fancied her family as one of the movers and shakers in Blackstone. When Garia had need for extra domestic staff her parents had seen their daughter as a way of gaining influence with the new liege lady. A maid inside the camp would provide them with valuable intelligence they could use to perhaps manipulate their fortunes in the future.

Just as they had manipulated their fortunes when Trogan had come to town.

Garia suddenly had a nasty taste in her mouth, one the pel didn't quite get rid of. Mother, father or both had deliberately forced their daughter to take a maid's position so that she could gain both inside information and increase the influence the parents might obtain through having her in place.

It looked like the parents had tried the same system on Trogan to avoid the worst of the excesses he and his men had visited on the hapless locals. In that case Jasinet's older brother had been the one chosen as a means to buy influence. By sucking up to Trogan they had profited from the town's misery and protected themselves from his depredations.

They had never realized, though, that Trogan was an imposter. All along they had thought he was a legally appointed official with the power to do whatever he wished. All that had ended when Garia had come to town. Once the dust had settled and it became clear that she was genuine, they had switched their attentions to her.

Garia sighed. "Jasinet. I dare not send you back to your parents, given the circumstances. If you wish to remain in my service you may do so."

"Milady, I do! Whatever the desires of my parents I came willingly to work for you."

Garia held up a hand. "If I keep you, then you and Lanilla must make an agreement. No more fights or arguments about how to do things, understand? If there is a problem, then Jenet shall give the answer and she will be obeyed. Is that clear?"

Jasinet's lip trembled. "As you command, My Lady. It was all I wanted to do anyway." The girl turned to Lanilla, who had been silently watching the whole mess unfold. "Lanilla, I never wanted to cause you harm. My parents -" she licked her lips. "I want to serve My Lady the way she should be served, not the way my family insisted I behaved. I was wrong to argue with you and I am sorry for what I did."

Lanilla replied, "I have seen the stripes on your back and I do not blame you for what you were forced to do." There was a twitch of a smile. "There were times that you were right and I was wrong in any case. With Mistress Jenet to guide us we shall both learn the proper way to serve milady."

Garia said, "Thank you, Lanilla. I don't expect you to become friends but at least you can learn to work alongside each other. Now, I think it is time Jasinet put her clothes back on. Unless -" she looked a question at Jenet. "What do you think? Should she have some ointment on those wounds?"

"They do not hurt so much, milady," Jasinet said. "It is three days since they were made."

"You are sure? We can give you something, cover it all up with a bandage?"

In the end Jenet smeared some ointment on the marks and wound a strip of linen round to prevent it coming off on her clothing. Once Jasinet was fully dressed again Garia was forced to consider the next step.

"I don't suppose I can avoid facing her parents, can I?"

"No, Garia," Merizel judged. "As I said earlier, one of your retainers has been physically assaulted, aside from any other consideration. It is up to you how quickly you wish to handle the matter, and how." She frowned. "I don't think I know how such a matter should be judged, though. I can't think of a similar incident my father had to handle. Perhaps we should speak to Master Brydas and Master Jepp?"

"A good idea. Let's go and find them. The sooner this business is dealt with the better, I think."

When they reached the courtyard Brydas, Bleskin, Feteran and Keren were talking in a group which also included Stott, Tedenis and Briswin. The latter three were holding longbows of varying lengths. Brydas came across to Garia when they appeared.

"Milady! Good morning to you, and to you, Milady Merizel. I understand you wished to see me urgently." His eyes looked over the maids, not failing to see that the two young girls had been crying. "Something is wrong, milady?"

"Something is very wrong, Master Brydas. I'll have need of you, His Highness, Captain Bleskin and his son and we'll also need Master Jepp, if somebody can run and fetch him."

Ten people somehow found space in the room Garia used as her office. She outlined what they had discovered. Keren winced when Jenet described the whip marks and the other men were definitely shocked.

"What do I do?" Garia asked. "I need advice."

Jepp was the first to speak. "Milady, you are right, this is a clear assault upon one of your personal staff. Even though she was assaulted by one or both of her parents they have no authority for such an action and must be punished for the crime."

"Do not parents have authority over their own children?" Feteran asked.

"The maiden Jasinet is accounted an adult, commander. If she had not taken service with the baroness then her parents would ward her until she took a husband but that does not give them authority to strike her. Because she has taken service with the baroness they no longer have rights over her at all, those rights passed to Milady Garia when Jasinet made her oath."

"This is true of all her retainers, Master Jepp?"

"Aye, commander. That is the basis of noble custom and law."

Feteran made a wry smile. "Life was so much simpler when I was just a guardsman at the palace. It seems we all have much to learn."

Bleskin said, "You must needs sit at court, milady, and judge this matter."

"I know, captain, but I don't know the procedure or what the penalties might be or anything like that."

Keren said, "You dealt with those bandits easily enough, Garia."

"That was different, Keren. It was fairly clear what they had done and what the penalty would be. Those were..." felonies. "...state crimes against state organizations. This is a mother beating her daughter."

"It's also a crime against your honor, Garia," Merizel pointed out. "It's not just a simple domestic problem. You can't afford to let anyone get away with doing something like this."

"She's right," Bleskin agreed. "It strikes at your authority, milady. To attempt to suborn a member of your staff is a serious matter."

"But what should I do?"

"It is Jasinet's mother we accuse with this crime? Not her father?"

"No, sir," Jasinet confirmed softly. "To my shame it was my mother did this deed."

"Not so, young woman," Bleskin said stoutly. "The shame is hers, not yours."

"I think," Jepp said slowly, "that we must take into account that our liege is young and female." To Keren's raised eyebrow he explained, "Were Jasinet the servant of such as the Lord Trosanar or even the Lord Gilbanar then one could imagine they would use the full force of their position to exact a suitable punishment. Time in the cells, perhaps. A flogging of her own, in public. The effect of such a punishment should Lady Garia decree it would be different since many would see it as the capricious whim of a young woman. In their eyes she would be little better than the bandit Trogan."

Keren nodded. "I see what you mean. I cannot deny that Garia and I are judged differently since we are both so young and inexperienced. Have you a suggestion?"

"Perhaps a stiff fine, Highness. This will demonstrate that milady does not take the insult lightly but shows she is not vindictive."

"Agreed," Garia said. "We have to remember that both father and mother plotted to gain influence and a fine would hit both in the pocket. Uh, I mean it will hit the finances of both. If they stop, good enough, but if this continues then they can't say they weren't warned about their conduct. When shall we do it? After lunch? And where? Do we want to set up in the courtyard again?"

Jepp shook his head. "Milady, that will not be necessary. The whole town had an interest in seeing Trogan and his men brought to justice which was why we used the courtyard. I believe your common room will suffice for this afternoon's court." He smiled. "Besides, it will be warmer."

~o~O~o~

Garia's men took station inside the cleared common room. Two took position either side the front and rear doors while the final two stood behind the principals at one end of the room. Keren and Garia were both wearing their sashes and badges of office. On the bench either side of them sat Bleskin, Brydas, Jepp and Fedren, the last three being there as town representatives. There were a few locals sitting on benches facing them since rumor had gone round that something interesting would happen this afternoon. Seated to one side behind a table was Merizel, who was waiting to take notes with reed and paper in front of her. Jenet, Lanilla and Jasinet were concealed in the cubbyhole from where Sukhana usually served out the drinks. Sukhana was with them, protecting them in case anything happened. She couldn't fight the way Garia did but a lifetime's experience of the caravans meant that she had a few tricks of her own should it become necessary.

The front doors opened and Briswin entered, followed by Jasinet's parents and then Tedenis. Garia had opted to send the two boys to summons the shoemaker and his wife in order not to alarm them. They had merely been 'requested to attend a session of milady's court' at the Ptuvil's Claw. When they entered the room they saw only what they expected to see.

The two walked towards Garia's bench and made obeisance. Both were dressed in their best clothes, the father in a smart tunic of expensive cloth with his Shoemaker's Guild chain proudly displayed around his neck. When he removed his cap Garia could see that he had spent some time attending to his hair, presumably to project the effect he wanted of a prosperous town tradesman.

His wife was dressed in a sumptuous gown of deep red satin. Unfortunately the effect was somewhat spoiled by the design which even Garia could tell was dated. She had seen enough styles in the palace wardrobe to have gained at least some idea of how fashions had changed in recent years. Out here it would have been impossible for the woman to know that. There was a thin, jeweled silver band holding back her carefully-coiffed hair, elaborate earrings sparkled from each ear, her wrists both had golden bracelets and a complex necklace of gold studded with gems lay on her ample chest.

"Milady," the man said, bowing again, "thank you for inviting us to your court. We are pleased that you are able to find time to meet the people of Blackstone, and that we are among the first you have invited."

"Thank you for coming," Garia replied.

"As you know, our daughter Jasinet has taken service with you as your personal maid," the man continued. "I trust you have found no fault with her service? We have brought her up to faithfully do whatever duty we have asked of her."

"If you will, I shall speak of your daughter's conduct in a moment. Regrettably I have a particular reason for requesting your presence here today. One of my retainers has laid charges of assault against her person by your wife."

There was shock and bemusement on the man's face and disbelief from the woman.

She spoke. "Milady, there must be some mistake! Whatever can you mean? We have barely seen any of your retinue, none have come to my husband to have work done. Surely your informant is mistaken?"

Garia sighed. This part of the confrontation had been worked out carefully to try and box Jasinet's mother into a corner.

"The informant, as you put it, is your own daughter Jasinet." The woman's eyes flared with anger. "I have, with my own eyes, seen the marks on her back where you whipped her. There is no mistake, mistress."

There was a gasp from those other townspeople in the room, followed by a general murmuring.

"Those are old marks, milady! The girl was untidy, it was necessary to chastise her."

Garia called, "Jenet, come forward."

Jenet came to the bench, curtseyed, and stood sideways so that all could hear her voice.

"Jenet, tell us what you found when you examined Jasinet's back."

"Milady, there are seven marks that are clearly visible, some across her back and others on her buttocks. It is possible that there are older marks as well but they are not clear beneath the bruising. The marks appear to have been made by a thin stick or rod, milady."

"How long ago do you think the marks were made?"

"Three days perhaps, milady. No longer than four, I am certain."

"What have you done to them?"

"I have applied ointment, milady, and wrapped her in linen to protect her body and her clothing."

"Had the marks been treated before you discovered them?"

"No, milady, they had not."

There was another gasp from the onlookers.

Garia said angrily, "Jasinet is sworn to my service! It is for me to decide whether she requires punishment, not others. By assaulting this girl you question my honor. What have you to say for yourself?"

The man had blanched but his wife was red-faced. "The girl refused to do what was bid of her! I could not let that stand, I am her mother, I have the right."

Garia's voice was cold. "Any right of punishment you had over her ended the day she turned sixteen, mistress. She is an adult, she is answerable for herself to the laws of Palarand. The day she swore an oath to serve me I took responsibility for her conduct and I took responsibility to protect her as well. You have assaulted a member of House Blackstone, mistress, and I cannot let that pass."

The woman kneeled. "Milady, I forgot myself, she is my daughter, I forgot that responsibility had passed to another. I only intended to make sure she served you as you deserved."

"About that," Garia said. "This is not just a question of a daughter disobeying her mother, is it? You put her here with the deliberate intention of getting her to spy for you, getting her to find a way you could increase your influence with me. It appears she didn't want to do that, did she? She was just happy to be here, serving her liege lady." Garia paused. "Happy, in fact, to be away from her overbearing parents. This is less about a mother beating a daughter and more about two parents who conspired to force their daughter to do their bidding while in my service."

"Milady," the man said, "this is fantasy! My daughter has a strong imagination."

"Perhaps, but it was not my imagination that saw her attempt to end the service of my other new maid. Jasinet was instructed to find fault with Lanilla's work whenever she could, in order to make her own position stronger. She might have gotten away with it, too, if we had not discovered the whip marks. Jasinet has confessed everything."

The man was shocked. "Confessed? You have ended her service? What is to become of her?"

"I have not ended her service. She remains as my maid and will continue to do so. I would not think of returning Jasinet to parents who would beat her. Where I come from abuse is considered a serious crime and even in Palarand it is taken seriously. The only question remaining is what punishment should I make on people who are prepared to beat their own children."

The man went to his knees beside his wife. "Mercy, My Lady!"

Garia regarded them stonily. "You didn't show your daughter any mercy, did you? If I had been a more senior noble, a count or a duke, I might have decided to make the punishment fit the crime. I'll show you this much mercy, then. I won't have your wife stripped to the waist, tied to a post and publicly whipped. You appear prosperous, you can have a financial penalty instead."

Garia leaned over to let Jepp whisper in her ear. This had also been pre-arranged but the actual details couldn't be decided until the case had been heard.

"Fifty crowns, milady. Thirty for the assault and ten each for the conspiracy. It will cause his household pain but not very much. As you can see they are not short of coin."

"No, indeed. Thank you, Master Jepp." Garia turned to the pair. "Rise, please. For the assault on my retainer, thirty crowns. For conspiring to spy upon my household, ten crowns each. You have two weeks - fourteen days - to pay the fine."

"But, milady!" the man protested. "I am not poor but I do not have so much coin to hand! I cannot afford as much as you ask."

Garia was going to make a sharp retort but Bleskin pointed a finger. "Master Shoemaker, your wife bears more than fifty crowns around her neck."

Garia nodded. "That's a good idea, captain. Mistress, remove your necklace, if you please. You can have it back when the fine is paid into the court. Master Jepp, when the money is paid, put it into the town fund for the poor, please."

"As you command, milady."

"But, but, I can't -" the woman stammered.

"Considering the alternative," Garia responded, "of being publicly flogged, I'm sure you can, mistress."

The woman was forced to stand, red-faced, while her husband fumbled with the necklace to remove it. He resented being asked to do something a servant should be doing, but there was little alternative. Once the necklace had been laid on the table in front of Merizel he stood back and asked a question, his expression sullen.

"What of our daughter, milady? Are we never to see her again?"

"If she wishes to meet you, then it will be her own choice, not yours. When she does she will have a chaperone and a man-at-arms with her to prevent any unpleasantness." Garia paused. "Anything else? Then this court is ended. Show them out, please."

~o~O~o~

The women retired to their chamber to change for dinner. Garia had decided that, as she was being formal today, she might as well wear one of her full-length gowns to dinner for a change. Her traveling wardrobe wasn't that big and it would give her other clothing a rest. Jasinet went down on one knee in front of her.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, milady! I never thought that you could be so gracious to me. I was just so frightened of what might happen, I didn't think there was any way I could get out of it."

Garia smiled and extended her hands to help Jasinet up. "That's all right, Jasinet. Us girls have to stick together. I know that not everybody has parents that treat them right, I'm glad I could fix this problem quickly."

"They aren't really bad, milady," Jasinet said quietly. "They are very strict sometimes. I thought that all parents were like that."

"And that's the problem, isn't it? You think that the situation you are in is normal when in fact it isn't. It's only when you visit your friends, or when you leave home, that you might, might, discover the truth."

"As you say, milady. I promise to be good in future and not argue with anybody about anything. You are a good person to serve."

"Well, I do what I can, Jasinet." Garia smiled. "And don't make promises you are unlikely to keep! Now, this evening I'm going to wear one of my long gowns, I think. Do you know which chest they are kept in?"

"Oooh! I like looking at those gowns! Do you have lots more back at the palace, milady?"

"I do, but the situation there is a bit strange..."

Ready for dinner, they found Michen waiting for them at the foot of the stair.

"Milady," he bowed. "A brief moment before you go in to dinner, if I may."

"Of course, what can I do for you?"

"The grakh, yesterday. If you remember, we wondered why they did not press their attack. I have spoken to several herders today and what they tell me is that your dranakh currently graze at the top of the mountain. I do not remember seeing them when we were up there but they may have been lying down or behind some rock outcrop, perhaps."

"Dranakh? They would fight off grakh?"

The guide nodded. "Aye, milady, depending on numbers. Two grakh would attack a single dranakh but the draft beasts are formidable opponents. It is said that they would even take on a ptuvil, milady. To succeed against dranakh, the grakh would have to outnumber them three or four to one."

"That's useful to know, Michen. Thank you for finding that out. If we ever go up to the ridge again we'll have to remember that grakh fly over the area. I didn't think about them at all until the alarm was raised."

Michen looked sheepish. "Nor I, milady. As your guide I was remiss and I apologize for that." He bowed. "I had best let you go to your meal now, milady."

Keren was waiting at their table.

"What did mother have to say? Anything important?"

Garia smiled at him. "Good news, of a sort. The palace has had to open a dedicated office just to deal with my income from the various projects. It seems that rumors of my wealth are not exaggerated at all. She sends another draft for four thousand crowns, which I'll pass on to Jaxen to take to Tranidor. That's where we're spending all the money at present."

Keren thought. "You told us of something called a 'bank' the other day. Shall you explain more over our meal? It seems we must needs consider the movement of money in greater detail than we have previously thought."

"If you insist. The principle of operation is very simple but it's all the details and variations can cause the problems. Let's see if we can't come up with some idea that will work for Palarand."

~o~O~o~

The door opened and two men regarded one another.

"Ah! Good master, it seems I have come to the right place. I foolishly caught my boot today and the stitching has parted, see?"

"Come in, come in. Sit down, let me see that."

The shoemaker examined the boot, noting that it was a simple case of worn stitching, the leather, while showing signs of much use, seemed sound.

"This will not take long to do. Can you return in the morning?"

"Uh, they are my only pair, Master Shoemaker. And we will be departing in the morning, I do not know which bell. If I could wait while you repaired it?"

"Of course. Do you wish a drink while you wait? Beer, perhaps? Or pel if you prefer."

"Thank you no, master. I have just eaten."

The shoemaker sat down at his bench and selected needle and cord. He lit another lamp and positioned it so that the metal reflector directed the glow onto his working area.

"You are a miner? One of those who came yesterday?"

"I came yesterday, master, but I am no miner. I drive one of the wagons that will take the coal away from here."

"Ah! A wagoneer, then. This coal will prove good business for you."

"Aye, master. I am told that we will take four wagons a week away from here, for many weeks to come. That will bring much needed coin to your town."

There was silence for a time, then, as the shoemaker picked out the broken threads from the boot and cleaned the holes with an awl. He noticed that some of the stitches had been cleanly cut rather than broken but said nothing.

"I hear," the wagoneer said, "that you had some trouble with the baroness earlier today."

The shoemaker scowled. "Aye. It brings shame upon my family. My wife chastised our daughter, who is newly employed by the baroness as a maid, not understanding that the baroness reserves that right to herself. We are charged fifty crowns for the misdemeanor."

"Fifty? So much? Is she a cruel one, then?"

"I don't think so, friend. Young and naive, perhaps. It is our lot to have such a one of little experience over us. A town like this needs a strong hand, especially once we are beset by miners."

"Still, it is a lot of coin to find."

"Aye. I do not have such a sum. We will have to consider selling something to make up the balance, and I'm not sure I can do that in the time allotted."

"What time would that be?"

"Fourteen days, friend."

The wagoneer whistled. "That is unjust, master. She knows how far we are from Tranidor."

"Aye. But what can I do? Here, that should fix your problem. Look at that stitching and tell me if you consider the work well done."

The wagoneer held the boot under the light and examined it. He nodded.

"It is good work, better than the original. How much, master?"

"For such a small repair, four feniks, friend."

The wagoneer put his boot back on and laced it. He stood then and fumbled, not at the pouch attached to his belt but at another concealed beneath the tunic he wore under his leather jerkin.

"Here, Master Shoemaker. Perhaps I can help fix your problem."

"What's this? Ten crowns? But why?"

"If you will accept it, consider it a loan to help you pay this penalty on time. Ten crowns is all I have with me, I'm afraid. I expect to be back here within the week and I can bring another ten, if that would help."

The shoemaker looked at the man with astonishment.

"You would lend me such coin? A complete stranger?"

"Hardly that, Master Shoemaker. You are a well-known tradesman in Blackstone, after all. I do not think you are going to run away with my money, are you? Will this help you?"

"Aye. Aye, it will. And what do you expect from me in return, friend?"

"Friend is the word, my friend. From what you have said, I gather you do not approve of your new liege."

"I do not! My wife is of like mind, as is our eldest boy. This town is ruled by children and it isn't right. Why, I have seen with my own eyes that she frolics with her men-at-arms each morning, tumbling like some acrobat at a country fair. It is not seemly behavior for one who is supposed to set her folk an example."

"Do you say so? The young are full of energy, it is true, but such a display is not what any honest subject of the King ought to do in public. Is she modestly attired during these displays?"

"Not so, friend! She wears the same as her men do, plain tunic and tights. The skirts she does wear at other times my wife considers too short. What is the world coming to?"

"There may be a way to put this right, friend. Perhaps we can talk about this when I return. Are there others in the town that think as you do?"

"Aye, there are several I can name. But what do you intend, if I may ask?"

"I have no design, Master Shoemaker. This is, after all, only the second night I have ever spent in this town. But with your help, and the help of others who think as you do, perhaps we may think of some way to give your town the liege it rightfully deserves."

The shoemaker was silent for a time. Then, quietly, "You speak of treason, friend. Or are you friend at all?"

The wagoneer spread his hands wide. "Me? Treason? No, Master Shoemaker, I do not go so far. I merely suggest that perhaps a mistake has been made, a mistake that can be corrected and that others will approve of. I have not mentioned anything treasonous at all."

The shoemaker nodded slowly. "As you say. If you would contribute another ten crowns on your next visit I would be grateful, friend. I can manage the rest, barely. In return, I will ask quietly among my own friends if there are any who might be willing to help us and we can meet when you next return."

"Done. A meeting is all I can suggest. It will be up to us at that time to decide if there is anything that can be done about your problem child."

"Agreed, then. But you have not told me your name, friend. How shall I refer to you, should my friends ask?"

"My name is not so hard to find out, Master Shoemaker. All you have to do is to ask any miner, after all. But it would perhaps be best if it were not used among your friends, in case you are overheard." The wagoneer smiled. "I have an idea. Fikt. You can refer to me as Fikt."

Garia takes a ride as far as the dam which supplies Blackstone with water. On her return she finds two puzzled Questors waiting. The afternoon answers many of their questions and Jaxen learns about a new form of transport.

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) 2011-2013 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"How far do you wish to go, milady?"

"I thought we'd ride as far as the dam, captain," Garia replied. "It's enough to give us a little exercise but close enough we won't be out too long."

Garia looked around at her little party. Besides Keren she had been joined by Bezan, Yarling, Bleskin, Merizel, Jenet and Sukhana. Brazan and five of Keren's men provided the escort. Sukhana looked self-conscious in her riding skirt, pea coat and bowler hat but seemed determined to make the ride count.

"Everybody ready? Then lead the way, Brazan."

Her second-in-command led the way out the rear entrance to the courtyard and into the fenced pasture beyond. They walked in pairs past some of the other frayen who stopped grazing and looked up as the party passed. Garia by chance rode beside Bleskin.

"I still find it odd to see women astride beasts, milady," he commented. "Even though you appear natural riders, it seems. It will take some while for Palarand to become accustomed to the sight."

"Not, perhaps, as long as you think, captain," Garia replied with a smile. "We had a wheel problem just before Tranidor and had to unload the wagon. Once Sookie saw our saddles and discovered whose they were she immediately decided that she was going to ride as well. Until her saddle was made and delivered she nagged everybody silly."

"You think there will be a clamor from the women of Palarand to ride?"

"I do! It may take some of them longer than others, perhaps, and some of the older ones may not want to bother, but I think in a couple years time women on frayen-back will be a common sight in the streets of Palarand."

"It will be an interesting change for these old eyes, milady. I must admit, though, that you do appear natural as a rider. I cannot think why the practice was frowned upon previously."

"Huh! Particularly as some women had been doing it anyway. Even the Queen."

"As you say, milady. But 'even the Queen' was discreet when she rode."

"You are right, captain. But I'm not the person to ask about that, assuming you really want to find out why. I've barely been here seven months, after all. The answer might be related to some unfortunate accident we couldn't discuss in mixed company."

"Ah... as you say, milady. Pehaps it is best left a conjecture while we accustom ourselves to our new circumstances."

They let themselves out of the paddock and took a narrow trail which followed the north bank of the river. Snep carefully picked his way through the rough, tufted grass which made the typical terrain at this level. Down here, the rock was mostly shale and mostly hidden under turf and weeds but occasionally there were bare patches where the trail narrowed. On the slopes there were occasional clumps of low bushes and rough brush with a few low, straggly trees attempting to find sustenance.

Garia asked, "What do you think of Blackstone, captain?"

Bleskin shrugged. "Much as I expected, milady. Perhaps a few more buildings than when I came here in my youth. The taking over of the town by Trogan and his fellows was a shock, though. I did not expect so brazen an act in His Majesty's lands."

"As you say. It came as a shock to us all, as you might imagine! Only... Master Jaxen had an idea things might not be right as we traveled here, although he didn't know what the problem might be."

"Oh, milady?"

"He's been around, so I guess he gets a feel for when things aren't right, or... you know what I mean. I would think that you have the same kind of sense, captain."

"Me? I have spent much of my time in the palace, milady. The country guard units may have more of a feel, as you put it, than I do."

"Oh. Yes, of course. Now you're here, what do you think of my plans for the town?"

Bleskin smiled. "Having watched you work wonders in the palace, milady, I cannot but wait for the changes which will come to Blackstone. Until now it has been a lonely place, at the very edge of our Kingdom, but you will bring work and prosperity to the town which it desperately needs."

"I'm going to upset a lot of the locals."

"Aye, milady, but most know what the alternative would be. I'm sure that most will benefit from the changes you have begun here."

"And what of yourself? What will you do when we have to go back to the palace? Will you go back to wherever Jaxen found you?"

"Milady, I would be of service to you. My plans for my retirement have changed. I no longer have..." Bleskin closed his eyes and grimaced, "...so many ties to the place I thought to see out my remaining years. My family are either in Palarand or in your service, milady."

"Oh! I'm sorry, captain! That was a thoughtless question to ask."

"Not so, milady. You asked about my future plans. There are people in Blackstone known to me, even distantly related to me. I may reside here as well as in any other place. If I may do so and be of service to you, milady, then I shall." Bleskin hesitated. "If I may ask, milady, what will happen to Blackstone when you depart? Have you yet given though how you would wish your lands administered?"

Garia shook her head. "Not at all, captain. There's just too much going on in my head at the moment. I was going to leave all that until we came back from our ride to the end of -"

Garia gestured vaguely with her free hand at the narrow valley ahead of them.

"As you say, milady. If you would give me leave, perhaps I can spare some of my time to find out what you will require. As you know, I visit Mesulkin each afternoon now and I may glean some of his long experience at the task of Steward."

"Do you think he could do the job for me, captain?"

"Alas, milady, I do not believe so. He will live, it is certain, but I fear the cost of administering your town would become too great for him, especially when the changes to come are included."

"As you say, captain." Garia sighed. She had felt deeply the lasting effects of Trogan's depredations on the town and had been upset by how badly some of its people had been treated. She turned and smiled at Bleskin. "Yes, if you would. I can't do everything myself but it's taken me a long time to understand that. I know I have a band of willing helpers and that you are one of them, captain. Find out for me what you can, please."

The ground grew less even and the valley closed in on the riders. Garia could see that, while it would be possible to make a road up here, it would take much time and effort.

What's the problem? You are considering a brand-new highway all the way from Blackstone to Tranidor. A feeder road up here would be nothing.

A road for modern American cars and trucks, maybe. They won't like dragging wagons up these slopes.

Why not? The wagon trains did exactly that all the way across the west.

Because they were going somewhere, that's why. Up here, there's nothing at the end, just wilderness. All we need is some means to get miners and equipment up here and coal out. A rough track will do, along with a conveyor belt or possibly a cable lift.

Round a bend in the valley a high overgrown wall blocked their way, the river trickling down a slime-covered spillway in the center. They angled to the left and urged their mounts up the steep slope beside the ancient dam. At the top they found themselves on top of the aqueduct, just as Garia had planned. Ahead, the way was almost blocked by a lake which occupied the whole valley width, only a narrow track allowing passage beyond the expanse of water.

Garia decided to dismount and let the animals take care of themselves. The others joined her, gazing about at their surroundings. Immediately, Snep ambled to the water's edge and lowered his head to drink. The other frayen followed suit.

"This dam seems in good condition, milady," Bezan reported. "I was not sure, some of the other Chivan works I have inspected have been in a woeful state."

"Aye, Bezan," Yarling said, "but I would suggest that we clear the brush from the face of the dam and examine it closely for weaknesses. There may be cracks hidden beneath the weeds."

Bezan nodded. "As you say, Master Yarling. The town depends on this supply, it is our duty to ensure it remains so."

The lake, shaped like a long, thin triangle, disappeared into the distance until the valley kinked again and the upper reaches remained hidden from view. Yarling examined the terrain closely, his eyes shaded by a hand, inspecting the rock wherever it showed through the ground cover.

"Milady, I would need to climb about the rocks to properly determine what is here, but what I can see suggests that the coal seams continue this far into Blackstone Vale. There is one, significant drawback to mining the coal in this place, though."

"Oh?"

"Any mine shaft near here would almost certainly contaminate the town's water supply, milady. It would be next to impossible to prevent spillage or waste falling in the lake."

"We could build a high wall," Bezan suggested. "Prevent runoff getting into the lake."

The expression on Yarling's face showed what he thought of that idea.

"I wouldn't concern yourself about details like that right now," Garia said. "We need to survey the whole valley before we can begin making detailed plans."

"Milady!"

Brazan's call drew the group's attention to some gray shapes which had appeared at the far end of the lake. One or two of the men began walking towards their mounts to retrieve weapons but when the animals came properly into view everyone relaxed. The two dranakh ambled towards the end of the lake, bent their heads and began drinking.

"Where did they come from?" Merizel wondered.

"If you look yonder, milady," Brazan said, "up the valley to your left, there are others. Mayhap they have been grazing on the ridge above."

"Whose are they?" Garia asked. "Are they always allowed to run free like this?"

Brazan shrugged. "We know not which dranakh they may be, milady. The beasts are allowed their freedom by ancient custom, so I believe. Dranakh are trustworthy and will always present themselves whenever they are required by their owners. We do not know how they divine the intentions of their owners, but they always do."

She asked, "Do you think those dranakh are the reason the grakh were scared off the other day?"

Brazan replied, "Who knows, milady? Perhaps. If they presently graze on the ridge above then the grakh must needs have seen them."

Bezan stared at the distant beasts. "Do you think they swim in this water? If so, the town's supply is already polluted."

One of the beasts lifted its head from the water, turned in the party's direction and let out a loud bleat.

Garia grinned. "Guess that answers that question, Bezan. I don't think they swim in here because they know that we depend on the water. I know next to nothing about dranakh but I do know two things, firstly they are a lot smarter than any of us realizes and secondly, I think that they are able to at least partly read our minds."

Bezan boggled at Garia. "Read minds, milady?"

"Oh, I don't mean that they can figure out what our words mean, or anything like that, but they can do something with people they know. Enough to work out our intentions or to know what might be a good idea or a bad idea. Like swimming in that water, for example." Garia pointed. "That beast just worked out what your question implied and felt it worth while giving us an answer. Do you doubt what that answer was?"

Bezan stared at her. "No, milady," he answered finally. "I do not doubt it, and I do not know why I do not doubt it. It seems I have much to learn about an animal I thought familiar to me."

Keren asked, "Garia, did you want to go any further?"

Garia looked at Sukhana, who shook her head. "This is far enough, Keren. If we try and go further we wouldn't be back before lunch time. Sookie wanted a ride and I wanted to see the dam and we've both done what we set out to do. Let's go back. Snep! Here, boy! Time to go."

The way back down the valley was slightly easier because it was all downhill. They went back the same route as they had come, since riding on the aqueduct would leave them at the high end of town and further to go before they reached the Claw. Nearing the end of their journey Brazan's call attracted Garia's attention. He pointed a finger. She looked into the distance, along the road into town. It was late morning, so nothing was expected, but she could see a wagon approaching, too far away to make out any detail.

"Who's that? Are we expecting anyone?"

"Not to my knowledge. Perhaps someone from the roadhouse? Maybe they have a problem."

Garia shrugged. "Time enough to find out. Let's get into the stable and settle our frayen. That wagon will have gotten here by then."

Briswin came to the stable block to tell them that the wagon had arrived. Garia and Merizel hurried out the carriage entrance, closely followed by Jenet, Keren, Sukhana and Bleskin. The wagon had just pulled up, the driver a stranger - not that that was unusual, these days. Beside him sat an older man who looked uncomfortable after the journey. Accompanying the wagon on frayen were Jaxen, another man who Garia thought looked familiar, and four caravan guards. Jaxen dismounted.

"Milady, greetings! I have brought two travelers from Palarand as well as yet more mail." He grinned. "You have doubled the amount of mail passing between Dekarran and Tranidor. When you and His Highness return south everyone will wonder what has happened."

Jaxen turned and gestured. "Doubtless there will be more formal introductions but the fellow being helped from the wagon is Master Rindal who you may have heard of. The man climbing from his frayen is Master Jerrit. Both, so I am told, are Questors."

Garia turned. "Bring them both in, Jaxen. Um, Sookie will know if we have room for them to stay but first we ought to find out what they are doing here."

Despite the fact that lunch was only half a bell away Sukhana ordered pel for the travelers and interested parties. They clustered round one of the tables in the common room. The Questor who had been riding pulled out a scroll.

"I'm not sure who I should be presenting this to," he said. "Who is in charge in this place?"

"That would be me," Garia said. "I am Baroness Blackstone and this old inn is presently my headquarters while I'm in the town. Jaxen tells me that you are both Questors."

The two men bowed toward Garia. "Aye, milady," the first one continued. "I am Jerrit, I remember you now from the conclave. My specialty is the rocks of the earth. My companion here is Questor Rindal, who catalogs plants and other vegetable matter."

"Please be seated," Garia said, "and help yourself to pel. We haven't long to go for lunch so we'd better keep this meeting brief. What brings you to Blackstone? I can understand a geologist, perhaps, but not a botanist."

The eyes of both men widened as she named their subjects. Jerrit handed the scroll to Garia acoss the table and then turned to Rindal.

"See? I told you. Milady is much more than she appears."

The scroll was an official appointment from the palace of the two men to Garia's party for as long as she wished. She lowered the parchment and regarded the two.

"I don't understand this. This document bears the palace seal but I don't think the King would have ordered you here, surely?"

"It's... complicated, milady," Jerrit explained. "Master Brovan, who as you know is presently the Royal Questor, received a request from Guildmaster Parrel for certain specialists. Master Brovan suggested Rindal and myself for this task but there were... disputes over who could give orders to who." He flushed. "We are not yet familiar with this new system where Questors and Guildsmen actually consult one another. Master Parrel appears to have some influence with the King and we were summoned to the palace to be told that we had been volunteered for this duty."

"I don't mind being sent to distant parts of the kingdom, milady," Rindal added, "but I am puzzled as to our purpose here. I have visited Blackstone many, many years ago to collect specimens so I know all the plants that grow in this region." He winced, shifting his position. "However, I am beginning to find riding a saddle uncomfortable at my age. These wagon seats are almost as bad. I do not look forward to the journey back to Palarand."

"I know what you mean, Master Rindal," Garia soothed. "I used those same wagon seats for most of the journey here myself. You remind me of a possible alternative. Jaxen? A word with you later, if I may."

Jaxen grinned, knowing that something interesting would be forthcoming. "Aye, milady."

Garia continued, "I think you'll both be talking to Master Yarling, our mining expert. Jaxen has brought a whole load of mail with him and the answer might be in one of those bags."

Jaxen nodded. "As you say, milady. I'll get those bags up to the agent immediately." He thought, then turned. "Sookie, how's room at the Claw? Can you fit these two gentlemen in?"

"If they will consent to share a room, brother, then we can," she replied, before turning to Garia. "With milady's consent?"

"Of course, Sookie."

Jerrit was puzzled. "A miner, milady? What possible business could either of us have with him?"

Garia shrugged. "You know rocks, he digs rocks out, I don't see any difficulty there. Master Rindal, though... I'm not sure." A memory came, then, of some of the rock samples Yarling had shown her. She grinned. "Ah, yes. Master Rindal, I'm about to improve your knowledge. You'll also be speaking to Master Yarling. But, we have need of your expertise in Blackstone as well. Shortly this town will increase in size as miners come to dig out the coal and take it away. We need to know if you can help us increase the amount of crops grown so that we can support the extra population."

Rindal nodded. "A worthy project, milady. Yes, I will give it all my attention."

"Dig out the coal, milady?" Jerrit asked, puzzled. "What use is coal to anyone?"

Everyone else around the table grinned. Garia said, "It seems we are about to educate you as well, Master Jerrit, but we have no time to answer your questions right now as Mistress Sukhana needs to set this room out for lunch. Later, if you would. Jaxen, you can bring the men's gear in and we can get them settled before lunch. We can have a proper discussion this afternoon when all the right people will be available."

~o~O~o~

Garia looked up from the pile of fat packets on the table.

"Lanilla, can you ask Sookie to find me a runner, please? I need someone to go and find out if Mistress Patilla can come down and visit sometime this afternoon."

"As you wish, milady."

The young girl curtseyed and let the office. Merizel smiled.

"She's much better now that the enforced tension between her and Jasinet is no more. Both of them are working well and the atmosphere is more relaxed, have you noticed?"

Garia nodded. "Yes, I had. Is there any reason we can't take both of them with us when we go?"

"Not that I can see, Garia. I think they'll love it when we arrive at Dekarran, not to mention when we get back to the palace!"

Garia turned to Jenet, who nodded.

"Milady, both have much to learn but, as you have said, both are now willing. In any event I do not think it would be wise to leave Jasinet in this place without your protection."

"I can't do that, Jenet. It wouldn't be fair."

Lanilla returned with one of the stable boys. Garia gave him instructions and he left, running across the courtyard towards the carriage arch.

"Did you have a letter explaining those two Questors, in the end?"

"Yes," Garia said, holding up a typed sheet of paper. "I have it here. It seems that Guildmaster Parrel has been doing some longer-term thinking. Yarling and Bezan haven't come back yet, I thought we could deal with that matter once they return."

"I thought they would be here by now," Merizel said. "They went along the road to have a look at the condition of the pavement. They hadn't planned to be out long."

"Ah, I see. Well, we can deal with Mistress Patilla first, then, if she is available."

"I cannot see any who live in the town refusing a summons from their baroness," Merizel observed. "She should be with us presently."

Sure enough, a curious Mistress Patilla was with the stable boy when he returned. Garia bade her be seated at the office table.

"Milady, is there some problem? I thought that the repair to your pleated skirt was most carefully done, if I may say."

"No, that's fine, Mistress Patilla! There's no problem at all. I have had - as you can see - some mail from the south, and there's an item here that is intended for you and your fellow seamstresses. Here."

Garia stood, leaned forward and unfolded a large, flat package.

"Why, what is that, milady? Patterns of some kind?"

"Yes! I asked for a complete set of bra patterns to be sent up and here they are."

The package contained a thick pile of parchment sheets, all of which had been densely printed with annotated shapes. There was an accompanying set of smaller sheets giving instructions on the use of the patterns.

Garia smiled as Patilla stood to examine the pile.

"I think you'll have to cut all the shapes out of the sheets in order to use them," she explained. "Myself, I have never sewn anything so I'll leave that to your judgment. These sheets here explain how to measure somebody up and choose which pieces to make the bra with and then how to sew the pieces together. Look, there are tables. You find the different chest measurements in the tables and that will tell you which pattern size you need. I would appreciate it if you could tell me how easy it all is to do so that I can report back to the printers."

Patilla was now reading the instruction sheets.

"This is very strange writing, milady. Is this a new lettering that the scribes do? It is very easy to read, although I do not understand these numbers, if that is what they are."

"That is an example of what we call printing, mistress. Each sheet is produced in one go and takes very little time. Since the bra patterns are going to every town in Palarand somebody decided that it would be worth printing them. The strange symbols you see are what is called Garian numbers." Garia blushed. "I did not give them that name, somebody else decided that. You should find a sheet explaining how they are used. Once you are familiar with how they work I think you'll find it much easier to measure up the work you produce."

Patilla's brow furrowed as she found the 'Garian numbers' sheet and tried to make sense of it.

"If you say so, milady." She looked up. "If any of us have difficulty with these new patterns or the numbers, may we ask for help?"

"Of course you may! As I said, it will make your life easier so it is in everyone's interest to help you learn them. You can ask here, or if we are out then you could try Master Brydas or Master Jepp. Both of them know the new numbering system, as does Master Brydas's daughter Senidet."

Patilla cast a sidelong glance at Garia. "It seems to me that lately, both Master Brydas and Senidet may be found in this place, is it not so?"

Garia smiled. "That may be so. They are both helping Mistress Sukhana with her accounts. At least, that is what I am told. I cannot tell you what else they may be doing while they are here."

Patilla returned Garia's smile. "As you say, milady. Only time will tell. May I take these pattern pieces away, then?"

"You may. You might as well keep them in that wrapper, at least until you start cutting them up. Oh, and the pattern set belongs to the town, not to you personally. Anyone who wishes to make use of them may borrow them, is that understood?"

"Milady! Of course, that is how we seamstresses conduct our business. We would not think of refusing to lend out a pattern to another."

"I'm sorry, Mistress Patilla, I intended no insult. I'm not familiar with the workings of a small town yet."

"As you say, milady. You are so young, and you have not been brought up in such a place as this. We accept that there might be occasional misunderstandings. With your leave?"

Before Garia could reply, Merizel reminded her, "Garia! Remember your gowns?"

"My gowns? Huh? Oh! Yes, now that you mention it. Mistress Patilla, I have noticed some of my gowns are getting tight, particularly across the, uh, chest. I wonder if -"

"But of course, milady! A young lady such as yourself is still growing, it is not surprising that your gowns might need alteration. I remember from when you showed your wardrobe to us that the seams were generous, it should not be difficult to let them out as you may need." Patilla looked at the contents of the table. "Perhaps we should come by at another time to see the problem? I see that you have important matters to attend to presently."

"Yes, that's a good idea, mistress. Merry? Make a note."

Merizel rolled her eyes. "Aye, milady."

Patilla left, bearing her patterns, and Merizel looked at Garia.

"We've been here almost four weeks now," she said. "How much longer had you planned to stay? It's definitely getting colder in the mornings, now."

"What's the rush? It won't begin snowing yet, will it?"

"It may have begun once we reach the Sirrel, Garia." Merizel considered, then shook her head. "No. We still have at least two months to go before winter begins, I think. But if we leave it too long the journey home will be miserable with cold, wind and rain. I was thinking that you have not yet said anything about the ride you planned to take up Blackstone Vale. That, if you remember, was your original reason for wanting to ride a frayen."

"You're right, Merry. We have just been so busy! All right. I definitely want to take that ride and it is better to do it before the weather turns." Garia scowled. "But not for a week yet, if you would. It is about time for my next Call."

"Oh? How are you feeling?"

"A little snippy, but I think I've managed to keep it under control so far. Provided I take it easy the next few days and provided nothing happens I should be good to ride once the Call is over. There's nothing to stop you making preparations, if that's what you are thinking."

"Me? I know nothing about planning an expedition such as this, Garia. Feteran would be the man to do that, I would suggest, together with assistance from his father."

"We'll ask them to do that, then. We can mention it to Feteran at the evening meal."

~o~O~o~

The two Questors came into Garia's office and looked at the occupants.

"Ah, there you are," she said. "Please, come in and find yourself some seats."

They did so, looking curiously at those already seated.

"To my left is His Highness, Prince Keren," she indicated with a wave of her hand. "I'm sorry, you met him when you arrived but I forgot to formally introduce you. To his left is Master Bezan, a guildsman from the masons. Next to me here," she indicated her right side, "is my secretary Lady Merizel. Next to her is Master Yarling, a miner who specializes in mine planning. Keren, this is Master Jerrit, a geologist, and Master Rindal who studies plant life. Guildmaster Parrel had the idea of sending them to us."

The Questors both stood and bowed to Keren.

Rindal addressed Garia. "Milady, I am still not sure why either of us is here in Blackstone. I understand, from some talk we had earlier with some of your men that there is a project here of some importance to the crown." He nodded to Keren. "The King was most insistent that, as Guildmaster Parrel recommended our presence, we should make our way here."

"All will be explained today," Garia told them. "We are planning to extract huge amounts of coal from the lands around Blackstone. It is the coal which gives the town its name, of course."

"But why, milady?" Jerrit put in. "I know of no use for coal. The miners," a nod to Yarling, "tell me it is rubbish that weakens their workings."

"A thing we were not aware of," Keren explained, "before Garia came to Palarand, is that coal has a number of extremely important uses, some of them critical to the future of our Kingdom. You may not have realized it but your lunch today was cooked on coal. Every house in Blackstone uses coal for cooking and heating. Coal is a fuel, and it is a much more efficient fuel than wood. The people of Blackstone discovered this long ago but it seems that the use of coal has become a fable away from this valley."

Rindal inspected Garia closely. "You are not of Palarand, milady? Yet you have a title, so you must recognize our King as your liege."

"I am a subject of the King now, Master Rindal, but I was not born in the kingdom, no. I come from another land, far away, somewhere else entirely, and knowledge in the country of my birth is much more advanced than it is here. There is absolutely no chance I can ever go home, since nobody has any idea where it is, so I have offered to give my knowledge to Palarand." She smiled at Rindal. "Master Jerrit can tell you what happened when I addressed the Conclave of Questors, if he hasn't already done so."

Jerrit grinned. "As you say, milady. I have described, briefly, the meeting to him but I am not sure that he has grasped the significance of your visit. As I remember it, we were all in shock."

"I remember now," Keren said. "Master Rindal was away when Morlan was killed. You were his deputy in the Society, I believe?"

"Aye, Highness, I was. I had made an expedition to the upper reaches of the Sirrel, involving nearly a year of travel. When I returned I was amazed at what I found in the city." He turned to Garia. "But I'm still not sure why I am wanted here in Blackstone, milady."

Now Garia grinned. "Master Yarling, bring out your samples, please."

Yarling stood and collected a number of small cloth bags which had been carefully piled in one corner. He opened and emptied each one, placing the sample on top of each bag on the table. Rindal stood to examine the rocks, his eyes wide.

"Milady... there are plants in these rocks!" He turned to Garia. "How is this possible?"

"All right. What you see before you is Questor business. Let's get through what else we have to do and then I'll explain everything you need to know about how coal is formed."

Jerrit was gently handling the samples. "Milady, I had no idea that things like this were inside coal." He thought. "I have seen some rock falls where the skeletons of strange animals were exposed... is this the same thing?"

"It is, sort of, but... let's get business done first, if you would."

The two men subsided, turning their attention to Garia. It was evident that some part of each mind was elsewhere since they both stole glances at the samples from time to time.

"Right," she continued. "Coal is important because... as well as using it for heating and cooking, you can do something else with it. If you treat it as you treat charcoal you get a material called coke. This can be used to make iron and steel, and the quality will be far superior to anything you can make using charcoal. We intend to mine this coal and send it to new, huge blast furnaces that will produce, cheaply, large quantities of high-quality steel. This steel can be use for many new purposes of which I can tell you a few."

Garia then gave the two astonished men her potted salesman's pitch regarding the production and uses of steel. Their jaws dropped as she told them of railroads, cars, trucks and ships made of steel as well as bridges, long viaducts and buildings so tall they could barely imagine them. She told them of food preserved in steel cans, domestic items made from cast or sheet steel, warehouse buildings large enough to swallow the whole of Blackstone and items small and ubiquitous such as razor blades, nails, needles, pins and cutlery, stamped out by the million and available to everybody for next to nothing.

"So you see," she concluded with a smile, "we expect to produce a lot of steel, and to do that we'll need a lot of coal. This is the valley within Palarand where coal is most easily obtained right now so we'll begin here. That means many miners and all that goes with a mining district. Master Rindal, all those extra mouths will need feeding, as will all the beasts of burden the miners will have with them. We need to make the best use of the land we have available, so that means food crops that can grow on the kind of soil we have in the valley."

Rindal nodded. "I will need to inspect the land, milady. I saw the pakh farms on the way in but did not realize that they would be part of the reason for my presence."

"That's one part of it, yes. In addition, the mines and the new buildings will need large quantities of timber, and we can't just go on cutting down forests to get the wood. We'll have to make a detailed plan for planting fast-growing trees to replace those we'll be felling." Garia remembered something. "Ah! Another thing! We'll need yet more trees because we'll soon be installing telegraph wires the length and width of the kingdom. Later on we'll be doing the same with power lines, I imagine. We can source those from other areas since we'll be using them all over. So, for those we'll need trees that grow fast, with a single trunk that just goes up and up, some kind of fir or pine is what we used at home."

The botanist nodded again. "I know of pine trees which grow fast, milady." He considered. "Perhaps here in the far north of Palarand, where the climate is warmer, we may try tree types which fare better than in the cooler south. In fact, I have seeds of several species found during my recent travels which may do well here."

Keren frowned. "I thought you traveled to the upper reaches of the Sirrel, Rindal? Surely that must be much further south than we are here?"

Rindal smiled at Keren. "That is what most believe, Highness, but it is not so. It is true that the Great Valley runs from north-east to south-west, so it is reasonable to suppose that the river must do so also. But even the Great Valley comes to an end, and in those remote regions the river curls to the north, passing through a semi desert region before entering the grassland which lies to the north of Palarand. The source of the Sirrel, which I did not reach, appears to lie in a belt of heavy jungle far to the north of the grassland. I believe that is where some of our traders obtain their exotic woods, tropical spices and rare gemstones."

Keren nodded thoughtfully. "As you say, Rindal. I did not know what you have just told me. The official maps do not give much detail of what lies beyond those lands which border Palarand or the Great Valley. You will take this knowledge to the palace, so that it can be added to the maps?"

"Of course, Highness. If I had not been directed to come to Blackstone by the King then describing my travels for the archivists is one of the duties I would have been doing today." Rindal turned to Garia. "Milady, I am overwhelmed by what I have been shown and told today. I will attempt to provide what you have requested of me, but I must advise you that it may be a year or two before we know which crops and trees may best suit the soils of your lands."

"I wouldn't expect anything else, Master Rindal. Thank you for your help."

"And myself, milady?" Jerrit asked. "What is it you wish of me?"

"I'm not so clear on that, Master Jerrit," Garia replied. "My best guess is this. Master Yarling is our mining expert, but all his experience is on finding valuable ores such as gold, silver, tin and copper. Like yourself, the miners regarded coal as a nuisance to be avoided wherever possible. Therefore, he has little knowledge of how and where coal is to be found and the best methods for getting it out of the ground."

She looked at Yarling and he nodded agreement.

"One big difference," she continued, "is that coal seams can be a lot bigger than the usual ores the miners look for. For instance, at the higher end of the town there is a coal seam at least five strides thick." Jerrit's eyes widened. "What I think you need to do is to work with Master Yarling and combine your experience to enable us to find coal and to get it out of the ground safely and efficiently." She smiled. "At the same time I promise that both of you will learn more about the rocks in the ground than you had ever imagined. Do you think that you can do that for us?"

Jerrit looked at Yarling for a long moment before returning his attention to Garia.

"Aye, milady, if the guildsman is willing. I am, after all, a Questor, and if I may learn more about something I am interested in then I cannot complain." His eyes strayed to Yarling's samples. "You have already hinted at a mystery here which I am anxious to discover the answer to."

"As am I," Rindal agreed.

Garia sat back in her chair. "Okay. Are you two agreed on why you have been sent here and what you can do for us? Good. Then, let's add to your knowledge of the world you live in." She smiled again. "Just how old do you think Anmar is?"

She could see the confusion on their faces. Whatever they had expected to be asked, that was not one of the questions.

Rindal said, "We do not know, milady. A long time, perhaps. Maybe several thousand years?"

She looked at Jerrit, who replied, "Milady, it is evident that some of the rocks we see around us are ancient. Perhaps as much as a million years?" He studied the expression on her face. "More? How much more, milady?"

"Well, I can't say for sure, since I don't know very much about the age of this world at all. The world I came from, which is called Earth, is estimated to be about four and a half thousand million years old."

Their faces were white, now. Rindal stammered, "You came from another world, milady?"

"Oh, yes. I'll have to tell you part of the story, I guess. Jenet, can you ask Sookie to send in some pel, please?"

~o~O~o~

"Tomorrow, I think," Garia said. "Anyone any objections?"

She looked at those seated round the common room table. Nobody seemed to find any reason to want another date.

"Great. We'll all meet here tomorrow afternoon, then, after lunch. Let's see if we can get most of a plan together then. Jaxen, you have a question?"

"Ah, milady, you made a suggestion when we arrived in town." Garia looked puzzled. "Something about making traveling easier?"

Her face cleared. "Oh, yes! You'll like this. Merry, have you a couple sheets of paper and a pencil? Keren, would you mind moving over so that Jaxen can see what I'm drawing?"

The people sitting round the table rearranged themselves, those facing Garia leaning forward to see what fresh novelty would be forthcoming.

"There was a time," she began, "when the middle of my country was empty. We had colonized both sides but getting from one side to the other involved either a very long sea voyage or a long trek across lands roughly similar to the grasslands to the north."

Rindal asked, "About how far is the journey you describe, milady?"

"Um, about... seven thousand marks or so, Master Rindal. The country consists of rivers, mountains, plains and badlands. Wagons can do it, and did, but, as you have found, they can be uncomfortable at times. Once we had established routes to cross the country it was decided that there was a need to communicate easily from one side to another." She nodded at Jaxen. "That's why your description of the Messenger Service sounded familiar. We had something similar called the Pony Express. Now a pony is an animal about the size of a frayen. The riders would ride them hard from one station to the next then change mounts and continue while their old mount rested."

Jaxen nodded back. "As you say, milady. That is how the most urgent messages are conveyed on the major routes."

Garia continued, "So eventually the amount of mail - letters and packets - became too great for a rider to carry. The most urgent mail was still sent that way but the rest was carried on a special carriage called a stage coach. A stage coach could take the mail but it also had room for passengers who wanted to get somewhere quickly. Let me draw one for you."

Garia sketched out a stage coach, describing the features as she did so.

"The main point about the stage coach services is that they were regular, so that you could always rely on one leaving at, say, the second bell each morning from a particular town. They would do so whether or not they had mail or passengers, since they had to be at the other end of the route in order to come back on time, do you see? You always knew when one would arrive or depart. It's not like now, where the Messenger Agent waits until a bag is full before he sends it. The second point is that a stage coach was fast. Well, fast compared with a wagon. They were pulled by teams of horses, which were like ponies only bigger and stronger. Think of a frayen standing two strides or more high and you'll have an idea of the size I mean."

Jaxen examined Garia's drawings. "Interesting, milady. Of course, we do not have these animals you name. What would you suggest we use instead?"

"Frayen, of course, rather than dranakh. You'll need at least four and possibly six. Of course, if you are full of passengers and mail then you might need more. You would need to change horses - uh, sorry, frayen - about where the normal road houses are, so most of your costs will be in building the stage coaches and in handling the extra livestock."

"Your pardon, milady," Bleskin said. "How is this different than the methods of travel we presently use?"

"Faster, for one," she replied. "Smoother, for another. Stage coaches were built for the comfort of the driver and passengers. With the excellent quality roads around most of Palarand that shouldn't be a problem. Regular, as well. If you needed to go somewhere, you'd just call the agent for your town and arrange a seat on the coach. You wouldn't need to contract a wagon or a frayen just for your journey."

"As fast as a frayen at a canter," Keren mused, "but with the comfort of a carriage. And without the expense of owning or hiring either." He nodded. "I could see that this idea might become popular, especially with the very young or the old or infirm. Presently the only means for such to travel is to hire a wagon, unless you are rich enough to own a carriage."

Jaxen looked thoughtful. "This would be a different kind of business than Master Tanon runs now, milady. His concerns are mostly freight. The carriage of letters is mostly because he already has wagons using those routes. You are talking about letters and passengers only, milady."

"But Master Tanon already runs boarding houses and inns for his drivers and guards," Garia pointed out. "This is not so much of a big step as all that. He has offices and depots in all the major towns in Palarand and far beyond."

"You might need to make it a separate but linked business," Keren suggested. "There's no reason you can't share facilities, like you do already in Tranidor."

"As you say, Highness." Jaxen nodded again. "If I may take these drawings, milady, I will write a letter to Master Tanon and put your arguments to him." He grinned, suddenly. "There is little that you have described to us since we discovered you that has been a waste of breath. I can almost guarantee that my letter will cause Master Tanon to set up such a business as you describe."

~o~O~o~

"You're quiet this evening."

Garia said nothing but just snuggled into Keren's chest. Right at that moment, that was what she wanted. At first, when she had discovered that she was female, her responses to men - and boys - had been at the purely animal level, too low to even be called instinctive. Over time she had learned that her body had definite ideas what it liked and disliked and she had followed her body's responses with interest and a certain amount of trepidation. Over time, with exposure to those in palace and city who she had encountered over the months, she had adapted to her new reality. Now, after more than half a year on Anmar, she had become completely adjusted to life as a young woman and she understood fully why such a woman would wish to find the comfort and assurance of a strong, young man.

Eventually she decided that her man deserved a response.

"As you well know, I've just spent all afternoon talking. I just about managed to get through the evening meal and then Jaxen reminds me about stage coaches. My throat is raw, Keren." She paused. "Not to mention, Kalikan is about to call."

"Oh. I didn't know."

"No reason why you should, is there? I've told Sookie I won't be riding for a couple days or so but it shouldn't affect much else."

"As you say. But, remember, you'll be spending much of tomorrow talking as well."

"I haven't forgotten. If I can get past tomorrow the Call will give me an excuse to take it easy for a day or two." She sighed. "I faintly remember this trip was supposed to give us a chance to relax. We've spent the bulk of the time fighting off people one way or another."

"Aye. Perhaps our ride up Blackstone Vale will be more relaxing. Apart from the odd grakh there shouldn't be anything to cause us problems."

"Yeah, right."

"The... Call. You are managing all right? I haven't noticed any change in you this time."

"Keren!" She thumped his back gently with a fist. "I don't turn into a monster once a month, you know. I sometimes get more emotional, is all." She snuggled again. "Having you here is a great help, though. I'm not sure what I would be like without you."

"Hmph. I had to be good for something, I suppose."

"Silly boy. One day you are going to make a brilliant King."

The courtyard was lit by an oil lamp in each corner but the yard was large and little light was thrown. Keren and Garia stood in the center while Jenet and Feteran kept watch on the covered walk in front of Sukhana's quarters. Behind them, on the balcony in front of the servants quarters over the stables, a bored armsman kept watch. From the open doorway into the common room could be heard the faint sounds of laughter as the men who would take the night watch played dice before starting their shift.

"You seem to have started something, Garia," an amused Keren said. "It seems that there is an agreement between your senior maid and the commander of your men. Do you approve?"

"Of course I do! I'm not going to stand in the way of other people's happiness."

"As you say. And then there's Sookie and the smith, not to mention the smith's daughter and that young man who wants to join your armsmen. It seems that wherever you go, people are pairing up."

"Don't think I hadn't noticed, Keren. Oh, you forgot Merry and that young man who lives in Dekarran. Tell me, are weddings expensive in Palarand?" She hesitated. "And what about the most important pairing up of all? At least to you and me? Have you reached any conclusions yet?"

"Oh, Garia! Don't think I haven't tried. All I have concluded so far is that we shall be part of one anothers' lives in the future, that much is certain. Wait, I haven't finished! Whether we shall be as man and wife is a different matter. I cannot answer this riddle."

"We can't keep putting it off, Keren. You know what I want and I know what you want. What neither of us is sure of is what your parents want, or what Palarand wants."

"Maybe. Perhaps the riddle will be answered when we explore your vale."

"Maybe not! What will you do then? Put it off some more?"

Keren's shoulders slumped. "We have until we return to the palace to give our answer, I think. Perhaps not even then."

Garia was beginning to become annoyed. "Have you thought that perhaps your father is testing to see if you're indecisive? Nobody likes a ruler who doesn't make the tough decisions."

Keren was silent for a while, then, "Is that what you think, Garia? Do you also think that nobody likes husbands who won't make tough decisions? I'm sorry, I have to discover the root of this puzzle for both our sakes. Our whole future - Palarand's future, indeed - depends on what I decide. That is a big burden for any man."

"I'm sorry, Keren! I didn't mean to sound as if I doubted you. I trust you, and I trust you to make the right decision when the time comes."

"Aye. But to find the answer, I must first know the question. That has always been the problem."

Garia drew in a breath. "It's beginning, I think."

"What is?"

"The monthly female fun. Keren, I think I'll have to say good-night to you now. I have a late appointment in the bath-house."

"Oh. I'm sorry you have to put up with all this."

"If it means I can have children, Keren, maybe your children, I'll put up with it. Good-night."

Keren's head bent down to meet her face, which tilted up. The kiss would have drawn sparks from any nearby metal.

"Good night, Garia."

Keren watched Garia walk off into the darkness toward Feteran and Jenet.

My children.

"Good night, my love," he said softly.