The Steward shows his mettle

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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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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“Maker! I had never considered that!”

Em had joined us in the 'slack' period at the Salon before starting our first sitting of the two scheduled for that evening. It really should be called the 'slacker' period, because there were still things to be done, but it was not the hecticity (I remember I used that word earlier, saying if it isn't a word, then it should be), the hecticity of later on when we had clients in, nor the busy time when we in the kitchens were rushing around in every direction carrying boiling pots and spitting pans.

Our routines had developed such that for a bell or a bell and a half before we figuratively opened our doors, we could all gather in the kitchen and have a chat about this or that. On this particular evening, our together time was devoted to Em and her tale, or at least as much of it as she would be able to fit in in the limited time.

When I report that she actually started with a part of the return trip and we all found it sensible, you may be surprised, but the reality was that it was logical to do so, at least to us, in the way she explained it.

The trip had been all about attending the wedding of Milady Garia at which she became the Princess of Palarand. I believe I may have already mentioned that weddings in our land were almost always after the Festival of Spring Dawning, and that the law was such that the appropriate liege lord (or lady), or their immediate representative had to be present at the ceremony in order to legalise it.

The consequence of this, when combined with the territorial expansion granted to Princess Garia back at the beginning of last Zuberak, meant that His Honour, the Captain Bleskin had been begged all the way back to “just stop and quickly marry us.”

Which was what had brought forward my exclamation: “Maker! I had never considered that!”

“Nor had the Captain, nor indeed any of us in the travelling party. We reacted much as you have done, 'Lina. I deem that that shall also be the case when we report to the Assembly on the morrow! Naturally, we discussed it on the way up here, and I further deem the Captain has made a sensible decision. The most such celebrations and ceremonies shall take place here in Town. However, that is too far to expect all citizens to come, why some would maybe have to travel down from the Chaarn pass, then up to us here. So there will be four set dates a year upon which the Steward shall travel down to Brayview, which shall be the wedding location for the southerners of the Princess' holdings. The southerners and those who live up the Chaarn road, of course.

“Furthermore, as Bezlet grows, then His Honour foresaw a need for a third centre there sometime in the future. He could attend there more frequently since it is, just, a day's journey from here, as opposed to the longer journey to and from Brayview. It was also seen that he might be required for some judging so those four trips have been planned to allow for his absence for a week at a time.

“He therefore gave orders for a large village, or maybe a township to be built up gradually in the Brayview area. Your Papa's 'southern team' can be accommodated there, at least the 'office' functions can and there could probably be a storage facility for the necessary equipment, 'Lina, as could also be provided for Master Fedren's colleagues. It shall become an administrative centre.”

“How very sensible indeed. These are all matters I had never even thought about before!”

“Nor had we actually. This, as you say, sensible decision was made despite the Captain not being his usual self on the trip back; there was something weighing heavily on his mind. He was never discourteous, never anything other than polite, but he was somehow a little more distant than he had been on the way down. The other women felt that perhaps his heart wants to be nearer the centre of our land, but he would continue to do his duty, at least until the Princess visits us once more. As you are all aware, His Honour and I had occasion to discuss defensive measures for Blackstone lands ...”

Frowka giggled as she broke in: “We have started to call the area 'Garialand' if you mean all the lands under the Princess now, because we kept getting confused with the lands just around here and above the Forest which are also sometimes called Blackstone lands. Sometimes we need to refer to those lands, the ones close to Town. We sort of feel there are three areas – Blackstone, which includes the Vale and down to the Forest edge, then there is the Forest, then there is the Chaarn road area.”

“Ah! I understand! A good idea, I suppose, but perchance that name is best kept private, I deem. I was indeed referring to the entirety of the Princess' holdings, your 'Garialand'.

“But anyway, back to His Honour and our earlier defensive discussions. These meant that he and I have been a little closer on military matters than others have been. And I can tell you briefly that some military matters he learnt of down in the Capital are also contributing to his sense of disquiet. More I am not at liberty to reveal. He was also unimpressed by a chance meeting we had one evening in the Palace, with some drunken soldiers. Even I was shocked that such a thing could come to pass in the King's home itself.

“I also think that the constant chatter of a half-dozen of us women got on his nerves somewhat. He was always fine with me, for after that time we worked so closely together he treats me always well. And Sookie and Epp of course are also well-known to him. Another factor, which I deem was also important, was that we three had all travelled, all seen more of this land. However, Yanda, Terpet and Brogla had never before left their home towns or villages, in effect, maybe a short journey here and there. This meant that nearly everything we passed, every bend we negotiated, every new vista that was opened up had to be exclaimed upon and discussed in quite some depth. It even started to get on MY nerves after a while, but I suppose that is because I am still learning to be a woman!”

“So what were these other women like?”

“Yanda you know quite well, of course, but the other two … how shall I put it? Just saying 'different' tells you nothing. It leaves so many questions open. So what I will say must be associated with the fact that this is MY opinion, not necessarily that of others. And I think the overall impression is best summed up by my telling you I have invited both of them to dine here, something I am sure they shall enjoy. For I like them, now I know them so well.

“Let us start with Terpet, as she is of Blackstone now but has some limited experiences of elsewhere. Previously she and her man had worked nearer Tranidor, so they have had that slight introduction to travel. She is a hard-working home creator. That has been her life, that has been all she knows. She believes that her job is to provide a safe, calm, clean atmosphere in their home so that her hard-working man has a nice place to rest and recover his strength. She works to a budget that is astonishingly tight. She was delighted to win one of the places in the wedding party, but was very nervous about it all. About EVERYTHING involved. About the journey, about fearing to look foolish, about being a burden to the rest of us, about leaving her man to fend for himself. About voicing her opinion amongst her 'betters', about keeping quiet when she shouldn't. About her clothes, about her accent, about how she would 'come over' to others. I must needs return to this when I get to the part where we all attended Master Korond's.”

“Who?”

“Never mind for now, all shall became clear, in time. You will be amazed by that little episode.

“Now, onto Mistress Brogla ...”

“That name is familiar to me, for some reason?” I managed to ask, declare and interrupt all at the same time.

“Indeed it is, 'Lina. She works in the kitchens at the Brayview roadhouse. You have met her there, and she sings your praises at any given opportunity. Why, when we met Milady Merizel, by now I suppose Countess Merizel for she was due to marry Count Terinar, Duke Gilbanar's son on the first day of this month in Dekarran ...”

“Do you tell us? I knew from my letters with Milady that she was soon to be married, but I knew not precisely when. Why she ...”

“Hush now, 'Lina. Let me get there in my own time please. We are discussing Mistress Brogla, not the Countess Merizel.”

“I beg pardon, Em!”

She nodded at me and smiled. “... When we met Countess Merizel, your name cropped up when Brogla mentioned your lessons you gave to people there and how you need never pay for a meal in the Brayview roadhouse again. The Countess seemed most interested as Brogla went on and on about you, and made some notes on a curious pad thing made of sheets of paper cut down and which she has permanently with her, with a reedlet attached. Anyway, I deem Mistress Brogla to have a heart of gold – she is unmarried and feels that her chances have slipped away by now, at her age. She is very knowledgeable in the arts of the kitchen I deem. She did mention that your recipe ... was it for Gavakhan? ... was excellent and she was grateful to you for sharing it.”

“Anyway, I have invited her, and all the other women on our trip, to dinner here pending the permission of the Royal party.

“I would like to make a little celebration of our trip, but would not wish to detract from the Princess' visit. She DID promise a four-week stay twice a year when she was here last, so I deem this visit shall be at least those four weeks in duration. I need to speak with Berdon and Bettayla, that we might make an especial evening of it, and of course with the Steward, so that the Princess might perchance join in with us. We ladies shall dine here, with partners for those that have them, and then go on to whatever I might persuade B and B to arrange for that evening. This shall be a reunion for us all, and, I hope, shall be one occasion upon which we shall all be able to wear our special gowns – for Princess Garia purchased for us each a special gown as a memento of our trip and our visit to the Palace and the Capital City. We would delight that the Princess and we can show off a little. ”

She was drowned by a chorus of excited females all demanding to see this treasure, but she refused to allow it, saying that she, along with Sookie, Yanda, Megrozen and Terpet, have all agreed to show the gowns to the seamstresses only, preferring to keep them a secret until they parade up the Main Street on this to be arranged night in the near future.

She then went on to explain about Master Korond and we all gasped and hugged ourselves as the details became clear. I know I was extremely jealous, and I am sure nearly all the others were too. Strangely, Gyth was the most pragmatic about it. We all know she wants desperately to travel, but the gowns bit just wasn't important to her. We appreciated more of Mistress Terpet when Em told us of the exchange she had with the Princess with regards to the gowns from Master Korond.

We settled back as we could, someone had to still check the sauces weren't burning and the like, for the next phase of Em's revelations; we still had a half bell before our evening's activities would commence in earnest.
Now that she had described her travelling companions, well the female ones that is, she started on her immediate overall impressions.

Again she surprised us.

She started with a question: “I deem you had a semaphore message while we were away that the war was over?”

We all looked at each other, in quite some dawning amazement. It was Paivi who actually replied: “Why yes. I think we did, I remember someone mentioning it but I'm blowed if I can remember who told me! Or precisely when!”

“Precisely! A good word is that. Especially as that very word is very valid right now. For that describes indeed my point.”

We all looked puzzled and glanced about at each other, searching for enlightenment.

Em paused for breath for a little heartbeat or two, and then carried on, really very impassioned: “What knew we here of that war and its progress?”

She didn't wait for an answer to her question.

“THAT was for me the biggest difference I noticed. It was the citizenry and their attitude to that war.

“Did you know that the Prince and Princess were themselves involved in a bloody battle on Palarandi soil? Did you know that there were fires and injuries and losses even in Palarand City itself?”

Our gasps told her that we were all stunned by her words.

“On top of that, nearly every woman down there has a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a cousin who has been sent up the Great Valley to fight for Palarand and its allies. All the while, we here have hardly been affected. Even Tranidor has sent men to the cause. When we arrived in Palarand City, there was a tense undercurrent that took us a little by surprise. The capital was not the carefree place that rumours would have us believe. The streets are NOT paved in gold and silver, but I, of course, knew that already. What I was NOT prepared for was this tense undercurrent. And seemingly none could account for it.”

We had all again gasped and so on as she told us this, unspoken words punctuating her account.

“And then, at the Shevesty Field in Palarand City, a messenger came to the King's party in the middle of the Spring Dawning celebrations. The message was passed on to the King by the Captain of His Guard. His Majesty looked a little annoyed at first, but then took in the information and smiled. Our King incorporated that information when he soon made an announcement. The message had been that the war was now ended! You should have heard the roar and the joy that erupted then!

“And it made me think just how sheltered we have been up here. I for one felt very humbled by it. Not all shall return, we all know, but there is now a far greater chance of a loved one making it back eventually from those far-off places. This news was the start of my noticing an easement in that uncomfortable undercurrent. 'Twas then I realised that the unspoken, unknown feelings were fear and worry for loved ones far away and fears for the horrors of a war. These feelings had permeated the very fabric of their society.

“And yet it has never even occurred to so many of us up here.”

We ourselves had been carried along by Em's tones, and she made us, to a far lesser extent of course, feel much as she had.

But by then it was time for us to start with our 'proper' work and we had to break off our time with her. I think we were all a little sobered by her statements. Certainly my mind was churning it over and over during that evening – and on some other occasions afterwards!

… … …

We were busy that night and had a half sitting for the early one, with a full sitting to follow at which we squeezed in two extra diners, making it a little more cramped. I worried that approaching thirty diners at once would destroy the ability for discretion so enjoyed by our regulars, but all present assured Kelly who was in charge of the Dining Room that night that they would not mind, provided the extras were “more discreet than last e'en”.

Which told us all that rumours of last night had already shot around the Town.

And told us also that most were in support of us, and the way we ran the Salon.

The evening passed peacefully, as was usual. The last few diners were just finishing at the last table when the door opened and our Steward entered.

As it happened, the three new 'girls' were helping Kelly and Gyth clear the other now deserted tables when this occurred. They in particular were, Kelly told me later with a large grin, thrown into a fair tizzy and kept curtseying and putting on silly grins. Kelly, Gyth and the Captain, being familiar riding companions, had shared a knowing look before he addressed all of them: “Good e'en Mistresses Kellonika and Gythy. And to you three young ladies, whose faces are regrettably new to me. I am here but quickly, to make a small arrangement. Would Mistress Julina be available for a mere moment or two?”

“Good evening, Your Honour. I shall fetch her immediately.”

“Thank you, Mistress Gythy. Now Mistress Kellonika, might I enquire further these charming ...”

I was just finishing helping Kassama with the last of the heavy pots, when Gyth came in and told me that the Captain wanted to see me for a quick discussion in the Dining Room. Kassama and I finished what we were doing and I wiped my hands, tidied my hair as best I could and twitched at my dress.

“... could not have a better start. Ah! Mistress Julina. We are returned as you see.”

The formality of his greeting threw me at first, but then I realised 'twas because of the three girls, for our society reverts to formalities if even one of the group is not familiar with at least one of the others. So I responded in the same fashion.

“Well met, Your Honour. I assume that Mistress Kellonika has introduced you to the three new members of our team here?”

“Indeed she has, and very charming I find them too.” They blushed at his praise and he then continued directly to me: “We have need of your services again on the morrow, I regret, for I am informed that you are, or have been, involved in some of the matters to come under discussion. I further regret that we must begin early. Would half a bell after the 1st day bell be convenient for you?”

“Your Honour, I shall be honoured to be of assistance, once more. At the half after the first, then. I assume,” I added with a little twinkle in my eye, “that 'twill be in the usual place, or had you intended somewhere else entirely?”

He twinkled back: “'Twill indeed be in the usual venue. My thanks Mistress Julina, until then.” He turned to the others. “Good night Mistresses Kellonika, Frowka, Venket and Paivi.” He turned to those few diners left in the room: “Masters!” he added before taking his leave.

'Twas not long before those final diners departed and the room was once more all ours. I had to hush the new girls once or twice as they were all atwitter about talking to the Steward, and were getting loud about it. I reminded them that there were guests above who may be trying to sleep.

… … …

So there I was on the following day, once again in the Salon's Dining Room, but this time unusually early.

The Captain smiled, nodded and briefly greeted each of us as we filed in. Once everyone he had invited was present he asked Kassama to close the door behind her on her way out; then he stood and began the formalities.

“Good morrow all. My apologies for such an early start, but I have much to do today, as I suspect is true for us all, although I deem some of you are as yet unaware of that fact!”

He paused then before beginning with some words which led up to some thanks.

“There has barely been a pause in the months since I assumed my duties here, and I would like to thank you all for sharing some of the burden with me. Your warm and often wise advice has been of great assistance on frequent occasions. There were, as you are aware, four of us amongst those who made the long trip to the capital and back, so the burden was placed upon the remaining ten for those three weeks or so, and I have been briefed in overview by Master Jepp during yesterday afternoon and evening. There are some details I would like to glean and some issues upon which I would like to hear the 'fors and againsts', but Master Jepp's tales reveal that things went mostly calmly. I must thank you all for keeping things running quite so smoothly.

“Before we get down to our urgent and comprehensive business, I wish to make a small announcement and that is to mention some tidings of a national importance, and a brief explanation.

“The war with Yod is over, as I believe a semaphore informed you on the same day as the Spring Dawning.

“There are some details of our victory which I must keep to myself, and some methods were employed which I find questionable; however, I am an old man now and must accept that time marches on. Newer and newer methods will develop, much as we see happening here in town as we struggle to keep up with the demand for our coal, principally. Although I notice the demand for our stone is growing, and we have hopes for the Stone Sea products as well. And it appears our coke production has become quite significant, allowing us as it does to ship full wagonloads at last, up that wretched incline to join the Chaarn road.

“But, to return to the war, I shall report, in brief, that some of our forces managed to take a fort of strategic value from the Yodans' control, which abruptly altered the balance of power in that part of Ferenis in particular, but also affected strongly both Forguland and Joth. What many of us suspected, but never actually knew, was that Yod had invaded other countries upstream of their territory as well as those I just mentioned which are downstream of Yod. Our successes in that downstream area encouraged the citizenry of these upvalley countries, Pakmal and Upper and Lower Fanir, to revolt against the invaders. This created more pressure upon the Yodan forces and subsequently their masters and commanders increased the pressure upon the Yodan citizens. These citizens eventually themselves rose against their yokes, and thus the Yodan structure crumbled suddenly and rapidly. The danger is fully and completely over.

“It shall take some time for all our soldiery to return, but the rest of our country are celebrating joyously. We up here were scarcely involved, mostly because the importance of our coal production meant we could spare no-one. Of course, that is as well as our relative remoteness. But I assure you that the nation rejoices.”

He paused and we all broke out clapping politely; somehow it seemed to be the thing to do.

He didn't have to pause for too long, though., which made me reflect that Em had been right, the war just was not, nor had been, a major topic to us.

“Now, as to this meeting I have called. My absence has meant that there is much for me, and my fellow travellers to catch up upon, and much for us to decide as time has become pressing.

“You will have noticed that today we have several additional bodies with us, all of whom we have had present on other occasions, so they need no formal introductions: Mistress Julina, Master Simman, Master Suril, Master Jerrit and Master Rindal. I deem Goodman Brethen there is the most of a stranger to us. Although I did see earlier that Mistress Julina, with her enthusiastic greeting, needs no introduction to him. For those of you possibly uncertain, he is the head of our Vale residents, and is here today to report upon developments up there.

“And now, we must needs get to business.

“I think the first subject should be the upcoming Royal visit and the basic preparations we still have to make. I am informed that their party is some two weeks behind us on the road, and it is doubtful they shall progress as rapidly as we did, so we have probably two and a half or three weeks before their arrival.

“I shall start with Master Simman, asking him to report on the progress over at the Community Hall. Master Simman?”

The Captain sat back down and took a sip of water as Master Simman rose to his feet.

“Your Honour, Mistresses and Masters, good morrow.

“Following discussions with yourselves and using ideas provided by several Assembly members here, and also from Mistress Julina and others, then I can report that the first floor above the ground has now been completed with a complex of seven rooms, one of which shall be the Office, which shall double as the room for these Assembly meetings. It is ready for you to move into as it happens, although I would not recommend that just yet, as we are still busy building yet another floor above that one, which we shall term the second floor above ground level.

“If the weather continues to hold fine, then I deem we shall be finished with that upper floor, a complex of four rooms, within a week. We have all the required window units and pre-built wall sections already to hand, and Master Torin promises me the final flight of stairs shall be delivered on the morrow, at the latest in the afternoon. We shall need to install that by hoisting it up to the uppermost level and passing it into place that way. Once that is in, then we shall be able to add the rest of the windowed and wall pieces, and finally the roof. The upper roofing is yet to be delivered, but I have now sent the specific measurements off for it to be built. But this must wait until we are reasonably sure we have two days of fine weather – 'twould be a large problem should we let heavy rain into that first floor, and the roof shall needs be open whilst we deal with that final phase of building. It is currently protected with heavy tarpaulins.

“Once we have achieved an overall good cover from the rain, then we can consider allowing the school masters to move in and then yourselves – unless you wish to delay all activities until after the Prince and Princess have departed? The playactors have done several tests and have pronounced themselves satisfied; they are preparing a special piece of what they call theatre for their inaugural performance in the Hall, to be presented to their Royal Highnesses. So that part is already completed and tested.

“We really will require an enormous clean-up crew to make sure that everything is in pristine condition for the arrival, but I am confident we shall have finished all the building activities and will have furnished the upper rooms with time to spare.

“The uppermost floor shall consist of a large sleeping room, a sitting room, a room for the most important maids and one for a close guard – this arrangement as was suggested by yourselves. We have paid particular attention to the guarding aspect, by restricting access to just one narrow stairway which will form the only access to the upper floors, both from the ground floor up to the first above it, and then again from that first up to the second. Narrow stairways are, we deem, more easily defended.

“The first floor above ground shall have a large office, to become also in effect your Assembly Room, a larger room for guards sleeping, another two rooms for servants; there shall be two smaller rooms for privies. The final room shall be a private bathroom. We have made allowance for possible further expansion of this level, which in turn might allow for a future expansion on the floor above.

“We have built, outside of the rooms of this lower of the two upper floors, a large water tank and holder so that water demands can be met easily; we anticipate that we can pump water up there at selected quiet times of the day, although our tests show that a steam-engine driven pump down near the kitchens is relatively quiet and could theoretically be used at any time of the day or night. This tank, following instructions I gather from the Princess, shall be what she called 'insulated' to prevent freezing on the coldest nights of the winter.

“I would welcome an inspection visit from you in shall we say four days? By that time I would expect all walls, windows and rooves to be fitted, probably also all internal doors. Maybe some of the furniture shall have been delivered by then. And maybe some of the bulkier furniture shall require larger apertures so those shall be closed AFTER the furniture is in.

“I deem there is little more to say Your Honour, Masters, Mistresses.”

He sat as the Captain stood once more.

“Thank you, Master Simman. A concise and yet detailed report that has told us most of what we require, I deem. Does anyone have any questions?”

There were just a few queries on minor matters that were swiftly dealt with. The Captain then closed that subject, but requested that Simman stayed as he might find there to be another topic to intrigue him, another possible project for him to lead. Simman indeed looked interested and sat once more, with an air of expectation.

“In fact, now I think on't, I shall introduce that subject now, as it involves almost all of our guests here today, I deem.”

The Captain paused as he obviously swiftly marshalled his thoughts. It was in fact a minor shock when he started once more, so silent had we all been.

“Allow me a heartbeat or three to commence with some background information. As one public speaker down in the capital once said: 'I always like to remind myself occasionally of the subject from which I am straying!' So ...”

He broke off as we laughed. None there gathered could ever imagine the Captain straying from a topic!

“When we were down in the capital, several of us visited the new College area and we learnt much whilst there, without being students ourselves!”

Again a good-natured laugh.

“Those students told us that having the openness around them enables a more relaxing atmosphere, and that they seem to learn more in such an environment. Mind you, we all felt embarrassingly old in comparison with those earnest students, several of whom were engaged in outdoor activities which they also recommended. Why some were even running on a special runners' track, for fun!”

His introduction was again broken by a few more chuckles and giggles.

“Coupling this with several strolls around town and observations made by several members of our party, I have come to the conclusion that we require here in our town at least one public area, the likes of which are known as 'parks' or 'recreational areas'. We four, and the others actually, discussed most aspects of this on our long trip back, so obviously those that travelled have a deeper knowledge than the rest of you. However, I wish merely to introduce the topic at this 'moment in time' as our Princess says occasionally.

“What are they then, these parks?”

We stared somewhat blankly back at him as he held up a hand to prevent anyone saying anything.

“They are areas for the populace to use for relaxing, for wandering, for strolling, for just sitting. For enjoying a bit of Nature in the midst of a forest of buildings. For breathing room, if you like. Soon our town will be growing in another spurt, and others here agree with me that we should follow the Princess' principles and think ahead, and think big.

“Now, the Camping Place we deemed to be too busy with traffic to have as a peaceful area, which is the principle principal behind the provision of a park.

“And the Camping Place wouldn't be a true open area, it couldn't be with important streets running through it. For these parks are, as I have said, open areas, and I wish to provide within our park, or perchance within our several parks, for I see others being built later, all the facilities that we have seen in my travels. We shall require a stream, a few fountains, maybe a pond or two, some tree-lined walks for shade and some open areas for children particularly to play in. Some benches, maybe a table or two, that sort of thing. The details we can work out once we have found a location.

“But we shall need to plant trees – Master Rindal; we shall need to move rocks or create rockeries, after a survey of the allocated area – Master Jarrit; we shall require a project leader – Master Simman; and, once the park is established, we shall require some provision of light eateries for those citizens enjoying the other benefits of the park – Mistress Julina can probably advise, perchance with Mistress Mousa who was unavailable this morn, and/or Mistress Megrozen.

“There, we have a design team.

“You who have lived your lives effectively in the open countryside with just a few buildings around, may not appreciate the lack of vistas afforded from the middle of a built-up area, as our town will soon become. I repeat: we must think ahead.”

My visits to Tranidor had shown me that the Steward was right, so I understood his point from the start. Nearly everyone else was wallowing a bit trying to follow his words, but the silence in which they spent time thinking was broken by first one exclamation of comprehension, followed by another, and a third. Before long, everyone had grasped the significance.

It was then that the Captain spoke again.

“I should like to have a design ready to discuss with her Highness when she is here. Simman, would you gather together all the necessary threads, please?”

“With delight, Your Honour, I deem this will be a valuable addition to our town's facilities.”

“Good! Moving on then, we need now to discuss this Master Topor and his mission. Master Yarling, you spent time with him yestere'en?”

“That I did, Your Honour. At first, I ...”

… … ...

And so the meeting went on, the Steward delivering an enthusiasm and a keenness which seemed as if it refuelled all those present and helped drive them on.

We were all impressed that so many of the preparations had already progressed so far, and were so … controlled … that's not quite the right word; I wish to convey the sense that things were not being left to chance, rather than being held back in some way.

For the sake of brevity, I shall report here that at that meeting many topics were covered, and I managed to learn a lot more about our town and its coming expansion.

For example, I knew already about the waste water treatment, after all I had seen with my own eyes that the town bridge had been renewed when they extended the waste channels; but what I didn't know was that there should be a separate but similar treatment area for the waste from the workshops. This would be situated across the river from the developing domestic waste treatment area.

I further gleaned from that meeting that the upper level of the lakeside road, the one above the dam, the one that led to the stone quarry and the Vale, was now a fully paved double-width road, and that the access to the Vale through the stone quarry was being used to transport much needed large items into the Vale itself.

The pakh up there were thriving and that second farm had been demolished, a replacement being built further upvalley for the new family who had decided to move up there. Brethen reported that the assistance would be most welcome, as his resources were beginning to be stretched. He mentioned that perhaps a third family would not go amiss, either. He made me blush when he said that my teaching had been so good, that his daughter could now act as the starter teacher for anyone else who came up there to live.

There was much more that was revealed to me during that meeting, which lasted until just after the 4th Bell.

As one of the final topics, we all had to gasp when the Steward told us how far advanced were the plans for using barges to transport our exports. Apparently an adequate wharf had been constructed down at the riverbank near Bezlet and there were hopes that the first cargoes could be shipped to and from that wharf not long after the rains, treating this year's operations as a testing time before operations could begin in earnest next Spring.

After that, the meeting closed with a few more gasps, and also smiles and handclaps.

For the Captain closed it with a topic that Em had brushed over in her descriptions the day before.

“I wish for another building to be built.

“We have already discussed the building of a new inn to be nestled between the two Miners' Villages, but I wish for yet another! Not, you will understand, because I wish to visit it to imbibe, although I am sure I shall do so occasionally, but an inn with a second purpose. Let me come back to that in a moment or two as I report on seemingly another matter first, but shall link it all up a little later. It may appear so, but I am not straying – not really.”

We laughed at his reference to his earlier remark.

“All the way back up here, from almost the moment we crossed into the Princess' lands, I have been near-swamped by petitioners. We stopped at the border semaphore station to provide them with details to let news of our progress be sent ahead. There were two petitioners there and then, along with their respective families! With my recent experiences of marriages, I was able to deal with the matter quite swiftly, but shall have to send the paperwork down there as soon as Master Mesulkin has finished it and entered the details in his tomes.

“I mention in passing that we also said our farewells to Goodman Linan there for he is from Tamitil, a small village on the river bank just up from the border. He is a woodsman, a solid character that was a fine travelling companion once the inevitable first awkwardnesses were overcome. He was proud to be a local witness to the marriage.

“He was actually the second to leave our party, since Mistress Megrozen had required to visit her house in Tranidor. It made good sense for her to do so, not just because we had been closely passing her door, in effect. More of that in a little while.

“We then, of course, dropped Mistress Brogla off at the Brayview roadhouse, where we were all treated most hospitably. And also petitioned by other couples, so a hand more of marriages were done and witnessed there. But this all took time, so much so that we were nearly late getting to the Forest Roadhouse for that evening. Thank the Maker that the days are now that much longer. I had to refuse some petitioners in Bezlet as we passed, and we didn't even have time for my planned inspection visit. That shall have to wait until next week.

“But Brayview, in view of all this, has itself become an important topic.

“I have consequently already given orders for some building to occur around the Brayview roadhouse, to make it effectively the second administrative centre for Princess Garia's lands. For I have been petitioned all the way along our roads not only to perform marriage services but also to deal with various petty criminals, all of which requests I had to deny for now. Those judgings require far more time and a certainty that all relevant facts are in place.

“All of his made me realise that I shall have to spend time away from Blackstone to deal with these matters in the other parts of these lands. I shall therefore have an office and an audience hall down there in Brayview. It would be unreasonable to expect marriage hopefuls to have to travel all the way up here, so I must needs travel to them. And transporting criminals, particularly the petty ones, makes no sense. We shall make the Brayview area the central place for the marriages of those from the Chaarn road part of our country and for trying those criminals from that area. A schedule shall be sent there so they can make all necessary arrangements for my visits.

“We can also then build administrative houses for Master Kordulen's road maintenance teams, and Master Fedren's law-keeping team can also have a district office down there. There are others who may also require a local representation, and furthermore we must needs set up an efficient militia, some of whom shall need to be stationed there. I shall discuss that last point with Mistress Michet shortly and report back to you as soon as feasible.

“It should, by now, have become obvious to you all that I have effectively commissioned the start of a new village or township down there. There are several consequences of that decision not the least being that we must needs find administrators to run it.”

He took a short break there for a sip of water, which he took as he gazed around the table at everyone there. He replaced his glass and cleared his throat with a little cough which made us all focus once more upon his words.

“But I see several of you thinking 'what has this to do with a fourth inn up here in Blackstone?'

“Before I answer that, I wish to start by looking at the inns we currently have.

“The Claw is not a publicly open inn, in effect, for it is tied strongly to Master Tanon's company. Yes, the Common Room is open to all, but the sleeping rooms tend to be occupied by company men, and invited visiting wagoneers.”

He looked over at me sympathetically as he said that, and I suddenly felt a few tears burn my eyelids as I thought of dear Jaffy.

“The Bell is running well and is, as can be confirmed by Master Fedren, full every night.”

We all looked at Fedren who nodded in agreement.

“The third inn we have discussed earlier and shall be built 'tween the two so-called Miners' Villages. Indeed, it has even been started already as part of the development of the new Miners' Village.

“So where are those who travel up to Blackstone to be married going to be able to stay?”

He paused, somewhat dramatically at that heartbeat, and several of us gasped, mumbled or exclaimed as his obvious point hit us.

“We require an establishment to give those people a priority. And which can then be run as a normal inn at other times. Suggestions please for a site for this, and we really do need to apply a priority to this. Remember that when they arrive, they shall not be wed, so will need to be kept separate – but after the ceremony, that shall be different. Mesulkin shall inform all who travel here that the necessary reservations shall have been made. I daresay some will wish to spend a few days here before returning to their work, so we need to provide good facilities for their days and not just for their nights!”

We all laughed at that, but the Captain forged on with a related topic before we could descend into ribaldry.

“As regards weddings, then Master Mesulkin has so far had applications from two hands and four couples. I shall commence working my way through this list as from the day after the day after tomorrow, which shall be the 8th of Pertulin for those who wish a numbered date ...” he glanced over at Uncle and made a hand gesture to him as he said this and received a small nod in reply, “... at the 4th Bell. We shall join together Master Brydas and Mistress Sukhana, and follow their joy with Master Kordulen and Mistress Swayga, and Master Shemel and Mistress Megrozen. That day has been chosen to allow the last two sufficient time to reach here, Mistress Megrozen, you will recall, having dropped off the Wedding Party's transport to fetch her family. There shall follow another four of ceremonies on that day, and the rest shall be done the following day, the 9th.

“Master Mesulkin has, or shall have, informed all. I have no doubt we shall receive other applications now it is known I am returned. I deem we can get those ones to wait a pair of weeks by telling them that the Princess herself shall be able to perform their ceremonies, if we cannot fit them in on those other days already mentioned.”

… … ...

“I must ask you if you are certain these are your notes as you wrote them, and that their contents are true? Please confirm those things officially.”

I inspected the bundles presented to me and could detect neither additions nor subtractions from their bulk. All pages contained my handwriting and they flowed sensibly from one to another. It took me maybe two hands of moments to complete my study of the papers, two whole hands of moments in which no-one spoke. It was so silent I could almost have believed that no-one had even breathed.

We were all gathered in the Steward's receiving room later on in that same morn. I can report that it was exceeding crowded, with close to half the Assembly members there as well as those who were awaiting their punishments.

“Your Honour,” I began, “Masters Jepp, Brydas, Mesulkin, Graber and Fedren, Mistresses Lendra and Michet, and all those here being held to trial, with their wives – I officially identify these papers as being the notes I wrote at the initial hearings conducted by Master Jepp, here in this room.”

“Thank you, Mistress Julina,” the Captain replied equally as formally before turning to his stand-in for when he was away. “Master Jepp, do you confirm that each of those here present being tried confirmed at the time that these notes were a true and accurate report of what was said?”

“I do, Your Honour. And each of them have either signed or made his mark as agreement of their completeness and accuracy.”

“Very well.”

He turned his most serious face towards the eleven men standing together in a sort of semi-circular array facing him at the other end of the table.

“You all – all eleven – swore a public statement to the effect that I had given you each exclusive rights to something or somewhere. You all did this in the hope that my representative, acting for me because I was somewhere else entirely, would grant you favours or rights – WHILST I WAS NOT HERE TO CONFIRM THE FACTS. You have used MY NAME dishonourably.”

I shuddered as his angry roar thundered into everyone else in the room. I even squeaked a little in terror. Some of the wives went very pale. The Captain had arranged them in a particular order which we all who had been there recognised as being that in which the hearings had ended, the sequence in which those people had been dismissed from this same room.

“I did speak to ONE of you, just one, about his suggestion before I left, and I told him that his idea had merit, and that the Assembly would need to discuss it all. But that they would do so after my return. But I never gave anyone any permission, nor any promises, and certainly no Exclusivities. You shall ALL pay for that, for lying on oath and for falsely representing the facts.

“Goodman Betruk, you were the first to withdraw, the first to see sense, so you shall have one week of public service duties to be performed on a new project that shall get fully underway once the Royal Visit is concluded. Master Simman shall be the project leader and he shall assign you your duties. I can assure you that you shall be working hard during that time, and you shall not be paid for that work. Goodman Loogner, you and those other three next to you also came to your senses, but later. You shall each have two weeks hard labour on that same project, also unpaid. You five are hereby dismissed, and hope fervently that you never come before me for any sentencing again.”

They filed glumly out, knowing that their lives would be awkward without that much needed pay. But I suspect they were relieved not to be on the receiving end of what was to come.

I was idly thinking of all that had gone on and was about to happen when I suddenly had a brain explosion, or at least that's how it felt to me. I swiftly grabbed a reedlet and scribbled on a piece of paper. I may have squeaked slightly again as I rapidly wrote down the bare notes of my idea.

When I looked up, I saw all eyes on me.

The Captain's were not too friendly.

I immediately understood that he hadn't want to be interrupted just as he was about to sentence the others, but I swiftly wrote his name on my folded paper and handed it over to my neighbour to be passed to him. He gestured impatiently with his hand as the others passed it towards him. He received it, opened it grumpily and read it.

His head shot up and looked at me, and I could see him trying not to grin. He nodded at me and mouthed a “Thank you”, which made me glow a little with pride.

He turned back to the others: “You will by now have recognised what is going on. The longer you persisted in your lies, the longer shall be your punishment. The next to withdraw from the hearings were yourself Goodman Bogdan and your neighbour there. You were both issued another warning before you both decided to withdraw, so you both shall work on this project for a month. Remember clearly that the work shall be hard and shall be unpaid. I care not what hardships this may cause in your domestic arrangements, 'twas yourselves who decided to try to cheat your way to some perceived advantage, and you employed lies and deceit when trying to achieve those advantages. Begone now, the both of you. And your wives.”

We all watched the dejected couples make their way out. It wasn't until the door closed behind them that the Captain turned to the remaining four couples, the four men who had been held in Fedren's cells.

He studied them impassively, their discomfort and apprehension increasing with each heartbeat.

“You four are the most despicable, and yet, in many ways, the most stupid.”

I happened to be looking at one of them as the Captain said that – Murree, the one who had been so arrogantly confident in the initial instance. Despite his uneasiness, I could see that he resented being called stupid. The Captain surprised me by also picking up on that immediately.

“Yes, Goodman Murree, I said stupid and I meant stupid.”

Murree's resentment flared again as the public who were in the room tittered at him and his discomfort. He looked around them as if memorising their faces for some future retribution. Fedren sat forward and took great scrutiny of this man, who seemed more intent on scanning the audience rather than being aware of the authority figures who were both focussing on him.

“And you continue to demonstrate your stupidity, even now. I will never condone revenge upon anyone who is involved merely as a bystander and you have clearly signalled to all your intention of trying to extract some form of revenge from those who have observed your behaviour's consequences. Goodmen Frodper, Slarty and Rident share your guilt at allowing greed to over-ride common sense, but no-one has laughed at THEM. All anyone here has done is to laugh at YOUR stupidity.

“All of you laid claim to a parcel of land; each claimed that I had promised it to you. Not even I, in my most intoxicated moments, could manage to promise the same piece of land to four separate people. You all saw a moment of opportunity to try to get something for yourself without having to work for it. Greed I can understand, and have indeed observed it often enough in my life and career; but lying and deceit are unacceptable, doubly so when trying to involve MY name and MY honour.

“It was supremely stupid of each and every one of you to imagine that you could ever get away with it. We have an Assembly here, and we have a Semaphore system. It was stupid in the extreme to imagine that your claims would not be checked out.

“And it is of the utmost stupidity to imagine that such disrespect would go unpunished. This town is growing rapidly and you all managed to see that some part might become valuable, and you wanted to take advantage of that.

“We on the Assembly recognise that rapid expansion, and are aware of even more still to come. Due to that growth of the town, we wish to avoid being swamped by buildings at every turn. What is now the Camping Place shall become a Market Place, with traders invited to commence operations once the Royal Visit is concluded certainly, maybe before.

“The Community Hall is on the verge of completion of the first and major phase of building and shall soon be opened for the various uses envisaged.

“We also intend to build certain open areas for the citizenry to enjoy, these areas shall be known as 'parks'. We see there being several of these areas built. Between the Community Hall and what is to be the Market Place lies a roughly triangular parcel of land, bounded on one side by the new Dam road, and on another side by East Street. A service lane that connects these two major roads forms the southern side of this triangle. You all recognised that this triangle shall be strategically placed. Your stupidity was in trying to gain control of this place. And the double stupidity was in attempting to use underhand methods to do so.

“I shall be recommending to the Assembly that this very triangle be developed as the first citizen's park to be built. It is away from the inevitable coal dust produced by the shafts beyond the Cistern, and it would be a way to maintain an attractive approach to the Community Hall from the town centre. To which end, I shall propose that a further triangular plot of land, north and north-east of the Community Hall kitchens, between the Dam Road and the Aqueduct, shall be the second, thus sealing the Community Hall in an open and clear space to its town side. These spaces shall never be owned by private individuals, but forever owned by the Town.

“Wherever the park area or areas are chosen to be, YOU four shall be doing the hard labour work involved in developing that first one, and possibly some other, for however long it takes. Reports of your behaviour shall be provided on a regular basis, and any slacking shall be further punished. Master Simman shall be the project leader and it is this project that all the others shall be working on as well.

“However, we are cognisant of the fact that you cannot be expected to work for nothing for several months. Therefore you shall work one month on, unpaid, and then one month off during which you can return to your normal work, if they will still have you. If not, we the Assembly can always find paid work for you.

“That sequence of one month on and one month off shall be repeated for four cycles, unless the Parks project is successfully completed before then. Goodman Murree shall work the first cycle, alongside Goodman Rident. Then, after their month is finished, you other two shall have a month on. In this way we shall have two labourers permanently working.

“As a further punishment, fully warranted because you attempted to deprive the citizens here of a potentially valuable asset, all your current landholdings will be forfeit to the Town. The Assembly shall then decide upon their fate, which MIGHT be that they are to be returned to you, if your behaviour warrants.

“Ah! Goodman Murree, I deem that at long last you have realised the consequences of your own actions. Yes, actions that really were rather stupid were they not? Did you seriously imagine that we were not already aware of your bullying and cheating tactics that you have employed to gather several properties to yourself, and to charge much higher rents for them than any other property owner? You have overstepped the mark this time, and provided us with the perfect reason to curtail your antisocial activities.

“So yes, sir, you have indeed been incredibly stupid.”

… … …

“Thank you, Julina, for the wonderful suggestion that the plot of land they claimed should become the park, thus putting it forever out of their grasp.”

“It just came to me, Captain. Some ideas sometimes leap into my head.”

We were sitting once more in the Salon's Dining Room after the hearings were concluded, having walked up the Main Street together with Em, Uncle, Mesulkin and Jepp, all of whom agreed to accept some pel just before they went to take their luncheons.

“And a very good one it was too. I deem furthermore that you should have the choice as to naming the Park.”

“Jafferkin Park,” I said immediately.

And then had to relate the details of that story, from my point of view. I tried to avoid the Konna connotation.

“Jafferkin Park it shall be, then!” said the Captain, to immediate murmurs of agreement from the others.

“I am glad that we are here in your Salon now,” then continued the Captain, “for I wish to ask you a favour if you can, and also ask about some about the goings-on here in our absence.”

“Captain, I will do all I can to grant you what you require.”

“Hmmm! Well from what little I hear, you may find this request difficult. I wish to have a dinner for the Prince and Princess and their officers and the Assembly members and their wives here in your Salon. We are fourteen upon the Asssembly and six of those are, or shall be by then, married, so that makes twenty already. Then there are the Prince and Princess, Commander Feteran and his wife ...”

“Wife?” I exclaimed in surprise and Uncle nodded with a grin to me. His eyes told me he would explain later.

“... which shall make two dozen already. Then there shall be several others in their party, I am sure – so we would be around thirty. We would not need the normal separation on dining places, so I deem we could all fit, even up to another hand or six. But I hear that there was a problem of some sort, when another tried to reserve the Salon for a private occasion?”

“This would be no problem, Captain. The circumstances are entirely different. He wanted the entire room for the entire evening for a mere fifteen people. Let me see. As long as we made it the later sitting, no-one could complain that I was going against the principles I most openly stated. Although, for the Prince and Princess, I deem all would make such allowances. I would certainly use argumentation of that nature to justify myself in the unlikely event any should complain. What happened that other evening was ...”

And so it was that I had to explain the events with Master Topor. I was gratified that they all agreed with my stance. And that they agreed with my assessment of the changes in Master Topor.

But that story led somehow onto the story with the K-woman.

Which itself led onto the story about the Consociation, and I could see the Captain's mind thinking furiously about something as we, that is Mesulkin, Jepp and I, explained what had been envisaged.

After that I was more of a listener.

I did learn something new when Em talked about the missing fork.

She astounded me, and the others when she said: “Those forks, by the way, are individually recognisable, for they are in fact numbered in a coded way. I have number 1, Julina has number 2, and I believe that you, Captain, have number 3. I have them all written down in a file. Some I know not individually; if, say, six were sold in a single evening, then I have noted the range of numbers and the range of purchasers! With respect to you all, I shall show Julina privately how they may be deciphered, then she may check those that her clients bring and we may assign more exact notes. Most clients ask for their forks to be cleaned between courses nowadays, or so I have been told. Julina could use that cleaning pause to identify them. We have twenty-odd still remaining from the first batches we had made, so I should be able to identify exactly which number it is that is missing. Nowadays, Julina leaves out only a hand or so on display, as most who would wish to purchase them have already done so.”

“You had best tell Master Fedren too, I deem,” added the Captain.

Em and I looked at each other and agreed how we would proceed with that suggestion, without saying a word. We were NOT going to be taking up one of the Steward's suggestions, for the first time ever I deem.

Soon, the others went on their various ways with well-wishes being thrown in all directions. Em and I remained to not only have my latest lesson from her, but to also discuss experiences and the future.

Before we could start however, the door opened and Uncle came back in.

“Julina, my dear, I have had an idea. I need to fetch Sookie though, so please don't leave here before I get back – say a quarter of a bell?”

I looked at Em and our eye-speak told us that neither had any clue as to what this could be.

“Very well,” I agreed, no doubt looking confused, and Uncle bustled off, looking pleased with himself.

---

Developments continue apace

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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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Author's note for this episode: Click on the Palarandi sketches to get the same sketch but with English notation. Then click on 'previous page' arrow to get back to the story.

 

“Maker ! Do you really think I could? I mean ... I had never … But ...”

“Don't be silly, 'Lina, of COURSE you could. You may not have ever thought of it, but isn't it one of your favourite expressions: 'If someone else can do it, then I can do it'? You don't have to do the work itself, that's why you would be paying someone else to do it.”

I looked round at Uncle, Sookie and Em, all of whom were smiling encouragingly at me. I was sort of stunned myself.

Uncle had been swifter then he promised, he must have literally run down Main Street to fetch Sookie to have been so fast, and she must have had nothing on that was of immediate importance. But even then, she must surely have been showing signs of being a little breathless? There was a small mystery there. Now let me see, what could have …

I realised that I was thinking of these things rather than the subject at hand, just so my back brain could process the information, the stunning information, that Uncle had handed me, well Uncle and Sookie together, to be accurate. I forced myself to concentrate on my reaction to Uncle's suggestion.

I opened my mouth to say something, and closed it again, three thousand thoughts all clamouring for attention. After a few heartbeats, I opened it again, but this time even I myself was surprised when my words came out.

“No! I can't do it. Not without talking to Epp. SHE should also be involved.”

It was the turn of the others to be sort of stunned – but not for long, as they nodded their agreement after thinking it through.

“It does you great credit, 'Lina, that you should think of others. Perchance 'tis better we all think of it for a little longer.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

His soon wife-to-be piped up: “And I promise I shall always be able to find drivers or loads, which and whatever is required. Just ask for help, even if it is something else entirely.”

“I thank you, Sookie, right heartfelt. But I myself do not feel right about this all, it sits not comfortably with me. I must talk with Epp as a first step. And Papa is also a wise man, perchance he shall help me with this quandary.”

“So be it. Just let me, us, know whenever you come to your decision. They shall require either using or selling!”

“Of course I shall. Thank you both. And now 'tis time for my own luncheon, before the hard work in my kitchens begins. Mayhap I shall soon have time to go for a ride, my mornings have been somewhat busy of late.”

“Aye! I missed my rides when I was away. I was on my way to Pomma's to arrange something soon when Brydas came out and found me just now.”

Ah! That was how they achieved that so quickly, a part of my mind reacted.

“Well count me in with your plans! I have scarce had time even for the Tai Chi in recent weeks, it seems. I deem that with the Steward back, Master Jepp can resume his scribing duties, and I can have some peace, instead of being dragged into those oh so boring meetings!”

But my eyes twinkled at Uncle and Em as I said that, and they laughed along with me. Uncle and Sookie got up to go, it was nice to see them holding hands as they went, and Em ushered them out, leaving me alone for just a few heartbeats.

Mulling over what they had said.

Could I REALLY do it? Along with the Salon, and the Consociation? Not to mention the occasional teaching. Why I …

“That was a very sensible suggestion of Brydas. You should consider it very seriously.”

“That I shall do, Em, but right now, my tummy is considering my missed breakfast. Will you join me for a little something to eat? Shall you also call Kassama?”

At that heartbeat, the door opened once more.

And once more, it was Uncle and Sookie.

But this time 'twas Sookie who spoke: “Julina, I nearly forgot. I have some very surprising news for you. When you have a bell or so spare, maybe even just a half bell, if we're quick, I can show you the most amazing thing – a special sort of cake or pie that is just so easy, and ideal for wagoneers and travellers. I learnt it from, of all people, an officer in the Joth forces who is a special aide to their ruler. His name is Maralin. Apparently he used to work in the kitchens back where he comes from, before he discovered his military talents. He calls them 'peet-zers' and told me that nearly everyone where he comes from eats them, sometimes as a snack, sometimes as a full meal. He says it depends a bit on their size, which can be made almost as small as you like, or as big as your oven will allow. Maralin said his family often used to have a HUGE one and share it amongst themselves.”

“THAT sounds REALLY interesting. Tomorrow morn, say 3rd Bell? Here? Oh no! Let's go for a ride first, at the normal time, then get here at noon for a lunch. Maybe this peet-zers thing would make a good lunch?”

“Excellent suggestions. Until the morrow then!”

And so they left again, allowing me at last to have my lesson in fork identification.

… … ...

“No, Paivi, you get a better taste if you tear the leaves rather than cut or bash them. Let's mix up two quickly so you can compare ...”

Paivi was proving an adept pupil and she was blooming more and more each day, now that she could go out and about and now she had some friends. Venket was still a little reserved but Frowka too was becoming more outspoken and showing more and more of her acute sense of fun. Venket wasn't exactly worrying me, but I knew with my Mama's instincts that she was holding something in. Maybe if I ever again had a few clear moments, I could talk to her but I always seemed to be doing something these days, somethings that stopped me doing all that my overactive mind came up with.

I was using half my mind to do the jobs here in the kitchens that had now become routine to me, and half my mind thinking about Uncle's proposal. Another half of my mind was listening to the girl's banter, and even joining in occasionally, and another half was trying to work out how we would discover the whereabouts of the missing fork that the K-woman had stolen. We knew now that it was from batch number four, and was item number seven. Em and I had kept to our words and maintained the strict secrecy of the identification marks, all anyone else knew was that there were four hands of forks in each batch. Still another half of my mind was thinking about our family, whilst yet another half of my mind was thinking about the other weddings coming up.

And the final part of my mind was preoccupied with something else entirely.

With thoughts that I kept pushing to the back of my head.

I definitely needed to do that. Because if I didn't …

“Julina! Julina!” exclaimed an excited Em as she came into the kitchens. “That Konna has just appeared before the Steward and has been sentenced! She is to be branded and will work as a drudge for the Town for a year. Any monies she would have earned as that drudge are to be paid into the Salon accounts, as shall all her current assets once they have been sold. She is to be fed on anything that is left-over at the end of the day AND that kitchens like ourselves decide to donate.

“Her man, a Goodman named Jomas, has applied for a divorce, for it seems she has caused him many problems in the past. If that divorce comes through in a few weeks time, maybe the Princess shall grant it whilst she is here, then the woman shall be alone and friendless, for it appears that all those whom she counted as friends have turned their backs on her since her arrest. Mistress Haka has in the end been feeding her whilst she was in the cells for no-one else would.”

Suddenly, another idea shot into my head.

I hurriedly found a piece of paper and a reedlet to write it down lest I forgot it again.

Even as I was scribbling, my mind was thinking of dear Haka. She would not have much food spare, and yet she took pity upon that wretched woman. I idly wondered when her baby would be born, for I had secreted away a little present for the child AND another for the mother.

“Thank you for letting me know so promptly. But will this cover our costs and losses due to her actions?”

“Oh yes! And a significant amount towards the damages we have been awarded.”

“But if her monies are all spent here, how will she survive?”

“The Town will buy her basic food from here or from Mousa, or from any of the Inns. She will have nothing for herself to spend, and her clothing will also be maintained at the Town's expense. It will be basic, and all the costs will be taken from her wages as well. She will be encouraged to work well, for she will be rewarded at the end of the year according to the report of her activities.”

“I see, I think.”

“And there is other news from this afternoon's sessions! That Vittima, who works for Fedren, her divorce petition has been granted. The paperwork was processed and sent to the Captain. It arrived with last night's shuttle. Konna is now to be the one who does the basics for Vittima's man, Neerkel, amongst others.

“Further, the Steward confirmed that the disputed triangle shall be the first Park, and that the second such Park shall be where he described, another triangle formed by the old Aqueduct and the new one that leads to the Community Hall, so this time the park shall be to the east of Dam Road.

“Furthermore, Berdon and Bettayla shall be leaving here shortly. They, well 'twas more just Berdon to be truthful, petitioned the Assembly for permission to build a house, having given a commitment to stay here with his troupe for at least two years! The Steward has therefore sold a building plot to them which is on the south-west corner of the junction of the Dam Road and North Cross Lane. Neatly between the two proposed parks, but nearer, of course, to the Town Centre one.

“The Steward wishes for the south side of North Cross Lane to be built with houses, along with the west side of the Dam Road all the way down to the Community Hall, except that short bit where the road comes near the ledge, leaving one space for a further Lane to cross to East Street, roughly half-way along Dam Road, but the slope will mean that this second Lane shall need to be built at an angle and/or with a curve in it. All the Assembly members have agreed. They also agreed … oh!” She clapped her hand over her mouth. “I'm sorry. I should not have started that. Er.. it is something that I am not permitted to tell you. Yet.”

She smiled at us all in an attempt to alleviate any awkward feelings that might have come up because of her statement.

She continued: “Other areas were also identified as being places for people to build, I shall tell you all about them some other time. West Street shall go ahead and be built, which shall cut off a little of the paddock down behind The Bell, which up to now has been longer than the Claw's paddock, but thinner. Another park area will be just off West Street, on the east side, the Main Street side, the final location being decided once everyone has moved their workshops and so on over the other side of the Bray. It shall probably be across the Cross Lane proposed to run along the north side of the Bell's paddock.”

“Maker! The Steward HAS been busy!”

“Indeed he has. As have all of us to be precise. I feel that nearly all of this is so that definite plans can be shown to the Princess when she arrives, which makes a lot of sense. So the Steward is doing all he can to set things up as definitively as anyone could. He has asked us to think about setting up a Planning Committee, headed by an Assembly member who can then report to the Assembly itself. We need to come up with proposals to be presented at the next meeting!”

“That all sounds very interesting. I look forward to chatting with you some more, but right now I'm sorry to say that I have a lot to do to be sure we are ready for our diners. Perchance you could return at the same time as you did before? Or, of course, you could roll up your sleeves and help?”

We grinned at each other as she backed gracefully out of the door, waving her hands in denial and pulling a comical face. We all laughed.

That day, Paivi, Venket, Kords and I did the kitchen duties, with occasional help from Kassama when her household duties allowed, while Kelly, Gyth and Frowka handled the Dining Room end of the business. By now Kelly and Gyth were familiar to our diners and this helped Frowka with her development in customer relations.

Em did not return in that less busy period before the evening got underway, which was vaguely disturbing. However, I knew she would explain when next we saw her.

Thus another filled Salon evening passed with no great upheavals, but with many words of praise and a not inconsiderable amount of coin for The Pot. Frowka sold her first Salon fork about which we rejoiced after service was over. Paivi and Venket were a little jealous of her, I deem.

… … …

The next day, I did indeed manage a sensible Tai Chi session followed by a ride.

We were seven riding that day – myself, Pomma, Sookie, Molly, Parry, Bezan and Papa. We started from the Claw and headed first towards the Bridge as though we were departing the Town before we swung to the right, slightly back on ourselves, opposite the mouth of East Street. We were following the planned route of West Street. We did this first as it was best to do so early before the still existing workshops started pouring out their strong smelling waste products.

I was surprised to see one of the flattening teams there making the very first traces of West Street. I had assumed that all the flattening teams would be working up on the Stone Sea road.

“No, no, 'Lina. There are other projects, as you know full well. And anyway there would not be the space for all seven of them up there, they would be in each other's way. We have three on that road and two on the road to the middle semaphore station as that track is being widened. The other two are here in Town.”

I thanked Master B for that information as we passed below the back of the Bell Inn. I was interested to see that their paddock was a lot smaller than the Claw's and also far more uneven. I had seen it before, of course, but never from frayen back nor from this particular angle. I could tell the Inn was full, because the paddock was quite crowded with all of the guests' beasts.

“You will notice that we are climbing, just like Main Street does, and does East Street, at an angle across the general slope. We wish to place West Street slightly further away from Main Street than East Street is though, and not just because the Smith's buildings sprawl so far out ...” Bezan looked smilingly at Sookie as he said this, “... but also because, if you look ahead of us, and just to either side of our track, you will see that this is the most smooth route through all these tussocks and rocks and whatnots here. We do not wish to disturb the tussocks too much, for their roots, which dive right deeply into the soil, are what binds the earthy layer of this slope together. You can see little watercourses that weave in and out of them, so when West Street is built, we must channel the water properly, particularly for the times of the rains.”

“Aye, Bezan, you have the right of it, I deem,” said Papa. “We wouldn't want any landslides if this is to be a road.”

“And houses,” Bezan added. “We see houses on both sides of both East and West Streets, and also Dam Road, but leaving space around the Community Hall. The service lanes that shall connect West Street shall also probably have houses either side as will those lanes that are already built from East Street up the slope to the Dam Road. I expect the Main Street side of East Street shall also have several houses. But we shall inspect that part closer in a Bell or so's time, as we work our way round there.”

We had moved on a little by now and were passing below the houses upslope from the Bell. The first two had little or no sprawl of outbuildings spilling down towards us, but the third did, and ahead of us we could see Uncle's forge sprawl scattered in a very ungainly fashion. However, the first of these two sprawlers was Master Torin's carpentry complex. Master Horbelan's much tidier musical instrument workshop and home was sandwiched between the two.

Bezan directed our attention over our shoulders to the back of the Bell.

“There shall be a service lane there that runs alongside the Bell's paddock and along the north face of the Inn itself where it shall join Main Street. We expect to place another of those parks we spoke about to the north side of that service lane and to our right now, which shall be to the East of West Street.” He grinned engagingly as he said that. “The first of the untidier houses is Master Torin's carpentry; and, as you can see, most of the outbuildings are now unused, for he has removed his working places across the Bray to the workshop area we can see over there. Yesterday, at our afternoon meeting, someone suggested that we call that area the 'Artisans' Area' and that name seemed appropriate somehow. So much so, that we all agreed to it.

“There shall be another service lane immediately after Master Torin's house, that shall run between that and Master Horbelan's. Just here, in fact,” he said pointing off to our right, for by then we had progressed that far up the slope.

“As you can see, the slope goes abruptly up just here, so we will smooth that out a little.”

We all peered at the ground, trying to imagine the changes he was talking about. We murmured amongst ourselves, and clarified some perceived misunderstandings as we rode on.

“And now we have come to the back of the Forge. Again many of these outbuildings are unused as Master Brydas has … ah, there he is himself, waving to us.”

We all waved back to him and then Bezan continued: “Master Brydas has indeed already moved a lot of his projects across to the Artisans' Area. But we are here today to look at the terrain rather than unused outbuildings, so I would point out that, after that sharper slope we have just negotiated, the ground flattens quite rapidly just here. As a result of that, we see no need for a further service lane to Main Street from here onwards. If there was to be one, then it would pass along the Smith's northern side, between the Forge and the Wheelwright's. 'Twould join Main Street almost opposite where the existing North Cross Lane joins it.”

We passed behind another building and by then had reached as far up as Master Waldan's, the saddler. Again we waved to him, who waved back to us all, it seemed, but may have been just to his wife who was riding next to me then. Pomma was grinning in delight. It was nice to see how the two loved each other.

“From here, West Street shall kink to the right and then go to join the flat area as it bulges out towards us between the Bellringers and the Miners' Hall. I deem, just between ourselves, that His Honour is a little upset at losing some of his Parade Ground if we follow these plans!”

We giggled at that as we continued on our interesting and educative ride.

Soon we reached the aforementioned Parade Ground and headed across it, intending, I assumed, to skirt past the Shuttle Shed and from there go on to the Dam Road.

But we were halted as we met another party of riders, some of whom were frankly gawking at us. We managed to suppress our smiles as we greeted each other, in the long and complicated way we have of doing so when there are strangers present.

The other party of riders consisted of the Captain and Masters Yarling and Blandel, along with Master Topor and his Goodmen Ree and Goshie. 'Twas these last three who were gawping, whilst the other three, behind them, were grinning like mad, even the Captain! I noticed that the goodmen still used the older-style saddles, although Topor was more modernly equipped.

Eventually, Topor managed to splutter out: “Do you tell us? Women here ride? I have never seen such a thing!”

The Captain, as I mentioned, was amused, I could see it in his eyes and face, but his voice was matter of fact as he said: “And why should they not, Topor? The Queen herself does, as does the Princess. Even the Princess' maid does. Many of the ladies of Palarand City ride every day. And we are far more remote here than they are down there. Here, it is a practical thing which enables far greater efficiency. Amenities are not so readily to hand up here. That fish dish you enjoyed so much was made with a fish from our fish farm – a fish farm that needs about a Bell to get there and back. Would you have fish fetching as a purely male activity? Particularly when we require so many males just for the expansion works and the mining and transporting?”

Topor, without taking his eyes off us, said: “Maker, Your Honour. I had never thought on't. But I understand what you say. 'Tis just that it seems so unnatural to my untrained eyes. This town has shocked me yet again.”

“I deem 'twill not be the last occasion,” said the Captain, somewhat wryly.

He then addressed us all: “Well, we must bid you good day, for we have a longish ride ahead of us, up to the Stone Sea. Even with the longer daylight, we shall be pushed to do all we might. So forgive us ….”

“Master Steward, Yer 'Onour, sir?”

We heard the call from a cast or two away.

The Captain broke off his farewell to turn and see the man and woman who were arriving on a smallish cart pulled by two frayen. The man held up his hand in a curious mixture of both a plea and a command, for the Steward to hold.

I could see from his face that the Captain knew not who these people were, so I, being the nearest at that heartbeat, bent towards him and whispered: “Master Levin, Miller, Watermill at Forest's Edge. Wife is Jyrset.”

The Captain flashed me a quick 'thank you' with his eyes and then moved his frayen nearer the oncoming cart to greet the newcomers.

“Master Liven, I deem. And Mistress Jerset? How may I be of assistance?”

The two were taken aback to be greeted by name, even if the names were just a little wrong.

“Er, Yer 'Onour, that would be Levin, and this be Jyrset, me wife.”

“My apologies, Master Levin, Mistress Jyrset. You have caught me just for a moment or two for I have an appointment some Bells ride away and am a trifle pressed.”

“Er .. fergive me, Master, Yer 'Onour. It's just that I must speak with thee. I need the Town's help, fer I am quite overwhelmed. The demand fer flour is just too great now fer me to cope wiv it all. And that Coke factory means smuts in the air and my flour ain't so clean no more. And ...”

He broke off as the Captain raised a hand.

After thinking swiftly, the Captain said: “Do you see that faint track there to the west of us at the edge of the relatively level ground, the Parade Ground? Just south of that outhouse? If you follow that, it leads to that larger house over there, which belongs to Master Jepp, my second-in-command. Please be so good as to go there and get him to make a report. Your matter is indeed serious and I shall deal with it as I may on the morrow, so be so kind as to leave as many details as you may with Jepp. This shall save you some further travelling I deem. Unless, of course, you wish to be present when we consider the matter at the outset, at say the 3rd Bell of the day, at my house?”

“We shall do both, yer Lordship. Thank 'ee kindly for so prompt an action. My wife and I ...”

“I am no Lord, sir! Just the Princess' representative up here. 'Your Honour' is my correct title. Now, I must request again that you shall forgive us, for we are already behind time.”

He signalled to his accompanying riders and they nodded politely to us all before heading off up the Loop Road. The Miller puffed out his cheeks and looked round at us, obviously seeing us clearly for the first time.

“Why Master Kordulen, Mistress Julina! And Mistress Pomma. And is that a grown-up Molleena? And you sir, I 'ave seen yer near that dratted Coke horror place. Excuse me, I know not the rest of yese, although yer, young lad, yer look somewhat familiar.”

Papa took over the conversation at that point, probably feeling it his duty because he had been named first.

“This is Master Bezan, who is in overall charge of all the development around here, and this is Master Parrier who is employed at the Claw, in charge of the animals. Which establishment is run by this lady, Mistress Sukhana, soon to be wed with Brydas! Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Master Levin and his wife Mistress Jyrset?”

“Do you tell us! Ye're the one what caught ol' Brydas eye, eh? Right pleased to meet yer, and all the rest of yese. Mistress Sukhana, yer be one of my larger customers. I've been right busy, too busy to come a-callin' so I must beg pardon.”

Sookie smiled sweetly and genuinely at him: “Master Levin, 'tis my honour to meet you at last. I find myself moved by your plight, and will lend what support I may find to your application. And rest assured, the Captain, our Steward, is an honourable man and shall ensure you are looked after as promptly as can be.”

We chatted on for a few more moments before we took our leave and continued our informational tour of the town. The Miller's cart bounced slightly as it went over the edge of the Parade Ground and headed up the track towards Jepp's.

Meanwhile, we had crossed the Parade Ground part and were keeping out of the way of the constant traffic coming down the Loop Road, as we edged over to the Cistern, in front of which Bezan halted us and, with a raised voice to get over the noises produced by the passing traffic and bustling population, he launched into an explanation: “We have examined the Cistern from the inside as well as from the outside. Frankly, we are amazed at the strength of its construction. The walls are thick and need only slight maintenance here and there. They are already generations and generations old, originally constructed by the Chivans, more than two thousand years before, although there are a few signs that some small repairs are more modern.

“We have broken a new hole through the walls at the north and west corner, ready for the new water feed, which shall be joined in quite shortly. We have all been surprised at how rapidly we have been able to lay the ground-works for this important event. Inside the cistern, we have built a few more columns to support the roof and most of the top of that roof shall be public stabling. In keeping with the sensible suggestion made ...” He looked at me as he continued: “... to use these buildings for more than just one purpose, we have decided to utilise the large roof area.

“As you are all probably aware, the north-east corner is practically level with the ground as the hillside slopes down. The track to access the roof, which has up to now run up the east side of the Cistern, the one that has been traditionally the most used, shall be shut soon to allow us to work on the aqueduct. The less used access track along the north wall has been widened and opened, along with an open area there for wagon parking. That shall become the access to the roof area.

“The semaphore station shall naturally stay up there, 'twould be folly to move that. Fencing shall be erected all around the sides where the new stables are not. The more solid part of those new stables walls shall be over the existing walls, to lessen the strain upon the roof. This will allow more space in front of the Cistern, between it and what has been up to now the Camping Ground. It is here that we have determined that the Wedding Inn shall be constructed. We plan on having it be the same width as that of the Cistern, divided into four roughly equal sections. On the left as we look at it from here, to the west if you prefer, shall be the men's quarters, then shall come the open section, meaning open to all, then shall come the married quarters and finally the women's.”

At first, our eyes followed his waving arm as he pointed out the various things about which he was talking, but then he nudged his frayen along, so we all followed him too.

“Just from here ...” 'Here' was the south-east corner of the Cistern. “... and up to the north side of where the Dam Road joins in ...” He pointed over there. “... there shall be a few houses built, a row of which shall continue along the north side of Dam Road. Let us cross quickly though until we are between the Dam Road and East Street.”

We matched actions to his words and were all soon safely out of the way of traffic, and facing southwards along the edge of East Street. Several casts ahead of us, we could make out the North Cross Lane - a straight track, surfaced, which joined the Dam Road to East Street and actually carried on to Main Street.

“For the sake of clarity should it come up again, we are temporarily naming the spot at which we are currently gathered as the 'Market Point'.”

We all nodded our understanding, even though the place was not really a point, but a slightly curved edge some two or three casts long. We all looked back and forth along that point.

Master B then spoke again which directed our attention along the edge of East Street down to the first junction and then along to the left, allowing our eyes to follow North Cross Lane all the way to where it met Dam Road. Then, at his bidding, we eye-followed the Dam Road back towards us.

“There! That enclosed space formed by those roads we have all just looked at shall be the location of the first Park. You can see that it is relatively flat, not as steep as the hillside gets on the other side of the North Cross Lane. Nor as steep as that hillside is across the Dam Road, along almost all its length!”

It was quite different looking at the actual plot of land, rather than imagining it in my head. It helped me realise just why those men had all wanted control of it.

“Now let again your eyes wander back to the junction of North Cross Lane and the Dam Road. On the other side of the Lane, just at that junction, you can see four men working. They are marking out the building plot that has been sold to Master Berdon and Mistress Bettayla. Let us make our way down there.”

And so we found ourselves soon after at that junction, crossing over the Dam Road that we might not disturb those workers who were hammering in stakes and tying twine between them.

From here, we could look along the length of North Cross Lane and see the front facade of the Wheelwright's home. Master B then directed our eyes southwards, along the mostly straight Dam Road all the way to the Community Hall, its upper levels peeking over the roof of its kitchen complex. We could see much frenetic activity going on on those upper levels.

After a quick look at B and B's plot, we continued along the gently-rising road towards the bustling building site. But we only got half-way there before Bezan again halted us. He pointed to the west where the large house that had been deserted for several years but had in the past belonged to a successful pakh-wool trader, successful that is until the disease attack ruined the demand. I knew it well for we children had often played in and around it. It sat in a sort of bowl in the hillside and we had often used those steep sides as slides, getting our clothes SO muddy.

Bezan interrupted my reverie as he continued his explanations: “This unmarked point is actually a very important point in our town's development. You will notice a large deserted house down there – it nestles in its own private hollow. That house and its hollow are why we cannot construct another linking lane to go straight down to extend the one that runs past your Salon, 'Lina, the one to the south of Em's. A direct route would also be too steep we feel. So from here, the new lane will head towards the junction of East Street and North Cross Lane that we were looking at a little while ago, thus making a less steep descent, until it gets about half-way there, then it shall kink to the left as we regard it and run straight to East Street, meeting there just about opposite the NORTH wall of Em's house. This shall be named Middle Cross Lane.

“It is expected that building plots all round the edges of this larger area between Middle and North Cross Lanes shall be sold. But back up here on the Dam Road, this point is also important for a second reason. For on the hilly side of the road, between here and the aqueduct shall be a second Park, also mostly triangular in shape. It shall stretch along the road as far as the Community Hall, and be bounded on the third side by the newly made water channel that comes down from the Aqueduct.

“Let us go up to the Community Hall now.”

We made our way along the road as instructed and dismounted when we got to the kitchens there. We tied our beasts to a rail that had been built specifically for that purpose, and followed Bezan across the Dam Road to the south side of the junction where South Cross Lane wound its way up the slope. It had to wind because of how steep it was. This junction was almost directly above our house so I could look down and see my family going about their various businesses. I saw also workers checking over the imported fruit trees in the orchard.

I snorted as Parry looked down and saw one of the handlers doing something wrong in the Claw's paddock which made him swear in what he only thought was under his breath. He blushed and apologised, which I waved away.

Bezan resumed his commentary: “We anticipate that arrivals for events at the Community Hall shall mostly come up the Dam Road from the Town Centre, or up South Cross Lane. As you can see from this vantage, the Dam Road just here follows the top of a land feature that some might call a ledge. There is scarce two strides to the west from the road edge to that ledge. It was one of the reasons that we chose this site for the Hall; access to it can be relatively easily controlled should it ever become necessary. Obviously building plots will not fit in between the road and the ledge just here, so the Hall should always have unobstructed views to the west.”

As he was talking, he kept looking over at the Hall itself. Suddenly, he half raised a hand and sketched a complicated wave.

“Come on then, we have a half bell to inspect the Hall itself. It appears that the extra stairway has already been hoisted up and they are fixing it in as we speak.”

We took maybe a quarter of a bell to cross the road and meet with Master Simman who then took another quarter bell as he explained a lot about the site and the building itself. All the while, he kept his voiced raised over the clatter and banging of the workers as they scurried about on the upper floors, calling to each other as they did so.

I, of course, was most interested in the upper floors as I had already seen the rest, so Master Simman allowed me to slip up there on my own while he showed the others the features of the main hall. He had set up some of the moveable walls already, and let the others in our riding party fold them back and away, just to get a feel for how it all worked.

Meanwhile, I was going straight to the very top where I was the first ever to walk, well skip actually, up that new stair. The workmen there were tidying away their tools, so freshly was it in place.

I went first into what was to be the bedchamber.

None of the walls were fitted in place yet, only a few wall panels of the entire floor were already erected, ones that would not have interfered with the hoisting up and positioning of the stairway. However, the underfoot surface here was carefully marked with where the wall panels would be and where the windows, doors and even furniture would be.

Even as I looked around, I saw some workers pull out a fresh wall panel from their pile of prepared units. They started to put up the east wall of the bedchamber there and then before my very eyes.

The bedchamber!

Now THAT is how I want my bedchamber to be someday.

A bed more than twice the size of my own would sit in there, with a view out of the windows to the north AND those to the west. You could have sat our family at the table which would be provided in there, positioned in what looked like an extension of the room to me, for that alcove, if you would like to refer to it, also had a window to the east, and a larger one to the south. Why, you would be able to walk around the room without having to avoid furniture. You could probably even DANCE around the room!

On the north side of this room would be a windowless alcove that Simman later told me was to be a clothing storage room! A 'dressing room' he had termed it. I shook my head at having an entire room just for hanging my clothes in and for getting dressed in them.

Next to the bedchamber, the other side of the dressing room, on the south side was a room to be equipped with two normal sized-beds, the maids' room, with windows to south and east. Nearer the head of the stairs a further room was to be equipped with three cots and a table, for use by off-duty guards. All these rooms had doors leading off a central room in which there was to be a table placed, with two chairs next to each other, facing the stairs. This I later learnt was for the on-duty guard or guards. A final room led off this area, to a magnificent sitting room. This room also had windows to the north and to the west, it was slightly offset from the wall of the bedchamber, to allow views from there.

(Here is a sketch to assist you:

I hope it helps!)

I indeed saw all the magnificent views from standing way up there and sat for a moment on the rolled-up tarpaulin that had been, and would probably again, used to keep any rain out. I was just drinking in this most unusual vista of our town.

From up here, all that Bezan had shown us so far this morning was clearly visible, and it helped make sense of it all.

I looked around everywhere. One thing I caught sight of was the little group of riders making their way round the Loop Road before tackling the climb to the Stone Sea above. They looked so tiny! And they were passing some new construction that I didn't know about, with several tiny little men scurrying about just there. I watched as the Captain's party stopped briefly for a short chat before moving on. Suddenly the group broke into a faster pace, which soon meant that the two with the older-style saddles were struggling to keep up.

At least, that's how I interpreted what my eyes were telling me from so very far away.

Going down one floor, I rejoined the main group as they were gasping at the size of the Office and the views from it. Only the east wall of it had no view. The bathroom and the privies were stuck over there on the east side since they required no grandiose views. That's not to say that there were no windows, though.

The guards dormitory was to be at one end of the complex, one corner really, a corner which was next to the stairwell and in the north and east end. On the other hand, the servants rooms were on the south side. At the moment this was just one largish room, which could be divided, should it prove necessary, into both male and female rooms. Alternatively, male servants could also share the guards dormitory.

Once again, the stairway that came up here from the ground-level led into a sort of antechamber off which all the other doors led, as did also the stairway down from above, after using a linking small corridor. This antechamber was actually 'fully' furnished in that table for the guards was sitting there looking a little forlorn, it must be said. However, it did help me visualise the set-up as it would be up there on the floor above.

A window at the turn of the corridor which linked the two stairways allowed some natural light in, unlike the totally enclosed antechamber up above. There the only light would be from this same window, which of course was on the floor below, unless some of the room doors were left open.

(And here is another sketch:

which I hope is equally of use!)

Everyone was amazed at how well designed it all was, and also at the flexibility of building that the flat surfaces gave, before the roofing was finally fixed. We exclaimed, chatted and discussed this after we took our leave of Master Simman, remounted our beasts and headed off to the dam itself, hurrying a little now since time was beginning to close in on us.

… … ...

What we learnt at the dam was also interesting.

As was getting there.

Master B set a very brisk pace indeed!

What I found of most interest when we got there was that it was a sort of 'rail in reverse' situation. What they were doing there was lowering and raising wagons themselves. What they were NOT doing was unloading the wagons and placing the contents onto another, and then repeating the action at the bottom.

I remembered a suggestion made earlier, that maybe the wagons could be carried on other flat wagons that ran on rails and so I mentioned it to Master B.

“It was a good suggestion and mayhap we shall follow up on it soon, but we have had priorities elsewhere and wanted not to change a good working practice just yet. There is also another reason which I shall come to in a moment or two. Rather than running on rails, the wagons run in ruts which guide them up and down, even though this places more of a sideways strain on the wheels themselves. We have also, as you see, built another slope, less steeply sloping, up to the top, which is used by lighter loads. This has speeded up our work here quite significantly, as the main wagon-exchange can be devoted to only the heavier loads, and the waiting times are thus reduced.”

We turned back towards Town after watching the activity for nearly a quarter bell, but had gone scarce a cast or two before Master B stopped us once more.

“Look ahead of us here. You see that in fact the valley narrows in front of us. We know not why the Chivans chose to build the dam at a wider point, I suspect that maybe some of the reasons are underwater behind us, and thus we shall never know.

“Now, I said earlier that there would be another factor as to why we have not changed the system to run on rails. I deem this news shall come as a bit of a shock to those who were not present at our meeting yester afternoon.

“We may, in fact, build an entirely new dam there just ahead of us at the narrower point.”

We indeed all gasped with a kind of shock.

“We have first to calculate that there would be sufficient drop in height for the water to flow. The entire town is relying, at the moment, on THIS water source. As soon as the newly discovered underground lake can be fitted into the existing system, then we can start the new building works here and at the same time build a usable road. Her Highness has also mentioned some things we must do if we do build a new dam. Something to do with using the water flow to drive a power generator, something she calls hider-elect-ricks or whatever. I regret I am insufficiently educated to understand it all. And I have NO idea how to make the spelling of it.

“But now I regret I must hurry along, I have another appointment soon and must get back now. Shall I go ahead or will you all come with me?”

… … ...

“Maker! And that's all there is to it?”

“Indeed, 'Lina. Tenant Maralin said a neat way of making the circle is by spinning the dough on your fingers, but alas I just made a mess of it when I tried to do it the once, so I use a rolling pin, having started with a sphere of the mixture. He also said that they do not NEED to be circular, any shape is good. The extraordinary feature of all this is that you can vary what the Tenant called the toppings to give different tastes.”

I was excited about that revelation as I mentally added it to a list in my head, the list I had actually started the other day when I scribbled down an idea on a scrap of paper.

“And what are you thinking about now, young lady? I am beginning to recognise the signs when you have an idea.”

“Oh Sookie! I was just thinking that soon there shall be a market place up there on what we have so far called the Camping Place. And I had already thought that I could bake some pies with the food we have left over in the Salon kitchens. This peet-zers recipe could be used to make other things we could sell there too. Shall we combine to make a stall at the market when it comes? And the Captain said that he would want something similar set up in that new Park thingy. Maybe we ...”

“Slow down, 'Lina! Don't try to do everything right now. We have time to make plans. What think you others of 'Lina's gabbled explanation? It DOES seem a good idea, I deem.”

Parry and Bezan had left us to do their required actions, which meant that Pomma, Sookie, Molly, and I were all sitting in Sookie's office along with Papa, and tasting slices from two of these peet-zers things that Sookie had so quickly made. These were made with toppings of sliced sausages and some cheese, all placed on top of a wet vegetable sauce that had dried in the oven most flavourfully.

“They are indeed delicious, I deem,” said Papa, who was first to answer. “Although I would not wish to eat them at every meal.”

We women all agreed with Papa but were excited at the ease of making them, so we went off in our talking about that aspect and about suitable combinations of the 'toppings' and so on which left Papa rather alone. He put up with it for a little while but then he gracefully withdrew by thanking Sookie for the snack lunch and bidding us farewell.

… … …

And so it was back to the Salon for me, for another afternoon and evening of feeding our guests. The following day, the 7th, was to be our first scheduled 'closed' day, so I made the suggestion to all the girls that they came in for lunch there, and I could teach them about the peet-zers recipe. They all seemed very enthusiastic, so my day on the morrow was set.

We had another good evening in the Salon and we were all pleased at how well the entire team was bonding together. That night, Paivi was in the Dining Room and Frowka was the one of the three in the kitchens. The next night, 'twould be Venket in the Dining Room.

But, back to that night.

Again, I was called into the Dining Room, this time 'twas Master Schild who wished for an appointment in the morning. We agreed upon meeting there in the Dining Room at the 4th Bell, which sadly would cut short my riding time by just a little.

A thought hit me.

I had suddenly realised that people were only certain of finding me in the Salon, or at home in the early morning. That's why they came there!

I mentally hit myself for not realising that earlier.

… … …

That next day, there were just three riders, Uncle, myself and Sookie – and Uncle had an appointment too, so we just had a shortish ride up to the head of the Bray.

But that ride was not lacking anything in the way of information.

As we went along up from the Claw and past the various quarries, the other two told me all about Tedenis and Senidet's marriage, which was of course of the most importance to them, Uncle in particular. And then they spoke about that of Commander Feteran to Jenet, the Princess' senior maid.

They told me of their impressions of the capital, and also of the nation as a whole. At one point, Uncle jumped down to the ground and scratched a crude map in the dirt, that I might better understand. I think that was the first time I had ever seen a map of our lands. It burned itself into my brain.

They mentioned Uncle's suggestion once more, but I waved it off with my hand, just saying: “Epp!” as an explanation for not wishing to converse more on that subject.

One other thing that surprised me in all their information was that they were going to delay their wedding. Apparently, through a semaphore message, they had learned that Tedenis and Senidet had joined the Royal Party and thus they would wait until Uncle's daughter and her husband had arrived, so they could be witnesses.

When we reached the head of the Bray, there was some new construction that required explanations. I had seen these workings yestermorn from the top of the Community Hall, you may recall. Although there was little metal involvement at the present, Uncle was fully informed about what was going on – the reasons for which became quite obvious as he explained more and more to us.

“This is where we are conducting some rail experiments,” began Uncle. “See, we have four or five casts of rails laid and we have two old wagons that we have slightly modified – converted to use the new wheels that shall be required. Her Highness has given us notes on how to make railed wagons cross from one set of rails to another, and we have constructed these rails of wood that we might learn. Her Highness insists that the railroad shall run on steel rails, but our early tests can be done with these wooden ones. My workshops shall have difficulties producing sufficient of the rails, indeed we have difficulties producing them of sufficient length even, but apparently there is a steel works being set up just this side of Haligo that shall have the job of producing these.

“Her Highness also specified the width the rails shall be apart, must be apart, something she calls the 'Standard Gauge'; there shall be exactly a stride and a half between the inner sides of the rails at the top. She also says that the wheels of the railroad wagons shall be of steel too, so sets of wheels can be produced at exactly that same width. Given just one of those sets of wheels, we will be able to lay the steel rails precisely.

“However, we have none of that up here yet, we are concentrating on the techniques of how to get sets of rails to join, to diverge, and even to cross. We have erected the tarpaulins to prevent as far as we can the weather from disturbing our experiments. These rails are nowhere near the exact width that shall eventually be used, but they are more than adequate for our experiments.”

There was little more to say, or to be seen, so we retraced our steps back towards town. Just near the slope under the 'Yarling' shaft, I saw Molly with that Madden. She blushed when she saw me looking at them, so I looked away.

But stored the information for some future teasing. Hee, hee, hee. I must make sure the others in the Salon team get to know about this as soon as I may.

We passed on a little further.

In those warming months before the summer heats (and the rains – ugh) the need for coal for domestic purposes was reduced, despite the increased population, so they had built a deep trench across the face of the Town Quarry and used some sturdy wooden planks to bridge that trench to allow access to our coal.

When we returned we could take a little more time to inspect these works. As we got there, we could see them filling in that trench, and there were also workers on a rickety structure pouring buckets and buckets of water into the top of a concrete tower just upvalley of the quarry's mouth. This tower went down into a sort of concrete cube, which Uncle explained to me was like a mini-cistern.

He pointed out where a concrete pipe jutted out to the north at ground level: “That is where the water from Yarlings lake shall join into the system. The mini-cistern is actually, apparently, called a header tank and an amount of water there shall ensure that no air enters the pipework in the middle. Those pipes in the middle shall form what is called a ...”

“Syphon,” I said. “yes, I understand that. We were shown how it works.”

Both Sookie's and his eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Then you know more than I,” said a Sookie who I could see was slightly jealous that she alone didn't know how it worked. Uncle stroked her hand and promised to show her.

“There is a matching header tank the other side you shall observe, this one half-buried in the ground. Both are required to ensure the lack of air, for if any air gets in there, then the entire system shall not work. AND the whole thing will only work if that header tank on the other side is lower than the one on this side. For, as we know, water only flows DOWNhill.”

He broke off as I exclaimed.

“Julina?”

“Oh, what you just said made me realise a mistake I made, when I visited the underground lake with Papa and Master Bezan. I feel so stupid now.”

“What did you do that was so wrong?”

“Oh. It seems so really stupid – but I suggested that they used a syphon and an intermediate tank to suck water UP from the lake to the ... what's it? … header tank, I suppose is the right name … from where the new flow will come. I remember now that neither man actually said anything at the time, they just applauded me! I feel like such an idiot!”

I was blushing ferociously as I said that. I quickly changed the subject back to what Uncle was saying by asking about a third tower in the works, in the centre of the trench from side to side of the quarry mouth.

“That extra, much less tall tower in the middle is merely a way for the air to escape as they fill the system with water. When water flows over the top of that one, then the system is certain to be filled. At each end there are large sluice gates or spigots or whatever to prevent water flowing out, and to enable the connection of the main supply pipes too. The air escape tower also has such a control, but that will be used just the once and could then be buried. However, we shall not do that, we shall just have a hole there around it, fenced off of course, as we have never done this before and we might needs adjust something.

“That will also enable one side to be the in and one to be the out routing to and from the quarry, since we have had on several occasions a knot of traffic chaos here!

“What is perchance of more interest is that the designers of this have not relied upon just a single pipe underground, there are in fact FIVE pipes, so the supply should continue even if one gets blocked or damaged.”

This all gave us much to discuss as we returned to leave the animals at their home.

All too soon, we were back at the Claw, rubbing down the animals, feeding them their little nibbles, and hanging up the saddles and bridles.

I thanked Uncle for the information he gave on the ride and hugged Sookie and then him before I rushed up to the Salon for my appointment with the banker.

… … …

I sat down next to Master Schild, that we might both examine his papers at the same time.

He started by explaining what the information was on each page, and how it related to myself. It soon made sense to me.

He directed my attention with his finger to one particular number at the foot of the last page.

I sat back in quite the shock.

I could feel the blood drain from my face.

---

Harkin arrives in the midst of yet more hastiness and several joinings

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker!”

That was all I could say for a little while. But I did say it VERY loudly.

That, and, more softly, things like: “But how?”

There was a silence as Master Schild leant back in his chair and simply waited for me to catch my wits once more.

Which took more than a little while.

“But how can I … What have I done? … That's too much to pay!? Surely much too much? It's more than my entire family has ever had. They would have had to work two lifetimes or more to earn that much! What am I going to do?”

I burst into tears. I made a strange wailing-type sound, again quite loudly.

I had arranged for Haka to be with me for this meeting, but she was otherwise occupied, which was not so surprising really, so I had remembered to go home and fetch Kissa, in order that the proprieties be kept.

Kissa looked frightened at my actions, but the brave girl stood in front of me, between me and Master Schild.

Still Master Schild kept silent.

The door burst open.

Kassama came in brandishing a kitchen knife, followed immediately afterwards by Em with a cocked and loaded crossbow.

Master Schild just raised his hands in surrender and shrugged in my direction.

I sniffed a lot, and wiped my face with the back of my hand. Kissa had not managed to keep up her bravery when that door had burst open so noisily and had grabbed at me for protection. This actually helped me regain some of my wits and I started reassuring her with hugs and strokes.

With a stronger voice, I mentioned to my friends that I was … what was it that I had heard that Mila... no, the Princess, would sometimes say? … oh yes ... that I was 'oh ell' … 'oh emm' ... no, that wasn't right … something like that anyway … and anyhow, I must ….

“'Lina, you are warbling. Calm down! I have never seen you like this.”

“Me neither,” squeaked a frightened voice below me.

“Oh Em! I … don't know how to tell you. How to explain it! I must thank you for your concern but really I am fine. Well, that is to say, as fine as I can be, considering, that is.” I felt my voice breaking again, but tried once more. “I owe ...”

I only got that far before I burst into tears again, and folded myself into her offered hug, which dragged poor Kissa in as well.

“Right you stranger, you. What have you done to Mistress Julina?” screamed Kassama wielding the knife threateningly once more.

I broke from the hug just long enough to call Kassama off. “No, no, Kassama – he is alright, really really alright, I promise. He has just given me a shock, is all!”

I nestled back into Em's bosom as my returned sobs wracked my composure once more. Em must have done something with her hands for I heard no words, just saw Kassama back suspiciously out of the room. I heard Em place the crossbow on a nearby table and felt her arm come back to comfort me.

“Now then, 'Lina,” said Em, rubbing my back soothingly. “What is this all about? You and this man, Master Schild isn't it? What has he done to upset you so? Your poor sister is trembling too.”

I shook a little in Em's arms, trying to find my voice.

Schild then broke the silence: “I have managed to shock Mistress Julina, I deem – but I regret that this is a matter between us, one that must remain private unless she gives me permission, preferably in writing!”

“She is in no condition to write anything right now.”

I took a deep breath and found some little steel within myself, just enough to bring myself back to my feet and to take a bit of my control back.

“I declare that Mistress Michet is permitted to hear my business. I have no problem with that. None whatsoever. The same goes for my little sister here, Kordulissa. Please do tell her, them, Master Schild.”

“This is most irregular, most irregular indeed.”

“Please do it, Master Schild.” My usual strength was coming back now, and I felt Kissa react to my regained assurance, even if it was less than that I normally displayed. “I honestly do not mind. Without Em's help, and financial backing, I would not have been able to set up this establishment. And Kissa is simply my sister, we are family.”

“Very well, but I should like a formal letter to confirm this … this … arrangement, as soon as you are recovered sufficiently to write one.”

“Of course, Master Schild.”

“Then I shall take a moment or two to bring Mistress Michet more fully into the picture, as it were. Mistress Kordulissa here already knows some of it, although I deem she has understood but little of that which she has heard.”

He paused but briefly.

“I am here today to discuss with Mistress Julina her finances. As you know, I am the town's 'banker' as we are now named professionally, a part of a larger organisation run ultimately by Master Moshan down in Tranidor.

“Mistress Julina opened a ledger with Mister Moshan's organisation down there just at the end of last year, and I agreed to likewise open one for her up here. This is the first occasion I have been able to arrange to discuss her finances with her. I have brought with me the full details, as of last week, of her accounts, both here and in Tranidor. I wished to discuss with her how she feels she should proceed. I can offer advice, all of which I would recommend that she double-checks as she may be able, but there is a small problem with all this. So I wanted merely to sort everything out.”

I nodded at Em in confirmation.

“I don't understand,” said Em. “Julina spends all her days working, either here in the Salon or teaching or something. Even advising the Assembly on occasion. She has no time for anything else – how then can she be in debt, to what is obviously so large an amount?”

Schild and I looked at each other,

There was a pause before we both started laughing.

It shook me up sufficiently to regain much of the rest of my normal poise and control.

“In debt? My dearest Em, oh no! I am rich! Rich beyond my wildest dreams!”

“But you said something like 'I owe …' which was why I assumed the worst!”

“No … no …” I shook my head vehemently, before explaining: “I was going to say 'I owe you an explanation'.”

Em gawped like a fish for a little as one hand held one of mine while her other hand groped for a chair behind her. Eventually, that waving extremity found a chair back and dragged it in. She sat down slowly, her eyes switching from one of us to the other.

Master Schild indicated that perhaps 'twould better be me to begin the explanations.

“It appears that I have three major sources of income, Em.

“One is of course from you, for the Salon here. As we know, everyone who dines pays you and we trust you to pay us what we are due. We all feel that we are lucky with the great amount you pass over.

“Another source of income is from my thank-you payments I get from Tapio and also from Pocular and Papa, for the hand mirrors and the beam lanterns. They have been very popular items it appears down in Tranidor, and in the other towns where they are now being produced under licence. I know it sounds silly, but I had completely forgotten about them, and they have given me riches beyond anything I had ever hoped for. So I now know that Papa must also be richer than HE ever imagined himself to be. Hmmm, I wonder if he actually knows just yet? I certainly didn't!”

I dragged my thoughts back to my thread rather than consider Papa's business.

“But these items must surely have a limited appeal, the initial bursts of buying must eventually be replaced by a steady trickle of orders, so I see not that that source shall increase significantly. Indeed, I predict that income figures from this shall never be so high again.”

I paused again, this time to control my emotions which were welling up yet again.

“My third source is … well …. YOU tell her, Master Schild!” I said as I saw a little disbelief settle into Em’s eyes.

“Very well, Mistress,” he said, acknowledging my words which he correctly translated as being what amounted to a command.

He turned to Em: “Mistress Julina's third source of income is from the Wender systems that Master Tanon has initiated. An enterprise that is entirely of her own doing, her very own idea, she just required assistance in getting it started.

“Now, a small figure comes from the limited service running here in Blackstone between the Bunkhouse and the Town of an evening. A larger figure, but yet still relatively small, comes from the system set up in Teldor, and another, slightly larger, amount comes from that in Haligo, for that town is long but thin. The two towns have a similar population, but Haligo is so much longer because of the constriction applied by the surrounding valley walls which grow so close together there.

“By far the largest amount, though, comes from Tranidor, where the system has already been expanded three times, so popular has it proven to be.

“My job today is to ask Mistress Julina where she would like to have the bulk of her funds, up here in Town or downvalley in Tranidor, or even in the capital where an associate, Master Levanar, has recently set up shop, so as to speak.

“I am available to give advice as to what I think she should do with her riches.

“If she travels, then our banking organisation can send coded semaphores to her destination and arrange for funds to be made available there. I suppose,” he said in almost an aside, “from that point of view, it matters not really where the funds are actually held.

“Having observed her and her family, and the frugal way they live, then I would report that already, actually, Mistress Julina should never need to work again – in her entire life!”

“Maker!” said Em, which made me laugh out loud.

For that had been exactly what my first word was. Followed also by a silence.

“I know, Em. I need to remain sensible though. I am sure that Master Tanon has overpaid for the Wenders, there is so much of it. Those figures need to be checked, I deem.

“But even without the Wender monies, I have nearly 50 Crowns – FIFTY! - from all the rest.”

“That's enough for maybe more than a hand of building plots here in Town!”

Schild joined in again at that point: “Indeed, Mistress Michet. That was one thing I was going to suggest that she do with her coin. As we are being open here, then I would recommend that you too should consider that.”

His eyes sought permission from her to relate a little more, and she waved him on, saying: “Yes, I shall write you a permission!”

“Your main source of income has become the Salon, as we spoke about a little while ago, but you also get some from the hunting you organise. You furthermore have your pension from the Duke. You already know how much you now have, and should perchance make it work for you rather than let it just sit there until you decide you want to spend it. You also have the not insignificant amount that you inherited from your father, and you now own this very building outright.”

So it was that we three, and poor Kissa who rapidly became bored so I sent her to ask Kasssama if she could help somehow, sat down to a bell or more of earnest discussions and suggestions, fuelled by some pel brought by a much happier Kassama whose apologies to Master Schild had been waved off with humour – and an easy smile!

That smile!

All three of us needed to squirm a little.

… … ...

“… once it has risen. You can divide it up into roughly fist-sized spheres, see. If you want to serve a circular one, which is apparently the usual way, then just roll a sphere out into a circle, on a floured surface, so that it is maybe a little finger deep, maybe a little thinner. Like this ...”

I showed the girls how to do it as I spoke. Then got each pair to do one too.

“Does it matter if it is a little thicker, or a little thinner?”

“Good question, Paivi. I confess I don't actually know, for we are making some of the first ever in this entire town. My sense tells me that if they are too thin they shall burn, and too thick they might not cook through. We need to experiment!”

All the girls faces, fixed to mine and my words, nodded in understanding. Then they turned to their rolling out tasks before once again questioning me with their eyes.

“Now take this thick vegetable sauce we made earlier, and put a generous cooking spoonful of it in the centre of your circle. Using the back of the spoon, spread it thinly all over your circle, leaving free a finger's width around the edge.

“That's good Kelly, and you too Paivi. … There you have all done it now. Good jobs all of you! I see that we have different thicknesses of dough here amongst our first four test pieces, so it shall be interesting to see how they come out.

“Now we scatter the 'toppings' on top of the sauce. The one I was shown had slices of sausage and thin slices of cheese on top, so I will show you that one but, as I said earlier, you could apparently choose just about anything for the toppings. Kelly and Venket, you wanted to do a fishy one, just try it! I would suggest you also use the same herbs that we usually cook the fish in. Kords and Paivi, choose something, anything, just some combinations that you know work together, but are different from what anyone else has done. And then you do something different again Gyth and Frowka, remember we are just testing here right now.”

The pairs went off and did their different toppings – I noticed that Venket was more animated than she usually was, that almost suddenly she was showing a genuine enthusiasm. I filed that away in my mind.

We then discovered how difficult it was to pick up these discs of raw food and get them into the ovens!

They didn’t exactly stick to the work surfaces, because of the flour we had dusted those with, but a loose base was not strong enough for us to pick them up with just a pair of hands. We tried sliding several spoons under them, then swiftly changed to knives when we discovered how clumsy the spoons were. Then we tried to lift them with more than just one of us doing it, but the co-ordination required was just too great.

It was Kassama who eventually suggested using a thin, flat piece of wood, the base of a tray that had broken earlier. It would be large enough to carry the load of one of these things, and we should be able to shake it off onto the oven floor if we were quick enough. We just had now to get the wretched thing onto the thin wooden piece. Gyth suggested that in future we made them on top of the wooden piece, rolling the dough out there. We all agreed that that would be far quicker, in one way, but slower if we were making a batch of them, unless we broke up a lot more trays!

By then, they were most horrible to look at; the circles no longer looked too much like circles by the time we had finished tugging the edges and so on. One even had a tear across it in the middle which we were near to throwing away, but Paivi suggested we cook it anyway, just to see what would happen; she reminded us we were experimenting after all.

But eventually they were there, baking in the ovens, without having been torn apart – but it had come most close!

Sookie had told me that that Jothian officer has said the oven must be hot, so we used our hottest oven for two, and the less hot but still hotter than medium for the other two.

While they were cooking, we swiftly cleared up all the myriad of little messes we had created and I fetched our largest knife, which I started sharpening.

After several peeks, we had the sudden discovery that the food had to be turned whilst baking, to get an even application of heat, hence an even cooking.

We eventually reached the point when it was time to take them out of the ovens.

These bases were by then far crisper, which made them much easier to handle.

Talking of which, Kassama had taken the thin wooden piece outside and asked one of the men she found there to attach a handle to it, which suddenly made a lot of sense to us, particularly when we wanted to get the things back out of the oven.

They were laid, still steaming, on the largest work surface, and I showed them how Sookie had sliced hers, much like the spokes on a wagon wheel. This resulted in pieces that were almost triangular, with the sharp point of the triangle in the middle of the circle. When they cooled sufficiently for us to use our bare fingers, I took a slice, held it in the fingers of both hands (or, to be more accurate, balanced it rather than held it on those fingers) and then took a bite.

This one was better than the one I had had with Sookie, somehow – a little crisper, a little sharper definition in the various tastes to be expected.

We learnt a lot from that initial trial, like how the thinner parts of the base got crisper, that uneven cooking should be avoided and so on. However, they were all impressed with the ease of making them, and now understood far more about the toppings and so on.

I would say that maybe half of all we produced was thrown away though.

The fishy one didn't quite work somehow, it needed some other sauce entirely. Another one was a little burnt, so we had to cut away the black bits.

But for a first effort, looking back on it all later, they were really good.

They all wanted to make a second one, so I told them to go ahead. I would start the consolidation tasks and preparations for the restaurant food whilst they did those next attempts, for time was running short – again.

It was staggering really how much that second try improved upon the first.

One of the girls had decided that another suggested topping would also be good, so she decided to do hers half and half. That was an experiment that worked, and we were all thinking busily of even more variations. It was Venket who tried one that was just cheese, making quarters round the circle with each of four different cheeses we had to hand. That one was really good!

Then I had to get bossy, and got them to clean up all they had been doing. I made a mental note to go and ask Uncle for a flat metal plate with a long handle, for the constant use of our original giant wooden spoon had caused it to get too hot, and it caught fire as they were taking the last peet-zers out.

But then 'twas time to get all the necessary consolidation tasks underway.

This was, you will recall, a day, in fact the very first, when we would have no clients for an evening meal. 'Twas the day we wanted to replenish stocks, to polish here and there, to work out our lists of things to buy, to replenish, to replace. Em was also going to inspect the Dining Room for patches that might need repainting or chips in the furniture that might need filling and so on and so forth.

And I had to do some staff allocations for the morrow, for I was going to be busy elsewhere, and could only turn up to work shortly before the hectic time. Kords was also going to be missing, but not necessarily for as long as I, so there was some urgency to get a little more done today.

I got them all working on Salon matters and slipped out and up to the Forge, only to meet with a problem. There was practically no-one there, nearly all the work now being done across the Bray in the Artisans' Area. I found one of the apprentices there though, loading up a cart. He promised to get Uncle to call in to the Salon when he had time.

With no further excuses to stay away, I went back there and once again started in with the chores.

And once again, Em dropped in to chat with us – but this time, when she arrived, she came not alone.

I squealed and ran over to give Epp a hug, and then greeted Jogantha warmly. Kelly and Gyth followed close upon my heels. We were actually very pleased to see Jogantha, knowing she having travelled so far for what would have been the first time in her life.

I introduced the two women to the rest of my team.

When I had her on her own for a brief heartbeat, while Kelly took Jogantha on an introductory tour of our business, I said: “Epp, I have much to discuss with you, but you have your big day on the morrow. Perchance, you could send an urchin when you have two or three bells ...” She frowned so I continued: “... yes, at the very LEAST that length of time. There is much you need to know, and I need much advice from you. And it begins to come with some associated urgency.”

“Then I shall find the time. But NOT tomorrow,” she added with a twinkle. “'Twill have to be the following day, or even the one after that but no later, for we shall depart to Tranidor again soon.”

“Very well. Please send for me when it shall be convenient.”

I later discovered that they weren't the only fresh arrivals in Town that day, for Uncle Steef had come up on the shuttle and was there when I got wearily home, somehow more weary than on a 'normal' night.

Now Steef and I, and Kords, we had a little secret that we were keeping from Swayga, but we had no chance that evening to discuss it. It would have to wait for the morning.

… … …

I and Kords got up early to help with the household management. Swayga was all in a fluster, which was fully understandable since she would be getting married to Papa in only a few bells.

It came as a little shock to me that actually the kids seemed nowadays more responsive to Kords than to myself.

Which was just one of the reasons that day I had a little cry.

I was becoming, it appeared, a stranger to them after all those years of being their mother. I needed a hand of moments to myself when I realised that.

Another occasion that day when I cried was when Swayga got into the gown that Hasinet and Haka had created – not simply sewn together, but created. It was based on the themes of her home town, from which she had departed so very long ago. Needless to say, 'twas a perfect fit and the use of delicately tinted material to create its pattern was most pleasing to the eye.

Dressed, Swayga was so much more beautiful than normal and Kords and I were both sniffling while smiling as we looked at her - proud, fearful and joyous all at the same time.

She was wearing the traditional (to us) wreath of flowers on her head, choosing to go with local customs in that respect; attempting to have something of her background (her gown) and her present (her headdress) all at the same time.

She herself cried when Kords and I presented her with that surprise of our own. This was the time to reveal the secret that Steef had joined in on.

We had consulted Steef a long time hence and we had had sent up in a special parcel some items from her home town of Viridor, that port city in the Kingdom of Vardenale. Steef had assured us that, there, the women wore to their weddings a shawl made to represent a fishing net with shells and symbolic fish woven into it. So the shells and other symbolic items had been shipped to us in a roundabout way, by involving Steef, his far-off contacts and Epp and her contacts. We made the shawl and kept it hidden from her until this day.

When we had presented it to her, as mentioned, she sniffled and cried; Kords and I took it out of her unresisting hands and draped it gently around her shoulders. She thanked us so often as she clutched it to herself and kept rubbing her cheeks on it.

“You are SUCH good children, you two. Oh thank you SO much for thinking of me so specially.”

I decided to wear the same gown that Nayet had made for my impromptu speech down in Tranidor, and Haka, despite her VERY round tummy nowadays had managed to make special gowns and suits for all my siblings. Papa was also finely attired in a freshly new outfit that made him look very regal to our hardly unbiased eyes.

I dare say we all made a most splendid sight as we made our way to the Steward's Receiving Hall. The weather up here was fine and sunny that day, although a band of cloud was blocking views of the trees downvalley.

Papa and Swayga were the first to be wed, followed shortly thereafter by Shemel and Epp. I was also chosen to be a witness to their ceremony too, so I could not just bask in the family glow of our own private sphere in our corner of the room, like all the others were doing.

It was strange to hear Epp being referred to as 'Megrozen' quite so often, but their ceremony was also delightedly welcomed by many of the Townsfolk gathered in the room and outside. Epp was a little sad that Jafferkin couldn't be there. Someone had told her of Jaffy's pyre, and also the outlines of my involvement, and so she spent a little while reassuring ME that she was fine with the inheritance I got, and things like that. I was supposed to be there to reassure HER about her future with a husband again, but it seemed to me that she turned the reassurances around, and was calming ME. We both reflected that perhaps 'twas better that Jaffy wasn't there, knowing now how he had felt about her.

Once the Steward had conducted a total of six ceremonies, then the traditional parade took place. The married couples led the great procession up Main Street towards the Camping Place, surrounded by clapping and cheering throngs, who laughed and skipped around them – much to the dismay of some wagoneers, the street was blocked to any traffic by the singing, chanting throng.

Now normally there would have been the full area available, but, for the first time in our town's history, the entirety of the Camping Place was unavailable, due to traffic, campers and the Shuttle Shed. As a result, the couples, forever changing the lead pair as was the custom, led us up to the Parade Ground, where more normal celebrations were held in the more constrained space.

It transpired that each and every one of the couples had engaged Mousa and her company to provide some food for themselves and the onlookers - and Sookie had provided some more liquid refreshments.

That Town party lasted two or three bells in all. I had to leave a little earlier than most others, for I needed to get home, change, and then go to the Salon for the evening's work.

And do some preparations for OUR contributions to the seven marriages planned for the following day.

I was not so heavily personally involved in those seven, so I could concentrate on providing some pies and pastries for the revellers to come afterwards. But that would be on the morrow.

As the team were all now in the Kitchens, the talk was naturally of the weddings that had occurred that day (and those on the morrow) and also those that had been held recently downvalley, when Gyth suddenly exclaimed with a tone mixed of shock, horror and determination: “Hold! 'Lina, can you describe the layout of the floors up at the Community Hall?”

“Of course but I could more easily draw you a diagram, not necessarily to scale you will understand, but here, I have paper and reedlet, come look as I draw.”

I reproduced the sketch of the top floor even as I was wondering what dear Gyth was thinking about.

(As a reminder, here I reshow you the Upper Floor plan

I hope it helps!)

When I had finished it, it didn't take very long at all to do, I asked: “But why do you want it? What have you thought about, Gyth?”

She had nearly snatched the paper from my fingers and was scribbling a new design even as she replied.

“You have just described the weddings downvalley, and said that Milady Merizel is by now married to our Duke's son, so she is Countess Merizel.”

“Indeed I did, m'dear! But why is that relevant to …. Oh! Maker! They will probably be in the Royal Party, won't they? They will need a bedchamber too! Oh Gyth, you are brilliant to have thought of that. We must get word to the Steward and Master Bezan as soon as we can. I hope they can design something, or find some room suitable for our Duke’s son ...”

“I have an answer already,” interrupted Gyth. “It would be quite a simple alteration, here let me show you. This here is the Dressing Room. If we make it less wide, then we can have a passageway between it and the Maids' room. The Dressing Room can be stretched a little THIS way, if really necessary, making the ante-chamber smaller. Then an extra bedroom can be added in the south-east corner, here, like this, which would give good views to the west and south without disturbing the views from the main bedroom.”

(And here is what she hastily drew

which we all thought was brilliant, and so swiftly done too!)

I sent her off swiftly to the Steward's, as action would be required most rapidly to avoid any unnecessary and complicated alterations to existing plans. She was rushing out to do that when I reminded her to take the sketches with her! She is so brilliant in many ways, but sometimes a little scatter-brained.

So the rest of us had plenty to chatter about as we got on with the tasks I allocated each of them. Tonight, I decided I would spend most of it in the Dining Room, since we had no requests for dishes that we had never before done, nor ones that we only relatively rarely did. The girls were nervous about it, but I knew that Kelly in particular needed more exposure to the kitchen side of the business, and Kords was also there that night. I suddenly realised that actually Kords was asked at the beginning to come along only sometimes but was there nowadays almost every night.

I filed that away to think about, and to discuss with Papa, for she was still a minor.

But Papa and Swayga had hired a wagon to take them down to the Forest Roadhouse for their first night of married life, a shortened Vayterkan perchance, but nevertheless a Vayterkan indeed. Papa was in much demand as the roads were being built and maintained and plotted, so their private break would not be, at this juncture, any longer; not if all was to be done for the arrival of the Royal Party.

So my discussion with Papa about Kords would have to wait. I also realised that this was an extra subject I should discuss with Epp, when she emerged from HER seclusion with Shemel, enjoying THEIR newly married life. I wondered what they had planned for a Vayterkan.

I hoped I would remember to do all this, but spent the late afternoon and the earlier evening before clients arrived working on snacks, pastries, mini-pies and the like for the aftermath of the weddings on the morrow.

It was fun being in the Dining Room for a change, and I had much banter and little jests and jokes with the diners. I believe we all enjoyed it. Paivi and Frowka were with me that evening 'up front' so as to say and I deem their education was advanced a little.

But I was just SO weary when I eventually got home and helped Kords put the house to bed. I had sent her home when the first clients arrived, and she had then relieved Haka who had been looking after the younger ones for us. Kords reported to me when I got in that she wondered if Haka was going to burst soon, so large was she.

… … ...

Indeed, she, Kords that is, was proved right the very next morning.

I was honoured to be asked to forego my ride to stay with her whilst the Healer was sent for. Mistress Lendra and I both arrived at Suril's home at the same time. We beat the midwife, Gravax, by about two hands of moments. Haka's waters had broken soon after the contractions started, so we were both a little breathless after the urchins had arrived with such a message.

The birth was delayed by a few bells after our arrival, but little Harkin emerged soon after the noon bell, and showed the Town that he had a good pair of lungs.

Suril was overjoyed when he was finally allowed in.

I had been scurrying about, with a little help from Lendra and Gravax to make sure the mess was all hidden or removed before he came in. Gravax concentrated, as was right, upon the infant, Lendra upon the mother, while I upon the bedclothes and the general tidying. Lendra finished wiping Haka's face and tugging her sweat-stained hair into some semblance of order, then went out to give Suril the good news and to bring him in.

It was at this point that I signalled to Lendra and Gravax that I would slide away and let the happy pair have their moment to themselves.

When I emerged onto the street, the great Wedding Procession of that day was progressing up to the Parade Ground, so I scurried up there quickly using East Street to get ahead of them. I wanted to make sure that our food was ready for the hordes of celebrants that were about to descend. I was VERY impressed that Kelly had organised everyone and everything without need to refer to me.

I was further impressed that she had added to our stall, by arranging for a wagoneer's travel oven to be there and it was being heated. Paivi was hovering over it, looking nervous but also proud.

Before I could ask, Kelly just said to me: “Paivi is the best at peet-zers.”

How much was conveyed to me in that simple sentence!

Kelly had ALONE decided to serve peet-zers to the public, and knew that we would need an oven in which to cook them freshly. Paivi was selected as the peet-zers maker since she had shown the most aptitude for the topping combinations. And peet-zers were about to be introduced to the populace at large.

All that conveyed in those six simple words.

The stall we had was 'operated' by four of us that day – well, three actually, as I was there only for a much shorter time.

We learnt that day that a traveller's oven is not actually the best for making a peet-zers in, our closed ovens down in the kitchens at Em's produced a better, all round crisper version. But we further learnt that the results were still good enough for the public to discover them and demand them. So much so, that I feared that our other wares would not leave their shelves! Even some of the other stall holders came to us to try this novelty.

So it was with a light heart that I left Kelly, Paivi and Venket to it and went down to Em's to supervise the evening's activities and preparations. The other three came back just before the eighth Bell, explaining that the entire stock of food they had taken with them was all sold.

So we all discussed what had occurred and what we might do about it in the future. We went to and fro in our talking, sometimes even keeping to the subject in hand!

It was Paivi who raised at quite a late moment a topic that was eventually to change our lives considerably.

“I know that we can in effect only have this Salon for clients during the evening, until the Schooling and the Assembly move their businesses across to the Community Hall, but those peet-zers were just SO popular earlier that I wonder if we shouldn't open the Salon at a lunch-time just for peet-zers, when we can. The school stuff is scheduled to be moved next week, and the Assembly meetings are now only about one a week. Our reputation for being a foremost restaurant has meant that many people do NOT come here for 'tis too expensive, but they really wish they COULD afford to come in. Peet-zers need not be so expensive. We could open for say a bell and a half or two bells for LUNCH-TIME and I am sure our reputation as having a sort of exclusive group of clients would bring many others in, just to see what it is all about eating in here.

“I'm convinced that we could get a month or mayhap even two before the novelty wore off. What think you, Julina?”

“I deem this to be a most sensible suggestion, we must make a presentation to Mistress Michet. You, Paivi, as it is your idea, must work upon what requires to be said. I can tell you now, you should make an estimate of the costs involved, costs that range from heating the oven, through all the ingredients and down to paying the staff required not only to produce the peet-zers but also serving them and to cleaning up afterwards. And then do the same for the income expected. How many peet-zers need to be sold to cover the costs? How many do you expect to sell? What will be the final profit? I will lend you what help I can.

“And then come up with a scheme for sharing those profits around amongst those that have helped, even if it is helping by keeping out of the way so your scheme can function. You must THINK, and then think again. Try to cover every aspect.”

Paivi, I confess, looked a little daunted at the task, but if she wanted to learn more of this world, then here was a golden opportunity to do something about it.

I deem that these discussions would have continued for the rest of the already late afternoon and evening had not Molly decided to drop in on us at that heartbeat.

“Why Molly, my dear, we haven't been seeing much of you in recent days. Have you been distracted somehow?” I asked sweetly.

… … …

The following day started with a good Tai Chi session with my family, and then a good ride which was just a 'checking out' ride really. We, the eight of us that morning, including the Captain, went more swiftly than before up the West Street, up to the rail experiments at the valley head, and then back to Town past the quarries, the water works, the Market Place as it was rapidly being named nowadays, and on to the Community Hall.

As we went, Masters Bezan and Simman along with Papa answered the Captain's always intelligent questions. Indeed those questions of his were such that we all could understand and appreciate that he had been listening intensely since his return, and had missed very little in the myriad of reports that must have been given him.

Also, as we went, Master Simman was rapidly included in the fold of our so-called 'riders club' and the formal ways we were using to address one another soon reverted to the more familiar.

We not only discussed the developments but also various timetables that a few of us had. For instance, the Captain had determined that there would be time before the Royal Party arrived for him to make a quick trip to Brayview to conduct some marriages there, and to sit in judgement, then, after one night overnighting there and conducting his business from early in the morning, he could get to Bezlet on that second afternoon, and do much the same there. He could then overnight there or at the Forest Roadhouse and get back to Town within a day.

He decided on all that even as we were riding that day, his decision aided (he said) when I told him again how we had managed to get to Brayview in a single day when mounted.

So, when we got to the Semaphore station, he arranged for a message to be sent to Brayview that he would do so on the 12th, allowing the marriages to be in the morning of the 13th. He felt that Master Mesulkin was fit enough to make a journey more gently by using the Shuttle, it would be good for the old man to get about. So he would require two rooms at Brayview for the night of the 12th, and Master Mesulkin could leave tomorrow, the 11th, on the Shuttle with his precious ledgers and files and certificates and seals and the like. That way both men would arrive at Brayview the same evening.

Whilst sending that semaphore message, he also received several which he scanned as we rode on towards the Community Hall.

One made him exclaim aloud. “Maker! I wonder what trouble there is now?”

“Captain?” said Papa first, voicing the question we all had.

“Oh, nothing too serious. It seems the Royal Party are travelling ever steadily towards us, but it is apparently not the happiest of processions, for reasons that they have not mentioned in the message. I'm sure Her Highness will be cheered when she reaches her lands and her Town. This is merely a courtesy note dictated apparently by Countess Merizel. She mentions inclement weather, so mayhap that is all it is.”

He changed the subject as we walked on, by saying: “Now look there off to our right, you will see several persons there marking things with staves and twine. That shall be our first Park in the Town. I desire the layout to be at the very least fully marked up before Their Highnesses arrive.

“I have also given orders for the building plots we shall have available to sell to be marked up along the road sides. There shall be one between the Dam Road and East Street as well, the Market Place south side, if you like, some are calling it 'Market Point' already. That plot will not go all the way to East Street though, to allow an easier access to the Park. That plot is reserved for a special purpose which shall be revealed once the Royal Visit is concluded.”

He turned to Gyth who was riding alongside Sookie at that moment, deliberately ending that part of his explanations. He smiled at her approvingly as he asked: “Now, Gythy, please help this old man understand how you came to have the brilliant idea about the Countess Merizel.”

Blushing slightly at being the centre of attention, she swallowed, cleared her throat gently and began to explain: “Well Captain, we were discussing all the recent marriages in the kitchen at the Salon and someone mentioned that Milady Merizel would have become Countess Merizel by now. I thought to myself how nice she had been when she was here before and how much I found myself looking forward to meeting her once more. I sort of wondered to myself where she would be sleeping and then this explosion sort of happened in my head. I knew that 'Lina had seen the Community Hall so I asked her to describe the layout of the extra floors. She quickly sketched it out, and I saw, because for some reason I seem to be quite good at things like this ...”

“Ah yes. You designed the layout of the Dining Room and the colouring thereof, did you not?”

“Indeed Captain, that I did, always with 'Lina's and Em's approvals and help, of course.”

“So your idea for a redesigned top floor just came to you?”

“Well, yes, I suppose so Captain. I just sat down and drew a new plan there and then. 'Twas 'Lina who insisted I come to you so swiftly, and I apologise again for interrupting your evening.”

“Julina had the right of it. Had you not come so soon, then Simman here would have had a lot more work to do, removing rooves and the like. We just managed to get to him in time. But I would know more of your thought processes, if I might inquire more closely?”

“Well I found I had to consider several factors. The size of the floor beneath was one, but it seemed clear to me that if there was to be an extra room up there, then some of the existing rooms would probably have to be reduced in size. When I saw the sketch that 'Lina drew, then it all became obvious really. The north side couldn't be touched basically because of the positioning of the stairs, which caused a fixed line to be the lower north walls, and the upper north walls were directly above those, hence we had no room for expansion that way. There was indeed a … a ... smaller floor area for the uppermost story, an underlap so as to speak in all the other directions but not in that one.

“An expansion on the west side should be ruled out as 'twould ruin the designed views from the Princess' room. Which was also true for the south side of that room. The Dressing Room was fairly generous in size and could be reduced ever so slightly, as could the even larger ante-chamber. The only viable place for an extra room to not interfere with the other rooms was in the south-east corner, and 'twould need a passageway to permit access to it. Such a design would mean merely an alteration to two existing walls and the addition of a door. So you see, all quite simple and obvious really.”

We all exchanged eye glances at that, and nodded and murmured agreement with Simman when he said: “All that in what, five or six heartbeats? I doubt another could have done so so quickly!”

“Well it must have been a little longer than that!”

“Not so,” I jumped in quickly. “'Twas shorter than that, even! You practically tore my diagram from my hand and started drawing your own there and then.”

Poor Gyth was blushing fiercely by then.

And then Simman amazed us all further: “And you thought of the outside balcony for the Princess' room even as we were speaking about it, did you not?”

This was the first we had heard of any balcony! I certainly pricked up my ears as it were.

“Well yes, I suppose so. It just seemed so … so … so obvious somehow. There was a space to the west there, where the top of the wall of what is to be the Office rises to the Upper Level, and that was away from the wall of the Princess' bedchamber, so I suddenly remembered the speech Milady … beg pardon, Her Highness made when she was here, from the balcony down at the Claw. Why not give her another balcony?”

“And another flagpole, huh?”

“Well, yes, of course! I just ...”

She broke off as we all laughed at her and started clapping in appreciation.

She did not have time to react though, for we had arrived at the Community Hall by then, where Simman showed us what was going on, and the slight amendments he had made to Gyth's design. We did not dismount for 'twas nearing time when we all had other appointments, but we still listened to the Project Leader raptly.

“The first upper floor there, you see, we are extending the wall of the office down slightly to the south, so that the Office shall be more 'L-shaped' wrapping slightly round the west wall of the servants quarters. This will also then have a balcony there as I deemed Gythy's ideas to be splendid. This will then allow for a slightly larger area for the bedchamber above, giving us a spacious surrounding balcony for up there. The dressing room walls have already been adjusted and indeed a passage way made up there to a new room placed as specified in the south-east corner. For ease of construction, I have decided that this room shall have a double door to it, which seems so wonderfully grand, but is actually a bit of a cheat on my part. It means I do not need to order a specially measured piece of plain walling.”

His delighted laugh set us all off laughing along with him.

He pointed out the other few, but very slight changes and had just about finished when we had to make way for a laden wagon. “Roof parts,” explained Simman economically, before returning to his explanations.

“I deem that these changes are good and proper for the Visit that shall happen soon, and we have, just, time to implement them. Please remember this, I approve of these amendments. I need to say that for I am about to get a little negative!”

He took a deep breath before starting again.

“There is, however, a big lesson for us all to learn from this. For those changes that Gythy suggested solve a problem that we had not considered. Now I repeat I am not in any way decrying Gythy's valuable contributions, but in doing those alterations we have trampled roughshod over the original design.

“The entire upper floor complex was originally devised to provide Her Highness with a private suite, just that nor more and no less. There was to be a bedchamber and a sitting room. We then had to add to that configuration a small room for her maids, and, after further consultation, we had to add a small guard room as a last ditch defensive measure for the direst of emergencies.

“We deliberately did NOT include any room that would require water usage, for we wished to have noise disturbances minimised. This upper floor was, if you like, to be her private castle – her keep, her safe home, her quiet haven. It could be serviced from the facilities to be provided on the floor below. Even a small pantry to allow for the production of, say, pel was removed from consideration because of the requirement for fuel storage and so on. We wanted this to be a self-contained private sphere.

“This meant that the lower of those two upper floors would have to be much larger than that above it. A bathroom would most definitely be required at that level, and a squad room for the larger part of their Highness' guards. Which meant also privy facilities for THEM as well as for the pair ensconced above. It makes sense to keep the rooms that require water close to one another, for several obvious and some more obscure reasons.

“As the upstairs area was smaller, there would be only a small number of maids, maybe two, perhaps three, so space would have to be provided for the rest of her entourage on the lower floor. We have made the 'Servants' Quarters' there relatively large. We have until now kept the layout open, intending to use some of those movable walls as used on the ground floor.

“We always knew that the entire party would be unable to be accommodated in the Community Hall, but it was designed for their Royal Highnesses, and those who must be close to them. Specifically for HER Royal Highness, and her husband.

“And also for as secure a suite as we could make. In the unlikely event of any attack, then the attackers would have to fight their way up a narrow stair to the first upper floor, meet there the bulk of the defenders, fight their way to ANOTHER narrow stair, somehow get up THAT and meet fresh defensive forces at the uppermost level.

“That was our original thinking.

“Now, however, we have agreed to add another room up at the top, which has immediately taken away the designed exclusivity up there. It shall no longer be the exclusive domain of the Royal Couple. Which itself changes the function and layout of other areas. But it is something that we can no longer amend, for we have run out of time for any other alterations. Even these will be difficult to achieve in the limited time we have available.

“Had we indeed had that little more time, then perchance we could have arranged things slightly differently, but our original thinking has been shown to be inadequate.

“Again.

“For there are other examples to be found as we examine the various projects going on all around the town.

“I deem that all our development projects may well have to be amended as experience shows areas for improvement.”

There was a general murmur of agreement from all of us, and some deep thinking from several. We all thanked him for his lessons.

“Now, I thank you all for your company and for the information I have gleaned on this early morning ride, but I shall rest here now, where my duties call me. I wish you all good day.”

“Now, now,” said the Captain kindly to Gyth, “there is no need to look so downhearted. Had you not thought on't, we might have been embarrassed when Her Highness' party arrive. You thought quickly, clearly and came up with a sensible solution to a problem the rest of us had never contemplated.”

Gyth smiled her thanks, but we could all see that her heart was not behind it, even with us all encouraging and again congratulating her.

I could understand her problem, for I had never considered the great honour the original designers had been intending to give Her Highness. I think we all felt the same.

We took our leave of Simman and rode down the wiggly-waggly track that they were beginning to surface more permanently and which was to be called South Cross Lane. This led us directly to the Claw where we parted as usual from our animals.

I would just have time to drop in on Haka and Harkin for a reasonable visit before I needed to start work.

… … …

Work didn't last long for me that day.

We had a single sitting that night, and there were no special requests, so all we would be doing was preparing stuff that we served regularly. I left Kelly in charge when an urchin arrived, asking me when I could go to meet Epp. I decided that I could do so there and then so sent the urchin back with a message to that effect.

I double checked everything with the girls and then set off somewhat nervously for my long-overdue chat with the person who was my friend, my mentor, my adviser and possibly someone who was going to be annoyed with me.

I marched over to her house rather than sauntered, keeping my resolve and spirits as high as I could.

I was greeted warmly by Shemel and Mohini a cast or so before the door. Termerik came bounding and beaming out and we hugged fondly, but as friends I hastened to add. I had obviously realised that Termerik himself would have a large amount of coin from the Wenders down in Tranidor. He was overly thankful to me for his relative riches. I felt a little awkward for I knew I had so much more, but nevertheless he was wonderfully grateful, as were Shemel and Mohini too, and I soon got accustomed to being showered with thanks.

The men actually escorted me to the door where Jogantha herself actually curtsied to me before smiling warmly at me.

After which she welcomed me most prettily, and ushered me into Epp's living room.

“Julina! Welcome. My family thanks you for your wonderful idea that has meant we are so much more wealthy now. So anything I can do to help, I shall be only too delighted. And you did request that we had some discussions. I suspect that I know one point, and that shall be poor Jaffy. Shall we commence with that subject? Jogantha, some pel please, served in here. Shall we also have some pastries, Julina?”

“Thank you, Epp, that would be lovely.”

“Now tell me how poor Jaffy ended his days.”

“I was in the Salon when ...”

And so I launched into the tale of the K-woman and the summons to the Claw. I described Jaffy's last moments, but kept quiet, for the moment, about his last words. I hurried on to describe the pyre ceremony. I didn't have to hold so much back with regard to THAT story.

When I finished, Epp had a few tears rolling down her face and it seemed right just then to cuddle each other for a short while.

But it was a little uncomfortable for me to do so, a reaction that Epp picked up upon.

We separated and Epp looked at me queryingly.

I hesitated for two or three heartbeats, but could not put it off any longer without creating even more awkwardnesses.

So I gathered up my courage and went into it. I reported his last words as faithfully as I could.

“Oh, Julina! I believe I can understand your hesitations, but they really are baseless. I rejoice for you even while I am sad that a friend has gone. Just as you said at the Pyre – I'm glad. From what I now better understand, then my marrying Shemel here would have been incredibly painful for the poor man. I never had the slightest inkling of his feelings, but now it has been mentioned, many little things fall into place.”

She broke off and sniffed away a few tears.

I broke the short silence: “As we have now got onto the subject, I wish to discuss with you what I should do with my inheritance that was granted in front of dozens of witnesses, many of whom said 'heard and witnessed'. I know you know about it, for we mentioned it briefly the other day. However, I must needs give you more detail for I need your advice, and possibly that of Shemel too. And Brydas and Sookie came up with an idea that I feel I should discuss with you too, which is closely related ...”

---

Plans appear and require much consideration, as well as a sudden journey

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker!”

“Indeed, 'Lina. But that remark doesn't make clear your decision – decisions really.”

I looked around at the faces gathered there. Pomma, Em and Uncle and of course Epp and Shemel.

And Master Jepp. Who had soon become just Jepp to us all, as most of us were already on an informal basis after our morning rides.

Those extra three had come early on at my request, Master Jepp later at Uncle's suggestion. We all discussed Uncle's idea for this was really what it was all about. About half a bell passed doing all this.

And it was now time for me to make a decision or two.

I would have liked to ask Papa's advice, but suddenly realised that that would just be putting it off even longer.

I gulped. My first seriously adult business decision.

“Very well, we shall do so. But full details will need to be worked out at some future time. However, I acknowledge, that must needs be soon. And we would also need the final approval from the Captain.”

There was an outbreak of smiles from everyone, myself included.

“Julina. I shall gain the Steward's ear as soon as I may. This may well be another of your good ideas, or this time, to state the facts more accurately, your implementation of one of Brydas' ideas. 'Tis a good thought, indeed and makes a lot of sense. We must needs have a report of the condition of them all of course, but I believe that they will prove to be acceptable, knowing the kind of man that Jafferkin was.”

This was coming to the end of a hard afternoon, when Epp and I had discussed many things, Shemel adding some clarifications when asked. Any lingering problems with the Jaffy business were buried and lost now forever.

Pending the Captain's acceptance, I now had a new business!

“Huh?” I can hear in my mind several people asking. Well, remember that Jaffy had left me his wagons – and yes, he had four of them. So I needed to find some use for them, or sell them. Uncle had started his suggestions by persuading me that I would gain more coin if I used them, rather than got rid of them.

Two of them were for the longer hauls he did, the ones he used for coming up to Blackstone, and the other two were smaller and lighter apparently, that he used for shorter deliveries from say the barge points to the distribution points around Tranidor. I had never seen them, but Shemel had some knowledge, and was certain that Jaffy would have kept them well-maintained. Epp agreed with that assessment.

Uncle's big idea was that the three down in Tranidor were brought up here to join the fourth, which was currently parked at the Claw, and then my four wagons could be repainted and offered to the Town as official Blackstone conveyances. The Town could pay me a fee for their use, which would save the Town having to buy conveyances, as it was becoming increasingly clear they would need some. Anytime the town did not require them, then they could be sub-contracted to Master Tanon's organisation, in the same way that Shemel did with his now two wagons. But the Town could use them for everything from moving the equipment and files into the Community Hall's office, to running errands down to Bezlet and Brayview.

Jepp was originally sceptical, but Uncle kept throwing potential uses at him and he was soon won round. He would speak with the Captain later that evening.

He did, however, make another suggestion just before we were all about to break up the meeting.

“You, Shemel, already operate a transport enterprise in exactly the same way as is being suggested that Julina does. Julina herself has much on her plate at the moment, particularly with the plans for setting up this Guild-equivalent they have named the Consociation of Caterers. Why don't the two of you merge your common interests and act as partners in just one business together? Julina would provide this new company with twice as many wagons as you currently have, mayhap she could also provide frayen, or even dranakh too, and you Shemel would use your contacts to gain contracts? You would needs find an agreement to share your profits, but I deem it to be of advantage to you both.”

There was a silence, a very pregnant one.

I, naturally looked at Shemel and he at me. Shemel looked as taken aback as I was, as was Epp.

Uncle was obviously thinking furiously, and Pomma, dear Pomma, just looked a little confused.

Another quarter of a bell passed amidst many more words, ideas and discussions, at the end of which Shemel and I came to an agreement. We shook hands to seal it and Jepp and Pomma 'heard and witnessed' it. Jepp said he would go now to draw up the correct documents for us to sign. He promised to do that by the morrow, for Shemel and family were leaving then for Tranidor on the Shuttle, with Master Mesulkin who was going to Brayview you shall remember. I agreed to meet them all at the Shuttle Shed a quarter bell before their departure.

“Do you tell us?” sighed Pomma, when she heard that the five of them would join Master Mesulkin on his first travel for years. “I wish I could get back down to Tranidor once more!”

That information led me onto another thought, and I swiftly ran through several options. I had also to visit Tranidor, and soon, to settle the Jafferkin affairs, but being female, I could not travel alone, unescorted by a chaperone unless I was with one or more of my family.

I could take Gyth with me, I supposed, or Kords, or Kelly, but that would leave the staff of the Salon considerably weakened. I certainly could not take two of them away with me, that would be three senior members of the team all away at the same time. The new ones were just too new at that juncture.

Molly? She was still weakened by her healing, being up and about now for only two weeks or so, and anyway she would need to concentrate with B and B in the days before the Royals arrive.

Sookie would need to be here in Town for she too was making preparations for the influx of visitors in the Royal Party. Some would needs be accommodated there in the Claw, or so it had been planned, with two or three of the leading families being prepared to accommodate individuals from the Royal Party, should it prove necessary.

Haka had only just given birth.

The women up in the Vale wouldn't have time to prepare.

I made up my mind then and there.

“Pomma, I must go down to Tranidor again, for at least two full days there. The Salon shall be closed for the evening on the 14th and the girls can cope without me for a week, maybe a day either side. If we were to go with the Captain on the day after the morrow, we could ride down to Brayview in that day, and there catch up with all this rowdy lot,” I waved my hand indicating Epp and Shemel, my eyes twinkling as I teased them and they grinned back, “and be escorted by the Captain at the same time. I daresay he could do with the company. We could then escort the Shuttle down to Tranidor so we all arrive at the same time.”

“Do you tell me?” she answered with a hope in her eyes.

“We would take two days to get there, say two days for my business, but allow three, and say three days for our return. We would be gone eight days that means, mayhap nine. We should be back before the Royal Party gets here. The Captain is sure they shall spend at least a short visit in Tranidor, and if they are still a week or so away from there, we shall have ample time to get back before them. And well before my next call.

“What say you? Shall you join me? Can you leave Master Waldan for so long, and at such short notice? Shall you be able to ride on those days?”

We all laughed when she simply replied: “I shall tell Waldan what to do whilst I am not here!”

I spoke to Epp with my eyes, asking for permission for us to stay at South Point. Her eyes replied that 'twould be fine with her.

Thus it was all agreed, and I could return to the Salon, my mind reeling with the latest developments in my already tumultuous life.

Today, Kords had a rest day, and Paivi was supposed to be having one, but she was there, experimenting some more with peet-zers. That was dedication to duty, even though I suspect she still found her newly-won freedoms things to be savoured.

So it was that I could make an announcement to all of them, except Kords, but I would see her later when I got home.

“I must leave you for a week,” I started bluntly, to a collective gasp. “I must away to Tranidor urgently. It cannot wait until the Royal Party depart, as they are most likely to be here for a four to six week sojourn. Kelly shall be in charge of all Salon matters until my return. I shall be leaving in the morning after the morrow, riding that day with Pomma and the Captain, and any of his colleagues he decides to take with him down to Brayview. I and Pomma shall go on to Tranidor from there, probably accompanying the Shuttle with Epp and her family aboard. I shall require at least two days there, mayhap as many as four, hopefully not five. Then I shall return, but slower, so we needs say three days for that journey. We must consider I shall be away a week, maybe as much as two hands of days.

“So tell me what you all think about where you shall be UNable to cope.”

There was a chorus as they all started to talk at once, so I held up a hand and was pleased to get immediate silence.

“One at a time, starting at my left with Venket.” I paused until I saw Venket take a breath to start talking. “Oh, I forgot to mention it. Ask me your questions by all means. But KELLY shall answer them.”

Kelly started and looked worried, her eyes darting daggers at me. It was time, I felt, to establish a proper hierarchy here, and to let Kelly make some decisions.

(A note from older Julina: I wonder if, even then, my mind was getting me to start preparing for my eventual withdrawal from the Salon team as a permanent member of it. I still pop in occasionally mind you!)

“My first question is not answerable by Kelly,” stated Gyth flatly. “Why? And can I come with you?”

“I would have loved to have you with me, Gyth. I first thought of you, but there are some factors that prevented it. The two major ones though would be that then poor Kelly would be left here with no experienced support other than Kords. Whilst I am certain that the others could all cope, then the stress and worry could be too much, so I need you, just this once, to stay and support her. Also, we shall be leaving on the morning after the morrow, and riding all the way to Brayview – I know we did the Tranidor journey before in one day, but I was sore afterwards and it was no fun – but we ride to Brayview in the company of the Captain. I believe that your Call might prevent such a schedule?”

She reluctantly nodded and looked downcast. I needed something to cheer her up, so I quickly made a 'safe' promise to her.

“But have no fear, I have some plans for you and your travel later in the year! I just need to find out some more information.”

I think she believed me for she managed a smile after that. Which was a relief for me. And who knew, maybe it might even be true.

I explained the difficulties I had in choosing a companion to travel with, and moaned about how unfair it was. Men could just go off alone, but not we women.

“Ah!” exclaimed Paivi. “I just realised something! Now I understand why it is usual for a bride's family to attend the wedding of the bride. That's because the woman is there already! And that's why the man's family are often not there. Because it is usual for the sons to just take off and seek their fortunes elsewhere. So families are used to not being at son's weddings …”

She broke off and blushed before apologising for taking the conversation off onto another thread.

But a little part of my brain was working out the implications of her remark, and I found myself agreeing with her, not having thought about it before.

And so I oversaw the question and answer session; that was a good idea of mine. At the end of it, Kelly was a lot more confident, and the others were confident in HER. I only had to chip in a few times, and made just a few suggestions.

And then it was dining time for our clients. At least there was only one sitting this e'en.

… … …

Rouse the household, breakfast, Tai Chi, clear away, make the beds, clean the floor - and the old feeling seeped back in.

The family feeling, as it had been for those years when I had had to be their mother.

It returned surprisingly strongly. So much so, and felt by everyone I deem, that we all had a gigantic mass hug afterwards, even the boys.

Most of the morning had gone by then, as I knew it would and had therefore declined to go for a ride. But that didn't stop me going to the Claw to make a fuss of dear Trumpa, and to whisper to her that she would have a good long outing on the morrow.

Then 'twas time for me to make my way up to the Shuttle Shed, just by what had now become the Market Place.

To meet Jepp and Shemel and Epp to sign those papers.

And to say goodbye to Epp and her family, albeit briefly.

The Steward was there as well, helping Master Mesulkin load the books and official stamps and seals and so on. Jepp naturally was there as well, the three of them doing all sorts of Assembling things, but he broke off as soon as I arrived. He led Shemel and I to a makeshift desk, where he spread out some papers and we all signed. We felt quite honoured to have the Captain be our witness and his signature on the papers seemed to make it more special somehow. Both he and Jepp indicated that Uncle's idea had been a good one. The Captain then suggested we discuss various ways and means as we rode downvalley on the morrow. Thus was it all arranged.

When I got once more to the Salon, I pitched in with some vigour, trying to do as much for them as I could before I left.

Em came in for a special moment that we had agreed beforehand. She and I took Kelly into the Dining Room, telling all the others to remain there in the kitchens. We introduced Kelly to the secrets of the fork identification markings. I then said to her that I would do Dining Room duty tonight, for both sittings, so that I would not interfere with her arrangements in the kitchens, but could still be on hand for 'emergencies'. From that moment on, SHE was the boss and I just another of her workers. She was to make all the decisions, and try her hardest not to call for me.

… … ...

After the very busy evening was over, I asked Kelly to stay behind when all the others had left.

“Very well done indeed, Kelly. A thoroughly competent showing. Not that I expected anything different! I found nothing to criticise, but have two or three suggestions about ways that you might not have considered because they have not been told to you as yet. So first tell me how you thought. From the start ...”

“I have learnt much from you, and from our joint experiences. As you have so often said, the key to it all is to be certain we know what is to be served, and nowadays in which sitting it is to be served. A simple count told me how many of each different dish we were to do, four different ones today. And then I added two or three to those numbers, to be sure we had some spares in case of some unexpected problems.

“So I went over the lists, actually about three or four times, if truth were told, and made some notes. I then checked what we had prepared and gave orders to make up some of the shortfalls, and checked that we had had deliveries of the fresh food required. Meanwhile I got some others to start on the main food as far we could, now we know which dishes can be made in advance and reheated later. I checked that the tables were properly laid up, that a limited number of forks were on display, able to be purchased, and that we had sufficient supplies of ale and wine. By the way, I thought we should make an order for some more ale to be delivered on the morrow, so I arranged that later.

“I then went back into the kitchens and checked on what the others were doing and helping them out by doing some tasks myself. I also got a few things prepared for the morrow. Then I double-checked everything we had done and were doing. Then the service began. And it all worked out very smoothly.”

“As I said – excellent! I particularly liked the way you kept the team occupied and made it as enjoyable as possible. You were good at complimenting them too, I noticed. Mayhap that is something I should do more often, for I feel that mayhap I do it not enough.”

“No! No! You need not worry. We all think you are marvellous and we learn something every day from you. You have no need to change.”

I blushed and changed the subject quickly: “Now - to my suggestions. I actually did one of them while you were busy, in fact I did two of them, but that was only because I am so used to doing them.

“It becomes easier if you remember to put yourself into the way of mind of being a diner here. EVERYTHING we do becomes easier if you develop this habit even more than you all currently do.

“What does that diner want? Have I anticipated his every need and wish? Examples: They come in – are the coat hooks ready if the weather determines that coats might be required? Is there space in the corridors for a bunch of diners all at once? They usually arrive in their parties of four or six or whatever, larger parties always get in each others ways and so on, so how can I gently guide them past, through or over such difficulties?

“Are the bathrooms clean and set up? Usually women wish to pay a visit before they eat. I know Kassama has said she shall do all that, but perchance she is busy elsewhere, or, heaven forfend, she is taken ill or injured. Just get in the habit of checking it for yourself.

“And check the Book often. Maybe something was added while you were distracted. Learn to read it quickly and to memorise the main points. Is the sitting full, or are there perhaps some spare places that could be used for someone who was unable to reserve in advance?

“And, while checking the Book, how busy are we going to be on the morrow? Perchance we might need to order an extra delivery or so, and the earlier our suppliers receive the order, the easier it is for both them and us. Talking of which, perhaps you should check that today's orders have all arrived as early as you can. If not, then you have more time to get the items in.”

“Maker! I see now why you are always flitting about so much. I wondered today that it all seemed so much easier than it seems when you are here. I have only done three-quarters of what you do every day!”

“But you did it so well, m'dear. AND there were no nasty surprises because you were so thoroughly prepared. As I have said a million times: 'The better the preparation, the easier the job.' And it's never too soon to start such preparations.

“You have the talent, you have the abilities and you have the common sense to do this, and to do this well. Remember how we stumbled about and yet still managed back in those early days? You will do well. This I know with certainty. I shall tell Em to increase your pay as you take on more responsibility. Now I must away home to pack a few things. I meet the Captain and Pomma at the Claw at dawn, so I must needs sleep.”

I gave Kelly a huge hug, and a quick kiss on the cheek and then I took my leave of her, smiling to myself as I saw her go straight to the Book …

I had time to welcome Papa and my new Mama back, even though they had returned before the dusk, a long while before I myself returned.

They and Kords were also taken aback a little by my news and would have discussed it all to the most infinitesimal of degrees, but it was not very long at all before I needed to go and pack my travel bag. Not too much to take this time, for it was purely a business trip, no need for fancy clothing.

Very soon after finishing the packing, I left the world to cope without me for a little while. I cannot recall dreaming that night.

… … …

“Good morrow, Goodmen.”

“Good morrow, Mistresses,” they replied, as much in unison as Pomma and I had been with our initiating greeting.

There were three of them, the Captain having introduced them as our riding companions and trainee guardsmen, although he hesitated for some reason before saying 'guardsmen'. Mompik, Qualt and Zarda were their names, to repeat the alphabetical order in which they were introduced; which was slightly confusing since they were not in alphabetical order when we went from left to right.

They did not, to my untrained eye, seem quite as comfortable on frayen back and using the modern saddles as we other nine did, but nevertheless they were proving proficient as we passed across the Bridge and headed for the Forest edge.

Zarda, on the left as I looked ahead at them, and Qualt were riding alongside each other in the van of our somewhat large formation, whilst Mompik was bringing up the rear alone. Uncle, Sookie, Em, Gyth, Molly and Bezan had decided to ride with us, just to perhaps the start of the trees, so we were a dozen in all at the start. Kelly, last night, had said she would try to come, but might have to spell one of the Bellringers in the morning, so I was not too upset when she didn't show up in time. I briefly wondered how long she had stayed alone at the Salon last night.

As we progressed, the Captain demanding all the while a brisk pace, both Em and he were surging forward or dropping back, to enable some quiet speaking from time to time with the three men; which discussions I learnt later were some sort of military suggestions, or corrections, or lessons, or training or whatever.

The three men had swords and what I assumed to be long pikes. I was amazed to learn later that these were merely short lances or long spears. Their saddles also carried a shield, a quiver full of quarrels and a crossbow. I saw that their boots had been modified to allow a knife to be sheathed down the side.

They looked like guards, but were somehow lacking the crispness of those guards I had only sometimes before encountered.

Then it hit me.

They're trainees, of course! Julina, you are such a pakh-head sometimes! What we call a 'Ked' amongst ourselves.

That's where I had seen them before!

They were a trio from the dozen or two of men that the Captain and Em had been drilling on the Parade Ground, back when we were at war. I realised that I had become so busy that I had missed noticing those training sessions now for quite a long time.

But we others were chatting nineteen to the dozen for that first stretch down to the trees, so I knew I could wait to find out more about the men as we continued our journey downvalley, when there would be far more peace. We had many varied conversations as we went along, Bezan and the Captain deep into some plan or another, then Uncle and the Captain, or Uncle and Bezan, or all three, or sometimes with Em. Gyth, Molly and I, with Sookie chipping in sometimes, sometimes Em, discussed the Salon, discussed the wagons I was on my way to fetch, discussed clothes, discussed … well, you get the idea.

I suddenly felt elated – the sunshine was in my hair, there was need to neither run nor hide from anything. It's a wonderful life, suddenly. Even though there was a day of journeying ahead of us. My buoyant mood seemed to affect the others in our large group – positively.

The others who were not coming all the way turned back a little distance before the trees got really thick, I suspect to sample the breakfasts at the Bunkhouse that had been offered us as we passed, although I may just be being a tad cynical there.

Or perhaps wishful.

I was already beginning to feel hungry, so sparse had been my nibbles taken to break my fast.

As I twisted round to wave at the departing friends, I could see the first of the day's wagons that were descending the Loop Road nearing the junction with the road we were on, with two or three following close behind. I pointed them out to Pomma who nodded before we turned to face forward once more.

As I expected, 'twas not long before we caught up with the last of the early starting wagons that had set out from the Bunkhouse. We soon overtook him, waving to the driver as we went past. We could already see another not too far up ahead.

In that gap between the wagons we needed to pass, the Captain called Mompik, Qualt and Zarda to him, and gave some lessons as to what to watch out for when overtaking a wagon. Pomma and I were amazed at the thoroughness the old soldier drummed into the new lads. I would never have thought of half of what he explained, and felt that maybe this was why every soldier I had ever met always looked about them all the time, even when talking to you. I also realised that Pomma and I were leading the two supply frayen to enable all the men more freedom of movement. It was the implied forward thinking that impressed me most.

We continued almost contentedly whilst maintaining a brisk pace, and Pomma and I saw the three trainees gather confidence as we passed one wagon and then another.

It must have been shortly before we reached Strettalm, certainly it was just after we crossed the major stream that came in from our left to join the river that was then quite close to our right, that the Captain found time to explain: “There is a difference between Fedren's group and a group of Guardsmen. Fedren's job is to find criminals, arrest rowdy citizens, capture robbers and burglars and so on. To gather evidence for miscreants' trials. However, Guardsmen have other duties. We began raising a... a... a... Militia, if you like but it pleases me not, but nor can I in accuracy describe them as a Guards force! Anyway we started raising this group as part of our duty to the nationwide levy. But this would be from workers who were needed, it was thought, to have as their priority their jobs of mining or road making, or stone quarrying and so on. These tasks were deemed to be of a greater national importance.

“However, now Her Highness' lands are so much larger than originally granted, we must find some guards for ourselves, to man the borders for example, now the 'Garialands' …” he smiled as he glanced sideways at me as he said that, “... reach to the pass on the Chaarn Road. Perhaps just a couple of guards on her southern border, which is but an internal border from one Barony to another, more to act as messengers than as anything else, but a hand or more are needed at the Nation's border to supplement the Duke's men there.

“We shall also need some to guard our official comings and goings, using your wagons, Julina, should they prove suitable. Being at the end of a closed road means that we do not need so very many ... Militiamen ...” he shuddered a little as he said that, “... in the Bray Valley itself, but, as I said, the Chaarn Road is now also within our boundaries and is quite a major trade route. And therefore a possible invasion route! His Grace, the Duke Gilbanar has responsibility for the security of that border and has requested help from his local landowner.

“So we called for volunteers from our trainee squad and received no less than three hands of applications. So many have found the idea to their liking. Mil … Her Highness, has indicated that we should recruit them all to allow some on and off time and so on. She assures me that the Barony can afford them.

“However, I am so very busy that I scarce have time for training, and, despite his ... her ... impressive record, Em is not taken very seriously since she revealed her true self. Most men do find it extremely difficult to talk of military matters with a female, much less receive orders. Let alone obey them!

“Signals have been exchanged, and His Grace has asked within his guard forces at his castle for a volunteer to come up to us to take over our men, to train them well and to lead them. I do NOT like that word 'Militia', I really do not. Perchance, as opposed to a 'Personal Guard' like those led by Commander Feteran, they should be referred to as the 'Country Guard', or the 'Land Guard'. I must think on that. A suitable title can be a powerful tool.

“But back to these men.”

He raised his voice so all five of us could distinguish clearly his words.

“Do you hear, you three, for I am talking about you, and not to you, for a change? These three are the best of the men Mistress Michet and I have partially trained. They have all willingly joined the … Country Guard ... and are proving themselves even as we ride. They are our elite, although they, as we, are under no illusions that their new Quadrant Officer will find much more for them to learn.”

We could see the men straighten under the praise. I saw again the value of praising those that worked for you. The Captain kept his voice pitched loud enough for all to hear.

“Now then, time for some military manoeuvres. Mompik is to join the van, and Zarda is to drop back to the rear. Qualt shall move from the right side to the left side of the van, leaving room for Mompik to take up position on the right. We always do it that way. Left van drops back, right van moves over, rearguard joins in at right van. This manoeuvre is named 'Van Change'. It is a different routine if we have two pairs, and different again for other numbers, but the principle remains the same. All clear?”

Everyone nodded, including Pomma and I.

“Blackstone Squad,” he somewhat startlingly announced in his command voice, even louder than his tones before; I suddenly realised that it was so designed as it was to not only get their attention, but to declare for whom the following order would apply. But I understood not quite why it had to be so loud.

“Van change! Execute!”

It was just a little ragged that first time, but still impressive as Mompik came up on our right, Zarda reined in to allow the procession to pass him on his right, and Qualt simply moved into the space where Zarda had been. All with no hindrance to our progress.

(By the time we got to Brayview, they were far more precise and far more impressive! They were doing it far more frequently, to improve because they WANTED to. The Captain's and Em's encouragement before she left us made them try that much harder.)

By now, we had reached the foot of Strettalm and turned the sharp bend that was at the top of the traverse downwards across the otherwise vertical rock face. We could see three more wagons on the slope before us, and the first of the day's wagons climbing up the slope towards us, indeed nearly to the top. Another and, down there, another were climbing up too.

The Captain issued a crisp command: “No overtaking on this traverse.”

He went on to explain: “Yes, the road is wide enough for wagons to pass, and therefore wide enough for us to pass should we choose, but something unexpected may spook the beasts, either ours, or the one or ones we would be overtaking, causing some incident or other. And an accident here cannot be simply driven round. There is no point in taking risks at this most vulnerable of places. We will give ourselves some more room from the wagon before us, and shall proceed at his pace. It is only for a pair of marks or so.”

He then halted us there at the top, to give that wagon in front time to pull away from us a little more. And I suspect to savour the views downvalley, which were truly magnificent that day.

We stayed there until Zarda called: “'Ware wagon, approaching from behind.”

“Blackstone Squad! Continue!”

And off we went again, Pomma and I enjoying the beauty of the views to our left, not minding in the slightest that we seemed to have been co-opted into a military band of men.

But I was not particularly enjoying the increasing pressure inside of me.

I was looking forward to reaching the Roadhouse down there, straight ahead at the foot of the slope. I glanced at Pomma and she told me with her eyes that she felt the same. It sort of made it worse that we could look down on our relief spot for so long, knowing it was there in sight but not within touch.

… … …

We met that morning, you shall remember, at dawn down at the Claw and by the time we had visited the facilities, all loaded up and mounted up, we set out a little before the first Bell. At this time of year there were almost eleven bells in the day, so noon would be shortly after the fifth Bell. Travelling at our brisk pace, which all the animals seemed to enjoy, and even with the slight delays we had had, we arrived at the Forest Roadhouse just after the fourth Bell. Just a tad over three Bells for all that distance, a distance a wagon takes four and more bells to cover. And we all knew we could have done it quicker had we been pressed for time.

Pomma and I accepted with alacrity Mompik's offer, made after a nudge from the Captain, to hold our beasts while we made a scarce disguised dash for the facilities of the roadhouse.

When we came out again, we thanked Mompik, and then tended to our animals more personally. Zarda and Qualt were trying to catch a snatch of sleep, the Captain having told them to learn to do so.

“A tired Guard is an inefficient Guard” was how he had put it apparently. Followed up with “Sleep is a weapon. Grab it whenever you can.”

He had declared we would have a half bell pause, which meant that Uncle Steef produced a lovely mug of pel and a pastry or two for me, which dear Jogantha insisted upon serving. I had time for a short chat with Uncle Steef before he was called away for some duty or other.

The Captain himself was deep in discussions with Master Mesulkin who looked to me as if he were a few years younger, the excitement of travelling, his more gentle responsibilities and the new views were working well on him. Pomma and I had joined Epp at a table, for which Epp said she was grateful – a full day of only male company was a bit much, she claimed. But she didn't let go of her newly married man's hand as her eyes twinkled at us. I swear she also winked at Jogantha when Shemel wasn't watching.

They would be leaving on the Shuttle at noon, of course, so we had already caught them up. Our plan was to push on to Bezlet, another bell and a half, maybe just a little less, and to eat our luncheon there. The Captain explained he had some minor business to act upon when there, and that some of the beasts' burdens could be unloaded when we were there. Perchance the Shuttle would catch us up there once more, but we would still reach Brayview before them.

And so it transpired.

Even though the traffic in both directions was visibly heavier when we set out towards Bezlet shortly afterwards.

… … ...

We reached Brayview just about eight Bells after leaving the Claw. Although our pace had mostly been brisk, we had had several stops along the way – the one at Strettalm was quite short really but nevertheless 'twas a stop, another we had had at the Forest Roadhouse and a final one at Bezlet, all of which added about a bell and a half to our total journey time.

Upon reaching Brayview, we were able to report that the Shuttle was only a little way behind us, maybe a half a bell away, since we had overtaken them again on the upslope out of the Bray Valley, not too far from the Chaarn Road junction.

Basset greeted both the Captain and myself with wreaths of smiles, before scurrying off towards the kitchens. Shortly after, she reappeared with a dumpy little woman in her trail, a woman I recognised as being one of those I had taught on my first ... or was it the second? ... visit here.

“Mistress Brogla, a pleasure to see you once more,” stated the Captain, I think also to help me remember her name. “And how is your esteemed cousin, Goodman Linan?”

Brogla's face fell slightly. “Your Honour, he is well, but struggling at the moment, for the miller at Tamitil is sorely unwell. His work is being done by several neighbours and his wife, of course, but they are having to learn right quickly. The output was near halved at the worst, but is now back up a bit, maybe two thirds of what it were before. All around here are trying to use less flour than what we're used to.”

“Do you tell me,” said the Captain, with a distracted expression as he thought of something, as all could tell. A swift silence fell, so I jumped in to break it.

“Mistress Brogla, how are you? Are you still practising those numbers I taught you?”

“Mistress Julina. 'Tis surely a great pleasure to see you once more. I hope our meal this e'en is up to your standards. But aye, to answer your question, I practice with those numbers every day, and am pleased to say that I have been able to be of assistance to Mistress Basset here on several occasions. I also use the lettering you showed us, although my reading remains very slow.”

“Well that's good! The more you practice, the better shall you be.”

“Master Loren does what he can to fit us workers in with his busy schedule. He has employed a second teacher now, a Goodman Defan, but between ourselves, he is not as good as yourself. Why I remem ...”

Before we could introduce her to Pomma, she broke off her sentence with a sudden gasp, swirled around and rushed back towards the kitchen with a barely heard “Excuse me” floating in the air behind her, and what I hoped I heard right was “I shall arrange some Pel for you and … oh dear.”

She whirled round once more, but then remembered her urgency, and continued round the complete circle. We all laughed, but kindly, knowing that she had just remembered something in an oven perhaps. We had had no chance to introduce her to Pomma, which she also had suddenly remembered, which was why she had whirled round again.

Even the Captain chuckled, but he was still a little distant.

“Your Honour? Something troubles you?”

“Eh? Oh, no, Mistress Basset. I have just had a thought. I must think it through a little more.”

“May I show you your rooms, the ones we have set aside for you across the yard, for your business, and then that above here for your sleeping? We have just time I deem before I must needs meet the Shuttles from each direction.”

“Aye, Mistress. That would be sensible.” He turned to us, saying “Mistresses” as his way of taking his leave, adding “Gentlefolk” to the rest of the people in the room, once Basset had ushered Pomma and I to a table, declaring loudly that this one was to be ours, effectively informing those other people.

“Men, follow me,” ordered the Captain as he and Basset left through another door. The three scrambled after them.

“Come, Pomma, let me show you where the facilities are, before we seat ourselves.” Then it was my turn to address those others seated there. “Good afternoon all, I'm sorry, our introductions have been a little hurried this day. Pray allow us to return in a few moments. I'm afraid that this table Mistress Basset has indicated shall not be suitable, for we shall sit with our friends on the downvalley Shuttle, who number four and also have a servant girl with them.”

By the time we returned, there was a steaming pot of pel awaiting us on a larger table, with two mugs and just a couple of tiny pastries. Which we attacked with gusto. Riding all day is a sure way to introduce a hunger.

Barely had we had our first nibble, when we heard a commotion outside. Master Kolston soon afterwards ushered in two passengers from the upvalley shuttle. One was travelling on to Bezlet the next day, but the other was leaving the Shuttle here.

This was my introduction to Master Defan.

He was an earnest young man, still somewhat spotty about his face, and there was scarce a shadow of a beard. Like most of our population, he was dark haired, a dark brown. He was very nervous to be introduced to two strangers who were women, and I knew he still had some growing up to do.

“So, Goodman Defan, I gather you teach those who live hereabouts?” I started, trying to put him at his ease a bit.

He puffed up a little bit, and I had to bite back a smile as he tried to impress me. “Oh yes, Mistress Jolin. I have three locations and teach folk at the first one day, at the second the next day, and at the third the third day. I then go back to the first, then the second and then the third. The seventh day I rest, of course.”

“I see. And Master Loren?”

He looked startled that I knew that name. “Er, yes. He too teaches. And, I confess, is my supervisor. I teach mostly the ones that he has introduced to letters and numbers, and he also teaches those more advanced. I prepare the ones I teach for his advanced lessons, having themselves been prepared by him to get into MY classes.”

“I remember Master Loren well, and would have expected him to come up with such an efficient method. He was at the top of our list, he and Master Magser, for the teacher posts.”

“You? You, Mistress? But you are so young! I had heard that there was a Mistress Megrozen and a Mistress Juli … Oh! You are Mistress Julina?” He blushed even a deeper red than that that I usually managed. He went all tongue-tied and struggled a bit, but was rescued by the arrival of the downvalley Shuttle passengers, and the return of the Captain and Basset.

Epp and family of course came to join us, at least the men did, while the women had to make themselves scarce for a hand of moments. But eventually they came back and I introduced Defan to Epp which made him even more tongue-tied.

At least I thought that at first until Pomma pointed out to me, in a whisper of course, the glances that Defan and Jogantha were giving one another.

Ooooh! That might be worth keeping an eye on, methinks.

Eye-speak informed Epp of it, and she raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement.

But just then, the Captain and Master Mesulkin came over to us.

“Mistresses Megrozen, Pomma and Julina, might Master Mesulkin and myself join you at table for our evening meal?”

Epp replied for us all: “Why certainly, Your Honour. Jogantha, find someone to pull that table up to ours, that there shall be place for us all.”

Defan leapt to his feet to do the task, and I believe to recover some of his poise, for he suddenly realised just who had asked our permission to join us.

I believe most of the other folk in the room were also surprised to see the most powerful man in their lands seated at a table in the middle of the dining floor, and not at the table specially positioned on an obviously temporarily constructed dais. A low buzz of conjecture ran round the room.

Defan tried to remove himself from the group, but the Captain aided Epp in persuading him to stay.

We tried to place His Honour in the middle of the table, as we felt befitted his status, but he was having none of it.

“Mistresses, Masters, Goodmen all, I have much urgent work to do this e'en already and shall need to rise from table earlier than most, I deem. Sadly, I must sit in judgement on three cases already this day lest I overrun my allocation of time on the morrow. There are, I understand a hand of marriages for the morning, and one or two other cases to be tried, and I must away to Bezlet promptly, to do my duties there as well in the afternoon. 'Twill be far less fuss this e'en when I can just slide away from one side, but I thank you all for attempting to honour me so.”

We all saw the sense of that and murmured an agreement.

There was a short silence broken by Epp: “Jogantha, you are off duty for now, so you will eat with us this evening.”

“Mistress, I couldn't possibly. Why it would...”

“Nonsense girl. We have plenty of staff to look after us and you might enjoy being waited upon yourself, for a change. And you shall even out the numbers for us as well. Now sit over there, between Goodman Defan and Master Shemel, opposite Mistress Pomma. I won't hear another word.”

She made another quick change of places for her sons and then sighed in satisfaction: “That's better, now we have men and women alternating along both sides, and His Honour and Master Mesulkin may take their leaves later without disturbing our arrangements.”

Just then, Brogla and Basset came bustling out with more pel for everyone and briefly stopped when they saw the arrangements. I swear I heard Brogla say softly to Basset: “See! I told you he wasn't like that.”

They served our refreshments and then listed what was available to eat. We all placed our orders, even a very diffident and embarrassed Jogantha.

It soon became obvious that conversations were going to be in deference to the Captain, so he sighed loudly and said: “Again, I must thank you for your consideration, but there are a number of people here at table, no less than two hands of us indeed, there is no need to wait for me to start a topic of conversation. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves.”

But no-one did, so he sighed once more and tried again: “Very well, then I shall commence by asking the full length of the table for Master Defan's views, as I understand he has travelled this part of Her Highness' lands quite extensively, and I would wish to know more of the village of Tamitil. Describe it please to me as if I was from somewhere else entirely and had never seen a village before. How many inhabitants, how many houses, are there flooding problems and so on. I deem that many here will be interested in learning more about it.”

Defan looked startled to be singled out to commence the dinner table tellings, but swallowed and started slowly, hesitantly. As he got into it, his voice became stronger and his inhibitions slowly fled.

“Why … Your Honour … that village … 'tis a beautiful spot really. Errrm … there is a landing stage for river access of course … a few small fishing boats use it … and the village is surrounded by rich farming lands. It has a small … er … very small … market once a week, and has become the central point for several marks all around. The market place is two casts or so towards the south-east from the cluster of houses that nestle together and form a sort of guard above the mill. The houses are well above to keep out of the wet in the rains. The abandoned works for what was to have been the new, larger mill can be found a quarter of a mark upriver from the other.

“I was told that the community sprang up when that mill was placed there, many generations ago, so it became a local focal point for trade to occur. So many bags of flour for so many animals, or baskets of fruit and so on.”

We did all actually find it fascinating to hear about the development of a rural community, so we were hanging on his words, a fact that he did not at first realise.

“There is one small lane in from each direction; obviously one of these leads up to the Trade Road, a lane that leads off to the south-east from the far side of the Market. Meanwhile the other mostly follows the river bank upriver. I myself have travelled now only as far as the first large bend in the river, where I understand Her Highness' lands start on the west bank. However, locals have told me that this lane continues all the way upriver to near where the cross-river that flows down from the Chaarn Pass joins the Bray. It peters out maybe half a mark or so from that cross-river, when it meets one of the many forester tracks there, tracks that form a puzzling maze I am told in which 'tis easy to get lost. There are several other villages and hamlets up along that way, but Tamitil is the largest such community.”

“Yes,” breathed the Captain, “your word picture is bringing back some descriptions of the place given me by Goodman Linan on our recent trip to the capital, and indeed enhances my vision of it. Pray continue.”

“Recently, with increased demand from an increased population, someone, the previous landowner before Her Highness, decided to build a further, larger mill there, and construction actually started, made easier by employing barge traffic on the river. Suddenly though, there came a problem of some sort with the use of the barges, and the project was put on hold. They tell me ...”

He stopped talking as the Captain's head jerked up. “Do you tell me?” he exclaimed thoughtfully. “Do you tell me indeed?” He waved a hand for Defan to continue, while we could see his brain working feverishly.

The young teacher struggled to remember his point, so continued on a slightly different tack: “I have heard that a recent illness to the Miller there, who is naturally also the village headman, has meant some difficulties in supplying the quantities of flour required. Mistress Nanog, the healer, says that 'twill not be a rapid recovery either. She says that he would be better off brought up here to her, but no-one has a spare cart to convey him, and he says he needs to be there to supervise his mostly untrained workers. The best man he has there, Goodman Pilling, is a strong man, one who used to work with the barg … AH!

“Ah yes, I remember now where I was earlier. Goodman Pilling, he told me that the barge problem was somehow connected with Count Trosanar down to ... er, sorry ... down IN Tranidor, but I confess the tale was too complicated for me to follow with any degree of accuracy, and I cannot believe that a noble in another demesne could affect barges many marks upriver and on the opposite bank.

“As for residents, then there are I believe a hand and three families living down there, in the village itself, and mayhap two hands more on the farms around. The houses, maybe not the best around, are nevertheless well-maintained and all are situated at a safe height, as I mentioned, above the highest river level. All look most pretty in the evening sun which floods into them over their right shoulders if you like, for they all face the river and the south-west, allowing some shade during the day which is necessary in the heights of summer, but will probably be a little dim in the depths of the winter. Most all of the peoples have become interested in learning lettering and numbering. My lessons are quite filled when I go down there every third day.”

He stopped then, and suddenly got all shy and tongue-tied when he came back to awareness of his surroundings and his audience.

Particularly so when he saw Jogantha so close to him with an admiring look on her face.

“I thank you, Goodman, for a job well done. I deem that to be a very good report, very good indeed.” The Captain paused. Almost musingly, he continued: “'Twould seem that there is a problem descended upon millers at the moment. We have one also beset, but in a differing fashion, up in Blackstone.”

He paused thoughtfully, before continuing: “I doubt there are many millers around, although I thought that mayhap I should find one to talk to that I might ...”

“Excuse me sor! Fergive me fer buttin' in, Yer 'Onour, but my uncle, 'e's recent retired like, used to be Miller down 'Aligo way. I c'ld mebbe fetch 'im 'ere?” explained a very hesitant man who had been sitting with his cronies in one corner with a jug of ale on their table, but who had now plucked up the courage to approach his Steward.

“Thank you Goodman... ???”

“Dartrook, Yer 'Onour. Excuse me, Yer 'Onour.”

“Dartrook. I thank you for your information. I confess I spoke half in jest when I made that remark, but perchance your suggestion has indeed some merit. How long ago did your Uncle retire?”

“Why, 'twere at last Year's End, Yer 'Onour. Told me, some young 'un was ripe for takin' 'is mill over, and 'e 'imself like, found 'e missed is 'ome village. 'E 'ad enuff coin like fer 'is last years, so 'e came 'ome sudden like, wiv a pocketful of extra coin like, from the sale of 'is business to that youngster. 'E's a bit lost, troof ter tell, and would welcome like a small change in 'is routines.”

“And what do you do, Goodman Dartrook?”

“I'm a local woodman like Yer 'Onour. Gotta recent contrack ter build houses and rooms around 'ere like. Me an' this lot 'ere. I fells the trees, these two trim and plane 'em, 'e builds wiv 'em, although we all do a bit of everyfink like.”

“Ah! Very good. I thank you all. Goodman Dartrook, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I should be delighted to talk with your uncle. If he is unable to come tonight, perchance he could come on the morrow. But it would have to be early, for I am very busy. Would the first bell be too soon?”

Goodman Dartrook laughed.

“Maker, Yer 'Onour, 'e's bin getting up before dawn for 'is last thirty odd years like. I dare say that the first bell would give 'im a lie-in like.”

“And what might I call him, if I meet with him?”

“Oh! Sorry like, Yer 'Onour. Tolltak is 'is name, And he done 'is Mastership like, always were the brainy one in famly.”

“I thank you Goodman Dartrook. Mayhap you might go and enquire of Master Tolltak if he could spare the time to visit me? And let me buy a round for you and your friends there when you get back.”

“Most generous, Yer 'Onour. Most generous 'deed. I shall return as soon as I can, eiver wiv 'im or wiv a message, like.”

His companions all thanked the Captain as Dartrook took off as if he was in a race.

“Would any of you around happen to know where to find Master Leofer, or perchance Goodman Drom?” then asked the Captain of the room in general. My interest was piqued, for I knew these names - these men worked for Papa.

Possibly motivated by the thought of a free drink, no less than three of the locals leapt to their feet. The Captain selected the nearest one and said: “Would you mind fetching one or the other, saying that I send my compliments and would be grateful for a word or two at their earliest convenience?”

The man saluted, much to the approval of our Steward. He executed a precise about turn and marched, for that is the only word appropriate, out of the door to fulfil his errand. We could see that the Captain was interested in knowing more of the man's background. No doubt he would enquire upon the man's return.

The food arrived then, and not much conversation took place amidst the minor chaos of receiving the plates and so on. We, all those who had them, fetched out our forks from where they were rolled in the cloth napkins in our pockets. Epp slipped one across to Jogantha without too many people seeing.

And so we sat and ate, during which we had those separate conversations that the Captain had requested at the outset. Shemel was the middle one of the hand of people on our side of the table, and I was between him and Master Mesulkin to my right. Mohini was opposite his stepfather between his mother and Pomma, who was keeping Term to her right occupied.

Shemel and I and Epp spent a little while talking with the Captain mostly about 'Blackstone Wagons', our newly formed company. I made a suggestion based on something that Defan had said and they all thought it to be a good idea. We now would have a wagon based here at Brayview for local community use, like fetching that Miller up to better health care. The Captain strongly hinted that we have an office and depot here in the Brayview area sooner rather than later, but that message at that heartbeat got a little lost in the midst of our elation.

We had our first commission!

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Are Business trips fun? Or are they just hectic?

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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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Author's note for this episode: Click on the Palarandi sketch to get the same sketch but with English notation. Then click on 'previous page' arrow to get back to the story.

“Maker!” exclaimed Defan, as he gazed with awe at the Captain. We all felt much the same really, since the Steward had demonstrated again why he was the perfect man for his job.

In less than a hand of moments, the Captain had analysed so many factors, had added his interpretations of what the community for which he was responsible required, and found a sensible solution.

For when Master Tolltak appeared, led in by Goodman Dartrook, he had quickly interviewed the man, found his qualifications and had offered him a contract to take over the running of the mill down at Tamitil, thus allowing Master Grint to receive his needed rest and healing. The two had gone off swiftly to agree the coin side of things in private, and they both came back wreathed in smiles.

The Captain sat back down with us to finish his interrupted meal, but not before remembering to send a round of drinks over to Dartrook and his cronies, whom Master Tolltak had joined.

We chatted and ate on for a little while.

I had just finished my repast when the door opened and another man appeared.

This turned out to be Goodman Drom.

“Mistress Julina,” the Captain turned to me and smiled, “could I prevail upon you to do just a little more scribing for me?”

I was nodding my assent and about to say so, when I was interrupted.

“Your Honour, I myself could and would be delighted to ...”

“No, Goodman Defan, I am grateful for your offer, but Mistress Julina has done this for me and the Assembly sufficiently often in the past that she knows what is required. And anyway, this man, Goodman Drom, works for her father, Master Kordulen, and so there is another useful connection there. On this occasion, I deem that Mistress Julina is the most sensible solution.”

He took a final large forkful of his food as Epp said to Jogantha: “Jogantha, would you be so kind as to go with Mistress Julina, His Honour and Goodman Drom here, for the Mistress should not be alone with two men.”

I flashed her a glance of thanks, for despite everything, it had just not occurred to me. I was so used to there being other women present in the Assembly meetings and other meetings where I had previously scribed.

The Captain then flashed me a glance of thanks, he could only do so as his mouth was still full, when I said: “Epp, could you please be responsible for the Captain's and my forks? I further suspect that Master Mesulkin will also have to leave table soon.”

“Of course I shall, Your Honour, Julina. And I shall get Mistress Basset to arrange for some pel to be sent to you.”

“Excellent, Mistress Megrozen. A good thought indeed. We thank you,” said His Honour as we stood to leave.

Thus it was that the four of us retired to the office room provided for the Steward, adjoining the hearing room. Both these rooms smelled strongly of new wood.

We entered the small suite of rooms through the Hearing Room, which I noticed had a spacious antechamber, presumably for disrobing any protective clothing in the rainy season.

That hearing room, through which we passed the full length since the office opened only from it, or so it appeared to me just then, had a long thin table down the middle which butted up against a sturdy desk. That desk had, on the far side, one imposing chair in the middle flanked by two less grandiose chairs, but still fancier than the other chairs in the room. These three chairs had their backs to the wall in which the door to the office was situated, so there was a certain amount of space behind them. The long table started on the other flank of the high desk and reached to about the half-way point of the room, maybe a little more; there were three chairs situated along each side. This left a large open space at the far end, limited by the wall containing the door through which we entered. Some of that large space was occupied by stacks of benches which could be easily set out should they be required.

When we got into the office, I saw that there was another door on the side wall to our right, not in the middle, but nearer the wall to the hearing room. This was standing open and we could see another smaller disrobing chamber had been provided. My eyes suggested to me that this antechamber filled the space to make the entire combination of hearing room, office and the two antechambers a simple rectangle. The Captain went round the main desk, closing the other door on his way.

The office itself was furnished with no less than three desks. Two smaller desks flanked a larger one, which had a single chair on one side, obviously the Steward's, and three chairs drawn up against the opposite edge. The flanking desks each had one chair on each side. All three desks were furnished with several drawers on the … the … the … operating side, I suppose you could call it. Storage space had been provided along the wall that separated the hearing room from the office.

Automatically, I went to one of the flanking desks, the one away from the other door, and Jogantha followed me. I opened the drawers on 'my' side of the desk, and was pleased to find some sheets of paper at my first attempt. It took me a little longer before I found a reedlet. I checked all the drawers and then finally found the reedlets in the same one as the paper!

Despite repeated urgings from both the Captain and myself, Jogantha refused outright to sit down, so she retired slightly until she was half leaning up against the wall behind me.

I nodded to the Captain that I was ready. He had been chatting with Drom to put the man at his ease whilst I was sorting myself out, whilst at the same time rummaging through some of his papers.

Both men saw my nod.

The Captain got the meeting underway.

“Goodman Drom, we are here this e'en to discuss an idea I have just formulated, based on a variety of information that has been presented to me over the course of time. I formally apologise for dragging you out of your home at this relatively late moment, but would attempt to justify such an intrusion by pointing out that I have myself less than a full day to conduct my business here and then to move onto Bezlet for a busy afternoon's work.

“I state now for the formal record that Mistress Julina is present to scribe the official notes of this meeting. She has done this before for our Assembly and she is also more closely involved with the subject because she is the eldest daughter of Master Kordulen, the man who is in charge of your own department. You are hereby formally charged with the duty of reporting this meeting to your immediate supervisor, Master Leofer. I will send all the relevant documents as soon as I may, to Masters Kordulen, Leofer and also to your good self.

“We are all here residents in the lands that belong to Her Royal Highness, Princess Garia, who was, until recently, Baroness Garia of Blackstone, Vassal of Duke Gilbanar of North Palarand. These lands were ceded to the now Princess on the ...” He glanced briefly down at his papers in front of him. “... 30th Bretherin in the year 1174 since the Great Flood. I have here several copies of a sketch map made at that time upon which the new boundaries are clearly marked. The map details are all identical, but the handwritten annotations differ only very slightly. Formally, I must ask you both to confirm that fact.”

Drom and I looked at the hand of papers he showed us, and indeed the arrows pointing out the new borders were ever so slightly different on each one, but the rest was identical as far as I could see. We both formally confirmed that.

“Goodman Drom, I am about to shock you. You are about to receive some information that your senses, indeed your very being, will reject as being impossible.

“However, the Princess herself swears it is true, and I have no reason to doubt her. She has given us plans, hints, details and descriptions of a method of travel that shall come about probably in the next hand or so of years. Using this method of travel, which she has termed a 'railroad', it will become possible, indeed commonplace, for residents of Blackstone, say, to visit Tranidor AND THEN RETURN to Blackstone, all in the same day. In specially designed wagons pulled by a giant steam engine.”

I deem the Captain would have paused at that point anyway, but our startled expressions and indeed chokings of amazement would have forced him so to do.

Drom managed to get out of his strangled throat: “'Tis easier to believe there is a Bisken living in every tree root!”

The Captain waited until our shock abated a little before adding: “Or Brayview residents could reach Dekarran on the same day!”

Again we gasped with the shock of it. So great was it that Jogantha was forced to blurt out: “Oh those poor animals!”

Which was sufficient of a distraction to make us all turn to look at her.

What on Anmar had beasts to do with anything in this conversation?

She blushed bright red: “What will all the frayen and dranakh do if they are no longer required? Oh, I'm so very sorry for interrupting you, Your Honour. The shock caused me to forget myself!” She flusteredly dropped a curtsey and tried to melt into the wall behind her.

The Captain good-naturedly waved away her apology, grateful, I suspect, of the way that her outburst had allowed Drom and myself to mellow down just a tad.

“To travel at those speeds, then the routing must be at a gentle slope downvalley and entirely without any sharp bends. The miners use a similar system in their shafts, to wheel their loads of spoil out of the way, but their rails are made of wood. Her Highness' shall be of steel. Just one of the reasons that the coal and coke are so important, for they are required to make high quality steel. And the rails are just one application amongst many for high grade steel.

“Master Kordulen has made a strong and persuasive case for the route down from Blackstone to pass down the eastern side of the Bray Valley, crossing the main road close to Bezlet and then following the east bank, roughly speaking. There is a problem only at the riverbank by Bezlet, and some of our miners have been despatched there to try to remove the 'nose' of what is now called 'Kord's Peak', that the railroad can then follow the river.”

His finger showed us his points on the scrap of map as he was talking.

“For the record here, I shall briefly mention the reasons for this proposal. The major reason being that the West Bank of the Bray is largely unexplored territory, but we do know that there exist at least two major sets of waterfalls and jumbled watercourses, the lower of which reaches to the west wall of the valley. We know this from the establishment nearby of the Semaphore Station, which is now here ...” He jabbed the map again. “... and a lane has been cleared from there to Bezlet, that the operators have access to some, admittedly limited, civilisation. Higher up the valley, Master Kordulen suggests that the east valley wall can be more easily worked with and the route would thus avoid the incline that goes across the rock face between the Forest Roadhouse and Strettalm. He claims that the trees are sparser on that side as well.

“I was informed just this evening that there exists a village called Tamitil through which passes a lane, a lane that reaches almost all the way to the south side of Kord's Peak. Are you, Goodman Drom, able to draw on one of these map copies just where we are, where Tamitil is, where is the lane that services Tamitil and perchance also where it winds its way to?”

“Indeed, Your Honour, I shall be able so to do. I know it well! It won't be exact of course, but will convey the regular features. I am no drawer of maps.”

“The mapmakers can be sent in later. I need just for the moment to be aware of the lie of the land in the affected area. Here, take this one,” he said as he slid a copy of the map fragment across the table.

We all watched Drom take a marker, a sort of small reedlet, from his pockets and swiftly sketch in a feature or two on the map fragment. He then added some labels and so on, drawing the straight lines that connected the labels with the points they were naming with a small straight edge he took out of another of his pockets.

(And here is what he hastily drew

and so swiftly done too!)

“Excellent, I am indebted Goodman Drom. I can visualise so much more now.”

I murmured my agreement even as I was writing furiously.

The Captain studied Drom's new markings for a short while and then commanded Drom to: “... make a start as soon as possible. I require a report on how long it would take to widen that Tamitil lane into a full road – first of sufficient width for one wagon, with passing places, and then to extend those passing places to create a road more than wide enough for wagons to pass each other easily. And then an estimate as to how long it would take to build another such road just next to the first.

“I shall also require an estimate of how long 'twould take to drive a route through to the south side of Kord's Peak, from wherever the existing lane loses itself in those forester tracks.

“Hmm, I see from your sketch that it might be better to drive a way through the land to make a shorter cut of it; look here, on the inside of the river bend opposite the Princess' new border on the west bank. Remember there must be no sudden turns, just smooth curves.”

“Very well, Your Honour, I shall brief Master Leofer first thing in the morning. I deem it shall take a month ...”

“'Twould be most helpful were I to have at least a rough estimate to discuss with Her Highness when she arrives in Blackstone, which is expected to be in a week or so, no more than two.”

Drom's face visibly paled, but he swallowed before faintly saying: “We shall do as we can, Your Honour.”

“Excellent man. Now, tell me more about this area here around Tamitil. Tell me also about the extra half-built mill, for I see a need to reinstate that project ...”

And so this hastily-called meeting went on, much to the strain of my right wrist.

… … …

I spent the morning in discussions with Epp and Shemel, trying to see how we could take advantage of this railroad thing, or how it would affect us and our new business. We saw only briefly the couples who arrived to be joined by the Captain and Mesulkin.

We also saw some of the miscreants the Captain had to try.

The Captain had hired a messenger to take messages down to the Semaphore Station should it become necessary, and kindly allowed us to use the man's services while the weddings were going on. Epp sent a message to the people at the South Point house, and several to her business; Shemel also sent two messages. I sent one to Rohid, confirming that I would be arriving that afternoon and asking that we meet briefly when I arrived with the shuttle in the late afternoon, despite having a frayen I could ride.

Then it was time for a light luncheon.

His Honour and Master Mesulkin joined us once more at table as we all had a meal to keep us alive whilst we travelled on. The two senior Assembly members then loaded up all their stuffs that they needed to get back up to Blackstone on the upvalley shuttle and the ex-Steward climbed aboard for his trip to the Forest Roadhouse whilst the Captain and his men mounted their frayen for a fast dash to Bezlet.

Epp and family climbed aboard the downvalley shuttle, onto which I and Pomma also scrambled. We had joined them since we were all travelling to the same place.

We passed out of Her Highness' lands, our driver setting a brisk pace for a wagon with seven passengers and a fair share of baggages. Trumpa and Boxin were behind us, attached to the shuttle on loosely tied leading reins; the two were snickering together as we made our progress.

None of us could quite believe the Captain's announcement that in the not too distant future, people could travel all the way from Blackstone to Tranidor and back in a day. But we certainly discussed it – in detail.

I estimate we had managed maybe one half of the distance to Tranidor when Shemel surprised me by saying: “Julina, I have had a thought. We have had permission, and almost a command, to paint our wagons in Blackstone colours. I suggest we have a broad stripe down each side and across the tailgate, one colour for Blackstone-based vehicles, and another colour for the Brayview-based ones. You could get Rohid to suggest a wheelwright's address to get the wagons checked over and perchance arrange for the painting of them.”

“A valid suggestion, Shemel, I deem we shall do exactly that. But your words have triggered something in my head, another elusive thought. Something we forgot to do back in Brayview. I feel 'twas associated with the Captain, but for us.”

We all thought hard about it for a hand and more of moments, but none could come up with any suggestion, so Shemel and I went back to discussing the maintenance and colouring of the wagons.

A few moments went by before Jogantha spoke up, extremely diffidently: “If it pleases you Masters and Mistresses, I deem I might be able to help you?”

We all stopped talking and turned to her, the question written on all our faces.

The poor girl was scared to have initiated a conversational thread all on her own, so we encouraged her as effusively as we could.

“It seems to me that the Steward suggested you set up a small depot and office for your company at Brayview, and I cannot recall you discussing that with anyone in authority there, if you'll forgive me for saying, Masters and Mistresses.”

I was struck silent for more than just a few heartbeats, and I assumed that was the same with the others. This was EXACTLY the point that I had wanted to recall. Our silence was however worrying to poor Jogantha, who eventually seemed as if she would burst into tears.

I was the first to react. I scooted over to where Jogantha was sitting, I barged my way between her and Epp and just hugged the girl.

“Maker! How could we forget to do something like that?” I turned to Shemel and said: “Let this be a lesson to ourselves, Shemel. Let us NEVER assume that the other is doing something. 'Tis better that we repeat something than to forget to do that something!”

“I deem you are right, Julina. And I thank you most heartfeltedly, Jogantha. That is indeed the best reminder you could have done. Very good indeed.”

I felt her muscles loosen somewhat as we said this, but still not enough for my complete peace of mind.

And so it was that we travelled on. It seemed to me that Jogantha took a greater part in the proceedings than she had ever done before.

I was uneasy about that.

How would this affect the working relationships inside Epp's household? I determined to speak to Epp about it later, when we could be alone.

Then we had another shock. Well not exactly a shock as such, more of a surprise really.

The wagoneeer coughed as a way of drawing attention to himself.

“Mistress Julina, Master Shemel, might I mention something?”

I looked more closely at the man, for there was something familiar about him, and his tone suggested that we knew each other.

'Q' my mind was suddenly shouting. Wagoneer lessons at the Forest Roadhouse and up in Town. Yes. But what was his name? Quick or Quist, or something???

Shemel was faster to it than I. He replied with his engaging grin: “Yes, Quizzen? I deem you have heard enough to know that we are open to almost any discussion. How may we be of help?”

“Do I understand that yourselves are starting a wagonning company, sub-contracting with Master Tanon's? With a prospective base and depot at Brayview?”

“Indeed Quizzen, so we are. We have a contract with the Blackstone Assembly which is unlikely to require our wagons for every bell of every day, and so we shall be discussing with Master Rohid how we may fit in with Master Tanon's organisation. We shall have a small depot in Brayview and a larger one up in Blackstone. We have my two large wagons already and Mistress Julina here shall provide four others, two large and two smaller.”

“Ah so 'tis true! Mistress Julina shall have old Jafferkin's belongings?”

I joined in just then with: “That is correct, Goodman Quizzen. Do I remember you from my lessons? I miss those days in a strange way!”

“Indeed, Mistress. 'Twas Dorsal what was singing your praises so we got together at the Forest Roadhouse when I were driving the down shuttle and you was going to your home on the up one with him, and that young lad, Farr. Since then I have had five or so of your lessons when I been in Blackstone. I have also been singing the praises of that education, and there is now much demand among other drivers to be allowed to go up there to learn.”

“And may I ask what prompted your question now?”

My whole instincts were telling me this man wanted something more, that he needed us in some way; and that he believed he had something to offer. I'm sure that Epp picked up on that, for our eye-speak told us that we each had the same thought, but Shemel seemed not to have noticed the undercurrent.

Quizzen swallowed before answering my question.

And again.

“My lad, my son – well he is our only child that survived childhood – he is apprenticed to the wheelwright in Tranidor what works for Master Tanon, does all the wagon maintenance. Master Rader is the wheelwright's name, and my lad, he's named Pyor. His apprenticeship is over just last month, he is now a Journeyman.”

He broke off as he weighed his next words. None of us pressed him. We could tell there was much emotion involved.

“Well, thing is, since the lad's been mostly gone, my missus, Rasta, she's been lonely, and I'm away a lot and she's a lot unhappy. We both agree that I should continue to get my lessons 'cos that way I can better myself eventually, but that means going up to Blackstone or Brayview, I have recently heard. But Rasta, she's from a village close to Her Highness' southern border what we passed a while ago. Her family's nearer Brayview than it is to Tranidor ….”

He paused, and somehow we all knew he was nearing his big point, nearing the thing he was building up to.

“I can get easily to Brayview from Tranidor, and I was thinking that maybe with your new depot to be in Brayview, perchance my lad could be your wheelwright? We can get references and the like. And then we could all move to Brayview and the missus'll be happier, I shall have easier access to those lessons and the lad will have a job. Perchance you could consider my Pyor?”

We were silent once more, sufficiently long for our driver to get worried.

But in that time, eye-speak was extremely busy; Epp swiftly and not gently nudged Shemel, nodding as she did so, mouthing the word 'Consider'. I let Shemel give the man an answer.

“Quizzen, I can say that we shall definitely consider your son, that is a promise. But we still need to make arrangements just to see if we can set up anything at all at Brayview. It is not certain that we shall have a depot there, but if we do then you are correct. We shall need a workshop and will have to appoint someone to run it. Your boy shall be one of the first we shall interview for the job.”

“Thank you, sir. You shall not regret that decision, you and Mistress Julina. I understand you can do no more than promise to consider, but you have given me hope.”

“And what of yourself, Quizzen. What's your story? I remember you as being quite advanced in the lessons and your enthusiasm for the Garian numbers. Where did you gain your prior knowledge?”

A shadow passed his face, which he had turned to look at me at that heartbeat, and his shoulders dropped slightly before he turned round once more to look at the road ahead.

“Ah, Mistress! I weren't always a driver; I too was signed up to a wheelwright, but at the end of my first year of apprenticing, my old father upped and died and I had to go and work to keep my mother and sisters alive. They were strained years, I can tell you. Then my sisters got married and were no longer a burden to me and my mother. My feeble pay as a driver stretched farther and yet my mother was sad without her man and her girls; I did what I could but was also away often with my driving so she got sadder and sadder, so sad she soon had her pyre and I was left alone. I would not have my wife descend so far, and will do what I can to help her from her depression.”

We all looked at each other, those of us in the belly of the wagon. We all felt somehow embarrassed.

It was young Mohini who broke the awkwardness by changing the subject slightly.

“Where do you reside at the moment, Goodman Quizzen?”

“Along the Inner Ramparts, young Master. Just three doors up from Jafferkin's place, on the same side as the old 'Gallin House'.”

My surprise made me ejaculate: “I know that street! That's where Mistress Nayet has her seamstressing business. I have been there. In fact, we all have I deem, maybe not you Termerik, but certainly all the rest of us. I knew not that the street name was 'Inner Ramparts' though.”

Quizzen was glad to change the subject so he jumped in once more: “Officially, I believe, it is named the 'Lane of the Inner Ramparts', but we around there always say just the two words.”

“I was unaware that Jafferkin had his home there! He never said anything to us. How annoying it must have been to leave there, fetch his wagon, come down to South Point just to return to Mistress Nayet's! That man was just so tight-lipped, wasn't he?” I made them all laugh.

“I recall now,” continued Quizzen with a small tone of wonder in his voice. “It was YOU, Mistress Julina, who made that speech to the town at the official ceremony to open the Wenders service. And it was YOU that invented them!”

I laughed. “Guilty as charged!”

“And you praised Mistress Nayet in that speech.”

“That I did.”

“Well since then, she has had almost too much work. She needs to find a larger set of premises to cope with it all. It shall be sad if she was to leave our little village inside a town, for that is how we see ourselves. And yet I myself am considering doing just that.” He shook his head at that.

… … …

“Well met, Mistresses Julina and Megrozen, Masters Shemel, Termerik, and er... Monani?”

Mohini flushed slightly, but politely corrected him: “Mohini, Master Rohid. And allow me to introduce Mistress Pomma, also of Blackstone, the wife of Master Waldan, who is the Saddler there. Mistress Pomma this is Master Rohid, the Tranidor factor for Master Tanon's company.”

The introductions were made as custom dictated and then Master Rohid surprised us.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Master Shemel and Mistress Megrozen. May your life together be long and happy!”

The two newly-weds were still sufficiently freshly together that they blushed slightly but beamed their delight.

Rohid continued: “I have taken the liberty of providing this light frayen cart to convey your baggages down to the South Point house. I knew not what arrangements you might have made for your own onward transport, but thought that perhaps this might be welcome. Should you have made your own arrangements, then I can still use it for other tasks, but you have priority of use. I was also informed that Mistress Julina was mounted and with, naturally, a companion, so I have arrived today with my own beast, that they might accompany me on a slight detour before arriving at South Point.”

“Master Rohid, that is most thoughtful, most thoughtful indeed. We thank you kindly,” stated Shemel somewhat formally.

“Master Shemel, it is the very least we can do for the two who have provided us with much income, and the Town here with a groundbreaking transport system. Whenever Master Termerik or Mistress Julina arrive, a simple semaphore shall be sufficient to ensure such a conveyance shall be here awaiting them, if they deem it necessary.”

I needed to break in just then, so I did by saying: “I thank you too, Master Rohid. I deem the Wenders are a successful enterprise then? We saw a line of people waiting over there across the bridge. And are those also three more lines awaiting over there, there and there?”

“Indeed, Mistress. We have even expanded outside Tranidor. The Count has relaxed his high fees for crossing the bridges, and now we have many, many more visitors from surrounding villages than before. They required some easier means of transport from their villages to the outer ends of our Wender system, so we have initiated a combination of the Wenders and the Shuttle systems, to deliver folk to the Semaphore Stations across the rivers from here. We are even starting a transport up from Holville in the mornings and back again in the evenings. This, we have decided, shall also come under the Wenders system. If it proves as successful as we expect, then we shall initiate another in the opposite direction, Holville down to Haligo.

“And, if it grows there as many believe, perchance we shall also make Brayview another destination.”

We were interrupted, quite rudely as it happened, by a very self-important man who was demanding of the carter if he was available for a short-term hire, claiming that he and his wife needed to get back to South Tranidor and there were “too many people awaiting the Wender!”

Quizzen was quite polite when he told the stranger that the cart was not for hire. Certainly far more polite than the man himself had been.

It happened then.

I know that because I felt a sort of tingling.

But it was my face that told the story to Epp, who was the one amongst us all who knew me best.

She laughed as she said: “There's another idea coming!”

I waved my hands to show it was not yet formed, but also to agree with Epp that there was indeed another thought.

Mohini decided at that moment that he would slide away to see some friends, knowing now that his baggages would be dealt with, so took his farewells, promising to be back home for an evening meal in a bell and a half's time.

The carter, who was waiting patiently for a decision to be made, was chatting quietly to Quizzen; they were obviously talking about us, judging by the frequent use of Quizzen's thumb to direct attention our way. The carter's face showed him to be quite impressed by Quizzen's words. The two of them began to unload the packages to be stored in the Shuttle Shed.

It's funny how that happens with me. My thoughts were churning and yet part of my brain was also observing in acute detail other things going on around me.

“Master Rohid, I deem that Master Shemel and I need to talk with you anyway, not just about this my latest idea. Perchance we should meet in the morning, if that is convenient, unless you can manage a meeting somewhere this e'en, after we have all eaten? I have only a limited time this visit to Tranidor, and must needs cram as much business as I may into the shortest time possible, and you and I have much to discuss I am most certain.”

“Indeed Mistress. I anticipated such and my dear wife has given me permission to be absent for most of the rest of this day, so we could indeed discuss much this very e'en. I could report to the South Point mansion after you are all fed, and I shall ...”

“Then you must eat with us,” interjected Epp.

“Oh but Mistress Megrozen, surely you ...”

“Nonsense! It is settled. We shall expect you for dinner then. It shall merely be whatever my company can supply, but we shall be in the comfort of our home down there. Now Shemel and I must get down there as soon as we may, that all can be ordered and prepared. Termerik, come you with us or shall you go to be with your friends, or even with Mistresses Julina and Pomma to wherever Master Rohid wishes to take them?”

“I shall accompany the baggages, Mama. I deem we can get them all, and myself on that cart. You and … Father … I'm sorry, it still feels strange to say that … can walk down or take a wender, if you want to wait.”

“Hold!” said Rohid. “Quizzen, I deem you have unloaded all the stuffs that came down on your shuttle and that need be left here in the Shed for collection? May I require of you a bell of extra work?”

“Indeed Master Rohid, overtime coin is always welcome.”

“Then you take all the baggages and Master Shemel and his wife down to South Point, and probably Master Termerik too, then Plostrum can accompany me, for I deem I will have use of him and his cart where we are going. We can tell your wife when we pass your door, for we are off to Goodman Jafferkin's to show Mistress Julina his goods that he has left.”

“Hold yet once more!” I almost shouted, as another idea hit me. “Epp, if you could spare Shemel, then we could start our discussions with Master Rohid as we go along, and save some more time. Term, perchance you could accompany your mother with Quizzen and Jogantha of course?”

And so it was arranged, and we went our separate ways, Plostrum following Master Rohid's instructions, as the four of us acted as passengers, dangling our feet off the cart's edge and followed by the three frayen on leading traces.

Pomma kept silent as we, Shemel and I, explained to Rohid what we had decided and the ways in which we intended to put Jaffy's wagons to use.

Rohid interrupted us at one point, surprising us yet again by saying: “I anticipated that you might like to use or sell the wagons, so I had them taken to our wheelwright's to be ...”

“Master Rader's?”

“Why yes, you know a lot about our … Ah! You spoke with Quizzen!”

“Indeed!”

“Anyway, the wagons, as we expected are very well maintained, and are all fully usable. Master Rader told me that Quizzen's son, Pyor, who is now a Journeyman, has examined them closely. He swears that Pyor's word is safe and can be relied upon as if it was his own.”

“Master Rohid, this was indeed one of the tasks I was going to have to arrange upon my visit here. I deem you have saved me much trouble. We were going to ask you for a recommendation for someone to inspect the vehicles, and Master Shemel here was going to chase things up if it couldn't be done before I had to leave. We want them painted too, in Blackstone colours, but with a differentiating stripe down the sides and across the tailgates. Can you recomm ...”

“Plostrum! Turn right here, and go first to Master Rader's. I deem we might just catch him before he leaves.”

I noted an extra smug look appear on Rohid's face as we abruptly changed direction. He had a further surprise for us there, I realised.

When Shemel and I asked how much we should pay for the work done on what were now my wagons, Rohid waved the matter away: “Nothing, nothing at all. Young Pyor required a project, I required to gather together Jafferkin's belongings, and Mistress Julina's idea has brought in much coin. We shall cover those costs!”

Our protests fell on his deaf ears.

Shemel and I agreed then with Rohid to discuss our close association with Master Tanon's organisation later at dinner, in particular the financial aspects of it, so we (well I really!) changed the discussions to Quizzen first of all. This was to be my way of getting Rohid's opinions of Pyor.

“Ah! Quizzen. He is far more capable than being just a driver, we all know it, don't we Plostrum?”

“Aye, Master, that we do!”

“He was apprenticed to Rader's predecessor and showed great promise. He is intelligent, and that intelligence has been passed onto his son. But back then, young Quizzen had to find coin desperately when his Papa died unexpectedly, and he became a driver. I employ him sometimes in the office for he has a talent for organising and planning which is unusual in many of our drivers. He is not that far off retiring now, a hand or so more years, maybe two hands but I deem that would be stretching it a bit too far, so I try to give him office tasks that perchance he might find a higher-paid position for his last few years, to really build up something for his family when he does give up the reins, and settles down to a well-earned rest.”

“If'n I might be allowed, Master?”

“Carry on, Plostrum.”

“Master and Mistresses, it is for reasons like that what we all who work for Master Rohid are so pleased to work there and fer him. And Master Tanon too, of course.

“And Quizzen, he does things for the new lads what join. He gives them tips and tricks like, and takes them with him a few times to gain experience, like. We was all grateful fer what he done. We is all looking out for something what would be good fer him, like.

“If he were to go to another company, then we would all be sad fer us but glad fer him. And his boy, that Pyor, he's a real good wheel man. Shame he must go off elsewhere to do 'is final qualifications like. The Guilds expect Journeymen to change companies so no-one can claim that their Mastership is 'cos of playing favourites in just one place.”

It was a day for thoughts hitting me.

I looked at Shemel and mouthed the words “Brayview depot manager” at him. He looked startled, thought for a moment, then nodded as the idea grew on him.

Just then, we arrived at Master Rader's busy sheds.

The narrow entrance to what was indeed a complex of sheds and offices and storage huts was off a lane that ran parallel to Main Street. I guesstimated we were maybe one third of the way from Junction Square down towards the Market Place.

Deep gouges in the ground showed that traffic in and out was heavy, not just in volume of wagons, but in size of loads too. The narrow entrance was scratched and gouged at all the heights that are common to drays, carts and wagons. Piles of animal waste had been scraped into the wider courtyard just inside the entrance itself, to maintain a simple and clean look for the approach.

I dare say that, of an evening, when the gates were shut, there would be nothing to suggest from the street that such a widespread and extensive place of work existed behind the outer walls and fences.

A man came over to us, trailing a trio of others.

“Rohid! Always a pleasure, even if there is always extra work when you turn up!” He was looking all of us over even as he was greeting Rohid in a slightly long-suffering tone, it seemed.

“Master Rader, may I present Master Shemel and Mistresses Julina and Pomma.”

Rader's eyes widened as he heard my name and they focussed on me, staying there even as he acknowledged the other two.

“Pleased to meet you Mistress Julina. So young! And yet clever enough to double my work load, maybe even treble it, huh?”

I looked at Rohid in confusion. He was chortling away to himself.

“Mistress Julina, he always moans about the work, but he means it not. He loves it, I assure you. Since your Wenders invention, we have had to near double the number of vehicles we have up here. And they all pass through here sooner or later.”

“Pish, Rohid! Fingers worked to the bone, to the bone I tell you. Lucky I have these chaps to give me a bit of a rest on all too infrequent occasions. But Mistress Julina, you will need the lad in the middle there.”

He raised his voice to call one of them over: “Pyor, come and meet your client.”

The young man in the middle, who did indeed resemble his father, left the other two and approached us to join in our conversations.

Master Rader made the introductions: “Mistress Julina, Journeyman Pyor. You may want to take her and Mistress … Pomma, was it? … to see Mistress Julina's belongings.”

With a movement that was as abrupt as his commands had been, he turned to Rohid and Shemel once more. “And Master Shemel, I know that name, what brings you here then? I have had your wagon sometime or other but never you. Rohid?”

Journeyman Pyor led us away with a grin on his face.

He was taken aback a little when the younger of the two women with him started the conversation: “So Journeyman, I understand you require a different job to complete your attestation, now that you have successfully completed your apprenticeship?”

“Indeed Mistresses, I shall be sad to leave here, but Master Rohid has promised me a guaranteed interview when I gain my Masters.”

“Oh I remember when Waldan was at that stage,” Pomma said as she smiled in a gentle, and yet extremely satisfied, way. “It was then he proposed to me. We were both so poor then, but life has been good since, although we were never blessed with an heir.”

“Your man is a Master, Mistress?”

“Aye, Journeyman, that he is. Saddler. In Blackstone.”

“Blackstone! We hear a lot about Blackstone these days. And there has been a noticeable increase in traffic and people since that place has exploded.”

“Well,” I informed him, “you shall be hearing more I can tell you. We need to find a painter to paint these wagons in the Blackstone colours. Sage green above, olive green below. The sides and tailgate shall have a stripe of colour separating the two greens. The big wagon, one of deep red, much like the red in the Duke Gilbanar's colours, same for one of the two smaller ones. The last shall have one of yellow, for that shall be based at Brayview.

“The company that shall operate these wagons shall be the 'Blackstone Wagons' company, and shall start with Jafferkin's four wagons, and also others that shall be supplied by Master Shemel and his contacts. Blackstone Wagons shall be associated with Master Tanon's company very closely, but already have a contract with the Assembly of Blackstone Lands to give priority to Assembly business, whatever that might be.”

“Do you tell me, Mistress Julina and Mistress Pomma? There shall be a wagon base at a roadhouse?”

“Oh! Please! Just call me Julina. All this title business is just so laborious.”

“And I am Pomma.”

“I thank you both for the honour. I am, as you have seen and heard, Pyor.”

As was traditional, we all shook hands at that point, to seal the bargain. We stopped to do so, not having reached our destination yet.

I took up the conversation again, as we walked onwards: “Pyor, Brayview is expanding. It is being developed as a small town, as the administrative centre for all of Her Highness' holdings outside of the Bray Valley itself. Well that's not QUITE accurate, actually. Outside of the Bray Valley AND on the Chaarn road. No, again that's wrong. A heartbeat , please, whilst I think of it. Ah! That's it. All around the Chaarn Road, even when it is in the Bray Valley. That's better.”

“Maker! I had not heard of that! It makes sense though. However, for now, welcome to my little work space.”

We were approaching a shed that was in one of the far corners of Rader's complex.

We studied the outside briefly. The shed had a nameplate hanging on the lintel above the double doors. A simple message to all who approached.

Pyor.

He gestured with a hand and ushered us towards a small door set inside a larger one. Called a wicket door, I remembered from somewhere and somewhen. It, no THEY, were different from other doors we had seen. These were a particular shade of green that I was certain I had not seen before. Not garish, but nevertheless noticeable.

Ducking our heads even as we clambered over the very high sill, we entered a surprisingly roomy workspace, with good light coming through opened shutters along the sides.

Inside, both Pomma and I were impressed at the tidiness and general orderliness in what was obviously a busy working space. Tools were clean and stored tidily. There were a hand of vehicles in there, one in pieces and another up on blocks and being worked upon by two, no three, young lads.

Pyor took us over to where an obvious cluster of three wagons were standing – gleaming so much that I gasped, as did Pomma.

'Twas Pyor who broke the surprised silence: “These, Mi … er .. Julina, these are yours.”

“Pyor! You have made them beautiful! Truly!”

“Thank you, Julina. I have done my best; and indeed the Guild Inspector, for so he is still called, has inspected them to award points towards my Mastery. He too was most praising, from a more technical viewpoint, of course. The apprentices I have been leading helped of course, all three of them, the ones you can see over there, but the project was mine from the outset.”

He lifted his voice and he dismissed the young apprentices that were working on the wagon on blocks. They scuttled out, shutting the wicket door behind them. All except one who came across to join us.

“Now, I need to ask you something formally,” he declared, looking intently at me.

At first, I was a little taken aback.

Pyor was staring directly at me, with a meaningful and quite hard glint in his eyes. Almost menacing in a way, but without menacing body postures.

Suddenly, I suspected I knew what this was about, so I looked back equally as determinedly.

“In front of these two witnesses, do you, Mistress Julina, formally swear and declare that you are indeed Mistress Julina, of Blackstone, and that you are the legal heir of Goodman Jafferkin?”

“I do so swear, Journeyman Pyor.”

“Heard and witnessed,” said the one remaining lad, a fraction before Pomma did likewise.

“Very well!” He turned to the lad and dismissed him as well. He waited for the boy to leave and shut the door.

“Julina, thank you for your clear statements. I have a secret to share with you and I trust that you are happy for Pomma to share this secret as well? Those lads know only that I have a secret, not what it is.”

“Indeed, Pyor. I have no problems with Mistress Pomma being present.” I laughed a little as I added: “I would possibly have more problems if she were NOT here. Please feel free to say what you have to with my total agreement.”

“Very well. If you will, may I show you something first?”

I nodded, as did Pomma.

He led us over to one of the smaller wagons and asked me, us, to look at the chair, paying attention to the woodwork at the front.

After a full hand of moments, we both admitted defeat. We could see nothing out of the ordinary.

“Goodman Jafferkin was a driver of the old school, so I suspected what I was about to find. It took me half a bell for the first one, but after that I sort of knew what to look for, and the others were much quicker as a result. Now imagine you are a man, with a man's hands, and you are sitting in the driving position.”

He hopped up as he said this, matching his actions to his words.

“See here, he was right-handed, and just where his right hand would rest on the frame of the chair, where the little finger of his right hand would naturally come into contact with it, there is a slight indentation in the wood, with a little bump at the bottom. Look closely where my little finger of my right hand is now resting.”

That same finger tapped lightly to mark the place as I came closer.

Then I saw it! A small spot, slightly darker than the rest of the wood around. In, as he said, a small depression. I beckoned Pomma over to come and see it too.

He applauded me when I immediately started inspecting the rest of the wooden surround. I stiffened as I got to just by his leg.

That was surely another?

I looked up at him and he nodded his agreement. This one was, I estimated, about where the middle finger of his left hand would rest.

“Press the first one, Julina. Directly into the wood, quite firmly.”

“You do it, Pomma. You are there!”

She did so, and we both squealed a little as a cunningly disguised little flap clicked open on the top of the wooden surround.

Pyor raised the cushioning and pulled open the flap fully, revealing a small cavity. I looked at Pyor in amazement. He pressed the other tiny button, the one by his leg, and again a similar sized flap popped up with a slight click. He then closed the lids again by pressing them down. He did so with a surprising gentleness for a man used to working hard with his hands.

“Now let me fetch what I found in there, in those cavities.”

He hopped down once more, and headed over to a workbench, where he opened a small cupboard at the left hand end. He unlocked it, and then unlocked yet another locked door inside it. His hand went in and then withdrew something which at first I could not clearly see.

He came back and handed over a drawstring pouch, which was quite heavy. It clinked into my hand, and I knew immediately that it was filled with coin.

“Julina, I have searched and searched, whenever I have been alone, and am prepared to state categorically that I have discovered all such cavities. In each of those two that I have opened for you, I found mixed coin to the value of five Sollies. Yes, there was a half a crown in each. They are yours, of course.”

I swallowed before I could reply. My surprise made me not thank him immediately, I just said: “Surely there is more than a Crown in this purse?”

He smiled and gently said: “The same in each chair, Julina. And probably in his fourth wagon which must be up in Blackstone, I surmise?”

“Maker! I congratulate you, Pyor. I would never have guessed. But this purse still seems heavy. Heavier than I would have expected from three Crowns. But I must thank you formally, for outstanding work.”

“I confess I am amazed at your astuteness and your knowledge of the weight of coins.”

He paused in a strange little way that made me focus more intently upon him: “Erm ... Julina. There is something I haven't told you yet.”

I stopped fidgeting with the purse in my hands and looked at him closely.

“There were no less than four other cavities in the chair that I discovered. And each of those contained a full Crown made up in various ways!”

My mouth dropped.

“FIVE Crowns? Two halves and four fulls? You found five crowns? No, seven Crowns, with the two found in the others?”

“No, Julina.” He was openly laughing now. “I found fifteen Crowns, each chair was exactly the same. Two halves, and four fulls in EACH chair. Six cavities in each chair. Two on the front side, which you have seen, two on the back side, which you haven't, and one on each side. It was the way they thought back then. If one is discovered and robbed, the robber is unlikely to go and search for more, so they spread their wealth around. Maybe two might be discovered. But unlikely all six would be.”

I looked at Pomma in shock, and she looked back at me, equally amazed.

Again my brain was racing, and I was doing some adding up in my head. Yes, it was much easier to do so now we had those Garian numbers.

I came to a decision.

Then it was my turn to shock Pyor.

This should be fun!

I grinned as I began: “Your honesty does you great credit, Pyor. And therefore I am going to insist upon something, which is NOT NEGOTIABLE. You shall take one Crown for yourself.”

“No, no! Julina, I couldn't. It is part of my work. It is what I am supposed to do, what I am trained to do.”

“You shall take it, Pyor. It is mine as you already said. If you don't take it, I shall just drop it on the floor.”

“Pyor,” said Pomma, “I assure you she shall do exactly as she says. You had better keep your workplace tidy.”

He looked at her, he looked at me. He saw my set jaw, he read my eyes and then he almost snatched the pouch back. He opened it and was fumbling in the coins, counting out a crown's worth.

I smiled as he did so. I knew what was coming up.

He went to hand the pouch back, but I folded my arms and refused to take it from him.

He looked at me queryingly.

“For EACH wagon, Pyor!”

Even Pomma opened her eyes at that. Pyor was definitely startled, which made my delight that much greater.

He started to protest but soon stopped when both Pomma and I shook our heads in unison, keeping silent.

When he had finished his task, he handed the purse back.

Again I didn't take it.

Again he looked at me, a question in his eyes.

“Take out a further crown and a half. Half a crown each for your three lads.”

“Julina!” he said, shocked. “You will be poorer than you need be. Surely you need the coin?”

“Not so much, Pyor. I receive a tidy sum each month from Master Tanon's company, my payments that they pay me for inventing the Wender system.”

“Maker! YOU?”

---

A very packed and significant evening

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker! You are GOOD, young Pyor! Very good indeed.”

The delight written all over Shemel’s face gave me a huge clue as to what my own visage must have looked like when I too saw those wagons for the very first time, wagons that were now mine somehow. Something that I was still struggling to believe.

Shemel and Rohid had entered the apprentice's, now journeyman's, wheelwright's workshop only just after our financial transactions had been concluded. It was actually quite funny because Pyor had gone across to the door to open it, thus indicating to the apprentices that they could come back again; just as he got there, the door itself had swung open, banging into his outstretched hand. Pomma and I giggled.

The two men had come in the low wicket door and had crossed to us as they exchanged a significant glance with each other. When Rohid showed Shemel my wagons, it was then that Shemel made his admiring comment.

The three apprentices came back in very shortly after the Masters and Pyor called over the one who had remained to be a witness to my formal statement as to my identity: “Flemak! Would you join us please? You other two, finish off changing that wheel, then you may go to your homes!”

Flemak came over, a question written large upon his face.

But we could all also tell that the two Masters recently arrived had something else in their minds too, something they had discussed as they came over here.

It was Rohid who brought it out into the open: “I have known Goodman Jafferkin almost all his life, and he required me to know a lot about him; should anything happen while he was away, then I was to help his inheritor or inheritors. At his first opportunity in this new year, he told me that he would balance his bequests between Mistresses Megrozen and Julina; so I was not unsurprised to receive your semaphore message, other than being surprised that the poor man was gone to his pyre, of course.

“As a result, I can tell you a little something about his wagons that perchance shall be news to you all. In the chairs of each of his wagons, there are four secret compartments with coin ...”

He was interrupted by Pomma's and my giggles, and a short laugh from Pyor. When Master Rohid looked at us with questions in his eyes, we women indicated to Pyor that he should answer. He tried not to, but we insisted without actually saying anything.

“With respect, Master Rohid, I have actually discovered SIX such cavities in each chair!”

Of course, Master Rohid was taken considerably aback, and Shemel was forced to laugh at him: “Well, Rohid, Pyor is even better than you have been telling me all this time, say you not?”

With a wry smile, Rohid confessed that perchance he had been overshone, just this once of course, and his big secret was not quite as he had deemed.

But his eyes told me something extra. I had the great impression that he still had a secret or two he had yet to reveal.

And that he had a further question of Pyor.

Flemak's mouth had dropped open at the declaration and I would have deemed it impossible had I not observed with my own eyes that his chin could drop any more. However, it did so, when Pyor explained what he had found in there. He understood now why the three of them had been banished from the shed sometimes.

He was almost pathetically grateful when Pyor related the full secret of the cavities and what my reaction had been. Pyor then told Flemak what I had decided about the share of the coin for the younger men. Flemak was about to gush his thanks to me, when Pyor held up a hand to silence him.

Pyor then continued: “Mistress Julina here, Flemak, is also known to you for another reason, a reason of which you may as yet be unaware. Do you recognise her name, at all?”

All of us looked on in interest at this twist in the conversation. Even I was taken aback.

“Errrm, I declare the name sounds familiar, for some reason.” He looked at me apologetically. “But I am unable to place it within any immediately known context, I regret. Perchance because it is rare to see a woman here in our work space.”

“Flemak, 'twas she who invented the Wenders system!”

The lad looked at me, again then looked round at everyone else as if seeking confirmation. He was a little confused when he saw that all were nodding their agreement.

His eyes came once more to my own. He was obviously shocked, but this was an emotional shock, we somehow knew. Not a shock that a 'mere' woman had done something. This was on a far deeper level than that.

“But … but … but … that means you ...”

It became my turn to be shocked. I was shocked to see tears spring to his eyes. Pomma and I glanced at each other, both wondering what this was all about.

Again Pyor took over the conversation: “Indeed! 'Twas she who made the speech at the official ceremony.”

I think we were all of us shocked in yet another way when Flemak dropped to his knees, grabbed my right hand and kissed it passionately, over and over again.

… … …

“... so that is what we feel would be the best use of my unexpected inheritance.”

“I deem that 'twould indeed be an excellent way indeed to make use of, and coin from, poor Jafferkin's wagons. Master Shemel here has considerable experience in our world of transport, and your own contributions, both with equipment and with ideas, when coupled with your enthusiasm, will ensure a successful venture.”

I was of course blushing at Rohid's effulgent praise but even Flemak stopped his quiet chatting with Plostrum and they both turned round and agreed.

As did Shemel and Pomma.

Fortunately the subject was changed from necessity.

Plostrum pulled on the reins and we stopped outside a house. A house almost indistinguishable from its neighbours.

On this street, one building comprised two houses actually. And a narrow alley created a not so wide gap between neighbouring buildings, an alleyway that Flemak explained the neighbours shared to reach the stables and wagon/cart sheds at the back. Furthermore, those stables and wagon parks and whatever formed the barrier between the houses in this street with the row of houses in the street that paralleled this one.

I looked around at the general area rather than at the specific house. It was then I recognised the street after a fashion, for I could see what was surely Nayet's place just down there, which meant that the larger house further down on this side of the street must be the old Gallin House. We must be on the Lane of the Inner Ramparts.

Flemak excused himself and departed from the rest of us, almost running down to his mother's house.

For that is what had surprised me a little earlier, when Flemak was on his knees to me.

I found out that Nayet was his mother.

And he had been grateful for the turnaround in his mother's fortunes as a result of my advertising her undoubted talents. In fact, she now had so much work, she had taken on two young girls to train, which in turn meant that she was looking for a larger space to work in, rather than the suite of rooms she had been renting up to now. I learnt further that she had had to sell their own house shortly after her man died, leaving overwhelming debts. That sale had cleared most of them but left the little family with no reserves; Flemak's early life had not been easy but Nayet had just managed to scramble through. When Berdon had recommended her to me, her life changed round, although none of us knew that at the time.

My attention was abruptly changed as Rohid ushered me into this house, he and Shemel following Pomma and I, while Plostrum waited patiently outside once more. This time though, we all knew it would not be a long wait, for the visit to Pyor's had taken far longer than it should have – well, it had been unplanned after all! And a dinner had been arranged for us in the very close future at a house not in the immediate neighbourhood.

The interior of the house into which we had been ushered showed immediately its character. Little sign of a woman's touches, a very manly way of stacking all the contents, mostly using the floor as a storage area, much dust around and several things obviously undisturbed for a long while.

Something was niggling at me though. A part of my mind was working on that even as I gazed around, moving about Jafferkin's room carefully lest I get dust on my clothing.

“This is all mine now?” I turned to get the confirmation from Rohid.

“Indeed, Mistress Julina.”

I turned to Shemel to include him as well.

“Can either of you recommend a storage facility where we can move all these stuffs?” Even as I was speaking, another consideration leapt into my mind. “And by when does the landlord have to have the room returned?” My earlier thought suddenly set itself. “And where did Jaffy sleep? There is no bed in here!”

Rohid and Shemel exchanged a glance even as they looked a little shocked.

Then Rohid grinned and said: “You had best ask the landlord yourself! I'm sure she shall answer you promptly.”

“She? A woman owns this? I am surprised.”

“Mistress Julina, this entire house, this half of the combined building, belongs to YOU now. Jafferkin owned the whole thing, he took it over from his father – this and the two upper floors, the attics, the cellars, the kitchens, bathrooms and stables and wagon park out the back. And everything that is in it. It is all yours now.”

I suddenly had a need to sit down.

… … ...

“Please sit there, Master Rohid,” said Epp as we all filed into the dining room, “Julina there I think this time, Pomma would you be comfortable there? You boys together at the end there and then we can alternate this end. I deem Shemel you and Julina should be together this evening since there shall be discussions about your new business venture with Master Rohid. The three of you there will allow Pomma and I to chat with the boys if you get too technical. Termerik should also be close lest there be some Wender business to discuss. So I think my arrangement covers all.”

Indeed it did, we all found the seating to be sensibly arranged and so our evening meal started.

It was not at all too long before we dispensed with the formalities of titles.

This certainly turned out to be the most eventful evening meal of my so-far short life.

After discussions in general about our journey down, during which Epp made sure to include Jogantha whenever possible, and which gave me pause to think about that since it appeared to me that Epp was doing it deliberately, we brought Rohid up to our level of understanding about the Steward's actions, and the intentions and developments in Blackstone lands.

Which brought us on to the subject of 'Blackstone Wagons'.

“... so you see, the Blackstone Smith and Assembly member, Master Brydas, had the basic idea, I just refined that and included Shemel, and, in that way, his family also, as he was already working with you. So I wanted to include my unexpected wagons with his that we might then be able to offer Master Tanon a better service. Yes, if you like I have provided more wagons to the enterprise, but they would be useless without Shemel's expertise, so we shall share any costs and any profits half and half.”

“That is a most sensible arrangement, I deem,” said Rohid, encouraging me to go on, but at the same time giving me a chance to have a forkful of food. “And how came about the idea of a depot at Brayview? You both mentioned that earlier. That seems to me a large leap of the imagination.”

Shemel had himself just taken a bite of his food, so I once again answered as soon as I had swallowed my mouthful: “When we were there last evening, there came a declaration that a wagon would be necessary to help transport a sick man to nearer the healers. And it sort of sprang into mind. Her Highness' Steward was with us and 'twas he, as I recall, who first put it into words. He suggested we opened an office and depot there. Brayview is indeed being developed as a second town within Her Highness' lands. It shall also be increasing, perchance not as much as Blackstone itself, but nevertheless still swiftly.

“The Steward it was who had given us our first commission, after we came to the initial agreement, to provide priority to the Blackstone-based wagons to be used for Assembly business. Her Highness' lands now cover much more than her original allocation, so we could all see that the Steward and/or the Assembly shall require some mode of transport to be readily to hand. Yes, most of the officers concerned can ride frayen, but we could all see that often something with a larger load-carrying capability would be required.

“On top of that, we have a slight problem up in Blackstone with the supply of sufficient flour for our ever-increasing population and I deem that the Steward has taken an interest in the mill, or, rather, the mills at Tamitil. We,” I continued as I indicated Shemel and myself, “deem that there will soon be a regular and frequent stream of deliveries up to Blackstone, with the flours from Tamitil leading the way.

“There is already a steady stream of supply wagons, but with mining supplies mostly, as you must be aware. And the Chaarn road traffic has increased, as it always does at this time of year, so we deem that some of that traffic might be served by shipping goods up to Blackstone rather than letting all of it pass downvalley. That part of Her Highness' lands is less remote with connections up to the dead-end of Blackstone as well as all along the Chaarn Road and downvalley to the capital. Wagons based solely up in Blackstone will have a much more limited set of opportunities for use. So Brayview becomes more important. And Bezlet shall do so also, soon.”

Master Rohid looked slightly startled at our vehemence. And at some of the information we had imparted.

“Bezlet?”

“'Tis a small village at the moment, but I happen to know that there are plans for a barge port to be constructed near there and we both feel that there shall be an increase in usage there. Much construction is currently being done there, and destruction actually.” I grinned at that, proud of my choice of words. “They are trying to take off sufficient rock from the face of a promontory that a road may pass through there. And only just now, we witnessed the Steward issue orders to explore the difficulties of bringing a road to the other side of that very promontory.”

We gave him a little time to digest both that information and some more of his food, before Shemel restarted the conversation: “We would appreciate your advice as we would need to find someone competent to run the Brayview end of things.” He grinned engagingly. “Or the Brayview centre of things, rather! I shall be mostly here in Tranidor as my other business interests mean that I must be in close proximity. Julina here shall be mostly busy up in Blackstone.

“Now, there have been two things that we have seen since our arrival, that suggest we may have found the ones we want already. But we would be, in effect, 'stealing' them from YOU, so we would naturally require your permission first before we say anything to the men themselves.”

Rohid raised his eyebrows at that, but said nothing as yet.

I then started once more: “We are fairly certain we shall require both an office and a depot, and also a repair and maintenance facility. We have learnt this evening that Pyor requires a practical experience away from Master Rader's. And his father you have told us has office and organisational skills, and also wants to move nearer to Brayview. This way we could help that family and ourselves at the same time!”

Rohid looked thunderstruck as our idea, or, to put it more accurately, our set of ideas was presented to him. We continued to eat in silence whilst he searched for words.

It took him at least two moments before he said: “Where on Anmar do you get these ideas? How do you come up with them, when others, myself included, have all the information and yet do not 'see' such simple solutions?”

He paused to take his final forkful from his plate.

“I deem this suggestion to be excellent and a boon for all involved, myself included. I had been searching for something that would help Quizzen and his family. This would indeed be a solution, an elegant solution, to all the factors. What sort of time scale do you both see?”

“At the moment, there are no facilities there at all, and so we would have to give instructions for them to be built. We would like to involve the persons who shall be working there in their design. With your permission, we would broach the subject with Quizzen and Pyor on the morrow?”

“So shall it be! Shall we say at the 3rd Bell? At Pyor's workshop?”

A quick glance between us, a mutual nod, and Shemel said: “Agreed! We shall make some drawings to be used as discussion start points. Brayview is where the road to Chaarn and Blackstone climbs across the side of the Bray Valley up towards the shoulder. The roadhouse is on the east side, the hillside if you like. The valley slope, as opposed to the road slope which is of course at a different angle, the valley slope there is quite steep as it happens, so most of the development around Brayview shall be to the west of the road, downslope from it towards the river. But a wheelwright's workshop and a depot should be as near the road and/or the roadhouse as possible. It needs to be 'handy' for the passing traffic. Perchance the wheelwright's could be in the roadhouse area and the depot elsewhere, but not too else!” Again he grinned that engaging grin of his. We all laughed at his little word-joke.

“Now,” said Rohid as Jogantha and Karmanya cleared away our dishes and prepared to serve the desserts, “let me tell you the Wenders, and how the developments have come about.”

“Good,” I replied, “I have an idea for a development myself that I wished to discuss this evening.”

“Do you tell me? I shall look forward to that. Allow me to explain what we have done so far. And the ever-increasing demand it appears we have.”

And so he spent the next two or three hands of moments describing how it had been so enthusiastically received by the citizenry, and how that, coupled with the Count relaxing some of his tolls, had encouraged more and more people to visit and make business in Tranidor. His account of it all took us up to the point when the girls were clearing away the eating stuff and the remains of our evening meal. They brought out another bottle of wine, some ale for Mohini and Termerik, water jugs, and two pots of pel and then retired for the evening, Epp promising that she and I and Pomma would tidy up.

Originally, they had just had Wenders running across town from the other side of the Bray Bridge (by the East Semaphore Station) to the other side of the Palar Bridge (by the West Semaphore Station), and up and down between the East Gate of the Castle and the Market Place. Both these 'rounds' as they termed them had one intermediate halting place, at Junction Square.

Then they discovered, at first particularly on the up and down 'round', that people were stopping them frequently between Junction Square and the ends where the wagons turned round to retrace the 'round' in reverse. So they added in some extra intermediate halting places, and named them 'roundpoints', giving the ends of the rounds the logical name of 'roundends'.

And then the South Tranidor residents, those living across the Sufen from West Tranidor, demanded their own connection. Their solution to that was to extend the end stop of the cross-town 'round' all the way to the guard and tax house where the South Sufen road arrived. This in turn saved another small problem they had had, which was finding space in the built-up areas for the wagons to turn around easily at the roundends.

One thing led to another, and they developed other rounds that then connected with some already established intermediate roundpoints – there had even been developed a circular route round the edges of Tranidor's main town which had become very popular with visitors. This circular route had no roundends of course, and the early days of it had the wagons rolling eastwards along the outside of the castle wall and basically westwards down at South Point and the Market area, but they soon had extra wagons rolling round the circle in the opposite direction too.

As a result of all this, and of their experiences gained, then they had learnt to have a journeycard seller/collector travel on each Wender who would then take a journeycard from each passenger who climbed on.

“'Twas difficult at first to decide how much coin we should take, but we simplified the system quite early on. We decided the charge for a single journey and defined a journey as being the time spent on a single wagon, limited to reaching the roundends to prevent people just staying on the wagon for the whole day. Yes, we had some of those in the first days! So if, for example, you wished to travel to the Market Place from the East Semaphore Station, then you would have two journeys – one to Junction Square and the second from there down to the Market Place.

“We then allowed customers to purchase either a single journey, in which case no journeycard need be issued, the wagon controller could remember that the customer had paid for that one journey, or they could purchase a book of journeycards; each book would be of a number of hands of journeycards, one, two, three or four. A hand of journeycards would cost the same as four individual journeys, the two hand book would cost the same as seven individual journeys, the three hand book would cost the same as ten individual journeys and the four hand book would be priced at the same as thirteen individual journeys. So book purchasers would get the equivalent of one, three, five or seven free journeys.

“We are now debating whether to implement another system as well, one where the customer pays, say, the same as the two hand book but gets travel on any Wender within Town for a complete day. Mayhap have a weekly one too.”

“Maker! You must have an army of scribes to write out so many journeycards!”

“Ah, Megrozen ...”

“Please call me Epp, it's so much easier for everyone.”

“... Epp,” he pronounced it as if he were tasting a new fruit or something, “there has arrived in Town, from the Capital I hear, a new process called 'printing'. Many scribes fear for their own futures as this is a far more efficient way of reproducing written materials. But we can take the time that it would require a scribe to write three hands of the journeycards to set up for the printing, and then we can produce the journeycards, we do thirty-two at a time, at a rate of about ten every moment. That's three hundred and twenty journeycards each moment!”

We all gasped at that.

“And we shall use colour for the daily or weekly journeycards to simplify all that.”

“Maker!” I said, “you do seem to have it all well organised. I am most impressed. But earlier, you mentioned Wenders farther afield than just in Town?”

“Ah yes! Many of our visitors from out of town have been impressed by the Wender system, claiming that it increases their productivity when they are in Town, and they can get so much more done. However, they have difficulties then getting to and from from the roundends, between there and their homes. Some have solved that problem by having friends or relations arrive with onward transport, but many then have several marks to go on foot, thus limiting what they can carry back. Thus in turn limiting their purchasing abilities.

“So we have expanded the Wender system, using really a combination of the Wender system and the Shuttle system. We provide a transport one way, towards Tranidor, of course, in the mornings that bring the visitors to the roundends from where they can connect with the Wender system proper. Then we provide an evening run to take them back again. This is more expensive for us as we have to pay for the driver to overnight at his farthest point away, but nevertheless we have managed to break even so far, even after extending the service all the way down to Holville. We also do the same but less far UP the Palar valley, so far only the east bank, and up the Sufen valley on both sides. We shall shortly do the same for Brayview. As a result of all this, some enterprising family has developed a small almost village just above the East Semaphore Station with a small inn/bakery there for light refreshments for those who attend the comings and goings of the various Wenders. They are extremely pleased with you, Julina, and you Termerik, for bringing this system into effect!”

“That's always nice to know,” I said, “perchance we should pay them a visit, eh, Term?”

He grinned back at me before turning back to Rohid: “I have noticed that there are more Wenders at certain times of the day, Rohid? Or is that just my imagination?”

“No indeed, Termerik, we too have noticed that. Indeed, as you all saw last evening, we have people who must needs await a seat, particularly in the evenings at around the time the Shuttle gets in. We have taken to supplying Wender wagons more frequently, but there are only so many wagons and so many drivers we can call upon. We have some cart drivers spare, but not enough wagoneers, particularly those trained in transporting passengers.”

“Ah! Now I had an idea about that ...”

“Uh oh!” laughed Epp and Shemel together.

“Look out!”

I whirled round and glared at Pomma who had decided to issue that warning. Even my companion was conspiring… oh never mind!

I grumped a little at them all, but couldn't help grinning and giggling when they all looked back at me, totally unaffected.

“Your idea?” asked Mohini.

“Well, it's a combination of Wenders and the like, but could still be in the Wenders category, I suppose.

“At the moment, the better off families and business can simply hire a wagon and driver for a day, or for a week, or for a specified journey or whatever. And that sort of gave me this idea, that and what I saw when we came in earlier.

“Suppose you used your carters just like you used Plostrum tonight? But not specifically hired by any one person or group, for any one journey. Have them there, in Junction Square so that customers can just hire them for a single, simple journey, probably restricted to within the town boundaries, and charge the customers more than a Wender journey fare. Let me see now, say charge them double the Wender single journey because this would be in effect a better service, and then double it again, because there is unlikely to be someone to use this driver again for the return trip. The driver could then take them exactly to their front door, or wherever they wished to go.

“Then the driver could return to Junction Square again, and maybe, hopefully, find another customer who would prefer to pay more than just stand there until a seat comes along.”

There was silence round the table as all considered my words.

'Twas Rohid who understood the concept the first, as I could tell by the dawning look that appeared on his face. He had a very expressive visage, one that constantly showed his thoughts and emotions, so it was fascinating watching the different contortions his face underwent.

“How simple, and yet effective! Another brilliant thought, Julina. We shall indeed implement that. I deem we must needs have a separate agreement because, as you say, this isn't the same as a simple Wender operation. Would this be between us and you and Termerik as before ...”

“No, absolutely not,” almost shouted Termerik, “I have had no input into this process, it is nothing to do with me!”

“... or perhaps to do with Blackstone Wagons?”

“No, no,” added Shemel hastily. “This enterprise should be with Julina directly, not anyone else.”

I was surprised when all round the table, including Rohid, agreed. I began to worry that maybe they were distancing themselves from a possible disaster.

“I shall set up a meeting with Ruckem on the morrow, for his advice and maybe to draw up a new contract. May I suggest it be in the 'Nest of Skwod' for a light luncheon? That should give you sufficient time after your meeting with Quizzen and Pyor.”

“Perfect! So shall it be!”

Mohini surprised us by jumping into the conversation at this point: “So, the basis of your latest idea is to have smaller and more nimble conveyances on hand for any potential customers, to be at their beck and call.”

“Exactly! Why do you ask?”

“I was just thinking about a name for these. Let me see, at citizens' beck and call. How about Bacs? Short for beck and calls, using the first letters.”

We all laughed and then thought about it. It was right, somehow. They all looked at me. A full moment went by. I found I could not think of anything better.

“I concur. A good idea, I deem. They shall be named Bacs. Thank you, Mohini.”

My mind, well a part of it anyway, went off and thought about the amazing effects of giving something a name; it sort of tamed the thing in question in some way.

Shemel's cough and surreptitious little nudge brought me back to my surroundings. I nodded to everyone to let them know I was back with the stream. I blushed a little at having 'gone away' in the first place!

I paused before saying something else, and was just taking a breath to continue when I was interrupted somewhat sharply.

“Now Julina, tell us what you think you might do with your house here in Town!” said Epp, changing the subject abruptly. “Particularly, would you require any of it for this new enterprise you are talking about?”

We could all tell that she had been waiting for this discussion, and had possibly been getting fed up with all the Wender business that had been discussed for so long now.

But that made me feel quite some pressure, for I really had not had time to think about it. I was aware enough to know she would be disappointed if I didn't at least have a conversation about it, so 'twould be impolite of me in the extreme to just say, in effect, 'Drop the subject'.

Something however must have shown in my face, because Epp continued by saying: “I know 'tis still very early, and you may not have had a lot of time for thinking things through, however, I have some ideas for you to consider, and I might have a solution to one of my own little problems. So with your permission, I shall start making my suggestions. I would,” she looked round the table at everyone else as well, “appreciate the thoughts of all of you. As we all have learnt, open discussions often produce sensible ideas.”

We all looked more carefully at her, since it was suddenly clear that she had her own ideas and they might be equally as valid as anyone else's.

I indicated she should start.

Which she did in a surprising way.

“Jogantha has been with me now for four years, Karmanya for three. It will soon be time for Jogantha to leave me. Just a few more weeks of training and she shall be risen above the level of any duties she might have here. I need to find another girl to train up. And preferably a position that would be suitable for Jogantha. So I put my brain to it.

“It is my contention that we have more and more visitors to Tranidor nowadays. I know some is due to the new businesses and industries being opened up, mostly on the west bank of the Palar, downstream from here, as more and more of Her Highness' 'suggestions' are put into practice.

“There are also more visitors to Town, now the Count has seen the better way of doing things and has relaxed the bridge tolls. For some reason, we also have a lot more actual coin being used nowadays, rather than being shut up in sacks in the Castle. I deem this is something to do with this new 'banking' scheme that Master Moshan has introduced, which has enabled the Count to release his vast stockpiles of wealth from his dark and dank cellars, a scheme of which all of us round this table have had the benefits and advantages.

“I deem there is a greater demand for overnight accommodation now than there has ever been – and I deem further that that demand shall grow rapidly. Taking all those factors into account, coupled also with our close ties with Master Rohid's organisation, I am certain that 'twould be easy to provide some beds to paying guests and to persuade sufficient people to fill those beds. The staff costs could be kept down by providing only a breakfast for those who have bedded with us the previous night. Other meals could be from our company, as has this evening's meal.

“I have asked Master Ruckem to make discreet enquiries into finding buildings that would be suitable for such an enterprise. Particularly, any close to where your house is. I am now very aware of a proper price to pay for a house in that neighbourhood. My thinking was that we could have Jogantha, as housekeeper, run an accommodation business for us, if the two houses were sufficiently close together. You yourself would never require accommodation in Tranidor, as you have been and always will be welcome here at South Point Mansion. We would each provide a similar house to the enterprise, we would share equally all costs, and we would share equally the profits.

“Julina, you already have such good ideas, you and I have worked closely together with the Blackstone schooling, you have a business relationship with my husband, you have another with my son; I was wondering if you might like another such with me?”

Were the day's surprises never to cease?

Again I took a little while marshalling my thoughts before I replied: “Upon one condition will I consider your proposal, dear Epp. No, hold, make that two conditions.”

Everyone was all ears awaiting my explanation.

“One – you yourself shall personally assist me examining and evaluating all Jafferkin's stuff still there in his house. We shall leave together on the morrow, Shemel and I shall have our discussions with Quizzen and Pyor with you present, then we two, maybe also with Shemel if he is willing, will go to Jaff – er – my house and start to look at what is there. I, but you two would also be welcome, shall then go to the 'Nest' and return after my business there to the dirty work at the house. That is condition one. I shall need a lot of advice as to what to keep and what to discard. We may require more time, of course, but I would like to make a great inroad into the task.

“Condition two – we two shall each take advice from innkeepers and the like before we make the decision to go ahead. We try to learn as much as we can before making any binding commitment.”

“I agree!”

“Heard and witnessed,” said Pomma with a grin.

“I shall ask our depot managers and crew accommodation managers for their advice as well,” said Rohid. “I deem this to be a most sensible development, for we have noticed the increased numbers of visitors. We who reside here have seen everything there is around, but now 'tis easier for others to get here, and to get around, then I sometimes ask myself if we should not provide more things for those visitors to gawp at, and of course more things at which those visitors can leave some of their coin.

“I deem we need more attractions here. And with those more attractions, then we shall have the visitors staying longer. So they will need to overnight. Perchance we, my company and yours could get together to offer deals. Something like transport and accommodation. In the old days, I would have asked Mistress Sukhana for her ideas, for she ...”

“Sookie!” Epp, Pomma and I all exclaimed at the same time.

“You know her? Ah, but of course, she is up in Blackstone nowadays is she not, running our office and depot up there?”

“And brewing Blackstone's most popular beer!”

“Do you tell me? Now I have another reason to come up and visit your town! But I just can't quite justify being absent for a whole week.”

Pomma laughed. “Just wait a hand of years, and you shall be able to get to Blackstone and back within a day, let alone a week!”

“Maker! That will be the day! I deem that ...” Rohid broke off as he looked at our faces.

Rohid stuttered, obviously shocked to his very core: “You're serious, Pomma, aren't you? And you Megrozen, Shemel, Julina, you all know about this! This is no shock for you. You two too. Pray tell me more.”

He looked to Shemel who held his hands up, palms towards his interrogator: “I am not from Blackstone really, so I deem that one of the women should answer you, although I have picked up a lot on my travels. Megrozen has recently been to the capital after being invited to the wedding of Prince Keren to Princess Garia and ...”

Rohid's breath hissed in, in surprise: “Do you tell me?”

The sheer amount of wonder he managed to get into his tone was quite impressive really. He turned his eyes towards Epp.

“Where to start? Where to start? I assume you ARE aware of some of Princess Garia's background?”

“Very little actually, I know only that since she arrived there has been a giant change in attitudes. It's as if we were all sleepwalking for decades, centuries even, and then she came along and all of a sudden there are ideas shooting about right, left and centre. There is something called a 'coke' plant being built down river, almost to Haligo, on the West Bank and the lane down that side of the river is being upgraded into a full road, wide enough for wagons to pass. But all I know about that is that Her Highness suggested it.”

“Julina here actually knows a fair more detail than I, since her father is the Chief Road Inspector for Blackstone lands ...”

Rohid shot a startled glance my way but didn't want to interrupt Epp.

“... but Her Highness has shown the Guildsmen and Questors down in the capital many wondrous things. Including new weaponry!”

“Do you tell us?”

“She has assured them, and us, that there is a method of transport that will make a nonsense of all our currently accepted ideas about transport. She calls this method of transport a 'railroad' and says that a single driving engine shall be able to drag as many as fifty wagons at one time, special wagons designed to run exclusively on this railroad. It is so called because the wagons shall roll on a roadbed that supports parallel rails, like the miners use in their mine adits.”

“Hold! Hold I say! FIFTY wagons at a time? A driving engine?”

“Not fifty at first. We need to start with less and learn. Allow me to finish and I deem most of your questions shall be answered. It is necessary, in my humble opinion, to understand the big picture before concentrating on the details. And I deem you shall require your concentration on the big picture, unhampered by thoughts of other things. I shall come back to it, I promise.”

“If you so say, Mistress!”

“Her Highness has described the make-up of the thing that shall run on the rails. The driving engine shall pull – normally pull, but push is apparently also possible – a string of wagons all coupled to the next, forming what she termed a 'train'. The driving engine will pull one wagon, which shall pull the next, which shall pull the next and so on. 'Tis obvious that such a train's driving engine must naturally be of immense strength, of such strength that Her Highness believes that eventually, as techniques and technology progress, such a train could make the passage between Tranidor and Blackstone in a mere bell!”

“Impossible! Why 'tis near seventy of marks. It takes us two full days travel. To do that in a mere bell is just a dream – a scary dream at that.”

“That was indeed all our thoughts when we too first heard of this, but Her Highness assures us that this is no exaggeration. Indeed, Dekarran would be less than a day's travel away. But to come back to the driving engine, I must needs mention that you have, in one way, already seen one!”

“Never! I would have remarked it most especially.”

Epp smiled and then I did too. I suddenly realised what she meant. I noticed Pomma and Shemel catch on too.

“Master, you have seen the steam engine they are using to pump water up, have you not?”

“Indeed I have, Mistress. There is, I deem, an ever increasing number of steam engines being used nowadays. And not just for pumping water. Many factories appear to be employing them for various activities.”

“Indeed. They are most useful for repetitive activities. Nearly any job can be improved by use of an engine. A hammer can be used and the steam engine slams the hammer down, then raises it again then slams it down again and so on. This is very much a cycle of events.

“And what could be more cyclic than the turning of a wheel?

“Well the driving engine of the railroad trains shall be a giant version of those very steam engines, as soon as we can produce sufficient steel for such a large device. Then there needs be found a way for it to drive wheels attached to the platform upon which the engine sits. They must before then of course learn how to work with such steel, how to create what they require from it.

“And there must needs be found some reliable way to apply the brakes to such a platform and the wagons following it.

“However, due to the speeds and the weights involved, the rails upon which all these engines and wagons shall run must also be made of steel. And they must be set upon a specific road bed.

“To do all this, then it shall be a minimum of a hand of years they all say. The railroad bed must have no sharp curves, no steep pitches, no sudden changes in slope and so on.

“Because there shall be no other traffic on the road, these railroad trains need stop for nothing. Even if the engine manages to keep going only at the same pace as a sprinting man, that shall be about four times as fast as a dranakh. You have already said a dranakh requires two days for the Blackstone journey, so that means the railroad train will do the same in a quarter of the time – in a half day.

“So you see, Blackstone and back in a single day shall be possible. And Her Highness assures us that as we gain experience, then speeds shall increase. She somewhat cryptically said that there were railroad trains where she came from that could travel from Blackstone to Dekarran in a single bell! But those roadbeds were specially laid to have no curves at all, or if there were any, they were very, very gradual ones.

“I can only report that Her Highness was totally and utterly convincing. And there are many people working to bring that vision about. It shall indeed happen as she says.”

Rohid sat back, looking worried. I realised immediately that he would be scared about the future of wagon delivery systems.

I hastened to add in my little bit: “And it is we who can shape the future of all this. Maybe some of the long-distance jobs may be lost to us, but remember two things, at the very least.

“One – not every destination will be next to wherever the railroad trains shall stop to unload. There will always be a requirement to transport whatever it is, goods or people, from the stopping place to some other destination, a depot, a warehouse, a shop, a business – or humans to a routesend of a Wender system, or whatever.

“Two – it will be at least twenty years before everywhere has a stopping place for the railroad trains. And that's just inside Palarand. Imagine how many years it will take to just lay down steel rails all the way to Chaarn, or to Tel Botro, or to Moxgo, even, although that last will require far more advanced engineering than anyone knows about right now, to go over high mountain passes. In that time, we in the transport business will keep in touch with the engineers and be able to forecast trends and needs – and we will be able to maybe even direct some of the developments.

“Those with the vision necessary will be a stride or two in front of those trying to catch us up. Exciting times ahead. Exciting times indeed.

“And there is another thing to think about, certainly in the next few years. You have perchance already realised that there shall be a huge demand for steel; a huge, huge, huge demand. Let's put the other factors out there in front of us all.

“Better steel is apparently made with coke rather than with coal. So the steel manufacturing plants require a lot of coke. But coke is made from coal. So coal has to be delivered to coke manufacturing facilities.

“And then coke has to be delivered to the steel manufacturing facilities.

“And then the steel has to be delivered to the steel finishing facilities – where they make the railroad rails, or the steam engines, or other things that Her Highness apparently has suggested.

“In the meantime, all these roads have to be made, houses have to be built, ditches dug and pipes laid. Steam engines to be conveyed, woods chopped down and taken to sawmills, flour delivered from flour mills to bakers and other places that use it, saddles delivered, meat and fruit distributed, and all the stuff that is already done. You probably know far better than I.

“This is the time to set ourselves out for the now, for the next few months and then for the next few years.”

I think everyone was a little shocked at my vehemence and my passion, but soon they all showed me they agreed.

… … ...

I had so much to think about when I went to bed that night, I didn't believe I would sleep easily.

But, as it happens, I did.

And deeply.

And soundly.

---

Decisions, decisions; dusty and dry

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker!” exclaimed Quizzen and Pyor together, which caused Pomma and I some little amusement.

We were seated in Pyor's workshop deep in Master Rader's complex.

Shemel and I had arrived there early and were delighted to find that Pyor had already issued Flemak and the other lads with instructions to commence painting my, no OUR, wagons as we had previously directed. The work was well under way when we got there and Pyor had first confirmed the colourings of the stripes to separate the two shades of green. That stripe of colour would be an overpainting on top of the two greens so there was no need for there to be an exact definition where the two greens met. This was a detail of which I myself would not have thought, but it seemed so obvious when he pointed it out to us. Another of those ideas that are so simple, they have an added attraction precisely because of that simplicity.

“So please confirm the stripe colours to be employed,” Pyor said looking directly at me.

He smiled appreciatively when I said: “Yellow has a 'Y', and Pyor has one too, so does Brayview. Mayhap that will help us all remember it?”

Shemel nodded in agreement, while silently applauding me. It had just come to me at that moment; Shemel and I had never discussed it in those terms.

“And it is just one of those smaller ones that is allocated to the Brayview operation?”

“For the moment, that is correct. As soon as we find another wagon then we shall base that one at Brayview too. Shemel's spare wagon is hired out at the moment, it is due back from Dekarran sometime next week. That shall be the one allocated to Brayview. There is another of Jaffy's up in Blackstone, so we shall need to find a painter for that one. Mind you, I can think of no-one up there that has demonstrated this high degree of competence. Mind you again, I have not before required any wagons to be painted!”

I paused but briefly: “To complete the overall picture, between us we have in total four larger wagons and two smaller. One of each shall start at Brayview, until we gain better knowledge of the work loads. The larger wagon to be based there shall be the spare one of Shemel's once it has returned. Both Shemel and I feel that we shall need to find at least one more large wagon on top of the original one for the Brayview operation, and suspect we shall require yet another, particularly if our suspicions about Tamitil flour prove correct.”

Shemel jumped in then: “And we also require dranakh and frayen, as well as staff drivers to use them! We shall ask Master Rohid if he has ...”

With timing that could not have been bettered, he broke off when the shed door opened and that same Master Rohid entered - accompanied by Master Rader and Goodman Quizzen, the latter looking a little confused but awed. The lads briefly stopped doing their painting, but a flicked hand signal from Pyor got them restarted.

We welcomed the arrivals and performed the usual protracted introductions. With eight of us, this took a while.

It being within his 'kingdom' if you like, the discussion was started by Master Rader.

“I hope this is as important as Master Rohid here suggests. Or are you all conspiring to make me even busier later in the day?”

His voice was gruff, and his demeanour suggested extreme irritation, but I was slowly getting to know him and could detect the glint in his eyes. Rohid and Pyor were both grinning. Epp looked on with an air of slight amazement.

In fact only Pomma looked worried so I squeezed her hand and pointed out the others and their expressions. She took notice of them, looked at me gratefully before she relaxed and squeezed my hand back.

“I know I shall have all the others slacking off while I am here, and will no doubt end up having to do it all myself, as usual, just to catch up.”

I was tempted to point out to Master Rader that so far I had never seen him actually working, but I bit my tongue. I didn't know him well enough yet to make such a joke.

But it really was very tempting indeed. I even found myself drawing a breath to start the conversation once more. I snapped my mouth shut.

Rohid was the one to get things going: “Master Rader, I would have thought you might know me well enough by now to realise I live solely to increase your overwhelming workload, a workload that I deem no-one has ever managed to see you actually lift a finger to lighten.”

Even Master Rader laughed at that, and I sort of wished that I had indeed been braver and had spoken up a little earlier.

“But all joking aside,” continued Rohid, “I deem that you shall be important to some decisions and consequences arising from details about which we all shall soon hear. I mean nothing derogatory to Mistresses Pomma and Megrozen when I say that they are present today in an observatory and advisory capacity, the principals involved are Master Shemel and Mistress Julina. Those two, Master Rader, have joined together and have incorporated a business called 'Blackstone Wagons' which shall be sub-contracted to Master Tanon's company when their wagons are not being commanded by the Blackstone Assembly. The incorporation documents are already arranged up in Blackstone.

“Now before I go further, I find I am required to explain some of the background in order that later questions might be avoided. I shall first describe a little geography and some associated facts; all here already know these facts but not necessarily all here know ALL the facts.

“Blackstone is a town at the end of a route that is increasingly busy, even though there is but one road in and out of that town and its valley. That road joins the Chaarn road, which as we all know is connected to the rest of our land and also to foreign parts.

“Later on in the last year, Princess Garia's land holdings were increased to stretch along the Chaarn Road from the first minor pass to the north down to a line to the south of the junction of the two roads I have been mentioning.

“Along that stretch of the trade road, south of the junction with the road that leads to Blackstone, there is a well-known roadhouse named Brayview. The powers that be have decided to expand Brayview from a roadhouse into a small town, to become effectively the second town of importance in Her Highness' lands. It shall be an important administrative centre, since Blackstone Town is so remote. I would remind you that Brayview is the first intermediate stopping place for the shuttle service we run daily, or near daily, up to Blackstone. It is in actuality twice as far from Brayview up to Blackstone, than it is from Brayview to here in Tranidor.

“In summary, Brayview sits beside the main Chaarn trade route, with connections to Chaarn, and downvalley to Dekarran and beyond. It is a summer's day journey from Blackstone and less than half that to here. It is crying out for reliable connections.

“And now I hand over to Master Shemel and Mistress Julina, for them to outline their ideas.”

Neither of us was expecting that sudden switch so we were just a tad taken aback. We looked at each other. I motioned to Shemel to take over. Actually, I knew that our proposals would be more readily accepted if presented by a man. It annoyed me, but it was an important time to be practical.

I had so much more to do that day, and the next, that I wanted to keep this as short as we could. At least I knew I could trust Shemel implicitly.

“Mistress Julina and I have joined forces to create the company currently under discussion, and as Master Rohid mentioned, we have already a commission from the Assembly up in Blackstone.

“On our journey down here, we identified several other areas that require the services of our company. To that end, we shall divide our wagons between Blackstone, where the initial majority shall be based, and Brayview. We deem there shall be many more possibilities in the Brayview area as it grows and consequently we see our company's expansion is likely to be mostly in that Brayview area.

“Now Mistress Julina has many calls upon her time up in Blackstone and I myself have many down here in Tranidor. So 'twill be difficult for either of us to oversee that expansion. Nevertheless we shall commission a depot/warehouse to be built there. And another building or two! Mistress Julina, would you announce please what we discussed and decided upon last night?”

I was a little taken aback, but rallied swiftly: “Before I get to the specifics, I would point out that I have, sadly, inherited the wagons belonging to dear departed Jafferkin, a good friend to both myself and Mistress Megrozen here. Mistress Megrozen is now married to Master Shemel, my new business partner, who I suspect you all know has been in your branch of work for many a year. I realised that, given all those factors, I had an opportunity to put my inheritance from poor Jaffy to good use. And so it was that I and Master Shemel joined forces so as to speak, to create a working memorial to a dear friend.

“Blackstone Wagons, we have just heard, shall open a depot/warehouse in Brayview. And Master Shemel and I discussed last night who we are going to employ to run it for us. Normally, we would now arrange interviews and the like. However, there is another addition to our plans for Brayview. And that affected our behaviour with regard to the depot manager's interviews. I was also aware that even Master Tanon's company have a small problem in the Brayview area and 'twas Her Highness' Steward who placed the final thought in my, in our, minds.

“We shall also open in Brayview a wagon maintenance centre, a workshop much as that in which we are standing. Since arriving from Blackstone last evening, and following our hard questioning of Master Rohid, we have agreed, easily I must now point out to all here present, just who it is we want to run those establishments, for they will be closely allied.

“We require a depot manager and we require a wheelwright. There are furthermore several other reasons and problems that shall be solved by our final choice. Master Tanon's company have already had some little problems on the road there, I was present when one of the shuttles had a broken wheel, so we guarantee that Blackstone Wagons then Master Tanon shall have priority in the workshop there.”

I signed to Rohid that he should take it from there, admittedly enjoying just a little payback from his earlier hand over to us. After a quick look of surprise, he rallied and thought quickly. The others were all buzzing with their reactions to the announcements so far. I saw Quizzen and Pyor exchange a glance, tinged, I believe, with a little hope.

Rohid held up his hand to gain attention, which was immediately granted: “I have given my permission for Blackstone Wagons to make their offer of a position to one of my men, and the offer of the second position shall be made with Master Rader's permission. Blackstone Wagons wish to make offers of employment to both Goodman Quizzen and Journeyman Pyor.”

Another hush fell on the entire workshop.

Pyor and his father looked at each other. All could see the hope fully spring to the eyes of both these men.

It was then that the two involved made their comment.

“Maker!”

Pomma and I giggled, which may have been somewhat inappropriate, but we did so because Quizzen and Pyor both exclaimed with the same word at exactly the same time.

And at the same time as each adopted exactly the same expression on their faces; they both looked completely and utterly astounded.

Which was really only right, if you take the time to think about it. After all, it can't be every day that someone comes along and offers you and your family a complete and utter change, a change that was so utterly beneficial in so many ways.

“Can this be so? 'Twould answer all our hopes and dreams. 'Tis scarce believable.” Quizzen was nearly stuttering in emotional overload as he formulated his question.

“You may believe it, Masters,” began Shemel. “Yes, I am the first to call Pyor a Master. For Mistress Julina and I would be proud to be the means of him gaining his Master's rank.

“And a depot manager of such importance shall also be a Master, Master Quizzen.” Shemel's beaming smile and open attitude went a long way to convincing them both.

I like to believe that my enthusiastic endorsement of Shemel's statements was also a factor: “The Masterships won't happen overnight, of course, but I and my business partner here are both convinced that they shall arrive much sooner than later. We would both be proud to have you with us. Please say you shall.”

Master Rader said: “I now understand your request for my presence, Rohid. I find I must approve of this suggestion and hereby give Journeyman Pyor permission to accept this offer. Quizzen here shall require YOUR permission of course, but I can approve for his son. I would further say, Pyor, that you would be mad to turn down this opportunity. You have a chance here that few ever have; you can start your own establishment rather than take over someone else's. And one in a hitherto unserviced location.”

The three lads were not even pretending to continue with their painting and they enthusiastically called out: “Heard and witnessed!”

Which prompted Pomma and Epp to do the same.

And then there were barely held back tears, cheers, applause and a multitude of back slapping.

A multitude of voices making a multitude of statements.

A myriad of questions.

Master Rader, the man in overall charge of this space, allowed the celebrations to continue for a moment or two and then raised his voice in such a way as to demand immediate attention: “Now we have got this waste of my precious time over and done with, I will point out that some of us still have too much work to do. Not all of us can afford to slouch about all day. I myself shall wonder if I can keep all the skin on my fingers this day. I dare say they shall be worn down to the very bones afore I lay my weary head down tonight.

“Pyor, report to me before you leave tonight, let me know what other factors these wretchedly disruptive outlanders have come up with. As I understand it, the new workshop has yet to be built, so I deem you should have a hand in both its design and perchance its positioning. And I am certain this shall not be an overnight appearance. I therefore further deem 'twould be several weeks before I can reclaim this space you are wasting on a daily basis, along with those three young layabouts over there. I would wish to be kept informed of developments as they occur.”

He swung round with a huge sigh and made his way to wicket door which he opened abruptly and then gently slammed it shut after he went out. If a slam can ever be gentle that is. Everyone was widely grinning at his attempts to be grumpy and appear overworked.

The rest of us gathered together, but Pyor sent the lads scuttling back to their tasks to give us all some space for our important discussions. We drifted over towards the workbench as a large, ever-shifting group.

Pomma handed over to me the sheaf of papers that she had in her carry bag. I riffled through them, then Shemel and I called Quizzen and Pyor over to the workbench where we proceeded to spread out the designs we had worked so hard on. They were intended to be used as suggestions to form the basics for these important formative discussions. Rohid, Pomma and Epp kept more in the background, leaving Quizzen and Pyor to huddle more closely with Shemel and myself.

In all, we spent over a bell going over everything that we had thought about and desired. Pyor particularly had many questions, Quizzen less so – for the father had travelled to Brayview quite often, whereas the son had not. Shemel and I had done the greater part of the talking, however Rohid, Pomma and Epp had also made valid contributions. Some alterations to our designs were added. Finally an agreement in principle was reached. We were all relieved that most of the points had proven to be not contentious.

Just before we all broke up, there was a further point raised, for Quizzen then asked me: “When do you return to Blackstone, Mistress Julina?”

“As soon as I may, Goodman. But I have much to do down here in Tranidor before I can depart. Master Shemel shall stay here of course, but I must perforce return to my restaurant...”

There was a small gasp of surprise as I said that, mostly from the lads.

“... Blackstone Wagons needs to find drivers and beasts, and, if possible, loads for either Brayview or even all the way up to Blackstone, or anywhere in between. Shemel and I can make a start on that. I myself must needs meet with Master Moshan's people, and I also need to meet with Master Tapio before I depart. Today is the 14th, I would hope to leave early in the morning on the 16th, but will stay longer if it necessitates. Mistress Pomma has been kind enough to accompany me but she too needs to return to her household as soon as she may. I would be a poor friend indeed if I took her concerns not into consideration.”

Quizzen turned to his chief: “Master Rohid, could I have permission to travel up to Brayview with Mistresses Pomma and Julina on the day after next? Mayhap Master Rader shall also grant leave that Pyor could also travel with us, that he might see the lay of the land at Brayview.”

We all knew that Rader would not withhold his permission, well we all felt that rather than actually knew that, but we would still have to make a formal approach to him.

“'Tis a good suggestion, but perchance not sufficiently good!” Rohid's grin told us that he had thought of something else. “I deem that Pyor should travel with the Mistresses all the way to Blackstone.”

He paused then, as Pyor and Quizzen particularly showed their surprise. The rest of us looked at him queryingly, but not quite so concernedly.

“I deem this is an opportunity for the lad to see more of the world than he has so far had a chance to. And he could fetch down, from Blackstone, Jafferkin's fourth wagon which he could then bring here and do up as well as he has done the others.”

Shemel and I looked at each other in some amazement, for this was something that neither of us had thought about. But we dared not let the others think of that, lest our authority be dented so early on in our relationships.

I swiftly said: “What an excellent suggestion, Master Rohid, we had been wondering how to handle that point. And your idea gives even more advantages than simply that. Excellent thinking, we deem.”

“Indeed,” agreed Shemel. “If Pyor has no other arrangements of course. We know this is short notice?”

Pyor had eye-speak with his father and then with the lads. He swiftly came to a decision.

“Nay, Master Shemel, I have nothing so urgent to do that I cannot go without doing. Master Rohid's idea is excellent, I deem. With Master Rader's permission, of which I confess I am confident, I shall be ready early on the morning of the day after next. As shall these wagons be ready, eh lads?”

The three juniors yet again scurried back into some form of activity.

“Then I declare that this meeting is finally finished, and we can go and disturb Master Rader once more.”

“Not quite,” I hastily added. “Errrm – Master Shemel and I require one other little thing.”

The three lads, I saw out of the corner of my eye, turned back to pay us their attention once more.

All present then picked up on a more serious note in my voice. Shemel looked at me from behind the two potential employees, a question in his eyes. I reassured him with mine and he backed off slightly, but still wondering where I was going with this latest development.

“Master Shemel and I, as the owners of Blackstone Wagons, have formally made an offer of employment to both Goodman Quizzen and also to Journeyman Pyor. We have all agreed to formulate the final details and formalities at a later time. However, neither Journeyman Pyor nor Goodman Quizzen have actually formally accepted our offer, as yet. We require now a formal acceptance!”

Everyone was quite shocked and I could see them all running back over in their minds the events of a bell and more ago. Quizzen and Pyor looked panic stricken.

So I smiled and made light of it by saying: “Goodman Quizzen! Journeyman Pyor! The owners of Blackstone Wagons formally offer you positions of employment in our company, on terms that have already been discussed and with final details yet to be arranged and confirmed.” I expanded my audience with a gesture to include all there present. “Would someone please formally acknowledge that offer?”

It took just a little while, but Flemak was the quickest to catch on. I smiled as he yelled in his haste: “Heard and witnessed!”

Pyor was swift to follow that up with: “I accept the offer of employment from Blackstone Wagons, subject to permission from my Master, Master Rader!”

This time a chorus of voices said: “Heard and witnessed!”

There were smiles all round as Quizzen then repeated a formal acceptance, naming Master Rohid of course. Once again the others all chimed in at the end.

“Goodman Quizzen, I, Master Rohid, factor for Master Tanon here in Tranidor, officially give you permission to accept the offer made by Blackstone Wagons as has been discussed in this workspace this morning.”

“Heard and witnessed!” erupted from all throats, mine included.

Rohid stayed for a few moments more, chatting with us four and Quizzen before he turned to leave. He took Quizzen off with him 'to add to Rader's workload'. They promised to mention Pyor's potential absence to the head man when they were with him.

“I shall see you in the 'Nest' then, at noon,” said Rohid. “I have some papers to fetch for that meeting too.”

“Indeed, Master Rohid!” I turned and looked at his companion. “We'll talk again before I go, Goodman Quizzen. For we shall require your newly-hired advice as to purchasing animals and employing drivers. And perchance finding a commission or two rather than head north with empty wagons. Consider those to be your first tasks,” I concluded with a laugh.

Quizzen blinked. Shemel and I could see his brain start to whizz. He and Rohid were deep into discussions even before they left Pyor's workshop.

We two were by then also about finished, and were determined to dash over to my new house for an initial evaluation of the task ahead of us.

Before we could depart, though, there was a rattle of chains behind me and a curious rumbling noise. We all looked around and saw the lads each tugging on a chain. Those chains were attached to a platform of sorts, upon which there was a solid wooden structure supporting a sturdy wooden beam. They manoeuvred the platform until the jutting wooden beam was over the wagon they were about to work on.

Dangling from the beam was a net bag containing what was revealed to be a long, sturdy rope neatly coiled and a number of wooden wheels, each enclosed in a sturdy frame. These wheels were then threaded onto the rope, which they had stretched out on the floor. One of the wheels, one of the end ones, was then secured to the beam. This was achieved by one of the lads scrambling up on the wagon where he stretched up and tightened four screw type things that held the encased wooden wheel immovably to the beam. The wooden wheel at the other end of the complicated arrangement, or rather the case that contained that wheel, was attached to the wagon by means of three or four sturdy leather belts wrapped round the entire vehicle. A number of securing ropes were also employed, but the whole thing was far too complicated for me to say with any certainty exactly what it was they had done.

Then they bewildered me by attaching the wooden wheel cases to each other, but I confess I was unable to discern why they attached that one to that one and not that one. Far too confusing.

Then Flemak took a hold of the end of the rope that was trailing across the floor. He pulled the free end, using alternating hands and dropping the unused rope at his feet. The other wooden wheels were then all gathered together, eventually hanging somehow between the beam and the lowest wooden wheel attached to the wagon. Still pulling, Flemak removed all the slack in the complicated arrangements. Without so much loose rope around, the arrangement sprang into a sharper focus that was suddenly much easier to appreciate.

Flemak then kicked the pooled rope away from under his feet and took a firm grip with both hands. He was facing the wagon, and kept doing so even as he walked steadily backwards.

To my complete and utter amazement, just by pulling on the rope, Flemak alone was able to lift the entire wagon! The other two lads were hovering at each side of the target wagon, offering up blocks of varying heights as the wagon slowly lifted higher and higher. Pyor explained that these were temporary props in case the lifting apparatus broke, or Flemak let go, or whatever.

Their tasks were over when Flemak had it at the correct height for their purposes and when these two other lads had positioned props so that the wagon would not fall back down once more when Flemak eventually let go of his rope.

“How on Anmar, Flemak, did you manage that alone?” I spoke for all us three women. The men were not apparently amazed.

Flemak looked worried that he might have to explain this wonder to someone, but Pyor waved him back, saying: “I shall explain to the women, you lads need to get going with that painting. Remember, the wagons must be ready for the road on the morning after next. Flemak, just hold the rope taut for a moment while I point out the loops.”

He turned to us, ushering us closer, but not too close.

“Mistresses, look here if you will. This apparatus we term a 'load lengthener'. See the upper wooden wheel thing, which we call a sheave, is attached firmly to the suspension beam. The lower sheave you can see is attached to the wagon. Now, count you the number of ropes hanging down between the top and the bottom sheaves, wound round the other sheaves.”

We did so, and we all agreed that there were a hand and one of them.

“Correct. So that means that the entire weight of the wagon is now spread over those six ropes, rather than on just one rope. So that further means when we pull on the end of the rope like Flemak did ...” he turned to Flemak to allow him to gently let down the rope and sheave arrangement “... then we are actually lifting just a one-sixth part of the weight. If we had four ropes there, then 'twould be a quarter of the weight. If we had eight ropes there, then 'twould be an eighth part of the weight. Experience with this team of men has shown us that six is about right for them.”

“The difference between lifting on just one rope and this method is that we have to pull a corresponding increase in the length of the rope. If we have, as we do here, a six rope load lengthener, then to raise the load one stride, we must pull through six strides of rope. Hence we call it a 'lengthener'. It's not that the load itself is lengthened, you will understand.”

I did indeed sort of understand what he was saying; certainly I understood his words, but I was struggling with the totality of the concept somewhat. I filed the details away for future contemplation. I confess I always get a little flustered when it comes to numbers.

But then it was time for us to depart, so we took our leave of the lads and of Pyor and his shed.

We picked our way across the large complex to the main gate where we finally took our leave of Rader who was with some other men.

I noticed he was again talking rather than actually working, but I hid my grin.

We followed a narrow town lane for a little distance, then a wider lane at right angles to the first, and then yet another and so on as we made our way to our next destination.

… … …

“Maker! This is dusty!” exclaimed Epp, who had not seen the house last night. “How shall we do this?”

“I deem we look through every room we can, and the stables and wagon parks out the back just to get a feel for what shall be required. I do not wish to get too dirty this morn, for I have that meeting in the Nest soon. I deem we should evaluate matters here, go to the meeting, go back to your mansion, change into something more … robust … and then return. I would prefer to start at the very top and work our way down.”

“That's one way, certainly.”

“Do you then have a better suggestion?”

“Not at the moment. Certainly we should investigate as much as we can. We can then go to your, our, luncheon meeting and discuss how best to approach this whilst we eat. Perchance then we shall find another method.”

“I concur.”

So it was that we climbed up to the very top of the house where we found four tiny attic rooms that were all entirely empty, except for one which had a hand of chests just sitting there in an unordered state, not neatly stacked or anything.

The next floor down had three sleeping rooms and a tiny toilet, into which any water would have had to be hand-carried.

The next floor down had two larger sleeping rooms, each with a tiny attached toilet, likewise without running water to hand.

The ground level floor had two large rooms either side of the staircase, one obviously a sitting room, the other, mostly unused by the look of it, as a dining room. Another pair of rooms straddled the corridor as we headed towards the back of the house, one of which had obviously been used, rarely, as a sort of office.

Out at the back, the kitchens and bathroom jutted out into the courtyard there, they were not below the rooms on the upper floors, but stood alone as it were out in the weather. This was the normal arrangement for most houses in Palarand, to reduce damages in the event of fires getting out of control and the like.

Talking of the weather, a quick look at the skies told us that it might rain soon, so we scurried quickly across the courtyard to the wagon park and the stables, neither of which were particularly large. Part of the wooden wall in the wagon park was in need of repair, but the roofing looked good. The stables were in better condition, with stone and brick walls seemingly solid. Fortunately, the threatened rain stayed up in the clouds, and didn't actually fall that day until we were sleeping soundly at night.

Back in the house itself, we had just time to descend into the cellars and have a quick look round there, before we had to leave to go to the Nest. A quick look was all that was needed. The cellars were entirely empty of anything at all.

Except dust.

Jaffy had indeed lived very simply.

… … …

“We shall be joined in a hand of moments by someone who would prefer you did not say his name out loud. Experience shows that he is inundated with questions and demands when people know who he is, so we refer to him in public as Goodman Malaki, is that clear?”

His voice got even quieter, which was a difficult feat: “I'm sure you can all guess who it is really, but that name must not be uttered aloud lest we be smothered with others wishing to accost him either with questions or just to be seen with him.”

We all nodded our agreement and sat back in our chairs once more.

We had huddled together for Master Ruckem to whisper his warning instruction to us, but now we could again speak more freely. Not totally openly of course as we didn't want everyone to know all our business, but Goodman Kaffer had been kind enough to place us in a secluded area, after his unexpectedly enthusiastic welcome when Epp and I came in.

Pomma was the only one with us who had not been here before but she signalled her approval very early on. I mentioned quietly to Kaffer that I would effect a more formal introduction before we left, but we would rather not draw too much attention right now. He nodded in acknowledgement and set about preparing that secluded area for us, persuading two other guests to move in such a charming way that they were all smiles as they were conducted to another table.

There were the four of us along with Masters Ruckem and Rohid, with a spare chair for the mystery guest, carefully placed to my left, where the man's back would be mostly to the other customers, but also protected in a way by the wall to his left. The large round table could have seated two or even three more, but the surface was taken over by drinks, places for the platters to be put down when the food was served, files and papers of all sorts. It was still a little of a shock to me at how quickly pieces of paper had begun to take over our lives.

Pel was brought very early on, without our needing to order it. The staff there knew Epp and I well enough by now! Shemel and Rohid had a mug of small beer, a watered down version of their normal beer. In those days, small beer was normally drunk in our society by nearly everyone with almost every meal.

As well as the pel and the small beer, there was a large flagon of water on the table, along with all the necessary drinking vessels.

We made general conversation for the hand of moments during which we awaited 'Goodman Malaki'.

When he arrived, my suspicions proved to be well-founded. I had correctly guessed that this would be Master Moshan himself. Introductions were made and the food list studied. Our choices were selected and ordered and then we got down once more to business.

'Goodman Malaki' started off by pushing a sheet of paper to me. It was almost a copy of the one I had been shown up in Blackstone by Master Schild. The figures were very slightly different, for they had grown slightly larger. Before I could really study the figures though, 'Malaki' laid another piece of paper on top of the first one. This too was covered in figures, all of them considerably larger than any on the sheet underneath.

Almost in a whisper, he said to me: “The top sheet is the accounting for the Wenders, for last month. At the bottom of it shall you see the various portions allocated as per the agreement. Master Schild told me you disputed the figures he showed you. These sheets of paper are just to assure you he was right.

“You also, I have discovered from him, have another advantage. You are a resident of Blackstone and that means that you pay no taxes to your Lord, in this case your Baroness who is now a Princess, since Her Highness has declared that she will raise no taxes from her long-term citizens. The town and/or Blackstone lands are ruled by an Assembly who may demand some contributions for some project or other, however your landowner extracts no taxes for themself. We have therefore decided to put all your payments into your Blackstone ledger.”

I was shocked for that meant I was nearly twice as rich as I had originally thought, and on top of that I had the Jaffy coins, the house and the wagons!

And now, for the very first time, I fully realised that I was being advised by some very astute people.

I was still reeling for many a moment after all that had been revealed to me.

But I was not there for that alone. I still had to do a lot of other business, so it took quite some effort to concentrate on that.

Blackstone Wagons opened a ledger, as did Meglina Accommodation, the latter after formally formulating the rules of our association, with lots of 'heard and witnessed's. That then became another job I would have to do whilst down here in Tranidor, taking the association papers to be ratified by the local authorities. No, hold! I was a partner, why would I have to do everything. My partner could do some of it!

And Bat Bacs came to life, the company formed along the lines of my latest idea of using the carters at extremely busy times for the Wenders. The first word of the name being created from the initials for Blackstone and Tranidor. A ledger was opened for that too, several actually.

Master Moshan was very excited and enthusiastic about this idea. In an attempt to be involved in another money-making scheme, he felt that he could help set up the system with a ready loan to us; however, he retired with good grace when Master Rohid gently pointed out that Master Tanon's company actually had the resources already and that furthermore they were lying about being unused to a certain extent.

Papers, yes more papers, were signed to form these last two companies, and even more papers were signed to have all the financial ledgers set up. More repeats of “Heard and witnessed!”.

Then Goodman Malaki endeared himself to us all by suggesting that these two companies would be better to be registered up in Blackstone, to gain those not inconsiderable taxation advantages that he had earlier mentioned to me in conjunction with my coin. He did point out that in order to register them, then they would have to have an operating part in Blackstone.

The Bacs would be easy to do, but the Meglina might be more difficult. We would have to see. He assured us that we could register the 'branch offices' here in Tranidor before the Blackstone end was fully arranged. He explained that traditionally a confirmation would have to be sent from Blackstone within one month. A semaphore message would be sufficient to tide things over until the written copies were received.

And then we, Epp, Shemel and I, started getting advice and information on Tranidorian house prices, on where to find the best animals, where to look for temporary drivers and for permanent ones who might be tempted to join us. And all the rest of the details important to us to progress our plans.

Goodman Malaki took his leave soon after all the papers were signed, but he had been most encouraging of those plans and had congratulated us fulsomely. His confidence in us was most gratifying.

Our meeting eventually broke up with Master Rohid suggesting that perhaps we should be at Junction Square this evening to see the first outing of Bat Bacs.

… … …

“Phew!” I exclaimed, as we carried the final load down to the ground floor. Pomma, Epp, Karmanya and I were all dusty, sweaty and smeary, particularly where we had wiped our faces with the backs of our hands. We all had our hair tied up to keep some of the dust off. Shemel and Plostrum, for we now had our own 'Bac' for the rest of the day, were also dust-covered.

What we had achieved was that now we could look through everything in just one place; we could sort it and then decide if it was worth keeping or not. We could have all like things together rather than have to keep running elsewhere to compare similar things that were in differing rooms.

The piles of stuff however had spread quite widely, so that meant that we women had to leave by the front door and walk to the side alley in order to get to the stables and wagon park out the back. We just wanted to be certain that there was nothing there that required fetching indoors for the 'Great Sorting Out'. We had decided, once this final little task was done, to just call it a day for today and to try to finish everything tomorrow.

We were just turning into the alleyway, when a man came out of the house on the other side of it. He called to us and made it clear he wished to talk with us. He didn't hurry towards us though, making us wait upon his arrival. I deem that Karmanya was the only one amongst us who was not a trifle irritated by this.

“Good women, I see you have been employed to clear out poor Jafferkin's house.” We all looked at each other, even Karmanya, for there was no sincerity at all in his tones when he mentioned dear Jaffy, and he was very bossy in his attitude. “I understand that some uneducated girl from upcountry has managed to lay claim to the house, much to my surprise.” His sneer as he said 'girl' managed to annoy us all.

I was about to reply a little heatedly but Epp grabbed my arm and I saw a glint in her eye that made me pause. I had seen a similar look before, and doubted this man would like whatever she came up with.

Nevertheless we were all surprised when she spoke in a very Tranidor accent: “That she 'as, Master. Indeed we are 'ere ter-dye to make a start on the cleaning. We was just goin' to ther stables area ter see what's art there. Like,” she added this last word almost too late, but I don't think anyone else noticed that. Certainly not our accoster.

“Well, when you see her, tell her to call upon me here in my home, for I would perchance like to buy this house, a transaction that we, that is Jafferkin and I, discussed often. I understood that we two had had an agreement and I would talk with this girl as soon as I might. I, you may tell her, am Master Trooger.”

Without waiting for an acknowledgement, he swung round on his heel and walked back towards his front door, clearly under the impression that what he had said, what were effectively his commands, would be carried out as he wished.

I looked at Epp, as did the other two. My eyebrow was raised in query, and I could tell the others were agog to discover her plan.

Epp waved her hands urgently, encouraging us to bunch together before she turned round and led us down the alleyway, making it perfectly clear to us with her gestures that she wished to be certain she was not overheard by anyone else.

“There is something not quite right about the way he did that. I appreciate we are dressed in working clothes and will therefore, grudgingly, accept that we might be considered rather beneath him, but he could have been more polite, and he could have tried to find out more information. Now 'Lina, didn't Master Quizzen not tell us that there was a villagey-feel to this area of the town? I propose that you speak with him, and Mistress Nayet, Flemak and anyone else you can before meeting with that man. Find out all you can about that Trooger. I wonder what he has done to gain his Mastership?”

She paused as she thought about it all a bit more.

“I deem he will not have considered us too closely, for we are just hired cleaners as far as he is concerned. But your magnificent red hair shall be a give-away once he has met you. However, fortunately it was mostly covered with your headscarf, and, I must confess, with not inconsiderable amounts of dust, so he shall not recognise you as one of those he just so curtly ordered about.”

By this time, we had reached the stables. It took us less than a quarter of a bell to investigate all the stuff that was there and to recognise that none of it matched anything indoors. I would get Shemel to look all this over and decide what was worth keeping. Maybe some of it was technical stuff that we might need for Blackstone Wagons.

We returned to the house, told Shemel what we had discovered and Epp asked Plostrum if he knew anything about that Trooger fellow.

“I do not, Mistress, but I deem that many round here will. Young Flemak 'as told me like that this is quite a tight community hereabouts. 'Is ma'll be one what yer can ask, like.”

“A good suggestion, Plostrum, thank you. Mayhap you yourself could ask him, Flemak that is, should you see him on the morrow. I will visit his mother in a little while, and ask for introductions perchance to others. I do not feel the man was entirely honest with us. Something has made us all wary of him.”

Thus it was that we all started unpacking and sorting things, making many silly games and jokes of it which helped the time slip away almost unnoticed.

It turned out to be an easier job than any of us had anticipated, and we saw that it would require maybe a further half day, that was all. So we finished even earlier than we had already planned, sent Plostrum on his way, suggesting that he enjoy the Bat Bac opening, and we had just time to call in on Nayet before going back home to clean ourselves, intending to visit Tapio before going further up to Junction Square to see the launch of the Bac service. Shemel decided to dash home first to get clean before we women blocked all the facilities!

When we got to Nayet's, we could not of course enter, for we were so dusty, dust which may have contaminated her cloths or her creations. As a result, it took a little while before Mistress Nayet descended to the street to talk to these grubby women her assistant had almost but not quite sneered at.

“Mistresses, how may I be of assistance? My girl tells me you require myself rather than her? I am … Maker! Julina? Megrozen? Is it you?” She squealed with not a little excitement and went to hug us.

I waved her off though, trying to show her the clouds of dust that were dancing in the air near to us as soon as we moved.

“Oh pish! A little dust shall not cause too many problems. I have another work dress above I can change into should it become required. And do I now recognise young Karmanya there? Welcome to you too. Perchance I know not this lady, though?”

“Ah! Forgive me,” I gushed. “Mistress Nayet, may I present Mistress Pomma, wife of the Blackstone saddler, Master Waldan. Mistress Pomma, Mistress Nayet.”

“Delighted!”

“Likewise.”

She turned back to me, saying: “And what brings you here, dear Julina? Here to me. I know a little about your new wagoning adventure, of course.”

She was quick enough to catch the shadows that flitted across our faces. It was up to me to make the explanations.

“Nayet, I regret to have to inform you that I am the new owner of poor Jafferkin's house. We have just spent the early afternoon starting on the clean-up.”

“Oh Maker! I am so pleased! Pleased that 'tis yourself, we knew only that some upcountry lass would be joining our community here. Not pleased that it became necessary.”

“Nayet, we also would much rather that Jaffy was still with us, but are proud to have been selected to carry his memory forward. Oh! That reminds me. There shall be a public space up in Blackstone named Jafferkin Park as a permanent honour to his memory!”

“Why that is a wondrous item of news! We too would prefer to have Jaffy with us, but such an honour to him will be greeted with delight by all, or nearly all, of us who live here. Do you intend to move in here soon?”

“Ah, Nayet. I have far too much to do in Blackstone to move down here, but Megrozen and I shall start a company using Jaffy's house. We are searching for another similar property to purchase, and shall then run an accommodation business, providing beds and breakfasts to the now more frequent visitors to Tranidor. This should bring more people into this area. We require the second property not just to make it worthwhile, but also that we each are providing the same to our new alliance.”

“My Flemak tells me that you are involved in this wagon business with Megrozen's man?”

“Indeed, 'tis also a new-born! But shall start with the advantage of an already-agreed long-term commission.”

“I am delighted to hear that. So you came to me now to ask if there is another house similar to Jaff – yours, that is, to buy?”

“Well yes, in a way.” I paused to gather my thoughts as to how to raise the other strand of our enquiries.

Nayet jumped in though: “You know, you may be in luck!

“There is a man. We have long discussed his departure down to relatives near Holville, and now there is to be a new, easier connection, we deem the time is nigh; your neighbour is thinking of spending the autumn years of his life down there.”

“Master Trooger? We met ...”

“No, no! He, Trooger that is, is a mean-spirited and deeply sad man. And he is no Master. Goodman is his appellation. He has no friends around here, and he and Jafferkin in particular never saw eye to eye on anything. Trooger tries to order us all about and do things HIS way, but few of us, if any, allow him his way, for 'tis always slanted to his own gain or advantage. No, the man you should speak to is Goodman Voysin, a retired carpenter's assistant who lives in the other half of your building. I deem 'twould not take much to persuade him to sell.”

“Trooger just sent a message to me, without realising he was actually talking to me already, that he wishes to buy my house. He claimed that he had an agreement with Jaffy to do so. He thought we were a group of cleaning women and he ordered us about, with the barest of politeness.”

“That is typical Trooger. Don't trust him. Don't trust him a thumb! He probably wants the house so that he can claim to be the biggest home-owner in the area and try to use that to order us about! We all around here would love to pull him down from his self-appointed peak!”

I couldn't help smiling as Epp said: “Maker! We found out what we wanted to know a lot faster than we ever imagined we could.”

“What did he say, exactly?” asked Nayet.

“Nothing – really nothing of substance. Just that he was disappointed that his apparent agreement with Jafferkin had been ignored, and that I should call upon him at his house to discuss it,” I answered.

“Hmm. Sounds to me like he has some scheme in mind. He doesn't deal well with change and the need to react quickly. You will be in the driver's chair if you somehow disturb his planned approach.” She paused, looking a little apologetic. “But please excuse me, all of you, I have a client upstairs who should by now be changed. Please come by later this evening and we can chat properly. Thanks to you, Julina, I am now so busy, which is far better than struggling to find customers as I was this time last year. For now, goodbye all.”

She whirled round and dashed up the stairs, her front door swinging closed behind her all on its own. We had called a collective good-bye and then walked quite rapidly back to the South Point mansion, where Shemel had arranged everything to be ready for us, doing his own business in what must have been a record time. We could not have been as much as half a bell after him, and yet he was out of our way when we got there. Such a considerate man!

As we bathed, we of course discussed our day and our future. We came up with a plan for Trooger that nearly made us spill water out of the bath, we were giggling about it so much!

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A conman conned

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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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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“Maker ! I can't believe it! Is that really you, Subrish? Is that really really really really you?”

Epp was giggling, laughing, sobbing, talking, crying and hugging the stranger all at the same time.

Shemel looked on in wonder, wanting to help his woman, but not wanting to interrupt what was obviously a very personal moment. Karmanya and Jogantha stood there ready to leap in if called, but ready to escort this stranger out if that was what would be required, although by then we all knew that it was highly unlikely that the man would be so summarily evicted.

Pomma and I also looked on in amazement. She, Pomma that is, had no clue at all as to what was going on, but my mind was churning. The name Epp had said, Subrish, that name I had heard before, somewhere else entirely.

Epp's past, I was sure. Let me think …

The answer slipped into my head and I was just about to tell Pomma when Epp pulled back from the man, still sniffling.

She announced: “Everyone, this is my brother Subrish. I have not seen him since I went off with Willen all those years ago. Girls, run and make a room ready for him, the best one available of course. Subrish, this is my man Shemel and these two ladies are staying with me here, down from Blackstone, Mistress Pomma is the wife of our saddler up there, Waldan, and the younger one is my protégée, friend, confidante and business partner, Mistress Julina. My two boys, Willen was the father, shall be back here for our evening meal.”

We studied the man before us. Slim he was, perchance too slim, as though he was quite severely undernourished. However, his whole posture suggested he was one of those men that are filled with a wiry strength, a strength that surprises you when you see the person employ it. He was shorter than Shemel, but only just, which meant he was taller than any of we women. Mohini, I deemed, might be less than him and Termerik would be about the same height. His clothes were not new, but were well cared-for, perhaps a little travel stained.

Later, when Pomma and I compared notes, we agreed though that his clean-shaven face was the most striking feature. That and his hair, so I will deal with the hair first. Full-bodied, long, tidy, clean, well cared-for and utterly silver. Men of his age mostly have many signs of their original colour of hair, but his was just that uniformly deep and burnished silver.

And his face! That face had been lived in. There was a strain in it which I originally attributed to the rigours of travel. There were deep lines which I would have put down to worry on any other man, but on him there was something a little different. And yet it was familiar somehow. A look I had seen before somewhere. A memory that slipped and squiggled its way away from me the more I tried to pin it down.

His voice, when he spoke, was calm and smooth, a pleasant, light man's voice, but again there were hints of steel: “Well met, all. I must first apologise to my sister and Master Shemel here, for I have travelled to be here for their wedding but delays on the route have made me miss the grand occasion. And I am delighted to meet you ladies. Perchance we shall have a chance to know each other better over an evening meal? But I deem we shall all be more comfortable somewhere else entirely rather than standing around here in an entrance hall.”

Epp, looking far more flustered than I had ever seen her before, blushed red and, with far too many apologies, ushered everyone into the family room. But then, half way there, she remembered that we were all supposed to be going out.

Before she could say anything, I interrupted: “Dear Epp, a blind man could see you have far too much on your plate right at the moment, so Pomma and I will simply slip out and leave you to your family reunion. We shall return in good time for the evening meal.”

Thus it was that just Pomma and I went through the streets to Master Tapio's place of business.

Where, of course, the first person we met just HAD to be the one I really didn't want to.

“Mistress Julina! What … excuse me …” He swallowed and started again. “How may I help you, Mistresses?”

“I am here, Bormio, to see Master Tapio. If you could be so kind as to fetch him? I require no more than a hand of moments.”

I was so taken aback that I spoke a little harshly, and Pomma later confirmed my impression that I had been at less than my politest. But nevertheless Bormio went off to do my bidding.

“Mistress Julina, how wonderful to see you again!”

“Master Tapio, may I present Mistress Pomma, wife of Master Waldan, our saddler up in Blackstone. Mistress Pomma, this is Master Tapio. I have told you much about him, but worry not Master Tapio, not everything!”

The two of them laughed and the ice was broken.

Tapio turned to Bormio and dismissed him by giving him a task to do. He remained silent until the other man had gone out of earshot, then turned to me and said: “I deem that our Bormio is actually beginning to understand his crimes, for I do believe I heard some contrition from him last week. He is indeed a talented Glassman and I am certain he is grateful to you for preventing the chopping off of his hand. I deem we might make something of him by the time his two years is up.

“Last week, however, he was less in control of his emotions. It appears that his wife has deserted him, running off downvalley with some other man. I have never seen anyone quite so happy as when Bormio was informed! He almost forgot that the Guild had stripped him of his Mastership and that he would have the bare minimum of income.

“However, that means that his shop, which was also his workshop AND his home, is now largely unattended, for he spends most of his time here, of course. He doesn't quite know what to do. He has no income any more to pay someone to look after his place and feels he might need to sell it, but then would require somewhere to sleep. He sees no way out of it. And it's complicated by the fact that actually all his assets were given to Mistress Megrozen to administrate if you remember.”

“Aye, Master, I do recall. We are staying with her and I shall mention it to her tonight over dinner. However, her brother, whom she has not seen for many a year, has unexpectedly turned up, so I doubt that she shall be able to concentrate on much else for a while!”

“So Mistresses, you came to visit me. Was this just a visit to cheer an old man up, or was there some other underlying reason?”

“A little of both, actually,” I laughed. “I could not visit Tranidor without paying my respects, and this time my visit is somewhat urgent and yet must be cut as short as possible. I shall be returning very soon, the morning after next actually. I am in town because ...”

And so I filled him in on the Jaffy story, and the Blackstone Wagons story, and the Brayview story. Pomma mentioned the Bat Bacs story when she explained where we were dashing off to as soon as we finished here.

I finished off the explanations by saying: “... so you see we shall require everything to set up this business! I must rush round the necessary suppliers on the morrow to get all the things set in motion.”

“Businesses, more like! You are almost over busy I deem. Now please don't take this in any other way than as meant. I am so very grateful to you for the vast change you have made in my fortunes and would like to present you with a little gift for your new transport enterprise. Please attend for a mere moment or two.”

He dashed off, leaving Pomma and I looking at each other in a sort of wonder. Neither of us had expected any such reaction on his part.

He returned with Bormio and another man who worked there, all three debating some point as they went along. I gathered from their talking that the third man was the establishment's storekeeper, who was confirming some quantity of something was indeed available.

Once they reached us, Tapio ushered Bormio forward to be the first spokesman. I could see that he was extremely nervous, but nevertheless he was steadfast in his speech, and appeared far more sincere than I had ever seen him.

“Mistress Julina, I must first say that I apologise for my appalling behaviour towards you, Mistress Megrozen and all your friends. I was blinded by greed, and have subsequently suffered my fate because of it. That 'twas you who saved my hand means I shall ever be in your debt. Without that hand, I would be a starving, penniless beggar with no future to continue with my work. That someone whom I wronged so grievously could act as my saviour was a severe shock to me, and may well have been the first step towards my recovery.

“Master Tapio here has explained that you are starting a new venture. We here in his establishment have a semi-permanent order with Master Tanon's company to supply them with Beam Lanterns. They appreciate we shall be unable to supply all their needs in this respect in one fell swoop, and I understand that Master Pocular up in Blackstone is likewise supplying them as he may. There is also now a Glassmaker in Holville, one in Haligo and one in Teldor who are likewise feeding Master Tanon's demands. For all we know there may also be others in Dekarran and Palarand itself.

“Despite all this, it shall still be a year or more, at the most conservative of estimates, that the demand from just this one source shall be met. We also have other demand sources requiring them. As a result of all this, we work hard daily producing them. So many, that we now have a stockpile that we build up weekly and deliver to Master Rohid's office in one large consignment. Master Tapio informs me that your four wagons shall be leaving on the morning after next, the morning of the 16th from Master Rader's site. Please allow us to send four Beam Lanterns there, to be attached to your wagons prior to their departure. As a gift from us all here in Master Tapio's establishment. As just a small token of our gratitude.”

To say I was a little surprised would probably be the understatement of the year. I found I needed to gather my thoughts before I replied. It would be too confusing, too complicated to correct the numbers at that heartbeat, so I determined that I would accept the offer, with little explanation, but with an added order.

“Bormio, I find I myself must apologise. I apologise for my lack of politeness when we arrived. I was taken aback to find myself having to address you, for our last meeting was nothing less than acrimonious. So I present my apology now, and I accept your apology. I am unable to accept it upon Mistress Megrozen's behalf, but I assure you I shall inform her of it when next I see her.

“As to the gift, then I thank you, and your companions here for such a very kind thought. I accept such a generous offer with alacrity.” I grinned at them as I said that, hoping my sincerity was obvious. But I was not yet finished with my words. First I would add a quick rider to their generous offer: “If they could be delivered to Master Rader's, care of Journeyman Pyor, then I would be most appreciative.”

The storekeeper made a note of the names I had given, having taken out a pad of papers, much like my own that I always carried with me.

I took a breath. Half of my mind was amazed at the hammering of my heart as I went ahead and made my first business decision alone, at least one with regard to Blackstone Wagons.

“In my capacity as an owner of Blackstone Wagons, then I shall today issue my first commission and order a further eight of the Beam Lanterns, all these eight to be delivered together to Master Shemel at South Point Mansion, who shall pay the reckoning. I would also add to that same order a dozen General Lanterns, three hand mirrors and four full length flat glass mirrors, these latter being framed and with hanging attachments. Please address the reckoning to 'Blackstone Wagons'. Incidentally, these latter items shall be required for a building project that has yet to begin and are thus less urgent than the others. Shall this commission be acceptable to Master Tapio's business, or must I take my order elsewhere?”

I had rapidly calculated that it would be the same getting the glassware done here or up with Pocular, who I knew was also busy.

A stray thought leapt into my head: Would there eventually be a glassmaker in Brayview? How big would Brayview …?

It was with difficulty that I dragged my mind back to the matter at hand. But Pomma helped by jokingly saying: “Do I say 'Heard and witnessed!' now?”

We all laughed.

But Tapio and Bormio looked worried and somehow regretful.

I clapped my hand to my mouth. They obviously thought I wanted them to supply all this for free. I felt dreadful. Our company could not expect to get such things for free, and so I might as well place the orders with friends than with strangers. Of course, we would also need windows for the new buildings at Brayview, but I was not prepared to order them just yet. The buildings had yet to be designed, even! I made a mental note to ask up in Blackstone about the pre-made windows and frames, and whether the sizes had to be fixed.

Another stray thought leapt into my mind. I suddenly realised how I could get the designs done quickly. It might mean a little extra work for me and my friends, but I was sure 'twould be doable. Maybe I should send a semaphore to …

I whipped out my little pad from my carrybag, and a reedlet, and scribbled myself a note. Then I dragged my mind back to the present.

“Mistress Julina,” began Tapio formally, “we are delighted to accept such a commission and shall fulfil it as rapidly as we may. I confirm our local contact here shall be Master Shemel at South Point Mansion. The extra Beam Lanterns shall be delivered to Journeyman ...” he broke off as he snatched a glance at the storekeeper's pad which was swiftly offered up to his eyes, “... Pyor in the care of Master Rader.

“However. I regret that I shall have to disappoint you in some ways. I have heard of these full-length mirrors but I have never seen one. We do not have the facilities here to make them. They require many more workers in one place than are employed by all the glassmakers in Tranidor put together. I can pass on your order to ...”

“No! No, Master Tapio. I was unaware of the difficulties of production. Just forget that part of the order! I have seen one in the Inn at Blackstone, 'twas sent to Milady, er now Her Highness, when she was up there. She donated it to the Town, so I sort of assumed that they were easy to produce and were not that uncommon. I see I have been making invalid assumptions!”

“Now you have mentioned them, I shall find out all I can about them. I have learnt to trust your instincts and ideas. Bormio, I deem we have a new project before us. And we shall remember Mistress Julina's part in bringing this idea to our notice, shall we not?”

This last was said with an undercurrent of menace and I realised that it was given to Bormio as a warning. Perchance his habits had not yet been completely realigned.

“In that case, I regret we must dash away, lest we be late for something we very much wish to see. Our business for today is concluded. Mayhap I shall be able to make a more social call on the morrow. Goodnight gentlemen.”

I had to say the last for I knew not how to address Bormio nowadays, he was no longer a Master, and I had no idea about the storekeeper's status.

“Goodnight Mistresses Julina and Pomma. Hopefully until the morrow.”

I had another quick thought and departed, leaving my words floating in the air behind us: “I shall be in the 'Nest' for a luncheon from the noon bell, should you wish to join us?”

… … …

“Maker!”

Pomma and I turned to each other in amazement.

The Bat Bacs experiment had been extremely popular.

Even though the terms were explained, and the extra costs, even then every one of the carts that turned up, and there were four hands or so of them, were engaged within moments. We saw Plostrum and he waved to us when he caught sight of us. His first hiring must have been for a short travel, for we saw him return and manage to take up a second set of passengers. Nearly every one of the drivers was wreathed in smiles when they came back, and the lines of people attending the next Wender were also smiling, some because they would have less time to wait, some because they realised the people running these public services were actually considering their needs.

Yes, Pomma and I spent a while going around asking those there. We soon understood that they all approved of the Wender system, and this extra Bac system would be a 'Good Thing'.

Some even suggested that the Bacs should just freely roam around Town during the day, they were convinced that there would be a demand not just in what one of them had named the 'scurry hour'. I liked that name, it described exactly what it felt like at that time of evening when everyone was scurrying about to get home.

We met Master Rohid while we were there, and he was beaming too with the success of this latest idea. I mentioned the idea that that passenger had planted in my mind, about making the Bacs available at other times, just running around until someone hailed them. He went immediately thoughtful, obviously working out how such a method might be handled.

Just then Plostrum turned up again and offered to take Pomma and I back to South Point – for free. Rohid agreed to meet once more at the 'Nest' on the following day and Pomma and I hopped aboard.

Rohid saw us on or way with the words: “Mistress Julina, what a wonderful idea you have had. This evening, I deem, was a great success. I am amazed that people were so ready to part with extra coin just to get home quicker. But I notice that people are now carrying more, I assume that means that they are purchasing more. So everyone is pleased, especially the businesses that are taking increased coin.”

We waved to him and Plostrum got us underway. I broke the silence that had fallen after we had gone some hundred strides or so by asking Plostrum: “One of the passengers we asked suggested that Bacs should just circulate freely during the day even, just waiting for someone to hail them. What think you of that development?”

“Oh Mistress! That had not occurred to me, like. Allow me please to gather my thinking...”

We settled back and watched the passers-by for the next two or three moments.

“My first thought is that would not be sensible, like. Surely most people have their routines and will be inside for the most part of the day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon especially. And we carters, we have other tasks in the mornings especially, delivering small loads from warehouses to customers, for example, like. 'Twould surely be a huge gamble to just cruise the streets on the off-chance someone might need you. I see not how it could be made to work, like. You might spend a whole day and not earn a soo! I doubt any of us would be prepared to take quite such a risk, like.”

I thanked him for his thoughts and we chatted about other things until we got back 'home'. We sent him off with our thanks and cheerful wishes for a good evening. But he had given me several new facts to think over, to chew upon, if you like. Like. I giggled to myself as I added that last word.

I had a surprise when we entered the house, for the dining room door stood open and I could see many more places had been laid up than I was expecting.

… … …

“Goodman Voysin, please don't feel so embarrassed. We are all friends here, and hope that you too shall be soon. Please treat this evening as just something different and as perchance a learning experience. None of us are too old to still be learning. Indeed we are relying on you for some important information, so WE require YOU.”

Epp managed to settle the poor man down for he was obviously thinking that he was out of his depth here. However, soon things settled down a tad and our discussions started.

Mistress Megrozen and I were totally honest, Mistress Nayet vouched for us, Mistress Pomma also confirmed what we were saying and Master Subrish sat back, acutely observing his sister and her partners, both life and business, as they went about explaining their plans. The two lads were taking sidewards glances to the new arrival, and he too seemed to be measuring them in return as well as almost judging everyone's conversations and contributions. I think we were all just a little unnerved by it at first.

I found it very gracious of him to allow Epp and I to do our business while we could take advantage of my presence. He was of course fully aware that my time in Tranidor was so limited. Although we were very much interested in Subrish's story, he announced that it could wait until the following evening for tonight should be more business, as I had just a single full day left in which I could attempt to arrange all I must.

It took less than a bell around the dining table for all the normal titles to be dropped and Voysin proved to be a quite intelligent man, knowledgeable when within his areas of expertise, but not really knowing much outside of his work and his home.

Around the table, he contributed little to our discussions about Wenders, Bat Bacs, Blackstone Wagons and Brayview. We did noticed his eyebrows raise on several occasions, and I, with my experience of pupils, believed I could see a mind stirred into action. We could all tell those occasions when some of our thoughts rang with something inside him. And when we had thoughts that he had hitherto not considered. He mentioned some things that we should consider in the construction of our buildings in Brayview, which were very helpful. He knew construction well, it soon became apparent.

But he also knew his neighbours well and warned us of what would most likely be Trooger's approach to any negotiations, when the subject switched to the apparent offer to purchase what was now my house on the Lane of the Inner Ramparts. It was obvious he held Trooger in the lowest regard.

We mentioned our plan for the morrow and he laughed along with us too: “What a splendid show! I deem you have read the man correctly, and he will expect you to be an uneducated young girl out of her depth in the 'big city'. If you can do that impression, and that scenario with the documents, and I deem he WILL try to browbeat you with further documents, long-words and demands for quick decisions; then he should be extremely surprised at the end.”

I replied: “We would appreciate it if you and Mistress Nayet could be present such that you may hear all that is going on and yet remain, at first, unseen. For no doubt afterwards he will attempt to twist his reportings to his favour. We hope to embarrass the man into better behaviour, that is the wished for upshot of our approach. He annoyed us and we have now learned that he has upset all his neighbours consistently over the years. He needs some rude awakening.

“Now if I might ask you about another topic? You shared a building with our friend Jafferkin, so Julina here particularly is interested in the state of the building. Did you ever discuss this with Jafferkin, or did the two of you perchance share any costs of any repairs? We shall get in someone to inspect Jaffy's half, as you would expect, but do you have any further knowledge of anything like this. If you wish, we could ask our inspector to look over your house at the same time?”

“Well, yes. Actually he and I were very much in agreement with the maintenance of our building. Over the years ...”

And so it was that we began to discuss the subject of the shared building.

We deliberately did NOT mention the possibility of our buying his half, we were determined not to have him think that he was invited this evening only because we wanted something from him. Our plan was to approach him after the Trooger showdown in the morning. He agreed with Epp's ideas of a fair price for my half that Trooger should offer and we all noticed that he was pleased that we had done our investigative 'homework' if I might make a little word joke there. We called the agreed price the 'Proper Price' so we could always know exactly what we were referring to.

We talked some more about tactics for the morrow and probable happenings and then the conversation somehow drifted off into Nayet's realms, discussing her own situation and hopes.

It was while we were talking with her, that yet another idea sprang into my mind, and I needed my little pad once more.

And my friends around the table issued the by-now normal warnings. And ignored my by-now normal glares. I noticed Subrish sniggering at our antics. He suddenly looked years younger.

I was called for explanations, but simply replied: “Not yet. I need to ask someone else about something else first. But I do believe I may have a neat solution to several problems that have occurred today.”

Nayet said: “As we are talking about me, then I must say I hope that you are not considering buying the building I currently live and work in? I made enquiries of my landlord recently, and he explained that he is oath-bound to keep the building until he dies. I know that you are looking to buy … oh …”

She faltered as she realised that she might have inadvertently let slip that we were looking for a house to buy and that actually drew more attention to her words than if she had just carried on. None of us could come up with a way to change the focus before Voysin said: “Do you tell me?”

“Indeed Voysin. The Mistresses are looking for a property similar to Jafferkin's to buy, somewhere nearby as well. They still have some plans to fill first though, and asked me not to mention it to anyone. I let it slip by accident since we are all having a friendly gathering. It just slipped out somehow.”

'Twas Subrish who smoothly diverted some of the attention by saying: “You hadn't told me THAT, sister of mine!”

I kept my face still, for I knew that actually she HAD told him but now Voysin would not feel himself to be the only one from whom secrets were being kept.

Epp herself proved how quickly she could think: “Oh it's no problem, Nayet dear, we just didn't want people generally around us to know we were looking to buy. That way prices always seem to raise slightly! We are all just friends here and none of us will breathe a word about it outside this room, will we?”

Voysin started laughing.

I wondered if it was because we had been caught out so to speak, but soon we were laughing along with him as he explained: “Trooger! Oh how wonderful! He thinks he is going to buy your house cheaply, when all along you want to BUY somewhere. Oh he won't like THAT! You have no intention of selling do you? Oh that makes everything so much better. I would not miss the meeting tomorrow for all the gallin in our land.”

He waited until our laughter was fading when he said: “More seriously though, are you really looking for somewhere to buy?”

Epp answered him more soberly: “Indeed we are, Voysin. This is what we want to do ...”

And so the Meglina story came out. Subrish showed considerable interest.

Voysin in particular listened to us as we outlined our vision, nodding frequently as he found various points he agreed with. Once we had finished with our explanations, he held up his hand for attention.

Once he had it, he surprised us with: “Mistresses, I believe that indeed I can help you. In more than one way. My friend and neighbour here, Nayet, knows that I have been considering something for quite a while now, and you have shown me that you are prepared to prepare your ideas and are obviously honourable people. As a result of all this, and including other factors as well, I have just now decided that you may purchase my half of the building! It makes complete sense, for I wish to retire down to my family near Holville, soon. Or maybe I should say soonish.

“However, I will do so on one, nay two, conditions. I would ever be wondering what the building itself shall look like, knocked through to be one large house. So I would wish to be a part of the construction team that does the alterations! And I would definitely wish to be present for the meeting with that Trooger, just to see his face when the story reverses upon himself.”

“Are you serious, Voysin? I would not want you to think that you must be nice to us! We had no intention of discussing a sale of your half with us around this table when we invited you for dinner tonight.”

“Julina, I have never been so serious in my life. It makes perfect sense to me that this building becomes a single house and Jafferkin's legacy is put to good use. I am no longer a young man, but I have experience in the construction world and would give of that experience to bring this project to fruition.”

There was a short silence as we all took stock of the situation. Yes, we had wanted to discuss the sale with him eventually, but we really did not want to do it this night. He was there with us to help plan our campaign against Trooger as well as give us a feel for the neighbourhood. Which was also the reason that Nayet was invited of course, mainly because of my limited time I had for this visit. Now, if we manage to ...

Then Epp brought me back to the thread of the conversation when she said formally: “Goodman Voysin, on behalf of Meglina Accommodation, I hereby make a formal offer to purchase your house in the Lane of the Inner Ramparts and shall pay what we have already deemed to be the Proper Price, subject always to the house being in a sound condition as determined by an independent inspector. Other purchasing conditions shall apply as discussed here and at this dining table in the last hand of moments.”

I think that she was now so used to it, so 'twas Pomma who first said: “Heard and witnessed!” Several others repeated it just after her.

“Mistress Megrozen, acting as the owner of the house in question, I, Goodman Voysin of the Lane of the Inner Ramparts in Tranidor, formally accept your offer to purchase my house at the price mentioned. All conditions of the sale shall be confirmed within the next week.”

“Heard and witnessed!”

And so Epp bought her half of the initial building in our accommodation enterprise.

A stray thought made me ask: “Voysin, have you ever managed a construction project?” I made it sound like I was enquiring about his past, but I had another angle in my mind.

“Nay Julina, I have assisted on several, but I have never been in overall charge. On one, the Project Manager fell ill soon after the commencement and I had to make decisions for the next three months before he came back, but no, I never rose to those 'dizzy heights', the opportunities never seemed to occur.”

I looked at Epp, then at Shemel and then at Nayet. They all nodded back.

“Would you, Goodman Voysin, be prepared to be the Project Manager for the conversion of the houses into one combined one, on behalf of Meglina Accommodation. Details of your employment to be finalised in the next week? Always assuming that nothing occurs to prevent the sale of the house to Meglina!”

This time, it was Voysin's turn to be surprised, but even so he was not all that slow in answering: “I accept your offer of employment, Mistress Julina. And, by extension, Mistress Megrozen.”

“Heard and witnessed!”

“Now,” I began, “let me tell you about steam engines, pumps and water pipes. Oh and water tanks and perchance toilets, even though the last topic is scarcely appropriate for a dinner table. Anyway …"

For the next bell, we discussed things like that, things I had picked up from observations and my own earlier discussions. Epp added in some details and even managed to add to my knowledge by explaining what Her Highness had called 'S-bends' in such a way that even I could understand not only how they worked, but also their reasons and their construction. She had found out about them on her trip down to the capital and had heard a discussion on the topic.

“Oh!” said Subrish, “I wish we had had known that down in the Fort! On warm days, the smells were barely supportable.”

“Fort, Subrish?”

“I deem 'tis too late tonight for a full explanation. I shall do that on the morrow, with all your permissions?”

… … …

The following day started normally. Term and Mo had scooted off early to their businesses, and Shemel had time to greet us before he went off to discuss loads and drivers and beasts and the like with Quizzen and his other contacts.

We women and Subrish had a more leisurely period breaking our fasts, before we all went to Jaffy's house and arranged things to our liking for the upcoming meeting. We called in on Nayet and Voysin to lay our final plans, and then we were set.

We had not long to wait.

“Which of you then is this Julina girl?”

“Good morrow, sir. Are you Master Trooger?”

I looked up at the man who had just been ushered in by Jogantha. I was quite pleased to see that he was already annoyed, and would therefore be more likely to be off balance, even if ever so slightly.

I let my nervousness show, which was something so very alien to my normal behaviour. I was about to playact to unsettle this man further and I felt nervous about it, which helped me look nervous, so it was a good thing really. For that was exactly the impression we wished to convey, as step one in our strategy to turn the tables on this man, a man who was found by all his neighbours to be obnoxious.

Of course, as it stood at that very heartbeat, he had done nothing of damage to us. Nothing of real damage, that is. He had been overbearing, abrupt and very rude. But so far, he had caused us no actual harm.

But his attitude, even in our extremely short acquaintance, had been subtly offensive to us, so we had not needed much persuasion to attempt to bring him down a notch or two. We suspected that he would try to cheat a poor uneducated country girl in some way, probably by browbeating her to sell the house for a lower price than was current. We all knew what the Proper Price was. And he had mentioned purchasing the house. However, it was possible that he might want to just establish an unwarranted control over the shared alleyway between our houses. We needed first to uncover his intentions, somehow.

I was seated in the middle of the empty, but still dusty, room; Pomma was also seated to one side of me and Epp to the other. Only the two girls from South Point Mansion were also present. They were standing behind us. It didn't take much for them to look nervous. I kept glancing to the women on either side of me, again trying to show nervousness.

It was working, apparently, for we could see him relax slightly, trying not to smile as he surveyed us.

Jogantha and Karmanya had gone next door to fetch Trooger to us. We had given them precise instructions that he MUST come to us. We had prepared a very plausible excuse which had its basis in fact. They were to tell him that a woman does not go to a man's house uninvited, should he have objected to the change in venue for this discussion, but only say that if he tried to insist I went to his house.

A pre-arranged signal from Jogantha told us that he had indeed objected, but the lack of another signal told us that she had not needed to resort to the final persuader – that the discussions would not be held at all unless he came here. It was he who wanted something after all, I could not care about him, other than not wishing to have bad feelings with a neighbour.

Thus we knew that he was fairly intent upon his purposes, but we so far knew not what those purposes were. Sure, we could guess, but we did not actually KNOW.

“I am indeed Master Trooger. Are you this girl that has somehow managed to get her clutches on Jafferkin's inheritance? If so, you must be this unknown country girl who has taken this house from my friend.”

“I am, Master. I am named Mistress Julina. And I have indeed inherited all dear Jaffy's property.” We had deliberately decided not to introduce the others seated to my sides unless it was unavoidable, so I made no attempt so to do.

We all noted that his first mention of Jaffy had been totally soulless, as if he were just some person that he had heard about. His friend indeed!

“Well I must say that I am disappointed in your attitude. I told your cleaning women yesterday that you were to come to my house.”

He was looking around for somewhere for himself to sit, but there was no other chair available, and we had taken out any table that he might be even more discomfited. He had indeed brought along a stack of documents with him. As Nayet had suggested yesterday, we needed to keep him from settling, change his prepared plans. He apparently was not the most fluid in thinking, so we needed to keep him off balance, so to speak.

“I regret my upbringing prevented me from so doing, Master. I cannot enter a man's house without an invitation and without having met him beforehand. You cannot be surprised unless habits are so completely different down here in such a large and frightening town.”

“I deem you shall find town habits to be very different to your upcountry ones. Have you spent a lot of time in towns?” His smile was that of a predator, and we all felt better about the scheme upon which we had now embarked.

“Not in quite such a large one as this, not very many days at all.” I started counting on my fingers, deliberately starting all over again a couple of times, and breathing the numbers as I ticked off my fingers. “I believe I may have had six or even seven days here before. Perchance more, but I am unable to recall them to number further.”

It was now time for me to take a little gamble. I was fairly sure that he would not know the connections with my name, but I wished to convey the thought that I was sort of 'townstruck' as it were. “These new Wender thingies are such a marvel aren't they?” I smiled in a nervous way, trying to convey my eagerness to please him.

“They are just one of the many wonders we have down here that I doubt you will have previously encountered.” Again the insincere smile.

“Now, Master Trooger, tell me, what sort of Master are you? What is your speciality?”

“That's not relevant,” he said, waving one hand dismissively. “I organise many things that you would not understand. I would not like to confuse you.”

“You are very considerate. The women yesterday told me you wished to discuss something with me, something to do with some agreement that you had with poor dear Jaffy.”

“Indeed. Poor dear Jaffy indeed.” His lack of fondness in his references to Jaffy were beginning to anger me. This was so obviously just a sham. “We were neighbours you must know, we shared the alleyway between our houses. Somehow, you have laid claim to this house and yet I know nothing of you. I have never heard a single mention from him of your name. In fact the only woman I ever heard him talk about was a Mistress Megrozen, one of the more successful citizens in this town because she inherited the foundation of her wealth. ...”

A cough came from my right and I dared not look at Epp at that moment. He didn't seem to notice and just blithely continued with his self-important setting out his sales pitch.

“... Dear Jaffy and I had an agreement that when one of us died, the other would purchase his house. We ...”

“Hold sir, just a moment.” It was time to disconcert him once again, so Pomma piped up, with nervousness in her voice. “Are you suggesting that we, er that is Julina here, should not own this house?”

I nearly giggled, because she made herself look so very guilty when she said that. We could all see a shocked surprise dawn in Trooger's face. Maybe there was something else to this story, he was clearly thinking.

And he suddenly wore a calculating look.

We knew he was thinking of some way that he could try and force us to his will using what he was now convinced was our guilt. Guilt about something, certainly. Perhaps we were imposters? He was busy calculating a new approach.

Epp's turn: “You wanted this meeting, Master Trooger. What was it you wanted?” She too managed to look both nervous and guilty at the same time.

His head turned to her and then came back to me when I added impatiently: “Yes, what?” But I let the nervousness out some more.

He had a choice now. Should he go ahead with what he had originally thought was just an easy way to browbeat a bunch of mere women, or should he try to gain some more advantage?

He decided.

His greed overrode his thinking.

“I wanted to buy this house from you, but I doubt you actually own it now. There is something wrong here.”

This was one bit we had rehearsed, so I had to convince him. “How much?” I said it with urgency and worry.

We could all see him recalculate his options and knew that he was now thinking he could buy it cheaply, then denounce us to the authorities and get his money back.

He quoted a figure and we all could barely hold back our gasps of surprise. It was less than one quarter of what it was worth, of the widely-agreed 'Proper Price'.

Again I asked quickly: “Do you have the necessary documents with you? Can we get this done this morn?”

“Er, yes. I believe I do, and we can. Can you read?” he finished, trying to be nonchalant.

My eyes went from side to side and my hands were twitching nervously: “Enough,” I answered truthfully, but with everything else about my demeanour telling him I was lying.

He selected some documents from his pile and handed them to me. I dropped them in my nervousness and stooped down, eventually picking them up. I made sure the top one was upside down and then pretended to read it, running my finger along the words, and muttering to myself.

I could not look at him, but the others told me that his broad smile told them he was convinced he had won.

I kept the act up for nearly a whole moment and then looked up at him and said: “This all seems to be in order.” In fact, the parchment piece he had handed me was simply a list of some goods stored somewhere. I made absolutely sure that my face did not betray anything, but now we had definite proof of his duplicity. Any possible doubts we might have had were dissipated at that very heartbeat. I handed the parchment nonchalantly to Epp, keeping his attention on me so he would not see her tuck the document away.

“So Master Trooger, it appears I can trust you. How do we now proceed? I must return to my village soon, and would take some coin with me. I need to conclude this deal as soon as I might.”

He smiled at me with a smile that did not reach his eyes. A smile that switched off suddenly when I asked my next question: “And you do completely assure me that this is a fair price for Jaf, er, for MY house?”

He tried to plaster a simpering grin on his face, but the predator kept shining ever stronger through.

“Of course it is. I would not take advantage of a poor girl from the country,” he smarmed. “I am aware that you must be out of your normal sphere here. You may trust me implicitly, my dear.” He tried to put on a winning smile, but he really was not good at this. Surely no-one would ever believe or trust him? But we continued with our scheme.

“Are you sure?” asked Epp then. “Seems to me that this is all a bit too easy. We heard that you Townies are a sharp bunch, and that we should be wary.”

“Oh no! Not all of us. I personally am above suspicion, yes! Definitely. And that price? That IS the going rate. You could check with other folk around who live here, but I assure you there is no need.” If his meaningless grin got any wider, he would have been swallowed by his own mouth, I felt.

“Quite sure?” This time 'twas Pomma.

I winced slightly, and I deem Epp did too, for this was surely pushing the point too far? But, in retrospect, it was right. She knew her stuff, did Pomma. If this had been a realistic situation, then there was no way the third woman would sit there and remain silent.

His temper began to fray as he replied: “I have said so. Do you doubt a man's word?” His whole attitude now began to show his belief that women should not be in business deals. He started down the anger track, but hauled himself back. Some of his instincts obviously still work, and he felt that anger might alienate us. The insincere smile reappeared.

At this point we had reached the position we wanted to achieve and our plan was then to reveal to him who we really were, and to spring one further surprise upon him. We wanted to just haul him up on his own errors and point them out, letting him know that he had made a BIG error.

But something made me ask one more question.

I know not where this came from, but somehow it did: “So YOU would sell your house for this price, if someone offered you that amount?” I tried to strike a note of being a little out of my depth, and not totally convinced of his reliability.

I wanted somehow to make him squirm just a little more. If he said no, then it would be driving the price of MY house upwards.

If he was to continue with this farce, then he could answer in only one way.

“Of course,” he said quickly, “I have given you my word that this is the correct market place value. Mine is however in much better condition so I deem I might get just a little more for it.” Then he decided it was time to bully us. “Do you dare to doubt me?” He started to use apparent offence as his reason for pressuring us some more. It was a point where he thought he could allow his irritation, his anger, to come through and thus make us feel less than him, make us scared of him in a way.

Epp butted in then: “So anyone offering, say, twice that amount would be foolish, and you would be foolish to turn them down at THAT valuation?”

He narrowed his eyes at that, but Epp smoothly continued: “Master Troogan, ...” getting his name slightly wrong deliberately, “... I am just making sure that Julina here understands entirely. For it is her decision as to accept your generous offer or not. I am making her look at this in HER terms! In the way we look at things back home, is all.” She dropped her voice slightly as she continued: “She understands twices and halves most readily, Master!” implying that anything else confused me.

We all almost burst out with laughter when he accepted her nonsense and turned back to me. Employing his most slimy tones, he said: “Julina, I have said what is a fair value, did you really not understand that? If anyone was indeed so stupid as to offer me twice what I have said, then I would sell it to them in an eyeblink.” He went for his even more sincere look, the one that would never quite make it to his eyes.

Which look dropped like a stone from his face as there was an unexpected interruption from the doorway behind him.

“Heard and witnessed,” came from a female voice I recognised as being Nayet's. This was followed by a further chorus of voices saying the same thing as a hand and more of the neighbourhood residents came in. Trooger's head whipped round in total shock. Even Epp and I were surprised at how many neighbours had foregathered.

“What? What means this? What are you all doing here?” His face had paled completely.

'Twas Voysin who answered on their behalf: “We have been listening to every one of your lies, Trooger. We followed you in the front door and have been gathered there listening to your farrago of lies. You tried to deceive these women as you offered a price far too low for this house, and you tried to browbeat them with your bluster and smarm.

“Perchance you should know more of those seated in front of you. Perchance you should learn from them. The lady seated in the middle in front of you, is indeed the designated inheritor of OUR friend, Goodman Jafferkin. Her name is indeed Mistress Julina, bearing an appellation you have signally failed to grant her consistently during this meeting, despite her giving you the correct form of address from the outset.

“And talking of appellations, since when have you been a Master? Goodman is your correct form of address.

“But back to these ladies you see before you. Mistress Julina is well known in both this town, and also up in Blackstone, where she has lived most of her life; she is in fact one of the founding teachers at the schools up there, where she teaches pupils to read and write. I near burst out laughing when she persuaded you that she could not read. She also runs what has been described as the best restaurant in North Palarand.

“Next to her sits Mistress Pomma. She is the wife of the saddler up in Blackstone, and she is Mistress Julina's travelling companion.

“As for the other lady seated there. You even managed to disparage her by her name. For this is none other than Mistress Megrozen. She is just as well-known up in Blackstone as she is down here. And her business in Blackstone, which she didn't inherit but built up entirely on her own, is as equally successful as her business here in Tranidor, which she incidentally also built up on her own, she inherited only her house.”

Trooger's face was a picture now; he was utterly shocked, embarrassed, feeling guilty that he had been found out and angry at being shown up. We all knew that the anger would gain dominance!

But Voysin showed him no mercy: “These women did their homework before this meeting. Something you yourself should have done. You should know that they have asked about Town and found out what was a proper price to pay for such a house. These women, Trooger, have been in town for less than two full days, and yet they gathered all the information necessary for the discussion with you. You, on the other hand, did nothing to prepare yourself. And look just where that laziness and arrogance have now got you.

“And now, Trooger, I have some several things to say to you, in front of witnesses.

“You never were friends with Jafferkin, he couldn't stand even the sight of you. This can be confirmed by anyone here in this room who lives in this area. You had no agreement with him whatsoever. And yet you attempted to inveigle your way to buying this house at a vastly underrated price by claiming just such a friendship. But you tried to achieve your ends underhandedly. And now those underhand tactics shall rebound upon you.”

He paused, before there came the biggest shock of the morning.

Voysin loudly and formally made an offer to buy Trooger's house at a price twice Trooger's offer for mine, plus one soo.

Everyone called: “Heard and witnessed!”

And then we all looked at Trooger. He was however speechless.

“All here heard you state clearly and decidedly that you would sell your house in an eyeblink if there came an offer for it at a certain price. And now all here have heard you receive such an offer. I, for your information, have sold my house to Mistresses Julina and Megrozen, so they own this entire building now. I shall move into your house next week. You shall have the coin for it by the end of today. This is a binding contract according to the laws and customs of our land, and I fully intend to enforce it. I have put up with you and your attitude for long enough in my life and all of us will line the street and cheer as we wave you off.”

Then it was time for me to let him know what I thought of him.

I walked up to him brandishing his document and read aloud what it said, which was a further excuse for all to laugh at him.

I flung my accusations at him, at last able to let my anger loose: “Agreement indeed! You really are not very good at whatever it is you do, GOODMAN Trooger. So how come you promoted yourself to Master? Just how we didn't laugh at your pretensions, I have no idea. You have been shown to be a man of extreme dishonour, you tried to cheat someone you thought to be from out of town and uneducated. And you did it all in front of your neighbours. They have all witnessed your deceit, and your lies and your cheats. I do not believe you have ANY credibility left here. Now get out of MY house.”

Trooger got almost to the door before his bluster returned: “I'll report you to the Watch for this.”

I called back to him: “Please do. I'm sure Master Jalmond will be interested in your activities when he hears all that has passed here today. Yes, I do know Master Jalmond well. Oh, and Masters Dokker, Dicksen, Barmbee. And a few more. Please do just go and involve the Watch. We will welcome it. I shall mention all this to the Countess Lasalenne when I see her later.” This last was not actually true, but I felt it was more than justified to counter his bluster with some of my own. Everyone else also gasped and I nodded to acknowledge their unspoken question.

The thoroughly defeated Trooger left with shoulders slumped, but in high dudgeon. We all cheered when he went.

After that, Epp and I explained to the assembled neighbours what we intended to do. I deem that most were immediately grateful that we would breathe a fresh wind into their little corner. The ones with slight doubts were won over the more they listened to our explanations.

One exclaimed: “Mayhap we could have a little shop again. Our last one had to close because there were not enough customers to keep it worthwhile. With more overnighters around, then perchance we could have a local convenience once more!”

There was a murmur of general agreement from the other residents. Epp and I looked at each other, wondering if we could incorporate this idea in our overall plans.

“Staff,” I said – and Epp nodded her agreement.

So we quickly discussed the running and staffing of our ideas.

Jogantha was reduced to tears when she heard our plans for her.

Then Voysin said: “I will provide your company with a third house, for a share of the profits I have no doubt will come. Trooger's house would probably be the right place for both a shop and for staff accommodation ...”

“Goodman Voysin, we must needs talk of this. We never intended that Mas, er, Goodman Trooger would be so sorely treated. It sits not comfortably with us that the terms are so harsh, as they seem to be to our ears. We are not so familiar with the man of course, but we deem his dealings with us deserve not such ferocity.”

---

Julina deals with many subjects

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker!”

There was little else for any of us to say, for none of us five women from the South Point Mansion were in any position to argue with the very determined group of local residents. The very vocally determined group of local residents.

They had proceeded to explain their by-now even more palpable antipathy. They started by claiming that, in the first place, Trooger had gained his house by underhand means, although these were never fully explained to us. The impression I got was that he had done some work for the previous owner and then threatened him with something or other, and had forced the man to sell, and to sell for less than its apparent worth.

They went on to explain that, once he had settled into the house and established himself in the neighbourhood, he began to spread a malign influence on the small suburb, a malignancy that had continued daily ever since. They actually blamed him for the demise of their little local store, for the lack or delay of many local improvements, for all the little but ill-feeling-generating annoyances they claimed he had suffered upon them. And on top of all that, his underhanded ways of gouging coin from them.

He had apparently always been the last one to give permission to the authorities for essential maintenance tasks like resurfacing the roads, or replacing the drains and things like that. Those authorities naturally could not start until everyone who lived thereabouts had given their approval and/or permission, but Trooger would set his feet stubbornly and wait until his neighbours had managed to persuade him to do so. Their dislike of him, a dislike that amounted almost to hatred, was for all the extra payments they had had to make over the years when Trooger had held up changes or renovations until the others gave him a small financial inducement to finally give his consent. At first, he had been quite subtle about it, and his demands were modest, but recently he had just been blatantly open about it, sending round urchins to each of his neighbours, rather than speaking in person even, with a figure he would accept, from each of them, for withdrawing his objections. Figures that were becoming increasingly large.

He claimed that it was just a business thing to do, just the same as the Count charging money for permissions to operate businesses within the town and the Count's lands. So why should his neighbours get all upset when he did the same thing? It's just sensible business, he continually claimed. The locals had already drawn up plans to break his influence and were about to swing into action when Jaffy's death meant that a newcomer would come along and need to be brought to understand the situation.

“But the way things have transpired, 'twas a fortunate side effect of an unfortunate happening that brought you amongst us, Mistress Julina. For you and Mistress Megrozen here have been the instruments of that horrid man's demise. We shall all be forever grateful. And now his own actions shall condemn him.”

Nayet's neighbour, a retired tallyman and accountant for one of the mining companies, then told us that he had added up all the contributions made by all the neighbours over the past two hands of years and the total came to something close to four times the value of Trooger's house.

These local residents were not going to allow Trooger to get away with anything more, and being able to force him to sell his house for half its worth was a pleasure none of them was prepared to give up. Particularly when it was coupled with his perforce ejection from their community.

“Very well, but we must make it quite clear to you all that we ourselves have not suffered as you have, and so cannot allow ourselves to be involved in this transaction. We need to be seen to be squeaky clean in all our transactions, for the build-up of a sustainable reputation.

“We are meeting Master Ruckem again in the 'Nest' for a light luncheon and I will make sure I have all the funds necessary to hand to pay you, Goodman Voysin, for your house. As we agreed last night, we shall pay you half of the Proper Price, the rest upon receipt of a satisfactory report from an independent house inspector. That way, you shall have on hand the funds to pay Trooger. Perchance you could attend the 'Nest' as well, then you can receive the money directly? And we can discuss, at the same time, the future of Meglina Accommodation and your involvement.”

“So shall it be, Mistress Megrozen. At noon?”

“No, the first bell after noon. We have an appointment now with some potential drivers and beast sellers up in Junction Square. And we still have to sort through all Jaffy's belongings here. Poor Mistress Julina has much to do before she departs back to Blackstone on the morrow.”

“So be it!”

… … …

The two girls made their way back to the South Point house as the rest of us made our way across and up to Junction Square, filling Subrish in on some more detail of our next task as we went. Although he had a general idea of what we were about, for we had arranged several things towards the end of our session around the dining table last night, once the guests had gone home, he still required more detail. We had, on the evening before, skimmed over the subjects rather than drag it out to make an even later night of it; hence the requirement to expand more fully now.

Subrish knew also that several urchins had been despatched first thing in the morning and all had been successful in terms of arranging the things we had wanted to be arranged, and indeed some of them had subsequently been sent on other missions as results of their previous tasks. So we took this opportunity to put all those factors into focus for him.

Our Junction Square meeting, the one to which we were now heading, was to do with Blackstone Wagons in particular, and our walk afforded we three women, for the first time, a chance to explain to Subrish in more detail those specific requirements, and why that meeting had been arranged in Junction Square and so on.

We COULD I suppose have discussed this a little earlier, however we had all deliberately kept as far from business over our breakfast as we could. We chatted lightly about family members and life in Blackstone, and matters like that.

After we rose from the table, I and Pomma had been surprised when Subrish joined in with us during our Tai Chi session. He had obviously done this before, somewhere, somewhen, somehow. I determined there and then that I would let him tell his story in his own time. As far as the Tai Chi was concerned, he was a quick learner when we reached a stage beyond that with which he was familiar; we had also seen that he was a little rusty during the early forms. Pomma however proved not to be quite so patient. When she asked, he again put us off until the evening meal – I accepted that quite a lot more easily than Pomma did!

So there we were, all discussing Blackstone Wagons as we approached Tranidor's major hub, its major hive of activity as it seemed to me, what with all the stores and businesses clustered all about. Sure, there were other hubs like the Market, and the Castle's bailey and so on, but Junction Square seemed to have a special call somehow to all who lived here.

We were almost in sight of it, still talking about the details of waggoning, when Subrish suddenly stopped in the middle of one stride. We could all see he was concentrating with a ferocious focus on a particular thought, but none of us could have expected his next question.

“Are you aware of the location of an inn named the 'Drekhil and Grennis'?”

Pomma and I shrugged, we two could and would have no idea, therefore only Epp amongst us could possibly answer. But she would actually have not much reason to frequent local inns, so her answer came as no surprise.

“I regret not, oh brother mine. But why on Anmar is an obscure inn of relevance right now?”

“The wagoneer who brought me here from Teldor, he was on his way here to look for more steady work. He had heard down in Palarand City that more and more wagons were needed up the Palar Valley. He was making barely enough to keep himself in food down there since an ever-increasing amount of available work was being taken by the big firms, and most of the new industry had moved out of town into the surrounding areas, where there were far fewer lodgings available. He found he was forever having to rise earlier and earlier just to try to get noticed as a possible hire. He has a sturdy wagon and a not too old dranakh. He might be interested in joining you.”

“How do you know that he will still be at this inn?”

“He told me that he himself needed a full day's rest, and his dranakh, so that will have been yesterday, and today he wanted to do some maintenance on the wagon and the traces and so on.”

“His name?”

“Kulyer. A Goodman, of course.”

Epp looked around and about before she spotted an urchin lurking in the mouth of a nearby alleyway, half in the shadows, She snapped her fingers and beckoned him over. He scurried towards us with a cheeky grin breaking out. We all approved of his eagerness.

“Good morrow, Master, Mistresses. Can I 'elp, like?”

“Good morrow, young 'un. Do you perchance know the 'Drekhil and Grennis'?”

“Aye, Missus. 'Tis just across the Palar Bridge, just into West Tranidor, like.”

“Can you get there yourself, or shall you require us to find another?”

“'Tis a fair distance, Mistress, 'twould prolly, like, be quickest wiv a Wender. But I ain't got no coin for a Wender.” He looked downcast, as if he could see a good commission disappearing.

“Come with us, we're going to the Shuttle Shed at Junction Square, and I shall purchase you a Wender ticket. But we shall need speed from you today, is that clear?”

His face brightened as his cheeky grin returned: “Speed is, like, my middle name! And wot d'yer want me ter do, like?”

Subrish took over at that point: “You need to find a wagoneer staying there named Kulyer. Got that? Kulyer is the name.”

“Wagoneer. Kulyer.”

“Please give him my compliments, and say to him that Acting-Captain Subrish requests he report to the ...” he looked at Epp for confirmation as he said “... Shuttle Shed for a potential commission. As quickly as he can. We shall reimburse his Wender ticket. And yours.”

The grin got even more delighted as he repeated his instructions in typical urchin fashion: “Acting-Captain Soobrush, Shuttle Shed, potential commission. Wagoneer, Kulyer. Drekhil and Grennis.”

“Good.”

Epp, Pomma and I had all looked at Subrish in some consternation. My mind was racing as I kicked myself for a certain amount of stupidity. And also for the associated slowness.

For now much fell into place in all our minds. That look on his face that had been somehow familiar. His Honour, our Captain Bleskin, had it too, and Em had it to a lesser degree. The mention of a fort. His general bearing. Of COURSE he was a military man. And I deemed he had seen some hard action. Why had I not realised before now? At times I can be such a pakh-head!

We all three looked at him in a new light, but he waved us away with all our questions in our eyes, getting the urchin to once more repeat his instructions. Then again.

By the time the lad had finished his second recitation, we had reached Junction Square and Shemel had seen us, waving us over to where he was waiting with some other men, a small group of about a hand in all – which group, we saw as we neared, included Quizzen.

There were the usual long-drawn out introductions, and then we had to urgently find a Wender to send the young urchin on his way. I shall ever remember the look of delight on his face when Epp purchased a 'Day Card' for him, such a ticket card being available to the public for the first time today.

They, those in charge, had decided upon a particular shade of blue for it. The method devised was that the ticket collectors on the Wenders, well the first one that encountered it anyway, were to write the date on the ticket so that it could not be used on another day, and also to punch a small hole in it to show it had been used. Our urchin was brandishing it to any and everyone around with sheer and utter delight. He waved to us as his Wender took him westwards. We all grinned, for we knew he would be spending the rest of the day riding Wenders. And actually, the cost of the day ticket was not that much more that the coin we would have paid him for doing such a long task anyway. We might yet employ him again that day, so it was a worthwhile investment.

Then we had to explain to Shemel why the lad was doing that task for us, and why there was quite such an urgency about it.

“Subrish suggests that this man may be looking for work and perchance we could use him, either permanently or as a short-term hire in our early days. He is up from Palarand City with a wagon and dranakh searching for more regular work as most independents have been getting more and more problems down there, now that the businesses and workshops and factories are moving further and further out of town.”

“A good idea, and Quizzen and I can interrogate him about his experience and the like. I thank 'ee, brother,” Shemel clapped Subrish on the shoulder in appreciation. Subrish grinned back. A good bond was being forged between the two men.

And then it was time to listen as Shemel went on to explain to us what he had achieved that morning, he and Quizzen between them.

This boiled down, to cut a lengthy explanation short, to the fact that two dranakh had been purchased to be based at Brayview, which made sense to me after I thought it all through, and one driver had been permanently hired. We already had two dranakh up in Blackstone, Josten and Taneesa. …

I suddenly realised that actually that was rather a large assumption. Hmm, I would need to think on that …

My musings were interrupted by Shemel as he then took leave of the other two men in his group, the men from whom the beasts had been purchased. They were both acquaintances of Quizzen, who had been the first contact in finding available animals. The two men went off after the more formal leave-takings, and making arrangements for the delivery of the animals.

This then allowed Shemel and Quizzen to introduce us women (and also Subrish) more specifically than the earlier more casual acknowledgements to the said driver, which naturally took quite a while for there were a lot of us, I felt. Myself, Epp, Pomma and Subrish all had to be named and described.

After so naming us, Shemel continued: “This is Goodman Rabeez, who has been looking for such a position for a little while now, since his dranakh died of old age, and he could not find enough coin to replace it. He is an experienced driver but without a regular position; Master Tanon, well Master Rohid in the name of Master Tanon, employs him when he can, but must naturally give priority to his own permanent staff.”

We all greeted him formally, by name and title but perchance I was the one who most closely examined him.

I saw a man, not yet old but certainly mature, with faint signs of the odd grey hair appearing. He had indeed had wide experience and seemed to me, at first view, to be a valuable addition to our still-fresh team. I however realised that I must allow Shemel and Quizzen to evaluate his driving skills, but I was relieved that I liked the look of this man; I took no immediate dislike to him and did not therefore have to interfere.

Once all the business of meeting a new person, an employee I suddenly realised, had been completed, then Shemel completed his report. Two frayen had also been purchased, for single riders or for the two together to pull a smaller wagon, dray or cart. Shemel, Quizzen and Rabeez were now looking for loads that could be delivered to Blackstone preferably, but any intermediate point would actually do.

We had one large wagon and one small wagon to be based at Brayview, but that large one was not going to be there immediately, for we had earmarked Shemel's second wagon for that task when it returned from its travels downvalley.

Shemel's first wagon and Jaffy's two large ones were to be up in Blackstone, along with Jaffy's other smaller one. But only one of Jaffy's larger ones was painted in our new livery; the second one, already up in Blackstone was as yet unpainted, as was Shemel's. The latest idea was that Pyor would travel with us all the way to Blackstone to fetch that other one down to his workshop to paint it. This would at first glance help with the fact that we had more wagons than we actually had drivers.

Then Subrish surprised us. Even as he was listening, his mind was active finding solutions to the problems. And he began to speak to us, outlining those solutions.

He started out apparently a little diffidently, as though he were uncertain of something and yet his tones somehow brought immediate attention: “Might I be allowed to make a suggestion or two? The basic idea is sound, but perchance you shall also employ Kulyer, so that makes for an added factor. The first thing that strikes me is that you have a wagon that is already up in Blackstone and that is detailed to be based there. It seems an ill-conceived idea to me to bring it all the way down here just to send it back up again, unless you have a profitable load for it in each direction. I strongly recommend that that wagon stays there and is painted there.

“But that leaves a problem of a driver. Indeed, you have insufficient drivers for all your wagons. You will have to find some more, and I wonder if, in all actuality, many such could be found in Blackstone. I know insufficient about this place. I feel I must visit there as soon as I may to see the locality for myself. It seems to me to be a bed of changes. But I do have to return to duty at some time, and will need a good week or more to get there, so I deem I cannot leave it too long before doing so. 'Twould be folly to come so close to Blackstone, then return home and have such a long journey to get here once more.

“But back to my suggestions where I would recommend the following:

“One – paint the fourth wagon up in Blackstone; after all, if it is based there, then 'twill be less likely to visit Pyor whether that worthy is here or in Brayview. And other Blackstone-based wagons shall need maintenance from someone up there anyway, so get alongside that person as soon as you may.

“Two – depending upon your success, or lack thereof, of finding other drivers, then you COULD say you have a load already for the large wagon that shall travel all the way. The large wagon's load can be the small wagon!”

We all gasped at the pure simplicity of it.

Quizzen was the first to comment: “But we have not access to a load lengthener to load the one on t'other. If we do it in Pyor's workshop, then 'twill never roll out of the door, the door lintel there is too low.”

Subrish laughed. “You need not load it onto the belly of the larger wagon, simply hitch the smaller behind the larger and drag it along behind using its own wheels for their designated purpose. We often have had to do that with military vehicles ...” a shadow passed across his face “... when we are forced into a situation of there being fewer drivers than vehicles.”

We all pretended not to have noticed the underlying reasons for his statement. Nor the slight injection of sadness into his tone.

“Three – Master Shemel shall be based down here in Tranidor, as I understand it, with at least one large wagon in his control. Goodman Quizzen we all know shall be responsible for setting up the entire operation in Brayview. So two of your three drivers, and you have but three at the moment, are located. But the very name of your company tells Anmar that you have an important third centre of operations, so can Goodman Rabeez perchance be your Blackstone organiser, should he prove capable?”

“I had thought that perhaps Mistress Sukhana would be of assistance in arranging our early loads when the Assembly up there allow us to take loads for ourselves, so to speak. But you are right, there shall need to be eventually a dedicated coordinator of our activities up there. What think you, Rabeez?”

“Masters, Captain, 'tis a wonderful opportunity, but I feels like that 'twould most prolly be beyond my skills. Mayhap this other one what the urchin's gone to fetch like?”

Subrish gently corrected the man, but nevertheless made sure Rabeez understood how his future was going to be in a firm way: “'Tis good that you are prepared to evaluate yourself so honestly, I'm sure that your employers Mistress Julina and Master Shemel are grateful for your frank opinion, but I'm sure the Mistress in particular will look to you for advice and indeed help when you are up in Blackstone, for she lives there and will be ready to give you her commands.”

Rabeez coloured slightly as he accepted Subrish's point. He didn't highlight his previous error by apologising to us women for not including at least a 'Mistresses' in his past statement, but he simply made a reference to it by stating another: “Aye, Captain, you are correct. Masters, Mistresses and Goodmen, I look forward to working closely with you in the near future!”

I sort of admired him for smoothly correcting his mode of address without showing noticeable embarrassment, but I made a note to make sure he was reminded of it occasionally when we were up home, and to give a warning to Sookie that he might still be a little old-fashioned about women in business.

We decided to continue our discussions as we walked down to the Nest, so we left a message at the Shuttle Shed for our urchin and Kulyer before we chose a back street to use, to avoid the more crowded Main Street. Much was discussed as we went, all of it Blackstone Wagons business, a lot of which made Rabeez raise his eyebrows as he learnt more and more about us.

… … ...

“Master Tapio, what a pleasant surprise!”

“Mistresses Julina and Megrozen, and Pomma if my old brain remembers correctly.” He looked around the others gathered there, and satisfied himself that he knew several of them, nodding to each as he spoke their name in greeting. “Ruckem, Rohid, Shemel. These other four I know not. I am, as you heard, Master Tapio, a glassmaker. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” This last word rose in tone along with his eyebrows, making almost more a question, as he looked first at each of them before shifting his piercing gaze to the next, after a quick nod to acknowledge the previous answer.

“Voysin, Master – a Goodman, worked with wood all my life and have some construction skills. Honoured.”

“Quizzen, Master. Also Goodman, although Journeyman would be more accurate nowadays, a long-time wagoneer but skilled in office duties too. I too am honoured to meet you.”

“Mallam, Tapio. I am a Master Scribe, and specialise in documenting agreements. Ruckem here asked me to be present today, and already the assembled company have nigh worn out my wrist!”

“Acting-Captain Subrish of the Forguland Military Command, at your service, Master.”

“Forguland! That's a fair pace away. What brings you here?”

Subrish put his arm around Epp. “My sister!”

“Ah!”

We were again in the more secluded end of the Nest, and had met those others when they arrived within a hand of moments after us. Voysin was the most nervous of those there but we all made great efforts to put him at his ease.

It was partly because of that that we started with Meglina Accommodations and sought the advice of the assembled experts in their various fields. I was a trifle shocked to hear both Ruckem and Master Mallam agree that Voysin's formal declarations were indeed binding in Tranidorean and Palarandi law. In the end, we agreed to purchase Trooger's house from Voysin at the agreed Proper Price, assuming satisfactory inspections. It had been explained to Voysin that his first thoughts about his joining in with us would involve a complete rewrite of the articles of association of our enterprise and would be complex to handle, since Epp and I were both contributing equal amounts towards all the costs and so on. And Voysin himself was going to be a cost to us.

As for Voysin, he acknowledged that 'twould perchance be better not to be a full partner in our venture, due to the above and also due to complications with the tax status and so on. We would agree to assign a fraction of the profits to him during his lifetime. We would pay him a fixed fee per month first to run the rebuilding project. As soon as all the required alterations were completed to our satisfaction, then the profit-sharing clauses would come into effect. I am fairly certain I saw Voysin relax a little when he was not included as a partner in our venture – I deem he realised that he had spoken a bit too early without thinking everything through.

We pointed out that, as a direct benefit from being employed by ourselves, he would become the most knowledgable builder with regard to the modern house plumbing and toilets and the like in the whole of Tranidor, which knowledge he could easily market to later clients. He perked up at that, and we could all see him thinking hard about maybe a new venture; certainly there was an enthusiasm there as he contemplated his rapidly altered future. Mayhap, his travelling to Holville was not quite so immediate as had been at first envisaged.

With many 'Heard and witnessed's and much associated scribing, the appropriate contracts were drawn up. With much good-natured grumping from Master Mallam.

Master Ruckem handed Epp a purse which contained the coin she had previously requested. With most of our bodies, we hid the display of such riches from any prying eyes in the rest of the establishment, and Epp counted out the agreed amount before sliding it across to Voysin. After another bout of 'heard and witnessed' the coins disappeared silently into Voysin's various pockets.

We were about to start in on Blackstone Wagons business when Tapio made his entrance.

It transpired that he had come down with a letter for me to take to Pocular back up in Blackstone, and another for my father. Voysin used that opportunity to leave us, saying loudly as he backed away from us: “I have a construction crew to recruit, so I shall ...”

His words were drowned by some shouts from the main body of the restaurant, men offering their services as construction workers. Voysin grinned at us, and then turned to those who had hailed him. We all dragged our minds back to the business we still had to conclude.

But the temptation to see how Voysin was faring was almost impossible to ignore. Thankfully, 'twas just almost.

“I am glad you are here, Tapio. I have had an idea that needs discussing with you and Mistress Megrozen,” I said turning to them. “With regard to Bormio. I deem that Masters Ruckem and Mallam could also offer their considerable experience and advice. I know not how best to arrange it, for I deem that we should not discuss Bormio's private situation with Masters Rohid and Shemel, nor Goodman Quizzen, nor Captain Subrish. Nor indeed, perhaps, with Mistress Pomma.”

Pomma, Subrish and Shemel got the message, and I believe Rohid did as well, for it was certain that Quizzen should not be singled out to be excluded. “We can discuss Blackstone Wagons developments, bring Rohid up to date with this morning's developments whilst you huddle together over there. That way, we shall not be directly involved,” said Shemel as the others nodded their acquiescence.

We others then huddled a little closer and spoke in hushed tones. I started: “It seems to me that there is a problem with Bormio's former workshop, shop and accommodation. You mentioned earlier that little is being done to maintain the building. Master Mallam, the situation is as follows ...”

I explained the background in outline, indicating that the Count had given Mistress Megrozen full control over all Bormio's assets. His breath hissed in as he heard the story, and Ruckem confirmed all that I said. Epp remained silent for the moment, since she knew me well enough that I would explain all as soon as I might.

“My idea is that Mistress Nayet, who requires larger premises, takes over Bormio's place, which will solve her problems and also the one of having the place maintained. She needs the space, the space needs someone – an easy solution I deem. If the rest of you, particularly Mistress Megrozen, agree, how best might we arrange such?”

Master Mallam showed his worth just then, asking first Epp what she had decided in her capacity as determinator of what should be done with Bormio's assets.

“I have so far determined that any monies I get from sales of any of his stuff, shall be held in a ledger for him, for when he needs to start again on his own – after deducting the costs of the repairs to my home. Master Ruckem here can confirm that I have opened such a ledger for those funds, and Master Tapio can confirm that we have had many a conversation about Bormio and his reformation of character. Bormio does NOT know about this, as we deem he needs to believe that he is penniless. We both believe that he is showing signs of genuine regret and a wish to atone for his behaviour. So, actually, I have all the glass adornments he made, and that his dreadful wife did not steal before she fled, in a special storage unit, intending only to sell them when necessary expenditure needs to be covered.”

Tapio chipped in with the comment: “I know he no longer likes the place, it brings back too many memories. It is far too large and I deem he near dreads having to return there of an evening.”

We batted the conversational exchanges back and forth, and came upon a solution, proposed by Master Mallam as it happens, and seconded by Master Tapio. What it meant was that I would buy Bormio's place, and treat it from that moment as mine. I would offer it to Mistress Nayet to rent, with a purchase option if the venture proved successful. Epp should not buy it herself, as that might be seen in the future as her manipulating things just to get her hands on the property. And for the same reason, it should not be seen as a part of Meglina Accommodations.

As for Bormio's accommodation, then he could move into one of Meglina's rooms, once ready, or perhaps into Nayet's rooms. Epp said she would use some of his funds for a room in the inn for a temporary solution, if required. And also that we could have some of Bormio's glass jewellery on display in the seamstress' workshop, which all thought to be a good idea.

Papers were drawn up, contracts and sales documents, and more 'heard and witnessed's. More grumbles from Master Mallam, although he was grateful when Epp and I wrote some of the documentation for him, at his dictation. This activity helped me focus on something other than what had just occurred, but as soon as I stopped, reality hit me again.

Maker! I now owned another building!

Master Tapio took his leave then, promising not to mention any of this to Bormio until I sent word that he could no longer sleep there.

We then rejoined the others. Our next priority was to get all the Wagons business done, starting with a contract for Rabeez, and the establishment of still more ledgers. Everyone chipped in in the following discussions.

Then our group was expanded as our little urchin entered, looked around, then gestured the man accompanying him to join us. The introductions were performed by Subrish. Before the urchin could slip away, Epp beckoned him to her and whispered another command into his ear. He grinned and scuttled out again. I caught Epp's eye and she mouthed to me, indicating Master Mallam, “Jogantha contract”. 'Twas my turn to raise my eyebrows, silently curse myself for not thinking of that, then nodded my approval.

Kulyer listened to us, to our intentions, asked us many questions, answered many of our own. Shemel, I, Epp, Rohid and Quizzen all nodded to each other, even Rabeez did. We were all of a like mind. Shemel signed that I should do it, to repeat the message to Rabeez as well as to instil some sense of reality into Kulyer's mind.

“Goodman Kulyer, as co-owner of Blackstone Wagons, I offer you employment in our company on the terms we have just discussed. You shall commence as our co-ordinator in Blackstone, with a review of progress weekly for the first month then monthly for the next two months. You being tested, so to speak, for a period of three months.”

“Heard and witnessed!” came a quick voice. I carefully didn't smile, although the temptation was there, for Pomma was the first to say it.

“Mistress Julina, Master Shemel.” He looked at us both in turn. “I, Goodman Kulyer of Brikant and formerly resident of Palarand City accept the offer of employment tendered to me by Blackstone Wagons.”

“Heard and witnessed!”

“Welcome Goodman,” I continued. “Just formally, I must give you now your first instruction. You shall be ready to travel upvalley with us on the morrow, details yet to be arranged of the meeting place and the time.”

“Agreed!”

And so it was that we welcomed another employee to Blackstone Wagons, along with another dranakh and another wagon.

Master Mallam joked: “Now maybe my poor wrist might have a rest ...” He broke off as I and Epp solemnly shook our heads. “What now, Mistresses?”

“An employment contract for our head housekeeper for Meglina. Jogantha is her name, and she should be here soon to swear her agreements in front of witnesses. You could make a start already if you wish!”

He groaned, but did so somewhat theatrically. I know I caught a glimpse of a grin before his head ducked down once more.

'Twas not long before Jogantha came in, and the offer of employment explained and then made to her. Her face grinned like a child's when it was all over.

… … ...

Master Ruckem handed me a large purse, as had also been agreed by messenger, one of those we had despatched early in the day, and I paid Kaffer our bill along with a not inconsiderable amount as a thank you for all he had done for us. Ruckem agreed that the costs could be written down as being business expenses, so we apportioned it such that half would be from the Wagons and half from Meglina.

At long last, our intensive, complicated, hectic, wide-ranging and tiring business meeting was concluded. We took our farewells, exchanged details as necessary and then split up to head off to our various next destinations. Shemel came with us, his muscles likely to be required, but Quizzen, Rabeez and Kulyer decided to stay for a little while, no doubt to consolidate their working together, and to fix the meeting for our departure on the morrow. Rohid went swiftly back to wherever he needed to be, Ruckem and Mallam left together and headed up Main Street.

The rest of us trudged back to Jaffy's house, to complete the clear up – but Pomma and I stopped in to talk with Nayet, promising to be only a moment or two.

“Julina, my dear, what can I do for you?”

“You remember when I first came down to Tranidor and I met you and you recommended that we visit that Bormio's shop?”

“Aye, I do that, m'dear – and have bitterly wished that I had never mentioned his name to you, for all the trouble he caused. Why I could ...”

“Nayet my dear, just hush a moment if you will. I have limited time and we must needs clear out Jaffy's this afternoon. The others are already awaiting me. But I have some news for you, and wanted to present it to you in person.”

I took a breath for I felt I was gabbling a little in my haste: “Voysin has agreed to do the conversion work and Megrozen and I are forging ahead with our scheme. But to get back to Bormio, how would you like to use that shop and location for your business?”

“But that would be impossible, my dear. He would never sell that place. 'Tis an excellent location, being just on the main access route to our town. Why, to be ...”

“Nayet! Hush now! Please! Just think it over. For the place was sold today.”

“Do you tell me? But how do you know that the new owner would allow me there?”

“You would have the first choice. If you refuse, then the new owner shall find someone else. But she has stated in front of witnesses that you shall determine who it shall be that takes it over.”

“But why? Who is she? Do I know her?”

“Nayet, 'tis I who have bought it!”

She looked at me in shock, then looked at Pomma and her eyes widened when Pomma confirmed my tale.

“And you thought of me? But that's … But why? … But ...”

“Nayet, we must rush. I cannot let others do my work for me. I have to do something with my coin, for 'tis better to make it work for you rather than sit there doing nothing. Please discuss it fully with Megrozen, and then let her know if you wish to move into there. Promise me? 'Twould please me if you took it on, and I deem 'tis an advantage for you. You are a friend, so you get first choice. Now we must go.”

We left her there with her mouth hanging open.

… … ...

“... my father was working for a wagon company. He had brought back my mother from a trip down south, all the way to Forguland. She was an orphaned niece of the assistant to the Master of the Royal Household there, or at least that was what Father told us but I know now that Forguland is actually a Duchy, therefore he would have been the Master of the Ducal Household. Nevertheless, as a result Mama had learnt her letters and numbers. Both she and her Uncle were pleased when her hand was sought after by a dynamic Wagon Master, since she was a bit of a drain upon the resources of her family and relationships were occasionally strained.

“Father explained that there had been an opportunity for betterment that he had turned down as it involved yet another move and he didn’t want to wear out Mama with all that again. Going all the way to Brikant would have been too much, he felt, even if it meant she would be that much nearer her relatives. But now Mama was gone to her pyre it made much sense to change, to help get over the shock. He was sure that he could find me work and was hesitating only for Gro's sake.”

He looked over at his sister fondly: “She took some of his worries away when she decided 'twas time to be married and so we parted company, never ever thinking, none of us, that that would be last time we were all of us gathered together.

“Father and I settled down in Brikant, and I grew taller, stronger and more rebellious. After one particularly heavy argument, Father told me to take myself off. 'Go and visit some of your mother's relatives. Then come back when you can keep a civil tongue in your head.' He was quite right, of course, but I was not of an age to see that then.”

Subrish had travelled on and found work with relatives in Forguland. Through them, he was introduced to a second cousin or something who was in the Forguland Military Command. We were led by Subrish to understand that he, Subrish, was a bit of a wild youth, and, without actually saying it, we understood that he had a choice between a punishment detail or signing up. After his first year, he took an extended leave, with permission, to go and visit his father, to whom he at last apologised. After that, they kept in quite close communications.

But with his oath now given to Duke Sildenar, opportunities to make the quite long journey to Brikant were few and far between. Everyone was surprised, not the least Subrish himself, when his leadership qualities manifested themselves quite early on. It was the making of him, having responsibilities and needing to consider others. He discovered an ability to teach, to educate, as well as above-average prowess with several of the set of weapons they all used.

Once a year, the Forgulanders had mock battles against the Feren forces, both nations being on the friendliest of terms. This was partly due to a stronghold built up on the shoulder of the Great Valley, on a piece of rock that jutted quite a way into the valley itself, when compared to the shoulders on either side. It was originally built by Forguland as a defence of its capital city. Sometime after it was built, a stormy winter altered the course of the Sirrel which now flowed between Forguland City and its fort. For several years there were discussions, meetings, missions and treaties, for the fort was now effectively in the uplands that logically should be a part of Ferenis.

After immensely hard work, the matter was brought to a solution by a Forguland General named Boldan. His suggested compromise was accepted by all, and the fort would be manned by Forgulanders permanently, with their forces given free access for a regular changing of the guard. Not only that, but the thin strip of land to the north of the Sirrel, between it and the foot of the shoulders there, would also be manned by Forguland troops. This littoral strip would be defined as being along the bank of the Sirrel up to the confluence of the Fer River. At that point, an imaginary line would be drawn directly to the nearest base of the valley wall, thus marking the end of the territory ceded to the Forgulanders.

“... and I say, with no little pride, that the battles were won mostly by us Forgulanders. There was a fellow on their side, a Quadrant like myself. He was named Forbarin, and he and I pitted our wits most keenly. We met often and our mutual respect meant that quite frequently we were not entirely sober when we parted. We even got our most unsteady when I was invited to his promotion party. He had become Captain Forbarin, and our respective duties did not match so well after that.”

He paused at that point, and his shoulders dropped slightly. A more sombre tone entered and we all understood that our little giggles and chuckles and amusing asides were no longer appropriate. I'm sure we all leaned in a little closer.

“Then Yod invaded Ferenis.

“I suppose you could say ...” he grinned wryly “... that they did so at the right time. For it was the wrong time. No-one invades another country at that time of the year, so soon before the rains. So we were not on our highest alert levels, at least the Ferens weren't. News reached us of course and we had some more warning than the poor Ferens, but even so we were still slow – far too slow.”

He shook his head.

“And disorganised.”

Again a grimace crossed his features.

“And assumptious.”

He relapsed into silence; a silence none of us round the dining table dared to break. It seemed to me that a year or two passed before, with a deep sigh, he started again.

“Over the centuries, there have been many occasions for war between the lands of the Great Valley. I deem most often concerning Yod and, because they are Yod's closest neighbours downvalley, most of those most often occasions have involved Ferenis too. So the Ferens have developed an effective strategy to hold the Yodans back. And the Yodans know it almost as well as the Ferens.

“Feren forces retired to mass in their pre-arranged positions. Feren farmers fired their fields, forcing the Yodans to have their supplies delivered all the way from their home country – a nuisance rather than a significant military factor, but still building in a slight delay to Yod's expansions.

“The Yodans would mass at the landings by their crossing points. Forces of both sides would advance and meet. A battle would ensue.

“But the Yodans – this time, they had other plans, and a most dreadful weapon. This is a weapon ...”

“Do you speak of the gun things?” asked Epp. I nodded as did Pomma. We could tell the menfolk were all surprised that we might know anything of them. Subrish's eyes widened.

“I was down in Palarand City for the Princess' wedding, remember my dear brother? I was in the presence of Captain Bleskin for the journey down there and back. We were guests of Her Highness, and we heard the details of the various attacks and attempts against her. How could I, we, NOT know about guns, particularly when they were used against the Princess for the first time up in Blackstone Vale?”

Even this break from Subrish's narrative did nothing to disperse the fascination with which we were all listening.

“Then you know just how terrible the damage is that these guns can do. And how much of a surprise they were to the Ferens at first, and later to us. But 'twas not merely the guns. The Yodans had new, strange uniforms which made them more difficult to see, somehow, and which were surprisingly effective at absorbing the force behind many if not most crossbow bolts.

“Despite all this, I deem the Ferens would still have held the Yodans once the surprise factors had been absorbed.

“Except the Yodans had another surprise for us. It was only afterwards that we understood their plans, and they used diversionary tactics well to keep those plans hidden. To cut the potentially very long story short, the Ferens were not Yod's target. At least not all of Ferenis. Oh no! Not at all!

“We were!”

We all gasped.

“Yes, the Yodans had drawn their plans to take over our littoral, and to gain control of our fort atop Boldan's Rock. Once they controlled the fort, then our capital would always be endangered. They reasoned that thus they could keep Ferenis quiet, they having always to guard against expansion from the supply corridor the Yodans would establish. And Forguland too would be threatened to such an extent that we would be virtually neutralised. They didn't want the whole of Ferenis, they just wanted a secure corridor across Ferenis, and to circumvent us.

“And why, you might ask? Why would they want to do that? Between Yod and Palarand there are six countries. Ferenis, Forguland, the island of Joth, Smordan, Virgulend and Brugen. With Ferenis and Forguland wrapped up so as to speak, they could use our littoral as an advanced base from which to invade Joth. Which is exactly what they did; they took Joth City and thus controlled all of Joth effectively. They had moved their advanced base nearly half way to Palarand, and had done so most efficiently and at such a time that most of us could not retaliate before the rains came.

“And all of this had just one simple objective. To capture or kill your Princess Garia.”

THAT produced consternation around the table.

But before we could continue, there was an interruption. Karmanya came in and announced some visitors – Goodman Voysin and Mistress Nayet.

Subrish promised to continue once this business was concluded, so we all left to go into the family room, leaving the table for the girls to clear up.

… … …

“... and Master Jalmond shall arrive shortly to interview you.”

Voysin had come to inform us that Trooger had been arrested. 'Twould appear that the man had lost his mind for he was attempting the biggest, most heinous of crimes that anyone could do in a town such as Tranidor. He had attempted to set fire to Jaffy's old house. In a town built mostly of wood, this was a hanging offence, for with wind and sparks, the entire town could be easily consumed.

Trooger had been ranting about a conspiracy to defame him, to cheat him out of his home but he had been caught red-handed by Master Dicksen and there was no gainsaying what he was attempting to do. Even as we spoke, he was languishing in the Watch's cells.

Epp had the presence of mind to send an urchin to fetch Master Ruckem, in the hope that he could find the time to be present when Master Jalmond was here, but Nayet interrupted her to say that they had already done that.

While we were all awaiting the further visitors, we discussed the matter thoroughly and a sort of silence fell when we reached the point of repeating ourselves. To fill that silent moment, Nayet told Epp and I that she would take us up on the offer of Bormio's place. All of us seized upon that topic with gratitude, a welcome diversion from the Trooger business.

Then Masters Jalmond and Ruckem both arrived within a moment of each other, Ruckem being the first.

But when Master Jalmond entered the now crowded room, he looked first around at everyone else and then straight at me, fixing me in place with his penetrative stare.

Without even a hint of a smile, he sighed very loudly and said: “I might have known!”

---

A complicated departure

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker, Julina, you do seem to get in some scrapes! 'Tis always thus whenever you are down here in Tranidor?” Pomma's note of amazement was amusing, or at least would have been if I had not been feeling somewhat grumpy. For what she said had a large degree of truth in it.

We were at that time talking together in our shared room as we made ready to go to bed. 'Twas quite relatively late because Subrish had amazed us with his story which he had indeed concluded after we had dealt with all the sudden and urgent dealings brought up by the unexpected visitors.

I shook my head with a fair degree of sadness as I was forced to agree with her about the scrapes I seem to get in every time I visited Tranidor. After more than a bell of those dealings with the authorities and sorting out all that had occurred, I was wishing for a day when things went smoothly for a change. Oh wouldn't it be nice?

But I already knew that the morrow would scarce be even near to that ideal; we were to depart in the morning to return home, a departure that would be even more miserable than usual, if Master Voysin's predictions were right about the weather. It had started to rain just about a bell or so before the time when Masters Jalmond and Ruckem had arrived. Not a hard rain, but a miserable, persistent, cold for the time of year, dreary light rain that dampened everything including people's spirits.

And, it appeared, thankfully as it transpired, dampening to any deliberate fire-layer's attempts to burn down a house.

But at least Master Jalmond had parted with a smile on his face, something that was noticeably absent when our discussions had started with him making a statement directly to me: “I deem you make my Watch's duties more onerous each time you arrive in my town, Mistress Julina!” had been his opening remark, and the one that appeared to have stuck most firmly in Pomma's mind. “We had some trouble this evening in Junction Square and we thought that once we had solved that, we would have a quiet evening. Apparently not.

“And I believe I heard the words 'Mistress Julina' mentioned up there too. But before going there, young lady, what is your connection with this Trooger who tried to set a fire and was thwarted only by the weather? It seems he is incensed about something, so much so that he was prepared to risk a hanging offence. How exactly are you involved, Mistress Julina? And I will have just you speaking for now, I would prefer,” he concluded as he glared round at everyone else present.

“There was a wagoneer named Jafferkin who lived in the Lane of the Inner Ramparts ...” I began. He held up his hand to stop me. But this simple gesture was somehow more friendly than it could have appeared, more friendly than his demeanour had so far been.

He nodded as he said: “Alas, poor Jafferkin, I knew him well. I had indeed heard that he went to his pyre. Oh!” he suddenly paused. “I deem that I begin to gain some understanding. Was that up in Blackstone, then? And he was a friend there?”

“Indeed, Master Jalmond. But not quite a friend exactly. Well yes, a friend, but in a different way. You see, Mistress Megrozen employed him whenever possible to convey her guests that she regularly invited, that is the invitations were regular, the guests less so ...”

The entire story came out from my lips and was confirmed by those around when Master Jalmond questioned further. I confess I was a trifle put out when it appeared that Master Ruckem's word was taken to be more valuable than mine, or anyone else's apparently. But, upon reflection, that was a little unreasonable really; after all, I was counted fairly as a stranger in that I didn't permanently live here in Tranidor.

(However, I confess I derived much pleasure when Master Jalmond was so very surprised to find that I actually owned a house here.)

When the others confirmed the activities of the neighbours in the 'showdown' with Trooger, I swear I saw a smile cross his, Jalmond's, face, swiftly smothered.

We later learnt from Master Jalmond that actually Trooger was being quietly investigated by some of his staff, in such a way that no suspicion was aroused. Now that Trooger had been caught trying to set a fire, there was no doubt that the man was to be executed and that the Count would never prove to be merciful. The evidence was not gainsayable, and he had already confessed to the Count's senior official, who was involved immediately there had been a threat to the Town. I venture to suggest that Master Jalmond was finally satisfied with our report and appreciated that I was in many ways an innocent when it came to Trooger and his behaviour; although I did receive a little telling off when it came to the staged meeting we had run in Jaffy's old house.

But then I was shocked, as I believe the others were as well. Master Jalmond introduced a completely unrelated topic, one I had never imagined he would raise after the previous topic had been concluded. He had, to be fair, briefly mentioned it earlier, but we had all forgotten about that after the long Trooger tale.

Master Jalmond turned back to me and addressed me specifically once more: “Pray tell me, Mistress Julina, what you might know about a company called 'Bat Bacs'. Was it indeed your name that I heard earlier in connection with this?”

“I suspect, Master Jalmond, that 'twas indeed my name you heard, for I am in a partnership with Master Tanon's company to run the 'Bacs' – Master Rohid is the director down here in Tranidor and I shall be the equivalent up in Blackstone. It is a company that shall have representation in both towns. The very name of the company reflects the two towns. The 'Bat' part of 'Bat Bacs' is short for 'Blackstone and Tranidor'. But I am at a loss to understand why my name should have been mentioned at all.”

“Do I glean from this that it was another of your ideas, the whole bacs thing, whatever a bac or bacs is?”

“The 'Bacs' part stands for 'Beck and Call' as the carts are there at the beck and call of the customers. And 'twas indeed my idea, one that Master Rohid found sufficiently tempting to set up a joint company. Master Ruckem here was with us as we drew up the company documents and formed the operation. But, I repeat, I understand not why you were involved sufficiently for my name to be mentioned to you?”

“There was a series of altercations at Junction Square this evening. Physical altercations. It, they, was/were resolved temporarily, but a solution must be found before tomorrow's evening scurry period. The carters from Master Tanon's took exception to independent carters turning up and taking some of the business away. Blows were exchanged and my men were called. Three carts were destroyed. Healers were called for a few limbs were broken and several other men will have headaches come the morrow. Then the customers started to get angry and there was suddenly a great danger of it all developing into a full-scale riot.”

“But that is surely impossible! We only did a test run with some bacs last night for the first time!”

“There has been talk about nothing else all day, throughout the town. Everyone approves of the idea and seem to be kicking themselves that they have not thought of the idea themselves. I include myself in that category! It's like the very idea caught fire and the town is now in flames – but only verbal ones rather than that which Trooger attempted. An allowable fire, if you wish to term it so. But nevertheless, a fire. One that threatens a potential disaster.”

“But that seems ...”

He held a hand up to interrupt me. “I deem that the Count himself is going to get involved. At least that is how I interpret it. One of his functionaries came trotting down to my office just as I was brought out to deal with Trooger. He was upset I had no time for him.”

“Pah! The Count!” I exclaimed. “He first tried to claim that the wenders were HIS idea. I expect he will try the same thing now with the bacs. Or at least try to make some more coin from them, now he knows that they … HOLD!”

This last had come out far louder than I intended it to. I had suddenly thought of a solution to the problem as Jalmond had described and one that would also most likely bring the Count to approve of the operation. I turned quickly to Ruckem and said: “Can we persuade the Count that bac operations require a licence from him? That way he receives coin from the operation, and only licensed operators would have the right to operate, ending any arguments about who could do so!”

“You never cease to amaze me, Mistress Julina, with your thinking. This is a most excellent idea, I shall get on with it immediately, as long that is as Master Jalmond requires no more from me; or perchance better said that he requires me no more to bear any further witness to the fact that all here present are innocent of any wrongdoing?”

“Go, man, go – it is an elegant solution, and shall allay much trouble. The sooner 'tis done, the better. At least get a message to the Castle before everything shuts for the night. Although she seems to stir up things, I find I am somewhat reluctantly indebted to Mistress Julina for finding such a solution so quickly.”

Ruckem garbled his farewells as quickly as humanly possible, and was almost running as he went out of the door, calling loudly for his private cart and carter. His personal bac, I suppose it might be deemed.

The Watch Captain then began to take his own leave, less hurriedly: “I deem that I understand now all that has passed, and shall take my leave of you all. I gather that you are leaving for Blackstone again, Mistress Julina, on the morrow. Mayhap the Town shall settle down once more into its more normal peaceful ways.”

“Master Jalmond, I shall send a semaphore before I set out for Tranidor in the future – perchance you shall have time to build some more cells before I get here for the journey is usually two or three days in duration.”

At last Master Jalmond laughed for the first time that evening: “So be it, Mistress Julina. I hope you shall never require to rush down here, our cell building expertise could not cope with a rush demand!”

He donned his rain wear in the porch by the front door after calling for his man to bring his cart round to the front. We all waved him off before retreating into the house once more.

We gathered once more in the family room, where the girls furnished us with our beverages before retiring for the night.

I for one was anxious to hear the conclusion of Subrish's tale, if only to be able to listen rather than be interrogated about my activities!

… … …

“... fought hard and indeed bravely, but we were no match for the numbers that Yod threw at us, unprecedentedly focussed just on our littoral, and, as it transpired, upon our stronghold. We fought whilst retreating up the steep road to the Fort, always hoping that reinforcements would appear from across the river. I later discovered that there were no forces there to come to our aid; they had all gone to the standard mass points ready to dash across the river into Ferenis to sustain the Ferens in their own land. The form of this Yodan attack had taken us all by surprise. As had their clothing and weaponry. But in war, you quickly learn to adapt. If you do not, you die.

“By now we had developed a method, admittedly not wonderfully effective, to minimise the effects of those gun things, but that meant we could not form more solid defence lines and were driven ever back, sustaining losses as we went. I was organising my men, using the known cover points and I daresay causing the enemy some great inconvenience, when I was struck on the head by a chip, blasted off the top of my covering rock by one of those wretched guns.”

His tone changed into one of considerably more gravity than he had hitherto shown.

“I am today only here because of one of my lads and his quick thinking; quick thinking even as he was sorely, nay grievously, wounded. He got his colleagues to swap his tunic for mine. He had seen that the Yodans were killing officers, you see, any officers they came across, presumably because they felt the common soldier was less effective without orders from above. Anyway, he knew he would not recover, so he got them to swap the tunics. I was instantly demoted to Guardsman and he was instantly promoted to Quadrant.

“I was taken as a prisoner to the fort when it eventually fell. Several of us were then utilised as the occupying forces' slaves. Which saved our lives, for, as mentioned, the Yodan officers were a hard bunch and forced their men to kill any captured officers and to herd most of the others away, presumably to be used as virtual slaves back in Yod itself.”

We all gasped at the inhumanity of it.

“I never did manage to find out the name of the man who saved me, and I must freely confess that weighs heavily upon me. Very heavily indeed.”

We could all see tears in his eyes as he took a deep and shuddering breath, gathering himself together before he continued. He gulped a bit before carrying on; continuing in what started out as a forcing of himself to adopt a more gentle, normal tone.

“The rains came, and we saw little of anything for weeks, months. I will not describe events within the stronghold itself, but I shall just tell you how we were rescued. But 'tis complicated, so please bear with me.

“One day I was doing my chore of emptying the rubbish from the fort onto the great pile on the landward side. The Yodans didn't care too much about maintaining standards and so our back door, if you like, had become a waste dump. By this time, the Yodans had become complacent. They had studied the terrain behind the fort, perched high up atop a jutting promontory that broke into the Great Valley from the shoulder level ...”

“Excuse me for breaking in,” said Pomma at this point, “but I understand not what you mean about shoulder levels and the like.”

Subrish then patiently drew both reedlet pictures on some paper and also word pictures in our heads as he described the Great Valley, its steep sides which then become less steep in the 'Uplands' as he termed them. He was so descriptive that we could almost see a picture of the fort, the jutting promontory, the mighty river, the sprawling town far down there on the valley floor. The winding road that was the only access to the fort, its curves, its hollows as it climbed up the flank of the valley to reach the stronghold itself, which gave, on a clear day, a striking view all along the Great Valley and even across it to the far side, some sixty marks distant!

This break, this change in emphasis, were sufficient to enable Subrish to regain his more normal, more cheerful attitudes.

“The Yodans, as I have previously said, had become complacent and had posted only a hand of sentries on the landward side of the fort, something that I must claim we Forgulanders would never have done. They hadn't even sent out patrols on that side to learn the terrain! And they rotated their troops regularly so that there was no-one who stayed, allowing no possibility of anyone being present with an intimate knowledge of what lay up there, to that side. As far as they were concerned, that side was defended by some straggly trees, some hollows, rocks, scrub and so on. They deemed that to take the fort would require an army, and no army could advance across that terrain in sufficient numbers, without being seen from a distance. Particularly not in the depths of the winter.

“But as I said, I was a slave in the castle. I was forced to do jobs that none of them wished to do themselves. Just like my fellow prisoners. But that allowed us to roam around, observing their habits, their dispositions and the like. We were almost invisible to them, being persons of no real value. If ever challenged, we could claim that someone else, somewhere else, had detailed us to go and do some chore or other. Towards the end, it was almost as if we had free run of the place.

“One of my duties was to empty the 'gash', as we termed it, out onto the pile at the back of the castle. My training over the years had been such that my eyes always went automatically to the places I knew would afford some observers some cover. Remember, we Forgulanders regularly patrolled around that side, so I had a fairly accurate mental picture of the terrain round about.

“That day, the skies were snow-laden, threatening to dump a snowfall on us at any moment, when my breath caught. I have had much time to reflect upon it since, but there were many tiny little indicators to me, all of which added up in my head, without conscious evaluation. Some avian activity, strange for that time of day; a brief flash of light reflecting from something; was that a cloud of breath there on the cold air? And all these indicators were coming from those spots I knew would be used by observers. There were people out there, and they were watching us! Hope surged in my breast and I tried hard to use my walk back to the fort to indicate to those unknown observers the weak points.

“When I got back inside, as soon as I had a chance, I quietly told my two most trusted fellow prisoners what I believed and for them to be prepared to hinder the defenders in any way we could, once any fighting started. I emphasised that I was not absolutely sure, but for them to be prepared.

“Not that night, but the next, the snow let go, almost as if the bottoms of the clouds had been rent asunder! My heart sank, for that meant that anyone approaching the fort from the rear would leave tracks that would be far too visible. They would have no chance of any surprise.

“But I should have reasoned that anyone who was in any position to attack the fort, would have travelled cross-country and be used to snow by then.

“'Twas in the middle of the night that there was a commotion outside; the sentries at the back called down that huge beasts were scavenging round our vast gash pile. They loosed a few bolts and the beasts gave a great cry and moved off back into the gloom from which they had appeared.

“Things settled down again.

“Then came a shock, for we heard women screaming from that direction.

“A small group appeared at the foot of the wall. In accented language, they claimed the beasts had attacked them and injured the lead herdsman who needed urgent attention from a healer. The Captain of the Yodan guard looked over the wall and down to where he saw the four people gathered at the foot of it, the larger figure with blood glistening brightly against the snow. I was standing close behind him, hidden in an alcove, when I heard him say: 'Let them in, kill the herdsman and we shall have three women to play with. I have not seen a woman, other than the cook here, for many a week now. Just the thing to cheer the troops up!' He turned away, fortunately the other way from me and I was able to slip away unnoticed. Well, I was noticed, but each thought someone else had summoned me, had commanded me to do whatever.

“I scurried down a second set of stairs, going as fast as I could, for I was certain I knew where the Captain would go now. I deemed I could be faster than he, with a bit of luck and no delays, if I hurried. And indeed I was. I managed, just, to intercept that Captain in a remote passage. I called out to him as I approached, my breathlessness seeming to be panic, asking some inane question about did he need bandages or whatever. He knew me as a bumbling slave so he had no fear of me. As I scurried towards him, I managed to trip over my own feet and went sprawling across the floor, managing further to take out his legs from under him. I was apologising loudly of course even as I staged the 'accident'. It worked out even better than I hoped, for his head struck the wall and knocked him silly. A quick look round told me that no-one was in sight, a swift blow, and the man was dead.

“So I called out loudly, in a really panicked voice, calling for soldiers to come and help. I explained that I had just come along this passage and found him. It looked like he had slipped in his hurry. And so on. My timing was right, for there then erupted a commotion from the lower levels. I realised that somehow the attackers had managed to persuade the women to help them, and that their attempt had been launched.

“And half the Yodans were up here, gathered around me! I needed to keep them here if possible, or away from the fuss downstairs so I told them I would go and get some bandages, that three of them should carry the Captain to his room, that two others should go with me and so on, all the while keeping up a panicked voice and so on. Fortunately, it never occurred to them that a bumbling slave was actually giving them orders for I had managed to unbalance them sufficiently. I knew the rank and file members of the troops were ordinary men like you and me, quite decent in their way, but their officers were hard and humourless, given to issuing peremptory demands and so on.

“They believed me. They were just doing what I had 'suggested' when I almost casually added that mayhap some two more should rush up to find the now senior man to allow him to take over command.

“Thus I managed to divert seven of the soldiers from facing whatever was going on down below, and managed to scramble their chain of command and delay any orders that might make things more difficult for the attackers.

“I shall not give details of the fighting, for it was hard and bloody. And I saw sights that will remain forever in my head. We started as absolute beginners, under pressure, afraid and where are we now? Having been so low, I can confirm I'd rather be high. We saw and heard things that I would rather unremember; sounds and visions that I would rather would simply slip away. In one way we felt we were just dirty boys, but on the next day another word could be used: Heroes. We had sorrow and fame. It was a little wonder, really, from which we can fashion a better future. Soon we shall all be swallowed up by the heat of the changes. That seems to be the plan. I shall not look back in anger.

“There are things that it is better not to know, you know! But now I do have to say something that will shock you all. Several somethings actually.

“Those women? The ones I thought the attackers would have persuaded to help them? Not at all. All three were actually soldiers! And the leader of all the attackers, their Captain, was a woman!

“Not only that, the other two women, not the leader, they were Palarandi soldiers! Palarandis there in the Feren uplands, in a Forguland fort.

“The rest of the party were all also Palarandi, technically, but were actually of other origins. The Captain was in fact Princess Eriana of Einnland, and the rest were her men, men who had travelled with her from their original homeland when the Princess ran away from her overbearing father, the King down there. Because they would be put to death if they returned, then they had all given their oaths to your King Robanar. Their land is one of snow and ice so they were most suited to a cross-country travel from inland to attack the fort from the rear.

“They had trained with Palarandi support, had learnt a new style of fighting from no less than your Royal Princess Garia, something they called martial arts, or unarmed combat, and they used those arts and surprise, and the tactic of splitting up the enemy into 'manageable' groups.

“Once one of the Yodans insulted one of the Einnlanders in an attempt to make him lose his temper. From that moment on, the Yodan was a dead man walking. They were ferocious. When that Einnlander met with the Yodan who had insulted him, he simply said, with a cheerful grin: 'I've been waiting for you!'

“The fort fell to them that very day, and their objective was achieved. I needed to signal to Forguland forces that the threat to our capital was removed, but Captain Eriana (she told me forcibly not to do any of this 'Highness' nor 'Princess' bit) asked me to hold off from doing so for a little while as she had had an idea.

“Over the next few days, she and I became very close and we used our great height to stare down into the valley floor, specifically into our Forguland littoral, plotting the downfall of the Yodan forces there. It would be a dangerous and very risky enterprise, but she persuaded me that she and her men and women could manage it, if I was to stay behind to signal Forguland and to hold the fort for them to retreat to if required. Without my guarding their back, they would not be able to do anything. She asked me for the support of myself and my men.

“I hesitated not at all. She explained that she wanted no contact with Forguland or Feren forces lest the Yodans were informed accidentally that the fort had fallen. If they knew that, then the new task Captain Eriana had determined would be rendered impossible.

“In those preparatory days I learned much from these soldiers, the Einnland Regiment they were called, and I believe I taught them much as well. 'Twas there that I first learnt the Tai Chi.

“And I don't mean I learnt just that and the languages, which incidentally I did for now I speak a little more than a smattering of Einnlander, but I learnt some soldiery things, taught them some too, as well as practices and habits in the Great Valley. Their country, and therefore their habits were, how shall I put it?; a little cruder than ours. They were in many ways quite child-like in their enthusiasms. But I learnt most of this after the fighting was all over. They have a great capacity for beers and ales, but once in their cups then they tend to feel things differently to us. For example, they deem that women are there just for them and so on. Keep clear of drunken Einnlanders is my very strong suggestion to you females.

“But their fighting! Maker, are they fierce!?

“Such a small band of them descended into the Valley, two, nay three, of them women – and yet they managed in the end to hold off hundreds of the Yodans and do great damage to their forces. Their exploits were entirely responsible for breaking Yod.

“Yes it took more work, in other places, and some new weapons to achieve the final solution, but the loss of the fort at Boldan's Rock swept the Yodan's base from under them, and hit their self-confidence hard.

“Hard fighting, hard fighting indeed. I wanted to contribute more than just watching from above, but they could only do what they were doing if they had the knowledge that they had a safe position to fall back upon. My duty was to provide them with that. It became a little easier as we gained more men, others the Yodans had used as slaves down in their docks and wharves.

“It was a close-run thing, that battle. Very close-run, I can tell you, but in the end she and they prevailed. They were very nearly overwhelmed by the Yodans; very, very nearly indeed. But then suddenly those Yodans could take no more, as Feren and Forguland forces finally got it together enough to take a hand and the Yodans were thrown back, all the way back to their own borders.

“As for me, Captain Eriana kindly made a complimentary report to my superiors and I was granted a temporary advancement to Acting Captain.

“After weeks of something they all now call debriefing, and dealing with the Einnlanders as we had become close, I was granted a four-month leave of absence and I determined to come here to see my dear sister for the first time in far too long.

“I strove to get here for the wedding, but delays held me back. Broken wagon wheels, loading and unloading of wagons taking longer than scheduled, sudden changes of route making us go a longer way round, not finding easy onward connections, and the like.

“And so am I here.”

There was a deep silence for two or three moments, maybe even more. 'Twas my sigh that seemed to break the mood.

Subrish was buried shortly thereafter.

I believe he enjoyed so many females all hugging him. Many a tear had to fall before we released him.

Not long after, we made our ways to our beds. Pomma was asleep a good while before myself; my mind was churning with thoughts of female soldiers, runaway princesses, great hairy men dressed in furs, and a town burning to the ground.

… … ...

The morning came far too soon for me – a morning after a night of disturbed dreams and much deep thought. I was thinking about Blackstone Wagons mostly, but also my other interests. I found myself concerned for some reason about the Salon. I was surprised to find that I missed the girls, all of them, new ones included. I had drifted off to sleep eventually, my next thoughts being that I wished the men of this household would be quieter when they got up and going in the mornings.

It was Pomma's giggle that eventually woke me; she and Karmanya were packing Pomma's stuff and trying to be quiet about it. I swung my legs out of bed and grumped my way to the toilet. The cool of the floors despatched any lingering sleep-tendrils and by the time I returned to the room to get dressed, I was ready to face this day.

When we all gathered to break our fasts, the others had been kind enough to wait for me, Epp whispered to me that she thought Subrish looked better today, as if his telling his tale last night had released some weight from his shoulders. I observed him as best I could without making it obvious and I concurred with her. There was some indefinable improvement.

But soon, all too soon, we had to organise our day, a day which was to end up in Brayview for Pomma and I, along with several others from elsewhere. I had just started thinking about it all when there was a small commotion - at the back door this time.

Jogantha came in and announced: “An urchin had arrived with a message from a wagoneer named Kulyer. He has found a contract for carrying something off a barge that has to be delivered to Bezlet as soon as possible. He has to go to South Tranidor to pick it up. He will do this and then set out to Brayview to meet you all there this evening.”

“Thank you, Jogantha,” I said, for Shemel, as mentioned, had shot off somewhere earlier and therefore the message must be for me.

Shemel had left a message for me too. He was going to meet us at Pyor's.

I ran through a list, aloud so Epp and Pomma (and Subrish) could confirm that I had forgotten nothing of all the little tasks still to do here in the South Point Mansion before we could leave. No-one added anything, so I deem I managed to remember everything relevant.

We got on with those tasks then, Epp and Subrish helping where they could.

Pomma and I had just brought all our stuff down to the entrance hall and were busy making our farewells to the residents and staff still there, when Plostrum arrived with his cart to take us up to Pyor's. He was slightly put out when I laughed before thanking him: “Oh good morrow, Plostrum, I apologise for laughing, but I assure you I was not doing so AT you, just at the situation we find ourselves in.

“I am grateful to you indeed, for we may send our baggages with you, which will keep them dryer from this dreadful drizzle that we would have otherwise managed. But Mistress Pomma and myself shall ride our frayen up to Master Rader's empire and meet you at Pyor's shed. We have one call to make on our way there, so if you go directly, you shall have less time in the wet!”

His face was a picture, as much of it as we could see through the wet-weather clothing. His tones said plenty to us though. “Ride! Yes. If you say so, Mistresses.” Those tones told us he was fundamentally shocked, and also disapproving. I don't think it was because of us going out in the rain!

Once he had gone off again with our meagre belongings, we women all burst out laughing. He was obviously shocked that we would choose to do so, perchance even shocked that we knew how to and indeed that we were allowed to. We could picture him shaking his head and muttering: 'Women riding! Whatever next?'

It took us both a short while to don our protective wear and then we left, walking down the side alley to the stabling, where our mounts were waiting expectantly, the stable lad having saddled them before we got there. The lad was experienced enough now with the 'new' saddles to have put them on the right way round, and to adjust the stirrups to their proper lengths.

Trumpa snort-snickered into my hand when I got there. I didn't see, but the noises suggested to me that Wiget had done the same to Pomma. A few nibbles were given to the animals, at which I could swear they almost chuckled, and then we rode out, heading first for Tapio's. Both the animals and we shuddered a little as we went out into that most uncomfortable weather.

“Oh Pomma! I just realised! With these low clouds then the semaphore won't be able to work. It has probably been unusable for the past few days too, since we have had cloud cover for a while now. I hope that it shall not be like this all the way, for it is most miserable, most miserable indeed.”

“I agree, Julina. This is not the most comfortable I have ever been. Indeed I would say that I have never been so uncomfortable whilst riding.” She leaned forward and stroked Wiget's neck, but I wondered if the animal could even feel her hand as she was so gentle, and frayen have a thick and tough hide. “Poor Wiget, this is not nice is it?”

A jerk of Wiget's head just at that moment made me wonder yet again if our animals could actually understand us.

I must say that the four of us seemed to settle into a shared huddle of misery as we progressed. We wound our way in silence from then on, noticing that the streets were just about deserted, up to Tapio's, where I'm sure I could feel the relief of Trumpa and Wiget as we drew to a halt under the generous overhang Tapio had outside his front door.

I had intended to just spend a few heartbeats there, to let Tapio know that Nayet had agreed to the change of location, but in the end we dismounted, removed our wet weather protection and spent about half a bell in there, clarifying and confirming many different points. Tapio gave me another letter for Papa and Pocular.

And Bormio made a special point of presenting me with an extra Beam Lantern, saying that Tapio had told him that I had done him another huge favour, but he knew not what. He also presented both Pomma and I with a hand mirror each, stating that these were the first two that he himself had made. He had a wry grin as he said that, and we were almost embarrassed by this little episode. I would actually have wanted to stay a little longer, but the two men both said they understood that we had to dash away. It would not do for me to keep everyone at Pyor's waiting any longer.

We struggled back into the wet weather clothing and mounted our beasts once more. They had been kept under that sloping roof outside, loosely tied to a railing there for just that purpose, so they weren't waiting for us out in the miserable weather.

It didn't take us more than a hand of moments to wend our way across to Master Rader's; once there, we halted briefly under the arch of the portal which guarded his little Empire, where we could identify ourselves and gain an access permission. The gateman recognised us swiftly, once we pushed back the hoods of our cloaks, but he too was surprised to see that we were mounted. He said nothing though, he waved us simply on our way.

“Oh when shall these men accept that women can ride?” I grumped to Pomma as we crossed the vast courtyard. It seemed so much bigger today, now we were being rained upon.

“Megrozen mentioned that it was not uncommon now in Palarand itself, that people there didn't seem to notice so much, so maybe 'tis but a question of time. I like to think that each time someone sees us doing so, then that is one more little tick towards getting them accustomed to it.”

“A good point, Pomma, we can but hope.”

With our protective clothing, there was little to suggest to anyone we passed, not that many were outside in that weather, that we were in any way unusual, but once we had ridden into Pyor's workshop, yes, that's right, into the workshop – for protection from the rain of course – then we caused a considerable consternation.

Again.

All of which, of course, wasted yet more time; time that was beginning to run out, I felt. We both sighed at the males being shocked, or at least surprised at us as we dismounted there inside the workshop in the dry. Then it was the shaking of the cloaks and hanging them up on pegs to one side, and twitching our skirts into place and all that, studiously ignoring the somewhat rude reaction of the men – Pyor, Quizzen and the apprentices were the most controlled, but Rabeez' eyes were almost on stalks.

But at least he didn't say anything, probably brought about when he realised that the others were accepting of it. I'm sure I heard a noise as his mouth snapped shut, but I was deliberately not looking at him any more, right then, at that very heartbeat.

I heard a bell announcement somewhere off in the near distance which made me realise that we had actually arrived at the shed a quarter of a bell before the time I had mentally scheduled. That pleased me somehow. Probably because I felt that my authority would have been undermined had I been late for this first company excursion, the moment the company first got under way, so as to speak.

I looked around, and the three beautifully painted wagons were ready to be hitched to our load-pulling beasts, whenever they might appear. Plostrum had been and gone it seemed for Pomma's and my few bags were already lashed to one of the smaller wagons, and several sacks had been loaded into the belly of the larger wagon.

However, our entrance, with the surprise of us riding on frayen, now gave rise to further speculation and debate; and possible slight changes to our immediate plans.

Our problem, the largest one that is, was the logistics of getting men and wagons to where they were needed. We had three wagons, one large and two small, that needed to travel today, and the three designated drivers were all here – Quizzen, Pyor and Rebeez.

But to pull the wagons, we had one dranakh, expected to be delivered any heartbeat now, and one pair of frayen.

Quizzen had determined that the dranakh would pull the larger wagon, with a small one attached behind it. The pair of frayen would then pull the final smaller wagon, but it would have to be a pair as one alone would tire too rapidly. And Quizzen had found a load for it as well.

Once we got to Brayview, then we might have to rearrange slightly, depending upon several factors that could come up when we get there. The large painted wagon and one of the small wagons were to go all the way upvalley, while the other of the smaller wagons could be left, loads permitting, at Brayview. You may remember that they had been painted slightly differently to reflect their 'home base', so the loads could be settled as required.

Quizzen was wondering if our two frayen, dear Trumpa and Wiget, could be used in harness for the other small wagon, since our way was mostly uphill and 'twould be better if the load could be spread out. Or we could earn some more coin with a larger load, if one could be found at such short notice. Actually Quizzen said he knew of one that was waiting, but it would be too much if the one wagon was needed to be towed by the other.

“I'm not at all sure that I would want poor Trumpa used as a load-pulling beast, she has been a ride-only animal ever since we have had her. And would that not be a little dangerous, does she not require some training or some knowledge of some commands or something? Do the animals have to walk in unison?”

“Well yes, I confess that most pulling frayen have had a little training, but if we put Trumpa with one of the trained ones, and Wiget with the other then we should be alright. At some point we shall have to carry in the timber with which to build our buildings at Brayview, and if we can transport some with us now, after all we ARE going there, then it makes sense to me, rather than travel with empty wagons. And look there, in that corner, there are some building timbers that are just awaiting.”

“I understand what you are saying,” I began, but feeling a little lost since I wanted my business partner to be there as well. I needed to make a decision in his absence though. “However, I don't think it wise to use two untrained does to pull a wagon, even if it is a small one. At some point, Master Shemel shall bring his wagon here to this shed to be painted. Once that has been done, then the wood can be shipped with that wagon up to Brayview. With better weather and longer bells of light, then he could probably do that all in one day, and get home for the evening.”

I confess I felt most gratified when they all nodded slowly. It appeared they thought I had just said something wise. Inwardly, I had been trembling but my reply appeared to have engendered some respect even.

I was about to continue, and very probably say something that was UNwise, when there was another interruption as the door opened to admit another newcomer – or newcomers, to be more exact.

Hedda, Saras and Booch were brought in. Hedda was the dranakh, Saras and Booch the two frayen.

“Beasts for Blackstone Wagons? Care of Pyor? We was directed 'ere, like,” said the leader of the trio of men, shaking rain off his clothing as he came into the shelter of the workshop. The animals came in and blinked as they too looked around. I smiled as each in turn, from left to right, shook themselves; the raindrops sparkled in the torchlight as they flew about.

Quizzen went over to the dranakh, gesturing to Pyor to check the frayen over whilst he did just that with the dranakh, and with Rabeez as well, for they two would be the regular drivers.

I was impressed with the seriousness and solemnity almost with which Quizzen went about this task. He stood fore square in front of the huge animal, staring rigidly at her, as she stared round at the others.

“Honourable Hedda,” he called - and the beast swung her head to look at him equally as directly, “I welcome you to your new team.” Rabeez then joined in; he also peered intently into her eyes. She appeared to do the same thing to them. Maybe even to both of them at the same time.

Quizzen spoke to her as if she were human, directly and without any fawning, but respectfully. Pomma and I were fascinated by the interchange, neither of us ever before having witnessed such a meeting.

“This is just the start place, your normal home shall be more upvalley, with wide open spaces for you to roam when not required, and many companions. Now, would you permit me to examine your legs that we may be certain you are sound, or discover anything that might require healing? This is my colleague Rabeez, who shall also from time to time be your companion. My name is Quizzen and the lad over there,” there was no mistaking the pride in his voice as he said the following, “is my son Pyor.”

Did I really see Hedda's eyes shift quickly in Pyor's direction? Surely not. I must ask Hedda ...

I gasped as I realised that he had been talking to a dranakh as though they were both equals, and I too had been treating her likewise.

Then I had reason to gasp again as he continued: “And this young lady is also important in our company. Her name is Julina. Now may I see your hind legs, starting with the off?”

He went round behind the huge animal and Pomma and I were amazed when Hedda raised her leg just as he and Rabeez got there. The action was repeated with the other hind leg, and again and again as the other legs were examined. The front near side leg showed a minor cut and Quizzen tenderly examined it.

“This will heal of itself, it is just a scratch and seems not to be inflamed. May I next examine your mouth?”

The beast opened her mouth and the two men examined her teeth and tongue. Quizzen bared his forearm and placed it into Hedda's mouth, even as Rabeez himself prepared his arm. I found myself drawn down there to also present my arm once Rabeez had done. Hedda's eyes widened slightly as she accepted mine and somehow I got the feeling that she now knew of my connection with Josten, but that must be impossible, so I shrugged it off. The whole thing was seeming more and more surreal to me.

Then the shed doors banged open once more. We all whirled round, watching Shemel as he entered; he was leading Deel, who was pulling a large empty wagon, but which itself was pulling a laden small wagon.

Protective cloak off, greetings all round, comments about the weather, saying farewells to the men who had brought the animals, all this took a good hand of moments before we could get back to making our decisions.

But this time, it started with Shemel making a brief explanation of the composition of his arrival.

“I have brought my large wagon for painting so it shall stay here. It occurred to me that we might have a pulling beast problem, so I thought that I could use Deel to pull two smaller wagons up to Brayview in tandem. One of the smaller wagons is scheduled to remain there, so I can simply leave it there, whilst the rest of you continue upvalley. I can then return with Deel and this smaller wagon I have hired for today and the morrow. We shall require some building timbers at Brayview so I have taken the chance presented to load the smaller wagon with wood we can use there. Deel can ...”

He broke off, making us all look at his dranakh. We all fell silent as Hedda and Deel snickered briefly at each other. I had the impression that Deel had recommended Shemel to Hedda, and by extension had recommended us as well. Certainly Hedda seemed a little less tense afterwards.

But this must all be fanciful imaginings, surely. How on Anmar can anyone know what is in a dranakh's brain?

“So we have the ladies' baggages to go all the way up to Blackstone. They can be on either the large wagon or a small wagon since both shall be based up there. The two small wagons that Deel shall pull can be loaded with wood and building supplies, certainly with the two large tarpaulins I have packed, to protect our wood from the elements, and maybe even to protect the small wagon.”

“And I have, as mentioned, sourced a load for Brayview,” interjected Quizzen. “I am told that it is a full wagon's load, so 'twould be best the ladies' baggages are on the small wagon. Indeed let's make one of the smaller wagons the baggage wagon for the entire party. The two frayen can pull that, and maybe three or four passengers … oh, no, that would be wrong – I suppose you ladies shall be riding all the way, then?” We nodded a confirmation, allowing him to continue, “so Pyor will drive the baggage wagon, Rabeez can take Hedda here with that large wagon, to be loaded up at the Shuttle Shed, I can travel with Shemel up to Brayview. Or I can drive the baggages, and Pyor can sit with Shemel. Kulyer will make his own way to Brayview. Any objections, anyone?”

Thus it was agreed, arranged and actioned; we set off accordingly.

… … …

We reached Junction Square and headed, in convoy, across to the Shuttle Shed where we had agreed to meet not only Master Rohid, for the load to be taken upvalley, but also Subrish that we might make our farewell to him too. It was difficult to maintain position in the convoy but we managed to push our way through. As we approached, I saw Master Ruckem there as well, and was that ..? Yes, Master Mallam. So I had some little expectation of what was about to occur, and indeed knew even then that the Bat Bacs agreements must needs amending.

Lest rain spoil the inkwork, I had to disrobe the protective cloak, and dry my hands, face and hair ends before signing a new agreement, with Pomma, still wearing her cloak, standing within earshot and able to say 'heard and witnessed' at the appropriate junctures. The good news though was that Bat Bacs had an exclusive licence to run bacs services in Tranidor, and we could determine who was hired to do so. I could have bought another house with the amount the Count had charged, but we both, Master Rohid and I, felt 'twould be worth it. And my contribution was only half that after all.

“Make sure that Master Jalmond knows about this, please, to prevent any repeats of last evening's embarrassments at the scurry time.”

“I shall do so immediately,” promised Rohid. “Now, let us get on with loading the wagon.”

Eventually, we were ready to leave. We all made sure we and the loads were protected with waxed cloaks or tarpaulins, as appropriate. Pomma was mounted and leading Trumpa as I sat next to Subrish, who wished me to point out various things to him, that he might add places to his knowledge of Tranidor.

“I also need to visit the Semaphore Station. I know that the weather has closed the system down for now, but I must needs send a message and desire that I leave it with them to be sent as soon as is possible. I shall accompany you as far as there, where I can hop off and you can remount. These new saddles are so much better do you not think? I find them ...”

We travelled companionably, chatting of this, that and the next thing as the little convoy formed up, forced its way through the surprisingly large crowds out in the dismal weather, and turned left towards the Bray Bridge.

“... and that there is the old Bormio establishment, into which Mistress Nayet shall move in a few ...”

“Hold Wagonmaster! Make way for your Prince and his party!”

I looked ahead and saw a soldier had halted Rabeez who was leading our procession. Other soldiers in the Count's colours were clearing a passage as a large procession was crossing the bridge, coming towards us. We jerked to a halt, whereupon Subrish got to his feet, standing on the wagon seat to gain some visual advantage. I myself was just a little slower, but was soon imitating him.

Subrish peered through the drizzle and suddenly said “I don't believe it.” He hesitated for a heartbeat or two and then dashed the hood from his head, standing bareheaded in that nasty rain. I definitely would not be imitating THAT behaviour.

I looked at the oncoming mass of people, finding it difficult to discern any particular person, covered as they all were with wet weather cloaks and deeply drawn down hoods. The first men passed us, obviously soldiers judging by their weapons and shields, and their constantly observing eyes looking everywhere at once. The very bearing of what was obviously a man in the third or fourth rank made me believe that this was the Prince himself. I had of course seen him up in Blackstone on his last visit. I deemed the man riding next to him I recognised as being the Commander of the Princess' guard, but again the outer coverings prevented a positive identification.

Wagons passed, more men, and then two covered carriages, covered because weather protection was lowered over most of the windows. I got the merest glimpse of female shapes through the narrow gaps round the blinders so I assumed I was disappointed in seeing the Princess. The next men were also mounted, but looked somehow larger than most of the others. Some of them had their hoods less lowered than the others, allowing more of their faces to show. The faces were fascinatingly framed by heavy beards and moustaches, and their eyes glistened in a very strange way, different somehow to any I had before seen.

One man seemed to have his eyes fixed on Subrish. I could tell that those eyes were not looking at me, but just to my right, where Epp's brother had drawn himself upright and rigid.

The man approached, still part of the cavalcade, without relinquishing his eye contact of my neighbour.

And then I was shocked down to my very core as Subrish used his Command Voice and issued a challenge, and an insult to one of the Prince's entourage: “Who do you think you're looking at, Jerk?”

---

The developments settle into place, mostly smoothly

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker Subrish! Are you trying to get us kil...”

My shocked outburst at my neighbour was drowned by a voice that was … massively unexpected. It was so deep, it was like two mountains rumbling up against each other. But it did something to me, it was like Master Pocular's voice and Master Schild's smile all rolled up in one – and then doubled again. It came from the man that had been staring at Subrish.

“I see weak and pathetic Valleyman, so-called man I could snap in two with click of fingers!”

He glared ferociously at Subrish who glared back.

Suddenly, the two of them broke out into a laughing fit, laughing uproariously, after which they began speaking in another tongue; which caused some of the other riders to swing round and laugh loudly too. I swear I heard some of them exclaim: “Subrish!” amongst their many other unintelligible words. Subrish raised a hand and acknowledged some of them. The entire cavalcade faltered as some of them reined in preparing to come over to where we were standing.

Another voice was heard, a command voice – actually, it was an extremely annoyed command voice: “Guard! Attend! Discipline, you lot. Dschorg, drop out, the rest of you continue!”

I looked around and saw one of the mounted men from the front coming rapidly back to where we were. It was the one I thought I recognised as the Commander when he passed me just a moment or two before. The men in the passing Prince's party all stiffened in their saddles and regained their positions once more. Several were sheathing their swords again. The one that had challenged Subrish and then laughed so … movingly, he reined in and pulled close to our wagon, to give the rest of his party room to pass.

The officer threaded his way through the stream, flanked by two guardsmen also with swords drawn. The trio approached, the officer waving his drawn sword at Subrish and, by association, at me and Pyor who was driving our small wagon, which was being drawn by Saras and Booch. The officer's eyes were taking in everything in the immediately surrounding area even as he half-threatened Subrish, Pyor and I with his weapon: “Who are you? Why do you challenge the Prince's progress? Dschorg, what means this?”

It was Epp's brother though who was the first to provide an answer: “My name is Subrish, sir. I am a Captain, alas only an 'acting' one though at the moment, in the Forguland Military Command, currently on an extended leave. I was astounded and delighted to see some of your men, for I fought alongside several of them at Boldan's Rock in the recent war against Yod! I apologise for disturbing your progress.”

Dschorg then answered himself: “Commander, 'tis 'deed so. Is very very true. Subrish and I, we two we smash Yods together up Great Valley at fort on rock. He good fighter and good officer.”

The Commander promptly sheathed his sword, swept back his hood and saluted Subrish. “Commander Feteran at your service, Captain. Commander of Her Royal Highness Princess Garia's personal guard. I am most honoured to meet you, very honoured indeed. I would be proud to shake your hand. That was a fine action indeed and pivotal. We ...” he waved a hand to indicate the entire procession “... shall be guests of the Count here for at least two days and would welcome you for a dinner, always assuming that would be convenient, of course. Pray send a message to myself from the Castle gate and I shall make sure you are admitted after as short a delay as possible.”

He turned to Dschorg: “Rejoin your position, Guardsman. I shall follow shortly.”

“Aye, Commander,” said the huge-looking Einnlander before he added a swift word or two in what must have been the Einnlander language, addressed naturally to Subrish, who nodded and grunted something short in some sort of reply.

The Commander meanwhile had turned his eyes upon me: “Do I recognise you, Mistress? There is, I deem, a familiarity ringing at the back of my mind.”

“Perchance Commander you do, for I am from Blackstone and we met when Mil – Her Highness came up there last year. I deem your father is our Steward, if my memory serves well as to your family.”

“Indeed Mistress, that he is. And that must be where I remember you from, I suppose. You will forgive me for not remembering you immediately, I trust? I have met so many people in her Highness' service, 'tis difficult in the extreme to keep a complete track of them all. Might I refresh my poor memory and ask you your name?”

“'Tis Julina, Commander, eldest daughter of Master Kordulen, whom I know you met, he is Her Highness' road inspector.”

“Ah yes! Indeed I recall Master Kordulen! My pleasure, Mistress Julina. Shall you accompany your Captain Subrish to our dinner?”

“My regrets, Commander, I ... we ... are even now on our journey back to Blackstone. Captain Subrish here accompanies us not. I am giving him merely a lift to the semaphore station that he might have a message sent as soon as the weather permits. I daresay there is already a vast backlog.

“When I get home, shall I tell your father that his son is close once more? I am certain he shall be pleased. He has recently been so very busy finalising the details of Their Highness' visit, and I have been down here in Tranidor for a few days, so your father and I have not spoken for a good while now. I should state that I dare to claim the Steward has shown great faith in me, and we sometimes take rides together, from which activity we have become on a first name basis. Although, try as I might, I find I can but address him as 'Captain'.”

Even as I was speaking, I was taken slightly aback by the fleeting frown that crossed his face at some of my words. Words I spoke in the middle of that last little speech, it seemed to me. Maybe a little earlier. My instincts were raised and I was sure that there was something else going on in the background, somehow or other. But I had no idea what it might be. I confess my mind was racing, suggesting and discarding ever more complex scenarios.

“I thank you, Mistress, that would be a kindness. We shall be two or three days behind you, I deem. But this weather has closed down the semaphore and we have been out of touch for near a week already.” He turned to Subrish then. “Does that mean you shall be unable to come to dinner, Captain?”

“Negative Commander, I stay here in Tranidor with my sister. Although I deem I should visit Blackstone as I am so relatively close. Every day here I hear more about the place and would satisfy my curiosity before I return. I still have time, but only just, to make such a visit before I must report once more for duty back in Forguland. I had hoped to attend my sister's wedding up in Blackstone but she is now returned to Tranidor. I confess I would be both delighted and honoured to accept your invitation and would leap at the opportunity to rekindle my friendship with those of your Einnlanders whom I met up the Great Valley. I recognise some of them, but most appear to be strangers to me.”

Subrish lowered his voice for his next utterance: “From what I hear of the Count hereabouts, he is given to flashes of annoyance, petulance even. Not a good quality in a leader or ruler. And if these Einnlanders are like all the ones I know, then they can be a handful after a good few ales have been quaffed. I recommend some strict discipline, Commander.”

“Indeed, sir,” replied the Commander, “some of these Einnlanders have arrived in Palarand only relatively recently. 'Tis a long story, and not for now I deem. And yes, that problem with a few of the Einnlanders has already manifested itself on our journey, more than once even. I thank you for your warnings.” He raised his voice again to normal levels as he changed the subject smoothly: “Do I know your sister, Captain? I suspect I do, if she lives in both places!”

“Perchance you do, Commander, for she was also down in Palarand for the recent Royal Wedding and was with you there. She is Mistress Megrozen.”

“Maker! I DO know her, of course. My kindest compliments to her, and to her man, although I have not met him yet I deem. And she has a brother in Forguland? That itself is a minor wonder. But it shall and indeed must keep until another time. Now if you would excuse me Mistress, Captain, Goodman I shall dash to catch up with my men.”

“Commander,” we three replied in unison. We watched him hurry away to his position, efficiency oozing from him as he went, his two men falling in precisely into obviously pre-set positions as they formed up on him.

We ourselves jerked back into motion once more, nearly before we had a chance to sit again. Pyor chuckled and we laughed too.

“Well!” I said, “that was interesting to say the least. I was SO scared when you seemed to challenge that Dschorg man.”

He laughed: “His name is actually nearer what I called him than it is to Dschorg. These Einnlanders pronounce their letters slightly differently to the way we do. The nearest we can get in Valleyspeak is to use a 'J' as his initial letter. The next letter is said somewhere between our 'a' and our 'e'. The final letter is somewhere between our hard 'g' and a 'k' sound. As a result of all this, I started teasing him that his name in Valleyspeak was 'Jerk'. The byname stuck somehow, although in all honesty 'tis not actually a byname.”

… … …

After dropping Subrish off at the Semaphore Station, we continued our miserable journey up the Chaarn road, silently cursing our luck that we should have quite such dismal weather with which to cope. To leave from the semaphore station, I climbed back up onto Trumpa's back - and discovered the discomfort of a wet saddle under my nether regions! Oh that bath at Brayview was going to be so very goooooooooood!

However, relatively soon after pressing on up the Trade Route, the rain began to ease. Somehow it seemed as if the clouds had grown lighter.

And lighter as the rain trailed off.

And lighter still once the rain had stopped. We looked at each other in hope, did Pomma and I, catching Pyor's gaze as we did so and he grinned at us, showing his own hopes that the weather would soon break.

And then we had the strange experience of our heads being in sunshine while the road was nearly invisible below us. It seemed to me the animals pressed a little harder, to break out of the blanket of cloud as soon as they may.

I turned to Pomma: “I deem I have discovered that sunshine on my shoulders almost always makes me happy!”

Her delighted giggle rang out as clear as a bell, above the creaks and groans and hoof noises of our progress.

Riding along in sunshine, we soon stopped to shed our cumbersome outer clothes. After that our spirits improved and I'll swear so did those of our animals. There was an extra bounciness in the gait of them all. I looked back down the road behind us and saw an unusual view as it disappeared into the clouds, with wagons passing in either direction. Drivers heading downvalley took notice of the garb of those coming upvalley and pulled over to rootle through their belongings for their waterproofs.

It seemed almost no time before we arrived at the edge of Her Highness' lands. I waved the wagons on, saying that Pomma and I wanted to send a quick message up home via the semaphore station just there. Quizzen objected but briefly, muttering something about two unescorted women on a busy highway. We just ignored him, knowing that we could ride at a greater pace to catch them up once more, the greater pace that we both so much enjoyed, and that I was convinced dear Trumpa and Wiget did too.

Once we had tied the frayen to the hitching post, and had entered, we were greeted by a cheerful voice.

“Mistress Julina, Signalman Stanim at your service. You may remember me from one of your lessons up at Brayview!”

I looked at the face and I deemed it was indeed familiar, but I would never have been able to put a name to it, so I was grateful for his thoughtfulness in supplying his name early.

“Signalman, indeed I recall you. What a delight to see you once more. Mistress Pomma and I are on our way back to Blackstone and shall be at Brayview this evening. Shall you come there tonight?”

“If I get to dance once more with you, then no wild frayen, dranakh, grakh nor ptuvils could stop me.”

“Oh don't be so silly, Stanim,” I replied laughing and blushing.

“Now what is your message, and for whom?”

It didn't take long for me to dictate the message: “To His Honour, Captain Bleskin, Steward at Blackstone and Master Kordulen. Just met Royal Party entering Tranidor as we left. Captain Feteran sends compliments and suggests they shall stay with Count there two, three days before following. We overnight Brayview, then Forest. Compliments. Julina.”

Stanim read the message back to me and I then had an argument over the necessary coin. Stanim refused to accept any payment and just asked if the message was alright. I confirmed it and suggested he warn his colleagues about the pending arrival of His and Her Highnesses.

So I managed to have a free message.

As we went back outside, Pomma asked me about the dancing that Stanim had mentioned. I explained and I also gave her the bad news that her feet would be aching by the time we went to bed.

Pomma and I remounted, and the frayen did indeed enjoy going so much faster. The steepness of the incline had slowed the wagons quite considerably so we were all too soon joined back up with them. We both could have enjoyed riding fast for many more moments.

I kept up a running commentary to Pyor as we approached Brayview. The roadway was still running below the shoulder of the valley at that point, but it started climbing at an angle just after the entrance to the roadhouse, which was to our right, to the east. It had been built many years ago, no-one knows just how many, in a sort of hollow between two rock formations. Rock formations that were uneven and steep-sided in parts. The entrance was flanked by two large boulders and the Captain had suggested that many years ago, those boulders had been rolled there to create a relatively secure resting place that was unlikely to be able to be outflanked. The large boulders had been added, he felt, to narrow the access, making it more defensible. He had told me that he fully expected them to be removed again before long.

Outside there was the width of the road of course, wide enough to allow passing wagons with outriders. And opposite the entrance to the roadhouse there was perhaps a four stride wide flat edge to the left of the roadway, before it pitched downwards suddenly. After that pitch had dropped maybe a hand of strides, the terrain flattened out again, became less steep that is, as it sloped down towards the distant river. I noticed that some trees had been felled down at the flatter level, making an alleyway between them heading almost directly downslope.

We turned into the roadhouse and I pointed out everything I could to Pyor as we drew up and selected a corner of the wagon area for ourselves. Quizzen was looking round so much that I thought his head might start to spin on his shoulders. At first, I was somewhat confused, for I knew he had been here before, but now he was looking around as though he had never seen any of it.

Then it hit me.

This WAS indeed the first time he would have seen any of this – looking at a place where he would live, start up a new company, work, move his family and everything else involved in that process. He was looking at it with fresh eyes.

I think the others were impressed by warmth of welcome I got from Kolston and Basset. And then from several of the wagoneers in there.

I lost no time in introducing Quizzen and Pyor foremost, and Shemel along with Rabeez in a slightly less pointed way. I suppose I was relieved that there were no immediate dislikes raised and we had a good start.

“Master Kolston,” I added in the 'Master' bit as we were not all formally on informal terms, if you see what I mean, “I saw some tree felling downslope that looks recent, deliberate and aimed for the river. That is new, is it not?”

“Aye, Mistress Julina, that it is. We had orders from the Steward to cut a new road direct down to Tamitil through the forest. At the moment, the lane that leads to Tamitil joins the Trade Road downslope from here, down almost to the edge of Her Highness' lands. The semaphore station there is at the junction of where the Tamitil lane comes in. A direct lane from here would save more than two marks of distance to travel.

“There is a lot going on at Tamitil nowadays, I deem the mills there - yes, the Steward has decreed that the second mill shall be operative as soon as possible - the mills there are to produce all the flour for all of Her Highness' lands, which have now been officially designated as Blackstone County. Although I know not of any Count involved.

“But whatever, the way to Tamitil is to be made as short as possible. So the new lane will join the Trade road here, well there shall be two junctions actually, for we need sloping roads to cope with that steep pitched bank just across the road here. So there will be one for downvalley connections and one for upvalley ones.

“And above the first pass on the Chaarn road, beyond your turning up to Blackstone, there is to be a jointly-administered region, a province, to be named 'Ptuvilend'. Jointly administered by Palarand and Vardenale no less. The Steward is investigating ways, or at least he is to do so when he can, of driving some road through from Blackstone across the vales in between, to join again to the Chaarn road somewhere in the new Ptuvilend Province, which is to stretch as far as the old Chivan strongpoint and which was the northernmost extent of their holdings, atop the major pass some days north of here where the Trade Road essentially starts its downhill journey to reach Chaarn.”

“Do you tell us? That's fascinating.”

It gave us cause to discuss much as we settled into a relaxing pel or two before we bathed. But before we women could leave the table, we were joined by another new arrival, Kulyer. He had found his way here easily and made good time. He recognised our wagons from the excellent paintwork, so he joined us having parked his wagon there amongst ours.

Pomma and I rose to go and have our bath and we left the men talking altogether and promising to go out to inspect the locality for a suitable place to pitch the wagon repair workshop, and the family homes, and the Blackstone Wagons offices. We agreed to meet once more for our evening meal in a bell's time.

We had a good dinner, and our bonds within our smallish group seemed to become tighter and friendlier somehow. And good bonds were being built with Kolston and Basset.

The men had told us what they had concluded about positions for the living quarters, the offices and the workshops. Kolston was called over and he agreed to their suggestions.

But he, like me, was surprised at the workshop request. We all smiled and laughed when Pyor explained his idea, for it was really most clever.

Kolston had started with a question: “Master Pyor, I applaud the fact that you wish to be situated directly across the road from us, close to the hub of the community, but there is scarce any land there. Surely you must require more ground space for your workshop?”

“Master Kolston,” began Pyor with a light laugh, “you are indeed correct, however my design for it shall provide all the space I require. I shall keep the roof level as low as I might to minimise the disturbance to the views of the buildings here in your enclave, estate, or whatever you may require to call it. A taller building just across the road there might promote a feeling of being closed in. There are already effectively walls on the up and downvalley sides and the steepness of the slope above also gives a looming feeling somehow. I would not wish to give you, my neighbours, any feelings of discomfort.

“However, there are other factors I have considered. As I understand matters from that which you have described, then the trail to that other village, Tamtal or something ...”

“Tamitil.”

“Tamitil, thank you. Yes, you said that the trail up from there will split so that one branch shall head downvalley, climbing the slope gently until it reaches the Trade Road, whereas the other branch shall climb more steeply in the other direction, upvalley, across the slope to join the Trade Road maybe a mark above the other. So that will form a three-sided patch down at the bottom of the steep bank opposite here.

“My building will have its foundations down there, we shall build up three storeys from there, and the upper storey shall expand into the area up here, above the bank. So it will seem like one storey from this side, but shall be three storeys from down below! And wagons on both roads shall have access when required.”

“Maker! You decided on that in such a brief inspection?”

“Indeed, Master Kolston. And I have another little idea as well. I shall employ some of these newfangled steam engine thingies. Inside the building I shall build a platform that can be raised or lowered to connect the two ground levels! And make a short cut sometimes for wagons leaving here to go to Tamitil.”

As I mentioned, we all laughed at that and we were all still smiling when the event I had been warning Pomma about actually started.

For the next bell, the two of us did indeed dance until our poor feet hurt.

… … …

“Do you tell me?” I exclaimed. “This is such an excellent idea. Do you perchance have suitable pots that I might purchase?”

A strange light came into Bandarabbas' eyes and this caused me to think hard about some memory that was lurking, and had been lurking ever since I saw the strangely dressed trader from Chaarn that morning when his small caravan pulled into the roadhouse. I was about to say something more when my arm was gripped tightly, and I turned to see Kolston frowning warningly at me.

“If you would excuse me for a little, Rayzi Bandarabbas, I must ask Mistress Julina some questions about her meal, which we can prepare while you conduct your business with her man. I shall bring this woman to our kitchens and leave her man to your negotiations.”

“Amin!”

I detected something important in Kolston's attitude, so I very reluctantly allowed him to drag me away. But I was not happy about it. My face must have shown its annoyance. Some of the wagoneers were gathered round in the common room, for I had been conducting a numbering lesson that morning and they all looked a little shocked.

This foreign trader who had turned up half-way through the morning, was a man of strange intensity.

Which I found, at first, intriguing.

Particularly his broken Palarandi phrases and talk; and yet I suspected, from the way he listened so intently, that his Palarandi skills were more than he wished to let us know.

Apparently, he had made better time in the last week than he thought he would and so had stopped at Brayview for an early luncheon before pressing on southwards. He had originally intended to stay the night here, had planned it long ago, but now he was so much in advance of his original schedule, he would prefer to push on, hoping to get as near Holville as he could this night. He was planning on trading as far downvalley as Dekarran.

Pomma followed Kolston and I across the floor, leaving the stranger calling something in his own language to his colleague up on one of their wagons parked just outside the window, before turning back to Pyor.

Pyor had accompanied me after we caught sight of something very unexpected, revealed to us when the stranger opened the door to come in, but we saw it outside.

We had both been amazed when we went to inspect that very something that now stood by one of their wagons, poor long-suffering Pomma trailing dutifully along too; until such time as she too understood what it was we were looking at, whereupon she too was amazed and intrigued. When we had started asking questions, Pyor was directed inside to talk directly with the traders' leader, Bandarabbas, who had some strange foreign title which sounded like Rayzi.

This abrupt dismissal, noticeably made only to Pyor for the man would look neither at me nor at Pomma, caused that elusive memory to surface; someone else entirely somewhen else entirely had told me that there were reportedly some peoples who refused to do business with women, for women were of utterly no importance in their system of beliefs! I had not really believed it at the time it was told me.

I suspect that the high spots of colour on my cheeks might have told the entire room that I was angry when Kolston just about dragged me away; Basset came over with questions in her eyes. I was about to ask her man just what he thought he was doing, when he held up a hand to shush me, jerked his eyes back towards the trader and whispered: “Don't let him hear or see anything. I must give you a warning before it goes any further.”

I saw a dawning comprehension rise in Basset's face and she nodded ferociously to get me to understand. I stopped and Kolston let go of my arm, which I rubbed as he had managed to hurt me.

Keeping his voice low and his (and my) back to the trader, Kolston told me: “The robes that the trader are wearing tell the world that he belongs to a certain tribe, or nation, country, whatever. They have very strict beliefs, one of which annoys every woman here in Palarand, and I dare say in the entire Great Valley; for to them women are belongings. Women even have to walk three strides behind the man, even if the man is years younger. Had you tried to deal in a business manner with him, then he would have been offended and would have caused trouble. He is already uncomfortable that women and men mix in our common room. We have had two or three of these types through every trading session. He is the first repeat customer. And the first this year.

“As I understand it, 'Rayzi' means, in their language, roughly what we term 'Master'. And 'amin', sometimes 'amen', is the equivalent of our 'so be it'.

“These people have strict times when they eat, when they travel, when they wash even. They have, in fact, these strict ways of conducting themselves in all areas of their lives, as far as I can see.

“And they barter in their trade dealings – he will start with a price about ten times that which he will accept. I hope your young man will understand that. But trust me, he would never have even spoken with you in any form of business transaction. He would have said as well that I had brought dishonour to him and he would spread the word to his fellows.

“BUT there are also advantages, we can learn things from them too, from their words, their knowledge and they bring worthy goods with them. Not to mention acceptable coin and value metals.”

I was in one way pleased that my resurfaced memory had proven to be accurate and apposite, but even so I was still very conflicted.

Here we were, in my own country, in my own home lands and yet I was being reduced to a less than second class citizen just to appease someone passing through and whom I would never again see in my life.

And yet this Zia thing that the man outside had shown us was something I could see would be of immense value. So I was prepared to pay a small price to get to know more about it. But what that price was to be was an unknown quantity. I felt that maybe ...

I suddenly made up my mind and beckoned Shemel over to me, and Quizzen. I deliberately turned from Kolston and drew our chat away from him.

“Pots,” I started, “tell me about them. Do we have skilled pot-makers, that make sort of earthy pots that are somehow leak-through as well as pots that are glazed over so nothing gets through? Surely I have seen some around, but I have never before thought about them and where they come from. Do we, as in Palarandis, preferably North Palarandis, preferably Blackstonians, have the capability of producing such items ourselves?”

“Indeed we do, Mistress. We have, if I understand you properly, things that are called 'porous' pots which allow some trapped liquids and the like to slowly filter through, and I know you have seen beautifully painted earthenware pots, so well covered that nothing gets through ...” his eyes twinkled “... most probably under your own bed!”

Quizzen had waited for Shemel to answer, before he chipped into the conversation: “Despite their uses nearly everywhere, pots such as you question are made by potters who are very rare. I deem there to be maybe two such potters in all Tranidor. Outlying farms tend to have their own methods, but those pots are normally very crude. May I ask why you have such an interest?”

“I have had an idea, after Rayzi Bandarabbas' man showed me his Zia thingy. I believe Master Bezan shall be most interested as well. And the Town Planners.”

“What is this Zia thing, then?”

“I hope that young Pyor has extracted some more details for us to enable us to make our own, but that Rayzi Whatever fellow told him, with me standing by, that by putting a containing pot that is unporous ... I believe that's the word you used? ... inside another pot, but this one porous, and with sand between, by pouring water over the sand, and by having a good dry wind most of the time, then the inner pot gets for some reason very cold, and its contents too of course. That would be fantastic for me in the Salon particularly, for we have found that food keeps longer if it is kept cold. We have dry winds, oh they have to be warm too apparently, up in Blackstone most of the time until the rains. So the sun and warm wind dry out the filling sand inside. Apparently, as the sand inside the outer pot but outside the inner pot dries out, it sucks the heat from the inner pot. All you have to do is keep watering the sand, and the inner pot gets cold!”

“Maker! That does sound like a simple and sensible idea, although I venture to suggest that your explanation was more complicated than necessary. I understand your interest now.” His twinkling eyes removed any offence from his words.

“I would have bought all his pots, but apparently his people's traditions prevent him from dealing with females. So now I just want his knowledge, and will try not to part with coin to get it. We can delay our departure a bell, I deem, and I would ask you men to glean what you can.”

“So be it! I understand your anger. I shall try to let Pyor know our feelings. Quizzen, perchance you could go outside and chat with the others of this man's party, see what you might gather!”

Quizzen nodded and headed off, trying to look nonchalant.

“Shemel, Kolston told me that the Rayzi will start negotiations by asking for a price around ten times that which he would accept. I deem you should ask Pyor what that opening figure was before you join the negotiations. But I would rather leave with no pots, for the whole situation has annoyed me immensely. Maybe one set of pots for examples. But if in doubt then just keep offering too low a figure.”

His eyes widened as he understood the background to what I was saying. He nodded in acknowledgement.

And so we split to go our various ways. I was not going to enjoy what I now had to do.

Pomma and I went across to Kolston, who turned round and raised an eyebrow in query as we approached. I smiled as sweetly at him as I could, but it took an effort. It must have worked for I saw him relax. Basset looked over and I eye-spoke with her to join us. Kolston started to speak, but I held up a hand to stop him until his wife had joined us.

I started, trying desperately to keep my voice light: “I am aware, from running my restaurant, just how difficult it is to keep everyone happy all of the time. It must be doubly so for those who run accommodation services too, as I am no doubt going to find out in the future.”

The two of them nodded in agreement, and smiled at me.

Those smiles disappeared quickly as I continued: “But I have to say that I am very upset by what happened. You did, I concede, well, Kolston, to think to issue me with the warning, but nevertheless you managed to insult me.

“You decided that 'twas I who had to change my ways, my habits, my very upbringing rather than upset a stranger who shall be passing on in a matter of bells, and unlikely to return for many a month. I, however, am setting up a company here in Brayview, one that shall no doubt work closely with you in the days, weeks, months and years to come. And I have given of my time to help others here to improve themselves which I dare say has added to your own reputation.

“I was the one selected to have to back down because I was, am, a woman.

“And 'twas a man who made that decision. A man I deemed to be a friend up to that moment.

“My respect has taken a denting, quite a severe denting. Will I forever be treated thus, here, in a place where up to now you have ever made me so welcome? Am I a second-class citizen when it comes to matters such as that which arose? Will I have to fight every time I come here for my right to do what I want and how I want it done? Will my ideas and suggestions have to be passed through some masculine approval before they are allowed to be acted upon?

“I am deeply hurt and upset - and now you both know exactly how wounded I am. I regret that, as of now, a note of caution has entered into all our future dealings.

“Now let me make this most clear - I, whatever has happened, shall continue to act professionally and I expect the same from you. Is that fully understood, and all of its ramifications?”

“But … but … Mistress Julina,” sputtered Kolston, slipping into formal address, which was entirely appropriate, “I had to let you know information that I had no way of knowing if you knew already or not. I had to lead you away ...”

“Why? Why did anyone have to be led away? Why was it I who had to be the one who was conducted away? Hmm?

“Why could you not say all that you then said to me in private out loud and in front of that man? Or why could you not send HIM away?

“Your very actions have brought about this divide, which I can only hope shall prove to be temporary. YOUR actions note, no-one else's. Those actions have also given me bruises.”

Basset gasped and glared at her man.

“But Mistress, he would have been upset if ...”

“So? What matters it if he was upset? I notice you are concerned that HE might have been upset? But you seem to have no concern if I was upset! So that implies it was alright for me to be upset. Is that really so? And it's alright for a stranger to our lands to ignore the norms of those lands and to impose his own way of life?

“If I were to travel to HIS lands, then I would expect to take care NOT to offend my hosts, but YOU decided that he can impose his own ways on us.

“And on me!

“I ask you to think on this; is it more important that he is not upset, or is it more important that I am not upset?

“The answer is plain for all here gathered to see; you appear to have decided that it was alright for me to be the one to be upset.”

“Well, no, that's not ex...”

“And I AM upset.” I said holding up my hand once more to interrupt him and his attempts to justify his actions. “You made sure of that.

“And that has changed much. That very fact has changed our dealings forever.

“I shall be on my way as soon as I and Mistress Pomma can have another cup of pel. I deem 'twould not be appropriate for me to take with me that Silton cheese you promised me. My joy in it is quite dissipated.

“As for the future, then I expect to always hear that my employees have been dealt with fairly in my absence. They are, with you two and your current neighbours, the fundamentals to making this area the second town in Blackstone lands, Blackstone County in fact. The Steward has already opened some government administration buildings here inside your somewhat enclosed area, and he has appointed some staff as has my father but the town that is to be will spread far and wide from here.

“You have a chance right now to build with intelligence and foresight, according to Her Highness' suggestions. I expect this town to grow properly, based on proper foundations of honesty and equality. Which is precisely why I chose here to set up a branch of my business. Why I persuaded my partner Shemel that here was the right place. Why I persuaded Quizzen and Pyor to upheave their own lives and move to here. I have promised them that you two in particular are of great character.

“Because I had great respect for you and your wife. But you have now cut the ground from under that respect. I no longer have certainty in our dealings, for you have made it plain that I am of lesser importance than even casual passers-by. What are these newcomers to think when they see you treat their employer so?

“Now, you must both excuse me, I have a need to make a little room for that pel. Please prepare the reckoning and bring it with the pel.”

With that, I swung on my heel and stalked off to the public facilities.

I ignored the sudden silence from all the others in the room just as I ignored the hissed argument that broke out behind me for 'twas necessary to get swiftly into some privacy.

Where I burst into tears and sobbed on Pomma's supportive shoulder.

Pomma left me in the sanctuary of the women's room while she went back to tell the wagoneers their lessons were finished. She came back to me and tried to soothe me, wordlessly.

… … …

Our departure was very subdued when compared with other times. I was still angry, upset, wounded and feeling betrayed by Kolston's actions, so I was keeping my distance from them for now.

Shemel told me that he had settled the reckoning, so I needed not approach the two who had been my friends. Which meant that I was also keeping the locals I had come to know at arm's length. Pomma had told me that I was right to protest, but I heard unsaid in her words that I had gone one step or two too far.

At least that was how I interpreted things.

The wagoneers at least tipped their hats to us as we swept out of the common room and went to saddle our beasts, but I had no eye contact with Kolston and Basset.

Frankly, I didn't know how to redeem the situation. No, to be more accurate, I didn't even know if I should even try to redeem the situation.

And it seemed that I had created a barrier with my travelling companions somehow.

No, that was surely unfair! Kolston had created the situation, why was I suddenly to blame?

I sulked.

And it showed.

We waved goodbye to Shemel, who was the only one smiling at me. Shemel was heading back to Tranidor without having found a load to help with our costs, while Pyor, Quizzen, Rabeez and Kulyer all decided to leave Brayview and come at least as far as Bezlet. Quizzen did arrange shelter for the small wagon that was to be left behind. He had heard of a dranakh for sale up at the Forest Roadhouse and an exchange of semaphores had made arrangements for him to meet the seller at Bezlet. Had we waited for two days, then there was a possibility – possibility, note, not probability – of a load of flour to be taken up to Blackstone, with some of the load offloaded at both Bezlet and the Forest Roadhouse. But we didn't have two days.

We waved to the semaphore men as we swung off the Chaarn road and onto our own, a little narrower, road that leads up to Blackstone. But this time, even though they waved back enthusiastically, our journeyings seemed subdued, at least to me. Little was spoken amongst us which I could not but help feeling was my fault. Had I been too harsh back at the roadhouse? Certainly our free banter and chats seemed a little strained now – why, even the miserable progress in the drizzly rain had been more fun.

I fell more and more silent as we went along.

The semaphore tower we had just passed, the one at the Chaarn road junction, was the one upvalley in the chain from the one at the border to Blackstone County and which was the one most handy to Brayview. The ancient Chivans had concentrated on the Trade Route and only built a road off to the side, to go up this less-explored valley, much later. So their junction was up above the shoulder of the valley, presumably because the main road had been built to climb out of the valley to head up to the pass of what looked like a side valley to them, and the most convenient point for them was up here, rather than construct many more marks of valley floor road.

A fairly strong stream flowed down that side valley which was very narrow, so it made sense in a way to have this side road start a little earlier than the canyon down which the stream flowed. Our Blackstone road dropped quite sharply at first but remained above the shoulder for a mark or more before tipping over that edge and diving down to the Bray valley floor, where a bridge crossed that side stream.

We headed down again, in an uncomfortable silence, except for required explanations when one of those new to these lands asked something.

I found I was answering these queries more and more curtly. Chatter dried up completely as we reached the lowest point where the road began to rise once more.

Soon after that, we came to Bezlet, where Kulyer's load was to be delivered. Of course, the destination for the load was down at the riverbank, so we would thread our way through the trees to the water. Although it was not necessary for us all to go down there, we all did out of curiosity. I led the way with Pomma behind me, followed by Kulyer with his load, which I now learnt was cement from a new production facility down near Teldor. They wanted to test this version up here for some special use or other, I didn't understand the details.

We broke out of the trees into a clearing that was larger than it had been before, with many wagon tracks and ruts and the like. All of us who had been there before gasped in surprise.

There was now a fully formed barge docking area, with a protective wall upstream of it to provide a less turbulent resting place. Stout ropes led across the river, supported by two clearly ancient outcroppings in the middle of the river bed.

Just downstream of where we emerged from the trees, I could see that a great amount of the 'nose' of Kord Peak had been removed. So much so that the miners were now able to work on a solid flat platform that had been cleared. A new bridge, narrow and sturdy, spanned the side stream from that platform to our river bank, allowing far easier access to the worksite than had existed last time I was here. I could see the preparations for a second bridge were being constructed, presumably this one would be wide enough to allow wagons to cross.

My musings were cut short by a call from a familiar voice: “Julina, what do you here? Ah! Excuse me you others, I know not all of you. Good morrow. My name is Steef. I have been appointed by His Honour to develop a barging connection with what is now known to be Blackstone County. My sister Swayga is now Julina's new mother, so Julina is my niece.”

There were the usual moments taken up in introductions and welcomes before Uncle Steef said: “I can see many questions in the eyes of those who have been here before, so perhaps I should commence with some explanations.

“First of all, we are now standing on a constructed stone thing that we name a 'wharf' (he told me afterwards how to spell it) which is what we bargers call something that runs alongside the river bank. If it was jutting out into the river, then we would call it a 'jetty', although I have long thought that 'jutty' would be appropriate. But don't pay my musings any mind, it is a jetty. That is if boats and ships tie up onto it.

“The little bit of wall just there, that protects this wharf from the flow of the river is termed a 'mole' rather than a jetty, since it is not designed for barges to tie up to it. The combination of the wharf and the mole, together with this cleared land area for the wagons to come near is referred to as a 'dock'.

“A roof-covered warehouse, built mostly of stone, shall also be constructed here, with an extended overhang so that barges can load and unload in almost all weathers. The stone used in building this dock has almost all come from over there where they are chipping away the rocky nose of that promontory that has been named Kord Peak. The load that Goodman Kulyer ...” he glanced over at the man for confirmation he had the name right and received a nod “... has brought up is a new cement for us to try in the various building projects we have commenced around here.”

“We have used a small boat to cross the river and to take a rope across. A thin rope, of course. This was necessarily so thin to start with because a thicker one would have been too unwieldy. We gradually used the thinner ropes to pull heavier ropes over there, and then even heavier ones, and so on.

“That shall be most important indeed. Because of Kord Peak, we shall not for quite a while have any adequate tow path to reach our wonderful new wharf. So stout ropes shall be trailed from the cross ropes to allow approaching barges to have some way to pull themselves against the current and reach the relative safety of the wharf.

“I doubt we shall be busy enough to get overcrowded here, so I deem we can have little rowing boats handy here that can float down on the current to the approaching barge carrying the end of a stout rope. That rope can be attached to the barge, it shall run through a pulley block attached to the cross river rope and then run across to the bank here, where it shall be harnessed to a dranakh or two. The barge can then be pulled into the wharf.”

We all nodded as his clear description made sense to us. But something was nagging in my head, something else.

I was pleased when Quizzen asked a question which put into words that thought which was so far unformed: “How do you know that this is above the high-water level in the rains, Master Steef?”

“Master Quizzen, that is indeed a good question, but we feel very certain that we shall be fine. If you look out into the river you will notice eight or nine large rocks, a couple almost large enough to be called islands. If you look closely at them, you can see markings that show where the high water has come. The markings are all at the same height, do you see? We have built our mole to be two strides in height higher than those markings, and the wharf you can see is more than a stride higher than them. We shall have a rainy season before ever any barge traffic, so we shall have a good indication if our designs are correct.

“The ropes across the river are a good four strides higher than the high water markings and so should be well clear of anything that survives the crashing down the falls which are not too far upriver. As you probably know, Kord Peak there is between two contributory streams, one the large stream that comes down from the first pass up along the Chaarn road, there are several other contributory streams on the far bank, one also a large one about a mark or more downstream, so we are here at the narrowest part of the river and thus the least turbulent.”

I looked out at the river, the rocks there, the stone removal from Kord Peak and suddenly an idea sprang to mind. I determined that I would talk to Uncle Steef about it. As soon as I could get him alone.

The others were all discussing various things when again there came a hail.

And again my name was uttered first: “Mistress Julina, what a pleasure. And Mistress Pomma. What may I ask are you doing here? And these gentleman are?”

“Master Bezan, well met. May I introduce Goodman Rabeez here, he is a driver for Blackstone Wagons, a company formed by Master Shemel and myself. He shall be based up in Blackstone, along with Goodman Kulyer here, who shall also act as our Supervisor. Our wagons shall be painted in Blackstone colours, as you can see by the two examples there and the Steward has been kind enough to appoint us – we shall give the Assembly priority on our capacity, and then look for loads for ourselves.

“These other two gentlemen are also employed by Blackstone Wagons, but shall be based at Brayview. Master Quizzen here shall be our Manager and Factor, while Master Pyor here shall be our wheelwright and wagon builder in a newly constructed workshop. That is if they still want to be employed by me.” This last I said a little bitterly. “Gentlemen, this is Master Bezan, responsible for the rebuilding and development of Blackstone County.”

I was shocked at what happened next though.

Quizzen stated forcibly: “Of course we wish to be employed by you, Mistress Julina. We doubt not that you shall be an excellent employer. Even today you have shown you are fearless in stating and holding your position. You have gained even more respect by your stand. Kolston apologised to us and admitted he handled it entirely wrongly. But they knew not how to redeem themselves in your eyes. Even the wagoneers you were teaching told him off. They are all on your side I can tell you, and that just confirms our own impressions.”

“What? But I thought … none of you said any … I was sure you all disapproved!”

“No, no, Mistress Julina. We didn't know if you were still so annoyed. We didn't want to make it any worse for you. So we were all treading carefully, we thought.”

I looked at Pomma and she nodded her confirmation.

I reacted as you might expect.

I burst into tears.

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Downs and ups, and I don't mean just the road

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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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker, all of you! Are you really so insensitive? So tell me what happened! Exactly.” Uncle Steef was the most forceful I had ever seen him.

Pomma made me mount Trumpa even as she mounted Wiget. She led me back through the trees and after a mark or two, we were back in the village of Bezlet. She led me to the house that had become the village's inn almost by default. It was run by Mistress Pachet, a woman I had met before, here in her domain. She had taken over the task of feeding the local workers, a task that had been actually started by one of those workers' wives. Mistress Pachet had taken over when that first woman got pregnant again, and the location changed as a consequence from one small house to another.

Mistress Pachet's man, a woodcutter and tree-feller who preferred to keep to himself and discouraged too much social inter-reaction, had gone to his pyre early in the last year, and her two children had gone to theirs before they were full-grown, so she was glad to have something to do for herself, finding relief from her sorrow in being busy. She had started out travelling down from their remote woodland hut, in the vague hope of finding something better for herself downvalley. Her steps had taken her to Bezlet just at the same time as some of the construction started there.

She sought some work and the offer was gladly taken up by those early forest clearers. This gave her some small relief from the worry of where she would be able to gain any more coin, eking out grudgingly the little she had from her dead husband. She had only paid out a relatively large sum from those meagre savings to buy the house she lived in when the early workers' huts were constructed. The price she paid was less than one tenth of that that I paid for Voysin's!

'Twas a sensible purchase she deemed as Bezlet would grow in size and importance according to everyone she met, but she had scarce enough left over to keep the house well-maintained. She offered her premises to the now-pregnant woman that the other could separate work and family, and the two of them started feeding the men and their families, using the raw foodstuffs that the grateful men brought them.

Soon they were feeding the travellers who stopped there as well, and were grateful for the small coin those travellers left. They found they had enough to offer some coin to men prepared to hunt.

The community there expanded and more families appeared. All helped each other as was necessary.

Travellers had now became more frequent as some wagoneers preferred to stop in Bezlet rather than at the Forest Roadhouse, Bezlet being roughly at the halfway point between Blackstone and Tranidor. Those wagoneers who were taking advantage of the Bunkhouse up near Blackstone were the most frequent of their guests, and these wagoneers frequently made it down to Tranidor or beyond on their next day's travel.

The others who now lived around here had helped her build on an extension with a few bedrooms and another two bathrooms, and these were so much in demand, she was thinking of expanding even more, with more bedrooms and a large common room. Sure the additions were crude when compared to the big towns, but at least there was comfort to be had. She was just worried how she would cope if the demand became too much. The pregnant one promised to help her once the baby was established.

The Inn that the Steward had mentioned at the start of the year was already in effect!

We used her facilities, I dried my eyes and then found that a healing mug of pel and general chat about general topics worked wonders at calming my fluctuating moods.

And then the door banged open, Uncle Steef marched in, there was no other word to describe it, he nodded to Mistress Pachet and started straight in, looking directly into my eyes and speaking forcefully: “Now Julina, I have heard all about it, and I must thank you, Mistress Pomma, …” he shifted his eyes to her as he spoke, “... for helping and guiding her through all the deals and doings she has been through in the past week or so. Such a work load would be immense for an experienced man, let alone a young girl, no matter how capable that young girl is. And on top of that, all the new responsibilities that have come along to activate her usually brilliant ideas.

“Now Julina, tell me this, did you know that Masters Shemel, Quizzen and Pyor spoke with the foreign trader after you sensibly went somewhere private to recover yourself to a certain extent?”

By this time and with some of Pachet's excellent pel warming my insides, I had begun to be more in control of myself, but my uncle's words threatened to bring back to mind all the unpleasantness I had just endured.

So I took a few deep calming breaths, pinched myself above my upper lip but below my nose (a trick dear Mama had suggested to control emotional quavers when speaking), swallowed a few times and only then answered, surprising even myself with the steadiness of my voice: “I am of course aware that Pyor was still with Rayzi Bandarabbas and that Shemel had been despatched to assist Pyor with a potential purchase negotiation, but as for the details, then I am totally unaware of what passed after that.”

“I suspected as much, and naturally Mistress Pomma was with you as was proper. So now I have some items of information for you which I deem will give you great pause to think. Both of you, in fact.” He nodded in a somewhat strange fashion which piqued my interest almost more than his words had.

He then surprised us further, by calling out loudly: “Mistress Pachet, would you be so kind as to join us. I deem I have something to say that will be of interest to you too.”

And so we waited for a hand or so of heartbeats while the lady of the house came to us, which she did with a flushed face and wiping her flour-covered hands on her apron, which actions told me immediately that she was baking. I hoped that Uncle Steef wouldn't keep her too long, sometimes delays when baking can become critical.

“Thank you, Mistress Pachet, I will attempt to be brief but I deem this news to be of importance to all women. Earlier this morning, down at the Brayview Roadhouse and Administration Centre, the Mistresses here met a foreign trader. The Administrator there, Master Kolston, tried to protect the interests of the foreign trader, in what was probably an exaggerated display of being seen to be a good host. The foreign trader comes from the Chaarn region and from a society in which for all the years they can remember women are subservient to men, women are effectively breeding humans and good for little else …” he grinned engagingly, looking at Mistress Pachet's hands and apron, “... except maybe in the kitchen!

“Anyway, Administrator Kolston ...” I made a mental note of Kolston's new title for Uncle Steef said it in such a way that I knew instantly it had been made official, even though Kolston himself had said nothing, “... pulled Mistress Julina away from the trader so that the trader didn't have to have dealings with a mere woman. Mistress Julina, shortly afterwards, protested in the most forthright manner, as I confess is her wont, and correctly made the Administrator see the error of his ways. Unfortunately, circumstances conspired to prevent either the trader or the Administrator from apologising to Mistress Julina herself.

“However, the four men more directly involved, Masters Pyor and Shemel being the other two, later joined by Master Quizzen, all had frank and open discussions. The trader was left in no doubt that, if he wanted to be successful, then his attitude to women had to change. He was told, to his great surprise, that the lands he was in belonged to a woman, were administrated overall by a woman, and that women were valued members of our society. He was very thoughtful about this, and after a hand of moments, he apologised to the Administrator for having placed him in quite such an invidious position. He apologised to the room in general and wanted to apologise to Mistress Julina in person. However, she was at that heartbeat unavailable, so he went out to inform his travelling companions of the changes that would have to take place in their immediate future, if they were to have a successful season's trading.

“A noisy conversation erupted amongst the travellers which took a little while to be resolved, during which time Mistress Julina's party departed. So the trader had no chance to deliver personally his apology. The Administrator, as a result of all this, has publicly declared that a very dim view shall be taken of anyone discriminating against women in the future. I deem this to be a large stride in the development of our society and look forward with great hope to a future in which merit will be the guideline for advancement! I can but hope that this development spreads rapidly through our lands. It is overdue.”

“Maker! This is indeed good news, Master Steef, and I thank you for calling me from my kitchen to let me know.”

“You are very welcome, Mistress Pachet. Now I promised not to keep you long, so I have little more for you although I do have something more for the other ladies. For which you are very welcome to stay, of course,” he added hastily, lest he gave the impression of ordering her about in her own home.

“Nay, sir, my dough calls me – in the kitchen where I belong,” she said with a very attractive laugh and a sidelong glance as she exited once more.

Hello, I thought, is she interested in my Uncle? I knew her own man had died in a tree-felling incident, so she was 'available' so as to speak. Now what would …

“Right then Julina, there is some more news to impart. We have a half bell or so, as your men are all unloading that cement Goodman Kulyer brought up here. They are being shown around a little by Master Bezan, they being new to this area. However, they told me more about this Zia thing that you and Pyor were discussing with the trader. Master Bezan was exceedingly interested, saying something like: 'Well that would change some of the house designs, maybe!'

“You already know from your own discussions that there is nothing like an Exclusivity Licence on it, neither in Bandarabbas' own country nor here in Palarand, so the Administrator has sent an application for a Palarandi one in your name. As soon as the weather clears to send semaphores again, then one shall be swiftly on its way down to the capital, but the Administrator shall also send a letter with the Valley Messenger Service. These missives being clearly dated, and witnessed to such, lest someone else has the idea afterwards, but gets a message down there before yours, as it were.”

My mouth hung open. So did Pomma's. I didn't know what to say. That all this had gone on while I was sitting in a public toilet and crying my eyes out!

But then something struck me as being of great importance.

“But Uncle, the Zia knowledge is declared to be public. Rayzi Bandarabbas told me that himself, well he told Pyor but was aware I was listening. How can then an Exclusivity Licence be awarded?”

“We are talking within Palarand here, and I daresay there are agreements, concords, in place with neighbouring lands. No official lands exist between here and Chaarn, just territories controlled by … tribes, bands, societies, I know not the right word … except of course the new province of Ptuvilend … so this would be within Palarand and its trade agreement neighbours.”

“But 'twould be unethical to make money from this. I would have to give any profits to that Banadarabbas to feel comfortable within myself.”

“But what if someone else realises the possibility too, and THEY try to take out an Exclusivity Licence? Any one of these Zia things you use up in Blackstone would then have to be paid for when you yourself were the first to realise the potential.”

“Oh!”

Just then the door opened again and Master Bezan came in. Even though I was thinking of this new problem, I was glad to see him, for I had still to discuss with him my idea I had had down at the river, before I left in a bit of a state.

He obviously had heard a little of what we had said and asked for an explanation, which Uncle Steef gave him.

I think we were all surprised when he laughed and said: “That's easy! You just claim the Exclusivity Licence but add a clause to say that you give this freely to the general population. That way anyone can use the idea, and no-one else can make money off of it!”

“Maker! I didn't know you could do that!”

Again Master B laughed: “Then you won't be aware that the harness our beasts wear, and the attachments to the wagons, and the two-man woodcutter's saw, the humble shovel, the rake, oh and many, many, many more are all covered by 'open' Exclusivity Licences!”

“Do you tell us? Incredible. Then that is indeed what I shall do.”

“Excellent solution,” added Pomma.

“Now, Julina, ...” I saw Uncle Steef's eyes open as Master B addressed me thus, “... I have taken the liberty of sending your men on to the Forest Roadhouse, promising them that I shall escort you and Pomma, ...” again Uncle Steef's eyes showed surprise, “... there in time for the evening meal. Indeed I instructed them to reserve places for us. Much has happened since your departure and I would tell you some of it. Not just your departure from Blackstone, but also your departure from the dock. Your Master Quizzen has met his animal seller and indeed has purchased a dranakh named Zayring or similar. He has hitched said animal to a passing wagon on which he was permitted to ride; even now he is on his way back to Brayview, where I understand he shall cause several buildings to be constructed, as well as start a company operations. He apologises for not taking a more formal farewell, but the wagon opportunity was of necessity a rushed thing.”

He looked at Pomma and I with a knowing grin before concluding: “And I would wager you would enjoy going a little faster on Trumpa and Wiget than you have been so far constrained to do.”

Uncle Steef couldn't resist his outburst which came even as Pomma and I giggled loudly when we concurred with Bezan's statement: “I am somewhat surprised at the familiarity of yourselves, such that Master Bezan knows your names and those of your frayen!”

“Oh Uncle! 'Tis but most easily explained. Bezan is a frequent companion up in Blackstone when we take our morning rides. We are perchance as many as four hands or so of riders, including His Honour, the Captain, and we have long since been on informal terms with each other. Although we are not always all twenty or so together, sometimes just three or four.”

“Uncle? Ah yes, Steef is the brother of your step-mother. I had forgotten that. Come Steef, let us also be informal. We shall be working closely on this barging thing anyway.”

“You honour me, Bezan!”

“Oh, pish! We will work together so much better without having to watch all the formalities. Now I wonder if dear Pachet can be persuaded to find a pie or two, and perchance an ale?”

I realised with surprise that I too had a slight hunger, Pomma eye-spoke that she too could probably manage to nibble on something and Uncle got up a little too quickly (to my eyes) saying that he would go and see if he could arrange something. No sooner had the door closed behind him than Bezan made a little amused grunt and used his fingers to silently confirm my thoughts earlier – Uncle Steef and Mistress Pachet seemed to have a soft spot for each other.

And so it was that the five of us, for Mistress Pachet found some reason that she could join us, had a very pleasant light luncheon. We soon dropped the 'Mistress' bit, and my mood was quite restored by the friendliness of all the others.

“Bezan,” I started at one point, “I have had this idea ...”

Pachet looked on in wide-eyed wonder as the others all groaned theatrically, and I stuck my tongue out at them all. Uncle patted her hand in reassurance – and didn't take the hand away immediately, nor was it removed for many a heartbeat before Pachet gently picked it up with her other one. She reddened as she saw me watching, but my eye-speak reassured her that I was not angry or anything.

“... based on several factors that I have gleaned at Brayview and here. So, in best presentation style that I have learned in the Assembly meetings ...” Uncle and Pachet gasped in surprise, “... I shall lay out first my observations and fact-gathering before I tell you my conclusion.”

Bezan smiled, clapped his hands and mock-bowed before saying: “Indeed Steef, knew you not that Julina has attended many Assembly meetings? I can assure you that she is a very valued member of our community, and has been rewarded for her continued contribution of ideas. Is that not so, Pomma?”

“Indeed Bezan speaks the truth, perchance even understating the facts somewhat!”

I blushed, of course, and carefully didn't look at either Uncle nor Pachet as I began again: “In Brayview, I learnt that Blackstone County shall move its flour-milling to a village named Tamitil, which is urgently being made more accessible even as we speak. The residents of Tamitil and Brayview are however concerned that the supply of grain to the mills is awkward. The lands immediately across the river from Tamitil are not a part of Blackstone County and the population across there is very sparse. 'Twas rumoured that their only access to a market for their produce is down a narrow and winding track running along the West Bank all the way down to Tranidor, with no investment in what I was told as being the 'Infrastructure'.

“They also told me that the Princess' lands recently ceded to her are deserted, they being just too far away from Tranidor using the poor roads, and access from the north is restricted by the huge and jumbled waterfalls the river cascades down.

“I was also thinking of the future railroad things and requirements and whatever, as far as I understand them.

“I also remember the bridges built with those early trusses up at Blackstone and I have long wondered how a railroad bridge of sufficient strength across the Bray down at Tranidor would be made. I assumed that maybe a halting place would be constructed on the East Bank of the Bray and citizens requiring access to the railroad would simply cart their way across the Bray Bridge.” I grinned. “Or they could take a Bac. Which I would MUCH prefer.”

“Bac?” asked Bezan and Steef together as Pachet nodded her puzzlement at the same time.

“Another Julina idea that has been granted an Exclusivity Licence,” explained Pomma. “Bac stands for 'beck and call' and basically carts or small wagons are made available for any citizen to hire for a single journey by simply stopping an available vehicle in the street. For a premium over the Wender price, the carter then delivers the customer to his required address!”

“I think,” said Bezan slowly, “I understand, but what on all Anmar is a Wender?”

“Ah!” said Pomma, “a Wender is ...”

I interrupted quickly: “Excuse me everyone, but we shall be here all day discussing transport in Tranidor and soon in Blackstone; that we can do as we ride up to the Forest Roadhouse. I would respectfully request that I finish my idea here, for we may have to go down to the dock to inspect some things there if my idea is to be of any use.”

The others apologised for going off the original topic and I took a breath again before explaining my idea.

“I saw that Mall thing at the dock ...”

“Mole, dear. Mole.”

I nodded my thanks to Uncle Steef for his correction: “... Mole and saw that it has been built out into the river. Its upper surface is above the rains level you all assured us. So you must be confident that the footings of it will hold. So you must have some way of securing such footings against the rush of water. Well I saw that the first big rock thingy in the river, which has been there for untold years, is about the same distance away as the length of the bridges up near Blackstone where the Loop Road crosses the river.

“Now the river here at the dock is considerably narrower than it is down at Tranidor, and I just sort of thought that the building of a bridge here would be a lot simpler than when the river is so wide, so I was wond...”

“Maker! Julina! Of course. The railroad could cross the river here, and a narrow road too, which would open up the West Bank lands to farmers, would provide more grain for the mills just downstream, and would help with the barging too, for we wouldn't require the ropes across the river. And the bridge could actually be four or a hand of bridges, hopping as it were from rock to rock like stepping stones. And we have the rock they are removing from Kord Peak to make the bridge supports solid and even. Yes, indeed. Another wonderful thought, m'dear.”

Bezan's face had lit up with enthusiasm as more possibilities flooded into his brain. And, I confess, more possibilities than those of which I had originally thought.

… … …

We were quite late leaving Bezlet for I had had another idea while I was there, one that required me to give a quite stiff interview to Pachet without her realising I was doing so. Uncle Steef and Bezan both attested to her character and Pomma and I had made enquiries about her cooking abilities and so on, which subject was quite easily raised since I started with stories about the Salon. I was surprised when she said she had heard of it, and she was surprised when she realised that I was the one who ran it.

This was not too good for a little while because she was overwhelmed by talking to me and Bezan who were friendly with the Steward and with Administrator Kolston, the two figures of authority in her home lands. Uncle helped immensely there to put her at her ease. I learnt from her, with the occasional corroboration from Bezan, that a few more families had decided to chance settling nearby, seduced by the promises of a growing township when their lives had been so difficult up to now. One family she mentioned were particularly hard hit, with the father and the eldest child, their seventeen year old son, having to work hard to keep them and their mother and the child's four sisters fed and clothed.

Upon questioning, I discovered the daughters of the family ranged in age from sixteen down to thirteen. The eldest helped Pachet out sometimes, not just for coin but also to learn. The second had also expressed a wish to learn more than her mother was capable of teaching or doing.

I looked at Pomma and she looked at me, eye-speak wondering if what I was thinking was the same as that which she was thinking. Pachet caught some of it of course but she had not the background knowledge to tune in properly.

I changed the subject at that point and Pomma and I then began an explanation of Meglina Accommodation to the other three, who were all fascinated by the story of its formation.

“... And so, dear Pachet, I have decided that I would like to make you an offer.”

“An offer?” she replied, but I could see some dawning hope behind her eyes. “What sort of offer, and what do I have to do?”

“On behalf of Meglina Accommodation, I would offer to purchase your home at the current fair price. I deem this would give you a small profit on your original investment. I shall then employ you officially with a constant salary to turn this home into a well-appointed inn. You would require at least two staff extra and those two elder daughters you mentioned sound just right. They too would be paid a constant salary, not as much as yourself of course, but they would be guaranteed a slight income. Your pregnant ex-partner could probably be employed as well, once her baby duties relax slightly. By that time, I would expect you to have built the place up so much that there would be work for her again, either as an employee, or as a part-time helper. What think you?”

“Oh, Mistress Julina,” she said, slipping into formal address at this juncture, “that would be such a great help, I need think on it no longer, for I have struggled for far too long. I agree.”

“Before we complete all the formalities here in front of witnesses, I must say one thing further. Meglina Accommodation shall insist upon the highest possible standards of comfort, cleanliness and catering, at all times. If found wanting at any time, Meglina Accommodation reserve the right to cancel your contract at no notice. And you shall be entirely yourself responsible for Meglina Accommodation and its interests in Bezlet. Is that both clear and acceptable?”

“I have no fear of that eventuality, and will happily accept that condition.”

“So you are happy to be entirely responsible for the behaviour of anyone you employ?”

“Indeed. I would have it no other way.”

“Very well, so be it.”

Bezan fetched some reedlets and some paper, I fetched the copies of the agreements I had from Tranidor, and together we drew up a binding contract with many 'Heard and witnessed's from the other three, and the deed was done.

Bezan promised to help to supervise the new building program as he was here in Bezlet at least twice a week at the moment. Uncle Steef also promised to help wherever and whenever he could. I left a small amount of coin for Pachet so she could purchase supplies, not just comestibles, but other things like crockery, cutlery and both table and bed linen. She would need to find someone to make records for her.

Pachet did eventually break down and cry when I said as we were leaving: “And I shall send someone down to teach you and the girls to read and write and also to number. That is almost more important than anything else.”

She was about to say something else, but Pomma said urgently: “Is that smoke coming from your kitchens?”

… … …

“... and so Trooger was arrested. It was a very strange couple of days.”

“Maker, Julina, you do have some adventures don't you?”

“Well Uncle and Bezan, I can't say my life has been very quiet this year. Now, that's enough about me, Uncle tell us what bargemen do when they get to a destination!”

“That all depends of course on so many factors. Is the destination in a town, is it a remote location? Are there plenty of inns and ale-houses, is there just a hut? Yes, all those extremes exist and plenty of other docks in plenty of other places. However, I suspect you would like a word picture of how the Bezlet dock back down there shall be used?”

“Indeed, for I cannot see what would be a good idea for the men who arrive by barge. Do they assist with the loading and unloading?”

“Definitely! If the barge is loaded carelessly, then it could tip over entirely – but I can't believe that anyone would be so stupid as to just load, or unload, from one side only, leaving all the weight on t'other!”

“Maker,” exclaimed Bezan, “that would never have occurred to me! But now you have mentioned it, I understand entirely. That could be … Hey! Skanik! How's it going?”

He had called out to someone who was joining the main road from the river's side, from our left. A young man, also riding a frayen, whom I recognised as being Master Haldik's journeyman.

“Very well, Master Bezan! I greet you all, Masters and Mistresses. But I am headed in some hurry the other way, down to Bezlet to check on some design used down there.”

We all greeted him back and he waved to us as he turned away, heading for the village we had recentlyish left. We looked at Bezan though, for some explanation.

“Down that track from which he appeared is an old Chivan fort, in surprisingly good condition for a ruin.

“Her Highness Princess Garia declared that she wished this area to be preserved as well as possible, so that people never forget their origins. She declared that there should be a shelter there, with modern facilities, of course, but for one or two or three couples to be able to go and live simply for a break from their hectic lives. She assured us all that it will become necessary, even if we could not understand why just now.

“So we have now constructed the Retreat, as she termed it, with an expanse of some two marks of river bank, more downstream from the fort than upstream, since there is another set of falls just upstream, and there is a depth of about half a mark in from the river in which all shall be preserved as well as we are able. No development is allowed! Young Skanik is, as you know, Master Haldik the joiner's journeyman. He is using the Retreat and also Bezlet to show his Master's Works. ...” He broke off suddenly as he hit his head. “Steef, you escort the ladies alone, if you will, I need to go and tell Skanik about the developments in Bezlet and Brayview. He might wish to set up his own joinery in one of those places. And maybe I can get him to do his work for what was it? Meglina!”

So saying, he whirled his mount about and urged it into a fast pace, chasing after Skanik who was still in sight down the straight road.

“Skanik! Skanik!” he called as he raced away from us.

… … …

“Uncle, thank you for sending the girl to our room, that we might have our gowns pressed a little for this last night on the road.”

“And that bath was just wonderful,” added Pomma as we took our places at the table, accepting the compliments of the others in our party.

“You are more than welcome. 'Tis the very least I could do for my niece.”

“Do you still work here? I understood that you had another appointment?”

“Yes and no, m'dear. Now the dock is mostly finished, there is little more I can do until the barge we have had built is ready for me to go down to Haligo to inspect. It is doubtful to be completed before the rains, so I shall leave here once the rains cease. This also gives time for my replacement to be thoroughly trained.”

“Ah! I understand!”

And so our evening started.

Whilst we ate, we spoke much about many subjects and again the group of us seemed to bond some more. Bezan was called away by several other groups and Steef had his own duties, so we were left mostly on our own.

The dining room was nearly full, and several of the wagoneers tipped their heads to me, the ones I recognised from my lessons. Then one came over to us, one we had met last night at Brayview. A party of job-seeking hopefuls had filled the Shuttle so much, that some loads waiting already to be taken up to Blackstone would have to wait even longer, until the next Shuttle with space.

And so we agreed to carry the loads up for them at no charge since I deemed we would gain more from an act of generosity as we were going to be sub-contracted to Tanon's organisation after all. There was one package that was for the Assembly, and Bezan insisted that we carry it, since we were contracted to the Assembly first of all. That cleared up a little more room on the Shuttle, but we agreed to take even more since that almost brutal climb diagonally across the rock face tested anyone that was fully laden. The Shuttle man was most grateful indeed.

And the two who worked at the Forest Roadhouse, but who were going up to Blackstone for two days there to learn something other than just their job.

Almost as soon as my meal was over, I was prevailed upon to give a bell's worth of numbering lessons to a large group there and was embarrassed at their effusive thanks afterwards. I did not stretch it out that night, for there were some talented musicians there and many were calling for a dance.

Pomma and I were not, thankfully, the only women there that evening, and our feet were not so much danced upon as they had been the previous night. Nevertheless, we could still feel them when we collapsed onto our mattresses to sleep.

I slept deeply and soundly, so deeply and soundly that it was hard to rise when Pomma shook my shoulder in the morning.

… … …

Rabeez, Kulyer and Pyor were all impatient to be away in the morning, but I frustrated them by searching out the Shuttle man, rousing him from his slumbers even though the dawn had been near two bells before. He was consequently quite grumpy when I gave him certain instructions finishing with telling him, in front of 'my' three men: “Now, you are quite clear? We are leaving much earlier than you, and taking half or so of your passengers' belongings. They will not have access to them until they reach Blackstone, so please go and make absolutely sure they understand that. We shall leave everything in the Shuttle Shed, NOT at the Claw. You shall have to sort it all out when you get there, we cannot be responsible. We are just doing you a favour, and I shall be most upset if there is any sort of a problem with this. I shall inform Mistress Sukhana what has been done.”

His head jerked up when I mentioned Sookie's name. He suddenly realised that what I was saying was very serious. He grumped off, certain that this task was unnecessary and we waited for his return. Meanwhile the men had transferred all the stuff that was going on our wagons, and our two passengers were roused out with their belongings. The Shuttle man came back panting and gasping, and agreed that we could depart. None of his passengers required anything, he claimed.

We did so with a certain amount of relief on the men's part, at a much earlier time than almost anyone else. So early in fact that we had previously surprised the staff and it had been a bit awkward for them to provide a breakfast. It was almost a quarter bell after the second when we got underway, and noon today would be at just before the sixth. Without telling the others, I mentally aimed for being at the Claw by the seventh.

As we climbed the rockface, I mentioned the last time I had done so and Molly's inspired words. This set off the wagon load into singing. I had insisted that our three wagons were spaced out, just as the Captain had done when we descended that time. I saw some respectful looks when I gave them the reasons. Pyor's face showed that even he had just learnt something.

Once we had gained the upper level and made the left turn onto the road that would turn no more until we reached our destination, all three wagons closed up until we could all converse. The two workers at the Forest Roadhouse were a little overwhelmed and kept to themselves, although some facial expressions were quite comical to see as things were said that surprised them in some way. I deem they had a quite wide-ranging education for free that day.

We talked about a lot of subjects and the three men, Pyor, Rabeez and Kulyer wanted to know about Blackstone, and why it was suddenly THE growth centre of Palarand. That meant that I took on most of the chore of describing things, although Pomma shushed me at first, claiming that she had been there longer than I had been alive and could speak with authority about the previous 'boom' days before the sickness took most of the pakh.

We passed over the first of the two major streams, a crossing that I now knew meant we were about one eighth of the way from the top of the rock face to home, one eighth of the way from the turn at the foot of Strettalm to my suddenly fiercely missed home. It struck me that I had been away only five nights and yet it felt like five months, the amount of things that had happened.

I mentioned this to Pomma who likewise found it difficult to believe. We recounted aloud.

“First day, the 12th, we rode to Brayview with the Captain. Overnighted there. Next day, 13th, we arrived in Tranidor, met Rader, Rohid, Pyor, saw the house, invented the Bac system. Slept at Epp's. Next day, 14th, we appointed Pyor and Quizzen, met Trooger and the neighbours, Subrish arrived. Slept at Epp's. Next day, 15th, we had the Trooger showdown, cleared Jaffy's, appointed Nayet to Bormio's, appointed Jogantha, heard Subrish's amazing tale, Watch Captain arrived. Slept at Epp's. Next day, 16th, depart, met the Royal Party briefly, danced at Brayview where we slept. Yesterday, 17th, Bezlet stuff and Forest Roadhouse. Slept.”

“That's six nights,” said Pomma who had been counting on her fingers. “One overnight on the way down, three at Epp's and two on the return journey. Makes six.”

“Maker. And we did all that we did? Why aren't we exhausted?”

“I don't know about exhausted, but I'm full.” She raised her voice. “Masters and Goodmen, we need to have a little break. Unfortunately, we women cannot last so long as you lucky men can, so Julina and I need to scurry off behind a tree and some bushes.”

Our little convoy duly halted, on the side of the road to allow plenty of room for the almost constant traffic flowing downvalley to pass with no problems. Pyor held the reins of Trumpa and Wiget while we two scurried indeed into the undergrowth.

It is never the most comfortable, doing it that way, but we were just finishing up, ripping up tufts of greenery to wipe with, when we heard a distant crashing deeper in the wood. We squealed, wiped quickly, adjusted our attire and scampered back to the road, which we reached as the crashing behind us got louder and louder. Saras and Booch started jiggling nervously, but Hedda and Roogen, the two dranakh, just turned their heads inquisitively and stared at the side of the road from where the crashing was coming.

Pyor was struggling trying to control four frayen, but Kulyer and Rabeez sat placidly, the latter saying laconically: “'Tis a dranakh. And peaceful, else ours would be fretting.”

I took Trumpa's reins from Pyor, Pomma took Wiget's and by and by they calmed down a little, leaving Pyor to scamper round to the two pulling frayen's heads and also settle them slightly.

Then the crashing stopped. There was pause until, ever so slowly, a dranakh's head poked out through the last screen of bushes.

I was not the only one to laugh out loud, but was the only one to call out: “Josten!”

He came out slowly, sniffing deeply. He went straight to the wagons that had been Jaffy's and turned his head to me in seeming approval. I mentally thanked Pyor and was shocked when Josten's head swivelled to examine him.

Then I was shocked once more.

For Josten was followed out of the undergrowth by another dranakh.

“Taneesa!” I recognised her from her black-tipped tail.

The four dranakh whiffled, clicked and snickered briefly together then Josten came up to me. Pomma took Trumpa's reins as I hugged Josten's neck. He looked at me, he looked at Pyor's small wagon and then at the two frayen.

I suddenly realised that he wanted to pull the wagon, but even as I thought that, I realised with dismay that we had no appropriate harness with us; he lowered his head in disappointment, snickered some more and then led Taneesa away again, back into the forest. They went much more silently this time, and I realised that the great noise they had made when approaching was done so as to announce their arrival.

I had turned round to remount Trumpa when I realised that all the men were staring at me, again with a sort of respect showing in their eyes.

Pyor broke the silence: “I have never seen nor heard of a dranakh keyed to a woman!”

“Oh pish, man. That second dranakh, Taneesa, is just as fond of Mistress Megrozen. And 'tis said, Her Highness the Princess can even communicate with them.”

… … …

The next time we crossed a major stream, I knew that now we were five eighths of the way from Strettalm. Soon we would break out of the trees and see my home town, which would be glowing in the midday sun. I fancied I could already detect a difference in the light ahead of us.

And so it soon proved.

Again, I got the wagons to stop, just to drink in the sight that made my insides soar in delight. I pointed out various things to the three men and then we carried on, Pomma one side of Kulyer's wagon whilst I was on the other side. Rabeez was leading and Pyor was bringing up the rear.

I pointed out the steep and narrow canyon to our right that led up to the hunting vales beyond Blackstone Vale itself and we swiftly came to the next landmark - the Bunkhouse and the Loop Road junction. I showed the men the arrangements there and called to Rabeez: “Keep straight. We follow this road directly to the Claw, where I deem you shall be overnighting. Taking the Loop Road will add nigh on four marks to our journey.” I used my finger to point out the route of the Loop Road and added: “It is so wide because one half of the traces you can see are earmarked for this railroad thing whenever it arrives.”

I pointed out where the fish farm was located, hidden behind its screen of trees. It lies just below another canyon, the one where the bandits had camped out before the attack on Her Highness. Then there was another canyon to our right, but as we crossed the stream that flowed from it, I gasped out loud: “Maker! Look up there, to our left, about half left. There is a road almost completed that goes up to the Stone Sea!”

Pomma exclaimed: “Maker indeed! They have been quick. And look there are three wagons descending, and one ascending even.”

I turned my attention back to the road we were on and pointed out a road markstone: “One mark from home! These markstones are measured actually from the Steward's House. You shall soon get to know things like that.” As I finished speaking, I heard the seventh bell announcement. I smiled in satisfaction. We were there in Blackstone already, just a bell and a bit after the Shuttle had departed the Forest Roadhouse.

Then we were rattling across the bridge, passing the level ground there, up the slope a little way and finally we were turning into the Claw.

“Welcome home, 'Lina, Pomma!” called Parry, detailing two lads to come across to us. He himself approached close enough for me to make the introductions even as I was patting Trumpa who was showing her own gladness at being home. Not to say that Wiget wasn't.

“Is Sookie around? I need to discuss something with her before too long. Goodman Kulyer's wagon contains items that are to be left in the Shuttle Shed. The Shuttle is packed with job-seekers and we lightened their load for them. And Pyor here has a package for the Assembly – are they in the Salon still or does that need to get to the Community Hall?”

“Nay, 'Lina. The Assembly have elected to remain in the Salon until Milady decides what she wants in her Hall. Her Highness, I mean. I doubt I shall ever get that right! Such a pakh-brain.”

“Very well. May we park for a bell, for we have hunger and thirst? And I deem these fine men need to be introduced to a Sookie brew as soon as we may!”

“Well, I can let you have a bell or two, but then it shall start to get busy, and I deem Sookie will have to make the final decision. We had to move out that wagon of Jafferkin's, yours now isn't it? It was taking up too much room. 'Tis over in the paddock, up against your house's wall, as near as we could get.”

“Pomma and I need the facilities, but we shall lead these fine men into the common room first. I deem these two frayen, Saras and Booch, the latter has the dark-tinted off-side haunch, shall require a night or two of the 'special' treatment, although Trumpa and Wiget have calmed them a bit already, I have noticed.”

“Very well, I shall arrange that for tonight, we have space in the resident's stable. The load in the small wagon can be transferred to the one that is going up to the Shed, and we shall park the wagon in the corner. Fine paintwork on those two I see. You must have found an expert. And in Milad … House Blackstone colours. A nice touch.”

Behind him, Pyor shook his head slightly and I realised that he wanted to introduce himself in his own way, so I kept a silence just then.

The other necessary little tasks were done or delegated, and then I led our trio into the common room, for a belated lunch – a company lunch, I decided there and then.

As it happened, Sookie was in there and she saw us come in, so she ushered us to a table, smiled knowingly when Pomma and I pointed in the direction of a certain door, and let us go as soon as I had made the introductions. Just the bare introductions for now. The rest would have to wait for a moment or two.

Sookie hugged me and Pomma when we came back, walking stiffly because of the long and many bells we had had in the saddle. She indicated the table and there were two mugs, a big pot of pel, a plate of pastries and three half-empty mugs of ale. I smiled as the men wiped the froth from their upper lips and grinned in satisfaction, nodding to each other as the quality of the ale pleased them.

I knew that lunchtime in the Claw was usually very quiet as most of the wagoneers were on the road at that juncture, so I asked Sookie what food she could serve us. As I suspected, the choice was relatively limited, but the men all chose the same thing. Pomma was strangely silent indicating that the pastries were sufficient for her. I did not dwell on it for my mind was churning, trying to make sure I had marshalled everything I wanted to tell Sookie. I too ordered the same as the men, and Sookie took the order over to her girl.

She was about to do something else when I called her back: “Sookie? Do you have a hand or two of moments? There is so much I have to tell you! Business, not just chatter.”

“Give me a hand of moments first, 'Lina. I shall have to arrange another girl to do my serving duties.”

While she was away, I told the trio about her background, how she came here, and her future husband. They looked confused when I referred to him as another Uncle, but that was soon cleared up and Sookie smiled as she sat down to join us, confirming my last statement.

I was about to start with my topic, when Pomma interrupted: “Julina, if you would forgive me, I shall make my way home now. You need me no longer and my man awaits me there. You shall be fine now we are home, so, with your permission, I shall leave you here.”

“Oh Pomma, how could I be so thoughtless? You don't need my permission! Please go, and take my best wishes to Waldan!”

And so another moment or two was taken up in saying all the good-byes to Pomma, who gave me a final peck on my cheek before swinging round on her heel and marching out of the door. I knew that she chose that door because she would scrounge some nibbles for her Wiget and she would see to the animal before going up the slope to her home.

“Now Mistress Sukhana, let me formally present Master Pyor, just completing his Journeyman stage having been under Master Rader down in ...”

“Master Rader! How is the old fraud? Still complaining about working too much but not actually doing anything?”

“I see you know him well, Mistress Sukhana,” replied Pyor with a laugh. A laugh that Rabeez joined in with as well. Kulyer's silence was noted by Sookie, but she said nothing at that point.

“And this is Goodman Rabeez, an independent wagoneer that worked for Master Tanon's company, usually appointed by Master Rohid.”

“Welcome to Blackstone, Goodman Rabeez, and to the Ptuvil's Claw in particular.”

“And finally, this is Goodman Kulyer, formerly of Palarand City, but now, at least for the next few months, of Blackstone.”

“Goodman Kulyer, welcome also.”

“Now, Sookie, er.. Mistress Sukhana, you shall remember that I inherited dear Jaffy's belongings when he died ...”

“Yes, indeed. He died upstairs in this very building!” she added as an aside to the trio of men.

“And you will further remember that Uncle, your Master Brydas,” Sookie blushed slightly but grinned delightedly when I mentioned his name, “and you sort of suggested I use Jaffy's wagons to bring in some coin and to be a proper memorial to him.”

“Indeed I do. Indeed I do.” She looked more knowingly at the three men seated with us.

“And finally, you shall remember that I left here a week ago, in the company of our Steward?”

“Yes?”

“Well, when we got to Brayview, Epp's Shemel and I formed a company called 'Blackstone Wagons' ...”

“Yes, His Honour told me that when he returned and Master Mesulkin filled me in on the details. Blackstone Wagons shall be an addition to Master Tanon's vehicles for me, or rather my new Arranger, Goodman Mutab, to schedule whenever the Assembly have no need of the vehicles.”

“Indeed. Well these Goodmen here shall be our drivers based in Blackstone with their wagons, Kulyer has his dranakh named Roogen, and Rabeez has just been paired with Hedda, another new acquisition by Blackstone Wagons. There shall be another driver to be found up here, and possibly a fourth even. Goodman Kulyer has agreed to be the scheduler for you, or I suppose this Goodman Mutab, to liaise with. We shall need to find some accommodation for them, for their wagons and for their beasts.”

“And for Master Pyor?”

“Now he is special! He is the Blackstone Wagons appointed wheelwright and shall maintain a workshop down at Brayview, giving priority to any Tanon vehicle, after Blackstone vehicles of course. He is here just to see the town and to understand more of what goes on here, so he might have a wider view of the world than he has so far had. His father, Master Quizzen shall be the Blackstone Wagons depot manager and, what did you call it, oh yes, Arranger, based down in Brayview. Master Quizzen is an experienced wagoneer himself and has skills in office duties too. He is currently down in Brayview arranging for our offices to be built, a home for his family to be built, and a workshop for his son here to be built.”

“I deem I shall be in frequent contact with this Master Quizzen, then?”

“Indeed, or so I believe. But more frequently with Goodman Kulyer here.”

She sat upright and raised her hand in command but we were not certain just who she was commanding. Then it became obvious.

Her serving girl came trotting over almost immediately.

“Marnie, could you be so kind as to fetch Goodman Mutab as soon as he can? Thank you!”

The girl dropped a quick curtsey and dashed off to the door I knew led to the offices.

“As for sleeping, your two can have a corner of the dormitory upstairs, if that will suffice them?” The two men nodded.

“Stabling is not required, I assume, for your, as mentioned, only dranakh?”

“We do have two frayen with us, but they shall return downvalley with Master Pyor when he leaves. I took the liberty of asking Parry to stable them with the resident's beasts. I deem such a beneficial atmosphere will do them good.”

“Good thinking! I approve. Ah! Goodman Mutab, please sit with us for a short while.”

I looked at the man as the introductions dragged on, and saw a lively intelligent face on a short and wiry body. A small permanent frown and slight squint made me believe his eyes were not the best. His hands had the look of those who write much, ink stains here and there, and his right sleeve cuff was more worn than the left one.

After some short discussions, it was agreed that Kulyer would share a corner of his office, Mutab declaring he would be glad of some company from time to time, when Kulyer was not out on the road himself. The two of them went off together to to inspect the office as Sookie and I tried to sort out Pyor's requirements.

“Perchance Master Pyor might like to stay with Master Trokos while he is here in Town? I know not if he has room or anything, but mayhap we could send an urchin ...”

She broke off as Em came bounding in, a huge welcoming grin plastered across her face. I had time to whisper to Pyor “Trokos is our wheelwright” before I was enveloped in a hug and then the inevitable introductions were done. Em said she had met Pomma and rushed straight down here.

We sat down once more and were just about to start when again we were interrupted.

It was the Steward himself who came in, beaming, saying: “Welcome back Mistress Julina! No,” he said to all the room, “please continue. I do not mean to disturb you.” He turned back to us.

And so the introductions were done again, this time including Kulyer who had returned.

And then the brief descriptions of the men and their duties were repeated.

“Now, how far behind you might the Royal Party be? What did Commander Feteran say to you? I assume you spoke with him?”

And so I replied by describing Subrish's challenge, noticing a small frown of disapproval on the Steward's face as I mentioned the incident. I gave him what information I could, Pyor confirmed it. The Captain I could see was interested in the Subrish tale, but had no immediate time for it.

Just then, our food arrived and there was the usual clatter and clamour associated with that.

It provided the impetus for the Steward to stand prior to taking his leave: “The weather has still cut us off from Tranidor and the Blackstone One station reports that it is thickening and they themselves will soon have to shut down. I wish I knew with some more accuracy the actual arrival, but in the days before the semaphore we would have had to cope, so we shall do so now. Thank you for your message, at least we have a general idea which I deem is better than no idea at all. I shall act assuming they stayed in Tranidor the two nights and shall have two overnights on the way up. That means they should arrive the day after next. Very well,” he announced loudly to the room, “carry on all.” He turned back to us and said in a more normal voice: “I shall have need of a Blackstone Wagon for all of tomorrow, for just local work, but there shall be a trip down to Tamitil for the day after the Royal Party arrives. Enjoy your meal, which I confess looks quite tempting, Mistress Sukhana.”

He swept out again, leaving us all with a feeling of breathlessness somehow.

We then, at last, managed to sort out Pyor's accommodation for Em said she had a room if Master Trokos and his wife were unable to put him up.

And so I turned to Sookie then and asked what I thought was a simple question, one that would allow me to eat more than talk: “So, tell me what has happened in Town since my departure!”

---

Just because she is off Trumpa doesn't mean Julina's day is over

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker! I wouldn't know where to start! Where hasn't changed?” She paused for thought, and began again slowly: “I deem, with the impending arrival of Her Highness, perchance I should start with the Community Hall. After all, that was her only real request before she left last year, wasn't it?”

“Indeed, it was. And I was a little involved with some of the design of it! She will be impressed, I deem and hope, with that which we have produced.”

“Quite! It is indeed most impressive. So light and airy inside, and yet so solid. And the way the lines seem to flow into the kitchen block as well. 'Tis indeed most grand.”

“So how has that been changed? Or mean you more simply that it has now been completed?”

She laughed a little wryly. “Nay, 'tis yet to be finalised. There was a difficulty with that. There remains a … a ... certain amount of tasks, yes that's the best way to say it, a certain amount of tasks to be completed.”

I looked at her quizzically. I had not long to wait before she gave me the explanation.

“Now the big difficulty that we had, and indeed still have, is the uncertainty of how many are in the Royal Party. So we had to make certain assump...”

“Hold!” I cried swiftly. “Pyor here and I saw their column close up, as did Rabeez.”

“Maker!” She gasped. Then she surprised us by swinging wildly round and shouting: “Marnie! Marnie, girl! Come quickly!”

I looked up and saw the girl stop immediately what she was doing, which was talking to some customers with her order pad to the ready, and rush towards us, concern written across her face. Even though she had not grown up in Blackstone, her face was still a picture I could readily read. I daresay such a face was as easily read by all my companions. And then it changed as rapidly as her direction when Sookie called: “Get an urchin to bring His Honour back! He cannot have gone far.”

She turned back to us: “Why on Anmar did it not occur to me before? I had all the information! I could have thought of this when he was still here.”

“Sookie, er … I apologise, Mistress Sukhana I meant,” I corrected myself because we were not all on informal terms with each other, “I, that is we, understand not ...”

“Forgive me!” she hastily said. “Master Pyor, Mistress Julina, Goodmen Rabeez and Kulyer, I must needs apologise. 'Twas rude of me, but urgency was required. The very utmost of urgency.

“We live in a small town, greater perchance than 'twas here this time last year, but 'tis still a small town. We have a steadily increasing population which gives us a constant problem of accommodation. And now we are to be visited by the most important caravan ever in our history, and up to now, we have no knowledge of how many beds we are required to supply. I have even had a need to clear out part of my wagon storage in case the Royal Party have more than I can fit in, and more than space exists for them up at the Community Hall. That's why Goodman Jafferkin's old wagon, now Mistress Julina's, has been moved to near her house. We just don't know what is about to arrive nor how we are to cope with it when it does. Certain assumptions have had to have been made, of course, ...”

“And it must be as perfect as we can make it when they get here, for Her Highness' sake!”

Our heads whipped round at the sound of His Honour's voice; we had not heard him come back.

“Mistress Sukhana, your girl ... Marnie is it not? ... caught me on the street just outside, as I was talking to your Master Brydas. She mentioned something about it being urgent? I have an Assembly meeting to attend in just a few moments.” This last statement made Em gasp, and I suspected she might have forgotten about that meeting temporarily.

“Indeed Captain, I was talking to 'Lina here, er Mistress ...”

The Captain waved his hand to stop all the formal nonsense which would serve to save a few heartbeats as we went along.

“'Lina and these three men have actually SEEN the Royal Party close up to them, they could give us a reasonably accurate estimation of their numbers. I thought 'twould benefit us all to get some idea...”

“Excellent thinking!” His piercing eyes turned my way, even as Em hissed in yet another breath, presumably because she felt she herself should have thought of it. “And might Marnie here be sent for a sheet of paper and a reedlet, perchance?”

The girl was off on that errand before Sookie even issued a command, which brought forth a smile from us all. The Captain turned his attention to me and asked: “Julina?”

I was a little taken aback at being the one to be asked. As I thought about it, I realised that I had assumed the men would be interrogated in preference to me.

Hah! Even I, who had taken such a great and public stand against women being treated as inferior to men, even I myself had done exactly that, unthinkingly.

I filed that thought away for later. I was about to correct Sookie's introduction because Kulyer had not been there, but His Honour's impatient demeanour drove me to get on with my description.

“Let me see now! I must first ask you to please bear in mind that 'twas raining a miserable dismal drizzle so they were all wrapped up. But the caravan was led by a single mounted guard carrying a soaked pennant which I THINK was the Ptuvil pennant the town presented to Milady's guard last year, but 'twas wrapped around its carrying pole in a most droopy manner.

“Now I think on't, the entire column was mounted in pairs, except for the lead man and the end man who were the only singles. So there were three pairs of guards before the man I assumed to be the Prince was alongside Commander Feteran. He, the Commander, came up to us later, so I know for certain that that man was indeed Commander Feteran.

“After them came a pair of others. One was bearded and the other carried himself like a high lord or a commander or some such – they both did actually, now I see them once again in my head.

“They were followed by two also bearded guards, bulkier somehow, squatter than those who had headed the column. And also more so than the pair that immediately followed behind them, who were in Her Highness' colours, the little bits I could see of it under their rainwear. One was left-handed, so the edge of the cape was tucked behind his sword handle on his side nearest us. That showed a glimpse of the uniform beneath. It's funny how much the brain ...”

I broke off as both Em and the Captain allowed a shadow of a frown of impatience to flit across their visages. I gulped, and realised all they wanted were the facts, just the facts. I realised too that they both checked my account, even as I was talking, with the other men who had been present at the time. They spoke not but simply nodded their confirmations.

“Next came the first wagon, two men on the seat, one the driver … Oh! No need to say that really - of course one was driving.” Again I had given some irrelevant information, so I hurried on: “The wagon was flanked by two guards on foot. Indeed ALL the wagons were so guarded. And all trailed at least two frayen on leading reins, and were then followed by two mounted guards, except between this first wagon and the first carriage.

“For that was what came next in the procession, neither frayen nor guards between the wagon and the carriage. I deem it, that is this carriage, oh, and the second, were both filled with the women; Her Highness, Milady Merizel, maids and whoever else, all sheltering from the rain. I guess it was because of that that the blinders were drawn down across the sides. I really could not be sure which was Her Highness with just a small gap to look through.

“Next came two more mounted guards, and then that second carriage, again, as I sort of said, with blinders drawn down. And again trailed by two mounted guards. They were followed by the next wagon. And that by three pairs of mounted guards, the last two pairs also seeming to be again those bulkier types. It was one of these bulkier men, the one nearest us in the middle row of the trio of pairs, that Subrish challenged ...”

“Subrish? Who an Anmar is he?” said the Captain in somewhat shocked tones. “And challenged you said? Why woul...” he broke off abruptly. “Nay, hold! Tell me later. I need just the numbers now. What came after this trio of pairs?”

“Another wagon, this one with three on the seat. Two foot soldiers besides it, as I said. And trailed by frayen then came two more guards amounted. After that I am unsure of my accuracy for I was distracted by the challenge I mentioned earlier.”

The Captain directed his fierce attention to the men seated with me. As it so happened, he asked Kulyer directly: “Do you have a better recollection, Goodman?”

“I regret, Your Honour, that actually I was not there, I was then a bell or so behind them, having to fetch a load from somewhere else entirely. These two men were there though.” He waved his hand at Rabeez and Pyor.

Almost before the Captain could look at him directly, 'twas Rabeez who piped up. At the time, it was a little bit of a shock, but a swift, more efficient thought told me that it was something which was not all that surprising really, since Pyor had been seated next to Subrish and I, and therefore as likely as we had been to hear the challenge and be distracted by it.

“There were anuvver wagon, like. I remembers it well, 'cos this were the only wagon not trailed by at least two mounted guards, 'cepting the one that Mistress Julina already told yer 'bout. It were a clump of riders really, not specific guards. I could tell that 'cos the men, and they all seemed to be men to me, mainly 'cos I didn't know ladies ride, not until we came up here, like, anyway these men were not armed the same as the guards and they weren't … weren't … weren't military, like. Well except for one of 'em, he was like frowning at the seeming lack of discipline. Oh and anuvver, but I guess as how this last uvver one was, like, the Wagonmaster. Why, I deem ...”

“Excuse me Goodman, 'tis the numbers we need!”

“Oh, aye, Yer 'Onour. Errm. A hand, nay more than a hand. Lemme see...”

Just then Marnie ran back with paper and two reedlets. I raised an eyebrow at that, making a mental note that she had brought a spare, just in case! Good thinking that girl.

“Very well, Goodman, you think on it while I quickly scribble down what we know so far. 'Lina, please confirm as I write ...”

I must confess I was impressed as he had cut through all my extra description and had indeed a clear idea in his head of what I had said.

Here is what he wrote:

One guard in the van with pennant
Two guards
Two guards
Two guards
The Prince (?) and Feteran
Two more Commanders (?) (???) (maybe one is Count Terinar, or he was with Fet and this is Keren. The other? Bearded?)
Two bulky guards
Two guards
Wagon with two guards aflanking
Carriage #1
Two guards
Carriage #2
Two guards
Wagon with two guards aflanking
Two guards
Two bulky guards (one made a challenge?)
Two bulky guards
Wagon with two guards aflanking
Two guards
Wagon with two guards aflanking
Extra men of the party, one military(?), one Wagonmaster (?)

Rabeez couldn't read well enough - he said - but Pyor and I could and we confirmed what had been written down.

Between us, we completed describing the column as we had seen it. Both of us, though, were unsure of the exact composition after the extra men had formed that clump of riders. I would have tended towards Rabeez' evidence, since we admitted we had been distracted.

The list was therefore completed thus:

Two guards
Wagon with two guards aflanking
Two guards
Two guards
Two guards
Tail-end man

“So we have, let me see,” he counted rapidly as he reread his notes, “36 guards, plus 6 bulkier guards that you all seem to find a need to differentiate from the others, 4 commanders, 5 wagons (and therefore drivers) 2 carriages (and therefore drivers) and a 'clump' of mounted men, possibly as many as a dozen, counting the others sat next to the drivers of the wagons. Are we all agreed?”

We all nodded to let him know there were no gainsayers.

“Plus Her Highness with an unknown number of women of all ranks.”

“Now, that seems a normal military way of formation for such a column.” He looked at Em and got a nod of agreement. “I would have expected 40 men, for we have files of ten men, so four files. However, these bulkier guards intrigue me. I have no idea who they might be. But before we continue, Julina, if I might gently correct you on a couple of points, for 'tis no longer Milady Merizel, but rather Countess Merizel. And ...”

An urchin came in running: “Yer Honour, Yer Honour. The Assembly meeting attends you.”

“Oh very well. Em, we must dash. Thank you Julina and gentlemen for this valuable information, and Sookie thank you for calling me back. I regret I really must, must, must go.”

“But Captain, I can tell ...”

“Not now, Julina, not now – I have no time.” He and Em dashed off, both showing slight signs of being a bit flustered. Em's display being somehow more acceptable to me than that of the Captain, who was already discussing some point with Em as they dashed out. I was grateful for the Captain's reminder about the Countess, but I was a trifle put out when I could not complete my information giving; but as he said, the numbers were at that moment the most important.

So it was thus that I never got the opportunity to tell him that the bulkier men, guards, were in all probability Einnlanders. And I never did manage to explain to him who Subrish was. (He found all that out for himself on the morning after the next.)

The urchin that had fetched him was then despatched by Em up to Trokos' place, the Wheelwright, to ask about Pyor's being accommodated there. He was to return here with the answer. It wouldn't be long, of course, for the Wheelwright's was the set of buildings between Uncle's Smithy, and Waldan's (and Pomma's) Saddlery.

And so, at long, long last, we got back to Sookie's telling of the changes that had happened in Town during my absence.

… … …

“… we realised, in the light of the changes we made to the Community Hall, just after you left, that Her Highness' chief maidservant and her Commander had been married, and by now His Highness probably has a manservant; so there was ANOTHER reason to include some changes. We, well they really, needed to add some more space in there, but 'twas already built. So they got clever by erecting some more outside walls, and then cutting through the ones that had been made earlier.

“So, on the middle floor, the room originally designated as being for the Servants has been extended outwards to the south to add about half as much again to the room. Internally the layout has changed, with an internal corridor, so that the Commander and his wife can have a room there, and the manservant too, if there is one. If not, then extra storage space is never a bad idea. The other side of the corridor shall be for the female servants.

“Now that the Assembly have a better idea of the numbers concerned, I await with interest their decisions about the disbursements of the members that are expected.”

“I understand far better now. What else has happened then?”

“Well, we did have a great street party without you being there. Your restaurant had a major success with those Peetzer things, they seemed to be the most popular item sold, when we speak of food items. My pies stood little chance, although some declared them to be delicious.”

“But why was there such a party?”

“The water, my dear. The water!”

“Sorry, Sookie, I seem to be somewhat slow today. Mayhap after spending almost four bells in the saddle, my brain has been benumbed as much as my … bottom. What water?”

“The Yarling waters were connected into the town's Cistern!”

“Maker! They have actually done that?”

“Oh yes! And the siphon what's it thingy worked perfectly. But even as the water flow was established, His Honour commissioned some men to develop ideas that would not waste water.

“The flow is now restricted, quite simply actually. A giant what they call a 'header tank' has been constructed inside the mountain. I deem your water tank idea was a large contributory factor to all that. Pumps are used, steam-driven pumps, to maintain the level of this header tank. The output from this tank is controlled by gates which are opened wide when the Cistern levels drop to a certain height, and are closed down when demand is less. So the Cistern levels are maintained to always have enough, but not too much. I am quite sure it is far more complicated than that, but that's how I see it in my mind, anyway.

“And at the same time, the Captain detailed another team to remove the old Aqueduct, modernise it, improve it – and the road along its upper surface! From above the Community Hall, all along the way to the Market Place. But 'tis to be done after Their Highnesses depart.”

“Talking of roads, did I see the road up to the Stone Sea was already complete? Surely that would be an impossibility in such a short time?”

“Does it seem so? Whence saw you that? Ah! From the road in, I wager! Nay, 'Lina, 'tis not to the very top, but 'tis now to the horizon level we see from below. There is some increasing traffic now, as Her Highness has found a use for the stone material from that so-called sea. Well, she didn't exactly find the use, she suggested it. And her suggestion has been taken up enthusiastically. It seems it is useful in making cement, and a cement factory has been built almost opposite Holville on the West Bank of the Palar. There are other uses too, but it seems that the cement trade shall be the bulk of it.

“But coming back to the road up there, then the drivers are instructed to take much care not to make deep ruts up there until a road can be fashioned. I am told that the old ramshackle hut thing that that Larsenar used to live in has been made into a refuge for the workers up there. Just a place to brew some pel, or cook a simple stew. A handful of cot beds in case some want to stay up there overnight. That sort of thing.

“Now let me think! Other changes. Other changes. Ah yes! The flour mill down at the forest's edge has shut down. Master Levin and family have now moved downvalley to some place called Tammy something, a little village ...”

“Tamitil – yes, we know quite a lot about that village, actually!”

“Do you tell me? I first heard of it from another of the wedding party, Goodman Linan. But how know you so much?”

I started my explanations and got maybe halfway through, when the door opened and the urchin returned, along with Master Trokos himself. The usual introduction exchanges took place, in with which I joined after sending the urchin up to the Salon with a message to the girls that I was back. He grinned broadly, for his day had been good, so many commissions in such a short time. I learnt that his name was Surtree. His engaging grin reminded me strongly of young Max down in Tranidor.

I was an interested observer as the two Wheelwrights sounded each other out; they sort of interviewed each other it seemed to me, taking more than a quarter bell in all. Some of the questions were of a highly technical nature and left Sookie and I gawping with a lack of knowledge, and Sookie of course had far more knowledge than I. Even the two drivers were amazed, I could tell.

At the end of that period, the two men went off together, all smiles. I had granted Pyor my whispered permission to tell Master Trokos about the needs of Blackstone Wagons. As those men went off, Sookie detailed one of her wagoneers to take Rabeez and Kulyer upstairs to the dormitory and suddenly Sookie and I were left alone.

We chatted generally about this and that as another pot of pel was brought, and then I asked her about what catering arrangements were likely to be made for the Royal Party. Would Mousa have to relinquish the kitchens up at the Community Hall and so on. The conversation darted about as we went along, so I suppose you could say that it was a murid of a conversation. For example, Sookie introduced one topic almost out of the sky:

“Oh! And something else! When Epp and I were down in Palarand, we were present, on far too few occasions for they were always fun with the two of them laughing and joking and grinning, when Her Highness was with Tenant Maralin; you probably remember him as being described as someone from her own home. Even a blind man could tell they enjoyed an excuse to speak their own tongue together. We grinned a lot on those occasions not just at their jokes and antics, at least the ones we understood, but also because, without realising it, they would switch in and out of their own language as they spoke. But that's not my point, really. The Tenant mentioned a problem he had seen in every kitchen he had ever entered in the Great Valley.

“Now this is not so much a problem that we here, in Blackstone particularly, actually have, for we use coal for nearly all our burning in the ranges. However, as I know well, but perhaps you do not, the other kitchens further away are filled with faggots.”

“Maker!” I replied, “Do you tell me? Yes, I suppose that makes a kind of sense. Easier to load when in a hurry and not so messy, but unwieldy, lumpy and with many edges that can catch on things. Now you have pointed it out, I can, and do, understand; they don't know about coal really, do they?”

“Precisely! So, as you sort of mentioned, when those faggots are stacked in a kitchen, the sticks in each one jut out and frequently catch pail handles, or belts, or scratch legs, tear clothes and so on. Some kitchens even have faggots stacked in every available spot, on working surfaces even, in some of them, particularly when small. Others have attached faggot stores to try to keep the interference down.”

“I confess to having done most of those things myself, even though we only have a few faggots in our kitchen. We use them for rekindling the banked fires at the start of our day.”

“As do we! But, as a result of this conversation between the Her Highness and the Tenant, others those two commissioned have now asked me to test some fuel things for them, as suggested by Her Highness. For the coke plant, down at the Forest's Edge now has an extra wing to make charcoal and to experiment with it. And what was the flour mill shall soon be converted to process some of the stone fetched down from the Stone Sea. But we need many more wagons for all this. So tell me more about your Blackstone Wagons.”

So you see how quickly our chat switched from kitchens to wagons? It made sense to both of us at the time and 'twas only as I was scribing this report that I realised how disjointed it might seem to an outsider.

This further meant that my few moments of time with Sookie spread out to nearly two weeks, or so it seemed at the time. I doubt we were much more than a bell, certainly not two for I did a lot more that day!

But to continue to report our conversation, I replied: “Indeed I shall, for I have many questions of you as regards Blackstone Wagons, but first I must tell you about the bacs.”

“Backs? You have a problem with your back?”

“No, no,” I laughed. “Bac is a made-up word from the starting letters in the phrase 'Beck and Call'. Well, it's like this ...”

… … ...

I realise now that it would be far too confusing for me to report all the conversations we had, and the interruptions to them, in the sequence of their happenings, so please allow me to just mention them here, now, by topic.

First, to continue from what I reported before, Sookie was taken with the idea of the bacs; so much so that she agreed to start the system immediately. We called Kulyer inside to the office where Mutab was sitting and checking load manifests, and the four of us thrashed out a way to make it all happen. My contribution was to have several specially-designed carts/wagons commissioned with Trokos, and perchance Pyor. The latter course of action would be cheaper for me, since Pyor was an employee of our company, but 'twas unlikely he could do much up here in Blackstone, so mayhap 'twould be better to have Trokos make them. So much depended upon the use the Assembly saw to make of our wagons. I would find out more on the morrow, I supposed.

Mutab surprised us all when he said: “...and 'tis something that I myself could do, for sitting in this office all day and just shuffling documents is slowly driving me mad. To know I could have a bell or so of actually driving, and being outside in the fresh air, would make the bearance of the rest of the day so much easier.”

“I had not appreciated you felt so strongly, Mutab! I always had the impression that you liked the office work?”

“Oh Mistress Sukhana, I do like the office work, and I cannot imagine doing any more of those long routes, with my damaged leg, and I am proud that I help you, and Master Tanon, with the necessary job I do in this office, but I need, I find, some small change in my life. These bacs thingies shall provide exactly what I require.”

The two men then went up the slope of Main Street to find the wheelwrights and to make a first start.

As for the kitchens, Sookie and I went there soon after so I could inspect these new-fangled things made of charcoal and coke that Sookie and her head cook Maglaga were testing for the men commissioned by Her Highness.

“Well Mistresses, I approve of the orderliness of these things. We can stack more of them and neater than the sacks of coals we have so far used. I can only say that they are MUCH better for stacking than faggots. However, we still need the faggots first thing, for these ...”

And 'twas here that I learnt a new word that has since become a word of its own in Palarandi parlance, but of course I knew not then how to scribe it! It sounded at first like 'Sir Ger' or 'Sergg' followed by a hesitation! Our way of saying our letter 'g' is close to, but not the same, as the way we say our letter 'k', so I was at first confused as to whether or not to spell it with a 'k' or even two.

“... 'Serggers' catch not so quickly nor so easily. A faggot or two of a morning bring up the fires in a matter of moments. These serggers, they need time and constant attention, unless the fire is already established. So we stir the embers from the last night, throw in one or two faggots. We start here with this range, and we work our way round that way. All the way round until we get back to the first, making sure we included the water heaters.

“Then we throw in the charcoal serggers, working our way round the kitchens again. By the time the serggers are to be thrown in, then nine times of out ten, the faggots have caught and are crackling merrily. I have found that the charcoal serggers then catch best, but they burn not so fiercely, so now we use the charcoal ones as second-stage fire lighters.

“Finally, we do a third circuit of the room, throwing in the coke serggers. They burn most hot, and we use far less of them than we would have to do were we reliant upon just faggots. So we can stack one week's worth of them in the space that one day's worth of faggots would have taken. But when we have such easy access to coal, I would be hesitant to recommend the use of serggers up here in Blackstone, 'tis not worth the expense.”

They showed me than what the serggers looked like. The charcoal ones were smaller, shorter and thinner, than the coke ones, but they were all the same basic shape. None of them had any sharp edges, they were rounded at each end, and the middles were simple cylinders. Sort of like a finger, but much thicker. Each was longer than from the tip of my middle finger to my wrist, and of course, being round, they were easy to stack, being so much more stable, compact and neat than faggots. But much dirtier and dustier than faggots.

“Why name them so?” I asked Sookie.

“Actually I know, but do not know.” She grinned as she said that.

“Well, that's no answer!”

“Well you see, 'twas what I was saying earlier. Her Highness and the Tenant were speaking about them, and the Tenant laughed when he said to Her Highness: 'Well adult shop references would be wasted here, so we have a chance to make our own word.' She laughed and blushed slightly, saying simply 'Don't!'

“None of us listening had a single idea what that exchange meant. And then they both reddened when they realised they had spoken in Palarandi and not their home tongue, so they dropped back into that. Naturally, we understood not what they they were saying, but they swiftly came to some agreement.

“Her Highness finally announced in Palarandi: 'Call them serggers, then'. The Tenant then said; 'Well 'tis not as if they smoke anything here …' and then they switched back to their tongue. So all I can say is that there is a reason, but that reason has been lost in another language.”

(A note from Older Julina: At that time, I knew not the correct spelling of the word, and I confess I taught a myriad of my students the incorrect version. It was only when I myself finally visited Palarand, and was invited to the Palace, that I learnt how they consider the correct spelling to be. The lesson came by accident for I had been given a manifest for a large load. I had to ask someone what a weird word was on the piece of paper they had handed over to me. By that time, I vouchsafe that every kitchen in the Great Valley was using the 'cigars' as standard. But I shall continue to refuse to correct the spelling I have here used, until such time as I learnt the truth, for I feel that much flavour of the times might be lost.)

Sookie could not leave the Claw at that juncture, so she told me about other things in the town that had changed, which basically meant what construction was going on. She told me of the progress at making the Parks and a change to be implemented: “Your suggestion of naming a park after Jaffy has been retained, but that park shall not be the one at the top of and to the east of East Street. Jafferkin Park is now to be a large three-sided plot immediately to the north of the Community Hall kitchens, as the work on the old aqueduct shall release a little space there.

“The original park shall still be located where it is and there shall be ...” a strange look flitted across her face just then and she flushed slightly, which intrigued me but I had no chance to dig a bit deeper to find out why, because the door opened at that juncture, and in came all but one of the girls from the Salon along with Kassama and Kords too.

Maker! You would have thought I had been away to Moxgo or Yod or somewhere impossibly far like that. When the excitement died down a bit, Sookie offered us all some pel, which meant I needed to get up and make room for it, and then we had a thoroughly girly half bell as they tried to bring me up to date with everything all at the same time, and at the same time as demanding to know what I had got up to. Sookie beat a wise retreat early on and we finger-waved to each other.

I was all but dragged up the road to Em's by the bunch of them, and I confess a satisfying feeling of contentment swept over me when I entered my restaurant. We had to go via the back entrance of course, for there was that Assembly meeting in the dining room at the moment. Not having seen them for just over a week, I was amazed at the changes in them all, particularly the ones I called 'The New Girls' back in those days. The need for thinking for themselves, for making their own decisions, for dealing with the public had made them mature very rapidly. Even shy and retiring little Venket was walking straighter and not so slow to say what she thought. She certainly smiled a lot more easily.

“So tell me, did that Topor have his dinner with his team?”

“Indeed he did, and they were all very polite, complimentary and generous with contributions to our 'appreciation coin' pot. Model diners, I would say,” explained Kelly. “They also made sure that the other diners were disturbed to a minimum. Master Topor then suggested another date for the team of them, in a pair of weeks or so, and the entire team agreed most enthusiastically. Later, Master Topor asked me to make sure we had enough of what has become their favourite wine, and also hinted that maybe Mistress Sukhana's ale be on hand in generous quantities.”

“Well I congratulate you all on coping so well – I deem you don't really require me around! I shall go and sulk now!”

There was a burst of laughter, which I cut short, reminding them that there was an Assembly meeting we should not interrupt. “Now I need a quick word with Kelly, I'm sure you all have something to do to prepare for tonight. 'Tis already mid-afternoon.”

They all grinned and got down to some task or other while Kelly and I went out the back and sat on the doorstep.

“So, Kelly – how has it been? Really?”

“Good, 'Lina. The new ones are coming along nicely, the atmosphere is good. I deem we need to have Kords a permanent member as soon as we can. I need to talk with you about expanding the kitchen area, you and Em as well, of course. I gave the girls each a task of coming up with new ideas for meals we can serve, they must select one from their private lists and present it to me each week, saying why it would be good for our clients, for the restaurant and for the cooks. Little Venket has given me the best idea this week! I was going to talk to you about it tomorrow, for I wasn't certain what time you would get back today.”

“That sounds excellent! Now I want you to consider something, seriously, and to give me an answer in the morning, after you have had a chance to think it through thoroughly and talk it over with your family and other friends.”

“Wow! You sound serious!”

“I am serious. Very serious indeed. I want you to take over running the Salon from me. I shall enjoy working there still, but as a member of YOUR team and not the other way round. I shall still make suggestions, but I want YOU to be in charge, I want YOU to be the one Em comes to to ask things, I want YOU to be the one the suppliers come to. Of course, you shall receive more coin for the additional responsibilities, and I shall receive less, but I must tell you now, without giving all the details, otherwise we shall be sitting here until the morning, but I have suddenly twice as many if not more responsibilities outside the Salon. I cannot do it all by myself, I must find time and space for me to do these other things as well.”

“I deem that is the first time I have ever heard you say you are unable to do something! I must make a note of this date!”

“Cheeky pakh-head!” I laughed back. “But seriously, I have to start up the Consociation ...” a surprised looked shot across her face, which made me wonder for a heartbeat, but then I realised she had probably forgotten our discussion about the Consociation, “... as well as two other companies, one of which will have two, maybe more branches, so that all has to happen, and can happen only with me in attendance. So I shall only be available part-time really!”

Just then Em came out to us and gently interrupted: “Julina, our meeting is finished for the day, we have all been allocated tasks to do and we need to report back to another meeting on the morrow. The Captain sends his compliments and asks if you would be available to attend tomorrow's meeting, and further asks if we could start at the sixth bell, which shall be the bell after the noon announcement, and have the room for a maximum of two and a half bells?”

Kelly and I looked at each other and laughed. “You see, Kelly, I shall have even less time now!” I turned back to Em. “I have been away upwards of a week, and have no real feel for the situation. I deem 'twould be better if you ask of Kelly about the timings. As for my attendance, then I shall be honoured.”

Em swung her gaze to Kelly, who answered simply: “Indeed, that would be in order. We shall have enough time to set up the place afterwards before the first diners arrive.”

“We thank you,” said Em as she swung on her heel to go back to report, I assumed, to His Honour.

“I have not the time now to explain about these other companies, but I had an idea that I deem would please our Gyth immensely. But that shall mean she is away downvalley doing a task for me for maybe as much as two weeks, make that three with travelling time too.”

“Well, we both know that she is here for two reasons really; her loyalty to you and her desire for some coin. She will be going sooner or later, we are both certain. What did you have in mind for her?”

“Oh Kelly! There is so much to explain. Just take it from me I shall fill you in on the details sometime else, but for now I shall say I need a minimum of two, perhaps as many as a hand of buildings to be designed, nay, 'pon further thought, mayhap seven or even eight! In Bezlet, Brayview and in Tranidor. I am assuming her mother could travel with her for she shall need a companion. Do you know anything I do not? Anything that would prevent Waxerwet from going along?”

“Nnnnoooo,” she said slowly. “Gyth's mother earns a little coin from helping several of the seamstresses with little jobs, I believe she has become quite the expert on making those bras, and she makes some extra coin by helping part time up in the Miners'. There's nothing of which I am aware that would keep either of them tied to Blackstone. I know Gyth would love to see more, and Waxerwet is a little like her daughter, I deem. Mayhap Gyth's lust for wandering actually comes from the mother!”

“And could you spare her from the Salon – remembering that I shall be back and will give you help too, but with the Royal Party arriving soon, you may feel she should not go? And I could not do as full a job for you as Gyth.” I grinned as I added: “Probably achieve as much, though, in less time, for we know dear Gyth is so scatter-brained sometimes.”

“How urgent is this house designing?”

“You see? You really ARE the proper one to take charge here. You ask the right questions! I regret that this opportunity is only really for now. If I cannot get her working on it in the next week, then the occasion will have passed by.”

“Hmmm! That would mean we would really need to find someone else, but that Paivi has seized her chance and impresses us all every day. I believe that between us we can persuade the others to work a little longer and harder. I deem 'twould be difficult, but we could let her go, as you would be indeed more efficient.”

“In that case, I shall ask her, but I have so far said nothing until I had your approval.”

Kelly got to her feet, brushed her bottom then twitched her skirts into place. She grinned at me as she whirled round. “I'll send her out then!”

I sat there in the pleasant warmth of the late spring day but keeping in the shadows of the walls, and I actually began to fall asleep. So I was fair prey for Gyth's sense of humour when she came out. It took me a little while, but not more than three moments, surely, to come fully awake and alert again and begin to return Gyth's jibes with relish. We were both laughing so much before I managed to get the conversation round to my proposal.

“We may have a little job for you,” I said whilst looking at my hands. I would have burst out laughing some more if I had not so distracted myself.

“Oh aye?”

“I have seen ... nay, let me start again, WE have seen how good you are at designing rooms and the like. When I say we, I mean Epp and I. And Epp and I have started a company together to provide bed and breakfasts in Tranidor, in Bezlet and soon up here in Blackstone. We would pay you for these services. I would like you to travel down to Tranidor to inspect the buildings we have and suggest layouts and room designs and decorations with the people who shall operate them. In Tranidor, you can stay at Epp's house – and that is by far the largest of the projects, at the others I shall have to pay for your rooming.”

“Oh 'Lina, I would love to do that, as you know only too well. But I could not go alone,” her face showed her disappointment as that last thought hit her.

“I have thought of that also, my dear. Unless you would object to travelling with your mother? I would pay her some coin too, for without her presence, you obviously couldn't go.”

Hope surged once more into her face, and she launched herself at me with a little squeal: “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“Hold! Hold, I say!” I was forced to respond, laughing. “Wait until you have the full picture before you say anything. There is more to it, more to this proposal than you yet know.”

She quickly looked a little wary, but we had been friends all our lives and I knew she would immediately see any deceit in me, so she studied my face intently before sitting back down on the step beside me.

“Go on!”

“I have also started a new haulage company with Master Shemel, Epp's man.”

Her head jerked a little at that, and a question arose in her eyes. She didn't ask it though, she just waved me on with her hands.

“He will be based down in Tranidor, I will be based up here and we shall also have an office and a wheelwright's workshop in Brayview. The Brayview office manager shall move his family from Tranidor to Brayview. So there are two, three or four buildings not even built yet down in Brayview that we want you to suggest designs and decorations for. An office, the workshop, the family home and maybe a home for the wheelwright himself.”

“So you already know who shall be working at Brayview. I would not wish to design a house without speaking with him and his family. And as for the workshop, I don't know. That worries me, that one, I know nothing about what a wheelwright would require. I suppose I could go and ask Master Trokos.”

“No need, my dear, I even have a bit of a solution to that one myself. Let me give you a wider picture. The Office Manager man down in Brayview is called Master Quizzen. He shall do a job as a driver as well as arrange loads and so on. His wife's relatives live nearby to Brayview, and his son has just finished his apprenticeship/journeymanship – as a wheelwright! Master Pyor is his title. He came up here with us and is even now with Master Trokos. He shall be your driver to take you downvalley, so you will have plenty of time on the journey to gain an understanding of all the family shall require. I would estimate you would require two weeks to do all this, and another half week each way for the travelling.”

“You really are a marvel, aren't you, 'Lina? How do you think of all these things? Oh!” she exclaimed as another thought hit her. “How on Anmar will you have time to do all this and run the Salon and start that Cook's Consociation?” She too seemed to gulp a bit when she mentioned the Consociation. My brain started to think about that, in background mode.

“Ah, dear Gyth, that is where I have MY difficulties! I am going to turn over the Salon operation to Kelly – I shall still work here, but Kelly shall make the decisions.”

“And this haulage company thingy, will that start once the Royal Visit is over?”

“Not at all my dear, it has already started! Indeed, His Honour, the Steward, has commanded one of our vehicles for the morrow.”

“Maker! So how urgent is this building design work down in Brayview?”

“That is, as you say, of immediate importance. I would require you to depart with Master Pyor when he goes. That shall be the day after the Royal Party arrives. I have set that date so that you can have a chance to see Her Highness, once she gets here. Then, I deem, you will be under pressure for the next two weeks or so. You will miss the chance of cooking and/or serving her in the Salon – for His Honour has already planned at least one such night for Her evening meal! And Sookie too has planned another night so that all the women of the Wedding Party can wear their gowns once more, the ones that Her Highness gifted to them.”

Her face fell as she said: “Oh, I would so love to see those gowns being worn.” She brightened as another thought hit her. “Oh! The Royal Party shall be here for more than three weeks, like last time. I shall persuade Em to do her dressy dinner after I get back!”

“So my dear, do I gather from that remark that you want this commission? I have asked you first, of course, before asking your mother. Or would you rather have another companion with you? Kelly shall not be in a position to let another of her workers go, I feel it only fair to warn you!”

At last, Gyth had the full position and she had grasped all the ramifications of the decision she had to make.

“I need to discuss this with Mama, I deem.”

“A good idea! Why don't you go now, I will do your duties in the kitchens here until you get back. But take not too long, I have much more I have yet to do today!”

“Very well, I shall inform Kelly.”

And so it was that I went and worked for nearly a bell and I chatted and giggled with the others, passed on a few tips and prepared them for the possibility that their workload would increase soon – it was going to happen with the Royal Party in town anyway, irrespective of if Gyth decided to take up my offer.

I said, you will have noticed, that I worked for nearly a bell. It took Gyth longer than that before she returned, but I was not there then. Another interruption had taken me away.

All the girls were there, Kords had arrived soon afterwards and even Kassama dropped in to give aid where she could. We were well into the swing of things, when that interruption occurred.

The door was flung open, and Papa and Master Pocular both came in, the former looking a little annoyed and the latter a little anxious.

Then Papa shocked us all with his very loud voice, even though I knew him well enough to see behind the bluster and to take note of the sparkle in his eyes as he apparently berated me: “So, daughter! Your family is no longer of interest to you? I am saddened to hear that you have been back for several bells and yet you have not even taken the time to greet us! You shall be punished. Not the sort of behaviour I would have expected of the Julina of old. Now come along with Pocular and I, we have no time to waste.”

Papa looked and sounded so very ferocious that those who knew him not that well all cowered away from him, worry written clear upon their faces.

Venket in particular reacted strongly.

But the way she did so was simply startling.

She scrabbled and scurried across the room and squatted in a corner as she clamped her hands over her ears, looking wildly about her as she did so, her face contorted in fear, tears streaming down it.

---

There are points to be made

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker! Papa! What have you done, you ked? You must go. Now! Go! Go!”

He opened his mouth to say something else, but Kelly sent him and Master Pocular out before any further word could be uttered. I believe 'twas only then that both men realised that poor Venket had obviously been mistreated by someone of whom she was terrified – someone who was probably a man since she was fine when reacting with the girls. Loud voices, barked orders, all were problems for her. Or so it appeared.

“Kassama! Is there a spare bed in this house at all? This child cannot go home this night. I deem she is safer here than anywhere else. I would take her to mine, but Papa shall be there, the one to have terrified her just now.” I gathered the poor girl in my arms as I knelt down next to her.

“If the worst comes to the worst, I have a truckle bed under mine. I could always make that up for her. Let me go and ask Mistress Michet what she would prefer.”

“Could you also run next door and fetch Vittima or Haka? Not Suril, I suspect, but he shall certainly have some work to do, to find out the cause of all this! I deem that something serious has been going on for a long time.”

I saw some of the others shudder as I said those last words. Later, Kelly told me that my tones were so bleak, they seemed to have turned the air to ice. But Venket's shudder was different somehow – it was as if she … of course! She had probably been threatened against telling anyone about it! All the while, Venket was clinging to me so tightly I knew I would have bruises in the morning. Those last words of mine had brought forth a further paroxysm of crying. But no coherent words.

It took quite some time for it all to settle down again. Em took on my cuddling duties; she led poor Venket out and into another room to comfort her there. The other girls had been considerably shocked so it was quite an effort to get focussed once more, but I drove them to it. Fortunately, the diners for tonight had not ordered a large variation so the work was, comparatively speaking, quite simple for a change.

I made sure that 'twas Kelly who allocated all the tasks, not just because she needed to be seen to be the leader but also because part of my mind was working on what I was going to say to my father. For I was very annoyed with him. Very, very, very annoyed.

Once the work routines had settled us down sufficiently for her to assess what was still required, Kelly looked at me and gently nodded towards the door for she knew I needed to go. She signed that she had everything in hand, and that they could cope with the rest of the tasks. I got, though, a flavour that she wanted me to go. Somehow, I got the impression that the others did too. Despite the problems with Venket, it was almost as if they were all waiting with anticipation for me to do whatever my pakh-headed father had wanted.

But there was also an undertone there of worry. I just simply assumed that they were worried about poor little Venket. Kelly had mouthed the words 'Shuttle Shed' to me; I only later wondered how she knew where I had to go. So it was that I walked out of the front door, waving a farewell to Kassama who was coming down the stairs as I did so.

I closed the door gently behind me, stood on the wooden walkway, the pavement, that lined the street and just looked about me.

My eyes were those of a stranger, even though I had lived here all my life. I was shocked to the very core that there existed in my hometown such dark deeds that a poor young girl should react as Venket had. The people here had changed, the buildings around were not the same as the ones with which I had grown up, now most of them had been painted, even the streets were different, and there were more of them. I no longer knew most of the faces that passed by. It was a lot noisier, I suddenly realised. And there was such an air of hecticity.

For a heartbeat, I wondered if I had been transported somewhere else entirely.

A pair of strangers, females, came bustling down the pavement, intent upon whatever task they had in mind. I pulled back slightly, pressing my back against Em's front wall, giving them as much room as I could.

“Don't just stand there in the way girl! Make room for your elders and betters. We have an important task to perform. We don't have time to lounge around all day, unlike some.”

“Nor I, Mistresses. Nor I!”

“Don't be cheeky, Missy! I'll give you a clip round the ear.”

“You are welcome to try, Mistress. And if you do, I shall have you arrested for assault.”

“What?” she screeched. “Just who do you think you are?” She turned to her companion. “I sometimes regret we ever came up here. Young girls like this should be aware that they should show respect to their elders! Oh! Maybe she is a whore?”

“Respect is earned, not given!” I retorted sharply. With that, I just looked her up and down, levered myself off the wall with my shoulder and started walking upslope along the wooden walkway, not wishing to give them any more attention; and certainly not give them any more of my own precious time.

“Come back here, you insolent wench!”

Continuing to ignore her, I left them without a backward glance. They seemed intent upon making more and more of a spectacle of themselves, arguing louder and louder about whether or not to chase after me, which event would give the lie to their original statement of being in a necessary hurry. They were too stupid to even realise that, I deemed.

The incident had not improved my mood at all. I stomped up the slope to what used to be called the Camping Place.

Where I pulled up abruptly.

The Cistern was no longer the Cistern I grew up with. The roof, of course, still sprouted the semaphore tower, but the edge of the roof was completely fenced, either with walls, or with an open-weave wooden fencing, through which I could see several animals, apparently grazing. Which seemed impossible since a week ago the roof had been of stone.

To the right as I looked at the Cistern, the path we had used to use to scramble upwards was completely dug away; even the stonework where the aqueduct had come in was gone, as there was no aqueduct any longer. A dark mark on the side of the Cistern showed where it used to enter.

Foundations had been cleared and laid for a wide building all along the Cistern's front. Materials were being delivered from two carts, each drawn by a frayen. My mood lightened slightly as I watched the two frayen snicker and whiffle together, obviously both in a good mood. They were almost frolicsome as they faced each other. At least someone was having a good afternoon.

The neat rows of tents had all gone and a wooden structure was half-built in the middle of where they had been. A light fence had been erected, forming what was clearly a defining line for the roadway, and enclosing the north and east ends of what I had to keep reminding myself was now called the Market Place. My eyes scanned along the southern edge of the former Camping Place, beneath the Shuttle Shed and I saw that the foundations were being laid of a building that filled the gap between the Dam Road and East Street, being the north-west corner of what I still referred to in my head as being Jafferkin Park, the first dedicated open area to be turned into such an amenity.

I decided that Papa could wait a little longer, as he was still far from being in my good books right then. So I walked up to the Cistern, as closely as I was allowed to that is. Then I walked along the north edge of the Market Place and then the east one to look at the old Camping Ground from that side. There were more foundations for another large building there, one that I could see was going to be quite grand. And the markings on the ground behind it, where most of the old aqueduct had already been removed, showed that the stabling associated with it would be extensive. I wondered what this would be used for. Public stabling on top of the Cistern, and extensive stabling here. It didn't make sense. It looked to me like they were even digging away some of the mountain slope behind to make the area bigger still.

My mind was worrying at this mystery as I walked round the perimeter, and the mystery deepened. The northern edge of Dam Road was also fenced off, making it seem like that was also a part of this large complex. I could imagine nothing that would fit with my observations so I assumed that there were other works not yet laid out. That there would be other subdivisions of the large area to be worked on in the near future.

By now, I had worked my way down to the Dam Road, which was still busy with traffic in either direction. I scurried across the road and looked at the foundations for the house I had seen earlier. This house, whatever it was to be, was the only house inside the entire park perimeter.

The west wall of the house formed the east side of East Street, offset by a stride or two, and it joined the north wall at a square angle. This north wall ran straight along the length to the point where the Dam Road came in. It was slightly less than a cast long, I estimated. Normally, I would have expected the east wall to run down from that point parallel to the west wall, but this was not so. Curiously, it ran off parallel to the edge of Dam Road! This meant that the south wall would have to be so much longer than the north wall. But when I studied it, I had yet another surprise. That south wall was curved! Or, to be more accurate, it was to be curved, for only the lines were at that moment marked. And there were four or five parallel curved line markings. Curiouser and curiouser.

I scurried quickly across East Street and approached the Shuttle Shed, almost smiling as I saw Papa and Pocular there, looking the other way to try and spot me. But I was still annoyed with him. Maybe even with them, but I knew not what Pocular had to do with him.

Suddenly, I stopped. Pocular and Papa. They were acting together in the matter of the Exclusivity Licence on the hand mirrors and the beam lanterns. Could this visitation be something to do with that? Maybe there was no more coin to come from there? Maybe I should hold back for a little while on my spending.

I rapidly went over in my head all that I had spent recently, and the numbers that I had been shown as being in my ledger. Had I already spent too much? Of course, all my Meglina spending only cost me half, for Epp would also put in that much. And the same for Blackstone Wagons. But that would be Shemel sharing the costs of course. If my mental mathematics were correct, then I still had enough to buy at least one housing plot which all of my financial advisers had strongly suggested I do.

I was brought back to my surroundings, and to the fact that I was unaccompanied, when a passing driver made some ribald remark.

My heart sank yet again. Although I knew the place, it was all changing so rapidly. This town, where I used to be able to run and skip where I wanted, was getting rapidly bigger and yet, at the same time, more restrictive. They may be the streets of my hometown, but was it really still my hometown?

I called towards Papa as I ignored the wagoneer's remarks. Or tried to ignore them.

But then the wagoneer added: “Maker, girly. He must be rich. He's old enough to be your father!”

That was enough. I whirled on the driver, fixing his face in my mind for I would make sure I found out who he was, and sharply retorted: “He IS my father, you ked! You want to tell him what you have just been saying? I will be doing so right now - and I will be telling Mistress Sukhana, by the way!”

Just then, a driver passed going in the opposite direction. He called out to me as well: “Well met, Mistress Julina! Are you well?”

I recognised him, mostly from his bulk, from my lessons somewhere. If I remembered rightly, he had been a driver with Her Highness when they first came up here, and had been present at what I had heard was called the 'Battle of South Slip', so he was highly respected amongst his peers.

“Goodman Joolen! How pleasant to see you. Do you perchance know your colleague there going in the other direction?”

“Aye, Mistress, that I do. He has been sent ...”

“Forgive me for interrupting you, but I am short of time. Perchance you could find time later to let him know how to treat the female residents of this, or maybe any, town?”

We both saw the man's neck flush a bright red. Joolen turned his eyes back to me, one eyebrow raised. I made a small grimace, which made Joolen's mouth tighten.

“If he has been disrespectful, then I shall make sure he regrets it!” he said loud enough for the other to hear.

“Thank you, Goodman. Nothing TOO painful, I hope. Have a good evening!”

“And you Mistress Julina.”

We both looked at the retreating driver, who seemed to be trying to squirm into his chair, making himself as small as he could.

“Julina! We have attended you for some while!”

I turned my attention to Pocular, for Papa had wisely let him start the talking. “Master Pocular,” I said formally – which made his eyes widen, for we were not any more, usually, in a formal relationship. It was only then, I deem, that he realised just how angry I was.

And only then, I further deem, that Papa himself did too.

He held his arms out for a hug, but I stood still, hands on my hips, one foot seemingly tapping the ground all on its own. I glared at him.

“Julina! I had no idea that poor girl would be so scared. I wanted to comfort her but Kellonika bundled us away.”

“I too had no idea, but that is scarce the point. As she was obviously distressed by loud and overbearing men, then there would have been no comfort you could have given her. That much was immediately obvious to all the rest of us!”

“Then why are you so angry? 'Tis not as if it were my fault.”

“Of course it was your fault, you stupid man! What on Anmar did you think you were doing? Coming into my place of work, my restaurant, my working team and shouting at me like that? Behaving as if I were a young girl, undermining my authority in front of my workers, all for some stupid joke? There are times when you just do not think.”

“But I did ...”

“I don't care what you did or did not do. You came into MY working space uninvited and acted as if you owned the place. You would not allow ME to do the same to YOUR workplace, if you had one. What right do you have to raise your voice to me in someone else entirely's house, in someone else entirely's kitchen? How dare you?”

“I thought ...”

“Thought? Thought? Don't make me laugh. When did you ever think about even the smallest part of all this? What process went through your head that a decision was taken that it would be a good idea to shout at your daughter publicly? And in such a scary way that another young woman was reduced to a terrified mess, with tears streaming down her cheeks? Yes, explain that to me, if you would. What THOUGHT went through that obviously reduced-sized brain you have behind that thick bone of your head? Sometimes you are such a pakh-head you wouldn't even realise that a ked is simply an abbreviation for that!”

“Mistress Julina?”

I swung round. “Master Pocular?”

“I agree that we handled it not in the best way, as it transpired. HOWEVER ...” he raised a hand and his voice to prevent me interrupting again. “... we were not entirely irresponsible. Had that poor child not been there, I deem we would have had another outcome.

“For that child was not present when we went into your kitchen the other day and arranged it all. Your team and your kitchen owner all agreed that we could play a trick upon you. I deem they were all actually looking forward to it.”

My mind flashed to the repeated occasions since I got back when other people had seemed to know something I didn't. Was that what all this had been about? And Papa and Pocular had been in before to set this stupid playacting up ...

Pocular continued, interrupting my thoughts by doing so: “We attempted to do just that, and yet only managed to upset that poor child, about which we are both torn with regrets.

“However, we must get on with that which we have to do.

“I am here because your father and I have a surprise for you, one that was going to be a pleasure to give. Were this not so important, I would even now be trying to trace the animal that has terrified that lassie – and making sure he became as terrified in his turn.

“However, for reasons that will eventually become apparent, I deemed it to be most important to be here, now. Not only that, but I have an enormous workload which I also should be addressing. But no, being here is more important. I regret, however, that nearly all the anticipated pleasure in this task has now been sucked out of it, and, I find I must point out, your attitude is making a good attempt at sucking out all the scarce remaining pleasure.”

His voice modified once more, and began to repeat its more normal effects upon my insides. I suspect he was using that deliberately, but nevertheless it was working. And my ire was waning with nearly every fact he revealed.

“Now, we both acknowledge you have some fairness upon your side, given your ignorance of the facts, and that the entire incident turned into a little bit of a disaster, however, we HAVE to get this done now. It cannot wait until the morrow, as you shall find out. I deem your father is also upset that you had insufficient faith in him for our little game to be played out. Nevertheless, all that is done now. You have voiced your displeasure, we have expressed our sorrow ...” I glanced rapidly at Papa who had so far done no such thing “... and we accept we could have handled it better.

“May we now return to our attempts at thanking you?”

I felt as though I had had a bucket of cold water thrown over me. I fought back a sudden attack of the tears. I motioned to Papa to go ahead.

Did I over-react? Was I being unfair? Had I been too hard on Papa, and maybe Pocular? And what on Anmar was the story behind Venket's reaction? What must the girls think of my reaction to all the fuss? It doesn't stop the fact that Papa's idea of being some overbearing authority was stupid in the first place. There must be a million better ways to have done it. And what about ...

Papa's ungentle hand on my upper arm dragged me back from the approach of a laden wagon heading for the mouth of East Street. I hadn't been paying attention to my surroundings. It jolted me back into some sort of sense.

“Come daughter, let us give you some more background information first.”

As soon as the wagon had passed, we three strode over to the newly-started wooden structure in the middle of the Market Place. Being only half built, it reminded me quite strongly of the early days of the Shuttle Shed. But instead of two long flanking platforms between which the shuttle wagons could run, there was here a quite large wooden floor piece, a square of about seven maybe eight strides I would estimate. That had been completed because another, but smaller, square was on top of it, creating a step up. And a third was being constructed, even as we looked on, on top of the second.

Pocular addressed the men making it: “Good afternoon, Masters and Goodmen. May I be informed just how many stepped up levels to this there shall be?”

The chargehand stood up slowly, both hands to his lower back as he arched it. He groaned lightly before answering, whilst stretching some more: “Good day, Masters, Mistress! This shall be the auction dais, so a pulpit will be built on the top level, which shall be the fifth above ground level. It has been calculated that there shall be room enough for a scribe and his desk and chair, and for the auctioneer and his pulpit. We are keeping the depth of each level the same, meaning the height of each step and also keeping the same distance from the edge to the start of the next step. The top level shall be two strides square and each step shall be two feet deep, from front to back.”

I could see Pocular and Papa doing some rapid calculations in their heads, so I tried some myself. Before I could even start, Pocular said: “So the base is seven strides and a foot square, then?”

The chargehand was visibly impressed: “Indeed Master, exactly so.”

Papa asked: “And the roof overhang?”

“From the centre point, Master, it shall stretch out to allow two rows of stalls, each itself two strides from front to back, and each stall being distanced by two strides from the one in front, or from the pedestal as appropriate. There shall be a foot overhang, because that makes ...”

“Twelve strides in each direction. So this whatever it shall be called shall be a square also, of twenty four strides a side?”

“So is it! Master, you astound me at the speed of your calculations.”

Pocular shrugged. “'Tis easy if you have a clear picture if your head. And your words were excellent to make that clear picture. As this shall be a Market Place, do I assume that there shall be no walls, that the roof shall be supported by those wooden columns?”

“Indeed so, Master.”

I couldn't help myself: “I see you build that dais by making first one level and then by adding another on top of it. Why do you not build a column of the correct height, two strides square, and then butt the other levels up against it, from each side? It seems to me that by building a floor, most of that floor would be forever unused! By building a tower so to speak first, then one or other side could be more easily cleared away, should the space ever be required.”

The three men standing by me all looked at me with their mouths hanging open. The hand of men working on the dais, they too all stopped abruptly. Saws and hammers were stilled, held in mid-strike or mid-stroke. Rather than get annoyed again, for surely that was what should happen if they were all inferring that women could not have an opinion, I suddenly and surprisingly found myself laughing.

But being annoyed at the same time.

Really! I had eight men all frozen and all with the same shocked expression on their faces. That was the amusing part. The fact that a woman had said something, however …...

I bit back my annoyance, aware that I had already amply demonstrated that day a certain short-temperedness. But I did notice that my question was never answered.

“'Twill be called the Auction Shed, Master,” was the only reply.

Papa was wise enough to lead us away at that point. For I discovered, for not the very first time, that I really do object to being ignored.

We crossed the road to the building with the curved wall at the 'back', although that would be the front as far as anyone in that park was concerned. Papa took us to the shortest wall and turned us to observe the Auction Shed once more, a view that was obscured by each wagon that passed, going into or out of Dam Road.

“Suddenly, what has been our Camping Place seems so small. The basic layout for what is referred to as the 'Wedding Inn' has encroached slightly into the old area and it stretches the entire width of the Cistern, indeed is even slightly wider. The Auction Shed, as you can plainly see from here, takes up much space of what is now called the Market Place.

“To our left, there is already a suggestion that the Shuttle Shed is moved, although there is a reasonable argument for it to be transferred entirely down to the Claw, for that is where the wagons overnight nowadays. They come up here, then go down to the Claw for the night, then come back up here before departing the next day.

“His Honour has told us that we must recruit quite heavily to expand the size of our guard force, and he and the Assembly have reserved that space to our right, the entire east side of the Market Place, and on down the Dam Road for more than several strides. It has been allocated to a barracks and associated training grounds. The Parade Ground will once more return to the town's use as soon as the barracks complex is prepared.

“But that is not really our point. We have merely established that this part of town is far from settled as yet.

“But what IS settled is this very part of this very area where we three currently stand.

“You know that the land behind us is to be an open area called a park. There are to be at least three of these parks within the town, areas upon which no buildings shall be allowed. One of the three is to be named after your suggestion, 'Lina, Jafferkin Park, but 'tis to be the one round the Community Hall, not the park here.

“This park shall have only the one building on it ... in it. Or however you wish to say it. The building shall be here. You can see it has been marked out. The short wall where we currently stand shall look out over the Market Place. The curved wall on the opposite side shall be a terraced area with steps down to the grassy area of the park itself. I make no apology for repeating that this is the only building in the entire park, for it is of the utmost relevance.

“And now, 'tis time for Pocular to explain some more.”

“Julina, I first met you and your father many weeks ago now. In those months and weeks, I am honoured to report, we have become friends. Thanks to your wonderful idea, your father and I actually have no need ever to work again in our lives if we so desire.”

I gasped as I took in his words. My eyes darted between the two of them as they nodded in agreement.

“Why?” he said rhetorically, “I imagine that you may well be wondering just that. Well, the answer is most simple. Whilst you were away, the Valley Messenger Service delivered a message to me, to us.”

He paused then, took a deep breath, he even gulped a little before continuing: “The rights for both the Hand Mirror and the Beam Lantern have been granted to all our neighbouring countries, who have also agreed to pay our design fees for the next two years. We have already made small fortunes from the sales just within North Palarand. Now we are receiving fees from the rest of Palarand AND its neighbours! Suddenly our 'market place' for these goods is ten times as great, maybe even more than ten times.”

My eyes could not have got any wider.

“Without you, we would not be in this happy position today, so we have petitioned the Assembly, and they have granted such petition, and we are delighted to say that you are now standing inside YOUR building. This was announced to the town generally some two days ago. Which is why your colleagues already know this.”

I lied to you. My eyes got even wider.

“Kordulen and I have purchased this exclusive building plot for you and it is now in your name. YOU are the possessor of the most exclusive address in Blackstone Town. It is our gift to you. Our way of thanking you. Please be aware that it does not mean that we shall withhold any future payments of coin, but this building is merely a token of our great appreciation. It is, I assure you, yours and you shall equip it for your Consociation at our expense. Whatever you need. Your plot, your building, your equipment, your decoration – our coin. The building has been named the Market Point Mansion.”

I looked at the two men, thoroughly overcome with shock.

And yes, even I, never exactly known for my silence, found myself utterly speechless.

… … …

“... she shall sleep this night in my room with me.”

I looked at Venket and she nodded to confirm Kassama's words. I had studied her closely upon my return, not trying to be subtle about it for that would achieve nothing. She was aware that we were all aware and I thus felt that she would be better served to know that we still accepted her and would indeed help her as much as we may. But my maternal instincts were telling me that Venket was worried about spending the night with a relative stranger. There was something more there, my feelings were telling me.

Naturally, things had settled down to a certain extent whilst I had been off with Papa and Pocular. I had somewhat dazedly returned and met Em before announcing myself once more in the kitchens.

This was an Em that I had never seen before, never as controlled and yet as simultaneously incandescent as she was now: “Her Father, 'Lina. Her actual FATHER! Mistress Lendra shall be informed as soon as we may. I have sent an urchin for her. She, Lendra that is, told us the mother was ill and could no longer walk properly. Venket tells us now that 'twas because the father beat the mother so severely, her leg was fractured in several places. But he denied her any healer's help, forcing her to continue with her chores. And he started turning his temper and demands upon his young daughter.”

“So my father's ill-advised bursting in with demands and authoritarianism set her off, probably because she thought she was safer when she was here?”

“Yes and no. Certainly she was always glad to come here, and to stay as late as possible - for that way, by the time she regained her home, the man would be snoring. But she also felt bad about that for then her poor mother had no-one to divert his attentions from her. Also, her father took all her coin from working here claiming it as his right. But it appears that what really tipped the balance was a phrase your father unfortunately used. For her own father announces something bad with the words: ' You shall be punished!'

“She heard those words from Kordulen and her world fell apart. For she looks up to you 'Lina, and suddenly she found that you too are a victim of a bullying father. It told her that all girls are. And that there is no hope for the future to become any better.

“Had it not been for her reaction, we would all have been laughing, for we knew what your father was going to do, but Venket was not present when he came in to see if we were in agreement. We were all so looking forward to the practical joke. The whole town knows about you being presented with the Market Point Mansion but none were allowed to tell you until your father and Master Pocular had done the actual deed.

“But Venket's reaction meant that we could not laugh. We explained to her it was meant to be a joke, but her faith has been severely shaken. We explained that your father was trying to be the opposite of that which he normally is and that he thought such a playacting would clue you in to the fact that this was not serious. I deem her reaction clouded your judgement at that instant.”

I could but nod in agreement as I asked: “What measures are taken against the father?”

“Vittima has been informed, and Fedren and Suril have gone to pay a visit. They hope to interview the mother before the father gets home, and then to arrest him if they find grounds so to do.”

“And poor Venket's future?”

“In the short term, if the man proves guilty, then she and the mother shall start again in a new dwelling. There are daily two or three hands of new builds, so 'twill not be difficult to find somewhere else entirely that they might start again with fewest bad memories.”

“Then we have time to arrange something, I deem. I must speak with her. And do so in front of the others.”

So it was I returned to the kitchen, gathered all of them together, even though they were yet behind schedule, and put my arms out for a group hug. It took a little while, but soon we were all as close as we could be. Gyth had returned by then, so the entire team was present, Kords and Kassama as well. Em came in with me and was a welcome observer.

“I would like to remind you all,” I started, “that we are the most successful team in the history of Blackstone, one that has gained a reputation for excellence and has also gained immense respect. I may have had the idea, after Em first mentioned the possibility and provided the venue, and I may have recruited the original band of us, a band that built this up much to what it is today.

“That band, however, is no longer together and the replacements have been carefully chosen. Not everyone was deemed to be good enough, but YOU were. Let's not forget that we are a team, nay, we are THE team. Ever achieving more and more. Every single one of you, even those most recently joined, are an important part of that team, and worthy of that respect, and worthy of that success. We are entering a period of more intense work, and I, along with Kelly, will be searching for more team members. This is no reflection upon any dissatisfaction with your performances, indeed I and Kelly could not be happier in that respect.

“And each and every team member ...” here I stared deliberately at Venket the longest, “... shall receive the unconditional and unstinting help from every other member. That's what makes us great. I like to think that we are a family away from home. We have today learnt that one of our members needs our help, so we will all be providing her with that, as we can. Venket, I see you are still shaky, and I promise you I have told my father off – it was meant as a joke, but your reaction was completely unforeseen. He desperately wishes to apologise to you, and will do so as soon as you feel able to talk with him.

“Now Em here has despatched people to make sure that your mother shall be safe and looked after, and gets whatever treatment she might need ...” I broke off suddenly for Venket had paled at those words and looked worried again, on the verge of tears again.

I forced myself back into giving them my message: “I myself have something else to do, again, but I shall come back later and be with you for as long as I can. So we have to find somewhere for Venket to sleep, first for right now, but also for the near future. None of us will allow you to be exposed to such a bullying man ever again.”

'Twas then that Kassama told us that Venket could share Kassama's room that night.

“Very well,” I said as we relaxed from the group hug, “and I shall make sure I find some other solution for tomorrow, if possible. Do you wish to rest from working this evening?”

She shook her head, but said nothing. I could see some more tears trembling on her lids.

“Now then all, whilst we are all together, there is more information to impart. As you are aware, I have only today returned from a brief trip down to Tranidor, and whilst I was away I have accumulated several more responsibilities, so my time spent here shall have to be reduced from now on.”

There were some gasps of surprise and some worried looks, so I rushed to reassure them: “But I will not be stopping completely. I will probably have far busier mornings then before, and will therefore not be able to put in the same amount of time every evening! Some evenings certainly, but not EVERY one.”

The worried looks indeed faded. I went on: “So I want you all to work just as hard for Kelly as you have for me. Kelly is now the team leader here, and I am merely one of her workers, and only part-time as well. Indeed, as I said, I have to go out again for a bell or more this evening, so Kelly starts her reign as of right now.”

I paused to let them say if they had any objections, but there were done. During this, I looked over to Gyth, asking her the open question between us with my eyes. Her eyes answered so I could continue speaking with scarce a break: “And one of those other responsibilities, well two actually, mean that I must send Gythy and her mother downvalley for at least two weeks, maybe as long as a month. She shall depart on the day after the Royal Party arrives. At least that way she shall get to see Her Highness.”

“Finally, I must try to thank you all for attempting to make my surprise more notable. A number of people have all made mention of the Consociation since I got back, after weeks of silence about it, so I sort of guessed something was up. But I would never, in a million years, have guessed what it was.

“To have been given that honour by the town and by my father and Master Pocular quite shocked me, I can tell you. So now I would like to get YOUR ideas on how the Consociation is to function. The idea is to promote excellence in the catering trade, to start a sort of Caterers Guild – would you all be so kind as to let me have your thoughts, say in a week's time? How do we teach cooking? What topics should we teach? Any and all aspects of what a person would require to gain a Certificate of Excellence. How many ranges should be available for the cooks to use at the same time? Anything, any little thing, you can think of. I need my trusted fellow team members to advise me. And I thank you all in advance.”

They all, even Venket, congratulated me on this further step to be taken. Dear Venket tried to apologise for spoiling the surprise but none of us would let her. There was some noisy reassurance for her.

I quietly whispered into one ear: “And, Gyth, there's another building to design, for there is only a ground level outline at the moment. Cooking school building. Called, apparently, the Market Point Mansion.”

I turned to Kelly and spoke up: “So Kelly, dear, are we going to do much more to get prepared for all the meals tonight we have had bookings for?”

She started allocating tasks, making full allowance for my next period of absence.

… … …

I went up Main Street first to see if I could find Pyor, hoping he was at Trokos' place. I crossed the street immediately as there was a convenient gap in the traffic and walked passed Uncle's place, pausing so I could peer in from the entrance. There was a weird sort of quiet in there, and I realised that even more of his activities must have been moved to the other side of the Valley, to the Artisans' Area or whatever this week's name for it was to be. I suddenly realised that maybe Trokos had also moved his business over there too, and mayhap the two wheelwrights weren't so easily obtainab …

A wender system! From here to the Artisans'! Of course! That would bring a closer contact and make life easier in general. And 'twould be more frequent early in the mornings and in the evenings of course, to bring workers there and back. Oh maybe at noonish too, for them to get back fo …

Meals! Maybe a restaurant over there somewhere. At the foot of the Stone Sea road maybe? I need to find out what current practices are. Do they all take lunch packs with them? Would a restaurant even be welcome? Could it be profitable? What sort of food?

By that time I had reached Trokos' and was relieved to find both the Masters there. My original purpose was to get Pyor and fetch him down first to the Claw and then across to where Jaffy's wagon was parked. But now, after that recent flash of an idea, I could also talk with Trokos, principally about finding say a hand of small wagons and the beasts to pull them.

As it transpired, I left there in the company of both men, richer with the knowledge that Pyor had brought up from Tranidor a supply of the paints used for Blackstone Wagons, but poorer by quite some coin - promised coin of course, for I had insufficient upon me to come anywhere near to the agreed amount.

This was simply because I had just purchased that hand of small wagons; Trokos had actually had them there gathering dust in his workshop. He, it turned out, had a supply of them since everyone had recently been concentrating on large wagons for long-distance loads. He had eight such smaller wagons that no-one seemed to want and which he had taken as part payments for larger ones. We three walked back down Main Street, Pyor and I both re-iterating that I was good for the coin promised, and Trokos re-iterating that he trusted us, based upon my reputation, and that of my father. And in the interests of forging close business ties between us.

He was happy, I was happy and I deem Pyor was too. He and I were both humming with a suppressed other motive as well, for I just knew he wanted to see if this last wagon of Jaffy's was the same as the other ones – as, of course, did I!

I was happy since all that was missing from my latest Blackstone Wagons ideas were the drivers and the animals. But Trokos had some useful contacts, and also, I knew, so would Sookie and Goodman Mutab, therefore I was sure that we would be able to bridge those difficulties soon, even if not immediately.

Both my companions were a little shocked when I dragged them first into the Steward's house with me. As was not unexpected, Mistress Donet said she would take a message to him. We had to wait and sat upon the chairs provided for such. After about only five or six moments, His Honour came out to us.

“Mistress Julina,” he began, his sharp eyes having seen immediately that I was there with a stranger, so he used the formal way of addressing me, “and Master Trokos, good morrow. And this is?”

“This is Master Pyor, Your Honour. He has been appointed the Blackstone Wagons' wheelwright down in Brayview and is here to meet Master Trokos and to see our beautiful town before he becomes buried in the gloom of his workshop downvalley.” My laugh was matched by the Captain's.

Pyor's eyebrows rose slightly at the obvious familiarity between His Honour and myself. I suspect Master Trokos was a bit surprised too, ever so slightly.

“Very pleased to meet you, Master Pyor. I'm glad to see our dynamic young Mistress has also found a youngster for her enterprise. But just looking at the two of you makes me feel old. Neither of you seem to be old enough to be counted adults!”

“Your Honour, Master Pyor's father, Goodman Quizzen, is also going to be our depot manager, and part-time driver, based down at Brayview, where we have a small wagon positioned already and a dranakh named Zayring, ready for commissions down there. There shall be a large wagon based there too, very soon.

“But it is in fact a question of wagon size that has brought me to you. You asked for a wagon on the morrow. I need simply to know three things.”

I raised three fingers of my left hand, and folded them down as each point was raised: “Size, place and time. We have up here now two large wagons and one small. One of the large ones is still to be painted, by Master Trokos here, and the … nay, hold. We have THREE large wagons up here now, for Jafferkin's other is already here. But I have but two drivers in effect. One, Goodman Kulyer shall also act as my Arranger, in fact he shall share an office with Sook .. Mistress Sukhana's Arranger, Goodman Mutab.”

“Maker! Or, as I believe I have heard the term 'Balth!' used by our wagoneering profession. You HAVE been busy since your return!”

The two with me burst out into a peal of genuine laughter, both visibly impressed that the Steward knew some traveller's swear-words.

“And have you enough beasts?”

“Goodman Kulyer came north with his wagon and his dranakh Roogen, now of course both are of Blackstone Wagons. Goodman Rabeez came with our wagon and dranakh, Hedda. He is our other driver. I have a dranakh, Josten, who used to be Jaffy's. I believe that Josten is also associated with another dranakh from the Trogan days, Taneesa. She is close to Epp, er Mistress Megrozen. So I deem we have enough beasts, but only for the moment.”

“Very well; let me see, to answer your three questions; a large wagon I deem, just in case, 2nd Bell, here.”

“Thank you, Your Honour. I shall so inform Goodman Rabeez.”

“Not your Goodman Kulyer? That surprises me a trifle! I would have supposed that your senior man would do the very first commission.”

“No, Your Honour. He will be far too busy for I have just purchased a hand of smaller wagons from Master Trokos here, and we shall need beasts and drivers for them. Kulyer will have to start finding them.”

“So many, already! Do you have such great plans, then?”

“Your Honour, I need to tell you about wenders, and about a special form of them called bacs. ...”

… … …

“... so you see, Sookie, already I am practically out of my depth! But His Honour has granted us the same rights here for wenders and bacs as we have down in Tranidor. I am sure that Master Rohid would be more than willing to send you any advice and ideas.”

“Maker!”

“Or do you mean Balth!?”

“Well I suppose I could have said that. Whence on Anmar did you gather that word then?”

“From the Captain of all people.” A thought suddenly struck me. “I hope that's not a rude word a woman should not use?”

“Kallisthena, no!”

“Kallie what?”

The others all laughed at my confusion.

Pyor said: “We have at least one word we use for exclamations that begins with each consonant of the letterset. Balth. Davikto. Kallisthena. And on and on and on. All are used by all. Though, as you guessed, there ARE some that are rude and used only by men. So I cannot, of course, tell you about those ones!”

Sookie made us all roar with laughter when she said: “Don't worry 'Lina, I'll tell you THOSE ones when they're gone.”

By then the four of us had reached Jaffy's 'abandoned' wagon. We were about to clamber all over it, when two men came rushing, as fast as they could walk, to the gate to the paddock.

“Hey there,” I called, “well met! Mompik and Zarda, right? But I forget your ranks, I regret.”

“Well met Mistress Julina, Mistress Sukhana, and er … Masters. We are File Leaders,” they laughed, “although without real files at the present. Recruitment is slow.”

I did the quick introductions, for these two were obviously in a great hurry. They would not tell us what they were up to, stating simply “The Captain's orders”. They gathered their frayen and led them back to the Claw. Sookie accompanied them, calling back to me: “I shall let Rabeez know his timetable for the morrow, and Kulyer the wender and bac news.”

“Thank you!”

So, that left just three of us with the last of 'my' wagons.

Well four actually, because just then Josten arrived. Pyor opened the gate to let him into the paddock, carefully closing the gate after him lest any of the other beasts made off.

The men scrambled quickly all over the wagon and soon declared it capable of being taken up to Trokos' workshop. At one point Pyor looked at me when Trokos was underneath checking the axles or somesuch. With eye speak, we agreed not to mention the secret compartments on the chair while Trokos was around. At least the secret compartments we only assumed would be there.

Rootling around in the belly, the men found a harness that had been neatly stashed there and they went forward to attach it to the yokes. I ran my finger lightly along the edge of the chair and indeed found one of the tiny latch buttons. I ran my finger over it again, just to check you will understand, but this time I must have been pressing a little harder for it sprang up unexpectedly, with quite a loud click. My eyes jerked to Trokos whose head was just beginning to turn.

I leaned across to hide the secret compartment from view by pretending to be wiping something further away. My other hand scooped out the contents and I dropped them into one of my pockets, with a rattle that they both heard. My elbow had closed the lid out of their sight, so I had no choice but to thrust my hand into that pocket and deliberately rattle the coins about, trying to pretend that I was trying to prevent any spillage from the pocket as I stretched across the chair.

By that time, Josten was sniffling, waiting to wear the harness and to back in between the yokes. That made both men turn to him and gave me time to step back, saying something trivial like: “I can't reach properly.” I turned my back on them and counted the coin, which, thinking about it later, was exactly what I would have done had I really been afeared that some may have dropped. The total was precisely the same as had been in the other wagons, in that compartment.

I marvelled slightly because Josten seemed to understand what I was doing and made sure the men's attention was on him, so much so that I had time to do some more. I went round and indeed managed to empty all the six compartments unnoticed, this time being far more quiet about it. Exactly as before, exactly the same amounts in exactly the same configuration.

The unaccustomed weight was making the waistband of my skirt dig into the tops of my hips, a feeling with which I was totally unfamiliar. I kept my hand tightly around a single Crown coin. As soon as the men professed themselves ready, and Josten took up the strain, I managed to slip that coin into Pyor's grasp. He knew immediately what it was and tried to refuse it. All being done silently, of course.

“Masters,” I said loudly, “without you here, I would never have learnt so many things that would have forever remained a secret. I must thank you both profusely.”

Pyor suddenly realised the full meaning behind my words. At last he stopped protesting.

But then he said something that took us other two by surprise: “Right then Mistress Julina, take the reins, for you shall drive us up to Master Trokos' workshop! I shall do the gatework, and Trokos, you sit with Mistress Julina. As you have gathered, the dranakh is closely keyed to her, so I fear little shall occur in such a short journey.”

As if to confirm his words, Josten swung his big head round to look at me. I convinced myself that he told me he would look after me, but that, of course, would be impossible.

So it was that I became the first female wagoneer ever seen in Blackstone. And yes - it did cause a stir!

… … …

“... and so I have that other house to be designed, Gyth, m'dear. If you could have a look at it on the morrow and we shall meet in the Claw to discuss it? Half a bell before the noon announcement?”

I was back in the Salon kitchens to offer what help I could. But we, well I, had barely started again when Swayga came in.

“Julina, your father told me you would be here or down in the Claw, so I guessed right for my first attempt. Which of you girls is Venket?”

Timid little Venket just half stuck up a hand, but Swayga saw it.

“My man is a loving, caring, respectful man, one who has been an exemplary father to Julina, Kordulet, Kordulissa, Jululet, Kordulkin and Korden. He presents his most sincere compliments and abject apologies to you. He was attempting, as I'm sure has been explained already, to play a joke upon his eldest daughter, and tried to act out of character in order to underline that joke.

“The fact that he chose to portray a character as opposite to his norm as he could imagine and that that pretend character was a personality that would so terrify you, was something that was totally unforeseen and is totally regrettable. He appreciates, now, that you are scared of men for whatever reasons and has sent me to find out what he would be allowed to do to make you feel better about him.”

She turned and singled me out then: “And also to find out if this woman here intends to return to her home at any time today? When should I prepare a bath for her? A meal perchance? It is already dusk, and the rest of the family shall have eaten by the time I get back. So Julina, have you any intention of seeing them before the little 'uns get to bed?”

“Oh Swayga, I must work here a little longer, for I have already caused some delays. I shall find my way home in a bell or so.”

“Julina, you have done much today, four bells in the saddle before putting in what has amounted to a full day's work since you arrived. You must be exhausted, dear, and with the emotion of discovering your first surprise, and I hear you have been in the company of the wheelwrights and have had meetings with His Honour and with Mistress Sukhana. Not to mention driving a wagon up Main Street. How could you not be exhausted?”

The others all rounded on me, saying: “Driving a wagon? You never said ...”

… … …

I sank into the blissful warmth of a bath. A bath in my own home.

… … …

I sank into the blissful warmth of a soft bed with generous covers. My own soft bed in my own home.

---

Maybe Julina should learn to expect the 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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Maker, or maybe I should say Balth, or Davikto, or Kallisthena, mayhap you may choose whichever you like. But was I ever stiff when I awoke!?

A hard day yesterday had started with much riding, continued with much walking and finished with much kitchen work – all mixed around much emotional and mental work.

And I was not just stiff but was also bruised, as I had indeed expected, from Venket's close and tight embraces of yesterday.

The stiffness, however, did not last long and I was pleased when my muscles managed to relax enough to allow me to accept the hugs and cuddles from my siblings. A chat, a bath, a breakfast, a brief tidying of my room, a swift dressing, family Tai Chi and then I was once more on my way to the town centre. In those days I was young enough to be impatient to get on with the tasks I had set myself and had no worries about not having the energy required to see it all through.

The sun was shining brightly; once it later fully cleared the ridge to the east, I would feel one of the first real morning stings of the year in it, even before it rose very much higher, but for now it was yet to heave itself up above that ridge to the east. The upper levels of the western ridge were of course bathed in its rays, and those reflected gloriously down upon us, but we down here in the valley floor had a little while to wait before those wonderful rays reached down to warm us all directly - and to gladden our hearts. Although the days were now closing in upon the longest ones, we had been feeling the sting of the sun's rays only in the afternoons really. Soon, we all knew, that would change, and the mornings too would begin to bite.

But at that heartbeat, I must repeat, I was walking still in the shadow cast by the mountains, it being barely the second Bell; the night 'chills' had not all yet completely dissipated.

Downvalley, most of the Forest was still buried in a thick cloud cover, so for the tenth or eleventh day in a row, the semaphore was not clacking.

Even as I thought that, it started doing so. I whirled round and saw that the Strettalm was visible, and the one over to the right, all the way down above the falls, was it my imagination or could I see the outline of it? My eyes swung to the station between us and Strettalm, and there it was, clearly to be seen. Maybe we would be back in communications today? No doubt our station here in Town was getting as much as it could down as far as it could. I wondered if the Strettalm one also had a huge backlog of signals to pass on. Maybe to us?

I decided today to walk up the east side of East Street for a change, to see what other building plots were allocated and ready to be built upon. There were several I had spotted yestere’en and I deemed they warranted further investigation.

Once I had a feel for what had happened, an overview type thing, I realised that I had noticed that actually the corner plots, where the Cross Lanes joined, seemed to be the most popular. I idly wondered about to whom these plots belonged.

I further realised that a trend was appearing; it hit me that this was something that I needed to ponder more deeply. The old established buildings had extensive rear courtyards with large stables and quite expansive wagon parking. They mostly had separated kitchens and bathing rooms. However, these newer ones seemed more compact somehow, most people not having a need for frayen, dranakh and wagons of whatever size. And the buildings were closer together somehow, more crowded, if you like.

And yet, it appeared to me as I walked slowly by, that the purchasers, or reservers, or builders, or whoever it was who was responsible, that they preferred to have plots inside the corners of junctions, having roads on two sides of them. Why would they want to be near two roads and yet not have pulling beasts?

Those thoughts, along with its very large visual clue, reminded me of something, so I walked along North Cross Lane to the junction with Dam Road and there inspected Berdon and Bettayla's plot; for I could see (from afar) that their house was nearly complete. At that time, 'twas in fact the only one that had all walls and a roof. You may, I suppose, consider that visual clue a bit of an attention-grabber. I walked up to the plot and had a good nose around. No-one was about, so I indulged my nosiness as completely as was ever going to be possible.

I made a mental note to discuss their designs with them, for some things appeared to me to be most … interesting, I suppose; not exactly puzzling, you will understand, more … unexpected. I further noticed that they had allocated only a small stable out the back, enough for maybe three frayen. They had no real paddock and the kitchen and bathroom were, as now usual, an integrated part of the ground floor, but kept as separate as possible lest a devastating fire took hold.

That early observation gave rise to another thought, so I scurried on up to my new building plot where I wanted to confirm something. Something that indeed I had subconsciously noted; there were no arrangements whatsoever for frayen. I started to worry about that ...

Duh! The public stables above the Cistern were so close by, any visitors with frayen could stable their beasts there!

And so it was that I had eventually come to the Market Place. And what was now my building. Market Point Mansion. And there I met my dear friend Gyth who was already inspecting the site.

She waved a greeting and opened her mouth to speak. As soon as I saw that, I was waiting for a torrent of questions and so I mentally braced myself.

But her first words were about something else entirely: “Have you set up a wenders scheme here in Blackstone?”

“Well I mentioned it yesterday to several people. Why do you ask?”

She gestured to the Shuttle Shed where I saw a throng of people I had not yet noticed, my concentration being on my house and my friend. Over there was also a wagon just departing; it was loaded, and yet not fully laden I remarked, with other people. The wagon was starting out in the direction of the Loop Road. Another two wagons were waiting to load up as well. I blinked rapidly in surprise, for yes, it appeared a wender system was running!

Which meant I needed to go and find out what was happening.

And yet I needed to talk with Gyth too. I almost began to dither before my decisiveness returned.

I spoke briefly with Gyth about the house, for we had already discussed it in general terms the day before. I also kept it brief because I suddenly realised we both wanted to get over to the Shuttle Shed to discover more – Gyth was as curious as I was! And it had to be done fairly quickly while there was still someone to ask.

Yes, I already had questions.

I relaxed slightly when I got a glimpse of Mutab there, directing, so I wanted to find out more precisely what arrangements had been made. And how it had started so swiftly.

Gyth and I made our way over there as rapidly as we might without actually running.

We waited then for Mutab to finish his conversation with someone else, then I greeted him and made the introductions.

… … ...

“... so we spread the word last night after favourable feedback. We have promised to have three days of trials upon which we shall charge nothing. We shall have four wagons that leave here at this time every day to go round to the Artisans' and one to go to the Dam. Same arrangement for returning of an evening.”

“But why are they not full, there are people aplenty here?”

“We have planned two intermediate stops, one at each of the round settlements, at what are known as the Miners' Villages, so we have allowed a little space for anyone there. We shall learn and adjust as we do this.”

We chatted a bit more about the wenders project before we parted, giving Gyth and I an opportunity to speak in more detail about Market Point Mansion. We did this even as we went on our short way to the wheelwright's, Gyth stating firmly that she was staying with me as she apparently found it fascinating to learn more and more.

And neither of us should really be wandering around alone, we knew.

As mentioned, we talked some more about the Market Point Mansion as we went, but 'twas not far from the Shuttle Shed to the wheelwright's, so we drew no conclusions nor made any binding decisions.

“Good morrow, Mistress Julina, Mistress Gythy.”

“Master Trokos, may I suggest that we should drop our titles, for we shall be working quite closely in the future I deem? And you and Pyor have already done so, and Pyor and I too. And Mistress Gythy here is one of my best friends, she will soon be working closely with Pyor ...” I saw his eyebrows rise at that “... and she already knows almost all of my business. So I deem we should all drop the formalities as soon as we might.”

“It shall be my honour, Julina, an honour for which I thank you.”

We did the usual formal handshake to confirm the deal. “And Gythy, I shall be delighted and honoured to do the same with you!”

This was followed by Pyor's repeat with Gyth and at last, finally, we could talk business without worrying about titles.

“Trokos, Pyor, I deem I shall require...”

We had an efficient and fruitful discussion session now those tiresome formalities were put away, in the course of which I learnt that the men and Trokos' apprentices had worked until gone midnight last night. Jafferkin's wagon and two of the smaller ones had been stripped down and were already ready for painting.

Trokos had arranged for some frayen to be presented for consideration later that morning, so Blackstone Wagons had started strongly. Gyth made a good suggestion or two and we bounced ideas forward and back, all of us enjoying the thinking and free discussions.

Gyth and I ended up inviting Pyor, Trokos and the latter's wife, whose name was Gaynika, for a dinner at our expense in the Salon that night. Trokos went off to tell her and we three remaining all heard the squeal of delight with which the invitation was received. Gyth and I both caught Pyor looking at us a little quizzically, but neither of us were prepared to boast about our own establishment. Gyth and I told them of the available choices for food and noted their preferences.

Again Pyor looked at us and I suddenly realised that he must be mightily confused about what we did during our days. Gyth caught on at the same time so we delighted in teasing poor Pyor, knowing that eventually Trokos or someone would put him straight.

And we made it even more confusing for him by telling him about Gyth’s assignment to design houses and rooms for him and his family. The sensible man held his tongue though, just absorbing the information given out between our giggles, and we could see a dawning understanding soon in his eyes.

And so it was that Gyth and I worked our way down Main Street, chatting here, checking there, asking and telling as we went. We dropped into the Salon as we passed, but only Kassama was there, clearing up after her breakfasts for her staying guests and Em came down to us when she heard our voices. It was, of course, still far too early for the Salon girls to have arrived. We left the three dinner place reservations and the associated orders of food with Em to write in the Book and then we carried on down Main Street.

I was concentrating upon setting up what I could, when I could, for I was all too aware that I needed many, many more staff for all the schemes I needed to get up and running. I let it be known wherever I went that I was looking for more restaurant workers, both kitchen and front-of-house. Gyth added her enthusiastic endorsements whenever 'twas appropriate. I also mentioned the wenders thing and dropped hints about the bacs. And let it be known I was looking for drivers and animals. I received some strange looks when the full scope of my enquiries were revealed. All were told to register interest or suggestions with Sookie down at the Claw and I would be available only later in the afternoon, at around the 8th Bell, maybe the 9th.

Gyth and I had our arranged meeting in the Claw with Sookie and, for a short while, with Maglaga, and we agreed on the basics for the 'Mansion' quite quickly. When Sookie had joined us she informed us that this morning's wender exercise had been a great success. The four of us discussed things like range requirements in the Mansion, should students sleep in house or elsewhere, storage and also course development. Not forgetting the serving side of things, and table decoration and layout.

And our next ride out on frayen. These other two had not spent so much time in a saddle as had I recently, so were far more keen than I.

I never thought I would ever get to the stage of considering riding a frayen to be a chore!

We had a light meal and then it was time for me to go to the Assembly Meeting to which I had been 'invited'. I chose to take Gyth with me, as my companion lest no other females were there, and she was highly excited, and nervous, about that. I put it down to a natural feeling of being 'honoured' to be present with all the decision makers of what was now Blackstone County. Again, I sensed something was up when I caught a meaningful glance between Sookie and Gyth but neither had otherwise given any indication that anything might be known to them but not to me. Maybe I was being over sensitive after my reactions of yesterday had been shown to be somewhat over exaggerated.

… … …

“... and so we welcome Master Simman and Mistresses Julina and Gythy. I am glad that the latter is here today as well, for we are able now to make a formal vote of thanks to them both for the work and suggestions they made to the design of the living quarters in the Community Hall.

“But we shall get to that. We have a lot to do today for 'tis entirely possible that the Royal Party shall arrive this evening, more probable though that they shall do so on the morrow.

“I have despatched two men to camp in the woods at the top of the slope across the rock face, at the foot of Strettalm if you prefer, to keep a watch upon the road, that they might then rush here with advanced warning of when the Royal Party depart the Forest Roadhouse. Sadly the clouds have rolled back in and, after a brief flurry of message exchanges earlier this morning, we are once again reliant upon mounted messengers.

“I confess that we have all been somewhat remiss. The original idea, not so long ago now if you all set your minds to it, was that the semaphore would transmit a message and a written copy of such a message would be sent with the Messenger Service. But the number of messages soon exceeded anything that had been foreseen, by more than fifty times, maybe even one hundred times, and the written copies were rapidly forgotten. Even the copies of the important ones. Nowadays only messages sent with the highest priority codes are actually copied and sent by messenger.

“And no-one has noticed! If the original system were still in place, then we would have more information about our forthcoming guests. As it is, we are left with some guesswork.

“So let us commence this meeting with the arrangements each here have made on matters OTHER than the Royal Party, for that topic we shall leave almost to the last. ...”

And so was it that His Honour got the meeting properly underway.

I had some idea of the sort of things that they discuss in these meetings but for Gyth 'twas an eye-opener. She finally realised that these men and women really tried their best to help everyone and everything grow. And that sometimes decisions had to be made for the good of the majority but to the detriment of a small number of people.

It was quite early on in the process that I was asked to speak.

“Mistress Julina, you were kind enough to describe to me yesterday a form of transport available to the citizens of Tranidor called the 'Wender System', and its cousin called 'Bac'. Would you be so kind as to describe this again to everyone here, but for now confine yourself merely to that description?”

“With pleasure, Your Honour. The idea came about because of the Shuttle service we have here and I ...”

I reddened when I got a round of applause from everyone after I finished.

“Thank you, Mistress Julina,”said the Captain. “Count Trosanar has seen fit to grant an Operator's Licence to run the Wenders and the Bacs to Master Tanon's company within his lands, and Master Tanon has employed a partner company to help with the demand. And there is a HUGE demand. So much so, that they are now running extended wenders to neighbouring villages to ease their inhabitants' difficulties of getting into the town.

“Unwittingly, we have created a similar sort of situation up here by shifting most of our industry over to the Artisans' Area. For this reason, I granted a temporary licence yesterday, valid for one week whilst investigations were conducted into whether or not this service would be valuable for us. From this morning's experiences, I deem we can already safely say that the service will be a success.

“I granted this temporary licence to the same partner company that Master Tanon uses down in Tranidor. This company has the name 'Blackstone Wagons'.”

The Captain paused just then, to allow the others not in the know to gasp with some surprise.

“This is a company run by two Blackstone residents. One spends time also down in Tranidor, mind you, and he is Mistress Megrozen's man, Master Shemel. The other is Mistress Julina there! Blackstone Wagons, as you all know, have a commission from us to provide some form of transport to us, the Assembly, as a priority. Mistress Julina can now ...”

And so it was that I then described the developments with Blackstone Wagons, the personnel involved and the wagons, beasts and buildings that were underway.

The end of all this was that the Assembly voted unanimously to provide Blackstone Wagons with a Licence to operate Wenders and Bacs in Blackstone County. I formally promised to involve Master Tanon's company and to share the proceeds.

Then the conversation went onto the development of the Market Place. Soon I needed to interrupt with the idea I had had yesterday with Papa and Master Pocular, about the ease of clearing space in the Auction Shed should it become necessary. The upshot of that was, after a huge amount of meaningful glances all around the table, my suggestion was adopted and Master Simman dashed off there and then to tell the men to change from a stack of ever smaller platforms to having a central tower from which one or two sides could be easily removed. I tried hard not to feel smug.

Then they discussed the barracks to be, which let me sit and listen for a while. Simman returned in the midst of this.

Then they discussed the Cistern and the public stabling and wagon parking.

It was thereafter that Master Bezan said: “I have a suggestion for the Assembly to consider with regard to the 'Wedding Inn', however, I would request that we delay such a discussion while I deal first with another subject. I will return to this subject, I promise, but have reasons for delaying it right now. I would needs, believe it or not, first discuss some developments down at Bezlet, for they have a bearing on this subject and indeed on another subject that we all, except for our guests, know is going to come up.”

Everyone round the table was puzzled at that, I can tell you. After catching everyone's eye, the Captain allowed Bezan to take the conversational reins in hand.

“I was down in Bezlet recently and actually took delivery of some cement from a Blackstone Wagons driver. Whilst we were there, Mistress Julina had another one of her ideas – I mentioned this briefly yesterday, you will all recall. At the time, I was deep in discussions about the barge dock there and frankly I listened to her suggestion and only really thought about it in terms of the usage of the dock, which is what I reported yesterday. I saw in my mind that her suggestion of building a bridge across to some of the standing rocks in mid-stream would provide an easier way to hold approaching barges against the current.

“'Twas only afterwards that I really began to think about what we had said then. For there were other great advantages that we mentioned at the time, but which I somehow pushed to the back of my mind.

“First of all, Mistress Julina proposed to build a bridge across the entire width of the river, not just between a few rocks. And I have to say that I fully support that idea, for a number of reasons; but to my mind there are two of these reasons that appear to be the greater.

“One – we will eventually require a railroad connection to Tranidor. Due to the falls along the river Bray, it is difficult in the extreme to construct a roadbed for this railroad down the west side of the Bray and we have already agreed that 'twould be best to do so down the east side. We are even now working on removing the 'nose' of Kord's Peak to enable the roadbed to pass downstream there. However, I realise now that this was one of the advantages that Mistress Julina then mentioned. The river there is far narrower than downstream near Tranidor itself, so a shorter bridge would be required here. She did mention it, I even agreed with her, but soon returned once more to the barging thinking.

“Two – a bridge here would open up access to the West Bank Lands which are fertile but totally unused agricultural lands. There is NO-ONE over there doing any farming because their access to markets is severely limited. A bridge would open up those valuable growing areas. And we are already feeling the pinch with providing fodder for us all up here. Again Mistress Julina mentioned this, again I concurred with her, and again I went back to the barging questions. Clearing the land there for farmers to grow needed provisions shall furthermore provide us with some more wood for construction and the like.

“As you can see, Mistress Julina's suggestion has more and larger advantages than I have hitherto reported. I needed to mention this now, for the event to happen soon.”

All nodded, and murmured agreement with a slight air of wonderment. But Gyth and I looked at each other in confusion. We had NO idea what Bezan was referring to, except, of course, I knew what Bezan and I had discussed the other day.

My musing was interrupted once more. My attention sharpened as Master B continued: “However, there was something else I learnt that day. I call upon Mistress Julina again, but perchance this time she could report to us about Meglina Accommodations.”

All eyes swung round to me. I couldn't help myself but to blush. And then I told them about Epp and I and our fledgling business, and our insistence upon the highest standards we could achieve. I was surprised by the round of applause at the end.

Master Bezan spoke up again: “So it occurred to me that maybe one of the difficulties we mentioned yesterday could be solved. I propose that we offer the operation of the 'Wedding Inn' to Meglina Accommodations!”

There was a chorus of 'Of course's and 'Neat solution's and so on.

“Masters and Mistresses, I had actually some other ideas for Meglina's involvement up here, and was going to wait until the end of this meeting to mention them. I require some more information before I can make a concrete proposal. I had never thought about the 'Wedding Inn'.”

“And what are your proposals, in general terms, of course, that we might offer our advice?”

“Well I was checking on the wender trial this morning and I thought that maybe we should have more wagons available in the mid-day period so that workers over there could be brought back for their lunches. And then I thought that maybe we could open an eatery over there to save some journeys; and then I thought maybe there should be an inn somewhere near the Stone Sea Road junction ...”

My voice tailed off in a questioning tone, for in truth I had not got much further than that in my thinking.

There was a silence. Which made me look to Gyth for support. But then they all exclaimed and pronounced themselves amazed at my visions. And gave me permission to start building an inn over there. One thing led to another and before I really knew it, Meglina had purchased the 'Wedding Inn' which I had managed to get renamed. I had suggested, based on what I saw yesterday, that it be called the 'Frolicking Frayen' and they all laughed and agreed. None had liked the 'Wedding Inn' appellation.

After that, I felt my involvement was really at an end, but the Captain did not indicate that I should leave, as he normally does.

Gyth and I sat there as other matters were cleared off the agenda. We learnt what steps were being taken to increase the 'Country Guard' as the Captain referred to it at the moment, and we learnt about Ptuvilend, the region jointly-administered by Palarand and Vardenale, and the efforts to map it more accurately, and the instructions to investigate if there was a possibility of any route from the Vale down to Ptuvilend.

We learnt that a new business was being set up up here – we now had a printer's establishment.

We learnt about the railroad trials that were taking place. Apparently they were using wooden rails and were trialling ways of making them diverge and to cross one another. They had some problems with wheels dropping into gaps as far as I could make out.

We learnt about the development of the flour mills down in Tamitil, and the proposal to use the old mill by the forest's edge to maybe grind the larger stones extracted from the Stone Sea.

We learnt about a third Miners' Village to be constructed further along again towards the head of the Bray valley.

We learnt that the water supply was copious and the under-mountain lake was probably larger than the open lake above the dam.

We learnt that maybe a new dam would be built now that we didn't depend solely upon its waters.

And so on. And so on.

These were all topics that they wished to have clear in everyone's minds, to be discussed with Her Highness when she arrived.

Thus it was that, finally, the Captain introduced the major topic, that of the Royal Visit.

He did so in a way that was shocking to me. Shocking in the extreme. When it got to a certain point, that is.

“Our town has expanded so much and so quickly that we can no longer refer to well-known places like the 'White House' or the 'Grey Rock'. The Quarry Track has been entirely subsumed by the town end of the Loop Road, as an example. We have the Dam Road, we have East Street. And so on. Even the Miners' Village has been doubled and we have agreed to add a third portion as well.

“'Twill be, I deem, easy to slip into confusions and inexactitudes in all our dealings if we do not immediately allocate names to various parts of the town. We have made a start, as I have indicated with some of the names that I just mentioned. We have the Cross Lanes, North, Middle and South. And so on.

“We have determined that there shall be at least three open areas which are known as 'parks'. Mistress Julina here suggested that one of those areas be called Jafferkin Park, which suggestion was unanimously accepted. 'Twas originally to be the park closest to the now-called Market Place, but for reasons that shall become apparent, we decided to use that name for the park area around the Community Hall.

“There shall also be another park down on the east side of West Street, down behind the Bell Inn's paddock. Master Bezan here has requested that he be allowed to build a home there, which we all approved. The lane that leads to West Street from Main Street and which passes down the north wall of the Bell Inn shall be called Bell Lane. The Bell itself, then its paddock, then Master Bezan's thin plot shall be the only areas occupied, if that is the right word, before reaching this third park area. Bell Lane shall cut straight across the park, which shall be broader north of Bell Lane than south of it. We all agreed that this park shall be named for a stalwart of this community for many years. It shall bear the name Jepp Park.

“And now I have the pleasant duty of announcing the name of the third park, although 'tis in fact the first park that shall be completed. We are all aware that Masters Kordulen and Pocular did as they promised yesterday e'en and presented the Mistress here with her Mansion – the Market Place Mansion. It is the only building between the Market Place and the park. For this reason we have all agreed, with almost no need for discussion, to call this park a name that will fit with the others. We have Jafferkin Park, we have Jepp Park and now we shall have Julina Park.”

They all stood up, grinning as they clapped me enthusiastically.

I think I might have managed to not burst into tears, but Gyth handed me a cloth to catch them and that set me off.

It took me a little while before I could actually see the copy of the map they had had drawn up. By that time, my body had learnt to breathe once more.

“It is little enough reward to you for all you have done for this Town,” said the Captain after the applause had all but died down, “your ideas have been excellent and we wanted to get all this out of the way before Her Highness arrived that we might start referring to places and things with authority and definite meaning. I have no intention of listing all your ideas that have been so instrumental, but I assure I shall do so as soon as the Princess and I sit down together. For surely there will be a lot of kerfuffle first with welcomes and speeches and a certain amount of chaos as the Royal Party are allocated their spaces around town.”

“Errm,” I hesitantly started. “This is all so totally unnecessary. Welcome indeed, but nevertheless unnecessary. Surely others have devoted time and effort and ideas. Why, I can look around this table and see ...”

“Indeed, Mistress Julina, there have been others, and they shall themselves be rewarded appropriately – the big difference was that your name shall be associated with a specific location, and the location names we deemed to be of raised importance. Particularly at this time.”

“I see. Then I must formally thank you and your Assembly for the great honour. I hope and trust I shall do nothing to make you all regret this decision.”

“If any of us,” said Uncle as he jumped into the conversation, “had any fears on that score, then we would never had done this in the first place!”

There was a murmur of agreement round the room. While this was going on, I noticed the Captain consulted some notes, whispered something to Master Jepp and received a nod of agreement in reply.

“Mistress Julina, we have I deem a quarter bell in which to hear of your latest trip to Tranidor. Would you perhaps give a quick but formal overview report to the Assembly that we might all hear of developments downvalley. 'Twill save me much repetition, I deem,” he added with a laugh.

And so I stood and told them all about my trip. I tried, mostly successfully, to gloss over some things and on others I was stopped and questioned, most noticeably about the make-up of the Royal Party.

And Master B was indeed most interested in further information about the Zias, as were the rest of the Assembly, they all grasping the significance of having a standing cooling apparatus in the warm months, which might save some of the water demand.

“Do we have a decent potter here in Town?” asked the Captain.

“Mayhap not a Master of the craft, for 'tis not up to now been deemed to be of great importance, but perchance we could ask one of the farmers down near the Forest, for there is one there whose products are generally superior – the one who makes most of the Chamber-pots. Tell us again of the requirements. The outer must be porous ...”

And so the meeting eventually came to an end.

… … …

But the day had yet to finish with its surprises for me.

The kitchens, clearly, were but a few strides from where the meeting had just ended and I had duties to perform in those kitchens.

But first, I had to go down to the Claw, for I had told people that I would be there for them to apply for any of the jobs for which I had vacancies.

'Twas close to the ninth Bell when I arrived there, the time that I had suggested earlier, the time when several were beginning to stop their work prior to cleaning themselves up before eating their evening meals. There were just a few moments more than eleven bells of daylight between dawn and dusk in those days, not the longest days of the year which were possessed of over twelve, but getting there. And several present in the Claw showed obvious signs of having been working out in the sun, which had indeed been quite fierce in the afternoon. I winced at the colour of some of the exposed skins there.

The place was packed, which surprised me.

But then I was even more surprised to find that half the customers were there waiting for me!

There was a great clamour and I had to stand on one of Sookie's tables and shout just to impose some sort of order. I managed to catch Marnie's eye and she kindly came over.

“Marnie – I shall need help here. Can you find an urchin to send to Mistress Michet's kitchens, the Salon kitchens, and get Kelly to come down urgently? And then can you fetch preferably Goodman Kulyer, but mayhap Goodman Mutab too, for many here are interested in driving? With paper and reedlets?”

She bobbed a quick curtsey and scurried purposefully off. Again I was impressed by her efficiency.

Most of those that had come to see me to find some work were the younger ones of the town, but the second largest group were the most ancient ones. All the groups were split mostly evenly between males and females, and I recognised many of the faces of those between my age and Papa's.

“It will surprise many of you here that do not know me that I appear to be so young, and so female, and yet 'tis I who am looking for workers. If you feel that taking orders from me might be a problem for you, then I suggest you slip away quietly right now. For those that remain, and know me not, my name is Mistress Julina.”

I looked around expectantly and was pleasantly surprised that I noticed no-one leaving, but my eyes could not be everywhere so I am unable to state definitely that no-one went.

“I cannot pretend to be unsurprised at the number of you here, but I thank you all for your interest, and your effort in attending. I had imagined that I might be done here in mayhap a half bell, but your numbers I deem mean that I must needs take considerably longer. For that I apologise here and now, and I beg your understanding. I have duties elsewhere this day for the evening meal, so I will try my best to get through it all this e'en, but if I fail, then we shall have to recommence on the morrow. If anyone shall not be able to make the morrow, then please make it known as soon as you have a chance. No, not right now, please. I have some more words to say first.

“Mistress Megrozen, known to many here in our town as Mistress Epp as she started the honey providing many years ago, and her man Master Shemel have kindly accepted me as a partner in a pair of business arrangements. And I myself also have another pair of business arrangements. All four of these are in need of staff, workers unafraid of hard work. All in all I am looking for probably a hand of hands of fresh faces to start immediately and, if these businesses are successful, I deem I shall need that many again before the year is out.

“I warn you all now,” I continued sternly, “that I expect only the very highest of standards from my workers and I shall be fair but tough. If you are not prepared to work hard then save us all some time and trouble and leave now!”

I gazed round at all the upturned faces, challenging each and every one of them with a fierce gaze. I noted particularly those that did not hold my eyes.

“Many of you know me from the reading and writing lessons I have given – this is something that I shall continue to do but on a much reduced basis as will be understood easily now my interests have been so enlarged so suddenly. Anyone who impresses me and my partners successfully will be taken on and given a trial period. At the end of that trial period, if both sides are still interested, then formal contracts of employment shall be signed and witnessed.

“Ah! These two gentlemen coming now from the back are Goodmen Kulyer and Mutab. They shall be responsible this evening for the initial chatting with all those interested in driving carts and wagons, or otherwise being involved in a transport business. I, or Master Shemel when he arrives in town, shall give the final approval, but for now I ask all those interested in that department to gather over there in that corner and talk with these men.”

I stopped talking at that point and waited for the 'Wagons' group to make their way across to the other corner, noticing that they were all men. Kulyer brought me some of the paper and reedlets he had in his hand.

Once the group around me had compacted, I could lower my voice slightly as I continued: “And now for my other three areas of interest. They are all connected in one way, in that they are all to do with supplying services to guests in various ways.

“So I shall start with the news that Mistress Megrozen and I have started a company that shall run inns and the like, called Meglina Accommodations. 'Meg' from Mistress Megrozen's name, and 'lina' from my name. We have an establishment that we own down in Tranidor, we have one also in Bezlet, and we, since a few scant Bells ago, now own one here in Blackstone. What was referred to jokingly as the 'Wedding Inn' shall be called the 'Frolicsome Frayen' and I need staff to operate the place – kitchen staff, organisers, and general staff to make the beds and keep the place clean. Perhaps stable boys and grooms. Maintenance staff and so on.

“Meglina Accommodations shall also open another establishment nearby soon. But the actual location and services to be provided shall be announced at a later date. I deem 'twill be smaller than the Frolicsome Frayen, but not by much. I suspect this shall have mostly daytime activities.”

I caught sight of Kelly making her way towards me. She looked a trifle flustered and yet intrigued when she saw the press of people around.

“And now I can gladly introduce you to Mistress Kellonika whom I have dragged away from her urgent tasks up in the Salon. Yes, she and I run that restaurant, and it is our efforts that have gained it such a good and wide-spread reputation. We are also looking for staff to train there. And it is to there I must return soon, for the evening sittings, so you will understand how pressed I am right at this heartbeat.

“Finally, some of you may be aware that there shall be a building named 'Market Place Mansion' built on the south side of the Market Place, which used to be called the Camping Place, the building filling the gap between the Dam Road and East Street. This shall become the centre of excellence for anyone to learn the catering trade. I shall be setting this up, with the objective of having a Palarand-wide guarantee of excellence, which shall be run much as the Guilds have run their businesses for all these years. I shall require cleaning staff as well as other teachers and so on there. Also organisers and all the other staff such an establishment shall need.

“So now you know the wide scope of the people I am looking for. I would ask those interested in working at the Salon to introduce themselves now to Mistress Kellonika here, that she might first select the hand or so of new staff we need. Please be aware that, as the Salon is in Mistress Michet's house, and as the Assembly use that room for their meetings, then both Mistress Michet and at least the Steward will need to give their approval as well to anyone that shall have free access to those rooms.

“The rest of you can then chat with me here. Just an initial chat mind you, just to find out GENERALLY if the positions suit you in any way.”

Most of the younger ones, mostly females, went towards Kelly leaving a crowd around me that had been further reduced.

I stood down and pulled a table over to me, sitting myself on one side of it, indicating that the applicants should come three at a time to be seated on the other side. There was some nudging, hesitancy and so on before the first three women came and sat opposite me. I pulled some paper close to my right hand, picked up a reedlet and started with the woman to the left as I looked at them.

“May I have your name, please?”

But before she could even open her mouth to reply, the day threw yet another surprise at me.

“Mistress Julina, Mistress Julina.”

“Surtree! What do you want? I am very busy!”

“If you please Mistress, a package, a present has arrived for you on the Shuttle. It is quite large and they want to know where you want it. Oh, and this letter was attached to it.”

The cheeky grin on the urchin's face made me smile too as I stretched out my hand for the letter. I broke the seal and scanned it quickly, forcing myself to skip read through it although I knew it was important. It would be rude of me in the extreme to ignore the ladies waiting for me but the urchin needed a reply too. I gasped when I got to the point of the letter, well one of the main points that is.

“Surtree, thank you! Please ask them to deliver the package to outside the kitchen door at Mistress Michet's and then try to find Master Bezan and let him know it is there. He will want to inspect it.”

The boy was about to dash off with the coin I handed him when a thought shot into my head. I called him back to me: “Surtree, can you give me the whole day tomorrow? I shall have a great many messages to send and receive. Be at my house for the second Bell. Can you do that?”

He nodded in delight and then scampered away.

I turned back to the ladies waiting for me.

“Forgive me ladies. Now, I was about to get your name ...”

… … …

“... Venket, that looks perfect! Well done! And Paivi yours is also excellent. My how much you have improved in the short time I was away. And Frowka has done wonders with the dining area this evening. You three are certainly working well - and fitting in well Kelly tells me. Right, this base for the sauce is done, I will start the base for the sauce to go with the Foti while Paivi – you make two big batches of the meat sauces with the base I have just finished. Use that pot of boiling stock over there and you know the other ingredients – the ones for the gavakhan and the ones for ...”

I relaxed as Paivi nodded back to me with a smile, her hand gesture cutting off any further comments. I trusted her not to try to appease me if she was uncertain, so I gave her her head with a gesture of my own.

“Venket come here and watch as I start from scratch … Oh! Good evening Master Bezan. You have unfortunately come at a very busy time. Please stand over there out of the way, or, better, go outside and inspect the Zeer I was sent on the Shuttle, I learned from the accompanying letter that the thing is spelled 'Z E E R' and not 'Z I A' as I had assumed. I need ten moments here, and shall be able to let you have three moments at most before I needs do my Dining Room duties. Now Venket, I take this ...”

… … …

“... I will test it tomorrow. I shall find some suitable sand, thankfully your gift-maker included three different sorts. I assume that your letter shall explain their varied uses?”

“I deem it does, but I have not had enough time to read the entire thing. The first few pages appear to be long apologies. But I have no time tonight at all. We have diners already and I must wash my hands, tidy myself and then oversee Frowka and whoever else is on dining room duty tonight.”

… … …

“That is an excellent idea Em, thank you. I am sure the girls will appreciate to know that there is a little room now available for the ones who stay later each night. Please get Kelly to arrange a sleep schedule and for the bedding to be washed and the room properly cleaned and the like.”

… … …

“I thank you for your compliments, Master Trokos and Mistress Gaynika. And Master Pyor, does your amazed face mean you liked our fare?”

He nodded enthusiastically and commented: “Julina that was the best meal of my life. You continue to be a wonder to me. I thank you most wholeheartedly.”

This persuaded me that he had indeed been impressed. I cut off any further gushing by leaning more closely to the three of them and lowering my voice so my words would remain private: “If I might just gently point out something without offence? As you have seen, the girls here tonight have been busily working for your enjoyment and so it has become habitual for our diners who have been delighted to leave a small coin or two for the staff, which I shall distribute when we are quieter.”

I believe that my hidden message to them that, as they had eaten for free tonight, they could afford to be generous, was readily received and understood – certainly The Pot's contents were increased by a noticeably greater than normal amount, a fact we discovered as we cleared everything away at the end of the night.

I was idly thinking about my day, thinking that it had been a long day with many surprises. I realised that I had yet to read the letter that accompanied the Zeer; I would do so when I got home and into my bed. I ushered the others off, Kassama leading Venket upstairs. I seemed to imagine that Venket's nervousness was increasing somehow, but I put that down to worry about what would happen to her and her mother in the future – maybe her mother would worry about the girl not coming back that night, even though we had sent an urchin round, making sure that only the mother heard the message.

I was the last to go, having banked the fires properly, made sure all the lanterns were doused and leaving what I could ready for Kassama to make a breakfast for her guests. I was about to close the kitchen door behind me when I saw a lantern carried by someone else come into the kitchen. I briefly debated whether I should pretend not to have noticed, but I found I couldn't do that.

I went back into the kitchen and saw 'twas Kassama who was looking at me with huge eyes, but gesturing to me to remain quiet.

I had by then believed that there wouldn't be any more surprises for me that day, but what happened next was the biggest of them all.

“We have a problem with little Venket,” hissed Kassama closely into my ear. “I don't know what to do. I have discovered something about her, but she doesn't know I know, if you follow.

“I put her to bed in a borrowed nightgown and tucked her in. She was mentally and physically exhausted and dropped off to sleep almost immediately. I then silently went about all my 'last thing at night' duties and crept back into the bedroom. The poor child was obviously too hot and had thrown off her blankets. She had tossed and turned and her nightgown had ridden up. I quietly and gently covered her again and then came down here hoping to catch you.

“I need your advice, or help, or whatever. What do I say to her, if anything, in the morning? What do we do about it all? I suppose Mistress Michet will be able to help, but I know not if I should wake her. Oh Julina, what should I do?”

“I cannot help you, Kassama, until you tell me the basic problem,” I whispered back to her.

She swallowed, gulped once or twice, and inwardly consulted herself.

In the dim light of our lanterns, her eyes seemed to get even more enormous to me.

She debated with herself for a little while longer and then I could actually see the heartbeat when she made up her mind.

As quietly as anyone had ever spoken to me in my life, I only just managed to hear her words: “Julina my dear – Venket is a boy!”

---

The long-awaited moment arrives

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker!” I whispered.

Well, there wasn't really any other way to react, was there?

Then I continued, but almost immediately wished I had not said anything more just yet. It had to have been one of the world's most stupid questions: “Are you sure?”

I waved a hand as if I was trying to wipe away the question from an imaginary slate board.

“Of course you are! Or you wouldn't have gone to these lengths. I deem your instincts are right and we need to involve Em, and immediately at that. Just go and wake her quietly. Tell her, if you like, that I need to speak with her urgently. Down here in the kitchens!”

As Kassama went as quietly as she could, I sat there and pondered. The revelation was shocking, certainly, but I forced myself to think of just what it would mean for my business, rather than think about whatever internal turmoil the poor girl … boy … might be suffering.

But it didn't work. I could not but help myself think about the person. I was getting ever wilder in my thoughts about the hows, the whys and the wherefores when Em and Kassama returned, Em looking remarkably alert for someone aroused from their slumbers.

“What is this all about, Julina?” whispered Em.

I just shrugged and held a hand out for Kassama to repeat her tale, which she did.

“Maker!” Em whispered.

We were all silent for a good hand of moments, and then we all started to say something at the same time. Stifling our giggles, Kassama and I deferred to Em, for 'twas her house after all.

“I am sure we all have questions, many of which can only really be answered by Venket herself. I met Venket as a girl, and she is in my mind a girl, so I will continue for the time being referring to her as a girl. I know there are some people who wish not to be men but would rather be women, even with all the disadvantages, so for now, we shall all pretend we don't know her secret. When she wakes in the morning, then nothing must have changed. Are we all clear on that?”

Both Kassama and I nodded, feeling relieved somehow. I got up to leave, but Em held up a hand to stay me. I looked at her queryingly.

“Julina dear, you should not be here. You will burn yourself out if you are not careful. If you truly want Kellonika to take over from you, then she should be the one here now.”

“You are right, Em, but I said I would do this just this final time tonight, just to remind myself of all the little things that need doing, so I can write them down and tell Kelly about them. Then the two of us shall do it together, then Kelly shall do it all herself with me watching, and then I shall be able to leave it!”

“Very well, young lady. But I am watching you – you are doing four or more times more work than anyone else I know. And we shall all have an increased load during the first few days of the Royal Visit. Be careful!”

“Yes, mother!” I hissed back at her as I waved a farewell and managed to head home at long last. She grinned at me and I fancied I had a glimpse of slight sadness flit across her face. It may have been the flickering of the lantern, mind you.

It was the past the 3rd Bell when my head actually reached my pillow.

Sleep did not come easily, for my brain was churning. I heard the 4th Bell before my eyes closed on their own.

… … ...

I counted the bell announcements just after I surged upright in bed, heart racing and body cooling. 'Twas, I heard, a quarter after a Bell. The thought that had startled me awake was still there and I made a swift note on a paper before settling back for hopefully my last bell or two of sleep. I had left a note outside that I was to be awoken at dawn, just in case my body decided to sleep rather than wake up as usual to hear the Dawn Announcement. Which would come at close to what would otherwise be the half bell after the 8th night bell at this time of year.

… … …

But my body did not let me down and I awoke just before dawn. That last bell and more of sleep had been deep and, I felt, restful.

Which was good, because I just threw some clothes on and galloped back to Em's after telling Swayga I would be back for my bath, breakfast and all the rest of a normal day's start: “... but this can't wait, this is vitally important.”

I exited, swinging the door to behind me which cut off the rest of Swayga's protests. I decided that I might intercept Kassama on Main Street, if she was going down to get the bread, so I went straight across to Main Street myself, passing between the Claw and the Valley Messenger Service office.

I turned right and headed up towards Em's, passing the VMS building and then the Steward's. I had to smile wryly to myself as, in all my days here, I rarely had to wait to cross the mouth of the South Cross Lane where it joined Main Street between the Steward's and the Watch House, but this morning I had to wait for no less than three wagons to emerge from that side street, and turn into Main Street, one then going uphill whilst the other two turned down to go, as it happened, to the Claw. Typical, when I wanted to hurry!

I called a 'Good morning' to the drivers and scurried on, arriving a little breathless at Em's. At last my luck had changed, for both Kassama and Em were in the kitchen, Kassama because she had early morning duties and Em because she had to rush off to give her orders to the hunters she controlled. I was about to burst into speech when they both hushed me, their waving hands and nodding heads telling me that Venket was just close by in the bathroom.

I gestured which brought both of them to me and delivered the message I had thought about in the middle of the night. I whispered: “When I was down in Tranidor once, just after meeting Berdon, I met him in the town. He was leading about a group of men who were dressed as women. Some were really pretty, but others were not, shall we say, as convincing. However, Berdon and Bettayla have experience and would be able to give us much advice, I deem. Why don't you ask them and let me know? I needed to tell you that and will now go back home for my usual preparations for the day! We are all agreed that we shall not let on that we know, for now, are we not?”

They nodded their agreement and thanks and then shooed me out, before Venket came out and saw me, which would probably mean starting a conversation and so on.

… … …

“Come in Surtree! Sit down and have some breakfast. Don't pretend you don't want any, I have experience of growing boys.”

I was impressed, for the lad had appeared before time, was freshly scrubbed and was eager to go.

“Let me introduce everyone. These are my sisters ...”

And so it was that this day started 'properly' if you get my meaning.

Surtree was introduced to the Tai Chi, Kissa being suddenly keen to teach someone else.

Swayga and I looked at each other, raised our eyebrows and grinned. Young Kissa was suddenly not quite so young in our eyes. Surtree looked at me as if asking permission and I struggled to keep a blank face as I nodded to him. It was a little difficult when Kissa was finding more and more excuses to touch the lad; most of which were unnecessary, I deemed.

The two were both the same age, well close to each other rather than on the exact same day, and I suddenly and urgently had a need to rush off, disappearing in the direction of the privy. I had all at once realised that I myself had never had any such carefree moments. Should I stop all my businessing? Should I …

I cuffed away the stupid tears that had sprung to my face and then returned, giving the impression that I had needed the toilet facilities. I was aware of Swayga studying me but I refused to look at her. I followed the Tai Chi movements without thinking too much about them. I was wondering what had got into me. There was still a week to go before my call.

I mentally shrugged myself back into more proper thinking and Surtree and I soon left to get on with my day.

… … …

“Good morrow, Sookie. How are you today?”

“A little grumpy, 'Lina. I haven't ridden in what seems years because Tixi had her foal, and now young Parrier deems that she is recovered enough for me to ride, I have to stay here in case Her Highness and that lot arrive. We don't even know if they are coming today or tomorrow or next week, what a time for the semaphore to be out. And for such a long period. But I can't not be here. It is most frustrating.”

I could tell from her demeanour that she was half-joking so I felt able to grin and make a somewhat silly remark: “You could always go round and round in your paddock, my dear!”

I turned and brought Surtree into the conversation: “This is Surtree who is today working for and with me, mostly as a messenger I expect. You may recognise him from being one of the more conscientious of our urchins, still, but only just, too young for a real job. If I should have to send him to you today, I would appreciate your cooperation.”

“Of course, 'Lina. Well met Surtree!”

“Mistress!” acknowledged the lad with the tiniest of tremors in his voice, the only thing to betray to us his nervousness. We were standing in the middle of the courtyard where Sookie had been observing the early activities.

“Now,” I started again. “The first thing we ...”

“Good morrow, Julina,” came a lightly toned but firm male voice from behind me.

“Master Pyor, good morrow!” said Sookie even as my head was turning.

“Mistress Sukhana,” said Pyor, inclining his head, for he was on the driver's chair of a cart that had been painted in Blackstone Wagon's colours, being pulled by Saras, I deemed. Or was it Booch? No, Saras I'm sure. Booch has the darker haunch.

“Oh that is well painted, Pyor – er, Master Pyor, I mean. It looks lovely. But what are you doing here in it?”

“I went round to your house to show you how a cart would look painted in our livery. We actually did it after we left from that wonderful meal last night. We managed to paint three of the carts. Two are being used as we speak, for the wender/bac duties as well as the other wagon. I came here first that you might approve of what we have done. We both felt that we should report to you our progress as soon as we could. I shall go now and start earning ...”

“Hold!” I said urgently, and perhaps a little overloudly, for a thought had suddenly crossed my mind. “Shall you be missed, if you go not back immediately?”

“Er... I deem not. Or at least, not too much. Why? Have you some other idea?”

“Indeed I do! You want to see more of this town, I have several tasks to do and Surtree here is at my beck and call for the day – in fact, I was just about to despatch him to find you, for I have some questions of you. I deem that you and your bac shall be hired for the day also, by me. That will make my duties far less onerous. Have you yet broken your fast?”

“Indeed I have. If you are ready, we could depart right now. I must inform the others that they shall have one less bac to 'play' with today, and 'twould be best to do so as soon as I might.”

“Very well. We shall do that, just as soon as I make a swift visit to Sookie's facilities.” So saying, I dashed off for a precautionary visit to the toilet, for I knew not where and when I might next have an opportunity.

… … …

We waved to Sookie and Parry as we left; they were both preparing to ride frayen, Sookie Trixi and Parry Trumpa for I had said he may use her. They had both decided 'twould be a good exercise for the beasts, and for Sookie, to do as I had jokingly suggested and just do some light work in the Paddock, thus meaning that the mother beast would know she was not that far from her fresh baby. (They later reported that the two does appeared to have enjoyed themselves.)

Pyor turned onto Main Street and headed uphill. I was seated on the cart also, but Surtree was already on his first task, fetching Gyth to me if she could spare the time. Otherwise 'twould have to be nearer noon. We had arranged to meet at the Shuttle Shed or at the Market Place Mansion.

On the way, I began filling in Pyor on some history, and why, as a result of events long ago, some things were done in our town still today. So I was both guide and history teacher for a little while.

We made our way up Main Street, passing the Bell on the left and the VMS office on the right. Then came Bell Lane to the left and the Steward's house on the right, South Cross lane coming to join us between the Steward's and the Watch House.

“Except it can't really be termed the Watch House any more, I suppose. Watch Complex would be more appropriate, what with the main office, female cell block and Suril and Haka's house.”

We passed on, soon reaching the junction where The Axis crossed our street. The part of it to the west, that is the lane to the left, between the Carpenter's and the Musician's was ever so slightly further downhill than where it came in from the right, immediately downhill from Em's, running along the south wall as it does.

On the left, as we carried on up the sloping roadway, came Uncle's smithy and then Pyor's resting place, the Wheelwright's, opposite which the next lane came in from the right. This was North Cross Lane of course, which connected Main Street with East Street before continuing up to the Dam Road, forming the lower edge of Julina Park. A secret thrill ran through me when I mentioned that name. Perhaps not quite so secret for my tone made Pyor glance sharply at me.

After the Wheelwright's on the left came the Saddler's, which was Pomma and Waldan's place of course, which itself was opposite the Shoemaker's, the only building set back slightly from the roadway. After the Saddler's came the final building on the left, the Bellringers' with its distinctive tower.

And then we were at what used to be the Camping Place but was now called the Market Place.

“That area lined off with the white stones was appropriated by the Steward for an open area, used as a sort of Parade Ground I believe the military call it. But also an area for the younger ones to congregate in safety. And also West Street comes up over there on the far side.”

“That little lane?”

“No,” I laughed, “that's the lane that leads to Master Jepp's house – he is our scribe and deputy to the Steward. I see that they have started to put a harder surface on his lane. No, West Street is further downhill from there. It is not yet completed but I deem you can see plenty of tracks showing where it shall be.

“Now I am going to tell you something that you will find hard to believe. Just pull over to the right here so as not to block any traffic. Yes, that's good. I have much to show and say. Much information to impart.

“Now, one year ago, there was only Main Street here. It stopped just where we now are and only a tiny track went onwards towards the head of the valley.”

“Maker! All this has changed in a year only?”

“Indeed! That's why there are so few other buildings, for this was the very end of a Chivan road. It has been here for thousands of years. And 'tis why we have a problem nowadays. For the Chivans diverted most of the flow of the Blackstone River to feed that big grey featureless building up there that they called 'The Cistern'. They needed their buildings to be above the river bed for the rains and yet they wanted water in their houses. So they filled up the Cistern and let the water flow out in two streams, one for fresh and one for flushing away their waste.

“So every house here, every OLD house that is, has permanently two running water channels. This was no problem for the Chivans for all they really did was to bring an existing stream uphill a bit. But 'tis a great problem for us nowadays as the town expands so rapidly. We doubt there is a sufficiency of water to allow it to be running the entire time. And so we are learning rapidly to use water tanks and so on. Her Highness suggested ways for us to handle water, and waste, and so we are also building those facilities as well as housing for all the miners that are required to dig out the coal, the 'black stone' that eventually pays for all this.”

“Why did they just not make the Cistern bigger then?”

“Well that was difficult for the walls are Chivan, and therefore very, very thick. The Chivans also had a strange roof to it, sloping back down from the side we now see, in a series of 'valleys' if you like. They were obviously concerned, at least according to Master Bezan it was clear that they were 'obviously concerned', about having too much standing water on the roof in the rains.”

“But the roof is now flat?”

“Well yes, sort of. When the semaphore Tower was placed up there, they needed a solid base for it, so they went INSIDE the Cistern and added in more columns and so on to support a flat roof – actually slightly sloping of course since our modern methods are so much better than the Chivans had – but they made a solid base for the Tower, rather than try to fit the Tower's feet to the weird shape of the Chivan roof. Then they extended the flattened bit over the entire roof area, because they wanted to use the space up there.”

I didn't mention that the basic idea for all this had been mine, that I had suggested the new Cistern over at the Community Hall be used for something else as well as just storing water. Master B extended that principle to his plans for the buildings in town.

“They experimented and tested and did all sorts of things before making the roof into what is now basically the public frayen stabling for the Town. The earth they spread on this new rough roof is apparently at least two hands deep and fodder plants were placed up there as well as bales of bundled fodder. Master Bezan told me once that they hope their designs will prevent too much soil and plantation stuff being washed away in the rains. They have placed low retaining walls all about to minimise it.”

“Not all that long to go before they find out,” said Pyor with a grin, which I returned.

“Now that we have discovered more extensive water supplies up there in the mountain,” I gestured in the right direction, “half that feed has been routed into the Cistern, the rest being used as water supplies for the Miners' Villages which have been built along up there.” I waved my hand again in the apposite direction. “The Cistern now is run on water from the mountain; the aqueduct that once brought it here has now been severed, its feed going into a new Cistern over where the Community Hall has been built.”

“Ah, yes. The Community Hall. I want to ask about that. It is a fascinating concept as well as a fascinating building.”

“Well, it was like this. When Milady, as she was then, arrived here last year, she ...”

“Well met, you two.”

We whipped our heads round to see a grinning Gythy arriving with an equally grinning Surtree. My explanation had been cut abruptly short as we greeted them in turn and, subsequent to that, talk went onto other matters.

“So what have you got for me to do today, 'Lina?”

“Do you want to guess? Pyor here is going to drive us round the Loop Road across to the Artisans' Area. We have to inspect things over there and make a decision or two.”

“Not another new building, surely?”

“Yes! Maybe even two! Today, we have to discover if there is a need for a restaurant of some sort over there, and/or maybe an inn, or just a bunkhouse-type thing. Where, how big and so on. The thing is ...”

… … …

“Goodman Hobil, isn't it? How nice to see you working once more. You are quite recovered then? This is Master Pyor a wheelwright from downvalley, Mistress Gythy a resident for all her life and young Surtree here.” I turned to the others. “Goodman Hobil was one of the team that discovered the inside mountain lake. Regretfully, the other three members of his team were killed in the accident.”

My companions hissed in a breath and looked both worried and sympathetic at the same time.

“Ay, Mistress Julina – 'tis good to be able to work once more; and yet I find it difficult to go back inside the mines so I work here now, out in the open air. And I must say I find the work fascinating.”

We were getting near the head of the valley by then, close to where the great loop actually starts. The roadway there was wide enough to allow wagons to pass and, on top of that, extra width had been added for the railroad to eventually use. But that part was somewhat mysteriously screened off here. It had been for some time now and I had long idly wondered why so, without being sufficiently intrigued to make the extra trip up here to find out.

“Goodman Hobil, why the screens? Is there some secret to be kept in what you are doing?” Pyor voiced my question without any prompting from me.

“Nay Master!” Hobil replied with a laugh. “'Tis to allow us to get on with our work. Without the screen, we get less than half our work done, for everyone stops and asks questions, gives advice, tells us we're doing things wrong and so on. As soon as Master Bezan suggested we erect those screens, we have been far more productive.”

“And what do you there? That everyone must needs so interfere?”

“Why we are working out how the wheels shall run on rails. At the moment we are dealing principally with a problem with the wheels dropping off the rail when we have rails crossing each other, or when we make two tracks of rails from one. We have other tests and trials going on as well, for instance how best to attach the rails to their footings, and how to attach those footings to the ground. And several others like that.”

“Wheels you say? My speciality. Mistress Julina, have we a moment or two to spare that I might take a look. Mayhap my advice might be helpful.”

Now I was torn, for I wanted to get on with my own things, I had a lot to do that day, and yet I was also relatively desperate to know what they were up to here, now I had an opportunity to do so. I needed to see things with my own eyes for me to better understand. I looked at Gyth who shrugged and then I saw the gleams in both Pyor's and Surtree's eyes, and I decided: “Very well, we can spare the odd quarter bell or so. But I see why they had to screen this off now, for we are the ones who delay their work this morn!”

We were led by Hobil through a gap in the screening. He told us to stay off to one side as he took the time and courtesy to explain much that was going on. When Pyor asked about the design of the wheels, even Hobil was impressed as I explained to him that they were two circles screwed together, one circle larger than the other. The overlap was on the inside of the wheels so as to stop them slipping off the rails sideways.

“Indeed so, Mistress Julina. How an Anmar did you know that?”

And so Gyth and I reduced all the others to laughter as we described our visit to the coal mine when the workers had told us there might be a BIT of coal dust flying around.

Then Hobil continued: “So that overlapping circle, which we refer to nowadays as the 'lap', is very important in keeping the truck, wagon, cart whatever you want to call it, on the rails. However, it causes us great difficulty. And we must needs find a solution for this railroad thingy to be able to work.”

“How so?”

“Ah, Master Pyor. We must have some method of selecting which set of rails the wagon is going to run along. We cannot have dedicated rails just for each route – when this works as designed, then these railway wagons shall go to Tranidor and Holville and Teldor and so on. We can't have one set of rails running to each of those destinations. So we must have some way of splitting the rails, allowing one set of wagons to take the left side rails and another to take the right side rails when we come to a split in the way.

“Or indeed for railwagons to pass each other, the tracks must split and then later come back together again. There cannot be just one 'train' as they are termed on a set of rails, particularly at the ends of the routes. I can explain more fully but that would waste our time, so for now please accept that these parallel sets of rails, which we now call 'tracks' MUST have the ability to diverge or converge.

“This is easy to achieve with the outside wheel of course, but then the other wheel has to cross a rail. Here let me scratch this in the dirt.”

He drew a track, two parallel lines, to represent the rails in the dusty ground. Then he drew another track coming together with the first.

“HERE is the problem, see. THAT rail must cross THIS rail, just here. With the lap hanging down in effect, we must then cut this rail to allow the lap to get through. And we must cut THAT rail too to cater for the split in the other direction. But that then makes a gap the wheel itself can fall into. And that would be disastrous for a train of wagons.”

“Ah! Yes! I see the problem,” said Pyor. Gyth and I were struggling with it when suddenly a picture of it sprang into my mind, and I got it too.

“Goodman Hobil, I know you use rails in the mines. How do you cope there?”

“A fair question, Mistress. It's simple, but complicated. We have a short stretch of parallel tracks with a convergence/divergence at each end. The last half stride of the single track and the divergence rail are nailed to a large board. We simply lift the large board and turn it round. One at each end. Then the upgoing wagon slides onto the left track and the downgoing one slides onto ITS left track. They pass each other. As they are doing that, we lift the boards and turn them round once more. Then the wagons can be directed back onto the main track once more.

“But this means the floor of the tunnel has to be dug away so that the tracks nailed to the under side of the board have space to hang in, and a solid base for the board to rest on has to be built. This is obviously not an option for the outside railway tracks as opposed to the smaller ones we use inside the mines, for they shall be so much heavier and unwieldy, and 'twould be very difficult to turn the necessary solid bases over.”

“Yes, yes indeed,” said Pyor thoughtfully. “So in your mine tunnels, the main track, as you call it, approaches the bit where there are parallel tracks exactly in the middle between them?”

“Just so, Master,” concurred Hobil, but not saying more for he could see that Pyor was essentially thinking aloud.

“So for a similar system to work, the moveable bits must be much lighter in weight, so they can be turned over more easily. But that means less strong. Hmmm.”

Pyor was lost to us for a few moments then, Hobil explaining some other bits and pieces to us girls and a fascinated Surtree. I myself thought it interesting in a superficial sort of way and Gyth wasn't at all interested, I could tell.

“We do have some places where the tracks cross over each other, and we have to hack out a bit for that lap to be able to pass as I first described. But for us it is relatively easy, we have just one wagon to deal with, so we lever it up again. If these are to be trains of many wagons, someone mentioned as many as four hands of wagons at a time, then we must needs find a solution to the wheel dropping into the gap. 'Tis awkward to say the very ...”

“So don't flip it over!” said Pyor suddenly. “Have a base with TWO tracks on it, one for going straight ahead and one for making the branch. And SLIDE it into the appropriate place. Here Julina, let me have a piece of your paper and a reedlet.”

He quickly scribbled a diagram on a piece of paper, tore off the bottom of it and scribbled another diagram on that. Then he placed the one on top of the other and slid it to and fro across the paper underneath. We all gasped as the sets of rails lined up perfectly.

“When we are in our workshops, we find that some tasks are more efficiently performed if we move the work to us, rather than move ourselves to the work. That was the basis of this idea, and I deem that 'twould work better than flipping over base plates, or levering wagons back up onto the rails. With a sufficiently large moveable base plate, then you could have the single track split into any number of tracks, three, four, a hand – maybe even more. But I confess I fail to see the need for more than a simple split.”

Here is what he drew, with the coloured piece being his moveable 'plate'.

“Maker!” breathed Hobil. “The tracks point perfectly to where they have to go! And it saves ground space, and one track can run straight! This is indeed a wonderful solution. As long as the strength required of it does not make it too heavy and thus too difficult to slide the base plate thingy,” he added worriedly.

A stray thought leapt into my head. “You should call it the Pyor Pointing System!”

We all laughed, but that indeed was its name everafter, the 'Pyor Points'; it and its so-called improved versions.

'Twas I that made him take out an Exclusivity Licence.

There and then.

I wrote out a description of the problem and the solution, Pyor accepted that it be called the 'Pyor Points' and we did all the necessary 'Heard and Witnessed' things.

Hobil asked Pyor if he could take the pieces of paper with him to his supervisor, which permission Pyor granted.

“But these designs are Pyor's, don't forget to emphasise,” I said as Hobil went away and we turned to make a dash for the Cistern.

I had scribbled out a quick semaphore message to be sent to Palarand City and we all jumped aboard the cart and rushed to the Semaphore Station.

“Why must we rush so, 'Lina? And the weather is again against the sending of such messages.”

“We need the date and time to be registered.”

But no-one else seemed to grasp the significance of that.

'Twas only after we had left the message there and were once more heading towards the Artisans' Area that I explained in more depth that we needed the date and time of our receipt to later prove that we were the first. Someone else might try to get it in first – a lesson I had learnt from my Tranidor contacts!

As you shall find out in a while, Pyor had another valuable idea with regards to 'Points' which helped the railways immensely, but that is to come later on in the year.

… … …

“... so 'twould be a good development to have an eatery over here then?”

“That it would, Julina, that it would.”

“And Uncle, I was told that sometimes men stay over here at night when some urgency in their work requires them to start early in the morning or work later in the evening.”

“Yes, m'dear.” He chuckled. “I was at the Assembly meeting too, you know!”

Pyor looked on in a little wonder as the Smith and I bantered with each other. I could see he was confused about the Uncle bit and our easiness together, but I heard Gyth whisper the explanation to him while we were fooling about.

“All right, let's be serious now,” I said. “This area you Artisans use is spread out a lot wider than the Town. If there is to be an eatery, my first question is should it also be a part of a bunkhouse/inn type arrangement, or should it be separate? Secondly, will one eatery be sufficient for all of you over here? Should there be a choice? Thirdly, what about the future, both near and distant? Fourthly, what expectations are there for the expansion of any works up the Stone Sea Road – would an eatery inn type thing here be of use to those that work up there? Should there perchance be even another eatery up there? If so, what about accommodation for the staff as well as customers? And so on and so on and so on.”

“Aye lass. Simple ideas rapidly become complicated. And once the population here expands, then we needs find water for them all, and mayhap a public bathing room and the like. Methinks Bezan is the man to be asked for this is like commencing a new community and he has done that. However, he is staying in Town for now, in case the Royal Party show up. But my feeling would be to start with an inn that provides both beds and food and to position it somewhere near the junction of the Loop Road and the Stone Sea Road. That will be a fair step for those that work nearer the Valley Head, but still nearer than going back to Town.”

“Thank you, Uncle. We shall pass on now and go to have a look at the area you suggest. I may find need to have other questions answered and shall mayhap send young Surtree here if I am unable to do so myself.”

And so it was that the four of us found a good spot for an inn down near the junction of those two roads.

Which was an important factor, for a combination of the road names gave rise to the eventual name of this inn – 'The Stoop'.

Young Surtree was kept busy as I sent him dashing about hither and thither asking questions of the workers around. Sometimes Pyor took him when the distance was greater, but generally the lad ran willingly as he went about his tasks.

Gyth and I designed the space that would be required, making sure we had a good supply of water from a stream that cascaded down the flank nearby, but not too near that the area would flood in the rains.

I sent Pyor to fetch Uncle from his smithy to give us the final approval, and to bring some stakes with which we could mark the ground. I sent Surtree to get four more of the Assembly who were working over here so that the hand of them could approve and witness the claim I was making.

We had just finished that small ceremony when Surtree's keen eyes saw something and directed our attention off to the Main Road as it came up from the Forest.

“Looks like there's two frayen being ridden fast over there,” he called out.

We all whirled round and peered at the distant happenings. Suddenly, I realised what it was all about.

“Mompik and Zarda, I'll wager. That means the Royal Party have left the Forest Roadhouse and are approaching. Probably two or so bells until they get here then.”

“Maker!” “Of course!” “That must be it.” And other ejaculations flew about.

The Assembly members all started dashing about, for they should be amongst the welcoming committee.

I however had another idea.

“Pyor, we can take Uncle back to town if he requires it, but unless we go now, there shall be no time for you to inspect the Community Hall, so we should get going there NOW!”

Uncle waved us off, saying he had his riding frayen over here and so we started dashing back along the Loop Road, even as the two scouts were dashing up the ancient road.

… … …

Thus it came about that Pyor, Gyth, Surtree and I were not actually there when the Royal Party arrived. We had gone to the Community Hall where Pyor's and Surtree's eyes had been opened. The staff of the Hall were glad of our advanced notice of the pending arrivals, they allowed us to look round all the rooms and facilities but then shooed us away so that they could do a final clean. After all the place had to be fit for a Princess, didn't it?

So we carried on along the road to the Dam, again new territory for the two men here. I deemed we had time to go up to the upper level and part of the way towards the Stone Quarry and the Vale before the Royal Party would reach Town, so we did that.

“Julina, matters it greatly were we not to be there for their arrival? I would like an opportunity to see the Stone Quarry and the road through it. I deem as we are so close, 'twould be folly to turn back just to stand and gawp and achieve nothing. And I shall be leaving on the morrow with Gythy and her mother?”

I looked over at Surtree and saw him torn between wanting to take this possibly only opportunity in years to see the Quarry or wanting to go back to see the arrival.

Gyth slowly said: “Her Highness has promised to visit us twice a year ...”

And so it was; we urged Saras to her best pace and we bowled along to the Quarry.

A few moments there, certainly less than a quarter bell, and we were racing back towards Town once more.

… … …

Not actually being there at the right moments, it was necessary for me to ask of others about events as they occurred. With the help of many, both those awaiting and those arriving, the following account has been produced. I trust I have done all of those who helped me proud, and offer the following description as as fair a report as I am capable of. I must mention specially the Countess Merizel who not only gave me much information, but who also read this through and suggested a few changes to my first effort.

Certain events that occurred upon the 20th Pertulin,
the fourth month of the year 1175 since the Great Flood

The onlookers waited expectantly as the train of wagons and riders approached. Some were expectant, some were happy, but others, like Bleskin, looked concerned. Semaphore signals, old now of course since the weather had prevented recent messaging, from downvalley indicated that all was not well with the party that approached, yet nothing had been sent to alert those waiting of any problem.

The leading riders came over the bridge, the first of them carrying the Ptuvil pennant made for them months ago by the ladies of Blackstone. Bleskin recognized his son but not the expression the Blackstone commander wore. This only served to confirm the Steward's fears, or at least that the Steward should indeed have some fears. Behind the Commander came a double line of mounted troops, none of whom appeared to be particularly glad that the end of their journey had arrived.

Some of those troops looked odd, heavily-built men with facial hair in tones of red, black and gold, colours uncommon in Palarand. Bleskin knew who those men were and wondered why the Crown Prince should have some in his escort. The answer came as the first of the party appeared, the Prince himself astride his favourite frayen riding beside another Prince, but one who was heir to an entirely different realm.

Torulf.

The line of riders, carriages and wagons halted as the Prince reached the reception committee. Keren lightly slid off his saddle and strode to greet Bleskin. The Steward of Blackstone was undecided whether to salute or bow; Keren smiled and grasped his arm in the fashion of close friends, which indeed they were.

"Well met, Highness," Bleskin said. "I trust you had a good journey from Tranidor this time, despite the miserable weather. Our locals declare that it shall improve within a couple of days, but I confess their divinations appear arcane to me. Nevertheless, I deem your reception here will be much better than the first time you came."

"Aye, that would not be difficult," the Prince replied, though his face remained serious. "All was well as we passed through Blackstone lands. Indeed, we were impressed by the activity and energy we observed as we passed."

"As I told My Lady before, we would order all in her absence and we have done exactly that, I deem." Bleskin looked anxiously down the line of now halted vehicles. "Her Highness... your wife, I mean. I do not see her. Does she sit a carriage this day?"

Keren sighed and his voice was rough as he replied. "Captain, she is not with us."

Bleskin was bewildered. "Not with you? What do you mean, Highness? Has she met with some accident, some adventure?"

"An adventure, perhaps it could be called. Of course you know she comes not from Anmar but from somewhere else entirely?"

"Aye, of course." Bleskin's eyes widened. "You don't mean -"

"Captain." Keren decided to try a formal approach. Time was passing and the travellers were becoming restless. "As Her Highness' Steward in these her lands I may tell you certain things but not others."

Bleskin bowed. "As you say, Highness. I know I am no longer privy to many matters as I was in His Majesty's service."

"But," Keren continued, "As someone who has been in His Majesty's service, and as a personal friend, I may tell you a little more." The Prince looked around. "But not here, I deem. For the present, let us just say that Her Highness has been unexpectedly called away to carry out an important task by those who brought her to Anmar."

"So sudden?"

"Aye, we departed Dekarran as man and wife but I arrived at Teldor alone. We had been forewarned that she must needs leave but it was still a shock, as you can imagine. We decided that, as Garia had pledged to make this journey to see her people, that we would continue anyway."

At this point Torulf and Feteran had joined Keren. Father hugged son.

"Son, welcome."

"Thank you, Father. I deem we have much to discuss while we are here." Feteran looked around. "My! I am impressed by what I see! I barely recognize the worn-out scarce-a-town we visited before. Doubtless we will discover all you have achieved, Father."

"Me? I have merely kept a light touch on the steersman's oar, if I may use such a phrase. 'Tis the people of Blackstone who have achieved all this. Aye, we have much to discuss later - over a beer or two, perhaps."

Bleskin turned to the fourth person, an eyebrow raised.

"Captain," Keren said, "If I may introduce His Highness Prince Torulf of Einnland, who has accompanied us on our journey to improve his education as I improve my own. Torulf, this is Captain Bleskin, Steward in these lands for House Blackstone. He is Feteran's father and has recently retired from his post as Captain of the Palace Guard."

Bleskin bowed and then held out his hand for Torulf to shake.

"Highness, be welcome in Blackstone. We are a small place at the end of His Majesty's lands, but I deem you may find much of interest to you during your stay." He turned back to Keren. “Prince Torulf and I met, but just briefly, when I was down in Palarand for your wedding. We had no time to get to know each other, however.”

"Thank you, Captain," Torulf replied with a distinct accent, “I recall our brief acquaintance. Commander Feteran has spoken more to me of you as we rode."

He looked ahead, examining the buildings. "Not so small a town, I deem."

The group was joined by Best, the Wagonmaster, who bowed.

"Highness, if you can tell us where the carriages and wagons must go. I deem we are blocking the street to other traffic."

Bleskin asked, "You are?"

The Wagonmaster flushed. "Best, My Lord, Master Tanon's Wagonmaster for His Highness' journey. My apologies, I see you are the person of rank in this town."

"As you say. Have you any with you who have been here before?"

"Aye, My Lord. Most of Master Tanon's men who ride with this train have visited before saving myself. Normally Jaxen would be Wagonmaster for His Highness the Prince ... uh, Prince Keren I mean, but he is assigned a special route this spring."

"Very well. The wagons will mostly go to the Ptuvil's Claw as before, I deem. That building there," Bleskin pointed. “Some shall go to the Community Hall, but mayhap just to unload. We have a guide standing by to show the way.

"We have accommodation arranged for His Highness..." Bleskin trailed off, then harrumphed. "This will become very confusing! Accommodation for Prince Keren, then. We naturally assumed that Her Highness would accompany him thus there is a bed chamber equipped for man and wife in the Community Hall allocated to them, and another on that floor for Count Terinar and Countess Merizel. I do not know at this very heartbeat how to accommodate Prince Torulf."

He looked puzzled for a second before his visage cleared. "No matter! We will find a way! The minds of those of Blackstone, even the younger ones, are very sharp and I doubt not we shall have an answer to this riddle before nightfall. For now, I suggest you take all to the Claw where Sookie - ah, Mistress Sukhana - will prepare a meal for you all. We shall determine where the carriages and frayen are to go even as you all take a no doubt welcome rest."

Bleskin led the two Princes and the Commander away on foot to the common room of the Claw, leaving the Wagonmaster to direct the wagons, carriages and mounted men into the Claw's courtyard. A hand of guards fell in around the party as they went the short distance to the Claw's main door, they having handed their frayen's reins to colleagues.

As they went, a bugle call sounded. Prince Keren smiled a little grimly to himself for he had glanced about at the skylines of the buildings and saw several heads retreating. He was remembering the defensive measures he himself had instigated in this very town.

In terms of the buildings here themselves, little had changed, excepting mayhap the maintenance. All had been painted and looked so much better. He had seen as they approached that there were many more roads laid down and there was a new large building, nay two, off upslope to the right. The Cistern had changed, but the Semaphore Tower atop it demanded so much more attention that the other changes needed to be closely observed.

He also noticed a subtle difference particularly in the Claw and the Bell's facades. It took a little while but then he realised that the windows had been replaced. A quick glance up and down the street just before they entered the Claw showed him that more and more people were gathering outside.

“Your Highnesses, Commander, Your Honour,” said Sookie immediately they entered, for she too recognised Prince Torulf. But even so she was looking questioningly at Prince Keren as she guided them across to a table in a corner. The Commander used hand signals to allocate the guardsmen to their protective positions. The common room looked larger but that was probably because of the extra light that now gained entrance.

… … …

We returned from the Vale entrance in time to see the great procession peel off the road into the Claw's courtyard. We were, of course, at that heartbeat still some way distant and by the time we got back to Town, a scurry of activity was happening, and there was a sense of a suppressed shock somehow. A number of wagons were leaving the Claw and heading for the Community Hall, several people were milling about, and it took a while for us to find out that Her Highness was NOT in the party after all.

I needed to know more and I knew exactly where to go to find out. We went quickly to Em's and all four of us rushed into the kitchens to get the knowledge.

Em was there. With Masters Jepp and Simman.

“Ah Julina, there you are. We were looking for you. We need urgent ideas. There is an extra Prince travelling with them, and the Princess herself has been called away to other duties for the moment. Where can we accommodate these people now?”

Various ideas were thrown about, and a noticeably more relaxed Venket said something, Paivi something else, Kelly and Gyth said …

“Hold! I deem I have it!”

All looked at me.

“No Princess, so probably fewer meetings with people trying to get her ideas and her support. So her Office room that is also to be the Assembly room, is less likely to be required. The Assembly can continue to meet here. And His Highness the Prince has a sitting room on the top floor in the Royal Suite. Those other meetings, if any, could take place up there. Then this other Prince, Prince Whoever, could have the Office as his room. Guards are about, servants too. We just need to get a comfortable bed up there. And some of the ...”

I would have continued, and Gyth was ready to join in too, but we would have been talking to a swinging door, for Em, Simman and Jepp had dashed out already.

I looked around the room, frowning as I took in three new faces. But I suddenly remembered we still had to discuss the mass interviews from yesterday – presumably these three were as a result of that.

The Claw common room would be crowded, I knew, we could not let just anyone in to our Salon dining room which was also the Assembly Room, the Community Hall would be busy. Hmmm.

Ah!

“Surtree, could you pop down to the Bell and ask Mistress Yanda if I might use a corner of her common room for a bell or two, in a bell or two? Staff interviews, tell her.”

The lad scuttled off, grinning because he would be in the thick of current activities.

I swung round. “Pyor, could you please go and ask Mutab and/or Kulyer how successful they were yesterday? If they want to discuss it, I shall be in the Bell hopefully. Confirmation of the venue shall be made in due course.”

Pyor grinned too, shaking his head slightly as he left. I briefly wondered what THAT was all about.

“Then I have to arrange the Meglina interviews too. I wonder how many of those could also make it to the Bell. Paivi, I have had an idea I need to talk to you about. But not just yet. Venket, could you be a good girl and start checking the supplies and everything we need for tonight's meals. You and Frowka perhaps. And Paivi too, actually, for Kelly and I need to talk about and with these others. Oh, tomorrow is a closed day you will remember.”

Then the three 'new' girls, soon presumably not to be called the 'new' ones any more, went out to the Salon to do their tasks there.

Leaving Kelly, Gyth and I along with the trio of so far unnamed ones.

I turned to Kelly: “Now Kelly, introduce me to these smiling faces.”

Not that they were actually smiling, they were looking nervous for some reason.

---

Julina packs even more into her afternoon and evening

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker, Julina! When you get into your 'busy mode' you are like a force of nature. You are REALLY REALLY scary. Do you ever operate at a slower pace?”

“That's not fair, Kelly. There's just so much to be done and so little time to do it in. We have already been interrupted by Royal Party business, that could happen more and more, so we need to clear as much away as we can, as and when we can. That's all I'm trying to do, clear as much away as much as possible.”

“Yes, 'Lina, I understand all that, it's just that you see about five times as much as anyone else and you see them as things to be done. And you are always right. Most of us would not have seen all that. So … allow me to present, from your left to right, Josian, Dravna and Brenna. All three of these girls are interested in working with us and were in my opinion the best of those that applied. There are maybe a hand of others I deem also suitable, but various factors persuaded me to select these ones, pending your and Em's approval, of course.”

“Hello girls! No need to look quite so worried. I don't bite or anything. My name is Julina, and I started this whole thing up, along with my best friends. Now, as you are aware, I have only just seen her so I have not spoken to Kelly about you at all. I have no idea of what she might have said to you. And therefore I shall say what I have to, and hope you have not already heard it.

“We have all worked hard here and have, in a relatively short amount of time, made this one of the most in-demand eating places in all of North Palarand. Our reputation is widespread. Mistress Megrozen, who recently travelled all the way to Palarand City came back from there and told us that some all the way down there even had heard of us.”

I let the significance of that settle in for just a little while.

“And this excellent reputation came about from one thing, and one thing only.”

I paused again as I looked sternly at each one of them. I was pleased to see that none of them flinched, at least not too much anyway. I was using all my mothering skills that I had had to develop over the years, so I deem I managed the right balance of friendliness, encouragement and sternness.

“Teamwork. That is what we have here, and why we are so successful. Teamwork. Without it, we are nothing. And our customers will disappear like late spring snow in the sunshine. Then we will all have to find other employment.

“We had one woman who was a disaster and nearly ruined us, but I suspect that, in the end, that entire unfortunate episode actually strengthened us. However you must be aware from the very get-go that we are a team here, and anyone who does not fit in will be sent packing.

“For that reason, we operate a trial system, where we teach you but observe you as well. If any of you here feel that they cannot work closely with others, or cannot take orders from Kelly, for she is in charge, or indeed from any one of the others in the team, and that means the other three young girls too, then tell us now and make it easiest for us all. Kelly has selected the three of you as being the best of a good bunch. If you feel you cannot do it, then you will simply have prevented someone else from doing so. So tell us now. Right this heartbeat.”

They resolutely looked back at me, and it was only when my face relaxed that they did too.

“Right then, you have been warned. Don't ever say that you don't know what you're getting into!” I said as I laughed.

“There are many facets that we teach here, and that we expect our girls to observe. Part of being a team is knowing that you can rely on any and everyone else and each is open and honest with all the others. We do not talk about others behind their back, nor do we say something to a face and then do other things behind their back. We are a happy bunch here, and if any nasty feelings arise then the first suspicion shall land upon the newcomers.

“But you will learn much and will gain extra knowledge, and you will earn more coin than you have ever had before. Opportunities will open up that you have never even considered, for I know more than most about how this town shall develop, and I know there are already openings for more than a hand of capable bodies.

“A good thorough training here will stand you in good stead wherever you may move to in the future. For we do not expect that you shall want to spend the rest of your lives here. One day you might marry and your man take you off elsewhere, or you might be offered a position as head cook somewhere. Who knows what the future may bring. My own life has changed in directions I never even dreamed of. A year ago I was trying to feed a family and keep out of the way of a bandit!

“I will be asking each of you why you want to join us, how you heard of us, what makes you think you would be able to contribute to us. I will give you some time to think about that, starting from the left, my left, with Josian. I do NOT expect any of you to tell me, us, what you THINK we want to hear. We NEED to know the truth, the exact truth. For only then can we decide if you shall fit in or not. In the meantime, do either of you others have any questions?”

“Yes, Mistress Julina, if you please?”

“Brenna?”

“I am somewhat confused. You say that you are the instigator of all this. You are asking us questions. We require your approval to be accepted. And yet you also say that Mistress Kellonika is in charge?”

“That's a fair question, Brenna. You should think of it as follows: Until yesterday, I was indeed in charge. From today, Kelly – Mistress Kellonika – is. This is because I have another few businesses to run and can no longer devote as much time to just this one as I have been able to in the past. And this job requires long bells and tiring conditions, so I regret I am no longer able to contribute a full person’s amount.

“I retain the overall view, Bailiss Michet retains the overall permissions for this is her house after all. She takes in all the money, she pays all the bills and she allocates to us that which we shall be paid. We leaders get more than you juniors, of course. But as you improve, so shall your coin portion. Kelly is now responsible for the day to day running. Which reminds me - there is also another entity from which you shall require permission to work here. The Assembly of this town!”

I paused for the inevitable gasps of surprise, which I was totally unsurprised to receive. I raised a hand to once again gain a silence so that I could answer the question that was clearly written on each of their faces.

“For our dining room is also their Assembly meeting room. Before you are allowed unsupervised access to the Dining Room, as we consider it, but which they consider to be their Meeting Room, then you shall require the permission of the Assembly. It should come as no surprise that they listen to Kelly, myself and Em – er, that is Bailiss Michet – when considering granting their permissions.”

I looked keenly at them as they absorbed this new information, but then I had to look away, for the door had opened and two people came in.

“Surtree! Thank you for being so prompt! I assume Mistress Michet, our Bailiss, showed you where I could be found, else why should she too have come with you? But right now I need to concentrate on what I have just started so would beg of you to stand or sit over there in that corner and not interrupt until I have finished this task. You're welcome to listen. I deem you will learn something. I promise I shall get to you very soon.”

I turned to the other and said: “Em, you could not have come at a better time. I trust you have a hand of moments? These three are potential newcomers to our team and would require your approval before Kelly takes them on.”

Her eyebrows raised but she nodded to me to confirm she had the time, and I motioned to Josian to start talking.

“Er, let me see, what was it you wanted to know?”

I would have been annoyed at any other time, for my directions had been quite clear; however, I recognised this was just a normal ploy to gain a little time now the circumstances had just changed once more. So I gave her the benefit of any doubt. This time.

I just looked quizzically at her which made her swallow and hurry on: “I have heard of the reputation of this place and had also heard that 'twas run by young women, which, after seeing the example given us by Milady last year, made me more determined to do something with myself. My father, in an attempt to do what he calls 'save' me, has kept me virtually locked up in my own bedroom. Sure, I can go out on various commissions as long as I am with my mother and/or sister, but ever since I have got to an age when, as Father says 'boys will notice me', he has been most strict.

“There is much talk in the Town of how much you, Mistress Julina, have contributed and you even have one of those Park things named after you – frankly, you have become one of my heroines. I know I am capable for Mama tells me so frequently. And my family all approve of my cooking abilities. And then the other day, in the street, we met Paivi, a girl I have known, but not closely, for nearly all my life. She is so much different since she started working here and even her strict father now approves of her doing so. So when she suggested I apply, Mama told me I should. And here I am. If Paivi, and all you others can do it, then so can I!”

A little unfairly, but deliberately, I replied: “So you are only here because your mother wants you to be?”

“No, no. I want to make something else of my life. I am here because my mother approves, not because she is pushing me in some way.”

Em then asked a question, which at first seemed very strange: “So what is the view from your window?”

We all, myself included, looked a little blank, so she explained a little deeper: “Your father kept you in your room, you say. What future did you see for yourself as you were in that room? Did you look out of your window and wish and hope? Or did you feel driven to find a way to join the world outside your window?”

“Oh! I understand now. I have become determined to do something, or somethings, like Julina has, and I have become determined to learn things like Julina can teach. And I love helping Mama with the cooking, so I thought I would try to start here. It is after all the best.”

Kelly then threw in a question: “Learn things? Can you read, write, number? Or did your father keep you away from the lessons that Julina and others have been giving?”

“Oh no! Mama and I have been to many of the lessons. Writing is still awkward, but we are getting so much better at reading now.”

Eye-speak between Kelly, Em and I agreed that at least she could start with us. If what she said was true, and her voice was most convincing, then we had a keen student on our hands.

And so it went with the other two as well. They were all smiles as we sent them to their homes, with instructions to return in the morning, at the second bell.

Whereupon I could turn to Surtree even as Em left us once more, telling us she was going to the Claw to continue to welcome the Royals – she was an Assembly Member after all.

“Well, young Surtree, what news?”

“Mistress Yanda sends her regrets but she is full, however, Master Graber was there when I asked the Mistress, and he immediately said you could use a corner of the Miners' Hall. He sent an urchin up there to get it arranged.”

At that point, he blushed deeply, which made Kelly and I wonder; we both said “And?” at the same time.

He squirmed a little. “Master Graber called for a brief silence, and then made me announce that you would be up at the Miners' Hall in half a bell, maybe just a little longer, should any wish to meet with you. Mistresses, I have never spoken aloud to so many people in my life. I was terrified.

“Most of those there had just been gawping at the arrival of Prince Keren and were discussing the lack of his wife. Apparently, the King has sent her on an urgent mission to somewhere, although I deem I heard hands and hands of different destinations. And I must remember this was in the Bell, not the Claw, where the Prince and his party have gathered first, so I don't know quite what to believe. However, I do know that you are expected up at the Miners' Hall.”

“Maker! Thank you Surtree, you have done well. Now wait here for a moment or two please, I have had another idea and I deem you could be of assistance. But then I will need you to rush about taking messages to various people and places. … Surtree, I will hire you for the next week, I deem. Yes, that shall be the thing ... Actually, Surtree, please go and find the three girls and tell them to attend me here in five moments, not a heartbeat sooner, and you stay with them until then. Kelly and I have something very private to discuss.”

The lad scurried off with a broad grin on his face, his fingers waving a sort of salute in the air.

I drew Kelly close and used my quietest tones: “What passed with Venket this morning? Did Berdon and Bettayla help in any way? Venket seemed more relaxed when I got back!”

She replied equally quietly: “Em and Kassama informed me first thing of her problem, and Berdon and his wife did indeed help. They are quick to think and quick to come up with a convincing playacting scenario. To cut it short, Kassama sent Venket up to their room on some pretext or other and they had their backs turned to the door when she got there. They were talking about men who would be women they knew down in Tranidor and Venket heard their words as if they were a continuance of an already established conversation. Without directly saying anything, they let poor Venket know that she was not alone, that there were others like her around in this country. And somehow they let it be known that they were available for talking to about it, for that is what Venket did just before the Royal Visitors arrived.”

“Who knows? And does Venket know who all knows?”

“Kassama, Em, You, Me, Berdon, Bettayla all know. As far as I know, Venket only knows about B and B.”

“Excellent! Thanks for the information. I am a little relieved. We shall have to make Venket more and more relaxed as the days go by. That needs to be thought about in the back of our heads. But I am pressed for now, so we must move on. Next I deem I must needs tell you and the three 'new' girls – we are going to have to find another word for them, now we have three 'new new' girls! Anyway, I have had an idea but you need also to approve of it, so I need to get the girls in now – I am thinking particularly of Paivi, but maybe you have ideas for improvements.”

“Very well. I am intrigued. I shall go and beckon them in. You have been a lot less than your original hand of moments!”

And so we six gathered again, Surtree with the three 'new' girls, Kelly and I.

“Right all, I must be swift, as you are all aware. Today I have been over to the Artisans' Area for a major change to Blackstone and its surroundings. For I have been commissioned by the Assembly to build and run an inn and/or restaurant over there.”

All of them except Surtree straightened in surprise. Kelly mouthed an 'Oh' at me, but I grinned for I had not got yet to my surprise. I was looking forward to their faces when I did eventually get there. For the heartbeat I decided to let them think the surprises were over.

“Surtree can confirm. For he was with me, along with Gyth and Master Pyor. He has seen us stake out the land claim for the place where that inn shall be built. Between us we established that there is a requirement for an eatery over there. This is because, currently, the workers either have to take small food with them of a morning, or they have to travel back to Town to eat.”

I paused, but they thought I was finished and piled in with exclamations of wonder and delight. I held up my hand again for silence. Kelly of course knew me best and could see my twinkling eyes, so she knew immediately there was more to come. The others caught on quite rapidly after that and a silence fell as they eagerly awaited my continuance.

“One of the major things that had come up was of course the best spot for such a building, and I discussed it with Master Brydas and several others over there. The final site was actually the best compromise we could come up with, and the workers at the end nearest the head of the valley will be torn as to which is nearer – Town or the new place, which I am minded suddenly to call The Stoop, for 'tis near the junction of the Stone Sea Road and the Loop Road; Stone and Loop; Stoop.

“But I digress. It occurred to me that we here in the Salon are the town's leaders in what has become one of the most popular foodstuffs recently – and Paivi is our expert. Yes, I mean the peet-zers.”

I could see their brains working and 'twas Paivi and Surtree who got there first. They were about to say something when I added: “Lunches only!”

Paivi nodded and then went back to thinking. Venket looked puzzled, Kelly expectant as she knew I had more to say. Then Frowka's eyes widened and I nodded encouragingly to her.

She began hesitantly. “So … er … we could open another restaurant … just for lunches … would that be just for peet-zers?”

“I think principally yes, but maybe pies and pastries too. Easy things we can prepare in advance. And easy things for the customers to consume. HOWEVER ...”

They stopped their chatter again and once more I had their full attention.

“... I deem we do not need a full building over there. The rains will be a bit of a trial, of course, but outside of that, and except for the deepest depths of winter, the peet-zers can be eaten outside. Maybe have a tarpaulin for a roof that spreads quite wide, just like the new Auction Shed up at the Market Place which made me think of this, with a few tables and benches underneath the shelter maybe. For that could be erected in just a few hands of moments, and can be folded down and rolled up again after use.

“And we would only need to use it at lunch time. The only permanent thing we would need over there is an oven for making the peet-zers, and for brewing water for pel. Maybe some plates and knives, but most seem to eat the peet-zers with their hands. So other things we serve could be, as I said, pies and pastries and so on, maybe even honeycakes, all things that can be held in the hand. Dirty plates could be brought back here for washing up later.

“The fresh ingredients would be sliced and prepared here, the dough balls too, and so on, and then carted over there in buckets. If this zeer thing works as I hope, then we will have somewhere cool to store the food. Whoever is on duty there can then make the peet-zers to order.”

This time, my pause was for more thought.

“Hmmm. Let me see. What sort of timings are we thinking about? Load up a cart here, drive over there, one or two of you, fire up the oven which will take half a bell to get hot enough so in the meantime set up a cooking table, draw across the roofing and set out the eating tables and benches. Say a bell for lunch service, half a bell to strike the camp so to speak, half a bell back here. Say three bells in all. What think you all?”

There was a pause before they all started clapping.

This was a reaction I had not anticipated. And it made me blush.

“Now I would recommend Paivi be the one to set this all up, but 'twould be too much to expect her to just spend all of her time a-peet-zering for she must needs learn other things too, over here. So I propose that she and young Surtree here go over there first thing in the morning to try to identify a good site. But say nothing to anyone over there just yet. Then come back here to report if you have found anything sensible, and think how to handle it and so on. Is that a good idea?”

“With the greatest of respect, why Surtree, he is a mere lad?” asked Frowka.

Based on my experiences of the lad earlier that day and the questions he had asked and so on, I made a sudden decision there and then. I would employ Surtree permanently.

“I have employed Surtree as my assistant in various matters, this being one of them. 'Twas originally for this week, but his behaviour, his willingness and his intelligent questions have convinced me to make it permanent. Just like you three are being rewarded for your progress and your contributions, then Surtree too shall be. Gyth and Master Pyor are the only other two who know anything about this, and they shall not be available to show Paivi tomorrow, for they are going downvalley, the Master permanently, Gyth for a number of weeks. So that leaves just myself and Surtree. And I cannot do so in the morning, I have many other things to deal with then. And we cannot afford to let someone else jump in with this opportunity.”

“I accept the idea,” said Paivi with an excited laugh.

And Surtree was grinning broadly whilst at the same time looking a little shocked that suddenly he had a real job, a coin-earning form of employment.

I turned to him and said: “Right, I shall arrange a bac for you both to pick you up here at the second bell. Your job is to guide Paivi to the place, point out areas we rejected, others we considered and so on, and our reasons for coming to our decisions. Show her the Stoop as well, so she can get an idea for the distances those over there shall have to cover. But remember that it is Paivi who is in charge, your role is to advise her, as a part of the team she heads. Clear? You heard most of our discussions today and you have shown an ability to take an idea and refine it, so I trust you to help her.”

He nodded, so I continued: “Now I need you to run and tell the following people that the new venue for my meetings this afternoon is in the Miners' Hall ...”

He listened to my list, repeated it faithfully and then dashed out.

Then it was the turn of the girl to receive her instructions: “... and do not go too far away, for the farther away you go, the more time it will take each day. But be far enough away to provide a sensible service to those over there. Also keep a sensible distance from the Stoop, so get Surtree to show you where that shall be. Ask Surtree for anything he might be able to contribute and use him to bounce ideas off. He has a brain and will I'm sure use it sensibly. Remember not to choose a place that might flood in the rains – Surtree learnt much about that today. I expect you two to form a team to make recommendations to Kelly and I this time tomorrow.”

“Very well, Julina. Thank you for your faith in me.”

“Excellent. Do your best. No-one can expect anything else.

“Now you two, Venket and Frowka, you are going to have to sort some things out amongst yourselves. You are both going to be busy with some extra tasks too. As you both know, Molly and Gyth are no longer with us, although Gyth will return, I expect, in a few weeks' time. So Kelly will need to rely upon you two and upon Kords, with Kassama's help as well.

“Now, you two have been most recently through the training we gave you to get you started, so you two are going to be expected to bring Dravna, Brenna and Josian into a state of being helpful and productive just as soon as they can be. Kelly will help you of course, but use your recent experience to guide you. With so few of us here, and with an expanding workload, this entire business is relying on you two to bring the others along. Can we in fact so rely upon you both?”

The two swallowed somewhat but their backs stiffened as they replied together: “Absolutely!”

“Then we shall trust you to do so.”

There was a lot of emotion sloshing around just then.

Then Kelly got practical.

“'Lina, you must dash up to the Miners' for your follow-up interviews as soon as you may. The rest of you need to get busy. Kords is also due any heartbeat, thank the Maker, and we have two full sittings this e'en, just three or four spare places in all, so we have little time to spare. I deem I shall send an urchin to see if little Kissa is also available. Let's go! Venket, I would like you to ...”

Kelly showed again why she was the right one to take over the day to day running from me. I turned on my heel and walked out, surreptitiously wiping away a little tear as I went.

When I reached Main Street, I turned uphill and headed up to make a start on clearing the backlog of tasks I had piling up on me. I needed to follow up yesterday's broad interviews with some that were far more detailed. I would of course have liked to go down to the Claw and be nosy and, yes, gawpy, but I simply could not afford the time. My head did turn however in that direction.

“Maker!” I exclaimed aloud and stopped in my tracks.

There, coming up the road towards me, but obviously not coming to see me in particular, was Em escorting two men and with two females alongside.

Em needed no introduction, which goes without saying.

However, the two females were strangers to me, but were armed and accoutred as guards! In whatever colours they were wearing, NOT Her Highness', but I just knew they had recently arrived with the Royals.

The male on the left (as I looked at them) was likewise a stranger. He was tall, not overweight in any way and he too was in uniform, but I again knew not enough to be certain just what those particular colours meant. His gait and posture would have told even a blind man that he was a soldier.

The final member of this group, was the second male. He saw me staring. His face split into a huge grin. He waved.

It was Subrish!

I squealed and ran down to meet them, calling his name as I went. And caring not that I was going away from where I should be. We met halfway between Em's and the Claw.

“Subrish! Subrish! You chose to come up here after all. Do you stay long? Where shall … oh at Epp’s of course!”

The other man looked me up and down and then peered into my face, a frown writ large across his own.

Then his brow cleared: “Ah yes, Subrish! The young lady in the wagon when you challenged that Dschorg as we entered Tranidor. Difficult to recognise without the rain clothing.”

By this time, Em was ready with the formal introductions and I met Quadrant Ponstib properly for the first time. I learnt that he had volunteered to leave the Duke’s guard so that he could take over as the first Quadrant up here. It seemed that promotion was difficult down in Dekarran, and that was for an apparently not uncommon reason. He was overdue his advancement but down there there was nowhere to promote him to, all such ranks being already filled, and with relatively youthful incumbents. Experienced leaders were required up here to handle the massive expansion that was planned, and it seemed that his and the town’s mutual problems could be at least partway solved by this simple transfer.

The two female guards – I confess I was even then still amazed at that – were named Gowdet and Tanita; they wore Palace colours, they explained. Apparently, there was now an entire File of women in the Palace Guard, these two having been in the second intake of four; another two had joined a month after them. There had been one intake of four initially, two of whom had actually fought with Subrish, I knew. They did say that it was rare indeed when the entire File was together, for they seemed to be lent out in pairs to various expeditions or exercises.

“The Quadrant requires Blackstone Colours as soon as he may so I was taking him here …” she indicated the Watch Complex “… to ask Haka if she could manage the task. Gowdet and Tanita are with me to learn a little of the town, to gather their bearings so to speak. Also the Quadrant shall take my last room until he finds something for himself. My urchin I sent told me that Kelly has agreed to fit him in into the second sitting.”

She then turned to him and spoke directly: “Quadrant, that house from which Julina emerged is mine. You shall be billeted there. 'Tis also the best restaurant in North Palarand. So your dinner this night shall be one of the best you have ever had. As a welcome, the cost to you for tonight shall be nothing for the food. What you drink, however, must be from your own purse.”

“I thank you most heartedly, Mistress Michet.”

Just then we all heard much bellowing and shouting from inside the Watch block.

Gowdet and Tanita were quick to draw their weapons, while Ponstib put his hand on his own hilt. Subrish was sweet, actually, as he gathered me in one arm to protect me. Both he and Ponstib had eyes that were thoughtfully scanning everywhere, even behind us whilst the two girl guards were concentrating upon the source of the noise.

There were more loud grunts and groans from within until suddenly there came a high-pitched whimper – followed by a silence.

Em and I looked at each other whilst the others looked confused. Not to say that Em and I weren't confused, that is. We were. But we had the advantage of knowing that building's purpose.

A hand of heartbeats went by and then the Watch House door opened and Suril emerged, gently closing the door behind him.

When he achieved a position outside far enough away from the building but still out of sight of the recently upgraded windows, he put his head back and silently howled to the skies whilst shaking his right hand up and down. He even jumped up and down a few times. All silently.

This strange activity ceased abruptly when I called : “Suril! 'Tis a bright afternoon. Are you well? We have visitors for your wife. Allow me to present Captain Subrish of the Forguland Military Whatsits, Quadrant Ponstib previously from the Dekarran Garrison but now of Blackstone County forces, whatever they are to be called, and Guardswomen Gowdet and Tanita of the Palace Guard. All, this is Senior Deputy Suril, second in command of our Watch here in town.”

There were murmurs of greeting all around and then Em and I asked Suril what had been going on. We could all see Suril think rapidly even as he said: “Town business really. Let me see how best to say it. Errm … the Venk business. “ We both reacted as we realised what he really meant, but was being discreet. “Venk's father has been beating the mother and child. Quite severely.

“He is blaming his offspring's … unusual behaviour … for his actions, claiming that as an excuse for his bullying.”

Em and I realised that the group of those in the know about Venket had now been increased further.

“Now he has vigorously resisted arrest and Fedren and I have both been injured. Normally my whispering does the trick but this time we had to get physical. I hurt my hand hitting him, but we cannot let him know. He MUST believe that he is bested by us. If he even thinks he has some advantage, however small, our task will be that much harder. He is such a person.

“His wife is now crippled for life; the healers, who also know everything about this case, can do nothing for the poor woman, it has been too long since the injury. I reckons as how this shall be a minimum of 5 years on a galley or treadmill or whatever, but as we know, a trial must be undertaken. My worry is that when all the facts are made public, then more suffering will occur.” He held Em's and my eyes, so we knew he was worried about Venket's future.

Another problem for us to think about.

“Now, you wanted our Haka. She's round the back with the little 'uns, in the house. She'll be right pleased to see you, I know. Particularly you, 'Lina.”

“Regretfully I am late for an appointment and must dash. But Em will take them round.” I turned to the others. “Excuse me all, I really must scurry, I have hands of people awaiting upon me. Subrish, we shall meet later, I deem.”

With that, I went once more on my way uphill, the farewells from the little party ringing in the air behind me.

… … …

It brings little to describe in detail all that went on in my talks in the Miners' Hall, but suffice it to say I found people willing to wait a few weeks before starting as housekeepers in the three places for which I now had to find staff – The Stoop, The Consociation and what had now become the Frolicsome Frayen, rather than the Frolicking Frayen. Hey! It wasn't built yet, so it didn't really matter – mayhap it shall end up being the Dancing Dranakh or the Gyrating Gavakhan! The Ganifil and Gallin? The Dozy Dooclor? Whatever.

I also found some people who might be prepared to staff the kitchens of the various projects, but that was of course much further into the future, so I just promised to keep them in mind when the time came.

So I was rushing again back down to Em's to help with the evening meals preparation, but had to go to the Claw first to arrange a bac for Paivi and Surtree on the morrow, when I met another small group coming up the Main Street, led by Master Bezan. Even as we neared each other, my eyes were scanning the group of ten people in all.

Apart from Master B, there were:

• Countess Merizel and what seemed to be three maids, one of whom looked familiar somehow
• A young woman who also seemed strangely familiar
• Two young guardsmen in the Princess' colours; I rubbed my eyes for they too seemed familiar
• Two of those Einnlander guards in what I could now recognise as the Palace colours

I was torn at which of these characters to look at first, though.

Milady Merizel was smiling kindly at me, but the other young woman and the two young guardsmen were as well, as was one of the maids. These last four, as I said, were familiar to me and yet not.

But my brain refused to dwell on that problem because my eyes were dragged, with a most peculiar feeling in my tummy, to one of those Einnlander guards. It was that Jerk fellow. It took all of my will power to drag my eyes away when their leader began talking.

“Good afternoon, Mistress Julina,” began Bezan. “You know I believe the Countess Merizel? She has been telling me of the correspondence the two of you have maintained since she was last here. These two you will of course recognise as Guardsmen Tedenis and Briswin, and Mistress Senidet as well, I deem. Alongside the Countess is another former resident of Blackstone, the Countess' assistant Lanilla. These two maids are Tandra and Geska, and the two unusual guards are Jerk and Maarku, they are ...”

“Of Einnlander origin but are in the Palace Guard now,” I interrupted, accurately to Milady's and Bezan's surprise. “Milady, Countess rather, it is a great honour to meet you once more and I thank you for the continued support and indeed help that your letters have afforded me,” I said as I dropped a formal curtsey to her.

“Milady is fine, Julina!” she said, inclining her head to allow me to continue to greet the others.

“As for the rest of you I can scarce believe how you have all changed in such a short time.

“Lanilla, you used to be so pale and skinny, but you have now developed into, if I might say it, a beautiful woman now you have filled out. You have noticeable curves, so much so that I confess I feel pangs of jealousy. I deem the food downvalley must be good for you.

“Senidet, you too are looking wonderful, married life obviously agrees with you.

“And your man here! Well Ted, you have grown up and Briswin too.

“I am delighted to see you all again.”

Only then did I allow myself to look at the other two men.

Jerk's eyes were boring into mine, it seemed. I never managed to look at that Maarku.

I again forced myself to drag my eyes back to the others as I tried desperately to collect my wits.

“Tandra and Geska, welcome to Blackstone,” I managed to stammer.

But I was drowning in a whirlpool of emotions, which is probably what all the others were smiling about. Which in turn was all the more embarrassing.

It was Ted who began to rescue me. “Julina - Bris and I, well I have to report we've seen battle. It is not pretty. We are no longer the simple youths we were. We have grown up. And it seems to us that you too have developed over the intervening months. You have blossomed in the looks department and yet also seem … seem … efficiently busy, I deem.”

“Just so, you always had a wise head but there is more now. You seem somehow like a leader or something,” added in Senidet.

“Oh yes,” said Bezan heartily. “The things that Julina has done are really quite magnificent. Why recently she has found a simple method of keeping things cool that she taken out an open Exclusivity Licence on, for she obtained it from a traveller from Chaarn. That reminds me, Julina. Have you read that letter? I am awaiting the suggestions of the sands.”

“Oh Bezan, I had forgotten all about it, I have been that busy.”

“I'm not surprised, I confess. Quite how you keep going with all your enterprises and yet still have such wonderfully simple ideas, I shall never ...”

I was saved from any further embarrassment when a little figure rushed up to us from down the hill and barged into our conversation by piping in a shrill and nervous way to the Countess: “Are you the Cuntiss Mezireel?”

Everyone smiled.

Everyone that is, except me. I was so embarrassed by the interruption, and a little bit annoyed. Which may seem strange to you, for I just said I was being saved from further embarrassment.

This was however another type of embarrassment and so I felt I needed to tell this impetuous lad off, and quite strongly.

But before I could say anything, the Countess said: “Indeed I am, young man. Well found. I deem you have a message for me?”

The lad took a deep breath, half closed his eyes and spouted all in one go, as though there was no punctuation: “Mistress Jent says Community Hall well appointed. She and her Odd Guard will distribute boxes and chests. Space for all, including Count Halldrin. Civilians and Wagoneers not. Some guards will need to find other beds.”

The lad was about to dash away again when I finally yelled at him, which made him look round at the rest of the people gathered there. His face drained of all its colour when he saw me.

“I was just urchining, 'Lina. Papa said I could.” He was most defensive in that statement. “And you're not my mother any more anyway,” he added, sullenly and with a pout. He was certain I was about to tell him off, particularly embarrassing to him in front of all these strangers.

I smiled an embarrassed apology at everyone there.

I realised that we could have a large problem here if I let it get out of hand, so I made sure I used only the most gentle of tones: “Dear 'Kin. If you want to be a good urchin, then you really should wait to see if the person to whom you have just delivered your message wishes to send a reply or needs you for anything else. You will gain much more coin that way, little brother.

“And now, I'm sorry but I do have to tell you off ever so slightly, in that I need to give you another tip or two as far as your 'urchining' goes.

“First, when you address a high-born lady like this, you should always call her 'Milady'. Or 'Your Grace' if she's the wife of a Duke. Or 'Your Highness' if she's a Princess or a Queen.

“Second, you should NEVER just jump in on a conversation as you just did. I know you were nervous as you are just a starting urchin, but you need to consider your manners; manners which I have tried to teach you your entire life. You should wait for an acknowledgement of your presence. It's very like the table manners we employ at home. You wait until you are spoken to, or there is otherwise some indication that you may speak.

“Third, if you are passing on a verbal message like you just did, then do it slowly and clearly. You must admit you just babbled it out just now. How many times have I told you not to babble at home, eh? This is the reason why. You are talking to other grown-ups now, so just calm down. All right, sweetie?”

I think he was surprised when I didn't tell him off any more strongly than that.

And then he remembered that I really shouldn't call him 'sweetie' in public, so he tried to get huffy. I gave him the Glare, a toned-down version and then I grinned. He couldn't help but grin back and his little face lit up which I knew stirred the hearts of all the females around who found it so cute.

“So Kin was it? Your name that is?”

He nodded, then added: “Kordulkin, actually... Milady.”

“Could you tell me please if Mistress Jenet send this message to someone else? Someone other than me?” The Countess smiled down at him in a very friendly manner.

“Yes, she did … Milady.” His eyes jerked again to me when he remembered to address her properly. “It was to Commander Fettran in the Claw who sent me up here with the same message for you.”

She was about to say something else, when 'Kin added: “Oh yes. And the Commander said to say he confirms home bills for the lads, whatever that means.”

“Was the word perhaps 'billets'?”

“Oh yeah. That was it.”

I coughed pointedly.

“Milady,” he added hastily. “Oh, and that they were off duty until first Bell up at the Community Hall. I just remembered that bit. Milady.”

We all laughed at that, Jerk's laugh causing me more internal ructions. The Countess nodded to Lanilla who slipped out a coin and pressed it into 'Kin's hand. Then 'Kin was sent away again, and I waved at him as he went, his little eyes still searching mine for approval. Approval which I beamed at him and he grinned as he scampered off.

Then I remembered something.

“'Kin! 'Kin! Come back. There is another message for you to take.”

He screeched to a halt and bounded back to us, looking up at the Countess expectantly.

She laughed: “Not I, young man. Not I. I deem it is your sister this time.”

He swung round to me.

“So is it,” I confirmed. “Please find Goodman Mutab, or Goodman Kulyer down at the Claw, if not, then Mistress Sukhana. Tell them I need a bac for the morning until at least noon, from the second Bell, at Em's.”

“Righty ho!”

“Errrm. All the best urchins repeat the message to show that they have understood. Why don't you practice doing that with me, now?”

He rolled his eyes and sighed.

But he did as I suggested: “Mutab or Kulyer in the Claw – if not, then Sookie. 'Lina needs a bac at Em's for the entire morning, from second Bell until at least noon.”

He turned to go, but I still had something to say: “No! Hold! You are an urchin now, so collect your coin. You aren't my brother any more, for this matter, you are an urchin. So here, take this.”

His eyes widened, and he took the coin gently from my fingers. The Countess gently suggested: “I deem 'twould be best to always thank your patrons, young 'Kin!”

“Thank you, 'Lina.”

“Thank YOU, urchin!”

And so it was that I spent a few moments more chatting with the group before I made it back to the Salon's kitchen. We started with the topic of keeping things cold, and they told me they had these marvellous machines just being developed that could cool things down – they called them fridges. Senidet was most enthusiastic about them, and explained, in far too much technical detail for me to grasp, that they were being tested even as we spoke, and that we could expect them to be efficiently workable and available within a hand of years.

All driven by something called 'Lectrix' it sounded like.

But I could not stay and chat too long, I was busy and they were off to see their respective families. I hugged Senidet and Lanilla and welcomed them and the boys back to their home town.

Then I made it finally to the kitchens of the Salon, which was a mass of steam, and working bodies and all that. I busied myself there and tried not to think too much about what had been happening to my insides whilst I had been conversing out there.

I wasn't very successful. Well, not at first.

Eventually the routines and the rush, the hecticity of it all, made me forget. Plus all the other thoughts I had racing through my head about Meglina and Blackstone Wagons. Plus the thoughts I tried to remember, but then realised I would have to write down, of things that should be taught once the Consociation started up properly.

The dinner appeared to go smoothly and we had much in our Thank-you Pot at the end of it all.

So it was that our day came to an end.

Or neared it anyway.

Ponstib was the last to rise from table and head off to his bed. No sooner had he gone than we started closing things down and so on; Kelly, I and Kassama. Then Ponstib reappeared with a dented and well-worn drinking vessel and a small pouch of herbs and leaves.

“May I request some hot water? I like always to have this particular infusion before I retire of a night.”

“Of course, Quadrant, it will be but a heartbeat. We have yet to bank the fires.”

We made his infusion for him as he waited, talking generalities as we did so. He made sure we didn't have to cease our activities and waved us to continue working as we talked. He promised to keep out of the way. We scurried here and there, putting things away, the final washing and drying, the banking of the fires.

But all of it that night was overlaid by something new.

Soon after pouring the water over his leaves and herbs, the kitchen was filled with a wonderful aroma, one I had not scented before. None of us had so far wished to embarrass him by asking too many personal questions, but I knew that I would have to find out what this particular concoction was.

So I decided to just tackle the subject head on so to speak: “Quadrant Ponstib, the aromas of that infusion are particularly seductive. Might I enquire what it is?”

“'Tis no real secret, Mistress Julina, many know of it. But 'tis not found in very many places. 'Tis from Dekarran Castle, well a particular part anyway, but I understand is not widely available outside. We name it ...”

“Whistler's Whetstone!”

We swung round as Em came in and completed his statement for him. His eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Mistress Michet, may I ask how you know that name? 'Tis a name, I believed, to be from the Dekarran barracks, and not widely bandied about.”

“Indeed, Quadrant! It is a fair while since I smelled that. It evokes so many memories. Might I perchance steal a mugful of that. I would fain rekindle my memories with a taste of it, as well as that smell. Oh how it takes me back to those barracks.”

“YOU were in those barracks? But how? When?”

“A complicated story, Quadrant, one that mayhap will be told as we share our Whetstones?”

They were still talking about the Dekarran Garrison when the three of us left a bell or so later. I doubt they noticed us go.

'Twas midnight as I reached my bedroom – a long and full day indeed.

---

Julina encourages the younger ones to grow

---

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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

“Maker, 'Lina. Your little sister is certainly growing up fast, isn't she?”

I silently laughed along with Swayga as we watched Kissa flirt with Surtree even as we were doing the Tai Chi.

I had given her the task earlier of measuring his head, so that I could get a riding hat made for him. But he wasn't to know why she was doing it. She gleefully set about the task. For soon he would need to be riding, just to cover the distances that would be required. I looked forward to a less hectic time when I could resume my morning rides, but those hopes seemed very unlikely, going even perhaps so far as to say there was no chance of those for a good few days yet.

But to get back to the two young ones; the gaiety of their laughter somehow added an extra lightness to the start of the day. It made it so that all of us were smiling, even the latest addition to the urchin ranks who was normally so serious. I looked at 'Kin fondly. Serious he might be most of the time; however, when he did let go of that seriousness, his inner fun self shone through. At those times, he was a delight to be with. This was one of those all too rare times.

Surtree had turned up early so I had got him to sit with 'Kin as we were all breakfasting, Surtree having eaten his own before he arrived. I wanted those two to discuss urchining. You know the sort of thing: the dos and don'ts, the better service methods, the difficulties and so on. 'Kin hung on his every word, and I confess to being quite impressed at some of his questions, which were far more intelligent than I had supposed he would ask.

I was also impressed with some of Surtree's answers.

Their conversation drew all the rest of us in and I confess that I think we all learnt that there were some unexpected aspects of urchining that we had never before considered.

With the meal over and the clear-up done, 'twas time for the Tai Chi. And Kissa's flirting.

When we were finished with that and Kissa had been sent to tidy her room, I told Surtree to use the facilities, since he was probably going to have to go a long time without.

With those two out of the way, I turned to Swayga and spoke only just above a whisper: “Don't let Kissa know that Surtree is going to spend the morning with Paivi. I deem the greening of her face with envy might ruin her day!”

“Yes, indeed. And 'twere that so, she shall soon make the rest of us miserable before we could count to ten. She is, regrettably, just getting to that stage when children are awkward to their parents. Hopefully, having responsibilities with seamstressing and sometimes working in the Salon will keep her from too many strong outbursts. I can but hope...” she said wistfully, before continuing in a different, much more serious tone. “Now that Paivi, I need to talk about her. She is also a girl, a little older than Kissa, I deem?”

“Indeed, she is in fact of an age with Kords. They get on well together, I in turn deem.”

“So what you have planned for them today. Is it right? Should she really be alone with a young man, and a driver? Should she not have a chaperone?”

“Oh Balth! That thought had simply just not occurred to me.”

“Excuse me! And JUST what was that word you used, young lady? I trust 'tis not unfit for a woman?”

“Oh Swayga, no, no, no. Not at all. Sookie no less assures me that it is perfectly acceptable. A simple wagoneer's expression, apparently.”

“I sincerely hope so young lady! I would not have your standards slip so far as to actually use foul language to others.”

I looked at Swayga with a mixture of fondness and exasperation. Does she really not remember that I am a busy business woman? And that I was a mother to these other five for more years than she has been around Blackstone?

But I had to acknowledge that she means well. Even if I suspect her concern for proper behaviour is more about how it reflects upon our family, and therefore, by extension, upon herself.

And then yet another thought caught my mind. A thought to question her herself. A question to which her answers might be of great interest to record: “Say! What words did the fisherfolk and the coastal traders use then? Other than 'Maker' of course. Someone should write them down lest they are lost in the distant moments of our far future. And anything else that all this hectic change might lose forever. Now there's a project for us all.”

I could see that Swayga was struck by that thought. I felt like expanding upon the theme but as it happened that was as far as I got before Surtree returned, which meant we needed to leave for work.

We both waved good bye to the rest of the family as we exited the door and our day began in earnest.

As soon as we got outside, it became immediately apparent that for many others too the day had already started.

There was a lot of activity up the hill above our house as the soldiery and staff at the Community Hall were scurrying about. We looked at them, but just swiftly, atop the slope behind us before diverting our attention to what was going on in front of us. East Street was teeming as the early departures made their way out of town to get downvalley as soon and as far as they might. We decided to go straight across and scurry down the alleyway between the Claw and the Messenger building, coming out onto Main Street opposite the normal entrance to the Bell, of course.

There, we turned uphill in order to progress towards our destination which was to be Em's. Our passage was not uninterrupted for we passed and/or greeted several people even in that relatively short step.

One of those people was dear Pomma, working her way back home with two freshly baked, and still warm, loaves she had fetched from Mayler's. She chatted with us as together we made our way up the slope.

Klo came down, she was Master Wainer's (the shoemaker who lived opposite Pomma and Waldan) housekeeper. She called gaily to Pomma: “I see you have beaten me to it this morn! Oh, look yonder. There is Donet, I shall catch her up. No doubt she too is after some fresh bread. I hope that you early ones have left us others some. A good day to you all.” With that she scurried on her way.

Master Selden was another. He was crossing diagonally across the street to get from his house, which of course had been poor Polbinar's, to the Valley Messenger Service office, which snuggled between the Steward's house and the Claw. His house was the next one uphill from the Bell, the other side of the new Bell Lane. It was opposite both the Steward's and the Watch Complex, opposite therefore where the South Cross Lane joined Main Street.

Now I have mentioned this in detail because the South Cross Lane was far busier that morning than anyone had ever seen it. This was entirely due to it being the most direct route from the centre of Town to the Community Hall. And the Community Hall was of course full of residents suddenly. All out-of-towners.

Master Selden waved a greeting to us, and I believe he would have spoken with us had not his attention been grabbed by a hail from up the street. A semaphore messenger was coming down with a large basket of papers. It was only then that I realised I had been hearing in the background all morning the almost constant clack clack of the semaphore arms, which were naturally quietened somewhat by being this far distant. The other significance of Master Selden receiving the message copies quite escaped me at that moment. I only had to think about it the next day!

My own attention was then taken by a hail from someone riding along South Cross Lane towards us, obviously having descended from the Community Hall. The slope of the road on the far side of East Street was sufficient for the lane to have to have several gentle, and one not so gentle, curves to allow carts and wagons to ascend and descend in safety, but the state of the mud on the frayen's lower legs and feet told me that Master Simman had in fact ridden straight down.

“Mistress Julina, a very good day to you! I am on my way to the Steward's house to report on how we accommodated all the six and seventy bodies that arrived in the Royal Caravan yesterday. Thanks to your brilliant suggestion, we managed to do it all with only a few awkwardnesses, some of which are being corrected even as I speak. I am most grateful to you.”

“Good morrow, Master Simman. May I present my young assistant, Surtree?”

“Surtree! And Mistress Pomma. A very good morrow to you both too. Forgive me, I spoke in haste to Mistress Julina here, for I needed, as you heard, to thank her right heartfully.”

“Master Simman!” said my two companions in unison.

'Twas only then I could continue the conversation Simman had started: “Seventy six! Maker! How on Anmar did you squeeze so many in?”

We were interrupted by a laugh from Pomma. “Oh, Maker, indeed! I would very much wish to hear this and yet I must needs get the warm bread home. How very inconvenient!”

We laughed too and waved as she went on her way, her waving restricted of course by the load she was carrying.

Simman continued: “Everyone said they accepted the difficulties we would have had since we knew not the numbers to be expected. I assured them 'twould be but for a night, maximum two.

“But I have to confess that actually we needed number only fifty seven, for the Wagonmaster, the six drivers and the eight wagon guards were all accommodated in the Claw, along with the two animal men they had brought with them. Hah! Later I was told that these two animal men are oathsworn Palarandis originally from Yod! What very strange travelling companions in that column! And there were two other men as well, both of whom found accommodation in the Town, both military men ...”

“Ah yes, that would be Captain Subrish and Quadrant Ponstib.”

“Indeed Mistress,” he said with amazement writ large on his face, but still using the formal address since Surtree was there with me, “so that was one plus six plus eight plus two plus two, making nineteen fewer than the original seventy six.

“To account for those remaining fifty seven bodies, allow me to start with the uppermost floor.”

I nodded as he paused.

“The Prince, Keren that is, expressed his delight with the bedchamber and sitting room arrangement we had provided and assured me that the Princess would most thoroughly approve. He fully understood that we are but a country residence and thus does not expect the Palace standards, however, he asserted that the arrangements were the most comfortable he has had since departing Dekarran castle. He mentioned also that he had not anticipated the provision of a dressing room, a luxury he treasured he said, in a remote country habitation. The views he found spectacular, and the somewhat restricted access he deemed to be excellent as regards defence and so on. He also thoroughly approved of the emerg … Oh Balth! I said nothing, d'you hear? Nothing! 'Tis a secret known only to the residents of the top floor.”

“I cannot but be intrigued, and would naturally know more, but I will endeavour to control myself and question you no further on the matter that you didn't mention at all!”

We all three grinned.

“Count Terinar and the Countess Merizel likewise expressed delight with their room. And the Countess' maid, Tandra, said that her room was larger than the one she had in the Palace.”

“The uppermost floor, you say? Do you tell me that there is but one maid in the room we, well you really, allocated, thinking there to be at least three of them?”

“Indeed so, Mistress. Since the Princess is not with the Royal Party this time, then there is no call for her two maids to be squeezed in on that floor.”

I turned to Surtree at that point: “Can you run up to the Salon please and tell them I shall be there in a hand of moments? I deem we have two hands spare but I would like to let them know I am nearly there, lest they start sending out urchins! And I personally will tear you apart if you mention to anyone anything that Master Simman here didn't mention.”

I turned back to Simman, gesturing to him to carry on, even as Surtree threw a cheeky salute at me and ran off dutifully.

“We just managed to accommodate six of the guards in the guardroom on the top floor, so in all there were ten bodies a-snoring up there.”

I laughed. “Oh Simman, you silly! What would the Prince and the Countess say if they heard you?”

He grinned wickedly as he continued: “Those six guards were four of those of Einnlander origin plus two of the Palarandis. I deem they allocated the Einnlanders bunks on the 'Command Floor' - if you like to call it that - as a way of reducing any trouble they might get into!”

Ah yes! Subrish did say they can get a little unruly from time to time.

“Another two guards were at the desk in the ante-chamber throughout the night, so they required no beds. There were also two guards of course at the desk in the ante-chamber on the middle floor. And eight more in and around the building at ground level. Thus another dozen were removed from the list, making twenty-two so far accounted for of the fifty-seven. Leaving merely another thirty five.

“Acting upon your brilliant idea, we turned the Office room there into a bedchamber for the Prince Torulf, and his two personal guards, who are apparently named Brinte and Inge. That's one of the changes we shall make more permanent today, and also to have a separating wall to let the two guards have their own room. I have stockpiled some wall units, both internal and external, and far too much roofing just in case any adjustments were required. I dare say I have enough to build another house entirely! If not two!

“But back to what was the Office, and shall be of course in the future, we shall also make of the rest a bed and sitting chamber. I deem the Prince Torulf shall likely have a larger suite that that of the Prince Keren!”

“Maker! Is that not a little embarrassing?”

“Not really! They all understood the original plan, and accept the temporary changes we shall make. The new wall in that office shall be unpainted as it will be coming down again in just a few weeks. The Prince Torulf says he dislikes the smell of paint and will accept a blank wooden wall.

“To continue then, the room we had provided for a possible manservant was taken over by the two female guards. Female guards! Quite incredible really. I never thought I would see the day. 'Twas bad enough seeing you women up here riding, but to know that there are female GUARDS around …” He shook his head to show his disbelief.

I snorted in derision, at which he laughed.

“To continue once more,” he said, frowning at me, but still with a twinkle in his eyes. “the Commander Feteran and his wife Jenet who is in charge of all the maids were also delighted with their room and its outlook. They were most complimentary. Most complimentary indeed.

“Next to them, we threw up another temporary wall making a long thin corridor there. The bottom part of that, the bit snuggling into the gap between the Commander's room and the south wall, into the south west corner, was allocated to the two other maids, those that were to be for the Princess and so are thus now underutilised. And these maids too are originally from Einnland. So many questions arise! So many nationalities in this visitation!

“The long thin room thus left of the space originally allocated to the servants is occupied by the three men all from Vardenale, the Count kindly accepting to share with his landsmen. He did say that he expected at least two of them to be out in the mountains most of the time they were here, so they could accept some cramping for just a few nights of the time they were here.

“Three and two and two and two and three make twelve. So those dozen taken away means there are left now twenty three to be arranged for.

“However, fortunately within the party there were several members who came from this town, so these were dispatched to their families, that makes another five accounted for ...”

“Five? Ted, Senidet, Briswin and Lanilla make just four.”

He coughed discreetly at that point, following it up by gently pointing out that apparently these days Senidet has her own maid.

I was truly astounded! Senidet, with a maid! Maker! The world really IS changing.

“We just managed to squeeze the remaining eighteen guards into the room allocated for them on the middle floor. It was a very tight squeeze indeed! VERY tight. But,” he said triumphantly, “I have a solution.”

I raised an eyebrow in query. He was really quite pleased with himself I could tell, so 'twould have been rude of me not to let him show off a little.

“I shall build a barracks room atop the Community Hall Kitchen building, making sure there is space for a dozen and a half men. Then each shall have his own bed, and the crowding in that middle floor dormitory shall be relieved.”

I nodded in agreement. Yes, quite right, that could be a good …

Oh! Balth! That won't work after all!

I felt guilty that I would have to point out a flaw with that plan, one that I myself had been corrected about a few days, nay weeks, although it seemed months or even years earlier. I thought rapidly as to how to break it to him gently.

“What a splendid idea! That would certainly solve the problem, and all would surely be happy to have a solid roof over their heads. But I feel I must point out something that was told me a few weeks ago, although I confess that it seems years ago now.”

His grin dropped from his face and he looked so downhearted suddenly.

“What have I overlooked, Julina?”

“'Tis indeed the overlooking that is the problem! Remember the Community Hall design was so that there could be splendid views all around, the Royal Suite and the Office being the ones with the best views. Would not an extra layer atop the kitchens be blocking some of that view, especially that from the Office?”

“Bu … er Balth! I was so carried away with the neatness of my solution. You are, as usual, perfectly correct. Oh well, I must think again. And I seem to remember 'twas I who corrected you when you made a similar suggestion, or asked a similar question. That makes it all the more embarrassing.”

“Oh hush now, silly. These things happen. No need for embarrassment. Can you not just expand the current guard dormitory?”

“Regretfully not, those poor dozen who were on night duty will require their sleep, and they are in there right now. The Kitchen was SUCH a good solution!”

“Then let me think a heartbeat or two. Such a fuss just for a few weeks and for men who must be used to camping out ...”

We were both silent for a little while.

“Simman,” I began again, slowly, “how strong are those roof pieces? Could they be used as a floor, just for the next few weeks?”

“Oh yes, definitely. Why, what have you in mind?”

“I deem you have not enough time to flatten properly a new building site before building a new house or anything; also, you cannot add to the existing structure. It seems impossible to find a solution! I must needs think a little more, to double-check my idea.”

Again we were silent for a little while.

Then I spoke again: “Unless that is ... unless you use the upslope wall of the kitchens as the back wall of a new build, use some roof pieces to make a solid and level floor, build a temporary structure on top of that, throw some walls round the outside, throw on a roof. That's all they need, they can use the bathing facilities inside the Community Hall itself.”

His face was a picture as he thought it through. His smile, when he reached his conclusion was like the sun coming out.

“'Tis you who have had a genius idea. I would never have thought of using the roofing as a floor. Julina, you have solved it! I shall suggest that immediately. I shall lay the credit on you of course ...”

“Oh no, please don't, 'tis only a silly idea. You just pretend its all yours, after all, you came up with the idea of an extra room attached to the kitchen. I just put it on the ground and upside down really, if the floor is going to be made of roofing! As I said, a silly idea.”

I had to cut short his protests by claiming I was late for my next appointments – and indeed I could already see that in fact I was!

There up the road, outside Em's, was a wagon with three people aboard, pulled by a dranakh. I knew of course who the three people were but 'twas only as I approached that I saw it was Hedda who was harnessed to a freshly painted, in Blackstone Wagons (Brayview) colours, wagon.

“Good morrow, Mistress Waxerwet! I trust you are well. And Gyth, I can see you are excited to be travelling once again. No doubt Master Pyor will look after you on your travels. Have you decided upon which sequence you shall do?”

“We shall hope to reach Bezlet this day,” replied Pyor. “The longer days now should mean that Mistress Gythy can gain an adequate feeling for the site there this very e'en. Then we can have an early start and reach Brayview where I deem her task shall require as many bells as she can fit in. No doubt she shall make her notes as she goes. I deem that Master Shemel may be at Brayview when we overnight there, and take her to Tranidor early the following day. Mistress Gythy and I have discussed this, of course, and we deem that she shall be able to make general recommendations as we go down, perchance enough for the skeletons of the buildings to be started. Then, when her duties in Tranidor are finalised, she shall have more time for a more detailed and longer stay at Brayview and then at Bezlet.”

“Aye 'Lina – your initial report tells me that the Bezlet Inn, or whatever it is or shall be named, is mostly done, and any dockside extension or addition shall scarce be required afore the barges start, so there is plenty of time there. So a quick look around, and a few discussions will suffice for a few weeks. Brayview will require longer, not just because of the number of buildings, but because of the number of discussions that shall be required and the need to discuss the general feel for the area, so that perhaps there is a 'look' appropriate.”

“And Mistress Waxerwet, you are well and happy to go?”

“Julina my dear, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. I am well, excited and utterly grateful. We shall do you proud, I promise. If I could ask just one little favour from you?”

“Name it! I shall endeavour to do my best, as you have sworn to do.”

“Would you please keep an eye on our home in our absence and get a few basic provisions in for when we return – no doubt the semaphore can inform you of our estimated time of arrival.”

“Of course I shall. It will be a pleasure.”

“And 'Lina, I have left a written report for you there on my thoughts and designs for both the Wedding Inn, although I hear you have renamed it to the Frolicsome Frayen, and also the restaurant/inn thingy over at the Artisans' Area. A separate one is there with regard to the Consociation Hall in the Market Place Mansion.”

“Oh Gyth! That's so good of you. Now, have I given you enough coin to get you round? If not, then apply to Shemel or Epp for we shall be in constant touch.”

“I'm sure we have a sufficiency. I shall maintain a strict reckoning, you may be certain.”

“Then both Blackstone Wagons and Meglina Accommodations wish you success. Master Pyor, farewell. I look forward to our next meeting.”

I waved them off as they headed down Main Street, that being allowed at that time of day, for the uphill traffic had yet to start.

Then I had to address the next vehicle, with a driver new to me; a light cart also painted in Blackstone Wagons colours to be pulled by a frayen I did not recognise, but with two would-be passengers with whom I was very familiar.

I turned to the driver. “Good morrow, Goodman. I am Mistress Julina ...” his eyebrows rose at that “... and I have hired you for the day. Might I enquire your name?”

“'Tis Nutel, Mistress. I joined Blackstone Wagons only yesterday. Me and my frayen here, old Lumin.”

“Then welcome to my company, Goodman Nutel. Please take these two where they need. The young lady is Paivi, and the lad Surtree. Paivi is in charge, but please help her if she has any questions. They need to go round the Loop Road across to the Artisans' Area. They shall return probably just after noon, maybe a bell later. I shall then require you for some bells to go in the other direction. I do not expect any heavy loads.”

“Very well, Mistress. Right you two, let's be off. Try to keep the cart balanced would you? Either both with feet dangling down the sides of the cart, or both next to each other at the rear. You may talk to me, but when you turn round be careful of the balance.”

“Hold!” I broke in. “I had overlooked something and need therefore inform you that there must be a further young lady accompanying you. 'Tis not seemly, Paivi, that you travel alone with two men.”

Their faces fell as they too realised that they should have thought of it.

I dashed inside and called loudly for Frowka. The urgency of my tone brought Frowka to me quickly, Kelly as well. I explained the problem and the two of them immediately grasped the situation. Thus it was that Frowka and I returned to Main Street after less than a hand of moments.

“Remember you three, Paivi is in charge today. No doubt you shall have your turn as your training advances, but, today, what Paivi says, goes! I have thought some more about it, and if necessary you may consult either Master Brydas and/or Master Bezan to seek advice, or another Assembly member I suppose. But try to keep the basic idea from being widely spread. Clear? Now be off with you! “

The three youngsters mounted as instructed and told Nutel that they were ready. They looked both nervous and excited as I waved them off.

I turned and went into Em's, where 'twas time to get these new girls started with some of their training. At the fourth bell, I had a class of youngsters in the Salon, trying to get them started upon some schooling in reading, writing and numbering. I confess I preferred the little ones as pupils for those lessons were more about having fun. Yes they were there to learn, but they were keen to come back because of the fun we had.

But first, there were others to teach.

And sauces to prepare, stock levels to check and replenish if necessary, dishes to plan to offer, new dishes to consider making. Ovens to clean, and pots, pots galore. Coal to fetch. Everything to get the restaurant back ready for another six days of full nights.

When I entered the kitchen, the others were all there. Kelly, of course, Kords – it struck me suddenly that Kords was one of the three so-called old hands nowadays. There that day were just her, Kelly and I from the original group. Plus the four newcomers. Four because Paivi and Frowka had of course had gone off with Surtree.

No sooner had I thought that than Kassama came in too, all her guests having broken their fasts early, so she was already caught up on her duties.

So we had the usual round of introductions before we could get started.

My first task was to take the three really new ones into the Salon to test their reading and writing skills. Numbering would be important too, but not quite yet, so the first two were of priority. While I did that, Kelly started giving Venket some detailed instructions.

I took not long to assess their abilities. I made up some sentences and got them to write those sentences down from my words. Then I took their papers with a reedlet and added two more sentences to each piece of paper before I handed them out again, but making sure that no one person received their own back.

Then I asked them to read what was written, aloud.

Amidst many giggles, the tasks were done, but only after some embarrassment, Dravna in particular not wanting others to see her writing – until I pointed out that writing is a form of communication, intended to convey something to another person, that we were a team which meant that usually they would be writing notes for the benefits of the others in that team, and that the more she wrote, the better she would become. This was eventually accepted, albeit with obvious reluctance.

Two of them were still at the stage of needing to run their finger along under the writing as they were reading it. But reading it all they managed. And it helped them lose some of their embarrassment. And it helped build a team spirit.

We left the Salon then and went back to the kitchens, after making sure the Salon was left ready for my lesson in a little while.

In the kitchens, Kassama and Kords were going round the storage cupboards and racks, making a note of what we had and what we need to replenish. Kelly and Venket were over at a work surface laying things down. I suddenly realised that they had three identical sets of things over there, so I knew something had been set up for the new new girls. So I took them over there directly.

Venket turned round and said: “Good morning once more. Today, you are going to start by listening to me and then doing a little exercise. This is a kitchen, to state the obvious, but you would do well to always remember that. We are here to prepare, cook and serve the best food on the planet. It will get noisy, hot, steamy and hectic in here. We all, the leaders as well, will have to wash, cut, cook, plate up and wash up each and every dish that is made here. And so we have used and developed some tools to help us make those necessary tasks easier. Here comes your first question. Which tool that is used in here is the most important, the one without which we could not do as well as we actually do?”

Kelly and I had stood back to leave room for the four of them. She and I looked at each other in amazement. Gone was the shy, nervous, diffident and self-conscious Venket we thought we knew. Here was someone brimming with confidence, knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge. She had a friendly but firm demeanour and already the three new new girls were attentive and engaged.

“I deem we have a born teacher here 'Lina, one I wager would give even you a run for your money!”

“If she really is as good as that start, Kelly, then I deem there is another body I shall steal from you, this time when I get the Consociation going. I shall not be able to do ALL the teaching myself. I must find out more, and quickly, about how to handle her, and her little problem.

“Now, put me to work. I have some time before my lesson with the little ones begins.”

“Very well, but I must needs tell you something first, something that ALL the others here do not know, except Em. And I deem that the others should not know.” She dropped her voice. “We have the Royal Party in in four nights time. Second sitting so they can take their time. Em told me quietly this morn. The Steward told her to tell us.”

“Maker! There are fifty seven of them – oh hold! That includes all the guards and so on. How many of them then?”

We were interrupted by a shout of laughter from the newcomers, and then Venket said: “Well I agree that they are all very useful, but none of you have mentioned the actual tool yet. All of those that you have said COULD be, note COULD be, done without. We COULD wash the dishes with our hands and fingers for example. No, THE most important tool here is … your knife!”

There came various exclamations of agreement, all with a note of wonder.

“And today we shall start of learning about knives. How to care for them, for example NEVER EVER sharpen someone else's knife (I will be explaining why), how to use them and how to store them. You shall each have your own knife set ...”

Kelly shook her head: “I said nothing of this to her. This is all her own entire idea. And I deem a brilliant way to get the newcomers into the right frame of mind.

“But back to the night of the 25th – there shall be two Princes, the Count and Countess, and another Count. The Commander and his wife. Master Brydas and Sookie, with Senidet. And Lanilla, for apparently she is being trained to be the Countess' assistant. There shall be two other military men ...”

“I thought there might be. Subrish and Ponstib, I deem.”

“Indeed – I shall ever be wondering at your sources of information! The other Count I mentioned is apparently from ...”

“Vardenale,” I said, showing off. Her eyes widened again and she shook her head.

“Anyway, he has two companions who shall also accompany him. That makes fifteen. Then there shall be the Steward, Master Jepp and Mistress Shantoona, Masters Bezan and Yarling amd Em herself. That makes twenty one, so far!”

“Maker! We shall be hard pressed with many more.”

“Indeed, but Em already knows that. The Steward had hoped that there could be a mixture of the entire Assembly and the Royal Party, but Em vetoed that. On another occasion then there shall be the Assembly together with the relevant members of the Royal Party, the Prince, the Count and Countess and so on.

“But back to our night soon, Fedren and Yalda, Graber, Selden, and Mistress Lendra shall make it twenty six. With maids standing around too, the room shall be tight!”

“Do you tell me indeed? Are we doing a set meal, or are we offering our normal choice?”

“Good question, 'Lina. I deem a set meal would be easier in one way for us. And we have neither Molly nor Gyth.” But I could tell that Kelly was just a little reluctant so to do. It took little thought to realise why.

“And yet we would pass up a golden opportunity to show our skills off. With Kissa, Kords and Kassama, you and me, plus the six newcomers surely we could manage?”

“It is indeed tempting, as I deem you gathered from my tone of voice.”

We looked at each other. I knew that Kelly was waiting on my decision for this.

I took me a moment or two thinking it all through.

“Choice offering, I deem. But we shall reduce the number of choices we offer!”

“So be it! I shall inform Em as soon as I may. Now 'Lina can you please go and check the outside storage rooms? And the fish tank? I feel you may soon have to take a morning ride down to the fish farm. And then ...”

… … …

“So are you all ready?”

“Yes, 'Lina.” came the chorused reply.

“Here we go then.

“One, two three, clap your hands with me. … Four, five, six, run and touch the bricks … seven, eight , nine, on your paper draw a line. …” There was a dull rumble of thunder as the children ran over to the wall and then back to their school tables.

I waited a little for them to do their tasks, then I started chanting again: “And now we start again.

“One, two, three, put your hand on your knee … No, Jordik, your knee, not your ankle. That's right. And … four, five six, draw a bunch of sticks … seven, eight, nine, please point to the bottles of wine …

“And … one, two, three, all come and touch me … now four, five, six, point to the candlesticks … and seven, eight, nine, get ready to dine. Good – well done all of you. Now today we are going to count up to nine all together. We shall clap our hands on each number as we call it out. And I want you to YELL the number out ever so loudly, just as loudly as you can.

“Ready? Good. Then here we go. One … two ...” I grinned at their little faces as they belted it all out as loudly as they could as they also concentrated on clapping. We did that a total of five times, then I changed it.

“Starting with Jordik then, who shall call out the number one, we shall go round in a circle, each saying the next number. No clapping and yelling this time, just sit quietly and call out your number. Got it? Good, then Jordik, whenev ...”

“One.”

I should have known that Jordik particularly would be impatient to discharge his task which meant he cut off the rest of my sentence.

“Two.”

“Three.”

And so they went round.

Now I had a dozen little ones in there that day, so of course they ran out of numbers before they got to the end.

Just as I had planned.

But I had not planned on the confusion that that would cause the next little girl in the circle. She was nearly in tears that she didn't have a number to call out.

“So we need three more numbers, don't we? Your number,” I said to her, “is ten. An easy number to say. Ten. And you shall be the first one here ever to say it.”

She said it and looked both pleased and proud.

I turned to the next child: “And yours is like ten, but longer. It is eleven.”

“Evelen.”

“Very good. But not QUITE right. El-ev-en. Try again.”

“Elven.”

“And stretch it a little more. El - e - ven.”

“Eleven.”

“Excellent. Say it quickly again … and again … and again! … There - you have it. And now for you. Thank you for waiting so politely. Your number is twelve. It rhymes with delve. Can you say twelve?”

It was not long before they were all counting up to twelve properly. So I could do the rowdy version this time.

Half-way through the third time, the door opened and everyone, myself included, stopped in mid-shout.

“Children! Please bow or curtsey to the Countess Merizel!”

They all did, promptly and with no further coaching. We all looked, myself included, at the beaming face of the Countess, delight written all across it.

“Well children, you certainly seem to be enjoying yourselves! And you can all count so very well. Much better than I could when I was your age. Do you come here often?”

As it happened, she was looking at Jordik when she asked her question, so he answered: “Indeed your Countessship...” There was a giggle, swiftly swallowed from Milady's maid, named Tandra. “... We come here on this day, and at this time every week, for Mistress Julina to teach us writing, reading and numbering. Then we shall go on to Master Magser or, more probably, Master Klastik to learn all the other things.”

“I see. And do I need to ask if you enjoy it here?”

“Oh yes! We sing and dance and run about while we are learning.”

“How very good!” She turned to me and added: “Excellent job, Julina! We must find time to talk with each other. Once the initial flurry has died down and we settle into some sort of routine.”

“Very well, Milady! I am yours to command. Well, if I don't have any other urgent appointment of course! I am here most afternoons.”

We both grinned at that.

Then I quickly added: “Have you both been to see Kelly?”

“No, 'Lina,” said Em, “should we?”

“I deem it so. 'Tis about the food to be served here in four nights time,” I said with a slightly heavy emphasis.

“Ah!” said Em knowingly, “then we shall repair there immediately! Thank you.”

… … …

“... and Masters Bezan and Brydas were also there. I must report that they think this to be an excellent idea, and are fully in favour of it. So much so, that they have staked off a site for it which is ideal, I deem.” Paivi's face shone as she reported her success to Kelly, Em and I. Surtree nodded in agreement beside her.

I was once again in the Salon, which was the quietest room for us to talk in. The children had departed some bell or more ago and now Paivi and Surtree were reporting their morning's activities to the three of us. I had had a quiet word with Nutel that he might quietly confirm with smiles or frowns what the youngsters were telling us. He was seated behind the two, tucking in, with gusto, to a peet-zer that Paivi and Frowka had made specially for him. With his choice of what we now called 'toppings'. Frowka had left us to start working hard with the others out the back.

“Fine. That all sounds good. Now Paivi, we congratulate you. For now, though, I would hear Surtree describe the location, for he knows what we saw together yesterday and may be able to call on some scene or so to paint the picture more clearly in my mind.

“Errm … Mistress Julina … how best to put it?” He gathered his thoughts for a moment or two. “I deem we should start at the Stoop actually.” He broke off again at that point, but my hand gestures encouraged him to continue. “As you know, we have marked out the Stoop area to be the inside of the junction where the wagons can turn off the Loop Road and go up to the Stone Sea. This is very close to the downvalley end of the Artisans' Area that is to the west of the Loop Road. The part of the Artisans' Area that is to the east of the Loop Road, the stream side of the Loop Road if you prefer to so designate it, is about twice as large as the other part and extends downvalley almost to the point where the Loop Road splits for the railroad to go over the stronger bridge.”

“Yes, I have the picture in mind now! So I am standing at the Stoop, the paddock and wagon parking all around me, the building nestling into the junction. My back is such that I have just come down from the Stone Sea. Where do I go from here?”

“You turn left, Mistress. As though you were going back to Town. You follow the Loop Road for about a mark.”

“So I have got just about to the point where the westside Artisans' Area stops?”

“Precisely.”

“There are some jumbled large rocks there? Two really large ones? And something else, something a little unusual? We stopped there yesterday for a little while. Oh, and there was a small spring in the ground upslope of the rocks, and a tiny beck running down from it!”

“Very good, Mistress! There are in fact three large rocks there, and what I deem you consider is your unusual feature, is a lonely but sturdy tree. The road has actually has a slight kink in it just there to avoid some of the uneven ground.”

“Ah yes. I can picture that quite clearly.”

“Well THAT is our spot!”

I looked at Paivi and she nodded. My glance behind them got a nod too.

“Why there, Paivi?

“Master Bezan told us that already they had a small problem over that side of the Loop road, in that some of the workers have now to travel all the way down to the Stoop junction, one mark, and then another mark up the Stone Sea Road, to get to their workplace. Master Bezan has determined to actually drive another road across the north and west sides of the westside Artisans' Area, to create a giant triangle of roads enclosing it entirely, each arm of the triangle being about a mark long. This will therefore also cut off two marks of distance for wagons between the Stone Sea and Town. And our peet-zer plot would then also be on the inside of a Stone Sea Road junction, just as the Stoop is.

“He also assured me that the rocks and the tree provide excellent bases for our roofing that we want over there, there is fresh water to hand, the area looks like it is relatively untouched by the rains, there being no markings whatsoever of rushing water, and there is protection for any of our less portable items like the oven, and the fuel required to heat it and so on. That spot is just about the closest we can get to Town and still be by the Artisans' Area.”

“Well done Paivi, and you too Surtree, I am sure you were of great help. Goodman Nutel, what think you of the youngsters' solution and the selected site?”

He swiftly swallowed his last mouthful before replying: “'Tis, I deem, the perfect spot, Mistress. They could not have done better, and 'twill be good for them workers over there!”

“Thank you, Goodman. Now I have to tell you that certain things came up this morning whilst you were over there, so I cannot after all fulfill the plans I had for this afternoon. So please go and report to Goodman Kulyer for any work he might have for you. If there is no work right now, which I doubt, then I will make sure you are paid for the bit I didn't take up after all. Thank you for your efforts this morn!”

“Mistress Julina,” he said whilst sketching a half-salute. “Ladies, young Surtree, I wish you a good day. And thanks for that there peet-zer thing, 'twere very good.”

With that, Em ushered him out whilst I again thanked the two youngsters for a job really well done. Surtree added that Master Bezan was going to drop by later with a copy of a map he had updated to let me know where the two establishments would fit in within the grand scheme of things.

Older Julina says: Incredibly, I found that copy of the map and append it here. The pinkish areas are the two parts of the Artisans' Area, and the brownish areas are the waste treatment plants that were to be built according to the Princess' design, the industrial one being upvalley from the domestic one. This map shows roads that at the time were not yet completed.

… … …

“... and so we do it like that. Not only does it save a bit of time, but it reduces our wastages too. Talking of which, we actually separate our cast-offs from the preparation as follows: first the peelings and tops and bottoms which are inedible, we place those in this bin here. Second ...”

I spent the next passages of time teaching the three new new ones (I think I will call them the 'NN Girls' from now on to save me some time) the basics of working in our kitchen, which was less hectic as we were closed for this night, it being our replenishment day. Surtree actually joined in with us, doing some of the easier tasks and doing a good job at pot scrubbing too. I sent him home quite early as it happened, for I could see he was nearing the end of his stamina. He had done a lot that day, and I was particularly pleased when Paivi thanked him prettily for his help. He wasn't far from being a team member already!

I did take a little longer than was actually absolutely necessary when I left for a little while to go down to the Claw and arrange an early morning ride with Sookie, and then went up the Main Street to add Pomma to the group. Only that morning, I had deemed that it was nigh impossible, but things had gone well today, I could afford a few bells. Whilst I was down at the Claw, I managed to also have a word with Parry, explaining that young Surtree now worked for me and he would need to learn to ride a frayen. Parry promised to make a sensible schedule to fit him in. I could already see the delight that would be on Surtree's face when I sprung the surprise upon him. I returned to the Salon in a good mood, and we all did our tasks most efficiently.

By the time Kelly and I were satisfied and everyone had gone home, and Master Bezan had dropped in the promised map copy and all the rest of it, I was definitely ready to get home and have an early night for a change.

I knew that Surtree would be there in the morning quite early so I really didn't want to be too late on what was probably the only night I could get to bed earlier than usual. I was planning what I would do when I got in, what I would say to Swayga and so on.

I set out in the dark intending to go down the alley called the Axis, gain East Street, follow that down to our turn off by the Claw's paddock, and take our drive way as my final stretch. In my head, I was already looking forward to a good relax.

I squealed when I literally bumped into someone in the dark of the alley, barely a cast from where I had set out. Someone large, solid, clad in light furs and with a bushy beard.

'Twas Jerk.

And three of his colleagues.

All Einnlanders.

And Subrish had warned me about them.

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