Ursula tries to come to terms with her new circumstances, and that includes getting a close-up look at the local transportation. The seamstresses appear with more garments, and are treated to some more novel outfits.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

16 - Gifts from Palarand

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2018 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Ursula climbed out of bed and padded silently into the toilet. It was still pre-dawn, but from the faint sounds from outside, the household would soon burst into the morning's activity.

She wanted to use the time before Bennet awoke to do a much-delayed examination of her new self.

Having relieved herself, she then crossed silently into the dressing room and gently closed the door. Pulling off her nightdress, she tidily hung it on one of the pegs beside the door before turning to regard herself in the full-length metal mirror.

It's a woman's body, and it is mine! If I have this right, this really is me from now on.

She turned, regarding her figure from different angles.

I wonder how tall I am? I seem to be somewhere about average height for wherever I am. I was never any good at estimating measurements. Maybe one meter seventy? She shook her head. No idea! And it probably doesn't matter anyway. Women, like men, come in all shapes and sizes after all.

...Even on different planets!

...And the implications of what I am doing on another planet, somewhere else in the galaxy, are overwhelming. People, humans, were not brought here without a good reason!

Concentrate! There will be time later to think of big questions, after all, they tell me that all this has been here for at least a thousand years... No, Maralin said there were Roman remains here! Make that two thousand years!

Suddenly I feel somewhat small.

If their story about how we are transferred is correct, it would explain why I look more like my mother and sisters. After all, it is their DNA that makes them look like that, and I am seeing the results of gender related attributes. In effect, I have become just another sister, though they will never know that.

That was all I ever wanted to be.

She cocked her head. I am relieved that I do not look exceptional. All I ever wanted was to be a normal woman! Astonishingly, that is what I now appear to be. I have to expect to be treated the same as any other woman ...and in a society that has different rules for women, as I was roughly taught yesterday!

Time to become a student again, at least for a while.

There were noises outside, so she turned and looked through her small pile of underwear for something to wear. There were none of the 'shorts' left so she selected one of the panties that had been bought for her downriver in one of the marketplaces. She was just pulling the new pair up when Bennet opened the door.

"Good morning, Mistress."

"Good morning to you, Bennet. I woke a little early so I thought that I would start getting dressed, so that we would not be in each other's way."

"A kind thought, Mistress. I wonder what we will be doing today?"

"I have no idea, Bennet, and after yesterday I am not prepared to venture a guess."

"As you say! Then, let us make ourselves ready and find out what our betters think we should be doing."

* * *

At the end of breakfast, but before the diners had begun to rise, an older man wearing a leather apron came cautiously into the room and spoke to one of those serving. That worthy spoke in turn to Hambran, who answered him briefly before turning to the Duke.

"If it please you, Your Grace, Duban asks a word of you before you begin today's tasks."

"Duban? Aye, of course, provided it will not take too long."

The Duke stood, indicating with a hand that the others should finish in their own time, then walked across to join the craftsman, who bowed to him.

"Duban! How are you? We have not spoken since I returned, I trust all is well?"

"Your Grace, I am, and thank you. We have been busy while you were away, as always. I have a small problem which I believe is related to your recent visit to Palarand. You see, in the pile of crates which recently arrived from there was one which contained six saddles. This was of course delivered to me, but when I opened it I admit I was puzzled as to the contents."

"Ah?"

"Your Grace, the saddles, while being of good quality and well built, as I would expect, are of an unusual design, so far as I could tell. All have owner's names engraved on brass plates, so I can say with certainty that three were presumably made in Palarand for yourself, for Captain Hambran and for Tenant Maralin. The other three have names I do not recognize."

"New saddles... of course! Duban, in Palarand they have been experimenting with design changes and have come up with something that is much more comfortable and makes it easier to control your beast. I have no doubt that Hambran or Maralin will be delighted to demonstrate the advantages to you."

"If you say so, Your Grace. But... the other three? Who would be their owners? Names only were given, not ranks, and I know none of those armsmen who accompanied you are among the names."

"Can you remember those names? Any of them?"

"They were strange names, Your Grace. Ah... let me think. Eriana? What kind of a name is that?"

Wallesan chuckled. "Duban, prepare yourself for a shock, for those saddles were made for Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand and her two armswoman companions, Bennet and Semma."

"Three women? Your Grace, that flies in the face of... wait, Princess, you said? Armswomen?" The court saddler stared at his Duke. "I have recently heard many strange tales of what is happening in Palarand but I have ignored all as being too unrealistic. Your Grace, tell me it is not true."

Wallesan had a smile now. "Tell you what, Duban? That women do not ride in Palarand? I can assure you that many do, and many more would like to, just as soon as their saddlers may make saddles that fit them and their seamstresses can provide suitable attire for them to wear. As fashions tend to travel along the length of the Great Valley I would suggest that you consider your position, Duban. Shortly, once our people see Eriana and her girls riding, you will face an onslaught of women demanding saddles like those you have just inspected... even, I fancy, the Duchess."

"Do you tell me? Your Grace, I had not realized... have things changed so quickly, then?" The saddler looked nervous. "I have no experience in fitting... women... for a saddle, Your Grace."

Wallesan had now been joined by the women, drawn by hearing their names mentioned.

"Ladies, Duban has something of interest to you. Fanis, aye, even you, I deem." He turned. "Hambran, Maralin, to me! Your saddles have arrived, and poor Duban does not know what to do with them."

"Saddles!" Eriana grinned. "Ah, I understand. If we may borrow some beasts, Wallesan, it will mean that the girls and I could explore your city and your lands - and mayhap not be underfoot in your court any more than is needful."

Wallesan gestured to her. "Duban, if I may introduce Her Highness Princess Eriana, once of Einnland and now of Palarand, and her two companions in arms Bennet and Semma. Eriana, this is Duban, our saddler."

Duban bowed. "I ask your pardon, Your Highness, I did not know you were here. I am somewhat busy, I do not follow all the comings and goings of court. Ah, Einnland? Are you anything to do with that Einnland Regiment that passed through here during the war?"

Eriana straightened. "Good man, I led the regiment. The battle for Boldan's Rock was hard, and that for Gylfi's Rest more so. We did not come to the city but passed through Thorn on our way back to Palarand."

Duban nodded. "I did not see you then, Highness. I was elsewhere in Joth at the time, making saddles for our armsmen, but I heard of the passing of a strange regiment."

Fanis said, "Husband, do you tell me that women now ride regularly in Palarand? I saw Eriana on her way through, but I assumed that she did so because they ride where she originally came from."

Eriana snorted. "I doubt anyone in Einnland would think that a woman could ride, Fanis! Carts were good enough for the likes of us. No, Garia taught me, as she taught the rest of my men." A thought came to her then. "Did you desire to ride, Fanis?"

"I have occasionally wondered... Sometimes, it seems safer and more comfortable to travel by carriage, of course, but there are places a carriage may not go. Is it safe, Eriana?"

"With the new saddle design it is unlikely that you will fall off, I will say that. The saddle is only part of it, though. You must also make your beast into a friend, that he or she looks after you as you look after them. Once you learn to trust each other you may attempt almost anything."

The eyes of the Duchess had a faraway look. "I wonder, then, if -"

Wallesan rolled his eyes. "I should have ordered that those saddles be left behind," he muttered, but there was no malice in it. "However, it seems that even I cannot withstand the march of progress. Fanis, my dear, we may teach you to ride, but you realize what will happen in the city once they see you."

"Oh! Oh, Maker! Wal, you are right. If I do this thing, then there will be chaos. The massed seamstresses of the city will never forgive me."

"Seamstresses? Oh, aye, you will all need attire, will you not?" He grinned at his wife. "I will leave you in Eriana's capable hands, then. I'm sure she can show you what she and the girls wear, and you can come to some agreement with our garment makers."

It was Eriana's turn to grin. "Fanis, Garia holds Design Licenses on many of the riding items we wear. We must needs consult else all will be chaos."

"Really? Then, perhaps, we ladies should all gather together, maybe later this afternoon, so that I can see what you have and how we can come to some suitable arrangement. Oh, I'm sorry, Ursula, I have included you and I do not know if you can ride or would desire to do so."

Ursula looked at Wallesan. "Your Grace, I have never ridden, and of course I have little idea of the local conditions. Is riding something I should be considering?"

The Duke shrugged. "Up until today every woman in Joth has managed without climbing onto a frayen's back, my dear, but it seems that will probably change in the future. Your future is your particular problem, my dear. Until you decide where you will be, and what you desire to do, I cannot advise you, except to say that riding could be a useful skill for you, if you desire to accompany Eriana, say, or even Maralin on any outings to the countryside."

"I don't have to decide right away?"

"No, my dear, not at all. I will point out, though, that at present on Anmar we do not have those vehicles available which you may have been used to on Earth. The only means of travel yet available here are frayen, carriage, wagon, boat or your own two feet." He gestured to Duban, "If you decided today that you wished to ride, then you could be a suitable test rider for our saddler to learn how to make the new design for a woman. It is your choice."

Duban didn't look too happy with this decision but he kept his mouth shut.

"Your Grace," Ursula said, "I think that first I ought to go and see what your riding beasts look like. I shouldn't be making decisions when I know nothing about the subject."

"Quite right, my dear. Eriana? Have you anything planned for this morning?"

"I must run an errand to the Visund but that may wait until later. Aye, we should all go and check our saddles over, and if Ursula joins us she may see how we ride on Anmar, and what manner of beast bears us."

* * *

Hambran led the way into the stables, where a number of staff were attending to the morning tasks. Along each side were stalls, each of which held a frayen. The rear end of these did not seem too strange to Ursula until she approached one and realized that there was no hair at all.

"Mistress?" Maralin stepped forward. "If I may point out the differences between these frayen and, perhaps, a typical horse. They have a lot less hair, for one. They have eyelashes, hair in the ears to keep out dust and pads between the toes for added grip. Otherwise, it is just a fairly thick hide."

"Toes?" She looked down to see a leg ended by a three-toed foot, each of the toes having a substantial nail.

"Aye. Our theory is that these creatures are probably descended from something like a rhinoceros, except that frayen have no horns and are much smaller." He thought. "Actually, as you may have just noticed, the word horn does not even exist in the local language. That probably means that no creature at all here has them."

"No horns?"

"No feathers on Anmar either. There are probably many other differences between the two worlds, apart from the obvious ones, we just haven't noticed them yet."

Hambran called from behind her. "Here, Mistress, a beast is being made ready for use by one of our men. Shall you watch?"

The frayen was backed out of the stall so that all could watch as first the headgear was put on and then the saddle was lifted over its back. After everything was checked, it was led out of the stables into the courtyard for its rider to mount. The group watched from the doorway.

She commented, "Its head looks strange. I see what you mean about them descending from a rhinoceros. Are they all that size?"

Maralin shrugged. "I guess that one is probably about average, but I have seen them bigger and smaller. Some of the Palace Guard wouldn't fit on something that size."

Eriana added, "Neither would Lars! Captain Merek had to search far and wide to find a beast big enough for him."

Ursula said, "I don't know much about... riding animals, as I said before. Doesn't the harness use a bit?"

"Not possible here, Mistress," Maralin replied. "In a horse's mouth, it has two sets of teeth separated by a gap, and that is where the bit usually goes. Or so Garia told me. Frayen have no gap, their teeth just go all the way round like ours do. In practice it doesn't make too much difference."

Hambran asked, "If I may ask what you mean by a bit, Mistress."

"Um, I don't know..." she looked at Maralin.

"Sir, because Earth Horses are so much larger, and because there is a gap in their teeth, as I mentioned -"

"A gap?"

"Aye, sir. At the front, they have teeth for cropping grass just as frayen do. On each side at the back, there are separate groups of teeth that are much bigger for chewing down the grass."

"I see. Carry on."

"A bit is usually a short bar of metal which goes from side to side, with the reins attached to each end. It sits on the tongue in the gap between the teeth. That means that you can control a horse by pulling hard on the reins if you have to. It has to comply because the alternative will be very uncomfortable."

"Ah, I see. Of course, without seeing even a picture of this animal you describe it is difficult for me to appreciate what you say, Maralin. Do you think the King would introduce such things here? I have already seen saddles and stirrups from Earth."

Maralin shook his head. "Unlikely, sir. As I said, the teeth of frayen are different and we get along well enough without using bits."

Hambran made a non-committal grunt and turned to Duban. "If I may ask where the new saddles are."

"Captain, they are in my workroom. Shall I fetch them? How many should be brought?"

"A good question. Highness? Shall he bring your saddles down?"

The Princess shook her head. "Though I would be delighted, and I suspect the girls would be as well, there is presently no point as we are not attired to ride. If I may suggest, bring down yours and that of Maralin, that the good saddler may see how they are fitted." She thought, then nodded. "This afternoon I have no doubt that we will again be beset by garment makers, so it would be better to leave our own arrangements until tomorrow morning, I deem. Then, the girls and I will appear ready to ride, and we will show you all how it is done."

Hambran showed a faint smile. "As you wish, Highness. New saddles will be enough novelty for one day." He turned to Duban. "Does that answer you?"

"Aye, Captain. I'll fetch them immediately."

While they waited for Duban and a helper to bring down the saddles, the frayen of Hambran and Maralin were brought out of their stalls and checked over. Saddler and helper returned, each with a saddle, and carefully placed them over the blankets on the back of each beast.

Maralin stepped forward. "Okay. These new saddles will need to be moved a little forward of where you usually place them, Master Duban. That way, the weight is more over the front feet, not pressing on the center of the spine."

Hambran pointed. "You have that one back to front, Bent," he said to the helper. "That is one reason why there are name plates on the saddles, so you may know which end is the front. Issue saddles in the King's forces have a brass ring on the front rail for the same purpose."

"Uh, sorry, Captain." Bent lifted the saddle, walked around the frayen then lowered the saddle back in the correct orientation.

"With a new design, how could you know? Maralin, shall you attend to the cinch?"

"Aye, sir."

Maralin secured the saddle, adjusting all the straps carefully and keeping up a commentary to the interested stable staff as he did so. There were minor differences compared to the standard Joth issue saddle and he made sure that all knew what they were and why. Once he was finished, he moved around the left side of his beast.

"With your permission, Captain?"

Hambran nodded, so Maralin put his left foot in the gleaming brass stirrup and swung his right over the saddle. The frayen immediately turned to look at him and the saddle, the neck craning in both directions.

"New saddle, Mac," he told the beast, leaning forward to pat its neck. "More comfortable for you, I think."

He shook the reins and said, "Walk on," and the pair walked out of the stable into the courtyard. Duban studied the motion carefully as Maralin took his beast through a simple series of warm-up exercises.

"He sits further forward, I see, and his legs are almost underneath him! Captain, is this right? It looks most unusual to these old eyes."

"It is a different style of riding, certainly," Hambran replied. "Once you become used to the motion, I deem it is much more comfortable than what we are accustomed to, and in that position you can do so much more. See! Now he has dropped the reins."

Maralin then showed that he could control Mac just with his knees and boots, a feat that was not lost on the groups of men watching the action.

"I saw Her Highness riding thus when she returned from the war," Hambran commented to Duban. "I thought then that it was a particular riding style of her people, but it seems not. Wherever it came from, Duban, be assured that His Grace will require all future saddles to be made to that design, because of the advantages it will provide us."

The saddler was pale. "If I had not seen it, Captain, I would not have believed you."

Maralin rode back towards the group, now in the stable doorway, and dismounted. He then surprised the men by digging a chunk of vegetable from the folds of his sash and offering it to an equally surprised frayen.

"There, boy! Was that better for you? I'm sorry, I won't be able to do much more today but perhaps we can go out tomorrow with the ladies." He raised an eyebrow at Eriana.

"Aye, Maralin, of course! If Ursula can become lost so easily then so may we. Captain, we will take Maralin as a guide, with your permission."

Hambran replied, "As far as I am concerned, I see no problem, but you should know that Maralin officially reports directly to His Grace, not to me. I cannot imagine that he will object, though, unless something should happen between now and then."

"Ah. As you say, Captain. Then it is agreed."

Maralin said, "Captain, perhaps the men should now fit your own saddle, having seen me doing mine."

"As you wish, Maralin, it is a good idea. If these are to become our issue saddles, all must needs become familiar with them."

* * *

When Ursula opened her chamber door after her nap, she found Maralin outside.

"I hope I did not disturb you, Mistress. I wanted to ask you a favor, before we went down and saw what the seamstresses have brought today."

She was cautious. "I had already risen, thank you, but Bennet is still asleep. What is it you want? More questions?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that!" He switched to English to make the explanation easier. «I wondered if you would object to us washing your pants, I mean the Earth ones you were wearing when we found you. Your tee shirt is a dead loss, of course, and I am not sure that the locals will be able to do anything with socks, boots or underpants, but your pants have several features which would be of interest to the ladies.»

"Interesting features?"

"Aye, like the zipper, the pockets, the webbing belt, even the camo pattern. There are zippers in Palarand, and I am astonished they have even managed that much in less than a year, but it will be some time before they reach Joth in any quantity or quality." He grinned. "When Garia was found she was wearing denims and they had to puzzle out how to get them off her! Later on, one of the palace jewelers, would you believe, got interested and worked out a way to make zippers locally, but they are crude and clumsy as yet. I thought to show yours to the ladies so that they can see what one should look like in time."

"As you wish. The pants have dirt and blood on them, as I recall."

"We can't do anything about the stains, no, but a good wash should make them clean enough and pliable again, good enough to show to third parties, so to speak. I doubt they will want to examine pants that are crusted with blood, though I do know that they have looked at Yodan uniforms in the past."

She thought briefly. "They don't fit me any more, do they? Wash them, then. At least they will be useful to someone here. What was that about Yodan uniforms? Who are Yodans?"

"We did mention them before. The recent war was us against those of Yod. It was the Yodans who occupied this city."

She thought. "Oh, I remember now. I'm sorry, at that time I thought you were spinning stories to make me tell you things so I didn't pay much attention... but now that I think about those sessions, I discover that I can remember every word!"

Maralin smiled. "As I told you. Your memory should be significantly better now than it ever was before. At least, mine is. So, the pants?"

"Yes, you may wash them. I cannot wear them again?"

Now he laughed. "No, for two reasons. First, we had a job getting them off you when we found you, because they fit the old you and not the body you have now. Second, women around here don't wear trousers at all... unless, thinking about it, they are Norse Princesses and carry a big sword. It just is not done in this culture, it seems, and to be honest, it should not be necessary most of the time. The climate is so warm for a large part of the year that most people would rather have bare legs than wear trousers." He paused. "I know that I would."

Ursula nodded. "Actually, I find the local clothes to be very comfortable." She gave him a sidelong look. "Even, I have to admit, the 'ship dress' you designed for us."

He shrugged. "Just using what is in my memory, Mistress. I imagine that in time you will do the same."

"If you say so."

They were converged upon from several directions at that point. Bennet appeared, yawning, behind Ursula while Eriana and Semma joined them from further down the corridor, just as a footman came up the stairs towards the group.

"Your Highness, Tenant, Mistresses, if you would join Her Grace in the dining room when you are ready."

"Thank you, Heris," Maralin told him. "We'll be there almost immediately."

He turned and studied Eriana and Semma. This afternoon, Eriana was wearing her riding outfit, with her helmet in one hand, while Semma now wore what Maralin recognized as a Palace Guard dress uniform, with skirt complete with contrasting box pleats. Bennet, by contrast, still had on a dress that had been bought in a market along the river.

He grinned. "Intending to make a big entrance, Highness?"

"As you say! I thought to show our sewing ladies this since, if Ursula should decide to ride, she will require something similar."

Ursula immediately began to inspect the new outfit. There was a short-sleeved top under a quilted tabard, with a voluminous skirt and calf boots made of the strange mesh design.

"It certainly looks different, Highness," she said. "Is it comfortable?"

"I would not wear it if it were not! Ursula, these are made of a thin cloth, to suit the time of year, I have others more suited to colder months back at the palace. The skirt is a circle, it is designed to cover the whole saddle once you are seated, thus providing modesty." She smirked. "There is another item, I will keep that covered until I show the ladies, I am certain that it will cause a sensation."

Ursula noted that Bennet and Semma both grinned.

The Princess gestured. "If we may go?"

She led the way down the stairs to the dining room. Inside they found all the women grouped around a wooden object that had them all gesturing and talking excitedly. Ursula thought that it might be a new item that had arrived from Palarand along with the saddles. A tall wooden frame held four glass mirror panes, each about half a meter in size, in a vertical line. This was fixed to a stand so that it could be tilted as the viewer desired.

This is the first mirror that I have seen that hasn't been made of metal. These women must be excited because it will be the first time they have seen themselves so clearly!

Fanis welcomed them. "Good afternoon, Highness, Mistresses. We are just admiring ourselves in the new glass mirror, as you can see. Who would have thought that a reflection could be so clear, it is almost as if there was nothing there at all, and you are looking at your own twin!"

Eriana smiled. "Aye, Fanis, these glass mirrors are amazing, are they not? There are a small number about the city now, but of course the glass works strains to keep up with the demand for all the new products. I am not surprised that Robanar has decided to gift you one of the early examples, it shows what you will be able to look forward to in the future."

Fanis returned the smile. "Aye, I know! Wal and I spoke about some of the new ideas yesterday evening, and I am plotting to find a way to invite myself on his next trip to Palarand."

"If I may suggest, take a seamstress with you, one who can draw well. It is not only in metal and glass that new ideas have appeared lately." She waved a hand at her own clothing.

Fanis did a double take at what Eriana and Semma were wearing. "My! I have just noticed your attire! Are these new items for our ladies to consider?"

Eriana smiled. "Aye, Fanis, today I have decided to show you all two new designs from Palarand, both of which have specific purposes. Semma today wears her Palace Guard dress uniform, of course the women may not be attired as the men are. It is two separate garments, a tunic which is tucked in and a skirt formed of what I am told are called box pleats. This allows her much more freedom of movement should it be required during her duties."

Dinna asked, "Box pleats, did you say, Highness? But why..?"

Semma twirled and the contrasting panels became apparent, causing more excitement among the women.

"Ooh, I do like that! Should this idea only be reserved for uniforms, Highness?"

Eriana smiled. "It seems not, Mistress. When these were first shown in Palarand, so I am told, there were near riots among the ladies of the city. Their use on uniforms is mainly a practical matter, I see no reason why they might not be used on a gown. I would add that the use of contrasting material is not essential either, Semma's practice skirt has the pleats but is of a plain material."

"Ah! As you say, Highness. And of your own extremely interesting garments?"

"Ah." Eriana turned to Fanis with a knowledgeable smile. "If I may suggest that we see what the ladies have brought first, since I am wearing my own apparel for a specific purpose which may take some time to explain."

"Mystifying! As you wish, Eriana. Ladies, if you would show what you have made for our guests. Maralin? I suspect that some attention must needs be made to fit and cut, which will require a certain amount of disrobing."

Maralin grinned. "As you say, Your Grace. I will leave now so that there will be no embarrassment, unlike the other day. I will stand outside the door, assuring you all the privacy you need."

"If I may ask you to return later, Maralin," Dinna asked. "We have garments with us for you, also, and for Master Lars."

"Indeed? Then I will send somebody to fetch him," Maralin replied. He bowed, turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Ursula gained a lightweight day dress and three bras, all of slightly different shapes because the makers were as yet unused to cutting and sewing such items. All were comfortable enough and none looking strange under outer clothing. Eriana had two conventional day dresses, both of summer weight material, and acquired an evening gown which had originally been made for somebody else and subsequently modified. Bennet was given an evening gown, a normal day dress and another lightweight 'ship dress' while Semma received another ship dress.

Nobody seemed surprised that Eriana took either Bennet or Semma off to the small meeting room to change, so that no-one could see what was beneath her interesting attire. This was despite the fact that she had readily stripped to the waist on a previous occasion to demonstrate her bra. She had, after all, promised to explain later.

All were given several of the lightweight 'undershorts', as was Fanis, who also received four bras. A small number of the garments required minor adjustments, all were promised to be returned the following day.

"I am surprised that you can make these garments so fast, ladies," Eriana told them.

Dinna replied for the group, "Highness, nothing we have sewn for you and your girls was that difficult to make, apart from the bras, and those used so little cloth that they took barely a bell for the first one and much less for the others. Since the taking of the city we have made a lot of garments for everyone, so we have all become expert in cutting and stitching. Your new ship dresses are so simple, they take but a morning to cut, sew and finish, and we have many seamstresses in our group who desire to try the new designs."

"Of course." Eriana nodded. "My own attire is provided by the Palace Wardrobe, and, although they are efficient at making what is required, they do not have the press of numbers as you do here. Surely, though, the demand must slacken now the war is ended?"

"It seems not, Highness. Much was damaged, despoiled or destroyed by the invaders so the city must needs be reclothed. When winter came, we provided warmer clothes, and now summer is nearly here everyone wants thinner attire. Maralin's new designs will be welcomed by all Joth, Highness. They are easy to make and wear and cooling in the heat of day."

"You may tell him yourself, Mistress, when he comes in later. Oh... I have also spoken with the Duchess recently, on the matter of Design Licenses. Shall you accept the requirement of a small fee for each garment that we show you, or that Maralin provides? I am told it is customary."

Fanis added, "Dinna, it will be a very small fee per garment made, and it will compensate Maralin for his efforts. For any garment that is of Palarandi origin, such as Bennet's uniform, Eriana suggests that the fee would be kept in an account here at the Mansion, pending her return here when we will decide what to do with it. Naturally, we would not ask any fee for any garment you make personally for Eriana, her crew, Ursula or for our household."

Dinna turned to the others. "What do you think, ladies? It is only what we would do now, with a new design."

After some discussion Dinna turned to Fanis. "Done, Your Grace. If I might ask that someone draws up a document for us describing the terms and conditions."

The Duchess nodded. "Indeed, Dinna. With all these new items appearing in Joth we must make clear to all what may be done and what should not. This is an unusual circumstance for us, when so many novel things come from afar." She gestured at the mirror. "I will ask the Duke to order it done."

She turned to Eriana. "And now, my dear, you had better explain your attire to us! I am taken by the swirl in that skirt... and what is above it is interesting."

Eriana was in her element and she knew it. She smiled and turned a pirouette, making the seamstresses gasp.

"This, ladies, is my riding outfit."

"Riding outfit?" Dinna's eyes were like saucers. "Highness, do you joke?"

"Indeed she does not," Fanis said. "I did see Eriana riding a frayen when she brought back her troops from Forguland, Dinna. She was not attired thus, though, when she did so, but wore a sturdy jacket and skirt much as the traveling women do... though, as I recall, her skirt then was also wide enough to cover the saddle."

"Cover the - oh! I see! How clever! Is this something you did in your homelands, Highness?"

Eriana gave a short sharp laugh. "No woman rides in Einnland, Mistress, and not all the men, preferring instead to learn the ways of the sea to those of an animal. It was Princess Garia who taught me, as she did all of my men - and she designed this outfit as well, since no women rode in Palarand before she came there."

"Princess Garia again! Oh, my! And do many women ride there now?" The tone of the question was unmistakable.

Eriana grinned. "I have already had this conversation with the Duchess, Mistress. Many do, and many more desire to... and every one must needs have the appropriate attire, which is why I am here today."

Dinna walked around Eriana, casting a professional eye over the cloth, the design and the fit.

"If I may ask, is that skirt actually a circle?"

"It is, except where it must be shaped to the waist of the wearer," Eriana explained. "Unless the rider is the shape of a barrel, some allowance must needs be made, but it should not be difficult compared to, say, that evening gown you have adjusted for me."

"As you say. And what you wear above?"

"I have on a lightweight tunic similar to that of Bennet, of a warm weather material. Naturally I also have similar items of a thicker material for other seasons. Over it is a tabard of Garia's design, which is intended to protect our more delicate parts when riding, and also against the strap of my sword baldric when I wear it. Again, there are outfits which do not have such a tabard, but instead a jacket or similar coat, shaped to flare below the waist."

Eriana walked over and tapped the helmet, which she had left on the table. "When Garia obtained the King's permission to ride, he insisted that she wore some protection for her head. The first design was based on the armored helmets of the Palace Guard and was very heavy, though she still wore it to ride. Later, other designs were also made which were lighter and more suitable for non-military use - and for women. This one is a compromise between the two ideas, being light, but covering more of my head than the bowler that many women prefer."

"Highness, what is a bowler?"

She grimaced. "It never occurred to me when I departed Dekarran that I would be describing riding hats to the women of Joth! I wonder, perhaps Maralin may be able to provide drawings of some of the other helmet designs for you."

"Ah. As you say. We shall ask him when he comes in."

One of the other women came forward. "Highness, I am almost afraid to ask, are there not consequences when a woman sits a saddle as a man does? I thought that was the reason we customarily used a chair."

Eriana's smile this time was reassuring. "Mistress, trust me, there is almost no time when a woman may not ride as a man does. Of course, it will always depend on the particular circumstances, as each woman's Call is personal to her. If your Call is bad enough, you would not desire to ride anyway. As to any other concerns you may have, it is now time to show you what is worn beneath my riding skirt."

She bent over, found the hem of her skirt and lifted it right up. There was another gasp of surprise from the other women, this time including Fanis.

"Ah! All is now made plain, ladies," the Duchess said. "Even when you mount or dismount your beast, your modesty is preserved, I deem! Eriana, I assume this garment has other functions?"

"Of course, Fanis." Eriana explained how it provided protection and padding as well as concealment.

"It looks a complicated shape, Highness," Dinna observed.

"Aye, it is shaped this way to be comfortable for a rider who is in the saddle, Mistress, though of course it also has to accommodate me standing up. Again, this is a lightweight model, I have heavier ones to suit cooler weather."

One of the other women said, "You have a knife on your boot! I only noticed it when you lifted your skirt, Highness."

"Aye. You know that riders customarily have a knife on their belts, against any problems with harness, or to put a wounded beast out of its misery?" The women nodded. "Well, Princess Garia is too small and the wrong shape for such a knife, so Arms Master Haflin thought of placing it on her boot, where she can easily reach it when in the saddle. The idea was so successful that it is now standard equipment issue for men and women riders in Palarand, and for many of the armsmen too."

The seamstresses swung as one to Fanis, who replied, "Ladies, this is a matter that I think the Duke will need to rule on. I personally can already see the utility of such a placement but it would mean a change to General Orders, not to mention retraining the men."

The Duchess then turned to Eriana. "Dear, you already have your riding attire and I assume that your girls do also." Eriana nodded. "Are you showing us your outfit for the benefit of the women of Joth, then, or do you have a more specific request for them?"

"Why both, Fanis! I knew that once your people saw us riding, there would be a clamor from many women for the same privilege. If that is so, then of course they must needs know what to wear." Eriana then indicated Ursula. "We have of course brought our riding gear with us, but if Ursula is to become familiar with her surroundings it would make sense for her to ride with us. I would therefore ask your ladies to consider making such an outfit for her to wear. It need not be of the same colors or materials as our own, she has yet given no-one an oath of fealty, but is presently merely a visitor to Joth."

"Ah." Dinna regarded the outfit in a more professional manner. "What do you think, ladies? I deem the skirt to present no real difficulties and the tunic will be much as we already provide for Her Highness and her crew. The tabard... Highness, do you know aught of its construction? Would you permit us to investigate if you do not? It might mean some unpicking and resewing."

Eriana shook her head. "Mistress, I can mend a sail and patch our canvas trousers, but I leave the honest sewing to others. Aye, you must needs know how these are made if you are to make one for Ursula. I will provide you my whole outfit for inspection, once we have returned from tomorrow's ride."

"You are gracious, Highness. Ah... and the helmet? I doubt that any of us may sew cold steel."

The Princess smiled. "An interesting trick, if it were possible... though, I do recall Garia once saying that stitching steel was indeed possible, a process she called 'spot welding'. It is something new to do with a smith's art, I believe, and not something that would concern any seamstress. No, for a new helmet I must needs consult a smith, who will make a frame which you may then cover with a suitable cloth."

"Ah, I see. Thank you, Highness." Dinna turned to Fanis. "Your Grace, we are prepared to produce a riding outfit for your guest, but I could not say how long it might take to make it. If a helmet must also be made, the outfit could not be worn in any case until that is ready."

Fanis nodded. "As you say, Dinna. Let us obtain an estimate from our local smiths, which will then provide a day you can work towards."

"As you command, Your Grace."

"And now," Fanis continued, "Perhaps we should bring Maralin back into the room, to give us the benefit of his advice."

Semma opened the door, and standing outside, deep in conversation - in Norse - were Maralin and Lars.

"If you would join us, Commander, Tenant."

Lars frowned as he was addressed by a rank but followed Maralin into the dining room.

Fanis greeted them. "Gentlemen, we have left you standing outside for too long while we enjoyed ourselves with the novel ideas your ladies have brought from Palarand. Maralin, you will receive a fee for every garment that our ladies make, from your designs, for anyone other than those in Eriana's party or of the Ducal household, as is customary. Since the weather becomes hot, this might amount to a small but significant income, you should know."

Maralin was surprised. "Ah, Your Grace, this is unexpected."

Fanis flipped a hand. "You are a Jothan, it is only what every other garment designer in Joth would receive. Now, there will also be a fee for any of the garment designs which have been brought from Palarand, such as Semma's box pleats or the ladies' riding outfits, but these will be kept separately. Her Highness will decide what she desires to do with the coin when her ship returns to Joth."

"I understand, Your Grace."

Fanis smiled. "And we have been discussing... helmets, for those ladies who will be riding in the future. If you would sketch out some of the designs, that we might see and understand how they may be of use."

"As you command, Your Grace. Do you desire for me to do that now?"

"That may wait, I deem. The ladies have made garments for you and for Master Lars here, which will need fitting."

The "tee shirt" substitutes were approved by both Maralin and Lars, being both light and comfortable. They simply stripped off their tunics to change in front of the women, which provoked gasps and whistles. One small matter that caused raised eyebrows was the presence of epaulets on both garments.

"I thought," Dinna said, "that these were to be used when on duty, Your Grace. I must apologize if I have misunderstood."

Maralin waved a hand. "No, Mistress, it is fine. These can be used both formally, say, as part of a summer uniform, perhaps, or informally just as something to wear when the weather is hot. You could be seeing these, in all manner of materials and patterns, all over Joth during the summer. For casual use, you would be wasting time and effort by including epaulets, though."

"Oh, I see, Tenant. Ladies, did you hear? We must pay closer attention to the likely use when more of these are ordered."

Lars said, "Shoulder loops fine for me, Mistress. When you make for men, do not put shoulder loops."

"Ah, of course," Maralin said. "Epaulets are usually used for the clothing of officers but not for the lower ranks, Mistress."

Lars inspected himself in the new mirror, then turned and used one hand to point at the opposite epaulet.

"What means three stripes? Is this rank? I see Her Highness has four and Tenant Maralin has two."

Maralin looked at Eriana, who shrugged, then at Dinna for an explanation.

"Perhaps we have misunderstood? Highness, if it is so, then accept our humblest apologies. I was sure that, some days ago, you introduced ...Master... Lars as your second in command. Tenant Maralin described what rank marks we should use, so naturally I assumed -" She stopped, upset.

"Mistress, be at ease," Eriana soothed her. "Aye, there has been a kind of misunderstanding, but mayhap it is as much mine as yours. I am told that ranks aboard military ships may differ from those used by the armies and other troops on land, and, indeed, by merchant vessels." She frowned. "In any case, the position of Lars is... complicated. While he is forstjori, leader of my men, he is not hofthingi, captain of the ship. Nor is he styrismathr, master of the ship under me. I know not what he would be called in the valley tongue."

Dinna looked at her blankly and turned to Fanis, who indicated Maralin. He frowned in consideration before responding.

"Highness, the variations in military rank are complicated, especially here in the Great Valley where every country seems to do something different. We are fortunate that no-one has anything resembling a Navy yet, which means that we can make our own decisions as to ranks and so on. However, we'll need to sit down and discuss that, probably with His Grace and Captain Hambran. For now, since Lars is subordinate to you, I would suggest that we simply accept Mistress Dinna's assumption and call him Commander. It makes sense and is understandable to everyone around Joth. We can always change it later if something else is decided."

Eriana gave him her usual stare before nodding abruptly. "Lars, is this acceptable to you?"

"As you wish, Highness," he replied. "It means that all know where I fit in order of ranks. Commander, good."

Eriana said to Maralin, "Your counsel is wise, Maralin. Before the Visund departs Joth we must needs make a chart of ranks of all the countries, that all might know where they stand."

"Agreed, Highness. It is probably something that should have been done a long time ago."

The gathering turned again to the business of attire, with Dinna producing samples of the new shorts for the men. Maralin and Lars excused themselves to go and change in the small meeting room before returning.

"Well, Maralin? Is it what you expected?"

"Highness, it is. Um, they are. It is usual to refer to shorts as a pair, since they have two legs. The material is just about right, and the length and waistband are right, too. Naturally, we'll have to wear these for a few days to see if there are any problems."

"Lars? What about you?"

«These are a good idea, Highness, though I am not used to showing my legs this way. They will be good for wearing on board, light and loose. As Maralin says, we will have to wear them a while to see how sturdy they will be.»

Eriana turned to Fanis. "He says that he agrees with Maralin, Fanis. We have time to make any adjustments before Dinna and her girls produce more for the men."

Maralin said, "Um, there is one thing I would like to add to these shorts, but I can't show it to you today. Are any of you coming tomorrow?"

"Of course, Tenant," Dinna replied. "There are adjustments to be made to several of the garments, so at least I will return tomorrow. If that is acceptable, Your Grace."

"Of course, Dinna. You and your ladies are always welcome."

"Then, Your Highness, Your Grace, we have taken up enough of your valuable time. Come, ladies, let us gather our things and leave the mansion in peace."

"Indeed," Fanis agreed. "It will soon be time for the kitchen staff to begin setting up the tables for the evening meal. It has been an interesting afternoon, I deem, but now perhaps it is time for us all to return to our normal duties."

* * *

Lars had been invited to stay for the meal, so both he and Maralin appeared still wearing their new summer outfits, to great acclaim by all present.

"An excellent design, Maralin."

"Thank you, Your Grace. These are very simple but effective, especially in the heat."

"As is always the case, such garments are obvious, but only after someone has thought of them! Captain? Your impression?"

Hambran replied, "Your Grace, based on only a bell's worth of observation, I am inclined to petition for funds that I might immediately order two hundred or so sets for your personal troops. The utility as summer uniforms is obvious, even to me."

"If I might suggest, sir," Maralin said, "we should discover if there is any problem with design, stitching or cloth before such an order should be made. I would hate to be the cause of discontent among the men."

"As you say, Maralin. And I must add that the ladies look magnificent too, in their new summer dresses. They look cool, which I am not. Did you design them as well?"

"As you say, sir." He glossed over the origins. "The designs are a variation of some styles that are worn in Shicargo, but adapted to the greater heat of the Valley."

"I deem these will become greatly popular with the women of the city, as your own attire will be with the men. Anything that helps us bear the great heat of summer will be welcomed by all."

"And then there is the riding gear, sir."

"As you say! In six months, I deem, those who live in Joth will be completely unrecognizable."

"Aye," agreed Wallesan. "And if Robanar's toys have a like effect, our whole society will have begun an immense upheaval. Joth will indeed rise anew from the ashes left by the invaders."

Ursula listened to all this with interest. Whatever 'Garia' had done, there was going to be a great deal of change in the coming months and years, and it seemed that she had been brought to Anmar specifically to be a part of it.

What can I do? I'm nothing special! To date, my best talent has been running away, and even that did not end well.

No. My best talent is the one that I have been trained for. I must make my knowledge available to these people if I can, though what they will make of it all I do not know. They do not have the tradition of big central hospitals that Earth does.

Perhaps some other way can be found.

First, I must discover how the business of healing is done in Joth, and then I can try and work out what to do next.

The thought of updating the knowledge of a whole society shocked her and it showed in her expression.

"Something the matter, dear?"

"Your Grace, a lot has happened to me in the last few days and I am trying to decide what to do with what I now know."

"Do you wish to speak with myself or Fanis about your thoughts?"

Ursula nodded. "It might be sensible, Your Grace. At your convenience."

"Tomorrow afternoon, perhaps, after the seamstresses have left. The same people as before?"

"Yes, Your Grace, but perhaps with the addition of... Mistress Senia? I think that I have to find out how healing is managed here in Joth."

"Of course. I will ask her to come, though of course you know that she might be delayed, or mayhap called away at short notice, should there be an injury in the city."

Ursula smiled. "I understand perfectly, Your Grace. My own job on Earth had similar demands."

"Indeed. Tomorrow afternoon, then. Shall you watch the ladies ride tomorrow morning?"

"I will, Your Grace, and I suspect that everyone who can possibly make some excuse to be there will appear as well."

"Well said, my dear! Now, If I may suggest these, they are the first of this year's crop and you will not have tasted them fresh before..."

Ursula spends some time helping out in the kitchen - and becomes more puzzled as the morning progresses. Meanwhile, Eriana, Bennet and Semma are introduced to new mounts and take a ride outside Joth's walls.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

17 - Eriana Rides Out

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Ursula realized that she was staring at herself in the mirror once again.

I must stop this! I was obsessive enough when I was being chased, now I have a fixation on my new body!

But... I'm a real woman now, and this is what we do. Appearance is important, isn't it? Because I am female, people are going to look at me and judge me on how I look, what I do, what I say, what I wear.

It is what I expected, and what I had when I was with the other trans girls, but I never expected to have a real body! Especially one that is different than what I thought I would look like.

This body is honest, at least... though it cannot, possibly, have lived the number of years that it appears to have done. How can they possibly do that?

Which means I have to ask the question again: is this real? Am I fooling myself by pretending that it is real?

With a sigh she shook her head and lifted one of her 'ship dresses' off the rail. It was the action of a moment to pull it over her head and tug it straight.

The Jothan women do good work, I will admit. This design of Maralin's is really comfortable and well made.

Bennet poked her head through the open door. "Mistress, are you ready?"

Bennet had dressed in her riding outfit after bathing. It looked interesting, even though she had seen similar on Eriana the previous afternoon.

"I am, Bennet. Are you comfortable in that?"

"So far, Mistress. If the weather becomes very warm," the guardswoman shrugged, "then I fear we may need to ask the seamstresses for lighter attire. For now it is comfortable enough, thank you."

Outside in the corridor Mamoot was waiting and he gave them the customary open-handed Jothan salute.

"Good morning, Mistress Ursula, Mistress Bennet." He gestured at the riding outfit. "I have not seen that uniform before. Do you do something different today?"

Bennet smiled at him. "Aye, today Tenant Maralin escorts Her Highness, myself and Guardswoman Semma on a frayen ride. I do not know what route he may have planned."

Mamoot's eyes widened. "So it is true, then! There was a rumor in the guardhouse that saddles had arrived for the use of Her Highness and party. Many could not believe that women may ride as a man does."

Bennet's smile turned into a grin. "If you may find yourself near the rear courtyard after breakfast, Mamoot, you will see a wonder, then. Many women in Palarand now ride and many more desire to. Her Highness thinks that the same will happen here in Joth."

"Do you tell me! Then I will make sure to find a suitable spot from which to observe what happens."

"I doubt you will be the only one. Do you know, has Her Highness yet passed this way?"

Mamoot shook his head. "She has not yet passed me this morning, Mistress. Will you wait?"

"I think we'll go down. We're only getting in everybody's way standing out here."

In the dining room some had already arrived, including Hambran and Maralin, but the Ducal couple had not yet appeared. Hambran approached them and bowed. Bennet responded with a Palarandi-style salute.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning to you, Bennet, and to you, Mistress Ursula. You will have a fine day for your ride, I deem. I do not know which route Tenant Maralin intends to take, though."

"It may depend on the desires of Her Highness, Sir."

"As you say. Well, if I may suggest -"

Hambran was cut off as Wallesan, Fanis, Eriana and Semma all appeared in a group. After the customary greetings all made for the table and breakfast was served.

Part way through, Fanis asked, "Ursula, dear, these fine folk are all going to ride out on frayen this morning. I regret that neither you nor I may yet go with them, so I wondered if you had any idea what to do today."

Ursula swallowed her mouthful of fruit and replied, "Your Grace, with your permission I would like to spend some time today in your kitchen. It seems to me that I need to learn about the plants and animals of this world and the kitchen would be the easiest place to do that."

The Duchess frowned. "Would you not rather go to the market today? You will see a much greater variety of foodstuffs and animals there than in our kitchen, and those animals in the market will still be alive."

Ursula reddened. "Your Grace, I don't really want to speak of such things at your table, but I have a professional interest in your foodstuffs as well as a general one."

Fanis was puzzled, but Wallesan remarked, "She wants to look at what's inside them, Fanis. How the muscles and bones work, that sort of thing. On Earth, they have no creature with six legs so she wants to understand how they function."

"Ooh. Yes, I see, Wal. Forgive me, Ursula, I did not mean to pry, I was merely interested to make sure that you were not bored, or had perhaps a desire to go out somewhere instead."

"Your Grace, I will probably want to go to the market another day. In the work I did on Earth, I used some tools specific to the job and I would need similar if I was to do something like that here. I do not know what tools are available here, but I hope that Mistress Senia will tell me that when I meet her this afternoon."

"Ah, I understand. But you will join us outside, to see Eriana and her girls ride off?"

"Of course, Your Grace. I suspect that there will be a small crowd out there today."

"Have no doubt of it!"

* * *

The crowd was not small, it was every single person who could possibly invent a reason to be away from their duty that morning. Every balcony was lined, almost all of the windows had onlookers and there was a fair crowd spread around the perimeter of the yard. Those present included not only mansion staff and armsmen but all of Eriana's crew, who had not come to watch the fun but to attend some battle training with the local troops. There were also a small number of seamstresses standing in a nervous group underneath the archway. Eriana blinked at the numbers.

"Fanis, you would think I had suddenly sprouted two heads, or something!"

"You are about to do something worse that that, Eriana, you are going to climb aboard a frayen, as a man does, and ride away! I shudder at what the women of Joth will do when they see you!"

"I shudder at the men, Fanis, who may object to our appearance. Although many accepted Garia riding in Palarand, and beyond into the country, there were still some who disliked the very idea. Now, before we may begin, we must needs pay a visit to your kitchen."

"The kitchen! Why is everybody suddenly interested in our kitchen this morning?"

Eriana grinned. "Ursula's needs are of a different kind, but we girls have learned that the way to a frayen's heart is through his stomach. That and the kind words which a female voice may whisper in their ears. Watch and learn, Fanis."

Since all the kitchen staff without exception had come out onto the walkway to watch the proceedings, there was some confusion when Eriana made her request.

"It is simple enough, Master Farren," she said to his stammered query, "we desire some small offcuts of vegetable with which to bribe our frayen. Should our task be successful, your kitchen may discover that such offcuts will become a regular request about the mansion."

"Highness, if you say it is so, then who am I to disagree? If you would come this way."

Suitably provided, the three women and Maralin tucked the treats into their sashes and made their way into the stables, followed by a curious Fanis. Duban was there, with their saddles ready and waiting on a rail. Maralin went straight to his preferred mount while the others waited for the Stable Master to show them which frayen would be theirs for today.

"You are?"

The man bowed. "Hanek, Your Highness. If I may show you your beasts? I should, perhaps, first ask if any of you have particular preferences."

The three shook their heads, so he took them to the stall next to Maralin. "Highness, this is Muss, I have selected one of the larger of our stock in the belief you will be more comfortable."

As Eriana towered over the man by nearly a foot, she merely smiled. "He will do, Hanek. Muss! In my language, that is the name of a murid, I deem. A fine jest for so large a beast!"

Maralin leaned against the partition. "Highness, murid would be a creature similar to a mouse on Earth. A small rodent, like the murid is here, but of course having only four legs. The word in Norse is closer to the original than the local word is."

"As you say, Maralin! But it is frayen that interests me this morning, not rodents. If you would pass me down that harness, Hanek. I must fit it myself that the beast becomes familiar with me."

"Are you sure, Highness?" Hanek was cautious. "These frayen are familiar with the men but -"

"Just you wait and see! Muss? You and I are going for a ride today. What do you think of that?"

The frayen was still secured in his stall by a halter, so he could only look at Eriana out of the nearer eye. He saw the hand come forward and began to snap forward, stopping abruptly when he smelled something interesting. He stared at her suspiciously.

"Now, take this nicely and you and I can have a little talk," she said, bringing the treat nearer his snout. "If you want, we can try out that new saddle of mine and you can see how good it feels. How would you like that?"

The lips reached gently forward and took the nibble from her palm. Nobody had ever done that for him before! The morning had suddenly stopped being boring. What did this strangely shaped human want? Normally, people like that were not even permitted into the stables. What was going on?

Fanis, Hanek and Duban watched with mouths open as Eriana installed the harness, then fetched and carried her own saddle and placed it on Muss's back. The straps were all placed and fastened, it being apparent that Eriana knew exactly what she was doing. Several more treats were provided to ease the process and the animal remained placid the whole time. Finally, she unhooked the halter and backed Muss out of his stall using the reins.

"And that, Fanis," she said with a smile, "is how it is done. I cannot say they will all be as easy as this one, their histories are all different, but certainly there was no serious trouble in the palace stables." She turned. "Girls? Time to get yours ready now. Hanek? If you would."

The shocked Stable Master could only stammer and turn to gesture at the two adjacent stalls.

"Uh, Highness, this one is Volt and the next one is Tama."

Bennet immediately went to Volt while Semma followed more slowly. Maralin realized that the girls would have been taught how to ride on mounts already 'educated' by Garia's methods, whereas these were still in their original condition. They would have to learn to tame their new mounts the hard way. This was immediately proved when Bennet had to jump out of the way as Volt attempted to barge her into the side of the stall.

Two of the men immediately went to help but Eriana waved them off. "No! All you will do is to frighten it by crowding round. Bennet must do this on her own, it is she who must needs bond with the beast."

Volt proved very restive, however, and refused to even look at any proffered treats. An attempt to put on the harness had to be abandoned when Volt tried to head-butt Bennet into her feed rack.

"If you would wait, Bennet. This one has had a hard past, I deem. Try bringing him out of the stall just on the halter. When he sees my beast, he will surely quieten."

And that is what happened. Once out, Volt noticed that something different was happening and began looking around. He stared at all the humans standing around and then at Muss, who turned his head and gave a flick of recognition before turning his attention to Eriana's sash.

"No, boy! Not me this time. Bennet has to give your friend of her own treats."

Eriana smiled fondly at the frayen before rubbing his snout gently. The byplay was not lost on Volt, who turned and found Bennet, who of course was still holding the halter.

"Oh? So now you want to take an interest in me?" she asked. "Shall you take a nibble without biting my fingers off, then?"

She dug out a treat with her free hand and cautiously held it forward. Volt leaned his head forward before pausing at looking at her face, then carefully took the nibble from her hand. The head went back immediately as he chewed, and there was an obvious conflict going on in his head. Things just didn't work like this!

"All ready, Highness," came a voice from behind them. It was Semma, with her own mount harnessed, saddled and ready to go! "I was surprised by how quiet this one was, he took the treats straight away and let me do everything very easily."

"Uh, Mistress," Hanek said, "Tama is a doe, not a buck. That may be the reason she accepted you so easily."

"Oh!" Semma smiled. "My mistake. It should not make any difference, surely?"

"Not really, though the men sometimes prefer the bucks because they may be stronger, Mistress." He reddened. "Ah, I do not mean to imply that you are not able to do your job, Mistress."

Maralin said, "Hanek, I can tell you that I have seen the women of His Majesty's Palace Guard at training and on duty, and I can assure you that all can do as much as a man is asked to do." He smiled. "In fact, I would say that they fight dirtier than the men." His gaze went round the other stable staff. "Let that be a warning to all of you."

Volt noticed Tama, and that Semma was also stroking her head with no apparent reaction. By now he was thoroughly confused, since there had been none of the usual shouting, pushing and hitting that he usually suffered when his rider came to get him ready. Was it something to do with these new riders? All three smelled different than the usual ones, much more pleasant, and their voices were less harsh. He looked up at the person he assumed would be his rider.

"Volt, is it? Well, Volt, no doubt you have noticed that your friends are enjoying the attention they are getting. How about you? Want another nibble?"

He didn't understand most of the words, of course, but the flow of the sounds was soothing. Perhaps - maybe - his ride this morning would not be as unpleasant as it usually was. He noticed that his rider - if that was who she was - held out another of the vegetable pieces to him, and he took it carefully from her hand.

"That's a good boy! Shall we try to put your harness on now?"

He stood still, allowing the harness to be fixed, but he could not stop his legs from shaking. Then came the saddle, and this was strange, too. It just didn't feel right, but that might have been because it was positioned better, so that it didn't cause his back to sag. He turned his head to try and see what was going on. Had they put it in the wrong place? It seemed not!

Bennet raised her hand to his head and he tensed, alert for the inevitable thump, but none came. Instead there was a soothing stroke which caused him to shiver in a different way. He resisted the urge to sharply bring his head back and snap at the small hand since his rider had done nothing objectionable. The nibble smell came from his rider's middle, and his nose quested that way. Surely there might be more?

Bennet grinned. "Ah, you've figured it out! Good boy, I will give you another piece, but then we must needs go out into the yard and get mounted."

* * *

As the guardswomen made their way to the stables Ursula turned right and mingled with the other Norsemen.

«Hey, Ursula! How are things with you? That dress looks cool. It wouldn't be any good in Jotlheim, you'd be a block of ice in moments, but it works here.»

«Hey, Stine! Thank you for asking, I am settling in here well enough. This is one of Maralin's designs, I believe that he has designed warm weather clothing for all of you as well, though I don't know when you will get it.» She turned and looked around. «Is everyone from the ship here this morning?»

«Yah, Captain promises us training with those Jothan men over there. Something to do with battlefield tactics, she said.»

The ship's cook, Adin, nodded agreement. «That's right, Ursula, something about fighting in a line.» He grinned. «That won't include the sailors, of course. We have more important things to do. Are you going over to join the kitchen staff, as you did before?»

«I am. I want to learn more about the plants and animals of this new land I find myself in.»

«Well, I know a little more than you do, of course, but there is much that is strange to me in this land, even after I have had Maralin's help. Can I join you?»

«I don't see why not. Come on, before you are made to join the mock battle.»

«That is true! Come on, boys, and you injured as well. Over there to join the kitchen servants.»

The small group threaded their way among the servants gathered along that wall and around to where the kitchen staff waited. Most sat on the edge of the walkway as they had done previously, while others made themselves comfortable in the few remaining bench vacancies.

"Mistress Ursula, good morning. Do you desire to see our riders this morning? I would have thought you familiar with such things."

Ursula had by now adjusted to the formality used by the locals. "Master Farren, good morning to you. I joined the Visund as it came along the great river, so I have never seen Her Highness ride before. Is it so unusual in the Great Valley, then?"

The cook shrugged. "I have heard that there are places which permit it, aye, but in Joth it would be very unusual for a woman to ride as a man does." He glanced at her. "I have heard rumors that such customs have changed in Palarand, but of course you would not know anything of that, I suppose."

"I have heard a lot of talk of Palarand, but I do not know much about it," she responded. "In fact, I appear to know very little about anything, which is why I have asked Her Grace to let me join you in the kitchen this morning, if it is not too much trouble."

"Ah? You know something of the cook's art, then, as Maralin does?"

"Me? No, very little! Just enough to keep myself from starving, should it be necessary. But that would be in the place I came from, Master Farren. Here, in Joth, I do not know what anything is, meat, fruit nor vegetable, so I would not know what to do with any of it."

"So you seek to learn to cook, then?"

"That is not the main reason, but if I learn something that may be useful in the future, then I will not object. No, what I want to do is to study the plants and animals you have inside, to better learn how they work."

Farren raised his eyebrows. "But surely, a vegetable is a vegetable! They are all different to cook, it is true, but what else do you need to know?"

"It will just be simply knowledge, Master Farren. I am a kind of healer, so I want to know what may be of use to me for helping somebody get better. In addition, there are no six-legged animals where I come from and the... avians... only have two legs. If I am to be of use, I must learn how these different bodies function."

"But people only have two legs and two arms! Why would you want to know how the body of an avian works? Or a gavakhan? Are you then a healer of animals?"

Ursula realized that the gulf in cultures was too wide. "I am not, Master Farren. Up till now my whole career has been the tending of humans - people - who get themselves injured. But I am in a strange land, and I want to find out as much as I can about everything here that is alive."

Farren considered and then nodded. "I think I can understand that. After all, if you have traveled a long way, then of course the plants and animals will be different! When Maralin first came to His Grace's kitchen he said almost the same thing. Of course you may join us but -" he held up a finger, "- we will be busy later, to prepare lunch, and there can be no delay providing for Their Graces and guests - which include you, of course."

"If you will be happy with me around, Master Farren. I will try not to get in your way."

"Done, then. Tell me, what are all of Her Highness's crew doing here?"

"I don't really know. Adin?"

"Master Farren, your Captain offered to teach them how to fight in line, as might happen in battle."

"Ah, I see. And yourself? I notice some of you have come over here to join us."

"Ah, no, Master Farren." He stopped and turned to Ursula. «Please, can you translate for me? I could tell him, but I would be long-winded and make many mistakes. Tell him, some here are injured, and thus excused the activity, but I and the others," he gestured, "are the true sailors of the Visund and normally have other duties when we sail. Of course we can all defend ourselves but we are not as experienced in fighting as those over there.»

Ursula relayed this and Farren nodded again.

Adin added, "For myself, I am ship's cook, I want to learn more of Valley food. Would Master Farren..?"

"Of course, Master Adin! Be welcome in my kitchen, but you heard the warning I gave the Mistress?"

"I did, but unlike Ursula I could assist you. I may not make food fit for Duke, but I have made meals for Princess."

"Then you will be most welcome in our kitchen."

Maralin was the first rider out, leading his frayen. Eriana followed, then Bennet with Semma being followed by two armsmen. The three women carried helmets, which they put on and secured. In the courtyard, the low rumble of talk suddenly hushed. Maralin swung up onto his frayen, Mac, then turned his mount to watch the others. There was a gasp as Eriana swung a leg over Muss which settled down into an excited murmur as she twitched the skirt over her mount's rump.

Bennet spoke quietly to Volt before mounting him. He still seemed confused by the unusual procedure but accepted his rider's new saddle cautiously, swinging his head either way to look at her. Semma by contrast mounted Tama quickly and quietly, neither rider or mount appearing to find anything unusual in the operation. They waited for the two armsmen to mount before turning to Captain Hambran.

"By your leave, sir," Maralin asked as he saluted.

Hambran nodded. "You have it, Maralin. I would suggest that you not be too long today, as this is the first time any of your guests have ridden those mounts."

"We'll be back by lunchtime, sir."

"Very good. Carry on." He bowed. "Your Highness."

"Thank you for the loan of these mounts, Captain," she replied. "We will not be too long, we need to get to know each other properly."

With that she turned and nodded to Maralin, who led the way out of the courtyard. Behind them, the low murmur rose into an excited babble, only calmed when Lars blew a shrill blast on his whistle.

«Men! Form ranks for Captain Hambran, now! We have all seen women riding before, we should now concentrate on what we came here to do or the morning will be wasted.»

Seeing the Norsemen line up into two ranks made the others in the courtyard remember their duties and most began to disperse. Farren turned to Ursula.

"Mistress, will Her Highness's men require us to provide lunches, would you know?"

She turned to Adin, who said, "If you provide, they will eat. If not, many taverns in city to find food."

The cook nodded. "Then I must needs ask Her Grace, and if you would relay her answer to your Commander there when I know it."

Adin looked confused. "Commander?"

"I think he means Lars," Ursula told him. "I believe there was some problem before, but now his rank has been made official."

"Ah. As you will. Is that why he wears uniform now?"

«It wasn't intended to be a uniform, but the seamstresses - the tailors and dressmakers - misunderstood what was wanted. Her Highness decided to make the appearance into a fact.»

Farren stood. "Perhaps we had better be about our own business, then. If all these men are about to do some training , they will want drinks soon enough." He cast his eye over the courtyard, still relatively crowded even now. "I'll get my boys to start some water boiling while we," he grinned at Ursula and Adin, "examine the contents of my larders, shelves and cold rooms."

* * *

"Let's head for the nearest gate," Maralin suggested. "The city streets can be somewhat crowded, as you no doubt already know. On fresh mounts, that could be a distraction - or worse."

"I agree, Maralin," Eriana said. "Once our mounts know that we will look after them, then we may chance the streets."

He led the way through the streets to a heavily fortified gateway set in the outer wall. "I don't think you came in this way before. No? This is the Southern Gate, but most people call it the Galdarin Gate, since that is where the highway goes, down to Joth's second city."

Maralin stopped at the gate and spoke to one of the armsmen there, telling them of his party's short ride out, before leading them out into the countryside.

Outside of the walls, the brick, wood, tile and stone of the city was immediately replaced by varying shades of green. Eriana relaxed immediately and noticed that her mount seemed happier as well.

Maralin pointed to the ditch at the side of the highway. "Down there was where I was found, the night that Yod took the city. They thought I had fallen off a wagon or something, as everyone was forced out of the city. I was taken down to Galdarin and lived there some days before my memory returned."

Eriana looked around. Apart from the looming wall behind her, the landscape was distinctly flat, with only a few clumps of trees and the odd shed or barn breaking up the monotony of fields and ditches.

"Is it all like this?"

"Some of it is more wooded, the further away you get from the city," he explained. "I think that they didn't want to have trees that close to the walls, in case an army could hide there." He grinned at her. "With camouflage, we could run along the ditches instead. I did a scouting run out here, trying to find out what patrols they mounted and how many men there were guarding the gate, and they never knew we were there."

"I remember you telling Robanar about it. Was this the gate that the Jothans attacked to get back in, then? It seems formidable from here."

"No, we went for the South Eastern Gate, which is much smaller, and much more poorly defended, being nearer the river. Once inside we held the gate, then let more men in to work their way along and open the Galdarin Gate from the inside."

"Aye. A difficult task, I have tried to compare it with our own attack on Boldan's Rock but they are too different." Eriana turned to Bennet and Semma. "How are your beasts behaving, girls?"

"I'm not sure, Highness," Bennet replied. "I think Volt is surprised by how he has been treated this morning, and is being cautious so far. He has done everything I have asked, and I think he prefers the present arrangement."

"Then we are doing the right thing, are we not? Semma? How is your ride?"

"I think I have one of the more placid ones, Highness. Certainly she has not objected to anything I have asked her to do - so far."

"That is good. Maralin, how may we get off this road and let our beasts feel the grass beneath their feet?"

He pointed. "Just there, Highness, is a side road we can take, which will take us through some of the nearer fields. I know that the verges are wide enough to ride on. That will probably be enough for today."

"As you say. Lead on, then."

* * *

Ursula put down the small, but extremely sharp, paring knife she had been using as a scalpel and resisted the urge to wipe her forehead with a bloody hand. On the table in front of her were the dissected remains of an avian Farren had called a brifil.

I think that is the strangest dissection I have ever done, she thought. It isn't mammal, reptile, bird or even fish. Even frogs were more understandable, in Med School! Much of what I see here is just plain weird. How do these things stay alive?

I think the answer to that is that, while I do not understand what half of these organs are, they must perform similar functions to those of normal animals. Most Earth animals have recognizable organs, even if some are adapted in ways that wouldn't make sense in a human. These must do the same functions but have evolved in a different way.

She fingered a small lump. This has to be a heart, but it is shaped like no heart I have ever seen. For one thing, it has blood vessels coming out of both ends. And what about this? It might be a liver, but I've never seen a liver that looks like that.

Farren joined her at the table. "Mistress? We are taking a drink before we begin the serious business of preparing lunch for His Grace and guests."

"Oh, yes, please. I don't think I can do any more here." She turned and smiled at him. "Almost everything inside this creature confuses me. Thank you for donating it for my experiment."

"Do not worry, Mistress. I have noticed you working, you have been very careful to keep everything clean, we may use the remains in a soup or a pie whenever you have finished with it."

"Can you? That's good. I didn't want to be the cause of any unnecessary waste for you. I have finished, I think, and I'll have to go away and think about what I have seen."

The two walked over to a sink, where Ursula rinsed her hands carefully under cold water. Farren frowned.

"Mistress, I still have trouble understanding that, in the lands you come from, you have never seen an avian, or even a gavakhan."

"We just don't have anything like those there at all. Has Maralin not said as much? All we have are four-legged animals with body parts that work much like ours do. We do have animals that fly, but they don't look like avians here at all. Has anybody ever cut open a frayen or, what are those big animals? Dranakh, that's right."

The cook looked horrified. "Cut open a dranakh? Maker! They would empty out the city! Mistress, nobody would ever think of such a thing. We do not eat dranakh, even when they die naturally, so there would be no desire to open their bodies. People do, on occasion, eat frayen meat, but that is usually because there is nothing else and the intent would be to keep from starving, not for any other reason."

Ursula was taken aback by the cook's reaction. "Oh. I'm sorry, Master Farren, I did not mean to upset you."

He handed her a towel to dry her hands and then the two joined the other kitchen workers at an end table, where Ursula was given a mug of pel.

One of the workers asked, "Mistress, is this normal where you come from? Cutting things open, I mean."

She nodded. "It is what we do when we train to be... healers. It is to give us practice in surgery but also to allow us to become familiar with what is inside. We use small animals to begin with, then progress to pigs, which are about the same size we are and with mostly similar organs."

The woman ignored the reference to pigs. Obviously, if she came from far away, the animals would be different. "Why would you want to do that? I thought healers made poultices and bandages and potions, that kind of thing. I didn't know they went... inside... people."

"Well, let's see. How can I explain it to you?"

How do I explain it, in terms they might understand? Ah, yes.

"Hear those swords in the courtyard? That is your men practicing against Her Highness's men. Now suppose there is an accident, and somebody gets a sword or a spear poked into them. What happens?"

"Well, there would be a poultice, and a bandage, and the man would have to lie still until he was better."

"Would he get better every time?"

"Uh, no, sometimes the wound is too bad and then he dies."

"Right. So, what usually happens is that the sword or spear cuts a blood vessel inside and the man either bleeds to death or he gets an infection of the wound. What I can do is to go in, find out where the cut went and sew up or tie off the blood vessels so that no more blood is lost. Then I would carefully sew him back up so that his wound can recover successfully.

"Sometimes," she continued, "a battle wound can damage some of the other organs in the body, and I can fix some of those. I can set broken bones, take out -" bullets? No, not here. "- arrow heads, for example, anything else has has gotten inside that should not be there. Then I can clean everything up and make it so that the patient has a better chance of survival."

"You can do all that? Is it better than what our healers do?"

"I don't know what your healers can do so I can't answer that. That's what I'm hoping to learn this afternoon, when Mistress Senia comes to the mansion."

The rest of the break was taken in silence as the kitchen servants realized that what Ursula did was completely beyond their understanding. Finally Farren clapped his hands and began issuing instructions. The workers dispersed to their tables and began preparations for lunch. He turned to Ursula.

"If there is anything else I can do for you now? We are busy, as you can see, but if you only need some table space and a small knife..."

"Thank you, no, not now. You're busy and I would only be a distraction. Tell me, though, those big meat animals, would it be possible for me to have a look at one as you butcher it? I have learned a lot this morning but brifilis are not the same as the larger land animals."

"Gavakhan, you mean?" Farren scratched his chin. "We get them already butchered, Mistress. We could do it here, but it takes time and expertize for so large a carcase. Better to leave such tasks to those who do it every day."

"Oh. Well, it probably isn't important anyway. I am a human healer, not a healer of animals."

"The carcases are delivered early each morning, Mistress, according to what we order. I could arrange for you to go and watch a butchering, if it would interest you."

She waved a hand. "No, please, it isn't necessary. Maybe in a year's time, perhaps, I might have a chance to look, but I don't need to see it done for what I do."

"As you wish, Mistress. What, then, will you do this morning?"

I can't wander off without a minder, Eriana and Maralin have gone out for a ride, and Her Grace is probably busy.

"I saw you teaching Adin earlier how to make those little cakes. I don't want to get in the way, but maybe I could help do something until lunchtime?"

"If you feel it would not be beneath you, Mistress."

"Why should it? I am here, I have a pair of hands, I might as well do something useful."

"If you are so determined, Mistress, then I would not object to some assistance. Here, Turis makes pastries, not for lunch but for this afternoon. Shall you help her?"

"Of course. What do you want me to do?"

* * *

Maralin turned at the sound of bells echoing from within the city. They had taken the opportunity to let their mounts have a drink, and were presently at the bottom of one of the large drainage ditches which defined most field boundaries.

"Highness, it is probably time we made our way back. That is the half bell before noon so lunch will not be far away."

"Aye, Maralin, you are right as usual. I must admit, it has been pleasant to just ride, on a good steed, with no task to perform, no destination to arrive at, just to wander as the paths provide."

"I agree. I have done this one or twice by myself, but as you know we were very busy before His Grace and I joined you to travel to Palarand. We should go back up to the path and figure out which is the best way to return," he said.

He clicked to Mac and turned his head, urging the frayen back up from the ditch to the path they had been following. Reluctantly, the others followed his lead. Maralin turned, studying the city wall to their left, looming large and with the sun almost behind it now as noon approached.

He pointed. "That way, I think. We are a lot closer to the Western Gate now than we are to the Galdarin Gate. If we go in that way, the route to the Mansion will be shorter than if we back-tracked."

"Sir," came a call from below, "if you would wait for us."

Maralin turned and realized that the two armsmen who had accompanied them were still using the traditional style of saddle. With those it was not easy to clamber up the slope while still mounted, so they had both climbed off and were now leading their frayen.

"Aye, we will wait." He smiled. "I trust you both appreciate now why His Grace wants to introduce the new saddles?"

One answered, "As you say, sir! To begin with, you all looked odd sitting on them and when you ride, the motion seems... strange to the eye, but even one such as myself cannot fail to see the advantages."

The other one, reaching the path, muttered, "There are advantages? Don't look right to me."

The first one joined him and said, "Then you are an idiot, Brosh. With the saddle the Tenant uses, he can stay mounted even on a slope so great as this. I bet he wouldn't come off in no battle, neither."

Maralin brought the impending argument to a halt. "Enough, you two. Get up, please, so that we can return to the mansion. Once we begin producing these saddles locally, I am sure that Captain Hambran will be telling you all about the benefits." He added, "For myself, I have not ridden one very much so far. We all used the old style to go to Palarand and of course we came back by ship. I have had a little practice on the palace training field but that is all. Mayhap Her Highness, who has ridden into battle using the new type, can tell you more - but not today."

"Indeed," Eriana agreed. "Though in truth we used the new saddles to ride a great part of our journey, we did not ride them into battle. We could not do that at Boldan's Rock." She considered, then nodded. "Aye. I will speak with your captain about our experiences with the new saddles but, as Maralin says, not today. I deem we will be too busy for such instruction."

Both men ducked their heads as they mounted. "Highness."

The short procession went clockwise around the walls of Joth, using various tracks and farm access roads, until they reached a small highway running east-west. They gained this and turned right to head toward the gate through the walls. Even though the highway was a minor one, there was still a fair amount of traffic to be negotiated.

Their progress was not helped by the fact that almost everyone going the other direction, on foot, mounted or aboard a carriage or wagon, stopped and stared at the three mounted women, especially the lead one who bore a broadsword diagonally across her back. Fortunately, most had by now at least heard of Eriana, and "strange folk often did strange things". Maralin wondered what they would think when their own womenfolk began to appear astride their own frayen.

"Sarjant!" Maralin called to the officer overseeing the gate traffic. "If you could clear a path for us, please. I must get Her Highness back to His Grace's mansion in time for lunch."

The man, who had been staring at the women, ducked his head. "Of course, sir." He turned to the traffic building up in the gateway. "Make way there! Her Highness returns to His Grace's mansion!"

The name-dropping had the desired effect and a path opened for the party to enter the city. Amid many curious glances, Maralin led them along the main route and then turned right to follow the street which led past the mansion. Eriana noted that her mount was behaving himself and, with that thought, turned to Bennet.

"Any trouble with Volt?"

"Highness, it is strange," the armswoman replied, "I have never noticed it with my rides before, but I have sensed that he seems a little tense since we got onto the highway. I don't think he will do anything he should not, though, he seems to trust me already."

Eriana smiled. "It seems that a woman's hand may tame these beasts easier than a man's will do. Begging your pardon, Maralin."

He smiled back. "I can believe it, Highness. Of course, I have a slight advantage over other men."

Their eyes met and Eriana understood that Maralin didn't want to expose his secret in front of their two escort riders.

"That is your experience, I deem," she said to cover the remark. "Here we are, I did not realize that the West Gate was so close to the mansion."

"Only if you know the way, Highness. And if you had business that way."

They rode into the front courtyard, under the connecting arch and through into the rear courtyard. It was apparent that, unlike the crowd when they had departed, few took any notice of their return. However, all Eriana's men were seated on the edge of the walkway next to the kitchen, and it appeared that they were taking lunch. She gave them a wave and then led the frayen into the stables. All six dismounted and stable staff took their mounts off to their stalls for cleaning up and a rub-down.

Hanek approached them. "Highness, I am pleased to see that you are safely returned. Did you have any trouble?"

"None at all, my good man. Bennet's mount seemed a little tense but she had no trouble from him. If she rides him some more, I am certain that they will come to a good understanding. Our needs are not onerous."

Maralin excused himself, walked over to the kitchen and returned with a large root vegetable and a small knife.

"Here, Highness. A reward after their ride will cement the relationship."

"As you say." Eriana stretched. "We must go out again one day, I deem, and travel further. I would like to see more of Joth than just the outside of the city walls."

"I know what you mean. Still, for the first time on a new mount, today's outing was probably enough."

The riders took turns cutting nibbles for their frayen, then dispersed to their stalls to aid in the cleaning activities. As they did so, Lars entered the stable and found Eriana.

«A good ride, Highness?»

«Yes, but we did not go too far. These mounts are unknown to us, and us to them, so a simple ride outside the walls was enough for today.»

«Will you be going out again tomorrow?»

«If I can... wait! I have promised my riding gear to the sewing women, so that they can use them as a pattern to make a set for Ursula.» She frowned. «I guess that means that the ride will have to wait a day or two. What about your own task? What happened this morning?»

«Highness... we imagined that we knew how to fight, even after Captain Merek instructed us in the ways of Palarand. But this way of standing in lines to do battle, I do not like it. It seems that you must be slower, more careful, not to expose the men either side of you by doing something... rash. I can see the need for it, and today's instruction has been very valuable, but I hope that we will not be used this way in future.»

«Aye, I agree. Now, if Maralin's ideas of naval warriors are to be believed, we should not be fighting pitched battles on land in the future but more what we are used to - ship to ship, maybe, or storming a beach and taking fortified positions.»

The big Norseman nodded. «Yes. The Navy idea is good, we can decide our own tactics there.»

She grinned at him. «And our tactics might be something that no-one along the Sirrel has yet faced, Lars. They might get something of a surprise! You have the men organized?»

«Of course, Highness. The men are going out into the country this afternoon for a march in the new terrain and the sailors have some work on the ship. All is well in hand.»

«Good. Now, if you would ask the Stable Master for a bag of hay, please. Us ladies have to go and change before lunch and I do not want to delay.»

Lars saluted the Palarandi way. "As you command, Highness."

The seamstresses of Joth bring more designs and are intrigued by the examples of unusual attire the visitors show them. The following morning, Ursula leaves the mansion with Senia to visit the sick and injured. She learns some uncomfortable facts about city life and is involved in a tense confrontation.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

18 - Doctor's Rounds

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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"Senia, thank you for coming."

The healer curtseyed. "At your command, Your Grace." She added, "But I am not sure why I am here this afternoon, if it is not for an illness or injury. Am I interrupting something? You seem to have asked some seamstresses to come today, have I come at the wrong time, or on the wrong day?"

Fanis smiled. "It is true that we entertain the seamstresses this afternoon, you should know that between them, Her Highness and Tenant Maralin have designed many new items of clothing, some suitable for women to wear in the heat of summer, and some for Her Highness's men to wear as well."

"Ah?" Senia's curiosity was raised. "Would these items be of interest to such as myself, Your Grace?"

The smile of the Duchess became wider. "Indeed, they will be of interest to everyone, Senia. Now I have asked you here this afternoon to request a favor, but with your permission, we can deal with that after we have seen what the others have brought. You may, of course, join us, I can see that you are interested."

Fanis turned as five people came down the stairs, three of them carrying clothes over one arm. "Ah, Eriana, Maralin, Ursula, good. I believe that everyone else is here, we may begin. Do you mind if Senia joins us? Like any woman, she will be interested in new designs of attire."

Senia looked at the four women, who were all wearing ship dresses. "I am now! What an interesting design, and so cool! Who did - But I am interrupting the meeting, my questions can wait until later."

Eriana smiled. "Of course she may join us, there is nothing secret here. Fanis, we are ready, as you may see."

In the dining room everyone curtseyed to Fanis and then the meeting began. First, Eriana carefully laid out her riding gear on the table and the women all crowded round to inspect it.

"If we may take these away and examine them closely?"

"You may," Eriana agreed, "but I would ask that you do not keep them for too long. This morning we have ridden out on borrowed frayen, and I feel the need to do it again one day soon."

"I saw Her Highness," Melisent said, excited. "She looked so good, so natural sitting there!" She turned to the Duchess. "If I may ask, has His Grace yet given permission for the women of Joth to ride as Her Highness does?"

Fanis replied, "He has not had time to consider the question, Melisent." She rolled her eyes. "Even now, he is beset by all that has happened while he was away. If I were to venture an opinion, it is that he will probably grant to women a right like that which Her Highness tells me exists in Palarand, that women should be modestly dressed, be well protected against matters of concern to our kind, shall wear some kind of hat or helmet which is capable of protecting her head in the event of a fall or stampede, and that of course any woman must needs be accompanied by at least one companion of some kind. That might mean that personal maids would have to learn to ride and will require like attire to their mistresses."

The women looked at one another. Jorda asked, "Your Grace, if I may ask how certain you are that His Grace will grant this right? I ask because it is likely that we will be asked by customers for such attire almost immediately, many having seen Her Highness riding in the streets."

Fanis smiled. "I will ask him today, Jorda, and make the answer known to you all as soon as I can."

Jorda curtseyed. "Thank you, Your Grace. We know how busy His Grace is, we can expect no more."

Next came Bennet, who put down her palace uniform, that the women could examine the methods used, particularly the box pleats of the skirt.

Eriana said, "I do not anticipate that any of us will require our dress uniforms for a day or two, but of course there will be less to investigate than with the riding gear."

Jorda curtseyed. "As you desire, Highness. We will return all these garments as soon as we can, will we not, ladies?"

There was a mutter of assent and then all turned to Maralin, who had a single garment over his arm.

He smiled. "Ladies, this one is a little different. This is the pair of trousers which Mistress Ursula was wearing when we found her." He held up a hand. "Now, I know what you are probably thinking, but there is much about that episode that is unusual and I must request that you do not ask us questions about it. All I can say here is that, where both Ursula and I came from, the attire we usually wore was nothing like the clothing here. Just leave it at that."

He went on, "The reason I am showing these to you today is because I believe there are features that you might find interesting, although you probably won't be able to do some of them yet. You see..." He stopped and thought how to explain. "...there are certain things our people can do there because we have been doing them longer, I suppose. I will explain as we go along. Mistress Jorda, if you would look at the trousers first."

He handed them over and the seamstress opened them, holding them up.

"Why, they are a pair of... excuse me, I do not know what to say! Camouflage? Very well made..." She turned over the waist and looked at the stitching. "What is this? How can this be done? Explain, Maralin."

"All right. First, these trousers have a camouflage pattern because a lot of the clothing we wear does. Not because we are soldiers, warriors or anything like that, but because we... just like the patterns, I guess. Well, that's the way it started but now a lot of it is just decoration with no other purpose. It is what we call fashion, in a year or two it might be stripes, flowers, spots or something else. We have suffered a number of wars and when they are over there is a lot of surplus military clothing available for people to buy cheap. As you can see it is fairly sturdy and clothes like these are used by many for work purposes.

"Some of our people like to hunt, as I know they do here, and camouflage clothing means that you can get nearer the target animals without disturbing them. We also like to just observe animals in the wild, especially rare species, and camouflage again can be a help there. That, I believe, was the reason that Mistress Ursula wore them, that she could travel in areas with wild animals without being too noticeable.

"The stitching you see inside is all done by machines. I would bet that not a single stitch was made by hand." That produced a reaction and again he held up a hand. "The machines are complicated but can be made. I have seen some prototypes in Palarand when I was there, though they had yet to make one that could actually produce a row of stitches."

"Prototypes? But surely, with knowledge of how it is done, could not the machines be made?"

Maralin shook his head. "Mistress, those of us who have traveled here to the Great Valley, myself, Mistress Ursula and Princess Garia, had only on our bodies what we were wearing at the time. Everything we have thought to give to the people here is what we have remembered from where we came from. We have no samples, descriptions, drawings or anything else that could help. All we have is what is in our memories. For my part, I was a young cook. Princess Garia had not even finished her education when she came. Mistress Ursula is a healer and none of us would know of the mechanics of sewing machines."

"Oh." Jorda was taken aback. "We did not realize... Maralin, that makes your clothing designs even more impressive, if I may say so."

Maralin bowed. "Just trying to help, Mistress, in my new home. Now, if you would look at the front of the waistband, there is a big metal button. Try undoing that, if you can, and look underneath."

"Oh! What is this? Ladies, a wonder... Look! It is like tiny teeth, that all link together when I pull this thing. Maralin what is it?"

He grinned. "It is called a zipper, Mistress, and the bit you pull is the slide. I can tell you that, again, all the parts have to be made by machines, though it requires men - or women, indeed - to put the parts together. They are now making these in Palarand, though not as small as that one there, and you should be seeing some here in Joth in a year or so."

The women fussed over the zipper for a while and then began examining the rest of the trousers.

"What are these?" Jorda tugged at a flap on the side of the trouser leg.

Maralin smiled. "Try giving it a good pull."

There was a tearing sound and the seamstress peered at the result with confusion.

"I don't understand. This seems to be a kind of pouch, yet sewn to the trouser. This flap must be to stop the contents falling out... but what holds it together? Have I damaged it by pulling? I do not know what I am looking at."

Maralin grimaced. "That is something called Velcro, and I regret that it will be fifty to a hundred years before you will be able to make anything like that here. The flaps, though, can just as easily be held closed with buttons or toggles. These pouches are known as pockets, and you can see a different kind at the top of the trouser, by the waistband, and also behind. The behind ones have zippers too."

There was a close examination of the various pockets and much discussion among the women before they turned to Maralin.

"We can immediately see the utility of these pockets, Maralin. I know that some of our craftsmen have something similar on their work attire. Do you know if there are any Design Licenses on these kinds?"

"I don't think so, since they can just be part of an existing garment. Although... I know there are licenses on zippers, but that is because they take some trouble to make."

He turned to Fanis who replied, "I do not think we would require Design Licenses for pockets, Maralin. Even I can see how simple and how useful they might be. Tell me, you must have had an idea for using them."

"The side pockets are known as cargo pockets, for reasons I do not know. My thought was that you could put cargo pockets on the sides of the shorts you are making for Her Highness's men... and, perhaps for those you will make for His Grace's men."

Jorda considered and then nodded. "Done, Maralin. It will take only a square of cloth plus a strip for the flap. If I may consult with you about sizes and placement?" He nodded and she turned. "Ladies? Something extra for the men's shorts, I deem. Not too much more work, though I suspect everybody will be wanting pockets once they see them in use."

Maralin grinned. "Have no doubt of it, Mistress. But I also had another idea. It occurred to me that the lightweight dresses Her Highness and her companions are wearing have no waistband and the users would not normally wear a sash or a belt with them, so there would be nowhere to store anything. Highness, if you would not mind."

He walked over to Eriana and sketched a rectangle out on her stomach with a finger, without actually touching her.

"My thought was to have a cargo pocket here, placed so that it didn't get in the way when she sat down. It would be enough to hold a few essentials, that is all."

"That is an excellent thought, Maralin," Eriana said. "I am not as the ladies of the court, who always have a maid beside them, so I have wondered how I would carry the few small items a woman always needs, while wearing one of these dresses. Aye, a pocket there will work well on board, I deem. What about you, girls? Shall we make a pocket part of the design?"

"Highness, it is an interesting idea," Bennet answered. "Perhaps we should ask for such a... pocket? ...did you say? ...for one dress each only, then we may judge if they will be of use to us."

"As you wish. Fanis?"

"Yes, Eriana. It looks like pockets will be another thing that will be in great demand once they are seen in Joth." She frowned at Jorda, who was holding up the trousers thoughtfully. "Jorda? Have you some other idea?"

"What? Oh, I ask your pardon, Your Grace! I do, yes, I wondered how useful this trouser design would be to our menfolk, when they are working. Of course, we do not have those machines, it would all have to be sewn by hand, but... I wonder."

"Indeed. Present us, then, at your convenience, with a pair of trousers similar to this design. It might not be of a like material or patterned thus but it would be of interest to see if we can make something like this, and how useful it might be. What say you, Maralin?"

"It is probably worth the experiment, Your Grace, though personally I feel much more comfortable wearing tunic and tights - or shorts when it is warm. Since we do not yet have zippers, I suggest that you make the trousers with a drawstring waist for now. We would probably want to make a Design License on them, with the levy going into that special fund we talked about yesterday."

"As you say. Jorda, if you would proceed, but it is not to take precedence over the other work for Her Highness and His Grace."

"As you command, Your Grace."

Several of the women had brought new or adjusted garments to be tried on, so the meeting devolved into a fitting session. Pel was provided and drunk, after which the seamstresses curtseyed and departed.

"What did you think, Senia?"

"More interesting than I expected, Your Grace. I assume that these new designs will be made available to all?"

"Of course, once we have the designs fully worked out. As you will know, sometimes it takes a few attempts to get the cut or fall to be exactly right."

"And," Maralin added, "as the garments get simpler, like the ship dresses, getting the cut right can become very difficult, especially as every woman is of course a different shape."

Senia's gaze on Maralin sharpened. "If I may ask how you know so much of the seamstresses' business, Tenant?"

"I come from a family of tailors, Mistress. I know how these things are done, even though I can't do most of them myself."

"Ah. As you say." Senia turned to the Duchess. "Your Grace?"

Fanis smiled. "We have detained you long enough, I deem. Come, let us find a room where we can explain what is desired."

They used the small back meeting room once more. Just the four of them took part, Fanis, Ursula, Senia and Maralin. Senia was puzzled by the whole business and said so.

"Senia," Fanis addressed her, "some days ago I believe that you discovered that Ursula here was a healer, although not of the kind we have in Joth. Since she has knowledge she thinks it might be useful to share with us, she must needs first find out what it is the healers of Joth do, that she can plan how to add to your own knowledge."

Senia nodded. "I was of course interested to learn that Mistress Ursula was a healer, Your Grace, but we would have to spend some time together to understand what it is each other can do. What is it you desire of me?"

"Ursula?"

She licked her lips. "As I mentioned when we spoke, Mistress, the way we deal with medical matters appears to be completely different to what happens here. If I am to pass on some of my knowledge, I must first find out what you do and how you do it, what medications you use, what your procedures are for wounds, that kind of thing. From what I saw on previous days, I believe that you go around the city visiting patients in their homes each day?"

Senia answered, "Yes, that is so, mostly. Of course we may be called to some urgent case which requires our immediate attention but normally, we make rounds each day."

"That is what I thought. I wondered if I could accompany you as you did so, I would learn how you handled such matters and I could even be of some assistance."

The healer thought, then turned to Fanis. "Your Grace, I think that this would be useful to both of us, but I should ask if it meets with your approval."

"If you are happy for Ursula to follow you around the city, then I am content, Senia. You understand that you must needs come here first to collect her, and then again afterwards to return her safely to the mansion?"

"It will not take me too far out of my way, Your Grace. In fact..." Senia considered. "Yes. If I come here immediately after breakfast to collect Mistress Ursula -"

"Please. Just Ursula. If we are going to be working together we should not need to be so formal."

"As you wish... Ursula. Where was I? Ah, yes. I can re-arrange my round to start and end at the mansion, thus making it easy for Ursula to join me."

Fanis said, "That is good. Maralin, do you have any concerns?"

Maralin looked uncomfortable. "I think it would be a good start, Your Grace, but..."

"Yes?"

"I am remembering the incident at the market, Your Grace." He picked his way through the words with care. "I am concerned for Ursula's safety."

Fanis gave him a strange look. "You may have concerns, but the healers are known throughout the city, are they not? I cannot see what harm may come to Ursula while she is with Senia."

He looked defeated. "As you say, Your Grace. I am not yet familiar with all the customs of the city."

"Then that is settled. Ursula, you may go with Senia tomorrow. Senia, we will expect you here after breakfast and, when you return, we will invite you to stay for the evening meal."

So that she can have a detailed report, Ursula thought. And I bet Maralin was wondering if I would try to run away again.

"Done, Your Grace," agreed Senia, "and thank you for the honor."

"Then we are finished here," the Duchess said, rising. "Until tomorrow, then."

~o~O~o~

Eriana, Ursula, Bennet and Semma entered the dining room together the following morning. Maralin, already present, moved to intercept them before anyone else could start a conversation. He saluted Eriana the Joth way.

"Good morning Your Highness, Ursula, Bennet, Semma. I trust you all slept well?"

"Good morning Maralin," Eriana said for them all. "For myself, I was comfortable, aye. Girls?"

The other three muttered various light responses.

"I want to have a word with Ursula while I have the chance," he explained. "I need to do it before she goes out today. I should not take long."

Ursula looked at him with caution. "You have not changed your mind, Maralin? I will assure you, I intend to do nothing except what we spoke of yesterday."

He waved a hand. "That was not my concern, Ursula."

Eriana broke in. "Shall you have a private conversation, Maralin, or do you mind us listening?"

"I do not intend to discuss secrets, Highness, if that is what you are thinking. No, I am happy for you all to hear what I have to say, you all know the truth about Ursula, but that could be a problem for others."

Ursula was interested. "Oh?"

"Mistress, you are going to spend the day, as I understand it, walking around the city assisting Mistress Senia with her daily routine."

"Yes, of course, that is what we agreed."

"What you might not have thought of is that, like most women, she will be interested in you, and will likely ask a lot of questions as you go around."

"That is true, and I would expect her to." There was a question in her eyes.

"You will have to remember that, apart from the four of us here, plus the Duke, Duchess and Renita, nobody else knows exactly where you came from. Telling her the truth could prove awkward for you. I realized this last night, while reviewing yesterday's events. For example, you could tell her you came from Yekaterinburg, and that would be fine, until she asked how many people lived there. I don't know what the population is, what, a million? Two? More? I know nothing about Russian cities."

"I'm not sure. Probably nearer a million and a half, these days. Why? What is the harm in that?"

"Do you remember when we went up on the walls that evening? I asked the Duke what the population of Joth was, and he said about fourteen thousand. Now, the largest city I know of around these parts is Palarand, and they might have fifty to sixty thousand living there. Tell somebody your city has a million and a half and they are unlikely to believe you. More to the point, it would make them less likely to believe anything else you tell them."

Ursula frowned. It never occurred to me I might just be talking casually to this woman, but Maralin is right. She is not going to believe the truth.

"So, what do I say, then?"

"Well, I can only tell you what I did, when I first came here. I was terrified of being discovered, especially after it was pointed out that I could hold information that might be of use to the enemy. Since you and I both had memory losses to start with, I played on that. For all these fine people around us, my memory has returned - but not completely. There are certain facts that I have conveniently forgotten, like the fact I used to be a woman on Earth. I think you should make that your policy too."

Ursula considered. "I will do as you suggest, Maralin. As you know, my recent past has made it difficult for me to tell people very much anyway and I will probably have to make up a suitable past to satisfy questions." She grimaced. "Except when I must, I do not like lying. It will be too easy for me to be found out since I do not know this world. What did you do?"

Maralin grinned. "I let them make up what they want to hear, mostly. Like you, I had a strong accent when I first arrived and when I told them I came from Chicago, they immediately told me that I came from 'the deep south', wherever that is. I think my blond hair helps that origin. So, most people think that is where I came from, a city called Shicargo somewhere in the deep south."

"You did something different with the name there."

"I didn't, they did! It suits me and I'm unlikely to meet anyone who can contradict me, am I? I suggest you do something similar. Just let them assume whatever they want to, while you fill in a few necessary holes with the truth, or something close to it."

Eriana added, "Maralin is right, I deem. You, he and I all come from distant lands and the people here know little or nothing about them. If I told them of Jotlheim, I doubt many would believe me either. Tell them only what you must, though it could be difficult."

Ursula nodded. "Highness, Maralin, it is good advice. I will think carefully when I speak to anyone who does not know the truth."

* * *

"I like that dress even more today! It looks very cooling to wear. I wonder how soon the design will be made available. Do you know?"

Ursula followed Senia under the clock tower and onto the street. The healer carried a rectangular basket, which Ursula knew contained bottles of potions, jars of salve and similar ointments and pots that might have contained pills or something similar. Since she was officially helping, Ursula had offered to carry Senia's satchel, which held fresh bandages, splints and other dressings.

"From what I heard yesterday, it seems that everybody will want one, Senia, especially if the summer is hot. So yes, I believe the idea is to make it freely available."

"Will it only be in that material, do you know, or will there be a choice?"

"That I could not tell you. There is no reason I know that it has to be this cloth, this is just what... was picked for Her Highness and her crew."

"Ah, as you say! Now, our first call will be this way." Senia gestured. "We have a woman with minor burns to check. It will just mean replacing the salve and providing new bandages, that is all, unless there has been some complication."

Ursula followed Senia along the street and through an alley, arriving in another street. Across the road, the healer climbed some steps and used the door knocker of a substantial house. The door was opened by a young woman.

"Good morning, Healer Senia. Oh! Good morning..."

The woman tailed off as she waited for an introduction.

"Good morning, Daryl. If I may introduce Healer Ursula, she presently visits His Grace the Duke from a distant land and desires to learn more of our methods. How is your mother?"

Daryl made a face and lowered her voice. "Grumpy as usual, I regret to say. It seems to me that her wounds recover well, though, so not all is a trial today." She smiled. "If you would come inside? I'm sure that Mama will be pleased to see you."

Daryl's mother was seated in the sitting room of the dwelling, with her left arm in bandages and her left leg, also bandaged below the knee, propped on a small stool.

"Mistress Senia, how good of you to come again," she said. "Oh, I see you have brought a helper today. Is anything wrong?"

"Indeed not, Mistress Redmay. Good morning to you. If I may introduce Mistress Ursula. She comes from a distant land and is presently a guest of the Duke. As she is also a healer, she accompanies me today to discover how our methods may differ from those of her own lands."

"A guest of the Duke? My!" The woman fixed Ursula with a sharp gaze. "So you are of some importance, then, in your own lands?"

Ursula was at a loss what to say. "For what I do, Mistress, I could say that I have some importance, yes, but I will need many more years of experience before I could truly claim to be important." She tried to smile, as she might have done to a patient back home. "For now, I am merely an observer, and an extra pair of hands should Senia ask for them."

"Oh. As you say."

Senia asked, "Mistress, have you had any problems since I called last?"

"Just the itching, which I find to be very distracting, especially as I cannot scratch because of all the bandages!"

The healer smiled. "That means that the skin is healing well, which it would not," a brief stern face, "should you scratch it before it is fully healed. But you know this as well as I. Shall we unwrap you and have a look?"

Senia unwrapped the bandages to reveal red, blotched skin that had already begun to recover.

An aside to Ursula, "An accident in the kitchen, a pot was tipped, so I understand. Fortunately it was just water, so it should recover in time. If I may ask your own opinion?"

"Well, the scalding is obvious," Ursula replied slowly, "but it looks, as you say, as if the skin is recovering. Fortunately it isn't a true burn, where the flesh underneath would have been damaged as well."

"As you say! Fortunately for us indeed, we have very few injuries of that kind to attend to. Now, I would like to clean these wounds off before we apply more salve and fresh bandages. If I may ask Daryl to bring me a basin of water, not cold from the pump but not too warm either?"

"Yes, of course, Mistress. Daryl? Fetch some water, please."

"Yes, Mama."

While they waited for the water, the woman asked Ursula, "Your accent is unusual, I have not heard one like that before. You are not from one of the nearby countries, then? I wondered, when Senia first introduced you, if you were from Palarand. I have heard that remarkable things are happening there!"

"I have not been to Palarand, Mistress, I probably know less about what is happening there than you do. Where I come from is..." Ursula considered. "...much further away than that. Have you heard of Alberta?"

"I have not, Mistress. Is that not, then, in the Great Valley? More distant still?"

"So I have been told. Uh, I'm not sure I know how to describe where it is."

The woman waved a hand. "It is of no importance, at least to me. I did wonder, though, if the dress you wear was a style you brought with you from... Alberta, did you say?"

Ursula nodded. "That's right, Alberta... but the dress style is more local, so I believe. In this warm weather, I have found it very comfortable."

"Local?" The woman's attention switched to Senia. "I do not know of anyone in Joth who makes designs like that! Do you know, Senia?"

"This is only the second day I have seen someone wearing this style, Mistress Redmay. I was at the mansion yesterday afternoon and several of His Grace's guests were wearing similar dresses, as I recall, one of them being Princess Eriana. Do you know of her?"

"Well, of course, Senia! All Joth talks of Her Highness and her brave men, the very same who stormed that fortress and ended the rule of Yod. Do you tell me that it was she who introduced this style to Joth?"

"I could not say, Mistress Redmay, but I was assured that the design will be made available to all who desire it. I can tell you that similar styles will be much in demand when the weather becomes warmer, so you should speak to your seamstress immediately if you are thinking of one."

"As you say! I will do so immediately you depart, Senia. What a simple design, and yet so elegant! Is it only available in that material, do you know?"

Senia turned to Ursula, who answered, "Mistress, when these were brought yesterday it was said that they could be made in different materials and patterns." She thought of adding more but decided she had said enough.

Daryl appeared then with a basin of water, so the healers got to work. Senia cleaned the arm, and Ursula decided to help by attending to the leg. The limbs were soon cleaned and dried, after which a thin layer of salve was gently smeared over the wounds before a fresh set of bandages was wrapped around them and secured. Senia collected the used bandages and placed them in a cloth bag which she hung from the handle of her basket.

Senia stood up. "There! If the improvement continues, Mistress, then the next time I come we could try removing the bandages altogether and let nature do the rest. The weather continues hot, I would not like you to be uncomfortable in the heat." Senia considered. "Of course, the discoloration will slowly fade but it will be noticeable at first. Shall you mind others seeing the marks?"

"Of course I shall mind!" Redmay said. "However, such marks are to be found wherever someone has such an accident, or even worse, so I must needs put up with the unfortunate display." She grinned suddenly. "Mayhap I can use the marks to gain extra sympathy, do you not agree? It is only what anyone else would do, I deem."

"As you say, Mistress Redmay," Senia agreed diplomatically. "Three days, then, and you may say farewell to the bandages."

"As you wish. It was a silly accident, I must needs put up with the consequences."

"Then we will both leave you in peace. Ursula, shall we go? We have several others to attend to this morning."

"Of course, Mistress Senia."

Ursula picked up the satchel and secured the simple strap closure. The two walked to the front door, where the daughter let them out onto a street which was already much warmer than when they had gone in.

Daryl said, "Thank you for coming. I am pleased to hear that she is getting better." Her voice lowered. "It was not an accident, Mistress. There was an argument between Mama and Papa, but I had better not say any more."

"Ah? Very well, Daryl, we will see your mother again in three days. Come, Ursula. Our next call is just at the end of this street and on the right..."

* * *

The next two calls were almost exactly the same, the first a mason who had dropped a heavy chisel on his foot, luckily receiving only bruising that had kept him off his feet. The second was a cook's helper who had cut herself with a knife while peeling vegetables. Again, not a serious wound and both patients needed just some fresh salve, a change of bandages and some encouraging words.

The fourth patient of the morning was one that surprised Ursula.

"Mistress Tavia!"

"Mistress Ursula, and Mistress Senia, too! Come in, come in, both of you. I was expecting Senia today, to attend Taran, but what brings you to my door, Ursula? Have you recovered after that unfortunate incident? I see you still wear a bandage on your arm."

"Good morning, Mistress Tavia. The scratch is healing well, I think Senia might remove the bandage once we return to the mansion. As for what I am doing here, you know that I am a healer in my own country, so I am accompanying Senia on her rounds today to see how such matters are handled in Joth."

"Oh, I see. And you're wearing one of those new dresses!"

"She is!" Senia confirmed. "And do they not look so cool to wear? When summer comes they will be a boon to all women who have to live inside the city, do you not think?"

"I do think so, Senia! The way the air may flow, without restriction... Mistress Ursula, if I may impose, would you tell me what you are wearing beneath your dress today?"

Ursula was not used to being questioned in such a direct manner but recognized that it was what women often did when together.

"Um, I have a panty, of course, and a bodice, Mistress Tavia. Nothing else. I believe that some of the new bras are being ordered for me, but everybody wants them so I don't know when I will receive mine."

"Bras? Whatever is a bra, Mistress?"

Fortunately Senia had seen the new breast supports so was able to give enough of a description to pique Tavia's interest.

"And you say these will be available to all women?"

"Yes, but there will be a huge demand at first, Tavia. I suspect that, for the likes of us, we will be wearing bodices for several months yet."

"Oh, how disappointing! Joth has many seamstresses, it is true, but with all this new attire they shall be sorely stretched, I deem." She smiled. "Well, you did not come here to speak of sewing, but to visit Taran. If you would both follow me, then."

Tavia led the two through to a back room, where a boy lay on a couch in what was apparently a small sitting room. He appeared to Ursula to be about ten to twelve years old. His bandaged leg, visibly swollen, rested on some cushions.

"Taran, good morning," Senia greeted the boy. "How is your leg?"

"Mistress, it does not hurt so much as it did before," the boy replied. "I think the swelling might be a little smaller today."

"That is good news, the poultice must be working. Now, today I want to unwrap the leg, clean it off and examine it, and then put some fresh poultice on it." She gave him a reassuring smile. "It might hurt while we are doing that, you understand?"

"Aye, Mistress Senia. If it means that my leg will get better, and that I can go back to join my father, then I will bear it as I must."

The cushions were removed and replaced by several layers of cloth to protect the furniture. Senia carefully unwrapped the bandage strips and gently bathed the leg from a basin of warm water. Ursula noticed that the skin looked blotched and dark.

"It looks like there is extra fluid around the joint," she observed. To Taran she asked, "How did you do this?"

Taran stared at her for a moment and then replied, "I slipped off a ladder, getting more varnish to take up to my father." His voice became warmer. "He attends to the decorations in the Duke's Great Hall, Mistress. All men know that my father is very good at what he does, and I am determined to become as good a craftsman as he is."

Ursula was surprised by this bald explanation but the significance of it didn't hit her immediately.

"So you fell on the floor and banged your knee, is that what happened?"

"Aye, Mistress, did I not say?" He frowned. "Who are you?"

Tavia chided him, "Taran! Mind your manners! That is not the way to speak to a visitor. This is Mistress Ursula, who is a healer from a distant land. She accompanies Mistress Senia to learn the ways of healers in Joth."

"Uh, sorry, Ma. Sorry, Mistress. I was not thinking."

"And not thinking is what made you fall from the ladder, I deem," his mother added. "Now, let these ladies do what they are here for. Senia, shall you require anything else from me?"

"I do not think so, Tavia. If you could empty out the basin, please. Oh, and I'll need another, with a little fresh water, to make up the poultice."

"As you wish." Tavia stood and summoned a house servant, giving her instructions.

Ursula asked Taran, "How old did you say you were?"

"Mistress, I have seen eleven winters. Why? Does that make a difference?"

"It can do," she replied. "At your age, your bones are still growing and any damage can affect how the bones fit together when you are grown up. Tell me, do many boys your age work in Joth?"

Taran was surprised. "Why, Mistress, I would think that most of us do! What else is there for us to do but follow the work of our fathers, or to start work in some other trade?"

I am surprised but I should not be! I must stop comparing this world to places and situations that I have known on Earth, it could get me into trouble.

Now I understand what Maralin meant. I have to be very careful here.

"Um, where I come from children stay in school for more years than they do here," she said. "It would be unusual for someone your age to already be at work, though not impossible."

Tavia was interested. "Mistress, can this be possible? For such as myself, it is true, we are prosperous enough that Taran need not work, since his father is good at what he does. In Joth, as in many places, most do not have the coin to permit their sons and daughters to stay at home and do nothing. At these schools of yours, what is there to learn, then? Are they all so clever in the land you came from?"

Ursula grimaced as she thought. "Mistress, I do not know how to describe it. I would not use the word clever, but where I came from we all have to learn a great many things in order for our society to function properly. It is just the rule there. All children must go to school, all children must learn to read, to write and to do a certain amount of arithmetic. Once they have done that it means there are many other things they could learn."

Tavia's eyebrows rose. "To read and write? All of them? Boys and girls? Taran can read and write, of course, but then his father is an honored craftsman and an Alderman as well. I would not say that many in Joth can read and write well, though. There is not the need."

Stop now before you get yourself into more trouble.

"As you say, Mistress. I am learning that things are very different in Joth than they are in... Alberta. We just have different customs, that is all."

"I did not realize the place you came from was so different, Mistress Ursula. No wonder you accompany Senia, to discover what we do here! I hope your efforts will bear fruit, then, since healers are always welcome in our great city."

"Thank you, Mistress."

The servant brought a bowl and handed it to Senia. The healer found a cloth bag in her basket and poured the contents into the bowl. It looked somewhat like a porridge mix, with flecks of green and brown which were obviously chopped up herbs. The mixture was stirred into a smooth, thick paste, which Senia then began smearing over the affected portion of Taran's leg. Fresh bandages were then wrapped around the poultice, keeping it in place and protecting the furnishings from leakage.

"There!" Senia addressed Taran as she stood. "I will come back in two days and see how things are progressing. If there is any problem, I'm sure your mother will send someone to find me. Tavia, we have finished here, I regret we must move on, there are three more to visit this morning. I'm sure you understand."

"Why, of course, Senia. We all know how busy the healers of Joth are. If Mistress Ursula is to join your number, she can only make things better for all of you."

"As you say, Tavia! Well," Senia made sure the contents of her basket were properly secure and then pulled the cover over it, "we must go. I'll return in two days, Tavia."

As the front door closed behind them, and they stepped down to the street, Senia remarked, "It occurs to me that you have yet said little about the lands you came from. Perhaps it would be useful for you to tell me more of your life before you came to Joth."

Here it comes. What do I say now?

She remembered Maralin's words. Tell the truth, but as little of it as you need to.

"Um, Senia, that is true, but as I said inside, the lives we lead there are very different than what happens here. Uh, I have to be careful what I say, because I am a guest of His Grace and I do not want to be seen to abuse his hospitality."

"Abuse his hospitality! Ursula, whatever do you mean?"

She chose her words very carefully. "Where I come from, as I said, is very different than what you are used to in Joth. If I were to just talk, I might tell you things that you would find difficult to believe, or things that could alarm you." She shook her head. "His Grace knows this, so he has asked me to take care what I say to people. I'm sorry, Senia, but I have to be careful. There are things I can tell you, but you will know that I am not telling you everything. I don't like it, but I have little choice."

"Well! That is a surprise!" Senia gazed thoughtfully at Ursula as they walked along the street. "I thank you for telling me this, Ursula, but I do not know if I am insulted or not. Probably not, I deem, since it is the instruction of His Grace in this matter. Very well, what can you tell me?"

"I can tell you a little about myself, I think, about my family, and of course I can always talk about my work. I will tell you now that I do not intend to tell you anything but the truth, but that sometimes I may not tell you all the truth."

Senia indicated. "Ah. We have to cross the street and go along that lane there. Mistress, Ursula, I am impressed by your honesty in this matter. I do not think any of us realized the true situation. I take it that you would confide in me, but that you would rather I did not say anything to anyone else?"

Ursula thought for a moment. "I trust your judgment, Senia. I am sure you would not betray any confidence of mine."

"Thank you, Ursula! I will be most discreet, I assure you, as any healer must needs be. Shall we ever learn the whole truth in the future?"

"I cannot answer that, Senia. I think, probably, one day you will, but it will depend on what others permit me to say."

"I understand. So, tell me what you can about yourself, your family, your friends?"

* * *

It was relatively easy to tell Senia about her childhood, her upbringing, and so on, while carefully avoiding mentioning the fact that she had been male. Even though she had only been on Anmar a matter of days it already seemed like another life, a bad dream, so she could speak of those days with a certain level of detachment.

It had also been necessary to merge the countries she had been in under the vague label of 'Alberta', since one distant land was bad enough, attempting to explain multiple countries and an ocean would be considerably worse - not to mention air travel... She did mention that she had been chased from one place to another but explained that it was because of a 'local lord' who had become angry at the death of a son.

During the conversation they dealt with a girl with an infected ear and a house servant who had been bitten by a grenn. This was the first occasion that Ursula had a chance to see the local six-legged equivalent of a dog, and she was not impressed. The creature just looked plain peculiar and appeared to hate everyone but the master of the house, who owned it. Fortunately it was kept locked in the courtyard while the healers were in attendance.

The last call of the morning turned out to be more dramatic than expected. In a side street not far from the main market, they knocked on the front door and were admitted by a servant who showed them quietly upstairs to what appeared to be the main bedroom. One look at the patient, lying in the bed, told Ursula all she needed to know.

"Oh."

"You recognize this, Ursula?" Senia asked quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping woman.

"I do, Senia. How long has she been like this?"

"Some weeks, I deem, and probably some more before we were called to attend her. I must admit, a case like this is beyond our abilities -"

There was a bang from downstairs as the front door was thrust roughly open. Heavy footsteps could be heard on the stair.

"Ready yourself," Senia muttered. "There will be trouble."

A large man entered the bedroom. He was tidily dressed, but wore no apron so was not obviously a tradesman or stall owner. Ursula could not decide what he did for a living, but based on the state of the house, he was not short of money.

He looked extremely angry. "What are you doing here? I told you to leave us alone! All you've done is to make her sicker! We don't need your potions and powders here, be off!"

He pointed to the doorway with a jabbed finger. Ursula thought he probably weighed as much as both women together so if the confrontation became physical, things could get painful for them.

Senia stood her ground, however. "Master Sebris, you know the Duke gives us a duty to attend the sick and injured. If you desire to be left alone, you must attend His Grace and ask him for an Exception."

"I don't need no Exception to know your potions are harming my Hanisa. She has worsened after every visit one of you witches had made!"

Ursula bravely put a foot forward. "Master... Sebris, was that your name? You should know that your wife is dying, and that nothing any healer has done has made any difference to what has happened."

"What?" Ursula's blunt pronouncement had shaken the man but he was still defiant. "How can you meddlers know what is wrong with her? She gets sicker and sicker, and all you do is make her worse."

"She has advanced liver disease, Master Sebris. There is no medicine in Joth that will make her better, the disease is too far advanced. How it began I do not know. As a stranger I don't know what bacteria... viruses... diseases... exist in Joth, it could be something like that. Alternatively, it may be from drinking too much wine or beer, over a long period of time. All I know is that there is no way to cure her, not now. All we can do is to make her last days more comfortable."

Naturally the woman had been woken by the disturbance and now spoke.

"Sebris... listen to me."

"Hanisa, I told you these people are no good. Let me get rid of them and then I can look after you as best I can. It will be all right, my dear."

"No it will not, Sebris. The healer is right. While you have been busy in your shop, making more enemies and counting your endless coin, I have been here trying to raise our children and it has been too much for me." The eyes, sunken into a face that showed a strong yellow tinge, glanced at Ursula. "She knows. I have drunk too much wine for too long and it is the end of me. Liver disease, she said? I did not know that would happen but I am glad of it. Our children have grown up and left you to go to happier homes and now I will depart as well. There will be no need for you to ever leave your shop, will there? You can stay there forever and count your coin. Isn't that what you wanted?"

The man, stung by the bitterness in his wife's voice, sank into a chair and put his head in his hands.

"Maker, I have been a fool!" He looked up at Ursula. "On your oath, you are telling me the truth?"

"I am, Master Sebris. The liver is an important organ in the body but it can be abused by too much drinking, wine or beer." Do they have distilled spirits here? I have no idea. Nobody has mentioned any yet. "To get this bad, your wife has probably been drinking too much for tens of years."

"Is this true, Hanisa? That long?"

The woman thought. "I don't know when it started, Sebris, but, aye, it must have started soon after you took over that new shop so, probably twenty to twenty five years. In here on my own, what else would I do? Of course, it all began so slowly that I didn't think much of it, but then I needed more to dull the pain..." She sank back onto her pillow.

Sebris turned to Ursula, who in turn looked a question at Senia.

"I do not know, Master Sebris. Ursula knows more of this disease than I do."

Ursula said, "All we can do, as I said, is to make your wife's last days more comfortable. I do not know how long she might live for, it might be a month, it might be several, but she'll need some of Senia's potions later because the disease can become very painful towards the end."

The man cast a forlorn look at his wife and waved a hand. "Do what you can for her. Please. Coin will not be a problem."

Senia asked, "We may come and go?"

"As you wish. I have been so stupid, so blind. I must needs make amends for my blindness."

Senia turned to Ursula. "Come. I think it would be best if we left them in peace today. Master Sebris, I will return tomorrow, at about the same time, and we will discuss your wife's future needs. By your leave."

He absently waved a hand again. "Aye. I have ruined the one thing that could not be counted."

The two women followed the servant downstairs and outside onto the street. Senia breathed a big sigh of relief.

"Whoo. I did not know that she was dying, Ursula. You must tell me everything you know about the liver..." She looked at Ursula anxiously. "You are permitted to do that, are you not?"

Ursula tried a small, reassuring smile. "There would be no point for me to follow you around if I could not do so, would there? Of course I will, though I will tell you now that I do not know it all."

"Then that is settled. Now, I have not heard a bell for a while, but I am thirsty and I believe that it will soon be lunchtime. I live but two streets from here, along that road. Shall you join me at home, where we can eat and share a bell or so in conversation? We have much to talk about, do we not?"

Ursula begins to enjoy her outings with Senia, but then news comes that the renovations to the Great Hall are complete. Wallesan decides to host a banquet for all those involved in the reconstruction of hall and mansion. Another potential talent of Ursula is revealed as she joins in the evening, but the music is not to her taste.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

19 - The Great Hall

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"And that is why we are so careful with the green potion," Senia said to Ursula. "Is it not the same in Alberta? Did you not have potions that are useful yet also dangerous?"

The two walked under the clock tower on their way back into the mansion's front courtyard. This was the third day that Ursula had accompanied Senia on her house calls and the two had become comfortable with each other's presence.

"That is true of almost all potions, Senia," Ursula said, "but we do not call them potions. We use other names such as medicines or medications. Almost all our medicines are made by us from chemicals in large factories, though, not produced from local herbs by practitioners like yourself. In Alberta we don't do that any more."

"Chemicals? And what are factories, Ursula? I do not know what that means, though I have heard the word once or twice recently."

"Oh, a factory is a large... workshop, I suppose, would be the nearest similar building here. Factories are usually dedicated to making a small number of related products, and in the quantities needed by our much larger populations. It is supposed to be more efficient, and for medicines it means that each healer like ourselves can be sure of the quality and dosage of all that we use, rather than relying on our own knowledge of local plants."

"Do you tell me that you do not know what goes into your potions?" Senia was surprised. "I would find that unsettling, I deem. If I make something myself, then I know what is in it and what is not."

"Well... I agree, up to a point. But a healer in Alberta may have to see a lot more people in a day, and that leaves little time for the making of potions or medicines."

They reached the entrance to the mansion. The armsman greeted them with a smile.

"Mistress Ursula, Mistress Senia, welcome back."

"Thank you, Dirgan," Ursula replied. "All is well, I assume?"

"As you say, Mistress. His Grace and Her Grace are presently visiting in the city. Her Highness has gone out with her ladies-at-arms for another ride into the country, but I am told they should be back well before the evening meal. Lord Kalmenar resides within, but otherwise I fear you must needs entertain yourself until the others return."

Senia looked concerned. "Do you wish me to stay until Her Grace or Her Highness returns, Ursula? You should not be left here without a companion."

"I do not want to keep you from your family, Senia. They see little enough of you as it is. I should be all right here in the mansion, I know my way around now and I can always go into the kitchens if I become bored."

"As you wish, Ursula." Senia turned to Dirgan. "You look after her, you hear? I have discovered that she is a knowledgeable healer and her abilities will certainly benefit our city."

Dirgan bowed. "As you command, Mistress."

Senia looked at him suspiciously but the response seemed honest. "Then, Ursula, I will return again tomorrow morning." She thought. "If you are still willing?"

"Of course, Senia. I would rather be doing something than nothing and I have learned much in the days I have been with you."

"Aye. It is strange to me, who was taught to be a healer in the time-honored way of our people, to discover that there are other ways of helping the sick and the injured. If you have learned from me, then I have also learned from you. Our abilities overlap, and we can only become better from our association."

"I am surprised to admit that I agree, Senia. Until tomorrow morning, then."

"As you say. Good day to you."

Senia nodded to Dirgan and walked off across the courtyard towards the entrance archway. Ursula looked at the armsman.

"I think I'll go straight along to the kitchens, Dirgan. That way somebody else will know that I am around."

"An excellent thought, Mistress."

Even though she was going inside and simply intended to walk the length of the lower floor corridor, Dirgan followed her in and watched from the doorway as she did so. It was only when she turned the corner that he returned to his post in the porch.

They follow me everywhere! They do not allow me a single moment on my own.

She began to scowl but one of the kitchen staff, busy in the ante-room, saw her and smiled.

"Mistress Ursula! Welcome. I will tell Master Farren that you are here."

I might be paranoid... but it is possible they just treat all single women the same way.

This world is a very strange place.

"That's all right, Turis," she smiled back. "I will tell him myself."

She walked through and the chef, as she still thought of him, came over, wiping his hands on the towel at his waist.

"Mistress Ursula, greetings! Is there something I might do for you?"

"Master Farren, thank you but no. I have merely returned from tending the sick and injured of Joth and was looking for something to do until everybody else reappeared."

"Ah, indeed, of course, the Duke and Duchess are visiting the silversmiths this afternoon and Her Highness is out riding again with her two companions." He considered. "I must remember that you, also, are a guest of His Grace and should not be involved in the duties of his household staff but," he smiled, "we have had this argument before. If you would join Senny at the far table there, you may be interested in the method she uses to make a cake."

"I would be happy to help, Master Farren. I will wash my hands first, I think. Can I ask, is there any pel available? I have just spent more than a bell walking in the heat of the afternoon."

"Surely! It can become hot in the kitchen, too, as the weather warms. Come, I will bring you a mug."

Ursula was still absorbed in the baking process half a bell later when Bellot, Wallesan's Chamberlain, entered the kitchen to speak to Farren. While going over the requirements for the evening meal, he noticed Ursula and spoke to Farren.

"Ursula! If you would join us a moment."

She wiped the flour from her hands and walked over to join Farren and Bellot.

"Mistress Ursula, I did not know that you were here in the kitchen," Bellot said. "Farren has explained your reasons for being here and I do not object, nor do I think Their Graces would object. I know, however, that some in the city would consider it unseemly for a guest of His Grace to be doing such menial work."

"If anybody thinks that baking cakes is menial work, then they have never tried to make one," she replied tartly. "There can be as much skill in the making as there is in carving some of the woodwork I have seen around the mansion."

"Mistress, I do not disagree. Now I have to tell you that Duban asked me to pass word that he has nearly finished a new saddle for you, and that it should be ready for you tomorrow morning. It is, I am told, in the new Palarandi style, though I have not yet seen the new saddles for myself."

"Oh. Um, thank you, Bellot. Does this mean that Her Highness will expect me to go for a ride with her tomorrow?"

"I do not know, Mistress. You already know how to ride, I assume?"

"Me? I have never before sat on any animal, Bellot. This will be yet another thing I will have to learn." She frowned. "I'm not sure that I could do that tomorrow, my riding clothes have not yet arrived."

"Ah, there you may be wrong, Mistress," Bellot smiled. "This afternoon, while you were out, a large package was delivered by a seamstress which may contain attire for you. It was addressed to Her Grace, though, as is customary, which means that you must needs wait until the Duke and Duchess return to discover if it contains anything for you."

"Oh. Thank you, Bellot."

"You may also be interested to learn that our artisans have told me that they have finished their work on the Great Hall, and that His Grace will take formal possession before this evening's meal, which will be served there. All his guests will be invited to attend."

"The Great Hall, is that the room that faces the kitchen in the entrance way?"

"Aye, Mistress, though I would not care to call it a room." He smiled. "You will see when you go there this evening. If I might suggest, a formal gown may be appropriate."

"A formal gown?" She frowned. "I think I can manage that, though as you know, I do not have a large wardrobe. Is there anything else special that I should do?"

"None, Mistress, that Her Highness's companions may not do for you. I would assume that their duties to the King mean that they are familiar with such occasions."

"If you say so. Thank you again, Bellot."

He smiled again. "It is my function, Mistress, to ensure the smooth running of His Grace's mansion, but it is always gratifying to be appreciated. Ah, if I may suggest, Her Highness will soon return to the mansion and it will then be time for you to prepare yourself for the meal. You should spend no more than another bell in here with Farren."

"Thank you for the warning, Bellot."

Ursula wandered back to the table where Senny was decorating the several cakes they had baked that afternoon, which she now realized would probably be served at the forthcoming meal. As the only sweetener available seemed to be a kind of honey, there was no icing but small berries and nuts were artfully arranged over the surface of the cake.

A little later, a shout came from one of the other kitchen staff, who pointed through a window at the courtyard. Ursula looked and could see a group of recently-arrived frayen being tended to, with their riders standing together discussing their ride. Maralin was plainly visible in his blue and white uniform, as was Eriana, by virtue of her height and the broadsword slung across her back.

"Master Farren, it looks like the riders are back."

"As I see, Mistress." The chef smiled. "I give you thanks for your help this afternoon. Did you learn anything?"

"The ingredients were not familiar to me, Master Farren, but I enjoyed seeing how you do things here." She smiled. "I liked the taste of some of those little berries, though."

"Which, the purple ones?"

"That's right. Are they fresh?"

"Those are, though sometimes they are preserved in wine against the winter. We are fortunate here that some of our fruits come early in the year, normally such decoration would not be possible for two months or more yet."

"Really? I didn't think... of course, it is still spring here, I believe. Where I come from, at this season, there would be little fruit of any kind for at least four or five months. Unless we preserved them, of course."

"Ah? Another thing I must needs ask you or Maralin about, the methods of preserving you use. So, I think it is time for you to go and greet those who have just returned. And," he added with a smile, "enjoy this evening's meal, for you will know how it has been prepared."

"Thank you for putting up with me."

The main corridor was busy, but almost all those she saw were household staff who she recognized, so there was no cause to be alarmed. She reached the front door just as the riders came around the corner from the rear courtyard.

"Ursula! I trust you have not been standing there all afternoon waiting for us to return?"

"Highness, I have not. I have been in the kitchen helping out for the special meal we are to have tonight."

The others joined her in the entrance hall as Eriana asked, "Special meal?"

"I am not sure. Bellot said something about the Great Hall being handed over to the Duke and that we would eat there."

"That is so," said Bellot, coming up behind Ursula. "Highness, Ladies, Tenant, we are told that the work on the Great Hall is now complete, and thus for the first time since the invaders were removed there will be no artisans working anywhere on or in the mansion. His Grace intends to give a banquet for those responsible for the rebuilding work inside the hall itself, but of course all his guests will be invited as well. He asks that you treat this meal as a formal occasion."

"Well! That will be something different, I deem. Come, ladies, we must go and prepare ourselves for the meal. Bellot, how long do we have? Having ridden, we must needs bathe before we may consider our evening attire."

"You have about a bell, Highness, or perhaps a bell and a half. Though the meal is set for sunset, some of those attending must needs come across the city and we would not begin until all arrive."

"I understand. It was much the same in my father's court... although, I must admit, if you were very late he would not look on you favorably."

"As you say, Highness. One should not keep a King waiting."

Eriana turned to the others. "Girls? Let us go and see what we may conjure for tonight's event. His Grace entertains craftsmen, it is true, but even they will consider our attire as carefully as he does. Ursula? Shall you join us?"

"Of course, Highness. I am as curious about this evening as you must be."

* * *

"If you would turn around, Mistress."

Ursula did so and Bennet examined the results carefully.

"I am no expert at the tending of hair, Mistress, but I believe that few will find fault with yours tonight. I am now used to seeing some with short hair, it is true, but I do not have the arts for arranging it as others might."

Ursula looked at herself in the dressing room mirror. The long blue gown, which must have been some kind of silk, flowed down from her shoulders and was gathered at the waist. From there it fell gently to the floor, showing off her figure in a satisfying manner.

I have waited my whole life to do this! This is really me and I can be who I was meant to be.

Her hair had been tidied and very carefully trimmed by Bennet before karzal-nut oil had been sparingly rubbed in. Although it was not possible to pile it on her head as the guardswoman had done with her own hair, the end result looked good to her eyes. For this occasion she had decided not to wear the black 'Alice' ribbon that now made her recognizable in Joth's streets.

"The work is good, Bennet. I could not have trimmed it myself, it needs someone standing behind to see where it falls properly." She frowned. "A pity I do not yet have any accessories to go with the gown."

"Accessories, Mistress?"

"Yes, you know, the things a woman usually wears when she dresses up. Or... do they not do that around here? I'm speaking of rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, ear-rings, that sort of thing."

"Oh, aye, Mistress! Of course a mere guardswoman may not have jewelry such as Her Highness or Her Grace might wear, but both Semma and I have small pieces of sentimental value." Bennet smiled. "You will soon accumulate such pieces of your own, I deem. With your status and abilities, I see no reason you should not in time purchase or be gifted items for your own collection." Bennet's look was assured. "You will see."

"If you say so."

They have a very strange attitude to property and money around here. So far I have not paid for a single thing I have worn, nor a single meal I have eaten! I know there is commerce, since that day at the market, but it does not seem to affect the Duke's household.

Yet this whole system seems to work... somehow.

There was a knock at the door. Bennet opened it to reveal Semma, suitably attired in a long gown.

"Her Highness asks if you are both ready yet."

Bennet glanced at Ursula and received a nod. "Aye, Semma, we are ready. Shall we join you?"

"Aye. Her Highness makes some final adjustments but otherwise we are also ready."

In the event Eriana appeared before the others reached her door. The four turned and made their way along the corridor and down the stairs. At the bottom a footman stood waiting.

"Highness, His Grace asks that you wait in the sitting room until he and Her Grace appear."

Inside the otherwise empty sitting room Eriana smiled. "This is what we do when important occasions happen, Ursula. Much of the time we stand about and wait. At Dekarran, where we met to form the Federation, there was more standing about and waiting than I was comfortable with, for we had Kings, Princes, Dukes and others of like rank attending the same table. At least I did not have to concern myself with the politics of that occasion. I am a woman of action, not of slippery words."

"So I have learned," Ursula responded politely. "I have heard you and the Duke speak of a Federation, but without understanding the history and geography of this world I do not know if I would understand your explanation."

"Aye, the Duke has been remiss with your education, I deem. He has maps here, I know that, and there must be many who can tell you what you want to know. Mayhap I will mention it to him, should a chance come tonight."

"Thank you, Highness. There is a problem, though. I can speak this language but I cannot read or write it."

"But of course! Garia told me that she had the like trouble and I am sure that Maralin did as well. You can read and write your own tongue, I believe?"

"Of course, and also that of three other languages involving two different scripts." Ursula smiled. "It seems that I can learn languages easily, even before I came to Anmar. Now reading and writing the local script, well, I don't know about that until I try."

The door opened and Maralin poked his head in before retreating. "They are in here, Your Grace!"

There was a muttered command and Maralin turned to those within. "Highness, Ladies, if you would join the others in the corridor."

They went out to find Wallesan, Fanis, Hambran and several others standing in a group. All were suitably attired for the occasion, Maralin having changed out of the uniform he wore during their ride. As they joined the party Kalmenar came down the stairs and bowed.

"Your Grace, my apologies. Next time I will ask the assistance of a manservant."

"It is not a problem, My Lord. We are a little early, in any event."

"Wallesan," Eriana asked, "If you would tell us about your hall. In Einnland, my father has his hall, but it is a whole building that is like Robanar's palace, though of course much smaller. Here, it seems you use the word hall to mean a single chamber."

"Of course, Eriana. When we were in Palarand I recall you briefly described your father's house and named it as a hall, though of course here we would call such a building his palace. In the Great Valley, then, the term hall usually refers to a single large chamber as you suggest. In fact, the Great Hall of Joth was originally the main chamber of the old Dukes' residences. It was where they held court, as you told me your father does in his hall. Over the centuries our Great Hall has come to perform a slightly different function, though by custom it is still considered to be part of my mansion.

"Here it is more of a public space where ceremonies, celebrations and other communal functions are performed. I do in fact use it frequently myself when I am holding my own court, or when some matter of importance to the city requires my attention, but do not be surprised to see others come and go. However, I retain the right to decide who makes use of the hall and, now that it has been restored, we will be more careful how it is used." The Duke smiled. "This evening, of course, it will be the setting for a meal of thanks for all the hard-working artisans who have actually restored the hall to what it was before."

A footman came along the corridor and bowed. "Your Grace, we are ready."

"Thank you, Heris." He turned to the others. "Come! Follow me and see what the craftsmen of Joth have wrought."

Wallesan led them along the corridor to the lobby and turned right. In front of him were not one but two pairs of double doors, each pair separated by about four strides from the other. Heris opened one door, and the other of the pair was held open by a footman already inside the hall. Wallesan took the hand of Fanis and the Ducal couple walked through into the hall. Everybody else followed.

Ursula was stunned by the space. The walls rose high and there was a vaulted ceiling of carved, painted and gilded wood. In the three walls she could see, there were familiar tall, narrow windows which came to a point to a point at the top, all filled with stained glass. The sun was now setting, so that only the upper portions of the glass threw colored rays across the chamber, but above her two rows of candelabras had been lit, illuminating the entire space below. Ahead of them, at the far end, was a larger pair of double doors which from their location must have opened out onto the street. These were set under a wide balcony that ran the whole width of the chamber, holding several rows of tiered seating.

"It is a church!"

The last word came out in English and everybody turned round to face her.

"What was that, dear?" Fanis asked.

The answer came from Maralin. "Your Grace, the word church is an English one, and on Earth it describes a building made very like this one is. On Earth a church would be used for the worship of God, who I would think roughly corresponds to the Maker here."

Wallesan was interested. "Do you tell me that you have special buildings set aside just to worship the Maker? Apart from marriages, all religious ceremonies in the Great Valley are conducted outside, as is proper. But I believe that the Earth God is not as our Maker is, but is said to be something more."

"As you say, Your Grace." Maralin added, "I see that the artisans are waiting. If we may discuss Earth religions another time, Your Grace."

"Indeed! And I would say that most of our guests have already arrived, I deem."

Ursula's attention went to the floor and saw for the first time that four rows of tables had been laid, ready for the meal. At either side of the hall the guests stood waiting, most of them craftsmen now wearing their best attire, together with wives in floor-length gowns of many colors and styles.

Beside her, between the pairs of double doors, was a platform about knee height with two chairs on it that could be described as thrones, though not ornately decorated. In front of the platform there were three similar chairs. Wallesan moved to stand in front of the chairs and held up his hands. The noise in the hall, already dying away as the Ducal party appeared, faded completely.

"Craftsmen, artisans, friends. Without your honest labors and experienced eyes, this Great Hall could not have been returned to the splendor I see before me. You have done Joth proud in a difficult time and you shall have my everlasting thanks for it. When I returned, and saw what you had been doing, I resolved that the first use for the restored hall would be a meal of thanks for those who had made it possible, and so here we are.

"I have to admit to you that we had let our Great Hall languish, for various reasons, and it was only because of the invader that we were reminded what we once had. Now that it has been reborn, so to speak, we will treat it with the respect that it is due, and thus prolong the time before we must needs restore it once more. This hall has served both my family and the city of Joth well these many years and I hope that it will long serve us into the future.

"With Fanis and I tonight are several guests of the mansion, who I will name for you. First must needs be Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand. Many of you will know the name, one or two may even recognize her, since it was she who led her men on the successful attack of Boldan's Rock. With her tonight is Lord Kalmenar, who serves as her advisor on her river journey. Also attending her are Guardswoman Bennet and Guardswoman Semma from King Robanar's palace, though they have no martial roles tonight, I deem.

"In addition, presently staying at the mansion is Mistress Ursula, a traveler from the distant land of Alberta. Regrettably, she was ill when she arrived in Joth, but she seems to have made a full recovery. She tells me that she is a knowledgable healer in her own lands and some of you may have already seen her in the last few days about the streets of Joth accompanying our own healer Senia.

"One final matter. You will notice, as you sit, that every place has been provided with a new eating tool named a fork. These have recently been introduced to Palarand by Princess Garia and are proving very popular there. I am certain that in time the same will happen here. Some of you may have seen them before but I will briefly explain their use. You hold them vertically in the left hand to steady something while you cut off a portion with the knife in your right hand. Then, with the item still impaled upon the fork, you can bring it directly to your mouth to eat, without worrying about cutting yourself or getting your hands sticky with food. It will take some practice but I know that most of those here tonight will understand that. Forks have other uses too, I am sure you will discover them by experimenting during the evening."

"Now, I have made enough long speeches, and I deem that you are probably as hungry as I. Tonight there will be no order at our table. Saving only the chairs provided for myself, my wife and our guests, you may sit where you will, speak with whom you will. Tonight, all are welcome here."

Wallesan clapped his hands and there was a general movement towards the tables. Naturally there was a certain amount of confusion but the serving staff soon had everyone settled among friends or workmates. To Ursula's surprise, the Ducal couple sat in the middle of one of the center tables, rather than at one end as she had expected. She found herself seated to the right of Eriana, who was facing Wallesan, and thus facing Fanis herself. To her right sat Semma, while Bennet was to Eriana's left.

The Duke smiled. "This evening I entertain four beautiful ladies, I see! This circumstance does not occur often in my court. I do not host meals like this one very often except at the usual festivals, or for special occasions."

Bennet squirmed in her seat. "Your Grace, I am unused to such attention as this. At the palace, my place would be along the walls, or maybe waiting outside the chamber with His Majesty's other guardsmen. Though I thank you for the privilege, I must admit to feeling uncomfortable tonight."

Fanis leaned forward. "Be at ease here tonight, dear. While you may have customary duties elsewhere, in Joth you are a valued guest of my husband, an essential companion to Eriana, and he seeks to reward you for your service. Besides, did you not notice who else is here tonight? We are surrounded by the craftsmen and artisans of Joth, those who have labored long to rebuild the mansion of our family. With the possible exception of Eriana and Lord Kalmenar, almost everyone else in the Hall tonight is of ordinary status, those of Joth who work with their hands and wits to protect and provide for those they serve."

The Duke nodded. "Aye, my dear. Please, relax and enjoy the meal. I notice that you went out riding again today, and a fine spectacle you all make upon your frayen, if I may say so. What do you think of our countryside?"

"Your Grace," Bennet replied, "the countryside is much as I was used to before I entered the King's service, since I grew up in a village not far from the capital. I have enjoyed riding through the lanes and among the fields, for it is such places that are familiar to me. At this time of year, with everything growing strongly and the weather pleasant to ride in, I thank the King for permitting me to ride, that I may enjoy it more."

"Well said," the Duke nodded. "Not everyone may own a frayen, it is true, but I am personally pleased that the fair members of our lands shall at least have the opportunity to enjoy them as you and your companions have done. Such activities have been frowned upon before but Eriana's example, and your own, shows us all that we have nothing to fear."

Fanis added, "Husband, you should know that there is a great clamor in the city for riding attire! Eriana has started something that cannot be stopped, I deem. Of course, the frayen to bear all these new riders, and the saddles and tack to go with them, are in short supply as well. Yet nothing will deter our womenfolk, it seems."

Eriana said, "Not so, Fanis. I deem that some few will regret their choice, and the coin spent on attire, once their bottoms have experienced a saddle for a day or two. It requires some determination before riding becomes comfortable to the body."

"Too true," the Duke agreed. "I remember my own first attempts in the saddle, long ago as that was. Parts of me were sore for a day or two, but the desire to ride conquered even that discomfort. Mayhap our womenfolk will have like determination."

"As you say, Wal." Fanis pulled a face. "I expect that I will mount after a time, but for now I will benefit from seeing the efforts of others. Eriana, have your rides been to your liking?"

"Aye, Fanis, I have no complaints, save that your lands are too flat for my liking!" She held up a hand and smiled. "I jest, of course, but I must admit that I prefer seas and mountains to the level fields of the river valley. Today, though, we did not ride through fields but ventured to Thorn. It is not so far and I sought to pay a visit to Count Sherin, who received us when we passed through before."

"Ah? And how are Sherin and Tiedra? I regret that since we returned to Joth to restore it we have seen little of them." She sighed. "There has just been too much to do! Putting the city back together again, returning all those who resided here, accounting for those lost or dead in the war, rebuilding all... My husband was smart enough to latch onto your party and disappear to Palarand, though it seems he had reason for it."

"Sherin and Tiedra were both well, Fanis, and asked after the conditions in the city. I told them all that I knew and said that the Visund would likely stop there on our way, that the crew might pay their respects to the city and those within, for their kindness when we came through before."

The conversation carried on as the meal progressed. Eventually a point came when Wallesan stood, holding a hand out to prevent everyone else rising at the same time.

"Stay! Enjoy your meal. Fanis and I will circulate the tables, as is sometimes customary, to speak to all those who have worked hard to make this hall more magnificent than before."

The two then rose and began walking around the other tables, stopping frequently to speak to those seated nearby. Ursula carried on as the others did, eating the main dish of something she had seen roasting earlier that day.

"Highness," she said after a pause in the meal, "Bellot says that it is possible some of my riding clothes have been delivered today."

"Is that so? This would be with the alterations that needed to be made the other day?"

"I believe so, Highness. He merely spoke of a package."

"Then," Eriana smiled at her, "we must needs introduce you to your frayen tomorrow, I deem. Hanek has found one for you that is unlikely to cause you trouble. She is a mild-mannered doe and should be suitable for someone who has never ridden before."

Ursula was slightly discomfited by the pressure to get her to ride, but she saw no simple way to slow down the project. "Well, thank you, Highness. Uh, do I not need the other equipment? Boots, helmet and so on?"

Eriana spread her hands. "All are ready for you, so I have been told. Duban's smith has worked hard on your helmet and boots and both shall be ready for you tomorrow morning."

"My boots? Why should they need a smith?"

Eriana's grin was wide. "The boots of all riders customarily have steel toecaps, Ursula, against being trodden on by your beast. I am told they have other uses, should circumstances require."

"Oh, I see. Yes, I didn't think of that. Riding is a complicated subject, isn't it?"

"No more so than sailing a ship, cooking a meal - or attending a sick person, I deem. Something always looks complicated until it has been shown to you."

"I cannot disagree. Tomorrow morning, then?"

The Princess nodded. "Aye, Ursula."

Wallesan and Fanis returned to their seats as the serving staff brought out the next course, which consisted of pastries which looked familiar to Ursula, since she had helped make them. These were savory pastries, with a minced meat and cheese filling which had been softened with a paste of fragrant ground nuts. These were followed by slabs of cheese, for the diner to help themselves from, and wedges of the cakes Ursula had also helped to make. She said as much to Eriana.

"Do you tell me? This is delicious! You have hidden talents, Ursula."

"All I did was add ingredients and stir," she protested. "Senny did all the measuring out of the ingredients and greasing the cake molds."

"Still, there are not many of the crew who could do such a task. See, it is another useful thing to have learned."

The meal reached its conclusion and, having made certain that everyone had finished, the Duke rose. This of course caused everyone else to rise but what happened next surprised Ursula. The Duke and Duchess, followed by their guests, moved along the tables until they stood in front of the platform with the throne-like chairs. Wallesan nodded to a servant and more streamed through the double doors, which was apparently a signal for all the other diners to make their way to the other walls.

The servants began stripping everything from the tables and taking the items out through the double doors. Once the tables were bare, the chairs were moved to the side walls and the tables were efficiently dismantled and collapsed, to be stacked at the far end. In moments, what had been a dining room had been transformed into a ballroom.

"Please be seated," Wallesan said as the hall quietened. "Later there will be music but for now I deem we should allow our meals to settle a while. If you would talk, then do so. If you would approach us, then I am sure we will listen attentively. This is your evening, pleased feel relaxed in this magnificent hall, made so by your own efforts."

Instantly there was a buzz and some confusion as various groups of friends and acquaintances found each other and struck up conversations. In front of Ursula, some more chairs had been brought so that all their group could be seated together. The 'thrones' had been pointedly left alone, the Duke and Duchess preferring to be seated at the same level as their people for this occasion.

On a low platform in a far corner, Ursula noticed five men begin setting up what were obviously musical instruments, and her interest was roused. There were two drums and some things that looked as if they might be conical bells, all being set up in front of what appeared to be the percussionist. There was a mandolin-like instrument being unwrapped by another man, a third had a flute, another had a kind of horn and the last had a bowed instrument that was apparently played in the fashion of a violin, although it looked nothing like one.

Stands to reason. They would have developed their own instruments here, over the centuries. Still, I have to wonder...

The men began tuning their instruments but the sound was lost in the general conversation. One of the men spoke to a servant, who went away and returned with a tray bearing five tankards.

I see nothing changes! Every group of musicians since time began has been in need of a little lubrication!

One of the artisans came and spoke to Wallesan, and he and Fanis rose to go and talk to a group gathered against the wall.

"Ursula?"

"Hmm? Oh, Highness? I am sorry, did you ask me something?"

"I did. I see you have noticed the music makers here. I should warn you that their music may not be kind to your ears. I did not like the court music of Palarand when I was first there, they do not make it as we do in Einnland. I know that both Garia and Maralin suffer the same way as well, so be warned."

"Oh? I see. Yes, of course it would be different. Thank you for the warning, Highness."

Eriana turned, her gaze intent. She kept her voice low to avoid getting the attention of Kalmenar, who sat on her other side. "Look. I will say this to you while the Duke and Duchess are away. You must needs make your own way in this strange land, and to do that you must take advantage of every opportunity you can. Learn what you can, when you can. Wallesan and Fanis are unlikely to do you harm while you are with them but, until you know this place better, you must needs keep your wits about you."

Ursula's voice was low. "You distrust them, don't you?"

The response was equally low. "Distrust is perhaps too strong a word. They hold secrets, as any ruler must. In this case, they know more about you than they are willing to tell anyone else. If they may not tell even me, I wonder what it is they might hide."

Ursula nodded. "It is good advice, Highness. I still wonder about this strange world I have found myself in."

"As do I." Her expression was sharp. "But this is not an appropriate subject for table, not now. Tell me, what of your journeys around the city? How different are the methods of healing from those of your own lands? I know that there are matters we would handle differently in Einnland."

"Ah. Well, most of it is much the same, Highness, as you might expect." Ursula thought. "I don't know how much I can explain to you, though." She smiled. "As you just said, medicine is a complicated subject. I am impressed by the range of herbs they use here and how effective they are, but of course I don't know any of them myself and I guess that it will take me some years to become familiar with them all. Right now, for example, I couldn't hope to prescribe something for a patient, even if I knew what was wrong with them."

"As you say. I would think, if I were someone from a Valley farm and I was taken on board the Visund, that it would take some time to learn the ways of the ship, to name all the different parts, and to know how to read the winds and currents. I have great respect for your knowledge, Ursula, and I know that it will take you time to learn the local ways."

Ursula nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. It is time I am prepared to take, though, since that is what I appear to have been sent here to do."

Eriana gazed at her so long that Ursula wondered what she might have said. Finally, the Princess shook her head in frustration.

"Not now, I deem. There is much I would say to you and much I would ask, but in suitable privacy. If it becomes possible, should you agree?"

Ursula puzzled through what she had been asked and nodded hesitantly. "That might be a good idea, Highness. I'm sure we will get an opportunity -"

Her voice was cut off by a drum roll and a bash on one of the conical bells. The room quietened and people's attention turned to the musicians.

"Your Grace, by your leave?"

"Aye, you have it. A tune to rouse our pulses gently first, if you would, and then we may think about a dance or two."

"As you command, Your Grace."

The resulting noise shocked Ursula so much that her hands were halfway to her ears before she realized what was happening. She lowered them in embarrassment but still winced at the clash of notes from the five players.

"Hah! I told you," Eriana muttered in her ear. "If my men were here those five would fear for their lives. It is not what those of Einnland would name music."

"It's not what I would call music either," Ursula replied through gritted teeth. "Though I think I understand what it is they are doing. The scales -" She turned to Eriana. "Do you know anything about music?"

Eriana's expression was pained. "I know what is music and what is not, and this is not music! No, Ursula, I have no knowledge of such arts, if arts they be. Do you tell me that you do have such knowledge?"

Ursula nodded reluctantly. "I do, Highness. In... my home city... I learned to play several instruments as a child, some of which look slightly similar to those over there. I was good, maybe, but not good enough to make it a career, and anyway I preferred to study medicine - I mean the healing arts. Do you remember me telling the Duke that I traveled through several countries on my way to Alberta?" Eriana nodded. "In two of them, I actually played in a band in some of the evening clubs they have there."

"Clubs? Oh, aye, you explained, I remember now. A club is a kind of tavern, then, with music and singing?"

"That's right, Highness, so -"

But the noise had become too loud and too uncomfortable. She shook her head and said, "Later."

The music was apparently acceptable to the other guests, who nodded and beat time as the strange melody clattered along. The scale sounded completely alien to Ursula's ears, with half-notes appearing in the wrong place and some of the notes sounding distinctly flat. The five players appeared to be playing five different tunes, but she could discern an underlying theme which surfaced every now and then. Finally, the tune came to a conclusion and the guests applauded by clapping, for which Ursula was thankful.

At least they show a reasonable method of appreciation. It could have been much stranger. Jazz hands, anyone?

I must remember that this is still an alien society, though. They have developed their own customs and, although there is much that seems faintly familiar, I must be careful not to assume too much.

Fanis returned and took a seat the other side of Ursula, Semma moving to give her room.

"I would guess that you do not know any of our dances, Ursula. How could you? I do not even know if you do anything like this on Earth."

"Since I have not yet seen anyone dance, Your Grace, I could not answer that. Of course there are many forms of dance on Earth, but probably none that would work here."

Maralin overheard and came to join the conversation. "Your Grace, the kind of dancing I saw in Palarand is similar to some of the country dancing we did back home. However, those are mostly based on formal dances of previous centuries. Some of those are court dances, others are what you might find on a farm or in a village." He gave a small smile. "I do not think that Anmar is ready for the kind of dancing we do on Earth these days," with a nod to Ursula, "at least in the West. I can describe them for you, but it would best be done in private."

"Ah? Now you have made me curious, Maralin! But Ursula will be able to see what we do, and if she decides that she would be interested in our dances, mayhap we can arrange some tuition for her."

"If I can find the time, Your Grace," Ursula responded with a grimace. "Between healing the sick, learning to ride, and now learning to read and write as well, I'm not sure that I will have the energy for dancing, let alone the time."

"As you say!" Fanis smiled. "A woman's work is never done, they say."

"We have that one on Earth as well, Your Grace, and I can easily believe it."

Four rows of alternate men and women formed up in the center of the hall, all facing the Duke, who had now returned to join Fanis. The 'drummer' gave two taps on a drum and then the band started again... this tune didn't seem so bad, although it was still off-key as far as Ursula was concerned. The dancers bowed, and then followed a complicated route through the assembled ranks, switching places and twirling as they did so.

The dance went to its conclusion and was followed by another, where the dancers stood in groups of four and moved round, the men moving one way and the women the other. A third dance followed and then there was a natural break, when servants brought round goblets of wine, beer or fruit juices for everyone.

A man and woman approached their group. Ursula recognized Tavia, the woman who had been her guide when they had gone to the market, and assumed the man was her husband.

The man bowed. "Your Grace, Your Grace, Your Highness, Ladies. You have my thanks for this excellent meal. Our craftsmen have asked me to convey their appreciation for your kind thoughts."

Wallesan leaned back. "It was the least I could do, Panesar. You and your associates, aye, and in many cases your sons too, have labored long over this hall in the last few months. If I may introduce Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand, Eriana, this is Alderman Panesar, one of Joth's finest decorators. He is responsible for much of the repainting and almost all the gold you see above, though of course he did not supply the leaf himself. You have of course already met Tavia, who managed to get herself involved in that small excitement with Ursula."

Eriana nodded. "Aye, I recognized Mistress Tavia. Alderman, I cannot fault you on your work here, the craftsmanship is amazing."

"Why, thank you, Your Highness! I am sure you must be used to such fine surroundings, I understand that the palace of King Robanar is a wonder to see. I am sure that my own efforts pale by comparison." His brow furrowed. "But, If I may ask, Highness, your accent is strange and I did not think the King had a daughter of that name."

"You wish the truth, Alderman? I ran away from a difficult father and an unsuitable betrothal and found myself in Palarand, where the King has offered me and my men sanctuary. I come from a distant land, out beyond the Palumaks and far to the south of the Great Valley, named Einnland. As the daughter of a King, Robanar permits me to keep my title and rank."

"Oh, I see! It is well known that King Robanar is thought a wise man and his generosity to you proves it. If I may ask, what is it you do here in Joth?"

Eriana waved a hand. "It is no secret, Alderman. We are on a voyage along the Sirrel, to visit the numerous countries along the way and to learn of the new lands that I and my men now reside in. As we were traveling this way, we provided transport for your Duke, returning home after his visit for Princess Garia's wedding."

"Ah, the wedding, of course! In the city we have already heard several accounts from some who happened to be in Palarand when it happened."

The conversation turned to the wedding and Tavia came to stand by Ursula, having already learned many details from Semma on the day when the three went to the market place.

Ursula asked, "Can I ask how your son is, Mistress?"

"His leg is much improved, Mistress Ursula. I am sure that he will be up and back at work within a week or two."

"He injured himself in here? I did not realize that children that young would be working."

Panesar broke off his conversation and turned to Ursula. "Why of course, Mistress! What else would a young man of that age be doing? Very few can afford to have their children idle at home while their parents toil... begging your pardon, Your Grace."

Wallesan in turn waved a hand. "I understand what you mean, Panesar. It is often only the nobility and a few rich merchants who can afford to keep their sons at home. However, in the lands of Mistress Ursula's birth, I am told it is customary for all children to be taught at school from the ages of five until sixteen, and often beyond that should the need require."

"Five to sixteen?" Panesar turned to Ursula. "Mistress, what shall they learn, all those years?"

Ursula sought a way to explain without raising too many questions. "We live much more complicated lives than you do here, Sir. In order to be able to use everything that we need to, we all have to learn to read, to write and to do math. We are also told of other countries, learn about our world and instructed how to do many of the tasks our citizens will do when they are adults."

"But, still, sixteen? Your Grace, do you know ought of this?"

Wallesan nodded. "A little, Panesar. The winds of change are blowing from Palarand and it will soon raise a dust in Joth, among other countries. Do not concern yourself now, I will arrange to have a meeting of those concerned one day soon, probably in here, where I will explain what the future might hold for Joth. Be assured, it will not be much like the past of Joth! All I will say now is that, as soon as we may find room enough for schools for all, and teachers to teach them, that all our sons and daughters shall be taught to read, to write and to number. That will be the least that I must needs do for my people."

Panesar was still puzzled. "But what will they need to do all that for, Your Grace? I can understand that a merchant's son might need to read, write and number, but... farmers? Fishermen?"

"It is a long story, Panesar. Leave it for now, if you would. Just be assured that you should not lose out by what is to come, but that the lives of you and all your family shall become much richer as a result."

The decorator looked unconvinced. "If you say so, Your Grace."

The music started up again and the Alderman and his wife excused themselves. Wallesan looked thoughtful.

"This might prove harder than I thought. I knew there would be some resistance, but explaining matters could be difficult."

Maralin suggested, "Your Grace, what about that wagonload of gifts from Robanar? Bring them all in here and let everybody see them. That should give them an idea about what is to happen. ...A kind of exhibition, if you would. We can explain things like paper, printing, the steam engine, the semaphore, they will be able to get an idea of what might be possible in future."

The Duke looked thoughtful. "An... exhibition? Is this a common Earth custom?"

"Not common, no, Your Grace, but there are enough that most people are familiar with how they work. For what we have, I would suggest something like a table with each item on it, with somebody standing nearby who can explain how it works - or what it is - to anyone who asks." He frowned. "Hmm. The printing press could be awkward to demonstrate and the steam engine definitely so! I would not want to run that in here, Your Grace, since the smoke would end up all over your beautiful new decorations." He shrugged. "There are ways we could do this, Your Grace, if necessary."

Wallesan grunted. "This is part of the future, I deem? Then we must needs accustom ourselves, and our people, to the idea of... exhibitions. Speak with Bellot, bring me a plan."

"As you command, Your Grace."

Eriana leaned in towards the Duke as the conversation paused. "Wallesan, Ursula has told us that she may be familiar with musical instruments, ah, the instruments of Earth, of course."

"Is she now?" He turned his attention to her. "And is this something you might desire to do in the future, my dear?"

Ursula silently cursed Eriana for putting her on the spot. I wish I had never said anything now!

She stammered, "Your Grace, I was taught several different instruments when I was a child, that is all. My mother was a pianist and she made sure that I learned the basics."

Wallesan ignored the unknown word pianist and thought correctly that it referenced some kind of Earth instrument.

"If you desire to explore some of our local musical instruments in the future, my dear, then I will arrange to have some brought for your inspection. However, I can see by your face that you would rather Eriana had not brought attention to it, we would not force you to do anything you did not want to."

Her face reddened. "Your Grace, thank you for understanding. Maybe some time in the future, I am too busy right now to spend much time investigating yet another new subject. But I will not forget your offer."

"Indeed, my dear."

The tune screeched to a halt and another began, this one apparently popular, though even Maralin winced when the musicians struck up. Most of those attending immediately stood and formed ranks within the centre of the hall.

Wallesan stood as well. "Come, my dear," he said to Fanis. "We should join the Dance of Summer. Kalmenar, Bennet, Semma, you may come as well." He looked at the others. "I regret that you do not know one of our favorite tunes, mayhap by next year - or should there be another dance, this year, of course - we will have had time to teach it to you."

The others stood and joined those in the middle as the movements began. Those left behind looked at one another.

"Did you know anything about this?" Ursula asked Maralin.

"Not me! I haven't been here long enough to have taken part in something like this before. Highness? What about you?"

Eriana said, "Of course, just as I was made to learn the Valley tongue, I was taught several of the formal dances that they practise here. In hindsight those onerous tasks have served me well, though I cursed enough when I was doing them! This dance I do not know, though. I have, after all, been in the Great Valley a shorter time than you, Maralin."

"Oh, of course you have, Highness. Did they do nothing like this at home or at the palace, then?"

Eriana shrugged. "A little of this and that, but mostly it was talk, talk, talk. As is true for any daughter of a King, my task was simply to ornament the occasion. I was not expected to contribute much." Her teeth showed. "Besides, most of my father's cronies knew better than to attempt false flattery. I would have flattened them! By the time I came to Palarand, my reputation had preceded me and only Lord Gilbanar invited me to dance more than once."

"A shame, Highness," Ursula murmured.

"It was better that way," Eriana sniffed. "Until Garia taught me the ways of the mind, I would not have been a pleasant dance companion." She waved at the complex-looking dance moves on the floor. "Doing that would just have irritated me and I would not have been pleasant company."

* * *

At the end of the dance the party made their way up the stairs to their various chambers. At the top of the stairs stood Mamoot and Ursula frowned at his expression.

"Is something wrong, Mamoot?"

He rubbed his stomach, but shook his head. "I am sure it is nothing, Mistress. Something I ate, most likely." He paused, then added, "If it is no better in the morning, Mistress, could I ask you for advice?"

"Well, surely," she replied. "I might be able to tell you what is wrong, but you will probably have to wait until Healer Senia arrives here after breakfast before you can be given any potions."

Mamoot nodded. "I understand, Mistress. I bid you all good-night."

"Good night, Mamoot."

Everybody's plans are thrown into confusion when Mamoot's upset stomach turns out to be something life-threatening instead. Ursula is forced to take charge and show those of Joth just what it is she can do. Unfortunately, she has overlooked some important considerations...

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

20 - Emergency Room

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

The hammering on the bedroom door was not gentle. Ursula and Bennet looked at each other with surprise.

"I wonder what has happened," the guardswoman commented as she went to answer. "I have heard no alarms from those who guard this place." She paused, a hand on the door handle. "At least, none I would recognize. While I am familiar with the new system now used in the palace, I do not know what they do here."

She partially opened the door to be met by a breathless Heris.

"Mistress! Your pardon, it is Mistress Ursula I seek, there is an emergency. Is she within?"

"Aye, but we have not yet finished dressing. Why? What has happened?"

"One of the men-at-arms is ill, the dark one called Mamoot."

"We know him. Continue."

"He suffers terrible pains of the stomach, Mistress, and asks for Mistress Ursula to come, as she suggested yesterday evening that she might do. Is that right? Did she offer?"

"Aye, she did, as we were retiring for the night. She also said that, while she might say what afflicted him, there was probably little she might do until Mistress Senia or another healer from the city could be summoned. Mistress Ursula is not yet wise in the lore of the potions used here, so I am told."

"Ah. Well, if she could attend, once she is ready. At least there might be more information to give to the healers when they arrive, and they will be better informed too."

"As you say! Then, by your leave, we must attire ourselves for the day."

"Indeed, Mistress Bennet. I will find an armsman to wait here and show Mistress Ursula the way when she is ready."

Bennet closed the door and turned to look at Ursula. "Is it what you expected?"

"I did not expect anything after last night, but an emergency this morning tells me that I probably know what it might be," Ursula replied. She was both annoyed at the interruption yet also somewhat relieved to be delaying her trip to the stables. "I think I need to wear something different," she observed. "This riding skirt is probably not the best thing to be wearing around a sick person. Help me to change, please, Bennet. A ship dress will do for now, I can always come back and change if it is a false alarm."

"As you desire, Mistress."

Bennet went to the dressing room while Ursula immediately began removing the clothes she had already put on, intended for this morning's riding lesson. It was the work of a moment to lay those on the bed and to slip into one of the simple shifts she now regularly wore around the city.

She asked Bennet, "Do you need help with that sash?"

"If you would, Mistress. I am in two minds whether to change as well, but the call was only for you so I will remain as I am for now. If needs be, I can always change later as well."

Once dressed, Bennet opened the door again to find an armsman waiting. "If you would follow me, Mistress."

Ursula looked at Bennet. "Come on, I might need some help." To the man she said, "Lead the way."

He led them over the carriageway arch and into what Ursula thought of as the 'barracks' part of the complex. Heading for the nearby stairs, he led them up to the topmost level and out along the balcony which ran around two sides of the courtyard at that level. Stopping at the fourth door, he gestured.

"Mistress. Mistresses. If you would enter. Our chambers are not big enough for so many people at a time."

Inside Ursula found Hambran, Maralin and a woman she didn't know. On one of the four beds lay Mamoot, his face pained and covered in sweat. The bedclothes were in disarray where he had been thrashing in the night. The woman turned to Ursula.

"Oh, good! Mistress Ursula, I am Kendra, a wife of one of His Grace's men-at-arms. I have a little knowledge of herbal lore and often help the men with small cuts and bruises. This, I deem, is well beyond my skill. I would not seek to tell you your work, but to me it looks like poor Mamoot has been poisoned."

"Um." It most likely wasn't poison, but she didn't want to upset the woman, who had only been doing her best to help. "It is possible. Perhaps I had better talk to him myself."

She crouched down by the bed and looked at Mamoot. "Can you point to where it hurts most, Mamoot?"

He indicated an area just inside his right groin, to which Ursula nodded.

"Very well. Now I want to have a gentle feel around there myself, will you let me do that? I'll try not to make it hurt too much more. Oh, and I'll have to lift your clothes to touch your skin."

"Mistress," he gasped, "look where you will. It cannot be worse than it is now."

She gently pulled his nightshirt up and eased his underpants down far enough to expose the skin, then very carefully ran her fingertips around the area he had indicated. There were several intakes of breath which showed where it hurt most. Grimacing, she adjusted his clothes and stood.

"Captain, can I have a word with you in private?"

Hambran looked at her expression then gave an abrupt nod. "Outside, on the walkway, Mistress."

They found a location between two doors, with Maralin keeping people away one side and Bennet the other.

"Captain, I don't know how much you know about what happens inside a person's body."

"We guess at certain functions, Mistress, but we know nothing of the workings in the way that you must do." His expression was questioning. "If you would explain."

"Simply, then. There is long tube which begins at mouth, works its way down to become stomach, and then coils round and comes out of bottom. Food goes in top and you know what comes out other end, waste products."

Hambran nodded. "As you say, Mistress. It is well known that food is digested in our stomachs... but how, we do not know." He shrugged. "So, what you imply is that something... serious... has happened inside Mamoot's stomach."

"That is correct. Now Mistress Kendra suggested that it might be poison, but the pain is localized and I do not think she is right. There are many things that can go wrong causing different symptoms, some of which can become fatal. This one is fatal. Unless I can get inside and remove infected part, he will die and probably today, in great pain."

"He will die?" Hambran did a double take. "Wait, you want to go inside... how do you do that? Is this some kind of wonder treatment from Earth, then?"

"I wish it were that simple, Captain. No, no wonder treatment, I have to do it normal way. It will mean making small incision, about this long, in stomach, reaching in and cutting off infected part, then sewing him up again." She grimaced. "There is no equipment here that would normally be used for operation like this but I'm sure that there are alternatives that can be used."

Hambran had gone white. "What are the risks, Mistress? How long will it take?"

Ursula shrugged. "Certain death weighed against chance of not dying, Captain. As for how long, until we determine when and where operation can be done, I could not say how long. It is simple enough procedure, if everything goes as it should, we could be finished by lunchtime."

"Where will you do it? Can it be done in his chamber?"

She shook her head. "I would need more space than that, and certainly more light! Besides, everything we use that goes near him will need to be boiled. My preference would be kitchen, to be near hot water, but I do not know if that would be possible."

The captain instinctively looked over the railing and down at the kitchen on the far side of the courtyard. He could not see in through the windows because of the roof overhanging the walkway, but he knew that Farren and his crew would be busy preparing breakfast for most of the household.

Making up his mind, he nodded and turned to Ursula. "Of course the mansion has a small Chamber of the Sick, mainly for armsmen who are injured during practice or for other reasons, but it is not well lit and water must needs be brought from the kitchen anyway. Your suggestion to use the kitchen itself therefore sounds reasonable, but I cannot make this decision. We must needs go and find His Grace. What you ask is unexpected, but if it may save a man's life... Shall you come with me? Maralin, Mistress Bennet, walk with us, if you please. We go to consult His Grace."

With a word to those inside the room, Hambran led the way along the balcony, then back down the stairs to the domestic corridor. Leading them along this, he knocked at a door and waited. It was opened slightly and Wallesan looked out.

"Hambran! Good morning!" He noticed the others. "Is something wrong?"

"Your Grace, one of your armsmen is very ill and Ursula says that he will die unless she attends him today. For some reason she would like to do what she needs to do in the kitchen."

"What? Who? I didn't think we had anyone that ill at the moment."

Maralin replied. "Mamoot, Your Grace. From what Ursula says, I would guess he has a burst appendix. Such a thing would have happened overnight, though I remember he complained of a pain yesterday evening."

"What is a burst... what was that word?"

"Appendix, Your Grace. It is a small part of the lower stomach, around here." He pointed.

Wallesan shook his head. "Never mind. You recognize this ailment?" Maralin nodded. "It is fatal?"

"Unless she goes in and removes the infected part, Your Grace. It will need sharp tools and plenty of boiling water to sterilize everything. She suggests using the kitchen for that reason."

The Duke came out into the corridor, closing the door behind him. He had on underwear and tights but was naked from the waist up. He held a tunic in his hand.

"Mistress Ursula? You will confirm what Maralin has said?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"The kitchen... Doing what I suspect you intend to do in there will cause much disruption, and at an awkward time. I expect that you yourself have not yet broken your fast?"

"Your Grace?" Ursula struggled with the dialect. "Uh, no, Your Grace. I doubt anybody has." She waved a hand. "Nothing can be done until Healer Senia arrives, in any event. Breakfast may continue as usual, though I hope you will forgive me if I do not stay too long."

The Duke nodded. "That is well. We will do as you ask, my dear. Maralin, take Ursula along to the kitchen and request that they speed the meal preparations, find out what must needs be arranged there. Hambran, has anyone yet sent for Senia?"

"Aye, Your Grace, I sent a runner as soon as I was notified of Mamoot's illness. Since it is yet early, I do not know how long it will be before she will arrive, though."

"No matter, the important thing is that a runner has already been sent. Mistress, when should Mamoot be moved?"

Ursula understood the point. Too soon, and they would still be cooking. Too late and it might be too late.

"Your Grace, I will send word once I have spoken with Farren and decided what to do. There is a side room where meat is prepared, it has a big table and I had thought to use that. That at least will keep most of it out of sight of the kitchen staff." She thought. "Probably just after breakfast, since it will depend on Senia."

"As you say. Hambran?"

The captain nodded. "I will have a stretcher prepared and waiting, Your Grace."

"Good. Then, let me finish dressing and join you downstairs. Dismissed."

The Duke went back into his chambers and closed the door.

"Come on, Mistress," Maralin said. "We can use the service stairs at the other end of the corridor."

As he led Ursula along the corridor, he remarked, "I noticed that your speech patterns have changed this morning. You sound... more Russian, I think, though of course I am no expert in languages."

Ursula thought. "It is because I am thinking about problem so hard, I think. I do not know how translate mechanism works, but maybe not so good when I concentrate."

Maralin's eyes narrowed. "That could be it, I suppose. I know no more about how that works than you do. Ah, here we are."

The narrow stairs brought the two - plus Bennet, who had followed Ursula - out through a small door in the corner of the antechamber where food was put into bowls before being served. The servants busy there stared at them in surprise but Maralin just waved a hand in greeting and continued into the kitchen.

"Farren! We have a problem."

"Tenant Maralin! And Mistress Ursula." He took in their expressions and became serious. "What has happened?"

"Mamoot has become very ill and Mistress Ursula thinks the only way to save him is to..." He stopped, suddenly aware of what he had been about to describe. "Um, It is going to involve opening him up and removing the bad part. That means she will need a lot of boiling water to sterilize everything she will use, to make it safe, and somewhere nearby to do it in."

Ursula added, "I thought to use that tiled side room where you cut up the sides of meat, Master Farren."

Farren scratched his chin. "Mamoot is as ill as that? How soon must you needs do this thing?"

"Mamoot will probably die unless I can operate today, so the earlier the better. But I cannot do anything until Healer Senia arrives," she replied. "So that means that you can carry on with breakfast as usual, but... His Grace has suggested speeding things up a little if that is possible."

"He will die? Then by all means let us help you however we can." He turned to the chamber and clapped his hands, stopping everyone in their tracks. "Armsman Mamoot is gravely ill, and will die unless Healer Ursula can attend to him today. That will mean boiling water and the use of the Meat Preparation Chamber. If you would all help to prepare the breakfast faster, please."

There was a murmur and a bustle as everyone turned back to their tasks.

"If you would follow me," Farren said. "We can look at the chamber, see if it would indeed be suitable for you."

The chamber was about six meters - strides. I must call them strides - on a side and faced away from the courtyard. This meant that it did not get the sun in the morning, but the two large windows permitted a lot of light. These began about two strides up so that no-one could see in easily. The walls and floor were tiled with glazed red terracotta tiles, which made it a little darker but also made the room easy to clean, important where raw meat was concerned.

In the center was a table about three strides by two, made of a single slab of wood that must have cost the Duke a fortune. It had been worn smooth and cleaned and recleaned for a considerable period of time, as cutting blocks are, but Ursula already knew that it was washed down with boiling water before and after every use. To one side were rails where sides of meat would hang until required, to the other was a stand with tools, mostly large knives and saws, but also a large hammer and several chisels for obstinate joints.

She nodded. "Yes, this will do for what I need. Is this going to cause you any trouble today, Master Farren, if I use it?"

"We may always find other things to feed our household, Mistress, things which do not involve this chamber. So. What do you need me to do, then? It will not just be boiling water, I deem."

"No, it will not. Firstly, have this room washed out as you would normally do. Then, some medium sized pots with water to ensure a continuous supply."

"Ah, I understand what you mean. The water will boil quicker, and to start a new pot as one begins to boil."

"That's right. Then, I'll need some small and very sharp knives. Like those you use to take the stalks out of the yellow fruits, perhaps?"

"Aye, that we can do. I will make certain that they are freshly sharpened for you."

"The knives, and anything else we use, will also have to be boiled. Then they will need to be put down on something else that has been boiled, like a large metal plate. Is that going to be possible?"

"Aye, of course. Maker! Is all this boiling really necessary?"

"You know to keep surfaces, knives, pots, plates clean else food will go bad."

"Aye, of course. We have done so for hundreds of years."

"This is the same. Any dirt, food, anything, even fingerprints from unwashed hands that might touch patient may pass on infection. If clean knife is put on plate, and plate is not clean... You understand?"

"Looked at that way, of course. It shall be done, Mistress. Anything else?"

"Some cloths, I think. Some for wiping, some torn into smallish squares for... mopping up blood. All will have to be boiled as well. Some bowls for putting used cloths and... other waste... in. Those will not have to be boiled. There are some other things I will need, but I do not think the kitchen can provide them, so I will have to go and speak to the Duchess next."

"As you say. How soon will you begin work, then? Immediately after breakfast?"

She shook her head. "I have to wait for Healer Senia first. Then we will have to do some preparation work before we can start the operation. Captain Hambran has to arrange for the patient to be brought down from the top floor to here as well."

Farren nodded. "Then, once we have begun to serve breakfast, by your leave I will have this chamber washed down ready for you. That way you should not say that the kitchen has caused you any delay."

She smiled at Farren. "Thank you, Master Farren. I didn't want to use the kitchen but I couldn't think of anywhere else that would be suitable. You have been most helpful."

"In some ways I am only returning the favor, Mistress, considering the bells you spend helping in here. And if it is to save a life, then of course it is our duty to help."

"As you say. Maralin? Anything to add?"

"I am impressed by your efficiency, Mistress, but of course it is what you have been trained for. I just hope that you can manage this without all the usual equipment to be found in an operating theater."

"So do I, Maralin. So do I."

* * *

Fanis was interested when Ursula and Maralin entered the dining room.

"Ursula, Maralin, good morning. I hear that Mamoot is unwell and that you intend to do something to help him."

"Your Grace, good morning," Ursula replied. "Mamoot is not just unwell, I believe that he will die unless I do something to save him."

Fanis's eyes were round. "Oh, my! I did not realize... Yet it must be something which you consider Senia cannot attend to."

Ursula nodded. "I do not think that the medical abilities of Joth will be enough to save him, Your Grace. However, I must wait until Senia arrives to confirm that. What I want to do will involve her anyway. I would not think of attempting something new without her at hand, it would be insulting."

"And what is it you plan, then? Can someone like myself understand your explanation?"

Ursula looked around as the room began to fill. Wallesan, Eriana, Semma and Hambran arrived together, which made up her mind.

"Your Grace, I don't want to discuss it before we eat, it might make you uncomfortable." She added, "Senia has been sent for, so she may arrive while we are eating."

"Ah, I see. I will instruct that an extra place be set at table, to provide for her." Fanis turned and studied the room, receiving a nod from her husband. "It seems that everyone else has arrived, so I suggest that we all find our seats. If you would sit by my side today, my dear."

Eriana this time sat facing Wallesan, so that it was easy for her to ask Ursula questions.

"Wallesan has told me that an armsman is ill and that you know what is wrong."

"That is so, Highness, but I want to leave the explanations until afterwards."

"As you say, my dear," Wallesan agreed. "It is not a suitable subject for table, Eriana, though doubtless you and your men might speak of such things."

The Princess grinned at the Duke. "We are not so uncivilized as that, Wallesan! We are hardy folk, it is true, but such talk is usually left until the beer has flowed a while."

Fanis rolled her eyes. "And I thought that our men were bad enough! Do you tell me that you were part of such nonsense?"

"Sometimes, though my father would have forbidden me if he could. Still, I would speak of more serious matters now, Fanis. Ursula, is there anything we might do to help?"

"I have a question for Her Grace, actually," Ursula replied. "I will have need of needles and thread. Two different kinds of thread. I do not know if you do such things as embroidery here? I mean, in the mansion? I know the seamstresses do it, because all the uniform badges I have seen here are embroidered. Getting needles and thread that way might take too long, though."

"I understand what you mean," Fanis said, nodding. "Of course we have embroidery needles and thread here, such arts are always to be found in noble houses in the Great Valley."

"Oh. I did not know that."

"I was made to do embroidery too, when younger," Eriana commented. "I cursed every hour I spent doing it, too, though the skill has since been of some little use. You mean to sew him up after doing... whatever you need to do."

Ursula grimaced. "I am trying to avoid giving too much detail while we eat, Highness, but you are part right. I will need curved needles for sewing afterwards with thin thread, possibly of silk if you have any. Also some thicker thread, like embroidery thread, to help me during the operation."

"I can easily find those for you, dear," Fanis said, "Our two daughters did their part when they lived with us and I'm sure that their sewing boxes may be found. I will have someone look for them when we rise from table."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

The rest of the meal passed reasonably quietly, though everybody was on edge. Towards the end, Senia was shown into the dining room.

"Your Grace." She curtseyed before adding, "Your Highness, Your Grace. I came as soon as I could."

Wallesan waved a hand at the empty chair. "Join us, Senia, if you would. Have you yet broken your fast?"

She replied, as she sat down, "Your Grace, as a Healer who must always be ready to depart my residence I keep some small items to hand which I may eat as I walk. I have done so this morning, but I would accept your offer of a morsel or two more, if I may. A mug of pel would also be of help."

"As it is to all of us, my dear." He smiled at Senia. "Has any yet told you why we asked you to come today?"

"A sick armsman, so I was told, and that it was urgent." Senia looked around the table. "Yet, if I may be plain, I see no signs of urgency here."

Fanis explained, "That is because Ursula did not wish to proceed without your presence here, Senia. Though I deem she feels confident in what she proposes to do, yet there are certain aspects which may require your advice and assistance."

"Oh, I see." Senia leaned out over the table to speak to Ursula. "Good morning, Ursula. If I may be of assistance."

"Good morning, Senia," Ursula responded. "Though the time is short, some preparation must be done before we can begin. I do not want to speak of what has happened while we are eating, though, it could upset some to hear such details."

"As you say, Ursula! Then, by your leave, I will finish my breakfast and we can start... whatever it is you plan to do."

Senia picked a hot pastry from a serving plate and gratefully accepted a steaming mug of pel.

Maralin asked, "Do you need to draw some diagrams, Mistress Ursula? There is a blackboard and chalks in His Grace's office. By his leave, of course."

Ursula nodded. "That will be of help, yes. Thank you."

* * *

In the Duke's office, Ursula took charge.

"I can perform operation myself, but if I do I cannot manage patient at the same time. Tenant Maralin, I would ask you to be anesthetist."

"Me? I know nothing about surgical matters! Not to mention the fact that, as far as I know, there are no anesthetics on Anmar yet."

"Not gas, no, but Healer Senia spoke to me yesterday about herbs that can make patient insensible. We will give some to patient because otherwise he will move with pain during operation. For you, you have some idea of Earth procedures so can watch patient for anything that might indicate trouble."

Maralin nodded. "Aye, I can do that. After all, out of everyone here I have more knowledge of what you are going to do than anyone else."

"Exactly. Senia, that herb you spoke of? Have you any with you?"

"Which, the Anoteris root?" Ursula nodded. "I always carry a small amount, it is true, but... how long will he need to be unconscious?"

"A bell, maybe two." Ursula frowned. "If I take longer, patient is already in trouble."

"Two bells... It might just be enough. Tell me, is he a large man?"

"He is Mamoot. Surely you know him?"

"Of course." Senia considered. "I might need more." She turned to the Duke. "If I may ask for somebody to go for further supplies, Your Grace."

Wallesan nodded. "Of course, Senia."

The arrangements were made to collect further supplies of Anoteris root and some other materials Ursula and Senia agreed would be useful.

"So," Senia asked once the messenger had departed, "I do not yet know what is wrong with Mamoot, that needs such drastic treatment."

"Let me draw a part of body," Ursula said.

She drew a torso and part of the intestines within it, including the junction between intestine and bowel.

"Here is joining of two parts of digestive system," she explained. "For some reason, a little pocket is left here called appendix. This can become inflamed and, if it bursts, will kill patient."

"What is it you plan to do, then?"

"Appendix can be cut out without problem to patient. End of intestine must be tied off, then patient sewn up."

"Ah, I see." Senia studied the diagram. "Will you need to make a big opening?"

"Depends. With proper tools, can be done with cut about length of big finger. We do not have proper tools so cut will be bigger."

"Proper tools?" The Duke echoed. "What is it you require, Mistress? Mayhap we could have tools of use about the mansion."

"Knife I can get from kitchen. May need retractor" - this word came out in English - "and forceps."

"I don't know what the first one is, but our leather workers use forceps. Hambran, send someone for Duban."

"Aye, Your Grace."

Maralin explained, "A retractor, if I understand correctly, is a tool that is used to keep the hole open so that the surgeon can go deeper. Naturally, as you know, any cut tries to close itself up and that makes going deeper, as Mistress Ursula will have to do, to be difficult."

"Like a sword wound, you mean?" Wallesan nodded. "Aye, I understand." He turned to Ursula. "Once you have finished today, my dear, if you would explain this tool to our smiths, we may be able to provide what you desire. For now, I fear that you will have to use some other method."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Ursula replied. "That is another reason I wanted to have Senia here, both so that she can learn from what I do and to help." She considered. "It might be necessary for Maralin to hold wound open instead of Senia, I do not know what strength may be needed."

Ursula and Senia were discussing the procedure when a footman returned with Duban, the mansion's saddler.

"Your Grace?"

"Mistress Ursula has urgent need of some forceps. Is there any you may lend her for today?"

"Forceps?" Duban was surprised but considered the request. "Aye, Your Grace, I have two or three pairs that might suffice." He turned to Ursula. "Small or large, Mistress?"

"Small, probably, Master Duban."

"I'll have them for you as soon as I return to my workshop. You'll need them cleaned?"

"Yes, please, as clean as you can make them, but know that they will be boiled before we use them."

"Boiled? As you say, Mistress. Your Grace, by your leave?"

"Aye, Duban. Mamoot's life may depend on your tools."

* * *

"Maker, no! You mean to butcher me! This cannot be right!"

Mamoot's horror at his predicament when the two armsmen brought his stretcher into the tiled chamber was obvious, despite his pain and weakened state. Ursula was quick to soothe him.

"Mamoot, we would not do that." Though, in fact, we are going to do a little 'butchering'. "As we told you, we have to make sure everything is clean and the best place for that is near to kitchen. This room is easy to clean and has convenient table."

"Mistress -" The armsman tensed as another spasm hit him. "If you say it is so, then I must believe. What must I do?"

"We will put you onto table and then Senia will give you something to take pain away. When we are finished, and you are recovering, we will tell you all you need to know."

"Ahh."

Mamoot relaxed, and let the men, with the assistance of Hambran, Maralin, Ursula and Senia, carefully transfer him to the table top. Once there Senia handed him a mug she had prepared while the men brought Mamoot down from the barracks. It took a few moments before he calmed down and slowly drifted off.

"Captain, it might be better if you waited by door, to prevent interruptions. There is not enough room in here for all of us."

"As you say, Mistress. I can pass on requests for water and so on."

"Thank you, Captain."

Ursula looked at Senia. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, Ursula. I assume you want to make a cut now, to get to the... appendix? Is that the right name?"

"Appendix, yes, but that is Earth name. You might call it something else here."

Ursula pulled up Mamoot's nightshirt and rolled it up out of the way. She lowered his underpants also, but preserving the minimum of modesty. The flesh by his right groin was beginning to look red.

She frowned. "Everything else has been washed, we have fresh aprons which will have to do, but body is not washed."

Senia nodded. "But you cannot wash him with boiling water."

"No. There are... liquids... we would usually use to clean body before operation."

Maralin spoke up, from his position by Mamoot's head. "They might know iodine here." He nodded, the word had been recognized, but translated into a short phrase, 'Sea leaf orange'.

"Sea leaf orange?" Senia stared at Maralin. "Aye, it is a rare dye sometimes used by the cloth makers. How may it be used here?"

"It can be painted around where the operation will take place, Mistress Senia. It kills... anything that may be on the flesh."

"And it does not cause harm? I have not heard of such a thing."

"It is perfectly safe, Senia," Ursula confirmed. "If nothing else is available, iodine good enough. For today, we use soap and water."

A bowl of hot water was brought, together with some small squares of cloth and a bar of soap. Farren grinned as he handed them to Senia.

"Her Grace is thinking of sending out for more cloth, since almost every scrap of spare material in the mansion has been boiled and brought in here. Have you enough, Mistress?"

"This should be ample, Farren. Thank you."

Ursula cleaned the whole area as best as she could, dropping the waste cloths into a bucket on the floor. Then she turned to the pewter plate which held the few instruments they had been able to scrounge, picking up a small coring knife that had been specially sharpened. She brought the knife down to where she intended to make her cut, but the knife never reached the skin.

I cannot do this! I am not person who made incisions a year ago. Look at hands! They are steady enough, but they are different hands than I had before. I do not know if I can do this. Memory is still there but body is different.

"What is the matter?" Maralin saw her hesitation.

"I am... different. I do not think I can do this."

"What do you mean?" Maralin asked. He realized that Senia didn't know that Ursula came from another world and that explaining could be awkward - especially at the moment. He thought furiously for a way to resolve the problem, whatever it was. "Do you mean, because you haven't done anything like this for a while?"

The look that Maralin gave Ursula told her that he was trying to keep her origins a secret. "That is part of problem, yes. I have not done anything like this for some time, ever since I left city of birth. Things are... different here, as you will realize."

"Oh, I do, believe me. My situation was very similar when I first came to Joth. However, I would point out that you are the only person on the planet who can do this particular operation, and that Mamoot will likely die if you cannot."

She stared at him. He claimed to have once been a woman, how could he now be so cold-blooded?

"Ursula?" That was Senia, looking at her with concern. "I thought that you were familiar with what you intended to do."

"That is not problem, Senia," she replied with a sigh. "I am familiar with operation, not familiar with body and hands, which have not done anything like this for... some time. This will be first time for me, in such a place and time."

"Oh, yes, I forgot how you were found. Do you think it is too soon for you to be attempting something this complicated?"

"Is not complicated, really. Many other operations more complicated, but cannot be done here because we do not have equipment or trained... healers... who know what to do." She looked at the knife, at her hands. "Maralin, you are right. Without operation, Mamoot will certainly die. Even if I make mistake, Mamoot will have chance he would not otherwise have. I will do it."

The knife came down, skin was cut, and Senia was there to mop up the inevitable trickle of blood. More confident now, Ursula went deeper, explaining to Senia about the different layers and how she hoped to restore them afterwards. Soon, the abdominal cavity was revealed. It became hard to see, though, even with the good light in the room, because the wound kept closing itself.

"I need retractors, but we do not have any. Wound must be held open with fingers, then, but I am afraid I might cut fingers instead of patient."

"I have an idea," Maralin said. "I'll have to go and speak to Farren."

"Then do so, and quickly. Timer has started now, we must be finished as quickly as possible."

Maralin left the room and found Farren, who was with all the other kitchen staff, watching the action from a safe distance.

"Master Farren, I wonder, have you two old spoons you would be willing to sacrifice? Fairly small ones, about the size of those at table."

"Why, of course, Maralin. Sacrifice? What do you intend to do with them?"

"Beat them flat and bend them, Master Farren. It would take too long to explain how they will be used, I need them right away."

"As you wish, Maralin. Come with me."

Farren led Maralin out into the ante-room and pulled a drawer open. "Here! Will any of these do? They are old cutlery which was all that was left when the invaders departed. Take any that you wish."

Maralin selected two small silver spoons and turned back to the kitchen. "Now, how do I flatten these?"

"You want to squash the bowls flat, I deem," Farren mused. "Now Fess caught his fingers in the door the other day -"

"Good idea!"

Maralin pushed the spoons into the hinge side of an open door and then pulled the heavy door closed, crushing the bowls almost flat. Then he went back into the kitchen to bend the handles at right angles on the edge of a table.

"Right. Now I need to boil these, and quickly."

Several interested bystanders pointed to the pots of water gently simmering on one of the ranges. Maralin dropped the spoons into the most active-looking one, and after a few seconds fished them out again with a pair of wooden tongs. He hurried back into the 'theater'.

"Will these do? They are crude but should do the job. I have boiled them, briefly."

Ursula quirked a brief smile. "Russian tools often look crude but do job. You will have to stand there and hold them the whole time I am inside."

"I understand that."

Ursula nodded and gestured. Maralin inserted the two tools and gently pulled on the handles, opening the wound so that Ursula could see inside.

"Is good. Senia, come and look at this." The healer came and peered over at what was revealed. "That is appendix, color indicates it is inflamed. I must tie off intestine above, then cut appendix away. Have you got the embroidery thread?"

White thread had been chosen, on the grounds that it would show up better inside, but of course it immediately became soaked with the blood that was welling in the cavity. Ursula used tweezers to maneuver it around the intestine and then tied it off with difficulty, cursing the lack of suitable forceps with which to tie the knot.

"Is done. Now, I need knife again. Have bowl ready to take appendix, then small cloths I can use to mop out inside."

Mamoot, while insensible, still twitched when she grabbed the appendix with the oversize forceps provided by the saddler. Ursula gave him a quick glance to assure herself that he was still out, then reached in with the knife. The cut was awkward, especially with a knife never intended for use in such an enclosed space. The offending body part was brought out and dumped in the bowl.

"Good. We will keep that for a while to examine before it is discarded. Now, I need curved needle and thread to sew up each layer."

Again, it was awkward to tie off each knot without the proper equipment, but Ursula decided that, considering the usual state of people who had suffered wounds from fights, her attempts were probably at least as good as that which existing healers could provide. Finally, she was back at the skin level, where it was easier to manipulate the thread, so she made sure that the closure would heal as a tidy scar. A pad of boiled cloth was used to protect the wound, then a bandage was with difficulty wrapped around the armsman's body to hold it in place.

She sagged with relief. "It is done. Now patient can be taken away, to wake up somewhere less... threatening."

Hambran was at the entrance to the room, so he called the stretcher bearers back to load the limp form onto the stretcher and take him to the Chamber for the Sick. Ursula gave instructions.

"He must be made to lie flat for three to four days, Captain. Plenty of fluids... drinks, and soft food only for a week. I will check him at least twice every day until we know if he will survive."

Hambran bowed. "As you command, Mistress. You have done Joth a great service this day."

"I hope so, Captain."

As the stretcher party moved away Ursula put her hands down flat on the table and leaned on her straightened arms. Her head went down and she sighed.

Maralin asked, "Are you all right?"

"Was hard. Harder than expected. Forgot about changes to me."

Senia was curious. "What do you mean, Ursula? I was impressed by your knowledge and ability today. I did not know such things as you have just done were even possible."

Maralin looked at the sagging Ursula. "Mistress Senia, I think we had better clean up this chamber so that Master Farren may have it back. All the waste needs to be thrown away..." He thought. "...or, preferably, burned. The tools will have to be thoroughly cleaned and returned to their owners, of course. Then we can all go and find a room elsewhere to talk about what just happened."

He thought again. "I believe that I must ask His Grace for advice, though that can wait. First, the cleaning up. Ursula, do you want to go through into the kitchen and sit down? I am certain that Master Farren will have some pel brewing. We can handle the rest."

"Yes, Maralin. Is good idea."

As Ursula walked off Senia turned to Maralin. "Her voice sounded funny today. Do you know why?"

"Aye, Mistress. You should know that the Valley tongue is not her birth tongue. Of course she thinks in her own tongue, and sometimes drops words or says them in a strange way, especially if she concentrates on a problem or is stressed. If she decides to remain in Joth, as I have, then doubtless her speech will change over time as she begins to think the same way we do."

Senia nodded. "As you say. I remember, when you first joined the Duke's household, you had a very strange accent but now it has entirely disappeared. You are saying that is what will happen to Ursula."

"Very likely, Mistress."

A short time later Maralin looked in at the Duke.

"If I may briefly interrupt, Your Grace. Having watched Ursula perform the operation, Mistress Senia has begun asking questions."

"Hmm? Oh, yes."Wallesan switched his attention from the large parchment document in front of him. "Did everything go as expected?"

"You know that I know almost nothing about medical matters, Your Grace? It seems to me that Ursula did what was expected, yes. Only time will tell if we have done enough to save Mamoot."

"As you say. Senia is curious, then? You have a suggestion, I deem."

"Your Grace, I think that Mistress Senia needs to be told the truth about Ursula's off-world origins, and, possibly, about the fact that she used to be male. Today the problem was not with the patient, but with Ursula herself. Since she has now become female, that means that her body is now different and that her strengths and weaknesses are also different. I do not think that she consciously realized this before today."

"Her body is different? Aside from the obvious, how should this cause her problems?"

"I'm not entirely certain, Your Grace, but it is small things... like the fact her hands are smaller, her arms are shorter. Her grip will be different, her fine manual control different, her eyesight different." He shrugged. "Physical things like that are what comes to mind, but there may be... emotional differences... and also psychological differences. You must remember that she is now in a very different place than she was before."

"And this affected her during the operation, is what you are telling me."

"Aye, Your Grace. Senia noticed but could not understand why."

Wallesan nodded. "Then by all means Senia must be told. As a healer, she will know enough to keep the matter confidential. Shall you require my presence?"

"It would be better, Your Grace, to give the information more credibility."

"As you say."

* * *

Maralin, Ursula and Senia filed into Wallesan's office where the Duke and Duchess were already waiting. With a gesture Wallesan invited them to take seats, before asking an unexpected question.

"Mistress Ursula, before we come to the real reason for this meeting, if I may first ask whether... what you did this morning... went as expected."

She replied, "Your Grace, what I did was an operation. I operated on Armsman Mamoot, making an incision in his abdomen and exposing the appendix, which I judged to be so inflamed that it threatened his life. There are certain parts of a body which are not vital to life, as the heart is, or maybe the brain or lungs. These other parts can sometimes be removed without the patient dying as a result. That is what I did, briefly."

"Ah, I see. And you were successful?"

"So far as we can tell, Your Grace. The greatest danger is from infection which happens during the operation, which is why I asked for extreme precautions to be taken, such as washing down the room first and then boiling everything that would touch the patient."

Wallesan raised an eyebrow. "Including your hands?"

"Your Grace, of course we may not boil our hands. We did wash them very thoroughly before we began, though."

"These infections, do you know how they are caused? I am sure that Healer Senia has some idea, but the matter may be of some interest to the rest of us if... operations... are to happen again in the future."

Ursula nodded. "That is true, Your Grace. Infections are -"

"Excuse me, Ursula," Senia said. "Your Grace, while we have some knowledge as how to prevent infections, we do not, as a rule, know what causes them. If Ursula has knowledge of such matters, it would be of vital interest to all healers, I am certain."

Ursula spread her hands. "Infection is a broad subject, Senia. There are many, many ways a person can become infected and it also depends on the person themself. The problem is, most infections are caused by creatures so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye." She turned to Wallesan. "I do not know how we can proceed, Your Grace."

Maralin said, "If I may, Your Grace. Among the items sent from Palarand is a microscope. This is an instrument especially designed to see such small creatures." He considered. "To make best use of it will essentially mean setting up a small research project, somewhere in the city, and run by the healers."

Ursula was surprised. "You have a microscope here? I did not know that. Since I was not aware that it existed, we destroyed the appendix after giving it a close examination. With a microscope, we could have looked at the bacteria that were in it."

Maralin shrugged. "A great number of items arrived in that consignment, Mistress, and I was not aware of your particular interest then. We will know better next time."

"Very well," Wallesan stepped in. "We did not meet here to assign blame, one to the other. Maralin, seek out the microscope and make it available to Ursula for her immediate use. Mistress Senia, once you have seen what the microscope can do, bring me a plan for a workshop... no, now what did Garia name it..? Ah, a laboratory, aye, that is the word. A place where you and your colleagues may advance your knowledge of the healer's arts. For now, if we may turn to the reason for this meeting.

"Mistress Senia, first I must ask you to make an oath that you will not speak to anyone except those now in this room concerning what I am about to reveal. All those already here have made similar oaths."

"Why, of course, Your Grace, but what could possibly be so -"

Wallesan just looked at Senia, who shrugged.

"As you desire, Your Grace. I hereby swear that I shall not reveal anything that I may be told in this room, to any person other than those present today. Is that sufficient?"

Fanis glanced at Maralin, who looked puzzled. She said, "Maralin, Ursula makes her oath to Wallesan, so he cannot make witness. Since I am his wife, it is preferable that I do not either."

"Oh, of course, Your Grace. Er, heard and witnessed."

Ursula watched these proceeding with puzzlement. The 'oath' business seemed to be significantly more serious than it was taken on Earth, and she realized that it would be easy for her to accidentally do something somewhat more permanent than she might intend.

I need to ask somebody about the business of oaths. I do not want to end up committing myself to something I did not understand! And I have heard mention of the 'Ring of Honor'. What is that?

The Duke turned to Senia. "Now I understand that you have been told that Ursula comes from a distant land called Alberta."

"That is correct, Your Grace, although I have never heard of such a land." She shrugged. "I am no traveler, doubtless there are many lands I have never heard of."

"You could not have heard of this one, though, simply because it is not in Alaesia nor even anywhere on Anmar at all. Ursula comes from another world named Earth."

"Another world?"

Wallesan continued, "The situation that has recently been revealed is... curious, and I will tell you now that we do not understand much of what is happening. A small number of people from this other world, Earth, have been... transported here, let us say, in order, we think, to bring fresh knowledge from that world to Anmar. Ursula is one of them, Maralin is another, and Princess Garia is a third. We believe, though the proof is small, that Yod had yet another person there, which may be the reason for the recent war."

Senia's mouth opened and stayed there. Finally her mental processes caught up and she began asking questions.

"Another world, Your Grace? How can this be? Everyone knows that Anmar... The Great Convocation? What proof is there of any of this?"

"There is proof enough, Mistress, that I have seen with my own eyes, but I have myself given an oath not to describe anything in so much detail. The Great Convocation remains true. What has happened involves no magic and no gods, but... qualities, let me say, of the natural world that we have not yet explored. Maralin?"

"Your Grace." Maralin turned to Senia. "Mistress, I was delivered to Joth on the night that the invaders took the city. It is thought that the confusion made by the evacuation covered my appearance, in a ditch beside the Galdarin Gate. For five days or so, I did not know who I was or where I was. When my memory returned, as Ursula's did, I was horrified by my new situation." He turned to Wallesan. "Your Grace, should I tell her the rest? It will make what happened this morning more understandable."

"As you say." Wallesan gestured.

"Mistress Senia," Maralin took a deep breath. Every time he told this part of his story was a strain, and it was something he did not wish to become common knowledge. "On the world I came from, Earth, I was not a man but a woman. Similarly, both Ursula and Princess Garia were born male on Earth. Though our memories and personalities are more or less the same as what we were on Earth, our bodies have been incorrectly remade by a fault in the transfer mechanism."

Senia's mouth opened again.

"It is true, Senia," Ursula said. "That is one reason I had difficulty this morning. I prepared as though I was the same person I had been on Earth, but discovered that things were different here. I could not hold the knife the same way and I was not sure of my ability to do the cutting and sewing." She grimaced. "I will have to learn to be a surgeon all over again, I think."

"There will also be hormonal differences," Maralin reminded her. "You now have little testosterone flowing through your veins while I have much more than I did before. That is going to make a big difference to your physical and mental processes."

Ursula raised an eyebrow. "How do you..? Oh, of course, you have had more time to think about all this. Senia, I have all the memories I had before, but I have a whole new body that I need to learn to use. That will take time and it may affect certain things I can do. At least for now."

The healer was sympathetic. "I think that I understand, Ursula, though it will take me some while to become used to the idea. If you were a man before, does it not feel uncomfortable now? I mean," she glanced briefly at Wallesan, "intending no disrespect, Your Grace, but the lives of men and women are surely different. How can you bear the change?"

Ursula's mouth twitched. "It has been no problem for me, Senia, since my mind was always that of a woman, even in a boy's body. Then, though, I did not have the body I wanted, and learning to cope with the reality has been... interesting."

"You were a woman... in a boy's body? But how...?" Senia turned to Wallesan. "Your Grace, I could spend bells asking questions of Ursula and Maralin but that is not your purpose today. Will you permit me to learn more of this unbelievable circumstance?"

The Duke thought, then nodded. "A certain amount, Senia. We understand that you must satisfy yourself that what we tell you is, in fact, the truth. Both Ursula and Maralin can offer details of the transfer which are beyond the understanding of anyone else in Joth but, as a healer, you might understand. I would ask you to ensure that no-one may overhear any conversations that you do have, of course."

"As you command, Your Grace." Senia thought. "Does this mean that there might be others from this other world, here on Anmar?"

Wallesan shrugged. "Probably. I am certain, though, that they will desire to keep their origins concealed, as Maralin did. If they should tell the truth, with little proof, they would be considered crazy."

"As you say, Your Grace. Ah! That explains the clothes that Maralin showed us the other day! I wondered where such amazing stitching could come from. Do you tell me that those clothes came from the other world?"

"Indeed, Senia. When someone is sent from that world to this, they are wearing whatever they were wearing on Earth, and they have in their possession anything that they were carrying at the time. Some of those items, a very small number, may be of use to us here."

"Then I must needs accept that clothing as proof of Ursula's origins, Your Grace. You may be assured that nothing we have spoken of today will be mentioned to anyone else at all."

* * *

"Come in, please."

Eriana had gotten used to using the word "Please", though it had taken some time and immersion in the more polite societies of the Great Valley to make it a comfortable part of her vocabulary. Bennet followed Ursula into Eriana's small sitting room, while behind them Semma closed the door and returned to her seat. The two visitors found comfortable chairs around the unlit fire.

"So, this morning you did what you had been trained to do on the mother world."

"That is so, Highness." Ursula had seen less of Eriana than the others since her discovery but even so, she felt more comfortable in the presence of the Princess. "In medical terms, it was a straightforward operation, and appears to have been successful, but we will not know for certain until Armsman Mamoot has recovered and is back to duty."

Eriana nodded. "As you say. Did you feel that His Grace offered you what you needed to do this operation?"

"Of course he did, Highness, although I would have preferred somewhere more suitable. On Earth, we have special rooms fitted out for such operations. Here, I had to make use of a side room in the kitchens."

"So I understand." The Princess frowned, and then waved her hand as if dismissing a thought. "I shall not enquire the reasons since I would probably not understand them. Tell me, do you believe that your future may lie with Joth, making more of these operations in a place which Wallesan will certainly provide for you? I am sure you would be made welcome here, as Maralin was."

Ursula's reply was hesitant. "Highness, it is too soon for me to be making such decisions! I have barely been here for two weeks and I still know next to nothing about the land, the people or the society I am now in. From what I understand, making such an oath to the Duke is a serious decision and one that it might not be easy to reverse." She shrugged. "The matter of oaths is one thing I know little about, for example."

"I agree, in the Valley they take oaths very seriously indeed. In Einnland we had oaths, it is true, but mostly to my father the King." A lopsided grin. "It did not stop many of his men from breaking those oaths the first chance they had. In the Great Valley, though, it would be a matter of honor to abide your oath."

"Ah, I see. I was right to be cautious, then."

"As you say. You have not been here long, you have plenty of time yet to decide your place in this world." Eriana switched subjects. "Tell me, I heard from Heris this afternoon that you had a meeting with Wallesan. I assume that was to discuss the operation?"

"It was, but it was really to tell Senia about my Earthly origins... and my change of gender. The fact that I am a woman now may affect the way I can handle instruments, for example. Senia noticed this during the operation, so I felt obliged to let her know the reason why."

"Your Earthly origins!" The Princess leaned forward. "Did he say aught of anything else related to your transfer?"

Ursula shook her head. "Not really, although he did tell us that he knew more but could not say anything." She considered. "Was that what you meant the other day?"

"Aye, it was. I understand that he and Maralin have taken oaths but this is intolerable. This matter concerns you and you should be fully informed of everything he knows."

"I am inclined to agree, Highness. What should I do?"

"You will get no more from them, I deem. I have no doubt that Duke Wallesan is an honorable man but that still leaves room for much that may not be in your favor. Ursula, do you trust me?"

Ursula eyed the Princess. "I think so, Highness, but I should tell you that I think you are making much out of nothing. I met you at the same time I met the Duke and Maralin and none of you have done anything - yet - that I could object to."

"Well said, Ursula. I am used to plain speaking, though sometimes I object to the message, it is true. I was about to add that if you should have questions the locals will not answer, or should you have doubts about what is asked of you, you may always come to me for advice. I may not be able to satisfy every question but I would be your friend, if I may."

"Thank you, Highness." She hesitated. "The truth is, I feel more comfortable with one or more of you around. Maybe it is a natural thing with women, I do not know. I never experienced anything like this on Earth."

"Since I have never been to Earth, I could not say. You are right, around here the women often have their own, more gentle society which the men are barely aware of. You will remember my offer?"

"I will, Highness."

"Then, by your leave, we will now speak of something more comfortable, and that is our ride out today."

Again Ursula hesitated. What is the matter with me today? "Highness, I have to tell you that I am not looking forward to riding. I understand that I will have to do it, in order to go places, but I do not think I will be comfortable on the back of an animal."

"You will not know unless you try, Ursula. I will tell you now that it is less than a year since any of us first sat on a frayen. It is only since the coming of Princess Garia that any woman has ridden as we do."

A sudden memory came and Eriana grinned. "I shall describe to you what happened when my men first came to Palarand! I had lived in the palace myself for several weeks at that point, with only a few retainers. When King Robanar asked if we would be able to assault Boldan's Rock, I sent for my men and joined them at a country estate nearby. Now these are the same men, mostly, that you already know from the Visund. In those days, though, they were a rough crew who drank a lot, swore a lot, wenched a lot, wore the same furs for weeks on end and washed not at all. Garia changed all that! The first morning..."

Ursula takes her first ride outside the city walls and it is not without incident. Female biology intervenes and she is forced to return to the mansion. There, Fanis tells her what she might expect in the future - and surprises Ursula.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

21 - Reluctant Rider

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Giri! Walk on."

Ursula flicked the reins in what she hoped would be the correct manner. Giri turned her head to the side, one eye looking at her with interest. The head turned back and the frayen lurched into motion.

However do people manage this? It all seems so easy when someone else is doing it.

One day! One day's instruction is all I've had and now Eriana wants to take me out - through the city - into the country! I am not ready for this!

"That's good," Dirgan remarked from beside her. "Already your beast knows you, you will make a good partnership, I deem."

"If you say so. There's just so much to remember!"

And I didn't want to do this in the first place. There are more important things I should be giving my attention to!

The previous day had been very busy. Mamoot appeared to be recovering well, which was a considerable relief to Ursula. There had been riding lessons both morning and afternoon, and in between she had found time to go with Senia to the market and speak with the silversmith. That worthy had said that, indeed, he could make forceps and scalpels to her design, but perhaps silver was not the best metal for her purposes. Would not the cutler be able to offer a more durable alternative? So the two had spent most of a bell trying to convince the cutler what they wanted, with limited success. It seemed that he did not have sufficient imagination to understand how the new tools would be used, and would not make them until he did.

Dirgan brought her back to riding. "Ah, Mistress, it is like everything else in life. It is all mysterious and complicated until you know what to do, and then you will wonder what all the fuss was about."

On the other side, Eriana added, "It is a skill as your medical skill is, Ursula. Just as Dirgan says, it will take a little time and effort to become familiar with what you need to do. Once you have learned, though, you will be able to do so much more. It is, like... learning to read, perhaps."

"If you say so, Highness."

The small party rode under the entrance arch and out into the street, turning left to head for the nearest gateway out into the countryside. Most days there was now a cluster of onlookers who had come to see if "the women who ride" would appear. Many of these were women who gazed with longing at the riders and their attire. Others were men, who stared disapprovingly from under lowered brows.

"The street looks busier today. Is that because of us?"

Eriana replied, "Probably." She grinned. "Do not think they mark your presence, Ursula, except as an addition to the party. Most will have come to see what the strange foreign Princess is up to today."

Today's ride was a larger party than usual, which did cause comment among the onlookers. The reason was, in fact, Ursula's presence, but simply because she was a complete novice. In addition to Bennet, Semma and Maralin, there were four of Wallesan's armsmen and a supervising Tenant. All these were arranged so that Giri and her rider were boxed in and protected from any kind of accidental disturbance.

They reached the gate and the guards there cleared a way so that the party could ride straight through. Eriana's rides were familiar to the city troops now, so she was always given priority. The party walked slowly along the highway for about half a mark and then turned off onto a lane which led to some small farms that were situated close to the city walls.

"Do you know where we are?" Eriana asked.

Ursula replied, "I have no idea, Highness."

She looked around, but nothing seemed familiar. After all, she had not been beyond the walls since regaining her memory.

"If you would look up there," the Princess pointed, "that is the part of the wall we went up to that evening. This is the farm we could see from there. The steadholder has graciously permitted us to use several of his fields in order to train our riders better. There is only so much that can be done in the mansion's courtyard."

Maralin added from behind, "And of course, the surface is soil and grass, which is much better for the frayens' feet."

Around here the sun was on the far side of the city so the walls were shadowed. Squinting, she shaded her eyes with a free hand and looked up. Ancient fortifications had been of little interest to her in Russia, so much of what she saw meant nothing. Like so much else in this strange place she would just have to take somebody else's word for it.

"If you say so, Highness," she said once again.

Now in double file, they followed the other Tenant along a cart-track to the farm buildings. When somebody noticed their arrival, a door opened and the farmer came out to greet them. He made an elaborate bow to Eriana.

"Your Highness, welcome again."

"Good morning, Goodman Heddel. I trust all is well?"

"As always, Highness. If I may ask, will you be using the same field as before?"

"We shall, Goodman. As you may have noticed, we have a new rider with us today, Mistress Ursula, who is new to riding. It is not so easy to explain basic steps in the noise and distractions of the Mansion, so I thought to bring her here."

Heddel bowed to Ursula. "Be welcome here, Mistress." He turned back to Eriana. "Highness, since you last rode here I have had the field lined, as Tenant Maralin suggested, to provide a safe place for the Mistress to learn." He hesitated. "Ah, Highness, if I may ask a boon. Your presence here has been noticed by several in the city, and there have been... requests, perhaps, for others to make use of the field as you and your party have done."

"Have there now?" Eriana grinned. "I doubt not that there are many, many women who now desire to ride, having seen me and the girls in days past. What is it you desire of me?"

Heddel looked troubled. "Highness, I am but a farmer, as you know. I am not sure if I can manage the complications should anyone other than you or any of your party desire to make use of my fields. It is in my nature to help others but I know not how."

"Goodman, I know little of your abilities or circumstances, I am essentially a woman of the open sea. Maralin, mayhap you may offer suggestions?"

Maralin rode forward, nodding to the man before addressing Eriana. "Highness, there may be something, something that will benefit both the city and the farmer, if he is willing."

"Oh?" She smiled at Maralin. "Have I overlooked something?"

"I don't think so, Highness. You probably didn't have the need for such a thing in Einnland." Maralin turned to the farmer. "Goodman, I do have an idea, but if you decide to take it up then your days as a farmer of gavakhan will probably come to an end. In fact, I do not think that I am exaggerating if I tell you that the city will, very likely, expand outside the walls in a year or two. If that happens, you would have to move anyway, so what I propose may be just accepting the inevitable."

The farmer stared at Maralin before nodding. "I have heard a little of the changes happening inside the city, Tenant. There are strange constructions... my wife has noticed the new attire to be seen at the market and she wonders if some of it may be appropriate to herself. By your own attire, and that of your companions, I can tell that change is already coming to Joth. What is it you propose?"

"That you consider, perhaps, setting up a riding school here on your lands, for the use of the people of the city who wish to learn to ride. You would have to have stables for the mounts, and tack, and everything which goes with the riding and care of frayen, but I am certain that His Grace may be of help there. Your fields might not remain suitable for gavakhan in the future, but a riding school would certainly survive in the newer, larger city, since there are always people who need to learn to ride."

"A riding school!" Eriana exclaimed. "What an interesting idea, Maralin. You are right, such a thing would not be necessary in Einnland, but for a city such as Joth... an important addition, I deem."

Heddel spread his hands. "But, Highness, I know little about the care of frayen! I can ride, aye, but I am too poor to own any beast. Why, with the city just there we have no need of them."

Eriana waved a hand. "I am certain that a way shall be found, Goodman. I shall speak to the Duke myself once we return to his mansion. For now, I see that Ursula becomes restless, so we had better make our way to the field. By your leave?"

The man made a deep bow. "Of course, Highness."

The mounted party walked past the small collection of farm buildings to another track, the farmer following on foot. Over a culvert across one of the inevitable broad ditches, they entered a fair-sized pasture. This had been marked out with waist-high stakes and a rope nailed to the top, forming a simple visible barrier to rider and beast, but one which would not cause severe injuries if somebody barged into it by accident.

"Let us just walk around the edge to begin with," Eriana instructed. "Follow me."

The party set off in single file around the perimeter of the small - by Earth standards - field. Ursula found the motion of riding to be awkward, causing her to continually shift her balance as her mount moved along.

I am sure that it didn't feel like this yesterday. That was in a small courtyard, though, and this field is of course different in many respects. Perhaps I am just not made for riding?

"A moment, Highness, if you would."

That was Maralin from somewhere behind her. She wanted to turn around but was afraid what her mount might decide to do if she did. Everybody stopped, Giri more because the frayen in front had stopped than as a result of anything Ursula might have done.

"Maralin?"

"If I may have a word with Ursula, Highness." He rode forward to stop beside her. "Mistress, to me it looks as if you are fighting your beast. You keep shifting, and every time you do so she has to compensate for your movement, which just makes you shift even more."

She blinked. "Is that what I was doing? I thought that was how one was supposed to ride. It was not very comfortable, I will admit."

Maralin grimaced. "It certainly did not look right to me. Look, you have to find a balance between just sitting like a sack of grain and moving all over the place. Aye, you do have to move, but what you are supposed to be doing is helping your mount, not fighting her. Frayen are not really intelligent but they get to understand their riders' movements and once they do that, they will know that you can look after yourself. Once they are confident that you know what you are doing, they will help you as much as they can."

"But I do not know how to do that! It is too soon."

"Not really. The sooner you can adjust the sooner your mount will feel confident with you on board. Another thing - you have to carry some of your weight in the stirrups. They are not just there to keep your legs out of the way. Have you ever ridden a bicycle?"

"No."

"Oh. If you had done so, you would know that it is better to put some of your weight on the pedals, rather than keeping it all on the saddle. This is just the same thing."

Ursula thought about this. "I think I understand. When I have watched people on horses - on the TV, you understand - I did not realize that their movement in the saddle was so important." She looked around at the others. "Let me try a few different things, see if any of them make a difference."

Maralin smiled. "That is why we are out here, Mistress."

Eriana had turned her frayen halfway round to listen to Maralin's words. "It was hard for some of us, Ursula, when the men learned to ride. You have to make your body behave a different way." She had a thought. "It is like keeping your balance on a pitching deck. You will tense your legs, and bend your knees, and move your back, to compensate. But after a while you will not even notice that you are doing anything."

Ursula began to get irritated by the additional advice. I know that I am doing something wrong! The advice is good but I have to concentrate on riding.

Despite this, she kept her face calm and merely nodded. "I did not think of that, Highness. I must find out what will work and what will not."

The next bell was, Ursula felt, exhausting. She tried a number of different approaches but many of them resulted in Giri turning and giving her a look which implied that her rider was being deliberately awkward. Finally, she stumbled on a method which seemed comfortable to herself and also to her mount, who suddenly began to walk in a completely different manner.

"That looks good," Eriana said approvingly. "I can see that Giri moves differently already. What of yourself? Have you learned the secret?"

Ursula concentrated hard on her body movements. "Highness, I have no idea what I am doing, only that it works this way. I have to continually shift my weight from leg to leg and I can feel the strain in my lower back."

"That will soon go, I deem. You have reached the first stage of being a frayen rider, Ursula, a stage which took me a full week to achieve. If you would walk a complete turn about the field, we should then stop for a drink. Then, perhaps, the rest of us can exercise our own beasts alongside yours."

It was a relief to get off after all that. The farmer's wife had previously started a kettle for the inevitable pel so they stood in a loose circle, nursing their mugs.

"Ow! Now I have to teach myself how to stand properly again."

"That happens whatever you ride," Maralin observed. "Bicycles, motorbikes, horses, elephants. Because your legs are stretched apart, they get using to being in that position. All this will soon pass, believe me."

"If you say so, Tenant."

"I know what horses are," Eriana said conversationally, "even though I have never seen one. But what might those other creatures be?"

Maralin chuckled. "Bicycles are a lightweight machine used by many on Earth to get around on, Highness. They have two wheels and the rider has to turn pedals to move them along. On a decent road surface you can probably do the same speed as a frayen at a trot. A motorbike is simply a much heavier version of a bicycle, usually with a big engine to move it along faster on the roads. It does not depend on the fitness of the rider, as a bicycle does."

"And the last word? Is that another machine?"

"Oh, no! That is a huge animal, maybe two to three times the height of a dranakh." Maralin paused. "If I described it to you here you would think I was making a joke, Highness. When we get back to the mansion, I will try and draw a picture of one. I don't think they have anything remotely like an elephant on Anmar, though of course I could be wrong. There is so much of this world that we know nothing about."

"So I have learned, Maralin. Perhaps the new Navy will contribute to our knowledge, by naming and numbering all that we find as we explore our world."

He nodded. "That is exactly what happened on Earth, Highness. Many significant discoveries were made, of plants and animals, but also of the way the world works. I will make some notes of what I remember once we return to the mansion."

* * *

Nobody was quite sure of the sequence of events, but the end result could not have been more plain. They had progressed to riding in a group at the trot, to show Ursula how her body movements worked when her frayen changed pace. One of the guardsmens' mounts picked up a prickly weed leaf between two of its rear toes and that had obviously hurt when weight was put on it. It had kicked, causing the other frayen to scatter.

One of the others barged into Giri and she switched directions abruptly. Since Ursula was unprepared, her right boot came out of the stirrup and the change unbalanced her. Over she went, her left boot snagging in the stirrup. She was dragged along, almost upside down, for two or three paces before it came free. She landed with a thump and one of the other frayen promptly stepped on her thigh.

"Stop, everybody! Rider down!"

Bennet and Semma reached her quickly, both dismounting swiftly with ease of practice.

"Mistress, are you hurt?"

"One of the beasts trampled me, but I think it realized what it was doing, since it kind of hopped over me," Ursula replied. "I'll have a bruise there, I expect, but..." She frowned. "Something isn't right. My stomach feels strange. Maybe I'm just winded." She checked herself over, cautiously. "I do not think that anything is broken."

Maralin reached her. "Soft tissue damage?"

"Mmm. My left ankle, perhaps, where it was caught in the stirrup. I do not think it will cause me a problem. My thigh, certainly, but I do not know if it will be enough to prevent me riding. I'll probably have a bruise by tonight. As for the rest... I will need to look myself over in the bathing chamber when we return to the mansion." She suddenly grimaced. "There it is again. It is not a feeling that I am familiar with."

"Are you sure it just stepped on your thigh? Not your stomach? That might be what you are feeling."

"That is what I thought happened." Ursula rolled over to a sitting position. "Oh." She looked up, embarrassed. "I feel wet down there. Maybe he caught my bladder. How do I..?"

Bennet crouched down. "Mistress, if you would let me look."

She gave Maralin a look and he backed away a step or two to give them privacy. By now all the others had gathered, dismounted, and watched what was happening. Bennet reached down and lifted Ursula's riding skirt before looking at her.

"Mistress, it is not what you think. See for yourself."

Ursula cautiously took the skirt hem and pulled it up so that she could see for herself.

"Blood? I didn't think I had injured myself when I fell! Maybe a claw -"

"Mistress, it is not that sort of blood." Bennet looked at the location of the stain on Ursula's breeches. "I would venture that it is your Call, maybe started a day early. If you had known when we rose this morning, we could have prepared you for it."

"Call?" Ursula's expression was blank. "What do you mean?"

Bennet was puzzled by Ursula's reaction. "Your Call of Kalikan, Mistress. Did you not realize? Have there been no signs?"

"Kalikan? I do not understand. Isn't Kalikan the name of one of the moons?" Realization suddenly dawned. "Oh."

How could I have forgotten? If I have a woman's body now, then logically this has to happen.

But what has Kalikan to do with it?

Realization dawned on Maralin as well. He began to step closer to Ursula to explain, but Eriana stopped him.

"Maralin! Stay there. You of all people should know what this means."

He turned. "Aye, Highness, but perhaps you do not." He looked at the interested group of male spectators. "If I may have a word with you, Highness. In private."

Eriana gave him a cold look but then nodded. "Over here." She turned to the others. "Semma, attend Ursula, if you would. Gentlemen, this is woman's business. If you would retire to a different part of the field."

As the men backed off, muttering, Eriana joined Maralin away from both groups. "Well?"

"Highness, as you know, Ursula had a male body on Earth. She has only been female since just before we found her on that island. I am guessing that she has never had a Call of Kalikan before. This will be her first. It is not surprising that she did not notice any signs."

"Her first?" Eriana's eyes widened before she nodded. "Aye, of course. She would know nothing of such matters, would she? And your own body is no longer ruled by Kalikan, I deem."

"That is true, Highness, but, then," he smiled at Eriana, "you do not have to shave every morning, do you? There are benefits and limitations to both sides as you well know."

"As you say. So, what shall we do with Ursula? Surely she can ride no more this day."

"I'll send one of the men back to the mansion for a carriage, Highness. While we wait for that to come, you and the girls could take Ursula into..." He looked at the farm buildings. "...One of those barns, perhaps, or maybe there might be enough room in the farmhouse itself... But you want privacy to clean her up. I'm guessing that Bennet or Semma will have emergency pads and panties?"

Her eyes narrowed. "How do you..? Of course you would. I assume that on the mother world all women carry such things?"

"Most of the time, Highness. That is a conversation for another time, I guess."

"Indeed. For now, let us attend Ursula's needs. I will explain to the girls what you have just told me."

"As you command, Highness."

Eriana went to the girls and explained what would happen. Maralin, with a word to the other Tenant, walked off towards the farmhouse. The farmer's wife shook her head when he explained what he wanted but the farmer pointed to one of the barns, presently containing the remains of the winter fodder. He looked inside before returning to the others. Eriana joined him.

"The farm is too small, Highness, but there is a reasonably clean barn with some fodder which Ursula could lie on. The farmer's wife will boil some more water to clean her up with. As I suspected, there is no carriage here, not even a cart, so I'll have to send for one."

"Good work, Maralin, and sensitively done."

"Thank you, Highness." He gave her a quirky smile. "I have been in that situation myself, on Earth. There, our periods are not locked to our Moon the way they are to Kalikan here, so it is possible to misjudge the date occasionally. Women there are used to it so plan accordingly."

"Indeed? We should learn more... Though perhaps I ought to be worried about a man who knows so much of such matters."

"Ah, but Highness, remember, there I was not a man. Consider me just as a source of information about human bodies both male and female."

"As Ursula is about healing matters? Just so. Very well. Shall you now send someone for a carriage? By the time we return to the mansion, it will be nearly lunchtime, I deem."

"I'll do that, Highness."

* * *

Ursula stepped carefully from the carriage into the front courtyard of the mansion, feeling very embarrassed.

Everybody knows I went out with Eriana for a ride and now, here I am, coming back in a carriage! They will think that I cannot even do something as simple as stay on the back of a frayen.

That will give ammunition to those men outside, most of whom would rather we didn't ride at all.

The "we" in her thought passed her by. That bridge had long been crossed.

Having to be cleaned up in that barn by Bennet and Semma was embarrassing too, despite the fact that neither thought anything of it. Does this happen all the time?

At least I do not have to get on Giri again for a few days. Although... I will have to try and learn how to ride all over again!

Which leads to another question. How long does this last, and what will I be able to do while it goes on? I never paid any attention to the women staff at the hospital. I do not remember any of them being absent for a few days each month. Perhaps they managed?

...But that was with modern pads and tampons. I will bet those are not available here yet.

"Mistress? Shall we go into the mansion?" That was Bennet. "I deem we will just have enough time to clean you up before lunch is served."

"Yes. Of course."

She followed Bennet into the building, while Maralin saw to the disposal of the carriage and frayen, including hers which had been brought back on a leading rein. Eriana had elected to remain at the farm for a while, along with Semma, as Tenant Grabenar had offered to show them some special tricks that a mounted armsman could do during combat. She would probably appear just as lunch was called.

Inevitably, they met Fanis as they were climbing the stairs to their room.

"Ursula! Did you enjoy your ride?"

"Your Grace, I fell off through no fault of my own. While I was down the girls discovered..." She lowered her voice. It was bad enough speaking about this in public. "Something called Kalikan."

Fanis's eyebrows rose. "Oh? Did you not know when... Oh, how could you? And Bennet attends you? Good. Go and get yourself cleaned up, there is just enough time before lunch." The Duchess considered. "Would you consent to a private talk after our nap? There are matters of a female nature we must needs speak about, I deem." She gave Bennet a significant glance.

Ursula replied, "Your Grace, it was all completely unexpected. Although, of course, I should have known better. Yes, I think that I had better find out what happens here," on Anmar, "before much longer."

"Then I will let you two go. Um, if you do not take too long, which I believe you probably will not, I will try and delay the start of lunch until you appear."

Bennet said, "Your Grace, you are most gracious."

In their suite both stripped off. Bennet would have no further need for her riding gear so quickly swapped it for a 'ship dress'. Ursula removed everything except the borrowed tie-side panty.

In the bath chamber Bennet pulled the rope for water, pulling again when the water was about shin deep to stop it. Ursula looked at the water in the large tiled depression and considered.

If that is just to clean me up, it is a waste of a lot of hot water. Surely they have better ways of doing this?

"Mistress, you should enter first by yourself. It will be necessary for you to clean yourself up below, and then I will empty it all out and ask for more so that you may enjoy a quick bath."

"How do I..?" Ursula asked as she removed the panty.

"We use this," was the reply, as Bennet handed her a stick with a slot at one end, through which had been pushed a wad of natural sponge. "Ah, there are things we add to the water to help the smell, and to prevent infection." She reached for a shelf on which there were pots and bottles, lifting down two small bottles. "Here are two of the oils which we use. Will you choose one?"

Bennet uncorked the two and Ursula sniffed each. "I don't know either of these, Bennet, but I like the smell of that one. You are saying it will help?"

"Oh, yes, Mistress! You will see in a moment."

The guardswoman added a few drops to the water and the small chamber was filled with a soothing fragrance. Returning the bottles to the shelf, she brought down a large tub which seemed to be filled with a kind of coarse pale pink sand.

"We usually add some of these letsul crystals to the water, it helps to make sure that everything stays clean."

She suited action to words by sprinkling a handful of the salts into the water before returning the tub to the shelf.

"Oh, mayhap you will know more of what happens to a woman's body than we do?"

Ursula grimaced. "In theory I do, yes, but since it never affected me I did not take too much notice. In the hospital -" Bennet now had some idea what that word meant, "- if anyone came in with that happening we let the female staff handle the matter."

"As well you should. Men might know what happens but it is different when it is your own body. Only another woman may appreciate what Kalikan does to us."

"As I am now beginning to learn."

Clean, wearing one of her own ship dresses and still slightly damp, Ursula and Bennet entered the dining room to be greeted by Fanis.

"Ah, good. I trust everything went as it should?"

Bennet answered, "Aye, Your Grace. There is nothing unexpected to report."

"That is well. Ursula, how do you feel?"

"Fresh and clean, Your Grace, with a few bruises where a frayen stepped on me, that is all. The other matter, well, you said we would talk later."

Eriana had been at the far end of the room, speaking with Wallesan, and now she came to join them.

"Ursula! Has there been any problem?"

"Nothing so far, Highness." She lowered her voice. "Of course, as yet I have no idea what is considered to be normal. Her Grace asks to speak with me privately after our nap."

Fanis quickly said, "Join us, Eriana, if you have no other pressing business! What has happened is important to every woman, and poor Ursula has had a surprise today."

"Thank you, Fanis, I think that I will."

"Good. Then since I see we are all here, let us sit and eat. Ursula, shall you eat? I know that for some, it can affect their appetite."

"Your Grace, so far as I can tell, there is nothing wrong with my appetite - at least, today."

* * *

When Ursula joined Fanis in the small sitting room she found Eriana, Renita and Maralin there as well as the Duchess. Fanis indicated a seat, and as Ursula made herself as comfortable as she could she raised a querying eyebrow at her hostess.

"Ursula, dear, it occurred to me that without Maralin to guide us we will not know what you do not know about the Call of Kalikan. I have therefore asked him to join us, so that he may describe to you how matters may differ between here and your home world."

Ursula shook her head. "Your Grace, it seems that I must now consider Anmar to be my homeworld. I have been told, though I do not know if it is true, that I can never return to Earth."

Fanis bowed her head. "Please accept my apology if I misspoke, then. As for other matters, perhaps Maralin may be willing to explain. I trust that you do not object to his presence here? Less than a year ago he was a woman on Earth, so he has as much understanding of what we discuss, as well as some important differences, so I have been told."

"It seems strange to me, Your Grace, but considering my own experiences, I do not think that I can object to him being here. What about -" She gestured in Renita's direction.

"Renita is here for two reasons, firstly because she knows the truth about you, and secondly, seeing as you spend time together in the kitchen, you may be more comfortable asking her for advice if I am not available."

Ursula looked at Renita and their eyes met. "That is true. I am... unaccustomed to saying anything about such matters to anyone and I did not know how women here treat the subject. I know a little better now and I suspect that I will know far too much by the end of it all. Right now I know hardly anything, though, so some basic information would be useful.

"First, if I may ask, what exactly is the Call of Kalikan? I have heard the phrase used, and I am guessing that Kalikan must serve the same function for women as the Moon does on Earth, but I am led to believe that there is something more."

Maralin replied, "You are right, Mistress. Kalikan is about the same size as the Moon, so Princess Garia believes, and it appears to exert a similar influence here on Anmar. A minor difference is the fact that it goes around in thirty-one days or so, rather than the twenty-nine of the Moon, which means a slightly longer period, if I can use that word, between Calls. Now a major difference is that the periods of a woman on Anmar are more tightly locked to the orbit of Kalikan. Here, your period will usually begin on the same day of the month, every month."

"Every month? How can that be? I thought - from idle talk, of course, since I was not that interested on Earth - that periods varied from month to month. Why is it not the same here?"

Maralin shrugged. "I cannot answer that, Mistress. All I know is that today is the twenty-fourth day of Pertelin, so your periods - or your Calls, as they know them here - will usually begin on the twenty-fourth day of each month."

Ursula thought. "But, surely, the Moon - I mean Kalikan, cannot go around in exactly thirty-one days, can it? What happens when the days shift, as they must do?"

It was Fanis who replied. "Ursula, dear, the star-gazers of all Alaesia are in constant touch with one another and will all agree that, when the days eventually roll over, as they must, an extra day is added to the calendar to ensure that the day numbers will remain the same. Oh, for a very few people that might mean that their Call may move to the day before or after for a time, but for most it will stay the same."

Maralin added, "In Alaesia, Mistress, it seems that we all use the same calendar, regardless of who rules or where they are. I have been told, by the Royal Astronomer of Palarand, that there are one or two places which use different names for the months, but the month numbers and day numbers will be the same."

"Oh. I see." Ursula digested this for a moment. "What a strange thing! But I can see that it would be useful to know exactly when it is to happen."

"Ursula," Eriana said, "to us it seemed very strange when Maralin described what happened on Earth. Not to know what day my Call would happen, that seems strange to me! And he tells us that it can vary from one month to the next, as well."

She shrugged. "Highness, what can I say? On Earth, that is what happens to every woman, so we are all used to it." She frowned. "Of course, there are supposed to be signs that your period is due and women on Earth take notice of that, but I never had any warning before today. Is this normal?"

"Oh, no, it is not!" Eriana leaned forward. "Every woman has different experiences, Ursula, as you might expect. Sometimes it is as your own, sometimes it can be... unpleasant. I was told that Garia's first experience was so bad she became the talk of the palace - among the women, of course. No man would dare speak of such matters."

"Oh. It seems that I got off lightly, then. So, what happens next? As I mentioned before, my knowledge of... Calls, as you call them, is knowledge only, not experience."

"Calls usually last for four days, or occasionally five," Fanis explained. "The first two days are usually the worst but after that you should be able to move around normally and do almost everything that you could do before. You will need to speak with Senia, I deem. There are well-known potions and herbs which we take when the Call becomes bad, to settle your stomach and ease away headaches. She will advise you, and of course we always keep stocks of such potions and herbs in the palace."

Eriana added, "Ursula, we also keep stocks on the Visund, seeing as there are three women traveling together on it. Most of us will know how to manage should we be traveling when a Call comes."

"And another meaning of your Call, that you may not have considered," Fanis said with a smile, "is that you now have proof that your body is as that of a normal woman, which means that some day you may bear your own children."

Ursula sat stunned. All her life on Earth she had wished desperately to be female, but had always thought that she would have to have surgery to achieve her aim. Surgery, of course, would give her the appearance of a woman but not the internal organs. She had simply discounted the possibility of bearing her own children.

I can have my own children!

I can become pregnant, give birth, feed my own baby with my own milk. I never imagined...

A wave of emotion ran over her body.

That means so much to me, but I never thought that I could have any of it.

"Ursula?" Eriana looked concerned at her expression.

"It is a big shock, Highness. I never considered such a thing. You are right, having a... Call proves that my body is doing things that all normal women's bodies do. I suppose that psychologically I still think of myself as a man who has a woman's body, no matter how much I wanted that body."

"But you are a woman." That was Fanis. "Ever since you arrived at the mansion there has never been any doubt, at least in my mind, that you were as I am. Perhaps your words have sometimes been blunter than I would expect a woman to speak, but I thought that was because, as you told us, your native tongue was so different than our own. Now you may be certain that your body can do all that any other woman's body can."

"If I did not know it before, Highness, I know it now."

Eriana smirked. "Before you may bear your own child, Ursula, you must needs find a man to give it to you."

"Highness! I have not had time to even consider such a thing!"

The Princess was contrite. "I am sorry, Ursula, that was unkind of me. I know that you are still finding your way in our world. I would not ask you to have the complication of a man in your life until you are comfortable among us."

"Aye, Highness," Maralin added. "I would guess that men and women are the same on Anmar as they are on Earth, for the most part. That also means," he turned to Ursula, "that you must look after yourself, because as a single woman you will be the target of every passing male. But of course you already know this."

Fanis said, "Maralin, in some respect Ursula is protected as she is presently a member of our court. It is something for us to consider in the future. Tell me, what happened to Princess Garia when she arrived in Palarand, for I know that she was not a Princess then? Do you know?"

"Aye, Your Grace. The King thought long and carefully before deciding on a way to protect Garia, and in the end it was his brother who provided the key. You see, Garia had not really been at court for very long, so if the King simply gave her a title, in order to protect her, he knew that it would anger many of his nobles. Even though she had already told them of several significant new ideas, such as paper and printing, the idea of giving a title to a newcomer would look like favoritism."

He grinned. "Then Duke Gilbanar remembered a poor, out of the way town at the edge of the Kingdom which could be used as a nominal title for Garia. She had mentioned coal by that time, so the fact that this town sat on a thick seam of coal jogged the Duke's memory. By giving her that town as her title, he could say that she had been given protection for her own safety but the other nobles would think that she had been passed off with a worthless holding. Only later would it become apparent that the coal was not worthless after all."

Fanis smiled. "Oh, how clever! And is this town still small and poor?"

"Indeed not, Your Grace. I have yet to travel there but I have been told that it is a bustling place, full of miners and energy. It is so rich that the locals pay no tax at all, the coal providing enough income for everything that has been done so far."

"Indeed!" Her face fell. "Yet Joth is not so fortunate as Palarand, I deem. We have no mountainous provinces full of ores to provide income for our treasury. Still, you have given me some thoughts for the future. Mayhap I will write Terys and ask for advice." She turned to Ursula. "It is too soon for such decisions concerning yourself, dear. After all, you have been with us for less than two weeks. Know simply that the Duchy of Joth has given oath that you will be looked after, protected, as your status requires, and that we will help you adapt to your new place in our world."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Eriana added, "Thank you, Fanis. We know that those of Joth understand these matters, having already taken Maralin in. For myself, you can be certain that I and my crew will assist you in your efforts to protect and help Ursula."

"Well said, Eriana. I have already seen how your men regard Ursula."

There was a knock at the door. Maralin went to answer it and returned, followed by a servant with a tray containing pel and pastries. The group busied themselves with drinks and snacks for a while.

Ursula ventured, "Earlier you mentioned a month name, Maralin. I assume that I will have to learn all those? What about day names?"

Maralin grinned. "Oh, aye, there are thirteen months and I have yet to learn all the names myself. I expect that it will take a year or two before either of us is comfortable with them all. One thing that you will find different here is that, because the months are fixed to Kalikan, they don't start again at the new year. This means that a month can start before the end of one year and finish in the next... which might also mean that you can get another month with the same name at the end of that next year!"

Ursula puzzled over this. "I do not understand." She shrugged. "It is different, that is all. I will have to learn it as I will have to learn much else. What about day names, then?"

Fanis in turn looked puzzled. "We do not name the days, dear, except by their numbers in each month."

Eriana said, "Fanis, it was a surprise to me that the days are not named in the Great Valley, but know that we have names for them in Einnland. They are named after our gods, mostly."

"What? You have thirty-one gods?"

"Thirty-one? No, indeed! We name the days of the week, that is what I meant, and I suspect that is what Ursula means. There are seven names, being Baldur's day, Mani's day, Tyr's day, Woden's day, Thor's day, Freya's day and, oddly, Washing day."

"Washing day!"

Eriana looked embarrassed. "Aye. The reasons why are all lost in history, I deem - or maybe it was one of our ancient Kings who became annoyed with the smell of those at court. I doubt we should ever know. Ursula, do these sound familiar?"

"Not in Russian," she replied, "but Russian day names are related to numbers of the day in the week. In English and German some of them sound like names I know, yes. That is because they come from the same source, I believe."

Maralin added, "Some of those sound similar to English, Highness, but a thousand years is a long time and I am not surprised there are differences."

"So many languages!" Fanis remarked. "And three you name are not of this world, I deem. Still, apart from your particular interest, we of Joth must needs make do with the Valley tongue, in which I note that Ursula is becoming more understandable to us each day." She had a thought. "Dear, since you must remain in the mansion at least a day or two, have you yet any thought what you might do?"

Ursula replied, "Your Grace, I have not. What has happened today has been a surprise, as you mentioned before, and I do not know what to do. Obviously I cannot ride." She added, "Not that I had any other plans arranged, either."

"As you say. Today is nearly ended, but tomorrow is another day. If you find that your head is clear enough, might I suggest you begin your lessons in reading and writing. I know that Senia has made a start with you, since it will be essential that you are able to read the labels on potions and ointments and so on, but it will help you in so many other ways too. Shall I ask for a scribe to attend you tomorrow?"

Ursula thought and her reply was cautious. "I would like to see how I feel tomorrow, Your Grace, before you ask others to change their own plans."

"As you wish, my dear. And now," the Duchess said with a smile, "you can tell me what happened out at the farm before we go and make ourselves ready for the evening meal."

* * *

"Maralin?"

"Hmm? Oh, aye, Ursula? What may I do for you?"

"Oh, I was wondering... When I returned to the mansion, Bennet and I -" She stopped, flustered. "Intellectually, I know that you were once a woman, but this does seem awkward. Do you mind?"

"Of course not, Mistress. What did you have in mind?"

"Firstly, have you seen the size of the baths in the guest suites?"

"Aye, I have, though I have not yet had the pleasure of using one of those in the mansion. The ones provided for officers are more my size, I think."

"That is the problem! First, Bennet had to put in a small amount of water so that I could clean myself up, and it came up to about thirty centimeters. Um, a third of a stride, I suppose. Now, given that the bath is about two meters by three -" She stopped, annoyed with herself. "I will learn to call them strides, I will! The point is, that is a lot of hot water just to wash a small part of one body."

"And you are wondering if anything can be done to save heating that much water. I agree. All heating and cooking in Joth is done by burning wood and much of that has to be imported, as you must realize. Joth is only a small island and it would have to be entirely covered by forest in order to meet all our needs."

"I was wondering, perhaps a simple basin would be enough, but it would have to be lower than a washbasin because -"

"Yes. I understand. Now Garia has recently introduced flush toilets to Palarand, but I guess it will be several years until the clay industry develops enough for them to be available in quantity, especially over here in Joth. The logical next step after porcelain toilets is washbasins and bidets, I guess. Is that what you were thinking of?"

"Bidets! I had not thought of exactly that but, you are right, it will be the right way to do it."

"And women all over the Great Valley will praise your name, I doubt not." He nodded. "A very good idea, Mistress, and exactly the sort of new idea that I imagined you might produce." He grinned. "I, a mere man, might not have thought of that one! I will make sure that the Duke knows of this but I know what he will say, and most of it will probably not be polite. It is a question of coin, materials and craftsmen and all are in short supply these days. Still, the idea will be there, and maybe, if a letter goes to Palarand, you might see a prototype here in the mansion in a year or so."

"Is that possible? Do they work that quickly?"

He grinned again. "It will be an idea from Earth, Mistress, and that will be enough. You see, because it is something that is known to already exist, all the guildsmen have to do is figure out how it works and what it looks like. It isn't like inventing anything completely new. If they can find somebody to make it, it will be made, because they know that it has been made somewhere else."

"Oh. I see." Ursula began to see the potential in her position. "So, if I should think of anything else, what should I do?"

"Ah, now that could be a problem. A means of washing one's body is one thing, but certain other inventions have to be carefully controlled. Like guns, for example. That's why there is a kind of council, to make sure we don't accidentally bring devices to Anmar which could cause a lot of trouble. Short answer, bring it to me or the Duke and we will make sure that it is considered."

"You are on this council?"

"I am, but you should not mention the council to anyone else other than myself, His Grace and Renita."

"I can see the sense in what you say."

They are dribbling out technology to the people here. I can see there are dangers but is this the best way? This must be some kind of ethical question.

I must be careful, but then I am always careful.

Except this morning!

"I had better go," she added. "Bennet is giving me looks. Good night to you, Maralin."

"Good night, Mistress."

Ursula is forced to rest for a few days until her body recovers. As she does so, she contemplates what has changed since she arrived on Anmar. She finds time to speak to Duban about medical instruments, learn the local letters and discuss porcelain bathroom fixtures!

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

22 - Kicking Her Heels

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Fanis came to Ursula when she entered the dining room with Bennet the following morning.

"My dear, good morning to you. How do you feel today?"

Ursula tried a reassuring smile, but was not sure that it worked. "Your Grace, so far as the physical function you refer to, everything seems to be happening as it should. It did not trouble my sleep and the effects were easily cleaned up in the bath." She paused, trying to find a way to explain. "The effects on my mind seem to be greater. I feel... so helpless, somehow, in a way that I have not experienced before."

"Shall you come and sit at the table? Wallesan knows what afflicts you, he will grant you leave."

"As he did once before? If you insist, Your Grace."

The two found seats at the table. Glances were cast at them by the others who had gathered for breakfast, but many knew the reason and explained to the others. Bennet took station behind Ursula.

"If you would explain what you mean, dear."

"Your Grace," she lowered her voice, "you have been told that, while I was physically a man on Earth, I have always thought of myself as a woman."

"You have, Ursula, and I have struggled to understand it, though Senia tells me there are others like you here in Joth." Fanis added perceptively, "But now you have the body of a woman, and it is different than what you expected."

"I would say that the reality is different than what I imagined it to be. On Earth, as I moved from place to place, there were times that I dressed and acted as any other woman would, to avoid being discovered. I thought that was the life I wanted, and I accepted it, but what I am experiencing here is somehow different."

"And Kalikan tells you so, I deem. But is this not what you wanted? To be a whole woman, as we spoke of, able to bear children?"

"Of course! But I do not feel that I can live my life in the same way that I tried to on Earth, even with a true female body. I feel... helpless, somehow. Something is missing."

"Have you yet spoken to any about this? Maralin, for example? For he should know what the differences might be between man and woman, if anybody should."

"I have not, Your Grace. There has not been time for all the consequences to appear in my thoughts. I think that I would like to wait until it is all over, see if this is just something that is brought on by the Call."

"As you wish, dear. I know that Calls may affect some women such that they become emotional, or forgetful, or angry, or tired, or many other things, but for a few days only. If you desire to consider what has changed in your circumstances since arriving here, then it would be well to do so with a clear head, I deem."

Ursula nodded. "I agree, Your Grace."

"If I may ask," Fanis continued, "you do not wear a ship dress today but a day gown. Is it that you find the gown more comfortable? I know that for many the Call means that breasts or other parts of the body can swell for a few days."

Ursula colored. "Partly that, Your Grace, but partly because I'm wearing a panty with ties at the side and the knots show through the material of a ship dress."

"Oh!" Fanis was surprised. "I had not thought of that! Mayhap Maralin or our clever seamstresses may think of something that is less noticeable, dear. Is it not the same on Earth? How do women there manage?"

"We do not have anything there like these panties, Your Grace. The nearest I can think of would be a special panty women sometimes wear when they go swimming. Of course, those are designed to be seen and you wouldn't normally wear them under a dress... or gown."

"When they go swimming?" The eyes of the Duchess lit up. "I never heard of such a thing! You must tell me more... but not now, it would not be appropriate. Later perhaps?"

Ursula tried not to roll her eyes. "As you wish, Your Grace."

Any further embarrassing conversation was ended when Eriana and Semma entered the dining room. Both came immediately to join Fanis and Ursula, though neither sat down.

"Good... morning, Fanis," said Eriana, remembering the correct greeting just in time. "Good morning, Ursula. If I may ask, how are you today? I see that you are seated, does your Call cause you much discomfort this morning?"

"Good morning, Your Highness," Ursula replied. Fanis looked on with a certain level of amusement, but nodded her greeting to Eriana. Ursula added, "I have a slight headache, that is all, and Bennet tells me that everything is happening as it should. There is no other discomfort so far."

"I am relieved to hear that. You will already know, I deem, that experiences can vary considerably among women, you would have my sympathy had you fared worse."

"Eriana," Fanis put in, "remember that this is but Ursula's first, she has a long way to go until her body settles down. It is as if she is but a girl taking her first steps into womanhood but already having the body of a woman."

"Ah, Fanis, I understand that of course. Ursula, I tell you that no-one will fault you for taking things easy for a day or two. If there are urgent tasks you require done, then you may command us and those of my crew."

"Thank you, Highness. I must admit that I am not used to being looked after like this."

"We are women and our needs are particular, we must needs help each other when we can," Eriana stated. "Is that not so, Fanis?"

"Indeed," Fanis agreed. "Ursula, you should rest easy today and let those of us who can do things assist you."

"Thank you, Your Grace." Ursula thought. "There is one matter I would like advice on but it can wait until after breakfast."

"As you wish, dear," Fanis said. "And here are Wallesan, Hambran and Maralin. Oh! It looks as if something has happened."

The three men were discussing something as they came through the door but stopped as everyone bowed or curtseyed to the Duke. Fanis put her hand on Ursula's arm to prevent her standing. The Duke came over to join them and bent to kiss Fanis.

"I am sorry, my dear," he said to her, "matters developed and I had to rise early. I hope that you will not judge me for it."

"I know you, husband," Fanis said with a smile, "if you thought it necessary it probably was. Just remember, you have spent some months away from me and I would rather your company than to wake up in an empty bed yet again."

He grinned. "Consider me chastised, my dear. Right! Let us all be seated and break our fast. It looks like it will be another busy day."

"Oh?" Fanis asked as the Duke sat down. "Anything we should know about?"

Wallesan briefly grimaced. "A message from upstream. It seems that some few of the Yodan forces have refused to surrender and instead have become pirates along the river. I have spent the last bell or so sending instructions in all directions and some messages to those downstream."

"Pirates?" Eriana was interested. "What are pirates?"

Wallesan blinked and then remembered Eriana's origins. "Did you have bands of robbers in Einnland, Eriana? I mean, ones that operated on the roads between towns, accosting travelers and such?"

"Aye, of course. Almost everyone in Einnland goes armed, as you know, so travelers are obliged to journey with strong forces around them, especially if their journey be a long one. Is that what pirates are, then? Your word for a robber band?"

"Yes and no," he said with a grin. "They are robbers, aye, but they operate along the river, in fast boats, preying on river traffic. You have seen what the banks of the Sirrel are like, there are many places such a craft may hide until prey comes along. I am guessing that sort of thing does not happen in Einnland, because of the fact you only have the sea."

"Yes and no, Wallesan," she riposted with a smirk. "It is true we have no large river like the Sirrel but occasionally men from one of the more distant coastal towns would set out in ships to raid other coastal towns. But what you speak of sounds different."

"It is," his face sobered, "and the recent war may make things more complicated. They have guns now, of course, and it is said that they may have use of one or more of the Yodans' war galleys. The Sirrel may be cut in two in a way that it was not before, even during the war. You remember that Margrave Simbran of Faralmark sailed right through Yod during the war? There was traffic both ways, since all consider the river inviolate, excepting for those actually fighting, but of course pirates pay no attention to any customs."

"Hmm. If they seek to interfere with the Visund they will get an unpleasant surprise, I deem. Of course, that is some weeks away and much may happen before then. Shall you keep me informed, Wallesan? You understand that I have a particular concern."

"Of course, Eriana. And now, let us eat. I am hungry!"

* * *

At the end of the meal Ursula found Senia waiting for her in the corridor. This reminded her of the query she had mentioned earlier. She turned to the Duchess.

"Your Grace, Senia is here and I want to speak to her about... you know. But we had a problem yesterday in the market and I wondered if you had advice."

Fanis nodded. "I have not forgotten your words, dear. If we may go into the small meeting room, mayhap some easy answer may be found."

In the small room, Ursula said, "Senia and I went into the market to find somebody who could make me special tools for... what I do. Surgery, like I did to Mamoot. There was a silversmith there who was willing but he said, and I am forced to agree, that silver is not the right metal for what I need. It would have to be something harder like steel. So he directed us to a smith working in one of those little workshops at the side..? You know?" Fanis nodded. "He proved difficult, Your Grace. He said that what I wanted would be awkward to make and there would be no profit in it as there would only be a few made. He also said that no-one else would make them for me either."

The lips of the Duchess compressed and her eyes flashed. "Did he now? I have an idea of whom you speak and, while the items he makes are of the highest quality, he is known as a difficult man should you want anything not... traditional, let us say. I regret that many others of his ilk feel the same way, and if what Wallesan says is true, there could be strife in Joth when novel items arrive from Palarand and are demanded by our folk. I am told that some small number of artisans in that land feel the same way."

Senia asked, "Is there no remedy, Your Grace?"

"Perhaps, Senia. We have dealt with these people for a long time, as you know well, and we know who will do what Ursula wants and who would rather not. But I am not the person she should speak to for her needs. I will ask Duban to come and advise you. Did he not supply some of the items you used to treat poor Mamoot?"

Ursula nodded. "He did, Your Grace, though I thought he was reluctant to do so."

Fanis smiled. "He has now seen how the new saddles and gear are used and has become more receptive to ideas from afar. He may not be able to make what you want, that is not his craft, but he will know people who can. Shall I summon him?"

"I do not want to disturb -"

"It will be no bother, dear. He is not far away, after all, and arranging your needs will take him but a short while."

With that Fanis opened the door and called for a footman. Ursula and Senia exchanged some small talk while they waited. Duban appeared, bowing to Fanis before staring with interest at the two healers.

"Your Grace? If I may be of assistance?"

"Master Duban. Just as you have tools particular to your own specialty, so Mistress Ursula desires a set for hers, to help her when she must needs attend some poor unfortunate like Mamoot again. She cannot keep borrowing yours, can she?"

"As you say, Your Grace. I understand that what I could offer was good enough in time of need but of course the Mistress will want something better shaped to her requirements."

"And so she does. Now Senia and Ursula went to the market yesterday and found obstruction when they tried to commission such tools. Can you suggest someone better?"

Duban snorted. "Your Grace, I would not choose to have anything made from those in the market, they mostly prey upon gullible city residents and innocent farm folk who come in from time to time. Their wares are good enough, I must say, but there is nothing special about them except the price."

He turned to Ursula. "Mistress, I know of a good smith down near the docks who might be able to help you. Those who work there often have to make special parts and odd tools for the various foreign craft that come in from the river. If he cannot make what you need he will almost certainly know someone who does. If I may give you his name and address?"

Ursula colored. "Um, Master Duban, I regret that I am unable to leave the Mansion for a day or two. A woman's matter, you understand."

He did and took a step back. "I am sorry, Mistress, I did not realize. I might be able to ask him to come to the mansion, with Her Grace's permission? If I read your situation aright, you will be looking for a number of different tools, a whole set perhaps, not just a forceps or two."

Ursula nodded. "That's right, I can think of a number of different items that would be useful, but only to me and what I do." She added, "If he can make what I need, then there could be repeat orders into the future."

"An incentive indeed! Your Grace?"

"Yes, Master Duban, you have made a worthy suggestion. I will make it official and summon him myself. If you could provide one of those... What did you name them? The tool of which you spoke. I am sure that Ursula will be better able to describe what she needs with an example to hand."

Duban bowed. "Your Grace. I will fetch a spare forceps for the Mistress and await developments. If I may? I was in the middle of cutting out leather for a saddle of the new design. My assistants will be wondering what has happened."

"Thank you, Duban, you may go."

The saddler departed and the three women looked at one another.

"Ursula, what do you feel capable of today? I would not press you if you did not feel ready to do anything."

"Senia was teaching me the local letters," Ursula replied. "She will probably have to go out to do her rounds soon, but if there is anything here I could read, and someone to help me..."

"Surely! We have books from when our children learned to read -" Fanis stopped. "Oh! I do not know if any have survived. You recall the Mansion was nearly all burned down? I will have to ask Bellot if anything is left. If there is, he will know where it is all stored. If there is none, I am sure that we can find you something. Ah, and soon you will require the services of a scribe, I deem. If you can read, then surely you will also need to write, if only to make notes of your patients when you see them."

"You are right, Your Grace, and thank you. Reading and writing are important skills for anyone to learn."

"Indeed! I am pleased that Wallesan has taken the advice of Robanar, and through him that of Princess Garia, that everyone should in time be able to read and write. Many claim to manage without but I feel that all will benefit from learning. But of course you can read and write already, I deem, just not our local script."

"I can, Your Grace, and in two different scripts as well. It should not be difficult for me to learn yours."

"Then I will find a scribe for you to begin a proper course of learning. I am sorry, Senia, I know that you have been helping Ursula to learn the herbs and potions but formal instruction is what she needs now, to permit her to ply her craft as well as you do yours."

"Your Grace," Senia replied, "I take no offense at the idea. Formal instruction is always better than attempting to read hastily hand-written notes and I am no teacher of such arts. If you can find some of the children's books, I believe that will assist greatly in the process."

There was a knock at the door. Fanis opened it to reveal Bellot, who bowed.

"Your Grace, four ladies from the Lacemakers desire to speak with you. I did not know that you already had a meeting arranged."

"No, that is fine, Bellot." Fanis moved to the doorway. "Mistress Ursula had a query, which I have in part answered, and she also reminds me that she desires to learn the letters of the Great Valley. I wondered if anything of the children's learning books survived those of Yod."

Bellot looked doubtful. "I do not know, Your Grace. I will send someone to find out where anything that was salvaged was stored, but an answer may not come today."

"That is fine, Bellot," Fanis said again. She turned to Ursula and Senia. "If I may ask you to take Senia up to your suite, Ursula. You will doubtless feel more comfortable there and it will free up this room for our meeting."

"Of course, Your Grace."

Ursula led Senia up the stairs and into her suite. There was no sign of Bennet so Ursula assumed that she had gone out with Eriana again.

"Please," she said, gesturing to the armchairs either side of the fireplace. "Make yourself comfortable."

She eased herself into an armchair and relaxed as much as she could. "I assume that you have time before you go out on your rounds? I am sorry, I cannot come with you for a few days."

"Actually," Senia responded with a warm smile, "I am not going out on my rounds this morning. Like you, Kalikan presently attends me, though unlike you I am at the end of my own Call. Thus we may spend some time explaining one to the other what we know of such matters. I assume that was your intent?"

Ursula felt relieved. "Oh, yes, Senia! What I most need is information and of course you will want to know how we deal with such matters on Earth."

"As you say. Now, do you know what is happening inside us? Many women find the Calls to be frightening at first. We know that it must have something to do with the bearing of children, but that is all."

"I can tell you as much as I know, which is probably more than you will be able to take in today. Have you a means of taking notes?"

"Of course. You know that I take a pad and reedlets with me whenever I leave the house."

"Then I'll need to borrow a page or two to draw some diagrams. You see, this is what happens..."

* * *

The knock at the door made the two women look up. They glanced at one another, then Senia began gathering the notes she had made while Ursula rose to go to the door. When she opened it, Heris stood there with Duban.

"Oh! Good morning."

Heris bowed and said, "Good morning, Mistress. Her Grace said that Master Duban wanted to speak to you, but... as you were indisposed, I did not know whether now would be a suitable time."

She smiled at the saddler. "I am indisposed, but not so much that I cannot speak with him. Will you come in and join us?"

Duban replied, "Um, us?"

"I was discussing medical matters with Healer Senia. Since she was with me when I operated on Mamoot, the tools I need concern her as well."

He nodded. "Of course, but I only came by to give you that address and a spare forceps. I have an example here."

From a pouch pocket in the front of his apron he pulled out one of the forceps he used to manipulate leather and stitching on the saddle frames.

"This is what you wanted, Mistress?"

"It is, and thank you. I will let you have it back as soon as I can."

Duban pulled out from the bottom of the pouch a scrap of parchment. "And here is the name and address as promised. I know him well, we are related and you may rely on his work for your business."

"Thank you, Master Duban, and thank you, Heris."

Heris bowed. "A messenger has been sent to find the person named, I could not say when he may be able to attend. When he arrives, where should you prefer to meet him?"

"I don't know, Heris. Is it appropriate for me to see him up here?"

"Given the circumstances, it would probably be better if I brought him up, Mistress. You will not want to move around too much today, I would guess."

"But Senia will be leaving soon and Bennet has gone out with Her Highness. I will be on my own for part of the time."

Heris nodded. "I will bear that in mind, Mistress, and find someone who can accompany you. It is entirely possible that Her Grace may interest herself in your requirements."

"Oh. Very well. Thank you, both."

Ursula closed the door and turned. "Having to have a companion all the time is annoying, Senia. Why cannot we go about on our own? The men do it all the time."

Senia spread her hands. "Your present situation is one reason, Ursula. Should you have the need to relieve yourself, you would find it difficult to clean up by yourself, I deem. Though," she added, "those ship dresses certainly make the task easier. Now I do not know what it is like where you came from, but here even in the city a woman on her own is in danger from the rougher elements of our people. You know this from your own experience."

Ursula's shoulders dropped. "I had forgotten that, Senia. You are right, but I do not like it."

"It is part of being a woman, Ursula. You may have noticed that I customarily go about the city on my own, since all know us healers and respect our profession, but I will tell you that there are parts of the city I will not enter unless a man comes with me. We are not made as men and there are different dangers that attend us."

"So I learned. I just wish..." Ursula shrugged. "This society is so different than what I lived in on Earth, and my own circumstances are so different as well, that I am struggling to adjust. Some of it seems familiar but then I will be reminded by something that it is not. Some of it is so unfamiliar that I struggle to understand it at all." She pressed a hand to her head. "And now my head hurts even more."

She sank back into her chair, leaned back and closed her eyes.

Senia started. "Oh! Ursula, I am forgetting the most basic of ways that a Call may be made more comfortable."

She stood, bent and picked up her ever-present basket of remedies. Rummaging about she came up with a glass jar which looked green. Putting the basket down again, she opened the jar and regarded its contents.

"Hmm. Not as fresh as I would like, Ursula. You remember I told you about this?"

Ursula stared at the jar. "I think so. What is it?"

"Leaves from the kredis plant, mashed with a little poryne juice," Senia explained. "Although in this case I deem it has been left a little long, since I made it up for my own Call. It is a powerful pain reliever, especially for the present circumstance, but also dangerous if too much is taken."

"I remember. Is it still usable?"

"Mayhap... I could ask if the kitchen has anything suitable to restore its vigor."

"Please do." Ursula gestured to the wall. "Pull the yellow rope and someone will come."

A footman came and went away, returning with Renita, who entered the room and closed the door.

"Mistress?"

"Senia here has some of the green stuff that apparently is used during Calls of Kalikan," Ursula explained. "It is not fresh, however. She says that there may be ways the kitchen could help."

Renita turned her attention to Senia, who said, "Yes, I made this some seven days ago and it looks a little tired. What I need is a little tart fruit juice, nothing special, to revive it somewhat. Before I next attend Mistress Ursula I will make up a fresh batch."

"Of course, Mistress Senia."

The two discussed possible ways of improving the mixture and then Renita left. Ursula closed her eyes again.

* * *

She was being gently shaken. "Ursula! Wake up!"

"What?" She roused herself and looked at Senia, who was standing over her with a concerned expression.

"You have been asleep almost a bell, I deem," Senia explained. "I thought it wise to let you continue so, but now it will soon be time for lunch. How do you feel now? What about that headache?"

Ursula winced. The headache seemed a little worse, though she had suffered far worse on Earth.

"No better, Senia. That green stuff..?"

"Here and ready. Renita found some of a fermented berry juice, left over from last fall's crop but still drinkable. I have mixed a little with the leaves and tasted it so I know that it will not upset you. Shall you have some now, before you eat?"

"I suppose so."

"It will be better to take it now," Senia added as she reached for a spoon from her basket, "so that it will act on your empty stomach."

"Yes, of course. If I took it after eating it would be diluted by all the food."

"Here, then."

Leaves consumed, Ursula looked at Senia as she packed everything away.

"Are you leaving now?"

"Her Grace has kindly invited me to stay for lunch," the healer explained, "as she knows that you will need a little support and encouragement today. But I must needs go into the city after we have eaten, a woman is expecting twins and, while I will not be midwife for the births, it is possible that there might be complications. Do you know of such matters?"

"Oh, yes, pregnant women were often brought into the Emergency Room back on Earth. Either the babies were early or there was some other complication."

"And you know ways of dealing with such matters?" Senia's gaze was now direct. "Too many of our women die in childbirth. If you know ways of preventing such tragedies, all Joth will be in your debt."

"I do, Senia, and, as I said before, you are welcome to all I know... but not today." Ursula wrinkled her nose. "Lunch, you said. Do I have to go downstairs to eat?"

"I do not know, Ursula. I am not privy to the domestic arrangements of the mansion. Let me find out."

Senia pulled the rope and a footman came, returning a short while later with Bellot.

"Mistress?"

"Do I have to come downstairs for lunch? As you are aware, I would prefer not to have to move around much today."

"Mistress, of course you may eat here in your suite. It is a guest suite, as you already know, and provision is made should guests choose to dine privately. Will Mistress Senia be dining with you?"

Ursula looked at Senia, who nodded.

"If it is no problem, then she will. Um, how do I find out -"

"I will have a list sent of what will be available, Mistress. Whatever you choose will probably be brought up in about half a bell or a little later."

"Thank you, Bellot."

The chamberlain bowed and withdrew.

"There is a side benefit to dining in your chamber," Senia remarked. "You will not have to prepare yourself, possibly change, in order to go down and join Their Graces to eat. At a time like this most women will just desire to be comfortable."

"I didn't think of that." Ursula sighed. "There is so much new that I have to learn!"

"And yet, there is so much that you may teach us," Senia said. "I am only now beginning to realize just what it is your arrival means to us, the means to move the arts of healing along in ways we cannot yet imagine. I believe that I now understand what Princess Garia means to Palarand, and through them to the rest of the Great Valley."

"There is much there that is a puzzle to me, though. Princess Garia and I come from the same place, but who sent us and for what purpose? I believe that the Duke and Maralin know more, but they aren't saying anything to me about it. I know that Princess Eriana is annoyed that she is not being told everything."

Senia eyed her. "Is this something you should be speaking of to me, Ursula? The Duke is a good man and I have no complaints of Maralin. Remember, by your own reckoning you have been with us no more than two weeks. I am sure that, in time, you will discover everything you need to know about those who sent you here and their purpose."

Ursula leaned back and closed her eyes. The headache did seem to be less already.

"I am sure that you are right, Senia. I dislike not knowing what is going on though." She considered. "I come from a society where the holding of secrets is a normal thing. Although it is almost a habit to hold on to secrets oneself, it is also annoying when others do it to you. When I moved... to other countries, I found that most people were more open about whatever was going on. I preferred it that way and I thought that it was better on this world than on Earth. Perhaps I was wrong."

"Since I have not been to Earth, I could not say, Ursula. Remember that His Grace must needs rule over Joth and also speak to our neighbor countries. I doubt not that he knows many things he would not speak of to his people, to keep them safe and avoid alarm."

"You are right. I am sorry I mentioned it."

"Do not be sorry, Ursula. It is right for you to question your surroundings, to learn all that you may. It is the same with healers. We must needs know all that we can about a patient before we may properly treat whatever is wrong with him or her."

A knock at the door brought Renita bearing a slate with the lunch menu on it. Of course Ursula could not understand any of it so Senia read it out. The fact that Renita was assisting with the preparation was a great help, since she could advise Ursula what items might be more suitable given the circumstances. Selections made, Renita took the slate and withdrew.

"Do you need to clean up again before eating? You will just have time, I deem."

"A good idea." Ursula rose. "Will you help again?"

"Surely."

* * *

"And now, regrettably, I must needs leave you," Senia said. She smiled. "I have enjoyed eating lunch in here with you, Ursula, but now I must attend my duty. I am no midwife, though of course I know what needs to be done and have acted as such on occasion. I leave that task to those more experienced, but as complications may be expected then I must join them to act as reserve. Though," she added thoughtfully, "since speaking to you this morning I feel that I now know much more than any midwife in the Valley ever did! I will attempt to write clear notes that others may make use of the valuable information you have provided."

"I have no objection," Ursula said, "but when you have finished it I would like to see what you have written, so that I can check for any misunderstandings. Oh!" She gave an embarrassed grin, "I would not be able to read them, would I? Her Grace said she would provide a scribe to help me learn the alphabet. I wonder when he will come... It will be a he, I suppose?"

Senia's expression was eloquent. "He will be a man, of course. I do not understand why, but it is deemed that only men may dabble in the art of the scribe, though at least they permit women to learn to read and write. For themselves they reserve the business of writing decrees, scrolls and other important documents."

Ursula sighed. "It is a familiar tale, Senia. Men think they know everything but most of what they do can be done by anybody. Women end up with all the drudgery."

Both women stood and Ursula conducted Senia to the door.

"That is not entirely true, at least not here in the Great Valley. As you have already observed, almost all healers among us are women. It seems we have a touch few men can manage easily."

Ursula opened the door. On the other side of the corridor, near the head of the stairway, stood an armsman she didn't know.

"Mistress Senia is leaving now," she informed him. "We have just had lunch so I am going to have a nap."

He nodded. "As you say, Mistress. What should I do if anyone calls for you?"

"Oh, tell them to knock on the door and wait. I am just closing my eyes, not climbing into bed."

He saluted. "As you desire, Mistress."

Senia asked, "Shall I come here tomorrow morning to see how you are? You might need some more of the green stuff."

"That might be a good idea, Senia. You had better go. Until tomorrow, then."

"Until tomorrow."

Ursula closed the door, walked over to the bed and laid herself out flat on it. Eriana had told her that in the palace in Palarand there were recliner-style chairs laid out along balconies for the inhabitants to nap on, but she had no balcony. Those were arranged around the upper story and only suitable for armsmen going to and from their billets. The bed would do.

The knocking on the door woke her. She roused herself and swung her legs onto the floor. It was much warmer now and the fact that she was wearing a day gown, even a thin one, made it seem even hotter.

"One moment, please."

As she stood gravity did its work and she grimaced. Not now! There was no time to deal with the problem now, she would just have to see who her caller was and put up with the consequences. She walked slowly to the door, pulling her skirt straight, and opened it.

"Mistress," the short woman outside began with a bob, "I am Tyra, Master Bellot sent me to be your companion while you speak with the Master here."

The man with her was older, thick-set, his hair just beginning to turn gray. He bowed politely but his expression was unreadable.

"Mistress, I am Serek of Thorn, a Scribe in the city. Her Grace the Duchess has asked me to come to the Mansion to teach you our letters. If I am to do so, I must first find out what education you already possess."

"Oh, yes, of course. Please come in. We can use the table by the window."

Despite Ursula's suggestion, Tyra would not sit but insisted in taking a position behind her chair. The interplay caused Serek to frown.

"Mistress, it is clear by your accent that you are a foreigner. I will warn you that to teach someone as yourself to read and write may be onerous. Are you prepared for such a task?"

"Oh, I can read and write, Master... Serek, was it? I can read and write in four languages and two scripts. Unfortunately, neither of those scripts are of any use here in Joth."

His eyebrows rose. "Four languages? Two scripts? If I may ask what those might be? His Grace has occasionally asked me to draft letters to some in distant lands, if I know of those you speak it may help our task."

What do I tell him now? I can't tell him that I come from another world, he would walk out in a moment.

What was it that Maralin said? "Tell the truth but just enough to satisfy the question. Let them make up whatever else they need to hear around it.

"Well, I can speak Russian, English, French and German, though my German is limited. The scripts would be Cyrillic and Latin."

Since all those words came out in English, she knew that they had never been heard in the Great Valley before. She saw that the Scribe was suitably impressed.

"Mistress, I have never heard of any of those before. If I may ask, whereabouts on Alaesia is it that you came from?"

She shook her head. "I came from a land called Alberta, Master Serek. How I came to Joth I could not tell you. It was a long journey and during it I suffered an injury which meant that I lost my memory. It only came back after I arrived but," she remembered Maralin's advice, "there are still some gaps."

"Lost your memory? And yet you are still able to live normally?"

Ursula fought down the urge to laugh hysterically. Normal? I could not conceive of anything less normal! But I cannot tell him that!

"As I said, most of my memory has returned, particularly that part relating to my work. I am a healer and I have already saved a life since I arrived in Joth. There are... certain parts... of my past which I am still unsure of, that is all."

He grunted and, after a short while, nodded. "As you say, Mistress. Now I must ask you if you have yet seen our letters."

"Of course! There have been several occasions when I have gone out into the city and seen what I assume are street signs. I have no idea what any of them mean. Mistress Senia has begun to teach me some of the letters, so that I may gain some idea of the potions and salves that she uses, but they are very confusing."

"Ah, I see. And would... Mistress Senia... that would be Healer Senia, I would assume?"

"That's right, yes. I have been assisting her on her daily rounds these last few days, to find out what differences there are between the way things are done here and where I came from."

"As you say. So she has shown you some of her notes, then?"

"Yes, written on parchment."

"Ah, no wonder you are finding it difficult. If I may -"

He leaned down and picked up the satchel he had brought with him, opening it and pulling out what looked like two picture frames. These proved to be wood frames holding sheets of parchment, with letters inscribed on both sides. He put them down on the table and turned them to face Ursula.

"If I may explain. Our letters may come in three or possibly four forms. These two," he pointed to one frame, "are customarily used for important notices which are intended to be legal or public documents. You will see that they are similar. The street signs will be in these forms. On this sheet," he pointed to the other frame, "are letters which are customarily used when writing privately. As the writing for each person will vary, according to their abilities and their physical limitations, so the written letters may vary considerably. I think my first task will be to make you familiar with the public forms, that you may comfortably go about the city and read whatever you may find there. Once you become familiar with our writing, then you may progress to the written forms. I understand that you will wish to learn to write as well as read?"

"But of course. As a healer I will need to make my own notes."

"As you will, though you may find that learning to write takes much longer than learning to read, I deem."

"I have no plans to leave His Grace's mansion."

"Then let us begin."

The next bell seemed trying to Ursula. There were a lot of new shapes to remember, almost all of which resembled nothing she had ever seen before. Serek seemed more interested in getting her to know the names of the shapes as opposed to their sounds or what they were used for. On the other hand, she was surprised to discover how easy it was to remember what she had been told, putting this down to Maralin's comment about having an improved memory.

The session was ended by another knock at the door. Tyra opened it to reveal Eriana standing outside.

"Ursula, I must apologize! I did not know that you were busy."

Feeling that she had done enough for one day in her present condition, Ursula stood. "Highness, please come in. I think that I have probably done enough for this afternoon." As Eriana entered, followed by Bennet and Semma, with all wearing ship dresses, she turned. "I suppose I should introduce Master Serek, who has begun to instruct me in the local written language. Master Serek, this is Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand."

Serek bolted out of his chair and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, I did not know that you were acquainted with Mistress Ursula."

Eriana's usual bland public expression dissolved into a glare, though Ursula suspected that Serek had not noticed. "Master Serek, we arrived in Joth together aboard my ship. We are more than acquaintances, I deem."

Serek bowed again. "My apologies, Highness. Though I knew that His Grace had returned, I knew few more details other than that you were with him. Your ship, did you say?"

"Aye, I am owner and captain of the Visund, as well as liege lady of her crew. And you are?"

"An experienced scribe of the city, Your Highness, often employed by His Grace to draft documents of state. Her Grace asked me to attend the mansion to instruct Mistress Ursula in our letters."

"I see. And she tells me that you have finished for today, is that so?"

Serek turned to Ursula, who said, "Master Serek, a bell is about all I can manage at one time, especially when I am... indisposed. Can you come again tomorrow, at about the same time?"

He blinked. "Indisposed? I was not aware..."

"It has not affected what you taught me, Master Serek. I am just a little tired, that is all. And we were sitting right beside the window and the sun is somewhat hot today."

"Ah, as you say." Serek turned and collected his satchel. "If I may leave my samples here, Mistress, you may use them to refresh your memory when convenient."

"Of course."

The man bowed to Eriana and slipped out of the door without another word.

Eriana scowled. "I like not that man! He reminds me of some that crawl around my father's court. Has he taught you anything of use, Ursula?"

"Well, I now know what all the letters look like and the names of most of them. As for what they sound like or how they are used..." She spread her hands wide. "Nothing."

"It is a start. I suspect that his knowledge is of a studious kind and not suited for practical use. Such people are needed, much as the Questors of Palarand are needed, but they do not contribute to society in the way that a guildsman does. Mayhap you may do better with a different teacher, I deem."

"I think that I agree, Highness. He did seem somewhat dry." She paused. "What is a... Questor?"

"Oh! Your pardon, of course you would not know." Eriana's eyes narrowed as she thought. "They are... supposedly clever men in Palarand who are, it seems, commanded by the King to seek out the mysteries of the world around us... I think." She shook her head. "At least, that is how I understand it. Garia, or mayhap even Maralin, would be able to tell you more. You will already know that I am a person of action more than thought, I leave that to others who are more capable. In practice, I deem, these men spend more time fighting one with the other than discovering anything useful."

"Oh, I see. Yes, we have people like that back on Earth. Sometimes good comes of their efforts, much of the time they spend, as you say, arguing." Ursula paused. "Back to the reading and writing, have you any suggestions, Highness?"

"Mayhap. This man, Serek? He will probably teach you some of what you need, I deem. Senia may be of more practical use. Maralin, too, though I know he is, like the rest of us, very busy. If you will give me leave to think on the matter. I believe that it is very important to your presence here on Anmar, whatever that is, that you are able to read and write properly. We must make sure that you can do so." Eriana smiled at Ursula. "But I am forgetting myself! How are you feeling now? Any pains, discomfort? This is the first time that your body will have done this, so we are told, and there is much that you may find uncomfortable or distressing."

Ursula was pensive. "Some of it was unexpected, Highness, and the cleaning up can be tedious, I think. There have been strange feelings inside, but nothing that my training tells me would be unusual for such a process." She shrugged. "It is what I am now, so I will just have to get used to it."

"You body only does what every other woman's body has done since time began," Eriana said. "Most come to it much younger than you, when their breasts grow, and they understand that it is part of becoming a woman. You will very soon become used to the cycle of womanhood, I deem."

"I suppose so. Other than that, Highness, I am feeling a little tired, and sitting near a window, with the hot sun streaming through, while looking at strange letters has not helped my mood."

"Then shall you not come away from the window now? You will probably desire to clean yourself up again soon, I deem, and then it will be time to change for the evening meal. You should find that a loose evening gown will improve your mood."

"That is a good idea, Highness."

Ursula turned and saw Tyra at the same time that Eriana noticed her properly.

The woman bobbed. "Highness, I am Tyra. I was sent to be companion to Mistress Ursula while Master Serek was present."

Belatedly remembering what they had just been talking about, Eriana said, "Tyra, you must not speak to any of what you have heard here today. What service do you perform in the mansion?"

"I am an upstairs maid, Highness, I normally tend the various chambers with the other upstairs staff."

"Hmm. Would you be willing to serve Mistress Ursula on another occasion?"

"If Her Grace permits, Highness."

Ursula saw that Tyra wanted to ask more but was reluctant to. "Highness, what did you have in mind?"

Eriana waved a hand. "Just a thought, Ursula. I am considering the future, that is all. We will speak of it later, with Fanis, if you please." She turned to Tyra. "Thank you for your service. Since we are all here now, you may return to your usual duties."

Tyra bobbed. "As you command, Highness."

The servant let herself out and closed the door. Eriana turned back to Ursula and rubbed her hands. "Now, I deem, it is time for you to clean yourself up again. Semma and I will retire to my suite while Bennet assists you. We will meet downstairs, ready for the meal."

* * *

At the end of the meal Wallesan invited Eriana, Ursula and Maralin into their sitting room along with Fanis.

"Make yourselves comfortable, please. I will not disturb your evening long." When they had all chosen seats, he continued, "Maralin told me today that you had discussed certain... bathroom objects... with him, I believe?"

Ursula answered cautiously, "We did, Your Grace. It was in respect of bathroom items which would be of use to women... at certain times of the month, say... but they would also be of use to others at all times."

He waved a hand. "I see that you are reluctant to speak of such matters in mixed company, and I can understand why. Through Fanis I am a little familiar with what happens so you may speak freely with no thought of embarrassment. My particular interest is in the benefits it might bring to us, but also what problems might arise if we chose to bring such objects to Anmar."

Ah! Now I understand. They do not want to allow just anything in from Earth, but they will try to consider what impact it might have here first.

"Your Grace, the immediate benefit would be simple. At the moment, to... clean ourselves during our Calls, then, a small amount of water is placed in the bath which we use. That is then flushed away before the bath is filled properly. It seemed to me yesterday, having endured this process for the very first time, that it was a great waste of hot water. On Earth, a small shaped basin called a bidet is often used instead. This holds a small amount of water and therefore is easier to heat."

"I am assuming that you speak of a specially shaped device. Would a simple basin on a table not suffice?"

Ursula turned. "Maralin? Can you explain better?"

"I think so," he said. "They are not a particularly American thing but I have seen them in certain hotels. Your Grace, these would be fixtures like the flush toilets you saw in Dekarran. Also like them, they are plumbed in so that each has valves the user can turn to get hot and cold water, meaning that there is no need for someone elsewhere to pump it up when the rope is pulled. Thinking about it, they would be at a similar height to the toilet seats you saw then, so that it would be easier for a woman to wash between her legs."

"Ah, I understand now. So just a small amount of water is used, then, saving firewood and effort at the boiler."

Maralin made a twisted grin. "Yes and no, Your Grace. For a system like this to work, you would need to have a ready supply of hot water, usually in a high tank somewhere, and pipework to feed the bidet. I will add that we usually have washbasins in our bathrooms as well, fed the same way, so that hands can be washed in a small amount of water. Those would be mounted just about at table height." He shrugged. "Bidets are not used everywhere, Your Grace. Most of the time we have washbasins and use those instead. The same principle applies, that you can do what you need to in a small amount of water."

"Would these be made from copper, as those toilet bowls were?"

"No, Your Grace. Almost all our bathroom ware is made from porcelain, which is basically molded clay with a glaze which is usually white. The copper toilet bowls you saw in Dekarran were just prototypes to show how the system worked." Maralin thought. "That is probably one of the downsides for bringing bathroom ware to Anmar, since it would use a lot of clay and a lot of wood to fire it with."

Wallesan grinned. "But do we not now have access to this wonderful coal stuff? Can we not use that to fire our kilns?"

"Access, Your Grace, in theory yes, but it will be expensive at first and it has to be brought all the way from Blackstone. A better idea would probably be to let them make the wares and the rest of us buy them from Palarand."

The Duke's face wrinkled. "I would rather Joth made its own products," he muttered, "but you are probably right. Coal would be expensive and it would have to be brought a long way along the river."

Eriana asked, "What about the new steamships? Will they not help?"

"In time, Eriana," the Duke replied, "but first we would have to design and build those ships."

"Thinking about it," Maralin said slowly, "there are other things in Earth bathrooms which might be of help here in the Valley. Your Grace, I already know that, despite the presence of the Sirrel at your doorstep, at times of the year clean water can become scarce. We use other items to bathe in and they use much less water than the huge baths I have seen here and in Palarand."

Wallesan nodded. "Explain."

"Your Grace, we have bathtubs which are more the size of those you find in the smaller roadhouses. They are usually made just big enough to seat one person with their legs stretched out. Those can be made from wood, like those roadhouse bathtubs are, from cast iron, steel, porcelain or... some other more advanced materials.

"In some places, we don't even have bathtubs like that, but use showers instead. These are simply square trays of porcelain or other materials which are fitted to the floor to stop water going everywhere. Of course they have a drain built in. The water comes from a sprinkler arrangement overhead. You stand under this to wash yourself and the water comes down like a light shower of rain, though of course it can be warm water if you prefer."

"And all these items, as you say, are 'plumbed in'?"

"Aye, Your Grace. Thinking about it further, a side benefit might be that the bathroom itself can be made smaller. That might become important as the population grows and we have to build new houses."

Wallesan came to a decision. "Maralin, Ursula, I understand what you have both told me and I would agree that such items as you describe would be of use to many in Joth, whatever complications they may cause to install. However, I will tell you that I would rather make certain that there is nothing we have forgotten, no consequence we have overlooked, and so I desire to send this idea to those in Palarand who must needs consider it.

"Maralin, in view of the fact that you are familiar with these bathroom products, and can therefore describe them in detail, and for certain other reasons, I will ask you to travel to Palarand and present your thoughts to the King. I know that it is not long since you have returned to Joth, but a journey to Palarand and return should take barely three weeks, if that. There is certainly time to be back well before the Harvest Festival celebrations."

Maralin nodded. "Your Grace, I am looking forward to those. How soon do you want me to leave?"

"I will give you a day or two to make preparations, there is no urgency. You have time to arrange your affairs and organize a small escort. Though you and your party should travel in plain travelers attire, I desire you to go well protected. Your worth is valuable, not just to me or to Joth but to all Anmar and I desire that no harm should befall you."

"Thank you, Your Grace. Um, should we be thinking about Ursula traveling to Palarand at this time? I am certain they will want to see her as soon as it is convenient."

Wallesan shook his head. "It is too soon for that, I think." He turned to Ursula. "I am sorry, my dear, but I do not think that you should be traveling so far just yet. I would rather that you had settled down, become more comfortable in our society, before you took on fresh challenges."

"I would agree, Ursula," Eriana added. "At the very least, you should be able to read and write before you consider traveling anywhere. It is possible to do so without, but those who do so are usually in the retinue of someone who can read and write."

Again, they are taking decisions about my future, almost as though I was not here!

In this particular case I am forced to agree that they might be right. I have barely begun to understand this new land I am in and it would be too soon to send me off to another.

A three week round trip? Oh, and I'd probably have to ride, wouldn't I? That will not be possible for a while, even if I was willing to travel that way. That decides it.

"Highness, Your Grace, I agree. I would prefer to settle down here before I would think of traveling such a distance."

Is that relief on Eriana's face? Does she have another reason for keeping me here?

Wallesan nodded. "Think nothing of it, my dear. You have recently arrived, all is strange to you and we must not force too much on you too soon. Even now you are still adjusting to your new circumstances and your new body. There is no doubt at all that one day you will travel to Palarand and see the wonders there, but the time is not right, I deem. Settle in at your own pace, become comfortable in your surroundings, and then we may speak of the future in more detail."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Having recovered, Ursula resumes her rounds with Senia. A new patient has a sideline of interest to Ursula while a chance meeting with Tyra brings an unusual request. When they return to the Mansion, Fanis surprises them both.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

23 - Tyra

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Is that an oon or an ahn?" Ursula asked, pointing.

"An ahn, I think," Senia replied, looking closely at the street sign. "You can see how it has begun to weather and the tops of all the letters have almost gone." She tutted. "Normally no-one would permit the signs to become that bad, I suppose it has to do with the invasion. I doubt not that someone will be about to repaint the sign eventually, especially if we mention it to somebody in the city maintenance department. So, if it is an ahn, then, what do you suppose the sign to say?"

"Zinakh Lane? Zinakh Way? Is that right? What is the difference, anyway?"

"Way would be the correct meaning here, I deem. The spelling and the sound would be the same but, see, the umb on the end? That changes the way you pronounce the word, so that the stress comes in a different place." She demonstrated.

"Ah, I see," Ursula said. "I wondered what the umb was for as it didn't seem to have a sound to go with it. In my native tongue there is something similar to that. But what, then, is the difference between a lane and a way?"

Senia explained, "A lane is one that is wide enough for a cart or a wagon. A way is usually wide enough for someone on a frayen, but not for a cart. If they are narrower than that, they will be named alleys." She tutted again. "The end of that sign is bad. Of course, anyone who lives nearby or who has regular business here already knows where they are, but Joth is full of strangers these days." The healer nodded. "I will mention this sign to someone when we get back to the Mansion, I think. It is not the first worn one I have seen along my rounds, though of course I barely need them these days."

"Signs are not so important to me, Senia, as actually knowing where I am. Now that I have been going round with you a while I have a much better idea of the layout of the city now. Putting names to the streets and alleys can only improve my knowledge - and my reading."

Five days had passed since Ursula's Call and she was now back out and accompanying Senia on her rounds again. The Scribe, Serek, had been of less assistance than expected at the beginning of Ursula's reading lessons. Somehow he had involved himself in a furious argument with Eriana and stiffly withdrawn his offer of help. To everyone's surprise, the mediator in that argument, Kalmenar, had offered to assist instead and had proved much more useful. As he had said at the time, "Mistress, while the Visund is yet docked at Joth there is little for me to do. I would be delighted to spend some of my spare bells helping you to learn to read."

"Are we going that way, then?" Ursula asked. "This new patient of yours, I don't think I know where they live."

"Aye, along to the end and turn right into Ropewalk Street. It is only a short way after that."

They walked slowly along the shadowed pathway, grateful for some temporary shade from the high sun. Even so, Ursula could feel the heat radiating from the bricks which made up the road surface and was glad of her loose thin dress and her straw hat. Because of the heat there were few people about at this time of day, everyone keeping inside their homes until the sun swung and the coolness returned in late afternoon.

Ursula was thinking of the time, and of lunch. "Will that be the last one?"

"Aye, Ursula. A wood turner who managed to cut himself on the arm with a chisel."

"I remember. You told me when I was indisposed."

"I was told that the wound was clean but that it had damaged some of the muscle there. Are there ways..?"

Ursula shook her head. "We can tidy such things up, but there will always be damage to that muscle. The lower arm, you said? Those muscles mainly work the fingers, so he might find that his grip has changed, or that he has some other limited movement."

Senia pursed her lips. "A significant impediment to any craftsman, I deem. This is the first time I will have visited him so I do not know the extent of his injury. Mayhap the damage may be more visible than functional."

"We can only hope."

At the end of Zinakh Way they turned into Ropewalk Street. It was much hotter here, with limited protection from the sun. They crossed the street and went along the sidewalk to a smaller lane which Senia indicated. Before they could turn down it, however, there was a shout from the road.

"Ho! Is that Ursula and Senia?"

They turned to find out who had hailed them, expecting one of the many patients who now knew them both by sight. Instead they found five riders on frayen, each leading a pack animal. They were all dressed in what Ursula now understood to be typical travelers' attire. The lead rider was Maralin.

"Tenant, good morning. You have finally managed to get away, then?"

He grinned. "Aye, though with considerable effort. If I believed in fate I would think that someone didn't want me to go on this trip."

Senia asked, "You are off to the ferry at Thorn, then?"

"Aye, that's right, Mistress Senia. You are still on your rounds, I see?"

"Just a final one before I return Ursula to the Mansion for lunch," she replied. "You are going all the way to Palarand, I was told."

"Aye, all the way to the palace, if the latest message is to be believed. His Majesty has even offered accommodation for me and my men."

Ursula looked to see that three of the other riders were men who had been with them on the Visund when it arrived, Varran, Murtel and Shekan. The fourth was an armsman she had seen before but did not know the name of. She nodded to them and Varran raised a hand in greeting.

"My!" Senia said. "I have heard of the amazing building that the King's palace is said to be. I imagine that half of what I have heard is not true."

Maralin smiled. "You are probably right, Mistress, but the other half is true, and the reality would surprise you. That building is huge and few people know their way around all of it."

"You have been there? Then I would ask that you bring me back a description of what you see this time, that I may learn the truth."

He laughed. "Mistress, it would take a week or more to tell you everything. Now I am afraid that we are keeping you out in the sun as well as cooking ourselves. By your leave, we must be going."

"Yes, you are right, we should not delay each other with small talk. You have had enough delays as it is."

With a wave Maralin started their little party off again, to head for the Northern Gate, the one that led to the ferry port at Thorn. Ursula followed Senia along the lane until she stopped at a gate beside a small two-storey house. Pushing the gate open, she entered and walked across the small rear yard to a workshop which took up the whole width of the plot.

"Master Putto, I thought I would find you working out here."

The man turned sheepishly in his seat at his bench. "Mistress, I apologize, but if I do not work my family does not eat."

"But using your injured arm means that it will not heal properly and you might never regain the full use of it - all of which you know full well."

"But I am not using it, Mistress." He glanced at Ursula. "I am forgetting myself. You have a helper, I see." He stood and turned, showing Ursula that his injured left arm was in a sling. "Mistresses, I am Putto Turner at your service."

Senia explained, "I am Healer Senia, asked to visit you by Larna, who has other business today. This is Ursula, who is a visitor to Joth and an experienced Healer. In her own lands they do things differently and so she accompanies me that we may learn one from the other."

"Be welcome here, Mistress, Mistress," Putto said with a bow.

"Thank you, Master Putto," Ursula replied.

Senia asked, "What is it you were doing, if I might ask, that you can do one-handed?"

"Mistress, I may not be able to turn but I can finish pieces of certain shapes. See," he sat down again, but facing the two women. "I can trap this chair leg firmly between my own thighs and then smooth it with sand-cloth. By doing so I will use otherwise wasted time until I can turn again."

Senia considered and then nodded. "It is good enough, I deem. Like many you cannot afford to be idle long and so I applaud your clever thinking. Now, I believe that we must needs look at your injury."

"Of course. Will it be possible to do so out here? The baby is sleeping and it would be a shame to wake him as he - and we - need all the sleep we can get."

"As you wish, Master Putto, but we will need fresh water and some cloths. We probably have everything else between us, do we not, Ursula?"

Ursula nodded and Putto said, "If you would go to the back door and open it quietly, Mistress, my wife will give you what you need."

Water was available from a pump in the yard but Putto's wife provided a basin and some towels before retreating into the house. Senia began by unwrapping the existing bandage. The two women looked over the wound. It was a ragged puncture on the inner arm, about five centimeters from the elbow.

"If I may ask, how did you do this?" Senia enquired. "I thought you wood craftsmen learned early to beware of such dangers."

"I was startled," the man replied sheepishly. "A lab came from somewhere - maybe the sewers - and ran across my feet under the lathe. I jumped, the chisel caught the piece and flew up, bounced off the wall at least two times and caught my arm on the way down."

"A lab? Here? I thought it was too hot for them in the city now, that they had retreated into the surrounding farmlands."

He shrugged. "I know not, Mistress but we do have a sewer entrance there," he pointed to a stone hatch set in the corner of the floor, "and men were down there last week making sure it is cleaned out before the rains come. Mayhap they disturbed a nest of labris."

Ursula thought it best not to ask about labris right now but to wait until later. It seemed to be some kind of pest that lived in the city drains.

"Well, let us clean your wound, then. Ursula, a cloth? What do you think of the wound?"

She replied, "I think that Master Putto has been lucky this time. He will have a scar, of course, and there may be some pain for a while as the muscle mends. He is fortunate that it did not happen further down, where it could have affected his fingers, his grip."

"Mistress, your words comfort me," Putto said. "I have wondered if there would be any impediment to my craft. You are telling me it is not so."

"I think so. The wound does not look deep and I don't think any nerves will have been affected. Once the scar has formed you will have to do some simple exercises to build up that muscle, that is all."

Ointment was applied and fresh bandages were wrapped around the arm. Ursula glanced around the cluttered workshop - and noticed something interesting.

"You make musical instruments!"

"Aye, Mistress, and repair them. Of course I am mostly concerned with those that can be turned on my lathe, but I can carve mouthpieces and other parts as well should they be required. If I may ask your interest?"

On another bench were six or seven instruments which looked very like simple recorders, along with three that looked like flutes. Most were in various states of construction but at least one of each looked playable.

"Would you mind if I have a try? I have wondered what the instruments of..." She caught herself in time. "...the Great Valley would be like to play."

Both Putto and Senia stared at Ursula with astonishment.

Putto asked, "You can play music, Mistress? I have never heard of such a thing."

Senia added, "Ursula, like many things, in Joth music is only played by men."

"Different lands, different customs," Ursula replied. "In the land of my birth we make no distinction as to who can play music. Of course the men often end up with the bigger instruments but otherwise, anyone can do it if they have the talent."

"But..." Putto began.

Senia remarked, "Mayhap it is like the riding of frayen by women, Master Putto. Until recently it was not done but Ursula here is even now learning to ride, by His Grace's permission, and I have thought to learn myself. It is just something new to Joth, that is all, but obviously not new to Ursula."

Ursula asked Putto, "May I try? I will be careful. These are all new to me and I do not want to damage them."

"Well, Mistress, I do not know. You say that you have wondered what these sound like? Have you not heard our music, then?"

"Oh, I have heard your music, all right! Um, let me just say that it is..." Ursula changed what she was about to say to avoid offending the man. "...different than what I am used to. The instruments, though, look similar to those I am familiar with."

Putto was reluctant but could not think of a way to refuse Ursula. "Then you may try, Mistress. Perhaps that one on the right, the pukan."

"You call this a pukan? On... Um, where I come from this would be called a flute."

She picked up the most finished-looking of the pipes and looked at it carefully. A simple turned wooden tube with holes spaced along one side. One end was closed off. She lifted it to her lips, the tube off to the right hand side, and blew across the leftmost hole. A satisfying clear note came out the other end. Nodding, she arranged her fingers over the other holes.

"Mistress, do you play that way? Your right hand is the wrong way round."

"This is the way we are taught, Master Putto. Now, I have no idea what this is going to sound like -"

She blew again, lifting each finger to see what different sounds were made. After that she tried a few combinations before putting the flute down on the bench.

"Thank, you, Master Putto. That was most unexpected. I think, with a little practice, that I could play that properly. Although... it was not my favorite instrument."

Putto stared at her with respect. The look on Senia's face was not much different.

"Mistress, that was indeed unexpected!" he said. "Your fingering looked strange but it was obvious to me that you knew what you were doing. Shall you try one of the farbis?"

"These? If you do not mind."

The farb was easier to play since the mouthpiece was carved to make a note. Her fingers rapidly went through the possible notes, telling her that, despite the recent evidence of her own ears, their scale seemed to be much the same as that used on Earth.

"Mistress, I am impressed."

Ursula lowered the farb. "Not as much as I am. I was not sure that I could do any of this any more. It has been a long time since I last picked up any instrument."

"Mistress? But you are so young! Did you then learn to play as a child?"

"It's... complicated. Yes, I was taught several instruments as a child before choosing one to learn properly. Then I dropped all of them to learn... healing instead. I could play, but my attempts were not special. I could not have earned a living as a musician." She gave a half-smile. "And I am told that I am about twenty-three years old here. Where I come from, we calculate the days differently."

Putto looked confused but didn't say anything. Instead, Senia said, "Master Putto, this has been very interesting but we must leave you now if we are to return to the Mansion before lunch."

"The Mansion? If I may ask, what business you have there? I did not know that any of His Grace's staff were unwell."

"You should not ask after personal matters, especially of a healer," she chided him. "The simple answer, which I can still give you, is that Mistress Ursula is a guest of His Grace and resides in the Mansion. I must return her there before I go home."

Putto bowed. "Forgive me, Mistress Senia, I inquired where I should not have. Aye, I shall not keep you any longer... except for two things. How much longer might it be before I may use my arm again?"

"As soon as I can take the bandage off, Master Putto, but you must needs do some strengthening exercises to build up the muscle in that arm. Perhaps a week, no more than ten days, I should say. And the other thing?"

Putto turned to Ursula. "Mistress, if you have an interest in the instruments I make, and perhaps that of others who do, then you will be welcome to return at another time, when you and I may consider such matters at leisure."

Ursula thought. "Like Senia I am somewhat busy, but I will remember your invitation. Thank you, Master Putto."

Back in the lane Ursula set her hat to cover as much of her head and shoulders as possible. Even during the short visit to the turner the heat had become fiercer. She wondered what it would be like in a month or so at midsummer. Beside her, Senia adjusted her own hat and the two set off for the Mansion.

At the end of Ropewalk Street they turned into the main thoroughfare which led from the docks area towards the Mansion. They had barely done so when they both had to stop to avoid a collision.

"My apologies, Mistresses! I did not see you turn there."

"Why, it is Tyra, is it not? Do you go to the Mansion? I am returning Ursula there."

"I am, I have had a half-day's ease to be with my family. If you are going to the Mansion, may I walk with you?"

"Surely. How is your father these days?"

"He is well, thank you, Mistress Senia. He has been back to work some months now and Mama is glad that he is not sitting about the house and getting in her way."

Senia made an aside to Ursula, "Tyra's father is a fisherman on the river. When the Yodans came he was struck about the arms and head and it has taken some time for the injuries to heal. While his body healed in their place of refuge his mind has taken longer. The shock of what those people did will take a long time to fade from the city's memory, I deem."

Ursula said, "I see. One day somebody must tell me what happened but I see that it is still a sensitive subject today."

"If he had not departed I would have suggested that Maralin told you all. Since he is lately arrived at Joth he has a certain detachment that many of the residents have not."

"No doubt I will find out all I need to eventually."

"As you say. It did, after all, affect the whole city."

They walked along side by side in silence for a block or two before Tyra asked a question.

"Mistress Ursula, I believe that you reside with one of Her Highness's armswomen. Do you know much of their art, how they became armswomen? Like most in Joth I find it amazing that any woman can bear arms as they do."

"I know very little more than you do," Ursula replied. "Her Highness's ship sailed from somewhere in Palarand, so I was told, but I did not join them until part way through their voyage upstream. I know very little about Her Highness, her men or her attendant women." She thought. "I do know that it was not thought right for her to travel alone with a whole shipload of men."

"I should think not, Mistress! Especially a Princess. I cannot imagine anyone of her rank without at least one attendant nearby, it would not be right."

"I would agree, though Her Grace seems to me to manage."

"Ah, Mistress, but she does have attendants! She has two ladies who attend her in her chambers and one of them usually accompanies her should she go forth in the city. In her own household there is often no need for a constant attendant since the Mansion is not so large, several will always be close at hand."

"Well, that is true, but I assume that you were asking about Her Highness's attendants because they carried weapons. I know that where they come from there are a small group of armed women who are part of the Royal Guard, or whatever it is called, but how they joined it or why I do not know. I have never been to Palarand."

"Ah," Senia said. "I can enlighten both of you, then, though I cannot give you the full detail. Tenant Maralin has explained some of it to me. It is said that a girl traveler, much younger than either of you, came to Palarand about this time last year. Despite her age and size it was she who brought the idea of women fighting and, in fact, she proved this by fighting off several attempts on her person, killing some herself in the process."

Ursula asked, "Is this Princess Garia that you refer to?"

"The very same, though she was no Princess then, of course. Well, she began training the Palace Guard in ways of fighting unknown in the Valley and eventually, seeing her example, several of the women servants in the King's Palace sought to join the Guard. Then Princess Eriana appeared, on her own ship, a runaway from her own father -"

"Really?" Tyra's eyes were wide.

"Really. The story is confused but briefly, she and her men desired to assist Palarand in the war against Yod. By then Yod had captured Joth but it seemed that Boldan's Rock was a weak point in their plans. Eriana offered to go and retake the fortress with her men, but the King insisted that she take female companions with her." An aside. "You know how difficult it can be sometimes, should you be on your own. By taking women who could fight they served two purposes, female companions and also warriors."

"Maker! And they fought beside the men?"

"Indeed, Tyra. It was the women who first gained entry to the fortress, pretending to be pakh-herder women caught out in a winter storm. The attack was successful and that was the beginning of the end for those of Yod."

"That's amazing!"

Tyra's excitement was clear and Ursula drew an obvious conclusion.

"Are you wondering if you could become a woman warrior, Tyra? I do not know if that is possible in Joth."

The girl's face dropped. "I did. I thought, maybe - I don't know. Do you think such dreams are foolish, Mistresses?"

"I do not think such dreams are foolish, Tyra," Senia answered. "I could not tell you if this is something that you would be able to do, though, since such matters are strange to me, as they will be to most in Joth. His Grace might know, perhaps even have considered employing a small group of women, since he has traveled to Palarand and spent time there. Maralin might also know but he has now departed, you will not see him for a month or so."

"Departed? When? Where?"

"This morning, for Palarand. Actually, we passed the Tenant and his party earlier, in the street. The reasons will be known only to himself and His Grace, of course."

Senia flicked Ursula a meaningful glance. Since she was now in on the secret, it was apparent that some kind of courier service would be needed between the two places where people from Earth resided, and that Maralin would be the obvious person to provide it.

"As you say."

They walked along in silence for a short way, then Ursula asked, "Have you thought to talk to Bennet or Semma? They would tell you what you needed to know, I am sure."

"It is not my place, Mistress. I am only an upstairs maid, after all."

"I think," Ursula said gently, "that if you wanted to become an armswoman, then you would be expected to show some initiative as well as take orders. In many respects Bennet and Semma are only servants like yourself, just ones who can carry and use swords, that is all." She considered. "Let me ask Bennet when they return this evening. She can tell you what training you would need, whether there is any level of education you would be expected to have and what kind of duties you might have to do. Of course," she added with a smile, "I know nothing of any of these matters."

"Oh, would you, Mistress? I would be most grateful."

"I can only ask, Tyra. I cannot make you an armswoman, if that is what you really want to be."

"I understand, Mistress."

As they walked towards the Mansion Ursula studied Tyra properly for the first time. Until now she had been 'just' one of the servants, scurrying around quietly in the background in the colors of the Ducal house. On the two occasions she had been asked to act as chaperone for Ursula's reading lessons, she had stood behind, out of sight and mostly out of mind.

Now she saw a young woman, about her own age or slightly younger, the same height with the typical long dark brown hair of the local population. She looked fit, but then if she was an upstairs maid she probably had a lot of physical work to do. Her skin was browner than Ursula expected, but if she went home for a while every week then the sun could do that.

The servants here have been fairly unobtrusive. It is nothing like what I was used to on Earth, but not so strange if I consider the different staff one gets in the average hospital. They have a job to do, just as I have.

She had another thought then.

But what, really, is my job supposed to be? Why am I here? Simply to teach medicine to these people?

She was still puzzling over her circumstances when they walked under the entrance arch of the Mansion.

"Ursula," Senia said, "As we are at the Mansion, I have one more task I desire to do before I leave you and go home. If I may, I would like to see Mamoot. How is he faring?"

"Oh, he is fine, Senia. I did not want to let him out of bed for a week after the operation so he spends much of his time resting - and grumbling, as patients often do. He is in his room on the top floor, I'll lead the way." Remembering they had a companion, Ursula turned to Tyra. "We'll have to leave you now, Tyra. Unless you have an interest in becoming a Healer?"

Tyra bobbed. "Thank you, Mistress Ursula, Mistress Senia. No, though I must admit that I could be interested in what it is you both do, I do not think that I would want to do it myself."

The servant girl bobbed again and walked off towards the center arch and the rear of the Mansion. Ursula and Senia followed more slowly, turning left under the center arch to the stairway which led up to the armsmens' quarters. It was shaded here, in the stairwell, and Ursula was glad of the reprieve from the sun as they climbed. Out on the balcony, she led the way along until they reached an open doorway. Conversation came from within so she knocked on the door.

"Mistress Ursula! If you would enter, please."

Mamoot turned to the two armsmen standing by his bed. "Sorry, lads, the healers have come. You can tell me what happened after lunch."

One of them said, "I have duty then, Mamoot, but Verik is on the late shift, he can tell you."

"Aye," the other one agreed. "I'll come back after my nap... if these ladies are agreeable."

"We have no reason to keep you out," Ursula said. "Just so long as he stays in that bed and you don't try to smuggle any beer or wine in here for him."

Verik bowed. "As you command, Mistress." To Mamoot, "After our nap, then."

The two men left and Ursula and Senia took their places.

Mamoot nodded to them. "Mistress Ursula, Mistress Senia, good day to you both."

"Well, young man," Senia said, "I've come to see how your wound is progressing. You have had no sickness since the operation, no sweats or fevers? No other pains?"

Mamoot was propped up in his bed, resting on several pillows. Because it was so hot for most of the day, he was on top of the bedclothes, and he wore one of the new 'utility' shirts and a pair of new cargo shorts.

"Mistress Senia, I have not. Apart from the heat, which everybody suffers, I have no complaints. Many of my fellows, as you have seen, come by and keep me company when they are off duty. Still, I would rather be back at work than stuck in here."

"I understand. You suffer the same complaint that every patient does, that they are not well and would rather be somewhere else entirely. If we may look at your wound?"

Mamoot raised his shirt and pulled down his shorts a little way. His scar, still with the stitches in place, was plainly visible. Senia leaned over to examine it closely.

"Remarkable." She straightened up. "Ursula, you have done Joth a great service, I deem. This man will have nought but a scar to show for cheating death." She smiled at Mamoot. "Doubtless he will prefer a scar to the alternative."

"I must agree, Senia," Ursula said. "It looks as if it is healing well. Of course, we can only see the outside, not what is happening deep inside, which is why Mamoot is still in bed. I had thought to let him walk about from tomorrow because otherwise he will begin to lose muscle tone and get stiff. What do you think?"

Senia nodded. "If the inside is in the same state as the outside then I deem it is all healing very well. Yes, let him rise from tomorrow, but," she held up a finger and turned to Mamoot, "you must not do anything to strain your lower body, do you hear? I don't want to come back and find that your scar has torn because you thought that you could go back to duty. That will not happen for another three weeks, and I will tell Captain Hambran that myself."

"As you command, Mistress." Mamoot's expression was solemn. "If I may ask, what food am I permitted now? Is it still to be the soups and soft foods you prescribed before?"

"It was Ursula who told you your food, not me."

Ursula said, "I think we can begin to allow a little more variety, Mamoot, but we still have to be careful. I will have a word with Master Farren and see what he can suggest."

"Thank you, Mistress."

"So, you may rise tomorrow, and eat a breakfast of porridge, maybe a little bread. Water or pel is fine but I don't think I want you drinking small beer just yet, not until I am sure everything inside is working as it should. Of course there should be no proper beer or wine, thought I know you don't drink wine, do you?"

"As you say, Mistress. What am I permitted to do tomorrow?"

"You can go and watch your friends at practice, but I also want you to do some walking around, get your blood flowing and your muscles working." Ursula remembered something. "Oh, and take it easy climbing up and down stairs, please. That can strain your stitches."

"As you command, Mistress."

The two women left Mamoot and walked along to the stairs, going down one flight.

"I'll leave you here, Ursula," Senia said. "No sense in you coming down to the ground and then climbing back up again."

"A sensible idea. See you tomorrow?"

"Aye, as usual." Senia added, "Unless there is an emergency, of course."

"Of course."

Senia waved and carried on down the stairs while Ursula walked over the carriageway arch into the domestic part of the Mansion. She didn't know the name of the armsman who stood at the top of the main stairs so merely nodded to him. He saluted and said, "Mistress."

Ursula's first thought once inside her suite was the toilet. Having attended to that she wandered into her dressing room, looking for something to occupy her mind until lunch was called. She caught sight of herself in the mirror and frowned.

How did I get that mark on this dress? Why did I not notice it before? Now I will have to change!

She quickly pulled off the 'ship dress' and inspected it in the strong sunlight coming in the dressing room window. A diagonal brown stain went from right hip to center. It did not look like blood.

I wonder if it was when we were in the turner's workshop? Suppose he had varnished something earlier? He could probably have managed that one-handed. I must have brushed against something.

No matter. I know I have a spare somewhere...

But she could not find it.

That means that I will have to wear one of those light dresses that were bought along the river. Not really up to Mansion standards but good enough given the weather.

...but I will need some help getting it on...

...and I need to ask somebody about this stain, see if it will be easy to remove.

It had better be! The massed seamstresses of Joth will not be amused if I have stained a new dress!

Sighing, she pulled the dress back on and set it straight and tidy.

Outside in the corridor she dithered what to do, finally turning away from the stairs to wander along the other living accommodation. There would be nobody in Eriana's suite, that she knew, but there might be a servant or two about who would be able to help. As chance would have it, Heris appeared from the far end and noticed her.

"If I may help, Mistress?"

"Oh, yes. I have somehow gotten a stain on my dress while I was out -"

She pointed to her front, where the mark was just visible in the indirect light in the corridor.

"- so I have to change and I'll need a little help. I also want to see if this can be removed before it dries completely and ruins the dress."

"Surely, Mistress! Is it... blood?" Heris looked apprehensive.

Ursula shook her head. "I don't think so, we have been fairly careful when we were out and we try to keep anything like that away from our clothes." She had a thought. "It has never occurred to me, and I doubt that it has occurred to any of the other healers either, but perhaps we ought to be wearing aprons when we visit patients." She waved a hand. "That is not the immediate concern, I want to get this stain off if I can. It might be some kind of varnish, the last person we visited was a woodworker and he was in his workshop."

"Ah! Then perhaps Duban can help. I know that he has solvents which can clean such fluids from whatever he is working on - and from his own clothes and hands, perhaps." He considered. "It is nearly time for lunch, but, as you say, speed is important if the stain is to be removed. Shall I take you to Duban? Oh! You will need help taking your dress off and putting on another, of course. Now I noticed -"

With a hand signal to ask her to stay, Heris walked along and went into the Ducal suite, returning almost immediately with Tyra.

"Mistress Ursula!"

"Hello again. I have managed to get a stain on my dress so will have to change before lunch. I also need to see Duban to find out if he has something with which to remove the stain."

"If I may see... Oh! Yes, you must needs change, Mistress! Quickly, I will help you."

Heris said to Tyra, "You will see to this?"

"Yes, Heris," she said, bobbing.

"I will tell them you will be late for lunch, then."

As the footman walked off Tyra said, "Mistress, we must be quick. Do you know which dress you will wear instead? Have you yet bathed?"

Ursula shook her head as they returned to her suite. "I have not bathed, Tyra, I have been upstairs visiting Mamoot. I can manage without today, I think. There are two light dresses I could wear, I know where they are."

"If you say so, Mistress."

Tyra opened the door to the suite and waited until Ursula had entered before following her in. The two made for the dressing room. Ursula promptly pulled the ship dress off over her head.

"Oh! Is that one of the new bras, Mistress?"

"It is." Ursula became aware that, perhaps, servants would not be high in the priority list for the new garments. "There is no time now to talk about such matters."

"As you say, Mistress," Tyra agreed, taking the ship dress from Ursula. Although she had cleaned in the dressing room, she was not familiar with the clothes on the rails. "Which dress will you choose?"

"This one will do," she said, pointing. "Again, I am not too concerned what I look like so long as it is clean and presentable."

"As you say, Mistress. An unfortunate occurrence, getting a mark like that."

"Well," Ursula said as Tyra helped her on with the dress, "it happened before we met you and you did not notice it either. It was only when I came in here to change that I saw it in the mirror and then I realized that my other ship dress must be in the laundry. I am capable of dressing and undressing myself, it is these laces that I have trouble with."

Tyra stopped tugging on the laces. "How so, Mistress? Unless the dress is as your... ship dress, did you name it? ...then it must needs have laces, surely?"

Ursula waved an irritable hand. "I can explain later. I need to see Duban before lunch, because Heris said that he might have solvents that could remove this stain if it hasn't dried out too much. Do you know where he can be found?"

Tyra tied a bow. "There, Mistress. You are ready to go. Aye, I can take you to Master Duban, if you would follow me."

Tyra led the way out of the suite and left across the connecting bridge to the military part of the complex, turning left, a direction Ursula had never been before. Their way led through two store-rooms which had materials piled on the floor, while the walls looked as if there had once been shelving which had been roughly removed.

Beyond the store-rooms was a wide and well-lit workshop, where Duban and two juniors worked on saddles and tack. He looked up as they entered and wiped his hands on a cloth.

"Mistress Ursula, what brings you here? Surely it can wait until after lunch? It must be about due by now."

She held out the ship dress. "Master Duban, today Senia and I visited Putto Turner in his workshop," the saddler nodded recognition of the name, "and it appears that I have gotten something on my dress while there. Heris says that you might have fluids that will remove it before it sets in the fabric."

"Aye, Mistress, that may be true. If I may see the stain?"

He took the dress and held the affected part up to the light.

"I judge this to be wood stain, Mistress, and you were right to bring it to me straight away. If you will leave it here, I will do what I can and then return it to you. Will that suffice?"

"Of course, Master Duban. The dress is relatively new, it would be a shame if it were damaged so early."

"As you say, Mistress." He frowned. "I thought that Putto had some kind of injury? Oh, of course, that was why you visited him, naturally. But he was in his workshop, you tell me?"

"He was, he had found things to do which involved only one hand. That apparently included staining wood, though he wasn't doing that when we were there."

Duban grunted. "I can understand that, Mistress, all must needs work or go hungry. Oh! There is the dinner bell. Tyra, if you would take Mistress Ursula to the dining room."

"Of course, Master Duban."

She bobbed and led the way out of the workshop. Ursula took note of the damage as they passed through the store-room.

"What happened here, Tyra?"

"I do not know exactly, Mistress," the servant said as she led the way back into the domestic part of the mansion, "because it happened during the time of Yod. It is thought that the invaders needed wood for their cooking and to keep themselves warm, so broke up anything in the city they did not need. Much furniture and items of worth were lost this way."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I did not realize that there had been so much destruction."

"Too much, Mistress, too much."

At the bottom of the stairs Tyra led the way to the door of the dining room and opened it. Heris was waiting inside and beckoned them both in before closing it behind them. It appeared that lunch had already started, so Ursula led the way across to the table and curtseyed.

"My apologies, Your Grace," she said to Fanis, "during our rounds this morning I managed to get something on my dress and I was forced to change."

Fanis put down her knife and smiled. "No need to apologize, dear, when something like that happens. I know your business and the hazards healers may face attending their patients. Come, sit at the end there and join us." A flick of the eyes at Tyra. "Ah. You required some assistance to change, I deem? Tyra was there to help, I see. Tyra, if you would attend your mistress, please. I do not know if you have served at table before, the others will guide you for now."

A surprised Tyra pushed in the chair as Ursula sat and then walked around to join the other servants at the serving bar. There was a low conversation before Tyra took a deep plate, ladled soup into it and served Ursula.

The meal continued with Tyra getting instructions from the other servers as it progressed. It was also clear that Fanis wanted to have a word with Ursula but could not because they were too far apart to speak comfortably. At the end, Fanis had a long, quiet conversation with Wallesan and then beckoned to Ursula when everyone rose.

"Ursula, if I may detain you for a moment before you go to nap. Tyra, if you would attend us as well."

In the small meeting room, Fanis said, "Ursula, dear, it has become apparent to me that your present arrangement with Bennet is no longer satisfactory. As we have discovered, when Eriana goes out on one of her longer trips into the countryside with her girls, it leaves you with no help to change or do those other things for which a woman needs a companion."

Ursula nodded. "I am forced to agree, Your Grace. I thought that I could manage but you are right, there are things which a woman on her own will find difficult to do."

"I know that you and Senia manage together when you are out, but you are not out all the time. And we cannot ask Senia to move into the Mansion to attend you here! You need a companion, certainly, but whether it is to be a maid or a woman companion with other abilities is another question." She added, "I also have to bear in mind that in three or four weeks time Eriana and her crew will sail away from here and that you will likely remain. I can supply someone to help you immediately but of course anything I do will have to be put before Eriana when she returns, do you understand?"

Ursula looked at Tyra before asking the Duchess, "Is it Your Grace's thought to assign me a maid? I have little idea how things work here, as you know, and we did not have personal assistants on... um, in Alberta. Tyra has helped me today but I do not know any of her abilities."

Fanis smiled. "Then let us find out." She turned to Tyra. "Dear, I have no complaint at all with your service to the Mansion, but an unexpected opportunity has occurred that you might better yourself. If you think that you would prefer to continue as you are, that being a lady's maid would be too difficult, then I would not complain at your choice. You may return to your duties with our thanks for today's assistance.

"If you choose to attend Mistress Ursula, though, you must needs learn to do those things that any lady's maid must know. You will have to be with her when she needs your service and in time you will learn to anticipate her wants. Since Ursula has an unusual occupation I do not think that it would be necessary for you to follow her about the streets of the city when she is with Senia, unless she so desires your company. At such times you can do other work about the Mansion. What say you?"

"Your Grace," Tyra curtseyed, "It would be an honor to attend Mistress Ursula, should she approve. While I have enjoyed the work that I presently do I have often wondered if I could do more. Mistress Ursula is not as the other ladies of your court and we would both learn together what it is I need to do to serve her in the proper manner."

"Well said, Tyra. I will ask Bellot to make the change as soon as he can. For now, since Bennet still resides with Ursula, I suggest that you remain in your dormitory. As I mentioned, I must speak to Eriana before we go much further."

Ursula said slowly, "There might be some matters that Your Grace should consider."

"Ah?"

"There is the matter of... my home country. If Tyra is going to be my maid, then she ought to know... certain things about my past."

"Ah! As you say. Tyra, as a lady's maid you will inevitably learn secrets from your mistress and they must remain secrets. Am I clear?"

Tyra looked indignant. "Your Grace, of course! I am no spreader of tales."

"Well, then. You must needs give oath to Ursula and you know what will happen should you break that oath."

"Of course, Your Grace."

"Ursula? There was something else?"

"Your Grace, Senia and I met Tyra today by chance in the street."

"Oh?" Fanis turned to Tyra. "Explain."

"Your Grace, I had a morning at ease and went to visit my family. I was on my way back here when Mistress Ursula and Mistress Senia turned out of a side lane."

"Ah, I see. So what happened?"

Tyra blushed and would not speak, so Ursula explained, "She asked about Bennet and Semma because they carried swords and knew how to use them. I asked her if she wanted to become a woman warrior."

"Well! It is an unusual occupation for a woman but, as we have learned, not an impossible one. Tyra, is that what you wanted to do?"

"I do not know, Your Grace. I merely sought to find out more about those who already were armswomen. I wondered what a woman would need to become the same as they."

"And if you could do that job? Mayhap you would have to become much fitter, I deem. Very well, that is something to think about for the future. Should you become Ursula's permanent maid then it might be a useful thing for you to learn." She turned to Ursula. "Is that all, dear?"

Ursula's smile began to turn into a grin. "Your Grace, if Tyra becomes my maid, then logically she needs to go with me wherever I go, is that the way it works?"

"But of course!" Fanis's expression changed. "Why? What have you in mind?"

"Only that I am learning to ride..."

The shock on both women's faces was complete. Fanis recovered first.

"Maker! I had forgotten that! Aye, logically, if you are learning to ride then Tyra must needs ride as well." Her expression changed again. "Which means a frayen, which should be easy enough to provide, of course... And a saddle! Duban will not be pleased to make another one for a woman... And, of course, she must needs be fitted out with all the attire that a riding companion should have."

"Your Grace?" Tyra gasped, her eyes wide. "You would permit me to ride a frayen?"

Fanis now had a smile as well. "Do you change your mind, Tyra? I would not blame you if you did."

"I do not know what to say, Your Grace. To ride a frayen, well, only four women in Joth may do so presently."

"And one of them is only just learning," Ursula added.

Tyra suddenly dropped to one knee, bowing her head. "Your Grace, you do me a great honor. If it is possible for me to be of service to Mistress Ursula, then I am willing to try. I do not know if I can ride a frayen, but there is only one way to find out, is there not?"

"Rise, please, Tyra." When the young woman had regained her feet, Fanis, said, "Then it is settled... until Eriana returns, at least. Tyra, attend your mistress, please. She goes to nap, and then you must both make yourself ready for Lord Kalmenar's instruction."

They both looked at Fanis, puzzled.

"Ah, he has told me that Tyra does more than stand ready behind Ursula as she learns to read but seems to understand much of the work herself. Is that not so, Tyra?"

Tyra hesitantly replied, "Your Grace, it is so. I saw the letter shapes when that man first brought them and, though I was not so quick to know all the names, I have been able to follow what Lord Kalmenar has taught the mistress since. Was it wrong for me to do so, Your Grace? Mayhap I should have stood further away."

"No, indeed it was not wrong! Kalmenar mentioned your interest to me when he first noticed it and that was one of the reasons I thought to speak with you today. You obviously have abilities which are wasted on an upstairs maid. If you desire to read, and Lord Kalmenar consents, then you may have my approval to continue. Ursula, shall you agree this with Kalmenar when next you meet?"

Ursula nodded. "I will do so, Your Grace. Everybody should learn to read. If Tyra can do so just by looking over somebody's shoulder then she obviously has the ability. Two learning together can probably improve quicker than one alone could."

"As you say. Then it is settled. Tyra, you are today promoted to lady's maid. If you would take her upstairs for her nap."

Tyra curtseyed. "As you command, Your Grace."

Having been suddenly presented with a servant by Fanis, Ursula struggles to adapt. The afternoon is beset by domestic issues - and interruptions. After the evening meal, Eriana's party returns but the Princess's reaction to Tyra is... strange.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

24 - The Unexpected Maid

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2019 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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"Mistress!"

The sound penetrated Ursula's dream and she struggled back into wakefulness. She opened her eyes to find an anxious Tyra standing over her. The fact that the girl was in her suite at all penetrated and that brought her back to full alertness.

"Tyra? What are you doing in here?"

"Mistress, it is my place now. I apologize for interrupting your nap but there is someone who requests an audience with you, he waits downstairs."

Ursula frowned as her brain tried to function. "Someone... wants to speak... with me?"

"Oh, aye!" Tyra smiled. "It is Master Fedris, who I know well. He is a smith who resides down near the docks and he informs me that you gave him a commission some days ago."

"Master Fedris... of course. He is right, Tyra, I must go down and see him."

Ursula swung herself off the bed and stretched to revive her muscles. It was still hot, but some cloud had made the afternoon feel less uncomfortable than on previous days. Her day dress, however, was warmer than the ship dresses she had been wearing almost exclusively since they had been delivered and she felt overdressed.

"Oh! Mistress, if I may adjust your laces."

Ursula stood patiently as Tyra tied off the laces and then tugged her skirt straight.

"Are you supposed to do all this? Bennet did not do this much for me."

Tyra stepped back. "I do not really know, Mistress. I have only ever watched Her Grace's ladies about their duties, no-one has ever given me instruction how to do such things myself. Am I doing wrong, Mistress? Is it too much or too little?"

"As I have never ever had a maid before, Tyra, I cannot answer that. I do not know how noble ladies are served, and I am not one myself, just a guest in His Graces' Mansion." Ursula turned to face the girl. "I am used to doing everything by myself and, since coming to Joth, I am having to adjust to letting others help me. It is no fault of yours that I do not know what is expected, nor what help you wish to give."

"As you say, Mistress. But, as you discovered this morning, there are things that every woman will find difficult to do on her own." Tyra cocked her head with a thought. "If I may ask, I would be interested to find out how you did do such things on your own, before coming to Joth."

Ursula opened her mouth to explain but then realized what she would have to explain.

If I am going to be stuck with her, then she'll have to be told the truth. All of it.

Which will mean... getting the Duke's permission, I suppose.

"That is something we'll have to speak about later, I think. For now, let us go down and find out why Master Fedris is here."

"As you wish, Mistress."

Downstairs in the Small Meeting Room Fedris bowed to Ursula and gave Tyra a nod and a smile.

"Mistress, though I have not finished everything you have asked for, I thought it prudent to bring you some of the items I have already made, since I understand that you will never know when you might have need of them."

He laid a cloth roll on the table, opening it to show a collection of scalpels plus samples of two different forceps designs. Ursula leaned over to look.

"May I pick these up?"

"Surely, Mistress."

The scalpels were all made from a single piece of metal, carefully shaped with the blade ground to a sharp edge. She took one to the window, feeling how it fit in her hand, and examined it closely.

"These are a good fit, Master Fedris. They are sized about right for my hand. Do you -" She turned and walked back to the table. "Ah, I see you have done the different blade shapes I asked for."

"Aye, Mistress, that was easy enough. Since these are so simple to make, I asked one of my journeymen to make them once I had shaped the first one. That is why I am able to bring so many for you today."

"That's good." Her nose wrinkled. "Now all I have to do is to figure out some way to carry them without them cutting a hole in whatever I use."

"A good point, Mistress. It is possible that tiny scabbards could be used but they would be fiddly to make and sew."

Ursula pointed. "I think what I need is something like your cloth roll. If there were to be... tubes, perhaps, tiny scabbards, sewed into one side of the roll, then the handles can be held in the roll rather than the blade."

Fedris brightened. "A clever idea, Mistress! Aye, that would do, I deem. Oh, and the same roll would hold your other tools as well?"

Ursula shook her head. "Some of them, perhaps, for going out on emergency cases, but the retractors and saws would probably not, nor would I consider taking more than one each of these forceps. The bigger items would be kept in a place where we would do those operations I described."

Fedris shuddered. "I should be used to what you described, Mistress, since the recent war, but to cut open a living body is a thought I do not find comfortable. However, I can ask Matenar to fashion a tool roll for those items you would be carrying, if that would be acceptable?"

"A tool roll, yes please. Would that be made from cloth or leather?"

"Why, Mistress, I had not considered that far. Leather of course would be more durable, but there must be some reason why you make mention of a choice."

"Only that it will have to be kept clean and that will probably mean boiling it regularly. I'm not sure how leather would stand up to treatment like that."

"Boiling? Why, leather would gradually harden, Mistress. It is by boiling leather parts that the Armorers make armor for His Grace's men, though that would be much thicker material, of course." The smith considered. "If you would give me leave, Mistress, to ask about, there may be other materials which could be of service."

"Of course. I am in no real rush for any of this, but having suitable scalpels, plus a pair of forceps, means that I will be better prepared when the next emergency happens."

"As you say, Mistress. Therefore, if you have no complaints about the work, I will leave these tools with you and return to my workshop to make some more. If you find anything amiss you can always send a message - or mayhap Tyra can come and tell me."

"I'll do that. You know Tyra?"

"Of course. Her family and mine reside in Narakh Lane, near the docks. She ran the streets with my own sons and daughters before Her Grace offered her a position here."

"Oh, I see. Well, it seems that Her Grace has made Tyra my very own ladies' maid, Master Fedris, which is why she is with me now."

"Do you tell me? My congratulations to you, Tyra. I always knew that you were destined for better things."

Tyra curtseyed to Fedris, which amused him. "Thank you, Master Fedris," she said, trying to be formal. "But I am newly promoted and yet to learn my duties. If you would inform Mama and Papa? I would be grateful."

"I'll do that for you, Tyra, and I'm sure that you will prosper in your new position." Fedris turned to Ursula and straightened. "If there is anything else, Mistress?"

"Nothing I can think of, Master Fedris. I won't keep you from your work any longer."

The smith bowed and left the room. Ursula gazed at the closed door, musing.

This is a strange world. In Russia, if you want someone to do something, you just ask them. Or tell them. Here, you have to play with words to get something done without seeming too overbearing or insulting them.

It is just as well that the translating mechanism smooths out a lot of what I say or I would be in some trouble by now!

Ursula looked at Tyra. "Do you know what His Grace is doing at the moment? I think we need to have a word with him before we spend much more time together."

"Mistress?"

"It is about those secrets I mentioned. I do not see how you can be my maid without learning the truth and... some of the truth you may find hard to believe. So hard, in fact, that His Grace asks everyone who knows to take an oath, so that rumors do not start running around the city."

Tyra's eyes were round. "Mistress? I did not know!"

"Naturally, since it is a secret. Now, how do we go about finding His Grace?"

"I'll go and ask Bellot, of course," Tyra said positively. "He must know what His Grace is presently doing and therefore where he must be."

"That sounds like a reasonable idea. So, where is Bellot?"

That stumped Tyra, so she led the way out into the downstairs corridor. A quick search revealed that almost every room was empty, with only a kitchen servant attending to minor matters in the Dining Room. Tyra turned and went all the way to the end, turning into the antechamber where the dinner service was kept.

"Oh, Turis! Do you know where we might find the Duke? Mistress Ursula must needs speak with him."

Turis pointed a finger in the direction they had entered. "His Grace is yonder, in the Great Hall, with Her Grace and some number of nobles of the land. I do not think it would be wise to interrupt whatever they are about."

Tyra looked at Ursula, who shook her head. "I agree. What I have to ask should not be mentioned in public, for several reasons." Ursula turned to the kitchen worker. "Do you know if Bellot is in there as well?"

"Aye, Mistress, of course."

"Thank you for your time." She addressed Tyra. "Let us go back to my suite and have a talk."

"But you said before -"

"There are many other things we could discuss, Tyra."

"As you say, Mistress."

At the top of the stairs was Kalmenar, talking quietly with the armsman on duty. He brightened as he saw them come up and gave a small nod and a final word to the man before greeting them.

"Mistress Ursula! Barras tells me that you were called to meet a visitor, I did not know how long you would be, yet here you are."

"Lord Kalmenar, there is a smith down near the docks who is making some special tools for me," she explained. "He has just delivered the first few for my approval."

"Ah, I see. Are they in that cloth which Tyra holds? They must be small, indeed."

"They are not large. Please come into my room, both of you."

But Tyra had barely opened the door to Ursula's suite before another interruption came. Over the bridge from his workshop strode Duban, a garment over his arm.

"Mistress Ursula! I am pleased to have found you, I did not know if you had yet awakened from your nap. Here is your dress, cleaned of the stain, but I expect you will desire to put it into the laundry before wearing it again."

"Oh, yes, probably. Come in, all of you."

Once inside she turned and said, "You should both know that Her Grace has assigned Tyra here as my personal maid." She frowned. "I am not entirely certain of the exact reasoning but that is what happened just after lunch today. Neither she nor I know how this association is going to work but, with Her Highness spending longer days away, I must admit that I have found that I do need some help of a female kind."

Kalmenar nodded. "As you say, Mistress. It is possible for a woman to manage on her own but, as you have found, it is not easy. You should know that a personal servant such as Tyra will be expected to become your confidant, able to be trusted with all your wants, desires and secrets and she will in turn offer you such advice as she may."

"Thank you for the information, My Lord."

Duban added, "Mistress, I agree with My Lord here. You will both profit from this association, I deem. And I must offer congratulations to Tyra as well. It is a significant promotion."

Tyra dipped. "Thank you, My Lord. Thank you, Master Duban."

Ursula asked, "Can I have a look at the dress?"

"Surely, Mistress. I used one solvent to remove the stain and another to remove the first solvent. The smell will go once it has been washed."

Ursula put the garment to her nose and sniffed. "Alcohol?"

"Indeed, Mistress. You know of such fluids?"

"I do, and if you have access to some reasonably pure alcohol then it may make my own job a little easier. Alcohol can be used to sterilize things which cannot be boiled."

"I did not know that." Duban glanced at Kalmenar. "I see that you are busy, Mistress. Mayhap you could come to my workshop at another time and see what materials I have to offer, that may be of use to you."

"I will do that, Master Duban, and thank you for cleaning this dress."

The saddler bowed and left the room. Tyra turned to Ursula.

"Mistress, I must take the dress down to the laundry immediately. There may be time to get it done today and it will then be ready for you tomorrow."

"I should have another one back tomorrow, Tyra, but it is a good idea. Here."

Tyra went off with the dress and Ursula turned to Kalmenar.

"My Lord, it has not been the start you might wish for today."

He smiled. "As you say. There is often confusion surrounding those who come from the other world, Mistress, and the rest of us must needs learn to accept what comes. The present circumstance is but one example. By chance, here I am alone with a woman in her chamber."

"Oh! I didn't think of that."

Kalmenar smiled again. "Neither did Tyra, though I believe that she was only attempting to be conscientious in her new duties."

"You are right. Shall we step outside, so that the armsman can keep an eye on both of us?"

"If we may leave the door wide open, that he might see us plainly, that should be sufficient."

The door was opened, and a brief conversation told Barras why.

"Her Grace told me that you had noticed Tyra trying to read," she said then to Kalmenar.

"Aye, I did! It was a surprise, I noticed that she was silently mouthing the letters and words as she stood behind you. Do you object?"

"Just the opposite, My Lord! If Tyra is clever enough to be able to do that then certainly she should learn. Her Grace suggested to me that Tyra should join me as your pupil, if you have no objection of your own."

"I do not, though it means a change of ideas for such as me. You must understand that in our society, and I imagine Joth is little different, very few people can read and write. Most nobles, such as myself, make sure that their own children may do so, since one or more may come to the title after their parent and will need to be able to administer their lands and people.

"Of the rest of the population, which is of course the greater part, very few may be able to read or write. In Palarand's Guilds... or perhaps I should now say the new Engineer's Institute, it is a condition of entry that any boy... or girl... must needs learn to read and write before they may be awarded the rank of Journeyman." He belatedly added, "Or Journeywoman, as it may be."

He then explained, "Since the coming of Princess Garia it has become apparent to all that the traditional training of a guildsman, which may last five, six or even seven years, may no longer be supported. Matters are changing so quickly that training struggles to address the latest developments. Many of those in the more technical departments are therefore forced to rely on what are named manuals, which are books detailing all aspects of their subject. Thus, more of the lower classes must needs learn to read, write and to number."

"I am familiar with manuals, My Lord. In the land of my birth, as elsewhere on Earth, there are many manuals, but also training as well. One cannot make sense of a manual until one knows what the subject is about."

"So I was told. What of your own art? How is it managed on Earth?"

"Do you know that we leave school at an age which here would be about sixteen years old?"

Kalmenar nodded.

"After that," she continued, "most young men and women spend two years in our country's armed forces. It is called conscription, but from what I understand it is not the same as you use the word here."

"From what Tenant Maralin has previously told us, I believe that you are right. Normally, we would only conscript men into the levies when a war threatens or has already begun. On Earth, he says that in certain countries conscription is to be considered as a regular part of every young person's education."

"That is a good way to describe it, My Lord. So, following that service, most will go on to college to learn more about the particular profession or trade that they have decided to follow in their adult lives. I chose medical school, obviously. I am two years out of medical school, then, and was gaining further experience and knowledge while working in one of our hospitals."

The diplomat nodded again. "Ah, I see. And there are many of these manuals, then, to help you at your task?"

"Not so much these days. Because we could be moving about in the hospital all the time, attending different patients, carrying books with us is not a practical idea. Also, as you must understand, sometimes there is no time to do anything at all but deal with whatever is happening. Instead, we rely on the experience of our superiors and a good memory. Of course, should some new disease or technique for curing something come along, there will be short courses for interested doctors to learn all about them."

"Thank you, Mistress. I believe that I understand your background much better now." He gave a rueful smile. "When we first saw you, on that island in the river, we could never have imagined what you have turned out to be. To think, all that knowledge and experience you have -"

At that moment Tyra reappeared, giving a curtsey as she entered the room.

"Mistress, they said in the laundry that, as the weather is so warm these days, your dress will dry quickly and should be ready for you tomorrow - but not before breakfast, since somebody must needs iron it first."

"Thank you, Tyra, and good work. Now, as Lord Kalmenar is here, perhaps we should be at our lessons?"

"Aye, Mistress. Um, should I - Do I have to -"

"I believe that you should sit for the lesson. Do you agree, My Lord?"

"It is unusual, perhaps, but not unknown, Mistress Ursula. Certainly the work will go better if you are both seated."

They took seats one side of the table while Kalmenar sat on the other. He opened the folder and took out three slim parchment books from within.

"Bellot managed to find these among the few effects salvaged from the fire," he explained. "They are for teaching His Grace's children to read, and you have my apologies for that, but I believe that you will find them suitable for your present level of study. Tyra?"

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Since this is the first day that I will have officially instructed you, you must be sure to tell me of any difficulty. Though I understand that your mistress may progress faster, I do not intend to let you fall behind if I can avoid it."

Tyra lowered her eyes. "My Lord, you are most gracious. I will tell you if I do not understand anything."

"Good. Then perhaps you will both look at this first book together. It appears to be about the adventures of a... well, mayhap you can tell me."

* * *

"My Lord, Mistress," Tyra said, "it darkens. Should I light a lantern for you?"

Kalmenar looked up. The room was definitely becoming dark, and rapidly. He stood and peered out of the window.

"A storm approaches. There will likely be thunder, lightning and a downpour of rain to come for a bell or so." He considered. "By the time that the clouds pass over, I deem it will by then be time for you ladies to prepare yourselves for the evening meal." He gave them both a smile. "By which I mean, it would now be a good point for us to stop."

Ursula leaned back and stretched. "I believe I agree, My Lord." Even during the time that they had been speaking, the room had darkened further. "As always, with something new like this it takes a considerable amount of concentration until the letters become familiar. I think we have both done enough for today."

"And you have both progressed very well today! Several more days like this and it is certain that you, Mistress Ursula, will need no further instruction but merely plenty of practice, and you, young Tyra, will need but little more. I am pleased to have such bright students. To see you two learning to read is very satisfying, somehow."

"Thank you, My Lord. Can you tell me, are storms like this typical at this time of year?"

"You would not know, would you? Aye, there are usually a few but they do not last very long, maybe a bell or a bell and a half. Some farmers think they are good luck since the extra moisture helps to plump out fruits and vegetables before the harvest, but those who grow grains worry since the heavy rain that usually falls can flatten the crop. As always, there are winners and losers."

Tyra said, "My father likes these storms, My Lord, since they tempt the fish to the river's surface. He will go out immediately the storm passes by, to make the most of the bounty."

"He is a fisherman? I did not know that. An honorable trade, I deem."

"Aye, My Lord, and the city folk are always ready to pay good coin for his catch."

There was a rumble of thunder in the distance.

"Perhaps lighting a lantern or two would be a good idea," Kalmenar suggested. "In a few moments it will be too dark for us to see one another. If you would give me leave, Mistress, I will return to my own chamber while I may yet see the way."

"Of course, My Lord," Ursula agreed.

She and Tyra both stood and curtseyed as Kalmenar collected his things and departed. There was another rumble of thunder.

"If you may tell me where your fire striker is kept, Mistress."

"I have no idea, Tyra. Let us look in the sideboard. Thinking about it, I have not lit any lamp since I have been here and I do not think that Bennet has either. I would guess that one of the Mansion staff does it when we are elsewhere, like at a meal, but that obviously did not include you."

"As you say, Mistress. Ah! Here it is, in the top drawer."

Tyra expertly struck flint to steel and lit a taper, from which she lit lanterns on the sideboard and table. She considered the wall-mounted ones but shook her head.

"They must use steps to do those, I deem. I will not risk it, not until I am sure of what I am doing."

"I agree." Ursula considered. "I think that you are going to need some instruction as to what your duties are, now that you have a new job. Is there someone you can ask?"

"There are the ladies who attend Her Grace," Tyra said doubtfully. "But they have other tasks as well and are not always around to ask. Her Highness has no maids and there are no other ladies who live in the Mansions who do... that I know about. Perhaps I must needs enquire of Bellot what my duties might be, or, if he does not know, who will be able to tell me."

"I cannot help you, since this whole affair is something that I have never faced before. Where I lived before, there were no maids as you use the term here. The clothes we wore there are designed so that we can dress and undress ourselves without any help. As to any other duties," Ursula shrugged, "I will not even attempt to guess."

"No maids? That sounds... unusual, but it is plain to us servants that the society that you came from is very different than our own." Her face lit up. "I would like it if one day you could tell me of that land and the people in it, it may help me to serve you better."

Ursula grimaced. "There are problems... as I said before, I need to have a long talk with His Grace before I can do anything like that." Tyra's face fell, so Ursula added, "I have no objection to telling you about my past but... there are problems which must be resolved before I can tell you anything. The Duke must come first."

"As you desire, Mistress."

It was now raining fitfully, with the occasional flash from distant lightning flickering through the window.

"Perhaps we ought to go into the dressing room," Ursula decided. "As Lord Kalmenar said, I have to change for the evening meal... does that mean that you do too?"

"Um. Mistress, I do not know. Before today I have only very rarely been permitted into the dining room and that was never when a meal was being served." Tyra eyed Ursula. "Mistress, you have eaten there, of course. How were the female servants attired?"

"Why, it was not something I paid much attention to! Let me think." Ursula closed her eyes and tried to remember her previous meals. "Yes. Some of the servants were from the kitchens, but they wore different dresses to those who prepared and cooked. Some of the others who serve - must be the personal servants of those eating, thinking about it! They wore the Duke's colors but their dresses were long."

Tyra nodded. "That means that I have to find somebody who knows what I should be wearing, and then find somebody else who knows where such a garment might be found! Mistress, I do not know if all that may be done before the meal is ready."

"Then let us begin immediately."

There was a problem with this proposal, in that the rain was now coming down in sheets and the noise was deafening. It was so dark that, even with the lanterns they had already lit, it would have been difficult to read had they wanted to continue. Outside in the corridor it would be even darker. Taking a lantern from the table, Ursula opened the door. Outside, Barras was watching a servant light one of the corridor lanterns with a taper on the end of a pole. Ursula and Tyra looked at each other.

"Mistress, there was a pole like that in the drawer but it never occurred to me..."

"Why should it? If it is something you have never seen done, why would you know how it is done?"

Barras turned towards them. "Mistress?"

"It is not important, Barras. What is important is that we speak with His Grace as soon as it is convenient to him."

"His Grace is still in the Great Hall, Mistress, but Her Grace recently came up the stairs and went to their chambers. Would she suffice?"

"We have a number of problems to solve and she may be able to answer some of them. Should we go and knock? Would we be disturbing anything, do you know?"

"I believe that she may have come up to change before the evening meal... although it is yet early, I deem. I do not think that it would hurt to knock and find out if you may attend her."

"We'll do that. Come on, Tyra."

Tyra knocked on the door but Ursula stepped forward when it was opened. The woman within looked at her enquiringly. Ursula thought she looked familiar, but then there had been a lot of people around the Mansion in recent days.

"If I may help?"

"I find myself in an awkward position," Ursula explained. "Tyra here has been allocated me as a personal maid by Her Grace, just after lunch, and neither of us know what she is supposed to do, or what she should be wearing. As you may know I am a stranger here and do not know the routine of the household."

"Oh!" The woman thought. "Her Grace is presently indisposed but I may be able to help. If you would both enter."

The woman closed the door behind them and looked them over.

"Of course, I know who you are, Mistress Ursula, I doubt there are many in Joth who do not these days, and of course Tyra is familiar to me. I am Benizel, a companion to Her Grace. The Call of Kalikan presently occupies Her Grace and she is bathing with her other companion, Mistress Harbara. You desire to know Tyra's duties? I do not think she has yet served as a personal maid."

Tyra bobbed. "If you please, Mistress Benizel. And I do not know what uniform my new duties require."

Benizel's gaze flicked up and down the maid's body. "Though it is unusual, what you wear now will suffice for today, I deem. I must needs ask Her Grace when she emerges what the attire for a personal maid in her household should be, since no-one of that status resides here presently. Some years ago her daughters both had maids but they have long departed to the homes of their husbands." She grimaced. "Since those of Yod despoiled our city much is different and I do not know whether Her Grace would make changes from what occurred before." She brightened. "Still, the duties of a personal maid are easy enough to describe, and we have time before you must needs go and change."

Benizel had almost finished detailing most of what Tyra should know when Fanis appeared, wrapped in a fluffy robe.

"Ursula? Tyra? Is there some problem?"

"Of a minor nature, Your Grace," Benizel explained. "Though you have assigned Tyra new duties, none have described to her what her new duties should be nor how she should be attired in her new post."

"Oh! As you say!" Fanis smiled at them both. "How remiss of me! Of course, Tyra would not know what service she should provide to you, Ursula. Not all our staff know what every other person should do, after all. Is all now explained?"

Tyra bobbed. "Yes, Your Grace, it is. I feel much more confident in my duties now and Mistress Benizel has said that I may ask advice of her at any time if I am unsure."

"That is good. I must apologize for the oversight, but we were about to take our naps, were we not? I doubt much of anything that I told you then would have been remembered. All is now satisfactory, then? And your attire?"

"Your Grace, Benizel is unsure what attire you may desire, since the circumstances of your mansion are different than before."

"Well said, Tyra. Different, indeed! I doubt not we will have the new wood smell into next year. Let me see. For today, what you wear will be sufficient, I think. Tomorrow I will ask a seamstress to call and we can decide on something appropriate to the season." She had a thought. "Hmm! Mayhap we should take advantage of the new styles and provide a ship dress for you, in the house colors." She nodded. "If I may consider the matter overnight, ladies, and give you my answer tomorrow morning."

Tyra curtseyed again. "As you command, Your Grace."

Outside in the corridor the noise had quietened to a dull murmur and it seemed appreciably lighter.

"The storm has passed over, Mistress. I have not heard the clock... Barras? Do you know what time it is?"

"The rain was too loud for me to hear the bells, Tyra, but I judge there may be a little more than a bell before you must needs take your mistress down to eat."

"Mistress?"

"Yes, Tyra. Time enough to bathe, then, and to look through my wardrobe for something to wear. Come on, then."

* * *

"Mistress, I thought that you had more gowns than these."

The two had bathed together and were in fluffy robes, inside Ursula's dressing room. The storm had by now passed so that a good evening light came through the window, allowing the two women to see Ursula's garments clearly.

"Yes, well, that is part of my past which you will need to know. When... I... came on board Her Highness's ship, I had almost nothing to wear. We had to stop at the next crossing point and buy some dresses and underwear in the market. Once we arrived here, Her Grace has graciously provided some of these better gowns for me. Of course, Maralin has also helped by designing some of these new lightweight clothes that you may have seen around."

"Like the ship dress?" Tyra frowned. "Why is it named a ship dress, do you know? Is it because it was designed aboard Her Highness's ship?"

It was Ursula's turn to frown. "I'm not sure... I think, originally, it was called a shift dress but then he thought it suitable for Her Highness, Bennet and Semma to wear on board, so called it a deck dress. Somehow the women here started calling it a ship dress and I am guessing that the change of name stuck. As to what a shift dress might be, that is a long story for another time."

"As you wish, Mistress." Something else Ursula had said caught her attention. "You said that you had almost no clothes at all? How is that possible? Were they stolen or lost?"

Ursula thought. "That is as good an explanation as any, Tyra. At the time I was found, I had lost my memory."

"I remember."

"So I have no idea, really, what happened to all my belongings. I will tell you that most of what I owned would not be considered appropriate here so it would not have been worth bringing them anyway. I have considered it as a fresh beginning for me, in a new land."

"As you say, Mistress. Which of these shall you choose to wear this evening? The work of Joth's seamstresses is very fine, as I can see from here."

"We have time, let us pull some out to have a look. That way you can become familiar with what I have."

In the end, Ursula opted for the blue gown that had somehow become a favorite. With hair neatly brushed by an attentive Tyra, she walked down the stairs and into the dining room followed by her new maid.

"We stand around in here talking," she explained in a low voice, "until His Grace has arrived. Then we get shown to seats, which can change all the time. Only Their Graces sit in the same place for every meal."

"Ah. As you say, Mistress. Useful to know."

Fanis was already there and joined Ursula. "Everything is as you desire it, dear?"

"It is, Your Grace. It will doubtless take Tyra and myself a few days to develop a routine but so far we have had no problems."

"That is good. Have you any questions for me?"

"Nothing about myself and Tyra, Your Grace, but can I ask what was happening in the Great Hall today? It is not my business but it would be useful to know when either of you are not available or if there might be need of my services."

"Certainly you may ask, Ursula! For the first time since Wallesan has returned to Joth from Palarand, the Great Council of Joth has met, with most of his counts and barons in attendance. This happens but once a year, and is usually in the fall, but of course recent events have made changes necessary. I do not normally attend such meetings but since this one was unusual, it was thought prudent." Her face fell. "We did not get very much done, I regret. Although Joth today is more united by the war than for a while in the past, still there are tensions and rivalries, not to mention absences due to deaths and war injuries. I hope that the next meeting, in the fall as usual, will prove more productive."

Ursula nodded. "Thank you for the information, Your Grace. If I am to settle in this new... land... then I must find out all I can about how everything works."

The door opened and Bellot appeared. He saw Fanis and came over.

"Your Grace, it appears that His Grace will be late to dine this evening."

Fanis looked concerned. "Why, whatever has happened?"

"As you may know, after you departed the gathering, everybody else remained in the Great Hall until the storm passed over, that they might leave without getting soaked. Before the storm had entirely passed, however, a messenger came with a call for the Duke saying that the Galdarin Gate had been struck and that there was significant damage."

"Oh, my! Has anyone been hurt, do you know?"

Bellot shook his head. "Your Grace, I do not have that information. His Grace will of course have discovered everything and no doubt will tell you when he returns. He left immediately with Captain Hambran, telling his nobles and others there to wait until the storm passed before departing, with his approval. I do not know when he is expected to return."

"Oh." Fanis looked down. "I do hope that everyone is safe. Thank you, Bellot. I suppose that means that we should sit to table and not wait for my husband."

Bellot bowed. "As you command, Your Grace. I will go and inform the kitchen."

Fanis turned to Ursula. "Come. Today you may sit by my side and we may have a sensible conversation, with no others between us. Tyra, if you would serve your mistress this evening."

Tyra bobbed. "Of course, Your Grace."

The meal passed with light conversation among the diners since it was a mixed table and many would not have been interested in Ursula's domestic circumstances. She did speak of several patients that she had visited in the city, people who were known to those in the mansion. Once they had finished Fanis suggested that Ursula join her in their sitting room for some more intimate conversation.

"...So you see, I need to ask permission from His Grace before I can tell anything to Tyra."

"Ah, I understand. Yes, of course. When we spoke after lunch I understood that you would probably need to tell her about your past but I had not considered the greater issues involved. You will have to ask permission of Wallesan when he returns but, I would warn you, he may not wish to deal with such matters this evening."

"So I understand. These storms, does the city often get struck by lightning?"

"Two or three times a year, I would think, no more. Most often it is high roofs of merchants' mansions, but also the Great Hall has been hit in the past. It is unusual for such as the Galdarin Gate to be struck, but I do remember that one of the two dock gates was hit two years ago, so it is not impossible. Do you not have lightning in the same way on... in... the land of your birth?"

"Of course, Your Grace, but we have developed methods of reducing the damage lightning can cause. I do not think that I can tell you what they are or how they work, though."

"I believe that Maralin said that they were working on something in Palarand concerning lightning. Of course, he has now departed and is probably in Virgulend by now."

Palarand. If they are doing anything about lightning strikes in Palarand, then I am willing to bet that Princess Garia is behind it.

Another subject I cannot speak about until I get permission!

"It probably isn't that important, Your Grace, especially if it only happens two or three times a year."

"As you say. Now, while you are here, there is the small matter of uniform for Tyra, assuming that she remains your maid. What I had thought was -"

* * *

The door opened and Wallesan came in, wiping his hand through his hair. Ursula stood and curtseyed as Fanis went over and embraced the Duke.

"Welcome back, Wal! Is everything all right?"

"Whew! A difficult afternoon, I deem. There is extensive damage to the tower over the Galdarin Gate, but fortunately, because of the rain, those who were there were sheltering underneath the arch and there was no-one on the road nearby. Still, some have suffered temporary injuries to eyes and ears because of the closeness of the strike." Wallesan noticed Ursula and held up a hand in greeting. "Good evening, Ursula. You may rest easy, your presence is not required this day. Fanis, I am hungry and weary. Shall you ask food for me?"

"Of course, dear. Will you eat it in here while we are with you?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "Aye, I do not stand on ceremony as you know." He walked over and sat down in one of the chairs at the table. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"We were speaking of domestic matters, Wal. Ursula does have a request but it can wait until you have eaten and rested yourself. It concerns Tyra and... Ursula's origins."

Wallesan's eyes flicked between the three and he sighed. "Aye, I should have considered that. If you would let me think as I eat, I will answer you presently."

With Farren and Heris in close attendance, Wallesan attacked the food placed in front of him as though he had not eaten for days. While eating, he gave a running report on the damage at the gate and what was being done about it.

"...and so, it has been necessary to close the gate for a day or two, until the masons can assure us that the stonework is safe for those below," he concluded, picking up his goblet. He took a drink and then added, "It will mean an extra mark or two for anyone coming from that direction but there is no other remedy, I regret. Otherwise, everyone who resides or works near the gate may go about their normal business."

He put down the goblet and turned to his Head Cook. "My thanks to you, Farren, for a hastily arranged meal. It was of course up to your usual standard."

Farren bowed. "Thank you, Your Grace, but I may have to provide for late meals for other arrivals. Yours was but a portion of what I have kept in reserve."

"Oh? How so?"

"Her Highness and her ladies-in-arms, if I may name them so, have not yet returned from wherever they went. I do not know if they were caught by the storm or if they have obtained food somewhere along their route back to the city."

"Eriana!" Wallesan stared at Fanis. "Did she tell you where she was going today?"

"She did not, Wal. I just hope that she will not be out much longer, you know how difficult it can be to travel after sunset."

"And she may try and enter through the Galdarin Gate, since she would not know of the damage."

"Wal, let us not make problems where there may not be any. She may have gone to Thorn again, or maybe Hulmar. We do not know. At least wait a bell or two, and rest yourself, before thinking about finding them in the dark."

He nodded. "As you say, my dear. Farren, you may clear the table, I have finished, but leave me the bottle and goblet. I must needs go and sit somewhere a little more comfortable."

"As you command, Your Grace."

The Duke came and sank into his favorite armchair with a sigh.

"Fanis, we must do something about those nobles. We must not have a meeting like that one again."

"You are worried about them? Leave them for now, dear. You have all the rains to find an answer yet there are more pressing problems here for you to solve. What about the Galdarin Gate?"

"I can do nothing until the masons report, my dear. That will not happen before tomorrow lunchtime, I think." His brow furrowed. "Somebody mentioned a problem with Tyra? Ursula? Is her service not to your liking?"

Fanis said, "That is not the problem, dear. Ursula, if you would explain the problem, um, without explaining the problem, if you may understand me."

Ursula nodded. "It is simple enough, Your Grace. For Tyra to understand my needs properly, I think that she will have to be told the truth about my origins, all of it. If she does not, there will always be questions I should answer but cannot, for reasons you know."

Wallesan had briefly considered the matter while he was eating and knew what Ursula was referring to.

"I agree, my dear. If you are to have a personal maid, it will be essential for her to know all that there is to know about you. Even if you might not wish it so, over time that is what will happen anyway. Therefore, she must needs take an oath to bind her in secrecy." He turned. "Tyra, if you would stand before me."

She came and curtseyed. "Your Grace?"

He smiled at her. "This is not a grave matter we speak of but a necessary one. Normally such an oath as we require would not be needed but Mistress Ursula's past is a strange and peculiar one. Only a very few people in Joth know that secret and all have taken oaths to protect that knowledge. Because of that I will offer you the choice, to take the oath or to withdraw your service without penalty should you choose to do so."

"Your Grace, I will swear. It is clear to me that Mistress Ursula is in need of some assistance and I have already begun to help her as she requires."

"Then kneel."

The oath was given and witnessed. Tyra rose and resumed her station behind Ursula's chair.

"I would advise," Wallesan said to Ursula, "that you leave any disclosures until a suitable time tomorrow. You will have much to tell her, I deem, and a clear head will be needed by both of you for the telling."

"As you wish, Your Grace." She thought about Maralin. "Your Grace, may I tell Ursula about... the rest of it? Others involved?"

Wallesan was silent for such a long time that Ursula began to regret asking the question. "Aye, my dear," he said finally. "It may help to make your own circumstances... more understandable."

"Thank you, Your Grace. I will be careful in what I say."

Ursula thought that nearly a bell had passed before anything else happened. She still had not quite understood all the bell codes, but it was relatively early in the night and the sequences were easier to follow. Then, just as she was thinking of retiring, the sitting room door opened and Eriana came in, followed by Bennet and Semma.

"Wallesan! We have returned, no thanks to the Gods!"

Wallesan stood and walked over to greet the three. All were tired, drawn and looked hungry. Their clothes were heavily wrinkled and there was a strange, acrid smell in the air.

"Eriana! What happened to you? We wondered, when you did not appear."

"A tale of incident I will make brief, since we are all hungry and tired yet in need of a good bath before we may retire for the night. This morning, at the suggestion of Captain Hambran, we decided to go to visit your rifle range, to try our skills upon it. I must admit, the facilities there are well laid out and run and we all three were able to test ourselves with the new weapons. A good lunch was provided and we spent a bell or so speaking to those present about our own experiences before leaving to return.

"However, the storm arrived at that moment and lightning struck one of the powder stores. There was an immense explosion, several were injured, but fortunately no-one was killed. The frayen all ran amok and we had to use ours, who were most easy to retrieve, to help run down all the others. We stayed to help with the clean-up and rescue operations and then delayed our return until the storm had completely passed. Once we reached Joth again we discovered that the Galdarin Gate had been closed, but a Tenant among the gate guard offered to guide us around to the Southeast Gate."

"Maker! What an adventure you have all had today! Come, sit you all, and I will ask Farren to bring you food. He has reserved some against your late return, though what state it is in by now I could not say. Let me tell you that I have spent some time at the Galdarin Gate this afternoon, making sure all has been taken care of. Regrettably, the gate will have to remain closed a day or two more, until the masons tell me that all is safe."

He pulled a rope and Heris arrived. The footman took in the situation and said, "Your Grace, if I should fetch Farren?"

"Aye, please do, and tell him there are three hungry ladies to feed."

"Your Grace."

As Heris disappeared the three sat down at the table, all obviously exhausted after a long day.

"Eriana, what is that smell? Is that you?"

The Princess gave a wan smile. "It is, Fanis. Gunpowder is a smelly concoction and there was a lot of it consumed in a very short time. I had hoped that the rain would wash the smell off but I see that it has not. If I may offer my apologies for our present state."

"Do not concern yourself, Eriana. We know such things may happen from time to time."

Farren appeared promptly, bearing a filled tray and followed by two kitchen staff similarly laden. Food was laid out on the table and the three hungry women fell upon it, in much the same manner as Wallesan had earlier.

Eriana noticed Tyra standing behind Ursula's chair. She said to Fanis, "You have a new maid, I see."

"Oh, not mine, Eriana!" Fanis exclaimed. "Since you were all out for so long, and Ursula required assistance of a female sort, I thought it time to provide her with a permanent maid. You have been on several long trips recently and Ursula was in need. Tyra helped her before and an opportunity was there so it seemed a good idea."

"Tyra is now Ursula's maid?"

"Aye," said Fanis, puzzled. "Do you disagree?"

Eriana lurched to her feet, her eyes wide, a curse on her lips.

"I didn't - She should not - But -"

Eriana obviously had some objection but could not find words to explain herself. The others stared at her with amazement, unable to determine what had caused the reaction. Then, just as suddenly, the emotion passed, her shoulders slumped and she lowered her eyes to the carpet.

"Wallesan, I must apologize for my conduct. I am a guest in your mansion and I should not behave so. I find that I no longer desire to eat but to retire immediately."

Semma and Bennet jumped up but Eriana held up a hand. "Stay. My own poor behavior is no reason why you should spend the night hungry. Come when you are filled and clean." She turned and looked at them all - all except Tyra. "Good-night to you all. By your leave, Your Grace?"

Wallesan stammered, "Well, of course, Eriana!"

Eriana swept out of the room and the others stared at each other in silence.

"What did I do?" Fanis asked. "I thought that telling her about Tyra would ease her mind, she has been out riding a lot recently. What did I do?"

Bennet and Semma looked at each other. "Your Grace," Semma said, "we have had a long day full of excitement, most of which we did not want. It may be that Her Highness is too tired to comprehend what you have just told her. By tomorrow, when she has had a good rest, she may be in a better mood."

"Just so," Wallesan said. "Now you still have a meal to eat, and you may eat it in here, so sit down again, both of you. Farren will attend until you are finished. Tomorrow, well, tomorrow is another day, I deem."

Events move at speed for Ursula as a new activity is decided for Tyra. Then, in the Great Hall, her adventure in the city is examined and she learns what punishments are dispensed to criminals in Joth.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

25 - At the Duke's Court

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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The following morning at breakfast, Eriana, Bennet and Semma appeared wearing their Palarand-style exercise gear. The Princess looked very contrite, going down on one knee in front of Wallesan, to his complete surprise.

"Your Grace, I beg forgiveness of you," she said. "I have behaved in a way that a Princess of Palarand ought not to behave. I can only plead tiredness, hunger, and a long day full of unwanted incident."

The Duke stepped back with a gesture. "Rise, Eriana. There is no need to apologize. Had I suffered the same day as you and your girls did, I doubt not that my own temper would likewise have been somewhat frayed. Consider your actions of yesterday eve to be forgotten. Did you not know? You are among friends here."

Eriana climbed to her feet but she still looked embarrassed. "You are most gracious, Wallesan, but still, as a guest in your house, I should not have treated anyone as I did. And now I have made a spectacle of myself in front of everybody."

He chuckled quietly. "You would not be the first guest who has done so, Eriana, and I doubt you will be the last. Please, all of you, come and sit at table. Let us break our fast and speak of today's happenings instead of the past."

Eriana grimaced. "Wallesan, I would agree, but I am compelled to request of you a brief meeting when we rise from breakfast. It seems that there may have been a misunderstanding which must be made clear."

Wallesan was surprised again. "Indeed? I have a busy morning arranged, my dear, but of course I will spare you enough time to resolve anything you consider doubtful."

"Agreed," she said shortly.

As the diners converged on the table Ursula considered what she had learned the previous evening. To avoid disturbing Eriana, she had offered the use of her bath to Bennet and Semma and they had reluctantly agreed. In turn, they had insisted that Ursula and Tyra bathe first, to avoid having to get into dirty water. Following the bath, the four had sat around for a short while in their fluffy robes talking about the day's events - and what might have caused Eriana's outburst.

It seemed that both Bennet and Semma had been around when the Princess had arrived at the palace in Palarand, and it also seemed that she had been an entirely different person then. Ursula had experience of spoiled children, teenagers and adults and she recognized the signs the two armswomen had recounted. It seemed that only Lady Garia, as she had been then, had been able to find a way to improve Eriana's personality, though by this time the Princess had already realized that her own behavior had become unacceptable.

So, a reformed character, then? But one who can slip back into old ways when stressed.

In a different way, that could describe me also. I can not condemn her on that account.

Still, nobody yet has explained what upset her. Something to do with Tyra, perhaps, but nothing is clear.

How can I, or anyone else, find out what might be wrong? Or is there in fact nothing wrong, it was just an outburst because she was tired? What does she want to speak to the Duke about? Could it be me?

There is much in this world which is still mysterious to me and I do not like it!

"If I might ask," Wallesan said to Eriana, "I notice that you wear your exercise attire today. Do you not ride?"

Eriana shook her head with a small smile. "Not today, Wallesan. I fear that our adventures yesterday have worn out our frayen and we intend to let them recover for some few days before we venture forth again. Today... we may join your men at exercise, depending on what Captain Hambran has planned, or we may go down to the docks and join my men. It is some time since we last did drills with them, though I know that Lars will keep them sharp."

"Ah, I see." The Duke turned to Hambran. "Captain? What of your arrangements for the men today?"

Hambran considered. "I will of course be available this morning should you require me, Your Grace, and as you know many of the men are already assigned to your morning's audience. If I may think while we eat, I may give answer to yourself, and to Her Highness, when we rise."

Breakfast was a curious affair since there was still some kind of tension between the various parties, with Ursula a puzzled onlooker. Tyra seemed to have gotten the system of serving at table, however, and the practical side of the meal proceeded smoothly. When the Duke rose, he gestured to the door to Eriana, but she turned first to Ursula.

"If you would join us, Ursula, since my problem concerns you."

"Of course, Highness."

Ursula and Tyra therefore followed Wallesan, Fanis and Eriana into the Small Meeting Room.

Eriana turned to the Duchess. "Fanis, I doubt not that you did what you thought best in assigning a maid to Ursula, and indeed I can agree that mayhap the time has come for her to be so served. It is unfortunate that we were away so long yesterday but I cannot let the weather be an excuse. It is done now, but know that I would have preferred to have been asked first."

"But, Eriana, that was always what I intended to do! Ursula will confirm that, when Tyra was asked to assist her, I warned both that you would have the final word. However, her need for assistance was immediate and therefore I gave her Tyra who had helped her previously. I must apologize if I have upset you, Eriana. It was not my intention to go behind your back, if that is what you thought."

"Oh. And now I am embarrassed again, Fanis. Please accept my apologies again for last night. I saw what I thought was something and it was something else, an innocent helping of a guest in your Mansion."

"As you say, Eriana." Fanis frowned. "I am still unclear what the problem is, though. If you would explain."

"When Ursula was discovered on that island, Fanis, both Wallesan and myself separately made oaths to ward her until she became familiar enough in our ways to be able to decide her own fate in the Great Valley. When we realized that we had done this we agreed to take joint guardianship of her. I assumed that this would mean that no decisions would be taken without one consulting the other. Of course you were not party to any of that, and indeed any of the reason for doing so until recently."

"Ah, I did not know that. Wal, you told me of finding Ursula but I missed the significance of any oaths you may have made then."

Wallesan nodded. "It is a while now but of course you should know all that I can recall of those days, Fanis. Maybe later today, when we can find a few moments together. This morning, as you know, we have other matters to attend to." He asked Eriana, "It is of those oaths you speak, I deem?"

Eriana replied, "Wallesan, it is. I may have made a fuss over nothing but it is Ursula's safety and comfort I consider. While she is yet in Joth I am content to let her be guided by local custom and practice but I would still desire to be consulted when decisions are made about her - or with her. In that regard, I wonder if she is destined to remain here at all. You know my own thoughts on the matter."

The Duke's eyes briefly slid towards Tyra, standing silently behind Ursula - and taking in every word.

"Aye, Eriana, I do. All I can do today is apologize for the misunderstanding and promise to consult you before anything else is decided concerning Ursula. Will that suffice?"

She gave a short nod. "As you say, Wallesan."

"Then, we must be about our business for today. I have a Duke's Court to attend in the Great Hall, where sundry criminal cases and some awkward disputes will be dealt with. I doubt not that Captain Hambran will be outside, waiting to give you answer about today's other activities."

Tyra moved swiftly to open the door, receiving a smile and a nod from Wallesan as he led them all through. Outside in the corridor, Hambran stood talking to Senia and Bellot, with Bennet and Semma waiting for Eriana nearby.

Hambran approached Eriana. "Highness, I have received several requests from the men concerning the Tai Chi. Tenant Maralin has endeavored to teach it to the men but it is felt that a fresh teacher may help them remember some of the moves the Tenant was not certain about. As I mentioned previously, many of the men will be busy this morning, but if you wished to join the rest I would offer no complaint."

"Then we are happy to help, Captain. I and my girls were taught by Princess Garia herself, and I am certain that between us we should be able to provide the advice and example your men need."

"I appreciate your help, Highness. I will give orders, then, but first," he continued, "Healer Senia informs me that Tyra has some interest in learning the same arts as your girls profess. If it would be possible to consult with you and her concerning the requirements for such work?"

Eriana spun and stared at a red-faced Tyra. "Is this true? You desire to become a woman of arms?"

"H-Highness," she stammered, "I did. As you can see, I consider that I may be of a build and fitness to do such work and since seeing Bennet and Semma, I have wondered if it would be possible."

Eriana turned on her heel, thinking, before addressing Wallesan. "This may prove more useful to us both, Wallesan, if Ursula's maid can be protector as well. Assuming that she is capable, I will agree to this if you will. She is, after all, your subject." She added, "It may prove useful to show Captain Hambran how 'tis done, to have women under his charge in the future."

The Duke was surprised but nodded. "Aye, Eriana, it is the logical next step, is it not? Hambran, how say you?"

"Tyra is Mistress Ursula's personal maid? Then she would not be required to be quartered with the troops, she may reside with her mistress as normal, which would solve one immediate problem. However, if she is to train at arms, then she would not be available to assist her mistress at all times."

"I can answer that, Captain," Senia said. "Ursula customarily accompanies me each morning on my rounds as healer. Tyra needs not be present then, we have managed together so far already. If she may train each morning as we do our rounds, she may serve her mistress once we return for lunch."

Hambran said, "As His Grace has said, it will doubtless become necessary for women to join his armsmen, so taking Tyra as a trainee will indeed inform us how it must needs be done. If all are agreed? Then, since you are already here, Mistress Senia, Tyra may join Her Highness and her armswomen this morning, to decide if she is suitable for the task."

"Agreed."

Wallesan nodded. "Agreed."

Senia turned to Ursula. "Then by His Grace's leave you and I should depart, Ursula. There are new injuries to attend today, I regret."

Bellot spoke then. "Mistress Senia, I must needs tell you that Mistress Ursula may not accompany you this morning. That is why I am here, to inform her that she will be needed today to attend His Grace's Court, as witness and victim."

Ursula was surprised. "Me? Oh, is this about what happened the other day, when we went to the market?"

"I believe that is so, Mistress." Bellot thought. "I do not recall that Mistress Senia was involved, though."

"I was not," Senia confirmed. "I only know what little Ursula has told me since." She turned to Wallesan. "By your leave, Your Grace. I must depart, there are patients to visit. If I may attend tomorrow morning for Ursula?"

"Of course, Mistress Senia. As you know, we appreciate that the welfare of all those under your care is important, you may depart at once. Ursula no doubt will be waiting for you after breakfast tomorrow morning."

Senia curtseyed and walked off down the corridor. Ursula gazed after her, somewhat fuddled by the sudden speed of events.

Eriana asked the Duke, "Your court, Wallesan. Should I be present, either to take part or as an observer?"

"As you choose, Eriana," he replied, "though, if you do not mind a suggestion, this will be the first full court I have held since I returned. Your presence today may be a distraction. There is no reason that you could not attend another day, and with more advance warning to choose other attire. I am likely to hold another court like this before you must needs depart, should you desire to see me at work."

"Aye, I had forgotten our attire, we will indeed be a distraction today. So, ladies, let us be away with Captain Hambran and find out if our newest trainee might qualify for the task."

Hambran braced to attention. "Your Grace?"

"Aye, Hambran. I know it is short notice but it is something that must needs be done and soon. We may have other women of a similar bent approach us."

"As you say, Your Grace." The captain turned to Eriana and bowed. "Highness. If you would all follow me."

With a crooked finger aimed at Tyra, Hambran turned away and the others followed. Tyra glanced at Ursula, receiving a nod. The servant girl followed the others as they headed for the yard.

What just happened then? I had a maid and now she is gone! I have barely had her a day and now she has been taken away to do... what, exactly? To be taught to do whatever Bennet and Semma can do, I suppose.

Another thing. If Tyra is to be my maid, surely it is I who should be deciding where she goes and what she does?

Where does that leave me, then? I'm supposed to be chaperoned around the mansion, especially if there are outsiders around.

What about this trial, then? How does that work? I have no idea how they conduct trials in this place.

Fanis said, "Ursula, once again you are left on your own! A curious circumstance, and not of your own making, I deem. Shall you sit beside me until your testimony is required?"

Bellot intervened. "Your Grace, if I may remind you, she is witness and victim to a criminal case. To be seen sitting beside Your Grace could imply to the defendants some kind of favoritism. Normally all witnesses and suchlike are gathered together at the side of the court, until their word is required."

"Oh, of course, Bellot! I do not normally attend Wallesan's courts but I have done so enough times that I ought to remember the rules. Of course she must go... but who will sit with her?"

"If I may suggest, Your Grace, perhaps the kitchen servant Renita could be spared for the session."

"Hmm?" Wallesan intervened, his mind already busy with the procedures ahead. "What's that? Oh, of course Ursula must needs have a companion. Bellot, ask Farren to spare Renita for the morning, upon my request."

Bellot bowed. "As you command, Your Grace." He turned and left immediately.

Kalmenar appeared down the stairs, bowing to the Duke.

"Your Grace. If I may have permission to observe today's proceedings. There are doubtless differences between your court and that of His Majesty and it may be useful to have a note of them, for future reference."

"Of course, Kalmenar. Bellot will show you where to sit."

The diplomat glanced around for Bellot, not seeing him there, and spotted him coming from the kitchen with Renita. The servant curtseyed to the Duke before staring at Ursula.

"Mistress, I understood you were assigned a maid yesterday."

Fanis said, "Yes, Renita, Tyra was indeed assigned, but she has gone with Her Highness this morning about other business. If you would sit with Ursula this morning in His Grace's court, that she might have a companion. Do you know ought of court matters?"

"I am sorry, Your Grace, I do not."

"Ah. Of course, you came from Galdarin, did you not? Do not worry, little will happen today which should cause you concern." The Duchess smiled. "Of course, should you wed Maralin, your presence may be required in court more often in future. For now, you need simply sit with Ursula and watch what happens."

"As you command, Your Grace."

"Good." Wallesan rubbed his hands together. "And now, I deem, we must be about our duty. Come, Fanis. Our people await."

They followed the ducal couple through the doors into the Great Hall. It was full of people, some still arriving through the street doors at the far end. With a whispered word, Bellot pointed Ursula and Renita to a roped-off section against the left-hand wall where chairs had been set out. The others found places in front of or to the side of Wallesan and Fanis, who did this time use their thrones.

Once they had seated themselves, Bellot said in a loud voice, "All who have seats may now be seated."

Once the scrape of chair legs had died down, he continued, "His Grace Wallesan, by the Maker's grace Duke of Joth, holds court. His Grace has announcements to make, following which certain criminal charges will be dealt with. After a short break His Grace will then rule upon sundry matters which have awaited his return from Palarand. If there be any others with like disputes or complications, and should there be time at the end of those matters already listed, His Grace may choose to hear them. If there are any such, you should apply to me at the break. His Grace's Court is now in session!"

Ursula looked around. She and Renita were on chairs at one end of the roped-off area, which was filled with smartly-dressed folk from the city and elsewhere. Their chairs faced the central aisle, which meant she had to turn her head to see the Duke and Duchess. There were occupied chairs set out facing them on the other side, but Ursula didn't know what their purpose was. Further back, away from the dias, there were rows of benches set out facing the Duke and Duchess. These were filled with what Ursula assumed were onlookers, curious citizens who wanted to see what their Duke did.

Wallesan rose. "My people! Before we begin I shall briefly tell you what happened to me when I went to Palarand. I traveled there to be present at the wedding of a remarkable young woman, Garia, Baroness of Blackstone, who will in time become Palarand's next Queen. I am told that the whole of the recent war, including the taking of this city and other places, was entirely due to the desire of those of Yod to either obtain or to murder this young woman.

"This is because she comes from another world, one which is entirely unlike Anmar. Aye, I know what you will say, that the Great Convocation denies such claims, but, my people, while in Robanar's palace I was given such proof that her origins cannot be denied. Princess Garia, for that is who she now is, possesses incredible amounts of knowledge of her world which she has chosen to give us freely.

"This means that, in the coming years, you will see many changes come to both the city and country of Joth. Some have already arrived, for example many of you know, and indeed may have used, guns against the invader, guns which were supplied by Palarand. You have also seen the great towers even now being built about the city which will mean that a message may be sent several hundred marks in a single day.

"You may also have seen Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand walking or indeed riding about our city recently. It is she who owns the ship by which I returned from Palarand to Joth. Princess Garia has introduced the idea that a woman may ride as a man does, and I cannot sensibly refuse any woman of Joth who desires to do the same. Naturally, that means that any woman who desires to ride must needs be attired appropriately, and I have no doubt that the seamstresses of Joth will be in much demand for their attire.

"There are many other wonders pouring out of Palarand which I will not name now, we have other business to attend to. It is possible that, in the near future, we will be able to show some of them to you here in this Great Hall. I will issue a proclamation concerning many of the most important matters that occurred in Palarand, since the wedding of Prince Keren and Princess Garia was not the only reason for my attendance there.

"For now, I have said enough. Bellot, if we may bring in the first case."

The first case was a gruesome double murder, which possibly explained the presence of the onlookers. Various members of the Watch explained what had happened and how they had worked out who was responsible, which in this case hadn't been difficult. It was also not difficult to work out what the sentence would be on the murderer, who was standing, chained, between two of Wallesan's armsmen.

Two more murders followed, but each of these had problems with the evidence. One man was cleared, but with a stern warning as to his future conduct, the other was sentenced to five years 'at the oars'. Then it was the turn of Ursula's assailants. Both were brought in in chains by armsmen, to stand to the far side of the court facing the Duke.

Bellot looked down at his parchment. "If Tenant Bedarn of the City Watch would stand forward."

Bedarn rose from one of the chairs facing Ursula, walked forward to stand in front of Wallesan and saluted. "Your Grace."

Wallesan gestured. "Ah, I remember now. A seeming minor incident that yet resulted in a death. If you would explain for the record."

"Your Grace, the incident took place, as I recall, on the sixteenth day of Pertelin... that would be fourteen days ago now. I was the watch officer at the Watch station on the south side of the main market. There was, I recall, an argument with two of Her Highness Princess Eriana's sailors going on at the time. Mistress Tavia, who had been shopping in the market with one of Her Highness's armswomen, approached and stated that a companion of theirs, also a stranger in Joth, had become separated and was likely lost in the city.

"One of the sailors there recognized the name and suggested that his men, also about the market, could help in the search. This made sense, as it would double the number of teams sent out, so I agreed. A little later on a runner came and said that the woman had been found but injured, and that she had been allegedly accosted by three men while making her way back to the market."

"Allegedly?"

Bedarn colored. "Your Grace, I had not seen the incident myself and the situation was confusing."

"As you say. Continue."

"The runner also said that one of the three men had been killed by one of the sailors who was searching with Watchman Terran, a man named Brodgar. I sent others to bring the woman, the body and the other two men back to the watch station. The men, including the one who died, were known rough men of the city." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "It seemed to me that the man had been killed unnecessarily, Your Grace. By the time everybody had arrived at the watch station, another foreigner had appeared, one Lord Kalmenar of Palarand who seemed to be some kind of lawyer. His advice was to take everybody to the Mansion and put the matter before yourself."

Wallesan nodded. "I remember. Yet you objected to this."

"I did, Your Grace. The man Dobe had not been killed in self-defense so I adjudged that an offense had been committed. Then Her Highness Princess Eriana arrived and I was more or less forced to bring everybody to the mansion."

"Where I decided that your decision had been wrong and that Lord Kalmenar had been right." The Duke nodded. "Very well. I will give a ruling on that matter, but after we have judged the two men who are before us today. Bellot, of what are they charged?"

Bellot read from his parchment. "Threatening behavior, attempted kidnap, attempted slavery, holding a hostage, Your Grace."

"Serious charges indeed. Bedarn, you may stand aside for now since you cannot describe what happened before the man Dobe was killed. If I may ask Mistress Ursula to stand before me."

With a gulp Ursula got up and walked over to stand where Bedarn had been. She curtseyed.

"Your Grace?"

"Mistress, I must needs ask you to swear an oath that anything you say today in testimony shall be the truth."

Ursula had heard other witnesses swear previously, so knew what to reply. "Your Grace, I swear that the evidence I give today shall be in all respects the truth of what happened when the offense or offenses occurred."

Bellot said, "Heard and witnessed!"

Wallesan added, "Mistress, I understand that you are a stranger in Joth so you may not remember accurately what happened to you that day or exactly where. However, I must ask you to describe as best you can what happened, beginning just before you encountered these men."

"Your Grace," her voice rang through the hushed hall, "I had become separated from my friends in the market and somehow gotten myself lost in the streets of Joth. I wandered for some time and then saw in the distance a main road that I thought would bring me back to the market. As I walked there I crossed an alley where the three men were waiting. They stopped me from continuing and one grabbed me by the arm."

She licked her lips. "Your Grace, they talked of hiding me away, training me up and selling me to paying customers." There were gasps in the hall. "As a stranger I did not know what to do. Then one noticed that I had no waist pouch and thought I might be a noblewoman. That meant two things to them, apparently, that there would be an immediate search for me and that I could be held for ransom.

"Then I saw two more men approach from the main road. I thought that one of them might be from the ship's crew and I would be saved. When the three saw them a knife was held at my throat to make the two men stop a distance away. The next thing I remember is a noise and... Dobe, was that his name..? was lying on the ground with a short ax in his chest. Then I fainted."

There was a muttering in the hall that continued for some time until some of the onlookers began shushing. The hall quietened again.

Wallesan nodded. "I understand your reaction completely, Mistress. Can you confirm that, when sailor Brodgar threw his ax, there was indeed a knife held at your throat?"

"I can, Your Grace."

"And you attest that the men desired to enslave you, make you a prostitute they could hire out for coin?"

"That is what I understood from their words, Your Grace."

"And that, once they thought that you were of noble blood, they intended offering you for ransom?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

Once more Bellot said, "Heard and witnessed!"

Wallesan said to her, "You may sit down again, Mistress. There are others to question but you may be asked to stand forth again. Do you understand?"

"I do, Your Grace." Ursula gratefully walked to the side and sat down again.

"Bellot, who's next?"

"If Watchman Terran would stand before His Grace."

Terran came, swore, and confirmed everything that had been said. He went and sat down again.

"If Seaman Brodgar of the Visund would stand before His Grace."

The title caused some comment among the spectators, since the sea was a long way away. Brodgar stood in front of the Duke and gave a Palarand-style salute. His clothing caused further comment, since he was dressed in a T-shirt and cargo shorts, unusual attire among the locals.

The Duke said to him, "You are a foreigner. Do you understand enough of what happens here today? Shall we fetch someone who speaks your tongue?"

"Your Grace, I know enough of tongue to understand. Speaking is not so easy but I will try."

"Then first I must ask you to give an oath to tell the truth. Can you do that? I do not know how such matters are dealt with in Einnland."

"I can give oath, Your Grace. Oaths already made to Palarand's King, to Princess. I swear by Hammer of Thor no lie will pass my lips in this hall. Only truth told here."

Bellot looked at Wallesan. "Unconventional, Your Grace, but I believe that it will do. Heard and witnessed."

"Very well. Brodgar, if you would tell us what happened when you and Watchman Terran turned into that lane and saw Mistress Ursula."

"Mistress held by two men," Brodgar said. "Third stand to one side. Watchman say something, but I see man holding Mistress on left get knife, put to throat of Mistress. That man shout something, we stop."

"I see. You confirm that the man Dobe held a knife to Mistress Ursula's throat before you did anything at all?"

"Yah, Your Grace. Mistress in danger, sworn to protect, throw ax, danger over. We run forward to stop other men hurting Mistress."

The Duke nodded. "That confirms the evidence of everyone else. It looks like the case is decided. Brodgar, you may return to your seat with our thanks."

Brodgar saluted again. "Your Grace."

Wallesan turned to the two men. "It seems to me that your names have come before this or other courts of Joth too many times over the years. What have you to say for yourselves?"

One of the men shuffled. "Your Grace, that weren't how it happened at all."

The other one nudged him with an elbow. "Keep quiet, you fool! Your Grace, Kallen don't know when to stop lying. I admit my part, Your Grace. It weren't planned, or nothing, it was just by chance we was walking there when the lady came along. You don't see ladies around those parts much, not by themselves, so we thought we'd have a bit of fun. We didn't mean nothing by it, Your Grace, just a little fun, like."

Wallesan looked at them coldly. "And the knife at her throat?"

"We-ll, I don't rightly know what Dobe was thinking when he done that, Your Grace."

"And he's conveniently not here to dispute your version of events, is he? Very well. In view of your past record, I deem that it is time for you two to return some honest work to Joth." The two men groaned. "Traze, you are sentenced to one year sewer cleaning duties in and around Thorn, to commence immediately. During the rains you will join one of the parties involved in ditch maintenance and flood relief - at the oars. Afterwards, you will return to the sewers once the waters go down enough. Kallen, you are sentenced to a year's labor in the cloth works in Galdarin. I want you two to be separated for the next year, so that you have at least a chance to become honest men again."

There was a muttered double, "Your Grace." The two men were led away.

Wallesan stood and addressed the hall. "My people, an important point has been raised by this case and I said at the beginning that I would rule upon it. By the general laws of Joth, Seaman Brodgar did, as Watch Leader Bedarn stated, commit what would have been an offence since his action was not, strictly, self-defense. Now Brodgar, like all those who are crew of the Visund, are sworn retainers of Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand. I know these men very well, since their ship recently brought me from Palarand to Joth. I would trust these men with my life, indeed I did so on two occasions during that voyage.

"Because of that knowledge, I used Duke's Prerogative to declare that no offense was committed at that time, but I know that there is a general principle involved which must needs be answered. I will do so in this way. Brodgar reacted immediately to what he saw as a threat to the life of an innocent woman. The Watch would not have reacted in the way he did, but his first thought was to remove the threat, which he did successfully by throwing his ax. Now, such use of a small ax is unusual in these lands but his action would be no different than that of a member of the Watch armed with, say, a crossbow.

"Therefore I shall rule that an amendment to the general law be made such that, at the discretion of those attending, such methods may be made to prevent or end such a potential hostage circumstance in the future. My lawyers will no doubt have a conversation on the precise wording of the amendment and under what conditions it may be used. For now," he looked intently at the audience, "it shall be made known that any attempt to hold someone hostage by threat of injury or death may be met with a like response from watchman or armsman. So shall it be. Bellot, the next case, if you would."

Ursula leant over to speak to Renita in a low voice. "What do we do now? Should we leave now my case is over?"

"I have no idea, Mistress. I have never attended a meeting like this before, it was not my place. I see that no-one else is rising, though, so mayhap we should remain a while."

"If you do not mind. This court is more interesting than I expected."

There were three more cases and then Bellot called a short recess. At that point the Duke and Duchess rose and left the hall, whereupon most of those sitting in the 'witness' seats got up and began to leave by the street entrance.

"I think we could leave now, Mistress," Renita said.

The two stood and headed for one of the doorways either side of the thrones. The armsman standing in front of it recognized Ursula and Renita and nodded to them to let them through, but a call from within the hall made them turn.

"Mistress!"

"Brodgar. Thank you for your words earlier."

"It was my duty, Mistress. Can we speak somewhere?"

Ursula turned to the armsman. "This is one of Her Highness's men. Can he join us inside the Mansion for a few moments to talk?"

"Surely, Mistress. I have crossed blades in the yard with him in the past, I know his face."

"Thank you."

The three went through the doors and into the lobby, which was crowded.

"If I may," Renita suggested, "we could go into the preparing chamber. There should be little going on there at the moment."

They crossed into the chamber and Ursula turned to Brodgar.

«What can I do for you today, Brodgar?»

«Mistress, it is nothing, really. I merely wanted to ask if you had any plans to visit the men. I know that some are asking about you, and that they know you will look at those who are wounded if you came.»

She nodded. «It is a thought. I have been busy lately, as you know, and... there has also been that which affects women.»

«Ah, I understand, Mistress.»

«But I could see if it is possible to come and visit. Where are you all? Somewhere down by the docks?»

«Yah, Mistress. The ship is ready to sail so the men have made themselves useful helping the masons who are rebuilding the defenses. Uh, when we are not training, that is.»

«Then I will see what I can do. We are all very busy, as you know, but the docks is not far away and...» Tyra said that her family lived nearby, so would be able to guide me. «... I would like to visit the men occasionally.»

"Is enough, Mistress. We will wait. Must go now."

Brodgar saluted them and turned to go. Renita watched him as he pushed through the throng and departed.

"Mistress, do you think that Brodgar has a personal interest in you?"

"Uh, what? A personal interest?" Ursula belatedly connected the dots. "Oh! I see what you mean. I'm not sure, Renita. I... have never had that kind of interest before and I haven't been in Joth very long. You know my background, it is far too soon for me to be thinking of such things."

"Of course, Mistress, but Brodgar might not know that." The kitchen servant paused, thinking. "If I may ask, do you trust Her Highness's men?"

"I think that I do," Ursula replied slowly. "They are all very loyal to Her Highness and I'm sure they would not do anything to displease her. That does not mean that some would not consider some kind of advance, though. They are men, after all, and I am a woman."

"As you say, Mistress. I must needs accept that he has no ill intent, but I know that you may not be so familiar with the ways of men - by your own account. If you would take care in your dealings with those you speak to. The wrong word, spoken innocently, can cause an unwanted reaction."

Ursula nodded. "Aye, Renita, I understand. Just when I think that I am becoming comfortable here, something else comes along that I have to think about."

Farren came out of the kitchen then. "Ah, Renita! Mistress Ursula, do I assume from your presence here that you are no longer required at court?"

"That is true, Master Farren. We have not been specifically dismissed, or whatever is done, but my case has been placed before the Duke and the men sentenced." A glance into the kitchen. "This may be a stupid question, but do you have any pel brewing? It is about time I had a drink, I think, and Renita probably needs one as well."

The cook grinned. "Aye, of course! Not a stupid question at all, Mistress, you know the ways of the kitchen. If you would both follow me."

Farren led them to the table where the kitchen staff usually took their breaks and called for pel to be brought.

"Mistress," he apologized, "I would offer you a pastry or two but it is too close to lunch. If you would consent to wait?"

Ursula waved a hand. "I am content to wait for lunch, Master Farren. The pel will be enough, after sitting in the Great Hall for most of the morning. Besides," she smiled at him, "if I eat too much I will start to get fat, and that would not do, would it?"

He smiled back. "Indeed not, Mistress, although I deem that your job is not an active one, unlike say our men-at-arms." The smile faded. "Or apparently, your new maid. Did you know we watched her from the window there earlier, running around the yard with Her Highness's two armswomen? I did not know that an upstairs maid could be so fit! Twice at least they attempted to outpace her but she easily kept up with them. If she is to be in your employ, may I ask what she does out there?"

Ursula frowned. "I am not entirely certain, Master Farren. A day or two ago she asked me how the two armswomen trained, and if I thought she had any chance to become one herself. I could not answer her then and I'm not sure that I could now. Then, because Her Highness was away, I asked for someone to help and Her Grace assigned Tyra as my maid. But this morning, somehow, Senia spoke to Captain Hambran and Tyra was asked to go for a trial, to see if she would be suitable, and both the Duke and Her Highness agreed to it." She raised her arms helplessly. "That is as much as I know. I thought she was going to be my maid and now she has disappeared."

"I cannot answer you, Mistress, but when you do find out, I would be delighted to know the reasoning."

Mugs of pel appeared then and Farren went off to continue preparing for lunch.

Renita nodded. "I understand, now. That's why His Grace asked for me to come as your companion."

"Yes. It was all very sudden, just outside in the corridor after breakfast." Ursula had a thought. "Renita, those two men who grabbed me that day."

"Yes, Mistress?"

"They were sentenced, one to the sewers in Thorn and the other to, apparently, clothmaking in another town, I forget the name."

"Galdarin, Mistress. It was Galdarin where Maralin was taken when he first arrived and that was where I met him. What is it you wished to know?"

"Well, I think I can understand the sewers sentence, that has to be unpleasant and that is what a sentence is for. But clothmaking? That doesn't sound as strong a sentence to me."

"Ah, Mistress, that is because you do not yet know how we make cloth in Joth. It is one of our main exports, the raw cloth and attire made from it. Let me see if I may explain." They both took a sip of their drinks. "Our main cloth is called hasil but there are others."

Ursula heard hasil but also another word, linen, which confused her at first until she remembered the automatic translation feature of her new brain. She nodded.

Renita continued, "Hasil is made from the fibers of a... weed, really, that grows in boggy lands to the south of Galdarin. To get the fibers out of the stems requires breaking them down and trampling them in shallow pools filled with lime - and urine. It is an unpleasant job which is why it is often assigned to convicted men. It will be every part as unwelcome to that man as cleaning the sewers is to the other."

"Ah, I see. I imagined that he would be involved with spinning, or looms, or something like that."

"Nay, Mistress! Those who spin the fibers and weave them into cloth are trained artisans and no criminal would be allowed near the process! It would only lower the quality of the cloth."

"And I am guessing that cloth is important to Joth."

"Of course, Mistress! Our cloth is desired throughout the Great Valley, so I am told. And the garments made by our seamstresses are valued almost as much, since we have the numbers and the expertise to produce attire of quality and quantity."

Joth is said to be an island in the middle of a great river. They have to live by their wits and use whatever resources they can. I do not know how the economics plays out, especially in a society like this, but it seems to me that they are managing well enough.

...But, so Maralin tells everybody, the Industrial Revolution is about to happen here. Is that going to cause a great upheaval? What happens when weavers are replaced by power looms and seamstresses by sewing machines?

"That is interesting, Renita. It is time I discovered more about Joth and how it works."

"As you say, Mistress, but of course I am only a kitchen worker with a little knowledge of what went on around the farm I worked on before I came here. I am sure that there is much that we will both have to learn in future."

* * *

Ursula was in her chambers wondering what to do when Tyra arrived. Her servant's dress was heavily stained with sweat and her eyes were shining.

"Mistress, they agree I may attempt the task! I am pronounced fit enough to begin to train as an armswoman."

"Tyra, I am delighted for you, but I thought you were going to become my maid."

"And so I shall, Mistress!" Tyra looked slightly offended at the suggestion. "Any new duty requires training to do it and Captain Hambran says that I will be better able to serve you should I be able to defend you. Think, Mistress, if I had been with you when you met those men! If I knew how, I would have made sure that you had not been accosted as you were."

"Tyra," Ursula said gently, "if you had been with me, the whole episode would probably not have happened at all, since I would have been seen as a noblewoman with a maid. The only reason that they picked on me was because I was on my own."

...And because, if you had been my maid then, I would never have been able to sneak away from the others as I did. But that is something you don't need to know.

Tyra was stubborn. "But still, Mistress."

"Yes, I understand the point, Tyra. But now, look at you! I think we had both better climb in the bath, and quickly. You can't go down to the dining room looking like that."

Tyra glanced down at her dress and gasped at the stains. "Mistress! I did not realize!"

She turned to go to the bathroom but Ursula held up a hand. "Wait!"

"Mistress?"

"Think, Tyra! If you jump in the bath, as you must do, that will mean that you will have to go wandering around the mansion wearing a fluffy robe looking for something else to wear. Is this permissable?"

Panic and indecision showed on the maid's face. "Mistress, what must I do?"

"Go and find a replacement dress now, while you are still dressed."

"But -"

"I will start the bath water running. Go on! There is little time!"

"As you command, Mistress!"

Tyra scampered off while Ursula shook her head and moved towards the bathroom. By the time that Tyra returned, new dress in an outstretched hand to avoid it getting sweaty, the water had begun to flow and Ursula was wondering if she could somehow begin undressing herself. With the two of them now together, each helped the other off with their clothes and they climbed into the tub.

"That was remiss of me, Mistress. I should have thought of that before I even came to your door."

"That is fine, Tyra. It has been a strange morning, let us concentrate on getting clean."

A little later Tyra commented, "Mistress, I should really be in here with you."

"What? You are in here with me!"

"I mean, my belongings should be in your suite, instead of in the dormitory at the other end of the corridor. As a lady's maid, I should be with you at all times. Ah, unless you are visiting patients and I am training, of course."

"But Bennet -" Ursula stopped. The situation had changed. If Tyra really was to be Ursula's maid, then perhaps she should move in and Bennet move out? Would Bennet go into Eriana's suite with Semma? She sighed. "Tyra, this is all so new that nobody knows where anybody should be any more. Let us wait until we see Her Highness again and make some new arrangements."

"As you say, Mistress."

Clean and freshly attired, the two made their way down to the dining room. Fanis was there talking to Eriana, while Wallesan was at the far end of the table speaking with Hambran.

"Ah, there you are," Fanis said. "Of course, Tyra was busy this morning and must needs be cleaned up. Come, we are waiting to start lunch."

Directing Ursula to sit opposite her, Fanis added, "I hear that your recent adventure has had a successful conclusion, dear."

"Adventure? Oh, do you mean those two men? I watched His Grace judge the incident and I suppose that the punishment was good enough. Your Grace, I have no idea how you do things in Joth but I am guessing that they are very different than where I came from."

"As you say, dear." Fanis pulled a face. "Punishments for crimes are not a suitable thing to speak of at lunch, though, so perhaps I should ask about Tyra's adventure instead."

"Your Grace, although Tyra has told me a little of what she did this morning, I should leave the details to someone who was there."

Eriana leaned forward from her seat the other side of Wallesan. "Ursula, your new maid did all that was asked of her this morning. She is certainly fit enough to run as an armswoman might and she can wield a decent sized sword, though she knows not yet the proper handling. Captain Hambran says that she is at least as able as any fresh recruit he has inducted in the recent past. She will need a little weight work but it seems that she would be accepted for training, with your permission, of course."

Ursula was confused again. "But I thought that you had already decided!"

Fanis said, "Dear, she is your maid now. We all think that, given her desire to do so, it would be a lost opportunity if she did not begin training. As we mentioned this morning, it should not interfere with your own work and will provide you with extra benefits, that you will have a companion able to defend you at need. Do you not agree?"

It all makes sense but I still feel as if I'm being pushed into a position without time to decide for myself!

"This has all happened so quickly, Your Grace. There are many aspects of this I need to think about. Can I give you my answer later, say just before we eat tonight?"

"Of course, dear. We understand that this has been sudden. Take what time you both need."

At the end of the meal, Eriana asked Ursula to stay a moment. She asked Fanis to join them.

"Ursula, your circumstances have now changed. If Tyra is to be your maid, then there is less need for Bennet to reside in your chamber to provide the assistance every woman needs from time to time."

"Yes, Highness, we were thinking about this before lunch, when Tyra had to bathe after the exercise. I was going to ask you if she could move in, and what would happen to Bennet."

"Indeed. With your agreement, Bennet will move into my suite and thus make room for Tyra in your own. Fanis, do you agree to Tyra moving her things?"

"Of course, Eriana, that was what I expected would happen. Do you want them both to move now?"

"Aye, it would be best, and then everyone is in the right place when we awaken from our naps." The Princess turned. "What say you, Ursula?"

"It would make sense, Highness." And it is the first thing today that has made sense.

"Then let us proceed. The day warms and I desire to lay down. It is not only Tyra who has done much exercise this morning."

Tyra is told about Ursula's unworldly origins and is suitably astonished, but takes the information in her stride. Then the Duke's sons return home unexpectedly from the war...

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

26 - Mistress and Maid

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Tyra's eyes were wide and she showed confusion.

"Mistress? You are from another world? I do not understand what you mean. There is only Anmar where we all live."

Ursula sighed. This is complicated enough, but here is someone who does not even understand the idea of different worlds!

The two were seated at the table, a bell before the evening meal. Bennet had removed her things and the space had been occupied by the belongings of Tyra, a much more modest collection. They had napped, followed by a session with Kalmenar, and Ursula had finally accepted that she could no longer put off telling Tyra the truth.

"That is what we all assume, since normally we live in the world and think that where we are is all there is," she explained. "A few people, a very few, find out that is not so. I am one of those people, and I only know this because I have been brought from the world where I was born and grew up, a world named Earth, to this one. This is not the world of my birth, Tyra, and you will just have to believe me."

"But..." The maid tried to accept what she had been told. "There is another world? A real one, not one made up from travelers' tales? How can this be?"

"There are many, many worlds, Tyra, but they are all far away, so far that normally we don't even know they exist. Every star you can see in the night sky is a sun like yours and the reason they seem so small and faint because they are so very far away. Some of those, perhaps many, may have worlds around them like Anmar."

Tyra frowned. "Suns... have worlds around them? Anmar goes around the Sun? But I thought..." She shook her head. "This is not how I understood the world to be! You know this is so, Mistress?"

Ursula nodded. "It is so, Tyra. Where I come from clever men have long studied my own world and what is in the skies around us. Even though it appears that the Sun goes around Anmar, what you see is an illusion caused by... Hmm. Let me just say that we can talk about exactly what happens when we have more time. For now, just accept that the stars you see at night are all suns and many will have worlds nearby."

"So there are other worlds? And none knows of any other? Amazing! But, then, if you do come from another world, and they are so far away, how did you travel to this one, to Anmar?"

"I do not know, Tyra. On Earth there is no-one who knows how to do such a thing. I doubt anyone on Anmar knows either. When I was found by Her Highness and her men, I had no memory, no name, only the clothes I was wearing when I left Earth. It was five days before my memory returned, and by then we had arrived at Joth. I do not remember what I was doing just before I left."

"But, Mistress, surely, you told us that you came from another land named..." she concentrated, "...Alberta, is that right? I have never heard of that land before, but there are many lands I do not know the name of."

"It will be difficult for you to accept," Ursula said. "Firstly, Alberta is not the land of my birth but the land where I happened to be when I..." she hunted for a suitable phrase, "...was transported here. I come from another land on that world, across a wide ocean, and none of it is on Anmar. Earth has only one Moon in its sky and there is nothing there like the Veil. The animals and plants in Joth are all different to anything I know, which is one reason I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen, attempting to make myself familiar with what is here."

"I find that hard to understand," Tyra said. "Surely they have different plants in different places? It is well known that our spices grow in warmer lands to the north, they cannot grow here because of the Rains."

"Tyra, on my world we have explored it all and we have discovered and named almost every animal and plant that exists on it. On Earth there are no animals that have six legs, or four legs and two wings. None of the plants used here for food are known there. As for people, there are very few countries where anyone goes around with a sword at their waist any more. We don't have frayen or dranakh either, they do not exist on Earth. Instead, we have cars and trucks... hmm. Think of them as metal versions of carriages and wagons, then. These have engines in them which mean that they can move themselves without having an animal to pull them along."

"But surely..." Tyra stopped and shook her head. "Mistress, if you say it is so then I must believe it. It might explain one or two strange things that the upstairs servants have said about you..." Her eyes widened again. "Mistress, I would not want you to think that we do nothing else behind our betters' backs! We are not like that!"

Ursula gave an amused smile. "My experience of house servants, before I came to Anmar, is slight but it is just human nature to speculate, Tyra. I am different, yes, but that is because I was born and brought up somewhere else where the customs are completely different. I would be surprised if the servants had not noticed anything."

The maid leaned forward eagerly. "Mistress, will you tell me more about where you came from? Where is it? Will you be returning there some time?"

Ursula shook her head. "I do not know where it is, Tyra. I do not know how I came here so, logically, I do not know if there is a way back. If you recall, I had no memory of anything until I arrived here at the Mansion. Maralin says that there is no -"

"Maralin! Your pardon, Mistress, but how would Maralin know what happened to you?"

Oh dear. I am not sure if mentioning Maralin was permitted when the Duke said that I could tell Tyra my origins. Now she has heard the name, she may make the connection anyway. If I tell her, it may make my own story more believeable. But I must be careful what I say.

"Maralin also comes from Earth. He arrived the night that Joth was attacked and the people were thrown out. Like me, he had no memory of who he was for five days or so. Because he has been here longer, he has had more time to study the situation and has come up with some theories. Some of them sound unlikely to me but then the whole situation is unlikely. There is nothing I can do about my situation, though, except make the best of what I have been given."

Tyra nodded. "As you say, Mistress. If I had been... dumped... in a strange land, then there might be nothing I could do except to learn my surroundings and make what I could of my new circumstances." She added, "I understand, now, why you are not so familiar with our attire and things like that. I am guessing that you did not wear such clothes on... Earth? Was that what you named it?"

"Earth, yes. A poor name, so I have been told, but then it is in a different language. No, the clothes I wore on Earth would seem strange here, I have been told, and maybe even scandalous."

Ursula hesitated. Do I tell her it all? I must, I think, or there may be awkward questions in the future. She has to know it all to understand who I am and how I came to be.

"You should also know that, even though we do not know how we were brought here, both Maralin and I know that the method of transfer was faulty. On Earth I was a man and Maralin was a woman."

The jaw dropped again. "How is that possible? Oh, if you do not know how 'tis done, then you could not know what went wrong, of course. But that means... Oh, I see! That is why you had nothing at all to wear when you arrived at the mansion."

"A little had been bought along the way in markets, but you are mostly correct. We don't wear clothes like this except in historical plays."

Tyra frowned. "Historical? Does that mean that you might be from... the future?"

Ursula shook her head. "That was thought of but Maralin says it is not possible. Remember the Veil? That is not visible from Earth at all and it would take millions and millions of years for it to grow to the size it is now. Now that it is here, it will always be visible on Anmar. There are other indicators in the night sky which show that I am somewhere else entirely. The six-limbed creatures are another clue, they could never have evolved on Earth at all."

"I do not know of these things, Mistress. I must needs take your word for it. So you were a man there and now you have the body of a woman here." She nodded. "This could explain some other things we have noticed, though they could also just be personal differences. But you must be finding it very difficult to adapt."

Ursula gave a small smile. "Actually, that was one of the things that made it more difficult for me. You see, on Earth I did have the body of a man but my mind, my personality, has always been that of a woman. So, when I came here and woke up to find myself in a real woman's body, I began to suspect a trick. I had what I had always wanted, the right body, but I knew that such a thing was not possible on Earth. Oh, we can do things that will make a man's body look like that of a woman, but it involves a lot of cutting and stitching. It is not possible to do that and make it real, with the Call of Kalikan and everything."

The jaw dropped once more. "Maker! What a mess! And now you are here, with the body you wanted, in a strange land with strange animals and plants. Mistress, I will do everything I can to make your life here easier. You have my oath on that."

"Thank you, Tyra. I was not sure if you would believe me, my story is so strange."

"Mistress, I am but a servant of His Grace, I do not have the learning of yourself or Lord Kalmenar. Your tale sounds very unlikely to me but there is enough other evidence that I must needs believe your words." She gasped. "Maker! His Grace! Does His Grace know of this?"

Ursula inclined her head. "He does. Of course he found out about Earth when Maralin was brought to his attention. Maralin was asked to join the Duke's household for his own safety. The rulers of Yod have been hunting along this valley to find anyone who comes from other worlds. If they found someone, I am told that they would try to force Earth secrets from them, which would obviously be bad for everyone else."

"Oh, so that's why Maralin is here. Several of the upstairs servants have wondered why a seeming cook from Galdarin has the ear of His Grace. Ah, I understand now why 'tis a secret, to protect him from any who would want his knowledge."

"That's right. In fact, I have been told that the entire war by Yod was to capture another person from Earth, one you may have heard about, Princess Garia. If they could not capture her, they were to kill her instead, to prevent anyone else making use of her knowledge. That is why we keep our origins a secret."

"Princess Garia! Mistress, I have heard fantastic tales of her and the amazing ideas and devices she brings to us. I have seen the mirror sent from Palarand, and the steam engine. This is all from your world, Earth? Mistress, it looks like my desire to become a woman-at-arms has become even more necessary, now that I know your circumstances."

"If you say so." Ursula considered. "You are probably right, Tyra. I know my way around the city now, a little, going around to see to Healer Senia's patients, but much of Joth is still a mystery and probably not safe for a woman alone - or even a woman accompanied by another. You know your city better than I do, obviously, so I must accept your judgment in this." She stopped to listen to the clock striking. "What time is that? It sounded like something and three quarters, but I have not learned all the codes yet."

"It is a quarter before the tenth bell, Mistress. I believe that the evening meal will be at the tenth bell and a half today, perhaps we should be considering our attire?"

Ursula smiled. "That is just the kind of expert assistance I need from a maid, Tyra. Thank you, yes, I think it is time to start getting ready. Shall we bathe first?"

"Of course, Mistress!" Tyra looked apologetic. "Mistress, I have lots of questions."

"I am not surprised! I will tell you that I can probably answer most of your questions but you will have to accept that you may not understand the answers to many of them."

"Agreed, Mistress."

"But only when we are by ourselves! What I can tell you must not be spoken of to anyone else at all, not even the Duke or Tenant Maralin."

"But of course, Mistress! Am I not your personal maid now? This is what we do."

"...And I did not know even that, Tyra. As I said, there are very few personal maids on Earth and I certainly would not have had one, or known how such a maid would behave. All this is new to me."

"I will do what I can to help you, Mistress, but it occurs to me that most of this is new to me, too. All we both know is what Her Grace and Bellot told us yesterday." She shrugged and smiled. "It will be interesting for both of us as we begin to know each other and our needs and duties."

"Agreed. Now, perhaps we had better get started, yes?"

* * *

Some time later the two came down the stairs and made their way into the dining room. The Mansion appeared quiet now that Wallesan's Duke's Court was over. Fanis was waiting for them when they entered.

"Oh, good. I wanted to have a word with both of you before everyone else appeared. If we may go over in the corner, to speak quietly?"

Ursula and Tyra followed Fanis to a vacant corner of the dining room, the Duchess waving away some others to indicate that she wanted a little privacy.

"It occurs to me," she began, "that my assignation yesterday was done in haste. You saw what happened this morning, with Eriana, do you both still consider that it would be right for Ursula to have a maid now, and that Tyra is suitable?"

They looked at each other. Ursula replied, "We have had most of the afternoon to become accustomed to the idea, Your Grace, and in fact I believe that the arrangement will be of benefit to both of us in time. Tyra has already moved her things into my chambers and we have discussed how we should behave with one another. This will be something different for both of us, but we are determined to make it work."

Fanis turned to Tyra. "Do you agree? The situation is unusual and you may find yourself doing things which a normal lady's maid would not."

"Your Grace, I am content. I understand that Mistress Ursula is not a normal lady of the court and may do unusual things. As you said before, it is a promotion for me and I believe that Mistress Ursula does need the help of a maid. If I may have some time to prove myself that person."

"Then it is settled. Of course, now that I see you before me, I am reminded that you will need other attire as befits your new station. I believe that the seamstresses are returning tomorrow afternoon, after our naps, and we may then consider what additional clothing you will need." Fanis smiled. "I remember talk of riding attire, I have not forgotten! But this morning you have set off on another adventure, Tyra, as a potential woman-at-arms. Of course you must needs have suitable clothing to wear both while you are training and when you are on duty in that guise."

Tyra curtseyed. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Ursula noted, "Your Grace, if Tyra is to ride, then that will mean both a frayen and the saddle and harness to go with it."

"I know it! And yet, it will make more sense for her to have those things if she is to be an armswoman. The frayen is available, I have yet to speak to Duban about the rest."

"Ah, Duban. From speaking to him I know that he still disapproves of women riding. I think he will be even less amused when Tyra begins."

"As you say! Fortunately, even Duban knows that customs are changing in Joth as elsewhere and that he must needs adapt. He may grumble but he will also do what is required, I deem."

"You are probably right, Your Grace. For myself, I have no complaints regarding the saddle he made for me."

"Yes, I have seen you on it." Fanis looked wistful. "I am wondering if I should start to ride myself. It would be something else to do and we are so busy presently... Your opinion, Ursula? Do you think it would be a good idea?"

Ursula thought. "Your Grace, I believe that there are two ways you could look at the problem. Firstly, that you are the wife of Joth's ruler and as such you will have an influence over custom and fashion. It would be difficult for others to complain if they see you doing it. Against that may be any disapproval that already exists in the city. If I may suggest, have some others ask discreetly in the city what they think of women riding. I don't think that anyone will object to Her Highness and her attendants riding because they are not locals, but they may have a different attitude to one of their own doing so."

Fanis nodded. "Your words are wise, Ursula, yet I deem that I may not leave the experiment too long, for fear that objection in the city rises before any may shape a new custom." She glanced at Ursula. "You are one who walks about Joth, shall you not tell me what those you visit may think? A casual word to your patients may be enough to inform us whether we would face a storm or not."

Ursula nodded. "I can do that, Your Grace."

"And here is Eriana and her girls!"

The three entered the dining room and Eriana headed straight for Fanis.

"Good evening to you, Fanis, and to you, Ursula. Tyra, I am pleased to announce that both Captain Hambran and myself were impressed by your fitness, abilities and enthusiasm today and that he considers that you should indeed be taught the basic arts of the warrior."

Tyra bobbed. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Eriana held up a hand. "That cannot start until you have suitable attire, of course. Fanis, what must we do?"

The Duchess smiled. "Eriana, it is all in hand. Tomorrow afternoon some seamstresses are expected and we will order all the new attire that Tyra will require. That will include new house uniforms, training and, with your advice, working armswoman's attire. She will also need riding attire for when she may accompany her mistress."

Eriana's eyebrows rose. "So much! But I understand the reasons why, Fanis. So shall it be." She smiled at them. "It seems you shall all be busy in the next few days, then. Ursula will be tending patients in the mornings, while Tyra trains with us or Captain Hambran, then in the afternoons you will both be riding."

Ursula nodded. "It would seem so, Highness. I see little choice if I am to settle somewhere around here."

Further comment was interrupted as Wallesan arrived, deep in a discussion with Bellot and Kalmenar. Everybody headed for the tables.

Eriana asked Wallesan, "If I may ask, how was your Court this morning? I trust all went well?"

The Duke reached for his goblet. "There was nothing that could not be cleanly dealt with, Eriana. Joth is not a large land and our affairs tend to run smoothly much of the time. Of course, since it was my first for a while, it was longer and busier than usual." He briefly held up his free hand. "Ah. I dealt with that incident concerning Ursula today, when she was lost in the city. Plainly she had strayed into an unexpected place at an unfortunate time. All has been resolved."

"That is good to know." She frowned. "There was one question, as I recall. What of Brodgar's part? Shall he be punished?"

"Not at all, Eriana. I know all your men well, though perhaps not as well as you do. His intent was honest, to protect a woman in peril, I do not blame him for what he did at all. Know you that we will make a minor adjustment to our Watch code that others may safely take similar action should the need arise."

"Thank you, Wallesan. It was an unusual situation for all of us, I have no doubt that it would have strained any law or regulation."

"As you say."

At the end of the meal everyone had barely risen before there was an interruption from the front courtyard. Hearing the noise, Fanis went to a window to discover the cause.

"Oh! Wal, it is our boys, returned from Yod! Bellot, attend! They will be tired, they will need their chambers made ready immediately, see to it."

The Chamberlain bowed. "As you command, Your Grace." With a nod to Wallesan he walked quickly out of the room to summon servants.

"Who are these, Fanis?" Eriana asked.

"Oh, they are our sons Mathenar and Luthan, sent to command Joth's armies against Yod. They have been in Yod these past months administering parts of those lands on behalf of the Allies. Let us go to the entrance and welcome them back, I shall introduce you. Wallesan?"

"Coming, my dear. They are back suddenly, why has there been no message?"

Everybody streamed out of the dining room and arranged themselves inside the entrance, leaving a passage for those arriving. Wallesan and Fanis went out onto the step to greet their sons. Two young men eventually appeared and were swept up by their parents in hugs and, from Fanis, kisses.

"Father, mother, I beg you, if we may go in," the first son said. He was dark and travel-stained, but clearly the son of his father. "I have a pressing need and I doubt not that Luthan is the same. If we may leave the formal introductions until we are more presentable."

His eyes widened as he took in the lines of guests inside the door, all dressed for the evening meal.

"Masters, Mistresses, I beg you, I would not wish to cause any embarrassment. If we may change and clean ourselves up, we shall attend you presently in a manner more befitting our status."

Wallesan nodded, though Ursula detected a level of disapproval. "Go, then. A warning, your arrival is unexpected, I doubt Bellot has had time to prepare your rooms properly, but the bathrooms should all be ready for you. We will await you in the sitting room when you have refreshed yourselves."

The two eased their way through the small crowd, the dust and smell of travel plain about their persons. The other son, as often happens, seemed the larger of the two and seemed to favor his mother's looks, though Ursula thought she detected something about his expression as he passed.

That one does not wish to be here. Of course, if he has been enjoying himself as victor over a defeated enemy, he may not wish to return to simple domestic routine.

Time will tell.

After the two had passed, Wallesan turned. "Friends, the return of our sons is unexpected. We will wait until they have properly presented themselves to us before we decide how our arrangements must needs be changed. Fanis, have they yet resided here since it has been rebuilt?"

The Duchess joined her husband at the bottom of the stairs before replying. "They have not, Wal. Their chambers were made ready for them while they were away, though they do not yet have their personal touch. I am certain that they will soon make everything as they would desire it to be."

The Duke glanced at the crowd gathered around them. "As you say. Friends, if you may go about your usual evening activities, we will summon you should there be need. Eriana, Ursula, Kalmenar, if you would join us in the sitting room."

Eriana inclined her head. "As you wish, Wallesan. Do you require my girls as well?"

The Duke considered. "Not this evening, I deem. Let us keep our sons' first taste of home to be simple, yet of course they should be introduced to our most important guests." He grinned. "Besides, our sitting room is of modest size. I do not have such enormous chambers as Robanar does. As it is, we will barely have enough seats for those present."

"As you wish, Wallesan. Girls, you heard? I will join you upstairs later."

The crowd dispersed, most going upstairs as the Duke led the short way to the Mansion's sitting room. Ursula felt a tap at her elbow.

"Tyra?"

"Mistress, I believe that it would be my place to join you within."

The response was low-pitched. "If you say so. It sounds as if you will not be able to sit down, though, Do you mind?"

"Mistress! I would never sit down in public when I am by your side! It would never be done!"

Ursula reluctantly nodded. "As you wish. The worst that can happen is that the Duchess might ask you to leave."

"Of course, Mistress, it would be her right, should the subjects under discussion be private."

The two followed the others into the sitting room, Ursula being directed to a comfortable chair next to Fanis. The Duchess watched Tyra take station behind Ursula's chair and gave her a firm nod of approval. Ursula noted that Fanis also had a female servant stationed behind her chair.

Wallesan blew out a breath as he relaxed. "Well! I did not expect our boys back so soon! I wonder what errand brings them here, and if they may be returning whence they came."

"Do not second guess them, dear," Fanis reproved him. "The answers are but a few moments away, after all. For myself, I am glad to see them home again, and away from danger, as any mother would be."

"Aye, you are right." The Duke brightened. "Still, now they are here, we may find out more about the present situation in Yod. I shall arrange a meeting for tomorrow or the next day with Hambran and others where we can discuss the latest circumstances."

"If I may ask," Eriana said, "what have your sons been doing in that land?"

"Hmm. Mathenar had the command of a regiment, last I heard, and was billeted about a town of Yod near their southern border with Pakmal, the border having been over-run by those of Yod early in the war."

"Pakmal? Your pardon, Wallesan, I do not know that land."

Wallesan waved a hand. "That is on the upstream side of Yod, Eriana, and on the southern bank of the Sirrel. A river from the southern highlands empties into the Sirrel there and forms the border. You will pass it by as you continue upriver, I deem. Yod and Pakmal have long squabbled over possession of that river valley, though it is of no great value to either side. We will pull out the maps tomorrow and I will show it to you, and the boys can show me where they were billeted."

"Ah, I see. And was... Luthan, was that his name..? Was he with Mathenar?"

Wallesan shook his head. "I thought he commanded a regiment but where and under what conditions I do not know."

There was some small talk about the conditions in Yod, but since Ursula had never heard of any of the places mentioned, most of it meant nothing to her. Even in possession of a map, she would not have been very interested. There had already been too many names, too many places and it would require time to let everything fall into place.

The two young men arrived, both with damp hair and in fresh clothes as befitting the sons of the ruling Duke. Fanis stood and hugged both of them again but then they stood in front of their father and went down on one knee.

"Father, we have failed you," the dark-haired one said. "We have been sent home, if not in disgrace, then certainly bringing the disapproval of the Alliance command."

Wallesan's eyebrows rose. "Both of you? Whatever has happened? Rise, both, and greet your father as men."

They rose, and Wallesan gave each a clasped arm that turned into a hug. While this was happening everyone else in the room also stood, ready for the introductions.

"Friends, this is my eldest son Mathenar, who is Count of Galdarin," Wallesan said, then turned, "and here is my second son Luthan, Count Hulmar. Mathenar, Luthan, we host renowned guests today. If I may present Her Highness Princess Eriana of Palarand, Lord Kalmenar of Palarand and..." Wallesan realized that his other guest might cause awkward questions. "...Mistress Ursula of Alberta."

Both men bowed to Eriana, shook Kalmenar's hand, then bowed to Ursula. Everybody returned to their seats. Mathenar stared around him at the recently decorated sitting room.

"Father, it will never be as it was, but the craftsmen of Joth shall have no complaint made against them for this work. The Mansion is reborn and it is all excellent work, I deem."

Wallesan smiled. "Wait until you see the inside of the Great Hall! It is only recently finished and the work is of amazing quality." His smile disappeared. "Now what is this you tell me about returning under a cloud?"

"Father." Mathenar looked as if he was about to jump out of his chair and go down on one knee again but decided against it. "Luthan became involved in fights with other officers of like rank and it was suggested, strongly, that he be returned to Joth. For myself, I can only say that I sought to take advantage of local hospitality and it seems that I may have misjudged... the attitudes of others. It was suggested that I, also, should return in company with Luthan."

Wallesan's expression was disapproving. "You are both old enough that you should know by now how to conduct yourselves as befits the sons of a Duke. However, I shall not speak of family matters while guests are present. If I may ask, do you desire food, drink? How did you travel, to arrive here when you did?"

"Father," Mathenar explained, "we overnighted in Forguland as guests of Duke Sildenar, but left immediately after breakfast to catch an early ferry. We lunched in Hulmar but realized that we would not arrive here before the evening meal was served, so ate at the Crossroads roadhouse on the trade road before traveling on. Thus we are fed but a drink or two would be appreciated."

Fanis' servant went to the door and spoke with a footman outside before returning to her station.

Wallesan said, "We had barely risen from eating, as it happens, so you did not miss the meal by much. Now that you are here, you will soon settle down again into the routine of the Mansion, though you may find that it is different than before. As you may both guess my journey to Palarand was all that I expected and more. Much has changed among the folk of the Great Valley and in future years much more will change. But you do not want to hear that now. You are home now, there will be plenty of time for us to discuss all that is needful."

"As you say, Father." Mathenar's gaze traveled to Eriana. "Your Highness, I do not know you. I thought that King Robanar had but two daughters and that both were married." He paused with a thought. "Wait, your name, I have heard it before, though I do not remember when."

Eriana smiled. "As you say. I am not Palarandi born but come from a yet more distant land named Einnland. For certain reasons I found myself in Palarand at the end of last year, with my ship and crew, and the King has graciously given us shelter. To repay his kindness we undertook to travel to Forguland and assault Boldan's Rock. That is why you may have heard my name."

Wallesan added, "I returned from Palarand to Joth aboard Eriana's ship, Math, with her crew of fierce warriors. She is on her way along the Sirrel to visit lands new to her and her folk."

"Boldan's Rock! That is the fortress which overlooks Forguland, is it not? I heard there was fierce fighting but in Yod there are few who would speak of such a battle. Do you tell me that you were involved?"

"Indeed, I led my men and we are accounted heroes the length of the Valley - Yod excepted, of course. It was indeed a fierce fight and we suffered losses, but those of Yod suffered many more."

The Duke asked, "And they do not speak of such things in Yod, son?"

"Father, they are a beaten folk, in the main, who know not what the next day shall bring. Our governance is a quiet affair, there are few who care to dispute our commands. Few will speak openly of the war, even among themselves, since they know not what the next man may think."

"A curious state of affairs!" Wallesan scratched his chin. "Let us leave this talk for tonight, there are women present who may not care to hear of such matters. I would hear more of Yod tomorrow, by your leave, that we may all know the latest position. Luthan, tell me of yourself. Where were you stationed?"

"In a large village named Yakum which is not far from Yod itself, Father," the younger son replied. He looked unhappy. "Ah, I would leave talk of that until tomorrow also, if I may."

The Duke threw up his hands. "As you wish, son."

Mathenar commented, "You spoke of women just now, father, yet none have mentioned your other guest, nor even the noble who sits next to her."

"I can tell you that Lord Kalmenar accompanies Her Highness as diplomatic assistant as she travels the Sirrel, since the land she comes from is distant and her knowledge of local customs and practices is not extensive. That is part of the reason she travels, to improve her knowledge of our peoples."

"And this young lady?" Mathenar gestured at Ursula. " If I may ask, Father, where is Alberta? I have not heard that name before."

"You should both know that Mistress Ursula is from a land which is very distant, somewhere else entirely. It is not surprising that you have not heard of it. Know you both that, despite her seeming youth, she is an expert healer who has already saved lives in the city. She resides with us for a while as she considers how she may train those of the Great Valley in her craft, which exceeds anything known to us before."

"A healer! The Alliance armies had need of healers while we were yet at war, was she brought here to help us?"

The Duke was silent for so long that Mathenar wondered what he had said that was sensitive.

"I cannot answer you today, Mathenar," Wallesan said eventually, "for the situation is... complicated. I believe that Mistress Ursula's presence here in Joth is by chance, but neither we nor she knows the full reason for her presence."

"Math," Fanis added, "Ursula comes from so far away that she could not possibly have known about the fighting here when she left. Like Eriana, she finds our local customs to be very different than those she knew at home, so she stays with us for a time to become familiar with what is here."

Mathenar frowned. "If it is as you say, Mother, then I will accept your words." He turned to Ursula with a smile. "Mistress, I trust that we shall do all that we may to make your stay with us a pleasant one."

Ursula inclined her head. "Thank you... I'm sorry, I don't even know how to address you."

Both sons looked surprised. Wallesan explained, "Ursula, my two boys have a courtesy title one rank lower than my own, by virtue of the fact they are my acknowledged sons. They should be named Count when spoken of but may be addressed as 'My Lord', just as Lord Kalmenar is." He added, "In fact, the eldest son of the Duchy, my heir, is usually given Galdarin as his demesne, as that is Joth's second city. Luthan presently holds Hulmar, our trade ferry port to the west, but neither exercises much control over those places, they are essentially courtesy titles."

"I see, Your Grace."

Mathenar asked, "Mistress, if I may ask, how would you address nobles in your lands? I know that many of the Valley countries use different titles, I am surprised that you are not familiar at least with those of Joth."

"My Lord, until today I have not met any other Jothan nobles. In Alberta we have no nobles at all."

"What!" Both sons looked stunned. "However do you manage there, if I may ask?"

"Boys," their father cautioned, "this, too, is a subject for another day, being a complex one indeed, and involving ideas you may find hard to believe. In time, mayhap, you will come to understand some of those ideas, since we may seek to try some of them in Yod."

Luthan narrowed his eyes. "We? Father, you said we. Do you mean the Alliance? I have not heard of any such ideas where I was camped."

Wallesan grimaced. "Boys, this is too much for an evening when you have just arrived following a long journey. I beg you, rest awhile and refresh your minds with a good night's sleep in your renewed chambers. Tomorrow I shall begin to tell you of the great changes that have already begun in Sirrel's valley."

The two men looked at one another. "Much appears to have happened while we were away," Mathenar said. "I did not think we had been gone that long!"

"Aye," Luthan agreed, "and it is said that news travels fast in war, but it seems that there is much we have not been informed about. Father, you are right, it has been a long day. Let us all retire and begin afresh tomorrow."

"Indeed." The Duke cast a thoughtful glance at his sons. "And I have not forgotten your reasons for returning to Joth today. Tomorrow I will require an accounting from both of you."

"As you command, Father."

* * *

Tyra was unlacing Ursula's gown before they both found their beds for the night.

"So, tell me what you know about those brothers."

"Mistress, I do not know as much as you may believe. I only started working in the Mansion after both had gone off to war. All I can tell you is what little any person in the city might know... although, of course, now that they have returned, I can always ask other servants here to tell me more."

"Oh, of course. I keep forgetting that everyone was thrown out of the city and that would automatically mean war between Joth and Yod." Ursula had a thought. "You must have been thrown out yourself, Tyra. What happened?"

"We were more lucky than some, Mistress. Father was working on the river and saw the Yodan craft approaching just as the sky darkened after sunset. He returned immediately and tried to raise the alarm but it was all too late. Knowing that we could not escape by the river he gathered his family and we fled into the city, since we lived so near where any battle might happen, and there we thought we were safe, but it was not so. The Yodans attacked those fleeing and my father was battered about the head and arms.

"All were forced towards the gates and thrust outside, attired just as they were. We were among those forced to flee on foot and all of our possessions were lost, whilst those who came later were permitted wagons and frayen to carry the less able of Joth away. But you asked about the brothers and I will tell you what little I know."

Free of her gown, Ursula undid the tie which held her bra in place and removed it, handing it to Tyra to hang up and air. In these warm days, neither wore any other underwear than their panties which would remain on until morning.

The maid continued, "Luthan is known to be an unsavory sort, Mistress. Rumor in the city is that he has a temper which is made worse by drink. It is likely that his temper is what has caused him to be returned home. As for Mathenar, I know even less, but to me he seems a friendly sort, although there are rumors about him in the city also, rumors of a different kind which I do not recall. You must remember my age and station before I came to the Mansion, much of the talk would have meant little to me then. It may simply be the notions of ordinary folk about the way the sons of their Duke behave, I would not know."

Tyra hung the gown on a hanger to air as well before returning from the dressing room.

"There, Mistress. Shall you put your nightgown on?"

Ursula pulled the thin summer nightgown over her head and settled it. Tyra had already changed so both were now ready for bed. The maid went around the suite putting out all the lanterns except one, which she turned down low.

"Mayhap we may learn much more tomorrow, Mistress. If I do not find something out, it is possible that you may do so in the kitchens, is that not so?"

"It is possible," Ursula conceded. "Remember that I will be going out again with Senia tomorrow morning so there will be no chance for me to find anything out until I return for lunch."

"As you say, Mistress." Tyra yawned. "Well, good night to you, Mistress."

"And to you, Tyra."

It is the following morning and all discover exactly why one of Wallesan's sons has been ordered home. Ursula goes about her usual rounds and, later, asks the seamstresses for some more unusual attire.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

27 - Sons of the Duke

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Ursula and Tyra chanced to leave their rooms at exactly the same time as everybody else appeared, which meant that they all saw the whole thing. Luthan jauntily strode ahead of his brother, having noted Eriana, Bennet and Semma emerge from their suite and all dressed in their exercise gear. As he reached them he muttered something too low to be heard and then, clearly to Ursula and Tyra, grabbed Bennet on the buttock.

The armswoman had her back to those emerging and did not see who had molested her but her reaction was automatic, not in the way that she had been taught, but as she had dealt with others in her time in the palace kitchens. She immediately spun on one heel and smacked her assailant in the face with a fist. Luthan fell to the floor, the others scattering out of the way.

Wallesan strode forward, his expression thunderous. "Now I understand why you were sent home, if this is the way you behaved! Return to your chambers at once, I will not have you share the same table as my guests."

Luthan put a hand to his face. "But Father, I only..." He looked at the blood on his hand. "I'm bleeding! She broke my nose!"

Eriana was also annoyed but from her own background knew that such incidents were an occupational hazard between men and any woman who appeared to be of lesser rank.

"My Lord, you assault armswomen of His Majesty at your peril. We are trained to disable or kill, it is only the narrowness of the corridor that prevents you being hurt more."

"But... I thought them your retainers!"

Eriana glared at Luthan, who still lay on the floor. "They are no retainers but female companions and that does not give you leave to molest them!" She bent forward and snarled, "As myself, they are both trained warriors. You should thank the Gods that we chose not to wear our swords to breakfast else your fate would be worse." She looked up. "Wallesan, this... man... requires attention. He is bleeding freely, he should have a healer attend him else your new floor will be stained."

"Look you behind you, Eriana, Ursula is already here. Luthan, get up! Go into your chambers and your face will be attended to."

"As you command, Father."

Wallesan looked up at Ursula as his son scrambled to his feet. "I know it is before breakfast, Mistress, but if you would attend this injury we would be grateful."

"Of course, Your Grace. If his nose is broken, prompt attention should prevent any permanent disfigurement."

Luthan gave her a sullen look before stalking off along the corridor.

Wallesan addressed Bennet in Luthan's hearing. "Mistress Bennet, you shall bear no blame for what has just befallen. I saw everything, my son has gotten his just desserts."

Bennet curtseyed. "Thank you, Your Grace. It was automatic, I did not know who was behind me, except that he was too close." She hesitated. "I should not have reacted as I did, though. We are taught to assess any threat before taking action and this morning I did not."

Eriana disagreed, "This was no threat, Bennet, but an actual assault. You did what was needful."

Hambran appeared at the end of the corridor, having hurriedly climbed the stairs. He saluted.

"I heard something happen, Your Grace, and raised voices."

"Aye, Hambran. Luthan has made a fool of himself by groping Bennet and she has well returned the insult." Wallesan looked around at the crowded corridor. "Come, let us go below. Ursula, if you would attend your patient. We will delay breakfast a time to wait for your appearance."

"Thank you, Your Grace. I will try not to be too long."

Ursula pushed her way past everyone with Tyra in her wake. She had noted which door Luthan had gone into so followed him with a knock. He was not in his small sitting room so she went into the bedroom, finding that empty as well.

"My Lord?"

"In here, Mistress."

He was in his bathroom, his head held over his washbasin while blood dripped into the water in it.

"I'll need to take a look, My Lord. Have you any cloths so that I can clean you up?"

"Over there." He waved vaguely in the direction of a shelf with linen on it.

Ursula found what she thought were a pile of small facecloths and brought a handful back to the wash stand. Luthan stood straight as she dipped a cloth into the water and then cleaned him up. She looked him over carefully.

"I do not think that your nose is actually broken, My Lord, but I would like to make sure. I'll need to touch it and it may hurt."

"It already hurts! Get on with it."

She gently manipulated the bridge of his nose and could find no sign that anything had come adrift. The bridge looked straight so she thought that he had gotten away with it - this time.

"I do not think that it is broken," she told him, "but we need to stop the bleeding. I am going to plug your nostrils as that will help the blood to clot."

"Plug my nose!" He sounded alarmed. "How shall I breathe?"

"The same way that you are doing now, through your mouth."

She took another of the cloths and began tearing strips from it. Two of these she rolled up into small cylinders and pushed one into each nostril, leaving part poking out. Then she used more cloths to clean away the further blood that had emerged.

"You must leave those in your nose all of today," she instructed. "If you do not you will probably bleed all over the place. I will take them out tomorrow morning."

He stared at her sullenly. One eye was beginning to blacken. "I do not like your manner, Mistress."

"I do not like yours," she responded bluntly. "I also do not like being asked to attend idiots who mistreat women. I do not care if you are a lord or not, there is no cause for what you did to Bennet. Now. I do not know what your father intends for you but I suggest that you stay quietly in your room today to allow that bruising to go down. I am going out this morning, to visit other patients in the city, but I will be back at lunchtime and I will call to check on you then. Understood?"

Luthan stared at her. "You are the foreigner, are you not? Do all such behave as you do in your lands?"

Ursula thought and then nodded. "Most of them, yes. We still have idiots like you, though, and they get much the same treatment. Now I have to go, my breakfast is waiting. Tyra? Who normally sees to these sons when they are at home?"

"I could not say, Mistress, since there was no-one living here apart from the Duke and Duchess when I started here. I can always ask Bellot, though. He will surely know."

"Good. My Lord, we will leave you now and join His Grace, who is doubtless waiting impatiently downstairs for his own breakfast."

The two walked out of the suite without another word and joined the others downstairs in the dining room. Fanis came over to Ursula immediately.

"My boy, is his nose broken?"

She shook her head. "It is not, Your Grace, though it bleeds freely enough. Ah, Your Grace."

Wallesan joined them and said, "Let us sit. We have been delayed enough by that boy's arrogance. Ursula, if you would face me this morning, I must needs have an accounting."

This time Eriana sat by her left, as Mathenar took the seat of honor at his father's right-hand side. Bennet was to Ursula's right while Semma sat on Eriana's other side.

"Well!" That was Mathenar, commenting as the servers began to bring dishes over to the table. "Four women visitors, I see. Father, I thought there were but two who we met last night."

Wallesan grunted. "As you are by now aware, Princess Eriana brings with her two companions-in-arms as she travels the Sirrel. As she has no maids aboard her ship they serve as helpmates one to the other where matters of a female nature are concerned."

"Ah, I see. A Princess with no maids? I understood that Her Highness was from a land where such customs may differ... yet you said last night that she was a Princess of Palarand."

Eriana gave him a smile. "Lately matters concerning Palarand have become very complicated, My Lord. I was not born in Palarand but I account King Robanar my liege now. It is he who permits me to retain my title and status. If you go to the docks here you may inspect my ship, the Visund, which is unlike any other that I have seen on the Sirrel so far. Though I did have maids when I brought the Visund to Plif, and then to Palarand, it is not really a suitable vessel for ladies of the court."

The smile was returned. "Indeed? Thank you, Highness, for explaining the matter. Perhaps, once I have settled in at home again, I may go and see what manner of ship you sail."

"Then you had best not leave it too long, My Lord. There is much for us to do while we yet reside in Joth but our stay here is extended only because of an accident on the way here. Once my men have recovered from various injuries, I must needs sail on if I am to explore this river and return to Palarand before the rains set in."

Mathenar nodded. "Aye, it would be wise. No man - nor woman, I deem - may travel the Sirrel during the rains, it is impossible."

"So I have been told."

Wallesan intervened, since he wanted information from Ursula. "If I may, there will be many occasions when the river and the weather may be discussed. Ursula, if you would explain to me the injury that Luthan suffered."

"Your Grace, it was a simple thump to the face. I have examined his nose carefully and I do not believe that it is broken. However, the blood runs freely so I have blocked his nostrils until it crusts over. It is also likely that he will have at least one black eye by lunchtime. I have asked him to stay quietly in his quarters today in order to reduce his blood pressure, which will help ease the bleeding - and, coincidentally, keep him out of more trouble. Um, he will of course miss his breakfast by doing so."

"As you say, Mistress. When we have risen I will ask Bellot to provide something for him. Aye, it will do him no harm to sit and consider his recent behavior. Math, know you anything of his conduct in Yod?"

"A certain amount, Father, but it would be better to wait until we have risen from table. Do I keep you from anything?"

Wallesan waved a hand. "Nothing important this morning. Yesterday it would be different, it was the first full court that I have held since I returned, in the Great Hall. Today," he glared at his food, "I have family matters to attend to." He glanced at Eriana. "What of your activities today, my dear?"

"This morning we will work in the yard with Captain Hambran's men, by your leave, and your sons can discover what we are capable of." She had a thought. "Can the other see the back yard from his chambers?"

Fanis answered, "He can, Eriana. He always preferred the south side of the Mansion, to be out of the sun."

Wallesan added, "Then, when I see him presently, I shall instruct him to open his window and observe what takes place." He grinned at Eriana. "I am sure that you will provide a show, my dear, but please do not injure too many of my men."

Eriana grinned back. "Your Grace, we are guests here, we will try to be careful."

"No doubt you will. Ursula, I assume that you will go out with Senia this morning?"

"Your Grace, that is what I expect to happen. I think that I will want to have another look at Luthan when I return for lunch."

"As you wish."

"Fanis, what plans have you for today?"

"I must needs see to our boys return, since they will require laundry and linen and such domestic concerns now they are home. After our nap this afternoon I have seamstresses coming, they are bring some new dresses and gowns but we will also inform them of the need for new attire for Tyra."

"Ah, as you say." The Duke raised a hand. "More pel, if you would."

A little later, Mathenar observed to Ursula, "Mistress, you wear interesting attire today. Is this a fashion from where you came?"

Since the weather was still warm Ursula was wearing a ship dress. She considered her answer. "My Lord, the answer is that you are about half right. This dress is based on a fashion from where I came, but I did not introduce it." She turned to Fanis. "Your Grace, I'm not sure how to explain this."

"As you say." Fanis also considered. "Math, I believe that you met Tenant Maralin before you went off to Ferenis and beyond."

"That blond levy? Aye, I recall him, I met him only once before I left. Was not he something to do with the kitchens?" He frowned. "No, that cannot be right, I remember he had something to do with the new uniforms our men wore."

"Both are right," Fanis explained. "While Maralin was indeed trained as a cook of some experience he is of a family of tailors, so knows something of that art. It was he who has suggested some of the new fashions you may have noted about the streets of Joth when you arrived. The ship dress which Ursula wears is particularly suited for those who must needs walk the streets of the city for their work and all Joth thanks Maralin for introducing it, but as the name suggests it was originally intended for Eriana and her girls to wear as they travel the Sirrel."

Mathenar's eyebrows rose. "Indeed! It appears very comfortable from what I can see. But, if I may also note, Her Highness and her attendants do not wear such dresses today."

Eriana smiled. "That is because we intend to join Captain Hambran's men this morning at their exercises and our attire is designed for such activities. You may see another wonder should you be around after our nap, as we intend to go out riding and we will then wear other attire designed for that purpose."

"You go riding?" The eyebrows rose again. "If I may ask, Highness, is this a custom from your land?"

"Indeed not!" Eriana thought and then turned to Wallesan. "Wallesan, I fear that you must needs explain much to your two boys before we may have a sensible conversation together. It seems that many things have happened while they were fighting Yod and the explanations could become complicated."

The Duke nodded. "As you say, Eriana." He turned to Mathenar. "Son, you shall know the whole story, as much as I know of it, later on. Briefly, although it has not been the custom for women to ride in the Valley, except by the use of a chair, the art of riding as a man does was introduced to Palarand before I arrived there recently. Many of Palarand's women now enjoy the saddle and it seems that many of Joth's women may also do so in the future, having seen Eriana and her girls about the city and country."

"Oh, I see." He brightened. "I look forward to the sight! With new attire about the city and women on frayen back, Joth will look very different in the days and months to come."

"Son, you have no idea."

* * *

Ursula and Senia were walking along a narrow street that connected two wider thoroughfares.

"What can you tell me about the Duke's two sons? This morning, in the upper corridor, Luthan groped Bennet and she turned and punched him in the face. I asked Tyra but she only started working at the Mansion after the sons left to go to war."

Senia pulled a face. "Ow. Was he much hurt?"

"As I was present I tended him immediately. It was thought that he had a broken nose but he just managed to avoid that. I blocked his nostrils with cloth rolls to help clot the blood but he will spend a miserable day today. By now he will probably have a black eye or two as well."

Her companion shook her head in sorrow. "It is only what he deserves, I deem. For the son of a Duke almost everything that can go wrong in a man has done so with him. He argues with all, fights with many and yet he assumes that all women are his playthings. I thought that mayhap the experience of leading men in the field might mature him but it seems not so. Do you know why the two have returned? I gather from words spoken by the staff this morning that they were not expected."

"You realize that I have no idea what they were supposed to be doing or even what or where Yod is? They returned unexpectedly yesterday evening just as we rose from the evening meal. The elder one, Mathenar, said that Luthan had been told to return to Joth because he was fighting - and not the enemy, from what I understand - and there is some reason why Mathenar was told to return as well."

"Mathenar? Why, I can believe it of Luthan but Mathenar seems to be a sensible sort, ready and willing to become Duke after his father. I could not say why he would be asked to come back from Yod. As you may already have noticed, the two are as alike as sand and butter." Senia shrugged. "Doubtless we will learn more once they have settled back into the Mansion."

"How old are they? I find that, since arriving here, I cannot estimate ages as well as I once did."

"Mathenar would be about your age or perhaps a year older, I would think. Luthan is about two and a half years younger than his brother."

"I was told that they were counts of two towns. Would they not have residences there?"

Senia seemed doubtful. "I believe that there is a dwelling of some kind for the ruling Count of Galdarin but as that is usually a courtesy title for the Duke's eldest son I could not say how often he would use it. For the other, I know that he is Count of Hulmar but that is all."

"Oh. It looks like I am the one who can find out more as I am staying at the Mansion."

"As you say." Senia gave Ursula a sidelong look. "Just remember that much you may hear will be gossip and likely not true, and that as a guest in the Mansion you would be expected to keep confidences."

"Of course." Ursula returned the look. "But as healers, doctors, we are entitled to exchange information about patients, are we not? At the moment Luthan is my patient, perhaps information about his brother may be relevant."

Senia seemed amused. "Is this the way that healing is done on Earth? Of course I will treat anything you tell me with the confidence it deserves." She looked up, they had reached the junction. "We go left here. You have not seen this patient before, I deem. She has a sore on her left leg which does not heal. I would be grateful for your observations."

* * *

Three patients later, Senia climbed the steps of a town house and knocked at the front door.

"Good morning. Oh, it is Mistress Senia! Welcome, and to your friend..?"

"Ah, this is Ursula, a new healer in the city who accompanies me on my rounds to become familiar with our routine."

The woman smiled at Ursula. "Good morning to you, Mistress. If you would both enter?"

In the hall she told Ursula, "If you did not know, I am Kasta, wife of Hermanar, one of Joth's roofing craftsmen." To Senia she asked, "I assume that it is Ferdo, our son, that you are calling about?"

"Aye," Senia confirmed, "Larna told me of his accident yesterday evening and asked me to see him today. Did she say much about his injuries? What happened?"

As Kasta led the way through the house, she replied, "Ferdo was climbing on the wall at the bottom of our yard, following his older brothers. He missed his footing and fell, it is perhaps fortunate that he fell on the wood pile before reaching the ground, else he would have fallen the whole two strides."

"Oh! Has he broken bones, then?"

"Mistress Larna says not, but she also says that sometimes it can be difficult to tell, especially with children, which is why I believe that she asked another to call today."

"As you say."

The boy was about eight years old and was lying on a couch at the rear of the house. He had a bandage on one knee but there were raw scrapes on elbows and head, the wounds already dried in the heat.

"Mom? Who are these?"

"These are Senia and... Ursula, was it? ...come to look at your injuries. No, stay there, let the healers say what they want you to do."

Senia squatted down and looked at the boy carefully. "If I ask you if it hurts anywhere, you are going to either tell me everywhere or nowhere, is that not so?"

Ferdo stared at Senia then abruptly relaxed. "Mom says that I mustn't hide anything like that when healers ask because it might mean that I'll take longer to heal."

"That's so, young man, and if you don't tell me where it hurts, and it is hurting because a bone is broken, that bone might heal crooked and then you could have a limp, or not be able to wield a hammer straight when you are older. So it is better to tell us the truth and let us find out what is really wrong with you."

"As you say, Mistress. I got scrapes on both my elbows, somehow, as I tumbled off the wall, and a gash on my knee from the wood in the pile. I banged my head and there's a lump just here." He felt his scalp and winced at a certain point.

"What about your legs? Have you been walking around this morning?"

He glanced at his mother. "Aye, though Mom wouldn't let me do much. Why?"

"Because it would hurt more if you had a broken leg, that's why. Depending where it was broken, a lot more. Now, let me see under that bandage and then Mistress Ursula will check over your bones and joints."

"As you wish, Mistress."

There were no obvious broken bones so Senia and Ursula applied salve and bandages and gave instructions to his mother. In the hallway, on the way out, she remarked, "I do like those dresses! They look very cool. Is this something that only healers may wear, do you know?"

"Indeed not, Mistress!" Senia replied. "They are a new design come from the east. If your seamstress does not yet know of them, ask her to apply to Jorda or Dinna for the patterns, which are not complicated as you may see." She gave a secret smile. "There are undergarments to go with these dresses, though of course you may wear what you already have, but if you should also ask about undergarments you will learn of new items designed for hot weather which go well with these dresses."

"Is that so? Then I will do so as soon as I can! The weather is hotter than normal this spring and it is already becoming uncomfortable outside for much of the day."

"Speaking of garments," Ursula added casually, "Because I am a visitor to Joth, His Grace has graciously permitted me to stay at the Mansion for a while."

"Ah? I have heard mention of visitors, Mistress, although of course most in the city do not know the business of the Duke and Duchess. You are one of them, then?"

"I am, and also staying there is Princess Eriana and her two attendants Bennet and Semma."

"As you say! All have heard of the adventures of Her Highness and her men. But you mentioned garments. All know that a Princess may wear attire that ordinary folk might not."

"True, but have you by chance seen her and her girls riding frayen? They wear special outfits designed for the purpose."

"As you say!" Kasta looked wistful. "None knew that a woman could ride a frayen as a man does, and yet here is proof that they may. Is this also a new custom from the east, do you know?"

"I was told that the other Princess, Princess Garia, brought the custom from her own homeland," Ursula explained. "When Eriana... um, Princess Eriana and her men were training for their attack on Boldan's Rock I was told that they all learned to ride because it made their assault easier. I know little more than that except that many women in Palarand now ride."

"Do you tell me? Then I will also enquire of Jorda and Dinna about such items. We are not rich enough to own a frayen or any of the tackle that goes with such a beast, but of course any woman is interested in new attire."

Senia asked, "Have you seen them ride?"

"I have! There was one time I had to go to a property near the Galdarin Gate to take Hermanar his lunch and I saw them pass through. All were amazed to see them and there was much comment."

"Actually," Ursula said, "the Duke has suggested that I - and, possibly, some of the other healers - learn to ride as well. It seems that it may make it easier for us to visit properties, farms, say, or mansions, outside the city walls, in order to reach patients." She hesitated before continuing, "I am learning at a farm just outside the Galdarin Gate which in time may become a riding school for the citizens of Joth."

"A riding school? That is interesting! And women may go there? If I may, I will pass the word to one or two of my friends who have mentioned a desire to ride as Her Highness does."

"That was what was intended, yes, so I see no problem telling others. Um." Ursula looked at Senia. "I am sorry, I have distracted us from our rounds. Where should we be going next?"

"As you say, Ursula. Mistress Kasta, we must be going. I will call again in three days' time, by your leave."

"Of course, Mistress Senia. Thank you for your attention, and to you, Mistress Ursula, for your information. Let me show you out."

In the next street, and out of sight and earshot of their last call, Senia asked, "What was that about? You do not usually engage in idle gossip, Ursula, not to mention the bandying of names."

"Senia, forgive me. I have been asked, discreetly you understand, to find out how people view the riding of frayen by women. Her Grace is unsure whether the people will be for or against it."

"I see! I did wonder at your purpose. Hmm. I think that most view Princess Eriana as a strong woman who may do exactly as she wishes, and that most are content with her doing so. I understand that Her Grace is asking whether the local women should ride and, from words that I have heard, I believe that most women would be in favor of the practice, though I gather that many of their menfolk will be less keen. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"It does not concern me, really, if the women here do or do not ride, Senia, but it concerns Her Grace. I think that she would do it herself if there was general approval."

"Her Grace, riding a frayen!" Senia smiled. "That would be a fine sight, I deem, and one that would easily encourage other women to follow." She had a thought. "You mentioned 'other healers'. Did you have me in mind? If it may help me do my job then I would consider it. If I may ask you about your own experiences as we walk? Ah, we cross the road yonder and turn down that lane."

* * *

Senia and Ursula stopped under the gatehouse, both pleased to find some relief from the glare of the mid-day sun.

"I had better be going," the healer said, "I will be late for lunch. That last rebandaging took longer than we expected."

"That's true," Ursula agreed. "I am just pleased that I remembered how to wrap a shoulder a different way that worked. In my previous job, on Earth, I left most of the bandaging to others so that I could concentrate on the next accident victim. I'll see you tomorrow as usual?"

"I imagine so, Ursula. You have been a real help today, I am glad that you have decided to join our ranks."

"It didn't take me long to decide. It is different than what I was doing before but the work is easier... ah, slightly easier, and the company is better." She looked up. "Not to mention the weather."

"Aye, if this goes on there will be afternoon thunderstorms to add to the fun. I must be going!"

"Till tomorrow, then. Good bye."

Ursula watched Senia cross the street to head for her home before turning to the Mansion. She remembered what awaited her and sighed.

Best get it over with and then I can change for lunch.

She walked into the front entrance and up the stairs, where Dirgan gave her a salute.

"Good day, Dirgan. Anything of interest happened while I was out?"

He grinned. "No more than normal, Mistress."

"That is usually a good sign, no?" She wrinkled her nose. "Now I have to go and check on Luthan before I can get ready for lunch."

The smile disappeared. "You have my sympathies, Mistress."

She walked along the corridor and knocked on Luthan's door. A male servant opened it, one she hadn't met before.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"Who I am is no concern of yours. What I am is the healer who has come to check on Lord Luthan's injuries."

"Oh. Your pardon, Mistress. I did not recognize you there. If you would come in, My Lord awaits you."

Luthan was sitting on a settee reading documents, with a big pile either side of him. He looked up as Ursula entered.

"Oh. The rude healer."

"I can always go away again, you know, if you keep on with that attitude. But if I do so, no healer in the city will ever come near you again."

He tried a sneer but it was too painful. "My father will order somebody to come! Somebody who knows how to treat a person of rank."

"That is possible, but the next time anyone would come would be when you were dying from a sword thrust. I cannot imagine how you have lasted as long as you have with that attitude."

He looked sullen, the expression not helped by a full black eye, another one turning and crusted blood around his blocked up nostrils.

"Mistress, if you would attend me." After a distinct pause, he reluctantly ground out, "Please."

"You see? Now that wasn't hard."

Ursula got down on one knee and examined Luthan's face. Apart from the eyes and the bridge of the nose there appeared to be little bruising.

"How has it been this morning? I know that it must be painful and I can give you something for that, but I need to know if there has been bleeding, for example. Have you felt the need to spit up blood at all?"

"Nothing like that, Mistress. My face, it feels taut and dry, can I splash some water on it?"

"I think so, yes, there's no reason why you shouldn't give your face a gentle wash now and then, especially as it is so hot today. Try not to dislodge the plugs, though, because that will start your nose bleeding again. If that happens, you must send your man to ask for me. Dirgan will know where I am. I will be in the Mansion now for the rest of the day."

The eyes looked hostile. "As you command, Mistress." He paused and the fire went out of them. "I am told that you reside in the Mansion, Mistress. Has my father now decided to have a resident healer about the place?"

Ursula answered him as she undid her basket lid and pulled out jars of medicine.

"I live here for now, My Lord. I am a stranger in Joth so your father has given me a place here while I become familiar with the city and all those who live in it." Careful, now. "Your father will probably tell you more about me and Her Highness once you have settled in to living here again."

"A curious circumstance." He saw what she was holding. "Oh, the green stuff. Is that not dangerous?"

"It can be, if you take too much. For today, it would probably be best. Tomorrow I will move you onto the simmek once I have taken the plugs out and cleaned you up."

"Simmek, aye, we have used it in the field."

She gave him a spoonful of the green stuff, then packed everything away again and stood.

"Do you want me to come back again this evening and take another look?"

He shrugged. "I am here, you reside here, you may as well." Another long pause. "Mistress, I thank you for your attentions today."

She acknowledged that with a nod. "Then I must go and prepare myself for lunch. Good day to you, My Lord."

She walked out without a backward look. The manservant studied her as she passed but said nothing. Only when she was back in her sitting room did she let the tension out with a long sigh.

To think I might be stuck in the Mansion with that idiot!

Yet it is too early to even consider finding myself somewhere else to live in the city. That would only complicate things, not to mention leaving me exposed.

A realization came to her. I like having Eriana, Bennet and Semma nearby. They have a robust attitude to life which matches that of many Russians including myself.

Still, the clown now knows his limitations. He should not trouble any of us women in the way he might cause trouble with the men.

She had just put her basket of medical needs away when Tyra returned, another beam all over her face.

"Mistress, look! They have given me my own sword!" The beam disappeared. "It is only a practise sword but of the same weight and balance as a working blade would be. I am to exercise with it to improve the strength of my lower arm, wrist and fingers. I can do that before my attire arrives, so that I will be better prepared when the training begins."

Ursula looked at the blunted blade. "If you are enthusiastic and do too much at once you could cause yourself some injuries," she warned. "Have they told you this?"

"Aye, Mistress. I am to stop immediately if my wrist or fingers hurt."

"Very well, but add elbow and shoulder to that list." Ursula smiled. "If you are going to be waving that thing around, try not to damage too much of the furniture, will you? I'm sure that His Grace will be annoyed."

"As you say, Mistress!" Tyra promptly stood the sword in a corner out of the way before continuing, "If we may bathe, Mistress. It will not be long until the lunch bell."

"A good idea. It has been hot and sweaty today in the city."

"Indeed! Talk in the armory is that this is unusual and may break with thunderstorms in a few days. Normally it does not become so hot until nearer midsummer."

"That is good to know. Whatever the reason, it is too hot today. I'll pull for water if you want to use the toilet before you jump in."

"Mistress, I may need help today. When I can wear ship dresses like your own then I may go by myself but for now, it would be awkward."

"As you wish."

I should not complain, when I think of what the women of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries had to put up with. At least one can function in the clothes we wear here!

"Come on. Let's get ourselves cleaned up."

* * *

By the time they appeared in the dining room almost everyone else had already arrived. Mathenar gave them an elaborate bow.

"Mistress, I note that you have been abroad in the city. Are there many who require your services?"

"Enough, My Lord. Where I practised before I was in a much larger city and there were many more who needed medical attention. Fortunately here the injuries are, mostly, not too severe."

"With Joth now at peace I would think that it would be mostly trips and fumbles, that sort of injury." He frowned. "If I may ask -"

His father appeared and headed for the tables. Mathenar gave Ursula a shrug and a grin. "Later, Mistress. My interest is not so important."

At the table the servants began putting plates in front of each diner.

"Father, whatever is this? Some kind of strange bread? A tart? Or did something go wrong with the cooking?"

"That, Math, is called a peet-zer. It is a new dish that Maralin introduced while we were away in Thorn. I am told that there may be different toppings according to taste, though for today Farren has simply cooked a batch of the most usual variety."

"A curious thing to eat, I deem. How must I eat it? Am I permitted fingers? Should I tear it into chunks?"

Fanis told him, "Math, it is usual to cut it into wedges first, to make it easier to handle. Most then pick up each wedge with their fingers. If you prefer not to have grease on your fingers you may use your knife and fork to eat it with instead."

"Knife and... fork? What, oh, this is a fork? Is this something else that Maralin brought?"

Wallesan replied, "No indeed, son. Forks were brought to the Valley by Princess Garia, though Maralin does also know of them. Hold the fork vertically to grip your food and prevent it moving while you cut a portion with your knife. You can then bring the food directly to your mouth on the fork. See, watch what your mother does."

Mathenar watched intently. "Ah, I see! This could be a useful tool, I deem. The word fork is known to me, since those of Palarand have used it in my hearing, but I knew not what they meant. To me a fork is something that a peasant uses to shift dung, I did not know they were also tiny tools to use for food. None cared to explain, thinking perhaps that all already knew of them."

He used the table knife to cut his peet-zer into six wedges as his parents had done, then lifted a wedge to his lips. He nodded appreciation at the taste.

"It is good, Father, Mother! I could enjoy these as a snack from time to time."

Wallesan said, "Maralin informs us that is how they are sometimes used, Math. It may be that in the future, when you have stopped at a road house, they may serve peet-zers to travelers as well as their other choices."

Fanis added, "But Maralin also told us that eating too many of these can be unhealthy. In the lands of his birth they have studied the effect of food on health and reached some surprising conclusions. Fortunately, he also tells us that our normal choice of foods here in Joth is actually very healthy. Peet-zers are to be considered as an occasional treat, it seems."

Mathenar ate about half of his peet-zer before looking up with a question on his face.

"Father, Mother, it seems to me that Joth has become beset by strangers since I went away. There is Her Highness there, from somewhere distant, Mistress Ursula who comes from somewhere else distant, Mistresses Bennet and Semma are from Palarand and you tell me that this Maralin has also come from somewhere else entirely."

Wallesan shrugged. "Son, it is all completely by chance. In a week or two Eriana will sail away with her girls and then there will be just Ursula, Maralin joining us when he returns. You know that many who reside in Joth were not born here, or even in the Duchy. It is the way of the world, that people move to other lands for many reasons. It is chance that so many reside under our roofs for a while."

"As you say, Father, but these are not artisans looking for work or swordsmen seeking to join your forces, these are important people, it seems to me. Is there perhaps something I should know about?"

"As I said, the presence of these folk in the Mansion is purely by chance, Math. However, there are reasons why such people may have gathered here and reasons why we may see more of them in the future." He rolled his eyes. "I now begin to understand why Robanar's palace is so large, he entertains such visitors all the time. Look, Math, I will tell you and Luthan all you need to know about Joth, Palarand and all the lands of the Great Valley later today, since what has been decided will fall to you after I have gone."

"Ah? There have been rumors along the way home, it is true, but it is always difficult to know what to believe."

"As you say. After our nap, then. Our womenfolk will be entertaining the seamstresses of Joth in here again so we can retire to another place and I will tell you all that you need to know."

"Done, father."

* * *

"Actually, I had another idea for a garment while I was out this morning with Mistress Senia."

The seamstresses all turned to Ursula. Jorda asked, "Mistress? Would this be another garment in the manner of the ship dress?"

"In a way. You all know that the healers of Joth, with my advice, are setting up a place which we are calling a clinic for the time being." The women all nodded. "It will be fitted out so that we can..." Ursula hunted for an answer which would not be too complicated but explain enough, "...do things which may be required but not so easy to do at a patient's residence. For example, we were recently forced to use a meat-cutting room here in the Mansion kitchen to save the life of one of the armsmen, simply because it was big enough and light enough and could be easily washed clean."

"Oh, was that Mamoot?" one of the women asked. "His story is known in the city, Mistress, and our thanks to you for knowing what was wrong with him and for saving his life."

"Thank you. In the future we hope to do operations like that at the clinic, which means that it will be fitted out as we require. Part of that fitting out will involve the clothes that we wear. You can understand that there are many things a healer might do that could mean lots of blood - or other body fluids - getting on our clothes. I would prefer not to attempt anything like that wearing, for example, what I have on today. It would be ruined."

Jorda said, "As you say. You have a suggestion, then."

"In... Alberta, for such purposes, we would wear what are known as scrubs to perform operations, Mistress. These actually look like ship dresses, but with a V neckline, are made of a much sturdier material and can be boiled to clean away anything that gets on them."

Dinna asked, "Boiled, Mistress? Not everything that is washed is boiled. Would not a thorough scrubbing serve instead?"

Ursula held up a hand. "Boiling serves another purpose, Mistress. One way of preventing infection to open wounds is to make sure everything is as clean as possible, to prevent anything bad from getting into the wound. For example, we will boil all our tools before starting whatever is needed and all surfaces, and the patient, will also be cleaned first. Boiling the garments will also ensure that nothing can get into the wound from the cloth."

Jorda considered. "Mistress Ursula, the ship dress design is easy enough to make, but finding a cloth which would take repeated boiling might be harder. Are you particular as to color? Most dyes would run or fade under such treatment."

Ursula shook her head. "The color is not important, Mistress Jorda. I wouldn't be walking around the city dressed like that anyway."

"Then mayhap an unbleached cloth may do, though I deem you would want it different enough that such attire would not be mistaken for your other wear. I assume that you would reserve such items for that use, just as an apron would be kept in the kitchen by a cook."

"That is exactly the idea, Mistress Jorda."

The seamstress considered again. "So you would clean yourself, the room and the patient before you begin. Ah, what else might you need that we could provide?"

"Some more of that cloth, to make a kind of hat to go around my hair and keep it out of the way," Ursula replied. "Oh, and something different to wear on my feet."

She thought. They don't have plastics here yet, so no Crocs, nothing disposable. I won't want anything that will get too hot but whatever it is will have to be cleanable like everything else.

"Like our cleaning scarves, you mean? Yes, that will be simple enough to provide. Footwear... you are asking for something that can be cleaned, as the dress and scarf would be."

"That is so but I don't know if that is possible yet."

"Yet?"

Oops. I don't want to go into any of that now, even if it was a good idea. Which it is not.

"I meant that in time, we might find some material which can be cleaned easily enough. We have such materials in Alberta, but I have no idea how they are made. Something like a clog, perhaps? A simple wooden sole with some of that cloth you mentioned as an upper. That could be boiled, couldn't it?"

One of the other women said, "Jorda, I know of a cobbler in Oarsman's Lane who makes such shoes for the weavers. If I may ask him if he could call and speak to Mistress Ursula."

"Ah, yes, of course, if that is the kind of shoe required." Jorda turned to Ursula. "Melisent speaks of a wooden sole, with a canvas upper which only covers the front of the foot. Because the weaving sheds can become so hot in summer they require footwear that allows their feet to be cool without exposing them to debris on the floor. That design, or one similar to it, may be what you desire."

She nodded. "That sounds exactly what I am thinking of. I assume that he will bring samples?"

"Of course, Mistress! Melisent, if you would ask your cobbler to attend the Mansion." Jorda looked around. "Ladies, I think that we now have everything we came for today. Most of it is new commissions for young Tyra but we brought garments for Her Grace, Mistress Ursula and even for some of the men of the Mansion. There may also be new work for Mistress Ursula from us." She turned. "Your Grace," she addressed Fanis, "by your leave, we should be going now, I have heard the bells."

Fanis inclined her head. "Ladies, as always it has been a pleasure having you here. I will let Jorda know, as usual, if there is any further need for your services. For Ursula's wear, since it will be attire for the new clinic, I suggest you leave a message here for her when you have garments or footwear to present."

"As you desire, Your Grace."

The residents watched as the seamstresses filed out of the dining room. Once the doorway was cleared, Bellot entered.

"Your Grace, this evening the meal will be served in about a bell and a quarter."

"Then let us all leave the staff to make the room ready. Ladies, to our chambers!"

* * *

Much later, the city had finally begun to cool after the sun had set. Tyra lit the lanterns in their chambers and then began to help Ursula take her evening gown off before they both retired.

"I wonder," Ursula said, "what you thought of Mathenar. He was interested in us all this evening, but perhaps he ignored the servants. You might have been able to observe him in a way that we could not."

"It is as you say, Mistress. Sometimes servants, of any kind, are not noticed at all. I suspect, from what little I saw of Luthan today, that he would hunt anyone wearing a skirt. He is that kind of man, I deem. Mathenar, on the other hand, seems to be a kind, well brought up son of the Duke. I notice that he paid you some attention, and also spoke to Bennet and Semma, but it is natural that he would spend most of his time talking to Her Highness. I had not heard her whole story before, she is a remarkable woman, is she not?"

"It would appear so. I learned more this evening than I had known before."

Tyra frowned as she folded the gown over her arm. "Yet there have been rumors about Mathenar in the past as you know. We have seen him barely a day so it may be that his flaw, if there be one, will only come apparent when he is relaxed back into the life he led before. Do you not agree, Mistress?"

"I do. I would think that most people would take a day or two to become familiar with their surroundings before relaxing their guard. This time, it is a rebuilt home which is full of new faces so I would not be surprised if he is cautious around us for a few days."

"But what is there to fear? They both know not to try Bennet and Semma and I doubt that anyone who has seen Her Highness with her broadsword would attempt anything with her! You yourself have a manner which should rebuff any unwanted approach, even though you do not bear a blade yourself."

Ursula nodded as she removed her bra. "I agree, but sometimes men are not so easily put off. We have been warned, we will just have to see what happens."

"As you say, Mistress."

After a week of serving patients, training and learning to ride, Fanis has insisted that both Ursula and Tyra take a day at ease. They begin by visiting Tyra's parents and then move on to the docks.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

28 - A Day at Ease

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

Seven days had passed since the sons of the Duke had returned home, one causing an inexcusable incident the following morning. Since then, Ursula had been out visiting patients every morning while Tyra had been learning the basics of armsmanship, if there were such a thing when applied to women. After their post-lunch naps each day they had both been to the riding school to see to their frayen, and in Ursula's case to ride. Tyra had ridden for merely two days, but that was because there was an unprecedented demand for saddles and hers had taken that long to make and fit.

As had the specially crafted helmet which the Duke had insisted that she wear.

After breakfast Tyra had changed out of her new Personal Servant's uniform and into a ship dress, but one which still indicated that she was a servant of the Duke. On each shoulder was the quartered blue-and-white of the Duchy, while above that was an embroidered patch showing a gold crown on a blue background, indicating a Ducal retainer, while underneath was another with a blue hand on white showing that she was somebody's personal servant.

"I still don't understand why you want to wear that," Ursula had told her. "If you are supposed to be at ease why not just wear an ordinary ship dress like mine? You were not wearing a uniform when we met the other day in the city."

"But today is special, Mistress. It is the first visit to my family since I became your maid. I want to show my family my new status in the Duke's residence. It will do no harm for others to see it, too. If we go out together on another day, of course I would not wear it unless it were for some official purpose."

Ursula stared at her suspiciously. "You will not use your new-found status to pull rank over your friends, then?"

"What? Oh, no, Mistress! I would not think of such a thing! They will all want to congratulate me on my promotion. To serve the Duke, that is a great thing in the city, since it usually means a good job and benefits." Tyra's eyes widened. "But you must not think we do it for that reason!" Her voice lowered. "Some do, possibly. I could not say. For myself it means that, through your own service, I am serving all Joth the best way that I can."

Ursula considered this and then nodded. "Very well. Have you got your bag? Then we should be going before it warms up too much."

"As you say! Though the thunderstorms of the last three days have helped somewhat."

"Yes, the air seems fresher somehow. Let's go. You know where we are going first?"

Tyra closed the door behind them as Ursula nodded to the armsman on duty at the top of the stairs.

"Aye, Mistress, to look at the new clinic."

"Do you know the way there?"

"Aye, it is in Sabbar Street, so you told me. I know of it."

As they were crossing the front yard, Ursula asked, "Most streets seemed to be named after things, so what is a sabbar, if I may ask?"

Tyra giggled. "Mistress, this time it is not a thing, it is a man. Marshal Sabbar is said to have defended Joth a long time ago, probably from those of Yod again." She frowned. "That is all I know. Mayhap my father will remember more." She added, "There are some few streets in the city named after men who have done great deeds for Joth. Not all are plants, animals, fish or crafts, though many seem to be."

"No women?"

"Not that I know of, Mistress. Of course, until recently there would have been no woman worthy of the honor but there may one day be one named after Her Highness, I deem - and maybe even one after you in time."

"Me? I haven't done anything for Joth! What gives you that idea?"

"Your new medical knowledge, Mistress. If you save enough lives, prevent children from dying too young, then you might have that honor awarded you."

Ursula sighed internally. "You may be right, Tyra, though it is not something I would have wanted. Look! Cross the street now, before those wagons get too close."

In a part of the city unfamiliar to Ursula stood Sabbar Street, a wide thoroughfare faced both sides by seeming warehouses, though odd noises indicated other activities. In fact, through the open double doors at street level it was apparent that they were indeed used for the reception and storage of goods, namely the bales of fibers of several kinds used for spinning thread and weaving cloth. Tyra indicated one of these near the beginning of the street, one which only had a single human-sized door left open.

Inside the welcome shade they found a large open expanse, presently occupied only by a second-hand carriage. A ramp to one side led up to the next floor, where again there was a wide expanse of space, mostly empty apart from a stack of sawn timber. A group of craftsmen were gathered near a window overlooking the street, discussing a floor plan one of them held. They noticed the newcomers and came to greet them.

"Mistress Ursula, greetings! Welcome to what will in time become your clinic. As you can see, little has yet been done since we await more timber for the partitions and nails and screws with which to hold them together."

"Master Follan, good morning. Uh, this is my new maid Tyra."

He smiled but there was a question in his eyes. "Greetings also, Tyra. You look familiar."

"Aye, Master Follan, my father is Hulo the fisherman. We are on our way to visit my family in Foti Lane, as it happens."

Follan nodded. "Hulo, of course I know him. If you would pass on our best wishes. How are his arms these days?"

"Mending well, Master, and he has been out on the river again these past nine days."

"That is good to hear. No true man desires to spend his time idle without sufficient reason." He turned to Ursula. "Mistress, you had no maid when last we met but I can see the need for one."

"Master Follan, Her Grace more or less insisted and I have been forced to admit that, though maids are not customary where I come from, Tyra has been a great help." She added, "She does not usually accompany me in the mornings while I am out on my rounds but only once I return to the Mansion."

"As you say, Mistress. Now, doubtless you have come to inspect the building, not to have idle chatter today. There is little for you yet to see on this floor but upstairs is almost finished, as it required extra time for the tiling to dry and we decided to start up there. If you would follow me."

Follan nodded to his fellows and led the way up a second ramp to the next floor, which Ursula saw extended into the roof space. There was a kind of central landing here, with a corridor that stretched to the front of the building and several doors either side. At the rear of the building, behind double doors, was a space the width of the building where surgical operations might take place. Two great windows looked out over the lower properties behind, allowing plenty of light into the chamber revealed.

Here the floor had been leveled with plaster and covered with closely fitted glazed tiles, the flat space ready for an operating table once one had been designed and made. The walls had also been lined and tiled up to the waistline. Over the space were two chandeliers on chains, so that even when the daylight was bad or non-existent work could continue if urgent. All the upper surfaces of the space had been painted in a pale yellow to reflect even more of the light back onto the subject.

"This is very good," Ursula commented. "I would never have thought of using a weaver's space for an operating theater, and certainly not one at the top of a building!"

"You spoke to us of needing light and a colleague remembered that this building had become vacant. Of course, weavers also require much light when they are weaving cloth with complicated designs on them. The ramps will make it easier for you to bring people up here for your work, as I understand it. Is the space large enough for your needs, Mistress?"

"Certainly, Master Follan. It will be bigger than many theaters I have used. It will take some time for us to work out how best to use the whole building but I expect you already know that."

"As you say. Theaters? I do not know that word, Mistress, but no matter." He smiled. "I doubt not that in your specialty you have your own words, just as we carpenters have our own. These buildings were all designed for looms and spinning machines and to use them for something different will take some adjustment to one's thoughts. Do you expect to make use of the whole building, Mistress? This seems to me a large space for what, after all, is something that Joth has never needed at all before you came."

Ursula shrugged. "The idea is to bring here someone who has a bad injury or some problem that cannot be easily dealt with in their own home. If they do not need to be brought into this room straight away then they can be placed into beds on the middle floor while we nurse them -"

"Nurse them, Mistress? You speak of something done by mothers with babies?"

Ursula silently cursed the variations in language. "I apologize, Master Follan. Where I come from the term nursing is used for any situation where someone is injured or ill and cannot fend for themselves. It would not just refer to mothers with new babies. It could refer to, for example, looking after an elderly relative at home or caring for someone who has a broken leg."

"Ah, I understand, Mistress." Follan frowned. "I cannot think of a similar term we would use here, Mistress. Mayhap another word might be preferred else people could misunderstand, as I did."

Ursula thought. "You are probably right, Master Follan. I will speak with Senia and others and try to work out some new names for what, after all, will be something new to Joth. Now, as I was explaining, downstairs we will keep those people and also those who we have worked on up here, at least until they have recovered enough to go somewhere else."

"And up here?"

"Offices, stores of drugs... ah, potions and medicines, bandages, tools of the trade and so on, while at the front of the building where there are more windows we would probably have examination rooms."

Follan nodded. "That was what we assumed, Mistress, from our original discussion last week." The Master Joiner led them out of the empty chamber and back to the landing. He gestured either side. "You will also find here a pantry and a small chamber of rest, that you might feed yourselves and your patients and rest between your labors."

I had forgotten food and drink! I will need to speak with Senia about that. A room to rest in sounds good as well.

She listened to the clacking of looms from the buildings either side. I am not sure how much rest anyone will get, though. Perhaps this is the wrong place to locate something like this!

...Only time will tell...

He gestured to doors either side before leading the way forward. "Here are four rooms that you could use for storage or offices, Mistress, though none of them are very large. You will note that there is sufficient light for such purposes from above, since all these buildings must needs have roof windows to assist the weavers in their businesses. Of course we can also install lanterns at need. At the front we have presently left the space as a larger room either side but it can be divided another way should you so wish."

He opened the two doors either side at the front of the corridor to show large, airy rooms with big windows overlooking the street. Ursula looked in both before nodding and returning to the corridor.

"It looks as though these could be just what we want," she remarked. "As I said, we will need to start using the building to find out if it works well enough for our purposes."

Follan led the way back down to the ground floor and saw them out through the door. "If you next come in seven days time, Mistress, we are likely to have much of the middle floor ready for your inspection. Will we see you before then, do you think?"

"It depends. If Mistress Senia has any patients around here then we may call in to see progress. Otherwise it could be at least another week depending on how busy we all are."

"As you say, Mistress. Oh! Here, look, this appears to be our next delivery of wood for the middle floor. If you would excuse me, Mistress."

"Of course, we'll get out of your way."

Ursula and Tyra went back to the middle of the street to let the dranakh and wagon pull in. The huge animal swung its head and gave her a considered look before turning away. Why do they do that?

Ursula turned to her maid. "Which way now, Tyra?"

"Either will do, Mistress, since Foti Lane runs the same way as this street does. If we may go yonder, you will learn another way to reach the docks."

"Lead on, then."

The other end of the street led to a narrower way which tied together all the cross-streets in that area. Opposite those streets was a continuous line of three-storey terraces which backed onto the city walls behind. Ursula followed Tyra along this way, grateful for the shadow of the wall to her right. They passed another wide street like the one they had come from, the noise of looms just audible even at this distance. Then, a much narrower lane with lower, smaller properties on both sides, followed by another lane down which Tyra turned.

"This is Foti Lane, Mistress. My family lives along here."

Ursula was struck by both the strange old buildings in front of her and by the tumult of activity, most of it by children. The properties were the same on both sides and, though cramped, were three storeys high. They were continuous terraces and, just visible, it appeared that they were supported by brick walls which divided the properties. Everything else was of wood, and there was a lot of it.

At ground level, there were no fronts to the buildings, only a gaping hole which reminded her of 'car ports' in Canada. She could not see much of what was within because a wide balcony overhung the frontages, running the entire length of the terrace and accessed by wide stairs at both ends. The balcony was supported by sturdy wood posts which continued upwards to support the roof, which overhung the balcony to provide shelter and, in the present season, shade.

At the balcony level each dwelling - if that was what they were - had a door and a single window. Above, the roof was continuous and consisted of the standard glazed green tiles used everywhere in the city. Poking out of the roof was a long dormer-style window, divided for each of the dwellings below.

Crossing the street from one side to the other at several levels were many ropes, most presently hung with washing. Children were playing everywhere, on the street, on the balcony and running up and down the steps, stairs and occasional set of rungs set into the balcony supports. Some, Ursula saw, were even swarming hand-over-hand along some of the washing lines, without anyone apparently considering the possible dangers.

Hanging from one of the nearby lines was a small child, about four years old, who saw them coming. He scrambled along to one end, swung himself onto the balcony and rushed into one of the dwellings shouting, "Ma! Ma! Tyra coming!"

Tyra said to Ursula, "If you would climb the stairs, Mistress. I am used to this place but you are not, and it would be unseemly for you to have to climb as I might do on my own."

They ascended to the balcony, which Ursula now realized had no guard rail. The pair walked along to where the boy had vanished. Before they had reached the door several people had emerged to wait for them.

The small boy came towards her and grabbed Tyra around the legs. "Tyra! You came again!"

She reached down and tousled his hair. "Greetings, Mischief. Aye, I am returned, but you must wait until I have introduced my mistress to Ma and Pa. Where is Pa? Down at the docks?"

The boy pulled back and stared at Ursula. "Hello. Are you a mistress?" He frowned. "What's a mistress?"

"Enough, Teen! Let me speak to Ma."

Ursula gave the boy, who could not have been more than about four years old, a smile, intended to reassure him. He suddenly became shy and scampered back to hide behind the skirts of his mother.

"Ma, if I may introduce Mistress Ursula. Today we both have a day's ease so I thought to bring her and introduce her to all my family."

Tyra's mother curtseyed to Ursula. "I am very pleased to meet Tyra's mistress, Mistress. When she told me that her duties had changed we did not know what to think." Her expression suddenly became anxious. "I trust that she serves you well? You have yet found no fault in her duties?"

"Mistress -" Ursula began and stopped, uncertain. The etiquette of introductions in ths society was something that she was still discovering.

"Ah, Mistress," Tyra explained with a start, "if I may introduce my mother Raysa. These are my brothers and sisters." She pointed to each in turn. The eldest was a youth of about twelve beside two girls of about ten or eleven. "There is Hulan, he helps Father with his boat each evening. Next is Tally and then Hursa and then finally the family's troublemaker, Teen."

Ursula nodded to each. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

Tyra added, "There is another brother older than me, Rayanar, he is presently away as a levy, I know not where. We also have an older sister, Noria, who is married to another of Joth's fisherfolk."

A large family, but then, I doubt they have much in the way of birth control around here.

Though, I do remember, Senia spoke of a herb, what was it called? We were interrupted as she was telling me of it and I never did find out what it was or its intended use, but I thought it had something to do with stopping pregnancies.

I must speak to her about that! It could be important.

...And I am also now a fully functional woman. Perhaps that herb will become important to me!

She smiled. "I see that Tyra comes from a large and close family. To answer your question, Mistress, where I come from it would be unusual for any woman to have a personal maid, so I am just as unsure about what is supposed to happen as Tyra is. We have decided to just make it up as we go along and see what happens. So far we have not made too many mistakes, not that I have noticed."

"Well." Raysa was taken aback by this plain statement of facts. "Mistress, you are welcome to come to our humble house at any time. If I may offer you pel? It is a little early, but you have been walking the streets, I deem."

"Mistress," Ursula began. "I -"

Raysa interrupted. "Mistress, please! You should not name me so. I am not a Mistress, not like yourself. My plain name will be sufficient."

"Now this is where I have a problem," Ursula said with a smile. "You see, I have worked out that being a Mistress means something but I don't know what. It seems like a distinction that we don't have where I come from. I am not even sure that I am entitled to be a Mistress myself."

"But Mistress!" Raysa was surprised. "If His Grace or Her Grace says that it is so, then it is so. You do not..? Ah, what a curious thing! How are matters managed, then, in your own lands? I assume that the names of people's status is different there, as it does in some of the Valley countries."

"It... is complicated ...Raysa. If I can just say, we don't have Kings or Dukes or anyone like that. There are ranks, in a way, but nothing that you would understand."

"That sounds strange to me, Mistress, but I must needs accept what you say."

Ursula smiled. "I am a stranger here, things are bound to be different. I would not want to put you to any trouble," she had a thought, then added, "or expense, but it is already warm and the streets are becoming uncomfortable. A small drink would be welcome, if it does not interrupt whatever you are doing."

Raysa waved a dismissive hand. "There is always washing to do, but Tally and Hursa can carry on what I have begun while I make pel. If you would like to come inside, out of the heat."

"Of course. Tyra? Lead the way."

Inside consisted of a single long room which ran the depth of the property. At the rear was another single window and a door, causing Ursula to wonder if she had missed another balcony running along the rear of the terrace. To one side at the back, next to the window, was a range where the food was obviously prepared. A narrow stair rose at one side that would lead to the sleeping space above. A large table stood on the other side, with benches for dining, while at the front was an assortment of chairs, stools and an ancient settee which seemed to serve as their living space.

"If you would sit down, Mistress."

Nobody was going to move until Ursula did, so she accepted the inevitable and chose a wicker chair to sit on. The two girls headed to the rear while Hulan and Teen plopped themselves onto the floorboards in front of her, both studying her intently. Raysa went to the range and began preparing to make the herbal brew.

Tyra asked Hulan, "Where is Pa, then? Teen seems to have been struck dumb by seeing Mistress Ursula."

"He is down at the docks, as you might imagine," the older boy replied. "The men of the Princess -" he cast a quick glance at Ursula, "- are helping look after boats and tack so Pa asked them to help with his." He looked annoyed. "I wanted to go but Pa said there would be too many there so I have to stay at home with him."

Teen looked up. "Not my fault!" He looked equally annoyed. "I wanted to go too, to see what the hairy men are doing."

"I think," Tyra said to both gently, "that there will already be too many people there and you could both get in the way. You wouldn't want to cause an accident, would you?"

"Suppose not," Hulan was grudging. He changed the subject. "Is that your new uniform?"

"It is a summer version, yes. It is a lot more comfortable than what we usually wear."

"It looks cool." He pulled a face. "I wish there was something cooler the boys could wear. I do not feel too bad now but soon it will become too hot. You know this."

"Aye. Actually, there will be something different for men and boys to wear soon. Have you seen the hairy men yet?"

"Of course! Everyone who possibly could went down to the docks the day after that strange ship arrived." He frowned. "Why? The clothes they wore then, as I remember, were even thicker and heavier than what I am wearing now!"

Tyra turned to Ursula. "Mistress? If you could explain. I was not privy to Tenant Maralin's thoughts when he designed their new uniforms."

"Ah," Ursula said. She addressed Hulan. "The men complained, while we were sailing here, that their clothes were becoming uncomfortable. I don't know for sure but I was told that the land they came from is much colder than it is around here, so all their clothes are designed to keep them warm. Tenant Maralin had some ideas about better clothes they could wear and the seamstresses have been busy making them.

"I have seen the men wearing the new designs when they have come to the Mansion and, by now, many of the soldiers there are also wearing something similar. Eventually, I expect that many of those in the city will be wearing something lighter, men and women, boys and girls. I am wearing a similar design to Tyra, but it is not a uniform."

"Do you tell me?" That was Raysa, bringing two mugs and being followed by both daughters, each with two more mugs. "I must say I thought that your dresses looked good when you arrived, Mistress. So simple and yet so cool. And this is to be her summer uniform, then?"

"We think so. As yet this is all experimental and there may be some design changes as time goes on."

"As you say."

Ursula and Tyra were given mugs of pel. The rest were distributed between mother and children. Raysa sat down in a more comfortable-looking chair that was obviously her normal choice while the girls took two more seats.

Raysa remarked, "I have not been to the Mansion, Mistress, either before those of Yod came or since it has been renewed. I trust that you are comfortable there?"

"Very comfortable, Raysa. None of this is what I am used to but I have managed so far. I -" Ursula glanced at Tyra. "I am supposed to be meeting Her Highness's men at the docks this morning, so I can't spend much time today telling you about myself. You probably have many things to do yourself."

Raysa snorted. "With this lot? Always! Ah, Mistress, I am curious, as anyone would be, but I can wait. Doubtless you will call again?"

"Probably so, Raysa. It will make a pleasant change for both Tyra and myself, though I would not want to intrude on a family gathering."

Raysa waved a hand. "Do not concern yourself, Mistress. If Tyra serves you then you are almost family yourself, I deem. As I said before, you will always be welcome here."

Ursula was overcome with an unfamiliar emotion. These people are so friendly, so welcoming! This is so unlike Russia or even Canada. Have I really found myself in the right place, and entirely by accident?

They spent some time with Tyra's family and then Tyra decided that they were wasting too much of everybody's time - though she did not put it that plainly - so the two reluctantly took their leave. Outside, the heat had risen, but for some reason it seemed more bearable than on previous days. Both adjusted their wide straw hats and then walked along to the other end of the balcony before climbing back down to street level.

"Where are we now?"

"If you would look just there, Mistress, we are but a cast from one of the dock gates."

Round the corner stood the city wall, here with a gate tower straddling a large gap in the stonework. The reason for the gap was obvious, just beyond the wall could be seen carpenters busy finishing the two new gates which would hang in the gateway once they were trimmed and waterproofed. To the right, parts of the wall appeared to be under repair but not much could be seen because of the intervening buildings.

They walked to the gateway and were stopped by an armsman with a spear.

"Oh, good morning, Tyra! I did not recognize you in that uniform. Do you go to seek your father? He is yonder, with his boat."

The man pointed off to the right, beyond where Ursula could see.

"Aye, Tanit, I have come to introduce him to my Mistress." She gestured. "If I may introduce Mistress Ursula, a new healer in the city and presently residing at the Mansion."

The man bowed. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mistress. I have heard of you and the good works you have already done in the city."

"Good day to you," Ursula replied. "Tyra and I will probably be coming here every week or so to see how things are going."

"Then I shall not keep you, Mistress. If I may advise, there is much work going on outside the wall and around the dock gates. Be careful where you may tread."

"We'll be careful."

They walked through and entered a large cobbled hardstanding in front of several long piers. Vessels were not tied up to these, however, but to pontoons either side which stretched out a long way into the river. The hardstanding was busy with work, such that Ursula could not take it all in. They walked out to go around the two gates, flat on trestles on the ground now, but a shout made them turn.

«Hey, boys! It is Ursula, with a young lady friend! Perhaps she is for us!»

There was a scramble from the works around the wall and in a few moments they were surrounded by about half of the crew of the Visund. All were wearing the new 'tee shirts' and cargo shorts. Most were also wearing, Ursula saw with amusement, regular-looking straw boaters with ribbons in Eriana's colors making them look just like nineteenth century seamen.

«Hello to you all. This is Tyra, who has been made my maid. You may look but not touch.»

«I knew that it was too good to be true!» That was Ormund, one of the seamen. «It is good that you have a maid now, Ursula, it is proper that you have some help.»

«Thank you. What are you all doing here?» she asked.

Brodgar shouldered his way forward. «Mistress, you may notice, some of us are helping the masons rebuild the wall. While we do not have the experience, we know ropes and spars and most of us have the strength to move the stones. Others are helping the fishermen with their boats or gear and we have even helped with loading and unloading some of the barges that come here. Mistress, have you a purpose here? Have you come to look at our injuries?»

«We have just come down here to say hello and to see what you are all doing,» she replied. «Of course, I have come prepared,» she held up her basket of potions and bandages, «so we can look at you if you want us to.»

«Your maid, is she a healer too?» somebody asked. «I see she carries a bag.»

«She is not, but for now she does what any maid does - helps her mistress.» She smiled. «If she is to accompany me, then of course that may change in time.»

A larger man shouldered his way through the small crowd, which had now begun to swell with others interested in whatever was going on.

"Oh, Mistress Ursula." It was Lars. "Good morning. I wondered why men had gathered."

"I am sorry to have distracted them, Lars. It is the first time I have been to the docks since I arrived. I wanted to see what was happening."

"Mistress, they wanted to see you, it is good. You will look at injuries?"

"Of course, if that is what you want." She added, "Are there any more bumps and scrapes from what they are doing now?"

Lars pulled a face. "Some, Mistress. Fingers too big, get squashed by stone. Rope runs through fingers, hand gets burned. On the ocean, in battle, men experts. Work with stone or wood, not so much."

"So it is enthusiasm more than experience, then?"

"As you say, Mistress."

She looked around. "This is not all of them, surely?"

"Some busy stopping stone fall on heads. Some over there unloading boat. All will come when safe to do."

"Very well. Where can I set up to look at the men, then? It will be too hot to stand out here."

Lars pointed. "See shelter? Men get drinks there, space inside for Mistress to work."

The shelter was an open-sided awning near one of the piers. It had a counter at one side where somebody was brewing drinks and supplying snacks to anyone on the docks who needed them. Looking around, she saw two others doing similar business. All of them had tables and benches under the awning for their customers to sit out of the sun.

"Thank you, Lars. Come on, Tyra, let's get out of this sun."

Lars started shouting instructions in Norse and the crowd slowly dispersed. A small number followed the two women to the shelter, most limping.

The proprietor bustled over when they arrived. "If I may serve you, Mistress?"

"This may be awkward," Ursula replied, "since we have just had a drink elsewhere. I would like to have use of your shelter for a short while." She searched for a way to sweeten the request. "Commander Lars recommended you to us."

Tyra butted in. "Nando, we have just had pel at Ma's house. My Mistress is a healer and wishes to look at the injuries of the men."

"Good morning, Tyra! I did not recognize you in your new dress... which I see now is a uniform. Your Mistress? I had heard a rumor... Aye, of course you may come in, provided that my usual customers may share the shade."

"I do not think that we will need much of your space," Ursula assured the man. "A table and two chairs - no, make that three chairs - should be sufficient. That one there, perhaps? Then we will be out of your way."

Nando bowed. "As you suggest, Mistress. Shall you require anything of me? Water, perhaps? I do not know what it is that you desire to do."

Ursula gestured at the line of men forming outside the awning, a line, she noticed, that seemed to be steadily growing larger.

"I arrived on the Visund with these men, so I know them all. There was an incident before we arrived here which caused many of them to have injuries. As a friend and a healer, I have been asked to have a look at them all, see how far their injuries have been healed."

Nando nodded. "I have been told the tale of the gogon, Mistress. You were with them? It is fortunate, then, that you were not injured yourself."

"That is so. Some of us were lucky, others not so fortunate."

Nando gestured. "Your table awaits, Mistress. If there is anything you desire, send Tyra to ask and I will either do it myself or send an urchin."

"Thank you. We will try not to get in the way of your normal customers."

He smiled as they turned. "Most of these men are my normal customers, Mistress. I am sure they will do what is required."

Ursula and Tyra walked over to the table. She sat down and indicated that Tyra should do so as well.

"But Mistress -"

"Not here, not now, Tyra. It will become hot and there is really no need for you to stand all the time, not while you are waiting for me like this. In the Mansion, perhaps, it is different, because there are so many other servants about, but not here."

Tyra sat, although her expression showed what she thought of the idea. The first patient limped forward.

"Mistress."

"Torvin. Sit there, please. I will need to examine your ankle. How are you feeling today?"

«Much better to see you here, Mistress. My ankle heals, I try not to put too much weight on it to help it get better, as you instructed us.»

Ursula lifted his foot and gently stretched and manipulated the joint, trying to find the limits of movement and what discomfort was caused by her actions. It seemed that all was healing well.

«This looks good, Torvin. I would suggest that you try and walk normally for part of the time, if you can bear it. That will help your muscles recover. By limping, you are in effect stressing the muscles in your other leg, which will cause you to be unbalanced. Not a good thing aboard ship.»

«I did not think of that, Mistress. I will do as you advise.»

«What work have you been doing down here?»

He shrugged. «What I can, Mistress. Cleaning weapons, mending armor and harness, that kind of thing. I can do all that sitting down. Some of the sailors have taught me how to make and mend nets so I have been helping the fishermen as well. Do you know if the Captain wants to leave soon? The days pass and we all wonder.»

Ursula smiled. «I can understand your desire to get back onto the water, Torvin. It is where you all belong. I think that Her Highness is of the same mind. Though she enjoys being a Princess in His Grace's Mansion, she really wants to feel the hull beneath her feet, just as you do.»

Torvin nodded. «It is as you say, Mistress. We wonder at the delay, that is all.»

«A week, no more, if all the injuries are no worse than your own. She is thinking of the safety of her crew. Then you may sail away again.»

«To have a sailing date, that is good to know. But, Mistress, will you be coming with us?»

Ursula grimaced. «No decision about me has been made yet. There is much for me to do in Joth and it may be that Joth is where I am intended to be. However, I am not completely comfortable here. There are... things going on that make me wonder if anything is being hidden from me.» She shook her head. «That is my problem, though, not yours. Exercise that leg and foot and in a week you should be fit enough to pull an oar again - and maybe even swing a sword.»

Torvin stood. «Mistress, your words reassure me. Now I must make way for others. By your leave.»

As Torvin stood the next man came forward and the same question and answer sequence began. As Ursula worked her way through the crew she realized that Eriana had been keeping her men informed but there were certain matters they were still unsure about. Talking to them seemed to settle them down and that could only help them recover faster.

As patients came and went it gradually dawned on her that the line wasn't getting any shorter. Looking up, she realized that, once word that a healer was present had gotten around, many of the others who were working on the docks wanted to take advantage of her presence.

She gestured to someone wearing a dusty apron to sit. His left upper arm was nearly black with a large bruise.

"What happened to you?"

"Mistress, a line snagged as a block was being lifted and when it came free the block swung and squashed my arm against a block in the wall."

Ursula winced. "Oh dear. You will not be making that mistake again?"

He gave her a rueful grin. "Indeed not, Mistress. If you can tell me if the bone is broken."

She studied the arm. "If you can walk around with it like that I would guess that it is not broken, but I can make certain. I assume it hurts a lot?"

"As you say, Mistress."

"Very well. I will smear some special salve on it so that I can test the bone. This will make much of that arm numb, do you understand?"

"As you wish, Mistress. It will be better to know for then I can plan my recovery. Even with the extra help from the Princess's men we are behind with the rebuilding of the wall, since His Grace is anxious to have it finished."

"I can understand that. Having your city invaded will have shaken everybody up."

She dug around in her basket and pulled out a small bottle, looking up at the man sharply.

"You have not had this before? When did you hurt yourself?"

"Mistress, it happened yesterday afternoon. I knew there would be a bruise, I did not think it would come up like this overnight. I saw you over here and it occurred to me that you could tell me how bad it was." He added, "The salve, I needed it once when I was an apprentice. Long ago, that was."

"Very well."

Having prised out the cork, she pulled out a small flat stick from a bundle in her basket and dipped it into the salve.

"You know this is dangerous, then? It will make your whole arm numb and it can only be used once. I am sorry, it will probably wear off in the middle of the night and then the pain will keep you awake."

"What must be, Mistress. I am prepared for what must come."

She smeared the salve thinly in stripes along his upper arm on all sides. To begin with, he flinched from the touch but as the ointment began its work he visibly relaxed. Carefully restoppering the bottle, she then stood and turned to Nando, holding the stick carefully.

"Can you burn this, please? I don't want it to touch anybody's skin, the salve is very strong and dangerous."

The stall keeper opened the door of his tiny stove. "As you wish, Mistress."

By the time she sat down again the salve had done its work and the mason's arm was mostly numb, though he still had touch from his wrist downwards. To avoid touching the salve, Ursula wrapped his upper arm in a bandage and then began testing cautiously to see if the bone had broken. Satisfied that it had not, she leaned back.

"You have been lucky," she told him. "The bone appears to be whole and neither your elbow joint nor your shoulder joint seems to be affected. It will be better if you can keep that arm in a sling, to stop you trying to use it accidentally. I suggest that you go home today and rest, give that bruise a chance to recover. Will you come to work tomorrow?"

"Of course, Mistress. If I may not wield hammer and chisel, I can yet supervise others."

"Very well. I will tell the other healers that you will be here and somebody will come to see you tomorrow."

The man stood and bowed. "I am indebted to you, Mistress, for your attentions and advice. Word of you and your knowledge has not been exaggerated, I deem."

Ursula reddened slightly. "I don't know what you mean, Master Mason. I have not been here long and I am only doing what the other healers do."

"It is not so, Mistress. We Jothans take care to know who resides with our Duke and we appreciate what you are doing for us." He bowed again. "And now I must let you continue with your work, as I must attend to my own."

He turned and left. Ursula gazed after him, wondering if he would ignore her instructions, but he spoke to a small group of masons in the distance before heading through the farther gate. She looked up to see a dock worker waiting for her attention.

The line had mostly come to an end when Tyra suddenly shot up.

"Pa! You found us!" She frowned. "Is something wrong? Do you have need of a healer?"

"Nay, daughter, I am as fit and healthy as I ever was. And this is your Mistress..?"

"Ah! If I may introduce Mistress Ursula, about whom I have already spoken."

The man, shorter than Tyra, sun tanned and weatherbeaten but certainly fit, turned to Ursula, who immediately stood.

"Mistress, I am Hulo, Tyra's father and a fisherman of Joth, as you may see. It is a new step for her, does she attend her duties as is required?"

"Master Hulo, I am pleased to meet Tyra's father. Please sit down a moment. Tyra and myself are both new to the business of mistresses and maids so we are still adjusting to the new way of working. As you may know I am recently arrived in Joth and she has been of great help showing me where everything is and how it works. She has been very helpful and I'm sure we will make a good team in time."

Hulo nodded. "That is good to hear. If I may ask, do you now attend the docks regularly, or is this a special visit? I saw you examine Kardron the mason just now."

"This is a special visit, of a kind, but I did not come for the mason. You may know that I arrived with Her Highness Princess Eriana on her ship, and I know all her men fairly well. It was those men that I came to visit and any healing of others that I have done has been in addition to that."

"Ah, I see, I wondered about that. Rumor is that the ship will be departing in a week or so."

He was clearly trying to find out what was going on and Ursula decided that telling him what she knew would do no harm.

"Master Hulo -"

He held up a hand to stop her. "If you please, I am just Hulo. One day I may become a freeman, or even an alderman in time, but for now I am merely a simple fisherman."

She smiled. "If you insist... Hulo. Where I come from we do not have distinctions like that, so all this is new to me. As I was saying, a day before we arrived there was a meeting with a gogon -"

Hulo nodded. "Mistress, all have heard the tale. You are lucky to be alive, all of you, since they are fearsome beasts."

"So I have been told. So, many of the crew have various injuries and Her Highness was forced to remain in Joth until her crew are fit, or mostly fit, before she can continue her voyage. Having examined most of the men today I can now tell her that they should be fit enough to sail in about seven days time."

"And do you sail with her, Mistress?"

Ursula shook her head. "That has not yet been decided."

"Ah." His expression was sharp. "You are torn between Duke and Princess, I deem. I trust that the final decision may be acceptable to you."

"I had not -" Ursula paused.

The city is a small place, really, and it appears that most people know about me and my business here. They can sense that there is a tension between Wallesan and Eriana, something which I have mostly overlooked until now.

What is it that I actually want? I have no idea. Everybody seems to think that I will settle down here and set up Joth's first hospital, and yet...

My gut instinct tells me to keep my options open. But why?

"Hulo," she said instead, "I am still a stranger in Joth and there may be things happening that I do not understand. For now, I am just living in the Mansion and helping out wherever I can. Once I am sure enough what choices there are to make, I will make them."

He nodded. "As you say, Mistress. In a strange land, you must needs keep your wits about you."

Now didn't Eriana say the same thing a while back?

"I am doing my best." She decided to find a more comfortable subject. "Hulo, I thought that you would be out fishing by now."

He smiled, but stopped himself from outright laughing. "Mistress, it is not the time of day to fish. As we ourselves do, the fish mostly rest during the middle of the day and cannot be tempted. It is our custom to fish at sunrise or even before and then to fish again once the sun is a bell from setting. It is at that time that most things that live in the Sirrel will seek their food - or their prey, as might be."

"Ah, I did not know that." She smiled back. "I am a healer, of course, and what I know of fishing could be written..." she thought briefly, "...on the head of a nail. Today I have learned something new, then. So what do you do when you are not fishing?"

He shrugged. "There are always repairs or improvements to make, of course, and maybe nets to repair, and of course I must also sell anything I catch. Today I am over there with my boat," he pointed, "having a small leak caulked. Then, after lunch and my nap, I will attend a weakness I noticed in the edge of one of my nets."

Nando came over then, drying his hands on a small towel.

"If I may serve you lunch now, Mistress."

"Lunch?" Usrula looked at Tyra. "Is it lunchtime? I had not realized... of course, I have seen many more patients today than I expected."

"I heard the noon bells some time since, Mistress. It is certainly time for lunch, and, as you may see, I think that Nando would prefer to serve you first before his other customers."

Tyra gestured behind Ursula. She turned and saw a line line of men waiting, mostly the same faces that had waited for her previously.

"I did not expect... Tyra, how will we pay for this? I have no money and I don't think you have any either."

Nando bowed. "Mistress, I would not charge you for food, not when you have helped so many. I have watched you tend the men and know that you have a good heart and great knowledge of your craft. I will bring you food and drink, and I will also feed Hulo and Tyra today, that you may not feel embarrassed."

He turned back to his counter and came back with a wooden platter in each hand, returning for a third platter and then mugs of pel. Ursula looked at what he had placed in front of each of them, a short roll of the kind the Canadians called a 'sub' containing flaked grilled fish and some leaves that she guessed were the equivalent of salad.

"I can only thank you, Nando. This is most welcome after a morning's work." She paused. "Um, I need to wash my hands first. I have been touching many bodies today -"

"If you would come this way, Mistress. When I have been cleaning fish it is always necessary for me to wash my hands afterwards."

At the back of the counter was a bowl, soap and towel. Ursula cleaned herself up and returned to the table. The other tables were now beginning to fill with men, each holding a roll in one hand and a mug of pel in the other. Hulo excused himself to wash his hands and, after a moment's hesitation, Tyra followed. When she returned they waited for her to begin eating before following suit.

"This is delicious!"

Hulo nodded. "It should be, Mistress. I caught Nando's stock of fish myself this morning. Everything you may eat here will be freshly made today."

Some of the greens were just that, salad greens, but some were herbs she recognized from meals at the Mansion. It made the grilled fish taste much better than she had expected, and much better than she had supposed Nando could supply. Ursula began to revise her opinion of the local Joth folk, whom she had just considered "peasants" up until now. Under the surface, there was a hidden sophistication lurking, waiting for someone to spark them into action.

Is that what I am here for? To trigger something off? Is that what Maralin was brought here for? He told me that he had changed the face of warfare in the Duchy but I haven't seen enough to know if that is true or not.

I have seen his clothing designs, though. They have brought Joth from Medieval times right into the 20th century. It seems that we can make a big difference, wherever we are, whatever we do.

What am I here for, then? Maralin has made changes to warfare, and he has changed what people wear, but he told me that on Earth he was a trained chef! Perhaps I am here to improve medicine, perhaps for some other reason.

There was a commotion on the other side of the hardstanding, near the farther gate. She peered through the others eating to see an open carriage pulled by four frayen. It had a driver, a single male passenger that she could see, and two footmen in seats attached to the back. There also appeared to be two outriders.

Someone noticed them and asked, "Who's that?"

Several of the diners stood to see better and blocked her view momentarily. When they sat down again she could see that the occupant of the carriage had now risen and was scanning the hardstanding, a hand over his eyes to shade them from the sun.

"It cannot be good," remarked someone. "He is from the Mansion, I deem. I wonder what he wants here?"

The visitor at the docks is known to Ursula but unwanted. Hulo suggests a way out and all retire to his house to nap. Afterwards, Ursula and Tyra go to see the Visund, but then that visitor appears again.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

29 - At the Docks

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Those under the awning watched the activity happening maybe a hundred strides away while at the same time continuing to eat their lunch. If there were to be orders, then it made sense to ensure that you had finished your meal before some unexpected command made you leave whatever you were doing before.

Ursula, Tyra and Hulo did what everyone else was doing, while keeping an eye on the situation. The man in the carriage beckoned to one of the nearby workers who had finished his own lunch and gone back to work on the masonry. The mason shook his head and might have shrugged before pointing at the three refreshment awnings. The man looked around, indecisive, before ordering the footmen off the carriage, pointing towards the other awnings. One of them held the door open as the occupant stepped down.

Tyra asked in a low voice, "Do you think that it is you they seek, Mistress?"

"It is possible, if they have come from the Mansion."

She scowled. I get a day off and they will not leave me alone!

Nando leaned down towards her. "Mistress, do you want to be found?" There was a clear implication that alternatives might be possible. Some of those seated around her muttered what sounded like willingness to help. The implications of the suggestion and support by the others there said much about life at the docks, but Ursula had concerns of her own.

Maybe someone there needs a doctor?

She sighed. "Perhaps. If he has really come from the Mansion, then it might be because someone there needs my services." She raised her voice slightly. "Thank you for your support, everyone, it is appreciated, but it looks as if I will have to show myself."

She drained her mug and replaced it on the table before rising, Tyra getting up immediately beside her. The two walked out from their side of the awning to become visible across the hard-standing. The surmise was proved right when one of the outriders spotted the movement and shouted to the man, who increased his pace towards them.

When he got close enough she could see that it was Mathenar.

At least it isn't Luthan. If he had appeared here, there would likely be a full scale argument leading to a brawl.

Mathenar bowed when he reached her. "Mistress. I came looking for you once I heard that you had intended to come to the docks. This is not a safe place for a young woman like yourself."

Clown! The only person here who is not safe is you! I do not need your protection, not today.

"My Lord," she greeted him, "you are mistaken if you think that I am in danger. I am a healer doing my job and there are very few in the city who do not respect that."

"Still, a young woman - your pardon, two young women, surrounded by many men, surely you can see that something unfortunate might happen? I doubt not that they respect your abilities as a healer, but there are always one or two in a crowd -"

"My Lord," she interrupted him, "there may be one or two in a crowd but here today there are thirty of Her Highness's men who would come to my aid if anything should happen."

Most of those under the awning had now come out and gathered in a loose crowd around Mathenar, Ursula and Tyra. Mathenar glanced around and finally took notice of those who were Norsemen, readily identifiable by their tee-shirts and shorts if not by their beards.

He bowed again. "I ask your pardon, Mistress. It did not occur to me that the men of Princess Eriana would be here at the docks. I can see now that you and your maid are safe enough." He decided to shift arguments. "If I may ask, I assume that you have just eaten lunch at yonder booth? Was the food acceptable? You may return to the Mansion with me and Farren shall provide lunch appropriate for a guest of my father."

Ursula silently ground her teeth. Go away! "My Lord, the food here is both excellent and sufficient. I have no wish to eat any more."

"Then, having eaten," he persisted, "you will now desire to nap, I deem. If I may I escort you back to the Mansion, that you may rest secure in your chambers?"

Unexpectedly, Hulo now spoke up from beside Tyra. "If it please my lord, I am father to Tyra, Mistress Ursula's maid. My family lives just beyond the gate there and Mistress Ursula has already been invited to nap with us."

The pleasant smile on Mathenar's face vanished. "As you wish, Goodman." He addressed Ursula. "I see that your activities here have been well organized, Mistress. If I may call to collect you when you rise from your nap?"

Ursula's response was instinctive but polite. "My Lord, after we have taken our naps we have other activities planned." We haven't, but by the time he comes back we certainly will have! "Please tell those at the Mansion that we will be back in time to change for the evening meal."

Mathenar bowed again. "As you wish, Mistress." He turned slowly, studying the group of men around the trio, noticing the potential for violence in many of them - locals and Norse. "By your leave, then, I will return to the Mansion for my own rest, and to pass on your message. Good day to you, Mistress."

The group watched Mathenar stroll back to his carriage, only moving once he had climbed back in and had the door closed behind him. Then, as one, they all returned to the awning. The sun, not long after noon, was becoming very hot.

"Mistress," Nando asked, "did you mean what you said about the food? I can understand your desire to refuse Lord Mathenar's advances but..."

"Nando, I would not lie about a matter like that. Your food is excellent and I shall make sure that others know... but of course, most who come to the docks already know that."

Nando bowed. "Thank you, Mistress. I am honored to have served you, even for such a simple meal as I can provide."

Mathenar's advances? Was that what they were? Really?

I am used to the way Earth people behave - and how strange that simple sentence sounds to me now! Perhaps methods of courtship in Joth are more formal. I will have to keep my wits about me, then, and also to ask advice - but of whom?

She concentrated on the here and now. "Nando, if we come to the docks again you can be sure that we will give you our custom. Now, where is Tyra's father? Ah, Hulo. Thank you for offering us a place to come and lie down. Are you sure that we will be no trouble? I would not want to cause you or your family any problems."

"Mistress, it would be my honor to invite you to rest with us."

"Then I must accept and thank you for the invitation." She had a thought and looked around at the others, still standing around the tables. "What do the rest of you do? I don't think you'd want to carry on working in this heat."

Nando answered for them. "Mistress, once you have departed, and once these men have had sufficient to eat and drink, we will dismantle the tables and many will lie down on the ground in the shade. That is one reason my awning is so large. Others will go home, like Hulo, if their homes be near, or will find other shade around the docks or in the shadow of the city walls." He added, "Do not concern yourself, Mistress, we are used to such customs as this."

"Oh. Thank you. I am not used to places where everyone stops work after lunch to sleep."

"Mistress, we know you come from afar where customs may be different. In the heat of the day it is only natural to find shade and rest. I will tell you that we do not do this when the seasons turn. When it is cool enough in the day, all will work to make most of the shorter days."

"I see. Well, thank you again. Hulo, are you going now? Tyra?"

"If you would come with me, Mistress," Hulo requested. He led the way back towards the gateway, Tyra walking beside her mistress. As they reached the gate Ursula spotted Lars jogging in their direction from the other side of the hardstanding.

She pointed. "Wait."

The Norseman came to a stop, barely out of breath. «Mistress. I was detained or I would have come immediately. I assume that was the Duke's son?»

«It was. He thought that we were in some kind of danger here at the docks.»

Lars gave a snort of derision. «Soft Northerners! With us around you are safe here, Mistress.»

«Yes, I told him that. He persisted but we managed to get rid of him.» She gestured at Hulo. «This is Tyra's father Hulo. We are going to his house to take our naps. Will you still be around after we wake?»

«Of course, Mistress. There is much we can do to help in this place, we are here every day. It is not the work we would prefer, but it keeps us fit, keeps us busy and keeps the men out of mischief. Why do you ask?»

«I would like to see the Visund, if it is possible.»

Lars nodded. «It is possible, Mistress. Our ship is almost ready, she awaits only a crew and the command to leave.» He frowned. «Can I ask if you will be sailing with us, Mistress? I know the men will be pleased if you do, but I also know that you have many responsibilities now.»

«Lars, that decision has not yet been made. There is much to keep me in Joth but... something makes me uneasy, especially since those two sons returned.»

«I know what you mean, Mistress. The young one is only a fool but that one, the one who just left, I do not like him at all.»

She grimaced. «It is not just me, then? Thank you for telling me that, Lars. Now, I think, we had better go. It is too hot to be standing talking in the sun.»

Lars bowed. «We will await your return, Mistress.»

He thumped a hand to his chest and walked off to the nearby awning.

"You can speak the tongue of those men then, Mistress."

"Yes, Hulo, I can, though I cannot give you an explanation why. Tyra is picking up some of their words, but she'll have to do it the hard way."

"Aye. I know that some find it easier to pick up tongues while others struggle. Still, most in the Valley have no need for such knowledge. There are local differences but we mostly speak the same tongue from one end to the other."

Ursula, Hulo and Tyra resumed their journey back to Foti Lane. They climbed the end stairs and walked along the balcony, Ursula noting that all of the children that had been previously running about had disappeared. In fact, there was almost no-one around at all. When Hulo reached the appropriate dwelling he stood aside and bowed. The door was already wide open.

"If you would enter, Mistress."

Raysa appeared in the doorway. "Hulo? Oh, it is Mistress Ursula!"

Hulo explained, "Lord Mathenar came to the dock, seeking to entice the Mistress away, when we could all plainly see that she did not desire his attentions. Since she must needs nap as all seek to do, I thought to offer her sanctuary here away from the Duke's son, who has now returned to the Mansion in his carriage."

"Of course!" Raysa smiled at Ursula and stood back, gesturing. "If you would enter, Mistress. There will be plenty of room for all, though I regret your resting place here may not be as soft as that at the Mansion."

Inside it was dark and cool, the heat being kept out by the overhang of the roof. Both front and rear doors were open, allowing a slight draft to pass through. One of the daughters was visible at the rear, folding some linen. Ursula could not think where the rest of the children were until she heard a noise from above.

"Mistress," Raysa said, "I would not ask you to go upstairs since the children will keep you awake. I will find you a blanket that you may lie down in here, it will be more peaceful."

Hulo told his wife, "Raysa, Tyra and I will stay down here also. It would only be polite to keep her company and, I deem, if any should come and find her sleeping here -"

"As you say, Hulo." Raysa considered. "I will go upstairs and mind the children, then, while you remain below. Tyra, if you would come and collect some blankets for you all to lie on."

"Yes, Ma... Oh!" Tyra turned and glanced at Ursula. "Ma, I am the personal maid of Mistress Ursula now, you should not command me."

"Oh!" Raysa put a hand to her mouth. "Mistress, I ask your pardon. The habits of many years have betrayed me."

Ursula smiled. "It is no problem, Raysa. As I said when we met before, all this is new to all of us. Besides, the bedding has to be brought down somehow. Tyra, you can go upstairs with your mother."

"As you desire, Mistress."

Raysa turned. "Hursa, attend! Have you finished with those sheets?"

"Almost, Ma."

"Then finish and follow us upstairs, please. The Mistress and Tyra will nap here today, downstairs, with your father, and bedding needs to be brought."

"Just coming, Ma."

In a very short while Raysa, Tyra and Hursa appeared with armfuls of bedding which they arranged on the floor in the middle of the room.

Hulo said, "Mistress, I regret that such a poor family as ours has little to offer one such as yourself. I hope that you will be comfortable enough."

"Hulo, I'm not a noble or anything like that. In fact, although I grew up in a city much bigger than Joth, I am the... child of ordinary folk very like yourselves. I have experienced hard times when I was much younger. I do not expect anything special and I am always surprised when it is offered to me."

I nearly said 'son'. That would have required more of an explanation than I want to give right now.

Right now I could do with a nap!

She picked one of the rectangles of bedding laid out on the floor and composed herself on it. Father and daughter stared at her then followed suit. Raysa put a finger to her lips and led Hursa upstairs.

* * *

She was awakened by the sound of water coming to the boil. Raising herself on one elbow, she looked around in the dim room. The sun had moved around enough that a sliver of light now entered via the open back door, to cast a bright bar onto wall and floor. Tyra was still asleep but the third pad was empty.

Sitting up she turned to see Raysa at the stove, preparing pel for when the family awoke. Raysa turned and saw Ursula, giving a quick wave as if to say, there is no hurry. Beside her, Tyra was now beginning to stir. Her mother poured water from the kettle into a pot and then refilled the kettle from a jug, setting it back on the stove.

"Uh. Mistress, you're awake."

Ursula turned with a smile. "It would seem so. I must admit that I was more comfortable than I expected."

Tyra waved a hand. "It has been difficult, ever since we returned to our house. As you may have noticed we have little furniture left and few other belongings."

"I wondered. Is life in the city that hard for your family?"

Raysa came over with two mugs. "Mistress, it is not so. Hulo is a good enough fisherman that he earns sufficient to feed and clothe us all. You should know that when the invader came, they used all the houses in Foti Lane as barracks and burned all the furniture for fuel. That is why there is almost nothing left in any of our houses. Much of the city was treated the same way."

"Oh. I am sorry to hear that." Ursula hesitated. "Where I was born, there was a great war many years ago. Much was destroyed then by the invader or by our own people trying to keep warm in our harsh winters. It took many years for us to recover. I hope that it will not take so long here. Will you have new furniture made?"

"In time, Mistress. Our woodworkers have been busy since they returned and no doubt our turn will come for new goods."

Ursula sighed. "It is often the way. Those with money will get their replacements first and the common folk have to wait."

"Mistress, I do not begrudge His Grace his new Mansion, at least Foti Lane was not burned to the ground! If I may tell you, our craftsmen fairly apportion the work, some to those with coin, other items to those more needy. We of Joth are one people, we will look after ourselves as we have done in years past."

"I am sorry if I mis-spoke, Raysa. Thank you for the pel. It is kind of habit-forming, isn't it?"

"Indeed! Much of the Great Valley would fall apart were it not for frequent supplies of pel. It is our fortune that the herbs needed grow so freely along the edge of the Sirrel."

"I have learned that the Great Valley is very fertile. You are all lucky to be living along here."

"I would agree, if it were not for those of Yod. Most of the rest of the lands are said to rub along much better, as any neighbors might. Now, while you drink, will you tell me what you intend to do this afternoon?"

"I'm not sure. Tyra? What is there to see around the docks?"

"Mistress, I would very much like to see the ship of Her Highness. I am familiar with most kinds of vessel that travel the Sirrel but I have heard that the Visund is of a different kind."

"You have not seen it?"

"Mistress, I was already employed at the Mansion when it - and you - arrived. I have not had a chance to go to the docks since, my family have taken much of my attention whenever I have been at ease."

"I have already spoken to Lars, since I wanted to have a look at it as well. What else might we look at?"

Tyra shrugged. "It is a dockside, Mistress. If it should be like other docks you have visited I would not know. At this time of day few will be fishing but many, including my father, will be making their boats and gear ready for the evening session. There will be other craft there, I suppose, larger boats, bringing fresh produce and materials and taking away what Joth can produce. Oh, and I can show you the fish market, though of course there will not be much going on there at the moment."

Ursula nodded. "It will be enough. I just wanted to see what was around, in case I was ever called to attend somebody over here."

"As you say, Mistress. I had forgotten that you might have a professional reason to come this way."

After their drinks the two took their leave and walked back through the gate to the hardstanding.

Tyra gestured. "To the left, under the wall, is where many of the fishermen keep their boats. See! There is my father. If we may visit him first, Mistress?"

"Of course."

There were about thirty boats of a similar design laid up in several rows under the wall. The area was alive with fishermen checking nets and pots, making sure rigging was secure and generally making ready for the evening's fishing. Hulo saw them and waved. They threaded their way through the craft, Tyra greeting many of the men as they passed.

Hulo's boat was typical of most. About four strides long, built of smooth planks fixed to heavy internal ribbing with a blunt pointed bow and a squared-off stern. There was a single mast, about two-thirds of the way forward, with a long slanting spar on it carrying a rolled-up sail. The paint was faded, chipped and worn and may originally have been green. Hulo sat inside at the bow, splicing two ropes together.

"Mistress, daughter, welcome. This is my humble craft. Are there boats like this in your own lands, Mistress?"

"Probably. I lived near the junction of two rivers but, being a city person, had little to do with water craft. My interests were elsewhere."

"Aye, Mistress. Tyra has told me of your great healing knowledge... and I also know of your knowledge of musical instruments."

Now how did that get around? Only Senia was with me when I visited Putto in his workshop.

"Musical instruments?" She tried to make it not sound like an accusation.

"Ah, perhaps I betray a confidence, Mistress. Hadro, one of my brothers, supplies materials to Joth's craftsmen and recently took some to Putto Turner. Putto spoke of your visit and your interest. Hadro knew that Tyra had become your maid and mentioned the connection to me the day before yesterday. I trust you will forgive me?"

Ursula shook her head. "There is nothing to forgive, Hulo, since nothing was said in confidence. I am always amazed at how fast information travels around this city."

"Mistress, as a Healer you will be privy to all manner of information about your patients and all know that whatever is said should not be voiced to others. It is true Hadro made an innocent remark but I will remind him to be more careful in future."

"In this case the information was about me, not a patient, but I accept your point. Yes, I learned to play a few different musical instruments in my younger days, before I became a healer. I noticed that Putto had some in his workshop and he was gracious enough to let me try one or two." A wry smile. "I did not notice then, but I came away with varnish on my dress, do you remember, Tyra?"

"I do, Mistress! That was the day you visited Putto? Of course, we met in the street that day, the day her Grace decided that you had need of a proper personal maid."

Ursula spotted some fishermen approaching at the same time as Tyra saw Lars walking across the hardstanding.

"It looks as if I am about to get in the way, Hulo. Your business is more important than mine today, we will leave you to your friends."

"Mistress, Commander Lars approaches."

Ursula turned. "So he does. Come, Tyra. Hulo, no doubt we will meet again."

Hulo stood in his boat and bowed. "You are welcome any time, Mistress."

Lars met them just beyond the fishing boats. "Mistress, if you want to see the Visund, then follow me."

The dock proper consisted of four long brick jetties which stuck out into the basin which formed Joth's harbor. Between the jetties the hardstanding smoothly sloped down into slipways which traveled a long way beyond the extent of the brickwork into the river. On each side of each jetty a series of pontoons was moored which also stretched out into the water, kept in place by long poles either side. Most of the larger craft were tied up to one of these pontoons, with porters pushing handcarts laden with sacks back up towards the hardstanding.

Lars led them across to the other side, where two city armsmen guarded the end jetty and the pontoons either side of it. As he approached they saluted.

"Commander. I have heard no call for a healer."

"This is social visit. Mistress Ursula and her maid have come to see Visund."

"As you say. There is nothing to report, Sir. All has been quiet today, with the exception of that visitor before lunch."

"Visitor is Duke's son, older one. What do you know of him?"

The armsman who had spoken looked shifty. "Sir, I must not speak ill of my betters. Mathenar is better than his brother, at any rate. He might even make a good Duke when his time comes."

Lars nodded. "I hear what you do not say, friend. That is puzzle for another time. Today, I take Mistress to Visund."

The three walked over to the far pontoon and climbed the ramp onto it. At this time of year most of the floats that lay alongside the jetty were above the water level. At intervals, very long poles on the outside ensured that the pontoons would remain where they were, should they ever float. Ursula looked up at them, noting an avian perched on the top of one.

"Why are these poles so long?"

"I do not know, Mistress," Lars replied. "It was the same at every place we called. Do you not remember?"

"I do, but not very well."

"Mistress," Tyra said, "when the river rises, during the rains, these floats can rise up right to the top of the poles. See that bar which keeps the poles together? I remember, two years back, that I could step over that bar, the water level was so high."

Ursula and Lars stopped and turned to Tyra, expressions of incredulity evident on both faces.

"The river can rise that high? How?"

"The rains, Mistress. Oh, of course you would not know." The three resumed walking. "Some time after the hottest part of the year it will start to rain and not stop for two months. During that time the river rises greatly and much of the land is covered with water. There is so much rain that few will dare to go out in it, even inside the city, for fear of getting lost. Certainly none would venture onto the river then."

"It can rain that much?" Tyra nodded. "And for that long? A monsoon, then, that is what we would call it where I came from. It looks as if I will need to take some precautions, then."

"Indeed, Mistress. There are waterproofs you will need, and boots, and so on. Fortunately I do not think there will be any difficulty providing for you, all Joth is used to the rains."

Lars said tensely, "But all Einnland is not. I do not know how what you speak of will affect journey of Visund. We do not have rains, not like that. Storms on ocean we know. Raining for months... ah, now I know why awning was made."

Ursula switched languages as they walked past two galleys, their oars now withdrawn into the hull.

«Lars, do you think Her Highness understands the problem?»

«I am not sure, Mistress. She will have been told when the extra decking was added at Dekarran but I think she will not understand until she sees it happen.»

«I have to agree. Where do you think you will be when it happens?»

Lars shrugged. «Mistress, these lands are strange to all of us, even to you. I do not know what she intends or where we will be when this raining happens. Here is our ship.»

The last ship on that side of the pontoon, beyond the galleys, was the Visund. It looked strange to Ursula's eyes, since the mast had been taken down and the awning put up, shading most of the contents from the hot sun. Tor Ander's son and Eirik climbed out onto the pontoon as the party approached.

"Greetings, Mistress Ursula! Welcome to the ship. Do you want to come aboard?"

"Yes, please. Ah, this is Tyra, my new maid, I don't know if you have met her yet."

Tor nodded to Tyra. "We have heard of you but most have not met you until today. Welcome aboard." He gestured. "I am Tor Ander's son and this is Eirik, we are minding the ship today."

Ursula asked Tor, «Why the awning? I thought that it was meant for the rains.»

«Mistress, you will know that our ship has no deck like most that sail the river. It was suggested that, as we are not going anywhere, an awning would be good to keep the sun off our gear.»

Lars added, «Mistress, you should know that, usually, a ship like ours spends most of its time in the water. If the wood is allowed to dry out it will split and warp and cause weaknesses and leaks. So we try and keep the direct sun off the wood and we also wet down the woodwork from time to time.»

She nodded. «I understand. Thank you for explaining, Lars, Tor.»

Everybody climbed down into the hull. It was a little cooler there. Ursula could now see that the mast reached the entire length of the ship and was supported at both ends and in the middle. Over this was stretched a canvas awning, the sides held out by battens which in turn were supported by smaller struts which were slotted into brass brackets fixed to the hull. There was enough room for all but the tallest man to stand in the hull without touching the canvas, but of course most would have to duck as they climbed over benches and cargo.

"It seems bigger than I remember."

Tor scratched his head. "Aye Mistress, it does seem that way." He grinned. "Not so big when full of men, though!"

Tyra's eyes were alight. She turned to Lars. "If I may look around?"

He gestured. "Have a look, Mistress. Careful where you put feet."

Tyra received a nod from Ursula and scampered off. Lars watched her closely.

«Her father is a fisherman?»

«Yes. Oh! That probably means that she is used to boats, although probably nothing as big as this one.»

Lars sniffed. «Mistress, Visund is not a boat, she is ship, but I understand you. Of course, a boat on the river will be different than a ship on the ocean but she looks sure-footed enough.»

«So she should be. You do know that she is training to be a swordswoman?»

«Yes. She is fit enough and smart enough and she listens to Master of Arms. Mistress, you gather good people around you.»

Ursula did not know what to say about that so just watched Tyra as she reached the far end, peering under the poop deck before climbing onto it for a moment. They watched her legs as she leaned out over the water and then as she climbed back down into the hull again.

«I thought that there was more stuff in here,» Ursula said, gesturing at the space along the centerline.

Lars shrugged. «Chests of Captain and companions taken to Mansion, bags of crew taken to lodgings. Oars, sails and most ropes taken to a safe warehouse nearby, away from sun and thieves. A little food left here for watchmen but there is not much else. It will not take long to load it up again.»

Tyra returned, a big smile all over her face. "I like this ship! I think it might be the biggest one I have ever been on." She frowned, looking at her feet. "The planks are different. Not smooth like Pa's boat."

Ursula explained, "This is just a different style of boat design, Tyra, about which I know nothing at all, but it is common enough where I came from."

"As you say." Tyra leaned out over the edge of the hull, looking at the outside. "There are nails. Do they not let the water in? Pa has trouble stopping leaks all the time."

"I don't know the exact method but nailing the planks together that way seems to work and to keep out most of the water."

Tor added, "Mistress, nails put in when they are hot, then hammered flat. When they cool, pull planks together tight, keep out water."

"Ohhh. I think I see." Tyra looked up. "So, how do you raise the sail when this awning is here?"

Tor replied, "Awning is new addition to ship, Mistress, since we arrived on river. Normally hull is open, everyone can see water, see dangers in river, see enemies approach in any direction."

Tyra's nose wrinkled. "So you all just sit in here, on those seats, and sail like that, with no shade? Don't you -"

Lars interrupted. "Visitor comes. Again." He gestured along the pontoon string where several men could be seen approaching.

Mathenar! Why is he so persistent?

The Duke's elder son reached the Visund and ducked his head so that everyone on board could see his face.

"Greetings, all. I was told that Mistress Ursula intended visiting the ship today and it reminded me that I had not seen it properly myself. If I may come aboard?"

Lars's face was impassive as he beckoned. "Come aboard, My Lord."

Mathenar and two aides, one an officer, climbed down into the hull. He put out a hand to Lars.

"I do not recognize your rank, sir." The smile was genuine. "However, I have been among many armies where the rank badges are all different."

"I am Lars, Commander of Princess Eriana's men," Lars replied shortly, ignoring the hand. "Here is Tor Ander's son, one of her ship's crew and here is -"

Mathenar bowed. "Mistress Ursula, we have already met."

"Yes, we have."

Unsettled by the blunt responses, Mathenar turned to study the interior of the ship.

"This is the biggest ship I have yet seen on the river," he said. "Though I am sure that some of the barges can carry more goods. It seems very shallow... flat bottomed. Do you just row, as the war galleys do? I see holes for oars but no oars."

Lars reached up a hand and rested it on the long wooden cylinder near his head.

"Here is mast. We do not sail with awning, it is used in dock to keep sun off wood. Sometimes wind blows in right direction, sometimes men row."

"Ah, I see. So, how many men can it carry?"

"More than thirty on river. When we came from Einnland, many more, maybe fifty. Some lost overboard during storm."

The Count grimaced. "I am sorry to hear that, Commander. Einnland? I do not know that land."

"It is out beyond end of river, where river becomes ocean. Many days sailing to south, to colder lands, come to Einnland."

"Ocean? But that is just a tale, surely. Does not the river just go on, into other lands?"

Ursula could see that Lars was becoming annoyed so she intervened. She realized that Mathenar had never been downriver far enough to know what an ocean looked like. He probably considered it just traveler's tales.

"My Lord, the river cannot go on for ever, there must be an end. The ocean is a great expanse of water which all rivers eventually empty into. It is so wide that you cannot see the other side. It would take you weeks of sailing to reach the other side."

He stared at her. "You have knowledge of this?"

She thought carefully about her reply. "I have crossed an ocean like the one at the end of the Sirrel so I do have some knowledge of this. Commander Lars has traveled beyond the end of the Sirrel so you should not insult him by doubting his word."

His face stiffened. "My apologies, Mistress, and my apologies to you, Commander. What lies at the end of the Great Valley is a mystery to most who live upstream and so I cannot tell what may be truth and what may be just a tale." He looked around again. "So this ship has sailed beyond the end of the Sirrel with a crew of fifty men? Amazing."

Lars opened his mouth to respond but Tor said, "Look! Captain comes."

There along the pontoons Eriana came striding, her face like thunder. Unusually, though she was dressed for riding, she did not have her sword slung across her back. Behind her Bennet and Semma struggled to keep up. As Eriana approached she slowed down and her expression smoothed.

"Lord Mathenar," she said as she reached the Visund, "do you visit my ship?"

He bowed. "Your Highness, I do. I heard word that Mistress Ursula intended to visit your ship today and it reminded me that I also wished to see what manner of craft it was." He frowned. "I trust that this is permissible? I have to say, it is a fine ship, the largest I have seen, but there is not very much to see."

With a light hand on the awning she dropped smoothly into the hull. Bennet and Semma stayed on the pontoon awaiting developments.

"Do you like what you see? It is not as the other ships we have seen on the river."

"It is strange to my eyes, Highness, but I have no doubt that it is well made for the intended purpose."

"Intended purpose? What mean you?"

Mathenar spread his hands. "Fifty men, many oars, I see now that it must be intended as our galleys are, as a vessel of war, though perhaps crewed by free men instead of criminals or slaves."

Eriana visibly calmed herself down before she replied. "My Lord, the ships of Einnland are indeed used on occasion for war, but know you that they are used for many other reasons on the ocean which we call home. We fish, we carry cargo, we transport men, women and children from place to place, sometimes we even use them to fight in.

"We carried not fifty men when we came to the shores of Plif, My Lord. Among our number were the Visund's original owner and his family, together with a small number of other women, my maids among them. We suffered several fierce storms during which many were washed overboard, men and women, and lost. To find a friendly shore we were all forced to row and to bale, the sail having been destroyed by the gale."

Mathenar was surprised. "Highness, I did not know. I grieve for your lost countrymen... and women. So many storms? How long did your journey take?"

"From Einnland to Plif? Some days. I do not recall the number. Lars? Tor? Do you know how long it took us?"

Both shook their heads. Tor said, "Captain, I remember three dawnings but there might have been more. If you recall, we were somewhat busy then."

"Aye, somewhat!" Eriana turned to Mathenar. "Does that answer you, My Lord?"

"It does, Highness. The design of your ship looks strange to my eyes, as I said, but it is obviously well made. I notice that it does not have a deck, apart from the small sections at either end."

"Ah, they were added, upon King Robanar's advice, at Dekarran. Normally our ships have no need for any deck, and indeed it would be unusual for any of our craft to have them, since suitable wood is difficult to find in Einnland. A plain hull is sufficient and has been so for some thousand years."

Mathenar nodded. "I understand, Highness. To make ships which can journey so far, when you have little wood available, that is amazing to me. Shall you return to... Einnland... when your visit is finished?"

This last question annoyed Eriana. "My Lord, I explained to you some days ago the circumstances under which my crew and I departed Einnland. Having been given refuge by Palarand, we are now accounted subjects of Robanar and intend to remain so the rest of our days. When we return to Palarand I will take up an appointment as the head of a military service new to the Great Valley, that of leader of the new Federation Navy. You were also informed about that."

"Highness, forgive me. You are of course correct. You must understand that my brother and I have been away at war for some time and return to discover that much has changed in Joth as it has in the rest of the Valley. Aye, my father did explain the Federation to me but I must confess that I must have missed your part in it."

He paused. "What, if I may ask, is a Navy?"

"My Lord, it will be a special force of military ships, designed to keep the coasts and rivers of the Federation safe. Part will be river craft, like those galleys yonder. Indeed, I believe that once we are established your father will make gift of those galleys to the Navy. Another part will be craft more like this one, suitable for the open ocean, and part will be new ships designed for mapping and exploration, since the Federation desires to know what manner of world we live in and the people who live here with us."

Mathenar raised an eyebrow. "You plan exploration? I am surprised that any is needed."

"My Lord -" Eriana stopped, frustrated. She tried again. "My Lord, since Princess Garia came to our world we have learned that much of what we thought about Anmar is not so. The reality is even more interesting to those who study such matters. I can assure you that exploration and accurate chart making has now become essential if we are to understand our world better."

"Princess Garia? Of course I have heard much about her, but surely -"

Bennet put a hand on the awning and leaned down. "Highness, I believe that I have just heard the eighth bell and a half."

Eriana simmered. "As you say, Bennet." She turned. "My Lord, this is a subject better discussed in the Mansion, I deem. It is time for us ladies to return there in any event to make ourselves ready for the evening meal. Shall you return as well?"

"Why, of course, Highness! I was just about to suggest that very thing."

Ursula thought, I wonder if Anmar has flying pigs?

No. There are strange creatures here but none of those, I suspect. This one merely has the gift of a smooth talker, assuming that who he talks to is of a lower class, or stupid enough.

He continued, "If I may offer the use of my carriage, which is above at the dock."

She glared at him. "My carriage is there also. Ursula? I believe that you walked through the city today. Shall you ride back with us?"

Offered a choice like that, Ursula could only respond one way and she put her time in the Russian army to good use. She bobbed. "At your command, Highness."

"Then it is settled. Have we seen all that we wish to here? Ursula?"

"Now that I have seen it again, properly, Highness, I am very impressed."

Eriana smiled warmly. "She is a good ship that has so far made an amazing journey, far beyond the shores of lands known to Einnland. She will not fail us." The face smoothed out and she turned to Mathenar. "My Lord?"

"Aye. If I have more questions, now that I have seen your ship, I can ask them at home."

"Then let us go. Girls? Lead the way. Ursula, do you need help climbing out? No?"

The procession made its way back to the dock hardstanding, where two carriages stood waiting. Eriana's broadsword had been laid on the floor of her carriage, protected by the driver. As she climbed in she lifted it up and propped it against her seat.

"Ursula. If you would sit beside me. Tyra? Have you the art of traveling in the groom's seats?"

"I have not, Highness. I have only been in a carriage twice before."

"Then you must needs sit facing us. Bennet, Semma, if you would sit behind."

"Aye, Highness."

Ursula watched as Mathenar gestured his men into his carriage and then climbed in after them. Without a glance in their direction, he spoke to his driver and their carriage moved off immediately.

"Highness, it will not be easy to ride back here attired as we are."

Eriana was diverted from her glare at the disappearing carriage.

"Oh! Of course." She thought. "Bennet, if you would sit beside the driver. Semma, join us."

Semma climbed in, closing the door after her, before sitting beside Tyra. Once Bennet had made herself comfortable beside the driver he turned his head and Eriana nodded to him. The carriage moved off across the cobbles towards one of the dock gates.

Ursula glanced at Tyra and saw an expression of alarm, almost fear, upon the girl's face. Turning, she saw that Eriana was in a boiling fury. The sword, in its scabbard, was propped on the floor and held tightly by a hand which was almost white. Without thinking she rested her hand on Eriana's arm to calm her.

"Highness, please. You are upsetting yourself over something of little consequence."

Eriana started, then looked down at Ursula's hand, which was promptly withdrawn.

Semma said, "Highness, it is true. He has been away, he does not know us, he does not know what has been happening in Joth. He is one of the old style of nobility, I deem, who pays little attention to what is happening in the world."

Eriana closed her eyes and visibly forced herself to relax. As the carriage passed through the gate she opened them and smiled at Semma.

"Aye. You are right, I should not subject any of you to my anger when it is directed at another." She turned and smiled at Ursula. "It seems that you may be a healer of minds as well as of bodies, Ursula. I thank you for your concern."

As the carriage rattled through the streets the tension eased and Eriana even waved to several of those they passed by who recognized her. By the time they pulled into the front courtyard it was as if nothing much had happened. As they climbed down, however, to allow the carriage to be unharnessed and put away, she gathered the women together in the courtyard.

"Ursula, I am concerned. Think you that Lord Mathenar pursues you?"

"Pursues me? What do you -" Ursula was briefly confused by the term. "Oh, do you mean romantically? That never occurred to me. I have no idea, Highness."

"There have been words spoken of his reasons for returning to Joth, words that I do not understand. The customs of Joth, indeed of any part of the Valley, are not familiar to one like myself who comes from afar."

She paused, trying to find a way to explain. It was Bennet who thought of a possible answer.

"Highness, is it that you think Lord Mathenar follows women around, when they do not desire his attentions? I have heard some of the rumors, that is what they suggested to me but I could hardly believe it then. Now, I am not so sure."

"Aye! That is what I mean. Is it something considered acceptable in these parts?"

"Not at all, Highness. In Palarand we call it 'The Courting Sickness' and it can last long after any romantic feeling has faded, if indeed there was ever any to start with. You should know that it can affect women as well as men. I may not speak for Joth but in Palarand the King has even been forced to exile several who would not cease their attentions upon some poor woman."

"Do you tell me? Think you that Mathenar is of that ilk?"

"Highness, I would not like to say. If he is to be the next Duke of Joth -"

Bennet left the thought hanging. Eriana nodded grimly.

"Aye. He may become another different than Jarwin, perhaps, but just as noxious."

Ursula noted, "But you are shortly departing, Highness. It will not be your concern for much longer."

"We are leaving, Ursula, it is true, but you are not. How shall you manage this menace, if menace he be?"

Ursula grimaced. She had overlooked the personal aspects of the situation.

"Highness, we have a week or so to watch Lord Mathenar's behavior and to tell His Grace about it, if that is what needs to happen. I would not condemn someone for a couple of clumsy meetings that I did not even recognize for what they were. Let us see what he does in future."

"Aye, well spoken, Ursula. Let us go in now and prepare ourselves for the evening meal. We will all have opportunities to watch and to see what he might do next."

* * *

As the women all entered the dining room attired in evening gowns Mathenar approached them and bowed low.

"Highness, ladies, if I may offer my apologies. I regret that living in a field tent for some months has roughened my manners. If I did anything today which has upset any of you, then I would ask you to accept my apologies. It shall not happen again."

Eriana was surprised. "My Lord, it is true that some of your activities and actions today may have caused some minor distress but we understand. You will know that all of us come from distant lands and are unfamiliar with local customs. Your apologies are accepted."

"Then, if I may show you to your seats. My father and mother are already here, we but waited for you before we can begin."

"Of course."

Ursula kept her expression carefully plain but her mind was analysing Mathenar.

What is he? Maybe just enthusiast. He has been in army camp some months, I know what soldiers can be like.

Then he comes home and lots of new talent to investigate. Eriana? Who knows. Bennet or Semma? Maybe. Tyra? New maid, easy meat. I will have to warn her. Me? Possible. Likely.

Perhaps something more? Maybe he looks for next Duchess?

Me, a Duchess? Is possible, but not if he is Duke. I would kill one of us for certain.

Perhaps something else? Maybe obsession?

Let us see what future brings!

Ursula pays another visit to the clinic with Senia and Fedris, but their visit is interrupted. Later, she reluctantly accepts a gift from a former patient. On return to the Mansion, unexpected arrivals cause a certain amount of confusion.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

30 - Deliveries and Arrivals

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

After breakfast the following morning Ursula left the Dining Room with Tyra to find Senia waiting outside, deep in conversation with Fedris, the smith who had been making her new medical instruments.

"Good morning, Senia, and to you, Master Fedris."

"Good morning, Ursula," Senia said, "I trust you are well?"

She returned a smile. "I am, this morning. Master Fedris, what can I do for you today?"

The smith bowed and indicated a bag he had left propped against the side of the corridor while he talked.

"I have brought two complete sets of instruments with me... that is, the rest of one set that you already have part of, and another complete set. If you would look at them and tell me if anything has been forgotten or is amiss?"

"Yes, of course. We could go into the Small Meeting Room, I am sure that we can borrow it for that short time."

"As you wish, Mistress."

In the room the smith lifted out two cloth bundles which he placed carefully on the table. Unfolding the smaller one he revealed several sets of forceps and similar-looking tools plus a flattened tool roll.

"Mistress, these items should be the rest of your first set. I have consulted with those who know and have been provided with this cloth from which to make your tool rolls, which I am assured may be repeatedly boiled without shrinkage, distortion or discoloration. In order to do so they must needs be stitched with a thread made from the same fiber, which does not grow in the Valley but is imported from somewhere upstream."

Senia leaned forward. "If I may examine the items, Fedris?"

Fedris looked at Ursula who nodded. "Master Fedris, if these prove successful you may soon be asked to commission several sets for more of Joth's healers. Of course Senia will want to have a look."

The two women picked up and examined various items with Tyra an interested onlooker.

"How do these retractors work, Ursula? Oh, I see... these are little ratchets, then."

"That is correct. I was not sure how to arrange that, on... um, in Alberta we use a slightly different method but it depends on the stiffness of the metal. I did not know if they could do that here yet."

"Mistress," Fedris said, "now that I see how these are intended to work I could try and make some of the kind you will be familiar with. You have but to describe the mechanism to me."

"Looking at these, Master Fedris, I think these will work just as well for our purposes. Don't you agree, Senia?"

"Ursula, I could not say, not until I have used them a time or two. Fedris, if these work as intended, then they will be good enough for Joth. After all, we are not trying to copy exactly what healers may do in other lands, but to make tools fit for our own use."

"As you say, Mistress, but as you know a craftsman like myself is always trying to improve what he makes for his customers."

Senia smiled. "I intend no rebuke, Fedris. Ask me again in a year and I may have a different opinion. Now, if I may have a look at the scalpels -"

"Ah, I must needs open the other set, then. If I may tidy these away so that the sets do not become mixed together."

Fedris re-wrapped the tools and put the bundle aside on a chair seat before unwrapping the other bundle. This looked very similar except that the tool roll bulged. The smith untied the roll and opened it flat on the table.

"My! These are fine! So small and delicate-looking, but so sharp. You have tweezers and probes in here as well, I see."

Ursula said, "Tools like this are what I am used to working with, although these will fit my hand better than that kitchen knife did."

"Ah, I remember well, Ursula, and now I understand why you wanted these made. If I may lift one out?"

"Go ahead, Senia. Just... don't drop it, that's all."

Senia and Ursula examined the scalpels and discussed the uses of the different shapes. They were holding examples up at the window when the door opened and Bellot walked in.

"Oh! If you would excuse me. I did not know that this room was being used."

Ursula turned. "Only for a few moments more, Bellot. Master Fedris has just delivered some of the first sets of the tools of my profession and we were looking them over."

"As you wish, Mistress. A few moments more? Then I will ask His Grace's guests to wait until you are finished."

"Thank you, Bellot." She turned back to the table. "We had better pack up and leave. Senia, should we be doing your rounds this morning?"

"Well, perhaps. I thought that you and Tyra were still at ease?"

Ursula smiled at her. "Perhaps. Now one of these two sets is intended to go to the clinic. I'm wondering if it would be worth taking them there this morning, as we are not busy. If you are not visiting patients then you could join us."

Senia thought briefly. "Done. I do have several visits to make, it is true, but most are in that general direction anyway. Aye, I would join you, see what changes they have wrought."

"Mistresses, if I may also join you, since my own workshop is nearby and I will be returning that direction in any event."

"Of course, Master Fedris," Ursula agreed. "If you like, you can have a look at the clinic as well, see what we are doing in there."

"I must admit, I have heard rumors since the building was obtained for the healers and, as most are, I am curious to see what has been made of it. Aye, if you will have me I will join you."

"Then let's pack up and get out of here before His Grace knocks on the door instead of Bellot. Tyra, you'll have to go upstairs and fetch our bags while we wait in the corridor. Oh, and you can take this part set upstairs as well."

"As you command, Mistress."

The four tidied up and left the room, Tyra carrying the part set and setting off for the stairs. The others found a spot out of the traffic to wait.

Senia asked, "What did you do yesterday, Ursula? I thought that you intended to go to the docks."

"That's right, we did. We visited Tyra's family, who live nearby, and we looked over the Visund. Ah, just before lunch I held an unexpected clinic for many of those who were working on the dockside. I had intended to go and check over the Norsemen but everyone else noticed and I had a whole line of men with minor injuries."

The healer nodded. "Somebody usually goes down there once a week or so, Ursula. Normally, if someone gets an injury that is bad enough to need treatment they will call us from their home in the usual way. As you may realize, many of those of Joth do not trouble us for minor problems."

"I can understand that. If they do not work, they do not earn and they and their families will go hungry. Still, it was a useful exercise and I was introduced to most of those who work around there. Oh," she added, "that reminds me."

She looked around the corridor quickly before explaining, "Lord Mathenar arrived just before lunch, appearing to just want a look himself but really, I believe, wanting to take me back to the Mansion - to safety, he said. Tyra's father suggested an alternative and we put him off. Later, after our naps, when we were aboard the Visund, he appeared again! This time he appeared to be interested in the ship but I suspect that it was me he was after."

Senia looked at Ursula speculatively. "Do you think that he desires a personal relationship, Ursula?"

"I don't know, Senia. I have not been here long enough for such nonsense. But if he is going to follow me around, then..." She left the sentence hanging.

Fedris said in a low voice, "Mistresses, I would not want to appear intrusive, but -"

Ursula turned. "Any information about Lord Mathenar would be most welcome, Master Fedris. I am new to Joth, he has been away, if there is a problem I want to know about it."

"As you say, Mistress." The smith paused, thinking. "It is strange, really. He is the elder son of the Duke, of course, but yet most who reside in the city do not know much of the man. This is to be expected, he is a nobleman after all. Most of what I have heard is but rumor, I deem, and you should consider it so."

She frowned. "It appears that almost all of what anyone has heard is rumor, Master Fedris. The man himself has not been around to show us what he really is."

"Indeed. All I may say in this place," he cast his eyes around to check for eavesdroppers, "is that there are persistent rumors of... something strange in his behavior towards women, especially unattached ones."

She nodded. "That is about what I had deduced from his actions yesterday, Master Fedris. I could assume that they are just the actions of a young, vigorous man who has returned from a posting to a mainly male military setting and discovered that his home is full of unattached female visitors."

The door to the Dining Room opened and Bellot emerged, followed by Wallesan, Mathenar and two men she did not recognize but thought from their clothing might be local nobles. Wallesan nodded to the group before leading the way into the Small Meeting Room. Fanis emerged from the Dining Room moments later.

"Senia, Fedris, good morning! I trust that your affairs are in order?"

Senia curtseyed and Fedris made a bow. The healer replied, "Your Grace, I came by to discover Ursula's intentions this morning, and to discover what she may have seen and done yesterday."

Fanis turned to Ursula. "Do you go out with Senia today, then? I thought that you said that you were at ease today."

"Your Grace, both myself and Tyra will be at ease today, assuming there are no emergencies. Master Fedris has come to deliver some more tools for medical use and I thought to take a set to the new clinic. Both he and Senia would like to have a look at the new building."

"Ah, as you say. Would this be something of interest to myself or Wallesan, do you think?"

Ursula considered before nodding. "Your Grace, there will probably not be much to see most of the time and when the clinic is busy you would almost certainly not want to see what we do there. But, thinking about it, there is no reason why you should not come to have a look once we are ready to open for business, and His Grace could officially open the clinic."

Fanis smiled. "That is an excellent thought, Ursula. If you could give us three or four days warning of when you would desire us to attend, I will make sure that my husband finds time to open the clinic for you. I know that it will be an important new facility for Joth," she rolled her eyes, "among so many new things that we are expecting in the future."

"Thank you, Your Grace. I'll let you know just as soon as the craftsmen can give me a date."

Fanis snorted. "Craftsmen, pah! I still have not gotten a date out of them for finishing the Great Hall, even though we are now using it. It seems that there is always some little thing more to do."

Ursula smiled. "I know the type, Your Grace. I will use my own judgment as to when the clinic will be finished enough for you and the Duke to attend."

"Good. And now I must be away, I deem." The Duchess rolled her eyes again. "There is some dispute among the dyers of silk which apparently only I may resolve. By your leave?"

They all curtseyed and bowed as Fanis moved off. Tyra appeared then with a bag over her shoulder and carrying Ursula's basket. Behind Tyra, Ursula spotted a small girl stop and speak to one of the sentries at the entrance. He took something from her, gave it to a waiting footman and pointed to the group. The footman came towards them and handed a piece of folded parchment to Ursula.

"Mistress, a note for you. A word in reply is expected, if you can give one."

She turned and saw the girl waiting in the doorway. "Give me a moment, then."

The note was brief and just about readable to Ursula. The contents were unexpected but not exactly a surprise.

She told the footman, "We are just leaving the Mansion, as it happens, so I can tell the girl myself."

The group, trailed by the footman, walked to the entrance. Ursula gave the note back to the girl.

"Are you by any chance one of Master Putto's children?"

The girl curtseyed nervously. "If it please you, Mistress, I am from the house next door. I have an errand for my mother in this part of the city and Master Putto learned that I would pass the Mansion by."

"Ah, I see. Well, tell Master Putto that I am going out and that I will call by his house on my way back here, probably just before lunch."

Tyra added, "Mistress, about a bell before noon."

The girl gave Tyra a quick glance and curtseyed to Ursula again. "As you command, Mistress."

She turned, ran down the steps into the courtyard, and was instantly gone.

Ursula remarked, "The day has hardly begun and already full of incident! Perhaps we'd better be going before anyone else arrives."

Out in the courtyard the air was cooler and fresher. Overhead, the sky was deep blue but lines of small fluffy white clouds marched across it.

"Ah! That's better!" Senia remarked. "The heat is nice occasionally but not for so long, I deem. This is more what we expect for spring weather, Ursula. Much more comfortable, especially if one spends the day walking the city to visit patients."

"I did wonder. Of course I have no idea what the normal climate of Joth is like, but I have heard enough people complaining about the heat to understand that it isn't typical. Is the weather today typical?"

"Aye, most years. Sometimes a little wetter, sometimes drier, but mostly like this."

"Mistress," Fedris offered, "you should know that most days, when the sky is as you see it, the clouds will slowly build and there will be a brief shower of rain early each afternoon. This rain will be essential to our farmers to bring their crops to full fruitfulness. It is also another reason why we tend to nap during the spring and summer months, to stay out of the showers."

"I see. Useful to know."

The streets of Joth were busy and many of those they passed recognized Senia, Ursula or Fedris and waved or called greetings. Like the previous day, their route would go directly to the clinic and so Ursula remembered the turns as Tyra led them. Once they reached Sabbar Street they found it full of wagons delivering raw materials to a number of the establishments. It took a moment or two to make their way through the traffic to reach the door to the clinic.

Inside it was shadowed and cool. The carriage still remained but had been moved right to the back, to make room for men to work out of the bright sun. On the other side at the back were a stack of thin planks and sacks of some other materials. There were several trestles scattered around and across two of them what Ursula took to be an apprentice was sawing a length of wood. He looked up as they entered.

"Mistress, if you seek Master Follan, he is upstairs with the others." He blushed. "Of course there is no stairs here but only ramps. Master Follan is above."

She smiled to reduce the embarrassment. "We all say 'upstairs' when we refer to the floor above. I would guess that only buildings like this have ramps."

The young man ducked his head. "As you say, Mistress."

They climbed the ramp to the landing. Instead of the completely open space that had existed the previous day there were men erecting partitions of thin wood slats on either side of a central corridor. At the front they could hear people speaking, so turned in that direction.

There was a wide space here, letting in plenty of light across the width of the building. Four men stood at a small temporary table discussing a floor plan drawn on parchment. They looked up as the group approached.

"Mistress Ursula, Mistress Senia, welcome! Fedris, welcome, and to you also, Tyra. Is this another social visit or was there something we could do for you?"

Ursula explained, "Good morning, Master Follan. Master Fedris has been making some tools of my trade and this morning he brought two sets to the Mansion. One is intended for me to keep but the other should be kept here for emergencies. Both Senia and Master Fedris wanted to have a look at the clinic, so I thought we could all come and see what progress has been made."

Follan raised an eyebrow. "Since yesterday? I recall that much of the remaining wood was delivered just after you departed so, as you may have seen, we have made a start on the partitions on this floor. Are you certain that you did not want them to have either front walls or doors? It seems like an odd arrangement to me, if I may say so."

She frowned. "I thought I explained this? In each partition there will be a bed for any patients who are too ill to walk around, Master Follan, and for the rest to use at night. Since many of the patients may be very ill it is essential that anyone walking past can see at a glance if they need help of some kind. In addition, though the partitions are designed to cut down the noise and give the patients a little privacy, we did not want to completely isolate them. They can see other patients across the corridor and perhaps talk to them."

"Ah, this was not made clear, Mistress." He nodded. "It means less wood to shape and fit and thus saves coin. I can see that it will also permit extra light to those who are in the deeper partitions."

A craftsman joined them from below carrying a long tool bag. He looked at the two groups.

"Good morning. Good morning, Mistresses. Which of you is Follan, if I may ask? Jerrat, pipesman, come to install a fresh water supply to this -" he looked around with interest, "- unusual weaving loft."

"I am Follan," the carpenter said, stretching forward for the traditional handshake. "This is no longer a weaving loft but will become a new kind of place for healers to deal with serious injuries and the like. If I may introduce Healer Senia and Healer Ursula, who have commissioned the conversion by instruction from His Grace."

"Do you tell me?" The plumber looked around again. "That may explain the unusual nature of the instructions that I received." He turned to the group. "Mistress Senia, of course I know you, you attended my elder son last fall. Mistress Ursula? I have heard the name, of course, and your good works, but this is the first time that our paths have crossed." He turned and nodded to the smith. "Fedris, good morning."

Senia explained, "I am assuming that we will require fresh water here and on the floor above, Master Jerrat. Our craft requires continuous supplies of water for cleaning wounds and, I deem, feeding ourselves and our patients, who may remain here some days until they are well enough to return home."

Follan added, "Aye, the healer has explained it well. If you would join us at the table, I will explain our thoughts on pipe runs and the like." He started and turned. "Oh! Mistress Ursula, Mistress Senia, of course I must needs attend you as well."

Ursula said, "There is no need for anyone to accompany us, Master Follan. We will just have a look... above... if it will not get in anybody's way."

The carpenter bowed. "As you wish, Mistress. Ah, you spoke of a... tool kit, was it?"

"I did, Master Follan. Looking around, I suppose that there is nowhere to safely leave it yet, is there?"

"I regret not, Mistress. Bedding and other furniture will not arrive until we have almost finished the work on this floor, that will include any tables, chairs, cupboards and shelving you may have ordered."

Senia and Ursula looked at one another. "Oh, dear," Senia said. "We have forgotten to order any furniture, and I know that there is a long line of people waiting for new furniture to replace what was lost to the invaders."

Follan agreed. "As you say, Mistress. Even these many months after we had our city back all has not yet been restored." He smiled. "However, it may be that we can obtain sufficient to allow you to begin using the building. It will make no sense for us to complete the work and for it then to remain idle for want of furniture."

Senia was horrified. "Master Follan! Though the new clinic will become important to Joth we have managed without for long enough. I would not approve of you obtaining furniture destined for more deserving residents of the city, many who still have almost nothing."

Follan spread his hands. "Mistress, I did not say that I would, or could, do that. I would not think of depriving others in need. No, there may be other ways to provide what is needed here."

"Well. Perhaps I should not pry so deeply into what is another's business. If we may go above?"

"Of course, Mistress."

Senia, Ursula, Tyra and Fedris turned to ascend the upward ramp, their existence already forgotten by the craftsmen, who had wandered off towards the table and drawings with barely a nod in their direction.

"About the toolkit, Mistress," Fedris said to Ursula as they climbed. "The solution is relatively simple, I deem. My dwelling and workshop is but four casts from here, in Narakh Lane yonder. I had not realized that this new place of yours would be so close. I will keep the toolkit there until it is required, Tyra knows where I live and can ask or send for it at need. If that would be satisfactory to you?"

Ursula was surprised. "Well, I suppose that it will, Master Fedris. Thank you for the offer."

On the landing at the top a craftsman and two apprentices were varnishing the doors of two of the smaller rooms. They stopped when the group appeared.

"Mistress? If I may help?"

"I am Healer Ursula and this is Healer Senia," she explained. "I am showing Senia around so that she can see how the work is progressing. Oh, this is my maid Tyra and this is Master Fedris who is making some of the instruments we will be using when the clinic opens."

The craftsman nodded. "Fedris. Tyra. Mistresses, if I may warn you that some of the doors are still wet. You may safely touch the handles to move them out of your way, though, I would not want you to get varnish on your dresses."

"Thank you for the warning, Master..?"

The man bowed. "Master Varnisher Hobbard at your services, Mistress."

"We'll try to keep out of your way. We know this is still a construction site."

"As you say, Mistress."

Ursula led them through to the back. "This will be the Operating Theater, Senia."

"Operating... theater..? These are new words I must learn, it seems. They are called thus on..." Senia remembered Fedris did not know Ursula's true origins, "...ah, where you came from?"

"They do. I believe that the term dates from a time when..." Ursula trailed off in confusion.

They called those places theaters because operations were once spectacles that anyone could pay to watch, conducted in a pit with people overlooking all around.

Like a regular theater, in fact, but it has not occurred to me until now that I don't know if Joth, or anywhere else for that matter, has anything resembling acting!

"Never mind. It occurs to me that it might be too complicated to explain right now. Senia, if you want to call this place by some other name, I would not object."

"Not at all, Ursula! The words are good, we just have to remember them. This is something new to Joth, I deem, so it is fitting that new words should describe it." Senia turned, looking at the way the chamber had been laid out. "I like the big windows, and the chandeliers. This room should be easy to clean, too, with all these well-fitted tiles. This would have been a better place to operate on poor Mamoot, would it not?"

"Chicken and egg, Senia." At the other's look she amended, "Er, avian and egg. Until Mamoot's problem arose we did not know that a place like this would be needed."

"As you say, Ursula, but already I can think of other occasions when such a chamber as this would have been useful. If we may look at the other rooms up here, and you may tell me what use we may make of them."

"Of course."

Fedris spoke up. "Mistress? This is the chamber you will be using the toolkit in?"

"I would think so, Master Fedris. Almost all of them, anyway. There will probably be some cupboards mounted on the walls over there, or perhaps on that wall, where we can reach them easily."

The smith nodded. "If you will permit me, I will find and instruct a joiner who may be able to make something suitable for you." He smiled. "It always helps if you know what the cupboards will be used for, and I can so inform him." He added, "I assume that you will need other cupboards, since... the use of the tools... will produce a lot of blood."

"Yes, of course. We'll need bandages, dressings, towels for mopping up, many other things. We'll be wearing special clothes, too, which will look a little like these ship dresses we are wearing now, but we'll probably store them in one of the other rooms along the landing."

Another nod. "Cupboards, probably shelves as well. And I can guess that you will not know exactly what you want until you have been using this place for some time?"

"That's true, Master Fedris. But I do not want to distract you from your normal work."

"It is a slight distraction, but I may be asked to make, for example, hinges and catches for your cupboards so I will probably become involved, especially since I reside so near. I will of course know all those who will make the items anyway."

It is a small city. Of course all the craftsmen are going to know one another.

She nodded. "Then I accept your offer once more, Master Fedris. Perhaps we can have a look at the other rooms along here?"

Senia agreed. "Aye, I would like to see how you desire to lay this building out, Ursula. This is very interesting, it promises to change the way we conduct healing in Joth, and greatly for the better."

"Then we should join the varnishers. The rooms around the landing will be mostly used as store-rooms or places where healers will go." Ursula turned. "This way."

* * *

They had returned to the front of the middle floor which held the table, with the plans still laid out on top. Of the craftsmen there was no sign, though sounds of speech could be heard below and from outside.

"And you will call this your Day Room?"

"I think so. The rooms behind will be for recovering patients but those who can move around could sit in here, it would be more comfortable. You saw that little bedroom in the Mansion where Mamoot was?"

"I did, but it is not unusual in Joth for bedchambers to be small, especially where single men and women are concerned. Ah, so you will have chairs and low tables here, then, for those recovering to relax and talk amongst themselves."

"That was the idea, yes. What do you think?"

Senia looked around. "An interesting idea, I deem. We often find that our patients are stuck in bedrooms, away from their families, and with little to do - not that some of them should be doing anything while they are yet ill, but you know what I mean. A chamber like this will certainly be an improvement."

There was a disturbance outside. Tyra walked to the window to find out what was going on. She turned around quickly.

"Mistress, Lord Mathenar approaches in his carriage."

Ursula scowled. "What does he want? If he is after me then he has chosen the wrong person for his attentions."

Fedris spoke up. "Mistress? You desire to avoid meeting him?"

"Yes! That man has been following me around, pretending to want to see the same things I want to see."

The smith's expression was eloquent. "I have heard... rumors of his activities, but of course we know little of his true nature. Mistress, there is a back way out of here, if you would follow me."

Ursula looked at Senia. "It is probably time we moved on in any case, Senia. Do you want to come with us?"

"Surely. He may not be interested in an old woman like me but he will ask questions I do not desire to answer. Fedris, lead the way."

"But how do we get out?" Ursula asked. "If we go down the ramp he'll see us."

Fedris smiled. "Mistress, we will not be going down the ramp. At the back of this level, on every property, is a door leading to a narrow balcony with stairs at various points. It is a precaution against fire, and for other reasons. Please, follow me."

Since the ramps were designed to bring materials directly to upper levels from reception it meant that they had to quickly go past the upper ramp and towards the back of the building, underneath the Operating Theater, before they were spotted from below. There they found five of the younger joiners standing around a small temporary table drinking pel. These straightened nervously as the group appeared. Fedris spoke to them.

"Quietly now, lads. A visitor arrives whom the Mistress does not desire to meet." He did not specify which Mistress. "We were never here, understand? We left earlier."

One of the lads craned his neck to look down the lower ramp, from which voices could now be heard. He turned back and nodded.

"As you command, Master Fedris," he said softly. "We will attend the door."

Fedris smiled. "Thank you."

A single door, like that in the house of Tyra's family, led out onto a narrow balcony which ran the length of the block. There were stairs set at every second property which descended to an access alley between the weaving lofts and the smaller properties behind. Fedris led them along to the adjacent stairway and gestured.

"If you would go down, Mistresses. Once we are under the balcony we will be harder to notice."

Once in the alley Fedris turned away from the direction Ursula expected him to take and instead led the party towards the city wall. Down here, further doors led into the ground floors of each property and there were also privies set against the buildings. The women all followed quietly. Once they reached the street at the end he paused long enough for Senia to ask a question.

"Fedris, why come this way? You said you lived but four casts yonder, yet we have come in the other direction!"

"We were too close to the avenue that leads to the docks, Mistress. If we had gone that way, we would likely have been seen as we crossed the end of Sabbar Street, but if we go this way we will cross the other end of Sabbar Street hidden by all the delivery wagons and I do not think we should be noticed. We can then go along Foti Lane and make our way to my workshop... unless you have other suggestions?"

Senia looked at Ursula, who nodded. "That's fine with me, Senia. Let's go before he discovers we are not there and begins a search."

The healer regarded Ursula thoughtfully. "You have done this before, have you not? A tale, I deem, for another day. Aye, Fedris, lead on."

In Foti Lane came the inevitable encounter. A small child was hanging from the balcony by his fingertips.

"Tyra! Mistress!" The four year old stared at Senia and Fedris.

Tyra exclaimed, "Oh, not you again, Teen. What are you up to today?"

"We're playing catch..." The child caught Ursula's eye and dried up.

"We're doing something important," Tyra told him. "We cannot stop today as I might have liked. Don't let us stop you from playing."

Teen stuck his tongue out at his big sister and then dropped lightly the three strides to the ground, immediately swarming up one of the columns of rungs set in the support posts to see if he had been spotted. The group moved on, trying to ignore shrieks, laughter and children hanging over their heads.

At the end Fedris did a quick check and led them across the broad road which went through the dock gates on their right before continuing into another lane opposite. This one was lined both sides with warehouses, some of which were open. Part way along this lane an alley led off right and Fedris went along here between two warehouses to a parallel lane where he relaxed.

"My house and workshop are just here, Mistresses. If I may show you and Tyra where I will keep your toolkit."

Across the lane was a row of houses which bore some similarities to both the fishermen's houses in Foti Lane and the Weaving lofts in Sabbar Street. Fedris led them into the ground floor of one of these, saying, "Welcome to my house and workplace." The space was empty apart from a stack of curious, flat constructions which seemed like giant, low drawers or trays. Instead of a ramp there was a wide, open staircase and Fedris headed for this. Above could be heard talking, which quietened as the group appeared.

"Master, you have returned. Ah, with guests!"

It was a workshop, set at the rear of the property, with two small forges and a number of benches at which three men were working. All stopped when the master of the house appeared.

"Aye, Herro, I have. Here is Healer Senia, whom you already know, and with her today are Healer Ursula and her maid Tyra, whom you also all know. It was for Mistress Ursula that I was making that special toolkit you were interested in."

Herro gave a brief bow and then looked worried. "Master, you have brought her here, is there some flaw with the work?"

Fedris smiled. "Indeed not, Herro. Mistress Ursula informs me that one set of tools will be kept with her at the Mansion and the other should be placed in the new clinic they are building in Sabbar Street. As they have not yet finished converting the building, I thought it best if the tools were kept here against need. Note you all, any one of these three may call for the tools when they are required. I shall put them here, on this shelf, where all might find them."

One of the others said, "Sabbar Street, that is the new work they are doing there? What is... a clinic, Master?"

Fedris turned to Ursula who replied, "A clinic is a place where healers will be able to do things that might not be easy to do in the home of a patient. If somebody has a serious injury, we can treat them there and not worry about infection or mess. They can stay there until they recover enough to go home."

The young man, probably an apprentice, looked pale. "Serious injury, Mistress?"

Ursula shook her head. "I will not describe all we might do but you can probably guess. Amputations, maybe. Removing objects from bodies... suppose you were using a chisel and it slipped and went into your arm. We would carefully remove it and clean the wound before sewing it up." She shrugged. "We will not know what will be needed until patients arrive."

They were all pale, now. The apprentice said, "As you say, Mistress."

Senia told them, "I approve of the tools Fedris brought. Know you all that more sets may be ordered in future days, though probably not right away."

Fedris said, "It is well, Mistress, since we have plenty of work to keep us busy. When you come with your orders, we shall be ready."

"Then, by your leave, I must be going," she said. "I have patients to visit nearby. Ursula, what will you do now?"

Ursula looked at Tyra, who shrugged. "We'll probably return to the Mansion by a different route," she said eventually. Both Senia and Fedris knew why. "Why do you ask?"

"I wondered if you would need my presence this afternoon, that is all." Again, the unspoken reason for her presence was understood by all.

"I have been told that we'll be going out for a ride this afternoon. Captain Hambran thinks that Tyra is ready for a proper ride into the country, though he does not think that we'll be doing anything too difficult."

"Ah, I see. Then I'll see you tomorrow morning, perhaps?"

"Of course."

Senia nodded to Fedris before turning and going down the stairs. The smith then turned to Ursula.

"Mistress, both you and your maid are riding this afternoon?"

"So it would seem, Master Fedris. Does that... upset you?"

"Not me, Mistress, though I know of some who think it unseemly. I know that His Grace has brought back new ideas and other wonders from Palarand and I suppose that we will all become used to new sights about our streets."

"As you say. Well, Tyra and I had better be on our way. We don't want to interrupt you and your team."

"Indeed, Mistress. Call for me again when you have further needs I may be able to supply."

"I'll do that."

Outside, Tyra turned to Ursula. "Mistress, if we want to avoid Lord Mathenar, then I suggest that we go this way. It will bring us out near -"

* * *

"Mistress Ursula! Good day to you, and to you also, Tyra."

Putto put down his chisel and stood from where he had been working at his lathe.

"Good morning, Master Putto. How is your arm?"

"It is well healed now, Mistress."

Putto held out his left arm, showing a thin red scar running along the forearm.

"That looks well mended. Have you had any more trouble with those... what did you call them?"

"Mistress? Oh, the labris, you mean? No, nothing since. I reported the matter to those concerned and they came and investigated but found nothing obvious."

"They have probably moved on, then. Did you send me a message this morning?"

"I did, Mistress." He looked embarrassed. "For your expertise, and your kindness, I have made a gift for you. Knowing of your interest in the musical instruments that I make, I thought to provide you with an example that you may practice your craft - your other craft, that is. You did say that it had been some time since you last played, perhaps I may help you restore your abilities by offering one of Joth's instruments."

It was Ursula's turn to be embarrassed. "Master Putto, you should not have. My craft is healing and I want no reward for doing what I can to help people with problems."

Putto moved to the side bench, where the instruments had been. "Mistress, I spend much of my time at my lathe and sometimes it is necessary for me to stop and relax with a tune or two, give my mind a different focus. I know that the healer's art can be a busy and unpleasant one at times, let me offer you a way to relax when you can find a moment or two. Music can sooth many demands on the mind, I deem."

"I am forced to agree, Master Putto."

He handed her a wooden cylinder, finely made with a coat of varnish to protect it. One end was flat, she saw, but the other contained a plug which was held on by cords that formed a short lanyard. She worked the plug out to find one of the recorder-like instruments she had tried before. She pulled it out, handing the container to Tyra.

"This is a fine instrument. What did you say it was called again?"

"It is a farb, Mistress. Shall you try it?"

Ursula put the farb to her mouth and blew gently. Tyra's eyes were round as she watched Ursula run up and down a scale, familiarizing herself with the instrument and its tones. She lowered the farb.

"I am tempted to take it, Master Putto. Learning to play a tune on it will remind me of my past."

The part of my past that I have no problem with. What would have become of me if I had not already chosen to go into medicine? Would I now be playing in an orchestra somewhere?

"Then please accept this as my gift to you, Mistress. Tyra, the case, if you would."

"Of course, Master Putto."

* * *

They arrived at the Mansion to find the front courtyard bustling with activity - and guards at the entrance arch, something Ursula had not seen before. Inside were several wagons and many men in traveling clothes, together with assorted dranakh and frayen. Her eye noted that the saddles were all of the new type, which brought the natural conclusion.

"I think these men and wagons may have come from Palarand," she said to Tyra.

The maid nodded. "Aye, I agree. The styles of attire are slightly different there than in Joth, even for the men. Doubtless we will discover all shortly, Mistress, since their presence in this yard means that they must have been invited by His Grace. If we may go to your chamber, you can refresh yourself and perhaps make ready to greet His Grace's guests."

"Oh, does that mean I'll have to dress up?"

Tyra thought. "I do not think so, not now, Mistress, but perhaps for the evening meal. I will ask Bellot what may be intended."

"Let's go, then, and get out of their way."

They threaded their way through the seeming chaos and reached the front entrance. A nod from the sentry and they were let in. Standing in the corridor were a group which contained Duke and Duchess as well as some of the travelers. Wallesan saw them enter and held up a hand to the group.

"A moment, friends, by your leave. If I may have a word with one of my other guests."

He joined them at the bottom of the stairs. "Ursula, I trust your morning's business was satisfactory?"

"It was, Your Grace. I see that you have more visitors."

"Indeed, though most will be found billets elsewhere in the city." He smiled. "The Mansion has space for guests, indeed, but not so many as have come from Palarand today. If I may leave the introductions until later? As you may see there is much to arrange. Oh, I understand that you and Tyra are going riding this afternoon with Eriana."

Ursula did not know how to respond to this. If I stay, then I don't have to ride, but then there will be all these people around. If I go, then at least I'll be out of everybody's way - and they will be out of mine.

Unless Eriana has decided that she doesn't want to go, if all these people are from Palarand?

"Your Grace?"

He held up a placating hand. "Do not worry, Eriana wants to ride. In truth, I do not think the business of the guildsmen of Palarand interests her very much. So you may go and take yourself and your maid away from the fuss and confusion which," he rolled his eyes, "will undoubtedly occupy the Mansion for much of the afternoon.

"No, what I wished to tell you is that my sons have become interested in the new saddles and ways of managing frayen, so both will be joining your ride this afternoon."

Everyone goes riding - which includes Mathenar and Luthan, much to Ursula's disgust. Friction turns into arguments before an unexpected interruption changes everything.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

31 - Confrontation

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Mathenar put his foot into the stirrup and then, grasping the saddle handles, smoothly pulled himself onto his mount. He bent to the right to discover the other stirrup before looking up with satisfaction.

"It is an interesting position, I deem. Positioned thus, my legs feel in a strange place."

"But now you may rise, to strike your opponent," Eriana responded. "You would not have been able to do so before."

Mathenar nodded. "As you say, Highness. But previously I did not feel the need to rise and strike an opponent."

Ursula looked on but was more intent on Tyra than the byplay in front of her. Since their visit to the Visund the Duke's elder son had been relatively quiet, but still managed to be maddening at the same time. This morning's episode had only worsened her impression of being stalked. She still wasn't entirely sure how he and Luthan had managed to invite themselves onto what was supposed to be a quiet ladies' ride out.

Eriana glanced around. "Is everyone ready?"

Ursula, Tyra, Bennet and Semma each raised a hand. Luthan looked uncomfortable but nodded. Hambran and Dirgan also raised hands.

"Then let us begin. The city is beginning to heat up and it will be better for beasts and riders once we are out in the country lanes. Captain, are you content with the route I described?"

"Aye, Highness, you show impressive knowledge of the area considering how short your time in Joth has been. It will do us all some good to have some green around us, I deem. If you would lead the way."

Eriana led off with Bennet by her side and Semma behind. The Duke's sons came next followed by Ursula and Tyra, with Hambran and Dirgan bringing up the rear. For this ride, all frayen wore panniers, most containing snacks or drink, though one of Ursula's and one of Tyra's had a hastily repacked selection of medical equipment and supplies. It was unlikely that any of the riders would suffer much more than sunburn today but there was always the possibility of finding a peasant with some kind of problem.

The group passed along the streets between the now regular clusters of onlookers. Women on frayen back were no longer such a novelty but some Jothans still gathered to see if any would pass, thinking perhaps about attire for their own future rides. There was scattered applause when the two sons were noticed, but perhaps not as much as either would have wished for.

Soon they were through the West Gate and on the verge beside the busy highway. Eriana led them perhaps a mark from the walls before turning off along a minor road to the south-west. They continued along this for another mark to a small junction where she called a halt.

"Is everyone comfortable? I know some of you have not ridden these saddles for very long, you must needs tell me if you consider that something is amiss. Should that be so you should return that Duban may be told of the problem, else you continue and spend the rest of the afternoon in pain."

Luthan spoke up. "Highness, these new saddles seem more comfortable than those I have used before. I find the leg position strange, but it seems to help me hold my balance. These new metal foot holders are more comfortable to my boots, too. Aye, I know what Hambran and Duban have told me but sometimes one must needs do something before it is possible to understand it."

"The foot holders are named stirrups, My Lord." She regarded him closely. "You have no aches? Pains? Your position is different, you are using different muscles and it may become tiring to you after a while."

"I am comfortable presently, Highness. If there is any problem then doubtless I will let you know."

"As you say. Tyra? How about you?"

"Highness, as My Lord says, it is different but I am comfortable now." The maid grimaced. "Whether I shall still be comfortable after riding in the afternoon heat I could not say."

"I do not intend an endurance trial today, merely a slow ride out somewhere quiet so that we may relax our minds and enjoy the countryside. If any of you desire to pause a moment or two along the way then I would have no objection."

There were no more comments so she turned down a narrow lane leading roughly south. This was little better than a farm track, twin ruts showing bare earth where carts had used it but otherwise beginning to be overgrown with new grass.

She pointed. "Yonder, in that clump of trees ahead, is a shelter where we may stop and take a drink." She smiled at the others. "I regret there is no pel today. I am sure we will all survive the lack until we return to the Mansion."

The clump of trees was a half mark further on and they pulled off the lane into the welcome shade of the spreading foliage. The shelter was a surprisingly well-built structure which consisted mainly of a roof to keep off sun and rain but there were some stalls or booths to one side.

"Ah," Hambran said, "I remember this place. Eriana, this is one of the structures we put up when we were investing the city. I have spent several nights here, learning what I could of the invaders' strength and movements."

"Do you tell me? I thought it was a little large and well-built for a farmer's use."

He spread his hands. "There seemed little point taking it down so it has been left for the nearby farms to use. I understand that all may use it on occasion. For now, it seems empty. If we may dismount?"

"Surely."

Water bottles of leather were unloaded and drinks taken in the customary pewter traveler's beakers. Ursula found Mathenar staring at her and decided to confront him directly.

"Why are you following me around, My Lord?"

There was a brief moment of what might have been guilt which was swiftly wiped from his face. "Mistress, I assure you that it is but chance that our paths have crossed so often." He shrugged. "There is much that is new in the city since our return and I have desired to investigate what I may. It was chance that we met at the docks yesterday."

"It was not!" Ursula retorted. "Everyone saw you stand up in the carriage and look around the dock area for something or someone. When I showed myself you headed straight for me with some story about the docks being dangerous and you wanting to protect me."

"Mistress, it is true that I heard that you were to be at the docks and it seemed to me that, as I had already planned to go there, I could offer assistance."

Luthan spoke up. "Give it up, Math. Everybody knows you chase every woman you see! That is why you were asked to leave Yod, was it not?"

Mathenar rounded on his brother. "I do not desire advice from you, of all people! You can find fault with every brick in a wall if you care to."

He turned back to Ursula. "Mistress, you are a lone woman, new to our lands and our customs, so I have been told. It is not safe for you to go around the city by yourself. I merely sought to provide some advice and assistance until you have become familiar with our ways."

"I am not in any danger, My Lord," she replied. "I am always accompanied by Healer Senia or by my maid. Everyone now knows that I am a healer and no-one would think of causing me trouble."

Mathenar persisted. "Mistress, you have been here but four weeks, so I was told. You know not the ways of Joth. There is good reason why every man of Joth customarily carries a weapon at hand whenever he sets foot beyond his doorstep. Why, even Her Highness and her... companions carry swords! I do not know if they would use them in battle, though, being women."

Eriana had become annoyed by the argument. "My Lord, you are on dangerous ground. Bennet and Semma have not tasted battle, it is true, but they are fully trained members of His Majesty's Palace Guard and will not bear such an insult lightly. I have tasted battle, as you know, as have two other women of His Majesty's Guard, in the taking of Boldan's Rock." She glared at him. "Shall you apologize?"

Mathenar noticed the hilt of Eriana's broadsword looming over her right shoulder and gulped. He had been made well aware of her own battle honors.

He bowed. "Your Highness, I spoke in haste. I am unused, as all in Joth must be, to seeing women under arms. Until recently, it has not been the custom for any woman to carry a sword and I find it difficult to adjust my thinking, as I must also do when considering the riding of frayen by women. If you would accept my apology."

The response was grudging. "If I must. My Lord, you must take care before you open your mouth again."

"Highness, your words are wise. I merely attempted to point out that Mistress Ursula is the only one here who has no means of defending themself."

"There are eight here with swords who will attend Ursula should there be need, though I will grant that Tyra is but an apprentice in the arts of war." Eriana gestured at the city walls, barely three marks to the north. "We are only just outside the city! Yod is vanquished, we ride through fields. She is safe enough here with us."

With the atmosphere sour they repacked their packs and remounted. Eriana again led them out along the track but it was Luthan who came up beside Ursula.

"Mistress, I know that I am known for disagreeing with all but this time I think that it is Mathenar who has the problem." He shook his head. "Something drives my brother, I know not what."

The gap between the riders was wide enough that Ursula thought that she could have a sensible conversation with Luthan.

"My Lord, where I come from we would call it stalking. An obsessive following by one person of another, beyond all reason. Even when that person is caught and shown the truth, they usually deny it."

Luthan nodded thoughtfully. "Stalking. Now that you say the word, Mistress, that describes his actions well." He adjusted his position in the saddle. "He may have need of such obsession, to a point. He is of course my father's heir, he must needs find himself someone who will become Duchess in time. Normally such as ourselves are paired with daughters of like rank at a younger age but it has not yet happened to either of us." He gave Ursula a sad smile. "You might be able to guess why."

She smiled back. "My Lord, I will not argue with you."

He nodded at the jest, then continued, "Mistress, you and those women who came with Her Highness are all single and thus you will interest Mathenar. I doubt that he would interest himself too much in Her Highness, because of her nature. The two armswomen would not be of suitable rank, thus it is you he pursues."

Of course. If he's looking for a wife, there are four women guests at the Mansion for him to consider. Luthan is right, that is most likely why he is following me around.

Should I be looking for a husband? It is really too soon but I am a real, actual woman who has to find a home somewhere eventually. Is there a man out there who would do for me what they are supposed to do for their chosen women? I do not know. I have never before reached the point where I would need to consider such matters.

I do know that Mathenar will not be the one! Even if his character had been better, I am not sure that I could cope with being a Duchess. I have seen all the work that Fanis has to do.

What do I do? Do I have to stay here and put up with him until he latches on to the next unfortunate woman who passes this way?

"Mistress, your saddlebag is not secure." Tyra pulled up on the other side and pointed. "I have just noticed the flap has come loose."

Ursula twisted but could not turn round enough to see. "Can you fix it while we're going, or do we need to stop?"

"If I might assist, Mistress," Luthan said. He reined his frayen round behind Ursula and came up the other side, Tyra pulling ahead to make room. He leaned down and reached the strap but could not do it up with one hand, so he dropped the reins and leaned further over, letting the beast find its own way. He could just reach with both hands to redo the buckle.

"That was amazing," he said, sitting up with a smile. "I had no idea that it was possible to do anything like that while seated, and riding! I felt so secure leaning over and I knew that I would not fall off. Now I understand why we are changing to the new saddle design."

"Indeed, My Lord," came Hambran from behind. "An excellent display of ridership, if I may say so, and proof of His Grace's judgment in choosing this saddle design."

Ursula gave Luthan a smile. "Thank you, My Lord."

Other thoughts struck her then. Luthan? He was a pain when he first arrived but he has been fairly sensible since - whenever I have seen him. Would he be husband material?

I doubt it, but I know that stranger things have happened.

Not now! Ask me in a year!

At a junction they came across three peasants pulling a handcart piled high with what looked like animal feed. They were about to pull the cart off the track to make room but Eriana stopped them.

"It is we who are intruding, not you. Go about your business, we have no particular route in mind so we will go this way instead."

The three bowed as the group turned east along a narrow track between two fields, with a deep ditch on the left side. In the distance ahead was another small clump of about five or six trees in full leaf, their bases hidden by brush. The field across the ditch was full of ripening grain of some kind while that to their left held the green globes of some root vegetable. At this distance Ursula could not make out what either crop was, despite close encounters with many kinds in Farren's kitchen.

Hambran rode past Ursula to the front and joined Eriana.

"Highness, how much further do you desire to go?"

"I have not considered time or distance, Captain. Is there some problem?"

"I have heard distantly the eighth bell, Highness. You must consider that you will need to return, bathe and change in order to greet your countrymen from Palarand this evening."

Eriana thought and nodded. "I have not forgotten our newest visitors, captain, though I will tell you that there are likely none who are well known to me. Still, I am presently my country's representative in Joth so I agree that we should make our return at a suitable time. What say you that we stop by that clump of trees to eat our snacks, and then find our way around to the Galdarin gate?"

"That would be wise, Highness. There are two with us today who are new to these saddles and one who has only slightly greater experience. A stop there will be most welcome to them, I deem."

Although the air was fresher than it had been, and the rain had cleared the dust from it, it was still late afternoon and warm. Ursula looked around for Tyra and maneuvered her way beside her.

"How are you feeling? Any sore parts?"

"Mistress, this is the second time that I will have ridden so far and some parts are sore, it is true. Mostly, though, it is my back muscles, muscles that I never knew I had. I assume that all will fade with time and practice?"

"I am told that is how it works, Tyra." Ursula grimaced. "For myself, my own back is discovering the delights of riding and by the time we get back I suspect a hot bath will be welcome. Any other problems?"

"Indeed not, Mistress. I have to tell you that I think I enjoy riding thus, though I know that you are not so enthusiastic."

"Tyra, I am doing it because it will be one of the quicker ways to get around and do my job. I regret that I do not enjoy the experience as most riders seem to."

Ahead of them, the clump of trees suddenly broke apart. Ursula could not comprehend what she was seeing until her brain finally made sense of the scene.

Five dark shapes separated from the top of the trees. Two spread out to the left, spreading wide wings, while two went to the right. The last one headed directly for them, its bat-like wings spread wide to allow it to glide effortlessly in their direction.

The next thing that Ursula was aware of was her face smacking side-wise into the grass of the verge, followed by a murderous yank on her right leg as she was dragged along by her frayen. After the third bounce the stirrup released her boot and she was flung to the ground.

Stunned, she rolled over in time to see two riderless frayen collide in front of her, one breaking its neck with a sickening crack. The two tumbled in a heap of bodies and thrashing legs before one scrambled to its feet and headed straight for her. Desperately she covered her head with her arms but the beast jumped her and vanished from her sight.

She looked upward, to see the five flying creatures - monsters, really - begin to dive at the party from different directions. Everyone else had been dismounted the same way she had been, most were still picking themselves up from the ground - and most were drawing swords. Briefly, Mathenar's words came back to haunt her.

Boje! Those are monsters! She watched the action from her half-raised position, unable to think of any way she could help the others, or even protect herself. There was a certain intellectual detachment despite her mortal predicament. What are they? Those are not avians. Bats?

The first one dived low, its stride-long snout full of gleaming teeth ready to grip or rend. She was aware of others throwing themselves flat as it passed over them. Then, the other creatures followed in sequence, attempting to snap at the helpless humans lying on the ground.

"Behind you, Mistress!"

She threw herself flat just as a row of gleaming teeth passed a hands-breadth from her face. There was a smell, a powerful stench that reminded her of rotten fish. Raising herself slightly, she glanced around at the others. Hambran lay ahead of her, on his side, the lower hand clutching his right shoulder. Dirgan lay flat on his back a short distance further on, awkwardly attempting to draw his sword. The others must have been behind her.

Not bats. Not with those heads. Like something out of a... She had a shocked memory, then, of pictures seen in school. Dinosaurs? She was stunned. Is that possible? Can they be flying dinosaurs?

A hand touched her upper shoulder lightly. The voice was shaky and it belonged to Tyra.

"Stay down, Mistress. I am here."

Ursula twisted her head to see a white-faced Tyra gripping her sword so tightly that she could not have much control over what she did with it.

Someone came and knelt at her other side. "Mistress, I am here also. We will do whatever is possible."

Luthan!

"Down!" he hissed. The three lay flat as another flew over them from a different direction.

The detached part of her brain thought, with wonder, Are they intelligent? This attack is carefully organized, they are coming at us from five different directions but somehow timed so they don't collide.

...And different directions means that they have us corralled. No escape!

Another gasped instruction. "To your left, Mistress!"

Ursula turned and saw another of them swoop, lower than the previous attacks. This time she noticed red claws at the leading edge of the wings, claws on the rear limbs, thick, coarse hair... and it wasn't really black, more a very dark reddish purple. There was a longish neck and the rear of the head projected back to form a brightly colored vane which was apparently used to help control flight.

They are huge! The body of that thing must be about the size of a frayen! The wingspan must be at least five meters. No wonder they are willing to attack humans.

Her two protectors resolutely faced the incoming beast and it veered slightly, to aim at another victim, Eriana, who was even now bringing her huge sword into play. Suddenly, she stood up and swiped at the creature as it reached her. It twisted in mid-air to avoid the strike, which would probably have removed its head, but the broadsword caught it a glancing blow on one wing as it passed. It fell from the sky, tumbling in a heap nearby. The strength of the beating wing knocked the sword out of Eriana's grasp and it spun away into the grass.

"Get away!"

Eriana turned to see Bennet and Semma, back to back, suffer another attack. This time, Bennet stood her ground and twisted out of the way of the beak, bringing her sword up to slice at the neck of the creature. It plunged to the ground, knocking Bennet's sword from her grasp, but Semma immediately ran to it and began hacking at the neck before it could recover. Blood squirted out everywhere from the part-severed neck as it thrashed about in its death throes.

"Graaakh!"

Ursula, Tyra and Luthan spun about to see the beast that Eriana had downed struggle to its feet, or more accurately its limbs. It limped towards them on rear feet and one folded wing, resting the front of its body on the knuckles formed by the wing claws. The other wing hung awkwardly, seemingly damaged either by Eriana's sword or by its tumble to the ground.

"Graaakh!"

It shambled directly towards them, a red glint in its eyes and with obvious murderous intent. Even with one injured wing, it would be a formidable opponent, but it would be like facing an injured tiger: too big, too powerful, too angry to care about its injury. The two with her were silent, frozen by its stare as the beast approached.

Bang!

A cloud of acrid smoke briefly enveloped everyone and everything before it cleared. The creature lay tumbled again, obviously dead with a huge hole through its body. A slight noise made Ursula turn her head to find Eriana standing there with a smoking metal object in her hand.

"They rise," Luthan said, staring around. "The odds are against them now, I deem."

"Aye," Eriana agreed, "and they are doubtless alarmed by the sound and smoke of my Personal Pistol."

They watched the remaining three circle for a time before the creatures came together in a group and begin to gain height. Finally they turned and headed north-east, their shapes clearly visible for a while against the spring cloud cover.

Dirgan appeared, breathing hard. "Mistress, if you would come. The Captain has been injured, likely when he was thrown from his beast."

They looked over to where Hambran sat on the ground, his left hand clutching his right shoulder. Ursula scrambled unsteadily to her feet, the adrenaline still hammering through her veins.

"Will they come back?" she asked the group. Her mouth was dry.

Dirgan shook his head. Knowing that Ursula had no knowledge at all about the beasts, Bennet explained, "Mistress, grakh often travel in small groups just like this. It seems they migrate towards the ocean, to our north-east, early every spring, and return again either just before the rains or much later in the fall. It is late for them to be around the Great Valley now. I do not think we will see them again."

"Do you tell me?" Eriana said. "Grakh are known to us, of course, but they do not often come to the waters so far south as Einnland." She stared at the carcass. "Nor are they such large beasts as this. I wonder if -" She broke off. "But I forget myself. Ursula, if you would attend Captain Hambran."

"Of course, Highness."

Ursula walked over towards Hambran, Tyra following with her sword still drawn. "Mistress, what if you should need your bandages and ointments? I do not know where our frayen might be."

Ursula quickly looked around but none were obviously visible. Bennet was with them and she explained, "Mistress, when grakh attack frayen they will scatter in all directions, hoping the grakh choose a frayen in another direction. With the old saddles all their riders would be thrown immediately, as we were today by surprise. Our beasts will likely be in nearby fields, no doubt happily devouring the farmer's crops."

"I see. From the way the Captain is sitting, I might not need any bandages this time."

They reached Hambran, who was obviously in great pain.

"I need to examine you, Captain."

"I think it is dislocated, Mistress. Do you know how to set it right?"

"Of course, Captain. Let me see if there is any other damage first. I regret this might hurt, my healing kit is eating crops somewhere in these fields."

That brought a wan smile to Hambran's strained face. "As mine will be, Mistress. Do what you must."

She made a brief exploration, without removing any clothing, and concluded that it was a straightforward dislocation, probably when he fell off.

"Bennet, I want you to hold the Captain's other arm, to brace him, when I reset his shoulder."

With Bennet steadying Hambran, she wrapped her right arm around his and then pulled and twisted. Hambran gave a shout of pain as the joint went back in the socket but the cry broke off and he nodded to her.

"That feels right, Mistress. Tsss! It is still sore, though nothing like it was before." He looked up. "Guardswoman Bennet, I was impressed by the way you tackled that beast. There are few of His Grace's men who would have dared do that."

Bennet straightened with the praise. "Thank you, Sir."

The others had joined them by then and so Ursula asked, "Are there any other injuries?"

It seemed that many would be bruised by nightfall but no-one had anything more obviously serious.

She told them, "I would caution you all that there may be sprained wrists, ankles or other joints from when you were thrown. If you do notice anything during the rest of today, come and tell me at once."

Hambran, still holding his right arm, looked up at them. "We'll need our mounts to be able to get back to the Mansion. If I may ask Dirgan, Bennet and Semma to start looking for them. I know the ladies have a better touch, they may be able to retrieve spooked beasts easier than..." He trailed off looking at the group. "Where is Lord Mathenar? Does anyone remember seeing him?"

Along the field verge, in the direction from which the group had ridden, came two of the farmers. They were towing a frayen.

"We saw the attack from a distance," one explained when they arrived. "We had seen the beasts earlier, flying over, but we did not know that they had roosted nearby. We thought they had flown on. Is any hurt? Should we call for help?"

Hambran, still sitting on the ground, answered. "A dislocated shoulder, Goodman, some cuts and bruises, nothing more. But our frayen and one of our party is missing." He looked up at Eriana. "Highness, think you that we need help? Apart from myself there are no serious injuries."

Eriana looked around and then spoke to the man. "Goodman, we thank you, we are fortunate to have a healer among our number this day. If I may check whose beast you have there."

She strode over and reached up to peer at the nameplate on the saddle. "Tis Semma's beast, which is well. Semma, if you would mount and begin the search. While we know what injuries we have, we do not know how our beasts have fared and we have a man missing. He may be in worse plight than any of us."

Semma replied, "Aye, Highness."

"Highness?" The men were surprised and began to lower themselves to one knee.

"Rise, please. I am not your liege nor anything like, merely a guest of His Grace. It was I who provided the ship which brought him back from Palarand. Captain Hambran leads our party this day."

Since Eriana had already been giving instructions, Hambran raised a whimsical smile. "Semma, yes, check your beast and then mount if you would. Bring back each beast you may find, that another may aid you in the search and so on."

"As you command, Captain."

The surprised farmers watched as Semma walked around her mount with a knowledgeable eye and then mounted. From her greater height she surveyed their immediate surroundings before setting off across the root crop field.

"I did not know," one said. "Is it now the custom that women ride, and may carry arms?"

Hambran gave a snort, followed by a wince. "Aye, good fellows, we have learned that a woman may be as good as a man in many respects. Indeed, it was two of our women who downed the two grakh you see before you."

"Do you tell me?" They eyed the two carcasses with amazement - and calculation. "I wonder, if it would be possible, there is much meat to be had."

They would eat the monsters? Of course they would. It means that they do not have to butcher one of their livestock for a week or two longer.

I should remember that life can be rougher out here, away from the city.

Hambran nodded. "I do not see why not." He twisted around. "There are two grakh and a frayen here dead. Do you eat frayen?"

The two looked at one another. "Sir, it has been known. It would be better than leaving it to rot in the fields or be eaten by scavengers."

"Then you may have the frayen and that grakh there, the one with the hole in it. In this weather they probably will not last long, so I would ask you to share with your neighbors. The other, I deem, we will take back to the Mansion to show the Duke and mayhap see what Farren can make of it."

One walked over and looked at the grakh carcass. "If it please you, Sir, what manner of weapon made this hole?"

"Have you heard of guns?"

He nodded. "We have heard the word but know nothing more except the invaders used them, Sir."

"I will not describe them now but to say they are noisy, smelly and very deadly. If you are lucky you may never see them as long as you live - but much may change in the future, of course. A small gun carried by Her Highness made that hole. Think what it would do to a man."

They looked nervously at Eriana but she gave a dismissive wave. "You have approached along the path, have you seen our missing man?"

"No, uh, Highness. There may be other frayen that way but no man."

"Then we must all look around carefully. He may have been knocked unconscious and be lying in the crops."

"Or the ditch," Hambran added.

That was where they found Count Mathenar, heir to the Duchy of Joth. He was hiding in a clump of reeds at the bottom of the ditch. He rose to his feet when he heard their voices above.

"You have survived, then? I was not sure."

"My Lord," Hambran replied, "I could say the same of you. What happened?"

"I was thrown, I knew not at first by what," Mathenar explained. "I tumbled into this ditch, almost to the bottom. Then I saw the monsters swoop across and realized what was happening. I thought to conceal myself in these reeds, that someone might survive to summon help, and to bear witness."

He began to climb the slope, not noticing the incredulous stares those above gave him.

"We could have done with your help, Math," Luthan told him, "especially after all that talk earlier about protecting the women."

"The grakh were too strong," Mathenar said lamely, "I did not think any of you would survive."

Eriana sniffed. "We were seven with swords against five with teeth and claws, good enough odds to me. Besides," she added, "you may have concealed yourself, as you thought, from those on foot, but I deem that anything that flew above you would see you plainly."

Mathenar reached the top and stared at the three large carcasses nearby. "Two dead? You killed two of them? How is this possible?"

Hambran replied, "My Lord, for all your talk earlier of women and battle, it was our women who downed the beasts. Bennet felled one which Semma finished off, then Her Highness smote another from the air and killed it with her pistol when it menaced Mistress Ursula and Lord Luthan."

"I... see." He turned away so that they could not see the shame on his face, but it was far too late for that. He changed tack. "Has any gone for help? What about our frayen? You!" He pointed to one of the farmers.

"Enough, My Lord," Eriana said in a voice which would take no nonsense, "Semma is rounding up our frayen and these farmers have already offered assistance. Your advice and instruction is not required."

Mathenar bristled. "But I am the heir of Joth! You are but a guest of my father, you should not be giving orders."

Hambran said, "My Lord, it is I who am in charge of this party. We did not ask for your advice, we did not notice your help in the battle, we did not even ask you to join us this afternoon."

"I shall have words with Father about your conduct, Captain!"

Eriana said, "There are eight witnesses here to your conduct, My Lord. You were advised earlier to think before opening your mouth and you have failed to do so. Captain Hambran commands this party, not you nor I." She turned. "Captain, we have a dead frayen to consider. We must needs find out who it belonged to and then strip it of saddle and harness before these fine folk of the soil may take it away. Can you ride, do you think?"

Hambran grimaced. "If this had been a battle against those of Yod, then of course I would ride. Today... I would prefer not to. What is it you suggest, Highness?"

Instead of answering directly she turned to the farmers. "I recall there were three of you."

"Aye... Highness. Kelf has gone for help, seeing the grakh swoop in the distance. We knew that we might not be soon enough to assist you, but we could provide aid afterwards, if any should be needed." He wrung his hands nervously. "Did we do right, Highness? We have no weapons as you do, only hay forks for the fodder."

"Goodman, I would not think to let one such as yourself face such peril, should there be any choice. If I may ask, where has this Kelf gone? Is it to some village nearby? What I mean is, how long do you think it will take him to return, or shall I send someone else once we have a mount or two back?"

The farmer pointed. "Yonder is a farm which used to run gavakhan but now teaches those of the city to ride, or so we were told. We know that city folk go there and that there may be spare frayen. It is about a mark and a half away. Someone there should -"

"The riding school?" Eriana broke in. "We know it well. We women have all used it in recent days. As I recall, there are wagons there and maybe even a carriage. Captain, does that answer you?"

Hambran nodded. "Aye, Highness, it does. Once Semma returns with a beast someone can ride over there to ask for a wagon. The wagon can bring Kelf back when it comes."

Dirgan came back into the group. "Captain, from the contents of the saddlebags, the dead frayen is one that I think Lord Mathenar was riding. It only has a numbered ring instead of a name plate, so it was a pool beast."

Eriana turned to Mathenar with a wicked grin. "My Lord, it seems that you may be riding the wagon as well this evening. I would not think of forcing you onto an uncomfortable saddle for the journey home."

This time, Mathenar kept his mouth shut.

* * *

Since the grakh carcass filled the entire bed of the wagon, Mathenar and Hambran were forced to sit either side of the wagoneer for the ride back to the Mansion. Behind the wagon rode the rest in single file. One frayen could not be found but the farmers promised that they would send word when it was. No-one thought that it would be stolen; to steal such a beast so close to the city, with a new saddle and military trappings, would be suicidal.

Of course, word of their adventure arrived at the city long before the party did. There were plenty of onlookers as they rode through the Galdarin Gate and turned towards the Mansion. There were gasps of astonishment at the cargo in the farm wagon and many gasped at Mathenar being seated on it, wondering if he had been injured.

When the wagon turned into the courtyard it was forced to stop almost immediately, since the yard was still full of wagons recently arrived from Palarand. Most of the bustle and confusion had gone, though, so those riding were able to make their way around the obstruction and into the rear courtyard. Willing hands helped them down and took their mounts away for a well-earned rub-down and rest.

Wallesan and Fanis were waiting for them at the porch.

The Duke greeted them with a smile. "If this is what happens when you go out on a quiet ride, Eriana, then I hope that I shall never join you on an exciting one!" His expression changed when he saw theirs. "Why, what has happened? Nine was the number that went out, was it not? Nine have returned, though I see Hambran has his arm in a sling."

"We were ambushed by five grakh, Wallesan, of a size I am told is considered large. By accident, luck and sheer brazen stupidity in the face of such a foe we contrived to bring down two. One we have brought back, for you to inspect, and possibly to see if Farren can make anything of it."

"A grakh! This I must see. Fanis, shall you come?"

Fanis asked, "Is it dead, Eriana?"

"Oh, yes, Fanis, very dead. Bennet felled it and Semma finished it off."

"Then I will come, but you will forgive me if I become upset by the sight of it. You know how much we Valley folk fear such monsters."

"I do. Come, then."

Ursula asked, "Highness, is it all right if I go upstairs? It has been a long day - and I have already seen the grakh, in far too much detail."

"Of course. Fanis, what of the evening meal? Have you yet eaten?"

Wallesan answered, "Since we received the news I decided to delay the meal until you return. There will be time for you all to bathe and refresh yourselves before we eat."

"Father," Mathenar asked then, "if I may go to my chambers as well. I am tired after the day's outing."

"Of course, son."

Mathenar walked into the Mansion but the look the others gave him was noticed by Wallesan.

"What?"

"Not now, Wallesan," Eriana said tiredly. "Not now, but later this evening there are matters you must needs consider."

* * *

"Good night, Father, Mother. Good night, Highness."

The door to the living room closed and an uncomfortable silence descended on the three who remained. It was broken by Wallesan.

"His explanation sounded reasonable to me."

Fanis said, "So did that of Luthan." She sighed. "What are we to make of our boys, Wal?"

"They are not what I thought either to be when they were younger, my dear. Eriana, I hesitate to ask your opinion, but you could be called a disinterested observer in this matter."

"Me? Possibly, Wallesan, but I hesitate to give an opinion to you, as this is purely a family matter."

"But whose story must I believe? The future of Joth is at stake, as well you know."

Eriana's face twisted in frustration. "I am no diplomat, Wallesan! You know that well, I am a woman of blunt speaking and direct action. Shall you then hear my words? I will tell you plainly what I think and then I will say no more on the subject."

The Duke gave a faint smile. "I know what you are, Eriana, and I wish that more of my people were like you. All I usually hear are half-truths, omissions, evasions and outright lies. Say your words, I will hear them."

"Very well. It is true that Mathenar was tossed in the ditch and had no idea, at first, what was happening. However, he must needs have heard the shouts and sounds of battle from above, and would have known that his companions - his brother, even! - had need of his blade in defense. Yet he did nothing, hiding himself from any who peered into the ditch, but not, I deem, from anything that flew above."

"He would not have thought of that. Aye, he should have responded when he heard shouts of need, but to crawl from the ditch would have exposed him as he said."

Eriana snorted. "The rest of us were already exposed, and we were fighting for our lives! One more, appearing from the ditch, may have caused the monsters to reconsider the odds and break off. No, Wallesan, I do not know how you judge such matters here but where I come from Mathenar would be deemed a coward. He should at least have tried."

The uncomfortable silence returned. Eriana's charge was a grave one.

Eventually Wallesan spoke. "Mayhap he has no experience of battle, Eriana. I know that Luthan has faced those of Yod in at least two battles and, by all accounts I have received, done no worse than any man of Joth might." He shook his head. "Word of Mathenar's deeds in Ferenis and Yod are harder to come by. He may not have faced battle at all. You know well that the first taste of battle is crucial for the tempering of a soldier, perhaps he has not yet faced that trial."

"Wallesan, I can not disagree." Eriana hesitated before going on, "You must also know that, since he has returned to the Mansion, he has taken an unhealthy interest in Ursula. He has been following her around the city, seemingly by chance. This interest seems to me to confirm rumors from upriver concerning his conduct there and his reasons for returning."

Wallesan raised his eyebrows. "Do you tell me? I have not taken much note of recent rumor, as you may well understand. Fanis?"

"Wal, it is true. I do not know if this is just a fancy on sighting someone new or something more... concerning. Of course, neither of our boys have yet found wives and perhaps this is an attempt by Math to remedy that lack."

The Duke nodded. "That may be so. I will study the activities of both boys more carefully in the coming days, I think. The future of the Duchy is at stake and therefore, of course, its part in the Federation. Eriana, I thank you for your plain speaking. Do not hesitate to do it again, should you consider it needful." He smiled. "But only in private, I deem."

"Wallesan, I am honored that you would hear my counsel at all. Thank you."

Fanis leaned forward to the table.

"More wine, Eriana?"

The Princess held up a hand. "No more tonight, Fanis. I must have a clear head in the morning, I deem. There will be much to do."

Wallesan spoke. "You are decided, then?"

"Aye, Wallesan. We cannot sail tomorrow, it is too soon, there are visitors to greet, but after breakfast the next day if all may be accomplished."

"Your ship is ready?"

"Of course! It has been ready some while, as you well know. It is the fitness of the crew that has caused us to remain in Joth and Ursula has now pronounced all fit enough to sail. I shall instruct Lars to arrange the loading of the stores we will need, that is all."

"What of your pilot? Have you the same fellow as before?"

Eriana shook her head. "No-one knows where he is, Wallesan. If needs be, I can always find another."

"And Ursula?"

"I do not know. I will bespeak her in the morning, I think, find out what she wants to do. She has already made herself at home in Joth, I deem, but something bothers her yet. Tomorrow, then."

"As you say. If there is anything more that those of Joth may do for you and your crew, come to me directly. We owe you all a great deal and you have made Joth better by your presence here."

"Thank you, Wallesan, your words mean much to me, and I shall tell the crew what you have said to me."

"Then perhaps we should all retire now. Matters may look very different after a good night's sleep."

"Aye." Eriana rose. "Good night to you both."

After the grakh attack the locals are naturally interested in the creatures, so Wallesan exhibits the carcass in the Great Hall. Ursula obtains permission to join the Visund and spends the morning packing. Maralin returns later with news and the following morning the Visund departs.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

32 - Greetings and Farewells

Disclaimer: The original characters and plot of this story are the property of the author. No infringement of pre-existing copyright is intended. This story is copyright (c) 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

---

"Graaakh!"

Ursula, Tyra and Luthan spun about to see the beast that Eriana had downed struggle to its feet, or more accurately its limbs. It limped towards them on rear feet and one folded wing, resting the front of its body on the knuckles formed by the wing claws. The other wing hung awkwardly, seemingly damaged either by Eriana's sword or by its tumble to the ground.

"Graaakh!"

It shambled directly towards them, a red glint in its eyes and with obvious murderous intent. Even with one injured wing, it would be a formidable opponent, but it would be like facing an injured tiger: too big, too powerful, too angry to care about its injury. The two with her were silent, frozen by its stare as the beast approached.

Bang!

The shock wakened Ursula again. It was still dark. She had already lost count of the times she had relived that awful moment. She rearranged the sheet and light covering - again - and let her head drop back down onto her pillow.

I know what this is. I just didn't expect to see it this soon.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD.

I feel terrible, but that is probably due to lack of sleep. That is one of the things it does to a sufferer.

Physician, heal thyself!

But how?

The next time she awoke light was leaking through the gaps around the window drapes. She still felt terrible. There were noises from outside, from in the corridor, from Tyra's closet, so it was presumably time to rise.

Tyra appeared, yawning.

"Oh, good morning, Mistress." The maid looked more closely at Ursula. "It seems that you had no better night than I did."

"You could say that. I must have relived that thing shambling towards us a hundred times. You?"

"Many teeth reaching down from the sky, Mistress. Over and over again. And the smell."

"Please. Don't remind me." Ursula began to think about the new day's activities. "It looks as if the Visund will be sailing tomorrow."

"Aye, Mistress. It will be a fine sight to watch it go, but I will miss Her Highness and all her men. Will you be down at the docks?"

"That is a good question, Tyra. I'm seriously wondering, not just whether I should be at the docks, but whether I should be on the Visund when it leaves."

Tyra was silent for a long moment. She asked in a low voice, "Would you leave me behind, Mistress?"

"If I went? If you wanted to come, and Eriana let you, then of course I wouldn't leave you behind! But you are not mine to give an order like that, unfortunately, you belong to the Mansion." Ursula threw back the covers, swung her legs off the bed and stood, stretching. "Look. I am seriously considering leaving for a number of reasons, but the main one is Lord Mathenar. If I remain here then he'll just go on following me around."

Tyra considered this briefly before nodding. "I can see the need, Mistress. Have you yet asked Her Highness if you may travel with her?"

"Not yet. This only decided itself while I was asleep." She yawned. "Let us get ourselves organized and dressed for the day."

"Mistress, what of Mistress Senia? I recall she was to meet you below after breakfast, as usual."

"Oh!" Ursula wrinkled her nose. "There will be too much to do today, I think, for me to go out with Senia, particularly with all these new faces around. And you are telling me that it may affect what I wear today. Um. Let us go in the toilet and the bathroom, I may have some more idea when we come out."

But Ursula still had no idea what to wear when both emerged from the bathroom in their fluffy robes. Fortunately a knock came at the door as she was trying to come to a decision. It was Semma.

"If you would join Her Highness in her chambers, Mistress, before any goes down to breakfast."

"Certainly, Semma! I am not sure what to do and a word with Her Highness may be just what I need."

Ursula and Tyra followed Semma along the corridor, still in their robes, and into Eriana's suite. She was sitting in her own robe in a chair in her sitting room.

"Good morning, Ursula, Tyra." The Princess stood. "I know that it is early and you have not yet dressed but I have need of your healing art this morning, by your leave."

"Of course, Highness, but I have not brought any of my things with me."

Eriana smiled. "If you would first examine me and tell me if anything is needed."

"As you wish. What is the problem?"

The Princess began taking off her robe. "When I fell off my beast yesterday I landed on my Personal Pistol. It has made a pistol-shaped bruise in my thigh."

She lifted her nightgown to show a dark blue bruise on the side of her thigh. Ursula bent to look at it.

"Nasty. But the skin is not broken, it could have been worse. Does it hurt?"

"Oh, aye, it hurts! What can you give me?" She added, "I have much to do today and this will be a distraction. If you did not know, the Visund will sail tomorrow morning."

"I heard, Highness." Ursula considered the discolored thigh. "There is some numbing ointment I can use and I would prefer to put a bandage over it, to cushion it against any accidental knocks. Can you manage like that?"

"Done. I was not sure, you might say to leave it, let the air help it to heal."

"If it was elsewhere on your body, Highness, then I might have suggested that." Ursula gave Eriana a sidelong glance. "But would you really wander around the Mansion today with almost no clothes on?"

"Hah! Of course you are right, Ursula. Ointment and bandage, then, and we can all attire ourselves ready for the day." Her eyes searched Ursula's face. "Did you not sleep well last night? Your eyes... and those of Tyra too. Is it the battle-shock?"

Ursula said, "Highness, on Earth we call this reaction 'Post Traumatic Stress Disorder'", but was startled to hear it rendered in the local language as "Battle Shock". Eriana frowned, so Ursula added, "Ah, that was not what I thought I was saying, Highness. You know that the language they speak here is unknown on Earth? That what I speak is not the way I think?"

Eriana's eyes narrowed. "I had not considered the business but what you say must needs be true. How, then, can you understand us?"

"The way that Maralin told it to me, there is a kind of translator in our heads. When I talk, it translates what I think into words in whatever language the listener needs. Similarly, when anyone here speaks, it is translated inside my head into something I would understand."

"And that is how you can also speak the tongue of Einnland, I deem?"

"So I was told. I have no idea how it works. Maralin said that in time we will learn to speak and talk naturally in those languages, rather than having them translated."

"As you say. So, ointment and bandage, then? Shall I come to your chamber?"

Ursula hesitated before replying. "I don't mind, Highness, but I have a question before we go. Would it be possible for me to join you on the Visund?"

Eriana was surprised but also pleased. "To sail with me? You would join me and my men as we go upriver?"

"I would. I know it is short notice but yesterday's little excitement -" Eriana snorted, "- has made me think about my future. If I stay here I will be stuck with Mathenar following me around. I could move out of the Mansion but it would not really solve the problem. There are other reasons," Ursula added.

"Aye?"

Ursula thought carefully before slowly replying, "Highness, it is a question of trust. I have been given much in Joth in terms of clothes, lodging and facilities and I recognize that I owe them a great debt. But the Duke has his mind on greater matters and I am certain that he has not told me everything he knows. Bluntly, Highness, though I trust the Duke not to do anything I would object to, I would not trust him fully. I think that I would trust you more."

Eriana's eyes glistened as she came over and took Ursula's hands. "Ursula, my dear, I am overwhelmed to hear your words. Before these others I will swear that I shall do nothing to abuse the trust you have just given me."

Ursula, now aware what oaths might entail, quickly held up a hand. "Highness, you cannot swear that! You have no idea what might happen in the future."

The Princess nodded. "Aye, you are right, of course. Yet I have already given my oath to protect you, keep you from harm, guide you as you make your way in this world. Will that be sufficient?"

"It will, Highness. And now we must go, or we will be eating breakfast leftovers in the kitchen."

A smile. "Indeed! If you would lead the way. Bennet, Semma, you may remain here and dress as we discussed. I will return shortly."

Eriana led the way out into the corridor. They entered Ursula's suite and Ursula headed for her basket of salves and potions. Tyra went to a hook and retrieved the leather satchel which held bandages, dressings and other medical devices.

The Princess took off her robe and threw it roughly in the direction of the nearest chair before rolling up her nightgown, twisting the roll and tucking it to keep it above her waist. Then she simply used her thumbs to drop her panties and step out of them. By this time Ursula had become used to seeing naked or part-naked women, but this was unexpected.

"Are you comfortable with me like this? I can take the nightgown off it if will make it any easier."

"Uh, uh, Highness, I think I am more concerned should somebody come to the door."

"You are right, Ursula, we should have gone into the bedroom."

"If you do not mind, Highness."

Eriana scooped up her panties and stalked into Ursula's bedroom. Ursula followed carrying the basket while Tyra brought the bag. Panties, basket and bag were dumped on the bed. Ursula found the ointment she wanted and began covering the bruise.

"If you are to come with me," Eriana said thoughtfully, "is it your thought that your maid should join you?"

"I do not mind either way, Highness. Tyra asked me earlier when I said I wanted to leave and she asked if she could come with me. Of course she is technically a servant of the Mansion, not personally of me."

She waved a hand. "That should be no problem, Ursula. Bennet and Semma are sworn to the King but they accompany me, as though on detached duty. Wallesan may do the same for Tyra, should he agree that she may accompany you."

Ursula turned. "Tyra? Would you agree to that?"

The maid bobbed but then thought. She said carefully, "If His Grace my liege permits me to come, then of course I would do so. If His Grace my liege releases me from his service, that I might vow myself to Mistress Ursula, then I would do that too."

Eriana's eyebrows raised. "You would do that? Swear to Ursula?"

"After yesterday, Highness, it has become clear that Mistress Ursula has need of a maid, confidant and protector. I believe that, despite my present inexperience, I am the person she needs."

"That may be so, but you know that I have sworn to protect Ursula, and that both Bennet and Semma are both trained women-at-arms? Both serve me as companions where female matters are concerned, they may well do the same for Ursula."

It is what happened when we first arrived, after all. The implication is that I would be well enough provided for if Tyra could not come.

She had a small revelation then.

Tyra and I have gotten used to sharing secrets. Minor ones so far, it is true, but we have meshed together very well since she was assigned to me. I did not have the same relationship with Bennet when she was here.

I am astonished to find that I like having Tyra as my maid!

She said, "This is premature, Highness. Let us wait and see what His Grace thinks of all this. He may not be happy to see me sail away from Joth with you, especially at the moment."

"Your words are wise, Ursula. Very well. Provisionally I will accept both you and Tyra on board, assuming the Duke does not object. Now, how are you going to wind that around my hip?"

Eriana pointed to the bandage which Ursula had removed from the bag. Both studied Eriana's wide and flawless hips.

"I have no idea, Highness. It is likely to be both awkward and uncomfortable, isn't it? Perhaps it would be better just to have a pad which is held in place by your underwear."

"As you say." Eriana retrieved her panties as Ursula dug out a suitable dressing. "How do you manage such matters on the mother world, if I may ask?"

"We have dressings similar to this," she held up the rectangle of wadded cloth, "but they have a sticky strip around the outside. They need no bandages to hold them in place."

"Do you tell me? And may we see such dressings here in the Valley at some time? They could be of use on the field of battle, I deem."

"Probably." Ursula smiled. "Assuming that I stop anywhere long enough to work out the details."

Tyra asked, "Mistress? There is still the matter of today's attire."

"Yes. Highness, do you have any suggestions? I do not think that I will be going out with Senia today, especially if I have to pack."

"Hmm. This morning I will be wearing a suitable day dress, since there are people from Palarand to greet. If I may suggest that you do the same, Ursula, I am sure that Wallesan will want to introduce you to some of them. Then, if we bathe before lunch, a change to a ship dress will make us feel more comfortable. That will also permit most of your attire to be packed."

She frowned. "If you two are to go, I must needs ask Wallesan for some chests. You will both require two, I deem, but there may be more according to your additional equipment," she turned to Tyra and smiled, "not to mention your additional equipment. Bennet and Semma each have a separate chest for their fighting gear." She hesitated. "And for their riding gear, but our saddles did not come with us on the ship. Let me think about that until later."

Tyra's eyes were wide. "So many chests, Highness?"

Eriana gave her a grin. "We are women, it seems to be necessary. The men manage with a dunnage bag each but we must needs carry a wider selection according to need. Another time, Tyra. I must join the others to dress, you two must also dress and then we should go down for breakfast."

"As you say, Highness."

In a short time everybody was dressed. Ursula and Tyra were at the top of the stairs when Eriana appeared, so they waited. Downstairs in the dining room there were strange faces but Wallesan and Fanis were at the door to welcome their guests.

"Eriana, Ursula, Bennet, Semma, welcome." Of course Tyra's place was assumed. The Duke put out an arm. "If I may introduce you to some of the visitors who arrived yesterday, whom you missed by being away on your ride."

The first man was older than the Duke and looked uncomfortable in what appeared to be his 'best' clothes.

"This is Guildmaster Selvar, Director of the new Guild Department which is busy introducing paper and printing to everybody," Wallesan explained. "With him are Craftmaster Korbin, a brass-worker who specializes in the new craft of metal punching..." He tailed off, uncertain. "Is that right? I do not remember if I have been shown punching of metal when I was in Palarand."

Korbin bowed. "Your Grace, if you were shown our new ideas I do not remember seeing you, but if you recall there were very many new faces at the demonstrations. Aye, it is a new process which makes the production of small items of brass, soft iron, aye, and even gold and silver so much faster. You see -" He stopped and smiled. "I forget myself, Your Grace. You are introducing us."

"Indeed, Craftmaster." Wallesan's arm moved. "The man I have not yet named is Craftmaster Yubold, who has come to install an electric clock in the Mansion, so I am told."

Yubold bowed. "As you say, Your Grace." He bowed again. "Your Highness, it is good to see you again."

Eriana smiled. "Craftmaster Yubold. I remember seeing you climbing up and down ladders in the palace with Milsy. I trust everything still works there as intended?"

Yubold smiled back. "Mostly, Highness. You know how it is. I believe that there may be more than twenty clocks installed there now... and I am interrupting His Grace."

Wallesan waved a hand. "Indeed, there will be plenty of time for us all to exchange news, but first, we must needs break our fast, I am hungry today. To table, everyone! Guildsmen, know you that we seat ourselves at table as your King does, so your places will likely change at every meal."

Everybody headed for the two tables, shuffling around until mutual arrangements could be made as to seating. Wallesan looked around.

"Fanis, I do not see Mathenar. Should we wait?"

Bellot stepped forward. "Your Grace, Lord Mathenar begs leave to be excused. He says that he is still affected by what happened yesterday."

Eriana's snort was barely suppressed. "As were we all, Bellot, but I see no other absences this morning."

"As you say, Highness." Bellot bowed to Eriana and then turned. "Your Grace?"

Wallesan waved an irritable hand. "Leave him, Bellot. Today Eriana may keep me company, and beyond her, Luthan."

Breakfast was occupied by the Duke asking the new visitors about various happenings in Palarand about which Ursula knew nothing.

Palarand sounds like a complicated place, but one where much is happening.

Should I go there?

I think I should probably visit, in any event, just to see what is going on. There will be time later on to decide where I want to make myself a new home.

I'm not sure that I am comfortable in Joth. Too small, too cramped, too many bricks, too hot in summer. If there were nowhere else, then it would have to do, but it appears that each of these states along the river is different one from another. Going with Eriana will be a good way of sampling what is available.

Logically, then, I could remain with the Visund until Eriana returns to Palarand. Can I put up with being on an open deck for that long?

If it gets me away from Mathenar, then yes!

Bellot leaned close to the Duke towards the end of the meal. "Your Grace, the men have finished arranging the dead beast in the Great Hall. If you should wish to inspect it before you attend your visitors?"

Wallesan brightened. "Aye, that is an excellent idea, Bellot!" He stood, but motioned everyone else to remain seated. "All of you, listen. Our men have arrayed the great monster that Eriana brought back in the Great Hall, for our people to inspect before we decide what to do with it. When we rise from table I will go and take a look at it to see just what danger threatened my sons and Princess Eriana. You may come or not, as you wish, as I know that it may be too terrifying for some to view. I am told that this is the largest grakh which anyone remembers seeing in living memory, and to be brought down by two of Robanar's bravest swordswomen! If there had not been reliable witnesses, few would believe such a tale."

At the end of the meal everyone stood and streamed out into the corridor. The visitors, not knowing the layout of the complex, stood in a group to one side. Ursula spotted Senia coming into the entrance carrying a bulky bundle.

"If you would excuse me." She made her way through the throng and met Senia at the foot of the stairs. "Good morning, Senia. What is that? Is it for me?"

"Indeed it is, Ursula! Good morning to you, and to you, Tyra. A seamstress delivered these late yesterday eve, saying that they had just finished them and that, as I lived nearby, they would be better delivered to me than to bring them through the streets to the Mansion." She humphed. "Of course, that just meant that I must needs carry them here myself!"

"What are they? Have you opened it?"

"Aye, and they appear to be what you called scrubs, Ursula. I tried a set on and they seemed to be as I thought you described them. The utility of the garments is obvious, that we might wear them while attending a difficult procedure and not worry about mess or, indeed, becoming too hot. Shall you take them to your chamber, or will we need them today, do you think?"

What do I do now? I will have to let her down.

"Senia, unfortunately I will not be able to accept the scrubs today. You may not have heard but the Visund sails tomorrow - and I intend to be on it. I am sorry that this is such short notice but it looks like you will have to commission the clinic yourself."

Senia stared at Ursula in shock. "Why, Ursula? Is it something we have done?"

Ursula sighed. "A number of small reasons, building up to a big problem yesterday. You know about the grakh, I suppose?"

"There is a rumor in the city, I would not believe any of the details... do you tell me that you were involved? Were there injured?"

"Minor injuries only, fortunately. Captain Hambran was the worst, he dislocated a shoulder when we were all thrown off our frayen. I was able to put it back once the attack was finished."

"Once the attack was - do you tell me you were there?"

"Oh, yes. It was supposed to be a quiet ladies' ride out, do you remember?"

"Yes, you mentioned it to me yesterday morning. Maker, it was then? What happened?"

"It was supposed to be Eriana, me, Bennet, Semma and Tyra together with the captain and an armsman, who ended up being Dirgan. Unfortunately Mathenar and Luthan invited themselves along."

"Oh, dear."

"Exactly. There were arguments, but we managed to keep things mostly under control. Then five grakh attacked on a track between some fields. Mathenar hid in a ditch while the rest of us tried to defend ourselves, but, Senia, I could do nothing, I was too frightened. I do not think that I could kill another animal or person, even to save my own life."

"Indeed! There are few women who would defend themselves thus in Joth, or anywhere else I could name. But Eriana, Bennet and Semma, they carry swords! They fended off the beasts, then?"

"Yes, and both Tyra and Luthan came and stood over me to defend me. I was impressed by their courage. Captain Hambran dislocated his shoulder when he was thrown and Dirgan stood his ground as well."

"Five, you say. And yet you proved the stronger."

"Bennet brought one down and then Semma finished it off. Eriana struck another, but it landed heavily and then started to crawl towards us. Her Highness finished it off with a small gun, which I did not know she had."

"Maker! You have had a difficult afternoon!"

"Senia, you have no idea."

"I wish you would tell me the tale - but, if you are to depart the Mansion, you will desire to pack today. What should I do with these?" Senia indicated the package.

"I don't - " She turned and saw that most of those in the corridor were now filtering down to the far end, towards the doors into the Great Hall. She spotted Bellot, answering a question from somebody. He turned to look at her and she waved. "Come on, Senia! I have had an idea. Do you want to see the carcass as well?"

"A grakh? You have it here? Well I don't..."

They met Bellot at the doors into the lobby. "Mistress?"

"We have a problem, Bellot. Some garments were delivered to Senia yesterday, and she brought them here to me, but it was a mistake. Could you ask someone to take them to the clinic for me? That is where they are supposed to be."

"Of course, Mistress. Ah, the clinic?"

"It is one of the weaving lofts in Sabbar Street which we are converting for use by healers."

"Oh, aye, Mistress! I have heard of the works there. The strange name confused me for a moment. This is the package? I will take it and have someone deliver it immediately. Whom shall they ask for?"

"Master Follan is overseeing the work, I believe. They should just be stored safely until a healer comes to use them. If he is not there then Master Fedris would know where they should go."

Bellot nodded as he held out his arms for the package. "I know them both, Mistress, so your package should not go astray. Do you now go to view the beast? Oh, how thoughtless of me, of course, you have already seen it, have you not?"

"We do and we have, but yesterday it was not under the best of circumstances, you understand."

"Then you may find the creature to be less frightening today, Mistress, knowing that it was Guardswomen Bennet and Semma who vanquished it."

"That is true. Senia? Do you still wish to come?"

"I am not sure. Those creatures create a great deal of fear in most who see them, Ursula. Fortunately we do not see them very often around Joth, only as they pass along the Valley at a great height. Do you not have great beasts such as these on Earth?"

"We don't have flying creatures that large, no, though I believe that some existed many thousands of years ago. We do have some ground beasts that are large and terrifying."

Senia considered briefly and then nodded sharply. "I will harden myself and come. As a healer, it will be good to understand what injuries such a creature might give to man or woman."

They passed into the lobby and turned into the Great Hall, where both stopped in amazement.

The grakh had been laid out on the floor on an array of tarpaulins to protect the surface. Since its wings were larger than its body length, it was sideways on, its head facing away from the Mansion courtyard. Each wing had been stretched out and a small sandbag placed near the tip to stop them relaxing naturally. The head, because of the colored vane sticking out behind, was supported on a small pile of sandbags so that its mouth could be propped open with a stick, exposing the rows of gleaming teeth.

It looked a lot bigger than when Ursula had last seen it.

"Maker! It is much bigger than I realized."

Ursula agreed, "It looks much bigger than when I last saw it. Of course it is up close and stretched out."

The other viewers were walking around the edge of the exhibit, pointing out particular things of interest. Ursula began to move off, the others following.

"There were five like this?"

"Yes, five, and they must have been all about the same size. Do you agree, Tyra?"

"I would say so, Mistress."

"Even though there were so many of you, I am amazed that anyone survived, or was even seriously injured."

"So am I. Believe me, so am I."

"So big! Each of those wings must be four strides at least. And that body! It is amazing to me that something so large can keep itself in the air."

The eyes had closed in death, which was probably just as well. The left side of the neck showed the marks where Semma had hacked it.

"What is that smell? It is not very nice."

"I don't know. Senia, I know nothing about any creatures like this. On Earth they died out sixty-six million years ago. All we have are bones dug out of the rocks. I would guess, from the smell, that it is mostly a fish eater, but many... avians of Earth will eat anything else if they can get hold of fresh meat."

They had wandered around to the other wing tip, which was near the front doors of the hall. Wallesan was standing there, talking to the three guildsmen. The doors were open, and a welcome draft blew in from the street, sending the noxious odors up to disperse through louvers high in the roof. Outside the doors a line was forming of citizens curious to see the body.

"Ursula, Mistress Senia! This creature is amazing and I am astonished that Eriana and her girls were able to vanquish it."

"As am I, Your Grace. It seems bigger today than it did yesterday but that is probably how memory and circumstance work. Um, Your Grace, can I have a brief word with you? Privately."

He stared at Ursula and then nodded. "Of course, Ursula. Gentlemen," he turned, "if you would give us a moment."

With nods from the guildsmen he led Ursula off to a corner of the great chamber.

"Your Grace, I have asked Her Highness if I may accompany her on her voyage and she has agreed, providing that you also agree."

His lips thinned but he nodded. "I wondered... is there any particular reason?"

She shrugged. "A number of small things, Your Grace, but one word will sum it all up. Mathenar."

He sighed. "I regret bitterly that it is my son who drives you away, Ursula, but I fully understand your position. I cannot fault your decision. You may go with my blessing and know that you will always be welcomed in Joth whenever you come again to our shores."

Ursula felt the need to curtsey. "Thank you, Your Grace. You fished me out of the river and looked after me, gave me many things I did not expect, and now I am running away. I have no doubt that I will return to Joth, possibly many times, but I cannot foretell the future."

"Nor can any man, Ursula. Now, is there aught that we of Joth may do for you, to help you on your way?"

"Her Highness did mention chests, Your Grace," he nodded, "and there is also the question of Tyra."

Tyra of course had followed Ursula and was standing beside her.

"Tyra," the Duke asked, "is it your desire to follow your mistress? I would not think poorly of you whatever decision you make, since your loyalties must needs be divided."

Tyra curtseyed. "Your Grace, by your leave I would go with my mistress. I believe that she has need of my service. Her Highness has agreed that I may also travel, should you permit it."

"I thought that you might choose to stay with her. Do you want me to release you from your oath as a house retainer? You will, of course, go with my blessing and approval. Your conduct in the Mansion has always been considerate and thoughtful - and sharp. If you had stayed a house servant, you would not have remained an upstairs maid for long, I deem."

Tyra blushed with the praise. "Your Grace, presently I am your servant. I will accept whatever you decide."

"Then, Tyra, I think that I will release you from your oath. I do not know what adventures you and your mistress may face but it could be some time before you return to Joth. That means that you should be certain where your loyalties may lie. I will do it formally, this evening, before you and your mistress retire."

Tyra curtseyed again. "As you command, Your Grace."

The Duke turned to Ursula again. "Anything else, Ursula?"

"I have no idea, Your Grace. Her Highness is the owner and captain of the Visund, she may have ideas about what I may need or not need to take or do."

"As you say. Well, now I had better rejoin our other guests, I think. As well as themselves, they have brought many documents, manuals and materials as well as wagon-loads of strange machines, which will all require careful consideration. Knowing your own background, do you think that you might be interested in any of what has arrived?"

Ursula thought, then shook her head. "Thank you, Your Grace, under other circumstances I might be but now... I suspect that almost all of today will be taken up by packing and preparing for tomorrow."

He nodded. "Very well. You have only to ask Bellot if you feel there is aught else we may do for you."

"Thank you again, Your Grace."

Wallesan walked off to rejoin the guildsmen, who by this time had moved further around the hall and were now talking with Eriana, Bennet and Semma, who no doubt were giving them a blow-by-blow account of the action. Senia came and joined Ursula and Tyra.

"Is everything all right, Ursula?"

"Hmm? Yes, Senia, I have just asked His Grace if he will let me join the Visund and he has agreed. Tyra is coming with me."

"Oh, that is good. I have always felt that you needed somebody knowledgeable to help you to find your way around and Tyra is just the right person. Now, what are you going to do about the clinic?"

They began walking around the carcass. "Technically I am guessing that the clinic actually belongs to the healers of Joth, if you have such an organization," Ursula mused. "If not, I would suggest that you set something like that up to manage the place."

"There is such a body, but it is mostly an informal arrangement." Senia smiled. "We healers do not have such formal procedures as our craftsmen and artisans do, or indeed as the guildsmen of Palarand do. I am sure that we will work out a suitable means of managing the building and those who will use it. But what are we to do there, if our teacher is no longer with us?"

Ursula grimaced. "This is so sudden, and I don't think there is any way around it now. The die has been cast."

"Ursula?"

She realized what she had said. "I mean that the step has been taken, I cannot undo it. You and the other healers will have to be brave and use your imaginations, Senia. You have seen what I did with Mamoot, most surgery is just a variation of that. What you will need to do, and it is something that you'll have to do yourselves, is something I mentioned at the beginning. You need to know what is going on inside a person's body, you need to do some dissections to find out how everything works. Only then will you be able to do what I did."

Senia's gaze was elsewhere as she thought it through. "Yes, you are right, Ursula, but such methods will be difficult for us to accept at first. To cut open in that way... I can see that we must needs have a meeting of all the city healers to discuss this. You have shown us the way but it will require a change of custom to follow where you have led."

"That's all I can ask, Senia. What you do now is good, very good, in fact better than some Earth practices, but it wouldn't have saved Mamoot, and that is the point." Ursula tried to frame it in local terms. "The art of healing, like any other art, is always changing, always advancing. Just like those guns that are going to change the way your men fight, healing has to adapt and be willing to adapt."

"As you say, Ursula. Maker, look at those teeth!"

They were now standing nearest the point of the snout, which carried a formidable double row of teeth in each jaw.

"We were lucky that they never actually managed to touch us with those teeth," Ursula commented.

"It is not so, Mistress," Tyra said, and both turned to her with surprise. "I discovered that both our helmets had rips in the fabric covering them when I put them away last night. The tears are different, one may have been teeth, the other claws."

Ursula looked at Senia. "Oh. I hadn't realized that they had gotten that close. I never felt anything. It looks like we had an even luckier escape than I first thought."

"Indeed! With those teeth, and those jaws, it could probably have lifted you bodily from the ground. Maker!"

* * *

Mid-morning came, and with it the delivery of six chests, each about a stride and a half long and looking uncomfortably like small coffins. The delivery was accompanied by Eriana.

"If I may come in? I would advise you how and what to pack, by your leave. I know that you, Ursula, will not know how 'tis done, but Tyra may have some knowledge."

Tyra curtseyed. "Highness, I have packed for some in the Mansion but never for travel on the river. If you would advise us."

"Indeed, Tyra. What I would suggest is this, that your daily attire should go into one chest, with gowns or day dresses first, then nightwear, with underwear on top where you may reach it easily to change. Evening gowns and lesser attire in the second, together with hats and outer wear according to season. That means that it can be stowed below other chests, only to be brought out when we are invited to such places as the Mansion."

Ursula asked, "And the third chest? I assume that will be for things like our riding gear, Tyra's weapons, my healing kit and so on."

Eriana nodded. "You have it exactly, Ursula. The third chest may not be necessary, but you will only find out once you begin to pack. I would also put your boots and other heavy items in that chest, they will cause less damage should we hit rough weather."

Ursula was about to ask what rough weather they could expect this far up the Sirrel but realized that Eriana would not know. Her experiences would mainly have been on the open ocean which, in the Visund, could have been very rough weather. The Sirrel would not be so bad... would it?

The Princess added, "You should both pack everything you desire to take except what you intend to wear tomorrow. If you do this then Lars can take the chests down to the ship this evening. For yourselves this evening, wear a long gown that you do not intend to take. If you did not know, Bellot will ensure that everything we do not take with us, which for me will be some number of formal gowns, will be packed away against our return." She smiled. "I did not learn any of this in Einnland, you should know, but in the palace in Palarand, where they are much better organized."

Ursula nodded. "I did wonder, Highness. What about our riding gear? I remember that your saddles were delivered to the Mansion after we arrived."

"Hmm. I would suggest to bring everything you have, if there is room for it. It is possible we may be invited to ride wherever we may be guests and I, for one, would not refuse such an opportunity. The saddles, however," she shook her head, "we must needs leave here, along with our beasts, of course."

Ursula turned. "Do you understand all that, Tyra?"

"Of course, Mistress."

"Then let us begin. Thank you, Highness, for your advice."

Eriana smiled. "Then I must needs return to my own chambers, which presently are full of chests!"

Eriana left, Tyra closed the door, and the pair looked at each other and the six chests.

"Have we enough clothes between us to fill six chests?"

"I would not think so, Mistress. Her Highness has assumed that we would have three each, which seems a large number to me. Of course Her Highness has many gowns as befits her status. If I am your maid, then there should be no reason why we could not combine some chests, Mistress. It will be easy enough to distinguish what belongs to whom. The less we have to load on the Visund, the better, I deem."

Clothes were pulled out of the dressing room and laid out on the bed. Ursula selected a gown for the evening and also what she would wear tomorrow, which of course would be a ship dress. Tyra had a more complicated problem.

"Mistress, if His Grace is to release me from my oath, then I wonder if I should take my house colors with me."

Ursula stood up, a boot in each hand. "A good point, Tyra. If you are to be my servant rather than the Duke's, then there is no reason why you need to take his colors. Um, unless you feel strongly about the matter, of course. Joth is your country, after all. I would suggest, though, that the Duke's colors of blue and white do stand out and that could be a disadvantage in some circumstances - especially where we could be going. It might be better to wear your uniform today and then to leave it all behind. Most of the time you'll be wearing ship dresses anyway."

"I had not thought of that, Mistress. You are right, when we are in strange lands it might be well to be able to pass unremarked."

Ursula had a thought then and smiled. "Except of course we shall be wearing ship dresses and no-one else will be! But it will be better than saying, 'Here is someone sworn to Joth'. It will just be new fashions from down-river, worn by traveling women."

By the time they had finished both were hot and sticky. Ursula had heard the bell which would probably have been the one just before noon, so suggested a quick wash. They both did so, then Tyra rinsed out their morning day dresses and hung them up to dry in the bathing chamber. Putting on clothes they had left out, they tidied up and went out ready for lunch.

There was a surprise at the bottom of the stairs. Coming in from the yard, with a big smile on his face, was Maralin!

"Greetings, Ursula! Has much happened while I was away?"

* * *

Maralin shook his head in wonder. "All I did was go away for a few days and all this happens! You are telling me that one of the grakh is in the Great Hall?"

"It is, and I can assure you that it is thoroughly dead," Ursula replied. "It is the one that Bennet brought down and Semma finished off."

They had finished lunch but were still standing around in the dining room after the chairs and tables had been cleared away, bringing Maralin up to date.

"I will go and take a look at it after my nap," he told them. "As you might realize, very few people on Anmar have seen a grakh close up and lived to tell the tale. Oh! Is that what the crowd of people in the street are doing? Going in to see the body?"

"Aye, Maralin," Eriana confirmed. "As you say, it will be a rare sight and many will want to view the creature, now that it is safely dead. Of course, just as many will fear to even enter its presence, I know what effect such monsters can have on otherwise brave folk."

"Ahh, as you say. I would probably have been among that number before I came to Anmar." He smiled. "Still, you did manage to fend off the attack and with no major injuries to any of you."

"I would deem it my duty to stand and fight such monsters, it is the way of Einnland," she said. "But almost all played their part. Ursula is no warrior of course but a mender of flesh and bone, Captain Hambran was unlucky to dislocate his shoulder falling off." Her voice lowered. "There was one other who played no part."

"Aye," Maralin said, just as quietly. "I do not know the Duke's sons, they were never posted anywhere near where I was stationed. Then they went off to Yod." He grimaced. "And they do not know me. They may resent my association with their father. Has anyone told them about those who came from Earth?"

Eriana shook her head. "I do not know what Wallesan has told them, Maralin. They arrived suddenly, it was a surprise, and word was that they had both been sent home in disgrace. I am told that the younger, Luthan, argues with anyone and everyone and frequently ends up fighting."

"Highness," Ursula said, "I think that he might be insecure, unsure of his ground. Since Bennet put him in his place he has argued, but nothing more. He certainly knew his duty yesterday."

"Whereas the other one did not, but cowered in a ditch."

"Highness, if I had been able to," Ursula pointed out, "I would have thrown myself in the ditch as well."

The Princess smiled. "You are a woman and a healer, none would have expected you to do anything else, I deem. But Mathenar, he will be the next Duke. That is not the way to set an example to your people."

Wallesan poked his head around the dining room door. "Oh, there you are, Maralin! Shall you nap, after your journey, or are you able to give me your report now?"

"By your leave, Your Grace, I think that this time I will lie down for a short while. It is good to be home."

"As you will. There are many packets in that bag of yours, expect to spend the rest of the day telling me about them..." He paused, rolling his eyes. "Oh, I forget, we are beset by the guildsmen of Palarand, who have brought more wonders with them. Did you not meet any of them on the road?"

"I did not, Your Grace, but... if I may tell you about it later." He yawned. "I think that I will go and lie down."

"Aye," Eriana agreed, "we should all go and lie down, the weather is too hot for small talk."

The group broke up and headed for the door.

"So you are going to go with Eriana, then?" Maralin said to Ursula.

"Yes, we are almost completely packed."

"And your new maid, is she going? It is a surprise to come back and find you with a maid, but I'm sure that she will make life much easier for you."

"Tyra is, she has, and yes, the Duke has agreed. She comes from a family of fisherfolk, so knows her way around river craft."

The group of women plus Maralin climbed the stairs.

"That may be true, but the Visund, from all accounts, is no mere river craft."

"She is certainly different," Ursula agreed. They paused at the top of the stairs. "See you later."

"Aye. Highness." Maralin nodded to Eriana, turned and went over the link to the barracks block.

Eriana turned to Ursula. "You are all packed, I hear?"

"We are. We have managed to get everything we are taking into four chests. I know that space is short, I just about remember what it was like from before we arrived."

The Princess nodded. "As you say. Come, girls."

Ursula looked at Tyra. "Come on, I think I need a quick lie down."

* * *

The next morning Ursula and Tyra came down to the dining room for breakfast, finding Kalmenar in deep discussion with Eriana.

Ursula curtseyed. "Good morning, Your Highness, Lord Kalmenar."

Eriana turned. "Good morning, Ursula, Tyra. I trust you slept well?"

"It was a little strange, knowing that it would be my last night here, but otherwise I slept well, Highness."

Kalmenar said, "Mistress Ursula, good morning. Are you looking forward to traveling again? Her Highness has just informed me that you are traveling with her, rather than remaining in Joth."

"My Lord, I have only a vague memory of things that happened before my memory returned, but I remember ports, and hostels, and markets, and rowing across the current. I am looking forward to seeing what life afloat is really like." She added, "I also remember staying in a big house where somebody tried to get into our rooms."

Kalmenar wrinkled his nose. "Such is one of the hazards of travel, Mistress. Now knowing of your natural caution, I am certain that you will be alert should something of the like happen again."

"My Lord, I hope that you will be proved right."

"For myself, I have just informed Her Highness that I will not be traveling with the Visund to Forguland. Those who have recently come from Palarand have brought documents, matters, which His Grace requires my advice on. Since I know that those of Forguland must be deemed friends, and I also know that the ship will remain there some days, my presence should not be required. It is expected that I will rejoin you there."

Ursula looked at Eriana. The Princess replied, "Aye, it makes sense for Kalmenar to remain here a day or two longer. Though he may also be needed in Forguland and Ferenis when he gets there, I deem, since I have word that the guildsmen of Palarand will be traveling there as well, once they have satisfied Wallesan. Know you that word arrived by Maralin's hand that both Forguland and Ferenis have now formally joined the Federation. Maralin will be sailing with us today to Forguland as messenger, to carry the documents of association."

"Oh. That could be interesting."

Wallesan and Fanis appeared then, and with a quick head check to satisfy themselves that all their guests had appeared, the Ducal couple led the way to the breakfast tables.

During the meal Lars arrived and was admitted. With a word to Wallesan's ear he was given a seat at the end of the table but took only small beer and some pieces of fruit, having already eaten.

The tables rose. "Well, my dear," Wallesan said to Eriana, "I will be sorry to see you go, you have livened our court by your presence and by the activities of your party and your crew. We have taken note of all that you have done and Joth is the better for it, I deem. I trust we shall see the Visund when it comes back down the river?"

"Of course, Wallesan. I know that the Visund will always be welcome in Joth. But now, regrettably, we must needs depart. Forguland is not so far but I have found that the river can always spring surprises when least expected."

"Aye, like that gogon. And Jarwin. And stray folk left on islands for us to find. Let us walk together to the door, then, where carriages are ready to take you to the docks."

The chests had already been taken, the previous evening. What hand luggage they would need was gathered just inside the entrance, guarded by Mamoot and Dirgan. Tyra, Bennet and Semma picked these up and took them outside.

Maralin joined them, carrying a dunnage bag and now wearing the yellow sash, neckerchief and headband of an official Valley Messenger.

"Well! I have barely had time to put my clothes in the laundry and I'm off again! At least this time I don't have to ride the whole way."

Wallesan agreed. "Aye, Maralin, I regret asking you to do this but you are the best person to take the documents, having witnessed them yourself. The Visund will arrive in Forguland this afternoon, you may then travel to Ferenis and be back in Joth by fast carriage before the Visund even departs Forguland. I will promise you a month's time at ease once you return here."

Eriana smirked. "Heard and witnessed! Maralin, now he has said it, he cannot send you off again without breaking his oath. May you have a good, long rest once you return."

Maralin bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Then you had all better climb in those carriages," the Duke said. "Fare you well, I trust that nothing too serious shall befall any of you."

When the carriages reached the docks they found a crowd waiting. Many just wanted to see how the strange craft worked, others would have gathered at any departure. Eriana, Lars, Bennet and Semma climbed down from one carriage while Ursula, Tyra and Maralin alighted from the other.

To Ursula's surprise the whole crew was lined up on the dockside, all wearing their tee-shirts and cargo shorts, looking suspiciously like a military parade. The men were also wearing their 'boaters', which had flat crowns, wide brims and long ribbons in Eriana's colors.

"Those men look impressive," Tyra muttered.

"Aye," Maralin agreed. "If I had still been female the sight would have made my heart thump! To think, I remember what those men were like when I first met them. How far they all have come!"

Ursula said, "Maralin, remember, those men are all wolves in sheep's clothing... is that the right saying?"

"Oh, yes, Mistress, I completely agree. When they need to be barbarians, I'm sure they will do what is necessary. But they have shown that they can be civilized when they need to and that is not something that everyone can do."

"As you say."

After Eriana had walked along the line, Lars dismissed the men and all made for the pontoons. The rest of the women plus Maralin followed them down more slowly, so that by the time they reached the ship everyone was aboard and the men were already making the oars ready. Tor Andersson and Ragnar helped them into the ship, leaving just two crew on the pontoon.

"I don't know if you remember," Maralin said to Ursula and Tyra, "but there is a place in front of the mast where passengers like us usually sit. If you would follow me."

After some time ashore Ursula found the motion of the vessel a little strange but she knew that would soon pass. They followed Maralin down the center of the ship, climbing over chests, boxes and sacks of provisions. A space had been left between the mast and the bow where Bennet and Semma were already seated. They adjusted their places and the three found places to sit.

Eriana stood on the poop alongside Tor Magnusson, who held the steering oar.

"Is everybody here?" A roar. "Is everybody ready?" Another roar. "Then let go the lines!"

The two crew on the pontoon released the mooring lines and leaped onto the ship. Those with oars on the pontoon side used them to ease the Visund away from the pontoon before pushing them through the provided holes in the hull.

"Reverse rowing! To my beat! Now! Now! Now! Stop!"

The Visund eased backwards out into the pool which ended the short waterway leading to the Sirrel. When the motion had ceased, Eriana spoke again.

"Shield side row forward, sword side row reverse! To my beat!"

As the bow rotated to face the river, she called, "Now! Both sides forward! To the river, men! Tor, make the sail ready. Once we are out we will need it and we should be able to ship the oars."

"As you command, Captain."

Eriana looked at those facing her, which was everybody in the ship. Her face was alight with anticipation.

"By the Gods! It is good to feel water again under my feet! Men, we are on our way again!"