While Ursula is having a professional discussion with Hanida, in the Common Room Eriana finds herself joined by the other patients and their helpers, all who want to find out more about their exotic companion. Unfortunately her depression is making that difficult, but Ursula has an idea.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

107 - The Black Cloud

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) 2026 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Beresan hopped into the Common Room, holding his injured leg off the floor, assisted on one side by Mordon and on the other by Dibenar. They made their way to a vacant chair and eased him down onto it.

"Ahhh. That's better! My thanks to you, Master Dibenar and to you, Mordon. I doubt that either of you have done as much before."

"It is not so, My Lord," Dibenar replied, "since I must presently assist my own wife in a like manner, but I thank you for the thought. Oh! You will need something to prop your leg up, I deem."

"As you say."

Mordon moved to the side of the room where some sacks of what might be grain were stacked, picked one up and brought it back to position it under Benesar's injured leg. Looking at the result, he fetched another and raised the leg further.

"Is that comfortable, My Lord?"

"I think so, Mordon. It is difficult since I must not put pressure on the wound itself. We'll see. Maybe one of the healers will come and suggest something better but," he smiled at the servant, "we have no idea so this will do for now." Benesar gestured at the remaining empty seats. "I suggest you sit down somewhere and relax, Mordon. There is going to be very little for you to do - until lunch time comes, I would guess."

As he gestured his gaze wandered and took in the other occupants of the room. Near the window, and talking low together, were a young man with a curiously-colored skin and a youth of about twelve winters. Nearer was a small group of four women. Two looked like young girls but he was not sure if they were servants or some other relationship to their principle. These seemed wary of the three men who had just entered. The third was the armswoman he had seen the previous day, now dressed in a curious but simple dress which was apparently some kind of uniform. The fourth -

He bowed from the waist. "Your Highness, if I may introduce myself. I am Beresan, son of Baron Vanderel of Joth."

The tall, fit blonde girl who faced him returned the look but there was little life in her eyes. She raised a lax hand in reply and let it drop.

"My Lord."

She did not seem to want to start a conversation. Beresan opened his mouth and then thought better of saying something. Instead he turned to the patient on his other side.

"Mistress Larna."

She inclined her head and replied, "My Lord, good morning. It seems that you and I each have a damaged leg."

"Aye, but at least you came by yours honestly, Mistress. I must admit to not paying attention so must needs bear some of the blame for my own injury."

"Not knowing your abilities I could not say, Milord. It is fortunate, however, that we have two of Joth's best healers with us while we are prisoned here by the Rains. I doubt not they will give us their complete attention until we depart."

"As you say, Mistress. But we have a third patient with us and I do not know what ails her."

"Nor I, Milord. I do not move in such company but it seems that someone like you may know her."

"I know of her, Mistress, but we have never formally met until today. She is Princess Eriana of Palarand, the same who passed through Joth some months ago during the war with her men after defeating those of Yod at Boldan's Rock."

"Do you tell me? All Joth knows that tale, I deem."

The words Boldan's Rock seemed to awaken something in the blonde girl. She spoke but her expression was still dull. "Boldan's Rock? I remember... but that was years ago, and I was another person then."

"Years? Not so, Highness, just a few scant months, I deem. We would be honored if you would tell us of that adventure, there is little else to do while the heavens descend outside."

"I - I do not know, My Lord. My memory, it has been very strange these last few days. I know that I did such a thing, that I led my men there and brought most of them back to Palarand again, but to me it seems a long time ago." Her expression changed. "But I and my men have had other adventures since then. And we have met many folk along the Sirrel both good and bad." The dullness returned. "Another time, My Lord. For now I desire just to watch the rain outside."

Eriana turned her gaze back to the window, though what she saw was a mystery to Beresan. Out of Eriana's vision the armswoman made some gestures he could not interpret, but he nodded and leaned back. If she had accompanied the Princess on her latest voyage then maybe later she would explain what was wrong with her.

Well, this looks like it is going to be a tedious time. Why did I have to get poked the very day the Rains arrived?

He turned and smiled at Larna. "Well! She presently desires no company, it seems."

"As you say, Milord. From her actions I suspect she may suffer the Black Cloud this day, though I am no healer."

"Nor I, Mistress! The Black Cloud? Know you that I have two brothers and two sisters and Harinet, my older sister, on occasion suffers from the same ailment." He lowered his voice. "It is said that sometimes it can be provoked by... Kalikan, do you think it might be the same for Her Highness?"

"I have heard that also, Milord," Larna replied, "but I know not of any such connection. For Her Highness," she shrugged, "we know nothing of her so I do not think it would be wise to make such assumptions."

"Indeed, Mistress. We must needs leave her administrations to our healers, who doubtless know more of such matters. By your leave, I would speak briefly to your husband." Beresan switched his attention to Dibenar. "Master, I have passed your booth in the market many a time but I regret that I had no occasion to enter. What is it you sell?"

Dibenar coughed, and with a glance at his wife, answered, "My Lord, it is like this. The womenfolk of Joth have certain desires, and other requirements, and it has been my family's honor for three generations now to supply them. For example -"

* * *

"- and that is why Captain Nebbik refused to let me go to Yod with the rest of the regiment," Beresan concluded with a rueful grin. "He thought that if I should reach the fighting I would cause more injuries to the regiment than those of Yod would!"

Beresan's tale of calamities had entertained the rest of the group such that most had expressions of humor and even Eriana seemed to be paying him some attention. It appeared that the young noble was a liability any time he was within a spear's length of any weapon and had caused mayhem while the levies were being raised and trained.

Dibenar asked, "But, Milord, surely there was something useful you could do during the war? Other than your recent injury you appear to my eyes to be fit and able. Was there nothing else you could do for Joth?"

"Aye, Master, there was and I did, but only by chance. You know of course that all armies must be kept fed and supplied, so there are many along the route who provide such services to those who bear arms?"

Dibenar nodded.

Beresan explained, "I was attached as overseer to a supply company at Hulmar, handling mostly food and shelter necessities, it being thought that my noble status would be best used that way." He waved a hand. "I did not mind such a billet, I deem, but it became apparent that the men, merchants all, some of whom you may know, struggled with the numbers involved in the process.

"Now one thing I did know that they did not was the Garian numbers, have you heard of them?"

Dibenar nodded. "I have heard of them, aye, but find the shapes involved to be awkward to understand. Milord, I cannot understand how they are said to be much better than our customary numbers."

"I am not surprised, Master. To understand the secret takes some small time and effort which most merchants and suchlike would consider better spent elsewhere. But my father had received a sheet describing the process and the reasoning and, as I was at home at that time and with little to do, I spent that time and effort. Mayhap now that you are forcibly prisoned here, as your wife puts it, you could yourself take the time to understand how it may help you with your stall once we may depart."

"Your thoughts are wise, Milord, and I will consider it. But you spoke of a sheet, I assume you meant a sheet of parchment?"

Beresan grinned. "No indeed, Master! The formulas are somehow inscribed on a new substance called paper which is apparently easier and cheaper to make than parchment." The grin faded. "But all my gear is either at the family mansion or at my lodgings here in the city. If you would accept my tuition, Master, perhaps I may make use of materials nearby to show you how 'tis done."

Dibenar waved a hand at the deluge outside the window. "The water restricts what else we may do, Milord, so I would agree to your suggestion, provided it does not interfere with whatever the healers desire us to do. But you were telling us about your time in Hulmar, I believe."

"Ah! As you say. So, with my new knowledge, it proved easy for me to show that I could work out the required numbers much quicker than any of them could and so I must needs teach them the methods also. That proved to be easy to do as we worked with the stocks we were transferring.

"And then by chance I discovered that I have a talent for doing such work, even though it would normally be thought unseemly for any noble to dabble in such details of trade. By your leave, Master, I do not intend any insult to you or any merchant or trader. I have often wondered what place there would be for me in Joth since I doubt there will be any in my family. I am, after all, the third son of a minor noble and his fourth child. He already has competent managers for our estates."

Dibenar considered. "Milord, I understand your position, indeed it may be worse than that some of our more lowly inhabitants are forced to occupy. I can offer you no remedy, it is beyond my wit."

Beresan managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Master. I am young enough, there is still time for me to find something useful to make of my life. It may be that some of these new ideas coming from the east will suggest some suitable way in which I may make myself useful."

There was a commotion as Eriana stood up, thus causing the other three women to also stand. Dibenar and Mordon stood and bowed towards her. There was a conversation between the Princess and her attendants and all four made their way slowly out of the room without a word to the other occupants. Shortly afterwards the Guardswoman returned and strode straight to Beresan's side.

She bent. "My Lord, it seems that I am to be of use preparing lunch for all so I do not join Her Highness this morning. If I may ask you to gently attract the attention of Her Highness later on. She suffers a mental problem and requires gentle conversation to help her recover. I saw how she looked at you as you spoke before."

"If I may ask, it seems to us this side that she suffers the Black Cloud, is this so?"

"Aye, she has many responsibilities and it has proven too much for her. I believe that you may be of help in two ways, firstly by helping draw her out of the Black Cloud, and to return her to some sense of who she used to be and secondly, I have also heard your words and believe we may be able to find you work, if you should be willing to travel to Palarand when you are fit again."

"Me? I would join her retinue, you mean? As you have heard, I am no warrior."

Bennet shook her head. "Not exactly, Milord. Her Highness has many armsmen who are sworn to her, she does not desire more. But she heads a large organization which requires staff of just the kind you described yourself as being. Ah, I cannot give you details now, I must needs go to the kitchen, if I may ask you to have a private word sometime with our healer, Mistress Ursula."

Beresan felt the conversation had suddenly taken a strange turn. "Your Healer? I would be working for a healer?"

Bennet smiled. "No, indeed, Milord. She is also Director Ursula, Head of Welfare of the Federation Navy. The Navy will operate all the patrol craft along the river and will also send new, large ships exploring out to sea. All this will require supply and management."

He was stunned. "Uh, Mistress..?"

Bennet momentarily stood to attention. "My apologies, Milord. I am Guardswoman Bennet of His Majesty's Palace Guard, presently attached to Her Highness as female companion during our voyage."

"His Majesty? Of course! Guardswoman, thank you for your advice, I am intrigued, I will attempt to consult your healer when I can." He gestured at his wrapped leg. "As you can see, my movements are presently somewhat limited."

"We will contrive something, Milord. By your leave."

"Aye." He smiled at Bennet. "Lunch is much more important, I deem!"

She stiffened again, turned on her heel and walked out.

Larna said, "Well! That was unexpected, Milord."

"As you say, Mistress. A Guardswoman, she said. Do you think she can fight as a man does?"

From where they were sitting, the boy turned and called, "My Lord, she can, I have seen her. She can fight with and without a sword. Before I joined Her Highness I did not know such things were possible."

"Nor I. My apologies, you are?"

The boy stood. "My Lord, I am Kaldar, ship's boy and adopted by Her Highness." He gestured to the seated man. "With me is Ketko, another traveler. We both joined the ship at separate times as it traveled upstream towards Bibek."

Beresan raised an eyebrow. "And this involved fighting?"

"Aye, My Lord, we have had several adventures along the way, including assassins, pirates, river chases, a revolt and night assaults. Both of Her Highness's female companions took part in those battles, as did Mistress Ursula, though she only fought once."

"Maker! Your journey sounds most alarming. Companions? Those other two who are with her?"

"No, My Lord, her companions are two women of the Guard, as I understand it. Those other two were rescued from a band of renegade Yodan soldiers who had captured two villages and a farm. I... should not say more, it is not my place, but those two were treated badly by the renegades and are fearful of most men. If you would treat them both with care."

"Do you tell me? Maker!" Beresan thought. "You have been of help, young master, since you have given me an idea how I may help Her Highness." He saw the look of alarm on Kaldar's face. "Do not be concerned, I will treat her and her women folk very gently. If I may help her to recover, then I will do so."

Kaldar nodded and sat down again.

Beresan turned to Dibenar and Larna. "I thought my time here would be very boring but it seems that I might be wrong. There are tales to tell and it seems our friends will be telling them. All I must needs do is to encourage them." He frowned. "But what of this Navy she mentioned? What is it? Do you know aught of it?"

They both shook their heads. Dibenar replied, "No, Milord, but I have heard of the Federation that was mentioned. It seems -"

* * *

When the healers and helpers brought the lunches in Beresan noticed that Bennet bent and spoke quietly in the ear of the guest healer, who he now realized wore a dress like that of the Guardswoman, though the epaulets looked different. That woman briefly turned and looked at Bennet before nodding. A little later, as everyone was settling down to eat, the healer spoke a word or two to Healer Hanida, who also nodded. Nothing more was said until after the plates, bowls and mugs had been taken back to the kitchen.

She bent down beside Beresan's chair and spoke. "My Lord, I would like to take you to another room and have a good look at that leg of yours while we have at least some daylight," she explained. "We will not go far, there are two consulting rooms just behind this one. Can I ask your manservant to help you that far?"

He turned to look at her and his eyes flicked to the epaulets.

"Of course, Mistress... or should that be Director again? Is that what those rank marks on your shoulders mean? I have not seen the like before."

"Mistress is good enough, My Lord. I should have removed the epaulets before I dressed today, they mean nothing here." Seeing his look she was forced to add, "But if you would come with me, I will explain some of it without disturbing everyone else."

He grinned at her. "With an invitation like that, how can I refuse? Of course I will come." He turned. "Mordon, if you would help me up. I must needs go to another chamber to be attended to."

"As you wish, My Lord."

Bennet, who Beresan discovered was actually taller than him, also helped and the procession made its way into one of the two Consulting Rooms behind the Common Room. There was a couch and he was laid down on it. Unfortunately, because the roof windows had been shuttered against the downpour the light was not as good as Ursula had expected, but some oil lamps were lit and she decided the illumination was just about adequate.

After dismissing Mordon, Ursula pulled up a chair beside the couch. Bennet stood against a wall behind them.

"Now, My Lord, I do want to check your leg but I also wanted to have a private word with you. Have you any objections?"

He was not entirely surprised. "No, Mistress. I guess that," he gestured behind them with an arm, "this is Bennet's suggestion."

"More or less, but some of what she told me interests me for various reasons. Now, let me look at your leg first, get the physical side done before we talk. Can you roll right over onto your front? That's good."

Ursula unwrapped the leg and checked the condition and stitching, pronouncing herself satisfied with progress. She cleaned the wound, applied fresh salve and then wrapped it in a clean bandage before instructing Beresan to make himself more comfortable.

"Bennet? Tell me your thoughts, where they concern Her Highness."

"He talks, Mistress. Some few men have the knack of turning almost everything they do into an entertainment of some kind and, I deem, Lord Beresan is one of those. You saw how Her Highness was sitting, almost lifeless, just staring out of the window at the pouring rain? I have known others with the Black Cloud and it can be difficult to bring them back to what they can otherwise be.

"I noticed after a while that even she had been captivated by the tales he was telling, which made me wonder if, by your leave, My Lord, he could be of some use helping Her Highness recover. We are all stuck here together and I know that the longer any treatment is left, the harder matters will be to put right. Then he spoke of his abilities at the supply depot and I wondered if there was also an opportunity to be had."

"Supply depot?" Ursula asked.

"Aye, Mistress," Beresan explained, "it seems I am so dangerous with weapons I should be kept far away from any battle, lest I injure more friends than enemy. So they sent me to oversee a supply depot at Hulmar where I discovered that I knew the Garian numbers and none of the merchants running the warehouse had even heard of them. I taught them the numbers and showed how useful they could be and by-the-by discovered that I had some talent for the business of organizing goods destined for the war."

"Ah! A light dawns." Ursula looked up at Bennet. "Good catch, Bennet, for both reasons." She considered. "Very well. My Lord, there are two separate matters here and if you agree I would ask you to consider both. I know the Black Cloud by another name and I know it can be difficult to treat, but what Her Highness has is not the normal kind - if I should call it that. If you would agree to talk gently to her about anything and everything I would welcome your help."

Beresan spread his hands wide. "Of course, Mistress. I am stuck here, as we all are, and if I may break the boredom by helping a fellow patient then certainly I will do as you ask. But if I may ask you for some information concerning Her Highness. After all, we have barely been introduced and I understand that she is not from anywhere nearby. Even her title confuses me, since all know that King Robanar of Palarand has two daughters and both have married rulers of other realms. I have heard of Princess Garia but I know she has married into the family. Her Highness, so I understand, has married no prince so from where does she obtain her title? Do you know?"

"I do, and I will briefly tell you, but if you want to find out more then it might be a suitable topic for conversation."

Beresan grinned. "Ah! I understand you, Mistress."

"Princess Eriana is indeed the daughter of a King, but of a country far away called Einnland, beyond the end of the Sirrel and far to the south where it is colder. There are no near neighbors and they do not have the marriage rules they have here in the Great Valley. She is his eldest child but her father did not want her to follow him onto the throne after he died, preferring a male child.

"He tried to make her marry a commoner which would apparently have disqualified her. Naturally Eriana objected and ran away to sea, in a ship owned by a trusted supporter, with all her sworn warriors and retainers. They were pursued, but the weather was very bad and there were terrible storms. The ship's owner and all his family were lost and the ship nearly sank. They just made it as far as Plif.

"There the local Duke took her in and she learned that Palarand's Crown Prince needed a bride. There was some trouble... it is not clear... but Prince Keren chose Princess Garia instead. Robanar gave Eriana and her crew sanctuary but asked her if her men could attack Boldan's Rock."

"Ah! Of course, all Joth know of that amazing feat." Beresan nodded thoughtfully. "Much becomes clear now. I heard of Her Highness and her men when they returned through Hulmar and Thorn, but of course there were many tales and I knew not what was true and what was fantasy."

"You may get an opportunity to learn the truth, then. So, after returning from Boldan's Rock, most of the lands along the Sirrel were at war with Yod. The rulers had all traveled to Palarand for Prince Keren's wedding and they met there and decided to form the Sirrel Federation to prevent Yod from ever behaving that way again. As part of that process they decided to amalgamate all the official river functions of the different lands together into a single organization called the Federation Navy. Other parts of that will venture out onto the ocean to begin exploring the rest of the world."

"A bold decision, I deem."

"Bold but probably necessary, I think. Since Eriana had the most experience of matters relating to the sea and travel on the water, she was made head of the Navy. Apart from those who sail or row ships the Navy will need other functions like healers, recruitment and training, supply and support for retired personnel so I, apparently having the most experience of such matters, have been made Head of Welfare. That is why I have the rank of Director."

"Indeed? I ask your pardon, Mistress... Director. I did not know that you held such an exalted position."

Ursula pulled a face. "I am not so sure that the position is exalted, My Lord. I have some of the required abilities but the service is destined to grow very large in future. We are struggling to find people to organize and run it. According to Bennet, you appear to be a possible volunteer."

"Oh. Oh! Mistress, my interest has been awakened. Aye, my prospects, should I remain in Joth, are limited. As a noble I do not desire to turn my hand in trade, you understand, if I can avoid the prospect, but from what you tell me this Navy is outside the normal rules of precedence, am I correct?"

Ursula nodded. "That is true, but it will be organized along military lines so it will have its own system of ranks and titles - as you have noticed. However, in the Welfare department we also anticipate employing civilians, for certain jobs where a military rank might not be appropriate. For example, we will require uniforms, and it will be mainly women making them."

He looked at Ursula intently. "If I were to agree, how would I join you?"

"My Lord, I am not yet sure what you can do. We would have a proper conversation once your leg has healed. We will have to wait until the Rains end anyway. We have plenty of time before the Visund leaves Joth again."

"I would travel aboard your ship? The Visund, you named it?"

"Yes, it is Eriana's ship but I warn you, it is an open vessel with almost no deck at all and presently we have too many crew and too much cargo aboard. We need to come up with a solution before we can sail any further."

Beresan was silent for a while, then said, "I do not think I would mind such a journey, I deem. After all, it sailed from Palarand all the way to Bibek and back to Joth, surely it is safe enough for someone like me."

"Provided you are not as accident prone aboard ship as you are with weapons, yes. But there may be ways around the problem, we are in no hurry. Perhaps during your conversations you can ask about the Visund as well."

"As you say! This whole business is becoming more interesting by the moment, I deem. If I may also ask you and Bennet for further information in future?"

"Of course. And now, perhaps we should get you back into the Common Room, unless you desire to visit the toilet or bathroom?"

"The toilet, please. And I will leave my conversations, as you name them, until tomorrow, when I will by chance find a seat closer to Her Highness."

"As you wish. I will ask you to forget that I spoke to you about Eriana, you have to appear naturally interested, which should not be difficult for someone like you."

"Of course, Mistress. The interest is there, I will make use of it."

"Good. Bennet, can you fetch Mordon, please? We'll need his help."

* * *

Ursula and Bennet were in the kitchen area peeling vegetables for the evening meal when Ursula suddenly stopped.

"Can you stop a moment? I thought I could hear something."

Hanida turned from where she was browning meat on the stove. "What is it, Ursula?"

Ursula frowned. "I thought I heard - ah, can you take that off the heat a moment? The sizzling is hiding the sound - thank you. Yes! Can you hear that?"

In the sudden silence - relative silence because of the continuing noise from outside - a very slow but steady drip could be heard from somewhere else in the building. The three women looked at each other.

"A leak, I deem," Hanida remarked. "I expected that we might have something of that kind. It is a big, old building after all." She shook her head. "It requires attention but does not sound as if it could cause serious trouble. I would be more concerned if I heard a steady trickle instead of just a drip like that."

Ursula nodded. "Do you want us to go and have a look? You should not leave that meat half cooked."

"If you would, Ursula. I doubt it will take you long to find it. Ah, you'll probably need a bucket or two, there are some by the back door there." She gestured.

"Yes, of course. Coming, Bennet?"

Bennet grabbed one of the cut-down kegs everyone in Joth used as buckets and the two headed out of the kitchen. They did a first pass through the middle floor, finding nothing but taking the opportunity to inform everyone else what they were doing. Kaldar decided to help them and the three went up the ramp to the top floor and separated. Inevitably, Kaldar found the leak.

"Mistress! It is in here!"

In one of the store-rooms, a puddle on the floor indicated where the water ended up. On this level there were no ceilings so the water could drip straight down from the roof above.

Bennet eyed the shelving around the walls. "Mistress, it is fortunate that the leak was not over any of the shelves. It might have ruined some of the supplies."

"Yes." Ursula looked up into the gloom. "I cannot see any obvious place where it is getting in. Let me go and find a mop before you put that bucket down."

The cleaning materials up here were kept in a closet next to the Operating Theater in case that chamber needed cleaning before or after any operation. By the time Ursula had grabbed a mop and returned, Kaldar had climbed up some of the shelves and was now peering into the gloom.

"There, Mistress! I can see the line of wetness from up here. It comes in near the top and runs down that timber there, then drips off at that joint."

"Good work, Kaldar. Come down now before I have another patient."

The boy grinned and climbed down as easily as he had gone up. "Tyra has been teaching me how to safely climb up and down, Mistress. She says that I will need to practise for when I have to climb the rigging later."

"She's right and you are still light enough to do it without hurting yourself too much." She had a thought and smiled. "I think you might have some more education once we get to Foti Lane. You will not believe what the local children can do around their houses!"

Ursula mopped what had already dripped and then Bennet carefully positioned the bucket so that the next drip fell in the middle with a satisfying pock.

"That will take a long time to fill," Bennet observed, "but I will still come and check it before every mealtime, Mistress. If something should change, well..."

"As you say. The last thing we need is to have our supplies ruined when we have no alternative. We'd better get back to the kitchen, we still have food to prepare. Kaldar, how are things in the Common Room?"

"Fairly quiet, Mistress, as you might expect. Lord Beresan is teaching Master Dibenar the Garian numbers, I think Mistress Larna is taking an interest as well. Her Highness still does very little." He looked concerned. "Can you make her well again, Mistress?"

"I will not give you false hope, Kaldar. We'll do everything we can but there are no guarantees for ailments like this. If it works it will be a slow process, much like your own treatment."

"As you say, Mistress."

"What about Ketko? I've been overlooking him since we arrived here and I do not think Her Highness has paid him much attention either."

"He asks many questions, Mistress, as you would expect. He has never seen rain like that which falls outside."

"Neither have I, Kaldar. We just come from parts of our worlds where such things don't happen, or happen somewhere else. But we are here now and we just have to get used to it. Do either of you need anything?"

Kaldar thought. "Not now, Mistress, though we must needs wash some clothes soon, I deem. That should be easy enough but how do we dry them in here?"

"No idea, Kaldar. When you lived... with your family, how did you dry clothes during the Rains in previous years?"

"Ah, we had a Drying Room next to the kitchen. I do not remember seeing such a chamber here, though."

"No, because these buildings were never intended to be a residence for anyone, apart from maybe brief overnight stays. Hmm. Something to ask Hanida about later, perhaps." Ursula looked around. "Have we finished here? I need to do something with this mop and then we should get back downstairs, Bennet and I were helping make the evening meal."

"Of course, Mistress."

Back in the kitchen, Hanida half turned from where she was adding liquid to a big pot.

"You found the leak, then."

"Yes - how do you know?"

"The sound changed when you put the bucket under it. Where was it? Has it damaged anything?"

"It was in one of the store rooms this side, fortunately not one anyone was sleeping in. We were lucky, wet bedding would be hard to dry at the moment. The drips fell in the middle of the floor so haven't damaged anything on the shelves, but the actual leak seems to be somewhere along the ridge line."

"Ah? You have some knowledge of building matters, then?"

"Me? Probably not much more than you, Hanida. Are leaks common when the Rains come? Should we be preparing in case there are others?"

"Oh, if you two could finish the peeling, please, so I can get the stew going. Leaks? Most buildings in Joth, and probably elsewhere, will likely have small leaks when the Rains first come, Ursula. Because the buildings bake in the summer sun the wood shrinks and water can get in when so much comes down as now. Soon enough the wood swells again and it all stops, we are used to such things happening.

"Of course, if there is a nearby lightning strike then anything may happen. You saw what happened when the Dock Gate was struck, the shock may have shifted tiles or thrown heavy debris onto roofs causing damage. If that happened here we must needs wait for the rain to slacken before anyone dare attempt a temporary repair."

Ursula's eyebrows raised. "You would attempt a repair while it was still raining?"

Hanida nodded. "Aye, sometimes there is no choice. Often it will just mean a tarpaulin stretched over the roof and secured below. You have finished? Good, thank you. That looks sufficient for all of us, I deem, if you could tip them into this pot... ah, I need to add some more water... just so. Now we wait until it boils, then I will use this sand-dropper while it simmers. It should be ready in..." Hanida cocked her head, thinking, "...between one and a half and two bells, I deem. Bennet, if you would bring some more firewood over here, I must needs top up the stove."

"As you wish, Mistress."

"Oh, before I forget," Ursula said, "Kaldar raised the small matter of washing clothes. I assume we can do that easily enough but where can we dry them? I understand these places do not have the facilities most domestic houses would."

"Aye," Hanida nodded, "this building was never designed to be a place of healing, it just happened to be available when His Grace issued his request. This kitchen area would likely be the warmest and driest for such activities, I deem, but we have no suitable racks for drying nor any irons for smoothing out creases."

"I am guessing that it is not yet fully fitted out. If I had not left with Her Highness we would have noticed some of these problems earlier and fixed them. But we didn't so we will have to find our own solutions while we wait for better weather."

"As you say, but I am no artisan to attempt woodwork nor can I conjure an iron out of the empty air. Have you any suggestions?"

Ursula looked at Bennet, who shook her head. "I do not know those arts either, Mistress."

"We'll think of something," Ursula said. "If necessary we'll have to wash our clothes, hang them on lines around the kitchen area and wear them as they are, wrinkles and all."

"It is the Rains," Hanida said. "All must needs do what they can until the waters subside, it is the only way."

* * *

"Can you eat just a little more, Highness? We're not doing very much now but our bodies still need the nourishment."

Eriana turned her head towards Ursula. "I know I must eat but there seems little point, Ursula. There is nothing for me now."

"That is hardly true, Highness! You will have a whole crew waiting for your commands once this rainy season ends. And I know what you are like, by that time you will be itching to have a moving hull beneath your feet, not the boards of a converted weaving loft."

A faint glimmer of recognition came. "Ah, the sea! How I loved to be on the waves, feeling the spray upon my face as we sailed. But those times are finished now, my ship is sunk, my men are dead or scattered to the winds."

"The Visund is not sunk, Highness. It is moored just beyond Joth's walls and your men are safe inside. Now, what about the stew?"

A pause, then another spoonful taken. "It is tasty, that I must agree. It is more like the food we ate at home, though there we mostly ate fish stew." Another pause. "I do not like the food of the west, all those green things and pungent dressings instead of comforting sauces."

"The west is warmer and drier, Highness, as you have seen for yourself. Of course the food has to change as one travels west because different things grow there. But we are going the other way now, back to cooler lands and nearer the sea. Just a little more, Highness."

"If I must. Is there any ale in this place?"

"I don't think so, Highness." Across the table, Hanida shook her head. "Because of the Rains, the house has to be stocked with foodstuffs that will last a few weeks, so no ale or beer this time. You like the taste of pel, though."

"I do? I do. It is strange, such a drink is unknown in... my homeland... yet everyone drinks it here. This valley is a strange place."

Eriana managed to finish the bowl of stew and put the bowl back on the table. Hanida stood and began collecting the bowls to take them out to the kitchen.

"We still have some fresh fruit left, Highness. If I may bring some in?"

Eriana seemed disinterested. She lazily waved a hand. "Aye. You may as well. If I do not eat any then somebody else might."

Ursula winced internally. This is going to be a difficult job, bringing her back. If I do not see much change in a day or two then I have to face the prospect that I have personally damaged a fierce and active personality. If I were still on Earth I would walk away from my job, I think. I dare not risk damaging any other patient.

But I am not on Earth any longer and Eriana is not just a patient. What do I do now?

Hanida bustled out of the Common Room and returned with two baskets of fruit which she placed on the table.

"Highness? What shall you choose?"

Eriana wrinkled her nose. "Do I have to?"

"You do, Highness. As any healer will tell you, your body requires a varied diet to function properly and that includes fruit. Very soon we will have eaten it all and must then manage with any dried fruit that is left, but that has less nutrition in it, so I would ask you to make good use of the fresh while we still have any."

"As you wish, Mistress Hanida."

She took two pieces of fruit and started eating one, though it was plain she only did so because she had been asked to. The second item, a purplish globe, had a hard rind which Bennet peeled away for her while she ate the other.

Hanida asked, "What about you two girls? The fruit is there for you as well. I would suggest that you eat some while we have it."

Matta replied, "Mistress, we are not used to food as rich as this. We did eat fruit, it is true, but few of the kinds we see here."

"What kind of -" Hanida stopped and glanced at Ursula. "I suspect that you are going to tell me, and that I am not going to like it."

"That is true, Hanida. I suggest we leave that tale for a few days until everyone is better accustomed to our surroundings. I will just say that both Matta and Vellana come from very rural villages in the further part of Yod and almost everything they have seen since leaving is new and strange to them. We rescued them from circumstances that cannot be repeated in polite company."

"Yod! Yet now they are maids to Her Highness?"

"Her Highness is their protector, Hanida. They do not willingly approach any man if they can avoid it, though they have now become used - mostly - to the ship's crew."

"Do you tell me? Your ship carries a strange crew, Ursula."

You do not know the half of it. But you do not need to know it all.

"Circumstances, Hanida. Bennet, could you pass the basket over here, please?"

"Surely, Mistress."

In truth the fruit was just as strange to Ursula but she had gained more experience over the months since her arrival. She picked two items with flavors she knew she liked and began eating. Hanida also selected a yellow-orange ovoid and started peeling the rind.

Dibenar spoke to Beresan. "My Lord, I must thank you for your explanation of this new method of numbering. I can already see how it will be of great use to my business, once I become familiar with the shapes."

"Master Dibenar, I will tell you that the more you use the Garian numbers the easier it becomes to use them. I found them awkward at first but now I can count up in my head sums which I would have needed to write down before."

Ursula's interest was roused. Knowing how and where those numbers came from, she wanted to see if the shapes and usage had been passed down accurately.

This is one thing I may have to intervene in, since any variation is going to propagate through whoever learns from these two and it will cause confusion when it comes up against others who have been taught the correct way.

"My Lord," she began, "where I come from we also use the Garian numbers, that is the way we were taught when we were young. Would it be possible for me to see what you have been explaining," I won't use the word teaching, "to Master Dibenar? In situations like these it becomes easy for slight changes to creep in and then your numbers could cause problems when they are seen by others."

Beresan's eyebrows shot up. "You understand the Garian numbers, Mistress? I did not know that."

"As I said, they are the way we are taught to count and when I came to the Great Valley it took me some time to adapt to the numbering method you use here. I do not want to criticize what you have done, I just want to make sure the numbers look like everyone elsewhere would expect them to."

Beresan dipped his head. "Then, Mistress, I must needs bow to your better knowledge. Of course such shapes must be recognizable to others. Tomorrow, perhaps, I will show you what we have done and you can tell us if they are sufficient for the purpose."

"Done, My Lord."

Larna said to Dibenar, "Husband, I find the new numbers to be easy as well! If there may be some way to make use of this new knowledge?"

He looked pensive. "My dear, I do not know what to say. Once you can walk again it will make your visits to the market so much easier, I suppose." A pause, then, "I cannot see there are many ways that such numbers may be of use to you."

Ursula commented, "Master Dibenar, I thought that you were a market trader. Do you not have any assistance from your wife with your efforts?"

He looked uncomfortable. "Mistress, Larna is my wife, not a partner."

That's an interesting distinction to make, for many reasons! I could attempt to drag him out of the Stone Age but we are stuck here together for at least another week, minimum. Let's see if I can find a way.

"Master Dibenar," she began slowly, "I have traveled widely and learned a number of different languages during that time. I can speak eight now and in almost all of them the words 'wife', 'husband' and 'partner' mean almost the same thing. I am surprised to discover that they mean different things here in the Great Valley."

He goggled at Ursula. "You can speak eight languages, Mistress?"

"I think that's right." She smiled to defuse any potential confrontation. "I have discovered that I learn languages very easily. What I'm trying to say is that almost anywhere else in the world a husband and wife would automatically be considered partners, and if the wife wanted to help her husband at his work, or he with hers, then it would not be thought unusual. Oh," she added hastily, "that would depend on what the work was, of course. I doubt many women would want to be miners or warriors or stone masons but even so some do.

"For yourself, considering that you deal in items owned or worn by women I am surprised that your wife is not involved in some way. Do you not trust her judgment?"

Dibenar rocked back as he considered this radical idea. "Well, of course I trust her, but..." He dried up.

Ursula's eyes slid to meet Larna's and she raised an eyebrow, receiving a faint shake of the head in response.

Better to leave it there, I think. Let the seed grow.

"Husband, we shall speak of these matters, I deem, once we return home."

"As you wish, my dear."