Eriana leads a small party to meet the ruler of Zebrin, Graf Nuel. He is anxious to hear first-hand accounts of conditions down-river and what happened to the Visund as it traveled. Her telling of their time in Pakmal causes an unexpected reaction.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

74 - Welcome to Zebrin

I had finally done it. I was on my own in my own flat. My marriage had failed and I had split amicably with my wife. She kept the house that had been paid for mostly by a trust fund set up by my parents. I kept the remainder of my savings. I did not begrudge her the house. She had been patient and understanding about my "condition". Both my parents were dead, which is why I was contemplating doing something I had been longing for all my life.

My name? How curious you are! You don't have long to live and instead of begging, fighting, or praying you ask me a question. I suppose I owe you that, at least. I so rarely get to tell my tale. You won't believe any of it, of course, but I swear on my baby daughter's memory that every word is true.

An alien abducts Sharyn, makes a cogent argument, and then proposes a change.

Day Of Departure:
“Whose idea was it for us to be here at four in the morning?” Cassady had ridden in with her cousin.

“Don’t complain too loudly, Cassady.” Juni was unloading her bags from the back of her boyfriend’s pickup truck.

“Where are our driver and roadie?” Jessie was looking around for the two guys that were traveling with them.

On arrival in Zebrin the reunited company heads for their allocated hostel, where Eriana hears the story of Tosh's past. It is also necessary to deal with the port official Osar, who was forced to depart Pakmal with the company.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

73 - A Kittrin's Tale

The Pinky Confessions 1

There is a debate about transgender children. Should a Child be allowed to change gender? Some parents even allow their children to be drag kids! Should we allow this so the child is happy? Or is this just a form of child abuse?
You may know me as Pinky and read a lot about me. This is my story in my words.
A story of who I was, who I wanted to be, who others wanted me to be and who people thought I was

Randy didn't know what to do. He'd lost his family and his house. He didn't have any immediate relatives he could live with, and as far as friends went...there was Jesse Pindle. He was Randy's best friend, and his family had always been very hospitable to Randy. But the Pindles were off on a cruise, and they wouldn't be home for another couple weeks. Randy wished very badly that he could stay with them, but they wouldn't be an option. All he could do was find a secluded alleyway and sleep in there for the night.

Ursula receives a surprise gift from Urjen and Abban before the two vessels depart Faralan for Pakmal City. The waterway leading to the city is neglected but navigable. Once both are moored, Eriana sets off to visit the Arch-Count, but a chance encounter promises trouble.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

71 - The Lone Stranger

It was the look on her face that affected me the most. Was it disappointment? Was it disgust? She didn't look angry, just shocked as she slammed the door and ran down the stairs.

It was my own bloody fault. I had let her down, just like I had let everyone down all my life. If only I'd locked the door. I always locked the door. It must have been the excitement.

Ursula examines Anmar's first prototype sunglasses. Eriana and Kalmenar decide to join her at the mansion to explain 'factories'. The next morning Ursula struggles with her desires, later, at the treaty signing, she realizes that an important document is missing.

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

70 - Designs and Treaties