The Voyage of the Visund -11-

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Ursula is pronounced fit, but some of the crew is not, so there will be an enforced delay before the Visund can sail again. Ursula has an unexpected encounter with an unlikely beast before joining a conference about clothing that confuses her even more.

grakh on parchment

The Voyage of the Visund

A tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

11 - The Tailor of Joth


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.



"There you are!"

Two women pushed their way through the crowded room towards Maralin, Ursula and Renita. Maralin recognized them as the healers from yesterday, who had promised to come again and check Ursula over.

He bowed towards them. "Mistress Senia, welcome. I'm sorry, I forgot you were coming this morning and the Duke is overwhelmed with people wanting instructions or advice or something. If we may go somewhere quieter."

"Tenant Maralin, good morning." Senia eyed the throng. "Aye, this would not be the best place to conduct an intimate examination."

"As you say! We've just been talking in a small meeting room across the corridor. It might still be empty. Would that be good enough?"

"I would think so."

"If you would follow me, then."

Maralin led them back out of the dining room and back across the corridor, discovering an obstacle as he did so.

"Renita, if I may ask you to accompany Ursula, since I doubt that Mistress Senia would want me inside while she examines her. I will stand guard out here until you have finished."

Renita smiled at him. "Of course, Maralin."

The four women went inside and closed the door. Senia motioned Ursula over to the window, to obtain more light, and looked at her face.

"Is this what Tenant Maralin meant last night?" she asked. "You seem different somehow, is that because your memory has returned?"

Ursula nodded. "It has, Mistress. I don't remember exactly when, but it was very early this morning. I think I woke with a particularly bad headache, and the next thing I knew it was daylight and I knew who I was."

"Ah, that is a relief! You will forgive me, I am concerned when I do not know why someone is not well and I cannot decide the proper treatment for them. Have you had any headaches since?"

"None at all, Mistress. In fact my head seems unusually clear since this morning."

"Good, good." The healer smiled, "Well, that is the larger part of my task done today, at least so far as you are concerned. Do you have any other problem I should be told about? Aches, pains, minor wounds, for example?"

Ursula returned a wry smile. "I have some bruises from the other day, when our ship was attacked by that big fish. Nothing that need concern you or your friend. If I may ask, you are a healer?"

"Why, of course, that is my job, Mistress, to be available should any have an injury through accident or fight, or if they should catch a disease." Senia tilted her head. "Is it not the same where you come from, Mistress? By your accent I know you are not from the Great Valley."

She thought carefully. Is this another attempt at gathering information? But she says she is a healer, a medic, and she might not know what my interest might be. Best to be sparing with my answers until I know more.

"Where I come from, many of the healers, as you call them here, would be men. Our women medical staff mostly care for those in our hospitals."

"Hospitals? I do not know that word, but I believe you must mean the Houses of the Sick."

Ursula nodded. "I think so. I don't know the local word but you are probably right. It looks like matters are arranged a different way here, which was why I was asking."

"As you say, Mistress. There are few healers in the Great Valley who are men, other than those involved in military matters, and those few are mostly trained to deal with battle wounds, obviously."

Battle wounds? If this place is somehow real, then logically those wounds would be knife, sword and spear, I suppose. They wouldn't have gunshot wounds around here, would they?

"I see. Thank you for your trouble. Can I call on you if anything happens to me? I have been told that I shouldn't have any more problems, but that is only what I've been told."

Senia gave her a smile. "Of course, Mistress. Since neither you nor I know anything about your ailment, except what little we have been told, it is a wise precaution. You are in the Duke's mansion now, so a simple request to the Duchess should bring me here within half a bell, should it be necessary."

"Thank you again. What happens now?"

"Why, Mistress, I do not know what the Duke has arranged for his guests, you had best enquire of him or the Duchess. For myself, I must needs make a report to him concerning the injuries that happened on the ship."

"I would like to listen to that, if I may. Both Maralin and I were on the ship with Her Highness and her crew."

In the corridor Senia explained to Maralin what she had to do and he added himself to their party. He was not in uniform, and most of the Duke's household had not seen him for some time, but nevertheless he managed to shepherd the women into the dining room again and over towards the mob surrounding the Duke. They were spotted by Fanis and intercepted.

"Your Grace," Maralin explained, "Healer Senia must needs report to His Grace on the state of the crew of our ship before she leaves."

"Ah? Then wait you here and I will see if I can get Wallesan to spare a few moments. As you can see, it has been mayhem in here since everyone discovered that he had returned." She rolled her eyes with a smile. "You would think that the city could not run without him, yet here we have been quietly doing just that ever since you both departed, Maralin!"

"I could not possibly comment, Your Grace!"

"Indeed, Maralin. Now, Ursula, I assume you have just been examined by Senia?"

"I have, Your Grace, and she finds nothing else wrong."

"That is good news, I deem. Now, let me have a word with Wallesan."

After a few moments the Duke beckoned them over.

"Senia, what news?"

"Your Grace, your guest Mistress Ursula seems to be in good health. By your leave, I have asked that she call for me if there is anything that concerns her."

Wallesan smiled at Ursula. "That is good news. Of course, if there is need, someone will call. What can you tell me of those on the Visund?"

"As to those on the ship of Her Highness, I can report the following. One man has a broken arm, it has been set reasonably well so I have made him a plaster cast until the join heals. Four men have twisted or sprained ankles, including the pilot. All of those have been securely strapped and they have been told not to walk on them for a week. Four others have rib damage, we are not certain if some are cracked or broken so we have treated them all the same, they have also been strapped and told to rest for two weeks. For the rest, one or two cuts, almost all have bruises of varying severity and I have given their leader Tor salve for the most painful. I was impressed by the knowledge the men had of such injuries and how to remedy them."

Wallesan gave her a knowing look. "Considering the life that most of those men have been accustomed to, I am not surprised. And Her Highness? Have you also examined her and her female companions?"

"I have, Your Grace, and they carry the same bruises as her crew. I could not find any injury more serious than that."

Wallesan stroked his chin. "So, we have one with a broken arm, four with sprained ankles and four with possible broken ribs. You will tell me that they should not be sailing again for some time."

Senia shook her head. "If they had sustained battle wounds, then of course I must needs do what I can for them and send them on their way, Your Grace, but we are no longer at war and there is no urgency. Her Highness and her companions accompanied us back here from the ship and she asked me much the same question. I told her that she could leave her men here, in our care, or she could wait for them to be whole again."

"How long?"

"For the broken arm, I would recommend that the man remained here until the bone has healed altogether, Your Grace. That may be a month, more likely to be two, possibly three if there are any complications. For the ankles, they should be fit for work in four weeks or so. The ribs, two to three weeks, and then to do light work only - which may not be possible on a ship, of course."

Wallesan pursed his lips. "A significant delay! How did Her Highness take it?"

"I do not think she was concerned, Your Grace. She told us that she followed no timetable, that she went where and when she willed, so remaining here but gives her an opportunity to explore Joth more than she would otherwise have done."

The Duke nodded. "That sounds like Eriana. Senia, I thank you for your time on this matter, I had better let you return to your patients now."

"Your Grace." Senia curtseyed and then she and her companion turned and made their way out of the crowded room.

Wallesan turned to Maralin. "Have you explained our world to Ursula, then?"

"I have Your Grace, but unfortunately she does not believe what I told her." He looked at her briefly before adding, "I believe that she thinks that this is some kind of setup, an elaborate play-acting arrangement that is somewhere still on Earth, arranged for us to obtain information from her, but what she thinks we want to know I cannot imagine."

"On Earth! I am told that conditions on Earth are somewhat different than those here, and that it is easy to tell the difference. Mistress Ursula?"

Ursula said, "What would you do in my place, Your Grace? I have just woken up and been told a story that sounds so unbelievable that it is more likely that I am dreaming, or maybe under the influence of drugs." She waved her hand around at the crowded room. "All of this, all of it, could be inside my head. How can I prove what is real and what is not?"

"I have no answer for you, Mistress. Maralin?"

"I have told her that both Garia and I face the same problem, and that all we can really do is to treat what we see before us as real, since we cannot affect whatever else might be happening while we are here."

"As you say. What about the Beings? Do you accept they are real?"

Maralin's response was guarded. "Your Grace, we should not speak of such matters here. If anyone overhears us, it could cause trouble."

Wallesan looked frustrated. "You are right, Maralin. This is a conversation better left for a more private time. Fanis, if you would take our friends to a corner and wait while I dispose of a few last problems. Then, I deem, we must needs clear the room for the dining table to set up. Over lunch we can decide what to do next with our unexpected guest."

Since there were already a number of women in the dining room, Fanis decided that Renita could return to the kitchens. She bade them farewell and hurried off to help prepare the impending lunch. Wallesan listened to two men, gave them answers that seemed to satisfy them, and then called for his chamberlain.

"Bellot, I have talked enough this morning. Have the mansion cleared, tell those that must come back to appear here tomorrow morning after breakfast."

"As you command, Your Grace."

It took some time for the room to be cleared, with several attendees insisting that the Duke had to give them answers to petitions that they judged to be important. Wallesan decided matters by leaving, probably to go and refresh himself after the morning's onslaught. Fanis and the others found chairs and settled down to wait until lunch appeared.

They were forced to move once the tables had been erected and chose to stand around waiting for the other diners to appear. Eriana, Bennet and Semma arrived together. They had changed from their earlier uniforms, and their hair seemed to be damp, so Maralin decided that they must have had a bath after returning from the dockside. The trio joined the group.

"Your Grace," Eriana greeted Fanis formally. "Has any yet told you of my crew?"

"Eriana, they have. Healer Senia was here and reported to Wallesan that some of your men are injured, and that you have decided to remain in Joth until they are well enough to travel. Of course, you are welcome to remain in the mansion, along with Semma and Bennet. I'm sure that Wallesan will find lodgings for your men within the city, their renown is such that they are sure to be well received by all."

"You are gracious, Fanis, and I thank you for your generosity." She held up a hand. "No, I can accept that I should be a guest in your house, but I insist that the Treasury of Palarand provides the coin for feeding and housing my men... and, of course, paying for all the ale they are certain to drink!"

Fanis grinned back. "Done, Eriana!"

Maralin noticed that Eriana was now wearing a gown that had probably come from the Palace Wardrobe, while Bennet and Semma both wore the thin summer dresses they had obtained in the riverside markets. This reminded him of his other project, one that had been driven out of mind by the unexpected appearance of Ursula. He thought a moment or two and then smiled before turning to the Duchess.

"Your Grace, I have been thinking about the meeting this afternoon with the seamstresses."

"Oh, Maralin? Have you changed your mind?"

"Just the reverse, as it happens. I am reminded of another matter that will involve your seamstresses, something that happened after we left Dekarran to sail here. You see, the crew of the Visund - and that includes Her Highness, Bennet and Semma in this case - are not used to our summer heat and their clothes are too thick."

"But these dresses seem suitable to me," Fanis noted.

"That's because we took the time to find suitable wear in the wayside markets and buy them," Maralin explained. "Eriana is too tall for what was available so she was forced to wait until we arrived here. I'm sure that your seamstresses can provide whatever she needs?"

"As you say, Maralin, it should be no problem for them, even if she is so tall. But you mentioned the men."

"Ah, well, the problem there is in two parts."

He went on to explain his thoughts and Fanis's eyebrows rose as he did so.

"I did not know that you were able to do such things, Maralin! As well as being an able cook, it seems I must now consider you an expert tailor."

"Oh, no, Your Grace! I could repair clothes easily enough and I could just about make myself some light summer wear if I had to. No, I'll leave the experts to their business if I may. What I can do is to use my knowledge of..." he remembered that the others around Fanis might not know his origins, "...fashions from my homelands to suggest designs which can be easily made and would be suitable for the summer season. Eriana is already looking forward to what I can do."

Fanis seemed amused. "Then I too will look forward to this afternoon's session, Maralin."

"If I may ask, where do your seamstresses reside? I did not think that your mansion would be big enough to hold everybody."

She smiled. "Oh, of course, you have never resided in this mansion, have you? You came to us while we were guests of Sherin at Thorn. And you have visited that ridiculous palace of Robanar's! Palarand is big enough, and rich enough, that he can employ a whole army of servants in that monstrous maze of his. Joth is much smaller, but we are inside our city, and thus the city provides for us as we require. The seamstresses serve all, just as our healers, joiners and other craftsmen do. Only our personal men-at-arms, our stable staff, our cleaners and our kitchen staff remain with us at all times."

"Ah, I see, Your Grace. You have visited the palace, then?"

"Aye, and I thought that I would never find my way out again! I must needs admit that the whole place was run very efficiently. His people know what they are doing."

"As you say, Your Grace."

* * *

"Mistress Ursula."

Ursula lowered her fork. "Your Grace?"

"Is the meal to your taste? I know that some from far away lands have dietary requirements that we would consider unusual."

"Your Grace, though this is not the kind of food that I was accustomed to, I have discovered that it is tasty and pleasant to eat. I have to say that I can recognize nothing on my plate, and some of the meat is... unusual, let me say, but it is delicious. I have not yet found anything that tastes, to me, unpleasant. Of course, I have already visited your kitchen and I have no doubt that the food which is served to Your Grace will be of the highest quality."

Wallesan nodded. "As you say. As always, the quality of food served throughout my lands will vary according to the status of the household and the coin available to them, but I do not think you will be disappointed, wherever you might go. Now I have been considering what may be done with you."

Ursula gave Wallesan her full attention. "Your Grace?"

He waved a hand. "It is too soon for a significant decision, I deem. Your mind, your personality has only become fully aware of your situation since this morning, would you agree?"

"Yes, Your Grace, that is so."

"You also have some difficulty understanding where you are and if it is real or not, or within your own imagination."

She nodded. "As I explained before. Coming from where I did, most of what I see around me makes no sense at all."

"Then you will understand that it would be folly of me to allow you to go unknowing into Anmar, to face dangers the like of which you may have great difficulty understanding. Thus, I must ask you to remain here in the mansion as my guest, until a time when we both consider that you have learned enough about the world for it to be safe for you to choose your own path in life."

Ursula considered, then nodded. "I have to agree, Your Grace, but this could be a polite way of telling me I am a prisoner here."

The Duke grimaced. "Let me make it plain to you, Mistress. You are not to be held here as a prisoner, or hostage, or what you will. I must needs consider you as a ward, as perhaps I would a child who has yet to learn that the wider world has unknown dangers to be discovered and overcome. While I will grant you leave to reside here, you will be at liberty to explore the mansion and the city as you desire, saving only that you have a suitable guide with you at all times."

"A guide?"

"Aye. Remember that in this place and time you are a woman and women," he smiled and glanced at Eriana, "unless they are fit and well-trained and carry a big sword, are vulnerable to certain elements that exist in any society. Maralin will tell you that it was no different on Earth, is this true?"

Ursula considered what she had been running from and reluctantly nodded. "Unfortunately it is, Your Grace."

"I must also remind you that, as far as we are concerned, you were brought here for a particular reason, or because you may have talents which could be of use to us in the future. That being so, I deem that we should have another discussion about your future once you have learned sufficiently about your situation to speak knowledgeably about it."

"Agreed, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Mistress. Now, let us finish our meal in peace and good company. Eriana, if I may ask you about your own plans. Your men have been -"

* * *

Ursula woke with a start. It was dim in the bedroom, but the light leaking around the shutters and the drapes was strong enough to make everything clear to her vision. Her back ached where the laces of the dress had pressed against her spine.

If everyone does this every day, and in this heat I see no reason why they should not, then I think I am going to have to undress in order to take a nap. This dress is uncomfortable after a time lying down, and of course it is going to be creased as well.

It didn't matter when we were traveling, since we wore the kind of clothes that everyone accepted would get wrinkled and creased. Now I am in here, though... I will need to look a little tidier.

She listened, but there was no sound from the small room opposite where Bennet rested. There were sounds coming from outside, through the window, but she had more urgent needs to satisfy first. She carefully sat up and then stood, her feet finding the soft slippers she wore in the bedroom.

In the toilet closet, there was a problem. Squatting was now second nature to her, but the skirt of her dress seemed to have a mind of its own, and she struggled to gather it, to keep it out of the way.

I was extremely embarrassed at first when they helped me go to the toilet, but now I see that it is a natural consequence of wearing clothing like this. Nobody appears to be that bothered by the process since all women seem to do it.

There is a clever way of using the sash to tie it all up out of the way but really it needs two people to do it properly. I wonder what a woman on her own does? Oh, wait - perhaps that is why women have to be accompanied? Not necessarily to protect them against men, but to help each other during those female moments? More mysteries!

She finished and wiped, settling her clothing comfortably about her body.

Bennet's on her period, which she calls 'Kalikan'. I don't know what that means, but it seems important. It was interesting to help her when we bathed this morning. She was happy to accept my help and it didn't bother her that I was there.

Hmm. This body is that of a woman, so logically I should have periods as well. Wonder when that will happen? It might be interesting, but then again it might be unpleasant.

Back in the bedroom, the slight noise attracted her to the window. She pulled the drape away and then opened one of the shutters, squinting in the bright light outside. Her room overlooked the front courtyard where they had arrived the previous day. Facing her was a three-story building which had a covered balcony at the higher level, which ran all the way round the courtyard to her right. At the left-hand end of the building was a stone tower which had an arched opening to the street, but it did not appear to be a fortification. There were no windows, just some narrow slits halfway up, and the top just had a pitched roof, no walkways for soldiers or anything that looked defensive.

The noise came from a group of men in the courtyard, who were unloading crates from a four-wheeled wagon. Some of the crates were large and apparently needed careful handling, which meant that their contents might be fragile. There were ropes, and planks down which the larger crates were slid.

The beast pulling the wagon shocked Ursula. It appeared to be a hippopotamus, standing placidly in harness and waiting for the men to finish. The men seemed to ignore it, which implied that what she saw was routine, that this happened every day.

Then she had another shock, because the beast moved. It attempted to turn its head to see her, and that was difficult, so it bleated and then moved the wagon forward until the planks dropped with a clatter on the cobbles. The men jumped out of the way as the beast then pulled the wagon forward before twisting itself in the harness to reverse it back - at an angle, so that it could raise its head and look Ursula full in the face.

The men came round to the front of the beast and then saw where it was looking, so that she had six faces staring up at her window. The beast let out what sounded like a complex bleat before lowering its head and then ignoring her.

Did that creature just speak to me? How is this possible? This dream is getting wilder and wilder by the minute!

One of the men called up. "Good afternoon, Mistress. If we disturbed you from your nap, then I must needs apologize. We are nearly finished, as you may see."

"Thank you, no," she replied. "There was not much noise. I think that I was already awake."

"By your leave," he said with a nod, and then turned to get the men back to whatever they were doing.

Puzzled, she watched them for a short while and then turned, to find that Bennet had woken and was standing behind her.

"Did the noise waken you, Mistress?"

"I'm not certain, Bennet. I am not used to sleeping during the day, so it is not surprising that I woke a little early." She hesitated, then asked, "Can you tell me what that creature is called? The one in the courtyard, I mean."

Bennet leaned out briefly and then turned. "Why, it is a dranakh, Mistress. They are used to pull wagons and, occasionally, carriages. Have you not noticed them as we traveled on the river?"

Ursula frowned. "You're right, I probably did, but that was before my memory came back, and everything looked strange so I didn't think anything of it. Aren't they dangerous?"

"Oh, aye, Mistress, they can be very dangerous, but only to those who have not given them their trust. To their owners, they are steadfast and will defend them against every danger, even grakh and ptuvils."

Ursula was afraid to ask what grakh and ptuvils might be, so let the matter drop. Instead, she picked up a previous thought and asked, "Do you need assistance in the toilet?"

Bennet nodded. "It would be wise, I deem. There is little flow now, but easier to deal with when a friend is near. Thank you."

Once duty had been done, and clothing tidied and arranged, Bennet led Ursula downstairs to the dining room. She saw that the dining tables had been left erected and a bolt of cloth lay at one end, the bolt Maralin had bought at a market along the river.

Did that really happen? Or have I just been hypnotized into believing that it did? Have I actually traveled anywhere at all?

On one of the serving sideboards servants were handing out mugs of pel to the people already there, who mainly consisted of older women. They looked with interest at the pair as they accepted their drinks.

One of them asked, "You are from the barbarian ship?"

Another tutted, "Melisent! Be polite!" To Bennet she said, "Greetings both, I am Jorda. From your colors I believe that you did come on that strange ship, but I deem you are no barbarians."

Bennet smiled. "As you say, although you may be partly correct. I am Bennet and this is Mistress Ursula. We were passengers aboard the Visund, but the owner and crew come from lands that many would consider barbarous. I would warn you now, though, that all have sworn oaths to Robanar of Palarand, as I have, and the owner is a Princess of Palarand."

That produced an excited buzz among the dozen or so women waiting, but Bennet refused to answer any more questions, saying that it was not her place. Fanis appeared next, causing everyone in the room to curtsey. Even Ursula dipped toward the Duchess, although she only realized that she had done so after the event. The women all streamed toward their host, expecting to discover why they had been summoned.

Fanis held up a hand with a smile as they surrounded her. "Welcome, all! Have you all had pel? Good." She glanced around the room. "Now, it is true that I summoned you all here this afternoon, but the request was that of someone else, someone who has need of the best seamstresses of Joth. We must needs wait until they arrive, doubtless they have napped a little longer than we."

She had barely finished speaking when Eriana, Semma and Maralin entered the room, Eriana greeting Fanis with a smile and a nod, Semma curtseying and Maralin bowing. They each carried a cloth bag, which were placed on the table near the bolt of cloth. In addition Maralin had a document case, from which he extracted a sheaf of paper, also placed on the table.

"If I may introduce Princess Eriana of Palarand," Fanis said. "She is the owner and captain of the unusual ship which arrived late yesterday evening. The ship, its captain and crew originally came from Einnland, a distant land which most of you have probably never heard of. Briefly, it is a remote coastal country beyond the great mountains to the east and requires many days of sailing to even reach the shores of Plif. Eriana, so I am told, had a disagreement with her father -" here Fanis tilted her head with a knowing smile, "- over an unsuitable husband, so she fled, seeking a more civilized land to reside in.

"She and her crew of large, hairy warriors landed in Palarand just at the moment when we and they were plunged into the recent war. She and her men offered to help, and made a perilous winter crossing of the mountains to the north to attack Boldan's Rock, with results you all know. As reward Robanar has made them all freemen of Palarand, and granted Eriana the right to retain her title and rank by virtue of the fact that she is the daughter of a King. Here she is in Joth again, along with most of those who went with her, this time to travel the Sirrel in peace and discover what wonders the countries of the Great Valley may have to offer."

Almost everybody curtseyed low to Eriana, though this time Ursula was uncertain what to do, so did not.

The Duchess continued speaking. "Attending Her Highness, as you may see, are two companions Bennet and Semma, who are women in His Majesty's Palace Guard. Yes, they can both wield a sword, as can Her Highness. They serve Eriana as both companions and sword-maidens during her journey."

All eyes inspected both Bennet and Semma, identifiable by their sashes. Once they had been appraised, they focused on Maralin, the only man in the room, who was standing beside the table.

"Some of you will know Tenant Maralin, since he has provided you with designs for uniforms while Joth was in the hands of the enemy. It is he who has asked you here today, although you should not assume that his interest here is purely of a military nature."

That was a surprise to some of them, those who had not met him previously. He held up a hand in welcome.

"Thank you for coming here today, ladies. There are several reasons why I have asked for seamstresses, and I know that many of you have been busy in past months making uniforms for some of the armies who have recently passed through Joth. Well, not all the needs are mine, and not all of the needs involve uniforms.

"If I may first speak of Her Highness Princess Eriana. As you have just been told, she is the captain of a ship and she is taking the Visund, along with most of its crew, for a voyage of exploration along the Sirrel. As the ship is crowded, and is a working vessel, she has not brought many of the fine clothes which she has on rails in the King's palace in Palarand. Unfortunately, those clothes she has brought are working clothes, suitable for a voyage on the open ocean in cooler waters. Ladies, she is not used to the summer heat of the Great Valley and her attire is unsuitable for use on the Sirrel. As you can see by her size, it was not possible to find her lighter dresses along the way, although we did manage to find something more suitable for Bennet and Semma."

The heads went between Bennet, Semma and Eriana, inspecting the build and attire of each and weighing up the differences.

"Now I must tell you a little of my own origins," Maralin continued, using the same tale he had used before. "Some of you will know that I have been trained as a cook, but I come from a family of tailors, and I have some knowledge of that trade as well." He smiled. "Those of you who have made Joth's new uniforms know that I have some idea what I am talking about."

Some of the heads nodded, and they looked at Maralin with new respect.

"So the first task will be to provide suitable attire for Her Highness, and by that I mean both clothes that would be worn in the city, or in the presence of Her Grace, and clothes that will be suitable for journey aboard a ship on the river. You will all doubtless have ideas of the first, and after we have finished here I am sure that Her Grace will ask some to return to contract for suitable gowns. However, I have some ideas for shipboard wear, and it is those I would ask you to consider this afternoon."

Jorda, who seemed to be the senior seamstress present, raised an objection. "Master Maralin, I do not understand why you should be needed here. Surely, the measuring, designing, cutting and sewing of gowns is a simple matter for us, and I am certain that once we have measured Her Highness, there will be no difficulty providing her with both gowns for the mansion and dresses suitable for the river."

Maralin nodded. "Mistress, normally I would agree, but the Visund is not the kind of ship that you may be familiar with, and its crew very different than those who ride the barges we have passed along the way. I have traveled with them from Dekarran to Joth, and I have been able to observe how even the dresses which Bennet and Semma wear today would not be suitable for any female crew to wear."

There were mutterings, but then nods, as Maralin made the distinction clear.

He continued, "Now, one reason I am here this afternoon is that in the lands of my birth, what men and women wear is different than what is customary in the Great Valley. If I went into any detail we would be here all night, but I would just say that an adaptation of an existing design from there may be more suitable for wear on board, while still keeping within the Valley customs."

"If you would explain, Master Maralin."

Maralin walked over to the pile of paper and extracted a sheet, bringing it over to the women.

"Here it is. Oh, and I don't think that you should address me as Master. Technically I am a Tenant in His Grace's forces, attached to his household. My plain name will do when I am not in uniform."

Jorda studied the drawings before handing them to the others to look at.

"Do the women of your birth lands really wear such simple attire?"

Maralin smiled. "You do not know the half of it, Mistress. This is an adaptation of a design that is even shorter and has no sleeves at all."

"Indeed?" Jorda's eyebrows went up. "Are people not offended?"

"Once upon a time, maybe they were, but now? No. In time, fashions change, as you all know, and since the climate there is warm enough clothes have begun to shrink. There will always be those who push the boundaries of taste but in general, we accept what most people wear. Here, I have lengthened the hem to the knee, which is about as low as it can get and still be practical. I have also provided short sleeves to keep with Valley tastes."

One asked, "Maralin, I do not see any way to get into this dress. There are no laces."

"None are needed, Mistress. The garment is simply pulled on over the head, as a tunic would be. The intent is that it hangs loose, so that fresh air may help to cool the wearer, but is not so loose that the wind will lift it up."

Someone said, "But, surely, something must become visible when the wind blows!"

Eriana stepped forward with a smile. "Indeed, and that is just what happens. Now, on our journey, Maralin had a bright idea and purchased some thin cloth in the first market we visited. From that, we have made what he calls undershorts, designed also to allow the air to flow but to prevent any indiscretion. Behold!"

Without warning she lifted the skirt of her dress to show the shorts beneath. Most of the women gasped and some actually stepped back. Many cast glances at Maralin, before understanding what they were seeing and relaxing.

"Oh, how clever! Dinna, that looks much more comfortable to wear in the heat of summer!"

"I can tell you that even under my thicker dress I am more comfortable," Eriana confirmed. "These little garments took us perhaps half a bell each to cut and sew, and we girls have all worn them since that day. So, we do not care if the wind should blow."

Jorda said, "Maralin, if you would accept my apology. I would never have considered such things as these to be possible. Is there a name to your dress design?"

"We called it a shift, Mistress." He walked over to the bolt of cloth and patted it. "I found this in one of the markets along the way and it seemed to have just the right weight and texture for what I had in mind. I had intended, if time permitted, to cut and sew a sample on our journey, but that proved impossible. If this idea proves successful, then I assume that similar material may be found within the markets of Joth."

Jorda came and examined the cloth. "This is undyed karin, which is just the right cloth for the heat of summer, I deem, yet sturdy enough for the intended use. Maralin, you have chosen well. Aye, we can obtain the like cloth locally, if your design proves popular."

There followed an intense discussion of the simple design, resulting in several people deciding to make variants to see what would work and what might not - and what might look good, or what might offend onlookers. The group then turned to Maralin again.

"If I may next introduce Mistress Ursula," he began with a gesture. "Now, the story surrounding her presence here is... strange and complicated, and I do not doubt that you will all want to hear it, but, ladies, not today, we have little enough time as it is. Her immediate problem is that because of an accident during her journey she has almost no wardrobe at all, save a few items we obtained along the way. So, as for Her Highness, Mistress Ursula will need clothing suitable for someone who will, at least for now, reside in the Duke's household."

Jorda was skeptical. "Lost all her attire?"

Maralin spread his hands with an apologetic smile. "As I said, the situation is complicated, Mistress Jorda. While she may not remember what was bought, I'm sure that Bennet and Semma do, so they can perhaps tell you what she already has. If it please Her Grace, perhaps she could advise what a guest in the mansion might require."

Fanis replied, "Of course, Maralin. Though you might have knowledge of the tailor's art, you could not possibly know what Mistress Ursula will require while she resides with us. Bennet, Semma, if you would tell us what she already has." She smiled. "I am sure that Maralin will not be bored while we provide for Ursula."

Although the women were still unsettled by Maralin's presence, discussions were made and a basic wardrobe decided for Ursula, with her agreement. She would be measured after the meeting, in the small meeting room across the corridor, to preserve privacy. The only problem came when the discussion turned to the standard undergarment of the region, bodices. Maralin suggested an alternative.

"As it happens," he told them, "there is a more comfortable undergarment which is now worn commonly around Palarand city. It will support... a woman's breasts better."

Several of the women stared at Maralin. Surely he could not be about to discuss the most intimate of female body parts? They began to fidget until Fanis raised her hands.

"Ladies! Maralin was involved in printing the patterns and knows how they work. I doubt that he has ever made any of these garments himself, or fitted them to customers."

"As you say, Your Grace. This is a garment introduced by Princess Garia, and is widely worn in the lands of her birth, which are not so far from my own. That is the only reason that I am familiar with them. They are known by the name of bra and should be simple to make from small pieces of cloth. The only complication is the sizing, and I was fully instructed at the palace before we departed."

Jorda objected, "You were instructed, Maralin? Why not..." She tailed off as she realized that the only women on the ship were Eriana, who of course was a Princess, and two swordswomen, none of whom could be expected to have that level of interest in the subject.

He had an embarrassed smile. "As you have realized, there were no alternative choices, and as I have some previous knowledge, it was thought best to instruct me, so that I can in turn instruct you. So, ladies, our next topic has to be the bra patterns. Have you brought them with you?"

The patterns had been sent in a heavy folder made from thick, crude cardboard. Jorda beckoned to the woman who had carried it in and she gave the folder to Maralin. He carefully opened it and pulled out the sheets, which were printed on thick paper, onto the table. The women crowded round.

Jorda said, "We could not understand what these were for, Maralin. Some thought that it might be for some fancy design of hat. Since there are so many parts, it was not easy to determine what shape the finished garment would be, or how it would be worn, since we have not yet seen one whole."

Eriana laughed. "Mistress, I can remedy that in a moment. With your permission, Your Grace?"

It dawned on Fanis what Eriana wanted to do and she stopped and thought, but only briefly. She nodded. "You have it, but I suggest that either Bennet or Semma attends the door while the other helps you. I deem that Maralin is safe enough, but should anyone else chance to enter -"

"As you say! Semma, attend the door, if you would, while Bennet sees to my laces."

Melisent gasped, "But there is a man in the room!"

Fanis soothed her by saying, "I am sure that Maralin will do nothing improper, Mistress, while he is here, and surrounded by the rest of us. Now, Eriana is wearing her undershorts, is she not? And are not these bras designed to cover the breasts? Her Highness would never have suggested what she did if it would expose any part of her that she did not desire to be seen by him. Bennet, you may continue."

The seamstresses watched open-mouthed as Bennet loosened the laces and then helped Eriana pull her gown over her head. There were gasps as her bra was exposed. Some of them cast glances at Maralin, but he seemed unconcerned by the display.

"Oh! I see! That looks interesting, Your Grace."

Fanis was as interested as the others, as she had not encountered a bra before either. "It is certainly a different way of supporting your breasts, is it not? Eriana, how comfortable is it? How does it compare with our normal bodice?"

"It is very comfortable, Fanis, and much cooler in this weather. I find it easy to move around on board in it and it protects my breasts to a certain extent, preventing them moving about. I understand that they can be made in almost any material, and of course those with larger breasts will require more sturdy support. Before I left there was a project to make some in silk for the hot weather, but of course those would be more difficult to sew. As for bodices, I have never worn one so I cannot answer you."

Fanis was surprised. "You have never worn a bodice?"

"Why no, Fanis, we did not wear them in Einnland, but what I think must be a similar garment called a 'maidens' vest', usually made out of thick woolen cloth. When I reached Palarand, and the palace, I was immediately fitted out with my own bras."

"And this is the result." The Duchess walked all around Eriana, inspecting the novel garment. "Ah, I think I see why such a mass of pattern pieces is required for making them now." She turned to Maralin. "Am I right? The patterns are intended to provide for all sizes, Maralin?"

He nodded. "Yes, Your Grace, and this is another of Princess Garia's ideas. You see, what the palace seamstresses did was to measure all the women who worked in the palace and discovered that a small number of pattern sizes would fit most of them, with a similar number of sizes fitting most of the rest. That saves making bespoke garments for everybody. But I am certain that all this is explained on the instruction sheet which should have been enclosed."

Fanis turned to Jorda. "Is this so, Jorda? Did you find an instruction sheet?"

Jorda looked reluctant to admit it but replied, "We did, Your Grace. We thought we understood some of it but other parts made no sense at all. The fact that we did not know what a bra was or how it was supposed to be worn did not help. The sheet has some funny symbols on it. What are they?"

Fanis turned to Maralin who answered, "Okay. First, somebody has to carefully cut all these shapes out of the cardboard, that's what we call this stuff. Cut just along the outside of the black lines and that will give you pieces of the right size that you can draw round onto the cloth. You'll notice that every piece has a letter and a number inside -"

"Those are numbers? They are nothing like our numbers!"

Maralin and Fanis looked at each other. She said, "Those are known as the Garian Numbers. The system is named after her since she introduced them to us but they are much older, and come from the same place that she did. When Prince Keren passed through here last fall he left a sheet explaining the Garian numbers and they have proved so useful that we have been converting the Treasury accounts to use them just as fast as we have been able. I am surprised that you have not yet come across them."

One of the other women volunteered, "My husband has use of them, Jorda, and I can tell you that they are so much easier to use. As you know his business has connections to Palarand and the other lands to the east, and the Garian numbers are being used everywhere, it seems."

Fanis waved a hand to end the discussion. "Ladies, it seems that some of you will need tuition in the Garian numbers, then, before you may make use of the patterns. However, Maralin was describing how to use them and perhaps he should continue."

"As you desire, Your Grace. As I was saying, to decide which pattern pieces you will need, you measure around the chest just under the breasts and again at the fullest extent, perhaps while wearing a bodice to make it easier. There is an adjustment table for helping if the... customer... is wearing a bodice." He held up the sheet. "Then, you simply look up the chest number down the side, here, and the full measurement along the top, here, and the square where the sizes meet tells you the letters and numbers of the pattern pieces you'll need. There is a standard seam allowance, oh, and a separate table to tell you how long to make the shoulder straps."

"Thank you, Maralin, thank you, Eriana. If some could help Her Highness dress again?"

Jorda helped Bennet assist Eriana back into her gown and everybody relaxed somewhat. Eriana went to the bag she had brought and fished out a spare bra of her own, which was passed round.

"These buckles, Your Grace. So fine, and they will take time to make. I can see that the sewing will not take long, on so small a garment, but we must needs wait for a smith to make these metal parts."

Eriana smiled. "There is no need to wait, ladies. As you say, making these buckles would be long and tedious, as I understand the art of the smith, but Palarand has invented a new method of making them. Maralin?"

He took a small packet that had been tucked into the pattern folder and unwrapped it to show a pile of brass buckles. The women crowded round, passing the buckles out and inspecting them.

"How are these made, Maralin?" Fanis asked. "So many!"

He smiled. "So many are needed, Your Grace, that producing them by hand would never have worked. Fortunately the Palace Jeweler has an inquiring mind and invented a machine that can produce them in quantity. You simply feed a ribbon of brass in one end and a stream of these comes out the other."

Jorda turned. "But, still, Maralin, there are so many. Why, there must be a thousand in here!"

"Aye, Mistress, and the numbers soon add up, if you think about it. Four of those to a bra, and how many bras will a woman need? I would suggest at least three in order to have one clean, one on and one in the wash. Then perhaps two more of a larger size for when Kalikan comes, that's five, so that's twenty buckles altogether. This packet, therefore, contains enough buckles to make bras for about fifty women." He grinned. "How many women live in the city, then?"

There were open mouths all round as everyone did the math. Jorda asked, "What happens when we use all these up, Maralin? Must we needs ask Palarand for another supply?"

"There is such a huge demand for these in Palarand that a separate factory - a kind of workshop - has been set up to just make buckles for bras and for other purposes. Some of these will be supplied to Joth at regular intervals, probably once a month or so. This first packet is a gift to accompany the patterns, there will probably be a small charge for any more that you ask for."

Fanis said, "Still, the numbers required for those of Joth will be astonishing, if what you say is true. If we should decide to produce our own, Maralin?"

"I don't think there would be a problem, Your Grace. Those who would produce them would need training, of course, and you'll need a place to set up the simple machinery, but I'm sure something can be worked out. Bras are so essential to women, especially working women, that King Robanar expects that every country in the Great Valley to be producing them - and the buckles - eventually."

Ursula watched this discussion with some puzzlement. What she saw in front of her was a genuine attempt to teach apparently knowledgeable people how to make bras, of all things, by hand, and that included the metalwork.

I cannot believe that this is all a side show put on for my benefit! Some of those women genuinely didn't know what normal numbers looked like! What have I stumbled into?

She watched, an interested outsider, as the women discussed this 'new' garment among themselves for a while before Fanis held up her hand to end the conference.

"Ladies! We have other things to speak of today, if you would. Maralin, I believe that you have more projects for our seamstresses."

"Aye, Your Grace. Um, there is obviously more to talk about concerning bras, but that can be handled some other day. I know that many of you will be coming back here again.

"So, the other item of interest is clothing for the men of Her Highness's crew. Presently they are wearing thick canvas trousers and loose seafarer's tunics, also made of canvas. Though the clothing that men wear can be thicker and rougher than that which women usually wear, in the summer heat I don't think those particular garments will work much longer. Therefore, I have drawn some ideas for practical wear for the men while they are sailing."

He handed out several sheets of drawings to the women.

"If you would explain, Maralin," Jorda said, looking at her sheet. "This appears to be... shorts, did you call them? as Her Highness has shown us. Can this be true? Are we to make the same garment for men as for women?"

He smiled. "Well... yes and no, Mistress Jorda. The men will need undergarments of thin cloth, like those of Her Highness, but obviously cut to a different shape to suit their figures. I can tell you that looser garments like those are more comfortable than what we wear now. Over those, however, they'll need an outer garment, which will also be shorts, but of slightly thicker material, probably the same as the bolt on the table. They will be longer in the leg and ending about here."

He put the edge of his hand just above his knee.

"Now, these outer shorts will have pockets here and here."

Jorda frowned. "Pockets?"

Maralin sighed. How this civilization has gotten this far without pockets I will never know. "Aye, Mistress. Um, if we may leave that detail until tomorrow, then, when I should be able to show you a sample. Now the upper garment is going to be a sort of simple loose tunic that reaches down to about hip level, to allow free movement of the air and also the body. The sleeves will come straight out of the shoulders, like in the drawing, for free arm movement."

"Oh, I see. Aye, these will be very similar to Her Highness's shift, then, but obviously cut differently. Easy enough to make, I deem."

"...And then, for the really hot weather, I thought of these. They are a kind of singlet with no sleeves and a big neck opening, to allow the air to flow freely."

Jorda's eyebrows shot up. "Would these really be practical, Maralin?"

"From my own experience, Mistress, yes. They are a common sight for certain occupations and I think they would work well for Her Highness's crew."

What I'm not saying is that the occupation is basketball! They don't need to know that!

"If you say so, Maralin. We must needs make samples of all these, I deem, to get the size and fit right. Who may we use as model? Yourself?"

"I think that I would like to have some of the shorts, and maybe the..." Tee shirts? Let's not confuse them any more. They might come across real tee shirts in the future. "...Summer tunics, but the best bet would be to make a set for Master Lars, who is her second-in-command and I believe will be attending Her Highness regularly here at the mansion."

Jorda nodded. "Done, Maralin, and done, Your Grace. We have many questions, but apart from understanding the instructions for the bras we have plenty of other work to consider. Maralin, you want that bolt to be used for Her Highness's shifts and for the men's summer tunics?"

"To begin with, yes please. I anticipated that I could get a couple of samples of each garment from it, that's all. Um, I think Her Highness will pay for any further cloth required, or at least the cost will be charged to Palarand somehow."

Eriana agreed, "As you say, Maralin. This is to be clothing for my crew, after all -" Her eyes narrowed. "These items, do you describe a uniform for me and my men?"

Maralin grinned. "Yes and no, Highness. Your men don't really need a formal uniform to sail the river, not yet, anyway. However, if they all look the same, who knows what an onlooker, or a difficult official, may assume? At the moment I just want them, and you, to be comfortable. There is one thing, though."

"Oh?"

"Mistress Jorda and her friends all know about epaulets, since I introduced them to the Jothan military. I would recommend that your own uniform, as captain of the ship, have epaulets as rank insignia. That would make a start on the traditions of uniforms for the new Federation Navy."

"Epaulets?" Eriana was interested. "Explain. What are they and how will they name me a captain?"

"They go on the shoulders, Highness. You've seen them on my own formal uniform, but I'll let Mistress Jorda explain."

Jorda described the shoulder flap, over which a removable fabric tube bearing rank marks was slid. Since this was now a standard item among the Jothan military, it would be no trouble to add to the shift design.

"Ah, I see. Aye, I did notice them and thought them but a decoration. What rank should I bear, do you think?"

Maralin shrugged. "For now, I would say that of Captain, which is what you will be on the Visund. Let me see... One bar for an Ensign, oh, that's what they call a Standard here and a Junior Quadrant in Palarand. Two bars for a Lieutenant, three for a Commander, four for a Captain. Four narrow bars of black ribbon, if you please, Mistress Jorda, to stand out against the color of the cloth."

"As you command, Maralin."

The group entered into a general discussion about ranks and insignia and Ursula stood back, watching.

This is unreal! Maralin, who claimed to have once been a female cook, is actually teaching these people how to make uniforms! Not to mention basic underwear... What is going on here? Can any of this possibly be real? Or am I, as I first thought, really dreaming all this?

And if I am still dreaming, where am I in reality, and what will I face when I eventually wake up?

Another stray thought came. I'm not sure I want to wake up! This place is crazy and I don't understand what is going on... but I have to admit that I am curious enough to want to see how far it goes. It could be interesting to live here. ...not to mention safe from those who seek me. Do I get some kind of choice?

Of course I could be completely insane, of course. That means I might never 'wake up', but then I'll be stuck here and being here might be better than the alternative.

I have to find some way of testing all these possibilities, but how?

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Comments

Usual apologies

The bulk of the reason why this has taken so long is the heat. When the temp gets above a certain level I can't work at my desktop since it is in the room with the servers and it becomes the hottest room in the house.

When the temp gets even higher, I am forced to shut everything down to protect the hardware, so that means in practice only doing things in the mornings.

I'm in the UK; here we more normally need central heating or fan heaters, etc to make a comfortable temperature. Even in summer I can usually do things online but this year it has been exceptionally hot. Upstairs, where I am and the computers are, is usually much warmer than downstairs for some reason.

We do have a portable AC unit (12,000 btu) which sits in the downstairs lounge, and that is on most days. When it gets bad, we just hunker down in there. Unfortunately, it only has two speeds: loud and louder, which means that even watching TV can be awkward. But it beats the alternative...

Much of VotV is already plotted, so the real delay is finding time and opportunity to actually do the writing. As always, and as for all authors, there are many other demands on my time. Best efforts, ladies, and that is all I can offer.

Penny

Paranoia?

I wonder what will happen to Ursula when she can finally let go of the underlying concerns about what people want from her.

I just logged in briefly to keep an eye on things and was pleased to see this posted. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of my own heatwave, and doing the final clearing up before our move - for actually certain and definite and all the rest - next Friday. We shall depart Bern, have a lunch about 90 minutes later in France, and then wend gently up France to overnight in an hotel in the Champagne region (Epernay). We shall reach our English home around 2 in the afternoon of Saturday the 11th.

All that means that I regret I shall endeavour to get all the Appendix work done, but cannot guarantee it for a week at least!

Great chapter, Pen.

Ta muchly.

U P D A T E : VotV chapter links updated.

Please remember that...

Please remember that the Stalinist USSR was ruled by fear. Torture and experiments on prisoners were used to heighten the fear of the regime.

Stalin’s successors maintained this to some degree. I can get imagine that some Russian organizations using these techniques even today.

Penney is doing a great job of depicting someone who was sought by a nefarious group with a reputation right put of Stalinist USSR.

Testing

I would say a dream test, but with no 24hr analog clock nearby or knowing the local written language, the basic dream tests don't work. Could try chemical tests ie making something that will produce a known reaction but is very ratio specific to work properly and getting a less than optimal result, obvious one involves charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter, but that would raise alarm bells. The night sky doesn't prove she isn't dreaming.

So much

Paranoia! Just how can Ursula test where she finds herself? How can she know if she has landed somewhere else entirely? Most any test I can think of outside of getting pregnant and nursing a babe seems to be inconclusive....

Time can mostly eliminate all

Time can mostly eliminate all but insanity, and Matrix, however recall test can handle insanity,

Ursula needs to speak

Ursula needs to speak directly to Maralin when she and he have the chance to do so in private. More can be explained and shown to her then. Along with that, Maralin needs to know what her background actually is, and how she can contribute to the over all good.

Ursila was already borderline crazy before he

died I think. If she concludes she is indeed somewhere else entirely I think she will be a much happier person. I am looking forward to her reaction to the astronomical differences. which will demonstrate to her the fact as it did to Garia.. This whole series has been fun to read.

Bad situation

I wonder if her original body is digesting in a bear’s stomach?

Could also be a retaliation

Could also be a retaliation hit from the Mob or a simple Mob elimination hit as well? Guess Penny will sort this all out for us as and when she chooses to do so. Fun guessing though.

Reality test

Break a leg.

One cannot truly hurt yourself if ity was a dream.

Full immersion virtual reality with full sensory/haptic feedback?

Yes, of course the CIA has that, sure.

The GRU

Might have that as well. I still have to say that one of the tests ought to be what happens in about 15 days... Nope, nope not believing that could be something faked... Kalikan will call.

maybe they should have named

maybe they should have named Ursula,
Alice instead, as in her own mind at least she has definitely fallen down the rabbit hole

Regarding rank insignia...

Regarding rank insignia, the nickname for the captains rank is railroad tracks (naval rank names differ).

It’s a wonder Maralin didn’t bring it up for giggles and grins.

U.S. Military Rank Insignia

Railroad tracks is used for Army, Marine, and AF Captains, who are pay grade O3. As can be seen here, the nickname is fairly obvious.

A Navy or Coast Guard Captain is pay grade O6 and = to Colonel in the other services.

G/R

Consider the audience, most

Consider the audience, most around him haven't heard about the railroad and maybe 4 have, and to them its some far off thing

Healer in mansion

It’s up to the Duke of course but I am surprised there is not a on-duty healer in the mansion for emergencies. Duty would be rotated among them and minimize the need of a really large mansion.

Not really that big

It probably isn't apparent from what has already been described, but the mansion (The Mansion?) isn't really that big. The number of resident staff is fairly small and, as Fanis explained, any help needed from the city is moments away. It is also possible that, like Robanar's palace, that some of those who work there live elsewhere in the city.

It is likely that a future chapter may give a brief walk-through of what is there and how it relates to the rest of Joth city.

Penny

Small mansion

No outbuildings?

Even Garia’s mansion had a bit of a ‘servant’s hall’.

One Of The Hooks

joannebarbarella's picture

In the Anmar stories is the so lucid explanations of the social and scientific advances that are related to the people. Here we have what we consider simple advances in clothing that will make a tremendous difference to their society (e.g. pockets).

I know that the “inventions” are...

I know that the “inventions” are not the main part of the story however, I keep wondering if Maralin will keep introducing items for royalties?

Will these patterns be “copyrighted” and sold? Will Maralin expand to setting up businesses with partners?

Maralin’s chef training included budgeting and accounting (basic). Will he be writing or helping to write a basic introductory pamphlet on accounting (it helps with government audits and tax collection)?

Accounting

Real trick is getting fractional reserve lending right, some expensive lessons learned in doing it the hard way UK has been paying for one of them for over 2 centuries now.

Maralin’s training...

Maralin’s training in accounting was for operating a restaurant or similar business. He could be only convey basic GAAP information. The most Maralin could teach is a beginer class.

The main information would be brought back by Garia.

You are forgetting about the

You are forgetting about the enhanced memory, the federation will definitely need a central bank, they aren't going to be ready for the idea of unbacked currency yet, that is actually a fairly recent thing here, happened as the US collected a large percentage of the world's gold from selling equipment in WWII and post war everyone backing their currency on the US dollar, and the the US dollar leaving the gold standard.

Copyright

Probably not as printing was not a ‘thing’ before.

But a system will be needed, I’m sure.

As for the bra itself, doesn’t Garia have an exclusivity on it?

Finally, I think the patterns were first created in The Palace in Palarand so in a sense wasn’t it created with public money?

Public domain

I would guess that normally such things would be copyright, or even have design licenses on them, in Palarand at least.

I would also guess that, given the significance of the garment, Terys would have ensured that such patterns were placed in the local equivalent of the public domain, since they are going to be a universal necessity to half the population. Possibly using a local version of the GPL? You can use the patterns freely, but any modifications you make must also be made freely available, or something like that.

There are going to be enough novelties going around the Valley that they don't have to be picky over something every woman is going to need.

Penny

Well there is a middle road

There is the concept of FRAND for essential patents.

But yes, this should be in the public domain.

Exclusivity period

The current period of two years may be too short in the future.

For complicated high tech items, it may take that long to build a plant. A competitor could conceivably build the plant in parallel and begin production the same time the exclusivity holder does. An example would be someone who has an extreme lightbulb moment and invents the first practical fusion reactor. I would imagine it would take longer to plan out and build said unit.

In summary, a reasonable time period must be given to the holder to exploit her design.

Re: “copyrights”, licensing and Maralin

Re: “copyrights”, licensing and Maralin

Sometimes a copyright prevents someone else from claiming an idea regardless of profit. The bra doesn’t need a design license due to its origin as nobody would dare cross the Queen. Even many “free” to download patterns are copyrighted, on Earth. Initially, Maralin and the Seamstresses were discussing patterns for under shorts or bloomers and other attire the bras came later.

Licensing: from free unlimited to paid licenses (I guess that is what the guilds took care of).

The current system will have to be revamped and it will become a very complex system with its own bureaucracy. [anybody got a 5 gallon bucket of aspirin handy?] Best left for Garia’s return with research.

My take;
I see no reason why Maralin shouldn’t make money by introducing ideas and products or investing in business ventures. As Julia’s Julina roughly stated, the royalties will end but profits from shares in businesses will continue as long as the businesses are profitable.

I believe that in the long run a scribe answering to Fanis needs to handle Joth’s license registration with Palarand for a nominal service fee. (I see a need for regular updates [like quarterly] sent to all capitals and major cities.)

Related businesses or industry.
Print shop and book binding. Full size patterns would need large format (A0) printing ability and for other applications. For that, they’ll need large paper stock, too. Onion skin paper, carbon paper, tracing paper, and more. Design sketches and instructions need standard printing press.

Needle (Maralin might have some better designs) production.

Producing buckles for bras and expanding to belt buckles, costume jewelry, and other small brass products.

FRAND

Pertains to licensing copyrighted items or materials.

An example

Qualcomm has FRAND patents for cellular tech and was granted to be part of cellular standards in exchange for reasonable fees for use of them by manufacturers that must implement said patent to make cellular modems work.

This is the source of that well known dispute between Apple and Qualcomm over royalties over said patents.

IP protections

There seems to be a regional understanding between the countries in at least this part of the Valley respecting the IP of each other, but it seems to apply for technology rather than literature right now. One potential problem is that pure ideas don't get licensed yet, but the flip side is you can't prevent others from making money on something you yourself don't make...

If, Maralin is thinking ahead...

If, Maralin is thinking ahead he would look for a large building where some workspaces could be setup for light industry and for seamstreses to use sewing machines running off a steam powered shaft.

For a while

They could use treadle machines. There is no absolute reason for, and many good reasons not to, have a central power system for their sewing machines.
Point the first for not having central power system: As yet they have not really created effective methods of changing speed, or more important, of disengaging the power.
Point the second: Speed, they have very little control of the speed at the user end of such a central power system.
Point the third: as yet steam engines are rather rare. So, better to design equipment that can be powered other ways. The treadle has been an effective mode of powering lots of small machines for a long time. Everything from a potter's wheel to a spinning wheel has been powered at one time or another by treadle.
All of which goes to say that hopefully Garia did point out that having the machine use the user as a power source for a small light machine like the sewing machine is sound engineering and a step that won't be in the wrong direction as it is a mere side track as it were.

Re: THINKING AHEAD

Sewing machines are under development, basic ones at that. Commercial or industrial grade will come much later.

The presented idea was to aquire a building or estate/mansion with room for expansion. They need standardized thread, well designed needles, good lighting (flat glass windows [double glazed for insularion]). As Blackstone is far away, seek out alternative sources of coal (Maralin, Wallesan, and Milsy might buy the mining rights or even the lands themselves.

We could get into so much detail that it would fill an epic like SEE, just not so exciting to read.

Large building

Check. Considering your other points, sewing machines may well be putting the cart before the horse (or rather frayen on Anmar!) as it were but there is probably less interest in a story involving all the minutia of getting a weaving and sewing business together. We want to know what Ursula knows, and we'd sort of like a look at the source of her paranoia! What was (s)he fleeing when eaten by the bear!? Will she accept the world she is in now as reality? Will she attempt to run and end up being raped or captured by a pimp? Will she consider waiting patiently to get used to her 'new' body?
All of that makes for a good story. So would the edges of your cloth, thread, sewing machine idea. I can see that Joth is in a very precarious position. It is a small country with few resources. They may well have to become somewhat of an information broker... Which goes back to the idea of a printing business, refining paper, etc.

Alternate power

Of course Joth is surrounded by river, while they will need a way to control the speed better, for a stationary power source as a factory will require for sewing, knitting and weaving machines, water wheels are really useful, for more stationary application with river access at this point, they only really need steam engines for applications where you need lots of power, like steel works, various metal working and maybe larger paper mills. it also doesn't pose as much of a safety risk. what Joth lacks in material resources, the river more than makes up for in its ability to enable transportation and power machines. A water wheel powering a lineshaft can be plenty powerful, doesn't require fuel and doesn't require a lot of heavy industry to produce, or much tuition to use relatively safely. so rather than importing steam engines and coal, both of which are in high enough demand elsewhere anyways, using waterwheels may be easier all around.

It is also important to remember, in much of the world, America especially the most important source of power during the early to mid industrial revolution was not actually the steam engine, but the waterwheel.

Alt has power source

You are correct, however a waterwheel may require new construction and maybe even a location outside of Joth like Thorn. Speeds can be controlled by different sized pulleys much like a drill press. Garia alr already got ball rolling on clutch mechanisms.

PADDLE wheels would be less affected by river height. It can also be used to power irrigation pumps.

I was lumping paddle wheels

I was lumping paddle wheels with water wheels

New construction isn't going to be as huge of a problem between wartime displacement and now vacant property in many areas, new construction is needed anyways and there are people who will want something to do with their military earnings.

Water wheels?

I was wondering how much the river level changes seasonally at Joth? If it is too much then a water wheel is questionable. We know the river is wide enough that it isn't bridged, so would you essentially build your mill on a mole? If the river is wide enough not to be bridged, then damming is probably not a solution now. I was thinking of the bridge mills on certain rivers though. If they can figure out how to do it, that would provide two new sources of income once they were in use.
Control of speed is somewhat less of an issue than stopping and starting in small machinery. But it is an issue, and really differing pulley sizes only partly addresses the need for smooth transitions of speed and instant stops. In a sewing machine, especially all of that would be addressed by using a treadle system. The user applies power as needed, then stops applying power as needed. If they need to go slow they can go as slow as they need to, up to the point of essentially moving the flywheel with their hand.

Mills on a big river

There is a way to do this, and that is to put the whole mill on a big barge.

The barge would either use cables and anchors to the river bed (or, possibly bank) or be constrained by piles. The wheel would then be pushed by the current going past the barge.

Of course there would have to be a pontoon or similar leading from the bank to the barge, to allow people and goods to get on and off easily. Floating it out in the stream and just using boats would work, but be inconvenient over time.

I can't give you an example (from Earth) but I believe this idea has been used in the past.

It is possible that such an arrangement may be discovered by Eriana as the voyage continues :)

As for treadles, yes of course that will be the first option. Having a steam engine for what is still a cottage industry at first would be serious overkill. Industrialization of the garment industry will take some time to happen after the means (looms and sewing machines) have been perfected.

Penny

Changing river height

Another way to possibly handle it is to have the water wheel be separated by a belt from the main power shaft so it can be lifted.

To paraphrase

To paraphrase Garia, think big and have room for expansion.

I had proposed that Maralin start producing the bra buckles and implied using hired help (job creation). Later that he expand to other small brass items like costume jewelry, hinges. Powered sewing machines were also proposed to be planned for however future innovations may necessitate changes or adjustments to plans.

As for placing a facility on the river, in a stationary position. It’s the basis of an industry on the Mississippi river, specifically riverboat casinos.

In Joth’s case, I propose a short canal with gates for regulating water at both ends. Then a canal built to deeper water to feed water. The gated section would have 2 channels so one channel could be closed for repairs or maintenance. Each channel would have multiple paddle wheels which would be anchored (shaft bearings)to the walls. Obviously they would be staggered so shafts could pass between paddle wheels of the other channel. Later it could all be converted to a hydroelectric plant.

Added:
The river’s elevation drop needs to be utilized and dams may need to be built (like on the Columbia River but on a tiny scale) to get the most power from the water flow. Also, build a venturi just ahead of the paddle wheels to increase flow rate.

Oh yeah! On old sewing machines, sewage, and other stuff check this out;

http://www.survivorlibrary.com/library-download

They could convert the old

They could convert the old river gate to be part of a canal.

Re: gate wiith rusted hinges and rotten wood

Re; gate with rusted hinges and rotten wood, From chapter 8.

This was the wharf side city gate with low walls. Not a canal entrance.

On brass items

Rivets, for pockets

Levi’s

Levi’s use Cu rivets.

Copper

Copper is in rapidly growing demand, alloying it may save on costs, might not use a tin brass, unless it's easily available, zinc maybe. Depends on what costs less, obviously aluminum isn't available, and if they have any usable its harvested from exceptionally rare native aluminum

Need more info

Mineral distributions/availability is only approximate and probably not fully surveyed for Alaesia and is a big unknown at this point.

Availability for the planet as a whole will vary due to the timing of any comet/planet/planetoid impacts late in the planet’s development, given our understanding of Earth.

Thing is, Anmar may be mineral rich so copper may not be so rare. The nearby nebula may be a product of a supernova and can potentially had showered the planet with metals.

Canal and light industry

Canal and light industry:

Maralin could build a river-wall (later) to create river front real estate. For now a land grant or land purchase should do.

On both sides of th canal llight industrial shops can be built. Later, the river-wall can be built (prefer ferro concrete) about 40 to about 120 strides from existing bank (the canal diverts part of the river) for commercial/residential construction.

For cement, rebar, wire mesh (fabric), and planned developments check with Milsy or Garia.

Added: August 7
Need sources for sand, lime and aggregate (rock).

Think big

Or plan for the future is good thinking if you have the resources. I do like the idea of a canal and using a water gate to divert part of the river through the country of Joth. First of all it gives them the equivalent of a highway... certainly a way of transporting goods back and forth the length of the canal. Adding enough width to accommodate one or more mills on the water wall is a very sensible idea. Remember that for low power usage the water can flow under the wheel, so long as it moves the wheel consistently. What do we know about Joth? It is an island nation in the 'center' of a very large river, think the Amazon or Mississippi et al. What are its other resources? Mines? Probably not many given its location. Forests? Again probably not many, not unless Joth has a mountainous 'spine' of some sort. So given these issues, Joth had best be an early adapter of any tech that comes along. Otherwise the Duke had best find an ally and simply let his nation be annexed. But that is a bad idea too, because the annexing nation is apt to treat them like an unwanted step-child...

Joth's future

That, of course, is one reason why Wallesan was so enthusiastic about the formation of a Federation. It would protect his country against possible action by his near neighbors.

There are probably no natural resources available to Joth except rich, alluvial soil. There would be small forested areas, sure, but most of the land would be given over to low-level agriculture.

You are right, they will have to find some way to become useful to the Federation, although agriculture can be good enough if managed right. It doesn't seem to do the Danes any harm.

Penny

Still

It is hard to substantially grow wealth on agriculture alone, particularly when most people in the region still work on the farm and machines they can't locally produce are going to replace a fair number of workers in the near future.

Proposed Canals for Maralin to have built.

Proposed Canals for Maralin to have built.

First! Thank you Penny for weighing in. “Armsman of Joth” has a decent description of the land (conveniently provided by Penny).

This multi channel canal is NOT navigable. It is intended for a series of power generators (mechanical and hydroelectric) fed from a slow moving river. With hopes of converting to all hydroelectric.

Added: The paddle wheels are the channel width and power shafts span the channel to be anchored on both sides for stability.

Wasn’t Tarvan looking for a hydroelectric generation site?

US7969034B2. A us patent of interest.

If you're going to build

Canals, why not make them dual purpose? Seriously, think big! If they run a machine shop (of any sort) on the canal, they need to bring raw product to the shop, and take the finished product away.
In a place like Joth I would not be surprised to find deposits of clay. They may be iffy to get because of the water table and so on, but maybe enough to make bricks, or if it is fine enough to make some sort of fancy ceramic ware?

Probably not that big, the

Probably not that big, the main problem is the locks but they would essentially be removing some silt from the older part of the river, some channels going further inland are possible though, probably could put it as part of a federation defense budget item, but this early on they have to be careful about financing large projects like that.

Land elevation

Land elevation is not shown on maps. So, we don’t know if a particular path cuts through a mountain range like the Panama canal?

Look at map #11 (Joth) to either side of Joth City are potential areas for a short canals.

We can infer

From the near constant width of the valley among other things that its a glacial valley, so few if any mountains in Joth

Also, maybe a sneaky factor here ...

... is that there have been descriptions of flooded Joth parts, but no general rush to the hills to escape flood waters. It can, I deem, be fairly safely assumed that there are no high protruberances on the island of Joth.

However, it can likewise be assumed that not the entire island gets flooded. (This would surely have been a MAJOR talking point if so,)

As for available water power - it IS INDEED permanently there. All around their island, called the Sirrel.

There are solutions other than the ones mentioned should they wish to develop hydro-electric power.

And it would do well to remember that Maralin may not have a wide education, even with enhanced memory skills, and that therefore his/her fund of knowledge is limited ...

Garia

Describes it as a rift valley. A very wide rift but still a rift in the first chapter or so of SEE. I've thought it might be somewhat similar in conformation to the great rift of Africa... I can't recall the name of it, but basically a rift valley nearly a hundred miles wide with an ancient river laid out along its length....

Rudimentary

Surveying is known. They lay out Blackstone with a map that someone has made of the town. So someone took measurements from some spot, even if it is the original centurion's house...

Then they don’t have it.

Then they don’t have it.

Maralin needs to get a design license registrations for a surveying transit, tripod, and steel measuring tape on a reel (50, 100, and 200 strides long) sent via the duke to the queen ASAP.

They are commonly used on construction sites in Chicago.

Recap the of my thoughts on Maralin

Recap of my thoughts on Maralin:

Maralin needs a workplace and Joth will soon need a Ministry/Department of Commerce, Joth Planning Office (building and zoning), all under Maralin (for now). For Maralin it would have the needed office and workroom/meeting room for fashion design, meetings, planning, workshop area and with a steam engine power for light industrial & commercial R&D shops. Just about any building would have a kitchen which is likely to be redesigned.

Maralin best understands the new technology already being produced and developed. So, holding meetings away from the mansion makes sense. It will prevent Fanis from becoming bald quickly (less disruption in her home).

2 properties will be needed, one for immediate occupancy and the second in bad shape and needing to be torn down and replaced (with purposely designed office building using some new techniques).

The multi channel canal would need some land earmarked for the project before any planning starts. This would serve as model for building codes and planning.

Maralin has started marketing ideas to and working with the seamstresses. He’ll need their enthusiasm to sell benefits of new technology and ideas to prominent members and of Joth City. Ensuring that women in their households quickly can only help.

might not need steam yet, as

might not need steam yet, as for understanding the new technology, for much it will be surface level, you may know how a steam engine works for example, but few people today know how to operate one, a technology that might come about is the gassifier stove, very useful where you are far from coal, not hard to make which is why its potentially viable.

Yes, they’ll need one

Yes, they’ll need one Steam engine for demonstration purposes in a small shop.

For demo yes, though

For demo yes, though considering geography and recent events an unused mill may be available, some designs may come to them from the engineers in Palarand. The utility belt will almost certainly make its way into military uniform, they will definitely want to make the canals transport and power, its been alluded that during the rains, people get around Joth by boat, this will make normal roads harder to build and maintain, but a canal system that can allow people to get around that way for longer distances year round? That's an advantage. At this point the main advantage a small steam engine (or any form of combustion engine they can feasibly produce at this point) has over a mill is portable power, especially as Joth is likely going to be focused on light industry. They will definitely need to produce paper and paper products, possibly adopting the sustainable forrestry principles from Blackstone. It is important to remember that Joth more than likely has it's own guild system, though almost certainly much smaller than Palarand's was before SEE, even considering any growth to support the war effort. Still this means that they aren't entirely without a place or system to introduce new technologies and start organized planning, obviously bringing representatives from Palarand will help of course, as will sending some of their guild members down river to learn.

Fashions, uniforms, literacy and odds and ends

In the meeting with the seamstreses they didn’t even mention the riding outfits, female guard uniforms and boiler suits. That’s more on their to do list already.

Ponytails, they’ll learn from Eriana. :). Maralin might suggest variations.

Is Joth going embrace education like Blackstone?

Yes, the web belt (pistol belt) and an LBE will be needed. Brass rivets with tools for installation are needed anyway.

I presume Keren introduced forks and new saddles while Wallesan & Fanis were staying in Thorn.

Imagine the fun Maralin might have making a mannequin and a dress form using Renita for his model? Of course he’ll Senia’s help.

It is inevitable...

That any country wishing to push forward into the new world that Garia is spawning will need to adopt an educate everyone possible attitude.

Yes but how they execute it

Yes but how they execute it and how quickly will vary. It is easy enough to educate a specific demographic, particularly based on age as then you can focus on a group that isn't working or you can make sure aren't working, the adults are a trickier matter, you have to make sure it doesn't interfere with their jobs or is otherwise inconvenient or it won't work.

Re: Anmar maps

Re: Anmar maps.

On map 12, what in the world is to left of Palarand [roughly SouthEast]? Map 13 doesn’t extend that far nor does any other map identify political boundaries there.

If it’s open country, I’ll not speculate.

Southeast of Palarand

But that is where the whole tale started!

To the south and east of Palarand is the great range of mountains known as the Palumaks; Tanon's caravan was returning from a trip to a city on the western edge of the range called Moxgo.

Plif is squeezed between the northern edge of the Palumaks and the estuary of the Sirrel. On the eastern side of the range, the mountains drop directly into the ocean, although it is likely that there are one or two small fishing communities clinging to narrow valleys on that side.

To the south-east of the Palumaks, in the foothills and along the coast to the south lies Einnland. Directly south is a mass of swampland and marsh, although this would be temperate wetlands rather than semi-tropic or tropic. This difficult ground is one reason why Einnland is so isolated.

I don't use the maps that you can see, since I have my own copies which are slightly different. The reasons for this vary, but most obviously, there have been changes over time driven by how the story has developed.

Penny

As i understand it then,

As i understand it then, while there are some paths going through that area, in order to make a proper economically viable trade road through there, you are going to need lots of explosives. Just looking at the trade route into Moxgo. So much distance is added going around mountains,

Yup

What country does it belong to?
The road to Moxgo has a great vista like cabbage.

So, more mining exploration?

I think it's largely

I think it's largely unclaimed though worked on by people near by,

Well I think the part that

Well I think the part that goes into Palarand is Palarand owned beyond that its treated as a natural border, i think what is more likely first is improving the trade routes via explosives.

Please Penny, have

The Beings bring in about 6 to 8 special ops explosives experts who also have knowledge of making supplies from scratch. After they make their supplies let Rob & Gil provide them some local help.

I’m convinced that they’ll give a performance which would make an erupting volcano proud (for a fireworks display would be tiny by comparison )!!!

LMAO

What they really need is to

What they really need is to improve their chemistry, so long as they stabilize it, with something like a soft powdery variant of limestone or sawdust or cotton, there's a very useful explosive made from a byproduct of soap production. Of course the raw liquid form is extremely dangerous. Alternatively they can investigate yellow dyes that have a very high ignition temperature.

If, you recall...

I’ve advocated on many occasions that the CRC Handbook for Chemistry and Physics is needed for them to move forward. Now, it’s only useful for those who read English. Some of the more complex formulas and processes might need PHD level knowledge to be applied.

CRC has other reference books

Chemistry and physics primers

I think will be sufficient. They might not give a lot of specific formulas (though some they will) so it will take longer to get useful application, but understanding how to make them is more useful, besides right now they are only doing a small amount of blast mining and the federation military has yet to properly organize.

Re: SE of Palarand

First, thank you for clarifying. Until now, many of these areas were not so interesting. Now that we need to contemplate where everyone might look for new sources for resources in high demand as well as new resources all together better maps and surveys have become essential for Palar’s valley expansion.

Small side issue. When you first described the view from the Lookout Post, did you envision something similar the view from Cabbage Hill, Oregon (link below)?

Https://pin.it/ewqvxqgjljeg5c

Someone is looking for Ursula on Earth?

Jamie Lee's picture

What will it finally take to convince Ursula that she isn't dreaming and everything Maralin has told her is true?

She must live in a world where possibilities only occur when she sees them. A person like that isn't a person to be with if stranded somewhere.

Interesting, someone is hunting her male self back on Earth. Why? Who? Government? Mafia? Loanshark? Drug dealer? Who?

Testing the truth will be hard to do, since she believes she's dreaming. Pinch herself?

Others have feelings too.