Milsy and Tarvan spend some time out at the home of the Royal Astronomer, installing the clocks he requested. On their return to the palace they learn of a recent disaster, which causes plans to be changed.

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

22 - Field Work

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) 2017 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.

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Milsy leaned cautiously over the rail and looked down. Twelve strides below, Tarvan's face looked up at her from beside the mansion of Royal Astronomer Gerdas.

She called, "What did you say?"

"I only asked, is the repeater working properly?"

Milsy teased her hair out of her face. "I thought that was what you asked," she called down, "but that flock of avians twittered at just the wrong moment and I lost most of it. The clock is fine, Tarvan. Are you going to come up and join us?"

Tarvan turned, looked back inside the building, then called up, "As you wish."

Milsy also turned, to tell Gerdas, "He's coming up. It looks like everything is working as it should, but of course we don't know if the clock is accurate enough yet. Yubold, do you think you are familiar enough with the master clock to be able to adjust the pendulum and reset the time?"

Yubold smiled nervously. "I believe so, Milsy, but of course I am not yet familiar with this new clock design. If I must needs change anything I fear I may do more damage than I intended to fix."

Gerdas said to him, "But we expect that, young Yubold. This is indeed a new way of doing things and I would not use it for my calculations until we are all satisfied that it functions as intended. Why, the pendulum was only started but twenty minutes ago and we have yet no idea if it will run fast or slow." He brightened at a thought. "Of course, this is the one place where such a clock may be calibrated very quickly, I deem. I need only do my usual sightings of dawn, noon and dusk and I will be able to tell you after just a few minutes of calculation exactly how many seconds fast or slow the clock is running."

Yubold bowed. "Of course, Master Gerdas. I forgot that I am standing, after all, in the one place in Palarand where our time is measured against the stars. It is a pity that I will not have your assistance nearby when other clocks are to be installed."

Milsy looked around the astronomer's sky platform. It was raised above the level of the roofs of the nearby mansion to obtain as clear a view of the sky as possible. Of course, the walls of the Great Valley to the north-west and south-east slightly obscured the horizon in those directions, but Gerdas had told her that the problem was small enough not to cause too much inconvenience.

The platform was six-sided and constructed of good-quality wood which had weathered well despite its apparent age. She estimated that it was about eight or nine strides across, to permit his measuring instruments to be finely graded enough to make his observations as accurate as possible. In the center was a brass plate with a screw socket to locate his devices, while around the perimeter ran two thin brass rings marked out with graduations to determine direction. The outer one was older and divided into 100 parts, each subdivided into a further 10. The newer ring was divided into 360 degrees and then into minutes. A separate plate was set due north to make noon sightings easier.

"Master Gerdas, how did you find out which way north was? Um, I know roughly which direction, of course, but you must needs find the direction more precisely, I deem."

"An interesting problem, young Milsy." He smiled at her. "You would think that, as I need the direction to measure noon each day, that I would use the sun, but in fact I must needs discover the direction at night. You see, the sun moves but slowly from moment to moment and it can be difficult to determine when it is at its highest, which is when noon occurs. At night, however, I may watch the stars as the sky turns and find that place in the heavens which they all seem to turn around. Since we are south of the equator, that point is the direction of true south, so I must merely sight across the platform to determine the direction of true north."

Faranar frowned. "True north, true south, Master Gerdas? Are there, then, other kinds?"

"Indeed there are, Master Carpenter. Do you know of the use of a lodestone?"

The cabinet maker nodded. "I have heard of such an object, Master, but I do not know what it is, how it works or what it is used for."

Gerdas shrugged. "In the Great Valley we have little use for it, but it becomes an important tool if you must needs travel in wilder places, like the deserts of the far west, or if you should sail any craft at sea. It is a small piece of ore that is a natural magnet. This, when suspended, or allowed to move freely by other means, will always point to north and south."

"As you say, Master Gerdas. Since working with Tarvan and Milsy I now know what a magnet is. But..?"

"But the direction it points to is not the same as that the stars would show you at night. Further, the false north, as we name it, seems to move very slowly as the years pass. Yet, it is near enough to the true north that it is of such use to travelers, as I have mentioned. In the seas beyond Vardenale the difference, so I am told, is very small."

Milsy knew a little about magnets, so asked, "Master Gerdas, if a lodestone points in one direction then something must be attracting it that way. Since I cannot believe that an enormous magnet exists somewhere to the north, that can somehow move, that must mean that Anmar is itself a magnet, is that not so?"

Gerdas nodded. "So some of our philosophers would have us believe. Personally, I do not know if that is the case, and if it was, why it should be so." He smiled at Milsy. "I suspect that Lady Garia will be able to provide an immediate answer when she returns from the north."

Milsy smiled back. "As you say! Like many, I am astonished by the amount that someone who is not even as old as myself has already learned."

Tarvan appeared, puffing slightly from the climb. "What did Lady Garia do now?"

"We were speaking of the knowledge she already has, Tarvan. To think, we have so much left to learn."

"Aye. It has already changed many crafts beyond recognition." Yubold and Faranar nodded. Tarvan gave a nod of recognition to their host. "Not forgetting the Questors, Master Gerdas!"

"Aye," the old Questor agreed. "Some find the extent of her knowledge - and, by implication, the lack of our own - to be embarrassing. For myself, I cannot wait to discover more, especially now that I have the tools for the task."

He gestured to the gleaming brass telescope presently moved to one side for the installation of the clock. Tarvan noticed it and had a disturbing thought.

"Uh, Master Gerdas... a question, if you would. When there are storms, does this platform attract the lightning?"

"I have never found it so, young Tarvan. However, when a previous Royal Astronomer resided here, many decades ago, I believe that this platform was struck by lightning and mostly burned away, destroying part of the mansion in the process. That is why it was rebuilt away from the mansion, so that any fire to platform or mansion may not affect the other. Why do you ask? I would not consider we are high enough to attract such a danger. Besides, it is made of wood, not stone."

Tarvan reddened slightly. "Master Gerdas, you may not like what I am about to tell you. It is not the materials which attract lightning, it is the closeness of the tower or platform to the clouds above. Lightning seeks the shortest path from cloud to ground and seemingly cares little what material that path may be made of. However, Lady Garia tells us that as with all electricity, it will flow easier through certain materials than others. Our bodies are one such material, most metals are others. Your telescope may attract lightning, being of metal, and we have now installed a clock which has copper wires running right down to ground level and into your mansion."

Gerdas looked alarmed. "Naturally, if such a storm should threaten then I would not care to be up here and I would make sure that all my instruments, such as this wonderful new telescope, were sheltered safely below. After all, if I cannot see the sky for the clouds then I may not make any measurements, is it not so? But I am surprised at what you say about the clock. Have I made a mistake by asking for one to be placed up here?"

"I do not think so, Master Gerdas. We have many more days, aye, and nights, without storms than those which bring thunder and lightning. The good should outweigh the inconvenience, I deem." He shrugged. "Since this is the first time such a clock has been placed so high, we do not yet know what would happen when a storm occurs. I merely note that it is a possibility."

Milsy added, "Master Gerdas, we have lately become involved in the installation of lightning rods on the towers of the palace. Perhaps you should have such rods installed on this platform, to protect it and whatever devices you may have up here. We are certainly high enough for such to be considered."

Gerdas nodded in recognition, since the matter had been discussed in the Council of the Two Worlds. "Lightning rods? I have not climbed the High Tower since those nights in the summer with Lady Garia. Do you think they would work here? What would they be?"

Tarvan answered. "Master, those we have installed at the palace are strong rods of steel, similar to a spear of iron, which stick up about two strides above the parapet of the tower. Here I would suggest six, one at each point of the platform, to make sure that the structure is safe. They are joined together at their bases by a metal band and from there a thick cable of copper is run down, which is then buried in the earth about the foundations. We understand that the electricity of the lightning would then prefer the metal to the wood and thus damage to the platform would be avoided."

Gerdas considered. "As you say. But these spears of iron, they would stick up and perhaps interfere with my observations."

Milsy said, "That should be no problem, Master Gerdas. Those at the palace are set into sockets, that they may be easily replaced at need. I would suggest the same here, so that you could remove them when you were working up here."

"Spears of iron? As you say, but -" The old Questor paused. "A subject for another time, I deem. Tell me, is this what you expected? The clock up here looks nothing like that below."

The clock on the platform had been set into the railing opposite the landing where the stairway came up. It was below the level of the top rail to avoid interfering with observations and had caused Faranar and his journeyman some thought to provide a secure enough mount for it, so far above the ground. It consisted of a fairly large wooden cabinet with a float glass front, with a pitched roof of beaten and soldered copper to protect it from the elements. Either side of the glass window was a door which permitted a lantern to be placed, making the dial visible at night. There was only one dial, about half a stride across, and this had been painted white to provide a better contrast against the black numbers and hands in poor lighting conditions.

"Actually, Master Gerdas," Milsy replied, "the machinery of the clock is exactly the same as that of the ones being installed in the palace, except that we did not need to include a bell dial. We did not, therefore, need any of the wheels or cams used by the bell part of the clock. That made it very much simpler to make. In fact the frame which holds the wheels is half the size of that in the clock below. We have merely installed it into a larger cabinet so that you may more easily distinguish the numbers."

"But you have run the same number of wires up here from the other clock."

Milsy nodded. "The clock needs a seconds wire to run, Master Gerdas, and wires to set the minutes and hours, together with a wire to return the electricity to the other side of the battery. We decided to provide six, as we have done elsewhere, to avoid having to make special woodwork and brass-work which was different than we have made for all the other clocks. That means that when Master Yubold or any of his colleagues must needs come to adjust the clock, or to clean and oil the parts, they do not find anything that is unfamiliar to them."

"Ah! I see. The design is all the same, then, despite the external appearance."

Tarvan agreed. "As you say, Master Gerdas. We have spent many hours," he grinned, "or bells, it does not matter which, discussing these new clocks with both Clockmakers and Timekeepers. We felt that a standardized design would help prevent confusion though we understand that in time other designs may be made available."

Gerdas beamed at the two. "You have thought of everything! I am delighted to be living in such a time, when the young of Palarand brim with such ideas and energy. Lady Garia may indeed have been the spark but you are joyfully fanning the flames, I deem."

The pair were embarrassed by the praise and were saved by the appearance of Tord at the top of the stairway.

"Master, Mistress," he addressed them, "we are packed away and ready to return to the palace whenever you are ready."

Tarvan said, "Thank you, Tord. I do not know what Master Gerdas intends but his clocks are working and we have but to collect our belongings. Have you enjoyed your outing to the countryside?"

"Aye, Master. It is completely different than life in the palace but, of course, any guardsman must needs be prepared to go wherever his duty takes him." He turned to Gerdas. "Master Gerdas, our thanks to you for permitting us this experience. I believe that we have all learned something new from our stay here."

Gerdas waved a hand. "Of course, File Leader. I knew that these two would require an escort and I reasoned that it was an opportunity for all your men to enjoy a change from the corridors of the palace. With the King's permission, if our two young inventors would come here again I would make the same offer."

Tord bowed. "Thank you, Master." He looked around at the landscape around the mansion. "There is a fine view from this platform, I deem. From here, one may see for many marks in almost every direction. Away from the city I would not expect any trouble, but it would be a poor armsman who did not make use of any platform such as yours to aid his duty."

"As you say, File Leader." Gerdas smiled at Tord. "I understand the potential danger your Mistress faces and I take her safety as seriously as you do. I am relieved that their visit, and yours, has passed peacefully."

There was a dull thump which caused all on the platform to turn. In the fields around the mansion avians took to the air in flocks, their wing beats and cries momentarily smothering the sound until an eerie silence descended.

"What was that?" Tarvan asked. "I have never heard a sound like that before."

Milsy replied, "I think it came from that direction. Look, a little cloud climbs into the sky! That comes from the furnace site, does it not? What are they doing, do you think?"

To the south of the mansion and about five marks distant, the dark shapes of the three blast furnaces could be clearly seen across the flat landscape. The small cloud was now dispersing but there was no other sign giving a clue to what had just happened.

Tarvan shook his head. "I have no idea, Milsy. Doubtless we will be told in time." His tone was doubtful as he added, "Mayhap there has been an accident, perhaps the rope of the crane has snapped, dropping a heavy load of ore to the ground. That would make such a noise as we have heard."

"Mayhap, but dropping a heavy load would not explain that cloud," Milsy objected. "Should we go and have a look when we leave here? Perhaps offer some help? What do you think?"

Tarvan shook his head. "We are not far, it is true, and we are about to leave, but I think we would merely add to the confusion if we were to go to the furnace site now. Let those who are experienced in such matters deal with whatever has happened and we may learn the truth later. What was it that Lady Garia said to do after something unexpected happened? She would gather all who were present and asked them to recount their experiences. I do not remember the word."

Tord said, "A debrief, Master Tarvan. An excellent idea we are employing in the palace as an aid to learning, especially where our lives may have been in danger. Do the guilds have anything similar?"

"There is nothing formal, Tord, that I know of. Oh, there are Guild inquiries, but..." he shook his head. "This is fruitless speculation. Let us return to the palace and any news will come to us in time." He turned to Milsy. "There are other tasks that await us there, we cannot afford time for side journeys."

"Aye," Milsy agreed reluctantly. "As you wish, Tarvan."

* * *

Still wearing her inventor's suit, Milsy walked back through the corridors of the palace towards her new quarters. As usual, she took a diversion through the Family Dining Room to check the clock was still functioning and displaying a reasonable time. This time, however, she found several guildsmen there busily taking out some of the leaded glass panes from the tall doors which opened into one of the palace courtyards. Several were not attending their duty but staring at the clock, a sight now familiar to Milsy as different palace servants encountered it for the first time.

Milsy smiled at the group. "If I may be of help?"

"Your pardon, Mistress, we do not know you," one said. "Do you know what that device is?"

"I must ask your pardon, Guildsmen," she replied. "I am Milsy, Journeywoman of the Metalsmiths. Together with my Master in the art, Craftmaster Tarvan, we practise a craft new to Palarand called electricity. As to your question, we do indeed know what that is, since we designed it, built it and placed it there at the King's command."

Eyebrows rose. "A journeywoman? Well! We had heard rumors... If you had some hand in creating that device, then I deem you worthy of the title. But what is it?"

"It is a new kind of clock, gentlemen. Instead of listening for the bells and working out what you may have heard, you may simply look at this clock and see what time it is."

Milsy gave the men her potted talk describing how the new clock worked and how to use it to find out the time. The two dials caused some confusion at first but she explained the King's thinking and added that clocks like these would probably be appearing elsewhere in the city.

"So you should not be surprised if you see them elsewhere in future," she concluded. "If I may ask what you are doing? Is there some defect with the windows in those doors? Do they leak, or is this something that you do regularly?"

The man grinned broadly. "Indeed not, Mistress Milsy! We are replacing the windows in the doors completely with float glass... Do you know what float glass is?"

She nodded. "I do, I have been to the glass works to see the sheets being poured." She gestured at her apparel. "In fact, my visit there was the reason I had to have this suit made to work in," she explained. "There was a spillage and some splashed on the gown I was wearing."

"I am impressed, Mistress! Not only do you design clocks, I deem, but you visit our workshops and design attire as well!" His gaze narrowed. "Tell me, if there are any other guildswomen, would they be wearing such attire in the future?"

Milsy shook her head. "I cannot answer that, Master. For me, here and now, this attire is appropriate but it will not be so for all occasions. In summer, I deem, I would boil inside this leather. I have other, less sturdy attire for when such protection is not required."

He nodded. "Aye, we also wear less in summer and more in winter... I was explaining the float glass, was I not? We are to replace all the leaded panels in the doors this side with large panes of float glass, to allow more light into the room. As with your clock, this is another experiment commanded by the King. If it is approved, we will probably be asked to put such panes in many of the other windows of the palace."

He rolled his eyes. "This building is huge! To complete such a task, I deem, will take us several years even if we do nothing else. Float glass seems easy enough to make but there is an enormous demand for the sheets since production began. Even if the King's task is given such priority it will still take years to complete."

Milsy agreed. "We are in a similar situation, Master. The King approves of the clock you see there, so he has given instruction for a number of others to be placed about the palace. While we may leave the work of making the clocks to the Clockmakers and Carpenters, we are to survey the corridors that the connecting wires may be placed about the walls."

"Wires?"

She pointed. "If you go through that door, you will see on the upper wall the wires which connect all the clocks together, ensuring that all show the exact same time wherever they may be. Routing the wires through the palace may prove to be an interesting exercise."

"We did see them as we arrived," the man said, "but we thought they were something to do with the ropes that summon servants. Clocks all over the palace, eh? I wish you joy of that project."

Milsy's smile was wry. "Thank you, gentlemen. If you would excuse us, we are recently arrived back at the palace after some days away and we desire to change our attire."

Eyebrows raised again. "You live in the palace?"

"I do, aye. I fact, I now reside over the other side of that courtyard in the quarters of the late Royal Questor, Morlan." All eyes turned in that direction before returning to Milsy. She smiled at them. "A temporary arrangement while we conduct some other projects for the King."

"Ah, I see. Then we shall not keep you, Mistress."

The men bowed and turned back to their work while Milsy, Bursila and four armsmen exited through the door under the clock.

* * *

"You have that look on your face," Tarvan remarked later that afternoon.

"Hmm, what?" Milsy rejoined the real world and turned to Tarvan. "What look?"

"The look that tells me you have just had some wild idea," he replied with a smile. "What is it this time?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about what that glass guildsman said earlier. He thought our wires were to do with the servants' call ropes, if you remember."

"I do. What of it?"

"Well, suppose we actually used some electric wires for that purpose? You'd still have the wires, but they wouldn't need to move so there would be no wear and no need for pulleys or weights or levers. The rope would just close a switch in the chamber and operate a solenoid in the servant's room which would show the indicator. The servant would release the indicator with another switch before attending his or her master or mistress. What do you think?"

Tarvan thought briefly. "It has possibilities," he agreed. "You'd have to build a battery cabinet of some kind in each servants' room or hall but it would be simpler than the one we have for the clocks. Then you'd have to run two wires where there is presently one, but as you said they would not have to move. Hmm. I'll make a note. It won't be a big priority, I'm afraid, because we have so much else to think about. What is already there works, so the King might consider it an unnecessary expense."

"As you say," Milsy said absently. "I was thinking about the solenoids, actually. When whoever does the summoning lets go of the rope, the solenoid will release and the indicator will go away. What I thought was, is there a way to make the solenoid latch itself once the rope was released."

"Why bother? The existing system uses a little catch not unlike our ratchet system, so that once the wheel turns it is held until the servant acknowledges the call and releases it with a pull cord."

"Why bother?" she echoed. "Because I was thinking of a way to do the whole thing with electricity, that's why. So I thought about the way that buzzer worked and if I put a second switch on the solenoid, that could supply a current once the initial switch opened again."

"Oh, I see. That's an interesting idea. What happens when you want the solenoid to release, then? You'd have to disconnect the battery."

"Well, sort of. You'd just have another switch in the second circuit that opened when you pressed it. That would drop out the solenoid." Her focus drifted. "Then I realized that if you could have more than one switch to a solenoid you could have many, and that made me think about what else such a setup could do."

Tarvan smiled. "Is Palarand yet ready for such devices, Milsy?"

"I don't know, but I think it would be useful to do some experiments to see what is possible. In six months time we may have forgotten this conversation."

"Aye, true enough, we have many things to remember." Tarvan considered. "It is worth doing the experiments, Milsy. It will take little time or materials and those we need we have already. If such a self-switching solenoid is required then we will have one ready for use."

"Thank you, Tarvan."

* * *

Both Tarvan and Milsy had changed into normal courtly attire to attend the evening meal. As they entered the dining room they turned, as everyone did these days, to check the clock.

"This is getting to be a habit," Tarvan muttered. "Will we spend our lives staring at clocks, do you think?"

"It is merely a novelty now, Tarvan. For others, it is something new that they are attempting to understand properly. For ourselves, we seek any fault in the working of the clock, since the design is so new. I doubt not that in time everyone will merely glance at our clocks when they need to find out the time."

"You are right, of course. Look, there is Captain Merek, let us join him."

The Captain of the Palace Guard bowed as they approached. "Master Tarvan, Mistress Milsy."

"Good evening to you, Captain," she replied for them both. "What do you think of the new glass in the doors there?"

"Impressive," Merek replied. "I heard Lady Garia describe float glass in council -" all knew that Milsy knew about the Council of the Two Worlds, even if she didn't attend, "- but the reality is somewhat better than I expected. This will bring so much more light into our chambers." He looked at the pair. "Is there something I may do for you?"

"I was wondering if you had thought about the King's decision to have more clocks placed about the palace," she said. "I'm assuming that you would like one in the Large Training Room."

"Indeed I would, Mistress. Since the bells can be difficult to hear back there, especially when the men are making a noise as they exercise, a reliable means of knowing the time would be welcome. Do you tell me that you have one, ready to be fitted?"

Milsy smiled to defuse the bad news. "Ah, no, Captain, I regret that your training rooms are presently beyond our reach. The King desires such clocks elsewhere in the palace at first, especially in chambers near the front, though we have also been asked to provide one for the kitchens. Such clocks take a week to ten days to make, consuming the efforts of five or six guildsmen, and then we have to determine a route for the wires to run. It may be midwinter before we may run wires as far as your training rooms. I did have another thought, though."

"Aye?"

"If we are running wires through the palace, it occurred to me that we could run some more and they could make an improved alarm system. With switches at suitable places and bells everywhere the whole palace may be alerted at an instant."

Merek's mouth opened and closed. Once again, the ways in which electricity could be used had surprised him. Now it had been pointed out, he could see the difference this particular idea could make.

"Why, Mistress, that is such an interesting idea! I know of your work with electricity, of course, but I never considered... Have you thought more about what you would do? How would such a system work?"

"Captain, I have not yet considered any detail." She pointed at the clock over the door. "As usual, when we enter this room, we check the clock to see if it is still working. I do not doubt everyone else does the same."

"As you say, Mistress! Whenever I come here I find my eyes are automatically drawn to it."

"So, we also listen for the bells of the Great Clock, if it is about the time for them to chime, to see if the clock is running fast or slow. Today, I heard the shift-change bell for the Guard instead and it started me thinking about the way things are done in Dekarran. I believe you presently have bells near each of the guard stations to sound alarms, and so on? So that the men do not have to run to some central point to do it."

Merek nodded. "As you say, Mistress. If there is an attack, an alert, mayhap even a fire, it would not do to have somebody run halfway through the palace just to raise the alarm. Each guard station has a small bell in case of need, and when this is rung it is heard and then repeated throughout the building - and along the walls around the Training Field. I assume you have some scheme whereby a switch in each guard station would ring a bell centrally?"

Milsy grinned. "Why bother with one bell, Captain? We can wire all the switches together and then we can ring all the bells at once, all over the building."

"Why, of course! An obvious idea, Mistress, but first one has to think of it."

Milsy grimaced. "It isn't quite that simple, Captain. To begin with, if all the bells ring, how does anyone know where the problem is? We must needs provide a board, in the manner of the servants' call boards, which will tell us immediately which switch was pushed... ah, and possibly what kind of alarm it was."

"As you say. It would probably require some changes to guard practice but I can only see an improvement in our efficiency. If I may think about this idea for a day or two?"

"Of course, Captain. Oh, and these switches need not just be installed at your guard stations, but could in theory be placed almost anywhere inside the palace. Suppose a servant discovers a fire. You wouldn't want them to waste time running to the nearest guard station to raise the alarm."

Merek thought. "As you say." He turned to Tarvan. "Did not Lady Garia mention something in council about fire precautions on Earth? About water pipes and alarms? Is this what she meant, do you think?"

Tarvan replied, "Captain, part of that conversation was during a storm and in the Receiving Room, as I recall. Aye, she did speak of such matters and I will review the notes that were made at the time."

"Or we could just wait until Garia gets back here again," Milsy added.

Merek nodded again. "Indeed. I doubt the King will object to what you have just proposed, so I will give you now a formal request that you investigate such an alarm system for the palace."

"As you command, Captain. I regret that it may take some time, since we are so busy these days, but I already have some ideas how the new system might work. Ah, here are the King and Queen, and with them Master Parrel." She studied their expressions. "They appear upset. Do you think anything else has happened to His Highness and Lady Garia?"

Robanar and Terys made for their seats, causing everyone else to head for the tables as well. Parrel changed direction and approached Tarvan, Milsy and Merek.

Tarvan stated, "Something has happened, Master Parrel."

"Aye," their Guildmaster replied with a heavy sigh. "Come, I will sit with you at table tonight but it would be best if all talk of the accident is left until afterwards."

"Accident?"

"Aye... afterwards, as I said. It is not an appropriate subject for table."

Merek raised an eyebrow. "Does this concern the safety of Their Majesties, Parrel?"

"Thankfully it does not, Captain. If the King does not tell you over the meal I'm sure you will find out all you need to know afterwards."

Merek went off to join the King and Queen while Parrel sat facing Tarvan and Milsy at one of the other tables. Once the first course had begun to appear on the table, Parrel deflected the obvious concerns by asking about their visit to the country.

"Tell me about the clocks you installed for Master Gerdas."

The two recounted their three day trip to the old astronomer's mansion and the installation of the two clocks, assisted by both clockmakers and carpenters familiar with the new equipment. They talked through some of the problems they had faced and how they had solved them, ending with the realization that the viewing platform needed protection from lightning.

"I'll send one of the masons over... no, that won't be necessary, will it? His mansion is all wood, I deem. One of the smiths, then, who made the rods for the High Tower. He can make a survey and measure up what will be needed. Aye, you are right to suggest lightning rods, especially in so isolated a structure. I wonder where else we may need to place them?"

"We saw the furnace site from atop the platform," Milsy remembered. "Should such tall structures also need protection?"

Parrel nodded. "Aye, they do, but there will be sufficient steel structure about the brickwork that most will serve to deflect the lightning away. Some rods to go atop everything, aye, that we will provide, once we know what the final design looks like."

"I forget that things change all the time," she said, "since you are still experimenting with the best way to run the furnaces." Another memory came. "Ah! That was what that noise was, earlier today! The accident you have yet to speak of happened at the furnace site, did it not? There was a noise, we turned and saw a strange small cloud ascend into the sky."

"You saw that? I suppose you did, Master Gerdas lives but five marks or so from the site." His face darkened. "Leave it, I beg you, until we have withdrawn."

The rest of the meal passed in a difficult silence, which spread to the others eating beside them. Milsy wasn't sure whether she wanted to hear what had happened or not, but her natural curiosity kept intruding wanting to know if she could have done anything to prevent... whatever it was. Finally Their Majesties arose and so did the rest of the diners. Robanar walked over to their table to talk to Parrel.

"You have not told them yet?"

"No, Sire, I was about to do so."

The King nodded. "As I mentioned before, call me if there is ought I may do."

"Thank you, Sire."

Most of those dining dispersed and Parrel, Tarvan and Milsy joined those leaving by the doorway beneath the clock. They went along the corridor and into the laboratory.

"Master Parrel," Milsy said, "I think the sitting room would be the best place to talk."

"As you wish, Milsy."

Once seated and comfortable, Parrel began.

"The third furnace has been in operation now for four weeks, with some remarkable results," he said by way of introduction. "If we can feed such a beast with sufficient coke and ore, then we may indeed produce steel continuously, a thing I did not consider was ever possible. Indeed, we now produce so much steel that we are having difficulty finding places to store it!" He waved his hands. "So, we decided to fit the changes we made to that design to the second furnace, in order to provide an alternative supply should the third furnace fail, or when any maintenance is required. Part of that alteration involved adding another steam engine for the sole purpose of supplying the draft to the furnace and also operating the flue recycling system that you suggested, Milsy."

She raised her eyebrows. "That works, then?"

"Aye, once the men found a way to prevent the hot gases from escaping from every joint... The new steam engine was of a different design, since it was intended for a fixed purpose." Parrel sighed. "Unfortunately, while testing it, one of the connecting rods jammed. Perhaps there was some defect in the manufacture of it, who knows. The men operating it tried to clear the jam, but forgot to vent the steam... and also forgot to douse the fire in the firebox. The pressure built up and the safety valve did not operate as it should, the boiler exploded violently, killing two of the men and seriously injuring the third."

"Oh, no! That was what we heard, then."

"Aye. I am surprised that you could hear the sound five marks distant, but perhaps I should not be."

Tarvan was intent. "Master, was anyone else hurt?"

"No, fortunately. Most of those working on Furnace Three were taking a break so were around the other side of the structures. The men operating the crane on that furnace had a narrow escape when a large piece of boiler struck the crane, but fortunately it missed all of them."

"What of the man injured?"

"It is too early to know in detail, Tarvan. He was scalded, certainly, and he will probably lose part of his left arm. The King has asked that he be brought to the palace so that the healers here may attend him, but I do not know if he is able to be moved any distance yet."

Milsy asked, "Master, have you been to the furnace site today?"

"Aye, briefly. The engine is almost completely destroyed, showing the strength of the forces contained within the boiler. The furnace itself is barely touched, except for a few scratch marks on the bricks. Some pipes were damaged, several cables on the crane were either snapped or part separated. My immediate concern, naturally, was for the men, and the families of the men, who I have already been to visit."

"As you say. Most crafts bring dangers with them, even electricity. Does this mean that we must treat steam engines more cautiously, now? Who decides such matters, when several guilds are involved?"

Parrel gave a brief smile. "That should not be of concern to you directly, Milsy. At Midwinter's Night all guilds will join to become the Royal Palarand Institute of Engineers, remember? I doubt not that some kind of Safety Department is even now being proposed. As for the design of the steam engine that exploded, you may be sure that we will examine both the remains and the procedures used in minute detail to discover what went wrong and what must needs be changed. This brings me to the main reason for telling you two about what happened."

Milsy sat up straight. "Master?"

"Since the engine was essentially a metal device, Hurdin has asked me to oversee the inquiry into what happened. That means that my activities for the near future must needs be changed. Tarvan, as a Craftmaster of the guild you will be required to attend a meeting of all Guildmasters and Craftmasters at the Hall of the Guilds the day after tomorrow, to consider any procedures we must needs follow."

"As you command, Guildmaster."

"Following that, I would like you to go to Teldor. As you may recall, I had planned to travel there to oversee the building and fitting out of three new workshops... factories, I suppose I must now name them, being built for the production of various kinds of wire. Since it is mainly the Electricity Department which consumes the bulk of such wire presently, I deem you to be the best person to act in my place."

"As you desire, Master... but what of Milsy? Shall she accompany me?"

Parrel turned to Milsy. "What do you think? You may have ideas which could improve the production of wire, and it would give you a chance to see some new factories being constructed. As your route would pass by Dekarran, I would have no objection to you calling in and seeing your friends in the castle."

The unexpected invitation threw Milsy. "Um, Master, I don't know. There is sufficient still to do here that it may be best if I remain behind... though the idea of such a journey has its own attractions. If I may have time to consider?"

"Of course, Milsy."

"Master," Tarvan said, "Remember that Milsy still resembles Lady Garia greatly. If she were to accompany me we would probably require a strong escort."

Milsy's thoughts changed. "Then that settles it, Tarvan. With the Prince and Lady Garia still on the road Palarand does not need this complication. I will be content to remain here and continue those ideas we discussed today while you travel to Teldor."

"You're sure?"

"Aye, I am. We're still installing clocks in the palace, remember? It would be best if one of us were around should there be need. There will be plenty of time for me to travel north in the new year."

Tarvan looked disappointed but he understood the reasoning. "As you wish, Milsy." He turned to Parrel. "Master, when should I leave for the north?"

"Oh, you have some days yet, I think. I had not planned to go for at least a week, you might as well travel in my stead and use the accommodation I have already arranged. There is plenty of time for you to plan your own affairs and those of Milsy."

"Thank you, Master."

Parrel leaned forward. "Did I hear you speak of new ideas, discussed today? Should I be interested?"

Milsy replied. "It was about some further wires, Master Parrel. As we were standing in front of the dining room clock this lunchtime I realized -"

Milsy began describing her thoughts on an electrical alarm system for the palace. Part way through this discussion an armsman knocked on the open sitting room door.

"Something we can do for you, Taren?"

"Mistress, Rosilda is without, bearing a new garment she says is for Master Tarvan."

"For Tarvan?" Milsy realized what it had to be and turned to Parrel. "Guildmaster, you may wish to see this. I believe this was a garment that Lady Garia commissioned for Tarvan and for other guildsmen, who are likely to be working in filthy conditions in the future."

"Ah, I remember some talk of such a garment. Aye, by all means let her join us."

Rosilda appeared and curtseyed. "Guildmaster, Master Tarvan, Mistress Milsy. I have here a special garment Lady Garia suggested long ago to protect those who worked on steam engines and in other unpleasant places. She gave it several names, I recall, we have named it overall, since that is surely what it covers."

She held up a garment of unbleached cotton which combined arms, body and legs. There were odd metal closures down the front.

Tarvan stood. "Do you want me to try it on?"

"If you would, Master Tarvan. As I recall, the original commission was for an item which could be worn loosely by men of slightly different sizes, such that we would not need to make them especially for each person but they could be made in a small range of sizes to fit all. Thus, you may find that the arms or legs are long or short, this should not mean that the garment is wrongly made."

Tarvan nodded. "I understand, Rosilda." He turned to the others. "If you would excuse me. I will use the bedroom to change in." He took the garment and left.

Parrel turned to Rosilda. "My thanks to you for the suit you made for Milsy, Rosilda. It protects her well yet still looks suitably feminine. Would this design be available for other guildswomen in due course?"

"Indeed, Guildmaster, that was the original idea. Once Mistress Milsy has tested the suit and discovered any faults then the design will be made available to all." She frowned. "Of course, in that case the Palace Wardrobe would not be making them, would they? To whom should the pattern be given, Guildmaster?"

"An interesting question, Rosilda. At present each guild member provides their own clothing, with the exception of special items such as aprons, goggles and boots. Perhaps the Leatherworkers may take on the task."

Milsy grinned. "I know one person who will ask the Palace Wardrobe to make her a set, Rosilda. Lady Garia! I'll wager that will be the first thing she will want when she sees me wearing mine."

Rosilda was doubtful. "As you say, Mistress. I contemplated making her a suit to await her return to the palace but then I thought, she has been away some time, her sizing may have changed. Surely she will have other matters on her mind when she returns? I do not think your suit will be of such consequence."

"I think I know the way her mind works so I'll wager two soos, Rosilda. I know we don't use coin in the palace so it will be a wager of thought only. What say you?"

Rosilda smiled. "As you wish, Mistress. Two soos it is. I will await that meeting with interest."

There was casual talk about work clothing until Tarvan appeared wearing the overall.

"What do you think?"

Parrel eyed him up and down. "It seems to fit you fairly well, Tarvan. I see you rolled up the bottom of the legs."

"Aye, Master. With the court shoes I wear in the palace it is better to roll them up, with the boots I would normally wear in a workshop I would not need to do so. This suit would be useful working inside the furnaces or indeed when making steam engines. I wish I had had something like this to wear when we began cleaning the laboratory."

Rosilda explained, "Guildmaster, we already have Master Tarvan's measurements on file, as he is a palace resident. Thus, this garment was made with him in mind."

"Oh, I see. Of course. What are those metal squares down the front?"

"An idea of Master Fulvin's, Guildmaster. It occurred to us that the usual ties would not work, nor buckles, since they could catch in whatever was being worked upon. Master Fulvin designed these clasps which lie flat yet are easy to undo."

"Aye," Tarvan agreed. "It took me a little while to work out what to do but once hooked together the method is obvious. Mayhap once Fulvin has perfected his zipper we could use those instead."

Parrel was puzzled. "Why would you desire a zipper when these work perfectly?"

"Master, these will be fine for many jobs, but dust and fine grit can work their way between the clasps. As I understand it, the teeth of a zipper seals the whole length of the opening, preventing dust and grit from entering."

"Ah. As you say. If you would turn around."

There was some discussion about the amount of slack in various places and the design of the collar before all agreed themselves satisfied.

"Rosilda, I can state here and now that the Metalsmiths' Guild will likely request a large order of such garments, to be provided as soon as possible. What say you?"

The seamstress shrugged. "Guildmaster, the design is easy enough to produce, provided the cloth may be found. As with Mistress Milsy's suit, I am not sure who would make them."

Parrel thought. "Leave that decision to me, if you would. I foresee another department, one charged with providing uniform working apparel for the Engineers of Palarand. It makes little sense for the production of work wear that all must need, to be scattered about the land when we are building factories for many other purposes. Let us see if we can find a way to produce these garments in quantity." He smiled. "As Lady Garia is fond of saying, let us think big."