Julina of Blackstone - 080 - The Question

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Julina wavers back and forth as a certain amount of untidiness precedes the departure of the Royal Party

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Julina of Blackstone
Her Chronicles, Book 2

by Julia Phillips

080 – The Question


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 © 2013 - 2020 Julia Phillips. All rights reserved.

It uses some of the associated characters and situations that arise from the world called ‘Anmar’ created by Penny Lane, whose stories
are also copyright © 2010 - 2020 Penny Lane. All rights reserved.


Julina of Blackstone
Her Chronicles
080 – The Question

Silence.

Complete and utter silence.

Even the house was silent – no creaks, bangs, drips, whistling draughts, door hinge squeaks. Nothing.

Not a rattle of a button nor of a clasp nor a toggle. Nor of a sword nor any other weapon.

Not a whisper of a breath.

Every person was also silent; not a word.

- The guards and the Commander, because it was not their place to comment.

- The Countess, because she was waiting, reedlet paused, for an answer that she could record accurately.

- The Prince, because he had just posed the question and was waiting in eager anticipation.

- I, simply because the shock was enormous.

A shock that had, it seemed, frozen me completely, body AND brain.

I found, when some little feeling returned, I was yet holding my breath – and by now that was becoming painful.

The Prince looked at me for the longest time. His smile wavered as enthusiasm, eagerness and hope slowly drained from his face.

Time, however, still ticked inexorably away.

No movement, from anyone or thing.

A steadily rising tension.

Finally, finally, there came a sound.

’Twas the sound of my breath blowing out between pursed lips.

Another hour or two passed. (Subjectively speaking, that is. It was probably about a full minute in all actuality, which is nevertheless an extremely long period of time, given those circumstances.).

“Kallisthena!” I whispered, breaking the silence. But again the noise was only just audible, the whisper was pitched so low.

Before I went all introspective again, my brain racing, racing, racing.

The eerie quiet descended once more. The Prince’s eyes were showing that an increasing confusion was whirling inside him. The Countess looked a little confused somehow. The Commander was frowning.

Now as I describe this scene in all its excruciating detail, it must be borne in mind that His Highness had caught me at my lowest possible moment. Remember, I had been viciously attacked in the street, my nose had been broken during the incident, I had had a run in with a menacingly stupid man outside the doors to my own Mansion and, to top it all off, I had just started my Call; all that within the early part of the morning and then I had lost consciousness somehow and been carried back to my bed - ’twas not even yet a normal food time on the day AFTER all this. And I realised that I was hungry. Very hungry.

So it is, I deem, understandable that they were mostly negative thoughts that were zooming around in my head. Which naturally kept me somewhat tongue-tied.

Consequently, let me continue this report quickly with the POSITIVES that came out of this.

I was proud, honoured, humbled and above all excited at the thought of travelling downvalley.

And now for the not-so-positives:

I was worried, frightened, indeed scared to my very roots at the thought of travelling downvalley.

And then of there starting up something that I didn’t actually know, in a place that I didn’t actually know, with people I didn’t actually know.

And so on.

And so forth.

Oh my poor fizzing, aching brain; thoughts were attacking my consciousness from right, left and centre.

And then, suddenly, I had another thought.

A big thought.

A really big thought.

No, an enormous thought.

A drive-all-other-thoughts-away thought.

A thought that was so massive that it froze my brain, my lungs, my body once more into a state that was rapidly becoming all too familiar.

But even deeper than before. Indeed, all other processes seemed to have shut down there and then.

Again a silence, but one that was radiating a deep anger on my part. I was aware of the others sort of backing away somehow.

The silence was broken once more.

By me once more.

The tears rolled down my cheeks in torrents. (Which the Countess told me later was the most frightening thing, for there was, at first, no sign of breathing, no gasps, nothing. Just a sudden flood of tears. Copious quantities of tears.)

And then came the noise of them spattering upon the table top, not the silence-shatterer I would ever have envisaged.

This situation could not last, of course. Probably just a quarter of a minute.

I wailed.

At the top of my lungs.

And I looked at the wincing Prince with daggers in my eyes, vaguely aware that everyone else was wincing from the noise too, and that the outside guard had even stuck his head in swiftly to find out what was happening.

… … …

“Forgive me,” said the now less green looking Countess. Tandra was rubbing the Countess’ back with one hand whilst holding her hair out of the way with the other. I handed the Countess a constant stream of damp cloths, at least that’s the way it seemed to me. And held a mug of water for her. And still my brain wouldn’t shut down the other thoughts, even though I was performing my ‘emergency’ tasks at the time.

The mind is a very funny thing. Even though I was so bitterly upset with the Prince, and therefore by extension with the Countess, I couldn’t just switch off my instincts. I was the hostess to these visitors and that fact also added to my stresses and strains, for it behoves a host and/or hostess to be welcoming.

And yet, here was the Countess in her own form of discomfort; a discomfort that seemed to me to be quite extreme. It seems amazing to me now that part of my mind was inspecting the toilet room and pleased that it was clean and tidy. Except maybe for that ‘racked-knee’ in the far corner busily spinning its gossamer trap; though what it imagined it would catch inside this room as opposed to the comparative veritable riches of food elsewhere, I had not the faintest idea. It suddenly occurred to me that actually I could ask the Countess a question that had been vaguely bothering me for what seemed like years. What was the correct way to write that name? Was it really ‘racked-knee’?

But then I remembered that I was annoyed and upset with her as well as with that Prince outside.

The Countess heaved again. Despite my anger, I began to feel sorry for her.

“Is this normal?” I somewhat stupidly asked the back of her head, for she was on her knees in front of our toilet.

I was shocked when she replied: “Yes! Apparently so.”

I found myself looking across to Tandra, a question in my eyes.

“Pregnant!” was the short, surprising and somehow sobering reply.

I confess such an answer came as a mild shock. A sort of double shock if you like. The first shock was that the Countess was pregnant! And the second was more of a question: how could the world just carry on so normally after dealing me such a huge blow, after placing me in such an impossible situation?

I re-examined in my head just how we had now managed to get to where we were.

Almost as soon as the Great Wail had left my mouth, the Countess had stood up abruptly, her face tinged a peculiar shade of green.

Tandra it was who said pressingly: “Julina! Toilet or bathroom. Urgent. NOW!”

I found that my deeply ingrained habits forced me to act immediately. I broke eye contact with the Prince and rushed to show the women the way to our facilities.

As we almost ran from the room, I heard the Prince say: “What on Anmar …? Fet, what did I do? Did you see that look she gave me? And as for ...”

But, by then, we were gone into the small room, and the Countess sank to her knees, throwing up her breakfast. Any further statement from the Prince and also any answer the Guard Commander might have given was lost to my ears, bouncing about in the air somewhere behind us.

The vomiting attack was over quite soon actually, and the Countess, supervised by Tandra but with my help too, was returned once more to a degree of acceptableness.

’Twas she, the Countess, who yanked the subject back to the Prince and his ‘request’.

“Why on Anmar did you react so? I was sure you would jump at the chance to see more of Palarand. But what happened was that it looked rather that you would jump at the Prince and scratch his eyes out.”

Even though things were now at some remove, the tears jumped to my eyes once more. “How dare he? Huh?How could he even think to put me in that position? I cannot answer the Prince at this moment, I am too angry. ’Tis most unfair. He first made me oathbound not to discuss any of this with anyone else. He wants me to have to make this decision entirely alone without being abl...”

“Now hold right there, Mistress! That was NOT the oath you took.” Her voice was actually quite fierce. Its probably deliberate harshness had the desired effect.

I felt the blood drain from my face. What mistake had I made? Had I got it really so wrong? Was my anger based on my false interpretation of events?

“But … but … but he made me so swear. And you heard and witnessed. I am forbidden to discuss this with anyone outside that room.” My thumb jerked over my shoulder as I spoke.

“No, no he didn’t.”

“But excuse m...”

“Will you listen to me for a second, please? I must say now that I did wonder at the time. There was something about you that suggested you had not comprehended exactly what was being asked of you! You seemed to be already off somewhere else in your head, and were not paying full attention.” I was startled by Tandra’s almost enthusiastic nodding in agreement.

“But … but … but … to what then DID I swear?”

“To keep the secrets of Her Highness’ mission and the hoped-for return with the artifacts. That is all.” She took a breath.

“Oh!” But then I frowned once more. “But then what w...”

But the Countess had not paused to let me speak, merely to collect her own thoughts. She rode over my utterances without hesitation.

“What sort of monster do you think the Prince is? He would never make you answer without being able to discuss it with others. He just about said so, actually. He mentioned your friends and your family and your business associates. He just suggested that you travel downvalley to open the Consociation down there, a subject that gives cause to your journey, an OPEN subject for discussion with all and sundry - and almost incidentally, whilst you were there, you could have this almost secret mission on the side as it were, about which you must remain silent. I deem you have misinterpreted his words and, in the process, you have severely misjudged him.”

I had a sudden twinge down below, which was reflected in my face and in one hand that I instinctively pressed to my abdomen. I could see a sudden further understanding dawning in both the other women’s eyes. My condition was established with eye-speak. They were suddenly somehow far more accepting of my earlier reactions and outbursts now. And I knew they understood my shortness of temper was being exacerbated.

We chatted swiftly on, covering some important ground. I previously reported what I thought I had heard, but now it seemed as if I had not fully comprehended it all.

I was oathbound to keep quiet about another subject before we left the sanctuary of the facilities. No-one was yet to know about the reasons for the Countess’ sickness. (Which situation, I confess, afforded me some great deal of surprise!)

So it was that we three returned to the dining table, situated in a room in which there was a Prince who was striding about most agitatedly. He was about to say something when I held up a hand to stop him. (A peremptory action that gave me the acutest embarrassment when I considered it shortly afterwards. I had actually interrupted the Crown Prince and ordered him about as if he were just a man of my acquaintance! This is the first time I have ever mentioned it, and I trust ’twill be the last.) He was gracious enough though to allow me to say my piece.

“It seems, Your Highness, that I must apologise to you. I misinterpreted some of what you said and was falsely believing that you wished me to make this decision in isolation, being oathbound not to talk about ANY of it with anyone. Not able to talk with my friends, my relatives, my business associates about any of the reasons for a removal downvalley – THAT, I deemed, to be a most cruel request. The Countess has however corrected my errant thoughts, and I find I must needs apologise for the fact that I ever thought you could be so heartless.”

At any other time, I might have giggled at the sheer delighted relief that shot swiftly across his face, although he did manage to hide it quite well. The older he got, I felt, the more he would be able to control his features from such revealing displays, but we mothers, part-time or no, could still read faces uncannily well.

But his still-boyish traits made me more than ever ashamed of myself that I had so maligned him. Then he sort of made it worse in one way, for he took the blame to himself: “You must forgive ME, Mistress Julina, for not making it as clear as it should have been. I understand now the depths of your distress.” He glanced over at the Commander and they both gave the other a sort of nod of realisation and raised their eyebrows.

It took some hand of moments further for all the lingering doubts on all sides to clear away, helped I deem by my making us all, including the guards inside and out, a big pot of pel. And finding a few pastries, declined by the Countess which I noticed from the corner of my eye made the Prince raise his eyebrows once again to the Commander. I half wondered just how long the Countess thought that she could get away with no-one knowing, but my attention was demanded by the more serious discussions which must needs get under way.

By the time we had finished our now mostly mistrust-free discussions, taken fully and frankly, we were all far more relaxed and I agreed to send word to the Countess as to when, if at all, I felt I could make the trip to start a new life downvalley. There was going to be no possibility at all for me to be joining their party for the trip down, I would require far more time than that; even though I learnt that Epp would travel down to Tranidor with them, tempting me with a familiar companionship for the first part of a long journey.

I knew without being told that the Countess would be bending Epp’s ear on this subject as they went along. I promised to come to a decision before the rains set in and I would then inform the Countess. The Countess would then relay my decision to the Prince, as there was, and could be, no conception that the Prince could (nor indeed should) just wait around until I made up my mind. His duties may well take him hither and thither, the Countess being more likely to remain comparatively static.

(But I find I must report that, on the next few occasions, there was a slight shadow, just a little awkwardness, in any of the then infrequent dealings I had with the man who had made that breath-taking suggestion, our Crown Prince Keren.)

But to get back to that momentous meeting, once those initial doubts and misunderstandings on my part had been swept away then I could be far more relaxed and matter of fact about his request; I actually came quite swiftly to admire the way he had thought to combine two objectives at the same time, with an almost perfect excuse to just have to talk about one of them. He had certainly thought it all through very well, it was only my lack of both trust and attention that had caused the problem. I felt ashamed once again.

The small Royal Party rose from the table and took their leave. I realised that my family would see them go and would rush back to confront me, wanting answers to the myriad questions they would have. My heart sank at the thought and I very nearly dashed to get dressed more sensibly for the outdoors but realised I would not have time before my inquisitors returned.

I resigned myself to my fate.

… … ...

So my mind started thinking about it. Properly thinking about it, far more practically and far less emotionally. But first I must needs conjure up a believable sort of tale that would reveal the minimum I wanted to at the moment.

At the same time, my mind was turning to ways and means of achieving that task, looking for positives.

But that same mind was already even then throwing up a negative thought after each and every positive one that occurred.

I can tell you frankly, and still with some memories of the distaste, that ’twas was from that moment on that I began to have the almost constant back-brain indecision that was to infect me for the next days and weeks and months. And which affected each and every one of my relationships with others.

Do I? Don’t I?

… … …

“… explained that the proposed Consociation was seen to be of great assistance to the development of the entire land, and would I therefore consider opening it far nearer the centre of the land, so that all could benefit from it without having to travel quite so far?”

“But that would mean you moving away!”

“Precisely!”

Already I was gritting my teeth and struggling to answer that last ‘question’ politely. Less than a day had passed since the meeting with the Prince and the Countess, and I must have had to answer that statement/question, or at least react to a close variation of it, a minimum of a million times or more.

Very well, that might be a slight exaggeration I used there.

But whatever, I was nowhere nearer a decision. If anything, even further away.

Do I? Don’t I?

… … …

The most difficult session I had had in that time was the children’s lesson in the Salon the following morning. This was also the last lesson at which Countess Merizel would appear during her stay up here. The children were all sad, and my introspective and distracted mood, accompanied with the ‘natural’ downs that come with Those Days, meant that I was failing in my attempts to lighten the mood there. Her need to rush to the facilities twice in the lesson also served to make the occasion less happy than normal. Only Master Horbelan seemed unaffected.

This had followed on after another ‘Inquisition’ session with my family, who, as I foresaw, had all bombarded me with questions as soon as they had returned after the departure of our visitors the day before. They kept it up until I ‘had a headache’ and retired to the peace and quiet of my room, which afforded me at last complete privacy.

I did not emerge until the younger ones were abed, and then I had to say firmly to all the older ones that: “… now is not the time for any further discussions.” I was really very snappy about it, and the rest of the evening wasn’t exactly relaxing. For any of us.

Which didn’t stop me thinking about it of course, and it was impossible to keep separate the remarks they had made, a very few points of which had been validly relevant, but nevertheless repetitive.

They had had both negative and positive thoughts about it all; but not ONE of those thoughts of theirs was in any way original, for these very same concerns and excitements had already shot through my brain.

More than once.

Indeed more than a hand of times.

And yet they still found it necessary to rehash those very same arguments for and against on the next morning, after a night in which I tossed and turned trying to find at least some beginning of a solution, or even a very tiny solution to just one of the millions of not-necessarily-tiny problems I had come up with.

I had spent some of this time formulating a list of people I would need to talk to. I just hoped I would remember that complete list after waking. If I slept, that is. But even that little stream of sensible consciousness was soon once again swallowed up by the enormity of it all, and the thousands and thousands of questions, affects and results that I could readily see would come up.

They, my family that is, went on and on - even whilst we were Tai Chiing, which amounted (to me at least) to being against the point of it all – I now had to query my family’s understanding of the ‘process’. I managed to last a little while before I made my short-tempered escape, leaving half the Tai Chi unfinished. I ignored the raised eyebrows and the inevitable questions which they even started shouting after me as I got further and further away.

I needed help, not statements of the obvious. Why couldn’t they see that?

Davvy and Surtree started to gallumph after me, but I just shook a hand in their direction and turned my face away.

I stomped (yes, my nose could by then just about handle proper stomping) up to the Salon where I once again ‘enjoyed’ my own company, with the wretched question lurking forever in the neighbourhood. This lasted for an hour or so before the children, and, just a little later, the Countess arrived with Master Horbelan.

Both the Countess and Tandra were concerned about my obvious state of exhaustion, and we had to tell the children something about what had happened.

“Does that mean you will move away too, ’Lina?”

I sent out a huge (but silent) “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!” which I saw Tandra notice, and a look of some understanding raced across her face. Which was surprisingly reflected in the surge of not exactly happiness that shot through me. As I said, not exactly joy but the relief that I now knew SOMEONE had an inkling of my frustrations.

At least I was further pleased that some part of my mind starting wondering about Tandra now instead of staying on what I already by then recognised was rapidly becoming an unhealthy fixation.

I rearranged my face into a semblance of a smile for the children: “Only if I accept!”

But still...

Do I? Don’t I?

… … …

And then, once the lesson was over and the farewells, with some tears on both sides, were made, we three women passed into the Salon's kitchens, accompanied by the inevitable guards – the Countess suddenly deciding she needed something to nibble on. “Or bring up later,” said Tandra in an aside to me, which the Countess heard. She grinned at her maid and said simply: “Just you wait!”

What? Was Tandra pregnant too? How...? Who...? I dragged my scattered wits back to the present.

Surtree and Davvy had found out my big news yesterday – of course – and had, I hoped, prepared the way somewhat with the workers there in the Salon kitchens. Thankfully, it transpired that they had, but only to a certain extent.

Even so, I was surprised when I walked in. For only two were missing, the ones who had gone across to the Tree. Even Em and Kassama were there waiting to pounce on me it felt. My heart sank as all conversation, indeed all activity in there, ceased.

“Does this mean you are leaving Blackstone, 'Lina?”

Now it was my turn to be shocked as a blood curdling wail emanated from Tandra of all people. It killed the one rising in my own throat stone dead. (I only realised afterwards that the Countess had given her permission! I further think the word of that eruption got around fairly swiftly for the dumb question appeared to me to arise far less frequently afterwards.)

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrggggggghhhhhhh! If I hear that stupid question one more time I shall start tearing people limb from limb!”

Everyone turned to look at Tandra, many with mouths agape.

“If she accepts, which is still open to question, then what on Anmar do you expect to happen? That she shall shout her lessons from here, and see the good and bad things that people are doing without straying from Blackstone? Maker, people! She has a HUGE decision to make and needs help, constructive help, for her to come to that decision. Not stupid, unthinking remarks that serve merely to antagonise and not construct. Engage your brains ...”

“Thank you, Tandra! That will do! I will be speaking with you later.” Her Mistress' harsh voice grated across the room.

Tandra ground to a stifled and abrupt halt and managed even to blush a little as her mistress forced a stop to the maid's angry tirade. However, I knew them well enough to just pick up a few tell-tales that told me this was all pre-arranged. That in itself was another shock. When had they had the time?

I took a few heartbeats to admire how it was done and what had been achieved:
I had not said anything, so I had not ruffled anyone's sensibilities
Exactly the same could be said for Her Ladyship
A powerful message had been sent and word would get around rapidly. Which would make my life considerably easier, I anticipated.

I was extremely grateful, I can tell you. But nevertheless, I was no further advanced in finding a way out of my quandary.

And so it was that we fed the Countess, and Tandra, whose hand I gave an extra squeeze to, and the guards before seeing them all off through the back door and out into the courtyard.

After a quick amazed chat yet again about the feeding habits of the military then the inevitable started.

Refreshingly, this time it became very rapidly constructive. In fact, ’twas the first such conversation I had had since the Prince had sprung his … his … trap?

I shocked myself with my mental verbalisation of a fear I had not even appreciated I had.

Amongst many other subjects, we looked at the staffing I might require down there if I did go, and whom I could take with me. Which meant that we discussed the staff of not only the Salon but some of the other establishments. I repeat, we had to determine first who MIGHT be travelling with me – and remembered that not all of those would be here in this room right now. We discussed just how to work it all out, and agreed to start with a long and comprehensive list from which names could be removed as circumstances dictated. (By the way, I deem I did in fact remember all my thoughts on this subject from my toss-strewn bed session of the previous night.)

So we all knew no conclusions would be reached right now. But we all established some … determinates, if you like, as to the range of the discussions which would inevitably ensue.

It was a useful session, one which didn't actually interrupt our tasks too much, which mainly consisted of setting things out to work with through the afternoon.

As it happens, this was a task for which we were well over-staffed just then, so I decided to go and set up some meetings with Master Simman to discuss the Market Place Mansion. For ’twas he who had now been placed in charge of the rough finishing of that building, a sensible appointment since he was in charge of the development of all the parks in Town. And the Market Place Mansion was a very fundamental contributor to the entirety of Julina Park, forming as it did (and still does) the northern boundary.

But nevertheless, 'twas still there. That wretched question which had taken a life upon itself, I felt.

Do I?

Don't I?

… … …

Now I cannot leave the description of that day without mentioning that other event that occurred; as you shall see, it turned out not to be quite so simple as I had imagined. I shall dwell upon it in some detail, for there were many repercussions, both shortly after and some indeed years after.

Davvy, Surtree and I walked up there quite early on, as I mentioned just now, to get it done before the more desperate rush of preparations began for the evening meals. We were going to be full in the Salon that night, both sittings, and I knew things would get very hectic later on. We briefly discussed that and were about to return to my quandary, when I jerked to a halt, as did the other two, our eyes widening.

For we were all three fundamentally shocked when we reached the Market Place itself.

A full day had passed since the first market session had ended. The streets and footways there were, frankly, a disgusting mess. Where previously (i.e. all my life) there had been cleanliness and tidiness, now there were discarded things littering almost the entire area. Apart from the unpleasantness just for the flavour it gave our Town, I didn’t want my building to be presented in such dismal surroundings, I can tell you.

And it really reflected badly upon the Town itself, we all thought disappointedly. What on Anmar would any visitor make of that mess?

Discarded boxes, some still usable, were unorderedly scattered all around on the ground. Unsold goods had just been dropped and the unsuccessful vendors had wandered away, obviously no thought given to tidying up behind themselves. A closer inspection of these wares led me to believe they were simply shoddy goods that had probably been used to swell the display, rather than being present in expectation of being exchanged! The ground’s surface was quite churned up and it made me wonder just what would happen on damper days. Some parts of the ground were stone-covered of course, but other parts were not. At one place, a deeper dent had been made that would need more complex filling to make the ground even again.

I sighed as my brain was flashing me messages of what would be required to be done.

“Surtree, can you please fetch … hmmm, let me see ... the Steward, preferably, but he will be busy I expect with the Prince and the impending departure of the Royal Party. Failing that, then Representative Jepp, or even, I suppose, the Bailiss. If all else fails, then the Sheriff. We must have someone with authority see this. I would suggest that that Market Manager be called too, Filagro, Filagor or whatever his name is. Here’s some coin for the urchins. Then find Kulyer, Mutab or Sookie, and try to get a free wagon, driver and a labourer or two. Tell them it's dirty work for mayhap two bells. I shall stay here, after popping into the Mansion to tell Simman where I am.”

Another huge sigh escaped my lips: “Now I shall have to make a decision as to where to dump all this rubbish.”

I turned to Davvy and grimaced. She was thinking about it, I could see, and her eyes widened not so long later as the full implications crossed her active brain. I was secretly proud of her for catching on quite so quickly.

But then a shadow crossed her face: “Oh 'Lina. How come you are so quick to identify and recognise all these needs and yet I myself have to strain just to see in a whole minute what you see in a mere second?”

“A little longer, surely, than a mere second ...”

We both then gasped as eye-speak made us realise that the use of the new time units had somehow become almost second nature to us. It made us laugh out loud, despite the relative seriousness of the situation.

“Davvy, dear, it will simply come with practice, I assure you. When you have brought up a few children, you will learn to anticipate such things, not just think about them afterwards.”

“So this rubbish that's left, can we come up with some solutions, however temporary?”

“Well I look and see a certain amount of broken and discarded wood. We already know what we can do with all that. To the woodpile at the railroad works.”

“Of course! And maybe one of those still usable boxes could be filled with the discarded food that shall rot. Then that could be taken up to the feltris’ spot for the wild animals to use as some fodder?”

“What a good idea! And some of these metal bits I deem Uncle Brydas might be able to re-use, not that I am in any way an expert in such matters. So another box for metals.”

“What else is there here then? I see some leather, some cloth even. And over there … do bones count as going on the fodder pile?”

“Come Davvy, sweet, let us see if Master Simman has time for us, even though it shall have to be out here lest the others I have sent for begin to arrive. At least we have a warm and pleasantly sunny day for remaining outside.”

“Very well, 'Lina,” she agreed as we threaded our way through the steady but not yet busy traffic to my double front doors. “You know,” she continued, “I am surprised at the number of still usable boxes we can see. Are the merchants here so rich already that they can afford to just lightly throw away items that could, and probably should, have been retained?”

“I confess to being more than somewhat surprised at that myself, Davvy.”

I flung open my doors; poor Davvy of course had only one arm, so door flinging was really beyond her.

And I swore loudly: “BALTH!” as I found my easy passage partially blocked by that wretched market stall of Gobitoo’s.

Davvy didn’t help at that moment. All she did was giggle, stupid child!

But then she rapidly got serious.

For Simman was there, with the works-appointed doorman I had met the other day. Present were also Filagor, Suril … and Gobitoo. Plus two other rougher men. And two men with pads and reedlets.

The wretched Gobitoo was, to my absolute unsurprise, protesting loudly and seemingly trying to fight all the other four, with some tentative assistance from the two men who I saw rapidly were with him, but seemed to be less enthusiastic about it all.

“And just WHAT is going on here?” I exclaimed in my most censorious of tones.

All except Gobitoo stopped what they were doing. He just grabbed a handful of wares from the stall wagon and tried to stuff them into a carry bag. This caused Suril to shout: “Hold, man. You have been told this visit is simply to record the inventory here. You are here merely to confirm what is recorded. Put it back this instant!”

Gobitoo just sneered at him and reached for another handful or two. “Don’t be so stupid man. Now I am here, I shall take what is rightfully mine. And you can get those stupid crippled women out of here,” he snarled, waving a hand in our general direction, “this has nothing to do with them.”

A mistake. A HUGE mistake.

On several interpretations.

And I was not the only incensed one.

For within three heartbeats, he was writhing on the floor clutching his knee and adding considerably to the noise. Suril had simply temporarily crippled him by assaulting his left knee. His weight could not be borne by that damaged joint for a little while.

But by then, my temper had risen almost to breaking point. I forced myself to not explode with fury. It took several swallowings and not a few self-pinchings.

And then I found that a cold rage had settled upon me, which made itself eminent by ever-expanding circles of an utterly icy calm that made even Davvy quail. I knew not what was driving out these waves of determined anger, but when whatever it was reached them, they each and every one visibly felt something. I saw Master Simman’s face take on a nervous look as he stared at me in something more than just surprise. Filagor actually backed away a pace or two. The two recorders looked as if they might soil their hose at any moment. And the two rougher men actually paled.

I could but shake my head at his, Gobitoo’s, utter stupidity. He seemed to think that the normal standards of behaviour did not apply to him. Everyone and everything were there for his use and his use only. He paused but briefly as my anger force reached him but he just seemed to shrug himself and the effects off. He returned to considering his own concerns.

I realised immediately that he overduly needed a lesson. Furthermore though, I also realised that I was not certain he was intelligent enough to understand it. Maybe, intelligence was not the correct requirement. Maybe he just lacked any degree of social consciousness. Nevertheless, I was by now determined to try to make him see, if not reason, then the error of his ways.

I would make every effort I could to ensure ’twould be a lesson he would never ever forget.

I pointed at him and openly sneered. “Please remove that … person from my house. Immediately. I will not have him in here ever again. And you two?” I swung round on the other men, the two rougher-looking ones. “Why are you in here? Did I invite you in? Or any of my representatives?”

“Er… Not exactly, Mistress. Goodman Gobitoo here asked us for assistance in removing his wares from the stall here.”

“Not QUITE right, Mistress,” interrupted the second one, glancing at his companion, and then back to me, repeating this eye shift over and over again, obviously fearful of my wrath should I discover he was lying. “He asked us for help to wheel away the market stall barrow thingy. He was going to pay us some coin once we had done it.”

I had enhanced my rage by employing full ‘angry mother’ status. Experience told me that I had just a few more seconds before my hold over them all dissipated. Now ’twas the right time to get them once more on the defensive.

“I see. So he did not inform you that the barrow has been confiscated because of his false positioning of it, nor that it had been carried in here for its protection, protection of both the barrow AND the wares? That it is here in fact as a protection for HIMSELF?”

They shook their heads and all turned to look at Gobitoo. Was that a spark of realisation that maybe he had missed something in his calculations?

I hurried on: “That in fact he is awaiting a court trial and that ’tis possible the barrow may be declared to be forfeit? Which by the way further means that if you move it, or take it away, or any of the wares displayed upon it, then you yourselves could be arrested?”

“No Mistress, that he did NOT. Can this be true?” But they were both glaring at the miscreant as this was uttered.

We all swung round as a new voice said: “Indeed it is so.”

“Sheriff, good day to you. Thank you for coming so promptly.”

“Mistress Julina, good day to you too. Mistress Davabet, Master Simman, Goodmen all. What is going on here?”

Gobitoo, ever the stupid one, complained in a very whiny way: “That ridiculous, squeaky, little, pakh-brained girl,” he snarled whilst pointing at me, “is repeatedly interfering in a private matter, whoever you are. I want her out of this place while we finish this transaction.”

Fedren just stared him in the eyes until even he realised that he had just made another mistake.

But he didn’t know exactly what that mistake was. So his uncertainty just made his blustering ramp up a notch. But he could not express it, not while Fedren held his stare. We could all see his temper rise. Never a show of remorse, just of recalculation and ill-tempered little bratty behaviour.

He looked down for a brief glance, at which point Fedren spoke: “Your name is I believe, Gobitoo? A nod will suffice for now.” He waited, as did we all, until a very grudging nod was given.

“I am Fedren. I am the man responsible for law and order in this Town. My title is Sheriff. Your case has been reported to me so I already have the bare bones of it. And I know you have already been informed that you stand currently inside a private property. A private property belonging to Mistress Julina here, whom you have just severely insulted inside her own four walls.”

“Oh pish, man. Everyone knows that women don’t own property. I checked a while ago and this property was purchased by a partnership of Masters Kordulen and Pocular. Do YOU yourself know these men? They are of great importance up he...”

“Gobitoo, you really don’t work very well at all, do you? You have just confirmed to us all here gathered that you do not even follow your own thoughts to their very end. Allow me to point out some more facts. Master Kordulen and Master Pocular did indeed purchase this building plot, you were right as far as that goes. However, they subsequently gave it on as a reward to Mistress Julina here - for she has had ideas that have made those two Masters quite wealthy already. Let me further add that Master Kordulen, as simple questioning would readily have established, is the father of Mistress Julina.”

That struck home. We could all see him start to rethink something or things.

“As I said, simple further research would have revealed that, but you failed to go far enough, didn’t you? The handover to Mistress Julina was duly made and witnessed by all the highest citizens up here, at one of our Assembly Meetings. Yes, I too am a member of the Assembly of this town.

“I can absolutely confirm that this building does indeed belong to Mistress Julina. She has more right to be in here than you do. It is her private property. Legally deeded and witnessed. And all this is known as fact by a minimum of half the citizens who live here.

“Furthermore, you would do well to remember that this entire region, which spreads down to beyond Brayview, is owned by our Princess, the woman who will one day be your Queen. So much for your ridiculous statement that women don’t own property.”

We could all still tell that Gobitoo decided to ignore those inconvenient truths, almost as if they were not worth considering. He simply refused to acknowledge them in any way, shape or form.

There was a small break, a small pause in proceedings. Gobitoo then started complaining about undue force, and unwarranted attacks, and groundless arrests and so on and so on and so on and so on ...

For some reason, everyone looked at me. I had effectively only just arrived, had walked into the middle of an altercation, and yet all those strong brave men decided that I was to be the one to explain. I shook my head at the sheer stupidity of it all.

And then explained from the very beginning to Master Fedren. In detail. Some of which Gobitoo tried to protest. I made sure that all there heard the full and complete story and made sure Gobitoo’s arrogance and intransigence was made aware to all.

“Thank you Mistress Julina. I see from many nods that there is agreement with your details, the only negative being from the prisoner Gobitoo.” He somehow subtly emphasised the word ‘prisoner’.

His eyes swept round us all before fixing on the strange pair of men.

“So you two men are what you will now call yourselves ‘innocent bystanders’ - is that it? Light labour, hired to do an inoffensive job, the background to which being something of which you had no prior knowledge and no direct concern?”

There was no initial response so his voice hardened: “You do now know that I am the man responsible for law and order in this Town? Ah, thank for your nods. Right, be off with you. My Deputy Suril there and I have a good memory for faces. You will be in grave difficulties if we have to interact with you two anytime in the near future. Understood? Good! Now go… Now.” They scuttled out, nodding their heads and touching their forelocks and the like. And casting further looks of dislike at Gobitoo.

“You two! You are the recorders of the inventory from that market barrow? Good. Please continue your work under the supervision of Goodman Filagor and Master Simman, who shall represent Mistress Julina here. For as it happens, SHE has called me here for some other business, as yet to be explained.

“Now you, Gobitoo. You are our prisoner, arrested yesterday for flagrant breaches of our regulations. You were invited here today just to see that all was being conducted fairly. But you have decided that such considerations do not apply to you. Where on Anmar did you think you were going to after leaving here? You must know you were to be returned to the cells. And yet you tried to take the wares from here in a carry bag, a carry bag that would simply have been removed from your grasp.”

He too shook his head at the stupidity of it all.

“Mistress Julina. Am I to understand that you have made a declaration concerning this person? That he is not welcome in your house?”

My towering rage must have been evident in every syllable I uttered.

“Indeed so, Sheriff. From this instant and forever more, he is banned from these premises, even if he merely wants to purchase some refreshment when he is enjoying the facilities of the Park out the back. Nevermore to have one foot inside this building. I am tempted to include those other two you sent off just now. I will not have uninvited people in here, certainly not without supervision. I find I even object partially to Filagor being here, although I deem I now understand his presence. Why was I not informed that this event was taking place, that I too could have been involved?”

Fedren looked across at Suril, who replied: “Gobitoo was making such a fuss about his items being stolen that I deemed ’twould be most efficacious were the whole thing dealt with as soon as we might. I sent to Representative Jepp for two recorders, and sent to Filagor and Juli… Mistress Julina via urchins. I can only assume that the urchins are still searching for you, Mistress!”

That was entirely plausible, so I attempted to reply a little less angrily.

“I confess I have had reasons to try to remain somewhat alone this day so far, and this fuss has just made me even more angry than I already was.”

That anger rose visibly again. “I want this Gobitoo out of here now, and never ever let him in here again. Have you heard that, Gobitoo? You are not welcome in here at any time. Nor on the doorsteps. Nor under my eaves. In fact, upon further reflection, nor within any of my buildings – and yes I do own several more. Up here. And downvalley. Even if there is someone in here or there that you wish to speak with or do business with, you shall never be allowed inside any of them. That business of yours will from now on forever be conducted outside, whatever the weather. At pain of instant arrest. I cannot believe that even someone as stupid as you cannot comprehend what I have just said. Have you understood it?”

He just looked at me, not deigning to answer.

I looked around at the people gathered there who were all still quite surprised by my vehemence; all except the one man at whom it was all directed. The icy rage had long since dissipated, but the violent core was still in evidence.

After a couple of heartbeats, I raised an eyebrow, obviously inviting some action to take place.

’Twas Davvy, of course, who caught on first: “Heard and witnessed.”

Foreheads unfrowned and even a smile or two flitted across a face or two. A positive chorus of “Heard and witnessed” echoed around the room, even nearly drowning out Gobitoo’s persistent complaints and protests. He still insisted I had no rights whatsoever as to his movements. It just did not seem to occur to him that I really did own this building.

However, his protests used words that showed clearly he had just heard what had been uttered.

Master Fedren took over again: “You have been duly informed of the ban placed upon you by the acknowledged and legal owner of this property. There are many witnesses here to that fact. You shall never be able to say you have not been told. I, as Sheriff of this Town, are hereby informing you on an official basis, with the backing of the entire Assembly, that you shall be arrested if you encroach upon any of Mistress Julina’s properties or businesses.”

“Heard and witnessed,” I added in my coldest tones. The others around also repeated the formal words. I was a little surprised at the feeling evidenced behind some of those short and simple utterances. I was not the only one who detested the man, it appeared.

Master Simman let out a complex yet short series of curt and penetrating whistles. Two burly construction workers appeared quite rapidly, responding to what had now become apparent to be a summons. They looked at us curiously before silently asking him for their instructions. Simman indicated me with a hand and nodded to them to take my orders. My anger was still insufficiently controlled that it made my voice quiver; slightly, but nevertheless noticeably.

“Take this pile of refuse outside and dump him on the road please, away from anything that could be construed as being in or of this building. I don’t care how roughly you handle him. I would rather not have any blood on my property, and mayhap you should try to avoid letting him get squashed by any passing traffic. But I have to confess that that would not bother me in the slightest, were it to happen. The Sheriff and the Deputy will then escort him back to the cells from there. Sadly, at this moment, one more pile of disposable rubbish outside won’t make that much difference.”

They were just about to drag the still-moaning and self-justifying man out, when another thought occurred to me.

“Hold! All this fuss has quite discombobulated me. I called for the Sheriff and Goodman Filagor to observe the disgusting state the Market Place has been left in after yesterday’s otherwise extremely successful market opening. The inventory taking will have to be put on hold whilst we all go outside to inspect, and the removal of Gobitoo to the cells shall have to wait until these persons in authority have witnessed the lamentable state of affairs out there. Master Simman, can your two men please remain outside with what they are about to dump? Just until the Sheriff and the Deputy are free to carry on? Shall we say a quarter bell, maybe? Also, you two recorders should step back from the barrow and wait until Goodman Filagor and I return, then it can all be done, properly witnessed and accounted for and so on. That pathetic Gobitoo will have no ground for complaint nor accusations of improper behaviour.”

And so I paraded back outside, back stiff and neck unbending. I was trailed by a column of others, including one struggling and wriggling. And still complaining.

I almost burst out into laughter when I realised something.

For a whole while now, I had NOT been asking myself the wretched question: Do I? Don’t I?

… … …

“… correct, Mistress. This cannot be allowed.”

We all looked at Filagor. To us this was obviously a part of any Market Manager’s job. He realised that too – after a little while thinking about it.

He flushed and he too started to bluster, but he wasn’t as good at it as Gobitoo: “It wasn’t specified when they made the job description for the task I accepted...”

We all tutted and otherwise expressed our dis … dis … dis … disapproval, disappointment as well as disbelief.

“But I shall make it my responsibility in the future,” he hastily added.

We looked at him again, this time with a degree of reserved approval, from which he visibly gained a little more self-confidence. Mayhap that was the problem? He was too nervous, too uncertain, to assert himself?

I continued: “I have sent for some workers to clear all this away. Davvy and I thought that foodstuff should be gathered into one of those usable boxes and taken up to the Feltris’ Feeding place … oh, that’s a point! Where is that feeding point nowadays; it used to be down on the slope below what is now the Community Hall? Hmmmm.”

“Well, actually I think they are still debating...”

“I’m sorry to override you, Sheriff, but that wasn’t really a question. Just a mental note to myself to find out a fact. Let me carry on, for we needs be swift. My time has suddenly become very limited today.

“I have thought that the wooden bits to be scrapped probably should be delivered to the wood pile for the end of next month’s Longest Day celebrations. Metal bits could be gathered into another of the boxes for transport across to the Smithy, and I don’t really have any idea about any of the rest.”

“But who shall pay for this? As far as I know there are no rules or regulations covering this?” almost-whined Filagor, his self-confidence beginning to ebb once more.

“Oh pish man. I shall cover the costs of today’s work. But I fail to see why I should have to carry this financial burden forever. We shall just have to set some regulations.”

“But how?”

I shrugged. Surely it was obvious? “Basically, there are two main methods – rewards or punishments. Fining people who leave a mess would be one way, but possibly difficult to prove and/or collect.

“Or, say, charge every stallholder a fee – call it a market fee – just for being able to have a stall. Explain it covers costs of repairs and clean-up and so on. Simply return their coin, or part of it, when all the costs have been deducted. The other stallholders will surely then place pressure on the messier ones and it will probably end up being a self-controlled system.”

“Sensible ideas, Mistress,” was the general consensus it seemed to me. But the whole thing seemed also to me to be ridiculously clear and straightforward. Why couldn’t these people see that? And at least I wouldn’t have to be involved in the actioning of it. And why had this incompetent Filagor been appointed in the first place? Although, to be fair, it was obvious he was trying to learn and to apply the lessons as they came along. Maybe I was being just a little harsh.

“And I deem we must have this entire place paved!” I added, which again raised a flutter of anxiety in my flock of listeners. All except Simman, who looked at me with laughter in his eyes as he made a rolling gesture with his arm, encouraging me to keep up the pressure.

At that point, I nearly said something which might have given a clue to the military secrets with which I had been entrusted. I only just managed to stop myself saying it, and that sobered me a lot. I was oathbound in several ways, you will remember. I must not let my loss of temper make my tongue slip. And maybe Filagor was not one of those ‘in the know’. Maybe that’s why they had appointed someone with obviously limited abilities – so far?

I led the way across to the large dent in the ground I had noticed earlier. “Look over here, at this great crater that has been dug into the surface. It looks to me as though a barrow was lifted too high, and its corner, or mayhap a handle, has been forced deep into the earth here, and a great deal of soil has been shifted. That will not be a simple fill and tamp repair.”

I knew the others had forgotten my father’s career, and I had naturally picked up some of the terms he used. They just looked amazed that I knew the correct words! (Davvy, the impossible wretch, began giggling behind her hand!)

“Master Simman, who do you imagine would be the best person to approach to get this Market Place repaired and protected from future damage?”

Simman puffed his cheeks out. “We are working hard to get this Mansion finished, in terms of weather tightness for we shall have much work to do returning the Community Hall to its better configuration. We also have the unfinished buildings around here and down by what will be Jepp Park. And then there are buildings over at the Artisan’s Area, and an extension to the Bunkhouse. All have to be done before the rains. We are hard pressed as it is. This is why we must needs get the Market Place Mansion ticked off our list, that the workers can be assigned to other buildings. Better said, we need to get this Mansion done now, then all hands can work on the Community Hall, then they can split off to different projects. I deem Master Bezan will need to decide about fitting in this extra work.”

The Sheriff nodded his thanks. And we could all see Filagor make a mental note to approach Master Bezan.

I deem it took mayhap a further quarter of an hour for everything to be planned out and arranged, Filagor being told in no uncertain terms by Master Fedren, in the name of the Assembly, that it was his responsibility to see these measures were acted upon – with the unsaid implication that an unsatisfactory report would be made to the Assembly; such implication being left unsaid, as I reported, but nevertheless ’twas dangling there in the air for all to ‘see’.

Only then was Gobitoo escorted, without the carry bag, back to the cells, walking briskly all the way – and running his mouth all the way. The Sheriff and Suril just ignored him as they hustled him along. It seemed to bother him somewhat that they were ignoring him and I wondered if that was related to the grounds where he had developed his taste for ignoring other people and facts.

I explained to Surtree what orders to give to the clean-up crew when they arrived, made doubly sure that Filagor understood that this was a one-off as far as I was concerned and then I went into the Mansion so that at last the inventory on the barrow could be properly recorded.

It took another half an hour for that task to be done. The two recorders had their independent lists duly signed and witnessed by both Filagor and I as representing the ‘wronged’ parties and, under protest, by Master Simman on behalf of Gobitoo.

An hour or more later than I had planned, I eventually got to speak with Simman. We discussed in detail the to-be-changed internal layout of my Mansion. He was somewhat surprised at some of my specifications and he was then further surprised when I explained the Prince's request to him. But at least he understood then most of what I said and why I had said it. And most of why I wanted the alterations to be done eventually, but there was no rush to get them done right now.

Some of those were definitely going to be major alterations, mind you. A new staircase. An entrance hall that spread up to the very roof with a balcony all around at the first floor level. And a realisation that we would needs have some form of light accessed from above, as the internal walls would make the ground floor in particular very dark. But we agreed that the building-in of a glass window up above would have to wait until after the rains. Trying to do that now would delay the workings on too many other buildings. The good thing about that though was we would have time to consider the problem and to come up with some informed and sensible designs to achieve the stated requirements.

At least, so we hoped!

I left Simman frowning as he made notes of the new requirements. As for myself, I almost skipped away with more of a happy disposition than I had had for some long while. And I also extracted a promise from Simman that he would add to the security of the building, access to be restricted to only essential people. I gave him a list of those people I would trust to be allowed in.

That good mood was but of short duration. It didn't last long as we three made our way back to the Salon.

THE question seemed to have been hiding somewhere and now it rushed out at me with some force, ambushing me and all the rest of my thoughts. It seemed to me to be more forceful that it had been before. Mayhap it was jealous that I had not been giving it some more attention?

So, Julina. do you? Don't you?

… … …

I was preparing the fish courses for the first sitting, when I remembered how Swayga had shown me how to do it. I flashed a picture in my head of me teaching others the same thing.

Sigh.

Do I? Don't I?

… … ...

And so my days passed ever so slowly, it seemed to me. All was buried under the weight of that dreadful ‘Do I? Don’t I?’ question.

Mundane, routine stuff happened, interspersed with flashes of positives and negatives. I turned inward upon myself, even when I had the necessary discussions with friends and relatives, not forgetting with those aforementioned business associates. I daresay I was quite boring and almost depressing to those forced to be around me. Most people were kind enough to keep their distaste from showing, although a couple of them did demonstrate a lesser level of patience occasionally.

The days drifted mostly meaninglessly from one into another, my brain forever tossing The Question back and forth, back and forth.

Of course, there were some events that were out of the ordinary. But just because they were out of the ordinary did not mean they were not expected; however, neither did that mean that they were necessarily met by me with any greater degree of enthusiasm:

- The farewell speech from the Prince, given from the first floor balcony of the Community Hall, in which he thanked us, congratulated us and encouraged us. And dropped various hints that seemed directed at me and my decisions. It was noticeable that, even though the speech itself was less stirring than those made on the first visit, it still managed to enthuse many of us, and there were more than just a few tears adripping when he finished. Not least because he could not guarantee that he himself would return for the autumn visit to Blackstone; he mentioned there was a possibility of another young woman being sent as his representative, someone called Milsy if I heard aright. I knew I had heard the name before, but couldn’t, at that very moment, place it. This news was strangely but only slightly disquieting somehow. The weather was actually quite beautiful as he made that speech, which helped with the positivity. We onlookers were all in summer gowns or lighter attire so the references to the upcoming rains seemed almost inappropriate.

- The big departure was early in the following morning, but still most of the Town turned up to watch them go. I suppose I should have been gratified by the number acknowledging nods I received from so many of the party, guards, commoners and nobles alike, but summoning the enthusiasm just to respond properly was almost more than I could bring myself to do.

Almost.

I gripped Epp’s hand quite forcibly as the caravan lumbered off down to the bridge and over it, heading for the Forest’s edge. It was a moving sight, and I suddenly felt a strong longing to dash to the Claw, find my trusty frayen and join in with them. The feeling quite astonished me, coming as it was to someone who was completely unaware that such an event might occur.

Epp had changed her mind and determined to stay on a few more days, even though she ‘knew’ she had been away too long already. She needed to talk with me about our company and our sites and so on, as well as about my quandary. We made arrangements to travel together down to Bezlet, to see the developments down there. With both principals of our company present, certain decisions could be thus implemented more efficiently and rapidly.

We watched the convoy make its way down past the Fish Farm, almost to the Bunkhouse. I swear I saw the Countess’ arm wave.

Epp looked at me. I was aware of her so doing, but still kept my eyes on the receding wagons, frayens, people. We must have been watching for nigh on an hour!

When she asked her question, it seemed to break me out of a thrall. I looked around and there were no other people about.

Well except for the workers already making their way inside the Community Hall to begin the alterations in there.

She had a sad grin on her face, but yet her eyes were both sad and joyful.

“Julina?”

“Yes, Epp?”

“I have a question ...”


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Blackstone Life

Another slice of life from Blackstone. Regrettably, it seems that Julia's time is as constrained as my own right now so the updates are barely trickling through. I fully intend to do better next year, but we all know where the road that is paved with good intentions goes...

Part of Julia's problem has been me and I regret that. Her tale is about half a year ahead of Milsy's, which from the above may collide in the near future. She is holding back so that I can catch up. With all the distractions I have at the moment I have to be careful to keep out of the way of speeding glaciers.

I know this has been in the pipeline for a while and it certainly keeps up the standard. Can't wait for the next one!

Penny

A Julina Moment (re: Blackstone Life)

Julina: "Captain."

Bleskin: "Yes Mistress Julina"

Julina: "A moment please"

Bleskin waits patiently until Julina is ready to respond...

Julina: "Captain, I had a thought. Could I interview everyone in Blackstone who went to Her Majesty's Wedding?"

Bleskin: " Of course Mistress. Just curious, why do you want to interview everyone in the Wedding Party?"

Julina: "I thought I could write a narrative of the trip, so that our decendents could read the story of Her Majesty's Wedding."

Bleskin: "I think that is a wonderful idea. You have my full support."

*********************************
The idea just popped into my head. This might solve the problem of Julia having to wait for "What Happened To Milsey" to catch up.

SEE barely covered the Blackstone Party's trip to attend the Wedding. I believe that writting the narrative would appeal to the readers following both Julina's story and Milsey's story.

This would provide an opportunity to describe in more detail the communities, people, and the geography along the way.

We could learn more about the lesser known members of the party.

What happened inside Korond's?

"Skirts with the box pleats?"

"The "sky-blue silk gown with the lace ruffles?"

We (the readers) could read different viewpoints of the the festival, The Weddings, {maybe what happened after...}.

Didn't the party spend two (2) more days before starting back to Blackstone? What happened during the remainder of their stay?

What occurred during the private conversations between Garia and Bleskin and between Bleskin and his son?

Did Bleskin spend any time talking to the king or the members of the Royal Guard?

What happened during the trip back?

This could easily become as many as fifteen (15) chapters!

That should give Penny plenty of time to catch up.

Oh Bother

What a horrible thing to have to decide.

If I were to decide such a thing I would demand they sweeten the pot as the sacrifice involved is pretty steep, at least until railroad travel becomes commonplace and she would have easier access to home and businesses.

I would frankly say no at this point.

When I was younger I would have felt honored to be asked to help my country.

But ever since they elected Gobitoo I have lost all respect for the people of this country and just wish I could just bail and find someplace far away from this mass of ignorant humanity.

Anyway, the way she dealt with the whole marketplace mess shows how much the town needs her commonsense approach to dealing with growth issues that keep popping up.

Isn't that the question most

Isn't that the question most people ask many times in their own lifetime? Do I? or Don't I? And as Julina is finding out, it is also one of the hardest questions to answer.

Self Confident

Julina does remarkably well managing her affairs and has plenty of self confidence as a result. It appears that while she's learning how to protect herself from people that would do her harm, she still has a ways to go. It seems to me that she really wants to do as the prince asked. I guess we lose our correspondent in Blackstone if she does, but there so much more to get involved in if she does.

Either way, this is a great series. Julia, thanks for sharing.

Cal Poly, Blackstone (#3 of 3) Part 1

This is a continuation of two (2) comments from the prior chapter. In my prior two (2) comments I suggested that Julina should refuse the Crown Prince's offer and stay in Blackstone.

I believe that Julina would do more for Anmar if she stayed in Blackstone. I consider the Crown Prince's idea to be a "rookie mistake!" Remember, although he is considered to be a man, he is still too young and lacks the experience to make the best decision about Julina's fate. In Backstone, Julina has the respect and support of the leaders of the city (and the guilds & Questors). In Dekarran, she would be a young "girl" with no credibility from the leaders of an established community (more conservative and traditional than the "new" and vibrant community (that is eager for and responsive to innovation) called Blackstone). When Julina has a "Julina Moment", everyone waits for her to compose a new idea, which is SERIOUSLY considered by the leaders of Blackstone. If Julina goes to Dekarran, how do you think her "elders" will respond to the "whims" of a very young "girl" (who apparently doesn't know her place)???

If Julina goes to Dekarran, her ideas will mostly be ignored rather than acted on. Right now, Julina is creating more exclusivity licenses than anyone on Anmar (other than Garia)! Removing her from Blackstone will have a significant "negative" impact on technological advancement in Anmar.

The Prince (and several of the commentators to the last chapter) misunderstand what Dekarran is (to Palarand) and the value of locating Julina there. Dekarran is the administrative center ("capital") of a duchy and the nexus of two (2) trading routes and Anmar's equivalent of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. In other words, Dekarran is Anmar's equivalent of the city of Saint Louis - it is not "Silicon Valley". Wouldn't it be better if Julina remained in Anmar's "Silicon Valley"? Right now, the technological, engineering, scientific, and agricultural development is occurring in two (2) locations (Palarand and Blackstone). What is the only city on Anmar where they are putting up city lights? In what city are they designing railroad tracks? What city developed City Planning? What is the only city on Anmar where they are planning to have all citizens learn to read and write? Were hand held mirrors, using glass to frame pictures and documents, BACS, "stage coaches", "food trucks", and "Pizza Restaurants" invented in Dekarran?

One of the commentators to the prior chapter suggested that Dekarran would be the first major city to be connected by the railroad. I am pretty sure that the first track laid will be between Blackstone (source of coal) and Teldor (where the steel factories using the coal will be built). Since the track between Blackstone and Teldor will run close to Tranidor, Tranidor will probably be the first major city connected to the railroad (however, I suspect that eventually, Blackstone will become larger than Tranidor).

The Consociation is enthusiastically supported by the City of Blackstone. The City is currently building a home for the Consociation. If Julina moves to Dekarran, who is going to fund the construction of a new building or acquire an existing building for the Consociation? Did the Prince even think of how the Consociation would be funded? The Guilds and Royal Treasury don't have funds available for this project! Is there ANYONE in Dekarran even interested in setting up or supporting the Consociation? Logically, if Julina goes to Dekarran, the Consociation has a slow death by indifference. The Prince is interested in acquiring an English Teacher. If the Prince's priority is the teaching of English, the decision makers in Dekarran will most likely translate that into "the Consociation is not important - concentrate on English!"

Thoughtful questions

Indeed, but presumably Julia has answers to at least some of them. I have to tell you all that I don't, I have no idea what she has planned.

If I may make a couple of minor points:

- Blackstone will be more like "Carbon Valley" than Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley only got that name because it was where semiconductors were first properly developed outside university campuses.

- Tranidor is where the steel mills will be situated. The coal (coke) will come down the Bray from Blackstone and the iron ore will come from the mines along the Sufen. Those routes meet at Tranidor so that makes it the obvious place to set up the big furnaces and mills. Teldor is too far down the Palar and would mean transporting both coal and iron ore from Tranidor alongside one another. Why bother?

- The need for a railroad in the south is because Teldor is the center of processing of light metals, which are mined along the Telar. It is too early to say how things will develop but probably as suggested in SEE, both in the south, starting from Dekarran and working north, and from Tranidor and heading south, both to meet at Haligo, where a difficult gorge has to be negotiated somehow. Garia suggested one way to do this, by elevating the railroad high up the side and carrying it over the town on a viaduct. Another option would be to tunnel through the rock to the west of the river, but that rock is only there because the river couldn't wear it away easily enough. Explosives may help.

- Don't forget that most of what is decided now is based on little or no previous experience, only logic based on the available facts. These people are sure to make mistakes along the way. Garia's presence will only ensure they don't make some of the mistakes that Earth made; there are plenty of other traps waiting for them.

Penny

Re: "Thoughtful questions"

Blackstone is like "West Virginia". You could call it "Coal Valley" and the name wood be accurate!
Yes, The name "Silicon Valley" came from the fact that semiconductors were developed there. However, most people recognize "Silicon Valley" as the home of the largest high-tech corporations and where high-tech start-ups come from. Over one third of the venture capital in the United States is invested in "Silicon Valley". I'm not sure of the current percentage of Anmar's venture capital invested in Blackstone, but I'll bet it's way more than Dekarran (zero (0) percent in Dekarran???).

"Silicon Valley" has all that venture capital and all those high-tech firms firms located there NOT because semiconductors were created there, but because that is where all those clever "Julina(s)" and "Senidet(s)" live!

I stand corrected on proposed Railroads & geography of Anmar. I keep confusing Teldor and Tranidor.

However, SEE and JOB portray the people of Anmar as being very practical. Building a railroad requires a huge amount of wood, steel, & coal. Wood is the easiest to transport to the needed location (less weight and size). Coal is easier to transport than steel (less weight, easily carried in wagons (but messy), smaller quantity (by weight & size) needed than steel). Steel is the most difficult to transport due to its weight and size. Being a very practical people, wouldn't they decide to start at Tranidor and build in opposite directions (towards Blackstone & Teldor). It doesn't make sense to transport coal & steel from Tranidor to Dekarran so you can start in Dekarran and build towards Tranidor! Especially if one of the ten (10) movies brought back by Garia is Union Pacific (one of the movies I recommended). Union Pacific is a 1939 movie depicting the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad during the 1860's (1863-1869). This film shows a train bringing up the supplies (rails, wood ties, food, coal, pay, workers) as the rails moved west.

Best way to do it is be south

Best way to do it is be south for the Rains and come back to Blackstone after,

Re: "Best way to do it is be south"

I would have to ask Penny to be sure, but I believe that Dekarran is closer to the sea and next to a large river that has massive annual flooding during the rainy season (monsoon). Blackstone is at a higher elevation, with a smaller river, and in a narrow valley. I am sure that I would rather do "outside" work in Blackstone than Dekarran during the monsoon!

Exactly

Teaching and learning, is inside work, more students in Dekarran will be available during the rains

Cal Poly, Blackstone (#3 of 3) Part 2

I'm hoping that Julina has a "Julina Moment" and asks to remain in Blackstone (where the Consociation is being established). Hopefully, Julina (due to a second "Julina Moment") will ask if Maralin can visit her in Blackstone or Julina can visit Marlin in Joth.

If Julina remains in Blackstone, then there will be an opportunity to establish a second (competing) University in Blackstone. The Consociation would hopefully become one of the colleges composing the University of Blackstone. A second college could be Engineering (much of the preliminary engineering for railroads are currently being developed in Blackstone).

Blackstone is working on the development of new construction methods used for supporting roofs and bridging. These new methods could fall under the ciriculum of Engineering OR Architecture.

Anmar's foremost expert (Questor) on plant life is in Blackstone attempting to introduce new crops in Blackstone in order to increase food production. This is a new science (Agriculture) on Anmar!

Garia thought that Pakh farming would have to end in Blackstone because of coal mining. What if Julina has another "Julina Moment" and asks if Pakh farming can continue on reserved lands (with no surface mining) or in some of the adjoining valleys? Studying this issue, deciding to start investigating Dranakh & Grakh, and documenting the "Garia Method" of handling Frayen would be the start of the science of Animal Husbandry.

Then there is going to be a need for more teachers (English & "the three R(s)") and documenting the teaching methods being developed in Blackstone.

Put it all together, and you have a University with Colleges of:

Agriculture (& Animal Husbandry)
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Hospitality Management (Hotel & Restaurant Management)

There is a State University in California that sounds like the proposed University of Blackstone:

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (commonly referred to as Cal Poly, Pomona)!

Cal Poly, Pomona should be vaguely familiar to Americans. Each year Cal Poly, Pomona and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo jointly enter a Float in the Rose Parade held each year on January 1st and televised worldwide.

Cal Poly, Pomona is a state university with colleges of:

Agriculture (& Animal Husbandry)
Business Administration
Education
Engineering
Environmental Design (& Architecture)
Hospitality Management (Hotel & restaurant management)
Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences

The two (2) Cal Poly(s) started out as an Agricultural & Animal Husbandry College.

The Cal Poly, Pomona site was originally the Kellog (Cereal Family) ranch which started the first Arabian Horse Herd in the United States. As a condition of the gift of the land, Cal Poly was required to maintain the Arabian Horse Herd in perpetuity. Today, the Cal Poly Arabian Horse Center is world famous.

The Hospitality Management (food & restaurant management) program is the largest in California and one of the largest in the United States.

The combined (Pomona & SLO) Cal Poly Float had won forty-four (44) awards (not including the one from yesterday!) since 1949!

The University of Palarand is going to be run by Questors. I don't think this is a very good idea. If English is taught at the University of Palarand, only Questors will be the students (what if Julina ends up being forced by the Questors to teach at UOP???). I hope that the University of Blackstone is created as a competing University (not controlled by the Questors) and becomes the "Second Foundation" of higher education on Anmar.

Maybe, another transferee (from Southern California) will end up teaching at Blackstone and as a result, the University of Blackstone becomes known as "Cal Poly, Blackstone"!

One final question, how many GOBITO(s) are there in Dekarran and who will protect Julina from them?

More good points

I wouldn't be at all surprised if either a branch of the University is established at Blackstone (assuming they can find somewhere to put it!) or a separate institution is formed, or even grows organically. Who knows? I don't, at least not yet. I have ideas, but much water may flow before they get written down on paper.

The University of Palarand will be run by Professors, as is proper. If you think about it, that is exactly what Questors are and what they will naturally become. They have yet to become accustomed to the idea that passing on their jealously hoarded knowledge can be a good thing, or even a rewarding thing.

I expect that in time they will become like our own professors: some will enjoy teaching the young about the things they themselves have learned, and they will find that the young in turn will be able to contribute to their own research projects. Others will do the minimum possible to get away with staying in tenure but their students will soon demand more than they are willing to provide. This is really no different than Earth. Most of those will get found out and ejected.

Returned Garia may have something to say about the organization of Universities on Earth and the benefits and shortcomings that occur: perhaps some way will be found to ensure that the good prosper and the bad will not.

As regarding Julina, what is wrong with her becoming a Professor of English? Nobody would be "forcing" her to do anything. If she likes the job and she is good at it then she may accept such a position. I should add, however, that until now we have no idea if she can even learn another language. Like many in the US and UK she may find it difficult, having had no contact with any other. Only Julia knows how that will pan out.

Penny

Re:More Good Points

(1) I am advocating the establishment of a separate (competing) University in Blackstone. Based upon the descriptions in SEE and JOB, Blackstone is no longer a small conservative farming community located in a remote area of the Kingdom. Because of circumstances (The depredation of Trogen, followed by the arrival of Garia, the abundance of coal), a quiet remote farming community has evolved a new vibrant culture embracing (instead of fearing or resisting) social and technological change ("progress") and accepting females and the young as ("full") members of the community. In the Capital, Garia had to struggle against strong resistance to convince people to adopt the new ideas she is bringing to Annmar. In Blackstone, her new ideas were enthusiastically embraced. The handful of individuals who resisted the changes were rejected and suppressed by the people of Blackstone. The University of Blackstone (based upon what has already been written in SEE and JOB) will be totally different (more successful) when compared to the "other" University. Located in Blackstone, the Consociation will become part of the University. In Dekarran, there is no university (and it will be a long time before the kingdom will be able to support more than two universities). In Dekarran, there is no local funding source nor community support for the Consociation. Since the Consociation will be teaching new methods of cooking and "new fangled" types of businesses (THAT WILL COMPETE WITH THE EXISTING BUSINESSES PROVIDING FOOD), there will be considerable opposition to this "{disgusting} Consociation thing"! Lack of local support and strong local opposition should (logically) kill or delay the Consociation if Julina moves to Dekarran. Wouldn't that devistate the young woman? Also, if Julina starts teaching English in Dekarran, wouldn't the (jealous [???]) former Questors running the UOP demand the King move Julina to UOP so that UOP can "assist" ["control"] Julina? Having to move a second time should have a significant effect on moving forward with the Consociation.

(2) My (highly negative) opinion of Questors is based partially on what has been written about them in SEE. However, it is mostly based upon my experiences here on Earth. I went to college during the 1970(s) - a time of divisive social change (that started in the 60's). I had a difficult time (especially with history professors - which was predicted by one of my high school teachers who was "oil to my water"). After I graduated, I spent a lot of time reading and watching TV shows about history and archeology. Eventually, I developed a (personal) theory that the professions of Economics, History, and Archeology were hopelessly corrupted by an adherence to "dogma". I concluded that the adherence to "dogma" problem was caused by the fact that "Western Universities" being initially started during the Medieval Era developed (due to the influence and support of the Catholic Church) an "unhealthy" adherence to "dogma". As a result, most professors in these professions (today) have zero credibility as far as I am concerned.
I fear that the support and influence of Questors will have an "unhealthy influence" on UOP. I am suggesting that a competing university (UOB) will mitigate the "damage" Questors might inflict on upper level education.

(3) I agree with Penny that Garia will have "something to say about the organization of Universities..." I remember her reaction when she visited the site of UOP and objected to the plan for a limited number of very small classrooms. I suspect that Garia would be very happy to see Blackstone start UOB. I can't help but imagine an adult Ptuvil proudly watching as her hatchling leaves the nest and takes to the sky for the first time!

(4) I have no objection to Julina becoming a professor of English - So long that it doesn't interfere with her becoming a professor of Hospitality Management! My concern that a move to Dekarran may result in her ending up a T.A. (A poorly paid assistant to a professor, without Tenure or Professional Respect, who may teach the students in the classroom or study periods, while the professor occasionally attends a lecture and receives all the credit for teaching the students) at UOP.

Actually, I hope she becomes a Professor of English and Consociation ("Hospitality Management") at UOB.

(5) Based upon the last chapters of SEE, Garia brings back two (2) TABLETS. These TABLETS are irreplaceable. There value is so high that other countries or a criminal gang would be tempted to try to steal or destroy the two (2) TABLETS. There is always the possibility of a fire or natural disaster that could destroy or damage the TABLETS. From a security standpoint, it makes sense that the two (2) TABLETS be kept in different locations. The best two (2) locations are the capital (UOP) and Blackstone (UOB). Some might feel that Dekarran might be safer than Blackstone, but I believe all factors considered, the advantages of Blackstone exceed those of Dekarran.

(6) Based upon SEE and JOB (discriptions of the people of Anmar and Julina's experiences in Tranador), I believe that Julina's opportunities to obtain more exclusivity licenses will be higher if she remains in Blackstone.

(7) I would like to suggest that a visit to Joth may be more interesting to the readers than a move to Dekarran. What changes have occurred in Joth as a result of the war? Have Garia's ideas reached the people of Joth?
Did Maralin catch the girl? What does he do now in Joth? How will Julina be received in Joth. Will she have any "Julina Moments"?

Wow! Humbling in its way.

I feel very humble to have played a (smallish) part in the production of Penny's Anmar world. A world that has engendered such passion that the length of the comments rivals the length of the episodes! *grin grin*.

There are some very valid Points o V contained herein and I am grateful for the feedback. I do not accept ALL that has been said, but I actually sort of curse JdP (Hah - my initials too) because she has now managed to plant a seed in my brain which might turn into another six-year long project.

We must all take a step back, IMHO.

Let us imagine events a few years after the arrival of the Earth contact spaceship.

Maybe the crew are investigating the history of Anmar, specifically that of Garia. And they stumble on Julina's writings almost by accident. Now they have TWO reports of what happened a couple of hundred years ago.
But are so far lacking any reports about what happened then in other towns. (Which is where I must curse JdP, since I may now have to write some more about THAT)

We know a few facts:

- Dekarran used to be the capital of all Palarand, now the capital of North Palarand
- That region is governed by Duke Gilbanar, the younger brother of Robanar, the King
- Gilbanar was one of the first to acknowledge that Garia came from another world (see the quote below from SEE #33)

I for one cannot believe that Gilbanar has not implemented some changes in and around Dekarran, particularly in the light of other Garia incidents in which he (or his demesne) has been involved.
We just have (as yet) no report of such things.

I see Dekarran as being one of the foremost shipbuilding areas in Palarand, as well as a governing city/castle. Gilbanar will also have been developing new industries in the area, although much of the 'heavy' industry shall be situated further up the Palar.

Also present at that meeting (See #33) was Visselen (and his son Marlin). They're from Brikant., a former independent country that joined to Palarand and is now also known as Upper Palarand. Maybe the Consociation might be situated there, after all that would be nearer the centre of the alliance that Robanar is putting together.

Who knows what developments have taken place in Brikant? (All we do know is that Marlin has now been in battle in the Yodan wars (I seem to remember he distinguished himself, but that might be a faulty memory and I can't be bothered to chase the reference down) and has maybe matured somewhat)

Maybe, however, the Consociation is deemed to be not a good idea after all, and it is never actuated !!!!!!!!!!!!

Rail travel is still years away, and it currently takes a good week to get up to Blackstone. So anyone attending any cooking classes in Blackstone would have at least a week's travel to get there, a week of courses and a week's travel to return. That's a good three weeks out of their busy schedules!

As mentioned before, the railway tracks will not actually go through Tranidor itself - bridge building being a hindrance to that, given their state of expertise - since there shall be tracks running down the east bank of the Bray/Palar, and down the west bank of the Palar through West and South Tranidor, so stations on those tracks will be less than a mark from central Tranidor anyway. Much cheaper to convey passengers to a new station than to build a bridge or three sturdy enough for the weight of trains.

... ... ...

From SEE #33 ( https://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/30348/somewhere-else-... ):

Gilbanar stood and walked to the window to examine the garment more clearly. He muttered oaths as he fingered the material, looked at the seams and tried to work the zipper, finally returning to sit thoughtfully again.

"It isn't a joke, is it, Rob?"

"No, it isn't, and all of you had better understand that fully before we go any further. That girl represents our future, and right now she is the most important person on Anmar."

"Some far away lands, perhaps? Somewhere else entirely we've never heard of?"

Robanar shook his head. "Keren, the watch?"

Garia's watch was passed around and inspected by all. Keren then took it to a table near the window and with a tool that Tarvan had given him he carefully removed the back plate so that all could see the insides. The others crowded round.

"This tells the time on Earth," Keren explained. "Her people divide the day into twenty-four, not twenty, and their day is about a bell shorter than ours. Thus, if this were to be set at the noon bell, it would complete its cycle a bell early. It was not designed for use on Anmar. It is hers, but she only wore it because her own was damaged. She says these are cheap and available in quantity."

"Look at the intricate workings inside that," Robanar said. "Name me any metalsmith you think is capable of doing what you see there."

"All right!" Gilbanar threw up his hands. "I'm convinced. I wish I weren't but I am. So, what happens next?"

Robanar told them.

Development at Dekarran

One of the potential problems concerning the future development at Dekarran is going to be space.

Where the Palar meets the Sirrel is a narrow opening in the hard rock which makes up the walls of the Great Valley. This is sufficiently wide to permit shipping in and out, and to allow the tide to back the Palar up about as far as Teldor. The narrow opening, through the hard rock, continues back along the Palar for a way, gradually widening as it does so.

On either side of the Palar, immediately behind the mouth, are crammed wharves and warehouses to handle the large amount of goods being trans-shipped at this important trade crossroads. There are trade roads either side, these are higher up the valley sides so one has to go down a slope to get to the wharves. This is all described in several places in SEE when Garia leaves Dekarran for the north. I can't see anyone wanting to tear the wharves and warehouses down to provide slips for building ships.

This means that there won't be a lot of spare ground for building ships at Dekarran itself. Further upriver, between Dekarran and Teldor, the valley does widen and this could be a potential place for expansion. Given the already-begun expansion of Teldor it seems to me that the whole valley between those two towns will soon be industrialised, which is going to present a number of other problems.

The locals will find answers to these puzzles and no doubt I will discover those in time. Casting a wider eye over the region, I wonder whether Brugan might be a better location for the building of ships. As Garia says, think big.

Penny

Palarand Line Of Succession Problem

Julia's comment "Wow! Humbling in its way." Prompted me to assess Duke Gilbanar's effectiveness as a ruler. During my assessment, I realized there might be a problem. First, unless there are additional royals (not mentioned in SEE, JOB, or Anmar Apendicies) running around, the Royal Bloodline is very thin. But for the historical record (SEE Epilogues), I would have considered this a very serious problem for Anmar. Secondly, in SEE, Terinar is stated to be second in the line of succession. SEE implies that male primogeniture determines the royal succession. Assuming this is correct, Terinar is actually third in the line of succession (after his father, brother to the King). Based upon the limited information available, I believe the Royal succession is:

(1) Keren (surviving son of the King)
(2) Gilbanar (Brother of the King)
(3) Terinar (Son of Duke Gilbanar)
(4) Kasona (Married Sister of the King)
(5) Malann (Married Daughter of the King)
(6) Elizet (Married Daughter of the King)
(7) Korizet (Unmarried Daughter of Duke Gilbanar).

To avoid a protracted political fight or a dynastic war, most likely, Kasona, Malann, and Elizet would decline the throne in favor of Korizet.

Succession

Nope.

I can't remember exactly where it was explained, but once a female member of the family marries, she effectively joins her husband's family and loses all rights to her birth family. That means that of the list given above, only Korizet applies since she is presently single.

As a matter of interest, both Malann and Elizet have married Crown Princes so will eventually become the wives of rulers in their own right. That in itself would disqualify them. It might not, depending on circumstances, disqualify any of their children.

Almost at the end of #121, Terys tells Garia that Terinar is third in line and will therefore have to be married in Dekarran.

Of course, by the time the Spacecraft arrive, primogeniture will have been abolished and it will be first come, first served.

Penny

Milsey Campbell

In SEE Epilogues a new character appeared (Milsey Campbell). These chapters didn't mention Garia having a daughter. However, In Epilogue 3, Milsey Campbell declares that she is a direct descendent of Garia and her full name is Milsey Campbell Countess of Blackstone. Also, in Epilogue 3, Milsey Campbell has a conversation with Garia where she calls Garia "ancestor"!

I'm probably going lose sleep tonight obsessing over this. I find it hard to believe that her father (a member of the royal Family [???] ) would name his daughter after a two hundred (200) year old palace retainer. On the other hand, if Garia had a daughter, then naming his daughter after Garia's daughter Milsey makes sense! I suppose it's possible that Milsey became a popular name (without being the name of a princess or queen), but that seems unlikely.

If I'm correct, I'm wondering where she stands in the line of succession to Keren XI?

I'm also wondering why Milsey is a Countess and not a Baroness?

And who is her father?

***********************************

(Southern California) CURRENT DAY:

Josette Du Pres ( a lite sleeper) opens one eye and sees a familiar figure.

Garia: Hello!

Josette: Hello again. I still think you don't look like a wormhole alien.

Garia: {giggles} I still think you watch too much TV.

Josette: How would you know about Deep Space 9?

Garia: Remember, I was a boy called Gary here on Earth. I used to watch Deep Space 9 on TV.

Josette: Right! I guess I forgot.

Garia: I've been watching you for a few minutes. You seem troubled [?]

Josette: I have to know! Did you have a daughter named Milsey?

Now, that would be awesome!

If would be helpful, if someone could make a small scale (scrollable) map (in English) from Blackstone & Faralmark to the sea (circa 1175) showing all cities, villages, trade routes, battlefields, and sites where Garia or Julina stayed.

Also, a large scale World Map (circa 1175) based upon the existing knowledge in the year 1175. Of course, the second map would be mostly conjecture.

What is the Consociation? ( 01 of 03)

I was stunned when Julia wrote (see "Wow! Humbling in its way."):

"...So anyone attending any cooking classes in Blackstone would have at least a week's travel to get there, A WEEK OF COURSES [emphasis added] and a week's travel to return..."

If that is all the Consociation provides, then Julina moving to Dekarran [other than the "limiting her ability to "sell" her new ideas" problem] is no big deal!

I totally misunderstood what the Consociation was and what type of training (education) the Consociation would provide. No wonder I am the only one vocally opposed to Julina moving to Dekarran!

I thought the purpose of the Consociation was to obtain "guild status [i.e. membership in the RPIOE (Royal Palarand Institute of Engineers)]" for the (predominately female) workers at inns, roadhouses, "restaurants", trading company factor sites. In order to obtain "guild status", the Consociation would have to provide (equivalent to the existing "guilds") a leadership structure, professional standards, "licensing (badges)", training or apprenticeship program, and halls for "Consociation meetings" & "conducting Consociation business".

Based upon what I read in SEE and JOB, the best way option for establishing the Consociation would be to create a school (college) that would evolve into the University of Palarand (UOB).

1175 Anmar does not have the complexity to need a four (4) year program to obtain a "bachelors degree". A "degree" from the Consolation would initially [probably] require three (3) to six (6) months. As more "classes" are added the period would increase and probably stabilize at one (1) year, and become two (2) years when the additionally complexity and new "requirements" warranted by events. By the time of Keren XI, it would probably be a four (4) year program.

In addition to maintaining several "guild halls" and managing the "College of Consociation Management" (at what will (hopefully) become UOB), the Consolation will (most likely) periodically publish a book (similar to the "Healer's Guide") for Consociation Members and a second book that will eventually become the World Famous "Blackstone Guide"!

What is the Consociation? (02 of 03)

Here is a potential partial list of what type of classes that the Consociation would probably require to obtain a degree in Consociation Management (similar to the Cal Poly, Pomona degree in Hospitality Management):

TAI CHI
Garia wants everyone to do Tai Chi!

CARE OF FRAYEN AND DRANAHK
Inns and Roadhouses provide stabling for both Frayen and Dranahk (however, Dranahk usually are allowed to forage). The "Garian Method" will be taught to students (this will help spread the Garian Method throughout Anmar). Inns, roadhouses and restaurants with food service will (as the Garia Method is adopted) be expected to provide "fruit & veggie snacks". Happy Frayen & Dranahks make happy customers!

FIRST AID & SANITATION
Taught by the Blackstone healers. Will include safety (not sure about who will teach the safety part of the course) first aid, and sanitation. I am assuming that the sanitation part of the course will come from the Healer's Guide inspired by Garia. I suspect that if Julina sees the Healer's Guide? She will have a "moment" and say "the Consociation should have a Guide!"

READING & WRITING
Classes taught by Blackstone teachers. To be considered a professional, you will be expected to be literate. This would also be a service that could be provided to customers (reading aloud a customer (who cannot read) letter, writting a letter for a customer). How can someone use the Consociation Guide if you cannot read?

GARIAN NUMBERS
Duh!

CLOCKS & 24 HOUR SYSTEM
Within a very short period of time, Customers will be expecting to see a clock in each Inn, restaurant, or roadhouse. Establishments without a clock prominately displayed will attract fewer customers. Someone in each establishment will be tasked with making sure battery's are charged ["We're going to need more steam engines!"]. The 24 hour system is going to replace the bell system, so inns, roadhouses and food service providers will have to change to the 24 hour system.

STEAM ENGINES
Until Anmar develops electric transmission lines and power plants, these suckers are going to breed like tribbles!!! Every establishment is going to need someone who knows how to use a steam engine!

BANKING
Duh!

GUNS & GUNPOWDER
Mostly a safety class. What to do if someone point a gun at you. Safe storage of gunpowder as the stuff starts to be moved around to support construction and mining. Will wagons carrying gunpowder need to be parked separately with guards posted??? How to treat customers that carry firearms (require storage in a "safe" or allow them in rooms??!

NEW TRANSPORTATION METHODS
Planning for how to serve Railroad passengers. How to arttract/support Bacs & Wenders.

NEW TECH
Mirrors - Inns/roadhouses with full length mirrors will get more customers! How long before we see a demand for mirrors in female rooms?
Paper - Will inns be expected to stock paper for purchase? Will establishments need paper for this own use? How soon will the word "toilet paper" be mentioned???
Clocks, telescopes, sewing machines, etc.
Using Porous Pots to keep food cool.
Refrigerators - What do think the demand for ice cream will be once refrigerators are available???
Forks (when students from other areas of Palarand ( outside of The capital & Blackstone) & other countries arrive).

SEMAPHORE
Uses of semaphore. Customers sending semaphores to inns and restaurants to make reservations or inquires. Semaphores sent to inns & roadhouses to be held for customers expected to arrive later.

COOKING WITH COAL
Wood is going to be too valuable to be wasted on cooking. Coal is going to become the primary cooking fuel. Use of coke cigars. How to avoid burning pans. Coal produces more heat than wood, so cooking methods will have to adjust.

EXCLUSIVITY LICENSES, PARTNERSHIPS, AND CONTRACTS
Duh!

FISH FARMING
New concept invented by Julina. Consociation Members not near a lake will eventually figure out all you need is a small pond and some simple techniques.

HOUSEKEEPING
Duh!

APPRECIATION COIN
I'm not sure if Julina actually invented the concept, but she did implement it in the Salon. This course will definately include the Konna problem! I'm sure it will be a popular class.

HIRING & TRAINING
Julina is an expert on this very important subject.

FACTORING
Course initially taught by Sookie or her assistant. I am assuming there are a large number of sites owned by trading/transportation companies like Tanon. If Julina & Sookie are smart, they will try to include the support staff of trading companies in the Consociation. I'm pretty sure that idea this would appeal to Sookie (especially after what happened st Dekarran!).

GROUP MEETINGS & DEBRIEFINGS
We can blame this one on Garia

THE GUILD SYSTEM
Politics! How the "other" guilds work. How to deal with other guilds. How the Consociation is governed. Guild hall mechanics and uses. The RPIOE.

SENINAR - Welcome to the Consociation

LAB - THE BELL INN
Working at the Bell Inn for a few days. Probably moving from job to job.
Introduction to Inn Management.

LAB - THE ROADHOUSE
"ditto"
Introduction to roadhouse management.

LAB - THE CLAW
"ditto"
Introduction to factoring.

LAB - THE SALON
"Ditto"
Introduction to restaurant management.

LAB - THE PIZZA WAGON
"ditto"
Introduction to "food truck" management and "pizza joint" management.

UNARMED COMBAT
It will be some time before this class will be authorized by Garia, but I can see it being an optional class at some point in the future.

BREWING BEER
Apparently Anmar Inns brew their own beer.

DESIGN OF INNS, ROADHOUSES, SALONS, AND TRADING COMPANY OFFICES
Initially taught by Julina's friend who is good at designing facilities. Will probably include upgrading or rebuilding existing facilities.

Note: with the exception of the class on Coal, none of the above classes directly relate to cooking. My thinking is that these classes serve as a replacement for years of service as an apprentice. The guild members in Blackstone would likely closely watch the Consociation and report back what they are seeing to the guild masters in the capital. Since the rapid expansion of Palarand will cause a massive need for new workers, one or more of the existing guilds may seek to set up a similar school in Blackstone to benefit from the Consociation's "lessons learned". If this happens, a second university is going to evolve in Blackstone. This should cause the former Questors at UOP to turn red in the face and start yelling at the king about UOB. Hopefully, this will result in either a two track University System or a health conversation ("long argument") about how Universities should be operated.

All that, and I haven't even started on cooking classes...

I don't think a week is going to be enough time...

********************************
I brought up Cal Poly, Pomona as an example for UOB (University of Blackstone) because the major colleges at Cal Poly are the equivalent of the major colleges that are likely to appear at Blackstone.

Assuming the Consociation actively recruits students from outside Palarand, the new Ideas brought to Anmar by Garia will be disseminated much faster due to the students taking back to their communities the ideas learned in the classes listed above.

The process of recruiting new students would (hopefully) lead to the Consociation eventually publishing a second guide that will become the world famous "Blackstone Guide" that will be carried by every experienced traveler (at least until they create smart phones). More on the Blackstone Guide later (unless someone else figures it out and get the exclusivity before me!).

Still awaiting the 3rd part!

But let me say you are both absolutely right and absolutely wrong. *grins*

Before I get started on the Consoc, let me point out one other error of yours, with regard to the naming of female descendants. Why does Garia have to be the one to name a daughter Milsy? There are some 200-odd years between Garia's first pregnancy and the arrival of the 'Earth' ship. (I shall call this the 'Earth contact time', or ECT for short). So, reckoning a generation as being 25 years (although some here on earth use 20 years), there are a minimum of 8 generations that have happened in the intervening period. Any one of those could have decided to use the name Milsy, or Milsey, to honour a well-respected historical figure. It may even have been Ms. Campbell's parents who chose to use it!

And then, while on that subject, and again remembering that ECT was a few hundred years after the events Penny and I are describing, then events elsewhere will most probably have progressed. Who knows what - maybe the conglomeration of Brayview, Bezlet and Tamitil has become one big urban sprawl? Maybe Ptuvilend has been added into Blackstone County (to make, for example, the administration easier) and the Barony has been expanded into a proper county, thus making the ruler of it all a Count or a Countess nowadays? Maybe - hush, whisper it who dares - Blackstone and Tranidor have amalgamated?

In conclusion to this part of my reply, there are any number of possible explanations as to the naming of children Milsy and the reason a COUNTESS is now in charge of B'stone.

Now - onto the Consociation:

Yes, your list of topics is really quite comprehensive, and might well be included in the curriculum, but that will take a heck of a long time to set up.
I have been at pains to represent in this story the viewpoint of Julina and I have obviously failed to demonstrate one aspect of her character adequately.
Her idea of the Consociation came about because she was learning from other cooks and she was teaching total newbies how to work in a kitchen as well as teaching established cooks various new recipes and some techniques. She herself learnt from her step-mother. So she thought merely to bring this knowledge to a wider audience, originally thinking that it would be confined to what is now known as Blackstone county. Hence she imagined locals coming along to the Consociation several times, being as how she is fully aware of the problems they would have to abandon their inns and kitchens for long periods of time. Hence Julina thinks that getting others from all the way downvalley would be a pain for them to attend. She is thinking big, but locally.

Now I am going to say something here that I didn't really want to. But Josette has forced me to make a reply. If you don't want to know some future surprises, then skip reading until after the END OF SPOILER alert.

*** SPOILER ALERT. SPOILER ALERT. SPOILER ALERT ***

Julina thinks she is thinking big by imagining providing a service to Blackstone county, much in the way she has provided a service by teaching, in the initial instance, up in Blackstone Town itself. From those experiences, she has based her ideas upon how to teach in the Consociation. Keren, aided by Merry, has a far broader audience and curriculum in mind. Josette has now managed to spoil the big reveal that will come in two or three episodes time. When the full curriculum is revealed to Julina, she will knocked for six!

*** END OF SPOILER. END OF SPOILER. END OF SPOILER.***

So pressure will be put upon Julina to travel downvalley, pressure that will come from the obvious culprits and one or two surprise ones too.

But we still don't know what she will decide.

Well, actually I do - and I know Penny suspects, but nevertheless this remains all up in the air.

Whilst I welcome comments and constructive criticism (flames are ignored) I beg of you to please make suggestions either clearly marked as speculative, and if possible with alternatives, or send me the thoughts in a private message. That way, it reduces the chances of any spoilers being read by the general population...