[Estelyn Telcontar]

Heads turned as Falasmir entered the hall. Wyrma and several of his ministers were close behind him, and a group of younger and less important courtiers, among them Tinar, followed in their wake. The tradespeople bowed low as their ruler passed, momentarily silent.

Wyrma noted the buzz of renewed conversation behind them. This was her first appearance with Falasmir at an official function, and she knew that many curious eyes gazed at her. Looking around, she realized that the curiosity apparently had more reason than the mere fact that she was a stranger. As far as she could see, she was the only female in the room! The Umbarian traders were all male, as were those of the various desert peoples.

So, they hide their women from the northern strangers? she thought wryly. Suddenly it occurred to her that the only reason she had seen the women of the court was because she herself was female. Still, the women here were not normally completely isolated, though they usually veiled their faces in public places.

She did not flatter herself by thinking that the stares that encountered her this evening were in admiration of her appearance, but a foreign woman at Falasmir’s side in an official function was bound to raise questions in the minds of those who saw her. If they only knew, she thought, but her true nature was hidden, and she preferred to have it that way.

She was not here to trade on this occasion, but noted with approval that several of her people, among others her son’s friend Korpúlfr, were presenting their wares. The city-kingdom of which she dreamed would need merchants with contacts to neighbouring countries. Would they also profit from contact with the great northern kingdom? She gazed at the tall captain and his first mate, wondering how their fate would affect that of her people.