Not dead.He offered his friend a seat at the high table. Peace would remain between them. For now, a common enemy threatened them, the White Christ. Determined to flush out any remaining traitors, he looked to his own father for approval before he proceeded with his mother’s trial. Anundr nodded.
“Lauga Sigurdsson.”
Heads turned as Randvior’s mother came closer, looking her part, half mother and half Jezebel. She wore what Randvior considered her finest apparel.
“I am here,” she said.
“Aye,” Randvior acknowledged her. He should be cruel, but wasn’t. Instead, he mentally compared her to his beloved wife. Lauga paled in comparison. “Do you know why you’re here?”
“Your captain, Aud Magnusson, has read me your charges.”
Randvior suffered a moment of disappointment when he saw that his mother remained stoic. Even under the strain of being formally charged with high crimes she managed not to crack.
“You claim to be in possession of evidence to condemn me. Don’t waste my time with these unnecessary formalities. Speak your mind—there is no proof, I assure you.”
For the first time, he saw her for the liar she was.
“No proof?” he scoffed. “Do you see the masses gathered in my hall today? Who amongst them is here to defend you? Let them come forward without fear of reprisal.”
Much to his surprise, many hands went up.
No matter. There were fifty men to the one who would swear allegiance to her. And they wanted nothing more than to rip her heart out and feed it to the pack of wild dogs roaming the forest.
Randvior called the first witness. She came forward. The same woman who advised Noelle not to drink Lauga’s wine in the weaving room. He watched Noelle’s eyes blink nervously. Randvior patted the girl’s hand reassuringly. She was a talented seamstress, well respected among her peers, and had no reason to perjure herself.
The spaewife who attended Noelle testified next, and by the time she had finished speaking, half the crowd clamored for Lauga’s blood. More damaging testimony followed, although the finer details differed slightly from person to person, fifteen witnesses provided enough evidence to charge Lauga. The woman had a questionable history and a bad reputation for playing both sides of a coin, setting people against one another for her own amusement and benefit.
Before Randvior could leave to contemplate judgment, additional witnesses came forward and accused Lauga of consorting with Olaf Haraldsson. They swore on Odin’s head that they had personally seen his mother accompanying Tyr and other notable men to political meetings.
“When did you last see her?” Randvior questioned.
“Only three nights ago, she passed me on the road. I recognized her horse and the silver saddle she uses when she rides to distinguish herself.”
For once, her vanity would cost her dearly. A foolish act for sure. A plain saddle and dark clothing would have been wise if she wished to remain anonymous on the road. Perhaps she wanted to get caught, for his mother possessed the wisdom of a seasoned strategist. How long had she held his people in a death grip and divided his household? He dismissed the last witness and turned to his mother.
“Have you anything to say in your own defense concerning these new charges before I pass judgment?”
Lauga nodded slowly. “Only this. Your wife worships the White Christ.” She pointed angrily at Noelle.
Randvior covered his face with both hands.Yes, Noelle worshipped the Christian god, but no blood was ever shed over her faith. “She is not a convert, nor is she guilty of treason,” he retorted.
“Does this make her any less of a threat? Can you guarantee she will never lead these people astray or try to convert your men?”
It would be well if his mother shut her mouth. Hatred welled up inside him. “She is an innocent, completely blameless—born into her faith.” He needed a drink to settle his nerves. “Bring me wine!” he commanded.
His ancestors would roll over in their graves if they heard their kinswoman speaking such falsehoods.My mother is aheretic—a traitorous bitch.Who planted the seeds of deception and bitterness so deeply in her heart? An Englishwoman, you fool.He stared heavenward.I swear by my own life to never forsake the vows I spoke on my wedding day. Father Odin, destroy me if I fail to honor my wife.
“Your father raised you as carelessly as a wild ass in the woods.” Lauga scowled at Anundr. “See what comes from handling your child so liberally? A disloyal boy.”
“Enough!” Anundr silenced her immediately. “How dare you stand before us and offer these lies up as truth? For years, you fed me draughts of sleeping potion to keep me from discovering your corruption. My legs are crippled, woman, not my wits. I know your heart better than you. Salvage what dignity you can by admitting your guilt. Offer your prayers to whatever damned god you choose, but leave these children in peace. I gave them my blessings. What father denies his only son’s happiness? Look at them. What mother begrudges her child true love? You black-hearted wench.”
Randvior stood, but held his tongue. His mother’s eyes opened and closed, opened and closed.How long had it been since his father spoke of any tenderness for his wife?he wondered dismally.
“Plead guilty and I will consider leniency.”
Lauga was slow to respond. “Would it matter if I did?”
Randvior rubbed his chin wearily.
