to close the section concerning Jarl Olaf’s charges.’ A brief pause filled with silence. ‘So, let us summarise. The accused are guilty of violating the Ytren law of hospitality, attacking a member of the Bear Clan, and assaulting Einar Anson.’ No one, not even the shackled legionnaires, dared to contradict him. ‘But someone else has accused you as well.’
Thanatos’s tone changed, and a chill hung in the air. Einar felt the hairs on his head stand on end and a shiver run through his whole body.
‘Fuilin of Iveln has accused the two of you of taking his life.’
The silence that followed was even deeper than before. Only after a moment did Einar turn round, gazing into the imperials. Tahon, baring his teeth, kept his gaze fixed on Valentius and Flavius, who were now utterly terrified. All the colour drained from Legate Xives’s face, and his furious gaze seemed to hurl bolts of lightning. First Officer Hex and Sergeant Pleinselin were holding back the enraged Captain Svenson, whilst the other sailors instinctively reached for their weapons.
Although each of them seemed to be making some sort of sound or even shouting, there was silence all around Einar. The boy looked around and shuddered, realising that Thanatos was standing right beside him. Death was still holding the goblet, swirling it gently to set the juice in motion.
