Ytren law of hospitality.’ The god pointed first at Einar’s father, and then at the pale and terrified accused. ‘Do you stand by the accusation?’
‘Yes.’ Einar’s father must have summoned up a great deal of courage to speak.
‘And you, Flavius Aequum and Valentius Gratia, do you admit to this?’ The god of death fixed his gaze on the legionaries who had been forced to their knees.
‘We…’ Flavius managed to find his voice only after a long moment, whilst Valentius remained silent, staring at Thanatos with wide-open eyes. ‘We don’t…’
‘I advise you to think carefully,’ Theis hissed sharply. ‘Lying in the presence of a god may be the worst decision you could make.’ He fell silent, rebuked by Heres’s gaze. Death, however, showed no reaction whatsoever and merely took a sip of juice.
‘Yes.’ After a moment, Valentius groaned in resignation. Flavius merely nodded.
‘Hmmm. Very well.’ Thanatos took another sip and turned his gaze back to Olaf. ‘The second charge concerns an attack on a member of the Bear Clan, which could have ended tragically. Do you stand by it?’
‘Yes.’ This time, Father did not hesitate and replied firmly.
‘Who saw what happened?’ asked the god, his gaze sweeping over those gathered.
Einar felt his breathing suddenly grow heavier and fear begin to well up inside him. He didn’t know why, but he was afraid, even though he knew it wasn’t him who faced the god’s wrath. His breathing grew heavier, and dark spots appeared before his eyes. Suddenly, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He glanced to the side and saw the slightly concerned look on Tahon’s face. Ceet held his gaze for a moment, then nodded. He also squeezed Toinen’s shoulder more firmly.
‘Einar and I were witnesses,’ said the beastman. His voice showed no fear, unlike his trembling hand. ‘We were at the harbour at the time, sir.’
Thanatos looked at them and studied them for a moment. For some reason, the panic Einar had been feeling earlier began to subside. The fear, though still present, was no longer so oppressive.
