The Reeve nodded, keeping his eyes on the war-band, and giving not a speck of glance to the Witan at his flank. "You fought in the siege in Stangard ...or so is supposed. You haven't shown the courage to stand and protect till death as in ways of our kin...''
Régnwald gazed between his war-band, eyeing them each and giving the decision of their fate more care than the others would. And soon he met the Reeve's gaze, eyes hardened as chains, listening.
The Reeve's fingers smoothed against his oaken armrest. He did not fidget, did not upset the calm, dry manner of his tone. "This is my decree. You should be stripped of your rank and office. Never again shall you walk the land of Riddermark with arms. Your sword and armour will be sent to your home so they will know of your wrong doings. You can remain here, work and learn how it is to be counting on the bravery of others for your protection. Or you can stay behind bars for ever. As of your warriors I declare their oaths void. But should they want to keep them they will share your fate. And let it be known, Eorlsmead would be the only place you are allowed to wield a sword. Should you go against my word, you'll be exiled.''
Régnwald closed his eyes for a moment “You cannot do this Lord, you're making a mistake...'' Voice cracking, he now looked, deep in hatred at Saexwyrd, before casting his gaze back to Gárwig. "This is wrong." He tightened his grip even as he felt the guards closing in at his back.
The Reeve stood. "Your sword and armour, Régnwald. Or my men will take you behind bars."
Zaiweyn observed the event with utmost curiousity, lips parted slightly in wonder.
Gydgar spoke 'I will share my fate with Régnwald.. if that wyrm Seaxwyrd comes and takes my armour!'
Seaxwyrd did not stay to receive the man's gaze. Instead he ran down the stairs to get close to his sister eager to speak to her. He leaned to her ear to whisper.
Maeweyn would step to the side of the aisle to allow room for the Reeve's guard to take place behind Régnwald.
Régnwald, the young earl searched for mouth words "I..." He stuttered, aware of the hands that the guards began to lay upon him, gently prising at the Horselord's broad shoulders. His eyes, red rimmed and gleaming, lay fixed in dark humour and desperation upon the scarlet-clad Lord. ''You are doing wrong...'' he repeated.
Wychtleth only turned, putting her hood up, to hide in the hall.
The Reeve strained his voice to give him a stern reply. "Tell your men to stand down Régnwald! This is my rulling. And you have to suffer it as well as suffer what you did.''
The crowd watched observantly at the events unfolding. Many seemed pleased with the results, some others made comments that the entire warband should have been stripped off their weapons if they were to stay. Most stayed silent making their opinion known with a nod though a rare vew shake their heads at the outcome.
The Reeve nodded as the guards bring over Régnwald's sword. He stared at the young man's eyes to wait for his decision.
Battle scarred hands found their purchase, and Régnwald was pulled with more force from the dias. Eyeing his comrades, he shook his head ''Listen the Reeve...'' his voice laced, continuing once it was trusted ''My order..'' and he bowed his head low, ''Béma help you all.'' was his last word before he was taken from the dias by the iron helmeted guards.
Gydgar grumbled for a moment, before he'd simply fold his arms and wait for now.
Faerhild slowly shifted her gaze and granted her brother existence in her reality. She did not grant him an answer yet as the band stole her attention and she remained alert, pursing her lips into serious line.
Snarling in his rage as incoherently as a man in his cups, Régnwald's bellows echoed down the length of the hall. ''Hunter help you!'' and among the confusion, his eyes found Saexwyrd's, with ire ''You will bleed for your treachery, bleed the wergild..!"
