[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde had pulled back from the circle and now stood defiantly at the far end of the room. Her hands were clenched tightly to her hips as she glared obstinately at her accusers. If she felt any fear or trepidation, it was not evident from the expression on her face.

Turning angrily from her accusers, she directly addressed Luindal, “You would believe these men? I am a poor woman. I have no reason to be involved with outlanders or their dealings. I cook and clean and labor. Intrigues over lost Stones mean nothing to me.”

“Look instead to Alahseey. She has many reindeer herds and is an Elder. She and her kin are used to getting her own way. Her family supplies furs to the outlander ships and gains riches thorough the trade. What nonsense they have in their heads I do not know, but I am certain they would use their slippery tongues and promises of wealth to secure their mother’s release.”

The Elf countered calmly, “You are saying that Alahseey’s family bribed my men to speak as they did?”

“Aye, that I am… She could not do it herself. But we have had dozens of Lossoth on and off this ship with the supplies. With my own eyes I have seen her youngest son loading barrels in the hull. Who knows what mischief he was sowing?”

There was an uproar among the onlookers as the nature of Hilde’s charge became apparent. One of the brothers had to be restrained by his fellow Elves to keep from breaking out of the crowd and personally throttling Hilde’s neck.

Alahseey wrenched free of her captors and hurled herself in front of Luindal. “Let me speak! I must answer these charges for Hilde’s words touch my family and its honor. My son is an honest trader who supplies furs and other provisions for your crew. He would meet any in fair combat to defend his mother's honor, but never would he stoop to cunning and deceit. If there are lies here, they do not come from me or my family.”

“You hate me!” Hilde countered, her face livid with rage.

The Elder pivoted about, “No, not I. But I do feel sorry for you. You may desire to lead a simple life, but not your son. He dreams of gold and power and commanding others, and will stop at nothing. He even uses his poor mother to achieve his goals.”

Glancing at Luindal, Alahseey continued, “I knew the other day but had no time to tell you. Her son has put her up to this.”

“You have no proof!” Hilde retorted.

“No proof? If my guess is right, she holds the proof in her own hands. Luindal," she added, "look at the bag she carries at her side. Search it thoroughly and see what you find.”

The bag was immediately deposited in front of Luindal and its contents dumped out on deck. There was a clanging sound as a handful of gold coins bounced free, rolled a ways, and then came to a stop. Luindal bent down to retrieve a single coin, examining it closely. “Gold!” he confirmed. But it is not a coin I know.”

Rôg, who had been standing close by, glanced over his friend’s shoulder with a knowing look, “That is because it is from Umbar, the city where the Corsairs make their home.”

Luindal set down the coin and turned first to Alahseey, “I am sorry for this misunderstanding, and apologize for any slight to your family. We will talk later. I owe you much”

Then he faced the other woman and announced his decision, “Hilde, you are to be bound and turned over to the Council of Elders who will determine the punishment for your misdeeds. Andtuariel, could you go now and gather a band of Elves and Lossoth to accompany you to the Hall of the Elders? The Elders have asked that Hilde be held there under lock and key…”


The posse of Elves and Lossoth quickly regrouped at the far end of the deck. They secured Hilde's arms and legs with rope and formed an escort on either side of her. With Andtuariel in the lead, members of the group climbed down the ladder over the side of the ship and slipped into the small boats. Luindal continued to watch as the band reached shore with Hilde in tow and started their trek to the central Lossoth settlement where the Hall of Elders could be found.