Robin Hood | Thief of Skandia

Chapter 29 (The Second Infamous Trial)

Song: Back in Black by AC/DC

Robin Hood stood awaiting the war council. Her second infamous trial was to be held before Ragnak's funeral, taking precedence per his instructions. There was a leather cuff on her non-dominant forearm to protect her from the strings of her bow when firing. On her other arm she wore a leather glove with reinforced finger tips to protect her fingers from the bow string.

Her natural blue tunic clung loosely to her body, the long linen sleeves covering her arms. Her soft trousers clung a little more tightly to her body, allowing for precise quick movement. Her pants were fastened into her knee high, lightweight, soft-soled, brown leather boots. Made to move silently, but also aid in riding. They were unpolished as was the rest of her equipment but not for a lack of care more as the glint of reflected sun could give her position away when in tight spots.

She wore a mottled grey cloak with the deep cowl down hanging on her back. While her bow was not slung over shoulder her quiver was still there as was Jon's axe holstered to her hip. Along with the multiple knives hidden on her person, if this trial did not go her way, she was ready for it. Due to an old injury there was a faded scar on her right cheek, stretching from just under the right eye down to the point of her chin. Her dull red hair was plaited into some form of bun to keep it out of her way. Atop her head sat her signature woollen woodsmen cap.

Unlike the last time she was on trial her hands were not bound and she sensed she had gained the trust of not only the war council but most of her fellow Skandians as well. The crowd was loud and noisy, the people inside the hall eagerly awaiting for the verdict. In the hours before the trial she had discussed with Erak the likeliness of her being sentenced to death.

From the front of the hall stood the senior jarls, Borsa rose to stand, effectively silencing everyone in the great hall. He cleared his throat looking from his fellow senior jarls to Robin Hood to his peers. 'I think it is safe to say that Robin Hood was instrumental in repelling the Temujai. I believe that we are in agreement that today we are not here to discuss her punishment but her reward.'

Again the crowd broke out into hushed whispers. Some excited, some annoyed, but most happy. Robin Hood looked at him, surprise evident in her eyes.

'Yes, I believe it is clear that without her we would not have generated the tactics we used.' Another senior jarl added, one that Robin did not know the name of but who she did recognise.

'Indeed.' Another Lorak agreed.

'If another war like that one were to break out, we would need her tactics again.'

'We should really be discussing that we want her as a war advisor.' Borsa added. There was a general agreement in the air.

'She would need the rank of a senior jarl to participate in that.'

I have a name. Robin bit back the thought, unwilling to interrupt the senior jarls, wanting to see how this played out. Hushed whispers broke out through the great hall.

'Well then we'd better give it to her.' Erak motioned.

'But she is a woman?' Another nameless Jarl queried.

'Then she will be the first.'

'Is it agreed?' Borsa asked.

'Only if Robin Hood does not steal from Skandia again.' Erak declared turning his gaze to Robin.

Robin Hood stood a little taller. 'I will not steal from my homeland again.' Cheers erupted from the Skandians gathered to witness the second trial, whoops and shouts could be heard echoing around the low ceiling.

With a confirming glance from each of the senior jarls, Borsa motioned for silence and after a few moments he got it. 'Then it is agreed that Jarl Robin Hood will be a senior Jarl in the next Oberjarl's war council.

'I may not stick around, but when you need me I'll be here.' Jarl Robin thanked them

'How will you know?' One of the senior jarls asked, confused.

'I'm robin hood.' She made a grand gesture. 'I'll be there.'