67: The King’s Justice

The days and weeks that followed were busy with cleaning up after the battle. The wounded were treated and the dead buried. The fight for Edoras had delayed the planting season, so there was little hope that the harvest would be as plentiful as in previous years, but Thengel encouraged those who farmed the royal estates to do their best.

"We will need all the grain we can harvest," he said to his councillors. "This winter will be hard on us but less so than the previous one and next year will be better."

"I will ask Father to help with that," Denethor said. "Our granaries have been overflowing and there’s more than enough to spare. I have no doubt he will even offer you a discount on the price for friendship’s sake." This last was said with a straight face, though his eyes were twinkling with merriment.

Thengel threw back his head and laughed. "I would expect nothing less from Ecthelion," he said, "and I am grateful for whatever help Gondor sees fit to give us."

It was evident that the common people of Edoras suffered terribly during the winter, eking out their meager supplies while the leaders of the rebellion feasted on the spoils. Many were gaunt and not a few were ill from near starvation. Aragorn, Gilhael and the other healers spent as much time dealing with the hurts and illnesses of the citizenry as they did treating the wounds of the soldiers.

Two weeks after the battle, Morwen arrived with her children. Everyone flocked to see the newest princess, not even two months old yet, and the sight of her nestled in their queen’s arms brought cheers and a new sense of hope to the people. Théodgiefu was a sign to them of better days.

There were joyful reunions with those who returned to Edoras with the queen and some that were less joyous. Aragorn, who was on hand to greet the returnees alongside Thengel, watched as Cyneric took Ashlind and her brother Aldred aside to tell them the news about Rædwulf. He saw the look of hope in Ashlind’s eyes transmute into one of shock and despair. He had heard of Rædwulf’s sacrifice from Cyneric himself and had been glad that the guardsman was able to redeem himself in the end. He worried for the young widow and her son but was relieved when Cyneric told him of his plan to bring her into his own household along with Ashlind’s brother. When he saw Cyneric grab Ashlind as she started to faint, Aragorn excused himself and made his way to the small party of mourners. Aldred had taken little Wulfstan into his arms and was trying to comfort the toddler who, while he did not understand that his papa was dead, knew that his mama was upset and had begun crying in sympathy.

"Let’s take you to where you can have some privacy," Aragorn said softly as he came to them. Cyneric and Aldred gave him relieved looks and soon the Ranger was leading them into a nearby guardhouse where a fire was burning brightly on the grate. One of the off-duty guards was there and he looked up at their entrance.

"Will you make some tea for the lady?" Aragorn asked. "She’s had a bad shock."

The man nodded and soon a kettle was on the fire. Aragorn stayed with them to see that Ashlind drank the tea, speaking softly to Cyneric and Aldred about their memories of Rædwulf. Aldred was grieving as much as his sister and Aragorn realized that the young man had looked upon Rædwulf as an older brother and not just as his sister’s husband.

"He was always good to Ashlind and me," the boy said, his eyes wet with tears. "Our parents were dead and he treated me like a younger brother instead of an extra mouth to feed."

"He made mistakes, but in the end he did the right thing," Aragorn assured them. "Thengel declared him innocent and Rædwulf lived long enough to reconcile with the king. He died a hero and no stain lies upon his memory. Take comfort in that at least."

Aldred nodded and when Aragorn took his leave to attend to his other duties, Ashlind thanked him for his words of comfort.

****

Thengel delayed the inevitable trials until he felt secure enough to preside over them without letting his deep-seated anger take over. Also, evidence needed to be gathered for and against those who were deemed responsible for the rebellion or who took part in it. It took time to sort out all the details, for Thengel had declared that he would not necessarily punish the retainers who followed their lords for the sake of their oaths if they could be charged with no other crimes. He reminded those responsible for gathering witnesses to take care not to confuse vengeance with justice.

"Many may seek to give testimony out of malice, as a way of striking back against their oppressors," Thengel said. "I have no desire to satisfy their bloodlust. Be careful to discern between those seeking true justice from those seeking revenge. If in doubt as to the sincerity of the witness or the evidence, set it aside for others to examine." He did not say that those others would be Thorongil, Gilhael and Denethor. As outsiders with no kin ties to anyone in the Riddermark, they would be able to examine the evidence and the witnesses with complete disinterest.

Thus, it was the first week of the month that the Rohirrim called Þrimylce and the Elves Lothron before the trials began. To facilitate the crowds, the trials were held on the porch before the doors of Meduseld so all could witness the king’s justice. He was surrounded by his loyal thegns and those of the witan that had survived. Morwen sat beside him with little Théodgiefu nestled in her arms, sleeping contentedly. The older children were seated on either side of the thrones with Théoden sitting on Thengel’s right as his heir. Aragorn, Gilhael and Denethor were also there but standing more to the side to show that they were spectators and impartial witnesses to the trials.

The first to be brought forth were those warriors who had surrendered to Thengel’s troops willingly. They came before the court in two main groups, those from Edoras and those from the Eastfold. It had been determined earlier that these men and young boys had been forced into fighting against Thengel out of fear for the safety of their kin or because of oaths given to their lords who were behind the rebellion.

When the Eastfold men were brought forth it could be seen that many stood before the court with fear in their eyes, though a few simply looked resigned, believing that they would suffer exile or even death. Aragorn saw young Hámamund standing beside an older man who had an arm wrapped protectively around him and knew he was seeing the boy’s father, Hámafast, once Lord Léodward’s gerefa. Aragorn could tell from their expressions that they were not expecting to be pardoned for participating in the rebellion, so he could not help but smile when their expressions of fear and resignation turned to one of dawning hope when Thengel announced that they were forgiven.

"You were caught between breaking your oaths to your lords or to me, thus becoming oathbreakers no matter what you did," Thengel said to them. "And, I know that not a few of you were forced to fight out of fear of reprisals against your families. Your lords betrayed your trust and many suffered death or injury for that betrayal. Therefore, I will ask only that you renew your oaths to me and I will let you return to your homes. New lords will be found whose loyalty to me is known and I will see to it that you are treated fairly by them."

One by one the Eastfold men knelt before the King and gave him their oaths. It took the better part of an hour and when Hámamund and Hámafast finally stood before the king, Thengel stayed them from kneeling. Instead, he stood, taking the goblet of water that sat on a small table next to his make-shift throne, offering it to the boy who was white as a sheet, for he was only just lately released from his sickbed and was not completely healed of his wound. Hámafast, in fact, had to hold him up even though the boy was using a cane to help him walk. Aragorn moved to Hámamund’s other side, offering him his support. Thengel waited until the boy was looking steadier before speaking.

"It grieves me that you were so wounded, son. I am glad that both you and your father survived. Now, I will accept your father’s oath for the both of you, while Lord Thorongil sees that you do not embarrass yourself by falling flat on your face." He gave them a warm smile and Hámafast looked upon the king with gratitude while his son offered a weak smile. Thengel remained standing while Hámafast gave him his oath on behalf of himself and his son and when he was finished, Thengel raised him and gave him a warrior’s clasp. Then he took off a ring from his left hand and gave it to a surprised Hámamund.

"I have been told, young Hámamund, that, reluctant to fight though you were, you nonetheless fought bravely, protecting your father and taking the sword thrust meant for him. Such courage and sacrifice should not go unrewarded and so I give you this small token in honor of your love for your father and your loyalty to me."

Hámamund stammered his thanks, now looking bashful. Thengel gave him a fatherly smile and turned to Hámafast. "You are Lord Léodward’s geréfa," he said and Hámafast nodded. "I have heard that you served him faithfully and well in your office and that you tried to dissuade him from joining in the rebellion."

"And I failed," Hámafast said sorrowfully.

"Perhaps," Thengel averred, "but your reputation for honesty and fairness is known among the Eastfold folk. I would ask that you continue to act as geréfa while I determine to which of my loyal thegns I will give Alorharadsdale. I promise that whoever I choose will not dismiss you from your duties but if you wish, you may resign from the office after serving your new lord for one year. Is that agreeable to you?"

"Indeed, lord, that is more than I had hoped for," Hámafast said with obvious relief. "I feared I would have no means of supporting my family. I will serve whomever you send as faithfully as I know how. Neither he nor you will have cause to complain."

"That is good," Thengel said, clapping the man on the shoulder. He then dismissed them to take the oath of the next man waiting in line.

When it came time for the men of Edoras to appear before the king, he allowed them to take their oaths to him as a group. "For I know that in your hearts you were loyal to me," Thengel said. Then, Cyneric was brought before the king separately and Thengel looked upon him with great fondness.

"Cyneric son of Cyneward, you declared yourself for me rather than be accused of kingslaying even though you stood in the midst of the enemy. It was a brave act and I thank you for encouraging many of your fellow soldiers to turn against their oppressors. Without your declaration of loyalty I fear that even had the day been won I would not have lived to enjoy it. I need no oath of loyalty from you, for it was given that day on the battlefield. Later, I will give you a suitable reward, but for now accept my heartfelt thanks."

"To see you back on the throne of your fathers, Thengel King, is reward enough," Cyneric said with a low bow and then allowed himself to be led aside to stand next to a fully recovered Wídfara who gave him a warm smile and a brief hug.

A smaller group of men were then brought forth. They were those against whom evidence existed of their willing complicity in the plot to overthrow Thengel or were accused of mistreating the people of Edoras and taking delight in their torment. Thengel had little forbearance towards them. He gazed upon them gravely, his eyes cold. "That you sided with the traitors I can almost forgive," he said, "for many were forced to do so, but that you took equal delight in mistreating and tormenting your neighbors, spying on them and harrassing them out of spite or pure malice, that I cannot forgive. Yet, neither am I willing to banish you from Rohan or have you executed. Neither solution solves the immediate problem of restoration. Underharrow lies burned to the ground and I vowed that I would see it rise from the ashes. Much of Edoras has also suffered destruction and I would see it restored to its former beauty. Therefore, I sentence you to ten years of hard labor. You will be fed and clothed and a small stipend will be set aside for each of you. If you serve your term faithfully, you will be given the money to start anew. Your families will not be forced to share your punishment and I will see to it that they neither suffer harm from others for your crimes nor go without if there is none else to support them."

Then the men were led away amidst much whispering among the populace. Thengel could not tell if they were pleased or angry at his judgment. Morwen leaned over and gave her husband a light kiss. "They may grumble for now," she whispered, "but in the end they will recognize your wisdom and your mercy."

"Let us hope," he said as he stood, for with this last group the trials were over for the day. Tomorrow the trials for the ringleaders would begin.

****

It was decided to try the ringleaders separately, rather than as a group. The first brought before Thengel was Léodward of Alorharadsdale. He was brought unchained, for he had never fully recovered from his head injury. Aragorn had examined him along with Thengel’s personal healer, Léofwine, and they both came to the conclusion that the man would remain imbecilic. Hildered led him before Thengel, for it turned out that Léodward was more tractable in the young man’s presence and seemed to trust him when he trusted no others. Thengel sighed as the man stood before him, gazing around in curiosity and smiling.

"There is no chance that he is faking it?" Thengel asked Aragorn, who had stepped forward to explain the man’s physical and mental condition. Thengel had decided that it would be best to give this a public hearing so all might see that there was no hint of improper treatment of the prisoner.

"No, lord," Aragorn answered. "A man may act the imbecile when he knows he has an audience, but not when he believes himself alone and unseen. Also, there are certain signs of behavior that are self-evident of an injured mind if one knows what to look for. Most people might think they can act childlike but few can successfully pull it off consistently. Neither Léofwine nor I nor any of the other observers have seen anything to indicate otherwise. Lord Léodward is unlikely to ever recover fully from his injuries. As you see him now so will he remain." Aragorn refrained from mentioning the possibility that Elrond of Imladris might have been able to reverse the damage done to Léodward’s mind, knowing that taking the Rohir lord to Imladris was out of the question.

"Then, it is your opinion that Léodward of Alorharadsdale is unfit to stand trial for his treachery."

"Indeed, lord," Aragorn replied. "When we questioned him about it he did not understand our words. He was more interested in... er... playing with your children’s toys." He gave the king a rueful look. When the royal children had returned, Thengel ordered Léodward removed from the nursery. The man started screaming as the guards began dragging him away until little Théodhild ran to him and gave him one of her stuffed toys. He calmed down immediately and Thengel had reluctantly allowed him to stay when Théoden promised to look after him. He had become a favorite of the children and it had been both amusing and heartbreaking to see this once proud warrior playing happily with them.

Thengel nodded. He, of course, had discussed Léodward’s condition and possible fate with Aragorn, Léofwine and Morwen at great length over the previous weeks and the solution they had arrived at seemed the only fair one. This hearing was merely for show and Thengel would not have subjected the man to the public eye except that he felt it necessary that the people see the truth for themselves. "We will consider his ultimate fate later," Thengel said, "but for now, let him continue to live in Meduseld under the watchful eyes of my children." He looked down at his four older children with a fond smile. "I understand they have adopted him."

There were quiet chuckles from those standing nearby and Hildered led Léodward back to the nursery. All heard the young man praising him for being good and promising him an extra sweet for his noon meal as a reward, speaking to him much as a parent would speak to a young child. There were murmurs from the crowd and much shaking of heads at the sight.

Isenbert of Isenbrandingsdale was brought to Thengel next. Unlike Léodward, he came in chains. His demeanor was haughty and supercilious. Thengel’s frown deepened at the sight. At his nod, Hildebrand stood forth and read out the charges of sedition and betrayal and when asked if he denied any of the charges, the man spat. "I deny nothing," he snarled.

"Then the only question that remains is: Why?" Thengel said. "Was my rule so onerous to you?"

Isenbert drew himself up as fully as he could given the chains. "Fengel was a fool and avaricious to the point of excess and many suffered under his rule, but not all. Some of us did quite well under him but when you came to the throne with your foreign wife and ways, with your annoying sense of honor and generosity, I knew that unwelcome change was in the wind."

"Unwelcome by you, perhaps," Hildebrand said, "but not by the rest of us. Too many of us suffered under Fengel’s rule, even to the point of driving away his own heir."

"And so you decided to join my mother in rebellion simply to maintain your lifestyle?" Thengel asked.

Isenbert sniffed. "Not entirely. You see, I knew about Fréawine." He cast a knowing glance at the lord of Brandingsdale who stood among the king’s party and sneered. "A clever ruse. I was often tempted to tell Fengel about it, but decided I could profit better by keeping silent."

"And by blackmailing me," Fréawine retorted.

Thengel gave his cousin and friend a questioning look and Fréawine nodded. "He came to Brandingsdale shortly after my mother passed on and told me he knew the truth of what happened. Threatened to go to Fengel about it unless I paid him a certain sum. I almost refused him, but I feared for what Fengel might do to my people in retaliation. So I paid the sum."

"How much was it?" Thengel asked softly.

"Twenty gold coins," Fréawine answered through gritted teeth as he glared daggers at the unconcerned prisoner. There were murmurs of surprise among the spectators at that. For that price, one could buy oneself enough land to be eligible for thegn-status. "And that was just the first payment," Fréawine continued. Now there were audible gasps of shock among the people and even Thengel looked momentarily nonplused until anger took him and his expression darkened.

"So we have extortion to add to your list of crimes," he said and Isenbert shrugged smugly.

"What can you do to me, Thengel? Our laws are quite explicit. I’ll pay any wergild you wish, and will except exile...."

"You ought to hang!" young Théoden shouted, suddenly leaping up from his seat, his expression one of fury and deep pain. "You’re a bad man and you... you killed my friend." The boy broke down sobbing and Thengel took him into his embrace to comfort him. There was an uneasy silence as the king attempted to calm his son down.

"What do you mean, Théoden?" he asked. "Which friend did Lord Isenbert kill?"

"I... I don’t know..." the youngster sniffed, ignoring his mother’s handkerchief for the sleeve of his tunic to wipe the tears from his face. "He... he never told me his name. He tried to save me but he," and now he pointed at the prisoner, "came with some others and k-killed him and took me to grandmama. Th-they laughed when they threw his... his body into a ditch." Now Théoden started weeping again in earnest and Morwen gave Théodgiefu to her eldest daughter to hold while she gathered her only son into her arms and rocked him.

Thengel gave Isenbert a hard, unforgiving stare. Isenbert just shrugged, smiling smugly. "It was war. I did what I had to."

The king’s eyes narrowed. "Who decided to bring Guthláf into this? Who solicited the help of the Swertings and an Umbari necromancer?"

"Léodward brought in Guthláf," Isenbert sneered, "but we had nothing to do with the Swertings or the spellcaster." He spat at this, his disdain clear. "Guthláf brought them with him. Éolind wasn’t too happy with the situation and castigated Léodward for it, but the damage was done and Guthláf did prove useful in taking Edoras."

"Did you sanction my mother’s death?" Thengel asked softly, leaning forward, so that only those closest to him could hear.

Isenbert’s sneer slipped and he shook his head. "Guthláf and the hag had an argument over the use of dark magic," he said just as softly. "Éolind was many things, but even she drew the line at that. Guthláf disagreed." He shrugged.

"And you did nothing to stop it," Thengel said.

"Neither Léodward nor I were present at the... er... discussion. We had no love for Guthláf’s pet magic user and stayed as far away from him as possible. We were usually busy keeping the city in order and never stayed at Meduseld. We didn’t even know what had happened until Léodward happened to wander through the Scamelas. It was he who demanded we be given protection against that thing."

"I am surprised that you allowed Guthláf so much power," Thengel said, leaning back in his seat.

Isenbert shrugged. "We would have taken care of him eventually." His eyes were cold and there was no remorse in them.

Thengel sighed, rubbing his hand across his eyes. "You are mistaken about one thing, Isenbert," he said quietly. "You believe that your position saves you from death, but you knowingly consorted with a necromancer, and the penalty for that is death regardless of one’s status."

"I had nothing to do with that," Isenbert snarled. "He is Guthláf’s pet, not mine."

"A minor technicality," Thengel said offhandedly and Isenbert’s bluster faded away at the implacable look the king gave him. "Who ordered Underharrow burned?"

The unexpectedness of the question threw everyone and for a moment there was complete silence. Isenbert swallowed nervously. "It was a... joint decision," he muttered, not looking at Thengel.

For several tense minutes silence reigned, the only noise being the flapping of banners in the wind. Finally, Thengel nodded. "You and Léodward caused much grief for no other reason than to profit from other people’s losses. You appear unrepentant and there is no guarantee that sent into exile you will not cause me further trouble and I would not foist your sorry self upon innocent and unsuspecting people. So, you will indeed pay the wergild. All your lands and moneys are forfeited to the crown and you and your heirs are stripped of all titles. You will join the other malcontents in the labor camps helping to rebuild what you tried to destroy. They have been sentenced to ten years of hard labor, but you, Isenbert, once of Isenbrandingsdale, I sentence for life. Take him away."

Isenbert paled at Thengel’s words. "You can’t do that!" he protested, struggling against the guards who were dragging him back to his cell.

"I can and I will," Thengel said calmly. "And there is no one who will gainsay my right to do so."

Isenbert continued to scream invectives until he was out of sight and hearing. Thengel sighed and turned to Hildebrand. "Dismiss the people," he said.

"We still have Guthláf and the Umbari to try," the First Marshal reminded him.

"It can wait until tomorrow," Thengel said as he rose. "I cannot face them today."

There was understanding in the eyes of those around him and Hildebrand stepped forward announcing the end of court for that day while Thengel took Morwen in his arms and led her away, their children following.

****

Þrimylce: May, literally ‘three milk-givings’ because in this month the cows gave milk three times a day. Pronounced ‘thrimilch’. The Hobbits called this month Thrimidge. [See Appendix D].

Lothron: (Sindarin) May/June of the Gregorian calendar.

Swertings: Haradrim.