In the moments that followed Thegn’s outburst, the only sound came from the relentless waters cascading below. All else was quiet. During the past hour the night had deepened, intensifying the glow of the lamplight against the surrounding gloom. The three members of the tribunal said nothing, but sat gazing into the darkness with their arms folded. Thegn, meanwhile, remained standing where he was, and glared balefully at his inquisitors. Not until another minute had elapsed did Tostig break the silence.
“Nothing is fair in this world,” he said.
Just then the remote clanging of a spoon against a pan indicated that supper was almost ready. Accordingly, Tostig announced that the tribunal would be adjourned until further notice. Nobody spoke as the lamp was dimmed and they made their way towards the camp. Here they found that the supply tent had already been erected, as had Thegn’s pocket tent.
“I thought I’d save you the trouble,” said Snaebjorn.
“Thank you,” Thegn replied.
“It’s in a pleasant, sheltered spot.”
“Yes, so I see.”
Tostig, Guthrum and Thorsson had sat down on some rocks near the cooking area, and they now invited Thegn to join them. A short while later supper was served, direct from the pan.
“You know, it’s really quite extraordinary,” said Tostig, adopting a genial tone. “Every night we have the same meal produced from the same stock of dried food, yet thanks to Snaebjorn it always tastes that little bit different.”
“He has the chefs special touch,” observed Guthrum.
“Quite so.”
“Achieved with the tiniest amount of pepper, maybe, or possibly salt.”
“Yes.”
There followed a period of silence, then Thorsson said, “By the way, I’ll soon need to open another bottle of blue ink.”
“To mark the river?” Tostig enquired.
“Yes,” said Thorsson. “It’s coming to occupy a fairly large area of the map.”
“Well, it can’t be helped. That river is a most important detail.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve had no use for the green ink as yet.”
“No, you won’t have.”
“It’s a shade that’s unknown hereabouts.”
“Indeed.”
During the course of these exchanges Thegn had been sitting quietly amongst his companions, with Thorsson on the one side, and Guthrum on the other. As usual, the meal had consisted of a single helping and, as usual, he had finished first. Now, as he sat with his empty plate before him, Tostig drew him into the conversation.
“Are you fond of greenery, Thegn?” he enquired. “A leafy bower on a sunlit afternoon: that kind of thing?”
“I quite like it, yes,” came the reply.
“Or perhaps you favour a shimmering meadow at midday, or even the lush pastures of early morn?”
“I hold them in equal esteem,” said Thegn.
“A very wise outlook.” Tostig paused for a long moment, then rose to his feet and took a stride towards the edge of the camp. “Ah, greenery,” he murmured, gazing into the dull environs. “To tell the truth, I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like, we’ve been travelling for so many weeks. Nonetheless, we should view it as a deferred pleasure, rather than a lost one. Otherwise we risk losing all hope. Here we are in the midst of a stark and unforgiving land, deprived of light and existing on the most basic necessities. Daily we stumble over shale and flint, toiling onwards in the vague belief that at some distant time and place we’ll see the sun rise again; and that spreading before us will be vast, hospitable ranges where the mules may finally be turned loose. Not until then will this struggle be done with. Odd to think, is it not, that success will only be confirmed when we can at last apply green ink to our map?”
No one answered, and for the next few minutes each man remained alone with his thoughts as the darkness encroached yet further. At some point during the conversation Snaebjorn had come and joined the others, having completed the many duties he undertook daily. Now he sat leaning with his back against a rock, eyes closed, apparently seizing the opportunity for a snatched doze. Ultimately, it was Thegn who ended the silence.
“I think I’ll go and check the mules,” he announced. “To make sure they’ve settled down after their crossing.”
“I’ve already checked them,” said Snaebjorn, without opening his eyes.
“All right, I’ll wash the dishes instead.”
“I’ve done them too.”
“You didn’t do mine,” said Thegn.
“You didn’t ask,” Snaebjorn replied.
Thegn puffed out his cheeks, then stood up and buttoned his jacket. “Well, I’ll just take myself off for a stroll then.”
“Just a moment, Thegn,” said Tostig. “Where are you going exactly?”
“To stretch my legs.”
“No, that won’t do at all. They’ve been stretched enough for one day and, besides, I don’t want you slipping away while we’re in the middle of your hearing. You can retire to your tent until we call you, but don’t go any further than that.”
“I assure you I won’t,” said Thegn. “Good night.”
“Good night,” chorused the others.
Tostig watched as his junior disappeared from view, then motioned towards Guthrum and Thorsson. Leaving Snaebjorn quietly resting against his rock, the three of them returned once more through the blackness to the makeshift court of justice. Here they sat and deliberated for many hours, with the lamp glowing above them at half-setting. Eventually Thorsson was sent to fetch Thegn. It took several attempts to wake him from his slumbers.
“Come on, my lad,” said Thorsson, when Thegn at last responded. “Better get this over with.”
“Do I need my cap?” Thegn enquired.
“Yes, I should wear it if I were you.”
“Thanks, Thorsson.”
There was no sign of Snaebjorn, but a gentle tinkling of bells nearby suggested he had gone amongst the mules. Meanwhile, the tents flapped languidly in the breeze. Thorsson continued to wait as Thegn prepared himself.
“Hurry up,” he urged. “This tribunal has cost us enough time as it is. You’ll only weaken your position by dallying.”
“Sorry,” said Thegn.
A few minutes later he was standing before his three seated colleagues, the lamp shining brightly again. When all was ready, Tostig resumed proceedings.
“Well, Thegn,” he began. “We have considered this matter long and hard; we’ve weighed you in the balance; and you’ll no doubt be pleased to learn that we find you not guilty of conspiracy.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“It seems there was no case to answer.”
“I am indeed glad to hear it.”
“Instead you are charged with the lesser offence of gross insubordination. You will serve fourteen days in solitary confinement.”
Thegn opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.
“However,” said Tostig. “The sentence is suspended.”
§
Without further delay, the expedition continued northward, gradually moving away from the river. Snaebjorn took the lead. The day’s journey was unremarkable, save for a small incident around about noon. During the brief twilight there was a whirr of wings high above them, as in the flight of a passing bird, and a moment later a sprig of foliage fell in their path. Snaebjorn saw it and picked it up. The sprig was withered and dry, but nevertheless its discovery brought encouragement to the entire party. All agreed that somewhere ahead the land must be green and fertile, and on this assumption they pressed forth with renewed vigour.