Grimbert

THEY HADN'T LEFT his side all night. Even if he had wanted to, he wouldn't have been able to avoid attending Hildegund's trial. But, even though the thought of it took away his appetite, he was going to make right by Richart. He was.

The trial was held under the autumn sun in the inner courtyard of the Rallac's large residence. It was a palace, as far as Grimbert could reckon. The open-air courtyard was made of four brick walls, three of which had white marble archways and columns leading to a shady veranda; the fourth wall had a large gate leading to the street. The gate was open and people filled in the front part of the courtyard, stopping abruptly where a thick rope had been strung to mark a clear border. Grimbert was standing shoulder to shoulder with Pascual and Nikolaus. Lorenzo and Adso had made their way closer to the rope divider. Although there were several other spectators, and passersby kept wandering in, Grimbert did not feel overly crowded.

Grimbert took note of the potted plants that stood stately and majestic in front of each column. He could also make out stone statues standing in the shadows of the covered walkway. Who knew what else stood beyond his sight. Or behind the second-story windows that peered down from three of the walls.

A platform of sorts had been erected along the far wall of the courtyard, an empty table and several chairs were placed on top of it. Guards stood straight and stiff behind it, reminding Grimbert of the impossibility of escape.

A few moments later Hildegund was led out, slouching and dragging her feet. Two guards shoved her harshly to the front of the stage, where she stood, head down and worrying at her lip. Grimbert could hear Adso shout at her, and her eyes darted up, but no smile touched her lips. She looked so diminutive, standing there in front of imposing stone archways with tall guards close by. Her shaggy blonde hair, tight vest, and masculine breeches made her appear to be a youth of no more than ten. Putting a child on trial for murdering a knight was ridiculous. How could a child be strong enough to commit such a deed?

But did Grimbert really want to exchange places with her? No, of course not.

Yet, seeing her, so small and pitiful. It broke something in him. It really was all his fault, wasn't it? Not just giving her the necklace. Everything else, too. Would Richart have wanted his death revenged at the price of leaving Hildegund behind? He doubted it. Suddenly, Grimbert was awash in shame.

Soon a nobleman appeared, dressed in blue silk stockings, with a white tunic covered by a surcoat that was embroidered with the same coat of arms displayed on the fated necklace: two gold lions with forepaws resting on a gold fleur-de-lis. He also wore thick gold chains around his neck and had several large jeweled rings around his fingers. A blue chaperon rested on his head, hiding his hair. He was clean-shaven and had fair features: soft brows, pale blue eyes, a thin nose, and a straight-lined mouth. Was this the father of the swarthy, caterpillar-browed man Grimbert had killed? If this was Jean Rallac, then Sir Hugh must have taken after his mother.

The nobleman was followed by four men in their prime. They pranced in like peacocks, wearing bright silks and floppy hats. And while they didn't look like brothers - each having different noses and chins - they were all fair, rosy cheeked, and lean. The five members of the nobility took seats on the platform, the older man took center stage.

"Come to order!" shouted one of the guards, quieting the crowd. "Sir Jean Rallac will be presiding over this trial."

"Boy, you were found to be in possession of the necklace stolen by my son's murderer." Rallac's voice was cold and tinny. "How did you acquire this piece of jewelry? Have you recently been to the Holy Land?"

Hildegund looked drained, like she hadn't slept all night. She looked up slowly, "I just arrived here in Venice two days ago. I was returning from a pilgrimage." Why was she telling the truth? That wasn't very smart of her.

There was a murmur in the crowd. "When are you going to say something?" nudged Nikolaus. Grimbert ignored him.

"So, you admit to being in the Holy Land?" came the lord's voice.

"Yes, but that's not where I got this necklace," Hildegund looked up now, a spark of defiance in her eyes as she searched the crowd, her eyes landing on Grimbert.

"If you admit to being in the Holy Land, then how can you prove that you were not an accomplice to my son's murder?"

"Because I was given this necklace the day before yesterday by that man." She pointed to Grimbert, and he felt all eyes turn on him. "And I have witnesses who can vouch for me."

"Don't be a coward, Grimbert," yelled Adso's indignant voice.

Pascual elbowed him in the ribs. But Grimbert was rooted to the spot, frozen to inaction.

"For Richart," Nikolaus reminded him, stirring Grimbert from his haze.

"It's true," Grimbert coughed. "It's true," he repeated more loudly, "I gave him the necklace."

"Guards, seize that man," shouted Rallac and the crowd parted as two imposing men grabbed Grimbert and dragged him past the rope and next to Hildegund. "So, now we have both the murderer and the accomplice," the nobleman gloated.

"I had no accomplice," Grimbert admitted, his stomach tying in knots.

"You lie," growled one of the young men. "We know there were several people involved in the crime that was committed. We saw at least one of the men in his retreat, and he did not resemble you. Additionally, we heard the hooves of several horses when we found our lord dead and our belongings stolen. Do not cover for your fellow conspirators. They must also meet justice."

"You? You weren't there." Grimbert was confused. A guard slapped the back of his head, which didn't help clear his mind, but he continued anyway, "I was seeking revenge for the death of this boy's father. I followed him and his companions and killed him in the night. But they looked nothing like you! They had deep tans and dark hair. And I didn't take anything but his necklace."

The young men exchanged glances. "Describe the man you killed," ordered the same young lord who had called him a liar.

Grimbert felt a wave of bravery and he spoke loudly and confidently. "I killed a man with one thick eyebrow that crawled across his forehead like a caterpillar, a large hooked nose, and dark shaggy hair. I didn't know he was noble, but even if I had, I have no regrets. He killed my best friend."

The four young nobles begin to whisper, the crowd remained hushed. Not even Adso made a sound. Finally, the young man asked, "You say that the only thing that you stole was the necklace? Why did you take the necklace?"

At this point, Grimbert couldn't even remember. The damned thing had caused him so much trouble. "As proof of my revenge."

"Boy, is it true that your father was killed on pilgrimage?" Rallac asked.

"Yes, on route between Tripoli and Tyre. We were attacked in the middle of the night and my father's life was stolen."

"I must confer with my son's vassals," announced the lord, turning to speak to the young men. And now the crowd began to whisper. Grimbert felt a spark of hope. "It seems," started Rallac after a few moments, "that you aren't my son's murderer, but his avenger."

The words sounded garbled and didn't make sense at first. "I didn't kill Sir Hugh?" Grimbert whispered, in spite of himself.

"The man you described matches the man who my son's vassals saw fleeing from their camp. And, they too were attacked while riding between Tripoli and Tyre. It seems that it was a stroke of luck that inspired you to snatch that necklace and then brought you here. Although I mourn for my son, it brings me peace to know that at least one of his murderers has been brought to justice."

Grimbert's head swam in disbelief. He wasn't a criminal. He was a hero! And if tales of a huge reward were true, he was also about to be rich! He could split the money with Hildegund, and that would make up for the hardship he had caused her and...

Rallac's voice interrupted his momentary daydream. "If only you had come to us voluntarily, you would be deserving of a reward. However, it seems that you had no intention of bringing us that necklace yourself. In fact, you gave it to this young man," he indicated Hildegund, "thereby forfeiting any claim that you have to my gold. So, instead I give you my gratitude and my blessing to return home, wherever that may be."

And with that, the guards released both Grimbert and Hildegund. She raced to her cousin, but he was left speechless. He had been brave. He had done the right thing. And yet, he didn't feel any better for it.

"We are free to go home," Hildegund smiled, hugging her cousin. Grimbert nodded, numbly.