Gerald stood in silence as the charge against him was read. Murder, the prosecution said, a word that rang in his head. He felt a tug on his arm and looked down at Arnim who indicated he should take his seat.
Once again, the cathedral was packed, the observers sitting enraptured as the trial began. This was the airing of dirty laundry, and the commoners loved hearing all the sordid details.
The crown"s first witness, Henderson, took the stand late in the afternoon to tell his story. Poor Henderson recounted how he had sold his helmet to buy ale, then had taken a bottle to the head early in the battle, knocking him senseless. It was this action that necessitated Gerald taking up a position in the line, an act that led to the series of events that would have a profound impact on them all.
