“He has stolen, Your Royal Highness, and stealing is forbidden by law. If a man disobeys the law, then he has, if he is found guilty, to surrender one of his hands.”
Tarena glanced at the man with the axe.
She realised that it was sharp and shining and the block of wood had clearly been in use for many years – the blood of unfortunate criminals had left their mark on it.
“May I ask, Your Honour, what this man has stolen which will meet with such a terrible punishment.”
It was then, before the Judge could reply to her, that the prisoner who had been staring intently at Tarena in sheer astonishment, cried out,
“It were food, Your Majesty. Food for me children who be dying of starvation till they could hardly cry, they be so weak.”
As he finished speaking, Tarena looked up at the Judge.
