"GUILTY!" >KRAK!<
The echo from the fallng Orb of Justice had not faded before Madgar Dragonbreaker resumed his judgement.
"For the crime of slovenly workmanship, contributing to the death of no less than four kinsmen, for choosing form over function, and the hubris of believing your innovation supercedes the tried and true method of craftsmanship, this court sentences you thus:"
"Forthwith, you will surrender all wealth, holdings and means, as weregilt payment to the families of those who have lost their lives."
"You will submit yourself to the ministers of both Angradd and Magrim. You will have your head shaven and the Tattoos of Woe placed on your face, shoulders and arms, so that all may know your crimes"
"And finally Grimnir, your surname shall be stricken with the suffix "-slag". Henceforth you shall be CAST OUT, until you can regain your honor and a place here."
A hush fell over the witnesses as this was spoken. It had been 300 years since the last banishment occurred.
"As a mercy, in deference to our almighty father Torag, you shall be allowed to keep your prized weapon which He has placed in your hand, and a shirt of armor on your back. You shall be given no more than 20 gold and then you shall be turned out."
"This court is adjourned. Bailiff, take the convict to his sentence."
As the Bailiff led Grimnir away, the gathered throng slowly turned their backs to Grimnir, symbolically shunning the convict.
Bitter tears of shame rolled down the craggy face of Grimnir as he was led away in chains. But as counterpoint to the tears, a fiery rage burned in his heart. His family would be given over to his younger brother to care for, his business too, would be dispersed to the other guild members, never to be regained. Even if he could return, he would be penniless, and without means to support himself, much less a new family. Outside of his clan holding, this far north, all that awaited him was a brutal death, either by the elements, or blade of man, or claws of beast.
Outside, on the cold north-facing edge of Kalsgard, overlooking the Rimefow River, Grimnir swore and oath, that he would regain his honor, even if it meant his own death.