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“Marta was once wife to a powerful tribe leader whose tribe was attacked by the fierce Sturlung Tribe after a bitter dispute between them. She lost her husband and daughter in the attack, and she, herself, was sold to another tribe. She finally settled with my tribe and as I said she has served my family well, though she truly has been more like family, much like a grandmother to me and my brothers and sisters. I tell you this because she knows the courage it takes to survive being wed to a tribe leader and I believe she does not think you have the strength to make me a good wife.”
Tavia felt bad for the woman, losing her husband and daughter and being forced to serve others. “I have no wont to hurt Marta, she obviously has suffered enough, but I can no longer tolerate her in the keep.”
“I agree,” Bhric said with a nod, “especially with what Shea told me how unfairly Marta treats the MacShane servants when they displease her and works them endlessly with little sleep. It is obvious she is having trouble adapting here.”
“What will you do?” Tavia asked, hoping he had a good solution to their problem.
“I have a plan,” he said with a smile.
“Tell me,” Tavia said eager to hear.
* * *
Bhric and Tavia stood side by side in front of the dais in the Great Hall, their hands clasped in a firm grip, the next morning after the meal was complete. Both had been surprised to see two clan and tribe warriors talking while sharing food, then leaving together. It was a start and Bhric was pleased.
Fen sat next to Tavia, staring at those summoned to the Great Hall after the morning meal was finished and the room empty.
Sven did not look too pleased and kept a protective arm around his wife. Marta’s face was pinched in annoyance and Shea stood off to the side as expected from a servant.
Bhric addressed them with authority. “I have gathered you all here since I have reached a decision regarding yesterday’s incident. I will ask again if anyone wishes to speak differently than they did yesterday?”
“I stand with my wife,” Sven said.
“As you should,” Bhric agreed and got a perplexed look from Sven which quickly turned angry when Bhric continued. “As I stand by my wife.”
“How can you believe her over us?” Ingrid asked upset.
“I was right. She bewitched him,” Marta said.
“Ingrid and I will leave for our homeland,” Sven said, and Ingrid gasped, shaking her head.
“I will not stop you, but I will have you hear me out,” Bhric ordered and summoned Shea forward with a wave of his hand. “Shea heard and saw all that happened here yesterday, starting with what Marta said to my wife.”
“She lies!” Marta snapped. “Begone with you to your chores.”
“Shea stays where she is and why do you say she lies when you have not heard what she has to say?” Bhric asked.
“Because I know she has a lying tongue and is lazy never doing enough,” Marta complained.
“I wondered if you might say that, so I asked some of the other servants about her,” Bhric said.
“They will lie for her,” Marta said.
“Even the ones from our tribe? They had nothing but praise for Shea. Not one servant had a bad word to say about her, just the opposite actually. They could not praise her kindness and hard work enough.” Bhric pointed at Marta when she went to interrupt. “You will hold your tongue until I give you permission to speak.”
Marta clamped her lips shut as her eyes narrowed in anger.
“Shea, you will tell them just what you told me yesterday,” Bhric ordered the servant who stepped forward nervously.
Tavia remained silent at her husband’s side, watching everyone’s faces as Shea repeated what she had told Lord Bhric. She watched Ingrid’s face pale and her mouth fall open and Sven’s eyes widen, while Marta refused to look at anyone.
Ingrid spoke when Shea finished. “You lied to me, Marta. You told me that Lady Tavia, spoke harshly to you, accusing you of being lazy and not doing your job properly, and threatening you that she would see you removed from the keep no matter what it took. You never once said you reprimanded her and had done so on another occasions.”
“She deserved it,” Marta spat. “She is not fit to be Lord Bhric’s wife.”
“That is not for you to say, Marta,” Sven said, then looked to Bhric. “My apologizes to you and Lady Tavia. I was wrong in how I spoke to you both.”
“I am so sorry, Bhric,” Ingrid said and stepped toward her brother. “Lady Tavia did not lunge at me. The stumble was of my own doing.”
