Anna Hansdatter: Hunger In the Dale

On the fifth day, the magistrate arrived. He gathered with Nels, the sheriff, and the priest in the dwelling-house. “Now then,” he began, “the defendant, Nels Poulsen, is charged with manslaughter, and unlawful possession of a firearm.”

“Yes, your honor,” said the sheriff.

“According to the defendant’s statement, he acted in self defense, in the course of an attempted hijacking. Nels Poulsen, is that your statement?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Sheriff,” the judge continued, “in your investigation, did you find any evidence to support or contradict that statement?”

“Yes, your honor, we observed a knife in the hand of the dead man, and a laceration on the arm of the defendant.”

“Did you seek other evidence?”

“Yes, sir, we found another man lying injured in the road where we were told the incident occurred. Unfortunately, the man died before we could question him. At the scene, there was blood on the road, and tracks indicating a high-speed chase.”

“In your opinion, does the evidence suggest that the defendant’s statement is true and accurate?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Now about the firearm, Nels Poulsen, you stated that the weapon was loaned to you by its rightful owner, who is a landholder in Lillehammer parish?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Sheriff, have you any evidence to contradict this?”

“No sir, nor any to support it.”

“Based on the evidence, this is my ruling: The charge of manslaughter is dismissed. For the weapons charge, I sentence the defendant to ten days imprisonment, and a fine of twenty silver crowns.”

Nels gulped. He did not have twenty crowns. If he sold some of the cargo to pay the fine, it would sit very poorly with Peder Skurdal, and could even amount to another crime. Worse yet, a delay of ten more days would likely make it impossible to reach home before the heavy snows. The priest cleared his throat and began to object, but the magistrate held up his hand.

“I further order that the sentence be suspended, provided the sheriff of Lillehammer parish confirm the ownership of the weapon upon defendant’s arrival there, that the weapon be returned to the defendant, and a reward of ten crowns issued him, in recognition of his contribution to the public safety.”

Nels let out a sigh of relief as the magistrate rapped on the table and stood, signaling the end of the hearing.

Pastor Hansen smiled, clapping Nels on the shoulder. “Well, now,” he said, “that was a swift reversal of fortune.” After the officials were gone, he counted out ten coins from the parish strongbox and handed them to Nels. “Will you be leaving in the morning?”

“Thank you kindly, Pastor, but I must leave today. There are several hours of daylight remaining, and it is now a race against winter.”

“I understand,” said the priest. “Be sure you take plenty of food and fodder. I will instruct the servants to provide generously.”

“I am most grateful.”

“You can probably reach Hamar by nightfall.” He took up his pen and wrote a brief note. “Take this to Pastor Eglund at the praestegaard. He will lodge you there. Godspeed, my son.”

(To be continued)