“You stole them from a trader? Without being caught?” Axel’s face deepened with stark red. “Unfortunate, but the master who last owned them became quite ill that very night. I’m afraid he never saw the sunrise.” The room silenced for no more than three breaths. All at once deep, booming laughter shook the walls, and rattled the ale on the table. Casper, with his thick meaty hands gripped Axel’s shoulders, shaking him. “You bleeding sod. Poisoned him, did you?” Axel pinched his lips. “I admit nothing.”
