The hall was deathly quiet. Everyone felt the seriousness of the punishment. It was one thing to have some wheat and barley plants trampled but losing title on land over it was quite out of proportion.

The priest Oswald looked up in surprise at the declaration. His face clouded over.

A voice from the back of the hall shouted: "What of yer cows, Odo?"

Hearing the question, Sir Wystan responded. "Herdsman!" he shouted, "Your cows now belong to the manor."

"Milord?" ...