Phil,
So, gleaming mud (oh, I agree, only the best mud gleams!) circles a mound like a noose. Maybe N believes messing with graves can release evil spirits. Digging in it together/making a find there muddled the woman’s mind? Or did that happen when she unearthed an ancient cross? Muddled means she is more interested in the scrolls they discovered than in N? N thinks if she’s wearing his torc, he’ll control her mind?
I’m sorry I’m arriving late here, but I really enjoyed reading all three versions. I’m still intrigued to know what the runes across her back were, but I do like revision 2 best.
I like the way you use noose and kneels and cipher in inventive ways. Unless I totally misunderstood the poem and I’m the one with the muddled head.
Jackie