the novice & the heathen
It was a small outcropping of buildings next to ample farmland. Only the stone church gave an indication as to its purpose. A nunnery. Bjorn was amused by the propensity of these Christians to lock away their healthy females into these places. Absurd. He sent his men to gather food and produce as he approached the leader of the place, a withered crone who miraculously spoke his language. They conversed for a time. She was strong but she saw that there was little hope for salvation or mercy from these men.
So she cut a deal, heartlessly. They had three pretty novices. She would turn them over and the rest of the women would remain unsullied and uninjured. Bjorn had been about to refuse the deal when they hauled forth one of these novices. His interest was caught and the crone saw that she had won. A bargain was struck. Some food and livestock were left. The gold and silver were taken, as well as enough food to see them the rest of the way home. Most importantly to Bjorn was the pretty girl, laying over his saddle, bound hand and foot. A prize for any man. A new slave made of a pretty Christian girl.
@verscs
