The Viking Slave

Chapter 7: A Fair Trade

Astrid arose from Jezebel's side on the pallet, storming towards the rounded wooden door that led to the feasting hall, which was also used for meetings with the public villagers.

"Do not go in there, Astrid." Knute ordered, rushing out ahead and blocking the doorway. "Not right now anyway." he insisted.

Astrid looked around the dark, house. Light illuminated from candles burning along the walls and table. The felling of despair and betrayal began to invade her heart. Her eyes fixed upon Knute, studying his peaceful face. His tender blue eyes twinkled by the light of the torch hanging beside of the doorway. He crossed his arms over his chest, placing his hands onto the tops of his arms. Astrid remembered seeing him do this when he was ashamed or saddened by something.

Astrid sighed. "I have to go in there Knute!" She mumbled, approaching closer to him.

"I cannot tell you what to do, Astrid, but I do not believe it is best for you to go in there. Do what you feel is right for you." Knute stated, rubbing the back of his exposed neck. Without hesitation, he glided away from the door's entranceway.

Astrid inspected the door fully before raising her hand to the golden ring to pull it open. She glanced at Knute, who looked back with a gloomy expression, and gave him a nod before flapping the door open widely and storming inside.

A large group of Bard's men were seated at the tables listening to the bargains that were being made by Erick. Erick sat at the end of the isle in his high-backed, carved oak throne in front of the table with his son to his left.

"Ah, welcome Astrid?" Erick greeted, motioning her towards the front of the room.

"What do you think you are doing!?" Astrid shouted, scowling at Erick.

"I am completing some business with my son." Erick rose from the throne, glaring at her coldly. Anger boiled on his stern face. He met Astrid half-way down the empty walk space. "If you would like to know, I am selling you to my son. The agreement has been set."

Astrid felt her heart sink as the words repeated in her mind. She began to shake her head vigorously, denying the fact. "You cannot do that to me, Erick. I have lived here eleven years of my life serving your house." She cried, tears glazing over her yes.

Erick straightened his posture, gazing back over towards his son, who seemed to be enjoying every minute. 

"I am sorry but it must be done." Erick ruled, walking back to his chair where he sat down. "I need the help he has to offer more than I need you. You have always been a pitiful slave."

Astrid gazed at the men sitting around her, waiting for something else to be spoken. She felt anger boiling inside of her leaving it nowhere else to go but out of her mouth.

"I do not think you heard me." Astrid blurted. "I have lived here eleven years of my life. I have tried so hard to grow accustom to this life and I almost have. I am still trying to make myself understand that I will never see a day where I am free again." She paused to catch her breath. "When you took it all, and I mean all, from me and brought me here you showed me kindness. I trusted you. Why are you doing this to me?"

The room stood silent. Erick watched Astrid disgruntled, before making his way toward her.

"Then you cannot blame me for your own mistakes. You should have never trusted me, or anyone for that matter. I am only human just like everyone in here. The gods have not given me any special powers that make me different. Though I wish I had powers of such, I do not posses them." Erick smiled a smug grin. "I cannot help that you trusted me. Maybe you have learned now that you cannot trust anyone in this world, Astrid. Those who you trust the most can, and will, turn on you. You are my slave and I can do with you what I so choose to do. Do you understand?"