[ Book 1 of my "The Last Kingdom" Fanfiction series]
Khaana was a rare find and a wild prized gifted to Earl Ragnar as a slave from a wealthy ruler who once considered her a prized pet.
The Danes have never laid eyes upon a Black African, and figure...
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The sweet twitter and flittering of birds sounded the arrival of the dawn. Khaana gazes at the cieling of the tent, she'd had an hour or so to herself with Skorpa in the tent, though he was good at running off those who wanted to take a peek at 'the witch'.
The there was Rûnhild who seemed to doubt that Skorpa would indeed behave himself and was constantly checking in.
Khaana chuckled a little "I may miss them when I break free." She thought.
A gust of cool air entered in as Rûnhild entered the tent. In her hands a small wooden plate holding two sloppily poached eggs half an apple and a piece of salted meat.
"Here you are...give me a bit and I shall fetch you some water" said Rûnhild as she handed Khaana the plate. Khaana looked down at the food and took the apple but passed back the plate "send the rest to the prisoners." Khaana said.
Rûnhild looked down at the plate "but you should eat." She said, Khaana took a large bite from the apple "I am. It's is enough, now go feed the prisoners." Khaana said. Rûnhild shook her head. It did as she was told again, "protesting every once and a while may do you some good!" Khaana called after her.
As Rûnhild exited Skorpa entered.
"Feeding my fathers Prisoners again?" He questioned, his voice held an air of disapproval. "I know how this often works, your prisoners are likely little more than farmers, women and children. They are not fighters and are likely being neglected if your father is as generous as he appears." Khaana stated raking another bite of her apple.
Skorpa held out another full apple "you are a quick study. Here, have it." He said tossing the shinner red apple Khaana's way.
She caught it and looked at it curiously. "Hmmm...is it poisoned?" She asked. "It is not." He muttered.
Khaana peered up at him "are you poisoned? My ears hear much and they do not hear of your kindness towards you fellow man." She said.
Indeed she'd heard ruthless tells of Skorpa from those passing by her tent, talking amongst themselves. He was every bit a sword dane and mercy wasn't a trait he carried
"But you are not of man are you? I am not simple enough to mistreat something like you. You've already given me a gift, If I give you my respect now maybe in time I will receive more gifts. You have power, if should we hand you over to Ubba - you will be free of him one day and when that day comes I hope to be on your goodside." Skorpa said with a wild smile.
Khaana watched him, she wasn't sure if she liked him or if she should be wary of him. A Hunter can sense a predator a while away.
The day moved quickly, Ironside's men had packed up and Khaana stood bound once more by the horses. Even bound she was still glad she was not forced to take on the form of a beast. On a large draft horse came Ironside, he came to a halt before Khaana "the witch shall ride with me." He said.
