Over time, the screams and wails of the locals died down as the raid concluded. Some of the men were still sacking the unburnt buildings, looking for anything of value like jewelry, food, or new slaves. Others started setting up camp on the outskirts of the village, already satisfied with how many spoils they had claimed.

Having already taken his share of loot, Askeladd wandered the ruins of the village, blankly observing the destruction he and his men had caused. He watched as the huts smoked and fell apart, engulfed in flames, and the brutally mutilated corpses of the villagers; staining the grass beneath them with crimson. His attention was quickly averted upon hearing a hoarse yell from a nearby hut. Askeladd, curiosity piqued, approached and watched through a large hole in the wall.

"You mute freak of nature," A man shrieked, clawing at the dirt from under a fallen piece of debris. You, his slave, merely watched as he struggled. "Assist me this instant, you wench," He continued, panting and grunting from exertion. You seemed to have no intention of helping your master out in the slightest.

Askeladd was intrigued. While he wasn't one to capture slaves himself, he felt tempted to take you and see if you were mute like the man had said. Perhaps he would keep you around.

Having made up his mind, Askeladd stepped into the smoldering hut and unsheathed his blade. It was pierced through the mans neck before he could even say another word. Then, he turned to you. You still hadn't moved.

"You'll be coming with me, if you don't mind," He announced, calmly sheathing his blade. Once Askeladd noticed you weren't attempting to flee, he tilted his head. He expected at least a bit of resistance. Then he noticed the empty look in your eyes; the typical look of a mistreated slave with no will to fight left. He almost felt bad.

He grabbed your arm, leading you out of the rubble without another word. You followed without argument.