Kidnapped by the Berserkers

Sage-2

I found the friar in his office, door shut tightly against the smell of cabbage. Laurel had just delivered his dinner, and he barely glanced up from it.

I placed the basket close to him. I hadn’t looked inside.

“What is this?” he grunted.

“Willow has returned,” I told him. “I sent her on to finish her work and brought you the earnings.”

He plunged a fat hand inside the purse and wasted no time spreading out the coins and counting them.

“Expected her back earlier,” he grunted. “Did she waste time flirting like some slut?”

I didn’t reply.

“Have you nothing to say to that?” he chuckled. I relaxed a little at the sound. Perhaps he’d be pleasant to me tonight. Perhaps he would not be upset.

“Calm yourself girl, I will not beat you tonight. All is well.”

The gold must have pleased him. Still, I backed away, searching for a reason to leave.

“Do you want more ale?” I nodded to the jug.

“No, not tonight. But come to me later, Sage.”

I dipped a curtsey and left. My stomach flipped over a few times, and I was glad I hadn’t eaten.