Taken by the Viking. Michelle Styles

They come from no place. All they are, are heathen pirates. They despoiled God’s holy place. Their souls will suffer eternal damnation,’ another monk who had a pockmarked face proclaimed. Annis vaguely recognised him from her uncle’s retinue—Aelfric. How had he survived when all the others perished? He raised a fist to the blackened sky, raining curses down on the raiders.

      ‘It is in God’s hands,’ a third said and gave a gasp of pain.

      Annis moved, knelt by his side and tried to raise the young man up. ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’

      His hand gripped hers. ‘Forgive them, they know not what they do. Always remember Northumbria.’

      He closed his eyes and a peaceful expression crossed his face.

      Annis hunched farther down as the Viken began to clamber on board, laughing and joking. They appeared to be elated with today’s work and she could think only of the countless lives that had been destroyed.

      She recognised the backs of Haakon and his brother as they took up an oar very near her. The serpent ship began slide over the water, taking her away from Northumbria, from everything she had ever known.

      A single tear trickled down her cheek. She allowed it to linger.

      ‘Some day I will regain my freedom,’ she vowed, clenching her fists. ‘I shall not remain this Viken’s slave for ever.’