Italy, 1114
There were six women in the cage on a wagon. Five of them were crying. Some of them prayed for salvation. Most of them had lost their loved ones, their husband, children, brothers, sisters, parents, when their villages had been demolished. Five of them were sobbing and fearing what would happen to them. One of them didn't cry, she had no reason to. She had lived in slavery her whole life, she knew exactly what to expect.
She felt sorry for the other women, but she also knew that there was nothing she could say that would help them in any way. They would either learn how to survive or then they wouldn't. With any luck, they would have a tolerable master. She however didn't believe in such a miracle. Her previous master had been a cruel drunkard who had enjoyed tormenting her. She had scars all over her bony body. That was the only life she had ever known. She didn't hope for anything better.
"This way, gentlemen!"
She looked up and saw one of her capturers approaching the wagon with two men. Judging by their clothes, they were wealthy men. Judging by their eyes, they were cruel men. One of them had dark hair and dark eyes, the other one blondish hair and dark blue eyes. They stopped next to the wagon and observed the women. She could smell the alcohol.
"What do you think, Nik?" the dark-haired man said. "Not a very good selection."
"Hmm, I suppose not."
All the other women were still sobbing; they tried to get as far away from the men as they could. She didn't, she held still and kept her eyes on the ground.
"What about her?" the dark-haired man said. "That tiny one."
She knew without looking that he was talking about her.
"Yes, why not. Let's take a closer look, shall we."
"Of course, my lords, just a moment."
Her capturer opened the cage and grabbed her arm.
"Out, girl!"
Her legs were so numb that she could barely stand. The dark-haired man stepped in front of her and looked at her from head to toes.
"She is very thin…"
"Malnourished, yes, but I think she will do just fine," the blonde man cut in and moved next to her.
"Excellent choice, my lord," her capturer said. "She is very obedient."
The dark-haired man touched her blonde hair before cupping her chin. Slowly he lifted it until her dark green eyes met his.
"What is your name, girl?" he asked.
"Dafne, master," she replied quietly.
He smirked and glanced at the blonde man.
"Yes, I think you were right, Nik. She will do just fine."