10th century

"Move, girl," Mikael snapped and yanked the rope that was tying the girl's wrists together. "We don't have the whole night."

She tried to keep up with him, but she failed. Her skinny legs couldn't move much faster. Mikael snorted, wondering if he had made a foolish purchase. The slave trader had assured that she was hardworking and obedient, but clearly she was malnourished. It didn't really matter; she would still serve her purpose. Esther needed another pair of hands; she couldn't keep running the household by herself.

Rebekah wasn't very useful, Esther had spoiled her. And their sons… Just thinking about them annoyed Mikael. All of them, apart from Henrik, should have wives already, but no. The only one of them who had taken a wife had been Finn, but he had refused to remarry after fever had taken his wife. Kol had dared to announce that he would never take a wife and Elijah was courting the most unsuitable unmarried woman in the village.

Tatia was no honorable woman, certainly not worthy of Elijah. And Niklaus… A disappointment as always. A pathetic weakling who no woman would ever want. Useless. Mikael doubted that the boy had even spoken to a woman. How had he ever fathered a son like that?

"Move!" he snarled to the girl and yanked the rope harder.

She lost her balance and fell on her knees.

"Get up!" he commanded. His anger was rising, mostly because of the boy. The last thing he needed in his household was another useless creature. The girl stumbled, but she managed to get to her feet. Good for her. Gloomily Mikael marched home, dragging the girl behind him. His family was inside, having supper at the table. Esther stood up as Mikael entered the house and all his children followed their mother's example.

"Mikael?" Esther stated as she noticed the girl.

"There was a traveling slave trader in the village," Mikael replied. "I bought this one."

Esther's eyebrows furrowed.

"Why?"

"Because our sons haven't brought wives in the household," Mikael snorted. "She is here to lighten your burden, my dear."

"I have managed fine…"

"She is my gift to you," Mikael cut in. "But if you don't want her, I'm sure I can find her another purpose…"

"No, I will be happy to take her," Esther assured smiling. "Thank you, my husband."

Mikael walked over to his wife and kissed her. She wasn't a Viking like him and he knew that she didn't understand their custom to keep slaves. Few other families in the village had slaves, so surely Esther would get used to having one as well.

"What is her name, father?" Kol asked.

Mikael glanced at his children and noticed that they were all looking at the girl. Finn seemed careless, Elijah somewhat curious, Rebekah and Henrik confused and Niklaus… As usual, he was staring like a fool.

"I don't know," Mikael huffed. "It doesn't matter."

The girl didn't move as Kol approached her.

"What is your name?" he asked.

She didn't say anything; she kept her eyes on the floor. Kol looked at Mikael.

"Can she understand me? Where is she from?"

"I have no idea," Mikael snorted. "And as I said, it doesn't matter. She is a slave, she is here to work. And although I bought her for your mother, she is here to serve the whole family, so feel free to make her earn her food."

"Could she help me with my chores?" Rebekah asked.

"Of course, that is why she is here."

Mikael paused and glanced at the girl.

"Stay there."

He didn't know if she understood him or not, but she obeyed.

"Time to eat," he stated and sat at the table. His family followed his example, although Esther didn't look pleased.

"Mikael…"

"She can perhaps have something to eat after we are finished," he cut in firmly. "She needs to learn her place right away."

So they ate while the girl stood there like a statue. Mikael noticed that her legs were shaking, but she still followed his order. That was a very good start. Perhaps he wouldn't have to spend much time training her.