Historical Setting: 793 C.E. The North Sea
Gunnar didn’t call me “thrall,” he called me “red shirt.” I am slave to a particular master who identifies his own with the red shirt. My shirt is hardly a brilliant shade of red even though I’m new, because the shirt, like an owned man, is the property of the slave trader and this one was once worn by someone else.
Those, not slaves, in undyed or raw colors have shields at their oar-ports and weapons at their sides. They are called to practice for the fight, while we who are unarmed and owned are regimented to receive slave’s orders.
Apparently, my faded shirt has a reputation for attempting escape. I’m told to stand in the center of the circle so our instructor can remind the gathered thralls of what happened once when a human piece of property decided to own himself. After a long swim toward shore the poor fellow was met with Norsemen swords; they gave him the option to swim back to the boat where he belonged or to die quickly by the sword. He chose to swim. His grave was the sea and all they could salvage was his shirt, which is now my shirt. Now I know this used shirt is filled with courage and a longing for freedom. I shall wear it with honor.
Here I am named Heitman the name I was given by Auld Bjorn. I was the bringer of wood and peat for the fires. It seems in this circle we are all named for purpose, not family or origin. We bear fruit or our personal history isn’t much treasured here. Here are Smith and Oarman, Binder and Mender.
At this gathering I learn the red-shirted slaves are all owned by this one wealthy far traveler. In the free men’s circle a merchant speaks about values in gold and jewels so they will know what treasures bring the most at market to guide the raid. Every treasure has a value that is known. Sometimes it is in beer or grain or fleeces when it is traded. But the value is known all around.
The master of slaves addressing the red shirts assures us,
“The bounty always goes to the masters, of course. Slaves don’t keep any treasures they may gather.”
Now this trader’s cohort steps in the center to speak to slaves clarifying threats and orders.
(Continues Tuesday, May 27)
Lazarus Ink 