Return to Village 40

Before Jorma was out from his hut, Tero had opened the gates. He was curious to see with who Tapani was traveling. Rumors were circling that last trip Tapani comes home back with much more than just gold. Three warriors from the village were on his boat, and they told a lot of stories. Tero had difficulties believing Captain would seriously take a foreign woman. It was sure many local girls would be in sorrow and fathers disappointed if he did that.

Tero is happy to meet Tapani after the long winter. They changed few quick words before Jorma is out from the hut with open arms.

“Our Captain!” Jorma was shouting.

Tero looked at the small woman with brown skin and dark eyes. Her hair was black as the raven, and a nice-shaped figure was visible under the leather armor. Marcus told Tero that in B’tumi, the girl was always nearly naked, and golden rings were decorating her nipples. Tero was thinking he was telling the stories. In the story told by Marcus girl was a slave, but Tapani set her free, and she stayed with him.

Casia and Tapani stayed overnight in another small village. It was very similar to this village. Casia was surprised how much green forest there was and how small and simple villages were. Since they arrived, she has not seen a large stone build city full of life. Everything is small and simple. Endless green forests separate villages. Casia was also surprised how much it was raining. In B’tumi rainy days were rare and celebrated. Here sunny days were celebrated. It was raining all the time. She was already getting used to walking long distances in the rain.

It looked like villagers knew Tapani, and they are happy to see him. Large redhead man rushed out from simple hut to meet them. Suddenly Casia gets distracted. She notices a blond woman who is chained from her arms to wagon handles. They have set her to hang there in the rain. She is beaten, and it looks like she is suffering.  Casia stops and gasps.