Word spread that an influx of captives had arrived in Verdun. So, new purchasers appeared at the slave market the following week. Jarl Óttar was astonished to find some of his fellow countrymen among them. Therefore, in these cases, his captives were not destined for warmer climes but Scandinavia. Not only Norsemen seemed eager to bid for slaves, but also owners of large Frankish estates, whose production depended on a numerous pool of labourers.
“There’s no shortage of buyers, Jarl,” Ishaq said with relish, “Your captains will be happy men by the close of the day.”
“As for us, friend, what do you have in mind?”
Ishaq’s eyes gleamed, he loved his role as a merchant, and he had waited patiently to discuss this matter.
“The river continues for untold leagues and becomes great as it flows
