Astrid observed the matron with suspicion before sneering and responding to her pleas. "Your village is by now gone and so is your daughter, unless she knows how to hold a sword better than her mother." With that, she went for the killing blow, not caring whether she was ready or not. Her time had arrived and passed, and once the men of this village would return, they would return to empty houses and burned down shacks. Nothing would be left behind and should they decided to come and look for the stolen goods, the trail would lead them to a very powerful village not too for away, under the guidance of Astrid and her husband. "You fate is sealed. Accept it." She spoke.<br/><br/>The girl proved to be something more than she had expected. When Inge suddenly found herself on the ground, she was prepared to throw her off like a bewildered horse, since she had conventiently and rather clumsily landed right on top of her. But before she could complete this plan of action, a knife appeared at her enemy's throat and she blinked in confusion and anger, wondering who would possibly have the guts to stop their battle. Sure enough, it was her mother. Astrid glared at Inge over the girl's shoulder and pulled her up by her collar, dragging her back.<br/><br/>"Inge, you may lead the others through houses. Take anything valuable or useful." Astrid instructed calmly while holding the young girl who had showed special skills in battle. "I'll take care of this one."<br/><br/>Inge stood up, glaring over to the girl and her mother before turning around wordlessly and leading several of the group to rummage through the houses for valuables. In the meantime, Astrid kept a tight grip on the girl and spoke to her with extreme calmness. "You have shown remarkable skill. I will spare your life if you tell me your name and position in the village. Otherwise you I encourage you to speak your last prayers." The matron paused before continuing with her persuasion. "It would be a shame, though, to lose such a good fighter. It doesn't have to be that way, you know. You don't have to die here. You can start a new life. An even better life. You will have opportunities that few are offered." She smiled knowingly. "Make your choice hastily. I do not enjoy waiting."<br/><br/>Inside the houses, Inge was packing her leathe bag with fresh food, valuable jewellery, knives, fine leather and whatever else she could find that seemed remotely interesting.