donnylaja heroine, thirteenth century edition

“Gaspar!  Bring her here!”

        “Ah -- your unclothed maid-of-all-work.  Her savage beauty is well known, cousin.  What is her name again?”

        “It is a crude Anglish name, Alysoun.  I have not given her a proper one.”

        “She bows obediently.”

        “Yes, she is well behaved.  Though what notions reside in her half-formed mind, only God knows.”

        “One must concede that nature by itself often produces a beauteous body.  She is like a finely bred horse.”

        “Yes, indeed.  She is not fair white but brown, the sun having done its damage, but I see your meaning.  -- Gaspar!   Tell her to display herself! -- Note the coarseness of her hands.  She has spent a life in rough work.”

        “I see.  And thus she was when you claimed her?”

        “Yes.  Note her feet also.  She is a stranger to shoes and stockings.”

        “Are you of a certainty that she cannot understand our French?”

        “You jest.  The Anglish do not have the capacity.  Even their own rude gruntings cannot be put in writing.”

        “Surely you know of Alfred’s Chronicle.”

        “Yes, but the only civilized minds of that vanquished race have long since disappeared from our mortal world. -- Gaspar!  Tie her and trawl her!”

        “What is this?  Tying her hands to the ropes?  And Gaspar using his steed to haul her on her -- belly?”

        “Yes, it is a unique diversion.  You will see.  We will ride behind.  -- Go!  A slow pace, Gaspar!”