The Monastery of Lindisfarne, Northumbria
Brother Aethelstan, formerly known as Aethelstan the Merciless, was currently scrubbing the stone floor of the monastery's refectory. It was a far cry from his previous life as a Jarl of Guthrum's army.
Aethelstan had been "liquidated" during the East Anglia merger. But unlike his peers who ended up as fertilizer or Tech-Thralls, Aethelstan had been given a choice by the Builder: "Die, or audit your soul."
He chose the soul.
Now, he was an initiate in the Order of Saint Cuthbert a place that had surprisingly become a dumping ground for Vikings who had failed Ragnar's corporate standards but were too valuable to execute.
He scrubbed harder, his knuckles white. Around him, other former warriors were doing menial tasks. Some were baking bread. Others were copying manuscripts.
"You missed a spot, Brother," a voice said behind him.
