u/dty6

"These young women were raped, repeatedly (hence the baby skeletons) and sacrificed in the "Golden Chamber". Over 11,000."

Many cultures are said to have sacrificed virgins.

I was also wondering whether Ursula was looking for an excuse not to marry the pagan governor. Most marriages at that time were arranged, especially among royalty. Sounds like Ursula took advantage of the storm as an excuse to buy herself some time by running away. It's even possible she and her handmaids were pursued and murdered. She might have been running to Rome to seek sanctuary in the church.