"Slaves! You don't have to live this way," the woman cried out to the crowd. "Slaves should be treated better than animals. Owners! You have no right to treat them as anything less than equals."
Adora frowned as she listened. The woman and her friends had been on this corner for the last three days, always preaching the same message. I'm surprised they haven't been run out of town by now. But then again, the owners here know they have too tight a grip on their slaves to worry about a revolt. She turned to look at those gathered and saw several faces of owners she knew - some quite well - but they wore mixed expressions. Very curious.
"You slaves! Come to me for healing and to hear more of the Liberator's words of freedom. There is a better world out there for you, away from this island kingdom."
Adora heard enough. "Your words are not welcome here," she yelled.
The woman quickly began to scan the crowd, "Who said that!? Why not?"
Adora stepped out in front of the crowd. "I did. Just how do you suggest the slaves revolt? They have no weapons and no one to support them except for other slaves. Besides, the smart ones know there are laws against attacking one's master."
The woman stared back at her, her eyes steadily returning Adora's gaze. "We would support them. We can help them."
Adora snorted, "You are so naive. A slave is a slave until they die. No matter where they go, they are still a slave and can be brought back."
The woman opened her mouth to say more, but Adora only shook her head, turned away and began walking away from the crowd. That was very well said, my dear. Adora heard the man's voice in her head and her frown deepened.
Adora snorted. I didn't say that to impress you.
No, but you said it because of me. I have taught you well. The man's laughter reverberated in her head.
Bastard.
Adora continued walking when she realized there was someone behind her. She quickly turned and saw the woman from the street corner following her. She was wearing a simple rough tunic with a set of broken chains stitched on it. The symbol of the Liberator no doubt. Adora waited for the woman to catch up with her, then asked, "Do you want to continue our discussion?" Adora's tone said she wasn't keen on the idea.
"Yes," the woman said bluntly. Adora looked at her more closely and had to admit she was pretty with her blond hair braided and pinned back and her shiny blue eyes taking in everything they saw. "Is a slave really considered a slave all their lives even if they manage to escape?"
"If you are going into a country to try to free slaves, you should look into the laws better." Adora sighed and turned to continue walking. The woman followed.
"Yes," Adora continued, "It is as I said. A slave is a slave for life."
"But how can anyone enslave another person? That seems so abhorrent to me."
Adora shrugged, "Because they can. Because some of them enjoy being masters."
"But you are not a master are you?" the woman asked.
Adora smiled a little. She knew that just by looking at her black clothing and the sword at her waist, that she didn't look like what she was. "No I'm not a master." Adora continued walking. I wish this woman would go away, she thought.
No Adora, the man's voice rang through her head again. You will continue this conversation and then you will bring her to meet me. Her and anyone else she cares to bring along. The man laughed and Adora's jaws clenched.
Yes Father, Adora answered.
Adora stopped and turned to face the woman, "Are you serious in learning about the slave's life? What a typical day is for them?" Adora stared at her, waiting for the woman to answer.
"Yes," was the woman's enthusiastic answer.
Adora smirked, "Good. Then follow me to the auction and you will see where it begins once they are brought to the island."
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