It occurred to me that I wouldn’t be able to elevate slaves to the level of luxury nobles enjoyed, at least not all at once. However I aimed to have slavery abolished in the immediate future, (starting in Rhaxima and slowly spreading throughout the land) allowing slaves to be servants instead. It was an improvement. To you, it may not seem drastic enough, since you may see servants as lowly. I however know that those “minor” variations make the world of difference when you are the one who was once oppressed. Once everyone was free and comfortable I would encourage servants to take up trades, make more money and advance in society. My plan seemed genius at the time. Why is it that somewhere between the image in your mind, and the result of the actions you take, things have a way of getting lost?

“Bout time, too, “s what I think.”

The man”s voice startled me. I’d forgotten he was there. My mind has a habit of wandering. “Yes, I agree. Poor dears, they’re treated like animals. People are people, I think they should be paid for their services.”

I tried to imitate the accent of the protestor woman whose words had inspired me to run away and be a part of the revolution. Though nothing I did would be as drastic as a coup d’état, no violence or overthrown government, rather a change in people’s state of mind. I found myself wondering if Amelia and Amy Leigh had found my letter, if they understood my reasons for leaving.

“I wonder,” I continued, “Do you know how the protests all started?”

“Yes m’am, I heard tell that in a nation to the south, I forget the name, there isn’t any slavery there you see, and the serfs there are starting to get rights. After some nobles took a trip there they decided to free their own slaves and encourage others to join them”

I inwardly cursed my lack of education as I desperately searched my vocabulary for “serf”. I nodded and smiled, making a mental note to look it up later.

Chapter 4

I noted the seasons were changing again, as tiny white flakes drifted gently from the sky and melted against my window. I put down the “Social Classes of Modern Society” I’d been reading when I heard Madelyn yell.