Searching for Home

Part 2: Servitude

Over the next few months, Sophie's wrist finally healed. However, she was never returned to the hold. When they finally docked in Zluegate, the capital city of Moolar, all of the captives were roughly lined up and tied together. They were taken off the ship and brought into a great, big building. Inside, the women were separated from the men and taken into separate rooms. The first woman in line was taken behind a screen at the back of the room. When Sophie's turn came, she was stripped of her clothing while a man inspected every inch of her. Blushing profusely, she lowered her eyes in shame.

"She's healthy!" the man proclaimed.

At this, she was ushered into another room where she was doused with ice-cold water. Startled, Sophie shrieked. Shivering, Sophie was ushered into yet another room where she was given a simple brown tunic with a peach overdress. She was also given a vermillion and brown striped sash to wrap around her waist and a cloth to tie back/cover her hair. Once she was dressed she was taken to a huge room and lined up with the other captives.

"QUIET!" yelled a hideous, pompous man even though the room was dead silent. "I am Sertes Cosman Namor and I am your master. You will do what I say quickly and quietly or else suffer my horrendous wrath! Now..."

"Announcing his Majesty's administrator!" boomed out a voice. In walked a tall, lean man. He was dressed in a royal blue tunic and carried a scroll. Behind him scurried his aide, huffing and puffing.

"I am looking to purchase ten slaves for the king's household." he thundered.

Sertes stepped forward, wringing his hands. "These slaves have just arrived from Ugalum," he said tentatively, "They haven't even been trained yet..."

"Good!" the king's administrator interrupted, "They don't need training now. They will get the training they need at the palace."

Sertes was shocked into silence. Quickly recovering, he said, "Lead the way." Smiling broadly, he stepped back and gestured to the line of slaves. The administrator started slowly walking down the line. He looked carefully at each captive, inspecting their teeth, face, and shape. In the end, he took nine men and Sophie. Loading them all onto a cart, they began the long journey to the palace.

It was late afternoon when they arrived at the palace and Sophie was exhausted. Soldiers came and escorted the slaves off the wagon and into the palace. As soon as Sophie's feet hit the ground, she collapsed. Roughly pulled up by the soldier, she tried to stay on her feet. In the end, that didn't work and she fell once again. Eyes softening, the soldier picked her up and carried her inside. Walking through the palace, Sophie was amazed and awed by the grandeur of the rooms. Entering a small room, the soldier laid Sophie down on one of the empty pallets that were in the room. "Thank you." she murmured before falling fast asleep.

When she awoke, the room was bustling with activity. Maids were running around getting ready for the new day. Sophie sat up and looked around. Not sure what she was supposed to do, she laid back down and watched the chaos. Eventually, the room cleared out and Sophie was left alone with her thoughts. Suddenly, the door opened and the king's administrator walked in. Seeing Sophie, he abruptly halted.

"What are you doing here?" he growled.

"I...uh...I'm..." Sophie stuttered.

"Aren't you supposed to be in the kitchen?"

"I...I'm not sure," she said, "I just got here yesterday."

The administrator studied her carefully. "Oh that's right," he said suddenly, "you were one of the slaves who came on the wagon yesterday. You have been assigned to clean the palace. Camilla is the head housekeeper and will show you what to do." with that, he turned around and commanded, "Follow me." then strode out of the room.