~

In the morning, Matthias told me the other slaves were prepared. And the pirates were ready to leave. As we marched back onto the ship, having filled enough barrels with stream water, I broke from our line and rushed toward the prow of the ship. The sailors tried to grab me, but I flowed past them with a grace even I had not realized I possessed.

When I reached the prow, I leapt upon it. All eyes were on me. I searched the crowd for Basileios and gave him a quick nod. As I began to shout, the slaves and my former friends moved silently off the ship.

"Mother, I implore you for your help! Those who traverse your territory in search of their livelihood have turned to holding us against our will!"

The captain strode toward me, his face twisted into a scowl. My distraction was...

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