Chapter 19 5 страница

" I see, " Domeric nodded. " So, we set up a glass trade here in Pentos on the surface. But underneath we also work as the sorcerer's spies. "

" Yes, but that is not all that we will be doing, " Voice said as her tone gained a hard edge. " Tell me, Domeric, did you by chance notice the branding on the flesh of some of the dock workers or even a few of the girls here at the Sailor's Wife? "

" Aye, I noticed, " Domeric nodded.

" Those are slave brands. "

Frowning, Domeric rubbed at his chin. " I thought that slavery was outlawed here in Pentos? "

" In name only, " Voice answered. " Braavos imposed a ban on the practice some time ago, however the magisters found a way around it. They have 'free bond servants', people who are collared and branded just like slaves, but technically free. But while they are 'free', the cost of their food, clothes, shelter, and just basic living needs far exceeds what they are paid. It may not be slavery in the traditional sense, and their lives might be considered an improvement over being a slave in Slaver's Bay or Volantis. But they are still slaves through debt. "

As a man of the North, any form of slavery sickened Domeric. " I take it our second task will have to do with the slaves of the city? "

" You are correct, " Voice nodded. " We're not going to overturn slavery. To do that would require either an army on par with the majority of Westeros, or to kill it at its source. But even if we succeeded in freeing the slaves, we don't currently have the means of imposing a lasting removal of the practice on the people. So, for now, we will simply do what we can. "

" And what can we do? " Domeric asked, leaning forward.

" We can aid those who have escaped their bonds and help them find a new life in the North, " Voice stated, surprising Domeric greatly.

" As a northerner myself, my lady, I can tell you that while the North has a strict view on slavery, we are not the warmest to outsiders. "

" No, no, you are not, " Voice sighed, shaking her head. " But what you northerners do warm up to quickly are those who are willing to work and earn their keep. Slaves, as a rule, are perhaps some of the finest artisans, farm hands, potters, brick layers, pit fighters and pleasure providers. Name a laborious task, and a slave could perhaps perform it better than any other. By sending them to the North, we offer them a chance to live their lives freely and earn their place by using the skills they already have. And it's not like the North is short on room either. It is the largest of the kingdoms of Westeros, but also the least populated. Nox and Stark have plans for the North, plans that require skilled hands and a lot of them. We are to help provide those hands to the North. "

Nodding, Domeric took a moment to ponder over everything he'd learned. " It won't be an easy life for those we send to the North. "

" No, it won't, " Voice agreed with him. " But it will be a far better life than the one they currently have as a slave. "

There was no arguing with that. " Fair point, my Lady Voice. When do we begin? "

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