Sophia waited in Itzvar's room for what seemed like an eternity. She did not know when Itzvar would be returning. She suddenly heard footsteps. The young woman prepared herself for Itzvar. The door opened, and I was surprised that it was not him.

"Are you well, Sophia?"

"E-Estrid!? What are you doing in here?"

"Well, Lord Itzvar sent me here to fetch you. He ordered me to teach you your duties and how to do them dutifully. I also brought you some clean clothes, and he wishes you to wear them." 

Sophia grabbed the clothes: a long light green dress with dark blue designs and a dark brown belt. She couldn't deny that the dress was beautiful, even plain. "Let me change, and I will go with you."

Estrid nodded and waited outside as Sophia changed. When done, Sophia left Itzvar's home and saw Estrid waiting patiently. "Come, let me show you." Sophia followed her and saw the many villagers going on with their daily lives. It made her wonder why Itzvar wouldn't send his men to watch over her. He probably had his men everywhere that were ordered to keep a close eye on her. She could try to escape, but since Itzvar ordered Estrid to show her her duties, Estrid would probably face the consequences.

Estrid seemed to be a kind woman; Sophia didn't want her to suffer for her mistakes. Sophia was led to the slave quarters, where Estrid gave her some jugs and then led her to a river close to the village. Two men followed them to ensure that they wouldn't escape. Sophia noticed this and realized the villagers were prisoners in their homes. 

The two women got the jars filled with water. Since they were heavy, Sophia had a little trouble carrying the jugs, but she knew she had to get used to them. They returned to the village and returned to the slave quarters. The other slaves were out serving other households. The two women hung out together. Sophia listened as Estrid instructed her to do many things and taught her how to cook meals and make specific clothing.

"Now take these clothes to Lord Itzvar's quarters for his bath and other necessities. Try to obey him, for he could be ruthless when his temper is matched."

"He can do what he wants. I am not afraid of him."

Estrid stopped walking. "You say that now, but he is more than he seems. He has killed many, even women. He will not be afraid to kill you. He will use anything to control you, even hurt others you are close to. I want you to watch your words. Please..."

Sophia noticed the hint of nervousness in Estrid's voice. She seemed afraid and saw things that Itzvar had done. "Has...he hurt you?" Estrid bit her lower lip and looked at the ground. "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I-"

"Don't think about such things. We, slaves, have no say on what to do for our own lives. Please promise me that you will try to obey. You have a good heart, and I don't want someone like yourself to lose their life needlessly."

Her words stung Sophia's heart. Estrid was worried for her. "I will try."

"Thank you."

"Changing the topic, I have met with Ragnar."

Estrid gasped. "You have!? He still lives! We have thought the worst since we haven't seen him after his capture!"

"You still hold him in high regard? Even though he was captured?"

"Why, of course. Lord Ragnar is a good leader who helped us live and prosper." Estrid looked back and forth as if ensuring no one else was listening. "We all hate Itzvar, but many of us don't have experience with fighting. Itzvar has killed many of our people to instill fear in us. Lord Ragnar ensured that the other escaped. If he still lives, then there is still hope."

Sophia smiled. "Well, we all need to survive. I am planning to escape, but I decided to help him escape since he is the hope of his people."

"S-Sophia, you mustn't say such things! You-!"

"I know, but life isn't worth living if I always have to live in fear. I would rather die fighting than live without fighting at all." Sophia smiled. "You, Ragnar, and I will escape this place and find a way to free the people from Itzvar's tyranny. You'll see."

Estrid was stunned but couldn't help but admire her words. "If that is your resolve, then if the time comes. I will follow you all the way."