By the campfire, Moss looked at the gathered children and slowly said:
"I'll provide you with quality food and an education. I'll teach you a skill that will let you earn a living."
"And all you have to do is work for me for five years after reaching adulthood. Then you'll regain your freedom, and whether you stay or leave will be up to you."
Moss's words made all the children's eyes light up.
They had originally prepared themselves to be slaves for the rest of their lives.
They never expected they would have a chance to regain their freedom!
Looks of anticipation appeared on the children's faces, and some were even a little impatient.
Seeing the excited children, Moss raised her voice considerably and continued:
"But let me make one thing clear first!"
"If you want all this, you must sign a contract."
"Your future work may pit you against enemies a thousand times more dangerous than these underground slave merchants. You might even... lose your lives at any moment."
At this point, Moss's tone carried more of a warning as she said solemnly:
"And I won't be your master. You'll be sent elsewhere, where someone will take you in."
"But you need to understand this: once you sign the contract, your lives will no longer belong to you."
"Think it through carefully. You'll have only one chance. The consequence of changing your minds is death!"
Moss's words sobered the children, who had been excited moments ago. For a time, they had no idea what to choose.
Some children hid among the crowd and lowered their heads as they took several steps back, clearly having second thoughts.
Moss saw everything but did nothing to stop them.
She had never intended to take in these children in the first place.