Then his voice turned colder, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "Besides…" Salem continued, "how could someone who once lived as a slave… ever want to become a master who owns slaves?"
The children looked at him with questioning eyes. From his words, it was clear that Salem had once been a slave too. He had been hinting at it since earlier, almost like he was trying to make them understand.
But how could children who had been tricked so many times by their master trust a stranger so easily?
As if Salem could read their thoughts, he spoke again. "Alright," he said calmly. "I know you won't believe me just because of my words. But what if I show you proof?"
"W-What… proof?" the boy asked, his curiosity stronger than his fear.
Salem slowly unfastened his coat and pulled it down, not too far, but enough to show his bare chest. "The scar from the hot iron brand," he said. "I bet you have one on your body too."
