On their way

A two-horse lacquered carriage awaited at the end of the street. Jonathan opened the door, and the lord stepped in, taking a seat in the back. The butler kept the door open for the three girls, waving towards the bench in front of the Master. He closed the door after them and sat down in front, with the driver. “Go.” The lord commanded.

“You will be washed and you’ll receive your uniforms when we arrive.” The tall man declared. “Dinner will be served at half past eight. Afterwards I will have a talk with each of you. Do you understand?”

"Yes, Master." The three girls respond in unison, making the lord's eyes smile. Red looked like she took a bite out of bitter fruit, but still said the words, fists clenched tightly.

The horses trotted on, carrying the carriage and its passengers to its destination. The houses grew slowly further apart, until only trees remained. The driver leads them on right turn onto a dirt road, old birch trees growing every few yards, with mathematical precision. The few birds that hadn’t left yet were chirping, flying from one tree to another. Eventually, the horses slow down to a trot, then stop.