Mia got down from the carriage and thanked the rider. He wished her safe travels and rode off. She dragged a deep breath and brushed the cold shivers she felt away. This was her first step to attaining freedom, and she was ready.

Then she approached the small booth with a not so bright light at her left-hand side. This was right before the entrance of the loading dock, where payments were made. An officer in charge of payment and receipt for passage sat inside.

There was a line of eight people and Mia drew closer to them and stood behind the last person. With every person attended to, she...