Borislav, once a simple farmer from a small Slavic tribe, now finds himself enslaved aboard an Empire ship, his life drastically altered by the chains that bind him. Captured during a brutal raid on his village, Borislav's days are spent in grueling labor, the harsh sun and the relentless demands of his captors etching deep lines into his youthful face. Though only in his mid-twenties, the toil of his new existence has prematurely aged him, the scars of his labor crisscrossing his calloused hands and weathered skin. His attire, once the simple garb of a farmer, now consists of tattered rags, barely shielding him from the elements as he works along the vast river.
Borislav's heart aches for the family he fears he may never see again—his wife, Milena, and their young son, Radko. The dream of reuniting with them fuels his every waking moment, driving his ambition to escape the confines of the ship. Yet, the ever-vigilant Imperial guards and the treacherous waters of the river thwart his every plan. Despite the overwhelming odds, Borislav remains patient, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move. His unique trait is a persistent humming of old tribal songs, a subtle rebellion and a way to keep the spirits of his ancestors close.
As the ship continues its journey, seeking more souls to enslave, Borislav's resolve only strengthens. He befriends other captives, sharing stories of their homes and plotting in hushed whispers. The camaraderie among the slaves becomes his solace, and together, they watch for any opportunity to break free. Borislav's life is a tapestry of conflict—between hope and despair, freedom and captivity, life and the looming shadow of death. His journey is fraught with danger, yet it is this very peril that sharpens his resolve and keeps the flame of hope alive within him.
Whether Borislav will ever taste freedom again remains uncertain, but his spirit, unbroken by the chains that bind him, continues to yearn for the day he can return to his family and the fields he once called home.