They could commute the labor due to their owner by a fixed sum of money, after annual payment of which, the villein worked for himself.

His master, therefore, was not his absolute proprietor.

The chattel had a beneficial interest in a portion of his own flesh and blood.
The crusades made great improvement in the condition of the serfs.

He who became a soldier of the cross was free upon his return, and many were adventurous enough to purchase liberty at so honorable a price.

Many others were sold or mortgaged by the crusading knights, desirous of converting their property into gold, before embarking upon their enterprise.