A/N: I know that the preface was short and from now on it will be from the writer's (mine :D) point of view. Read Review and Enjoy. Much love
The Gypsy
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The sun hadn't even risen over the mountains as the slave began to stir and got ready for another day in the endless days that were their life. Rhian moaned as her friend, Alianna, tried to wake her up. "Come on sleepy head. It's another glorious day." Rhian opens one eye and growls but gets up all the same donning her garments and grabbing her shoes as they head to the kitchen for a quick meal. They each grab a roll and an apple then head to the barn to begin their duties. "I know you're happy Rhi", Alianna says as they eat their apples. "The young lord has gone with his father to pay homage to Lord Viktor and you have a few days peace." Rhian just nods, she's not a morning person and her mind is on when he returns. Rhian was born a slave, so her early years were as normal as they could be. However, when she hit puberty the master's son, Kirilic, began to notice her and eventually turned her into a bed slave. The only thing that stopped her from ending her life was the fact that now he was learning to run the manor and was gone a lot. "Well", Alianna said once they reached the barn, "let's get to work then." Gathering their tools and other things that they would need, they headed to the fields that surrounded their home. The sun had just begun to rise over the mountains when they finally reached the fields. Alianna stopped for a moment to look back at the manor wistfully, "Oh how I wish I wasn't a slave. I would still be asleep right now."
Rhian looks at her friend and says, "No you wouldn't Ali. The only way that you would still be asleep would be if you were a noble. And that will never happen so don't waste your time dreaming about things that will never change." Alianna sticks her tongue out at her friend, knowing that she doesn't mean to be cruel. They laugh a bit and start to work tilling and harvesting in the gardens. The sun is near its zenith before they stop for lunch. Many of the workers and slaves make their way to any shade that they can find, while the younger slaves make their way around to give them water. Rhian and Alianna sit leaning up against a tree bunching on their meal of bread; enjoying the rest. "So when do you think that the master will be back from visiting Lord Viktor", Alianna asks after a time, whishing the water boy would hurry up.
"Don't know and I really don't care", Rhian says not opening her eyes. "They can die on the road for all I care. The longer they're gone the happier I will be; or at least as happy as I can be." Both Rhian and Alianna chuckle to themselves as the water boy finally makes his way to them.
"Have either of you heard about the wolves", the boy asks as he hands them cups filled with water. The girls shake their head. "The soldiers are saying that soon we won't be allowed to leave the manor because they are getting closer. The master and the other nobles are going to mention it to Lord Viktor when they pay their homage to him. Do you think that they will give us more men to protect us?"
Alianna says nothing but Rhian does. "It really isn't our business to worry about things like that. But if you're really that worried then I suggest getting a hold of some silver." Both Alianna and the boy look at her confused. "I heard the master saying something like that to his son one night", she explains. "Apparently, they cannot even touch it. Maybe that's why Lord Viktor wants all of it." They hand their cups back to the boy and he runs off saying something like "must tell mother" to himself. Soon their break was over and it was back to work for everyone. The sun had begun to sink behind the mountains as the workers headed home for the night. As they were placing their tools and what they harvested away; there came the sound of hooves pounding through the gates. Everyone looked up in concern and interest as their, much disheveled, master came barreling through.
"Get everyone inside", he yells from his horse. "Bar the gates! No one leaves and no one comes in without my consent!" Servants and slaves run about to make sure that everything is squared away and the soldiers ran to ensure everyone's safety. If was several hours before the manor had settled down. The master and his family had eaten dinner and the entire house hold was waiting to hear what the servers had overheard.
Once everyone, except the night watch, had gone to bed; the slaves and servants crowded together to finally hear what had happened. "Apparently", one of the servers started, "Viktor killed one of the nobles for speaking out against him." There was a sudden cry from the people as they now feared a battle. "Quiet all", he continued, "Viktor is not going to attack us. But it seems that the wolves are also at his doorstep and we are no longer safe." No one speaks anymore after that. Those who have families are busy trying to figure out how to get them to safety, while those who have no one do the same for themselves. It seemed like no one was getting any sleep that night, but soon everyone was asleep. When the moon was high in the night sky Rhian woke and made her way to the latrine. As she left it and was heading back to her bed; someone grabbed her from behind, placing a hand over her mouth.
"Now don't scream slave", a rough voice says. "I know you missed me while I was gone." Suddenly Rhian recognizes the voice and becomes very still, her hopes that he forgot smashed. "Come now. We have missed time to make up for." And so she left with Kirilic and all night she wished that she was dead.
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A few days later
Life continued almost as usual; though the work was modified. The people of the manor had begun to think that they were going to be safe; that is until a messenger came. The master received him and his news in the great hall. "Me Lord, I bring terrible news." The master motioned for him to begin. "There was a slave revolt at Lord Viktor's estate. Lucian, the leader, is making his way to all the outlying lands to recruit more slaves to his cause. Take care, great lord, but I must be on my way to warn as many as I can before its too late." With that he takes his leave only stopping to take some supplies and a fresh horse.
In another part of the manor, someone else was distressed by some news; and not the same news that the rest of the manor heard. "I'm sorry dearie", says the midwife, "but you are pregnant." Rhian's face is one of shock and she sits down on the bed, placing her head in her hands. The midwife moves to her side and tries to console her, "Now, now; it's not that bad. Who is the father?" Rhian lifts her head, tears streaming down her face.
"Kirilic, the master's eldest son."
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Thank you for reading. I hoped you enjoyed it.
