Bella's POV:
I sat on the floor in the back of a strange wagon with four other girls and three guys. I couldn't remember anything past hitting that tree branch, so I had to ask the others what was happening. Evidently I had been picked up by some slavers and that's how I got here. They didn't know much other than that, only that now we were going to be sold as slaves at the next town. I shuddered.
I couldn't believe this was all happening to me! First, I find my father dead in a pool of his own blood. Who was following me that night I hit the tree branch? Was it the person or thing that murdered my father? Why me? Even thinking of the past few days brings tears to my eyes. Who the hell would do this to me?! I continue to ask myself these questions, but I haven't thought of the answers yet.
The wagon was bare except for us. We were chained to the wall and we just sat there in near darkness. What little light there was came through the gaps between the slats of wood. The shutters on the two small windows were closed and clamped down.
We sat there for hours in silence, because there wasn't anything that could be said. I was completely and utterly bored. The wagon suddenly stopped as a man's voice shouted, "Whoa!"
After a few minutes, the door to the back of the wagon was yanked open. Light poured in, causing the boys to blink. One of the slavers with a scar on his cheek climbed in. He kicked at us to get out of the way while he unlocked their chains.
"Get out," he grunted. "And don't do anything you'll regret."
As we stepped out of the wagon, there was somebody there waiting to tie our hands behind our backs, before we could really consider putting up a struggle. Then we were roped together, not cruelly but securely, and made to march around a huge crowd and behind a tall platform.
"This must be the slave market," I thought disgustedly to myself. As it turns out I was first. The men roughly untied me and shoved me towards the stairs.
As I started climbing, I could hear the man's voice yelling out, "Next, we have a young girl. She is suitable for cleaning or cooking. Under 20 years of age." With that I slowly walked towards the man. I guess I wasn't moving fast enough though, because one of the guard's came behind me and gave me a good shove. Not ready, I stumbled and fell to my knees. I quickly got up and moved to the man. "Doesn't have a mark on her. Shall we start the bidding at eight crescents. Ten crescents from the gentleman in the corner. You must be joking, sir. Fifteen! Eighteen! Eighteen is bidden for lot twenty-three. Any advance on eighteen? Twenty-one. Thank you, sir. Twenty-one. Going once? Going twice? Sold! To the bronze haired man in the back."
I looked over, curious to see who I had been sold to. When I caught sight of him I thought he looked like a god! He had bronze hair that had kind of a messed up look to it, but it fit him perfectly. He was pale, but had the most amazing topaz eyes. He caught sight of my stareing and smiled. Crap I forgot that I was this guy's slave. I quickly prayed to whatever gods were out there that he was a kind master.
I kept my eyes glued on the ground as he talked to the guy that had a secure grip on my arm. "Thank you. I can take it from here." He took hold of my arm and gently steered me toward where two horses were waiting. I have to say, he did a pretty good job considering my eyes were downcast the entire time and I didn't bump into anybody. We stopped next a huge midnight color stallion, and no. It couldn't be. It was my mare, Fleetfoot! I quickly looked up at him. He smiled at me.
"How did you…?" His laugh cut in before I could finish my sentence. It was an amazing laugh, slightly musical.
"Don't worry about it." I blushed sheepishly and lowered my gaze again. He gently grabbed my chin between his thumb and forefinger and lifted my head so I was looking into his eyes. He still had a slight smile, but he was gazing intently into my eyes as if he was looking into my soul. I have chocolate brown eyes; nothing to special. We stood there for what seemed like hours as he let my chin go and untied my bonds. "I wouldn't try anything if I were you," he whispered into my ear. We both mounted our horses and I followed him out of the city.