The Serf

Chapter 2

The meal finished and a group of serfs began to play music. Guitars, harps, and flutes began to play. There was only one guitar playing. It was the boy with the blonde hair.

"Ellie..." I look up to see who it was. Zayn. "Would you like to dance?"

"Of course she would." my father said. "Go on Ellie." I smiled lightly at Brennerand took his open hand. Other serfs were beginning to move the table out of the way so that people could dance. Brennerled me out to the middle of the floor. He put his arm around my waist and took my hand in his. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he pulled me closer. Music starting playing and we danced around the square. Our bodies pressed against each other.

"Ellie. May I ask you something?" he asked.

"Of course. "

We stopped dancing and he led me to the edge of square next to one of the brick buildings. I was up against the wall. I saw the boy looking right at me while playing. Our eyes met and Brennerstepped in front of our contact line.

"Why did you run off when I asked you?"

He was looking right into my eyes. I pulled my eyes away from his by looking down at my feet. He removed his hand from mine and moved his hand from my back to my cheeks and raised my head to face me. "Please. Just tell me." I opened my mouth to reply. Then he surprised me. His lips met mine and I was pressed into the wall. There was no longer space between us. His hands against the wall on each side of me. He finally pulled away but was yet a few centimetres from my face.

"I wasn't lying when I said I loved you. I want you to become my wife."

"Zayn...."

"I know its a lot but please say yes."

"I don't know. I don't. May I have time to think about it."

"I would give you all the time in the world. But I can't. You probably only have a few seconds."

"Why do you say that?" Then I saw my father walking toward us. He set a hand on Brenner's shoulder and smiled down at him.

"Ellie my daughter. I would like you to meet your husband." he coughed as I just stared at him. "Ellie. You and Brennerwill be married in two months time. Isn't it exciting?"

"I guess. May I go get a drink?"

"Ah yes. We must announce the engagement." Only the flutes were playing now. The boy was serving drinks and my father called him over. "Ah you foriegn boy. Fetch everyone a drink." he paused and looked at Brennerand I. "There is important news." The boy nodded and walked off. Brennerwent to stand beside me and snaked us arm around my waist. My father walked to where the flutes played. A serf brought him a glass full of a red liquid. Wine of course. He ushered us to stand up by him and we went. The boy brought us a clear liquid in the glass since we are not of age for the wine. My father banged on one of the drums to call everyone's attention. Everyone turned their attention to him.

"Everyone! I have some very special news! Zayn, the eldest son of Lord Dyran, and my daughter Ellie are engaged! A toast to the new couple!" Everyone erupted in cheering and raised their glasses and took a drink including Brennerand I. Brennerspun me around and planted his lips agian on mine. I stood there lu me a statue. I didn't move or show emotion. I don't want this. AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE! Is this what Alston wouldn't tell me?

Brennerbroke away and looked at me concerned. I smiled weakly at him and turned to face the crowd. I saw Mavis in the back of the crowd. Our eyes locked. He looked sad. Angry. Disappointed. Relieved. I don't know. My knees began to feel weak and my head was spinning. Brennerstill had his arm wrapped around my waist anf I began to lean on him for support.