Ethelinda was a young girl of seventeen. The young lass who was nearing womanhood was well known in her community for her high intelligence, not to mention her bewitching good looks. In other words, she was everything desirable in a 'proper' human being.
Ethelinda lived with her parents, her younger sister, Esmeralda and her elder brother, Etienne, in a hut behind the biggest house in the village. From the tales passed through the word of mouth, it was believed that Ethelinda's ancestors had migrated from North India as their clan was being persecuted due to the alleged claims of witchcraft. They had fled to the Middle East, where the clan eventually went their separate ways, spreading their ways all over the sands.
Ethelinda's father worked as a blacksmith for the most powerful family in the village. He made the weapons and tools for the village. Etienne worked in the market, learning the art of trade from the vendors. Ethelinda and Esmeralda trained to become serving maids, like their mother.
Life, though, difficult, was one of some joy to the family. The family learnt to brave the hardships that came and lived through all of whatever came their way. Though poor, they were happy. The family of five was known the their virtuous way of living. Honesty, loyalty and love bloomed in the household. The father was respected for his diligence, the mother for her wisdom and the children for their various traits.
Etienne was tall, well built and handsome. He was also very creative. Ethelinda was slender and blessed with exotic looks; she was also a story teller which attracted many. Esmeralda was softer in beauty compared to Ethelinda; she was known for her artistic abilities.
The household was considered as a charming one. The family, a blessed one.
That was until times changed.
The society suddenly faced devastating issues like never before. The system of the village collapsed. Famine spread across the land, indifferent to the people. Even the rich struggled for food. Clashes erupted amongst the people. People thieved and killed during the nights to save themselves.
Ethelinda's family suffered too. Members of the family took turns to go in search of food. It was during one such day that Ethelinda was forced to leave her family.
Ethelinda had left home before the break of dawn, in the hopes of finding an early trader. Trade was rare and more expensive than ever. However, she was in for luck, for she found a woman with her cart, on her way to town. Ethelinda politely stopped the woman.
"May I have a little of whatever you are taking to town ?"
"Sure, my dear. Take what you need."
Ethelinda looked on as the woman lifted the heavy cloth covering the surface of the cart. As the cover was lifted, Ethelinda caught the aroma of freshly baked bread.
"I will take one loaf, please."
"Just one ?"
Ethelinda hesitated. Would one loaf suffice ?
"May I have one more ?"
The woman handed two hot loaves of bread so hot that Ethelinda nearly dropped them as she tried to put them in her basket.
"Thank you so much, good lady. Please have some grains."
Ethelinda pulled out a maize cob from the depth of her basket. The woman was softly protesting against it.
"I do not want it, child."
The protests fell on Ethelinda's deaf ears as she put the cob on the cart. It was the largest cob she had found in the store the same morning while looking for something to trade for food.
The woman sighed heavily. Taking the cob, she looked up at Ethelinda and said thanks.
"God bless you and keep you, child."
"Thank you, good lady. I wish you good trade for the day."
With those words, Ethelinda hurried back home, in joy at the prospect of having obtained food for her family. The growing heat could not break her spirit as she made her way home.
As soon as Ethelinda crossed the threshold, she cried out in glee.
"Mother ! Father ! I brought food !"
Only a moment later did she realize there was complete silence. Ethelinda made her way to the room where visitors gathered, only for a strange sight to greet her eyes.
Her family and the landlord were seated in a circle in the room. Almost everyone looked up when she entered the room, except her parents.
"Ethelinda. Greetings to you."
The landlord rose up as he greeted Ethelinda. She stood her ground and politely greeted him in turn.
The landlord turned to face Ethelinda's parents who were still seated on the ground.
"I will see you later."
With those words, he left.
Esmeralda rose and nearly stumbled over her long skirt as she reached out for Ethelinda's hand.
Ethelinda steadied her sister. Hand in hand, the sisters made their way to the room they shared.
Ethelinda lowered herself onto her mat and watched as Esmeralda dropped herself on hers.
Esmeralda sighed and forced herself to look Ethelinda in the eyes.
"He came to ask father to sell you to his household."
Ethelinda's eyes grew wide. She could only blurt out two words.
"Father didn't ... ?"
"No. Father has not. He cannot do so."
She was to be sold. As what, only spirits knew.
Suddenly, Ethelinda understood what she needed to do.
"He will not have to sell me. For I will go there on my own will."
YOU ARE READING
Tales From The Lady Of The Night
Random'Never judge a book by its cover.' There is a reason why the saying exists ...
