Here's where we left off in the previous post:
Her indulgence was suddenly interrupted by a thundering knock at the frail door of her run down home, panicked by the sudden intrusion - she stared in silent shock and the pile of stolen goods laid out in front of her.
Snapped out of her momentary shock by another thunderous rap at the door, she raced to conceal her hard earned wares from the unexpected arrival.
Grabbing the items scattered across the table in front of her, she rushed to store them in a timber box as quickly and quietly as possible.
"Open up now" a voice boomed from outside the frail door, the young girl scanned the room and in seeing nothing out of place she crossed to open the door.
Her tiny hands moved methodically releasing the locks as she went, at reaching the last bolt on the door she inhaled deeply before allowing the door to swing open.
As soon as the door began to move, a large hand reached through the small opening as a well dressed man forced his way into the tiny house.
Mila stepped back to allow the towering figure to enter uninhibited, his dark brown eyes scanned the open room as if searching for something - finally settling on the sleeping form of her unconscious father.
"It's late again" the tall man stated with irritation clear in his voice, "Wake him - Now!" he boomed his cold eyes focused on her sleeping father.
"He's sick m'lord" her voice sounded frail in comparison as she shrunk back towards the fire, "That's no excuse for failing to pay rent girl" a hint of pity in his tone - then as if catching himself in a moment of weakness he snapped "Besides, being a drunk isn't the same as being sick".
Her eyes dropped with resignation, she knew he spoke the truth - her father was a drunk but she also knew there was no money, she reached out and gently woke the unconscious man.
"Father, Lord Evanvar is here to see you" she shakes his arm in an attempt to rouse him, groggily the sleeping man begins to wake.
"Hernan" Lord Evanvar's voice cut the silence, "I warned you last time you were late, no more chances - you pay now or get out" Hernan squinted up at the standing Lord, then glanced toward the small form of his young daughter and sighed "We haven't got it m'lord".
Lord Evanvar was clearly agitated "No coin to pay me and yet you can afford tea" he gestured with his chin toward the pot of boiling leaves on the fireplace, with panic and concern his focus shot towards his little girl as he fumbled for words to explain the expensive herbs he had never seen "Ahh . .. no m'lord".
Evanvar stared at the broken man before him, seeing the worry on his face he followed his gaze as it settled on the small girl standing her eyes wide staring at the fireplace - her face an expressionless mask of control.
Realising what was happening Evanvar sighed and said "So she stole them for you then?" Mila's eyes burned with fury as she locked eyes with the wealthy lord knowing he could have her locked up for less.
Lord Evanvar began to pace around the rundown shack as if taking stock of his investment, the house leaked, the window covered with off cut timber and torn cloth - he then made his way to a chair that sat opposite Hernan, his gaze shifting to focus on Mila who remained motionless and stoic.
Hernan on the other hand was sweating profusely despite the cold weather, he began to fumble for words panickedly "M'lord she's just a child" he was cut off by the wealthy Lord with a simple look.
"I have always been fair to you" Evanvar stated as fact "When Carlin died I took pity on you and your small child, she was a loyal and hard worker and I didn't want to see her daughter out on the street. In spite of it all, you've become a drunk who can't hold down a job or pay his bills and now your own child steals to care for you." the last spat in anger.
Hernan squirmed at the sting of the words but he knew them to be true as his head hung in shame, Mila shifted silently waiting to hear what Evanvar would decide to do with her.
"Just one more chance m'lord I swear to the gods I'll get the coin" Hernan desperately pleaded "That's the problem though Hernan" Evanvar replied "You do find the coin, but it never finds it's way to me." his words thick with frustration.
Hernan felt all hope leave him as he stared into the flames of the fire in front of him, Evanvar's attention returned to Mila still standing ready for whatever the lord may decide.
"How long have you.. provided for your father?" the Lord questioned, Mila thought for a moment "I help when things are difficult" she answered dodging to supply him with any specific details.
He smiled warmly at the vague response respecting her ability to avoid incriminating herself, "How old are you now?" he questioned further "Nine" she replied "And it's been four years since your mother's death?" he pushed further "Yes" was all she said in reply.
"Do you eat everyday?" he changed tact and caught her off guard "Not everyday" she responded, Evanvar nodded seemingly having made up his mind and locked eyes with Hernan "You have two options" he stated as his eyes narrowed with focus "First you and your daughter leave by sundown, or you can continue to live here rent free - but Mila will come live and work for me".
Hernan looked puzzled "Why do you want Mila?" he questioned intrigued by the possibilities, "I need a new maid she would come and work for me, she'd be fed, clothed, educated and protected - she wouldn't need to steal ever again." Evanvar replied carefully.
"Carlin wouldn't have wanted her raised like this" Evanvar said whilst gesturing around the room, "She'd be better off and you know it." that last almost spat with disgust "What do you get out of it?" Hernan asked eagerly "I get a smart skilled worker."
"And the house?" Hernan's brow furrowed with focus, choking back a laugh Evanvar responded "No one else would choose to live here, as it is it isn't worth the funds to repair it - one less thing to worry about" Hernan looked at Mila and gave a sigh of resignation.
Mila looked on in horror "Father please, no!" she pleaded.
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