1 2.Maritza's surprise

''i can't believe the way Alex sold our sister off to the highest bidder,it's so annoying, well he knows he cannot do something like that to me because i will raise hell. He knows I'm not as quiet as maria is'' Maritza spoke angrily. she has been boiling over Marias marriage and she is more angry because she wasn't getting the same vibes from her sisters. Maritza is the third daughter of her parents and is always known for her strong head but she was also the most beautiful of all her sisters. She had a very soft,fair skin and an angelic face, any man that doesn't know about her stubborn and outspoken nature will fall in love at first sight until she opens her mouth and speaks. '' Maritza we were all as angry as you are until maria told us she has been in love it her husband since she was 12. so let it go please '' Martha the youngest said.

''That's true besides we have better things to

talk about. With the rate Alex is going about

this. it seems like we are all his property to sale

and being the elderly here i seem to be next on the line '' Miriam said worriedly she just lost the suitor to the hands of death and doesn't want to be pushed to any man yet.

'' This is what we are going to do, during dinner today we are all going to protest against Alex injustice to us. we are not collateral or goods he should have some respect for us'' Maritza suggested. There was a knock on the door and a maid entered '' Mam Good evening, the chief has ordered everyone to come down there will be a feast tonight,he has ordered everybody to be in their best '' Everybody was surprised the last time Alex ordered for a feast was when their sister was to be married off. '' I wont let it happen this time. How dare him arrange our marriage and then call us out to feast. No body is going out on their best,dress ordinary. If he sees us he would know without being told that we are not happy '' Maritzas speech calmed every one,her idea seemed to be a nice one. So they dress in ordinary wears and matched down to the dinner chamber but to their greatest surprise there was no feast just an elaborate dinner and a very happy Alex drinking his port before meal. '' There comes my beautiful sisters,please come and sit down and merry with me for we have found favor in the lord and he has showed me the path to follow without having to marry any of you out. I'm sorry i married our sister out in the past but i had no choice so today i want us all to make merry because all our problems are over '' Alex sounded really happy and that surprised the girls,since the death of their parents Alex has always been moody. '' Alex we are happy that you are happy. we decides today to protest against arranged marriages but with what you have said we are in good hands so we would rejoice with you '' Miriam being the happiest of all answered. That night was filled with different entertainments, there was dances,games ,competitions and more. Everybody was in a festive mood except Maritza she wasn't just comfortable with Alex explanation and kept asking question without being answered but she was still determined to find out what the skeleton was. Alex noticed Maritzas mood and decided to distract her with a story. "I'm not really sure father told you what really happened to aunty lexis. '' That got her attention, aunty lexis was their father only sister that was rumored to have ran away in the middle of the night to avoid being marriage to a man two times her fathers age. '' Well since I'm in such a good mood i will tell you the real story. aunty lexis as you all know was forced to marry the duke of Cornwall who was 5 years older than her father and she had no say in the matter so her wedding was arranged for the next four days. lexis angry locked herself up in the top chamber and refused the come down. unknown to her parents she was visited there each night by a very handsome strange god. and in the eve of the wedding she begged him to save her, he refused not because he didn't love her but because he had no one to give her bride price. When he was about to leave lexis grabbed his garment and kissed him so hard the god was lost he remove his cloth and hers and made her his for ever. The union made lexis a god immediately and the two of the left in that form leaving their garments as dowry .'' The silence in the room was great, it was obvious he had captivated them all. " The garments where blended together to form the strange but beautiful cloak on walls in the big room. remember when father called a merchant to evaluate it ,it was worth more that the whole of this village. Its believed that one of our forefathers was once a god and every generation begets a god. aunty lexis was believed to be the chosen one that why she was taken and to cover up grandfather said she ran away '' When Alex finished the tale he looked at Maritza and knew his plan would work all he had to do was to open the top chamber and let Maritza find her way there. So he stood said his good night and left to complete his mission. Maritza lost all concentration in everything happening around her, her mind was focused on how to get to the top chamber without her sisters discovering what she was up to.

At exactly 11pm,when she was sure that everyone was asleep she sneaked up that stairs and opened the door to the top chamber. Everywhere was dusty but the bed seemed to be made. she wonder is her god prince had made it anticipating her coming. The windows where open causing a chill so she went to the bed covered get self and waited.

The warm touch of a hand on her face woke her up. It was too dark to see but she smelt the sweet smell of manliness and knew her god was here." you came, i never thought you would. I thought Alex was just telling tales, come to me let me feel your skin for I have waited all day for You, come and be with me and take me with you after our three days of courtship '' Maritza was so excited she wanted to sound ancient and godlike. Her happiness knew no bounds her surprise man is here at last and from the shadow she can see he is well built just the way she wants it....