She closed the long coat very carefully, no part of her body that was only scarcely covered by a little piece of silk was visible anymore. It lacerated her heart to go on this last walk. It was the last walk of this slavegirl. Silently, a tear emerged from her left eye, ran down her cheek and vanished into her long, thick hair. She raised her hand and disposed of the trace discreetly. Then she began to move towards the door, her steps were slow but steady.
When she came out of the building the sun was shining brightly. The women grimaced with uneasiness. Rain would have suited her much better. Dreading the upcoming events she came to a short hold, took a deep breath and seized the hand that was offered to her by the waiting man. He was a tall, brown-haired gentleman and the graveness in his face was seconded only by her. Together they walked down the alley silently.
About 20 minutes later the couple stepped into a courtyard and came to a stop. Without any word the women removed the cloak. She put it to a nearby chair and knelt down. Her head came to rest on a wooden block, her face turned to the left, her collared neck exposed. She couldn't stop the tears emerging from her big green eyes so she closed them and wept silently. The gentleman made no move and kept a straight face. While she was weeping out her fear and despair a heavily built man entered the yard. She didn't notice him at all. The look on his face was stern and he carried a massive axe. A short nod was given in the direction of the gentleman before he stepped to the weeping slave. Clumsy he bent down and whispered: „Are you afraid?“
Her eyes suddenly opened wide and leered at him. A loud howl was all the answer he needed. He petted her cheek in a comforting way. „Don't worry girl – it will be over quickly.“
„It's a waste“, the man murmured whilst checking the sharpness of his axe, „a shame“, he continued, „such a beauty...“
„Shut up and mind your own business“, hissed the gentleman fiercly, „I pay you well so do your job! She is mine, it's on me to decide her fate!“
His eyes narrowed and he swallowed hard when his gaze fell on her. She had once been his most precious possession. However these days were over now, it was time for a new life – without this slavegirl. The thought of cancelling all this and taking the girl home was intriguing. It would just need a snap of his fingers and she would stay at his feet, forever. Her destiny was truly in his hands.
He raised a gloved and just to let it sink again. Then he turned away abruptly. „Do it“, he commanded.
The heavy man shook his head disapprovingly. How stupid this man was. If he had such a pretty girl in his stock he would never even think of such foolishness, such waste. He shrugged, it was not his business to understand his client. Once again he looked down at the sobbing slave and felt a bit of pity.
Despite all the crying the women tried to stay at her place. She couldn't prevent to shiver vehemently but no thought of running away came into her mind. For all the failing this was her punishment. For all the love this was her reward. It would be over soon. She closed her eyes again to meet her fate.

Without further delay the massive man rose his axe and paused for what seemed an eternity. He had to aim very precisely. With one rapid movement the weapon went down. It was over.

The collar broke with a rattling noise followed by dead silence.

After a minute of recuperation the women rose gracefully and threw on her coat. She seized the hand that was offered to her by the waiting man and they set off home.
Goodbye Master, goodbye Mylady, the blacksmith called after them.

The sun was still shining brightly. Rain would have suited her much better.