The Merchant's Debt

A merchant paced in front of a fireplace, his eyes glazed with anxiety.
He had made a mistake. Having wagered and lost, he had refused to pay what he owed. Now the traveling musician had revealed himself to be a magician; something that was exceedingly rare and powerful. Having been given until tonight to gather what was owed, the merchant found himself short.
"Brother, your guest is here." The merchant turned toward the door at the sound of his sister's voice.
Due to the death of their parents, he had become her guardian. She was quite plain looking and although she was of age to marry, none had come to him in search of her hand.
"Do you have what you owe?" The magician asked.
"No. But if you give me some more time, I can get twice what I owe!" The merchant said quickly, his voice trembling.
The magician shook his head, blue eyes narrowing on the merchant. "How could I trust you to get double what you owe, when you can't even collect the original sum?" Lifting a pipe, the magician began to play.
The merchant's body stiffened, his lungs constricting. Unable to move, he could not breath.
But after a moment, the magician paused. "What do you have?" He demanded, looking around the room. The merchant, having been freed from the music's spell was gasping for air. The magician paused in his search, studying the merchant's sister. Turning to the merchant, the magician offered a smile. "I have decided to allow the debt to be paid by service. Your sister will work for me for two years, Then I will consider the debt paid."
Looking at his sister, the merchant nodded. "Agreed."
After the two had left, the merchant sat and closed his eyes.
He would never forget the look of betrayal in his sister's eyes.