1st Mtg foreclosed on us Aug 06, 2 years later the 2nd mortgage is trying to collect. What are my options?

our 1st mtg forelcosed and new owners bought oct 07, we have not heard anything form anyone and now 2 years later I received a letter from a collection agency representing my second mtg, which by the way is a new lender form when we first bought the house it now it merrill lynch mtg. What are my options? I can not afford the second mortgage and I was under the impression that if the first forclosed so did the 2nd, but come to find out that is not correct. Any suggestions. i have tried to get a free consult with a atty and have nto found any luck with that.