Part 4 (1/2)
”Her death - troubles me. She had never had a problem with her heart. Her health was always excellent. Did you -”
His voice was calm, detached, as if he were discussing something of no more importance than the weather, he said, ”Cause the attack? Yes.”
Struggling to imitate his calm demeanor, she asked, ”Why?”
”She wanted to keep us apart. She spoke of sending you to a cousin in England. I could not allow that. Surely you understand, my dear.”
”Yes, Judah,” she said quietly. ”I understand. Perfectly.”
The members were beginning to a.s.semble for the coven, and Judah moved toward the altar. Once there, he began invoking the powers of darkness. Suddenly the room was filled with torches and shouts. A musket was fired into the air. Most of the coven escaped in the confusion, but Judah was held fast and surrounded.
”What is the meaning of this outrage?!” he demanded to know of his captors.
”You are to be put on trial on the morrow,” a big, burly man said. ”Tribunal's orders.”
Judah did not struggle, but said calmly, ”I will accompany you peacefully. You may release my arms.”
Miranda hid in a nearby copse, watching as they led Judah away, then made her way to the docks.
Aaron awoke to a tapping on the cabin door. Pulling on his robe, he called, ”Who is it?”
”Henri, Capitan. There is a woman here who says she must speak with you.”
Pulling open the door, he found Miranda in the pa.s.sageway. ”Miranda. Thank you, Henri. See that the lady and I are not disturbed.”
”Oui, Capitan.”
Miranda wandered around the cabin, examining some of Aaron's treasures before announcing, ”Judah was arrested.”
”When?”
”An hour ago. At the meeting.”11.
”You were there?”
”Yes. Most of us escaped. I hope he is hanged,” she said vehemently.
Aaron's cautious elation dimmed. ”This is a turnabout. May I ask the reason?”
”I asked him about my aunt's death. He admitted causing her death. I may not have liked the woman, but she was the only family I had. I never wanted her dead.”
He watched her pace the small room. ”I am sure you did not. But hanging will not be Judah's fate.”
”The tribunal will not burn witches, Aaron.”
”There is a special end awaiting Judah Zachary, Miranda.”
”If he is found guilty.”
”You doubt it?”