Part 4 (2/2)
”No one will testify against him. His power is too great. As long as he possesses the Mask -”
”Ah yes. The Mask of Baal. Do you know where it is, Miranda?”
She shook her head. ”He told no one where he hides it.”
”We must find it if he is to be defeated. Where could it be? Think very carefully.”
Over the next week, it appeared that Miranda's prediction was coming to pa.s.s. No one would come forward to testify against Judah. There was talk that the judges would be forced to set him free in another day unless someone stepped forward. Hearing this, Aaron paid a call to the Pearce home. Mistress Pearce was out, Miranda told him, leading him into the parlour. ”I am pleased you are here,” she told him. ”I was going to come see you this evening. I found the Mask,” she said quietly. ”It is hidden in my room.”
”Excellent. You must take it to the judges - and you must also testify, Miranda,” he told her, looking into her suddenly terrified face.
Her eyes widened with fear. ”No. I cannot testify. I cannot.”
”Why not?” Aaron grabbed her arms and turned her around. ”Do you still love him?”
”No. No, of course not. It is you I love. But - Judah's eyes-”
”They can be covered. Amadeus Collins is on his way here to speak to you.”
”Aaron, I -I am frightened.”
He pulled her to his chest. ”I know. Judah will not harm you. I will not let him. You must trust me, my love.”
”I do. Will you stay when Master Collins arrives?”
”Yes. Go and bring the Mask here. And hurry. We have many things to discuss.”
She let Amadeus Collins into the house, curtseying. ”My mistress is not here at the moment, sir,” she told the middle-aged man with watery blue eyes and a ring of greying blonde hair.
”It is not Mistress Pearce I wish to see. It is you - if you are Miranda Duval.”
”I am she.” She led him into the parlour, where Aaron waited by the fire.
Seeing him, Amadeus said, ”May we speak alone?”
”I am Captain Aaron Forsythe, of Martinique, sir. Miranda and I are betrothed.”
Master Collins' eyes narrowed. ”Do you know Judah Zachary?”
”Only by reputation. I am not one of his followers, if that is your concern, Master Collins.”
”And are you aware of this girl's - involvement with him?”
”I am.”
Apparently satisfied, the judge turned his pale blue gaze on Miranda. ”You are no doubt aware that the trial is not progressing well. No one will come forward to testify against Zachary.”
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