Part 5 (1/2)
”You're not going to release him?” she said fearfully.12.
”We may have no choice. But if he is released, we shall begin by trying his followers - beginning with you.”
”Me?”
”You are a known member of his coven. Mistress Pearce can attest as to your connection with Judah Zachary and that you have spent most nights away from this house, and she will do so - unless you agree to testify against him.”
”Master Collins, I am not certain that I can do that - but I do have something that might help.” She lifted the cloth-wrapped object from a table and carried it over to him.
Amadeus looked down at the gold and jewel encrusted mask in awe as well as fear. ”Zachary has spoken of a Mask,” he murmured.
”That is it. The Mask of Baal. It is a major part of his power. Will it help?”
”Yes, but it is not enough. A mask is not proof of witchcraft. You can provide that proof.”
”You do not understand, Master Collins. If I were to speak against Judah with him sitting there, watching me, looking at me, I would be unable to utter a single word. He would destroy me.”
Amadeus considered that for a moment. ”His eyes could be covered with a dark cloth. Would that solve the problem?”
”Yes, but -”
Aaron placed a hand on her arm. ”If she does testify, Master Collins, all charges against her would be forgotten?”
Collins turned to him. ”If she leaves the village, yes.”
”She was going away with me anyway, sir. Well, Miranda?”
She drew on Aaron's strength, for inside she saw shaking in terror. ”I -I will testify against Judah Zachary, Master Collins.”
”A very wise decision, young woman.”
The next morning, Judah's hands were bound and a dark cloth tied over his
eyes. He stood in the box, listening carefully to every nuance of the judges' voices. Collins' voice was more confident today. Yesterday he had been a man on the verge of defeat.
”We have found a witness who will testify as to the accused's heinous crimes,” Collins said. ”Call the witness.”
A witness? Judah thought. Who would dare testify? Who would dare risk my wrath? He did not have to wait long for the answer.
”How long have you been a member of Judah Zachary's coven?” Amadeus asked.
Judah listened carefully so he could identify the voice of the traitor. ”Almost -four years.”
Miranda!! She is betraying me! Telling the judges about Jonas Thome's death.
”He called me to his house and told me that Master Thorne was trying to create trouble for him in the village. Judah made a house of cards and spoke an incantation, calling Satan to help him. He said the card house was also the Thorne house, and the cards began to burn. Jonas Thorne and his family died that night in a fire that destroyed their house.”
”Why did you not come to the authorities at that time?”
Through a red haze of fury, Judah burst out, ”She is lying! That never happened! You are a liar, Miranda.”