Bright light blinded me as I stepped outside. My vision took long moments to adjust, having been in the dungeon for so long. Crowds parted as we came through.
A child pointed at me. “It’s the demon.”
Something hit me in the forehead, and I realized he’d thrown a rock.
“Killer!”
“Monster.” A woman shook her fist at me.
All around me people shouted obscene things. But I wasn’t the main attraction, not today. As I came to stand at the front of the wooden stage, I watched guards lead Maria, Nadenka, and Raul out. Their clothes had been changed. They were now adorned in white garments. Maria wore a plain ivory gown that brushed the ground as she walked, as did Nadenka. Raul had on a billowy white tunic and pair of white breeches. They looked so pure, almost angelic.
The magister and Father Reynaldo stepped onto the scaffold. Behind them, I caught sight of a large, iron torture device. Oh God. The maiden. Vomit burned the back of my throat as my gut wrenched. I’d heard of this device. It was horrific. The doors on it were already open and I saw the pointed iron spikes protruding from it. Spikes that’d go through both the front and back of a person, through flesh and bone. They’d pierce a victim’s head, chest, and their arms and legs.
A slow death, meant to bleed a person out.
Next to the scaffold, I saw two stakes surrounded by wood and hay. I clenched my eyes shut against the sight, but soon opened them again when the magister cleared his throat
The magister read from a parchment, excitement evident in his voice. “We have gathered here today in order to carry out the punishments for crimes committed against not only the church, but against the village of Fire Ridge. I bring before you the first accused. Maria Farmer. She has blasphemed against our church and has been caught enjoying pleasures of the flesh while practicing witchcraft.”
“We ask at this time for any witnesses to these crimes.” Father Reynaldo stepped to the front of the crowd, his hands clasped in front of him as if he was about to pray.
The first was a girl not much older than me. “I saw Maria Farmer curse Madelyn Barmaid’s infant child. Two days later it died.”
“Thank you, Beatrice Milkmaid.”
Several more people stepped forward blaming the ruin of their crops on her, as well as illnesses and any deaths in the village. Did the people have no conscience? They were sealing her fate.
“If that is all the accusations, then I’d like to now sentence Maria Farmer to death. Let us hope her soul will be set free.” The magister looked about the square for any more witnesses.
I glanced behind me at the gathered crowd. This was a fixed trial.
“Kill her, kill her, kill her … ” The chants rang out.
My focus returned to the scaffold, where Father Reynaldo grabbed hold of Maria and led her to the Maiden. I couldn’t breathe. The magister opened the doors wider. Panic flared on Maria’s face, but the fear disappeared as she stared at the sky, toward the heavens. Horror cloaked me as they shoved her inside the crude contraption. The doors swung shut with a wicked groan. Maria’s screams filled the square, drowning out even the sound of the chanting and shouting of the crowd.
Blood trickled from the bottom of the Maiden, staining the scaffold crimson. I turned away, crying
I jerked free from the guards and hauled myself up onto the platform. My foot kicked out as a soldier attempted to grab my waist.
“You’re a murderer!” I screamed at Father Reynaldo. “You tortured her because she spoke out against your evils.”
“Foul beast, don’t speak to me.” His face reddened, his beady eyes almost lost beneath the wrinkles of flab on his brow.
I lashed out at him, my fingernails digging into his chunky face.
“Secure the prisoner,” he ordered.
“She was a child!” More guards poured toward me, but I kicked out my legs once more, struggling against them. Their hands gripped hold of my arms, pinning me down.
“Bring the next prisoners forth.” Father Reynaldo gestured to Raul and Nadenka.
“No!” I cried before they shoved a dirty cloth into my mouth, muffling me, as I continued to thrash and scream.
Raul stood there, the sun beaming down on his bronzed face. He looked at me and I went still. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. He was supposed to be invincible. Rhyne’s cousin who always came to our village to perform fire eating acts. Who had let me and Rhyne roam around his carriage and pick out trinkets we liked from his travels. My soul mate.
“Remember, Brielle, Amor vincit mortem,” he said in Latin. Love conquers death.
Why did I need to remember them? Did it mean if I loved someone enough, they could conquer death?
Tears streamed down my face. With the rag in my mouth, I couldn’t even tell him I loved him. The last words he’d hear would be uttered from Father Reynaldo’s thick, evil mouth.
Father Reynaldo smiled at me then stared into the mob. “These Wanderers are witches. It has been witnessed by me, in this very church. This one,” he pointed to Raul. “He tried to set our crucifix on fire and burn down the house of the Lord. And we have caught him trying to conjure demons in the woods. For this crime, Raul Tinker shall be burned at the stake. His grandmother, who trained him, taught him these dark arts. In the woods she tried to unleash the Beast upon our soldiers. For these crimes, she shall burn.”
Fight. Please just fight.
They dragged Raul and Nadenka down the stairs to the wooden poles constructed on the other side of the scaffold. They secured them to them, and I watched with terror as three soldiers came forward carrying torches. They lit the straw. The dry material leapt up quickly, igniting the logs.
Raul squirmed against the ropes, then leaned back. He screamed as smoke filled the air between us, blurring him. I wanted so badly to plug my ears against his cries, but I couldn’t move. My legs buckled beneath me and I fell to the ground.
Pain constricted my chest. I couldn’t breathe.
I love him. He can’t die. Not like this. Within seconds, there was a great burst of fire; flames shot high, black smoke billowing into the whole square. And still his cries filled my head.
Kenrick burst into the courtyard, frantic as his gaze swept the crowd. Once he spotted me he rushed toward me, and when he got to my side, he dropped to his knees, ignoring the other guards. “Brielle, oh God, forgive me. My room was locked, I couldn’t get out here in time. They didn’t deserve this. You don’t deserve this. I can’t believe God wants to see anyone, even sinners, tortured in this manner,” he whispered. Sorrow etched his face and I saw the regret in his eyes.
Even though it was too little too late, I clutched his hand and squeezed. If I wasn’t gagged, I would’ve told him I’d forgiven him, for he was just as much a part of this curse as me. He could no more ignore the pull than I could.
Father Reynaldo’s men forced me to my feet, hauling me past Kenrick, and back to the prison. Once inside, they undid the gag and threw me to the floor. Grief overwhelmed as I lay there. Deep sobs shook my body.
Raul was gone. I’d never see his smile again. I’d never listen to his laugh or have him bring me another gift. There’d be no more blushes for him. My chest heaved as pain overcame me. His necklace brushed against my neck and I clutched the crystal in my hand. It was all I had left of him.
Oh God, he’s gone. He’s not coming back.
How could he have left me? He promised to be here. He promised.
I couldn’t breathe without him.
Somehow, I’d make Father Reynaldo pay for this.
I crawled to the place where Raul had held me the night before, where he’d kissed me and comforted me. I wrapped my arms around myself and cried until no more tears would fall.
For two days, Father Reynaldo left me be. I had no idea why he delayed the inevitable, but I forced myself to eat, even though all I wanted to do was die. What did the curse matter now, if everything would be taken from me anyway? There was
no more Raul. No more Rhyne. No more Dark Pines.
But you don’t want to have to go through another cycle. To have more innocent blood on your hands. You have to fight this. Don’t give in. He’ll win if you do.
On the third day, he sent for me.
His robes swished as he led me up the uneven steps of the church. “Today, we’ll give you your trial. Let the magister hear what crimes are being brought against you.”
My lips pursed together as he leaned his head closer, his breath smelled of garlic and wine.
“And because I’m a godly man, I’ll postpone your punishment for another day in order to give you a chance to repent.”
“Go to hell.” I spat on his face.
He drew his hand back and slapped me. My cheek stung, as my vision blurred. I ground my teeth together, wanting nothing more than to hurt him. My hatred for him far surpassed my fear.
The crowd crossed themselves when Father Reynaldo brought me to the scaffold, as if to ward me off. Father Reynaldo gripped tighter to my arm as he pushed me to the front of the raised stage. “Good people of Fire Ridge and visitors from Dark Pines. I bring forth our beast. She has killed our companions and relatives for years.”
My breath caught in my throat as I recognized villagers who’d traveled from Dark Pines. Sarah Weaver stood with a triumphant smile upon her lips. Next to her were Lady Weaver, Bowman Butcher, Henry Blacksmith, along with Gertie, her father, and several others. Oh God. I searched the mob for Gram, but I didn’t see her. I wondered if she and Father Machai would make it back in time.
“See now, the mark of the Devil upon her flesh.” Father Reynaldo ripped down the shoulder of my gown, revealing my scar. The one caused by Kenrick’s blade over the centuries.
I reached up to cover it, but he jerked my hands away. He paraded me around the scaffold as if I was on display.
“Now, I’d ask for witness accounts of her actions. Or if there is one who’d speak in her defense, let us hear from you.” The magister stood beside Father Reynaldo as if to create a united front, but all I sensed was their darkness.
They were the real monsters.
Sarah Weaver pushed through the crowd. Her eyes gleamed, perfect curls bouncing around her face like coiled serpents ready to strike. She glanced at me and I knew then, I was in trouble.
“I would like to bring charges against Brielle Healer.”
“And who are you?”
“My name is Sarah Weaver, I am the daughter of the Mayor of Dark Pines.” Her voice quivered as she managed to produce fake tears.
“Very well. Please, tell us your story.”
“She attacked me in the woods, wounding my arm. Then, not too long after that incident she destroyed our shop because she couldn’t handle the fact that Lord Kenrick asked me to the festival.” She wiped her face with a handkerchief.
My hands fisted. I pictured tearing her to pieces, starting with her face and then her throat. If only I could change.
“The night of the Festival of the Stars, I came across her in the woods, naked and chanting to the devil.”
“No! That’s not true!”
“Everything Sarah says is true.” Bowman Butcher joined her. He wouldn’t meet my gaze.
No. This wasn’t fair. He always liked me.
“My name is Bowman Butcher and I’ve known Brielle since she was a child. For a while, I believed her normal, that is until recently. She cast a spell on my son, Rhyne, and made him go with her when she left Dark Pines. His mutilated body was recently found between Dark Pines and Fire Ridge. He died because of her. Because of the Beast. Not to mention the innocent man who was hung in our village for her crimes!”
I staggered back. How could he say this?
Henry Blacksmith came forward next. “Sh-she sacrificed people in the woods and used their bones to make potions. Rhyne suspected as much and planned on killing her, but she got to him first.”
“Lies! All of this is lies.”
“Silence, demon!” Father Reynaldo shouted.
Would no one speak up for me? How many lives had Gram and I helped save over the years? Now, people accused me of killing infants and sacrificing animals during full moons. But wasn’t I truly a murderer? Didn’t I deserve to die? Rhyne, Raul, and their grandmother hadn’t thought so. Yet, I knew the horrific things I’d done and no amount of repenting would change that.
The madness spread through the crowd and people who didn’t even know me claimed to have witnessed strange happenings.
“But I was cursed.” I struggled to break free from the soldier who grasped my shoulders.
“Take her back to the cell. I promise, her punishment will be dealt soon.”
Sarah smirked at me.
“You better hope they kill me,” I said to her. “Because if I get free, I’m coming for you!”
Her eyes widened. She clutched hold of her mother and cried hysterically.
The guard dragged me away, his fingers digging into my arms. I looked up to see Kenrick being held back by a couple other soldiers. Would he have fought for me if they hadn’t held him back? Or maybe Gram had been right. Duty first. After all, he’d handed me over to them, and now I’d pay with my life. Again. And again. And again.
When the prison door clanged shut, I let out a sob. I didn’t understand why I hadn’t been able to change into the Beast since being captured. Perhaps what Father Reynaldo said was true, maybe the dungeons were spelled? Or was it because I was in a church? Had the shock of my capture made it dormant?
I sat staring at the gray stones, empty water cups, and several days’ worth of waste. Moisture dripped from the ceiling, splashing in tiny pools. Then, I reached across the way and touched the spot where Raul had last lain. I needed his strength.
I’d come back again, and maybe next time I’d remember everything. My head drooped to the floor. But when you come back, Raul won’t be here. Nor will any of the others you murdered. My mind conjured memories of Rhyne’s smile when we’d play in the creek. Thoughts of Raul bringing me gifts and teasing me. Never again would I have those things.
The fight slowly faded from me. I was tired. Tired of killing. Tired of betrayal and of hurt. My seventeenth birthday was only a couple days away, and I wouldn’t see it. I closed my eyes until I dozed off.
A while later the prison door squeaked open. My lids fluttered open and I braced myself for the worst. A cloaked figure pushed its way in, grabbed hold of me, then shoved me out into the hallway.
“Lucia? What are you doing?”
She put her finger to her lips, glanced around, then quickly shut the cell door behind her and tugged me along.
“Come along,” she said to me.
“Wh-where are we going?” My heart pounded like wagon wheels hitting ruts.
“Someone has bought your freedom this night. Now hurry.”
I gasped. “Wait, I don’t understand. I thought you cursed me.”
“Dear cousin, Kenrick and I have made a deal with the guards to get you out of here. Now you must hurry. I’ve only ever wanted your safety. For you to go home to Crawford.”
“Then you don’t want me dead?” Had she been the one truly warning me all these years? “Quickly, while Reynaldo is at dinner. I’m already going to be in enough trouble should someone find out my part in all this. But I plan to lead you out of town, at least as far as I can.”
Lucia handed me a black cloak, which I tied about my shoulders then lifted the hood to cover my head. We stuck to the shadows, taking the steps two at a time. The church was swathed in darkness as we snuck through the back door. Cold air blasted us when we made our way outside and I shivered, tugging my garment closer.
“A man waits in the wood line for us. He has a horse ready for your escape.”
“Thank you.”
She nodded then led me toward the forest.
With a deep breath, I edged across the dirt road. Then I saw a familiar figure heading up the stoop of
the church. Father Reynaldo. My blood burned in my veins, my hands quivered. I could kill him. Sneak into his chambers while he slept and end him the same way he’d ended so many other lives. But I had no weapon, nor did I have time.
I turned away, dashing to the woods. It took me only a moment to find the horse tethered to a nearby tree. Father Machai’s nephew stepped from behind the oak.
“Brielle Healer.” He nodded, glancing at my cousin who was already climbing atop her steed. He leaned closer and whispered in my ear, “My uncle has sent word that he should be here within a few days, with orders from the head of the church. In the meantime, you are to go into hiding until the details can be sorted and your name cleared.”
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
He came closer and helped me mount the horse, then he untied it from the tree. “Be safe, Brielle. I wish you God’s speed. I have packed a few days’ worth of supplies in the saddlebags. Stay away from the villages, and if you must venture close to the road, keep your cloak about you.”
With a gentle tug to the reins, I pointed the horse east toward Crawford Estate. It was time to face my destiny. Time to go to the place it all began.
My shoulders slumped as I tried to adjust myself on the horse’s back. Blood stained the front of my gown, remnants from my kill earlier. At least it was only a cow. Although, it’d surely lead hunters straight to me.
“We should stop so you can get cleaned up,” Lucia said, riding up alongside me. “There’s a creek, just passed the next clearing.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
She’d comforted me after I’d taken it down. But we didn’t have time to bury the animal, because we weren’t sure how far behind the soldiers would be. It depended on whether or not they discovered me missing the night I’d left, or the morning after.
We’d been riding for a couple of days, trying to put as much distance between us and Fire Ridge as possible. Each night, we stopped long enough to let our horses rest, eat, and drink, but we didn’t dare dally for too long.
My gaze shifted to Lucia, her jaw clenched as she held tight to her reins. A look of determination on her face. We still hadn’t talked about how she was here—other than her stating she was trying to warn me. Maybe while we bathed, I could ask her.
Legend of Me Page 25
