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If not here is the short story. Son of the devil!The priest knelled at the bedside of Laura Wilkinson and prayed. He had never been asked to exorcise a demon from a person before. She claimed that she was a virgin and the devil visited her one night and raped her. She was about to give birth to a demon or the son of Satan himself. The town was not sure what to think. Laura was a christian and attended church regularly. She was a good girl and was not known to be in the company of men, especially those that were considered unsavory. Yet she was claiming that she had been raped by the devil and that her baby could be the son of the devil. The priest wanted to make sense of it all. But for now all he could do was pray. If this was to be a birth of the son of the devil. what was he supposed to do?
Laura screamed in agony. The baby wanted to be born. She was helpless and so was the priest.All he could do was watch and wait. If indeed the baby was the son of the devil, then what next?
Should he kill it or let it grow into a person?
He prayed for an answer but none was coming. The baby was though and he would soon have to make a choice. He was dealing with a birth where there was no father and the wife claimed that she was a virgin that had been raped by the devil.He moved aside so a mid wife could deliver the child. Laura screamed so loudly that everyone near her had to cover their ears.
The priest walked over to a corner and covered his ears. What was he supposed to do? He kept praying for answers but none were coming. He was expected to do something but didn't want the responsibility. If the baby was indeed the son of Satan then he would have to kill him or place him in a place where he would never know who his father was. Either way Laura would be a problem. She believed she had given birth to the devil's son. What would become of her?
The baby was born. It was a boy and looked as normal as any baby born in the world before. The priest examinedd it from head to toe. It didn't seem to have any horns or a tail. Was Laura insane or did she just want publicity?
He went to his church to gather his thoughts. He went to the pulpit and fell to his knees. He asked God to tell him what to do next. He knelt for over an hour. He was not receiving any answer. He then stood and went back to the hospital. If Laura had given birth to an unholy baby he needed to know why.He entered the room where Laura was being kept. She was being held down with restraints. She didn't want to see her baby or to have anything to do with him. She kept claiming he was the devil's son and that the devil would kill her.
The priest asked her why she was afraid of her baby?
She answered him. "He is the devil's son."
She then died without a whimper.
The priest was holding onto her hand. It went limp and cold. Laura died without a priest hearing her last confession. Her last words were, "I gave birth to the devil's son."
The priest went to see the baby. It looked like any normal baby that had just been brought into the world. He went to where the baby was resting and picked it up.
"Who are you?"
The baby only a few hours old spoke to the priest.
"I am the devil's son."
Beyond Beldumin Bunin
I admired Lucy’s happy silhouette as the sun sank into the horizon, the black terrier moving swiftly through the fading light. I had my basket of herbs on my arm, and if my legs had not hurt so from walking all day I would have skipped. The herbs would have spilled if I skipped anyhow, and Kathleen would have been displeased. As an apprentice to the Order of Diana, she was in constant need of such supplies, to brew the potions and poultices that everyone required.
Our Village was unusual, for one we had no church and the Order ruled every aspect of our lives… until now. Our place of worship was the Beldumin Bunin, an old sacred place, built out of the strongest black stone. But now, Bishop Bartholomew wished to build a church in our area, bringing in its wake priests, inquisitions, and the end of the Order.
I could smell the wood smoke and see cloaked figures as I neared the torch lit village square. In the square on the one side stood Bishop Bartholomew, his armed henchmen, and the men of the village. On the other were the women of the village who belong to the Order of Diana, dressed in flowing black cloaks. At its head was my sister, Kathleen, leading the protest with the permission of the three : The Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. A large booming drum began, and soon so did the angry chants.
The property we own is our property all right
Be gone thee, or face the true devils plight
We need not thy drafty churches tight
For God`s own sake it`s ours for life!
The Bishop trembled with righteous anger, “Men, seize the Witches, God be with you!” Armed men surged forward at the bishops command, and the witches fled into the night. “Bring me the leader, bring me Kathleen Demakkeen!” I broke into a run for I had to find Mathew! Stumbling through the dark towards our cottage, I desperately tried not to trip on the roots and sticks that seemed to reach out of the earth to snag my feet. I heard a running of feet, and turned to see Kathleen, stumbling down the littered path, pursued by mounted Knights.
“Kathleen!”I shrieked, realising too late I had done nothing, nothing but tell her assailants that they had the right witch.
“Halt, Kathleen Demakkeen, in the name of the law! Come quietly or face our fury!”Roared the Knight with an eagle on his shield. Glinting in the moonlight, the armoured knights shone like shimmering ghosts. Their faces glowed with a righteous strength, so passionate that believing they were purely out to keep the peace.
“By what charge?” I demanded.
“Witchcraft! Heresy! Challenging church authority!”Growled the knight with an eagle in his shield.
I snorted angrily, “You’ll be out convicting half the village!”
The offended knight drew himself up, “I serve the Bishop, peasant, and by God’s good grace I will do as he says, and one day I will kill every single witch this side of the river!”
As I spoke to the eagle, the knight with a dragon shield grabbed Kathleen from where she stood and yanked her unto his saddle, slinging her over like an unwanted sack of grain. I collapsed to my knees, allowing myself to fall senselessly into a pit of despair. Without Kathleen here, what would I do? What would they do to Kathleen? I wallowed in my fears, feeling intense hatred towards the Bishop, the Order, life, and myself.
“Pylia! Pylia!”A voice called. I moved not a breath. Hands shook me, and then pulled me up into a stifling embrace.
“Mathew,” I breathed, leaning on him for support. I did have a reason for living… I had Mathew.
“They were only pursuing Kathleen, and they have let everyone else go,” Mathew whispered. Lucy licked my face and whined. “I saw them with Kathleen and feared the worst.”
“As you should. Brother, we must free Kathleen,” I took my weight off him and began walking quickly, breaking into a run as soon as I reached the edge of the village.
“Where are we going?” cried Mathew, desperately trying to keep up.
I smiled grimly, and panted, “Beldumin Bunin.”
After much tripping and falling over roots we reached Beldumin Bunin. I knocked madly on the rotting front door, as the witches clearly felt no need to do anything to prevent the place from falling down. I waited as patiently as I could, listening to the heavy footsteps approaching the door. Even in these circumstances, the witches would not take kindly to anyone barging in. Finally the door creaked open and a black cloaked figure inspected us closely.
“He cannot come in,” she said stiffly. Mathew turned a bright shade of red.
I stepped closer, “I must speak with The Three. Devoutress Kathleen Demakkeen has been arrested for witchcraft!”
“That is always a risk, as any Devoutress to the Order knows. And you are?” the Devoutress sniffed.
“Her sister, Pylia Demakkeen,” I replied coldly.
“You, I will take to see The Three. He may stay on the doorstep or fetch aid three days walk away to the north from Odin’s Guild.”
My Brother raised his brow, “Odin’s Guild?”
She eyed him narrowly, “We will require the Warlocks.”
Mathew turned to me, “It will help Kathleen, and the Order. I will go to Odin’s Guild.” Off he went, immediately, with nothing but the clothes he wore.
“Won’t he require food?” I whispered worried.
“Hecate will care for him, as the crone would her granddaughter’s son,” she said grimly, “never fret. Come meet The Three or not at all.”
I was led down dark caverns, dripping from recent rains. Ghostly torches were found only in the hands of other witches and those of my guide. We at last reached a door made of pure silver and gold. I gasped in awe, but my guide simply glanced at it, “A gift from Mother Earth “was all she said as she pushed it open.
“Pylia Demakkeen, it is good that you are here. We must help your sister, “said a scratchy voice from within. Inside three women on thrones each holding the post of a sister of fate, watched my every move with keen interest.
“Have you not great and terrible powers? Are you not Devoutresses of Diana? Is there not some magic that can set her free?”I begged.
“My dear, we only have the powers you give us,” the mother said in a soothing voice.
I was not soothed, “My pardon, but how?”
“Oh it is not simply you, my dear. We only have what our opponents think we have, which is the way of our magic. Fate can only control so much. If a man believes I can turn him to stone, a single utterance and he will be stone. But a man who believes me powerless, I will be unable to do him any harm… however his mind can be changed.”
I collapsed to my knees jarringly, covering my face with my hands in despair, “Then there is nothing this Order can do to free my sister.”
The Crone glared and tapped her gnarled walking stick against her throne, her scratchy voice berating me, “My dear child that is simply untrue! Men are terribly afraid of us.”
“Why,” a horrible empty laugh bubbled out of me, “when we are nothing, have nothing.”
The Crone cackled, “Sweet Child, we will always have something they do not, for we can create life. They can only destroy, and it is something they can never forget.”
The Maiden stood slowly, “One thing they are not wrong about though, is the power of sacrifice… truly willing sacrifice.”
“Are you insinuating that if I die, my sister will go free?” I questioned.
The Maiden tapped my cheek, and snatched my hand and swiftly cut my palm, catching some blood on her finger tip and tasting it. “No, your blood is strong,” she paused, savouring the taste, “why your blood is stronger than the Crones. You are far more potent. If you died, you could save your sister and curse every man who would ever mistreat a woman, and return the fates to power.”
“If I die,” I whispered.
“If you die on the solstice, tomorrow, here in the sacred heart of Beldumin Bunin, as a Devoutress to Diana.”
“It will right the natural order? And save her?” I demanded.
“For the last time, yes!” snarled the Maiden, “And only your blood will do it. I have never tasted blood like yours.”
A chance to save the world, and my sister? To save my noble and brave sister Kathleen? “I’ll do it.”
******************************************************************************
As I stood in the empty womb of Beldumin Bunin, I recalled the steps taken to bring me to this moment, to give me this chance. Lucy and I were now bound together, Witch (although they preferred Devoutress) and familiar. The Maiden had instructed me how to use the sacred blade, ‘Coalith’ to perform the sacrifice. Now I was alone, waiting for the Gong to strike, telling me that the moon was high.
I heard Lucy’s mind voice, ‘Pylia?’
“Yes, Lucy?”
‘What if I don’t want to die?’ her mind voice said mournfully.
“I don’t want to die either, Lucy,” my eyes teared up. “I’m doing this for Kathleen.”
‘Pylia, we have so much potential. Now that you’re a witch, and your brother is one of Odin’s Guilds, you two could be the most powerful siblings. Your sister knew the risks when she was arrested, as does any Devoutress,’ Lucy peered at me hopefully.
“No, this isn’t her fault. It’s the Bishop’s.”
Lucy wagged her tail, ‘Now we’re getting somewhere. Why don’t we dispose of the Bishop and his men instead of dying? We’d be alive.’
“Because then we wouldn’t curse...” I was interrupted by a wispy voice carried through the halls.
“Pylia….Pylia…Pylia.”
I gaped at the foggy shape before me, “Kathleen! But how?”
“I died. I’m sorry Pylia,” she whispered.
“Don’t be sorry! Who did this to you? The bishop?” I demanded.
“No, I did this. I used my death to curse the church grounds.”
“Why not the Bishop?”I said angrily.
Her ghost smiled righteously, “The Order’s needs come before mine, Pylia. Even a new Devoutress like yourself should know that.” The slight hit me like a sledge hammer.
“How can I save you, if you are already dead?” I cried in despair and rage.
She sneered, “A life for a life, Pylia. Save me, bring me back, so I can return to the Order. Return, and destroy the Bishop, rule the order, and be the most powerful being to exist in the land! Your life is but a tribute to mine, for what would you do without me?”
“Any other reason? What value has my life?” I queried, giving her one last try, my heart breaking.
“Of course not! Your life is but an offering, a pathway for me to regain my own” Kathleen snarled aghast.
Tears poured down my cheeks, “I’m sorry Kathleen. You left Mathew and I without a second thought! You made your choice. You gave up on me!” I brought Coalith up and leveled it at my once - sister. “Be gone! Or I will destroy you!”
“You … you Witch!”
“Be gone!” hatred filled me.
“Fine. But one day you will wish you had my help… and I may not be keen on giving it,” with a sneer, Kathleen vanished into smoke.
Lucy licked my hand, ‘I think we should kill the Bishop,’ said my terrier.
“Whatever we do, we will not die today.” I gently pressed Coalith against my skin, and watched the blood spurt out of my palm. “Take me away. Take me to …” I paused, where should I go?
I was going to live.
I admired Lucy’s happy silhouette as the sun sank into the horizon, the black terrier moving swiftly through the fading light. I had my basket of herbs on my arm, and if my legs had not hurt so from walking all day I would have skipped. The herbs would have spilled if I skipped anyhow, and Kathleen would have been displeased. As an apprentice to the Order of Diana, she was in constant need of such supplies, to brew the potions and poultices that everyone required.
Our Village was unusual, for one we had no church and the Order ruled every aspect of our lives… until now. Our place of worship was the Beldumin Bunin, an old sacred place, built out of the strongest black stone. But now, Bishop Bartholomew wished to build a church in our area, bringing in its wake priests, inquisitions, and the end of the Order.
I could smell the wood smoke and see cloaked figures as I neared the torch lit village square. In the square on the one side stood Bishop Bartholomew, his armed henchmen, and the men of the village. On the other were the women of the village who belong to the Order of Diana, dressed in flowing black cloaks. At its head was my sister, Kathleen, leading the protest with the permission of the three : The Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. A large booming drum began, and soon so did the angry chants.
The property we own is our property all right
Be gone thee, or face the true devils plight
We need not thy drafty churches tight
For God`s own sake it`s ours for life!
The Bishop trembled with righteous anger, “Men, seize the Witches, God be with you!” Armed men surged forward at the bishops command, and the witches fled into the night. “Bring me the leader, bring me Kathleen Demakkeen!” I broke into a run for I had to find Mathew! Stumbling through the dark towards our cottage, I desperately tried not to trip on the roots and sticks that seemed to reach out of the earth to snag my feet. I heard a running of feet, and turned to see Kathleen, stumbling down the littered path, pursued by mounted Knights.
“Kathleen!”I shrieked, realising too late I had done nothing, nothing but tell her assailants that they had the right witch.
“Halt, Kathleen Demakkeen, in the name of the law! Come quietly or face our fury!”Roared the Knight with an eagle on his shield. Glinting in the moonlight, the armoured knights shone like shimmering ghosts. Their faces glowed with a righteous strength, so passionate that believing they were purely out to keep the peace.
“By what charge?” I demanded.
“Witchcraft! Heresy! Challenging church authority!”Growled the knight with an eagle in his shield.
I snorted angrily, “You’ll be out convicting half the village!”
The offended knight drew himself up, “I serve the Bishop, peasant, and by God’s good grace I will do as he says, and one day I will kill every single witch this side of the river!”
As I spoke to the eagle, the knight with a dragon shield grabbed Kathleen from where she stood and yanked her unto his saddle, slinging her over like an unwanted sack of grain. I collapsed to my knees, allowing myself to fall senselessly into a pit of despair. Without Kathleen here, what would I do? What would they do to Kathleen? I wallowed in my fears, feeling intense hatred towards the Bishop, the Order, life, and myself.
“Pylia! Pylia!”A voice called. I moved not a breath. Hands shook me, and then pulled me up into a stifling embrace.
“Mathew,” I breathed, leaning on him for support. I did have a reason for living… I had Mathew.
“They were only pursuing Kathleen, and they have let everyone else go,” Mathew whispered. Lucy licked my face and whined. “I saw them with Kathleen and feared the worst.”
“As you should. Brother, we must free Kathleen,” I took my weight off him and began walking quickly, breaking into a run as soon as I reached the edge of the village.
“Where are we going?” cried Mathew, desperately trying to keep up.
I smiled grimly, and panted, “Beldumin Bunin.”
After much tripping and falling over roots we reached Beldumin Bunin. I knocked madly on the rotting front door, as the witches clearly felt no need to do anything to prevent the place from falling down. I waited as patiently as I could, listening to the heavy footsteps approaching the door. Even in these circumstances, the witches would not take kindly to anyone barging in. Finally the door creaked open and a black cloaked figure inspected us closely.
“He cannot come in,” she said stiffly. Mathew turned a bright shade of red.
I stepped closer, “I must speak with The Three. Devoutress Kathleen Demakkeen has been arrested for witchcraft!”
“That is always a risk, as any Devoutress to the Order knows. And you are?” the Devoutress sniffed.
“Her sister, Pylia Demakkeen,” I replied coldly.
“You, I will take to see The Three. He may stay on the doorstep or fetch aid three days walk away to the north from Odin’s Guild.”
My Brother raised his brow, “Odin’s Guild?”
She eyed him narrowly, “We will require the Warlocks.”
Mathew turned to me, “It will help Kathleen, and the Order. I will go to Odin’s Guild.” Off he went, immediately, with nothing but the clothes he wore.
“Won’t he require food?” I whispered worried.
“Hecate will care for him, as the crone would her granddaughter’s son,” she said grimly, “never fret. Come meet The Three or not at all.”
I was led down dark caverns, dripping from recent rains. Ghostly torches were found only in the hands of other witches and those of my guide. We at last reached a door made of pure silver and gold. I gasped in awe, but my guide simply glanced at it, “A gift from Mother Earth “was all she said as she pushed it open.
“Pylia Demakkeen, it is good that you are here. We must help your sister, “said a scratchy voice from within. Inside three women on thrones each holding the post of a sister of fate, watched my every move with keen interest.
“Have you not great and terrible powers? Are you not Devoutresses of Diana? Is there not some magic that can set her free?”I begged.
“My dear, we only have the powers you give us,” the mother said in a soothing voice.
I was not soothed, “My pardon, but how?”
“Oh it is not simply you, my dear. We only have what our opponents think we have, which is the way of our magic. Fate can only control so much. If a man believes I can turn him to stone, a single utterance and he will be stone. But a man who believes me powerless, I will be unable to do him any harm… however his mind can be changed.”
I collapsed to my knees jarringly, covering my face with my hands in despair, “Then there is nothing this Order can do to free my sister.”
The Crone glared and tapped her gnarled walking stick against her throne, her scratchy voice berating me, “My dear child that is simply untrue! Men are terribly afraid of us.”
“Why,” a horrible empty laugh bubbled out of me, “when we are nothing, have nothing.”
The Crone cackled, “Sweet Child, we will always have something they do not, for we can create life. They can only destroy, and it is something they can never forget.”
The Maiden stood slowly, “One thing they are not wrong about though, is the power of sacrifice… truly willing sacrifice.”
“Are you insinuating that if I die, my sister will go free?” I questioned.
The Maiden tapped my cheek, and snatched my hand and swiftly cut my palm, catching some blood on her finger tip and tasting it. “No, your blood is strong,” she paused, savouring the taste, “why your blood is stronger than the Crones. You are far more potent. If you died, you could save your sister and curse every man who would ever mistreat a woman, and return the fates to power.”
“If I die,” I whispered.
“If you die on the solstice, tomorrow, here in the sacred heart of Beldumin Bunin, as a Devoutress to Diana.”
“It will right the natural order? And save her?” I demanded.
“For the last time, yes!” snarled the Maiden, “And only your blood will do it. I have never tasted blood like yours.”
A chance to save the world, and my sister? To save my noble and brave sister Kathleen? “I’ll do it.”
******************************************************************************
As I stood in the empty womb of Beldumin Bunin, I recalled the steps taken to bring me to this moment, to give me this chance. Lucy and I were now bound together, Witch (although they preferred Devoutress) and familiar. The Maiden had instructed me how to use the sacred blade, ‘Coalith’ to perform the sacrifice. Now I was alone, waiting for the Gong to strike, telling me that the moon was high.
I heard Lucy’s mind voice, ‘Pylia?’
“Yes, Lucy?”
‘What if I don’t want to die?’ her mind voice said mournfully.
“I don’t want to die either, Lucy,” my eyes teared up. “I’m doing this for Kathleen.”
‘Pylia, we have so much potential. Now that you’re a witch, and your brother is one of Odin’s Guilds, you two could be the most powerful siblings. Your sister knew the risks when she was arrested, as does any Devoutress,’ Lucy peered at me hopefully.
“No, this isn’t her fault. It’s the Bishop’s.”
Lucy wagged her tail, ‘Now we’re getting somewhere. Why don’t we dispose of the Bishop and his men instead of dying? We’d be alive.’
“Because then we wouldn’t curse...” I was interrupted by a wispy voice carried through the halls.
“Pylia….Pylia…Pylia.”
I gaped at the foggy shape before me, “Kathleen! But how?”
“I died. I’m sorry Pylia,” she whispered.
“Don’t be sorry! Who did this to you? The bishop?” I demanded.
“No, I did this. I used my death to curse the church grounds.”
“Why not the Bishop?”I said angrily.
Her ghost smiled righteously, “The Order’s needs come before mine, Pylia. Even a new Devoutress like yourself should know that.” The slight hit me like a sledge hammer.
“How can I save you, if you are already dead?” I cried in despair and rage.
She sneered, “A life for a life, Pylia. Save me, bring me back, so I can return to the Order. Return, and destroy the Bishop, rule the order, and be the most powerful being to exist in the land! Your life is but a tribute to mine, for what would you do without me?”
“Any other reason? What value has my life?” I queried, giving her one last try, my heart breaking.
“Of course not! Your life is but an offering, a pathway for me to regain my own” Kathleen snarled aghast.
Tears poured down my cheeks, “I’m sorry Kathleen. You left Mathew and I without a second thought! You made your choice. You gave up on me!” I brought Coalith up and leveled it at my once - sister. “Be gone! Or I will destroy you!”
“You … you Witch!”
“Be gone!” hatred filled me.
“Fine. But one day you will wish you had my help… and I may not be keen on giving it,” with a sneer, Kathleen vanished into smoke.
Lucy licked my hand, ‘I think we should kill the Bishop,’ said my terrier.
“Whatever we do, we will not die today.” I gently pressed Coalith against my skin, and watched the blood spurt out of my palm. “Take me away. Take me to …” I paused, where should I go?
I was going to live.
5/2/12Which! by Ray Daley. 1668 words.
October 30th
Thys is the diary of Mafter Joshua Clements, Witchfinder.
I have been called to the village of Nether Worthing amongst fears of witchcraft that abound amongst its good gentlefolk.
I will arrive there tomorrow. With God at my ryght hande I have no fear, I will find any witch among them.
Good will prevail over evil.
October 31st
As I arrive in this seemingly sleepy hamlet I knowe this day brings their strongest power, I must be on mye guarde.
May the Saints walk beside me todaye.
***
In the village of Nether Worthing, no-one knew who had called for the services of The Witchfinder. Suspicions ran like rats in darkness.
As the stagecoach arrived at The White Swan Tavern a wave of calmness and serenity flowed over the village. The forces of goodness had arrived, no witch was safe today. Even knowing what day it was.
This may have been their greatest day of power but the servant of The Lord knew one important thing. God was with him at all times.
As the passengers stepped out of the stagecoach, Father Henry Francis waited patiently. He had heard only good things about the Witchfinder and his great success rate.
Joshua Clements set foot in Nether Worthing. It looked like many villages he had visited previously and almost certainly would resemble many he would see in future days. His keen eye caught the surplice which stood out, one piece of white amongst so many browns in a village of farmers.
"Father Francis, I presume?" asked Clements.
"You must be Master Clements? Please, walk with me a little way."
The Father did not really wish to be seen speaking to the Witchfinder, his parishioners already felt he had failed them by allowing the continued presence of a witch in their village. Father Francis knew one thing his flock did not, that it had been he who had summoned the Witchfinder. Attendance at church had dropped, people were losing faith.
"I understand your hesitance to be seen with me Father, are there any suspicions to the identity of the witch or witches?" asked Clements as they walked slowly through the village.
"One name has been said, again and again. Mistress Mary Mirant, she is a local healer and wisewoman but many fear her talents extend beyond what she is known for." Father Francis briefly explained how Mary was well known for her ability to heal the sick, both man and beast alike. Rumours abounded that her healing skills were not God given.
"I will wait for you in the church when you have come to your judgement." said Father Francis.
"It is not a judgement Father, only God can judge mankind by his actions. This is a reckoning, a few simple questions and the need to see things clearly for myself." replied Clements.
It was plain to Clements that Father Francis had many concerns.
"Father, this is not an Inquisition. I am not an agent of your church or any other. You must understand that. I seek not to set idle accusations because I understand the penalty for practising witchcraft."
A Witchfinder must have the courage behind the conviction, no God-fearing man wanted to send an innocent soul to their death.
Clements knew that some village healers hid a darker skill set, he soon learned where her home was located.
The cottage looked innocent enough as did Mistress Mirant when she answered the door. Clements was greeted warmly enough but not invited in, at least not by the front door, some country superstition or so she claimed. Clements was happy enough to enter through the back, any way into a potential witches home was good enough for a man like him.
"They think I'm a witch, don't they?" Mistress Mirant certainly wasn't stupid.
"Certain accusations have been made, I am merely performing my duties to ensure no action is taken without proof." Master Clements replied.
"No doubt fuelled by Mistress Archer, wife of the Blacksmith? She never could understand how I was able to heal her husbands burns. Just simple herbalism, the application of a soothing balm, no magic involved. Or Mistress Thatcher, wife of the Farmer? She found it impossible to believe that I could heal their cattle herd of the ague that ailed them all. Nothing more than knowledge of the local plants that were there in the pasture, the climbing ivy near the trees was found to be the culprit." Mistress Mirant explained away each accusation calmly.
She was fully aware who had said what, it was a small village and idle gossip travelled quickly. Often to the ears of the one it was about. As the village healer she knew everyone, ushering many from cradle to grave. Her skills were unrivalled in the region, many even travelling several days to seek her knowledge and assistance.
Only those in the village itself had made any accusations.
"May I offer a refreshing hot drink and some further explanation, Master Clements?" Clements accepted the beverage, enjoying the refreshing tastes of honey, thyme and rose-hip.
As he drank, Mistress Mirant explained to him how she had trained at the art of healing by her mothers side.
"Healing runs in my family sir, I stood and learned from my own mother. I attended the birthing of people and animals, knowledge was gained by experience. I studied herbalism from the gypsies. Their elders held the concern that their skills could be lost as only boys were being born into their families. Herbalism is only passed from mother to daughter. I was able to study their methods if I promised to always offer my skills to their people whenever they were needed. Even now I still teach their daughters when their caravans pass through these parts."
"Mistress Mirant, allow me to allay your concerns. I find nothing here to warrant the allegations raised and I shall inform all of these findings. After this day you may go about your business freely, your name will be cleared." Clements finished his drink and was surprised to find Mistress Mirant offering her hand to shake which he duly did.
Master Clements was satisfied the folk of this village had been merely scared by idle gossip, he made his way to the church to find Father Francis.
The faces of the villagers he passed as he walked back through the sleepy hamlet held both concern but also some scale of embarrassment. He greeted them with warm smiles in the hope that they would find some modicum of reassurance.
Each of them had already formed their own opinions, some with no information at all. Most were based on hearsay and gossip. They took what others had said on faith, they believed it to be true simply because other people they trusted felt the same way.
Master Clements was a simple man. Despite being a man with faith, he trusted his eyes. He preferred to go to the alleged source, he found when he spoke to the people being accused that they were able to explain away most local fears. People were simply afraid of what they didn't fully understand.
To the best of his knowledge, Joshua Clements had never falsely accused an innocent woman. No-one except him knew exactly how many had been punished after his findings.
'The innocent are protected by God, I trust that he guides me in my finding but I also trust in the facts.' Clements thought to himself.
As Clements approached the church he could see Father Francis waiting nervously outside. He caught the Fathers eye.
"Master Clements! Are you finished so soon?" Father Francis had clearly expected the investigation to take much longer. Clements didn't want to leave a bad impression of himself or his work.
"The Lord has seen fit to guide my hand, straight and true. I shall let your flock know, if you can call them to assembly." Clements replied.
"Perhaps you could assist me in that matter, Master Clements. Please come this way?" said Father Francis and led the way to the bell tower.
Clements and Father Francis ran a peal on the bells. The villagers knew to assemble when the church bells rang and the whole village was soon gathered inside the church, Mistress Mirant included, sitting calmly and patiently at the back of the church.
"Good friends, thank you for coming so promptly! Today it is my great pleasure to introduce to you all Master Joshua Clements, Witchfinder. Concerns have been bought to my attention and Master Clements was called to avail us of his services and expertise in this matter. At this time I will turn these proceedings over to him." said Father Francis.
"Good people of Nether Worthing, I have been called to your service under accusations of witchcraft. There has been a reckoning and there has been a finding. Guilt has been placed and as the agent of the Crown I proclaim that there will be punishment. Gather materials for a burning and all will see justice has been served"
With clarity of action the villagers acted as one. The guilty was staked and duly burnt.
"Master Clements, we are most grateful that this evil has been lifted from our midst. Our village is safe once more." The villagers were generous in their thanks. Clements was unable to locate Father Francis for payment.
Before leaving on the last stagecoach of the day Clements asked the last villager he saw. "Mistress Mirant, I was unable to find Father Francis. Let him know I will see him again to seek recompense."
"Yes, I am sure he has simply sought to cleanse himself after this ugly matter." Mistress Mirant bade him farewell and fine journey.
***
November 1st
A good burning has purged thys village and Mary Mirant has been put out, never shalle Witches bother thyse good persons again. I leave now for the hamlet of Swinderby, manye witches have been reported there. I fear that a good servants work is never done.
Well here goes with my attempt.
SAM’S DILEMMA by Lynne Copeland
The library was just like any ordinary reading room with row upon row of oak shelves beautifully stacked with every book imaginable. At the far end of the room two individuals were sitting at a table looking at a large screen which showed Earth.
But this was no ordinary library. The persons who lived, worked and breathed here were the first two wizards in the history of the universe way, way before the Big Bang. In addition, they could become invisible at will which allowed them great fun in their daily games, especially when they visited other planets.
The girl carefully looked over the top of the screen at the oil painting of her father hanging on the wall. “Now look at the state of him with a pointy hat, dressed in that dreadful black outfit with a very antiquated broom that’s definitely seen better days. Admittedly this was just before he decided that he needed a change of direction and he was pretty old, so really you can make allowances for his rather unkempt appearance. It’s just as well that we have progressed and look just like your ordinary Earth person.”
She then turned to her older brother and exclaimed as she zoomed in over the county of Oxfordshire, and then homed in on a blonde boy crossing the quad at Preston College.
“Yes” she said looking intently at the boy, “we should concentrate on humans on Earth as I’m just getting fed up changing bacteria and the like into something interesting both on Earth and other planets. At least on Earth there are humans. We need a student, of course. We must have a student!”
Her brother seemed bemused when she repeated a student. Why would that be necessary, he wondered?
She then quickly added, “Look, you know the way we work. I’m evil and you’re good. It’s my turn this week and so you’ll listen to what I have in mind. I’m looking for something different in fact away from bacteria, hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes, etc. and this student seems to be right up my street.”
Her brother looked at the date on the top of the screen and smiled wryly adding, "No, you’ve got it wrong. It’s my turn and I know what I want. Yes a student, but a particular kind of student, who amongst other things must be involved in astrophysics.”
She looked at him strangely, just wishing that she knew what was going on in his head. In the past both knew each other’s thoughts, but the final wish of their father before he decided to just take off without advising them where he was going, was to remove this facility. And he did just that. As for his third child Gabriel, well he who had started out so well, proved to be a thoroughly bad lot and had been banished to Mars.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Sam strode across the quad fully aware of all the girls gazing at him and he just looked directly forward. So he looked like an Adonis, he shrugged. That wasn’t his fault and he blamed his parents entirely. Why had he been born an only child was his constant complaint? The boys at the college were suspicious of him and it was pretty unbearable now in his first year. What would the following years be like, if not worse? He also found that quite a few of the girls were changing to his lectures on astrophysics. It was just getting so crowded in the lecture room. Life was becoming very difficult and he dreamed of escape but where? Here he was at nineteen years of age and his student overdraft was already getting out of hand. Why weren’t his parents rich and he could then just take off to the Himalayas and have an adventure or anywhere else in fact to get away from all these languishing females?
* * * * * * * * * *
The siblings laughed because they both had access to Sam’s thoughts.
“Come on, I know how to deal with Sam. He’s ripe for the picking as they say; time to move, well for me anyway.” At that her brother laughed, stretched his hands above his head and vanished.
* * * * * * * * * *
Sam stood next to the bar of the already crowded Trout country pub in Lower Wolvercote just outside of Oxford, and ordered a steak and a glass of the red house wine. He then walked over to the windows and looked wistfully at his old battered MG sports car in the car park and wondered how much longer before it finally died on him; there had been far too many mechanics’ bills recently. He sat down at one of the few remaining empty tables, trying to think of various ways of getting an interesting part-time job that paid well when he heard the softly spoken words, “do you mind if I also sit here?”
Sam came out of his reverie and looked astounded at the young man standing there. He was in fact his double, his doppelganger. Sam gasped and the other individual gently smiled at him.
“I know,” he said on seeing Sam’s look, “it was also a bit of a shock for me to see my own double. No, don’t worry; I’m not an omen of death. In fact if anything, it’s the contrary. I’m here to give you good news.”
“I hope that it’s financial,” muttered Sam and the stranger laughed and added, “Well, yes indirectly it is I guess as it will give you fame and fortune. Now what do you think of that?”
“It sounds too good to be true,” immediately thinking of an end to his financial woes. “What’s your name by the way?” asked Sam who was beginning to get somewhat intrigued with the way the conversation was going.
“Adam? Yes” and he looked upwards, “the original Adam.”
“Come off it. The Adam who was with Eve and the serpent that is the devil, in the Garden of Eden? Do you think that I’m an idiot?” He then thought that he’d better go before he listened to any further nonsense and started getting up.
“No, Sam,” said Adam as he lightly touched the young man’s shoulder.
Sam reddened and then looked at him suspiciously. “How do you know my name?”
“Oh I know all about you”. For upon touching Sam his incredible wizard’s brain had shot into action, searching all of his inbuilt files.
Adam could in fact access any living person because with touch he found their soul, and with Sam he had found an individual who was highly intelligent, but was searching for financial gain and also adventure. Adam could indeed guarantee that. All he had to do was convince Sam.
Adam ensured that Sam was looking out of the window just as he happened to turn his old car into a state-of-the-art Lamborghini.
“Wow,” he shouted and everyone in the room looked at him. What Sam didn’t know however, was that apart from Adam, only he could see the new car.
Adam shrugged thinking that this was no big deal, just one of the everyday wonders of wizardry, but he was still delighted with the reaction and couldn’t wait to hear Eve’s thoughts.
“Come on let’s go Adam. I don’t know how you did that but I’m really beginning to like this. Let’s go for a spin and we can discuss this further.” At that he ran out of the pub, shot across the car park and sprang into his new car.
As they drove through the winding Oxfordshire countryside, rather too fast in fact for the bends in the road, Adam looked at his companion and decided that the time was now right.
“Sam, stop the car. We must continue our discussion.”
Turning the engine off, Sam looked quizzically at Adam and smiled nervously. “This is where you’re going to make me an offer that I can’t refuse.”
“Yes, well put indeed,” and they both laughed.
“Briefly, I have the power either to make you very wealthy and establish a solid reputation on Earth or,” and at that he breathed in deeply and slowly said, “you can go into space and hunt for my father. Neither can guarantee you happiness but I can tell you that nothing will ever happen to you, health- or accident-wise, and result in your death. You see, as soon as I touched you, your body came under the protection of the wizard’s world. If you decide that the former proposition is suitable then that will be achieved, but if you decide to follow the latter, well as I have already stated, you will have space travel whilst looking for my father and a whole new life. What do you say? I can give you time, naturally, to think about this.”
“No, I don’t need any time.” In fact his whole face softened and he smiled as he said, “I‘ll go along with the second proposition. Who is your father but the way? He’s a wizard, of course.”
Adam looked towards the sloping hills of the Cotswolds, and then his gaze gradually moved upwards. “All I can say is that he’s not just a wizard, he’s also the creator of the universe.”
There was no other word to describe Sam’s expression. He looked stunned.
“It’s true. Come, let’s go,” said Adam.
He put his arm around Sam’s shoulders and they gradually disappeared from sight and escaped into time and space, into the world of illusion, magic and wonder.
SAM’S DILEMMA by Lynne Copeland
The library was just like any ordinary reading room with row upon row of oak shelves beautifully stacked with every book imaginable. At the far end of the room two individuals were sitting at a table looking at a large screen which showed Earth.
But this was no ordinary library. The persons who lived, worked and breathed here were the first two wizards in the history of the universe way, way before the Big Bang. In addition, they could become invisible at will which allowed them great fun in their daily games, especially when they visited other planets.
The girl carefully looked over the top of the screen at the oil painting of her father hanging on the wall. “Now look at the state of him with a pointy hat, dressed in that dreadful black outfit with a very antiquated broom that’s definitely seen better days. Admittedly this was just before he decided that he needed a change of direction and he was pretty old, so really you can make allowances for his rather unkempt appearance. It’s just as well that we have progressed and look just like your ordinary Earth person.”
She then turned to her older brother and exclaimed as she zoomed in over the county of Oxfordshire, and then homed in on a blonde boy crossing the quad at Preston College.
“Yes” she said looking intently at the boy, “we should concentrate on humans on Earth as I’m just getting fed up changing bacteria and the like into something interesting both on Earth and other planets. At least on Earth there are humans. We need a student, of course. We must have a student!”
Her brother seemed bemused when she repeated a student. Why would that be necessary, he wondered?
She then quickly added, “Look, you know the way we work. I’m evil and you’re good. It’s my turn this week and so you’ll listen to what I have in mind. I’m looking for something different in fact away from bacteria, hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes, etc. and this student seems to be right up my street.”
Her brother looked at the date on the top of the screen and smiled wryly adding, "No, you’ve got it wrong. It’s my turn and I know what I want. Yes a student, but a particular kind of student, who amongst other things must be involved in astrophysics.”
She looked at him strangely, just wishing that she knew what was going on in his head. In the past both knew each other’s thoughts, but the final wish of their father before he decided to just take off without advising them where he was going, was to remove this facility. And he did just that. As for his third child Gabriel, well he who had started out so well, proved to be a thoroughly bad lot and had been banished to Mars.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Sam strode across the quad fully aware of all the girls gazing at him and he just looked directly forward. So he looked like an Adonis, he shrugged. That wasn’t his fault and he blamed his parents entirely. Why had he been born an only child was his constant complaint? The boys at the college were suspicious of him and it was pretty unbearable now in his first year. What would the following years be like, if not worse? He also found that quite a few of the girls were changing to his lectures on astrophysics. It was just getting so crowded in the lecture room. Life was becoming very difficult and he dreamed of escape but where? Here he was at nineteen years of age and his student overdraft was already getting out of hand. Why weren’t his parents rich and he could then just take off to the Himalayas and have an adventure or anywhere else in fact to get away from all these languishing females?
* * * * * * * * * *
The siblings laughed because they both had access to Sam’s thoughts.
“Come on, I know how to deal with Sam. He’s ripe for the picking as they say; time to move, well for me anyway.” At that her brother laughed, stretched his hands above his head and vanished.
* * * * * * * * * *
Sam stood next to the bar of the already crowded Trout country pub in Lower Wolvercote just outside of Oxford, and ordered a steak and a glass of the red house wine. He then walked over to the windows and looked wistfully at his old battered MG sports car in the car park and wondered how much longer before it finally died on him; there had been far too many mechanics’ bills recently. He sat down at one of the few remaining empty tables, trying to think of various ways of getting an interesting part-time job that paid well when he heard the softly spoken words, “do you mind if I also sit here?”
Sam came out of his reverie and looked astounded at the young man standing there. He was in fact his double, his doppelganger. Sam gasped and the other individual gently smiled at him.
“I know,” he said on seeing Sam’s look, “it was also a bit of a shock for me to see my own double. No, don’t worry; I’m not an omen of death. In fact if anything, it’s the contrary. I’m here to give you good news.”
“I hope that it’s financial,” muttered Sam and the stranger laughed and added, “Well, yes indirectly it is I guess as it will give you fame and fortune. Now what do you think of that?”
“It sounds too good to be true,” immediately thinking of an end to his financial woes. “What’s your name by the way?” asked Sam who was beginning to get somewhat intrigued with the way the conversation was going.
“Adam? Yes” and he looked upwards, “the original Adam.”
“Come off it. The Adam who was with Eve and the serpent that is the devil, in the Garden of Eden? Do you think that I’m an idiot?” He then thought that he’d better go before he listened to any further nonsense and started getting up.
“No, Sam,” said Adam as he lightly touched the young man’s shoulder.
Sam reddened and then looked at him suspiciously. “How do you know my name?”
“Oh I know all about you”. For upon touching Sam his incredible wizard’s brain had shot into action, searching all of his inbuilt files.
Adam could in fact access any living person because with touch he found their soul, and with Sam he had found an individual who was highly intelligent, but was searching for financial gain and also adventure. Adam could indeed guarantee that. All he had to do was convince Sam.
Adam ensured that Sam was looking out of the window just as he happened to turn his old car into a state-of-the-art Lamborghini.
“Wow,” he shouted and everyone in the room looked at him. What Sam didn’t know however, was that apart from Adam, only he could see the new car.
Adam shrugged thinking that this was no big deal, just one of the everyday wonders of wizardry, but he was still delighted with the reaction and couldn’t wait to hear Eve’s thoughts.
“Come on let’s go Adam. I don’t know how you did that but I’m really beginning to like this. Let’s go for a spin and we can discuss this further.” At that he ran out of the pub, shot across the car park and sprang into his new car.
As they drove through the winding Oxfordshire countryside, rather too fast in fact for the bends in the road, Adam looked at his companion and decided that the time was now right.
“Sam, stop the car. We must continue our discussion.”
Turning the engine off, Sam looked quizzically at Adam and smiled nervously. “This is where you’re going to make me an offer that I can’t refuse.”
“Yes, well put indeed,” and they both laughed.
“Briefly, I have the power either to make you very wealthy and establish a solid reputation on Earth or,” and at that he breathed in deeply and slowly said, “you can go into space and hunt for my father. Neither can guarantee you happiness but I can tell you that nothing will ever happen to you, health- or accident-wise, and result in your death. You see, as soon as I touched you, your body came under the protection of the wizard’s world. If you decide that the former proposition is suitable then that will be achieved, but if you decide to follow the latter, well as I have already stated, you will have space travel whilst looking for my father and a whole new life. What do you say? I can give you time, naturally, to think about this.”
“No, I don’t need any time.” In fact his whole face softened and he smiled as he said, “I‘ll go along with the second proposition. Who is your father but the way? He’s a wizard, of course.”
Adam looked towards the sloping hills of the Cotswolds, and then his gaze gradually moved upwards. “All I can say is that he’s not just a wizard, he’s also the creator of the universe.”
There was no other word to describe Sam’s expression. He looked stunned.
“It’s true. Come, let’s go,” said Adam.
He put his arm around Sam’s shoulders and they gradually disappeared from sight and escaped into time and space, into the world of illusion, magic and wonder.
I was really looking forward to seeing other entries. Are they all going to arrive at the last minute?
Hi everyone. Since there seem to be so few entries,I'm adding my poem which could be considered a short story in rhyme form. You decide. If it doesn't qualify, that's quite alright. THE LAND OF PURPLE PUMPKINS
In the land of purple pumpkins,
Lives a witch named Eloise,
And three orange haired Hob Goblins,
Hiding high up in the trees.
The first one’s named Ga Gabby,
Cause he stutters when he talks,
The second’s named Ka Clumsy,
Cause he stumbles when he walks.
The third is known as Whadyasay,
He was born with just one ear.
When speaking, stand off to his left,
If you wish for him to hear.
In the cornfields you’ll find scarecrows,
Wearing polka-dotted vests,
While a team of yellow Leprechauns,
Greet all incoming guests.
There’s a friendly ghost named Casper,
Though his color’s neon green.
And a black cat painted silver,
Who adds mystery to this scene.
But by now I’m sure you’ve guessed,
If you’ve paid attention well,
That the wicked which named Eloise,
Has cast a magic spell.
For pumpkins should be orange,
Not the hair on Goblins’ heads,
And Scarecrows don’t wear polka-dots,
All different shades of reds.
Those Leprechauns should all be green,
Casper a see through white.
And the cat that’s painted silver,
Should be black as the night.
Beware then as you enter here,
And hold each other’s hand,
For the wicked witch named Eloise,
Has cursed this wretched land.
If you are all quite frightened now,
By all that you have seen,
I guess it’s time I wished you all,
A Happy Halloween!
Brilliant Richard! How long did it take you to write that?
Lynne wrote: "Brilliant Richard! How long did it take you to write that?"Thanks Lynne. I wrote this one years back. It takes me a few hours to finish a poem. I'm actually releasing a new eBook for Holloween that contains this poem and others like it for FREE tomorrow 09/29 Here's the link if you're interested. Thanks again
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0099AL7YU#_
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