Chapter Twenty- Six (Amaya)

I had gone to check the cave to see if Abigail had gone there, but it was empty; I had checked the surrounding paths as well but came up empty-handed. Feeling defeated, I returned to the cottage to see if Samuel had any luck; he had gone into town to talk to the Pastor and check the village to see if Abigail got held up there.
I had just finished lighting the fire in the hearth when Abigail entered, looking a little frazzled.

“I was looking everywhere for you.” I stated as I walked up to her, taking her basket, and setting it on the table.

“Sorry dear, I got stuck in the village longer than I had expected. An illness has broken out, and I had to make a house visit to the Benham’s place. Their children are ill."
“That’s awful, are they going to be, ok?” I asked as she sat down at the table.

"I am not sure. Last winter took a toll on the village, so many people struggled to find food and without proper diet illness sets in, people are struggling."

I walked over to the fire and checked the kettle to make sure it was full before putting it on the hook attached to the hearth to boil, then joined her at the table.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing her frown.

“To be honest, I am worried because this illness is not one, I have dealt with before and if I can’t help get these people better, it could mean trouble.”

“We will figure it out, I may be a novice, but I will help you.”

“No, I don’t want you anywhere near this. It's too dangerous.”

“Why not, I’ve helped you before, beside I am vaccinated against a lot of different things, it might be something I am protected from.”

She shook her head, “No, you will stay here and work on your control and keeping things stocked up here at the cottage.”

I didn’t like it, but someone had to keep things stocked, “Okay, fine, but if you change your mind, just let me know.”

She nodded. The door opened and Samuel limped in.

“You found her?” he asked as I raised a brow at him for stating the obvious.

“No, she came back on her own. She was in town. You didn’t see her?”

“No, I looked, but I didn’t see her.”

“How was your visit with the pastor?” Abigail asked, her voice thick with sarcasm.

“Uneventful, why?” he asked, confused.

“He didn’t tell you about the sick kids?” Abigail asked, narrowing her eyes. "Accusations are being made, and I believe it won't be long before complete hysteria."

"He didn't tell me about any accusations or sick kids." he frowned.

“Just thought you were close and all that, seeing as you are a frequent visitor of his.”

“That is common knowledge, Abigail.”

"I figured he would've kept you up to date with village events."

He shrugged, "He isn't much of a talker."

She nodded frowning as she rose to retrieve the kettle, and prepared the tea, I got up and helped bring everything to the table as she joined us again setting the teapot in the center.

Samuel sat down at the table as Abigail grabbed the vegetable soup, I had made earlier and set it out on the table while I grabbed bowls and utensils.

I headed to the door to grab a box to sit on from outside, but Samuel wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my cheek as pulled me into his lap. Abigail’s frown deepened.

“You are pretty much healed up already. Is there another reason you are haunting my cabin?” Abigail asked in a bitter tone.

“I think you already know why," he smiled at me as he answered Abigail. "Besides, Pastor Gideon has asked me to keep an eye on you.”

“I wonder why?”

“You know why.” He bit out in a knowing tone, like he knew something I didn't. "You and your medicines are suspicious, and he doesn't trust you."

"My medicines help people, boy, unlike you. What is it you do exactly? Instill fear in the already scared."

Feeling uncomfortable, I tried to move, but his hold tightened on me. “How are you going to eat with me sitting here?” I asked him, changing the subject.
He shrugged, “I’ll eat after.”

Abigail poured me a bowl of vegetable soup and handed it to me, then put another one on the table for Samuel before pouring herself one.

I quickly ate and drank my tea, as Abigail stared daggers at Samuel. I looked up at Samuel, who was glaring right back at her.

“Why do you two hate each other?” I asked around a mouthful of soup.

“What makes you ask that?” Samuel asked as Abigail just smiled.

“I don’t like liars and he is one.”

“How would you know?”

“Believe me, I know.” She promised as she continued her meal. We ate in an uncomfortable silence as the sky grew darker. Odd comment because he had told me he hated liars as well.

There was a knock at the door, and Samuel released me so I could answer it.

When I opened the door Pastor Gideon stood in front of me, an old-looking monocle that seemed to radiate energy was in his hand, he was dressed in black and wore a black puritan hat and jacket.

“Evening.” I greeted, moving aside to let him in.

“What brings you by, Pastor?” Abigail asked as she moved to stand beside me.

“One of the Benham’s children has died; you were the last to see him.” He stated.

“Yes, the children have an illness I have not seen before. I am sorry for their loss.”

“The parents have accused you of witchcraft and you will be coming with me.” He announced as he raised the monocle to his eye and two men entered the cabin. The pastor nodded at them, and they grabbed her wrists, tying them behind her back. Forcing her from the cottage.

He turned and adjusted his monocle, looking at me, but Samuel stood in front of me, blocking his view.

“Samuel, so nice to see you.”

“Same to you.” He said guarded.

“Let her go!” I ordered, moving around Samuel.

“She is to be put on trial.” The pastor shared, moving towards the door.

“Like hell she is.” I yelled as I moved to follow, Samuel grabbed me around my waist, preventing me from getting to her.

Images of the witch trails ran through my mind. I remember reading about it in high school and the horrible things they did to people. “Let her go!” I screamed as things in the cottage began to shake.”

“Amaya stop it.” Samuel bit out in a whisper as he struggled to hold me.

“Let her go.” I yelled again as the cottage shook more violently. Tears falling down my face as anger filled me.

The pastor turned to look at me, eyes wide. He said, “Samuel, hand her to me, this witch must be brought to justice.”

Samuel didn’t move.

“Samuel, you promised to help me rid the world of these creatures. Are you going back on it?” he asked him.

He hesitated as if thinking about it, “No, I will not break our arrangement.”

He sighed and released me as I followed Abigail. who was being dragged by the two men; The pastor grabbed my wrists and tied them, forcing me to follow behind Abigail and the two men. Samuel walked beside the pastor.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, but I didn’t respond. I was too pissed off. How dare they accuse her when she had tried to help the ill children? She didn’t have a mean bone in her body unless it was toward Samuel, now I could see why. He was helping this man hurt innocent people.

They dragged us down the trails, heading toward the village. Once we entered the village, it appeared to be empty, but when I looked around, I noticed people were peaking out of windows, watching as we were forced down the road towards the church.

We were dragged into the church and thrown into the cellar, no one spoke a word to us, just closed the door as darkness consumed us.