The Trials

 

Hoofs pounded the earth as fast as heartbeats. The three sisters immediately grabbed their satchels from the forest floor and ran. The Witch Hunters were upon them. They tripped over roots, and branches scraped their faces, leaving marks like deranged lovers. They ran until their legs went numb and air left their lungs and all that was left was the sensation that they were burning from the inside out. A crossbow arrow hit the tree trunk. The girls spun around to face their attackers. One person on horseback materialized out of the darkness. Heather stepped forward and felt the cool wind caress her light brown curls. That would do nicely. She took a deep breath and extended her influence over the domain of air. The wind picked up and dry leaves swirled. The cloaked man jumped off the horse and approached the sisters. Heather pushed the wind towards him and he fell backwards. The moonlight revealed his sparkling blue eyes, stubble for a beard, and dark hair.

“Daniel?” Violet asked. She pushed past her sisters to get closer to him. How did he follow them again? This was the third time he’d found them. She was sure they’d lost him in Lynn.

“Violet, get away from him,” Aster said.

Daniel pushed himself up from the ground and dusted off his pants. “When I heard the description of the three witches, I knew it was you. So, I joined the hunting party. They stopped to rest but I kept going. We don’t have much time. They’re right behind me.”

“Leave while you can. She doesn’t want anything to do with you,” Aster said. She reached forward and grabbed Violet’s wrist but Violet shook her off.

“Let me come with you,” he said.

“I’m a witch,” she said, as if that should encompass all the reasons why they shouldn’t be together. Her sisters had forbidden her from seeing Daniel. They told her he didn’t really care for her. He just wanted to get close so he could kill them. She had tried to tell them he was different. Daniel brought her flowers and he smiled when she conjured her own flowers the times he forgot. He loved her. Not all Witch Hunters were bad. He was the exception.

“And?” Daniel asked.

Violet looked at Aster. Her eyes, normally bright and shiny brown, seemed dull. Her light brown hair looked like a bird made a home in it. Her green dress was in tatters. She turned to Heather. Her chestnut colored eyes stared at her, awaiting her decision. Under the full moon her white dress made her seem more like a wayward spirit than a witch. Heather was always nicer than Aster. If it was up to her, she’d let him come with them. But Aster was the oldest, so she made the decisions. Her sister’s pale skin seemed whiter, whether it was from fear or exhaustion, Violet didn’t know.

“Let him come with us. We could use the extra help,” Violet said.

“He’s a Witch Hunter. His love for you doesn’t justify his past deeds,” Aster said.

“I didn’t say it did. I don’t care what kind of man he was before. He’s changed,” Violet said. She knew Daniel probably hung or shot people for being accused of witchcraft. But her love changed him the way a small stream can erode a mountain. He would never do such a thing now.

“He’s killed our kin, Violet. He didn’t kill mom and dad, but people like him did,” Aster said.

“I’ve changed. I don’t know what I have to do to convince you, Aster,” Daniel said.

Crossbow bolts whizzed through the air and cut the conversation short. Daniel leapt onto his horse as the girls fled. They could hear the men’s shouts behind them. The horses struck the ground like thunder. The town lights twinkled in sight. They were almost there. Just a little bit farther and they would make it. Hooves overran the feet, and they were surrounded.

“Look what we have here,” a man sneered.

“A couple of witches,” another said.

The girls were back to back. Daniel said nothing. He sat on top his horse and watched. Heather clenched her fist. They probably had one or two spells left before they collapsed from exhaustion. She eyed the Witch Hunters necks. They didn’t wear protection talismans, which meant she was free to use magic against them. If they had worn them, the magic would’ve bounced back towards the witches.

Heather lifted her arms and summoned power the way a thirsty man looks for water in a desert. Wind whipped up around the sisters and the horses danced nervously. Crossbow bolts flew and were blocked by the conjured wind. Heather moved one arm back and kept the other forward, the wind shifted as she wanted and the arrows spun toward the horses. The animals cried out as the weapons landed with solid thunks into their flesh. The Witch Hunters were bucked off and the horses scattered into the night. The four men and three witches eyed each other. One of them fired arrows towards Aster. Daniel pushed him and they both went down. The arrow sailed harmlessly over Aster’s head. The other two Witch Hunters converged onto Daniel with cries of traitor.

“No!” Violet yelled.

She flung fire from her fingertips, and two men screamed as they became living funeral pyres. Violet watched them be burned alive from the outside-in by their own hatred. Her breath came in hard pants. She was always bad at conjuring fire, add that to being on the run and she felt like she was going to fall over. She smiled when she saw Daniel safe. That was all that mattered.

Daniel punched the last remaining Witch Hunter. He retaliated with a blow to Daniels’ face, but Daniel blocked. The Witch Hunter swept a leg out, and Daniel dodged. He grabbed an arrow from the ground and tried to stab him. Daniel struggled and ended up with the arrow in his shoulder. Before he could make a move, the Witch Hunter had attacked again and an arrow protruded from his ribs. Blood blossomed and spread through his clothes, dying them the color of a pomegranate. Violet was surprised that Daniel could still stand upright. She heard her sisters gasp. The Witch Hunter pressed into Daniel’s shoulder wound, and his scream raked the night air like claws.

“Goddess, raise the roots from the ground and let the earth do my bidding,” Aster intoned. She raised her hand and the tree roots snapped up and snaked around the Witch Hunter. Aster lowered her hand and the roots held the man tightly against the ground. He struggled in the natural contraption.

 

“Thank you,” Violet beamed. She rushed forward to catch Daniel as he swayed.

Aster helped Violet carry him. They slowly made their way to town. The twinkling lights brought weary smiles to the three witches faces. They could rest.

“Let’s see if there is a doctor,” Heather said.

Aster and Violet nodded. Their arms trembled from holding Daniel’s weight. He was well-built, and they didn’t have enough energy left to levitate him. Using magic drained energy, and overuse could lead to exhaustion or even death.

The wooden houses sat silently; their residents asleep. They came across a building with a sign that said doctor. A skull sat on the front porch, denoting it as a witch doctor.

A man with olive skin and a salt and pepper beard snapped his head up. His green eyes took in the sight of three young witches struggling with the body of a Witch Hunter. He immediately stood up and helped them put the body down onto a sofa.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Witch Hunters,” Heather said.

The man nodded and grabbed a hot iron from the fireplace, vials, water, bandages, and a bowl. “Hold him down,” he instructed. The girls pushed Daniel’s arms into the sofa. Daniel mumbled a protest. The doctor stuffed a sock in Daniels mouth before he yanked out the arrows. Daniel thrashed against the girls holding him down. It took every ounce of their strength to keep him from moving. The doctor put the iron to the skin. Daniel would’ve screamed if he could. Removing the arrows seemed like a pinprick compared to this. The iron was so hot it felt like he’d been damned to hell. The smell of burnt hair invaded his nose. He swore he could feel the air crawl out of his lungs as his skin scorched. Sweat beaded Daniel’s brow and he felt like his stomach was trying to digest a large brick. Darkness hovered in the corner of his eyes before he closed them. The doctor cleaned the wounds and put a yellow colored liquid over the freshly burned areas.

“One of you get me some powdered Comfrey and Bloodroot,” the doctor said. He pointed to a table covered with potions, papers, and herbs.

Heather went and came back with the ingredients. He added water to the powder and smeared the paste over the wounds before bandaging them up.

“Thank you doctor,” Violet said.

“Jax Camden at your service,” he said.

Jax was dressed in a simple white shirt and brown pants. He wore a talisman full of Vervain and a small skull carved out of stone. The girls got a good look at the room. There was the sofa that Daniel was sleeping on in front of a fireplace with a kettle. There were five chairs next to it. The doctor’s table was to the side. It was filled with potions, herbs, stones, paper, and metal instruments. A large rack filled with various bottles was against the wall. A few shelves were tucked into a corner. There was a small room in the back. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling.

“Please sit. I’ll get you some tea.” He got four cups from a shelf and filled them with the liquid in the kettle.

“Thank you,” Aster said. The other girls nodded. They all pulled up chairs near the fire. The tea smelled wonderful. Aster took a sip and felt her muscles loosen.

“It’s made with thyme and rosemary. It should help with your energy levels. Now, what are three lovely young witches helping a Witch Hunter for?” Jax asked.

“I love him,” Violet said.

Jax’s eyebrows rose so high Violet was sure they’d float right off his head.

“If you turn us in it won’t be pretty,” Heather said. Her voice rang throughout the room effectively as if she had drawn steel.

Jax’s mouth set in a solemn line. He fiddled with his skull pendant. “I would never,” he said.

“You sell Vervain talismans?” Aster asked. She pointed to the herb filled locket on his neck.

Jax looked down. “Yes, I’ve had an angry witch or two, so the talisman helps protect me from their spells when they come looking for revenge. I sell to people looking for protection against magic. Of course, I warn them that the talisman protects against healing spells also. They buy them anyway.”

“To Witch Hunters?” Aster asked.

Jax waited a beat before answering. “Yes. I sell to Witch Hunters too. But you must understand that I need money and it helps keep suspicions down. If I were caught helping a witch, I’d be burned. The governor’s out of town right now. He usually tries and fails to get anything done because he’s too scared to use his authority. So, the Witch Hunters run this place and I prefer being alive, so I sell protection against magic.”

Aster sipped her tea instead of arguing. He wasn’t selling fake charms; he was selling the real thing. Of course, sometimes the greedy fools that sold fake charms in hopes of money were put to the stake for fraternizing with witches, even though they were innocent. Aster guessed that since his talismans showed results, he’d be safe.

“Thank you for your help. Although, we don’t have money,” Heather said.

“It’s alright. I believe one day things will change and witches will be allowed to practice in peace,” Jax said. His green eyes swept over Daniel’s sleeping form. Aster followed his gaze and understood. Daniel was an example of change. If only every Witch Hunter had the same foolish bravery to defy their superiors in order to do the right thing.

“I find it funny that humans tell stories of witches and spirits to scare themselves when they really should be telling stories about other humans. The other week twenty-five people were hanged because two witches lived there. They were healers. They hung seven children because the Hunters were afraid that the healings draughts the witches gave out were contaminated. They thought the children would get powers. Innocents hung like laundry.” Aster said quietly.

“Humans fear what they don’t understand. I suppose there are exceptions though. How long will you be in town for?” Jax asked.

“As long as we can. Daniel has been following us since we fled our home. We occasionally lose him for a few weeks but he always seems to find her.” Heather said. She motioned to Violet, who had fallen asleep on the floor next to Daniel.

“I’ll get you medicine. It’ll speed up the return of your magic. I don’t need to hear that a couple of witches died of stressing their body from magic overuse,” Jax said. He went over to his rack of bottles.

Heather scooted closer to Aster. “What are we going to do with Daniel?”

“Let him come with us. Of course, he’d be more of a burden than a help. We’d have to protect him, but this is the third time he’s found us, even after we covered our trails,” Aster said.

Heather knew Aster believed in signs, especially signs that came in threes.

“Will you pray with me?” Aster asked.

Heather nodded. They bowed their heads. “Goddess protect us. Protect Violet and Daniel’s love, that it may stand through any trial, and protect other witches from prejudice.”

“Forgive our enemies for they don’t know what they are doing. Let not their hearts be twisted by hatred but by love,” Aster said.

“Amen,” Heather finished.

The two girls lifted their heads and found Jax silently observing. He handed them a vial each. “Drink,” he ordered. The girls downed the vials and handed them back. “You’ll feel better in a bit. I suggest you do like your sister and rest. There’s another couch in the back.”

They nodded. He directed them to the other side of the room and they got much needed rest. When the morning light filtered through the windows, the girls awoke to the smell of frying bacon and eggs.

“Morning. I changed his bandages. He’s recovering well,” Jax said. He was bent over the fireplace with a pan. Daniel was sitting up and had a mug in his hands. Violet sat next to him.

“I feel better than I have in a while,” Aster said as she yawned. Heather hummed in agreement.

“Violet, get some plates,” Jax said. He held out the frying pan and waited. The girls and Jax ate bacon and eggs while Daniel drank a strange smelling tea. After they finished, Jax took everyone’s plates and disappeared into the back room.

“Daniel,” Aster said. Daniel turned to her so fast she thought his neck would snap. “You can be with Violet.”

“What?” He looked at Aster as if she had told him the hangings and burnings stopped.

“Really?” Violet’s face brightened the way sunflowers do in the sun.

Aster nodded. “He’s found you three times. All on full moons. I believe it’s meant to be.”

Violet clutched Daniels’ hand as if it were a talisman to keep Witch Hunters away. They both smiled so hard they thought their faces would split. Heather clapped and even Aster smiled at seeing the couple’s joy. That afternoon was the most relaxing time the girls had in weeks. They helped the doctor crush herbs for medicine and read books. Customers came by asking for tonics. Jax served everyone with a smile, from the grouchy old lady who gave the girls strange looks to the youngest bouncy kid who wouldn’t stop asking questions. By the late evening, the girls felt energetic enough to use magic for simple tasks like carrying the water bucket or making small daisies. Angry knocks sounded on the door. Jax opened it to find a gnarled old lady with a cane standing there. She had come by earlier and had looked at the sisters as if they were mold. Behind her were tall men dressed in black and holding crossbows. Witch Hunters.

“Ms. Mather, what is this?” Jax asked. He gripped his skull talisman.

Ms. Mather smiled. “Get the girls.”

Jax glanced at the three sisters. They were standing, and Violet had an arm supporting Daniel. The Witch Hunters grabbed them and pushed them out the door. Yelled ensued, and the townspeople came outside to see what all the fuss was about. The girls and Daniel were surrounded by Witch Hunters.

“They’re witches,” Ms. Mather spat.

“That’s ridiculous. They’re sisters. They came into my office looking for medical assistance. Their friend was in a hunting accident,” Jax said.

“You poor soul. They bewitched you,” Ms. Mather said. She thumped her cane on the ground.

The townspeople watched in silence. The Witch Hunters moved closer. Violet clutched Daniel. It would take another day for their full powers to come back. They couldn’t fight off seven Witch Hunters. They were going to die.

“We’re not witches.” Aster said.

“Silence. You’re wanted in the neighboring town for escaping trial,” Ms. Belmont said. She took out a piece of paper from her coat pocket and waved it in the air. The townspeople gasped as Ms. Mather read the description of the three sisters.

“There are many girls that look like that,” Jax said.

No one listened. Cries to kill the witches erupted in the air. They called Daniel a traitor. They wished death and illness upon the people standing before them because they were different. The girls stared at the Witch Hunters. They wore talismans of Vervain. Magic would be useless against them.

“I love you,” Daniel said.

“I love you too,” Violet replied.

The townspeople quieted as they watched Daniel and Violet link hands in defiance. Her arm wrapped around his back in order to keep him upright. Violet summoned whatever magic she could and made a daisy. She gave it to Daniel and he smiled. That was what she wanted, to see him smile before they died. Warm water blurred her vison and trickled down her cheeks. The townspeople stared at the witch and former Witch Hunter holding hands. Shouts started up again, but this time it was to let them go. Ms. Mather thumped her cane and ordered the townspeople to quiet down. The girls’ hope grew along with the shouts. But the Witch Hunters were the ones with the weapons, they were the ones who got paid to kill, so they fired their arrows. Aster and Heather flattened themselves to the ground as the arrows flew. Cries filled the air and the townspeople surged forward. Aster and Heather stayed on the ground as the townspeople held the Witch Hunters down. When the flurry of arms and legs was over, they stood up. Aster and Heather turned to find their sister and Daniel still lying on the ground, their hands locked. The color of liquid rubies covered their bodies like a blanket. Arrows stuck out of their limbs like a pincushion. They didn’t move.

Aster’s scream erupted like lightning. People took a step back. “My sister. You killed my baby sister,” she said.

She cradled her sister’s head against her body like a newborn and told Violet that she loved her. She stroked her blood matted hair. The black curls stuck together and Aster tried to separate them with her fingers. It left her hands with red streaks. She knew what she had to do. She had to destroy the body, otherwise her sister’s spirit wouldn’t find rest. It had to be a relative, and Heather was standing as still as a tree, chestnut eyes as wide as dinner plates. Aster couldn’t make Heather do it. She stood and held her hand over the couple. The rush of energy she felt when she screamed had brought her magic bubbling under her veins. The flames from her hand enshrouded the bodies. She prayed that it would catch and stay and it did. She turned to the crowd. The anger that radiated off her could match the heat of the flames that were currently burning her sister’s corpse. The flames licked the sky and black smoke spewed out of the tongues like bad words.

The townspeople pushed the Witch Hunters forward while still holding them down. Aster stepped towards them and the Hunters flinched. Heather grabbed Aster’s wrist.

“Aster don’t. They aren’t worth it,” Heather said.

“They killed her. They’ll pay. All the Witch Hunters will be put to the stake,” Aster said.

“Aster don’t stoop to their level,” Heather said. She tightened her hold on Aster’s wrist.

“You’re right. Burning is too good for them. I’ll rip their hearts out and cut their bodies piece by piece,” Aster said.

“Didn’t you pray to the Goddess? Did you not say to forgive our enemies because they don’t know what they’re doing?” Heather asked.

Heather knew that Aster took spiritual things very seriously. Aster ground her teeth. She had said that.

“If you go through with this, you’ll become just like them,” Heather said.

Aster tugged her wrist out of Heater’s grip and faced her. Her eyes lit up like a storm cloud. She screamed so much she felt as if her lungs would turn to dust. She sank down to the ground and Heather hugged her. The funeral pyre crackled and popped as everyone watched the two lovers turn to ash. Maybe these girls weren’t so different from them after all. They promised the sisters that the trials would stop. So, the sisters stayed in town as did their descendants.

“No matter how many times I hear that story I still can’t believe I’m named after her,” I said.

I thanked my stars that we had modern technology. I couldn’t imagine how my namesake gave birth back then. The hospital monitors beeped and I stroked the little newborn’s fuzz for hair. Her squishy nose bunched up like she was going to sneeze. I couldn’t believe she was mine. The doctors had handed me a squirmy baby covered in crimson and congratulated me like I’d won first place. Her large eyes soaked in everything.

“You should be proud to be a descendant of someone as noble as Aster Goode. Instead of a Mather like me,” Sam said. His blue eyes twinkled.

“You’re the one that decided to tell me a story and besides, this little one is both. She’ll be a great witch. I can feel it.” I tucked the blanket more securely around her so she seemed more like a burrito than a baby.

“What should we name her?” Sam asked.

“Violet.” I said.

“It’s perfect.” Sam said.

“I love you, Violet,” I said. I kissed the top of her head. The world better watch out. My little girl was destined for great things.