Winds Of Eternity Part 4

"Her death - troubles me. She had never had a problem with her heart. Her health was always excellent. Did you -"

His voice was calm, detached, as if he were discussing something of no more importance than the weather, he said, "Cause the attack? Yes."

Struggling to imitate his calm demeanor, she asked, "Why?"

"She wanted to keep us apart. She spoke of sending you to a cousin in England. I could not allow that. Surely you understand, my dear."

"Yes, Judah," she said quietly. "I understand. Perfectly."

The members were beginning to a.s.semble for the coven, and Judah moved toward the altar. Once there, he began invoking the powers of darkness. Suddenly the room was filled with torches and shouts. A musket was fired into the air. Most of the coven escaped in the confusion, but Judah was held fast and surrounded.

"What is the meaning of this outrage?!" he demanded to know of his captors.

"You are to be put on trial on the morrow," a big, burly man said. "Tribunal's orders."

Judah did not struggle, but said calmly, "I will accompany you peacefully. You may release my arms."

Miranda hid in a nearby copse, watching as they led Judah away, then made her way to the docks.

Aaron awoke to a tapping on the cabin door. Pulling on his robe, he called, "Who is it?"

"Henri, Capitan. There is a woman here who says she must speak with you."

Pulling open the door, he found Miranda in the pa.s.sageway. "Miranda. Thank you, Henri. See that the lady and I are not disturbed."

"Oui, Capitan."

Miranda wandered around the cabin, examining some of Aaron's treasures before announcing, "Judah was arrested."

"When?"

"An hour ago. At the meeting."11.

"You were there?"

"Yes. Most of us escaped. I hope he is hanged," she said vehemently.

Aaron's cautious elation dimmed. "This is a turnabout. May I ask the reason?"

"I asked him about my aunt's death. He admitted causing her death. I may not have liked the woman, but she was the only family I had. I never wanted her dead."

He watched her pace the small room. "I am sure you did not. But hanging will not be Judah's fate."

"The tribunal will not burn witches, Aaron."

"There is a special end awaiting Judah Zachary, Miranda."

"If he is found guilty."

"You doubt it?"

"No one will testify against him. His power is too great. As long as he possesses the Mask -"

"Ah yes. The Mask of Baal. Do you know where it is, Miranda?"

She shook her head. "He told no one where he hides it."

"We must find it if he is to be defeated. Where could it be? Think very carefully."

Over the next week, it appeared that Miranda's prediction was coming to pa.s.s. No one would come forward to testify against Judah. There was talk that the judges would be forced to set him free in another day unless someone stepped forward. Hearing this, Aaron paid a call to the Pearce home. Mistress Pearce was out, Miranda told him, leading him into the parlour. "I am pleased you are here," she told him. "I was going to come see you this evening. I found the Mask," she said quietly. "It is hidden in my room."

"Excellent. You must take it to the judges - and you must also testify, Miranda," he told her, looking into her suddenly terrified face.

Her eyes widened with fear. "No. I cannot testify. I cannot."

"Why not?" Aaron grabbed her arms and turned her around. "Do you still love him?"

"No. No, of course not. It is you I love. But - Judah's eyes-"

"They can be covered. Amadeus Collins is on his way here to speak to you."

"Aaron, I -I am frightened."

He pulled her to his chest. "I know. Judah will not harm you. I will not let him. You must trust me, my love."

"I do. Will you stay when Master Collins arrives?"

"Yes. Go and bring the Mask here. And hurry. We have many things to discuss."

She let Amadeus Collins into the house, curtseying. "My mistress is not here at the moment, sir," she told the middle-aged man with watery blue eyes and a ring of greying blonde hair.

"It is not Mistress Pearce I wish to see. It is you - if you are Miranda Duval."

"I am she." She led him into the parlour, where Aaron waited by the fire.

Seeing him, Amadeus said, "May we speak alone?"

"I am Captain Aaron Forsythe, of Martinique, sir. Miranda and I are betrothed."

Master Collins' eyes narrowed. "Do you know Judah Zachary?"

"Only by reputation. I am not one of his followers, if that is your concern, Master Collins."

"And are you aware of this girl's - involvement with him?"

"I am."

Apparently satisfied, the judge turned his pale blue gaze on Miranda. "You are no doubt aware that the trial is not progressing well. No one will come forward to testify against Zachary."