burn-- old time 1

Gerinode was in her hearth boiling water over an open flame while singing to a still upset Rica. ?come now sister, thee only bore her; we all were as much her mother.? Gerinode smiled sweetly at Rica. ?Ay, sister, I know this. I would have had it no other way.?  Rica dabbed her eyes with the corner of her dress.  ?Rica, you keep house whilst I get some more herbs.? Gerinode said as she collected a bag. ?Be assured, that I can do.? 1

Gerinode walked out of the house and down to the market. ?Goodie Node! Help me ma?am.? said a small boy running up to Gerinode. ?What dose thou need little brother?? The small boy though his arms around Gerinode. He came about to Gerinode?s waist. ?Goodie Node it?s awful. You must help me!? Gerinode smiled upon the boy who had tears in his eyes. She had healed him and most of his family, she knew him well. ?Goodie Node, you must hide. The inquisitors are seeking you.? Gerinode blessed the boy?s hart for wanting to save her. ?Child I have none to fear from them, spare death.? the boy looked anxiously into Gerinode?s eyes.?  ?Please thee must if not for thine own sake then for mine!? ?If I go you still have Rica. You should not fear for me. I am old child, I deserve rest.?  the boy started to cry. ?Goodie Node, the have already killed Goodie Rica. I happened by thy dwelling when heard the men ask where thee was.? ?Rica told him she knew not, at this he trust his blade though her.?2

The boy dissolved into tears. He slid down Gerinode?s skirt and wept piteously.  ?Child, weep not.? she stroked his mouse brown hair and gave him a small book. ?Little brother. Whenst thou can read take this book and study well. Thee shalt be the new healer.? The boys face was a show of his inner fight about whether to smile or continue to cry. The town?s usual squawking ended in a hush. Four men in long black robes walked down the street. The man in the lead smiled grimly.3

The small boy threw himself around Gerinode?s legs. ?Thee shall not hurt the Goodie Node, thee shall not!? he screamed at the top of his boyish lungs. The priest in the front of the procession smiled widely. ?Take the old woman. Kill the child.? he said to a man on his left. ?Spare the child! Spare the child! For thine own god?s sake, spare the child!? Gerinode roared. The head priest did not look to impressed. ?Spare the child or I will put upon thee suck magic that twill damn thy soul for eternity!? The priest?s eyes flicked with fear. ?Leave be the child. Let us deal with the matter at hand.?  three of the priests took Gerinode, while a fourth worked at prying the tiny boy from around Gerinode?s legs.  ?Remember thine gift Samuel.? Gerinode said to the small boy as he sat in the middle of the dirt road crying hysterically.4

The parade of the four priests and the witch marched on for a quarter mile. There the head priest drew a sharp dagger from his robes and pointed it to Gerinode?s neck. With a malevolent smile on his worn face, he spoke. ?Tell me where thee hides thine sorceress child.? Gerinode wore a face of pride. ?Nay cut off my tongue. I may do you more good that way. I shall give thee no answers.?  the priest looked contumely at her. ?very well then.? he thrust his blade into her hart. ?We shall be done with you.?5