Chapter 16
Time passed slowly as they waited for a verdict.
All those gathered were restless. Some walked down to the creek, some paced and some gathered in small groups to talk.
Edna sat patiently with Angus sitting on the ground just beyond the barrier that had been placed in front of her and Evanore.
It comforted her knowing he was right there with her.
Not being able to see him or be with him would destroy her.
The doors finally opened and the Council of Witches emerged.
Melusina, Mardella and Daire filed out first, followed by the jury.
Stoic faces gave no indication of what they had decided.
Those gathered around to watch the proceedings were silent.
It seemed even the birds in the trees had stopped their singing so that they too could hear what was to be said.
“Angus, nae matter what happens I love ye,” Edna said.
“I will no’ leave ye.” Angus stood, but stubbornly stayed where he was.
Edna noticed Maggie’s eyes open wide with surprise. She followed her gaze and was delighted to see Barnes sneaking from the house and disappearing into the woods behind it. She didn’t see William and wondered if he too had escaped Evanore’s clutches.
Melusina banged her gavel. “We’re about to read the verdict. But first I’d like to say that this has no’ been an easy process. There were many things to be taken into consideration and that is what took so long.”
Everyone was back in their seats and listening attentively to hear what would be said next.
“This was a unanimous decision. Edna Campbell, please stand.”
Edna stood and turned towards the bench.
“Edna we have found that ye were no’ responsible for Brielle’s death, nor did ye manipulate the couples ye brought together. Evanore had nae right to tear them apart as she did.”
Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Edna thought she would faint from relief. She looked straight ahead to where Angus stood and saw him pause from clapping along with the others to wipe tears from his eyes. Melusina held up her hand for quiet.
“Maggie Sinclair.” Edna felt her blood run cold as Melusina called Maggie’s name and everyone turned towards her.
Maggie stood and faced the Council.
“Ye also were no’ responsible for Brielle’s death. ’Twas the direct result of her attacks on ye.”
Maggie’s stiff back and shoulders relaxed. She bowed her head in thanks and then turned to Edna wearing a broad grin.
This long ordeal was over for Edna, Maggie, Angus and the couples.
Evanore didn’t seem surprised to hear any of this. From Edna’s perspective, she knew her sister had her faults. Though she may not have realized to what extent.
“Evanore, please stand.” Melusina motioned for her to rise.
Evanore did as she was directed. Her face and demeanor were somber as if she knew what would be coming.
“Ye have been found guilty of kidnapping Edna Campbell and holding her against her will. This goes against our code of conduct. Yer punishment will be removal of yer powers for a five-year period and banishment to yer home, where ye will stay until further notice.”
“This is me home,” Evanore’s voice cracked with emotion as she pointed to the house behind them.
“Ye must remove it to the place where it belongs. Yer servant Barnes must also be returned to the home he was abducted from. Is that clear?”
“Aye.”
Melusina seemed satisfied with her answer. The invisible barrier was removed as she addressed Edna. “Ye are free to go.”
Edna stood and ran into Angus’s arms. “Oh, me darling, I’m so relieved.”
Angus couldn’t speak. He caught Edna in his arms and buried his face in her neck, holding onto her tightly.
Melusina cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. “Evanore ye must leave. Yer punishment begins immediately.”
The three witches gathered around her muttering an incantation and circling her as they did.
Edna knew they were taking her powers away from her and took some satisfaction in knowing that Evanore wouldn’t be bothering any of them again.
When they were done, they escorted her to her front door and bid her goodbye.
***
The door to the house slammed and in a moment it disappeared, leaving the bridge and its surroundings the way everyone had always remembered it to be.
“Thank ye, ladies,” Edna said.
“We’re no’ quite finished here, Edna. There are some things we must discuss, but I think we’ve all had enough for one day. We’ll continue tomorrow.”
Edna’s eyebrows shot upwards on hearing this. “But what about the couples. They’ve been apart much longer than they should have been.” Edna couldn’t believe they were going to make them wait. She wondered if there was some reason she was unaware of and if there was, what could it be?
“Tomorrow,” Melusina said, turning and walking away from her.
Angus placed an arm around Edna’s shoulders and led her away towards their friends where she was greeted with cheers and hugs from everyone.
The Council of Witches joined them, taking the time to speak with all of the men they hadn’t spoken to during the trial.
Edna wasn’t sure what they were talking about, but she hoped they were discussing their wives and children.
Brenna, Maggie and Lena were huddled together.
Brenna was visibly distressed. Edna wished there was something she could do to help her, but she knew the only thing that would work would be for her to be reunited with Zeke.
As the sun began to set, the witches conjured a feast complete with tables, chairs, plates, silverware and more food than Edna thought it would be possible to eat.
Off in the shadows she spied someone who appeared to be hiding in amongst the trees. “Angus, I’ll be right back,” Edna said.
When she saw him sneak away earlier she thought Barnes might have run off somewhere. “Why do ye hide?” she asked him.
“I don’t wish to go back to my own time. I wish to go with you,” he said.
Edna was astonished to hear this. She grabbed hold of his hands and held them as she spoke. She had to be sure this was truly what he wanted. Her abilities would give her the answer she sought. “Ye would leave yer family and friends to be in Glendaloch?”
“I have no one. Please, take me with you. I don’t wish to stay behind,” he pleaded.
“I have a place at the manor only because my father lost all he had and more gambling with the lord of the house. To help pay off his debt, I was forced to work there without compensation. When my father passed away, there was still a great deal owed to them. I could work there until my dying day and still be in debt to them.”
“Oh dear!” Edna felt the truth pouring out of him and felt every emotion he was feeling.
“There’s more to my story. His lordship is not a good man.
He forced me to steal for him. I was given lock picking tools that I was to use in the homes of his friends and acquaintances.
I would steal money and jewels for him. I couldn’t say anything about it to anyone.
He told me if I did he would turn me in to the police.
They would never believe me. He was a man of stature and standing and I was a mere servant. ”
“Me dear I am so sorry. Of course, I’d be happy to take ye with me, but the Council may no’ allow it. We’ll have to see what they say,” Edna explained.
“Will ye speak with them?” He almost whispered this question as he held tightly to Edna’s hands
“I will. For now, come eat something. Ye must be famished.” She led him out from the trees.
“I am. I don’t know what that witch did to me, but I don’t believe I ate while I was under her spell.” He rubbed his belly as he walked beside her.
“’Tis possible. Come, eat with us,” Edna said.
“Do you wish me to serve you?” he asked.
“Doona be silly. Yer no’ a servant any longer.”
She walked with him back to the table and created a spot next to her for him to sit. None of the other witches seemed to notice him, which was a good thing. Edna would convince them tomorrow to let her help him.
“I’d like to call ye by yer first name if ye doona mind,” Edna said.
“Evanore called me Joseph. I’m sure she’d be surprised to know it was my real name.” His eyes were alight with the humor of it.
Edna couldn’t help but laugh. “Joseph it is then. Help yerself to whatever food suits yer fancy.”
“I’ve never sat at a table like this before,” he said. Edna watched as he scanned the table deciding what to take. He slowly loaded his plate with one of everything that was within his reach. Edna filled his goblet with ale and delighted in watching him enjoy himself.
“Have ye found another one to adopt,” Angus whispered in her ear.
“I believe so,” Edna replied.
He put an arm around her waist, pulling her close enough to plant a kiss on her cheek. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from ye, love.”
“Oh, no!” Edna put her hand to her lips.
“What’s wrong?” Angus asked, his voice filled with worry.
“William!” She looked over to Joseph who was completely unaware of anything going on around him.
“Who’s William?” Angus asked.
“The cat. Joseph did ye see William?” Edna asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Joseph replied between forkfuls of food.
“She took him with her. Poor baby.” Edna could cry. She wanted to take William with her. He’d been such a help and it was clear Evanore didn’t really want him. “I just hope she takes good care of him.” Edna’s mood went from happy to sad in the blink of an eye.
“Maybe he escaped. We’ll search for him before we go back home.” Angus assured her. “Will that make ye happy?”
He was so sweet and thoughtful. How could she not smile about that? “Aye. We’ll look.” For William’s sake she hoped he had escaped, but that brought a whole new set of worries. If they couldn’t find him how would he survive?
***
After everyone had eaten their fill they gathered together around the fire. Edna instructed Maggie to once again contact those stuck in San Francisco so they could all speak to their spouses.
With the fire blazing, Maggie went to work while everyone else sat around her.
“Maggie?” Zeke’s voice and face appeared.