Danvers, Massachusetts, 1692
Chapter-1
The room reeked of smoke and torture. The walls painted with the blood and death of the innocent people that tried to save my family.
Pointless, really, If they had actually wanted to save a family of witches they could have maybe, let's say, convince the Council to postpone the burning. But no, instead they chose to publically oppose the Council and take sides with the "Undesirables". I give them props for trying though. At least they tried. Was anyone going to stand up for me? Doubt it.
I ran my hands across the blood stained walls, visualizing what the room's last occupants had to live through. "Murder," I whispered to myself "Completely inhuman…and they tell me that I'll burn in hell for my 'sins'." I shook my head at the complete stupidity of the town, yet grateful my mother never let their lies taint me.
"Miss Lace," the fat old man coughed. He was staring down at his shoes, looking very uncomfortable. "Nervous, Chemly?" I teased him. He was silent. I ran my hands across the walls again, hoping that the solid concrete would steady shaking limbs. "This is wrong," I said attempting to cover the tremble in my voice "I'm not a witch. For God's sake, Chemly! You're about to take a group of lying cocks word over mine! You must be mental! You knew my father. We were never a family of…of witches!"
"What of your ancestors? What was their…occupation?" He asked me quietly.
"They were healers and I must say that it was awfully idiotic to burn them"
"They were what they were, Alice" he said in his normal father-like voice "Demons, evil. The healing business was just a mask to cover their true…"
"Shut up!" I screamed, completely, as usual, losing my temper "So your way is the only correct way then? So you're going to execute your best friend's daughter! After everything we have done for you! You think he will ever forgive you for that?" He looked down at his shoes again "It's the town's best interest against mine" he said plainly. I spat at him "No it's not." And let him escort me to the platform where my death awaited me, cold and silent. The rain soaked through the dress I had been forced to wear that day. My long hair clung to my face. Everyone that had come was watching me. Evaluating my every move.
It sickened me that so many people came to watch the death of a child. I would never do that, human or demon, never. I guess I was more human than any of them.
"Alice Lace, you have been hereby sentenced to death due to the abuse of the town and the wellbeing of thereof; also convicted murder of Annabel Lace and Michael Lace, and by the exercise or witchcraft. Please step forward. Say your prayers and hope that God does have mercy on your soul."
"I don't have a God," I muttered "But if there is a Hell, then I'll see you there in a few years, Mr. Mayor" And for good measure, I even smiled sweetly at him.
"End her" he growled. My executer slipped the rope around my neck and secured it. Then he walked over to my left and placed his hand on the lever. He pulled, and I fell.