Wolves Among Us(35)

“A rabbit,” Father Stefan said, patting his hands against the air as if to calm them. “Probably just a rabbit. Something is hunting it.”

Dame Alice caught Mia’s eye and motioned for her to come near. Mia jerked her face away, pretending to study Alma’s bare calf dangling from Bjorn’s arms.

Bastion raised his hands for silence.

“Tonight I will show you the truth of all I say. A witch has been identified and caught and has confessed. I present her to you tonight so that her evil may be ended and you good people freed.”

There were murmurs of approval. Mia thought that, taken together, the crowd sounded like cows.

Bastion smiled, stroking his chin and nodding before continuing.

“In some villages people must seek out a savior who can free them of a witch’s power. Not so for you. It is not Father Stefan’s desire, nor mine, that you be exploited in such a way. It reminds me, in fact, of a town I was called to by the bishop. The noblemen had set up a tollbooth, and all who were bewitched in their own persons or in their possessions had to pay a penny before they could visit the Inquisitor and be cured. And the noblemen made a substantial profit. Have I asked you for anything?”

The people shook their heads.

“That is right. Like Paul, I do not wish to be a burden on you. I want you to understand that my motives are pure. Can you imagine a man who would profit by another’s misfortune? And yet one man’s trouble is often the means of another man’s wealth.

“My friends, especially in these days, when souls are beset with so many dangers, we must take measures to dispel all ignorance, and we must always have before our eyes that severe judgment that will be passed upon us if we do not use, everyone according to his proper ability, the one talent that has been given.

“And what is your talent, friends? Is it not sober judgment and clear thinking? Are you not called upon in this hour to sacrifice your comforts, your inclinations to mercy, and strike a blow against the Devil himself? Or would you leave that work to your children?”

Bastion motioned to the children seated round his feet. The crowd grew anxious; Mia could see it on their faces and in the way they shook their heads, in their clasped hands, the women rocking on their heels.

“I am not surprised that a witch lived among you. In these days witches are everywhere about. Here is what surprises me: that a witch could cast her spells for so long without detection. I fear you are good people but ignorant. Though it gives me no pleasure to describe the evil a woman may do under the power of the Devil, if I do not do it, what will become of you? Witches will return and bring many more spirits with them. That is biblical, is it not, Father Stefan?”

Father Stefan opened his eyes wide in surprise. “Uh, oh, yes, the parable of the man delivered of one demon, and did not take precautions, yes, many more came and possessed him.”

“Mothers, if you do not wish your children to hear of carnal matters, it is now time to remove them,” Bastion said. “Return home, and your husbands can instruct you on my message later tonight.”

Mia searched the crowd for little Marie but did not see her, to her relief. Marie loved Father Stefan with plain devotion. But she had a sick mother at home, and no child would travel alone near these woods at night. Strange blessings, Mia thought, but blessings for Marie tonight all the same. Mia saw that among the people present, not a soul moved. The children who were present hunched down, giggling, hoping for a scare.

“Very well,” Bastion said. “Strange events have plagued this town, but events that have not been spoken of. And yet the women know, don’t they? The women have gossiped about these events, having no sense to suspect a witch.

“Let us suppose a man be tempted, though he has a beautiful and honest wife. Suppose his good judgment is so chained up that by no blows or words or deeds, or even by shame, can he be made to desist from that lust.

“Suppose he cannot contain himself, but that he is at times unexpectedly, in spite of the roughness of the journey, forced to be carried through great distances by day and by night, risking body and soul to have the object of his lust.

“This man is not himself evil, but under the influence of evil, of the Devil himself. This man has been bewitched. And there is only one remedy. Only one cure for witches, just as there is but one penalty for sin. Witches must burn.”

Mia was entranced by Bastion’s wisdom. She looked at her husband, holding her beautiful daughter, and felt no fear, only a sense of justice.

“Who among you desires to be free? Who among you has struggled with lusts and temptations? Who among you would see this evil rooted out and Christ reign once again in your town and in your hearts?”

“Yes, yes!” the people replied.

“Away with her!” Mia shouted.

Some turned to stare at her in surprise. Mia raised her chin, not looking at them. She called out again. “Away with the witch. Let Bastion have his way!”

Bjorn put his arm around Mia. No one stared again.

Bastion extended a hand to Bjorn and another to Stefan, making himself look like Christ at the final moment.

“Come, Sheriff. Come, Father Stefan. I can bear my burden alone no more.”

Bjorn handed Alma back to Mia and went to stand with Bastion. Mia saw his hands shaking, his face a gray color. Stefan looked no better.

The woman under the mask moaned, shifting her weight from foot to foot.