The Witching Hour in Winston-Salem

The Witching Hour

It was the year 1693 when my village of Salem, Massachusetts was hit hard with a sickenss. I was only nine at the time but I remember people would burn up from a fever, their speech became incoherent as if they were possessed by the devil like Father Zechariah said. My father was the village undertaker, I remember he spent many late nights preparing the bodies and sometimes came home covered in ashes. Since we lived outside of town I never knew why? But when I found out, I wished I hadn't. What happened in Salem in 1693 will always be a mystery, but I will tell you my story of the Salem Witch Trials. It started when I met Phebe, down by the river, till this day I can never understand how someone can see her as the spawn of the devil.

May 29th 1693 Salem, Massachusetts

I remember this day like it was yesterday. Momma woke me up and told me to go fetch water by the river.

"Elijah Joseph Brunswick! Wake up and go fetch some water from the river for the morning bath."

I can hear Grace giggling as I quickly and struggle to put on my pants and shirt. I grabbed the large canteen by the door and left for the river.

"I'm going Ma!" I shouted as I ran out the door.

My father had built our house near the river, he said it was where he met our mother, it was a classic romance love story. I got to the bank of the river, took a deep breath and took in all the beautiful scenes that tingled my senses. The river seems to shine, thousands of small bright spots that seem blinding. The beautiful green grass and trees seems perfectly put together with the wonderful blue sky. My father and mother must have seen the same magical place. I was so captivated by the scenery that I didn't hear Ezekiel sneak up behind me, He pushed me right into the river.

"Haha butt munch how the water tastes?" he laughed.

"It's not funny Ezekiel!' I screamed back, as I got onto the shore to dry myself.

"Hey it's not my fault you weren't paying attention, you could have been killed by Injuns you know, be glad it was me." he laughed back.

I knew Ezekiel ever since we both knew how to walk. He hated the Natives around the area, they attacked the village when he was small, both of his parents were killed in the raid. Ever since then he was raised in the church run by Father Zechariah. Father Zechariah was a man devoted to God and God only. Even for a man of God, his presence makes everyone uncomfortable, everyone fears him, I wouldn't blame the devil if he was afraid too.

"Ezekiel, you know that won't happen, we have made peace with them since the first raid. We haven't had one attack since then." I said.

Ezekiel's eyes turn watery and almost red, I can see he was still angry, who wouldn't?

"You don't get it, they took everything from me, I will take everything from them" he replied.

"I know, but we are your family now, we are brothers.' I replied hopefully it comforted him.

We sat and talked for a little while until Grace came running down the bank calling me.

"Elijah! Elijah! Momma is asking where you are! You need to bring the water for the bath!"

I stood up quickly as I just remembered what I was supposed to do, I lost track of time. I told Ezekiel I would see him in Sunday school. As I was getting to the canteens I spotted a little girl from across the river bank, she had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. She was wearing a natvie girl outfit. Sometimes we see the Natives around, they usually leave us alone, but she looks different. I waved at her and she quickly left. As I returned to the cabin I asked Ma about the girl down by the river.