The Rift Walker

Part 2- I Like My Meat Extra Crispy

Part 2

Chapter 13

James - The Year 1629

He woke up to hear bells chiming in the distance. They always rang at the same time every morning without fail. And every time, it woke him instantly. He climbed slowly out of his bed, filled a small tub with some cold water and washed himself quickly. After that, he changed into some clean clothes and neatened his hair slightly before heading over to his sister's room. He knocked loudly three times and heard a slight groan. Rolling his eyes, he entered.

"Are you still sleeping? You know that there will be a gathering later. We must attend."

She groaned again, already curled tightly inside her blanket and rolled herself deeper in. "I hate going to those gatherings. . ." she mumbled.

He sighed. "Me too, but we don't really have a choice."

She dragged herself out of the bed, grumbling to herself the whole time, shivering slightly. It was a cold, crisp morning and James had already opened the shutter for her bedroom. A draught passed through the room and he saw his sister gaze longingly at the bed as she shivered.

He snickered at the state of her hair and left the room so she could change and headed downstairs where his mum was preparing a breakfast of porridge and honey. Despite the fact that he really disliked porridge, he ate it anyway and even had a second bowl. Normally the gatherings lasted a long while and he always felt hungry afterwards. Plus the hot porridge helped warm him up slightly.

Whilst his Mum cleaned up, he pulled on some heavy boots and a jacket and sat, waiting for his sister to finish eating and getting ready. He picked at his fingernails whilst he waited. After, she wrapped a cloak around herself along with a scarf and boots and they headed towards the door together. Their mum opened the door and stepped out with them.

It was bitter cold outside. James could see their breath misting in the air and the thin layer of frost on the ground crunched slightly with each step they took. They slowed their pace for their mum's benefit; her knees frequently hurt, making it difficult for her to walk. It took them almost twenty minutes to reach the centre and already, a large group of people were massed around, waiting.

They walked to a man who stood with a huge book and gave their names along with the area of the village they lived in; south. He found the names and read them out, then ticked them off the list. They were strict about attendance. Those that didn't attend were tracked down and punished if they failed to attend for a second time without valid reason.

After their names had been marked down, they made their way over to the throng of people waiting for the events to proceed.

Today, the events would be slightly different. They would be able to witness the trials before the execution. And as far as James was concerned an execution always occurred, provided the person in question didn't die beforehand.

Today, a woman was being accused of witchcraft. Her trial was simple. She would be thrown into a lake which they currently surrounded. It looked dark and murky. And cold. If she floated, she would be deemed guilty. If she sank, she was innocent, but she would drown anyway. But, perhaps this wouldn't be so bad; she would die as an innocent and not have to face the punishment for being deemed guilty. Because if she was guilty, she would be burnt alive.

James was close enough to see the woman waiting for her trial to begin. She was lying on the floor with her arms and legs tied and her mouth gagged. His sister refused to her look at her. He knew she was sickened by the trials and hated attending them as a result.