Jewel of his Heart

Chapter 10

Early the very next morning Sapphira was awaken abruptly by two soldiers grabbing her by both arms and pulling her up to her feet. She was immediately taken outside where a wooden cart awaited to escort her to her fate in the public square. As she was driven through the streets the citizens of Paris booed and hissed at her, except for Pierre and Esmeralda whom watched with great sadness as their beloved sister was being so cruelly treated. They made an attempt at reaching out to her and hold onto her hands to give her what little comfort they could offer but when they did it was short lived since they were shoved back by soldiers walking by the side of the cart.

Up ahead Sapphira saw the royal carriage.

"GREAT KING! GREAT KING!" she cried out desperately.

The cart stopped beside the Royal Carriage giving Sapphira a chance to speak with the King.

"GREAT KING! Great King, you have always been kind to the destitute I-I kneel before you innocent of crime" she pleaded but the King would hear none of it.

"Take her away!" he commanded and the cart continued its journey

"NO! PLEASE!" cried Sapphira watching as her only chance to save herself moved further and further away, all she could do now was hope for a miracle.

When the cart arrived in the public square it stopped at the stairway to the gallows, drums rolled as Sapphira was pulled from the cart by two soldiers and dragged up the stairs with her hands behind her back. The soldiers proceeded to stand her in front of the Hangman's Noose and relinquished their hold on her arms. The drum roll seized when the man in black from the previous day stepped forward unravelling a scroll in his hand.

"Let it be known! That this woman known as La Sapphira! A gypsy of the streets of the world! Is to be hung by the neck until dead for taking the life of Monsieur Julian Gauchére! Here after, her body will remain on the scaffold for TWO DAYS OF PUBLIC DISPLAY!" he exclaimed to which the crowd responded with a cheer.

XXX

In the bell tower Quasimodo watched as the soldiers drag Sapphira to the gallows and a plan came together in his mind that he hoped would save her life. Swiftly he mounted the lift and lowered himself to the walkways in front of the Cathedrals stain glass window then made his way towards the construction platform on the left hand side of the building.

He wait patiently for the right moment to take action.

XXX

Frollo with his staff in hand and the hood of his cloak over his head made his way up the gallows steps and stood before Sapphira whom was looking down at the floor and breathing heavily.

"Are you ready for absolution my child?" said a voice the was familiar to Sapphira.

She looked up to see her tormentor standing before her.

"You!" she said in recognition.

Frollo proceeded with his duties, not once showing the slightest bit of emotion.

"Do you confess your sins in the eyes of God? That he may guide your sole to Heaven?" he said so his voice could be heard by all around him and Sapphira.

The young gypsy girl gave him no answer and looked at him with anxiety at the thought that in mere moments her life would be no more.

"I can still save you, give yourself over to me, to the church. We can give you sanctuary" whispered Frollo once he took a step closer to her so no one would here him.

"As your?" asked Sapphira, knowing Frollo's offer came with a price.

The archdeacon answered by nodding his head.