Life Fades Away
537 Words
"Why would you say that about your own niece?" The king questioned intently. "Since she came into our house, only bad things happen. I've lost three pregnancies and the harvest has been going down. It's either she's a witch or she's darn bad luck." Her aunt,Matilda supported.
"I also agree your Majesty. It is not possible for a child with no knowledge or schooling to just heal people like that, the only explanation is that she's a witch and she must be stopped before she wreaks more havoc." One of the doctors who hated Rachael because she healed people for free,thereby cutting down his business,yelled.
"Yeah!" Most of the people in the crowd chorused. "And so she must be burnt to serve as a warning to others who dare to practice witchcraft." Randall yelled.
"Yeah!" Came the crowd again.
"Can't we just find a way to cleanse her,she's still so young and taking her life away from her like this is wrong." The king stated.
"Your Majesty do not be fooled by her age ,witches do not show mercy on their victims no matter their age. Just let her be burnt or else the people will revolt." Randall whispered to the King who sighed in exasperation.
"Considering all the evidence and witnesses, it has been proven that Rachael Baker is guilty of witchcraft and is to be burnt alive right here in the town square." The King ordered and the crowd went wild with excitement.
"Finally that evil creature will be gotten rid of before she possesses our children." A group of women said and sadly, among them were some whose sick and dying children had been healed free of charge by Rachael.
The poor girl shook her head in pain,what did she expect? Daring to be different in a century like the Seventeen's, where every little thing,every little distinction called you out falsely as a witch.
A stack of hay was spread around the wooden cage and she sat at the centre, praying silently. "Do you have any last words?" Asked the King. "Yes,that God forgives you and have mercy on your souls. For I am innocent and you punish an innocent child." As she spoke, her eyes turned blood red.
"Your Majesty,kill her now before she kills us all." Randall spoke, alarmed.
"Burn her." The king instructed and looked away. One of the strong armed men came forward with a lighted torch and set the hay on fire. Soon,the cage caught fire and Rachael could feel the intense heat all around. By the time it got to her clothes, she couldn't take it anymore and she screamed.
"Please let me out,please don't kill me, I'm innocent. Please help me! Help!" No one listened. She couldn't quantify the immense pain she was feeling as she saw herself up in flames. Her screams rented the air but no one came to help ,no saved her,no one stopped the pain. She could feel life slipping away from her, drowned in all the pain that could possibly be felt.
One last harsh jolt of pain and her heart seized, her breath hitched as her eyes closed in death.
- Writer
