4

A the sun began to fade, Nuala left her friend and headed out into the street on her way to the Mayors house. They Mayor didn't live far from the girls and it was a bright and warm spring evening, however that did little to alleviate her dour mood. Nuala stewed on the events of the day and as she walked she laid out the arguments she would present to the Mayor when she got to his home.

She knocked on the front door and it was quickly answered by a smiling Mayor. His smile dropped away quickly when he saw the frown on Nuala’s face. 

“Do you think I could have a word with you Mayor Brown?” asked Nuala.

“Please call me Edward” replied the Mayor, “Come in, please, come in. Come through to the sitting room, we can be more comfortable there.”

Nuala was a little taken aback by the Mayors kindness and followed him through to his sitting room.

“Please take a seat by the fire. It’s not lit yet, but these spring evenings still have a nip in the air. So, what can I do for you my dear? Glass of wine?

“Um, No thank you to the wine. I wanted to talk to you you about the arrival of that law man, The Witch Finder General” said Nuala, settling into one of the wing back chairs beside the fireplace. Edward, perched on the chair across the fire from her and said, “Oh I don’t think there is anything to worry about. Its all official, I check the Parliamentary Order and all seems to be legitimate.” said the mayor.

“You phoned through to the government offices to check?”

“Well you know, he got in late last night and today is Saturday, bit it’s an official document and its stamped and sealed with the government seal. That’s not something you can forge easily. I really think you are worrying about nothing.”

“But, Sir, how can you possibly say it’s nothing; they’re constructing a gallows outside the town house!” Nuala said in exasperation.

“A what?” cried they Mayor in disbelief, “Are you sure? A gallows?”

“They must have started construction soon after the noon town meeting. You were there. Didn’t you authorise it?”

“I know I was there, but I left after a short conversation with The Witch Finder. And no I didn’t authorise it. He didn’t say anything about a gallows or capital punishment. Did you see it?” he asked

“Well no, not personally. But John did and he came straight round to see us earlier this afternoon. They were just putting the finishing touches to it.”

“So you didn’t see it? Then I’m sure there is some misunderstanding. It’s probably something else entirely.”

“There was a noose waiting to be attached” Nuala said with a stone cold voice.

“Oh my god! What is going on?” the Mayor exclaimed.

“I don’t know, but John was acting very strange. He wasn’t in the least surprised they were building a gallows. He even expressed support for hanging Witches. Something is not right here, Mayor”

“Hmmm, well it’s late now and I’m certain that everyone is finished for today. Matthew will be beginning his investigations tomorrow. He is compiling a list of people he wants to begin interviews with and has asked me to help him with them. I will speak to him first thing and get this whole thing cleared up. Now you go on home and I’ll let you know what I find out tomorrow. If I get time I’ll pop round and see you girls. Will you be home tomorrow?”

“Thank you Mayor, neither Laura nor I have any plans for tomorrow, maybe just some gardening or I still have a long list of herbal remedies to make for the next market.”

“Ok then. You’d better get home before it gets too dark to see.

They Mayor showed Nuala to the door and they said their good byes. Nuala made her way home and relayed the meeting to Laura who listened intently.

“He’s a good man, that Mayor. I’m sure he’ll get it all sorted out. By Monday night ‘The Witch Finder General’ will be run out of town. Can we go and chase wisps again tonight?”