Free The Secret Healer by Ellin Carsta

“Is this common?”
    Von Balge smiled. “No, unless the high court—in this case, the sheriff and the members of the jury—demands it.” He looked questioningly at the sheriff, who looked right and left to verify that the jury members were in agreement.
    “We do not call on the defendant,” the sheriff said. “Please, Matthias Trauenstein, report what happened to the best of your abilities.”
    This turn of events didn’t seem to sit well with Lord Trauenstein. He shot the advocate a furious look. “If it so pleases the court, this is what took place: The defendant was asked by our maid to check on my wife, who was indisposed, as often happens during pregnancy. The defendant came to our house and mixed a brew with her toxic herbs. A short time later, my wife started to bleed heavily and almost passed out from pain. Finally”—he stretched out his arm and pointed at Madlen—“ she snatched the still-living body of our baby from my wife’s womb and suffocated him until he was no longer moving.” He lowered his arm and closed his eyes for a moment.
    The courtroom burst into whispered excitement at the nobleman’s horrific description. He looked up and was shocked to see that she shook her head with a knowing smile. The advocate, however, scribbled some notes.
    Andreas stepped in front of the table. He held up the piece of parchment.
    “First of all, everybody in this room feels for your loss. You have our sincerest condolences.”
    Matthias nodded quickly.
    “Did your wife have any health problems before the miscarriage?”
    “No.”
    “No?” The advocate lifted his eyebrows in surprise.
    “No.” Matthias repeated.
    “If that’s the case, can you please tell me who Hyronimus Auerbach is?”
    Matthias looked surprised.
    “You don’t know? Well, in that case, let us bring him up to refresh your—”
    “He’s a doctor,” Matthias admitted.
    “Can you repeat that, please?”
    It was obvious the nobleman was seething. “He’s a doctor,” he repeated.
    “The man is a doctor.” He looked at the full courtroom. “And now, please tell me, why was this man at your house?”
    “He’s a friend.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “So, you’re saying that this man never treated your wife.”
    “Yes. That’s correct.”
    “So far as has been reported to me, he visited your home quite frequently, your friend the doctor.”
    “Yes. My friends come by often.”
    Thoughtfully, Andreas placed his finger on his lips. “Would it be fair to call this man, this physician, a very good friend?”
    Matthias smiled arrogantly. “Yes. In fact, he’s my best friend.” He looked into the crowd to make sure his words did not miss their mark.
    “Oh, that’s so wonderful,” gushed the advocate. “I treasure such warm friendships.” He peered at Matthias. “What are the names of Hyronimus Auerbach’s daughters?”
    “What?”
    “His daughters. The daughters of your good—excuse me—your very best friend. What are their names, and how old are they?”
    Matthias Trauenstein’s face turned red. “I . . . I . . .” He snorted. “I haven’t seen them in a long time. I’m not very good at remembering names.”
    “Not even one of his three daughters?” He waited. “No? What a shame. Then at least tell me how old they are. Are they pretty?”
    Matthias balled up his hand into a fist. “They’re not girls anymore; they’re grown women. And yes, all three are very pretty.”
    Andreas von Balge shot him an icy smile. “Shall I fetch the good doctor?”
    “As far as I know, he’s not in town,” Matthias said, slightly more confident.
    “You are correct.” The advocate paused thoughtfully and turned to the audience. “He is, in fact, with his offspring on a pilgrimage. His two sons, to be exact.”
    “That proves nothing!” Matthias Trauenstein jumped up and knocked over his chair.
    “Please, my lord,” the sheriff snapped. “You wanted this trial. Kindly take your