Free The Secret Healer by Ellin Carsta Page B

too long ago, it seemed as if this was just a case of improper administration of powerful herbal remedies. But now it seemed clear that a rich nobleman was purposefully tormenting a young woman by accusing her of something that he was guilty of. In the last few decades, there had been minor revolts against feudal lords and other nobles. Commoners were fed up with the rich and powerful. Until today, Madlen hadn’t received any special attention in Heidelberg, but for many Heidelbergers, now the allegations against her reflected what angered them most about their daily lives. Simple, honest folks were fed up with arbitrary injustice. Madlen looked over at the spectator stands and saw a young woman raise her fist. Madlen nodded confidently as others made it clear that they stood behind her. Their support reassured her, and yet she still had a sinking feeling about Barbara’s testimony, though she surely knew that Adelhaid Trauenstein would have died if Madlen hadn’t helped her. And even though she had never wanted to do anything but help people, she secretly wondered whether she would be so willing to do so in the future. The terror of the last few days had shaken her so badly that she’d been unable to eat or sleep properly, and her already slight frame became even thinner and more frail looking. It would take some time before she regained the confidence to help others again. Madlen winced when Andreas grabbed her arm. He pointed to the young woman now being led into the courtroom by a guard. “Is this the witness?”
    Madlen nodded. “Yes, that’s Barbara.”
    “She won’t look at you,” Andreas whispered to Madlen. “Try to get her to meet your eyes.”
    “I’ll try.” Madlen lifted her chin, but the maid kept staring directly at the floor, refusing to look up. It wasn’t long before the sheriff and the jury solemnly reentered the courtroom and once again took their places.
    “The court wishes to continue.” The sheriff looked around the room. “I don’t see Matthias Trauenstein; he’s supposed to lead the prosecution.” He shook his head.
    A murmur went through the courtroom as the people looked around. Suddenly, the door opened again, and a gasping Matthias Trauenstein entered. “Please forgive me!” He rested his hands on his knees to get his breath back.
    “What happened to you?” the sheriff asked.
    “It’s my wife, Adelhaid,” he blurted out. “She’s not well.”
    “But she’s due to testify this afternoon, immediately after the maid,” the sheriff said indignantly. “Are you trying to tell us that she won’t be able to make her statement?”
    Matthias Trauenstein stood up straight again. “Adelhaid told me herself that she wanted to appear. I beg of you: Would it be possible for her to come tomorrow? I’m afraid she doesn’t have the strength today.”
    The sheriff traded looks with the jurymen. Andreas von Balge followed their gestures. “They all agree,” he whispered.
    “We have nothing against her testifying tomorrow morning,” the sheriff announced. “Today we’ll hear the maid’s testimony and, first thing in the morning, your wife’s. But one thing is quite certain, Matthias Trauenstein, your wife must absolutely appear here tomorrow.”
    Matthias acknowledged him with a bow. “It’s of the utmost importance that she does so. Believe me.” He took his place.
    “Good. Good.” The sheriff cleared his throat. “Now to you, maid. Your name is Barbara, correct?”
    “That’s correct, sir,” she squeaked, looking up for only a split second.
    “And from what house do you come?”
    “My father is Hugo, the barrel maker’s servant, my lord.”
    The sheriff nodded. “Now please tell us in your own words what led to the death of the Trauenstein infant.”
    Barbara’s face turned red. Quickly, she glanced at Matthias Trauenstein, who threateningly raised his eyebrow. “My mistress didn’t feel very well,” she finally began. “She was only a few weeks away