Altha was preoccupied in late 1618, treating the villagers stricken by fever, staying up nights preparing remedies, and observing the comet in the sky as an omen.
Altha noted the absence of John's wife Grace from church on Christmas and feared for her well-being, given John's abusive history.
After Christmas, Altha observed the Milburn farm secretly, noting Grace's absence from daily activities and apparent ill health on the day she finally emerged.
Altha witnessed a brutal act by John, who dragged Grace by the hair, confirming his abusive treatment towards her.
Adam Bainbridge brought Altha a new year's gift from John's farm and awkwardly relayed that Grace had requested he pass on a gift to Altha separately.
The gift from Grace was an orange studded with cloves, revealing through a secret symbol that Grace was pregnant and seeking Altha's help.
Altha had a dream of her mother warning her to keep her healing abilities hidden but was awakened by the crying of a crow, symbolizing it was time to act.