Altha is taken to the dungeon of a castle where the conditions are dark, damp, and grim.
In her cell, she is given minimal provisions: a thin blanket, a pot, a pitcher of water, and an old hunk of bread which she consumes gently due to her hunger.
Altha takes note of her surroundings, feeling the cold stone walls and the damp straw under her feet, senses intensified by hunger and fear.
She reflects on the previous prisoners, imagining their fear which seems to have seeped into the very stones of her cell.
Summoning her strength despite the fear, Altha scratches at a lump of flesh below her ribcage, causing pain and bleeding which she cleans with water.
She reminisces about her home, her garden, her nanny goat, and the comfort they provided; she cries from loneliness and anticipation of her potential execution.
A spider visits her, bringing a small sense of companionship and lifting her spirits amid the dungeon’s despair.
Altha contemplates the upcoming trial, particularly who will testify against her, and she dreads the thought of Grace’s involvement.
Despite believing she won't sleep, Altha dozes off, only to be awakened by the opening of her cell door and instructed to prepare for court.
She is given a kirtle to wear, which is uncomfortable and coarse, contributing to her sense of degradation.
Altha reflects on her mother’s belief in the power of cleanliness and respect, but she finds her strength in her wits, despite her situation.
She is shackled and escorted to the courtroom, where she maintains her composure and dignity.
The prosecutor delivers a damning speech, accusing Altha of witchcraft and the murder of Master John Milburn, calling upon the jury to find her guilty.
The horror of Altha’s situation escalates when she discovers that Grace Milburn is the first witness to testify against her.