Chapter 22: Altha
Contains spoilers
Summary
- Altha, the protagonist, is in court, worried everyone believes the testimony of the Kirkby boy that implicates her in a death.
- She reminisces about the morning John died, describing her routine walk and the snowy, beautiful valley.
- Altha witnesses John being attacked by his cows, which had seemed majestic before turning violent.
- Upon seeing John's body and Grace emerging from the farmhouse, Altha covers the body with her cloak to spare Grace the horrific sight.
- She reflects on the word "witch" and how it has been created by men to demonize and exert power over women like her and her mother.
- Altha recalls her mother's teachings, including skepticism about traditional Biblical stories and the role of women.
- Her mother warned Altha against the danger they faced due to their healing gifts, narrating instances that hinted at the peril for women like them.
- A proactive visit from a couple seeking refuge from witchcraft accusations changes everything, invoking fear and tension.
- Reverend Goode, the prosecutor's second witness, testifies about Altha, her attendance at church, and his doubts about her healing practices.
- Goode acknowledges Altha tends the sick, sometimes successfully, other times the patient dies, which he could not fully condemn as murder.
- The prosecutor inquires about the potential witchcraft involvement in John Milburn's death, which Goode reported to the authorities.
- Reverend Goode reveals that it was William Metcalfe, John's father-in-law, who raised suspicions about Altha's involvement in John's death.
- The chapter concludes with Altha taken back to the dungeons, as the trial continues and night falls.