Page 46 of A Keeper of Time

Edna had to look away as she rolled her eyes in disbelief. It wouldn’t do for the Council to see it.

“Yer no’ eating, Edna,” Melusina observed.

Edna’s small nibbles and her pursed lips were a good indicator that her thoughts were elsewhere. “I’m no’ verra hungry.”

“’Tis a shame,” Evanore said. “If ye have no’ heard, the food is delicious.

Edna wanted to yell, None of this would be happening if ’twas no’ for ye! She thought better of it. She got the feeling that her behavior could possibly influence the Council. “’Tis nothing against the wonderful feast ye’ve provided.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Daire asked, with sincere concern.

“I miss me husband,” Edna said. “’Tis hard to see him sitting there and no’ be able to talk to him or touch him.” She glanced around the table where she was met with pitying looks from everyone except Evanore.

“So ye ken how it feels. I miss me sister, but unlike ye I can no’ see her or speak to her ever again.”

“And so ye wish others to suffer as ye have?” Edna could feel all the pent up anger building inside of her.

“I do! ’Tis nothing less than what ye deserve!”

“Yer only thinking of yerself.” Edna tried to bring her voice down to a more moderate level, but was unsuccessful.

“As did ye, when ye took me sister’s life,” Brielle bit back.

Edna calmed herself before speaking again. “I understand yer pain. ’Tis a terrible thing to lose yer sister, but nothing yer doing is going to bring her back. Causing pain and suffering to me and to the couples I’ve matched is no’ going to make ye feel any better.” She set her napkin on top of her plate. What little appetite she’d had was now completely gone.

“None of what ye say is true.” Evanore jumped up from her seat, pushing it over as she did.

“Ladies, let’s no’ argue. We’ll straighten this all out with the help of our jurors. ’Tis why we’re here.” Melusina said. “Evanore, please sit.”

Evanore honed in on Edna as she sat, narrowing her hate-filled eyes and letting loose with a snort of derision.

Edna thought the Council would have sided with her on this, but it seemed they were only interested in the appearance of fairness when this was a cut and dry case. Brielle was dead because of her own bad behavior and Evanore had no right to kidnap Edna and undo all the good she had done these past several years. She was angry. So angry she was sure there must be steam coming out of her ears to prove it.

“Are we all ready to head back out?” Melusina asked. Not waiting for an answer she rose and headed for the door. Everyone fell in line behind her, as did Edna.

***

Angus hadn’t moved from his seat as they waited for the Council to reappear. The witches on the jury had all wandered off into the surrounding woods. He watched them go before turning to Maggie and Robert who sat on either side of him. “I’m worried.”

“Doona be, Uncle. There are still many more who wish to speak. They will tell the truth about Auntie.”

“She’s right.” Robert placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“I ken it, but I wish I could be sure that all of those witches were going to side with Edna.”

Maggie leaned her head on his shoulder as Sir Richard joined them.

“Maggie, I’d like a chance to speak. I think me story could help Edna. Will ye speak with the council for me.”

Maggie lifted her head to look at him. “I believe yer right. I ken yer name is on the list, but I’ll make sure they plan on calling ye.”

Angus was beginning to wonder if the witches of the jury were planning on returning when one by one they made their way back to their seats. When the last one was seated the door opened and the Council returned. He smiled at Edna and blew her a kiss. Her face, which had been somber, brightened considerably. Angus had always had the ability to make Edna smile, no matter the circumstance. He could feel her frustration and would do his best to remind her he was there for her. He hoped he would always be there and that the unthinkable didn’t happen. It would destroy the lives of everyone who thought they had found the love of their life.

Maggie approached the council at the bench and spoke with them. He couldn’t hear what she was saying, but they were nodding in agreement with whatever it was. She returned to her seat next to him. “They do plan on calling ye. I’ve given them a list. They’re no’ going in order, so I’m no’ sure when it will be yer turn.”

“Good. I’ll be patient then.”

Everyone facing the trial was intently watching and listening to what was about to be said.