Chapter Two

After visiting the carnival, Evan Parris’s afternoon sermon to the faithful had gone well. His right hand strayed absently to rub the drooping mole next to his nose. The true devotion in the crowd who called him to preach made him feel powerful. The word of the Lord always prepared him for his sacred duty.

Back in his motel room, he knelt in front of the wooden cross—the only adornment he allowed. Black cloths covered the pernicious paintings and silvered windows of vanity. With his left hand, he held his Bible to his chest. He rocked back and forth on his knees while contemplating his Holy duty.

He spoke to God in a voice dripping with passion. “You know me, Lord. When I was young, my life was empty, my youth wasted. It wasn’t until you showed me my illustrious forbearer that I found my way to you. You showed me my vocation.” A bit of spittle formed at the corners of his mouth. “The first Reverend Parris condemned the witches of Salem. I follow in his footsteps for you, Lord.”

His rocking became frenetic. “My forefather hung the Carnival Witch’s depraved ancestress, Martha Carrier. Ariel Land was hard to find, but I did not fail you. I will continue the exalted task entrusted to my family. Your word from the Holy Book guides me. ‘Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live’. I promise, Lord, the descendent of Martha Carrier will die tomorrow night. She will be the twelfth cleansed. Glory be to God.” He ended his mantra with the Lord’s Prayer.

As he lay down for the night, he was content. He knew this witch needed to die, and he would kill her. The magic stunk on her. He felt it, like worms on his skin. She had a devil crow as an evil familiar and wantonly practiced her depravity. She was the worst so far. His only decision was whether he should burn her, press her, or hang her. He’d hung the last two. They had repented at the end. Ariel Land was so vile. He could see no hint of repentance in her. Her suffering should be great. Pressing would be best. It would force the evil from her. Within days, she’d be cleansed from the earth. He sighed contentedly as he drifted off to sleep. God’s will be done.