Johannes shook his head. “Even if that were possible, we’d need more than a few of your friends. And she would spend her whole life on the run. Is that what you want?”
“It’s better than seeing her hang from the gallows.”
Johannes took a deep breath. The picture that Kilian’s words painted made him shudder.
“Who was the fellow that represented Madlen before? I’ve forgotten his name.”
“Andreas von Balge. He studies law here in the university.”
“I have to speak to him. Can you arrange it? And can we rely on him again?”
“I'm sure of it. He helped us distract the guards so that Madlen could escape from the city. The sheriff held us for days to find out where Madlen had gone. Finally, Andreas insisted on our rights and threatened to report his conduct to the count unless he released us immediately. He’s done a great deal.”
Johannes had to smile. Kilian had already told him how Madlen escaped the city. The plan was as absurd as it was simple. No wonder the sheriff had been so annoyed.
“Who has been given jurisdiction?”
“That is currently in question. The last hearing was led by the sheriff, and the members of the jury were noblemen. The ongoing city wars have weakened applicable judicial laws. Whoever wins and rules the Hanseatic League will create a council and award new political offices. The Bavarian dukes will more than likely prevail. But until then, we must contend with the sheriff and the noblemen again. Why?”
“It would be better if we could find a way to move the trial to Trier. I have influence there.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” Agathe asked, sounding hopeful.
Johannes shrugged. “We should try anyway. The archbishop could be convinced to take on this matter, of that I’m sure. Do you think that you can convince the sheriff to dispose of the matter?”
Kilian shook his head. “No. He thinks Madlen deceived him.”
Johannes pressed his lips together. “I’ll send a message to the archbishop and hope that it gets there in time. But I don’t want to give you too much hope; he wants to punish the secret healer, too.”
“For healing, yes, not for a murder she didn’t commit.”
“That’s exactly what we need to prove.” Johannes rubbed his chin. “Kilian, bring this Andreas von Balge here as quickly as possible. And what was the name of the witness at that time, the maid?”
“Barbara? She’s terrified of her master. We can’t expect any help from her.”
“We have to speak to her nevertheless. We must leave no stone unturned.”
“What can I do?” Agathe asked. “I would like to help.”
“You can. Try to get permission to see Madlen. You can say that you want to examine her because of her pregnancy; they won’t deny you that.”
“Good. And what should I tell her?”
Johannes looked at Agathe intently. “Don’t promise her anything that we might not be able to do. But tell her that we’re doing everything we can. Encourage her so she doesn’t lose all hope.” He looked at Kilian. “Be sure to make it clear to her that we’re all in this together. Tell her that I love her.”
“I will.” Agathe stood up. “She must be dying from fright.”
The thought was hard for Johannes to bear. He sincerely hoped that on top of everything Matthias Trauenstein hadn’t beaten her, too. He clenched his hand into a fist. If this cur laid a hand on her, his life wouldn’t be worth a pfennig; Johannes would take out that bastard himself.
“What’s the matter?” Agathe looked at him worriedly.
“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I just want her out of there as quickly as possible.”
Agathe touched his hand. “That’s what we all want. Don’t lose faith.” With that, she said good-bye and left the tavern.
Shortly after she left, Kilian went to find Andreas von Balge, and Johannes went to his room to write the archbishop. Then Johannes hired a messenger to bring the message to Trier as quickly as possible and promised to double his fee if the messenger went straight through without stopping. The messenger took the letter and set out immediately. Hopefully, he’d reach the archbishop before it was too late.
Although Madlen heard somebody open her cell door, she didn’t move a muscle and kept her eyes closed. Agathe stepped in closer. “Madlen, my dear. Are you awake?”
She opened her eyes with effort and blinked several times. “Agathe?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Agathe.” Madlen stood up. “It’s really you.” She stumbled slightly before falling into her aunt’s arms.