“What? Why?”
“Well, so that the charges can be tried at the same time.”
The sheriff seemed to think it over; Johannes believed he already knew what his answer would be.
“Would you have anything against having both offenses being tried here?”
Johannes was surprised. “I had not thought of that,” he lied. “But you’re right. Whether the trial is set in Trier or in Heidelberg, it doesn’t matter. The main thing is for her to be tried for her crimes.”
The sheriff nodded. “Your insight speaks volumes.”
“I’ll send a message to the archbishop that you here in Heidelberg are in the position to try the secret healer. When do you intend to begin the process?”
“Well, as quickly as possible. Why?”
“If the trials occurs here instead, I’ll need some time to prepare my case. I’ll have to ensure that the witnesses can come here to testify on the woman’s activities. In addition, we should wait for an answer from the archbishop to ensure he agrees with our approach.”
“I agree with you. How long do you need?”
“Five days should be enough.”
“I’ll give you six. Seven days from today, the trial will begin.”
Johannes bowed politely. “Thank you. I’ll send you the indictment on behalf of the archbishop in the next few days.”
“Where can I find you if there are any questions?”
“I’m staying at the tavern. But I will only be there today; I’ll leave early tomorrow to gather witnesses.”
“I hope your trip is successful.”
Johannes nodded. “As soon as I’m back in Heidelberg, I’ll contact you. Farewell, Sheriff.”
“Farewell, prosecutor.”
Johannes left the sheriff’s office feeling conflicted. He had to be clever to keep this game a secret. Above all, time was of the essence. First thing in the morning, he would head out to Worms. The messenger he’d sent to the archbishop would be unable to find him upon his return. Johannes sincerely hoped that the archbishop would feel compelled to come to Heidelberg once he got the message. This was the only way that Johannes could succeed in getting all the charges against Madlen tried in one procedure. He’d never experienced fear at the thought of failure. His self-confidence had always held him in good stead. But now, fear for Madlen and their child threatened to crush him; she must be exonerated at all costs. He took a deep breath as he left the house and walked onto the street. There were six days remaining to think through even the smallest detail; he had to anticipate his opponent’s each and every step. He said a silent prayer to God for help. There was no way he would allow himself to fail; his wife and unborn child depended on him.
The next day, Johannes headed out before dawn. He’d met with Andreas von Balge the day before to discuss everything. He wanted to speak with Barbara, the maid, but both of them were doubtful that he could get through to her at all. She was the only one besides Madlen and Matthias that knew what had actually happened the night that Adelhaid Trauenstein died. They didn’t even know the guard’s name. In fact, nobody seemed to know the man; Johannes and Andreas doubted whether he was even one of Trauenstein’s guards. He may have even been a paid thug who’d been sent away by Matthias after doing his dirty work. However, he was crucial for the defense, but only if he could be persuaded to tell the truth.
Johannes reached Worms in the afternoon. He rode to his parents’ house, got off his horse, and knocked on the door impatiently. The guard had barely opened the door when he stormed in. “Is my mother here?”
“My lord, Johannes, greetings to you!” The guard bowed. “Your mother’s in the office.”
“And my father?”
“Him, too.”
“Good. Fetch my mother. Tell her that it’s Otilia.”
“Otilia?” repeated the guard.
“That’s correct.”
The guard nodded and left; a few minutes later, he came back with Elsbeth. She rushed over and hugged Johannes. “I’m so relieved to see you,” she whispered so that her husband, still in the office, couldn’t hear them.
“Come.” Johannes led her into the dining room.
“Did you find her?” Elsbeth sat down and looked at Johannes expectantly.
“Yes. And there’s much more to the story than I first thought.” He explained it all, starting with his wife’s real name.
Elsbeth listened attentively, nodding and asking questions. “But then she hasn’t done anything wrong,” she said, shaking her head.
“And that’s exactly why I have to do everything to get her out of there.”