“Go back to your homes, and tomorrow at dawn, gather in front of the church. We will head out together!” Elsbeth hoped that her voice could still be heard above the jubilation. Soon the last people shuffled out of the hallowed hall, and Brother Simon turned the key in the lock.
“That was unbelievable!” Brother Simon praised. “I’ve never seen the town so enthusiastic, so taken in.”
“I won’t be able to sleep a wink tonight.”
“Try anyway,” he advised. “I’ll walk you home.”
“Thank you.”
They both took the short walk home, caught up in their thoughts. As they reached the Goldmann estate, Elsbeth stopped. “I thank you, Brother Simon.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” he announced.
“Did she heal you, too?”
“No, but it has always been quite clear to me who the secret healer was. I taught her how to read and write. And if I can do nothing but sit in the courtroom and pray for her, that’s exactly what I’ll do. She needs all the support she can get.”
Elsbeth smiled. “I wish you a good night. Pray that at least some remember the promises they made in the church this evening.”
“I’m sure they will,” Brother Simon replied. “Good night.”
He waited until Elsbeth was safely back at home. Then he went back to the rectory. He imagined Madlen, a woman who was no longer a mystery to him, and smiled at the thought of seeing her again in a few days. If he weren’t a monk, she would be the woman that he would want to have by his side. He said a long, fervent prayer in hopes that tomorrow morning more than just a handful of people came back to the church.
Although Elsbeth knew that she would need the strength, she could hardly force one bite of breakfast down her throat. She had tossed and turned half the night, staring off into the darkness, repeatedly praying to the Lord for help. She got up to drink something because her throat was dry and she was much too hot. A moment later, she pulled her blanket up to her neck because she was suddenly freezing. Just before dawn, she’d fallen fast asleep; Helene had to shake her gently awake.
Now she sat in front of her food, gnawing on a piece of bread. The sight of the wheat mash made her sick and she pushed the bowl away. She could barely choke down the few bites of bread and ham. This day would play the most decisive role in Madlen’s journey. Had Elsbeth really convinced the crowd? She sickened at the thought that she would go to the church and, except for two or three people wanting to be paid for their efforts, there would be no one there.
Helene had already packed up some clothing for her. She had offered to accompany her mistress, but Elsbeth had shook her head. Her husband would stay in the city. It was out of the question; he wouldn’t agree to leave Worms to support his daughter-in-law. Helene would need to take care of Peter until Elsbeth came back home. She sincerely hoped that Madlen and Johannes would be by her side upon her return.
Peter Goldmann was in the office when Elsbeth bade him farewell. He did not disguise his displeasure at his wife’s foolishness. But he didn’t want to forbid it. After all, the prospect of several days without her gave him certain freedoms. And even better, he liked the fact that Helene would be there. If Elsbeth wanted to wage a war against the authorities in Heidelberg, it was all the same to him, as long as she remained committed to her duties in Worms.
Elsbeth bent over slightly and kissed her husband on the cheek. Then she walked out of the house, her heart beating wildly. The closer she got to the church, the more intently she listened for voices coming from afar. As she turned the final corner, she put her hands over her mouth. She would have never believed that so many Worms citizens would show up. The whole city seemed ready to go with her to Heidelberg. Elsbeth was speechless; she finally spotted Otilia amid the teeming throng and went to her. Some people noticed Elsbeth had arrived and began to applaud and cheer. Elsbeth embraced Otilia. “My prayers have been answered. I never dared hope that this many would come.”
Otilia winked at her. “You’ve started something. Let’s pray that together we can bring Madlen safely home.”
Elsbeth took a deep breath, then made her way through the crowd, hopping up on the steps in front of the church. She raised her arms to quiet them. “My good citizens of Worms. Let me thank you all. Today is a happy day. Together we will fight against injustice and corruption!”
“Against injustice and corruption!” the crowd echoed.
“And for our healer!” Elsbeth replied.
“For our healer, for our healer,” they began to chant, and Elsbeth gestured for all to head out. She herself walked ahead with Otilia, Reni, Roswitha, Sander, and Brother Simon; those citizens that could not accompany them lined the streets on either side, cheering them on. Their chants could still be heard echoing far beyond the city gates. It seemed to Elsbeth as if their voices carried the travelers along.