In the matter of the murder of Adelhaid Trauenstein, all were now convinced that Madlen had consistently told the truth, and it had been brought to trial only because Matthias was guilty of committing multiple murders. He was a vile and devious criminal, devoid of remorse or concern for anybody else’s skin but his own.
So the spectators witnessed the sheriff as he reported the capture of Matthias Trauenstein, who would be tried for the murder of Adelhaid Trauenstein, a crime evidently solely committed by her husband and no one else. Everyone was convinced that Madlen was only a scapegoat to cover up Matthias’s crime. As to the murder of the maid, Barbara—or what was left of her—was discovered in a barrel filled with liquid in the cellar of the Trauensteins’ house. Her remains would be buried the next day. Matthias would also face charges for Barbara’s gruesome death.
With that, Johannes Goldman took the floor; he asked forgiveness from the defendant, and went so far as to thank her for her devotion. A glimpse of the archbishop revealed to Johannes that he welcomed the conciliatory gesture, especially since Johannes stressed that he was not acting completely on his own accord, but was greatly influenced by the wishes and encouragement of the archbishop to make a public apology.
Then Andreas was given the floor. He cautioned both the court and the spectators that this trial should be a warning to all who too easily believed in the guilt of innocent parties based on unsubstantiated claims.
“Do you have anything you care to say, defendant? You have the right to a final word.”
Madlen arose slowly, shaking at the knees. She cleared her throat, unsure that her voice would be heard. She was still soaking in all the events of the past few days. Her gaze fell upon Kilian, who smiled despite the injuries on his bruised and battered face.
“There isn’t much more to say,” Madlen began. “But I would like to speak nevertheless since there are so many citizens, both from a high social standing as well as the simple folk who have gathered here today, and I very much appreciate the presence of the archbishop.” She took a deep breath. “It’s true that I suffered much injustice. But I think of Adelhaid and Barbara, who lost their lives simply because that’s what this repulsive man so desired. I wish I could have done more for them. As I stand in front of you in this church today, I promise I will no longer stand by passively when I encounter a woman beaten and abused by her husband; I will do everything in my power to help her. I bid you, Sheriff, to pledge your help as well when encountering such situations in the future.” She lifted her head.
“You have my word, Madlen, and that of all my officers.”
“You have our word, too,” someone shouted from the spectator stands, and others murmured their assent.
“We citizens of Heidelberg, Worms, as well as Trier”—she nodded at the archbishop—“will no longer tolerate such brutes in our midst. We women bear your children. Honor us for that, as we honor you.” She looked at the spectators, who hung on to her every word. This was something Madlen would have never dared to believe until now. “I’m a woman, and yet I wish nothing more than to heal, like a doctor. I want to learn, I want to do everything. Let me heal, and I swear by the Lord God Almighty, who’s always been by my side, that I will only do good things for the people as long as I shall live.” She bowed her head.
A single pair of hands clapped, and Madlen lifted her head. She looked the archbishop straight in the eye as he applauded. Next, the sheriff joined, then the members of the jury, and finally the spectators, who rose from their seats.
Tears of joy fell from Madlen’s eyes. At that moment, she felt her child kick for the first time. She laughed and cried, unable to suppress her feelings any longer. Andreas briefly put his arm around her shoulders.
“Esteemed colleague,” he called loudly over to Johannes, “it is your privilege to embrace your wife.”
Johannes’s chair fell over when he stood. He walked over, tenderly pulled Madlen close to him, and kissed her as if they were alone, not surrounded by hundreds of people. They held each other as if they never wanted to let each other go. Finally, they broke away when the sheriff cleared his throat loudly.
“We still must announce the verdict,” he said apologetically as Johannes went back and took his place. Gradually, the spectators sat down again.
“A very lively trial, wasn’t it?” the sheriff noted with a twinkle in his eye. He cleared his throat again. “The High Court of Heidelberg acquits the defendant of all charges. In light of her proven innocence, she shall be set free immediately. In addition, the court notes how proud we Heidelbergers are to have you in our midst.” He raised his arms. “There will be few here who will quickly despair due to ill health,” he joked, and the crowd laughed. “Defendant,” he said seriously, “I cannot make amends for the injustice that has been perpetrated upon you. You have my commitment, of course, and you should never be afraid to come to me, when you believe that a woman has been abused. We will no longer tolerate such atrocities here in our midst. I pray that the Lord continues to stand faithfully by your side, and I hope that what has been said here also reaches the king’s ears. The archbishop has already heard you. One day, perhaps women like you will be able to attend our wonderful university. Go now with your husband, have a healthy baby, and live a full life. I will pray for you.” He choked up, but continued. “The court has spoken.”