The Secret Healer(82)
“Johannes, I want to know this instant what this is really about. And don’t you dare lie to me.” Elsbeth glared at him angrily.
He knew immediately that it was no use. He could never get a lie past his mother. He moved his chair and sat down opposite Elsbeth. He took a deep breath and told her everything that had happened as accurately as possible, especially the description that Matthias Trauenstein had given him of the sorceress. Elsbeth was shocked, listening with her hand in front of her mouth.
“Now you know why I must find her. She’s in league with the devil, Mother; she fooled us all.”
Elsbeth gaped. “I simply don’t believe it.” She looked her son directly in the eye, feeling completely drained. “And you have no doubt that this is the same woman?”
Johannes shook his head slowly. “There are too many similarities. Especially the mole.” He tapped his finger on the place just above his upper lip. “Or have you seen another woman who fits this description so closely?”
Elsbeth pressed her lip together. “No, you’re right. He’s described her to the last detail.”
“I told her myself that the Heidelberger was coming to Worms to give me the description of the woman who killed his wife. That’s why she ran away.”
“My God, Johannes, I can’t imagine how you must feel right now. What will you do?”
“I must find the secret healer and bring her before court to stand trial. She will face charges of murder and infanticide. It’s my job to ensure that justice is served.”
Elsbeth shook her head. “Do you mean that you want to see her hang?”
“If that is the decision of the court,” he said coldly.
His mother didn’t respond. What would this mean for Johannes and their family? Would it mean the loss of all that they had worked so hard for all these years?
“I need your help to get ahold of this Roswitha,” Johannes said.
“What can I do?” Elsbeth replied numbly.
“What is the name of her new husband?”
“Sander?”
“Exactly. Sander.” The name seemed vaguely familiar. “Sander,” he repeated pensively. “The very same Sander who was saved from the cough?”
“Could be.”
“I need two guards who can keep their mouths shut.”
“What are you planning?”
“The craftsmen will be done with their work soon; they’ll be eager to drink a pint at the pub.” Johannes looked at her. “Let’s see whether this Roswitha won’t come to me herself.” He smiled, baring his teeth in a way that gave Elsbeth goose bumps.
“Where am I?” Sander blinked when the guards pulled the linen sack off of his head.
Johannes stood with his legs apart in front of the bound man. He scrutinized Sander as the man tugged violently on the ropes cutting deeply into his wrists.
“I wouldn’t do that,” Johannes advised, observing the wounds. “Although I’m not a doctor, I imagine it’s painful when the ropes cut deeper into your flesh.”
Sander tried again to free himself. “Let me go!” he growled. “What do you want with me?”
Johannes dragged a chair from the corner of the room and set it at a safe distance in front of Sander. Johannes studied him. “You’re an extraordinarily lucky man,” he began finally.
“Me? How’s that?”
“Well, you were cured of that terrible cough.” Johannes watched Sander’s expression change. Though still angry, the reason for his detainment slowly dawned on him.
“I had a cough, yes. But not the one that so many have died from,” he lied.
“Is that so? I heard something else entirely.”
“From whom?”
“I’m asking the questions.”
Sander lowered his head, and Johannes waited. Sander finally looked up. “Do you want something else or can I go now?”
“Your cough,” Johannes reminded him.
“I already told you, it wasn’t so bad. Why is this so important?”
“I decide what’s important,” Johannes growled.
Sander sighed. “What do you really want?”
“Who healed you?” Johannes demanded.
“Nobody. The cough came and then it went. That’s all.”
Johannes shook his head with pity. “Oh, Sander. We both know that’s not the truth. But I see that we’re not getting anywhere here.” He stood up and neatly parked his chair back in the corner. Then he waved to the guards, who went through the wooden door together.
“Where are you going?” Sander looked at them in a panic.
“Us? It’s time to eat. I’m hungry.” Johannes opened the door.