The guard came closer, trying to look at Madlen’s face, but she looked down. The henchman sitting behind her grabbed her gruffly under the chin and lifted her head.
“It is indeed,” the guard said in astonishment. “I will make sure that the sheriff receives you at this late hour.” He quickly stepped to the front of the group and proceeded on foot as the others followed on horseback.
At first, the sheriff was quite displeased to be awakened in the middle of the night. But when he realized what was happening, he quickly got dressed and let Matthias Trauenstein bring the prisoner before him.
“Thank you for receiving me at this late hour.” Matthias bowed submissively.
“Not at all; you’ve done something incredible.” The sheriff nodded. “Can I offer you anything? Wine or something to eat? My cook is a gem, and it would be her pleasure to prepare a meal for such a heroic man.”
“I must decline. I wanted to do my duty but am exhausted and want nothing more than to go back to my own home. Could I wait until tomorrow to make my statement? As you can see, the prisoner’s physical requirements have been amply met. Although she resisted fiercely, my men and I succeeded in bringing her here unscathed. But watch her carefully. She is not to be trusted. She’ll do everything in her power to find a way to escape.”
“Nobody has ever escaped from the Heidelberg jail. I’ll bring her there myself immediately. She escaped from me once; it won’t happen again.”
Matthias stood. “What a relief to know that she is in your custody. I know from now on that justice will be served; I’ll finally be able to sleep in peace. Good night, Sheriff. I’ll come back tomorrow to make my statement.”
“All of Heidelberg is indebted to you for your service.” He threw a look at Madlen, who had silently followed the conversation. “You have done well in surrendering her to me unscathed. I will make a note, in case she accuses you of some crime to distract the court.”
“You are a righteous servant of the people, Sheriff. We may not have always spoken the same language, but I hope you know that the lies you have heard about me have no basis in fact. I’m relieved that you can see my true colors with your own eyes and that I’m only concerned that justice be served.” He nodded at the sheriff, then looked at Madlen for the last time. “This time there will be no escape for you. My wife will be avenged and will finally rest in peace.” With that, he left the room.
The sheriff scrutinized Madlen as he walked around her. “A noble dress that you’re wearing. How did you manage that while all of Heidelberg was looking for you?” His voice was contemptuous. “I must confess that you managed to deceive me. I really believed that you weren’t guilty. But you will pay for what you did to poor Adelhaid Trauenstein.”
Madlen was tempted to speak, but the sound of his voice told her that it was pointless. She only wanted to go to her cell and rest. She didn’t know how long it would be until her trial began, but it wasn’t important. She could only imagine what everyone presiding at the trial must already think of her. No. Her fate was sealed. She was almost happy about it. Once and for all, this nightmare would finally come to an end—the escape, the hiding, the eternal fear. It would all be over in a few days. Madlen sighed as the sheriff grabbed her arm and brought her to the jail. Without saying a word, she entered the cell and heard him turn the key in the lock behind her. She went over to the cot, lay down, and rolled onto her side, falling asleep almost instantly. She felt nothing but relief.
Chapter Thirty
The news that Matthias Trauenstein was back in town and that he’d handed over the woman responsible for the death of his wife spread like wildfire. Agathe, Kilian, and Johannes had already been in town for two days and went to Madlen’s father, Jerg, to ask him whether anything had been done in regard to Matthias. Jerg said no, appearing rather surprised by Madlen’s husband. But neither Madlen’s husband nor Agathe’s arrival meant much to Jerg. Since Madlen had escaped and the arranged marriage to Heinfried had fallen through, Jerg had barely left the house. He’d spent the money before he’d gotten it and couldn’t pay back his debts. “Nobody’s helping me,” he said sullenly, then went back to his woodshop and simply left Johannes, Kilian, and Agathe standing. The three decided to stay in a tavern. Kilian wanted to pay a visit to Irma.
The next morning, they awoke to the rumor of Madlen’s return. Agathe, Kilian, and Johannes sat in the tavern, trying to figure out what to do next.
“The dungeon walls are impenetrable,” said Kilian. “The best thing to do is to try to free her when she’s brought over from the courthouse.”