Many years ago, there was a town with no name. One day, when the sun was shining and the warm summer breeze was rustling the leaves in the trees, two women were walking through the town square.

“What lovely weather we’re having this year!” said Mrs. Grady.

“Just as nice as any other year, Jane,” responded Ms. Heidicker. 

      As they walked, they could see the other townspeople preparing for the annual summer festival.

 “Just look at all the games and prizes!” exclaimed Mrs. Grady.

The games were quite elaborate this year, as opposed to the normal ramshackle quality. The games were much the same, however, in that almost all of them were some form of a witch-hunting game. There was even a station that seemed to be hosting a competition for who could design the best witch-hunting equipment.

      “I suppose it’s to celebrate our good fortune. With that horrible disease going around, it’s a wonder we haven’t caught it yet,” Ms. Heidicker said. Then her eyes widened. “Oh goodness me!” she cried, “I just remembered that I have to stop by the apothecary’s house. My son has a dreadful fever,” and with those words, she hiked up her skirts and rushed through the town square, muttering apologies as she went. The apothecary lived on the outskirts of the village, so Ms. Heidicker was breathing quite heavily by the time she reached her house. 

      Ms. Heidicker came to a stop on the apothecary’s front porch and took a few seconds to catch her breath, before raising her hand to knock on the door. After the second knock, the door was flung open and she was greeted by a smiling woman. 

“Hello, Elizabeth! How lovely to see you!” she remarked.

Ms. Heidicker smiled.  “And you as well Ida,” she responded. “Now, I’m here to pick up my son’s fever cure, if it’s ready.”

Ida laughed, “Of course,” she took a small vial out of one of her pockets, “give it to him before bedtime, so right around the start of the festival. Got it?” 

Ms. Heidicker nodded vigorously,  “Thank you!” She gave a quick curtsey before hurrying back to her house

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      Ms. Heidicker released a contented sigh as she wiped her brow clear of sweat. She was finally ready to attend the festival.  She untied her apron and set it on the hook near the door, before walking towards the town square. When she reached the square, she was beyond confused. Where had everybody gone? The town square, which would normally be teeming with life and laughter, was completely barren. She wandered around, hoping to spot some sign of life, when she heard yelling coming from the field that lay near the edge of the woods. Being careful not to trip on the various decorations that lined the street, she made her way to the field as fast as she could. 

What she saw would haunt her for the rest of her life.

     There was a pyre, upon which the apothecary was being lashed. As the ropes were tied, Ida begged and pleaded with her captors. 

“Please!” she cried, “I haven’t done anything wrong!”

“You hear this?!” The mayor bellowed, “The witch claims she has done nothing to deserve this!” Turning to Ida, he hissed, “ you have been corrupted by magic.” 

“You don’t understand!” Ida wails, “All I’ve done is protect you!” 

Ida’s eyes darted around desperately, searching for someone to help her. Her manic eyes landed on Ms. Heidicker. “Elizabeth!” she begged, “you know me, we’re friends! I’ve done nothing wrong, you have to help me!”

     Elizabeth felt an uneasy sensation in her gut. She felt nauseous. She had seen Ida earlier that day, and they had laughed and joked just like any other day. Elizabeth looked up into Ida’s pleading eyes, staring deep into them. The urge to help was strong, but the rules were clear: magic was banned, and anyone convicted of using it was to be burned at the stake. During previous burnings, there had been people who disagreed, but they were never heard from again. She couldn’t risk that, even for her friend. Besides, it really was all Ida’s fault anyway. Ms. Heidicker shamefully looked away from Ida.

     Ida finally realized that no one was going to help her. Before long, her heart-wrenching cries turned into blood-curdling howls and unearthly shrieks as the flames surrounded her. Elizabeth averted her gaze and covered her ears until at last, Ida was nothing more than ash.