Chapter 4 The story of Susannah 3

• “Oh, um her name is Susannah, shes a visitor who just arrived this evening so I offered her shelter for the night since she wont be able to travel any further until the morning comes. Shes looking for someone who lives in Bandaria, I was hoping you would help her because you know everyone in this place better than I do.”
• Harem hung his jacket on the stand and went to Susannah, taking a seat in front of her while his eyes scrutinized her sharply.
• “I see and Susannah, might I know where you are from and who exactly you are looking for?”
• “Umm. Im from one of the neighboring towns Sir.”
• He squinted his eyes. Which of them?
• “Umm. I um”
• Susannah looked back and forth between Gwen and Harem, she definitely didnt prepare for this, oh, what would she say now? Gwen quickly cut in much to her relief.
• “Oh, stop it Uncle Harem! Cant you see that youre frightening the poor little girl???”
• “I asked her a simple question, even a baby should be able to answer.”
• “And what if she doesnt know where shes from? Or if she doesnt want to tell you? There can be many reasons she cant provide an answer so just let it be!”
• Harem stood up from the chair, pointing his two hands in the air in a surrender while he turned away. Ok, fine. But youd better be aware of who you bring into this house next time these are dangerous times, and we never know if well be seeing any more of those witches in our midst.
• Gwen then changed the topic. Susannah dear. Please tell Harem who it is you came here to see so you wont have any trouble finding them in the morning.
• Finally, the answer shed been waiting for. I came here to look for Priya?
• As if the words shot him in the back, Harem then turned back to face Susannah. Priya??? Theres only one Priya in this village listen little girl, youd better tell me who you are or youll be sleeping with the guard dogs outside. Who is Priya to you???
• At his angry remark, Susannah turned to Gwendolyn, wondering what was the matter this time. Gwen had a helpless look on her face, a face that said that there was nothing she could do again.
• “Uncle Harem, please.”
• “Shut up!!! Youd better keep that mouth of yours shut or you and your son will join her outside. He then turned his angry face back to Susannah. I dont like to repeat myself, but I will in your case. WHO IS PRIYA TO YOU?!!!
• Only one sentence that a frightened Susannah could let out of her mouth this time.
• “Priya is um. She is my aunt!”
• He looked at her strangely, and then the words suddenly brought a calm demeanor to Harems face, the anger in his eyes suddenly disappeared like cleared fog.
• “Oh, so youre Priyas niece, eh? As in you two are related???”
• “Um yes, Susannah replied, still having no idea of what was going onwhy he suddenly changed expression.
• “Oh, Im sorry I didnt know that I hosted a relative of someone as lovable as Priya oh forgive me dear.”
• “Um Whats with him all of a sudden? Is he drunk? Susannah wondered.
• “Say no more! Priya is a good friend of mine, and shes very popular in this village too. I will take you to her house myself tomorrow morning. In fact, you look tired,” he then called his niece. “Gwen!”
• “Yes Uncle?”
• “Give her my bed, shes a very honorable guest and should be treated with the utmost respect.”
• Gwen carried an even more confused face than the one Susannah carried as she followed behind him. Whatever was going on with Uncle Harem? Why is he acting this when he knows the truth even more than she does?
• Harem then walked back towards the door, retrieving his jacket back from where hed hung it, and putting it back on. I have to go somewhere tonight, dont wait up for me, Ill be back in the morning to take the girl to see her aunt, make sure she sleeps well. He then gave Gwen a threatening glare, whispering a few words to her at the door in such a way that Susannah was unable to hear. Make sure you dont tell her anything, else Naman will suffer for it.
• After hed whispered the threat, he had the normal innocent smile returned back to his face, looking past Gwen to tell Susannah goodnight.
• “Goodnight, Susannah.”
• “Goodnight, and thank you for your kindness.”
• **********
• Susannah woke up the next morning to the sound of weapons and footsteps stomping and palace guards barging into the cottage, they were led here by the kings chief Guard Krone, and of course, Uncle Harem. She got up from the small bed in the corner of the room, rubbing her eyes and wondering why the uniformed men had come here so early. Gwen had woken up too, she was holding Naman to her chest near the table, her eyes reddened with tears.
• Uncle Harem upon spotting Susannah on his bed, pointed in her direction while speaking to chief Krone.
• “Thats her! Thats the witch who was looking for Priya, shes Priyas niece. I have no doubt shes one of them! Shes a witch I tell you! He pointed at her, snarling.
• Susannah could do nothing but look in Gwens direction, her sad eyes asking for answers.
• “Im sorry!” Gwen cried. “Your aunt was executed three days ago for witchery. I would have warned you if youd told me about Priya before my uncle came but hed already threatened me, Im sorry dear Susannah, I truly am sorry.”
• “Theres nothing to be sorry about,” Krone cut in. “She has nothing to fear if she passes the silver test but if she fails, it means shes a witch, and you know how witches get served here; shell be burnt at the stakes tomorrow.”
• He then turned to Uncle Harem. You have done well by coming to report her to us. Ill make sure to put in a good word for you so King William can offer you one of the finest positions in court.”
• “Oh, thank you chief Kone. I am most honored to be of service to the king, anytime.”
• Krone nodded, then turned to one of his guards, arrest the girl.