Marysvale Read Free Page A

If tried in his court, you would have been hung, or at
best, severely whipped, thrown in the stockade, and eventually run
out of the village with nothing but the clothes you’re wearing.
Either way, you would’ve died.”
    I knew he was right, but still asked,
“And how do you know all this?”
    His face grew somber. “You’re not the
first to take him on.”
    “ I gather the other person
didn’t succeed,” I said dryly.
    Sadly, he said, “No,
they
didn’t.”
    “ What happened?”
    “ Ah, well, they were each
one similar; all of them crossed the wrong people and most of them
aren’t here to regret it.”
    “ People? Other than Mr.
Martin?”
    “ Aye, I’m afraid so. You
see, there are a number in the community who greatly desire to keep
their seat in power; but Martin is the leader and the most
dangerous. He is a violent man. And as magistrate, he has the power
to execute his injustice. That’s why t’was good you didn’t hit him.
He would’ve had the excuse to take you into custody. However, since
you didn’t, I think you’ll be safe for a wee bit.”
    “ And
no one
can
stand up to him…or them?”
    “ Well now, I wouldn’t say no
one.” He leaned back in his chair; it creaked in protest. “I
believe
you
have a fine chance of succeeding.”
    I rolled my eyes and laughed, “How am I
any different than the ones who’ve tried before?”
    A peculiar look crossed his face and he
said simply, “I’ve seen it in you.”
    “ What have you seen in me?”
I asked, unbelieving.
    “ There are a few ways to
stay in power: one is to make people believe you’re something
you’re not; another is by fear and trickery; the best one is by
getting the people to genuinely trust you. Martin and his followers
do it through a combination of the first two. You seem to inspire
the latter.”
    I felt embarrassed and, since I didn’t
know what to say, I said nothing.
    He continued, “Though Martin is not
entirely well liked, he does have support…support that you have
been eroding. After today, his status will shrink even more. Others
saw what happened out there and news will spread of how he reacted.
From what I know, it’s the first time he has publicly struck his
wife—that won’t be looked upon favorably.”
    Again, I said nothing. I felt
uncomfortable with the topic and Shepherd sensed it. So, we sat in
silence for a long moment and stared at the nonexistent fire, while
my aches increased. I wanted to lie down and calm my sore
body.
    “ Come hunting with us
tomorrow,” he offered abruptly.
    “ What?” I asked.
    “ Some of us are going
hunting.”
    I must have looked confused because he
explained, “There’s a group of us going out before winter sets
in.”
    “ I know the reason. But why
in a group?”
    “ It’s safer that way. There
have been strange beasts in the forest and people have gone
missing.”
    “ I’ve heard the stories,” I
said dismissively. “But I don’t really believe them. The forest can
play tricks on your eyes. The strange beasts are probably just
bears.”
    “ Perhaps,” he said,
unconvinced. I could tell he was holding something back.
    I continued, “And most if not all the
missing were strangers, right?”
    “ Aye.”
    “ People we wouldn’t
necessarily see again?”
    “ True enough,” confessed Mr.
Shepherd. “Still, I’d rather not risk it. Will you join
us?”
    “ I appreciate the offer, but
I have things that need looking after. I promised Widow Snow I’d
come by and help with some repairs.”
    He looked at me for a moment; it made
me uncomfortable.
    “ What?” I asked
defensively.
    “ Is that the only reason
why?”
    “ For a blacksmith, you’re
awfully perceptive.”
    He smiled. “I’ve heard the same thing
about you.”
    My face flushed.
    “ Oh yes, I’ve heard all the
rumors,” I fumed. “Dark magic indeed! What a foolish
notion!”
    “ Not everyone believes
rumors.”
    “ I suppose not. I just tire
of them.”
    “ It’s