Historical Fiction

227

Based on the true story of Anna Maria, the last person executed for heresy in Kleinheubach, Germany. Anna survived the burning, was jailed, escaped and lived for six more years. A story of love, revenge, greed and penance.

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At the jail, Father Mueller and the burgermeister joined the two men outside. Father Braun addressed them as they were coming out, “Bring me the chair.” Heinrich grabbed the chair and pushed it in place for Father Braun who sat and resumed his musing in silence. They all peered into the darkness watching and listening for George and his sons. They were ready to scurry back inside if need be. “A clear night and nearly a full moon,” said Father Braun suddenly. He looked at Father Mueller, “You will make good time and be in Wurzburg by the time Bishop von Hatzfeld wakes. We will wait just a little longer.” They bided their time in complete silence, everyone wishing they were elsewhere.

Anna sat with her back against the wall, her knees drawn up and her forehead resting on her knees. The cell had cooled slightly in the evening air but that did little to improve the smell. The flies had ceased their relentless swirling about the room and settled for the night. Now, the nocturnal inhabitants of the room were stirring. Anna began to feel tiny insects crawling over her feet and up her legs. She bunched her dress tightly about her legs hoping to form a barrier against them. But, it was little help, as they would simply climb the outside of her clothing until they reached the exposed flesh of her arms, neck and head. Blood sucking insects, would have a warm meal tonight.

Anna could hear the movements of larger creatures under the straw. Rats rustled about the floor looking for morsels of food or a juicy bug. Her mind still numbed, Anna could not even try to reason out the events of the day. Her family was the only thing on her mind and she said a prayer that God would protect them. She was in for a long, sleepless night.

A quiet hour passed with no sign of George Conrad and his sons. Father Braun decided that it was time to make a move. “It is time for us to leave,” he announced, “Mr. Fraelic, keep the prisoner secure.” He frowned at the jailor. He did not trust the big man but there was little choice. Once the soldiers arrived, there would be fewer problems. He glanced at the others and said, “Come.”

The two priests, with Heinrich in tow, made considerable haste in the direction of the parsonage. They stopped at each corner, peering around buildings and listening for sounds of George. They finally made their way back to the parsonage relieved and undetected.

When they arrived at the door of the parsonage, Father Braun turned to Father Mueller. “Make haste, I will look for you tomorrow evening. Remember to impress upon the Bishop that we need those soldiers, go now.” He made a shooing motion with his hand. Father Mueller looked with surprise at the older priest. He thought that he would at least be given a short rest and something to eat. He was exhausted after the long, tense day and he was hungry. Now, he was expected to ride hard through the night, meet with the Bishop in the morning and be back here by tomorrow night? His training, however, left him powerless to do anything but nod respectfully to the older priest, “Yes, Father.” Father Mueller and Heinrich Vogler turned and walked into the starlit night towards Heinrich’s home.