You’d think people would have the decency not to murder on God’s free day, but it seems that crime has no such thing as an off day, says the Judge as he looks up squinting at the room. Sheriff, I hope that this time you have the witnesses and the weapon to prove the deed and make this quick, says the Judge. Yes, sire. This time the murderer was caught with blood on his hands, says the Sheriff. And who caught ‘im? Who was brave enough to throw ‘imself at a killer? asks the Judge. It was this here wizard that stopped him, your honor, says the Sheriff. Ah, you seek favor now after last time? the Judge asks me squinting and looking somewhere in the room. No, your honor. I was doing what anyone else in that room would’ve done, I respond. He’s just trying to manipulate you, screams Richard. Someone take that buffoon out of my court, says the Judge. So, Sheriff, please fill me into the details of what happened, continued the Judge. This here murderer, John Doget launched himself with a knife trying to kill John Brede which he had a fight with previously regarding some locket arrangement. But John Wyot jumped in to stop him, only for the poor soul to be stabbed and die of blood loss right then and there, from what the Coroner told me. The wizard here, used magic to make the murderer’s boots so big that he couldn’t move, until we got there and apprehended the bastard. And besides the murder weapon which is here, we also have a couple dozen people to have witnessed it, says The Sheriff. Is this true? asks the Judge of the court. Aye, they respond. Jury? asks the Judge. We find him guilty, says a member of the Jury. Good, good. I sentence you to prison for life. Sheriff take him to Newgate, says the Judge.

Wait, wait, a woman’s voice is heard. I just want some sleep, bemoans the Judge as a woman comes forth. What do you want? asks the Judge. I have to confess something, says the woman. Go to the church, dear, says the Judge. I know who murdered the washerwoman, she says. What? The court asks in unison. Well, wizard, let’s see if we’re gonna burn you or let you go free this night, says the Judge squinting towards my direction. Speak, dear. What’s your name? asks the Judge. My name is Anne, I am but a humble prostitute, sir, she says. Ah, I remember you. So, tell me. What happened? asks the Judge. Anne starts crying. I didn’t know it would be like this, I promise you, sir. In my profession you meet many of men and we rarely attach ourselves to any of them, since we know that they do not see us to marry us. Yet we are human, much like others and we can not help but fall for someone. And that’s exactly what happened. I should have known better, sir. I should have known better, she says whilst crying. When the brothel I worked at kicked me out, and when I asked him to take me in, he refused. That’s how I got to live Juliana whenever her husband would leave for the seas. But after her husband died, her and I got closer since I would stay at her place most nights when I wouldn’t be working. And then he came to tell me that he’d marry me, but needs money first, so we can afford to move in together somewhere, the woman cries. But who is he? the Sheriff interrupts. Everyone turns towards me.

It ain’t me. I have only seen this woman once, when we were last here, I explained myself. It’s not him, he’s not as handsome, she cries. The Bald man starts to laugh as the rest of the court starts to snicker. Silence! Let the woman speak her truth, says the Judge. Anne falls to her knees, crying. I knew Juliana had jewels and money hidden somewhere, since she’d talk about her husband gifting her stones and exotic money. And I thought that if I’d tell him, he’d just go rob her when she’s gone out and then we’d run away from here. I didn’t think he’d kill her. I swear, your honor, sir. I swear, she says whilst groveling. Sheriff, help her up, says the Judge. It’s okay, just tell us who he is, says the Sheriff. It’s Sandwich, says Anne. Sandwich? asks the Judge. Thomas Long of Sandwich, he’s also a skinner, she says. Do you have any proof? asks the Judge. Yes, she says as she quickly pulls out a bloody knife. Is this what I think it is? asks the Sheriff. Yes. It’s the knife he used to kill her, says Anne. And how did you get your hands on it? asks the Judge. I knew where he lived, so after we were here last time. I went to look for him, but he was gone. His room was empty and this knife was in a cupboard of his, says Anne. Sheriff, after you take that killer to Newgate. Go fetch this other bastard. Woman, you’re to go become a nun to atone for your sins and never return here, understood? asks the Judge. Yes, she says. You’re free, says the Bald man. I am going to find some lodgings and get some sleep, if you don’t mind. This was exhausting, I tell the Bald man. It is fine, I learned what I wanted. Hope death won’t follow you around, lad, says the Bald man as he leaves.

And if you liked the short story and want to support the blog and keep the short stories free, you can always donate at: https://www.paypal.me/RaulFO