Salems Saviour

Spooning the last bit of hot stew into my mouth, I finally feel relaxed after these past few nightmarish days. Glancing to my wife, Anna, I watch as she stokes the fire, trying to keep our humble cabin warm from the winter night. Being a Doctor in rural Essex County, Massachusetts is hard. Many a person came to this land to begin a new life, only to find that hunger, disease, and death are constant companions, who reside everywhere.

The plague that now ravages our village of Salem, has given rise to superstition and fear. The common folk are convinced there is a dark demon consuming the souls of our brethren and not a sickness of the flesh that it is. I have found the right combination of local herbs to make a potion that seems able to fight off the fever. However, after traveling for three days straight to visit the sick, I am exhausted.

The scent of cut burning pine and warmth cause my head to droop, I do not have the strength to reach my own bed. Just as my eyes close I am wakened by a sharp rap upon our door. Anna has the door open before I rise, a blast of frigid wind bites through my damp clothing, causing shadows to dance upon our walls from the flickering flames.

Standing alone in the dark is a little waif of a girl, clothed only in her night dress and blanket for warmth. It is Elizabeth, the only child of our neighbors across the field, Matthew, and Claire Daughtry. She's the darling of our village, always smiling and laughing. She is not smiling now.

"Dear me, child you are freezing. Come sit by the fire. John fetch me a blanket and your tea."

Jumping from my seat I bring the items to them. "Elizabeth, why are you here out in this cold night."

She stares at me, eyes red and skin so blue it scares me, she says no words but then again I had not expected her too, the child is a mute. Slowly she mouths the words. 'Momma, Poppa.'

You don't need to be a scholar to know what she means; her parents have the sick. Instantly I call for my wife to warm some blankets and rocks in a dry pot over the fire, while I quickly grab my bag and coat.

"Anna, put Elizabeth in our bed, while I hitch up the horse and wagon. Grab my vials of medicine and bring the blankets outside."

With that I was gone, It took only a moment, and I was ready to be on my way, Anna brought me my things and a jar of hot medicinal tea wrapped with-in one of the blankets.

I was off.

The moon was not yet full, but I knew my way in the dark. Once I hit the forest there would be little to no light at all. Brave Morris kept up a solid pace, even after pulling the wagon for these many days. The wind howled through the branches making eerie noises that gave even me a fright. Black shapes seemed to fly past, weaving through the brush like smoke up a chimney.

Suddenly I hear a scratching sound behind me, like dry leaves crackling underfoot. Halting, I peer around and see movement in the bed of the wagon.

I scream. "Begone devil, I'll not have time for you tonight." With that I reach to strike the demon, when I spy two eyes staring back at me, young Elizabeth. Hauling her tiny frame beside me I quickly pull a warm blanket from the bucket and wrap it around her. "Child, you should not have sneaked out of the house and hid amongst the hay. I may have accidently struck and harmed you."

The brave soul just sat still and pointed to her home. I had come to far to turn around, instead I pushed old Morris harder, the good beast obliged and off we went. It wasn't long before we spotted the light from her home. A tiny two room log structure tucked in the woods. For but a moment, I did see a strange glow under their giant oak tree. When I blinked it was gone. Before I came to a stop the young girl hopped off the wagon and flew towards their home. I quickly tied Morris to a post, grabbed my things and went inside. The fire was no more than a red glow, the flames all but gone. Quickly I tossed on a few fags to heat the home, I am about to call for the child when I hear a strangling cough come from a room to the right. Marching in I see two forms huddled under quilts and blankets. It was Matthew and Claire Daughtry, in the fits of the fever. I quickly brought out the tea and medicines and began to frantically work on these two souls.

Hours later dawn peaked its glorious light into the room, My eyes heavy, my body worn. I smiled, their fevers had broken in the night. Their breathing normal, soon their eyes blink open.

"Take it easy Matthew, you and Claire had the sick, but you are both fine now, thanks to Elizabeth."

"Lizzy?" Cried Claire.

Nodding, I told them of her heroic deed. "If it hadn't been for her, you two may not have made it through the night, she is truly a wonderous child."

Claire buried her face into the pillow and wept.

Glancing toward the doorway, my heart bursts with joy to see the child, still in her nightgown, smiling once more. "Elizabeth, child, come see your momma and poppa." I call out.

Matthew raises a shaky arm, pointing towards the bedroom window. Following his gaze, I rise and peer outside. My heart stops: my throat tightens.

There, under the great oak tree is a fresh grave, marked with a tiny cross.

A voice, which to this day still breaks my heart. Matthew whispers. "We buried Lizzy yesterday morning."

Note:

I had to try to get one more story in for the Challenge.

Thank you,

Jason

Please do yourself a favor and go read some outstanding stories entered into this Challenge.