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Salee, massachusetts

June 22, 1692

In the dark green shadows of the deep woods, an hour before est day would becoht of the solstice

There would be no celebration, no rite of thanksgiving for the light, the warnorance, and of death

The three who met, met in fear

"Have we all we need?" The one known here as Air pulled her hood closer so that not a single pale lock of hair could be seen in the light of the dying day

"What we have shall do" Earth laid her parcel on the ground The part of her that wanted to weep and to rage over what had been done, over as to come, was buried deep With her head bent, her thick brown hair fell forward free

"Is there no other way for us?" Air touched a hand to Earth&039;s shoulder, and both looked at the third

She stood, sliht There was sorrow in her eyes, but behind it lived a firesture of defiance Curling waves of red spilled out

"It is because of our way there is no other They will hunt us down like thieves and brigands, murder us, as they have already et Bishop was not a witch" Earth spoke bitterly as she rose to her feet

"No, and so she told the court of oyer and tered her Murdered over the lies of a few young girls and the ravings of the fanatics who smell brimstone in every breath of air"

"But there have been petitions" Air linked her fingers together like a wo to pray Or plead "Not everyone supports the court, or this terrible persecution"

"Too little," Earth murmured "And far too late"

"It will not end with one death I have seen it" Fire closed her eyes, saw again the horrors to come "Our protection cannot outlast the hunt They will find us, and they will destroy us"