Chapter 7: Altha

Summary

• Altha is taken to the dungeon of a castle where the conditions are dark, damp, and grim.
• In her cell, she is given minimal provisions: a thin blanket, a pot, a pitcher of water, and an old hunk of bread which she consumes gently due to her hunger.
• Altha takes note of her surroundings, feeling the cold stone walls and the damp straw under her feet, senses intensified by hunger and fear.
• She reflects on the previous prisoners, imagining their fear which seems to have seeped into the very stones of her cell.
• Summoning her strength despite the fear, Altha scratches at a lump of flesh below her ribcage, causing pain and bleeding which she cleans with water.
• She reminisces about her home, her garden, her nanny goat, and the comfort they provided; she cries from loneliness and anticipation of her potential execution.
• A spider visits her, bringing a small sense of companionship and lifting her spirits amid the dungeon’s despair.
• Altha contemplates the upcoming trial, particularly who will testify against her, and she dreads the thought of Grace’s involvement.
• Despite believing she won't sleep, Altha dozes off, only to be awakened by the opening of her cell door and instructed to prepare for court.
• She is given a kirtle to wear, which is uncomfortable and coarse, contributing to her sense of degradation.
• Altha reflects on her mother’s belief in the power of cleanliness and respect, but she finds her strength in her wits, despite her situation.
• She is shackled and escorted to the courtroom, where she maintains her composure and dignity.
• The prosecutor delivers a damning speech, accusing Altha of witchcraft and the murder of Master John Milburn, calling upon the jury to find her guilty.
• The horror of Altha’s situation escalates when she discovers that Grace Milburn is the first witness to testify against her.