<div style="text-align: center;">James Avery</div><br/><br/>Eliza’s body swung rhythmically behind him from his place at the front of the gallows, known only to James by the creaking of the rope behind him; he kept his back to her as he stared over the face of the crowd. Expressions varied between disbelief and relief - those who knew Eliza could not believe she was a heretic, but there was a dangerous gleam of comfort in those probing stares that there was one less witch in their home. Father Avery’s own expression remained somber.<br/><br/>“I wish I could bid you all good day,” James began. The swinging noose creaked slowly under his voice as Eliza’s body began to still. “If it were a good day, I would not be standing before you now. Today is a day of justice, yes - justice for the deaths of Mattie Hayres and her precious unborn child. I was very honored to have known Mattie and to have seen her often at congregation. While she did not live to see the birth of her child, Mattie was a wonderful mother, and she and her child will receive a heavenly afterlife together.”<br/><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>Edwin Earle</div><br/><br/>Hands clasped behind his back, Edwin stood at the left of Father Avery - the hack - and looked onward as the sermon was recited. “The one who needs our prayers today is Eliza,” Father Avery continued. Sheer determination kept Edwin silent in spite of his own objections. “I ask each of you: mourn Eliza as though you would Mattie. Remember her not as the heretic that she became. Rather, remember her as the talented seamstress and dear friend that all of us knew. All will be forgiven in the eyes of the Mother, and so, too, should we follow in Her example. I now ask you to join me in prayer.”<br/><br/>Heads bobbed downward and eyes closed as those who thought Eliza worthy of prayer did so. Edwin himself abstained and silently asked the Mother for forgiveness. He was sure that She would understand.<br/><br/>“Gracious and heavenly Mother, may my words be your words, and may you be present in each of us today. Today we have been reminded of both our own mortality and our own vulnerability. We have borne witness to how easily swayed and inherently fragile our human morals are. Likewise, we have seen where this fragility can lead. Mother, lead us away from temptations and heresy, and guide us so that we may live our lives in your image. May your presence come to each person here in the form of comfort and healing as we all move forward.”<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">...and may she eternally rot for her heresy, </span>Edwin added to the sermon.<br/><br/>“In your name, we pray. Amen.”