The Year of the Witching

by Alexis Henderson

“How long has she been like this?” “Two days.” Immanuelle stared at her, stunned. “You let her labor for two days without calling for aid?” “Physicians in the Haven were by her side—” “You should have sent for me sooner,” said Martha, a harsh rebuke. “I know, but we were only acting on the Prophet’s orders,” said Esther, rushing to explain. “He asked if we might . . . withhold information about the circumstances of Leah’s condition for a little while longer.” At once, Immanuelle realized why. He was trying to keep the birth a secret. Let Leah labor silently, in the confines of the Haven, attended only by personal physicians of the Prophet who were sworn by holy oath—on penalty of purging—to serve him and keep his secrets. By withholding that information, he could expunge the details of the child’s illegitimacy and, more importantly, his sin. In a few months’ time, he would announce the child’s birth, and no one would question the circumstances surrounding its conception. All would be deemed right and well.