"Shut up, all of you! No one said anything about taking her away, much less abandoning this territory!
Now, everyone go back to your homes. When you wake tomorrow, the sun will rise as usual, and none of the things you imagine will happen!
Guards, throw these two rumor-mongering peasants into the dungeon—no, send them to the gallows right now!
I will make them understand the consequences of slandering their generous lord and spreading rumors through town!"
Once the seeds of suspicion had taken root, further explanations would do no good.
Hus could not give anyone a chance to react. He issued his orders forcefully.
The guards could not tell what was true either, but they would never dare disobey a noble.
Yet just as they leveled their spears at the two girls, Father Lynn pushed his way out of the crowd:
"Then execute me along with them!"
He shouted at the top of his lungs,
"I told them the beastfolk would trample this land. I also told them they could only survive by fleeing into the forest—
If you insist on remaining so stubborn, on trying to bury the truth, then execute me too!"
"You meddlesome old fool."
Hus drew the rapier at his waist and pointed it at the respected old man,
"Then you shall have your wish. Take him away too!"
"No, sir, you cannot do this!"
Instead, the townspeople reacted even more fiercely. Old David even gripped a pitchfork in his trembling hands and stood in front of the old priest,
"You don't understand. Father Lynn has saved everyone in this town. He gathers herbs for us, treats our illnesses and injuries, and guides us when we feel lost..."
What does that have to do with me?
"This old fool is spreading rumors and disturbing the