I (The Purging of Magic)

Introduction
This is the first chapter of The Purging of Magic and the first chapter of the short story anthology.

Synopsis
On the morning of the trial for an accused witch, Cassandra wakes her children, Thomas and Grace, and prepares them. Her husband, Richard, has already gone to work. While getting ready, the high sheriff, George Corwin, pays her a visit, entering the house and not-so subtlely begins inspecting it. He tells her that he insists on her and her children attending the trial, his excuse being that they must "see justice being served". She tells him that they were just getting ready for it. This seems to please Corwin, who leaves, but Cassandra has now become aware of Corwin's suspicions, and makes a note to mention it to "the others".

Cassandra and the children then make their way to the courthouse and join Richard. They watch as Darla is forced to recite the Lord's Prayer, which she does perfectly, albeit with a trembling voice. Just as Cassandra is convinced Darla will be freed, the judge deems her recital "a trick of the devil" and deemed guilty. She is taken outside and hanged immediately as Cassandra watches on, feeling Corwin's eyes on her.

Trivia

 * This is the first chronological appearance of Cassandra, Thomas, Grace, Richard, Melanie, and Beatrice.
 * First appearance of George Corwin
 * First (and last) appearance of Darla