She was visibly shaking as she walked up to the witness stand. The bailiff warned her on her mortal soul to tell the truth. Ann shivered. She wasn't sure even twenty years later whether it was the cold winter wind or the cold hand of fear that made her shake so. The Crowner had to repeat the question twice before her frightened mind cleared enough to hear him. "I asked you, was your son, John, home ALL night or no?" Ann tried to be brave, "Yes!" she lied. "He was home with me all night. He couldn't possibly have left as I was ill and needed tending all night long." The Crowner frowned, "I trust you have recovered from your malady, my lady." he growled. "I must say I don't feel at all well, my lord Crowner." she replied. "Very well then," said The Crowner, "you may go." he waved the peasant woman down and called for a recess. When the he and the adjudicator reentered it was to return a verdict of innocent. Ann sighed in relief. John may not have been home all night, but she knew in her heart he could never have done it. Kill the king's deer perhaps, were not they all starving thanks to the king's new taxes? But murder the gamekeeper? She could never believe it.
