Thorns of Memory

Ember was about to respond but they had arrived at the creek. Phillip had pulled Rowena’s body out of the water and laid her out on the bank. Noticing Ember mounted on Roland’s horse with him. Something stirred in his gut that he could only describe as jealousy. Roland dismounted and helped Ember from his horse before he went up and examined the knife wound upon the child’s throat.
      “She was here when you came upon her?” Richard asked.
      “No sir, she was floating in the water.”
      “That explains why the wound is so clean and why she is soaking wet.” Roland whispered.
      “It appears as if she was….” Phillip trailed off as he looked sadly upon his wife.
The other two men turned and looked at Ember sternly. Looking at her feet she knew exactly what their thoughts were. She still has nightmares from what Douglas and Magnus did to her.
      “She has been forced upon? That young child?” Ember scowled.
      “Ember, perhaps you should retire to your cabin.” Richard whispered.
      “I believe your father is right. I shall join you once we make the notifications.” Phillip answered.
      “I am not a child. I will not be sent away like one. Whoever the mudsull who did this is, I want him hanged. It is inexcusable.”
      “Ember Elizabeth, go to your cabin. You are to do what Phillip and I tell you.”
      “Father, you act as if it tortures me…”
      “It does torment you Em. I tell him of the nightmares you have.” Phillip interrupted her.
       “Phillip has told me you fear having children and fear lying with him. I believe it does torment you child.” Richard sighed.
Ember looked as if she could be sick as her bottom lip quivered to keep from crying. Phillip went to embrace her but, she quickly turned and hobbled her way up the path as fast as she could. The three men turned and looked upon the dead child and did not speak a word until Ember had disappeared.
      “I wish you would not have said that Richard. Ember was under the impression I would not tell a soul.”
      “I had no desire to hurt her. I just wanted her to skedaddle.”
      “Balderdash, you did hurt her. Now she knows I did not keep my word.” Phillip whispered.
      “Should I go make the notifications to her parents. Before we examine her further?” Roland asked.
      “Yes Roland, bring them down so they can grieve the loss of their young daughter. Phillip, ride into town and fetch Sheriff Edwards. We have a murder to report. Then go to the boneyard down by the slavequaters and start digging her a grave.”  Richard sighed.
Roland and Phillip mounted the horses and did what they were ordered to do. Roland rode down the road to the cottonfield but stopped outside of the cabin Richard and he had built for Phillip and Ember. He dismounted and walked up to the door knocking softly.
      “Ember, it is Roland.” He called through the door.
      “Please, leave me I wish to be left alone.” He heard her sob.
      “Do not be angry with Phillip. He was needing guidance and comfort.  He needed someone to confide in.”
      “He broke his promised to keep his lip hobbled and he broke it. Please go now.”
Knowing he had over stayed his welcome he mounted his horse and headed to the cottonfields to find Rowena’s parents.