“What on earth are you talking about?” James asked.

“Does anyone know you brought her hear?” His father retorted.

“No, I was alone when I found her, and I haven’t told anyone other than Lily.” James responded.

“Not even Raleigh?” His father asked.

“I haven’t spoken to him in days. Now answer my question, why can’t you help her?” James demanded.

“Son,” his father began “10 months ago, the church was burned down by a mysterious arsonist. Do you remember hearing about that?”

“Of course.” James said. “It was the talk of the town. As to my knowledge, they never caught the man responsible.”

“Or woman…” His father added.

“You don’t mean that this girl…?” James said looking at the beautiful girl.

“She wandered into Aleford three days prior to the fire, and was found standing in front of the church with a lit torch as it burned. When questioned, she spoke nothing in her defense.” Jeremiah explained.

“So then what happened to her limbs…” James started.

”... was her punishment.” His father finished.