Members of the crowd slowly inched forward peering down into the pit. Wonder and fear bestilled them.
Murmuring fills the air, rumblings of witchcraft, troubles ahead, crops and the safety of children.
The mass stares into the pit and she stares back. A single man moves forward, extending a rope into the pit. The mood is heavy, yet no one halts him. She cautiously takes it and hauls herself up as quickly as her strength allows.
Grasping her forearm, he smiles down at the girl and very quietly whispers, "obviously the sins of the elder were greater than your own."
She manages a weak smile, "you have no idea."