Chapter 44: Ella confronting the evil queen

I stared at the open cage as Louise's taunt of dog rang in my ears. Where had they even found a cage? I wasn?t sure Elizabeth understood her job as vermin queen. Instead of converting all the locals, she seemed to have her minions out stealing clothes, furniture, and farmyard objects. At least they hadn't claimed any more souls as far as we knew. My conscience much preferred thievery over the mass slaughter of innocent people.

"I shall keep you as a pet, while I drag every one of your sorry family down here and have them Turned before you," Elizabeth said.

"Including your father the vegetable." Louise spat the words out as she shoved me into the open pen. The gate clanged shut and she turned the key in the lock. Then she pulled the brass key out and threw it toward the silver river.

I strained my ears for a splash. Did it reach the water or lie on the bank? Either way, I was reduced to a circus attraction. The cage was too small for me to stand upright and I had to kneel. In my mind