The Wiccans of Eastwick danced to the Autumn moon to thank the mother for her blessings. This year’s harvest was abundant, meaning winter would not be so harsh.
What should have been a joyful affair turned dark when the forces of Lord Stolsel attacked the group, claiming they were agents of Lucifer.
Without a trial or even a hearing, the four women were set ablaze the following day by the Lord Mayor himself.
The crowd heard joyful singing as the flames surrounded the women rather than screams. “We four shall meet again not in sunlight or moonlight but in the light of our mother who brought us forth and now takes us back.”
When only smoldering ashes remained, the Sheriff went to gather the bones but only found four brightly painted clay figurines smiling.
“Tis the work of the Dark One,” proclaimed the Bishop.
The following year, late frosts killed the seedlings, and a summer drought brought famine to the land. Angry, the people turned on the Bishop and Sheriff.
They were hanged and left for the crows as a reminder that the old ways should not be dismissed and those who offer thanks should be honored, not burned.
Folksburywoods Story Blog 
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