Summary

Mel lands naked and disoriented in the 1640 Massachusetts Bay Colony. An arrow lands in the tree next to her and a woman, Goody Fitch, scolds a young boy for shooting it. Goody approaches Mel, scolding her for using magic when the inhabitants of the village are “halfwits … obsessed with Satan” (157). Goody gives Mel clothing and food, and Mel offers knowledge about magical herbs in exchange for help. Mel intends to acquire a copy of the brand new Bay Psalm Book, which will be extremely valuable in the future. She will bury it in a barrel, at a spot which will eventually be in the Odas’ garden, then Goody will send her back. Goody agrees to help and gives her fare for the ferry into Cambridge, which boasts a bookseller and a cooper.

Mel recounts the events leading up to her mission...