NaPoWriMo day seventeen

The first place had been stolen.
There were witnesses,
a way of dealing with cases
of this kind. Evidence was produced;
instructions for his life.
 
Who had tried to take his life?
Proud and quick of tongue,
certainly, he now took advantage
of the opportunity.
 
There does not seem to have been
a formal declaration of war.
Edward wrote letters.
 
*
 
Who had confessed?
The key witness
disposed of, evidence
was produced
in disguise.
 
A companion of Edward’s
tried the oldest witchcraft,
but few people believed.
Edward did not accept
anything.
 
              Now firmly convinced,
Take it! was the advice.
Who believed?
It is true.
 
*
 
The old man had succeeded.
The woman had been a companion
of Edward’s; received him
 as an old friend. He had made
many enemies. Certainly,
he was in a frame of mind
to preach action.
He poured into the ears
a prediction: it is true.
This kind of talk served
the resolution of hostilities,
after many starts and stops.
Openly declared his influence.