I am a Polish citizen of good birth and acclaimed for my knowledge of languages at the University of Breslau, where I teach young gentlemen of noble birth.
A year since, one of my young gentlemen brought me an aged, parchment document which his family had recently discovered in the archives of their country residence.
The document being difficult to decipher, because of its age and worn state, also being written in strange characters and a foreign tongue, the family were greatly exercised, both to the import of the document and the means by which their family had come in possession of it. My young gentleman bethought to bring me this document, strengthened by his belief that as a master of many tongues I could solve these mysteries.
I at once recognized the language as Portuguese, the writing faded with the passage of time, and many words so mediaeval I could make little sense of its meaning without much industry and therefore desired the young gentleman to leave the document with me.
Many days I spent perusing the document until I became familiar with the writing and most of the mediaeval words. My attention was thus greatly Warmed and I sat long into the night, reading until my eyes could scarce but see.
A terrible story was unfolded, so shocking as to defy belief. The simple recital of these horrors aroused my deepest pity.
The author of this tragic tale was a young maid of low station, without the wit to invent the monstrous events she witnessed, and suffered. She had passed through the hands of the Holy Inquisition, but with God's help had contrived to escape their clutches.
The infamous Holy Inquisition has been abolished in Portugal but a few years. All Europe rejoices that this abhorrent body is dissolved after three hundred years of bloody tyranny. Now that the Inquisition can no longer threaten the lives and liberties of Citizens, many voices loudly denounce the perfidy of those who falsely represented Christianity.
I am a scholar of mild disposition and peaceful intention. Yet such was my ire when I read this document, written by one Maria Deluz, that I burned with the desire to translate this document into the language of my countrymen, and spread widely this report so all men shall be resolved that henceforth such torture and sufferings shall never again be committed in the name of God.
My young gentleman read passages from the document I had translated and was reduced to such agitation he authorized me to do as I wished with the document. Nay. More! Of such kind heart was he, and so sorely distressed by his reading, he ordered that many translations of this document shall be distributed widely. For which purpose he pressed into my hand all the gold he bore upon him.
All was done as he desired.
Know all men by these presences that the following is a translation of old documents written in Portuguese, and translated by this witness :
Signed: Marvek Kovzotni
June, 1825
University of Breslau.
DEPOSITION OF EZDRYA WVOLSKA
My name is Ezdrya Wvolska. I am a Polish citizen, thirty-three years of age and Master of the Harbour and Collector of Import Taxes these last four years.
I have been asked by high-born gentlemen of this City to give knowledge of the strange, demented foreigner who is known far and wide as the Mad Woman.
I give this evidence, stating what is known to many, so that God may help this poor, demented creature discover herself, and her destiny.
I first set eyes on the Mad Woman when the Captain of a Danish trading vessel that had entered port some days previously to unload, sent a sailor desiring my presence aboard his ship.
The Captain was greatly agitated. After unloading the cargo from the hold, his crew had come upon a stowaway cowering in the deepest shadows.
The stowaway shrieked and wailed dementedly when approached, so that the sailors crossed themselves and were mightily feared, believing this might be a familiar of Satan.
When my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness of the hold, I saw the long white hair of the stowaway. She was an old woman, clothed in filthy rags, shockingly emaciated and stinking vilely.
The sailors were still mightily feared, so the Captain called upon my person and, fortifying ourselves against the vile stench of the creature, we did seize her and carry her off the ship, where she did lay upon the dock like one dead.
Where she remained many hours until, recovering her wits and becoming aware of the many spectators around her did cringe and cower in abject fear. Yet was no hand raised against her in ill-will and presently she did take courage and stretched out poor, stick arms beseechingly, and begged in a strange tongue that did mystify all and one.
A fisherman divined her needs and did throw her a fresh mackerel which she clutched to her breast, meanwhile casting glances around her, fearing it would be taken from her. Then seeing no one intended her ill, she devoured the raw fish entirely, head, scales and bones, which so diverted the crowd that many cast her scraps of food and jeered as the poor, crazed creature scrambled on all fours, snatching up the morsels and gobbling them down.
There lives in this City a goodly man named Brandtz Chaskzte. He is a wealthy merchant and known and respected for his great charity. He was inspecting the loading of one of his ships and hearing the merriment of the crowd did approach closely and ask divers questions about the Mad Woman. Afterwards he would have converse with her but could not understand one word the poor, crazed creature uttered.
Brandzt Chaskzte then addressed himself to me, as the Port Authority, touching upon the Mad Woman and learning the manner of her arrival. There was no purpose to take her into custody. She had committed no crime and the Danish Captain had lodged no complaint. But the good, kind Chaskzte did take it upon himself to take thought for the old crone.
He summoned two of his men who did aid the Mad Woman to stand, and supporting her they led her away. Brandtz Chaskzte followed some distance behind so that his senses should not be offended by her vile stench.
That was the last time I did see the Mad Woman and is all I know of her.
Know all men that by these presences that what be written above is true.
-Ezdrya Wvolska
June, 1501.
DEPOSITION OF BRANDTZ CHASKZTE
My name is Brandtz Chaskzte, Ship owner, sound of mind and body and declaring I did read the deposition of Ezdrya Wvolska, Master of this Port, and do declare to the best of my knowledge, his statement about the Mad Woman is true.
Upon confronting the poor, afflicted creature, I was so affected tears did spring to my eyes and despite my senses, so revolted by her filthy appearance, my compassion was great and I durst not leave the wretch to die.
Withstanding the bitter protests of my men, whom I did order to bring her from that place, and who I must bribe with coins before they yielded to my wishes, the poor wretch was taken to my household, where, despite the lamentations of my family and servants who protested strongly, I did have the poor creature placed upon a bed of straw in an Outhouse at the end of the yard, at some distance from our residence.
I did send the poor wretch a jug of milk and fresh red meat, which I was told she devoured prodigiously. Learning the wretched creature had vomited and suffered convulsions, writhing in her own sickness and excrement, I feared the creature's end had come. Nevertheless, I did send for the barber, and upon paying him a large sum he did undertake to minister to the poor wretch, a task so disagreeable only a man of iron stomach, or a barber who is accustomed to sad scenes, can endure.
To my gratification, the Mad Woman did not expire and upon being washed and fed, she regained strength and would have conversed, failing, that not a word she uttered was intelligible.
One of my sailors, having a great curiosity to see the Mad Woman, said he understood a few words of her speech. It was Portuguese. Whereupon I bethought me of Doctor Heytor Dias, a physician who has knowledge of that tongue.
Dr Dias sat with the Mad Woman conversing with her with some difficulty and told me she was not Portuguese but Spanish. He feared she would expire without constant medical attention.
Dr Dias is a good man and well respected in this City. I was overjoyed when he removed her to his own household, where he attended upon her and ministered to her needs.
This is all I know of the mysterious arrival of the Mad Woman in our City.
Know all men by these presences that this is a true report sworn by me before witnesses and in the name of God.
Brandtz Chaskzte Merchant
June, 1501.
DEPOSITION OF EUGENE KRESKE
My name is Eugene Kreske, Barber of this City, practiced in the healing of the sick, the letting of blood and of driving out evil spirits that do inhabit the mind and the body.
I declare I have read the deposition of Brandtz Chaskzte and to the best of my knowledge it is true.
I declare I was summoned by Brandtz Chaskzte and did tend his residence with my assistants and saw a female known as the Mad Woman.
Accustomed as I am to the unpleasantness of bodily sickness, I had no wish to cure this poor creature who would quickly expire. Yet did Brandtz Chaskzte prevail upon me strongly, both with words of pity and rewards and I did minister to the old woman.
I called for buckets of water and did soak in them thick cloths which we wound about our mouths and nostrils against the stench and approached closely so we could sluice clean the poor creature and the putrid matter in which she lay. We did then strip off her rags and wash her again, after which time she was dried by towels sent by Brandtz Chasktze, dressed in a nightshirt and we did lay her upon fresh straw.
I was appalled by the old crone's body. It was wasted away until the bones did stand out starkly through the fleshless skin. She was horribly scarred with wounds and sores that festered and bled, and aroused great compassion at their pitiful sight.
It being evident from the undigested matter she vomited that she had eaten a quantity of food beyond the means of her emaciated body to absorb, I did then administer a little hot broth while my assistants applied soothing unguents to the old crone's hurts.
I sat at the Mad Woman's side for many days, curing her with great care, to which she showed great response and looking at me with great devotion in her eyes. Yet at other times was she quite out of her head, starting up from her sleep with great fear written upon her wrinkled features, rolling her eyes and calling out in her strange tongue.
Doctor Heytor Dias, a well respected Physic of this City, visited the Mad Woman and after some converse, his servants removed the old creature to the doctor's residence.
This was the last time I saw the Mad Woman, and know all men by these presences that this is a true record of the cure I afforded her and of her health.
Eugene Kreske
Barber
June, 1501.
DEPOSITION OF HEYTOR TRAVENES DIAS
My name is Heytor Travenes Dias, Citizen of this City for forty-three years, having been carried here by my Portuguese parents at the age of seven. I certify I am sound in mind, although my knowledge of Medicine, which I have studied since youth, obliges me to confess I am not of sound body. I will first write I am God fearing and do support the Holy Church. Therefore, do all men know this writing is not to denounce God or his Church, but instead, the evil deeds of evil men who pose as God's servants and practice a terrible evil in the name of Holy Religion.
The name of the Holy Inquisition chills the spines of good and evil men alike. Terrible reports of the Holy Inquisition in Germany, Portugal, Spain and Holland have been carried to us. In Poland, the good sense of our Citizens, and the good intentions of our Priests, does not give harbor to the deeds of the Holy Inquisition.
But it behooves all men to talk with care, less the stigma of heresy fall upon them, and they be called to account before some Holy Court.
I have lived my span. Death holds not for me the dread it has for others. I am weak in body, with aged limbs that serve me ill. I have not the wish to be a Martyr nor suffer torture. Therefore, what I write shall be secret. Not until I have departed to that place where the anger of the Holy Inquisition cannot reach me in punishment, will these writings be shown, that all men will know the Holy Inquisition for what it is.
Know all men by these presences that this is a true record of my knowledge of Maria Deluz, otherwise known in this City as the Mad Woman.
A messenger summoned me for converse with the poor demented creature. I attended upon her at the request of Brandtz Chaskzte, a well-known and greatly respected Citizen, rightly acclaimed for his goodness of heart and charity.
The Mad Woman lay upon straw in a cow shed, attended upon by a Barber and his assistants. I saw the poor wretch was ill to the point of expiring, shockingly emaciated and so weak that converse needed all her strength. Nor was it helpful that the fool of a Barber had been busy with his leeches, attaching a score of them or more to her person to suck out the evil spirit from her blood, unable to see that little of any spirit, good or bad, remained in her poor, wasted body. The Barber was a proud man and steadfastly insisted his healing was proper and was greatly affronted when I tore away the leeches from their damnable repast. The Barber strode out of the cowshed followed by his assistants, which pleased me greatly, for I would examine this Mad Woman without hindrance.
She was an old woman with white hair, sunken cheeks and shockingly emaciated. The nightshirt she wore was stained with blood, and a yellow discharge from her many sores. Yet she suffered no fever and although her voice was hoarse she spoke Portuguese, my native tongue, with an accent I soon recognized as Spanish, "Who are you?" I asked.
"My name is Maria Deluz," she whispered.
"Where are you from?"
"Portugal."
"You are not Portuguese?"
"I am Spanish."
"You have relatives? Sons or daughters?"
She turned, dark, haunting eyes to me that were steeped in misery. She echoed my words wonderingly. "Sons? Daughters?"
"You are very ill," I said gently. "They can be summoned to care for you. It is the duty of children to care for their aged parents."
The dark anguished eyes rolled upwards. There was a long silence and then she laughed. It was demented laughter, the laughter of a poor, sick creature who is lost to sanity.
But the crazed laughter ceased and she spoke again as one who is possessed of her full senses. And what she told me was of such import I straight forth summoned Brandtz Chaskzte to bear her to my dwelling that I might nurse her back to health instead of abandoning her to that poor fool of a Barber who verily would have done for the poor wretch with his damnable cures.
At my dwelling, I had Maria Deluz lodged in the bedroom next to mine, then called upon my maidservant to bring hot towels and cloths and prepare a hot, nourishing broth, made of good green vegetables and marrow bones.
My mind shuddered with compassion when we removed the nightshirt and saw the ravaged flesh, inflamed and made hurtful by the dried frog powder and compounded herbs the Barber applied.
We cleansed the many hurts, and weak though she was, Maria Deluz suffered our ministrations without protest until, by the mercy of nature, she fainted away. Thus could we cleanse her and ply her poor flesh with soothing balsam, binding her many wounds with clean cloths. Then we drew upon her a clean nightshirt and upon wetting her lips with cognac she did revive, a faint flush coloring her cheeks.
Her emaciated condition was caused by long undernourishment. It is a sad thing that in our Civilized world so many Citizens needs must learn to live without proper sustenance and it is a great marvel so many live thus for many years, lacking food needful to give them strength, and surviving on a diet that is barely enough to keep warm the vital spark of life.
For many days I suppressed my eagerness to question Maria, and devoted my labors to healing her. I brought her the richest foods, tended her hurts solicitously and was rewarded by seeing her eyes grow brighter and color flushing her deathly white cheeks.
When I believed her strong enough I talked with her again, receiving a ready answer to my questions but obliged to respond to a barrage of her own questions. I answered her willingly, understanding her confusion and desire to know more of this country, where she was understood by nobody failing myself. I was able to give her peace of mind and a feeling of security.
"Now you must answer my questions, Maria."
"Ask me what you will."
"This time you will tell me the truth?"
"I have no wish to lie, Sir," she answered with spirit.
"Then tell me again. How old are you?"
"I don't know," she said carefully. "I think I must be ... twenty-one or twenty-two."
I looked deep into her eyes and she stared back frankly. Deep within myself, in spite of all the visual evidence to the contrary, I felt she did not lie.
"You look much older, Maria," I said gently.
She held up her wasted arm, which, despite the cloth that bound her wounds, was as slender as a broomstick. "It is because I have suffered, Sir," she said simply.
Knowing that what she said could be true, I bade her open her mouth so I could inspect it.
She was not lying! She looked an old woman of fifty, with her lined and wizened face, and white hair. But her teeth, attacked by the rotting disease, were clearly the teeth of a young woman of twenty or twenty-five.
"Tell me of your sufferings, Maria," I urged. "If you can bear to do so."
"I can bear to tell of them, Sir. If you have the wish to know of them. It is not my pleasure to talk of my sufferings. But I am deeply indebted, Sir. Your wish is my desire."
I told her of my plan to make a writing so a record would be established of the Evil deeds of the Holy Inquisition. And upon being assured the Holy Inquisition could not assert its power in our country, and there being no fear she would ever again fall into the hands of the Inquisitors, she spoke freely.
I did not press her, knowing her weak bodily state, and not desiring her slow recovery to be aggravated by unpleasant memories. But each day she grew stronger and talked longer while I made notes.
She was not a stupid girl, although her tribulations may well have turned a lesser person witless. Yet neither could she talk with great clarity. She talked too freely. Emotion flooded from her like a torrent, expressed in badly spoken Portuguese, and at times I was hard put to understand her. But at nights, in my study, I set down all she told me, and read it to her the following day, that she could agree. At the foot of each page of writing, I did have her place her mark, in the presence of a Notary.
There are some who will doubt the truth of these writings. There are always men who will deny what they do not wish to believe. I have guarded against such doubts. I employed a Notary, and with him visited the Master of this Port. Also the Barber and Brandtz Chaskzte and from each obtained a writing relating to Maria Deluz, the Mad Woman. This I had them affirm in the presence of the Notary.
Also with these depositions, is the deposition of Maria Deluz, written in Portuguese so she will understand it, and likewise witnessed by the Notary.
Know all men by these Presences that I swear before God that the deposition of Maria Deluz is a true record of events she did tell, and which I have written down and read to her so that she may place her mark upon them in confirmation of the truth.
Heytor Travenes Dias October, 1501
DEPOSITION OF MARIA DELUZ
Know all men by these presences that this is a true record of all that befell me in Lisbon, Portugal, at the hands of the Holy Inquisition.
My name is Maria Deluz, I am twenty-one years of age. I was born in Spain, of Spanish parents and the eldest of nine children. At the age of ten I was taken by my father, a charcoal-burner, to the city of Seville where I was sold in service to a family of goldsmiths. I never saw my family again.
The name of my Master was Jaime Gonzales Durar, a goodly man and my Mistress was Isabella Durar. They had then two daughters, little older than myself, named Carmen and Rosa. I was set to work in the kitchen where I soon grew very contented with my new life. My Master and Mistress were kind and generous. I learned to wear shoes and stockings and I was given two dresses ; one to wear while the other was washed. Furthermore, they bade me eat all the left-overs and scraps from the table I desired, so I was well-fed. I had been thin, always hungry and always aDing. Now I grew strong. I was seldom ill and I sang as I went about my work. My Mistress said I was buxom and my cheeks were like roses.
I soon learned the work of the household. I made the beds, washed the floors and prepared the food for the kitchen.
Even my Mistresses, Carmen and Rosa, were good and kind. Sometimes, when I had no more work to do around the house, they would permit me to enter the garden with them and play with their toys. Life was pleasant and I was happy. But the cook was often bad-tempered and beat me often, making the excuse that I did not do my work well. But my Master was a kind man and one day the Master came upon me crying from a cruel beating I had been given with a strap. The blood trickled down my legs and I could not conceal it. He spoke then very sternly to the cook and never again was I beaten so severely.
When I was seventeen I was as much a part of the Durar household as my Master's daughters. It was then my Master decided to live in Lisbon.
My Mistress Isabella treated me with affection as though I was one of her daughters. While we sat sewing together she told us that the Master's business would greatly improve in Lisbon. He was a goldsmith and in Lisbon he could meet the big ships as they sailed into port from distant lands. He could bargain for the precious metals the adventuresome sailors brought with them from the new world.
The journey to Lisbon took many weeks, riding and walking alongside our pack-donkeys, sleeping in Inns if any were encountered, or otherwise in the open air. We travelled in the summer and were not troubled by the cold at night. But the noonday heat was often too much to bear and we rested in the shade of pine trees until the cool of evening.
When we arrived in Lisbon my Master straight forth rented a fine residence with many bedrooms and a large patio that was close to the Port. We did not speak Portuguese but we learned it avidly, talking Portuguese among ourselves instead of Spanish. Soon, I could talk to the tradesmen as though speaking my own language.
My Master had prospered since he first took me into his service. But in Lisbon he prospered very greatly. He now employed a cook, a scullery maid and a Moorish boy for odd jobs. My duties were to serve at table, make the beds and buy food at the shops. Otherwise, I attended upon my Mistresses, aided Carmen and Rosa with their dress-making, chatted with them, as girls will, about the affairs of the house and of the heart, and withal, counted myself so firmly rooted in the heart of the family I quite forgot I had ever known other parents.
To become so much one of the family was my undoing, as I was to learn later. Yet, since my Mistress Isabella looked upon me as a daughter, the affairs of the family were discussed openly before me. Thus I learned my Master had earned the resentment of certain other gentlemen in the City. They looked upon my Master with disfavor because of his skill in bargaining. He made handsome gains to the detriment of these other gentlemen. Furthermore, Master was a good, kind man and without vice, which did not make him loved by these other gentlemen. My Master devoted himself to his family and had no love of wagering. Money was hard to earn, he said, and he had no desire to squander money making wagers in the Taverns and in other disreputable places. Nevertheless, Master had some good, staunch friends who he had made in the Port, and often they came to dine. Then the house would fill with laughter as they made merry and toasted the beauty of Carmen and Rosa, and praised the food and wine.
Sometimes their talks became solemn and it was in this way I learned of the Holy Inquisition. Which I understood little of. Every Sunday I went to Church with the family and I knew the Holy Inquisition was a High Order within our Church. I knew also that those who denied the True Church were branded Heretics. But Master and his friends spoke often of the Holy Inquisition, using words with veiled meaning. I sensed my Master's disapproval of the Holy Inquisition although he was never so wicked that he did say things against our Holy Church. But he did talk of the Holy Inquisition Offices. These were stout, stone walls behind which, my Master hinted, anything could happen! He talked of its barred windows and massive wooden doors most disparagingly, saying they caused cold shivers to run up and down his spine, and looked like the gates to hell.
I tried not to listen to such wickedness. To pronounce such libels against the Servants of our Holy Church is almost an act of evilness. But I comforted myself with the knowledge Master was a good, kind man and God-fearing. Anyone who was at his side in Church could not doubt this. His devout praying, and his face shining with the radiance of purity, proved his devotion to God and His Church.
When we had lived in Lisbon for almost a year there was a great Festival in the City. It was to celebrate the birthday of the Royal Family. Mistress Isabella said it was also the time for Auto-dafe. My Mistress said this was a Fiesta of the Holy Inquisition, and for the absolution of Citizens accused of Heresy.
The Auto-da-fe was practiced on a Sunday and it being a Fiesta, I went with the family to see the procession.
There was a vast crowd of spectators. I marvelled at the great expense employed by the Holy Inquisition for this procession. The magnificent robes worn were such as would be fitting for a King.
A great platform had been set up in one of the City's big Plazas and we mingled with the vast crowd to await the arrival of the Inquisitors, and the wicked Heretics who were to be punished for their evilness, their sins against God and their denial of our Holy Church.
When the procession came in sight there was a great leaning forward by everyone to see the better. The guards were hard put to hold back the press of people and leave a passage through which the procession might pass.
First of all came the Friars, walking four abreast, their faces very solemn, their hands clasped as though in prayer and their white robes swishing loudly in the awed silence that their presences inspired.
Behind them came the Penitents. They walked barefooted, carrying thick candles as long as their arms, and wearing long, black sleeveless tunics that fell to their ankles. They were followed by another group of Penitents also wearing black tunics but with red flames in needle work upon the breast, which did proclaim their ungodly deeds. But by these flames pointing downwards, it was shown their wickedness fell short of the castigation of being condemned to burn at the stake.
After these, followed another group of Sinners. These were Evil persons indeed, and I shuddered to look upon them. The flames upon the breasts of their black tunics pointed upwards! Their Evilness and denial of God, their Satan-inspired lives, had merited the supreme punishment of death at the stake by burning.
All of these Penitents were attended by a Guard of the Holy Inquisition. They did prevent those Penitents who were so inclined from escape. Those who for their wickedness had been condemned to the flames, had the benefit of a Jesuit, a good man who ardently beseeched the prisoners to renounce their Heresy.
Behind the prisoners followed the Guard of the Holy Inquisition. They were mounted on horses. Behind them followed the Inquisitors, the Head Inquisitor riding a white horse. Behind them came other men wearing round black hats and knee breeches.
Upon arrival in the Plaza, the Inquisitors did climb up on the platform and take seats to one side of it. All the prisoners were urged up on to the platform where they stood facing the Inquisitors.
A service then followed. It was most moving to see the vast crowd upon its knees, praying devoutly. A gentle breeze stirred the kerchiefs of the women and the hair of the men who had bared their heads.
At the conclusion of the service, a Priest did make a speech, thanking God for the Services of the Holy Inquisition. Then from a Scroll he did read aloud the names of the prisoners who were to be put to death. Although there were thousands of citizens pressing around the platform there was such silence that the name of each man was clearly heard. Although I knew full well these wicked men did richly deserve their punishment, I did feel strong compassion for them as their names rang out on the still air like the tolling of a bell.
The verdict of the Holy Inquisition thus being pronounced, the prisoners were then handed over to soldiers of the Civil Authorities. Led by the Chief Magistrate on horseback, the prisoners were then marched away to the jail. A Civil Court was instantly convened and the sentence of death confirmed by a Civil Judge.
Some of the crowd followed the procession to the jailhouse. But the others streamed away towards the place of execution. My Master and my Mistress disputed strongly. It was my Master's wish that we maidens should all witness the 'pure goodness of the Holy Inquisition'. But he spoke strangely, with special meaning, as though to cast doubts upon his belief in the holiness of the Holy Inquisition.
Mistress Isabella did not wish young maids to witness a heart-rending spectacle. But Master had his way, and we were waiting in the vast crowd at the execution place when the condemned prisoners were brought back again from the jail.
There were as many stakes set up as would accommodate the condemned men. The stakes were tall. There was a cross-bar attached to each, upon which the prisoners would be seated. At the base of each stake was piled kindling and faggots.
Each prisoner was asked in which faith he chose to die and those who declared for the Church of Rome were mercifully strangled before they were burnt.
The first condemned man was led to the stake. The cross-bar was so high he need climb to it by a ladder placed there for that purpose. Then, once seated on the cross-bar, two Executioners bound him firmly with strong ropes, with his arms drawn up above his head and his ankles bound to the stake but three palm-widths above the faggots.
This condemned man had declared his wish to die in the faith of the Holy Church. Thus, when all was ready, the Executioner ascended the ladder and held up a length of cord, displaying it to the crowd. Upon which he was encouraged by a great shout of approval.
The Executioner did place the cord around the neck of the prisoner, pulled hard, turned it around behind the stake and again drew it tight. The prisoner struggled but was so securely bound he could make but little resistance. Presently the Executioner released the cord. No longer supported, the prisoner's head fell forward on to his chest.
I had never before seen a man put to death and was sick with the horror of it, unable to believe death can come so swiftly and quietly. But the vast crowd displayed such great signs of excitement, joy and satisfaction that I was strengthened again in my conviction that evil men must suffer thus.
The next man sinfully refused to die in the faith of the Holy Church. The crowd shouted insults and cheered joyously when the Executioner chained him to the stake. This prisoner was emaciated. His skin was as white as a fish's belly and his ribs protruded starkly when his arms were strained upwards. There was a glow of defiance in his eyes that must have been born of madness. He stared at the crowd that taunted him with cruel words, and spat his disdain.
The ladder was removed, the Executioner lighted an oil-soaked rag on the end of a long pole, and when it was flaming flourished it high before the crowd. The crowd howled mingled fury and triumph.
The Executioner then brought the flames to the prisoner's beard. The flames licked around his face, turning it black, but his cries of anguish were drowned by the laughter and shouted derision of the crowd. When the Executioner desisted from his cruel labor, then did the people howl for more heat for the damned, and the Executioner, thus encouraged, did not cease his tormenting until the prisoner's hair flared high.
The pitiful creature struggled mightily to escape his chains and the crowd of a sudden did fall silent. The poor wretch cried out piteously, his face scorched and blackened and his head still smoking.
A Priest did often exhort him to seek reconciliation with the Holy Church. But the prisoner, so confirmed in his evilness, did summon up reserves of strength lent to him by the Devil, and withstanding his pain did shout defiantly : "I pray for the strength to deny your Church." Whereupon, the Priest, greatly incensed, did signal to the Executioner.
The burning torch was thrust into the faggots and kindling around the base of the stake and flames and smoke licked fiercely upwards.
The kindling was dry and blazed quickly. Yet so high was the prisoner set upon the cross-bar that the flames did no more than lick around his lower limbs. Thus, he was not quickly consumed by the fire, but instead, was slowly roasted.
It was a heart-rending spectacle. The cries of the poor wretch were unbearable. Yet, my Master refused us leave to depart, obliging us to stand witness while yet other fires were lighted under other evil-doers.
An hour or more elapsed before my Mistress prevailed upon my Master to allow us to depart. Even then, still did the first condemned man writhe above the flames, piteously beseeching God for a merciful death, by which time his lower limbs must surely have been consumed entirely.
We were all sad and depressed that night, sickened by the stench of burning in our nostrils and with our ears haunted, still ringing with the cries of the damned.
Mistress Isabella took my Master to task for subjecting us all to this lamentable spectacle. Master was grave and did give answer with deep emotion.
"Such torments should not be visited upon men," he said sadly.
"They were evil men, Jaime," my Mistress answered him. "They were servants of the Devil. The flames of the stake did but prepare them for the flames of the Inferno."
"To prepare men for Hell is Satan's work," replied my Master hotly.
"They were condemned by the Civil Authority," my Mistress reminded him.
"The Civil Authority does not dare to deny the wishes of the Holy Inquisition. I declare again, it is not for the Holy Church to do the Devil's work."
My Mistress Isabella gasped. Carmen and Rosa exchanged anxious glances. I bowed my head, feared to hear such dread words.
"Be careful, Jaime," warned my Mistress, Isabella. "The Holy Church performs God's will."
"Then their God is not my God!"
We were stunned by his words. My Master himself turned pale, as though frightened of his own words and fearful God might strike him dead. "I am true to the Holy Church," he asserted. "It is only that...." He rubbed his hand across his brow as though his thoughts were confused. " ... it is that the Holy Inquisition is so powerful and so ... sweeping."
"They do God's work," said my Mistress. "They search out the disciples and familiars of the Devil. Without the Holy Inquisition, evilness and Satan would overpower us all."
Master shook his head sadly. "When I think of those grey, stone walls I wonder what goes on behind them? Nobody knows. Yet good and true men, God-fearing and loyal to the Holy Church have entered there and have emerged as self-confessed Heretics."
"Must you talk thus, Jaime!" disapproved Mistress Isabella. "Take care the wrath of God be not visited upon you!"
My Mistress spoke the very words I had thought myself. In my prayers that night I beseeched God to forgive my Master for his indiscretions, and for speaking disparagingly of the Holy Inquisition. Master was a good man, I was sure. Yet in a weak moment he had yielded to the temptation of the Devil.
AT THE MERCY OF THE HOLY INQUISITION
The name of the Moorish youth employed in our household was Abdul Hassan. He was my age, I having completed my eighteenth year. He was a lumpish youth with dark, brooding eyes and a sullen set to his features. He worked reluctantly, resented the tasks he was allotted and would have been dismissed his post many times by my Mistress Isabella, had not Master intervened. The kindness of his heart overwhelmed his good sense, and very much to his misfortune, as it was later to transpire.
Rosa was unhappy. She had saved coins to buy some coveted finery and could not find them. Carmen, Rosa and myself searched her bedroom thoroughly without finding trace of them. We believed the money had been stolen and our suspicions were towards the cook who occupied a small bedroom at the far end of the same landing. Yet we could not prove our suspicions and in time the incident was forgotten.
Then, some weeks after the Auto-da-fe, when we had extinguished the lamps and retired to our beds, Carmen was awakened in her bedroom by a sharp sound.
She lay in the darkness, wondering what had awakened her and also feeling an urge of nature. She arose from her bed and crossed to the door.
The windows were shuttered and Carmen could not see. She extended her hand before her and her fingers touched upon warm flesh. Then Carmen heard heavy breathing and becoming aware of the presence of an intruder she screamed loudly.
The intruder sprang upon her. His hand searched for her mouth to suppress her screams. Upon Carmen breaking free and crying aloud for help, the intruder struck her brutally many times upon the face and breast until she fell stricken, all but lost to her senses. Then did he spring to the door and flee.
Yet in the darkness and in his fear, the intruder lost his footing on the staircase and plunged down it, landing heavily with an injured ankle and his senses confused.
My Master was reading downstairs in the dining room. Upon hearing the commotion he snatched up a lamp and ran out into the vestibule, there to find Abdul Hassan lying at the foot of the staircase and groaning.
The noise aroused the entire household. My Mistress, Rosa and the cook ran out from their bedrooms in their nightgowns. Carmen staggered from her bedroom. Her face was masked with blood which dripped onto her nightshirt and stained it red.
Abdul groveled. He still clutched in his hand the coins he had stolen from Carmen's bureau.
Master was beside himself with fury. His daughter's bloodied lips and bruised face inflamed his anger beyond measure. The good, kind man was quite overcome by a parent's natural protectiveness and straight forth he snatched up a stick. While Abdul groveled, unable to stand and take his weight upon his injured ankle, my Master did belabor him mightily and without compassion, beating his shoulders and back until the dust arose, and not desisting until his arm was tired, and the Moorish youth was crying piteously.
Anger had robbed Master of all compassion. He seized the collar of the Moorish youth and dragged him to the door. Then did he cast him out into the night to crawl away and soothe his hurts as best he might.
To impose this severe beating upon Abdul was an act of charity. If he had been taken before the Civil Authority and charged with stealing, Abdul would have fared much worse. Yet, such is the hatred nourished by simple people for a fancied slight, great evilness is sometimes the reward for kindness.
We saw no more of Abdul. A Portuguese boy took his place. He drew water from the well, stabled the horses and chopped kindling for the kitchen fire; Abdul was soon forgotten.
Two weeks later the travail of our family began.
I was awakened in the middle of the night by incessant and thunderous hammering upon the door. The knocking not ceasing for one moment, and seeming to denote great urgency, I sprang from my bed clad only in my nightshirt and ran out onto the landing.
The entire household was aroused. Together we followed Master down the stairs after he lit a lamp to light the way.
The hammering on the door did not cease as we loosened the chains and drew back the bolts. At once the door burst inwards and guards of the Holy Inquisition flooded into the vestibule. One of them held a torch on high and in its flickering flames we were all exposed to the gaze of the guards.
"What is this?" demanded Master with great indignation. But I saw his face had turned pale.
The Captain of the guards unrolled a writing from which he read: "You are Jaime Gonzales Durar?"
"That is so."
"I am ordered to take you to the Office of Holy Inquisition."
My Master was now quite white. "I will attend in the morning," he whispered. "You must come now."
My master drew himself up as though he would refuse. Then his shoulders slumped and he sighed. "Very well I will dress."
"Also," added the Captain, "you family must accompany you." Again he referred to his writing. "Mistress Isabella, Mistresses Carmen and Rosa and Maria."
My heart fluttered when I heard my name spoken.
"I will answer for my family," said Master.
"They must answer for themselves," declared the Captain and the tone of his voice would brook no argument.
Again my Master sighed. "Very well."
We went upstairs and guards waited at each door while we robed ourselves. I was quickly dressed and was on the landing when Master came from his bedroom.
"You have money?" asked the Captain.
"Have I need of money?"
"There is always need of money," said the Captain. He laughed. "I advise you to bring all you can lay hands upon."
Master gathered all the money he could find around the house and placed it in his money wallet.
"That girl is not of my family," said Master. He nodded at me. "Her name is Maria Deluz."
The Captain referred to his writing. "Is there any other Maria?"
Master shook his head.
"Then she must come too," decided the Captain.
My senses were bemused with sleep. I was quite bewildered, and so was my Mistress Isabella. Only when the Captain did ask for the keys of the household in order that a member of the Holy Inquisition could remain in the house and prepare a list of my Master's goods and chattels, did my Mistress Isabella seem to come awake. Not sufficed with refusing to give the household keys in to the hands of a stranger, and despite the entreaties of Master, she did run and assault the guards, being quite lost to reason. Two guards did seize her, whereupon she cried out in piercing tones so that our neighbours should bear witness to the manner of our being taken.
My Master could not abide that rough soldiers should handle my Mistress so discourteously. He forthwith struck one of them mightily before he too was seized and restrained.
Upon my Mistress not ceasing to cry out, and thereby causing a great scene, she was gagged. The guards were accustomed to such exhibitions of emotion and carried upon their persons pieces of iron fashioned in the shape of a pear. Upon this being inserted in my Mistress's mouth by force, it did still her tongue and stifle her. This iron pear was in two pieces. By turning a screw they did separate, thus forcing apart my Mistress's jaws and causing such acute discomfort that my Mistress ceased all resistance and did calmly permit her hands to be bound behind her back without further protest.
For good measure, they also gagged my Master. When his jaws were so strained apart that the skin of his cheeks were stretched tightly, the guard he had struck did give the screw of the pear yet another turn, whereupon my Master's eyes rolled horribly and blood ran from the corners of his mouth.
His plight so frightened us three maids that we dared make no protest, but permitted our arms to be bound behind us and obeyed the guards in everything.
It was a dark night. One guard walked ahead, holding a flaming oil torch. He was followed by our family and, behind them, other guards. Master and Mistress held their heads unnaturally, showing they suffered great discomfort from the iron gags.
There were few Citizens abroad at that late hour. Those who did witness us fled in silence at the approach of our procession, fearing to be seized by the guard and suspected of being engaged upon unlawful business.
Thus we were carried to the offices of the Holy Inquisition, which I had not previously visited. The sight of those forbidding walls, set with barred windows and iron doors, did chill me through with a terror that magnified as the great doors swung open. We were led across a large, flagstone courtyard, up stone steps and into a vaulted vestibule. In the flickering light of the torch it looked as grim and as cheerless as a tomb. The Head Turnkey came out from his office and had converse with the Captain of the Guard. After some delay the Head Turnkey addressed us :
"By order of the Holy Inquisition you are to await examination before the inquisitors. Until that time you must comport yourselves properly. It is forbidden to sing, talk, to show insolence to Turnkeys or to the other officers of the Holy Inquisition, the punishment for such offences being so severe as shall meet the offence."
The Head Turnkey did then take from his office a lantern and a large iron ring bearing many keys and unlocked and unbolted an iron door through which we were led into a stone corridor.
As he walked the lantern swung and threw frightening shadows before him. They were like the talons of Satan, reaching out for the wicked. The heavy boots of the guards echoed resoundingly on the stone floor.
At the end of the corridor was another iron door. This, when opened, emitted such a foul stench that I shrank back in disgust. But the rough hand of a guard bruising my shoulder cruelly, I did follow the Head Turnkey down a steep flight of stone stairs, descending into even deeper darkness. I was deeply frightened and I saw by their faces that Rosa and Carmen were also trembling with fear.
When we had descended to a great depth, we found ourselves in another corridor, stretching so far that the rays of the lantern never pierced the awful darkness. We walked along it. At intervals on either side I saw massive doors with great iron bolts. With dread I realized we were to be confined in one of these dungeons.
The stench was now so vile my senses swam from holding my breath. Yet did the Head Turnkey lead us down another flight of stone steps, down into the very bowels of the earth. Here was yet another corridor lined with massive iron doors.
When he reached the end of this corridor, the Head Turnkey stopped. He shot back great iron bolts with a clanging that echoed away into the darkness. Hinges creaked and groaned as the massive door swung open. My heart was like ice. I saw behind it yet another door made of iron, and with as many bolts. It was so heavy the Head Turnkey grunted with the effort of swinging it open. In the yellow light thrown by his lantern I saw a deep step leading down to a stone floor covered with straw. The tiny cell had no windows but the domed ceiling had a small hole no bigger than a man's eye. At the extreme corner of the cell was a dark hole the width of my palm. A guard unbound my wrists and bundled me down the steps into the cell and the stench that emanated from this hole made my senses swim.
Rosa and Carmen were swiftly unbound and we three maids clung to each other in terror while my Mistress was eased of the terrible pressure upon her jaws. Her cheeks were wet with tears when she embraced us yet she did refrain from speech. The cell being so small it scarce would accommodate the four of us, I did think my Master would be lodged elsewhere. Yet did they release him from the misery of the gag and upon observing his passive demeanor, did unbind his wrists and thrust him inside among us.
Thereupon, the Head Turnkey did abjure us once again to behave properly on pain of punishment and slammed shut the iron door sealing off every glimmer of light and entombing us in such total darkness as I have never imagined. The bolts were rammed home, I heard the squeal of the hinges as the second door was bolted and then the muffled steps of the departing guards. We were in the hands of the Inquisition.
THE TURNKEYS HAVE THEIR WAY WITH US MAIDS
My Master's jaws were so sore strained he talked only with great difficulty and pain. Mistress Isabella was not hurt so grievously. Yet we did converse long about the fate that had overtaken us, lost to all thought now of sleep, and comforting each other by placing our faith in God and the benevolence of the Holy Church.
A mistake had been made, declared my Master. On the morrow, after his examination with the Inquisitor, all would be made well. My Master grieved that we also should be subjected to humiliation and discomfort. He was angry that the Holy Office had not sufficed with his presence alone, but needs must plunge us all into the misery of detention.
My Master spoke with great confidence that on the morrow all would be made well, that our fears were eased. Presently we sought to banish his concern for our welfare and assured him we were content to share his discomfort and would not have it any other way. Thus, we raised up our spirits and were more composed in mind. We prepared with fortitude to pass the miserable hours ahead of us until our release.
The total darkness was a great misfortune. It obliged us to know our surroundings by touch. The small dungeon did not permit that we could all stretch out on the straw at the same time, and perforce, arranging ourselves how we would, with our limbs overlapping, two needs must sleep erect with their backs against the stone wall, while three lay cramped. But sleep did at last come upon us all, as is the will of nature.
There is no describing the misery suffered by a well-born family prevailed upon to undergo such privation. The stench hole was suffocating with its loathsome presence. Yet while we had need of it, our bowels being turned by fear and disgust, we desisted from its use, containing ourselves for reasons of decency, suffering privations there by withholding ourselves, praying for release on the morrow to end our misery. It was a wonder we slept at all.
There was no way to know when it was morning. Every minute was an hour and every hour was a day. We lived an eternity before we heard the bolts being shot and the massive iron door swung open.
Light blazed in, quite blinding us, so painful we needs must clap our hands upon our eyes. Understanding this the Turnkeys waited until we could see before they addressed us. There were two of them, one a hearty and boisterous man with a loud laugh whom I later learned was Pedro, and another small, thin man with unusually broad shoulders and unusually long arms. He was called Hernandez.
Hernandez wielded a heavy cudgel with a great, iron spike inserted in its head. Any prisoner who showed affront to a Turnkey could have a limb broken by a blow from that weapon, or, if very violent, could be stabbed with the spike. But seeing our demeanor was not threatening, for indeed what affront could four tired women and a weary man offer such powerful guardians, they both smiled upon us in a friendly spirit.
Pedro bore a wooden bucket containing water, a wooden pannikin of watery soup and some crusts of dry, black bread. These were given to us with the admonishment that the pannikin must not be broken.
Then did my Master converse with them. Yet friendly as they seemed, they could tender him no information, declaring their task was simply to guard prisoners and being ignorant entirely of the wishes and intentions of the Higher Order of the Holy Inquisition.
My Master enquired when he would see the Inquisitor for his Examination. But they could not tell him.
My Master then asked how long prisoners must await their Examination and to our great consternation and horror, Hernandez said it was sometimes a few days or sometimes a few weeks.
At this my Master became greatly agitated and asked many questions, to which the Turnkeys could only shake their heads in ignorance. They were forbidden to bear a message from a prisoner to an Inquisitor, they stated. Prisoners must await a summons from the Inquisitors. Our confinement could not be eased. They had been ordered to place us in one dungeon, together. We would be fed once a day. We could receive no visitors.
Tiring of the questions, our jailers made to withdraw.
Gready distressed by our plight, Master then begged for the loan of a lamp and upon showing him money, Pedro told him the prices for such comforts. We could have an oil lamp and food brought to us, wine in flagons and articles of clothing. But only the very rich could afford such comforts. The Turnkeys did not quickly grow rich, Hernandez sadly told my Master. There were many Turnkeys, also the guards and lower orders of the Holy Offices who all must benefit from the trade.
My Master was determined to ease our distress, cost what it may, and when the dungeon door did close upon us again, our cell was lighted by a lantern, we had a flagon of wine, food and wooden spoons. We could now inspect ourselves more closely and overcoming his disgust, my Master learned that the stench hole extended the length of a man's arm down to a sluggishly flowing tide of sewage. Supported by Rosa and Carmen I climbed up on to Master's shoulders and looked through the small hole in the vaulted ceiling of the cell. I could see the small hole extended for the length of my arm and at its end I saw a faint glow as though daylight filtered into a windowless chamber above us.
Mistress Isabella insisted we must preserve our strength, so, without appetite for food in such conditions, nor liking for the coarse food, we did eat.
The hours passed and the oil in the lamp burned lower. At last we had to yield to the distressing pressure of our bodily needs. It was humiliating to our pride and to each other's discomfort. Thus, the pleasing relief we experienced was overwhelmed by our mortification.
Master was so put out by our distress he spoke out boldly and bitterly, complaining that the Officers of the Holy Order were exceeding themselves by submitting honest, God-fearing citizens to such terrible indignities, respecting neither justice, nor the love one man must bear another.
When the last of the oil in our lantern burned away we were plunged again into total darkness. We restlessly moved our cramped limbs to find ease while Master prayed to God fervently, begging Him to right the wrongs of the wicked. He spoke with a strange tone as though in his mind he was condemning the Officers of the Holy Inquisition.
Wicked as we all believed it to be to speak ill of the Officers of the Holy Church, we all began to think the same way as Master. We all did pray to God, and often ; and I am sure that in our hearts the Satan we feared began to take on the form of the Inquisitors.
Our belief in God strengthened us through the days that followed. We needed His strength. As day followed day our plight grew more wretched. Master eked out his fast dwindling money. The watery soup and dry bread we received every day was meager fare and Master need supplement it. But also must he husband his money and now we all knew hunger. The straw we lay upon became so sodden and foul smelling, that Master was obliged to pay heavily for it to be removed and fresh straw brought. Despite our most earnest endeavors our clothing and bodies became soiled. Worse, we were tormented by a pestilence that gave us such grievous irritation we did never cease from scratching, though we rendered our flesh torn and bloodied.
Yet we had a few blessings. We had become so inured to the stench hole we no longer noticed it, although our hunger was sharpened now that our appetite was not blunted by nausea. And we had learned to sleep in all manner of positions.
The single night of detention Master had counted upon became days. And as the days passed there grew upon us a sluggish, passive acceptance of our confinement. We no longer fretted nor wept with desperation. Instead we awaited the day of our release with dull resignation.
And many days passed.
Master scratched marks on the wall to record the passage of time. He did ask Turnkey Pedro to bear a message to a friend in the City, craving his help. But Pedro was terror-stricken at the suggestion, declaring he would surely pay with his head for such a crime.
Then did Master's store of money come to an end and at once our circumstances changed grievously. The Turnkeys would no longer converse, but instead, delivered our daily fare without a kind word or thought, and slammed the door upon us quickly. Without the benefit of the lantern, Master scratched the passing of each day upon the wall by sense of touch.
We had been confined four weeks and three days, the last ten days without the easing of discomfort that money gives, when Rosa was taken.
The Turnkey opened the door. When we could see against the hurt of the light, Hernandez pointed to Rosa with his cudgel. He ordered brusquely: "Come!"
Master would fain accompany her but Hernandez swung his cudgel menacingly. Poor Master had to back away.
When the door clanged shut upon us we conversed excitedly, wondering why Rosa alone had been called upon, without Master who was her father, and the head of the family.
It was long, long hours before Rosa returned with the Turnkey. I saw by her face as she stepped down into our dungeon that she was strangely shamed and discomforted. Master eagerly pressed her to tell of what had befallen her and Rosa related the events slowly and hesitatingly.
She had been taken to a large chamber, said Rosa wherein she was instructed to sit upon a stool. The door was bolted and she was left in darkness. Many hours elapsed before an Officer of the Holy Inquisition entered. He questioned her simply; her name, her age, where she lived and the length of her sojurn in prison. These replies were written down. Whereupon she was left in darkness once again. After another long wait the Turnkeys conveyed her back to our dungeon.
Master was agitated. He asked Rosa if she had sought permission for her father to converse with an Inquisitor. Rosa replied quietly that she dared not ask since the Officer was so stern and stared at her so accusingly, she was frightened. Upon hearing this Master desisted from asking more questions. A little later I felt Rosa sobbing silently when she pressed against me. I held her comfortingly and discovered that her cheeks were wet with tears.
Master scratched another three marks on the wall before the Turnkeys came again. By now, the meager prison fare we needs must suffice upon, had brought us great hunger and we pleaded piteously for a little dry bread. But the Turnkeys ignored our entreaties. They were long inured to such pleadings. Pedro pointed at me and said: "Come."
I had so long been deprived of movement that as I followed Hernandez, who lighted our way along the corridor with his torch, my steps were slow and uncertain. Once, when I stopped to brace one arm against the wall, Pedro's strong arm steadied me. He said heartily : "Lean on me, little one."
His strength and his attentiveness was comforting. I greatly dreaded the ordeal of being questioned by an Officer of the Holy Inquisition and I was trembling. But when we had traversed the corridor, Pedro led me into a large chamber furnished with every kind of comfort.
Pedro bolted the door behind us. I stared around in wonderment. There was a fireplace where a small fire burned, cooking utensils and a store of food that made my mouth water. There were no windows but two lamps shed bright light upon tables and chairs, three beds with mattresses, a wardrobe and a third, much younger Turnkey. I judged he was of twenty summers, tall and pleasing of countenance, although shy and retiring.
"Carlos," ordered Pedro in his bluff, hearty voice. "Wine for the lass."
The young Turnkey filled a leaden cup with rich, black wine and gave it to me. Then he poured wine for Pedro, Hernandez and himself.
"Drink up, wench," urged Pedro and greatly warmed by their friendship, I drank deeply relishing the wine's taste, since no liquid but stagnant water had touched my lips for weeks. At once the wine's heady fumes swirled up to my head.
"Are you hungry, girl?" asked Hernandez. He spoke roughly but his tones did not obscure his basic kindness. My heart leaped with gratefulness as he cut a thick slice of salted ham from a smoked haunch that hung from a roof rafter. I snatched it from him and sank my teeth into it greedily, and had all but devoured it before I saw them smiling as they watched me. Hernandez's knife flashed and he gave me another thick slice. Carlos poured more wine.
"Eat and drink, wench," encouraged Pedro. "A pretty lass must keep her form in full bloom, and color in her cheeks." He chuckled richly.
Whereupon they all set to praising me and remarking upon my youth and my comeliness, the while I ate ravenously, relishing fresh-picked olives, bread that need not be soaked in water before it could be chewed, sweet oranges and yet more smoked ham.
Yet did they encourage me to eat more, and pressed me 'til I was replete, the meanwhile laughing and showing me such goodwill and kindness that I did laugh with them.
Carlos talked little but his eyes spoke volumes. He watched me ceaselessly, so taken by me, I felt quite faint and flushed with pleasure, confused by their flattery and the wine, which made my cheeks burn body.
"This is where I must wait for the Officer of the Holy Inquisition?" I asked innocently as I licked my fingers clean of grease.
They stared in surprise, and then laughed.
"This is the Turnkey's chamber, wench," Pedro told me.
"Then...?" I asked mystified.
"Did your sister not tell you?" asked Hernandez with mild curiosity.
Whereupon I related what Rosa had told us all and they were greatly amused.
"That is not the way of it, lass," said Pedro in his deep voice and wrapped his arm around me.
I shrugged free from his rough embrace and he looked hurt. "Come, wench. We mean you no harm." Whereupon he took me in his arms again, laughing at my struggles, his hands strong but gentle and bearing only goodwill for me. Yet did I struggle still so that Hernandez and Carlos also took hold of me. But gently, like lovers, refraining from using force, yet persistent, so that despite my protests and entreaties they soon had me disrobed completely. Then did Carlos lock away my clothing in the wardrobe, while Hernandez and Pedro poured more wine and eyed me with kindly admiration while I shamefully tried to conceal my nakedness with my arms and hands.
"She's as lovely as a lily," said Pedro with approval ringing in his voice.
"She is well-made," agreed Hernandez. He drank deeply and then wiped wine from his mouth.
Carlos stared at me, his dark eyes hot with emotion.
I was more shamed that Carlos should see my nakedness, because he was the youngest. I was pleased he made no speech.
"Come, wench," said Pedro. "We mean you no ill. Here. Drink!" He held out a cup of wine.
Yet I would not move, I pressed against the stone wall, concealing myself as best I might. Whereupon, tiring of my show of modesty, the three of them did approach me again, their gentle strength overpowering my resistance, and led me unwillingly to one of the beds, which, I saw had attached to each corner strong ropes which bore leather gauntlets.
I threw myself back, knowing now what must come, and being most unwilling. Yet I could not resist their strength as with great tenderness they did lift me and place me upon the bed.
"Do not struggle, little one," soothed Pedro. "We intend you no harm." The kindness in his voice comforted me, despite my struggles as my legs were drawn apart by the leather gauntlets strapped around my ankles.
"Do not cry, wench," soothed Pedro as he and Carlos pressed my shoulders back upon the mattress and I had not the strength to resist them more. I desisted from my struggles and they sat upon the bed beside me. They held my arms with firm gentleness.
"Is this your first time, wench?" asked Pedro with gentle concern.
At his question I did sob, shamed as never before. Then a straw palliasse thrust beneath my buttocks raised up my loins most immodestly, and Hernandez looked upon me as it is not seemly for a woman to be seen.
Then did I think of Rosa, and knew this too had befallen her. Yet she had spoken nothing of it, to save my Master and Mistress from pain. Rosa had suffered humiliation more grievously, because these were common men, and she was of good birth. Whereas, I was but a servant. I resolved then never to speak of this and took courage from the thought of Rosa, and braced myself to endure my mortification.
Yet did these rough men with their determined purpose show much tenderness and great patience, not hastening to indulge their pleasure, but relishing it slowly, and without pressing need, sitting beside me and stroking me with their strong hands, all the while using words of great flattery and with such warm goodwill that I presently ceased entirely to resist their hands upon me and bore their touch without protest nor resistance.
"That is the way, wench," approved Pedro. "See, lass. We intend you no hurt. And such soft flesh. You are like a queen. A true maid if ever I saw or handled one. And a rich handful too, with hard, little rubies as proud as a turkey cock."
Carlos did not speak. But I saw through my closed eyelashes the rapt expression upon his countenance as he gazed upon me and moved his hand upon my skin.
I had drunk much wine and was flushed with its warmth. My skin burned and my senses swam. Their hands stroked and caressed, becoming increasingly adventurous and probing, so that my modesty was outraged. Yet did new, strange sensations overcome me and mingle with the swimming of my senses until I was floating, knowing I was suffering humiliation, yet not greatly disturbed, and even knowing a strange compulsion to submit to it.
Pedro was the older and more experienced. His caresses were more searching and when he spoke his words came to me as though in my dreams.
"She is ready," he said. "Be gentle. It is her first time."
I came awake, sharply aroused by his words, and I struggled again.
But they held me firmly, although with great gentleness, Pedro soothed again : "Do not fear, little one. We mean you no hurt."
Then did I feel Hernandez's weight upon me. Yet it being not at all as I feared. He had a great patience and gentleness, a soft stretching from which he desisted often, a slight hurt of little import and then knowing my being was entirely invaded. My eyes closed as his hot lips kissed my cheek and his rough beard rasped upon my flesh.
He moved upon me and my senses swam with the heady fumes of the wine, I felt a compulsion to wrap my arms around him but desisted, keeping them limply at my sides while he persistently and probingly moved upon me, until at last he lay still, breathing quickly, weighing heavily upon me. Tears trickled from the corners of my eyes because I knew I would never truly be a maid again. I was now a woman.
Hernandez left me. I lay limply, lost to all shame now I no longer had a secret to guard, my lower limbs tethered and parted and my loins braced high.
"You see, wench," chuckled Pedro. "It is not at all what you feared." He patted my belly affectionately as he would the head of a dog, then kneaded it gently.
Yet they were not done with me. Pedro's black eyes stared at me searchingly, as though he would learn from my countenance my inner thoughts and feelings.
I turned my head away sharply as though I held him in great contempt. But he did chuckle tolerantly, as though I was but a child that lacked understanding. Then his hands made free with my person as did Hernandez's hands so that I again had strange and moving emotions visited upon me which my shameful position permitted them the more to encourage.
I thought again of Rosa. She too must have submitted to such ministrations. Then, not withstanding the knowing that these were shameful things, did I resign myself to them, with a helplessness that was not unaware of a certain pleasure. Then did Pedro, prompted by Hernandez, assume the position Hernandez had but recently vacated and with the same gentle probing had his way with me. Yet with even more patience, until I was compelled by the promptings of my own nature to move with him, and sigh with deep felt exasperation when he presently ceased, having had done with me.
Then did Pedro relieve me of his weight and laugh boisterously. "You are a ripe plum for the picking, wench."
My mind was confused by a self-disgust that was strangely mingled with pleasure. I lay still, drugged by wine and emotion, until believing they had done with me, I raised myself up to free myself from my shameful position. Then did Hernandez and Carlos hasten to my side and press my shoulders back upon the mattress.
Now it was Carlos whose stroking hands were the most searching. Yet, despite their lack of tenderness and lacking the knowing of the older men, his fingers did engage my senses the most, affrighting me for the great surge of feeling he aroused which brought a pleasing weakness to my limbs. I no longer had the will, nor wanted to protest. I was angry when he abandoned his ministrations to Hernandez's more cunning caresses. But not entirely displeased, since otherwise Carlos could not have placed himself so advantageously for our encounter.
Carlos had neither patience nor gentleness. He was young and goaded by a needle of impatience that drove pain deep into me. Yet, though I did cry out, it was a sweet bearableness that became so pleasing as he moved upon me frenziedly that I could not resist the impulse to throw my arms around him. And draw him down upon me until a great explosion within me did make me groan and thrust against him fiercely, gripped by an indescribable pleasure I had never known, and my tethered ankles straining as they strove to twine around him.
I suffered his slackened weight upon me with a strange contentment. Then, having recovered his breath and composure he did withdraw from me. Whereupon, with a curiosity I had not known for Hernandez and Pedro, I watched him stealthily through my closed eyelashes as he reached for his clothing. I was mystified and somewhat astonished, knowing little of men's nature, knowing, only with a woman's instinct, how it must all come about.
Pedro brought me a cup of wine. I sat up to drink it and he released my ankles from the leather gauntlets.
"You are hungry, wench?" he asked considerately.
"I have had my fill," I retorted, not without bitterness.
He laughed heartily as though at a great jest. Then, when I had drunk the wine, he brought a pannikin of water, a pot of thick, black ointment and showed me a certain, shameful way to sit, that I might use these things.
I protested.
"You must," he said gravely. "Lest you find yourself with child."
I believed he had betrayed himself and responded with ill-founded arrogance. "Am I then to conceal your sins?"
He shook his head and looked upon me sadly. "It is for your protection, little one. Know you not that an unmarried maid with child is declared sinful and a strumpet."
"Then will I declare how it became about. The charge of sinfulness shall fall where it truly belongs."
Again he shook his head sadly. "Doe'st not know, wench, that strumpets who trade their bodies for the comforts that turnkeys can provide, are sorely whipped for their sins." He shrugged his shoulders. "As you wish, maid."
He was about to leave me, but relenting, encouraged me with hearty, good-nature : "Come. Do not risk a whipping."
His simple words, not spoken as a threat, chilled me. I hastened to do his bidding, shameful though it was, when he instructed how I should wash and apply the ointment. Then, when it was done, he squeezed my shoulders with his strong arm as though pleased with me. Carlos brought my clothes from the wardrobe. Hernandez smiled happily and openly admired my nakedness.
Carlos and Pedro led me back to my dungeon. Pedro walked ahead, leading the way with his torch. Carlos walked beside me and his arm brushed mine until with a swift, shy movement his fingers captured mine.
I was tempted to tear my hand free. But sensing the sincerity of that simple contact, and having been deprived of comfort in my distressing circumstances of imprisonment, I yielded to impulse and returned the pressure of his fingers. Whereupon, he slid his arm around my waist and held me tightly, with an evident happiness that was not unmatched by mine; and although the circumstances of our meeting were distressing for my modesty and peace of mind, it was albeit not entirely with disgust. His infatuation could not be concealed and little did I know then how much it would serve me in the future.
Pedro swung open the iron door of my cell. I saw Rosa first of all, her eyes staring into mine, with unspoken entreaty. The door clanged shut, we were plunged into darkness and Master pressed questions upon me.
I seated myself on the stone floor, my mind bemused by wine yet sharp enough to evade his suspicions. I described what Rosa said had happened to her, as happening to me. I imagined the details to such good effect that Master never doubted. Rosa sighed with relief.
Then later, when my blood had cooled and the warm wine no longer fuddled my senses, I relived all that had happened to me in my thoughts. I too was hard put then not to sob and was grateful for the understanding embrace of Rosa. So too did I suffer gentle anguish. I sobbed silently; not for my violation and its shame, but for the weakness of my body. I knew guilt because I had surrendered myself to pleasurable emotions when my spirit should have resisted. I felt humiliated and unworthy. Rosa, I knew, had suffered her ordeal unflinchingly and had not surrendered herself to pleasure.
I had eaten my fill and my guilt was sharper when my companions complained of their gnawing hunger. Then later, the unguent within me began its work, burning with a fierceness that caused great tenderness until I was most discomforted. Yet did I suffer this humbly, as punishment for the weakness of my flesh which had responded to sin when it needs must deny it.
Two days later the Turnkeys came and took away Carmen.
Rosa's hand groped through the darkness for mine, its pressure sharing with me the knowledge of Carmen's fate. I did feel great anguish within me, aware of the gentle, delicate temperament of Carmen, her purity of spirit and her innocent simplicity. Rosa was of strong spirit and will and able to withstand travail. I was not bred to refinement and could suffer rough usage. But Carmen was slender and flower-like, her spirit and person could easily be broken upon the wheel of man's desire.
Yet did I also comfort myself with the memory of the Turnkey's great gentleness and understanding. I prayed Carmen would find the strength to endure her humiliation.
An eternity of darkness elapsed before Carmen returned to us. In the glow of the lamp before the cell door slammed us into darkness, I saw her pale, set face and staring eyes and sensed the shaking of her limbs. Rosa and I sat her between us. When she could speak falteringly, she related to Master the same story that Rosa had invented and I had supported.
Yet she could not restrain her tears.
"Why are you crying?" demanded Master. "Did they treat you ill?"
"They ... they spoke to me harshly," she answered and with that he needs be content.
Yet did she tremble long after like a startled fawn, and her body shook with the silent sobs that racked her.
For many days the lack of money had not eased the meagerness of our fare. My Master and Mistress Isabella were in sore plight, plagued by a great hunger, which they knew more sharply than we maids, not having had their hunger assuaged meantime by a visit to the Turnkey's chamber. Mistress Isabella could not forebear to complain bitterly, being put to great distress by stomach cramps that seized her often. After the lapse of some days, when once again the Turnkey came, I could not suppress my secret satisfaction, believing now my Mistress Isabella would eat in the Turnkey's chamber, although I dreaded her mortification at what would befall her.
Yet, it was not to be thus. Pedro held the lantern high and his finger pointed at Rosa. With but a moment's hesitation, Rosa braced her shoulders bravely, held her head high and stepped out into the corridor. Yet she was also greatly occupied with her parents' distress.
Thus, when she did return, she bore with her, hidden in her skirt, cold meat and bread which in the darkness she pressed upon my Master and Mistress while she, Carmen and myself made pretence of also eating. Rosa invented a new story to explain her absence.
She had been taken before yet another Inquisitor of the Holy Inquisition, Rosa said. He, noticing her weakened condition, had declared that such a young girl should be given food and exercise. Whereupon Rosa had been allowed to walk in a patio, and had been provided food in plenty, of which she had secreted some away.
It by now growing apparent our visits to the Turnkey's chamber would be often, I resolved that what a young maid of high birth and tender age could suffer, was not beyond the means of a humbler person. Thus, when it did become my time again, I went with the Turnkey without great unwillingness.
On being offered wine and food I did accept unhesitatingly, and made no sign of protest when they approached to disrobe me. And upon seeing in their faces a great admiration, I was secretly flattered and primped myself wickedly, and was rewarded by an attentiveness as though I was a high-born lady, Carlos taking my dress from me with a certain servility, Hernandez pressing upon me more wine and showing desire to be of service, and Pedro staring upon my nakedness with such undisguised pleasure I was pleasingly confused.
Pedro bowed, offered me his arm and led me to the bed, from which I did not desist, aware that protest was unavailing, and with the resolve I would gain from my ordeal what profit I could. And upon Pedro taking up the leather ankle gauntlet and looking at me a question, I did smile and shake my head, and seeing from my composure there was no need of such restraint, as indeed I lay down without bidding, offering myself up to them, he praised my youth and beauty with such fervent words that I was quite persuaded that like Carlos, he was enamored of me.
When they were done with me, which for reasons of their great patience and tenderness, was by no means swiftly, leaving me quite disturbed by the fury of my own feelings which I no longer tried to conceal, and to which I gave full rein, I did crave food for my Master. Which they granted readily, expressing their willingness to do so because of the pleasure I had afforded them. And upon being returned to my confinement I did relate Rosa's story to my Master, adding many embellishments the while that poor man and my Mistress blunted the sharpness of their hunger.
I feared Carmen's gentle nature would not withstand these attentions that Rosa and I received. When the Turnkeys came for her, and did take her away I was filled with great misgivings.
Yet did that gentle creature reveal a strength of purpose I had not suspected. Upon her return with plentiful food, she did speak so convincingly of the joy of walking in the patio, and wishing that this great privilege would be granted to her often, I feign would have believed her but that her slender figure, pressed against mine by our close confinement did tremble so.
THE FRUITS OF SIN
Without wishing it, we three maids became strumpets, driven to it by the spur of hunger. Having fallen into sin we did not hesitate to profit from it, indeed, presently ceasing to look upon ourselves as sinners, but as pitiful victims of circumstance upon who's souls God would have mercy, knowing in his charity that our transgressions brought ease and comfort to my Master and Mistress.
We did avail ourselves much of the Turnkeys, and by our feminine cunning and wiles gained many easements to our confinement. Fresh straw was granted when we desired it, to cover the floor of our cell, our daily food improved, the soup being thicker and more nourishing and the bread more plentiful. We maids returned from our 'exercise' with pieces of choice meats hidden away and sometimes with wine. At intervals a lantern was brought to our cell and allowed to burn until no oil was left, thus saving the eyes of my Master and Mistress who, but for this, might have quite lost their sight.
I cannot deny that after days of confinement it was with eagerness that I awaited the Turnkeys, to take my exercise, a fiction that was a ritual repeated often. The exercise gave us release from cramping confinement, blunted our hunger and gave us the pleasures of the flesh, to which we had fallen prey. To young maids in our circumstances, the cramped monotony of our existence was relieved only by our exercise. Master had not been called upon to attend his Examination and Mistress perforce forgot all her concern for her household, as did my Master forget his business affairs. Our long, dark, cramped days were timeless. We prayed often for escape from our misery and Master often pressed the Turnkey for an audience with an Officer of the Holy Inquisition, not suspecting then that grievous as was our circumstance, it was to be preferred to what would happen later.
The Turnkeys could tell Master nothing. Indeed, they did know nothing. We were but five of very many held for interrogation. Our Examinations would be held in another part of that grim, forbidding building. The Turnkeys knew so little of it they knew not enough to warn us of our fate.
When taken from our home, Master had thought we would be detained only one night before appearing before an Examiner. Yet, we did suffer more than a year in prison before the first processes of the Holy Office took effect. And when it did, began a travail so dreadful it is beyond belief.
I remember well when it began. Our changing circumstances were marked more strongly for me, than for the others.
It was my day of exercise. The Turnkeys came for me. I stepped up out of our dungeon eagerly and followed the Turnkeys to their chamber. I walked demurely, as a prisoner should, lest some Officer of the Holy Office should come upon us in the corridor. Yet, as soon as the door of the Turnkey's chamber was bolted behind us, I did become the strumpet I had learned to be. I ran to the table and sat upon it, parted my legs brazenly and pulled up my skirt to expose myself. "Hurry, Hernandez," I ordered, for in such way had I learned to speak to them. "Bring me wine."
While Hernandez hastened to do my bidding, I smiled wickedly at Carlos and Pedro, unfastened my dress and removed it off my shoulders. I pulled aside my shift to bare my breast and, laughing at Hernandez impudently when he pressed a cup of wine into my hand, I touched him with great playfulness, making jests about his nature, that I forced him to declare manifestly with the skill of any seasoned strumpet. Then, while I did eat and drink my fill, did I pour a little wine upon the slopes of my breasts, that running down the tips of my nipples, they did eagerly savour with their lips while I made great play of feeling deep pleasure; of which I was not quite devoid.
Then did I cast off all my clothing, and having strutted and primped and exposed myself utterly, until their eyes flamed hungrily, did I spring upon Hernandez, pursuing him as he fled around the chamber laughing with the simple joy of a child, searching him out with my hands and hungry kisses, disrobing him despite his pretended protests and straddling him when he fell upon the bed, biting and marking him with my teeth while he laughed and made play of striving to escape me.
Such now was the reversal of our roles. I had become the aggressor, no longer the compliant prey. I made free with them, as once they had made free with me. With my feminine instinct I divined that this pleased their men's nature most. So I became the aggressor, handling them with the patience and gentleness they had taught me, yet not unwilling in my role. And having learned it, provoking their pleasure as they had first provoked mine. And by so doing, making myself their Master and of them my slaves. I had my wish with Hernandez as once he had his way with me. I bade Pedro bring me more wine and when he hastened to do my bidding I did play with Carlos, who stood beside me while I did jest wickedly at Hernandez's diminished nature, which caused him to smile sadly.
I did recline then, artfully posturing and aggravating Pedro's impatience, sipping wine and dispatching him for yet more cold meat, then bidding him tear it into small pieces and place them upon my tongue like a Roman Empress being serviced by a slave. And having the whim, I did bid him kiss me. Which he did with great willingness and to such good effect I was hard put to contain myself, whereupon, I pulled him to me, and with all patience lost, did disrobe him and serve him as he served me, until our senses fled.
Being of inferior station, Carlos was the last to whom I turned my attentions. Yet, because of his youth, his handsomeness and his impetuous nature, did I reserve for Carlos my true, deep affection. I had a warm feeling for rough, gruff and hearty Pedro, and for sombre, powerful but good natured Hernandez. Yet it was only with Carlos that I was truly moved as we lay side by side, stroking and caressing, flesh against flesh and lips hungry for each other, with Pedro and Hernandez, quite deplete of desire, casting us envious glances as the hot nature of the younger man sufficed me long after theirs was utterly spent.
I was unaware what was to be my fate, yet, I was strangely loath to relinquish Carlos. My hunger for him was unappeased, so that I coaxed from him response long after he was replete. And Carlos, for the love he bore me, sensed my need and gave of himself to his utmost. Of great understanding were Pedro and Hernandez, allowing me to remain until they feared the arrival of the Head Turnkey.
Then, did I urge Carlos to his utmost. Yet upon his responding magnificently and to my great pleasure, I was still undisposed to yield up the comfort of his flesh against me. Whereupon Pedro and Hernandez beseeched of me to leave. I clasped Carlos tightly, twining my legs in his and denying all entreaties, such is the power of my sex. I was their prisoner, upon whom they could have visited punishment for disobedience. Yet because I had pleasured them greatly, they were my instruments. And only when they had begged me many times with great sincerity did I yield to their pleading. I pushed Carlos from me and made ready to leave.
Yet, ordered to my cell I was still their master. I bade Pedro wash me and apply his unguent with a queenly air and ordered Hernandez to gather up my clothing. Then like a mistress amidst her servants, I suffered them to robe me and bundle up the food I desired to carry back to my cell.
I bade farewell to Carlos with great warmth and affection, little aware this would be the last time, again made play with Hernandez and Pedro, who were now enough recovered to regret my leaving, and returned with them to my cell.
I had profited by my youth and beauty. I had grown arrogant, believing all men are one when confronted by womanly charms. I was possessed by a false pride that was soon shattered.
Not more than an hour elapsed after my return to the dungeon before once again the door swung open. In the yellow rays of the lantern I saw Pedro and Hernandez, their faces devoid of all expression. Beside them stood the guards of the Holy Office of the Inquisition.
"Come," ordered Hernandez. He pointed at us. He spoke as though addressing a stranger.
When I stepped up from my cell, a guard harshly bade me place my hands behind my back. Upon which he tied them with rope, drawing it over tightly despite that I protested. One by one we were bound, Rosa and Carmen, my Master and my Mistress. Then we were led along the stone corridors behind Hernandez who led the way with his lantern.
My Master and Mistress were sorely distressed. A year had passed without they had once left their confinement, being able only to exercise their limbs by standing. They had quite lost all ability to walk and needs must be supported by the guards, who, angered by their tottering did handle them roughly and with many blows. I was quite put out by my Master's and Mistress's appearance. Their clothing was worn and soiled, their countenances pale and they were shockingly frail, lacking the strength to stand, being stooped, and shaking like ancients, clutching at the guard's supporting arms with taloned fingers and suffering the blows rained upon them.
I entirely failed to recognise my Master as the man he had been before his imprisonment. He had been sturdy and forceful in speech, elegantly attired and properly groomed. Now his grey hair hung below his shoulders and was matted with filth. His beard covered his shrunken chest and all but obscured his countenance.
Such was their sad plight they could not see, as could I, that Rosa was with child. She walked in front of me and I gazed upon her with astonishment, seeing her swollen hips, and then with dismay, how she held herself, her shoulders thrown back, her breasts full and the swelling of her stomach betraying her condition. The unguents Pedro had pressed upon us were not infallible despite their great discomfort. A chill of dread touched my spine. I feared I might find myself in a like condition.
We were driven on roughly by the guards through stone corridors, with our shoulders bowed to the many blows. We descended cold, stone steps until we reached a massive wooden door upon which our guards beat loudly. It swung open.
Though I was unaware of it, this was the portal to Hell. We were thrust inside by the guards and the door swung shut behind us, cutting us off from the countenances of Hernandez and Pedro who wore a strange, stoniness of features that concealed their thoughts. It was to be long until I set eyes upon either of them again. Yet often was I to think upon them in my misery, and long to return to their keeping, their rough, good nature and warm friendliness.
We had crossed the threshold separating those who were detained and awaiting the examination by the Inquisitors, and those who were undergoing examination. Master had awaited this phase of our confinement with impatience. But as it was to be, I doubt not he would eagerly have returned to detention for the rest of his days, if he could have chosen.
We were led through many high vaulted, stone corridors lined with bolted doors. Finally our guard stopped at a cell with a stout wooden door, behind which was a solid iron door. Our hands were unbound, we were thrust inside and the door slammed shut.
We did look upon our new confinement without dismay, rejoicing that its size did grant us greater liberty of person, not only affording us ease to stretch out in sleep without compression, yet too permitting who would, to pace up and down for the number of six or seven steps. The greatest boon of all was. daylight. It was the first we had seen in a year. It entered the cell through a barred window set high up near the ceiling. We rejoiced, mistakenly believing our lot had improved, albeit secretly dismayed by the chains and shackles embedded in the walls of our chamber at intervals. The high ceiling was vaulted and devoid of any opening. The stench hole exuded an abominable odor that nauseated us, despite our being inured to vile smells. The sluggish flowing of sewage beneath the stench-hole did make a loathsome lapping noise that never ceased. Yet did we have clean straw to lie upon and such was our curiosity that, not without difficulty, was I raised up until my fingers grasped the lip of the window above us. Not having the strength to raise myself higher, I bade my companions hold me by the ankles and lift me, by which so doing they raised me until I could see outside. Yet so weakened were we all by our long confinement, my companions, strength did not suffice to support me but for a few moments, when yielding swiftly did I fall back upon them. And never after did they have the will to raise any of us again so high.
Thus, needs must my companions suffice with my description of what I had witnessed, although words could not convey the wondrous pleasure that assailed me when, after raising my eyes above the confining stone walls, I did gaze, albeit if for fleeting moments, upon the outside.
When my eyes raised above the sill of the window I saw our cell was beneath ground level. Our barred window was at the level of the ground outside. I saw a carpet of rich, green grass, stretching away to the cool, arched buttresses of cloisters where Priests walked and meditated. I saw tall trees throwing cool shadows, a flag-stoned patio where a fountain played, and the spray sparkling in the sun. Nearby a Priest knelt in devout prayer, his face radiant with Godliness. The sun upon his silver hair made it a gleaming halo around his tonsured head. Then did my companions yield under me and the wondrous sights were plucked from me as I fell.
Master regained his good spirits, believing that at last he was about to be Examined. Yet his hopes were soon dashed. For two days we remained without food or water. Not until the third day did guards bring us a wooden bucket part filled with water, a pannikin of watery soup and black bread. This same fare was brought to us every day, thereafter.
After seven days had elapsed we were ravenous. We had yet to learn that the pangs of hunger, which rage strongly at the onset of starvation, diminish as the flesh grows weaker. And weak we became. The soup was without nourishment, comprising potato parings and pea-shells, the rotting stalks and outer leaves of cabbages, turnip-tops and fragments of discarded animal entrails. It was unsavory fare. Yet such was our hunger we bolted it down then looked at each other despairingly, knowing yet another day must pass before we could eat again.
Rosa tried to conceal her condition but soon Mistress Isabella's suspicions became conviction. Upon bidding Rosa raise her skirt and laying hands upon her, my Mistress Isabella did, with many signs of dismay and despair, and aided by Master, who was exceeding wrath, press the wretched girl for an explanation. She being quite shamed did hang her head and stay mute, wilting beneath her parents' anger and disgust.
Yet did Carmen, who I had thought weak, then defend her sister and with head high and eyes blazing, did declare the truth, confessing her shame yet not taking refuge in her defense by declaring she was compelled against her will. Nor did she protest she had earned ease for us all, without which we may all have succumbed to hunger.
Master blanched as though he had received a mortal blow. His eyes turned to me. "You too, Maria?" he asked brokenly. I lowered my flushed cheeks, unable to confront the misery in his eyes.
Mistress Isabella was greatly shocked by Carmen's revelation. She no longer talked and there were long, depressing silences. Our Master's eyes avoided us. If by chance his gaze met ours, he did not see us but did stare right through our persons. We had become divided. The good and righteous were so appalled by our wickedness they would have none of us.
Our hunger gnawed at our vitals and my Mistress Isabella became afflicted again with severe stomach cramps, often writhing in the straw with her face contorted and clutching her belly. One day, after my Mistress had suffered a long and exhausting attack, Rosa talked to one of the guards when our meager fare was brought. The guard nodded and later he returned again. When he did open the door, without looking at any of us, Rosa crossed to him and stepped outside.
When she did return, Rosa went to her mother and took bread and cold meat from the folds of her skirts. Whereupon my Mistress Isabella turned into a demented woman. She dashed the food from Rosa's hands, screamed fearful insults at her daughter and vowed she would die 'ere devil's food should pass her lips.
With great composure Rosa gathered up the food and set it down beside her mother.
We were all sorely gripped by the pains of hunger and the sight of the food presently became too much for Carmen. With tears of remorse, she snatched up a morsel and devoured it, meantime calling upon her parents to forgive her, but confessing she could not restrain herself. Upon seeing Carmen's misery and understanding how hard put was the maid to desist from easing her hunger, my Mistress did embrace Carmen and comforted her, the meanwhile weeping freely. Then did my Master's proud spirit relent and his love and compassion for us all burst like flood waters upon us so that we clung to each other, laughing and crying, joyous now we were joined again in love and understanding. And later, when a guard did desire Rosa should go with him, she did refuse firmly. As did Carmen and myself.
Two days later Master was taken for his examination. Upon his return he described what befell him.
PUT TO THE TORTURE
My Master was taken from our cell by the guards, his hands were bound and he was led along many corridors and into a vaulted chamber lighted by candles.
Master was bidden to kneel. He remained thus for many hours. Any restless movement he made did bring down upon him a rain of blows from the guards.
At the far end of the chamber was a platform set above the flagstones to the height of a man. It was draped with purple cloth. A door at the far end of the chamber opened and three Inquisitors entered. With great solemnest they ascended wooden steps to the platform and there seated themselves behind a table. My Master was warned by a guard to remain kneeling. He was told not to approach close to the Inquisitors less their senses be affronted by his noisome stench.
Then began the examination. The Inquisitor's voice echoed around the vaulted chamber. My Master did at all times remain upon his knees and with his hands bound.
"You are Jaime Gonzales Durar?"
My Master affirmed this was his name.
Then followed other questions that confirmed my Master's abode, his age, his profession and his family.
"You are known to Abdul Hassan?"
"I employed him in my household."
"He declares you have spoken strong words, insulting the Holy Office of the Inquisition. It is said you have declared that the Inquisitors are agents of the Devil. You have accused the Holy Church of doing Satan's work. It is said you deny the Holy Church is the only true Church, through which God works his will?"
Master replied that Abdul was a thief and a liar. That he had soundly whipped the youth and then discharged him from his employ. He demanded that Abdul be brought before the Inquisitors that my Master might hear from the youth's own lips such accusations and deny them. My Master said that a lying youth who denounced a God-fearing man to obtain vengeance, was not worthy of the attention of the Officers of the Holy Church.
"Do you deny that while you were confined, you did speak ill of the Holy Church?"
Master understood then that spies had listened at the hole in the ceiling of our cell. But by no means dismayed he did answer bravely : "I am a God fearing man of the Holy Church. Because of this I do declare that it is not Godly that innocent people should suffer such ungodly confinement."
"You deny the Officer's of the Holy Church are right to pursue God's will?"
"Is it God's will to subject families to confinement and starvation, to shut them away from the sight of day, to live in eternal darkness, to cramp their limbs unbearably and deprive them of all ease?"
"We will answer your question. Although it is the accused who must be questioned. It is the will of God. The agents of Satan must be discovered. This can be done only with the means God provides to his servants."
"I am a God-fearing man," said Master.
"Abdul Hassan does accuse that you are a Jew. That you denounce the true God. That you embrace the ideals of the Devil."
"Lies!" shouted Master, trembling with indignation.
"Do you know Guitez de la Vega?"
The Inquisitor did then read out names of men all known to Master. All were jealous of his success in business. Each of these men had declared Master had decried the Inquisitors, blasphemed against the Holy Church, denied the Holy Church was the arm of God, and had embraced Judaism.
Master vowed these were false accusations.
"Jaime Gonzales Durar. You stand accused of Heresy against the Church. Your Inquisitors do urge you now to absolve your guilt. That you do now confess your Heresy. More, confess your family are Heretics. That you denounce all other Heretics. That you denounce all those you suspect of Heresy."
Master replied. "These accusations are false."
"We solemnly advise you to cleanse your soul by confession. Admit your Heresy and suffer penance ; that you may be reconciled with the Holy Church and your mortal soul thus saved."
"I am innocent of these charges," declared Master.
"You shall be brought again after proper time for reflection. Then the question will be put again."
My Master returned to our cell. His anger and indignation was great. He vowed, as a man of God who believed devoutly in the Holy Church, that he would confound his false accusers and stand firm in his beliefs.
The following day the guards again came for my Master and took him away.
He was taken to the same chamber and made to kneel. The Inquisitors entered and once again he was abjured to confess his Heresy and save his soul.
Master constantly denied all the accusations. Upon remaining firm in his refusal to confess to Heresy, a crime of which he was innocent, he was once more solemnly admonished to confess the truth, before the torments of Satan were visited upon him.
Again Master asserted his belief in the one true God and the Holy Church, whereupon he was removed from the chamber by the guards, led along many winding, stone corridors and thus brought to a place of torture.
This was a large underground chamber with many entrance doors. The very sight of this chamber filled my Master with great terror of mind and body. A furnace of hot coals was burning, around the chamber were many fiendish instruments of torture and the walls bore chains and shackles, iron bolts and ropes.
At one end of the chamber was set up a tribunal platform. Presently entered the three Inquisitors. They did climb the steps and seat themselves at the table.
Once again Master was solemnly warned to confess and save his soul. Master answered he had told only the truth.
The Inquisitor said gravely that if he was so resolved to suffer torture and shed his blood, it would be of his own wish. The Holy Office would be innocent of his suffering.
My Master replied it was not God's will that he should confess guilt of Heresy, of which he was guiltless.
The Inquisitor rang a bell.
Into the chamber stepped a terrifying figure of such fearsome aspect that Master's blood did run cold. In the flickering light of the oil-lamp the eyes of the Executioner glowed like coals in the holes of the black cowl that covered his head and shoulders. He was a big and powerful man, enveloped in a black garment that was drawn tight upon his body. Behind him were his two assistants, strong, barrel-chested men, naked to the waist, their countenances hard and their eyes cold. Their heads were shaven.
Upon the entrance of the Executioner, the guards did withdraw. The two assistants, obeying the Executioner, advanced upon Master, unbound him and stripped him of his clothing. His wrists were then bound again, this time before him. The cord was drawn so tightly it did cut into his flesh till blood did flow. After making many turns of a rope around his wrists, an iron hook was lowered from the ceiling by rope and pulley. My Master's bound wrists were then fastened to this hook and he was hauled up until he hung only by his hands, his feet swinging high above the flagstones, and the cords cutting so deeply into his flesh his blood did run down his arms. Thus was he suspended in great pain while the Inquisitors read aloud a long list of accusations against him, asking to each one if he would confess, and upon my Master not answering, passing to the next accusation. When coming to the end of the charges, did the Inquisitors put the question again. Was he guilty of Heresy?
Master remaining mute, the Executioner did take from the heart of the fire a glowing iron and applied it to my Master's haunch, at the same time bidding him answer the Inquisitor's question.
Whereupon my Master shouted that he vowed before the Holy God that he was innocent of all the accusations.
My Master's ankles were then bound with ropes. Iron weights to the heaviness of sixty pounds were placed beneath them. These were attached by ropes to his ankles. Master was then hauled up high until the weights swung free of the flagstones. This afforded him such dire distress he did cry out for mercy.
The question was put again.
My Master declared he was innocent.
Another thirty pounds of weights were attached to his ankles. Again he was hauled up and the question was put.
My Master swore his innocence.
This being the hour for repast, the Inquisitors did leave their platform and retired with the Executioner and his assistants. Master remained suspended in great torment.
When the Inquisitors returned the question was again put. Upon Master bravely replying he would not confess when he was guiltless, another thirty pounds of weights was attached to his ankles and he was hauled up.
Master still declared his innocence.
The assistants then did haul up Master to the roof of the high chamber. They did then release the rope so that he fell, yet sharply braking the rope as it raced through the pulley so that it brought up my Master with a jerk before the weights hit the flagstones. This measure did place upon his limbs and body a great and fearful strain that caused blood to flow copiously from his wrists and ankles.
My Master was admonished to confess and again burned upon his haunch when he made no answer.
Master declared that he was innocent.
He was hauled up to the roof and dropped a second time.
My Master again declared his innocence.
He was hauled up to the roof and dropped a third time.
My Master lost his senses and not reviving under the ministrations of the Executioner's assistants, he was unbound, his under-drawers were placed upon him, the guards were summoned and he was carried back to our cell.
Master was in great pain. We tore strips from our dresses to bind the wounds in his wrists and ankles. But we could give him no other comfort. His arms were quite drawn from their sockets and every movement caused him appalling distress. He thus quite lost the use of hands and arms and was entirely dependent upon us to administer to all his needs. A week did he lie thus. His wounds began to heal but his miserably disjointed limbs gave him no ease as he lay upon the straw. Thus did he lay suffering until two Physics were brought by the guards. Upon examining my Master they did declare his shoulders were disjointed. One Physic did place his foot in my Master's armpit and hauling upon his arm did make the joint slip back into its socket with a loud click. My Master fainted away. Thus did they also serve his other arm. When my Master did recover his senses he was sorely distressed. But his agony was eased and he could relate to us what had befallen him.
"Why do you not confess, Master?" I declared. "Thus you can avoid these torments."
His anguished eyes looked upon me with great sadness. "If I confess to Heresy, of which I am guiltless, then will my family be put to the question. And although we all confess to avoid torture, we will become confessed Heretics and the Holy Church will punish us for our sins."
"Is the punishment great?" I ventured.
"There are many punishments," he said with great bitterness. "The most severe is to be burned at the stake alive, as you have seen. If the Inquisitors are merciful, a confessed Heretic may be condemned only to scourging and imprisonment with fetters. Often, a confessed Heretic is sentenced to the galleys. But such unjust punishment I cannot visit upon my family because of my own untrue confessions."
"Is there no justice?" I wailed.
"Yes Maria," he said quietly. "There is God's justice. Believe in God always. Never renounce him."
Master was very weak after his ordeal, scarce able to stand, his wounds festering and his shoulders giving him much pain. He was also weak from the meager fare which scarce gave sustenance to his body, a sore trial we all suffered.
Yet was my Master resolved to face his accusers with courage, and steadfastly deny their accusations of Heresy.
But when the guards did come again, it was my Mistress Isabella who was taken, despite the protests of my Master, who grew incensed and was beside himself with anger. So much so that he did seize one guard by the arm. Whereupon, he was dealt a fearful blow with a cudgel that stretched him senseless on the flagstones and from which he did not recover for some hours, remaining dazed afterwards and complaining of violent pains in his head.
Mistress Isabella did not return that day, nor that night. Our concern for her grew great as yet another day passed. Then, on the dawn of the third day the bolts of our cell were shot back and in the light of a lantern, two soldiers dragged in my Mistress. She was stripped naked. They cast her down upon the straw, threw down her shift (as with my Master, the guards had kept her clothing to sell) and withdrew, leaving us plunged in darkness.
It was many days before my Mistress Isabella could tell what had befallen her and this I now relate.
She was taken to the Inquisitorial chamber and made to kneel to await the Examiners. My Mistress Isabella had faced them proudly and with the strength of faith. She answered the questions of name and abode, but upon hearing the charge of Heresy levelled against her, she did deny it stoutly.
Notwithstanding the many admonishments of the Inquisitors to confess and tell all, my Mistress persisted in her innocence. Whereupon, without being allowed pause for reflection, she was led to the torture chamber.
Mistress Isabella was strong in her faith in God. The constant bidding that she should confess she was a Heretic and that she had denied her religion, served but to harden her resolve. When confronted by the Executioner's dread-inspiring figure, for who's appearance she had been well prepared by my Master, she did defiantly answer the Inquisitors that she would never confess to sins she had not committed. She did say that those who would fain make her confess when she was guiltless, were themselves following the path of Satan and Sin.
My Mistress was then stripped, and being naked was placed upon a board to which she was tightly bound. Upon being bidden once again to 'tell all' she did declare she was innocent of all charges.
The Executioner did place upon his hand a glove, the palm of which may have been made wiih the dried skin of a shark. He did rest his hand upon my Mistress's thigh with some pressure, and then did draw his hand down to her knee, thus abrading the flesh so severely the skin did rasp away, and blood flow freely.
Upon being put to the question my Mistress said she was innocent.
The Executioner rasped her flesh from knee to ankle.
Each time the question was put, my Mistress with great fortitude, said she was innocent. The rasp was applied to all her limbs, to her belly and to each breast, subjecting her to such dire suffering she was nigh to fainting away.
The question being put again, and my Mistress declaring her innocence, she was unbound. With blood flowing from her flayed flesh she was led to a small, square closet built into the stone wall. This small closet she was introduced into feet first, and with the utmost difficulty. Her knees thus were pressed hard against the innermost wall, her breasts compressed against her thighs, her head forced down low between her knees by the ceiling of the closet, and her arms clamped against her sides. The door of the closet was then forced shut upon her back, compressing her violently.
Thus was my Mistress left until the following day, barely able to draw breath and terribly cramped.
Upon being withdrawn from her confinement, she was weak and unable to move. The torturers did then stretch her with much cruelty, seizing her by her wrists and ankles and extending her, and by so doing putting her to such great pain that she did faint away. The flayed flesh of her thighs, breasts and belly had welded together. Upon being violently pulled apart she did bleed again, freely.
My Mistress was revived with some difficulty, fainting away a number of times as the pain of restored circulation returned to her cramped limbs. Then, after being granted a little wine and food to recover her strength, she was dragged across the flagstones to a place before the Tribunal.
The Inquisitor did advise her again to 'tell all'.
"I am innocent," whispered my Mistress, not knowing from whence came her strength to give resistance.
My Mistress was again placed upon a board to which her extended arms and legs were securely bound. A metal gag was forced into her mouth that prized her jaws apart. The head of the board was then raised up to the height of a man's waist. A funnel was placed inside her mouth. The Torturers did then introduce into my Mistress a vast quantity of water, pouring it down her throat and frequently kneading her belly, and persisting until she was quite swollen up and could absorb no more. Then was the gag removed, a cord passed under her jaw and tied upon her head to keep closed her mouth, and a cloth bound tightly upon her lips. A broad leather collar was then passed around her throat and laced with such tightness she could scarce but breathe. Then did the Inquisitors and torturers retire for food.
Upon their return my Mistress was released from the board, placed upon the flagstones and her hands and ankles bound. She was then rolled across the floor, the vast quantity of water within her causing such inner commotion she was sure she was close to her end.
Upon desisting from rolling my Mistress across the floor, the Torturers then did loop the rope that bound her ankles upon an iron hook and haul her up until her head did swing above the flagstones. The laced-up leather collar was removed from her throat and upon the gag being taken from her mouth, water did gush from her in a torrent, thereby affording her such great misery that when she was let down, she did declare she wished to be dead and beseeched the Torturers to put an end to her suffering.
Again the question was put.
My Mistress did deny guilt of Heresy.
The Torturers did make her kneel and drew her arms together behind her back. The palms of her hands were turned outwards, the backs of her hands touching. They then did bind her thumbs together, and each of her fingers, with fine cords drawn so tightly they did cut almost to the bone.
Admonished again to 'tell all', my Mistress declared she was innocent.
The Torturers bound a strong rope to her wrists, looped it over a hook and hauled her up. My Mistress was drawn high until she stood upon the balls of her feet. Her arms drawn up behind her unnaturally.
The question was put.
My Mistress said she was innocent.
The Executioner then did order her drawn up to the ceiling. Upon being allowed to drop, and her fall being braked sharply, her arms were in this way quite disjointed.
Called upon once again to 'tell all', my Mistress whispered she had nothing to tell.
She was drawn up to the ceiling and let drop a second time. Again she denied all guilt.
The third time she was drawn up to the ceiling and let drop she fainted away. Being unable to revive her, the guards were summoned to take her to her cell.
It is impossible to describe the dread and horror that overcame us all to learn of these terrible cruelties.
We were dazed, believing we had been brought to Hell to suffer the torments of Satan.
My Mistress never ceased to wail and lament. Her wounds festered and her poor, tormented body was unable to find ease. After many days had passed, the Physics, did wish to set her disjointed arms back in their sockets, but desisted after many attempts, swearing it was not possible because the sinews had been too badly torn. Then scarce had the Physics departed, leaving us plunged into the deepest misery, when my Master was taken again.
My Master was admonished by the Inquisitor that by not confessing his Heresy he was damning his eternal soul.
My Master replied he was already suffering the damnation of Hell.
He was seated against the wall and firmly bound. His outstretched legs were placed between two fixed boards that extended from his knees to his ankles. Two more stout boards were placed between his legs. Wedges were driven between these boards so that each leg was held as though in a vice.
The question was put.
My Master replied he was innocent.
Bigger wedges were driven between the boards.
Questioned, my Master refused to confess. He was determined to save his daughters from suffering and would not condemn them.
Two more wedges were hammered between the boards and forced blood from my Master's toes.
Refusing to confess, he endured while more wedges were hammered home.
Upon declaring his innocence, yet again, larger wedges were driven between the boards, compressing the legs so cruelly the flesh split. Upon again refusing to confess the wedges were hammered deeper, cracking the bones of both legs.
My Master fainted.
Upon being revived the Torturers placed brandy upon his lips. After a respite he was again put to the question. Answering he was innocent, the Torturers drove home the wedges completely, crushing the bones of both legs.
My Master's countenance and condition being so grave as to warrant it, a Physic was summoned. Being unable to revive my Master he declared he might expire if subjected to further torture. The guards were then summoned to bear him away.
Thus, my Master's legs so cruelly crushed, and my Mistress's limbs sorely disjointed, their lamentations never ceased. Despite the ministrations of the Physics their wounds healed not and ran with evil-smelling discharges. We feared for their lives yet could not converse with them. Their pain and their weakness robbed them of their senses. They could but lie like wounded animals and whimper, staring at us unseeingly, their understanding but dim.
I did believe there was no more suffering the Holy Inquisition could impose upon us. I was numbed with horror when the guards did come again.
This time it was not to question my Master nor my Mistress. It was Rosa they bore away.
FLOGGED UNTO DEATH
I looked into Carmen's eyes and saw her great dread. As time passed the fear that gripped us grew so great we scarcely dared look upon Rosa when she was returned to the cell.
Her face was pale but she bore herself bravely. She displayed no sign of the foreboding deep within her when she related what had passed in the Examination chamber.
She had waited upon her knees for the arrival of the Inquisitors. Then she had answered their formal questions. But before the charges of Heresy were levelled against her, the Inquisitors did question her about her confinement.
The Inquisitors could not fail to see Rosa's condition. She was more than four months with child.
Upon Rosa confessing her incarceration with her sisters, mother and father, the Inquisitor then did accuse my Master of incest.
Rosa denied the charge and declared her father was quite innocent.
Asked if she confessed to the sin of fornication, Rosa admitted her guilt.
Asked if she desired absolution for her sins, Rosa answered that she did. She declared she had sinned and affirmed her faith in God and the Holy Church.
Asked why she had given up her body in fornication, Rosa said she had traded her flesh for food.
Asked if she confessed to being a harlot, Rosa answered, Yes.
Asked if she was penitent, Rosa answered she was.
Asked if she was willing to do penance for her sins Rosa again answered, Yes.
The Inquisitors then suspended her Examination until after penance, declaring her punishment would be decided upon the morrow. After her penance she would again be brought before the Tribunal for her Examination.
"What is to be your punishment?" I asked Rosa.
She knew not.
Thus passed an awful night of foreboding, disturbed by the awful groans of my Mistress and Master, by our stomach cramps and the dread of the morrow.
Rosa slept not at all.
When the guards did come for Rosa, I was so overcome by compassion I begged to be allowed to accompany Rosa. I said I was her servant, it being permitted for accused Heretics that their servants attend upon them.
We were led by the guards through the passages of this stone fortress that housed the secrets of Hell, to a punishment chamber. This chamber was provided for all those under Examination who offended against the rules of their confinement. To sing or whistle in the cell was an offence, as it was to summon a guard by pounding on the door without good cause ; to speak without due respect to a guard, or an Officer of the Holy Inquisition, or to strike them.
The punishment chamber made my blood run cold. It was a large, stone-walled room with a vaulted ceiling. A bed of hot coals glowed ominously and around the walls were racks of instruments of punishment, chains and shackles. Two powerful Torturers were waiting, clad in skintight hose to the waist, their upper body being quite naked. The Torturers bade us kneel. The guards withdrew, leaving us in fearful apprehension that by no means diminished when an Officer of the Holy Church entered, seated himself and read from a writing.
"You are Rosa Durar?" Rosa said she was.
"You confess to the sin of fornication, and confess yourself a harlot?"
"Yes," whispered Rosa.
"You confess your sins were committed within the sacred walls of the Holy Inquisition, thus being more offensive to the Holy Church and God?"
"Yes." Rosa's voice was very faint.
"You are prepared to absolve your sin through penance and punishment?"
"Yes."
"Then let the penance begin," said the Officer. He nodded at the Torturers.
The Torturers advanced upon Rosa and did strip her. To which she offered no resistance, it being the practice of the Inquisitors to first strike fear into their victims by accusations, and then add to it by stripping and binding.
When her clothing was laid aside the Torturer indicated Rosa must sit upon a wooden stool fixed hard into the floor, no more than a palm's width in height; which the poor girl did do with great meekness, resigning herself to God. Whereupon, a broad leather strap attached to the stool was drawn across her thighs and fastened securely, while her legs were extended straight before her.
They did then draw her arms together behind her back until her elbows touched and bound them firmly. Her wrists were secured with other tightly drawn cords.
The Torturers then strapped leather gauntlets around her ankles to which were attached ropes, the ropes passing through a pulley bolted to the wall at the height of a man's waist. These ropes were then drawn tight, stretching Rosa's legs until the leather strap that bound her to the wooden stool cut into her flesh cruelly.
A forked post was then placed in a hole in the flagstones behind the wooden stool. It was at a height of four palms, and upon the Torturer pressing Rosa's head back until her neck was lodged within the fork, her head was then fastened securely by a leather strap drawn taut around her throat.
"You are guilty of fornication and are a confessed harlot. The shame of your misdeeds shall be made known to everyone who looks upon you," said the Officer of the Inquisition and made a sign to the Torturer.
The Torturer gathered up Rosa's long hair, wound it into one strand and threw his weight upon it, pulling with such strength that tears sprang to Rosa's eyes. Yet she did not whimper.
A second Torturer, who had been honing a knife to a great sharpness, did apply the blade to her scalp at the roots of the hair, and by skilful cutting did shear her as he would a sheep.
I watched with deep anguish, knowing the shame and mortification Rosa suffered as the crowning glory of her woman's charm was cropped away until her head, much reduced in size, was naked but for stubble.
The Torturer brandished the tresses before Rosa's eyes and did cast them into the furnace.
He then did singe away the stubble with a lighted taper. The burning gave much pain to Rosa who whimpered ; but her pain was ignored by the Torturer who did singe and rub away the ash until the poor girl's head was quite naked and smoke-grimed.
The Torturer took a hot iron from the fire and imposing his person between my gaze and his victim, I had no conception of his intention until Rosa did scream most terribly. The smell of burning flesh reached my nostrils. The Torturer returned the iron to the fire. Rosa strained madly against her bonds and my appalled eyes fell upon the mark of the harlot branded large upon her cheek. My heart did stop. My blood chilled with horror as, notwithstanding the poor girl's pitiful cries, the Torturer smeared his hand in filth from the floor and rubbed it into the burn thus obstructing its healing and aiding its festering, that it might scar more deeply.
Rosa had suffered great pain. But I knew her tears were shed more for the greater misery of being branded for life. No man could ever look upon her without knowing she was a confessed harlot.
They released Rosa's neck from the forked post and unbound her arms, bringing the poor girl's ordeal to an end. I believed.
Yet now, they brought her arms around in front of her and did fasten leather gauntlets around her wrists as they had done with her ankles. Now another rope running through a pulley set in the wall did draw her forward so cruelly her wrists were pulled beyond her ankles, her chin pressed upon her knees and her swollen belly was so compressed she did cry out pitifully that she was with child, that they were killing her, and upon God to save her from her misery.
Notwithstanding, the Officer of the Holy Inquisition did ignore her pitiful entreaties with no visible sign of being affected by her suffering, and, after a short respite, the Torturers again applied themselves to the ropes, hauling upon levers and stretching Rosa so terribly that presently she fell silent from breathlessness, her milk-swollen breasts crushed against her knees and her lungs compressed. Thus, greatly drawn out, the ropes were secured.
The Torturer selected a whip and took up his position above the elongated oval of Rosa's naked back. He swung the whip twice around his head before he brought it down. The white skin was marred by a great slash from which the blood ran and skin dripped. I lost my reason and without thought for my own safety, I sprang up off my knees and ran to the Torturer, trying in my frenzy to snatch the instrument of torment from him.
The man towered head and shoulders above me. He brushed me aside easily and then did strike me with the haft of the whip. It was a powerful blow that hurled me senseless across the chamber, addling my senses so that when I revived I was quite out of my wits, so stupefied they had to kick me to my feet.
There was a great pain in my head, and blood had stained my dress and matted my hair. Yet I could feel pity for Rosa whose whipping had not ceased while I lay senseless. The cruel leather had flayed her from neck to buttocks. Upon the ropes being slackened she remained limp, as though lifeless. Whereupon, the Torturer soaked a cloth in a bucket of brine, scoured away the blood and shredded skin and then most cruelly rubbed salt into the exposed quick, all without eliciting the slightest sign of life.
They sat Rosa up straight, drew on her shift, which was as quickly stained with blood, released her from the fixed stool and placed her upon the floor. I was allowed to tend to her. Her face was drawn and grey, she lay quite still and I feared she was dead until beneath my hand upon her breast I did detect a faint pulse which showed her heart still beat.
The Officer of the Holy Church did admonish me so severely for raising my hand against the Torturer, I did all but faint away, fearing I too would be punished as had Rosa. But upon the Torturer making no charge against me, indeed, having with one fearful blow avenged himself a hundred times for my affront, the guards were called to bear us away.
Our cell was a dungeon for the damned. My Master so weak from the agony of his crushed limbs, my Mistress so tormented by her disjointed arms that they could do nought but weep and lament as their daughter's sufferings were added to their own. Rosa was cast down upon the straw, her head shorn and blackened and her cheek and body terribly marred. Then being so overcome did we despair of living, and did pray upon God to deliver us up into his mercy, and save us from all fear of more suffering.
We saved a little drinking water. With this Carmen washed the blood from my split head and helped me tend Rosa's hurts.
We laid the poor girl, who was still quite senseless, upon her side, relieving her of her weight upon her flayed back or swollen abdomen. And for many hours we did attend her until at last she revived. Yet did she suffer such pain we had better not have brought her to her senses.
Rosa did not know us. She looked upon us with a wild stare, rolling her eyes and whimpering with pain, often seized by the convulsions of stomach cramps and writhing horribly.
There was nothing Carmen or I could do to ease Rosa's distress. We sat miserably watching the suffering of others, our ears assailed by their groans and fearful for our own future. When night came there was no ease for their racked bodies and merciful sleep did not claim nor bless them.
Carmen was a gentle creature and the sufferings of those dear to her afflicted her deeply. She too did sob heartrendingly and her frail body did not cease to shake as though with the ague.
Dawn was grey in the sky when Rosa did give a loud shriek that we did attend upon her, learning a discharge of blood had begun that would not be stemmed, though we did tear strips from our shifts. Then, growing greatly alarmed we did hammer on the cell door to summon the guards, not a little fearful that this offence would bring punishment down upon us.
We did beat upon the iron door until our hands were bloody before did come the guards. They were greatly angered they had been disturbed and were bent upon demonstrating their ill-will. Yet upon seeing Rosa the Captain of the guard did at once send for the Physic.
These goings and comings occupied much time, the while poor Rosa grew weaker, blood flowing from her freely, which the ministrations of the Physic did in no way avail. Upon seeing this he did dispatch a guard who did return with the same Officer of the Holy Church who many hours before had pronounced punishment upon Rosa, and witnessed it.
Then did I feel such strong revulsion against this Monster and his deeds, that I sinned against the Holy Church in my thoughts. I believed its servants must surely be disciples of the Devil. I could not suppress this wickedness in my mind when this Monster, holding a crucifix, did admonish and beseech Rosa to confess her sins and evilness in order to save her immortal soul. Whereupon, the poor girl did sob weakly, calling out upon my Master and Mistress that she loved them, while her life's blood flowed away.
Yet quite unheeding of her distress did the Monster berate her harshly, threatening her with the Eternal fires of Damnation if she did not heed his warning, seemingly blind that poor Rosa neither heard nor saw him, but was quite stupefied with weakness and presently losing her senses completely.
Yet did the Monster still admonish and even shake her, plaguing her expiring moments with exhortations to confess her sins, determined to draw from the poor creature an admission of her wickedness, as though he was of great purity and in no way responsible for bringing her to this sad pass by the afflictions he had placed upon her.
Thus did Rosa die. When she was taken from us and our cell door was barred, our grief, added to our other miseries, was more than we could bear.
SLAVE TO THE TORTURERS
The guards came with an Officer of the Holy Church. He bore a writing and would that my Master sign it.
My Master read the writing. Yet despite his crushed legs, that subjected him to never ceasing pain, he did summon up great fortitude. His voice did not falter when he declared : "I will not sign this writing."
"Your daughter died from a miscarriage. You will sign!"
"I will sign only a writing that declares my daughter was murdered!"
The Officer's cold eyes stared at Master with such deadly menace that my blood ran cold. Then he turned to my Mistress Isabella, already so weakened by her suffering and grief she lay unable to move.
"You will sign this writing," declared the Officer, unmindful that my Mistress's disjointed limbs did not permit she could raise her arms.
Yet did my Mistress reply boldly, tho' weakly: "You murdered my daughter!"
Then did the Officer turn to Carmen and fix his cold eyes upon her. The poor girl trembled. "You are the sister?"
"Yes."
"You will sign these writings?"
Then did Carmen display a courage that was beyond my understanding. Visibly trembling she did nevertheless declare "I will sign a paper that my sister was murdered!"
I feared terrible retribution would be brought down upon us all, instantly. I had yet to learn that the Officers of the Inquisition are possessed of infinite patience with which they bend others to their will. They act not with anger, but a remorseless relentlessness that is no more impassioned than a cart wheel which grinds over dust and insects with impartiality.
The Officer did then leave the cell, making no more speech. Yet, when the guards did come the next day, it was me they took away to appear before the Inquisitor. Not Carmen!
I waited in the Inquisitorial chamber upon my knees for the arrival of my judges, knowing the great misery to which they had put my Master and Mistress, and suffering a thousand times over my imagination, all the tortures of hell.
Yet when the three Inquisitors did enter and seated themselves upon the platform my fears were allayed by the gentleness of the first question put to me.
"You are Maria Deluz?"
"That is so," I whispered.
"Speak more loudly, wench."
"That is so!"
"You are serving girl to Jaime Gonzales Durar?" I admitted this. "Are you a good servant?"
"I hope so?"
"You cook?"
I said I had long practice of cooking.
"You are held by the Holy Office as a witness," I was told. "Do you choose to remain in service to your Master while he is detained and awaiting the termination of his Examination? Or do you prefer to enter the service of the Holy Office?"
"Service?" I faltered.
"Do you choose to remain confined, or to have your liberty within the walls of the Holy Office?"
Liberty was a tempting bait I could not refuse. "I will do what the Holy Office desires of me."
Then did the Inquisitor hold up the writing my Master had refused to sign. "You are a witness that Rosa Durar died of a miscarriage?"
I then did see their cunning. I was promised relief from confinement if I would sign the writing. But, I was a humble serving-girl, without the courage of Carmen, albeit too without the strength of love that is born of the blood. Yet, for my loyalty to my Master and Mistress Isabella I did hesitate.
The Inquisitor saw my hesitation and spoke. "This writing declares Rosa Durar died of a miscarriage. It is a true declaration."
He spoke the truth. I did not doubt Rosa had expired because of a miscarriage. Yet, to sign the writing was to ignore the causes of Rosa's miscarriage.
"Come, wench, will you sign?" said the Inquisitor sharply.
I saw that to obstruct their purpose boded ill for me, a return to my confinement and nameless other dreads. Yet to obey their wishes would not declare a falsehood. I hoped I could be of more service to Master when free of confinement, than when imprisoned with him. Therefore did I give my consent. Upon which the Inquisitor did read the writing aloud that Rosa had died of a miscarriage, and yet another writing that declared Maria Deluz placed herself within the employment of the Holy Office as Maidservant. These writings were handed to a guard who brought them to me. My wrists were unbound and my hand was guided so I could make my mark upon the paper.
Then did the guards take me from the chamber.
I had thought I would be returned to my cell where I could converse with my Master of my new position. But to my dismay my guards straight forth took me to serve my new duties.
I was led along a stone corridor with many turns and through a door into yet another of the countless chambers within this grey, grim building.
The door opened onto a sloping corridor that led down into this chamber. I drew back in alarm, close to fainting when I saw the bare-chested Torturers in the chamber. But the guards hurled me forward and from their converse with the Head Executioner I did learn that henceforth my duties were to serve the men who dwelled within this chamber.
Being in great dread of these men, the very sight of them putting me to a tremble, I did wish I had spurned the Inquisitor's offer and returned to the misery of my cell. I would have suffered great privations thereby, but would have been comforted by the love of my companions. Yet, not daring now to renounce the service I had embraced, and not knowing what dire penalties might follow from the signing of a writing, I did look around me with dread curiosity.
I was within a long, wide chamber with a high vaulted roof and barred windows. In one corner burned a fire and faggots were stacked beside it. There were smoke-blackened cooking pots, drinking vessels and pewter pots. I saw that here the Torturers gathered to eat and rest from their dread tasks. The long chamber contained nine rough wooden cots upon which were mattresses of straw. There was a long, wooden dining table with benches, a massive sidepiece bearing food and drink, and wardrobes wherein hung the horrible raiments of their awful trade.
I saw other doors leading off the Chamber. I was to learn later that one of them led to a small, high-walled patio where I could breathe God's fresh air and feel the wind upon me as I drew the water that ran from a stone pipe into a stone cistern. Another door led down a long, sloping corridor to the torture chambers ; the Torturers thus being close to their labors and swiftly able to fulfil the wishes of the Inquisitors.
But I was given little moment for contemplation. As soon as did depart the guards a Torturer dealt me a powerful blow that felled me to the flagstones. Having thus given me due notice my service had begun, he bade me prepare food.
Thus I embarked upon a new employment, which was to prove a sore trial, yet which my youthful health and hardiness withstood with fortitude.
There were many Inquisitors. They examined by day and by night. Thus, though there were eight Torturers as well as the Head Executioner, it was rare all the Torturers were gathered in their chamber at one time.
I was kept busy caring for their needs, cooking for three of them who had just ceased their labors, then being kicked awake as soon as I had settled down to sleep, by others likewise returning from their labors ; or by those just arisen from their beds and preparing for them.
My lot would have been easier had they been men of a different type. Yet one and all were stamped in a brutal mould, devoid of all compassion and human warmth, intent only upon indulging their own pleasures as industriously as they inflicted misery upon their victims. They knew not kindness nor love. They were men ably suited for their profession, as incapable of doing a kindness as in accepting one. There was no knowing if their duties made them callous, or if they had brought their insensitivity to their craft and made it dreadful beyond belief.
I set to work at once, cooking a meal for men who could not address me without a blow, who informed me of my duties with many threats, and who were offended greatly if I was slow to obey, or did not acknowledge their smallest order with deference and respect.
With great willingness, prompted more by fear than the desire to please, I cooked my first meal for these four men, serving them well and often filling their wine cups. Then, upon them being surfeited with food, they did leave me in no doubt of the other ways in which I was to be of service.
When I had cleaned the cooking pans they bade me disrobe. When I did not instantly obey, greatly dismayed by this turn of events, my face was slapped with such force I did believe my head had shaken free from my shoulders. Upon recovering my addled senses I was again bidden to disrobe. Which shameful exposure I did embark upon with great reluctance and trembling. They did then have me display myself in many shameful ways, which I did do under the spur of my great dread of them. The while they did drink and make shameful converse with the like of which no maid's ears should ever be assailed. Then, when their wine-befuddled senses were greatly aroused, they did have their way with me.
How did I yearn for the tender patience of Hernandez, the gentle understanding of Pedro and the sincere love of Carlos.
These men had their will of me with the same cold, brutality they showed their helpless victims. They were merciless ; brutal and insensitive to all but the crudest forms of pleasure. They bore me to a bed and vented upon me all the impatient, merciless fury of their nature, as though I was not of flesh and blood, and incapable of response.
It was in the nature of them to bind their victims. Thus I was thrown down and held by force while the first brutal invasion was made. By its lack of patience and understanding I was put to such distress I did cry out, struggling in my pain to escape the assault as will a butterfly pierced through by a merciless pin. Which writhing served to arouse their great merriment.
The four had their brutal whim of me with great ruthlessness, reducing me to great weakness and hurt, so that I could not refrain from crying silently. The tears upon my cheeks, far from arousing their pity, instead invoked their contempt, so that although satiated and without the spur of nature to goad them, they did pinch and twist my breasts and handle me in many other shameful and hurtful ways until my senses all but fled. Then did they, with great callousness, throw me to the floor and bade me clean the Chamber, one of them claiming my dress which he later sold, and permitting me to don only my shift, which from thence on was my only garment.
Dazed and ravaged I drew water and scrubbed the flagstones. I was numbed by my ordeal and dreaded the fate that had overtaken Rosa, since they gave no thought to the unguents that could save me from finding myself with child. Yet of this I need not have had fear, since, for all that befell me, I was not receptive to conception.
Scarce had I scrubbed the flagstones clean while my tormentors rested, than another brace of Torturers arrived. Their chests were moist with the sweat of their labors and their appetites sharp. So, to the cooking and preparing of food, the serving and yet another brutal assault, waged so impatiently I was thrown down before I knew it, my shift up around my armpits, and such savage aggression practiced upon me that I feign must bite the hem of my shift to withhold my cries.
Thus was the pattern of my service. I was the complete slave of nine men. I slept when I could, curled up upon a pile of straw like a dog, kicked into wakefulness at any time to do anyone's bidding, often so weary I could hardly stand, yet not daring to flag.
My duties were endless. When the torture chambers were not in use I scrubbed them clean, washing away the blood, vomit and excretion of its victims. There were whips to be wiped clean of skin and blood, irons to be cleansed of scorched flesh, the machines of torture to be made ready for yet other victims.
Even if my ears had not been assailed by the tormented cries that rang up the corridor from the torture chamber I could not have been unaware of the horrors practiced within its awful precincts. Often I found a severed or mangled digit, a thumb torn off by the infernal stretching machines, or skin flayed from living flesh. My work was servitude to the denizens of the Inferno.
I had no respite from scrubbing, cooking and assault. I could not measure my life with time. I labored day and night, snatching what sleep I could, when I was able. Yet there was one great boon. I was permitted to eat their leavings, which they flung on the floor for me to snatch up like a dog. And with the liberty of preparing and cooking, at great risk I did eat well, providing myself with the strength and energy to resist the many demands they made upon me.
I was completely their slave. And growing increasingly weary of the assaults of nine men, I did in desperation, endeavor to impart to them the patient gentleness of Hernandez and Pedro, thus hoping to ease the great discomforts visited upon me. With great daring I did demonstrate how tenderness and patience can delight more than crude, impatient embraces, foolishly changing my role from that of mute and passive recipient, to the active role of a woman in love, possessing hands and lips that had an instinctive knowledge of giving delight.
Yet this served not to soften their embraces, as I had hoped. Instead, it increased their demands upon me. Having foolishly taught them the softer arts of love, they demanded it of me unceasingly. My role so changed now, they became the recipients of pleasure and they made of me the gentle aggressor, their senses delighting while I labored, their desires provoked beyond their simple, brutal assault, as they devised ever and more shameful ways for me to please them, until my senses were revolted. I often thought of Carlos, whom I had grown to love, and whose strong virile body I had explored with abandoned pleasure with lips and hands, as I degraded myself unmentionably with these men who were quite devoid of all compassion. There was no end to the depths of degradation and humiliation to which they had me descend. There was nothing so revolting that they did not bid me do it.
Yet, though my mind and body blanched from each new mortification, I endured it. I had no choice. They were the masters of pain. By their skills they earned obedience.
On my third day in service to the Torturers, I carelessly knocked over a wine cup with my elbow. For this I was punished.
I was placed face down upon the flagstones, my left leg was doubled up behind my back and firmly bound to the wrist of my right arm. Then a rope was bound around my left wrist and being thrown up over a pulley wheel set in the roof, I was hauled up until the toes of my right foot swung inches clear of the floor. A piece of hard wood, the shape of a pyramid, was placed under me and by standing one-legged upon its sharp point, I could ease the awful, tearing strain upon my right arm. Thus, I was left, hanging, to suffer the pain of an arm being drawn from its socket, or the sharpness of wood piercing my foot. This I endured until I fainted away. Then, upon being let down and revived with a burning brand from the fire applied to my haunch, I was kicked and obliged to caress, with great tenderness, the man who had devised this fearful punishment.
Not long afterwards I was punished again. I had been kicked awake by two Torturers returning weary from their labors. While I did place the cooking pot upon the fire to heat their stew, cut bread and poured wine, they stripped off their tight black hose which had been soiled with the vomit of some poor, tortured wretch. I did wash away the blood that had spurted onto their arms and chests, washed their hose, wrung it dry and then served the stew. I hung their hose before the fire that it might dry the quicker, draping it upon a chairback that I placed close to the burning coals for that purpose. While I was so engaged they called to me that I should sit between them and pleasure them while they ate. When I did not instantly obey their bidding they called again. Hearing the anger in their voices, I hastened to them, unaware I had been careless. Their hose was too close to the fire and a burning brand falling against it, did burn it beyond repair.
For this offence I was punished severely. A long ladder propped up against the wall, where it was kept for those occasions when the Executioner must scale the scaffold, was taken down and placed upon the floor. They bade me kneel upon the rungs and did bind me to them with cords drawn tight around my ankles and calves. Then did they bear me backwards upon my heels until my shoulders also pressed upon the ladder. Then, extending my arms strongly above my head, they did secure me in this position by binding my wrists to the ladder. This did distress me sorely. The rungs of the ladder cruelly bruised my shins and my unnatural position was hurtful, straining my arms and back. I was left thus for many hours. Yet upon my release my legs would not support me, so I must needs crawl on all fours like a dog to do their bidding, and endure the agony of returning circulation.
If they had spoken one kind word, or made one act of grace, I would have born my lot more resignedly. But they were devoid of human feeling. They talked among themselves but always of their work, which occupied them greatly. Thus I learned unwillingly, and with great dread, every detail of the awful art they practiced.
I served upon them in great terror, fearful for the blow or kick they dealt me, yet in return for their callousness must I show them every tenderness and love with my caresses. They used me abominably, abusing my flesh savagely and with heartiness. I was seldom without some hands or another upon me. My worn shift, which had given much service, was scanty covering and its low neck was most revealing of my breasts, and made of them the most abused target. Should I bend forward to serve, stoop over the fire to stir the cooking pot or even simply stand, awaiting their instructions, the hands assailed me. None had the gentleness of a lover's touch. Nor was tenderness ever intended. I was grasped cruelly. My gasp of pain was their objective. Yet forbidden to escape them I must needs stand firm while they gripped cruelly.
A young girl has pride in her natural beauty, and I was racked with anguish that my soft skin and white breasts had become painfully swollen and were ever quite mauve with bruises, and my nipples so tender they pained at a touch.
Yet despite all I ate well, albeit with great cunning. And despite all the ill-use they made of me, I did not grow thin, but on the contrary did unknowingly so respond to the presence of men around me that my natural womanliness grew more apparent. When the guards did come to converse with the Torturers, I saw they could not keep their eyes off me.
Though I was beaten in body and weary from unceasing assaults which savaged me in every manher, it did not diminish the Torturers' desire for me. Indeed, I saw desire always in their gaze as though they could not conceal it; as though the abundant fruitfulness of the Torturers, with which I was plied so assiduously, and in so many divers manners, did enrich my body and bring the bloom of a young girl in love to my cheeks, and the natural coquetry of a woman to my bearing.
Thus passed weeks and months of my service. I could learn nothing of my Master or his family. Indeed, I was forbidden ever to leave the chamber except at the Torturers' direction. But confronted so often with the cruelty of the men I served, I did too become hardened, and lost to compassion. I became inured to the tormented cries of those in agony, that flowed along the corridor into our chamber, and so accustomed to human misery, that it lost its meaning. Some months after my service began I was made sharply aware how my senses had become blunted to the suffering of others.
A Torturer stood at the door of the torture chamber and shouted along the corridor for me to bring him a flagon of olive oil. This I hastened to do. In this torture chamber was a massive wooden chair set into the flagstones. An accused Heretic being put to the question was seated in this chair and held there with iron bands that passed around his wrists and arms, his ankles and legs. I hurried to the torture chamber as I had been bidden, fearful that I should be punished for tardiness. I saw that the torture chair held fast a prisoner. A brazier of burning coals was placed beneath the prisoner's foot and the Torturer was basting the foot as he would a roasting chicken.
Thus did I stand obediently while the Torturer added olive oil from the flagon to his basting pot. The victim screamed his agony.
Yet not 'til I was bearing the flagon back to the chamber did it come upon me how dutifully I had furnished the Torturer with his needs, giving no heed to the agony of the poor wretch writhing in torment.
Thus to such a sad state of callousness had I sunk, that a sight which would have stretched me on the floor, quite devoid of my senses, many months ago, now left me unmoved.
Yet was I not entirely devoid of compassion. Since I remained, albeit to a lesser degree, a victim of cruelty, I needs must have a keen awareness of it.
But the cruelties practiced upon me by the Torturers were more subtle, calculated not to break the body nor tear the flesh. I was a serving maid and my services were needed. Thus, while I was subjected to punishments which afforded me the greatest distress, they did in no way impede my usefulness. And great was the ingenuity of these men, skilled in the art of giving pain, when they had a need.
For the offence of upsetting a wine cup and staining the hose of a Torturer, I was punished in the following way. My wrists were bound behind me. Then my hair was gathered up into a single braid, to the end of which was securely tied a length of cord. I was then made to stand astride and bend over. My head was then taken and forced down strongly, the braid of my own hair being passed between my legs and drawn up towards my bound wrists with great strength. Then, the cord that drew my hair up between my legs was fastened to my bound wrists.
This was a diabolical punishment, devised with the ingenuity of Satan, putting me to the greatest discomfort, yet in no way diminishing my ability to serve them. Every hair of my head was strained until tears sprung to my eyes. I was sure my slightest movement would pluck my hair out by the roots. My head and shoulders were bowed so low it was hard to draw breath. My spine creaked. My own hair played its devilish part, bringing excruciating pressure to bear upon my underparts, that already flamed with a great soreness, from the Torturers' unceasing ravages.
These monsters in human disguise did submit me to this distressing indignity, with unbelievable lack of compassion, and did leave me thus for many hours. My only small relief was to fall upon my knees the easier to endure my agony. Yet, upon release, their fists and kicks drove me into service again, my weary body responding to avoid the repetition of such acute discomfort.
Yet again, for an offence so trivial as to escape my memory, I was thrown face down upon the flagstones and my wrists and ankles were bound behind me, and together. An iron hook was lowered from the ceiling. This hook was passed under the cords binding my wrists and ankles, and I was hauled up, thus to pass many hours, suspended most painfully like a sack of grain, whereupon standing beneath me they could treat my defenseless person with such indignities and humiliations as did divert them.
The most severe punishment I endured at their hands occurred after I had been in their service for the utmost of a year. I had been washing, scrubbing, cooking and bearing their lascivious attentions for many days and with little sleep. I was dazed with exhaustion and ready to drop upon my bed of straw and sleep like the dead. Yet, I did not do this. For the first time since I had lived in this chamber, I found myself completely alone. The torture chambers were busy and the Head Executioner and other Torturers were inspecting the stakes to be set up for the burning of witches. Upon the last Torturer being summoned urgently to practice his craft, I found myself alone.
My senses were numbed with lack of sleep. Yet, at the back of my mind lingered the thought of escape. Also too did I have the desire to learn of my Master and Mistress Isabella. Thus did I leave the chamber, stealing through the stone corridors, blindly searching for freedom, or the cell of my Master.
I should have known there is no escape from the Office of the Holy Inquisition. There are too many barred doors and guards. A guard came upon me and. forcing me to give an account of myself with many blows, he did escort me back to my service chamber where my absence had been discovered and anger aroused.
My punishment for this offence was most severe.
I was made to strip and stand facing the bed. When ordered, I bowed over, resting my arms upon the bed and my head upon my arms. The bed being low my person was thus displayed in a manner both humiliating and vulnerable. I was dealt six strokes with a wooden slat. The slat was the width of two fingers and was applied carefully neither cutting flesh nor drawing blood. I was forbidden to cry out on pain of being gagged.
The punishment was not too severe, I thought, and though my person was bathed in flames, the fiery sting was bearable and I did not cry out, indeed consoled myself I had escaped easily. Yet must I work on during the day, cleaning and scrubbing and bearing their caresses stoically. But when I rested, I was not at ease. My haunches were bruised, inflamed and tender to the touch. Thus, the following day when the ache of my beating was more pronounced, I was greatly dismayed when I was once again bidden to strip and bend over.
Again I received six strokes. This time, the flesh upon which they fell was already bruised and inflamed. There after I moved around in agony, so distressed when they threw me down and worked their will upon me that I writhed greatly. Thus affording them great satisfaction. Come the morning I could scarce but walk, the very bones of my hips aching from the deep bruising of the flesh. Yet once again I received the order to bend over. The agony of blows upon flesh already so tenderly tortured was so excruciating that upon the first stroke I could not refrain from crying out. Whereupon the gag was forced between my teeth and my jaws prised apart with such cruelty the corners of my mouth bled. I endured my beating in enforced silence.
The rest of the day I dragged myself around in misery. My haunches were so swollen up I did feel like a snail that must perforce drag its shell around with it. I felt every slightest touch as though my body's quick responded. The fabric of my shift was a rough rasping that distressed me sorely. When I lay upon my belly upon my bed of straw, the dread of tomorrow's beating filled me with such terror it drove sleep from me.
On the fourth day, despite their vilest threats, I could not bring myself to bend over, I obliged them to throw me down upon the bed in the desired position, and struggled so fiercely when they would gag me that the brutal iron broke two of my teeth before I was silenced.
Six strokes for seven days had been decreed. And were applied. The fifth, sixth and seventh days I shudder to recall; remorseless, inhuman strokes cutting into blue-black, swollen flesh that burst and spurted.
I lived in torment, my body bathed in never-ending flames and the grinding savagery of their assaults was so unbearable they needs must bind me to the bed to receive them, since in no other manner could they be tolerated.
Yet, when the flesh is young and healthy, its will to heal is strong. Within two weeks of my beating the ache had eased and become bearable, the swelling had diminished, the torn flesh had sloughed away and the wounds were scabs.
I learned my lesson well. Never again, I vowed, would I leave the chamber without permission.
I learned from the talk of the Torturers that almost a year had passed since I had first entered their service. Before that, I had been confined for a year with my Master. This meant that I was almost twenty. It is an age when most young girls are dreaming of a loved one and are approaching the end of innocence. When they are held tight in the arms of their bridegroom, savour their first taste of love and prepare for the joy of bearing a son.
How different was my own lot. My innocence had been brutally destroyed. I could nourish no tender thoughts of a lover's embrace. My sensitivity had been blunted and calloused by unceasing assaults. My mind was calloused too. My natural beauty was fast diminishing. My breasts were ever swollen and blue with bruises, my person scarred with beatings and an ugly gap broken in my teeth by the remorseless iron gag.
Yet life is sweet and clinging to life tenaciously, despite its suffering, is natural. Compared with the plight of the poor wretches submitted to examination by an Inquisitor, my lot was sweet.
Yet for not much longer was it to be so.
I worked hard, ate well and learned to endure hardship. My service in the Torturers' living chamber became almost bearable. Whenever I drew water from the patio I snatched a moment to linger, stared up gratefully at the clear blue sky above the high walls that surrounded me, and breathed God's fresh air.
Once I saw a butterfly that had intruded inside these grim, grey walls. Its yellow wings, speckled with crimson, were so delicate and fragile I wept for the beauty of it.
The drudgery of washing, scrubbing and cooking has always been a woman's lot, and one she bears uncomplainingly. Even cleaning the torture chambers and seeing the abundant evidence of the miseries suffered therein, meant no more to me now, than cleaning out a slaughter house. I was remote from the mortifications of the flesh. Their constant assaults upon me I had learned to bear with indifference, as though it was not my person that endured them. Even their most vile demands no longer aroused revulsion within me, and I satisfied their desires quite devoid of all emotion.
A part of me had died. My maid's innocence had been broken upon the wheel of men's cruelty. My young beauty had been scarred and marred. Heartrending though it is for a young maid to know this, I had grown to accept it.
I had grown to accept my present way of life and to endure it.
But it came to an end.
The guards came for me and took me away.
They took me away into another phase of life within the walls of the Office of the Holy Inquisition, which was to be much more terrible than anything else that had befallen me.
SUCKLED BY THE DEVIL
When the guards arrived I was occupied with the Head Executioner. Upon being bade to wait by a Torturer, the guards did so, quite without reluctance nor signs of impatience.
When the Head Executioner was ready to attend upon them I did don my shift, which was more often off than on, albeit so worn by long service its ragged condition gave little profit, neither as covering nor concealment.
The guards did not cease to gaze upon me boldly and with great interest. They did give the Head Executioner a writing which upon reading, he at once bade me go with them.
Having no notion what prospect lay before me, I did obey without misgivings. I walked along the stonewalled corridor, flanked by the guards, who having placed the Torturers some distance behind us did then say many flattering things with such great coarseness that left no doubt the events they had witnessed had provoked them to the extreme. They then did handle me with a familiarity that left no doubt of their purpose, seeming quite unaware that the kneading of my bruised breasts failed to arouse within me the response that was their design, nor that I was so ravaged I must needs brace myself to withstand each fresh assault.
I knew not the purpose of the writing they had shown the Head Executioner and when they took me to a small chamber, I submitted to their will, believing it to be the pursuance of that writing.
They were impatient men who did not require of me the ministrations of love which would have been demanded of me, not only submission of body, but of will too. Instead they did throw me down upon the mattress, in a trice my shift was up above my head and they began their forceful labors, to which they applied themselves industriously until quite spent, the while I bore their zeal with a passive lack of interest which most surely would have discomforted them, had not their ardour been so great.
I believed I would be returned to the Torturers' chambers. But to my consternation this was not to be. I was taken to a barred door that sealed off this section of the Holy Office from another. Upon passing through this door I was given over into the custody of two other guards who did then lead me along another stone corridor, while I had cause to reflect upon the nature of the writing shown to the Head Executioner. I doubted now that its purpose was for me to serve those guards and concluded their duty had been only to deliver me to some other part of the Holy Office, and they had taken the opportunity to have knowledge of me while they were about it. A subterfuge for which I bore them no ill-will, having fallen to such low esteem in my own eyes that I no longer cared who assailed me, there being little reason to choose between them.
My guards stopped before the stout wooden door of a cell. It swung open and the iron door behind it was also opened. I stared into it, recognizing slow-wittedly the familiar cell where I had witnessed my Master's and Mistress's suffering and had wept after poor Rosa expired.
A blow between my shoulder blades hurled me forward, the iron door clanged shut, and the bolts were rammed home. I lay stupefied in the prison gloom, the foul odor of the stench-hole stifling my lungs.
First, I did believe I was alone. Then, as my eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, relieved only by the light of the passing day filtering through the small window high up in the wall, I became aware of another prisoner.
By her long hair I knew her for a woman at first glance. She was quite naked and shockingly emaciated. Her arms and legs were as thin as sticks and the yellow skin so tightly drawn upon her cheekbones as to resemble a skull, relieved only by glowing eyes that burned with a wild luster. She sat with her back against the wall, and her legs splayed out most shamefully. Her ribs protruded like the bars of a cage, her withered breasts were two thin flaps of hanging flesh and her body was coated with her own filth, in which she sat.
My blood ran cold at the sight of her. I pressed back against the wall away from her. Whereupon, she did give a low, mad chuckle and did rave about Satan and wickedness; Unholy Angels and the Devil's curse; did mouth shameful words with such fury that spittle sprayed from lips that revealed her rotting, yellowed, broken stumps of teeth.
I was faint with nausea. There was no straw in the cell and the flagstones were covered with trampled excretion upon which I had been thrown down. The stench, the loathsome surroundings, the glowing eyes and demented wind of the creature with whom I was confined, all brought my own sanity close to breaking.
The creature raved on, the glowing eyes aware of me, but the mouthings beyond understanding.
Then slowly did the true horror of it all come upon me.
Recognition was slow, I saw an instinctive gesture, noted the form of the bones of her face, and then finally, when she moved, I saw the mole upon her shoulder which I knew well.
I wept hysterically, losing all fear of her, knowing this poor, crazed creature was Carmen, tormented beyond endurance until her reason had fled completely.
I wept long. Memories of the happy life I had spent with my Master, his Mistress and daughters before we had fallen into the hands of the Holy Inquisition, flooded back to me. I ached for the warm affection and comfort I had known then. I remembered how I had last seen them; Master bravely withstanding the agony of his crushed legs, my Mistress with disjointed limbs lying upon her bed of pain, and the gentle, grace of Carmen. All three had been prostrated with grief at the death of Rosa.
A long year had passed since then. I longed to know what had befallen them all. And my love for them all was so great that presently I was able to go to that poor creature with neither fear nor disgust and, with a great compassion, take her in my arms and try to give her comfort.
But she did not know me. She did not hear my words. She mouthed mad words. She clawed at me with sharp talons until I withdrew from her.
As night drew on and the darkness of the cell became impenetrable blackness, I resigned myself to my appalling conditions and finally did sleep.
I was awakened by the stealthy movements of Carmen. She groped for me through the darkness. Believing it was human comfort she sought, I did suppress my disgust and embraced her, pressing her poor wasted body against mine.
Her fingers groped over me greedily, finding my breast and gathering it up eagerly, which quite appalled me ; yet did I lay rigid, wishing to divine her purpose until her lips came down upon my breast and closing greedily around the nipple did suckle with such astonishing fury that put me to such pain I feared blood was drawn, and did endeavor to pull free. But her emaciated body was possessed of astonishing strength and we did struggle for long moments, while she clung to me like a limpet, suckling with a violence that put me to such an extreme of pain, that I needs must strike her with my fist to free myself. Upon which she whirled away, laughing madly, leaving me crouched in a corner, shuddering with horror and pained beyond endurance.
I slept no more that night.
I dared not.
When morning came and Carmen awoke, I tried to comfort her again, but she knew me not. I saw that although emaciated she had not undergone the tortures inflicted upon her parents. Her wrists and ankles were scarred as though by the chafing of shackles or bonds, and there were the scars of the whip upon her shoulders, which had healed. But she did take no account of me, her manner of sitting, or crouching, like that of an animal. I saw she had no control over her body's nature and like a newborn child was neither aware of it nor heedful of it, reducing our cell to the state of a pig-sty which I was compelled to share.
She paid me no attention, determinedly sitting in silence and staring fixedly at the floor, or else looking around and conversing with unseen and evil spirits that were her invisible companions. Sometimes she squatted like a monkey, examining herself with great curiosity, flaking away encrusted filth with her long fingernails and exploring her body hair hungrily, catching whatever vermin she could find with finger and thumb and conveying it to her mouth. Such explorations, pursued so diligently, did not fail to make her poor crazed wits aware of pleasing sensations aroused by her fingers, and much to my mortification she indulged herself to them with abandoned and shameless industry, not desisting from enjoying the fruits of her labors until she was quite spent, nor even then willing to abandon them, because her hand was often upon herself.
Like an animal that knows the approach of feeding time, she crouched before the door long before the guards arrived. Her eyes were fixed upon it and her mouth made the movements of eating. When the door was flung open, she tensed like a hound about to leap. As soon as the door closed again, she sprang to the pannikin of watery soup they had set down and lapped it up, as would a dog.
This meager fare was for both of us. I had not eaten since the previous day, yet I could not bring myself to refuse this poor, starved creature my share. I watched her sadly as she bolted the black bread without chewing it and licked the pannikin clean. There was water in the pannikin to suffice us. I drank only a little. But I did ask the guards to bring more, and taking pity on me, even their calloused nature being moved by the vileness of my confinement, they did bring a full bucket the following day, which I did put to good use.
I washed Carmen clean, using strips torn from my shift, which in its state did serve for little more, and used the stench-hole to dispose of the filth that covered the floor. I needed but to assure persistently the cleanliness of Carmen to make existence more bearable.
I could talk no sense with her. Sometimes she accused me of being a Fallen Angel, of being Satan himself, and would scream at me to confess I had killed God. Yet at other times she did declare she herself was Satan, and did blaspheme terribly about the Holy Church. Many times she did try to suckle my breasts and other parts of my person, mouthing I was to be suckled by the Devil and be possessed by his spirits. Often she shouted I must burn ... burn ... Burn!
Her ravings were mingled with memories that were real, and not of a fevered mind. I did snatch up phrases and could divine what had passed in the year of my absence.
Master had died without leaving the cell again. His poor crushed legs had discharged a purulent matter more odious than the stench-hole. His mangled flesh had blackened and become insensitive. Then did my Master fall into a coma from which he did not recover.
My Mistress Isabella was less fortunate. She had been taken once again to be put to the question and had been carried back quite out of her senses, her disjointed arms wounded by the ropes which had drawn her up and dropped her many times. When she did recover she might yet have been put to the question again, had not she died quietly at night in her sleep, from what cause it was not known.
From Carmen's ravings I could learn little of what transpired after my Mistress Isabella expired. Her dying may have been the straw that made of Carmen a crazed woman. I did not doubt she too had been put to the question. She had scars around her wrists and ankles. Yet from her insane babblings I could learn nothing of it.
There was little I could do for poor, demented Carmen, and not unnaturally, I gave much thought to my own sorry plight, wondering why I had been brought from my service and confined again. I believed it was to serve upon Carmen, who being demented, had need of a family servant. This being so, my release depended upon the Holy Inquisition's judgment upon her. I secretly prayed it would come soon, suppressing my shame and guilt for my disloyalty, yet knowing little could be done for the poor crazed woman.
Secretly I was also concerned for my own sanity. It is terrifying to be confined day and night with a lunatic. I perforce could not rest easy, ever wary of Carmen's crazed desire to suckle me, and my fear was made greater by her revolting mouth, the teeth rotting and the soft gums discharging a yellow matter so purulent die mere thought of that mouth closing upon my flesh turned my blood as cold as ice.
Hard as my lot had been in service to the Torturers, did I soon regret I had been taken from their rest chamber. I began to suffer hunger. In my service to the Torturers, I had forgotten how grievous are the pangs of starvation. But they did soon assert themselves. For six days I did restrain myself from eating, the ordeal growing greater every day as Carmen licked the pannikin clean. The well-fed suffer hunger more acutely than those who are inured to it. Upon the seventh day I could bear no more. Upon the pannikin being set down in our cell I did wish to claim my rightful share. Yet poor Carmen's crazed wits had no understanding of this. She bared her teeth, growled and snapped at me as will a dog, disturbed at a bone. Yet not being disposed to relinquish that which was now as dire a necessity to me, as it was to her, I did struggle with her, quite put out by the iron strength of her wasted body. She became so frenzied that we did fall upon the pannikin, upsetting it, which put me to great distress, but not withstanding, Carmen did lap up the spilled soup from the flagstones.
Thus, as the days passed, the arrival of the guards was awaited with great tension, then, only by using my strength, in which I was superior, could I assure myself of my share of the meager fare, yet finding the threat of those yellow teeth so menacing, I did yield up more than my right.
One day the guards brought an extra bucket of water. I was ordered to cleanse Carmen thoroughly. A task to which I did apply myself without reluctance, my willingness to do so prevented only by lack of the means.
The guards came early the next day and they bore with them a San Benitos robe, upon which were depicted Devils dancing in a sea of flame. Also a tall pointed penitent's cap, similarly adorned with Demons and flames.
It was desired that Carmen should assume this robe. Yet as soon as it was dropped over her head, she did tear it off. From the converse of the guards I learned she would not go clothed, but always tore off and ripped up whatever apparel was placed upon her. She was thus garbed with the use of force, and upon the robe being settled upon her, were her wrists bound behind her. Notwithstanding this, Carmen did then throw herself upon the floor, her eyes rolling wildly and drool dribbling from her lips. Then did the guards become quite out of patience, and did force into her mouth an iron gag, that upon being tightened served not only to silence her blasphemy, but subjected her to such awareness of suffering she did cease all her struggles, passively obeyed the urgings of the guards and did submit to the tall, pointed hat being placed upon her head.
Then did a guard place a rope halter around her neck and by tugging upon it did lead her from the cell. The while, the door was barred upon me, leaving me alone and despairing.
I knew well from the torturers' converse the meaning of the robe in which Carmen had been garbed. And I recalled the day, long, long ago, when Master, swollen up in righteous indignation, had insisted his family attend the Auto-da-fe ceremony of the Holy Inquisition. Later we attended the execution place to look upon the sufferings of the victims.
I knew that beyond the high, grim walls of this forbidding fortress, gay holiday crowds were gathering to celebrate yet another Auto-da-fe fiesta. They were preparing to rejoice at the sufferings of the victims, to praise the Holy Inquisition, the Servants of the Holy Church, for searching out the wicked, and showering the Executioners with gifts that they would prolong the condemned prisoner's torment and thereby afford the spectators a full measure of satisfaction.
I did not know by what means the Holy Inquisition had judged Carmen, nor declared her guilty of Heresy. But the ropes she wore declared her guilt and her fate. Before the day was out she would be burnt at the stake, after a ceremonial procession.
Despairingly I prayed she would consent to a Priest's urging to confess her sins and that she would die in the name of the Holy Roman Church. Thus, she would be granted the boon of strangulation before the faggots below her were fired.
Yet deep in my heart I knew the poor, crazed creature could not understand her fate.
PUT TO THE QUESTION
Carmen was no more. The entire family Durar had all expired. Those good, warm, kindly, honest and God-fearing people, had been destroyed by the Holy Inquisition.
There could be nothing more desired of me. Not one member of the Durar family remained to be served. Eagerly, I awaited my release.
But as the long days passed my hopes dwindled. Had I been forgotten? Had I been confined, my name written in a ledger that was lost? It was useless to ask the guards. Resentful of questions they would answer with a blow, that served to conceal their ignorance.
Loneliness was my worst trial. Even the brutal company of the Torturers would have been preferable to the long, long lonely hours of each long, lonely day.
I scratched the passing of each day upon the wall with my fingernail, and learned to bear the cramps of slow starvation. Harlotry would have been no duress for me, well inured as I was to the ceaseless assaults of the Torturers. Yet did I firmly resist all temptation to barter my body to the guards for an extra piece of bread, though their demeanor promised they would not refuse me. I resolved I would not of my own free will stoop to fornication.
The Inquisition had not forgotten me!
The guards came for me, bound my wrists behind my back and led me along winding corridors to the Examiner's chamber. This I had already visited and with great dread.
I waited upon my knees until the three Inquisitors scaled the ladder to the high platform and seated themselves behind a long, draped table. I watched them with hope surging within me. Surely, now had come my moment of release.
"You are Maria Deluz?"
"Yes."
"Serving maid to the family of Jaime Gonzalez Durar?"
"That is so."
"You are accused of Heresy. What do you say? Do you confess?"
I was speechless, unable to believe my ears.
"Do you hear me, wench?"
"I believe in the Holy Roman Church," I declared fearfully. "My Master was Jewish but I knew it not. There is but one God. The Holy God of Rome."
"Do you deny you had converse with the Devil?"
"Yes," I said frantically.
"Do you deny you have suckled the Devil, and he has suckled you?"
"Yes!" I felt weaker and weaker as these awful accusations were hurled at me.
"Do you deny dancing naked in a magic circle drawn by the Devil, and shamelessly fornicating with his Disciples?"
"I do!" I choked. "I do!"
"Of these things you have been accused!"
"It's not true!" I choked. "There are none who will tell such lies!"
"You stand condemned by your own Mistress. Carmen Durar confessed her sins ; and your sins!"
"Carmen...!" I stared at the Inquisitors. "Carmen is ... was a madwoman!"
"That is so," agreed the Inquisitor calmly: "She gave herself to the Devil who possessed her. She confessed how you both took the Devil to your breasts and suckled him."
"No. No!" I whimpered.
"Confess your sins," abjured the Inquisitor. "Cleanse your soul of Evil and pray to the Holy Church to rid you of your Satanic evilness."
"But it's not true. Not true!" I whimpered.
The Inquisitor admonished me to spend a day and night in reflection upon my evilness. He declared that upon the morrow I would again be brought before him to confess.
The guards took me back to my cell.
This time, iron gauntlets were placed upon my wrists and fastened to the chains hanging from the walls of my cell. It was a cruel refinement to my imprisonment. The heavy fetters greatly restricted my movements, and, were placed so high that with my arms extended to their utmost I could not sit upon the flagstones, thus being compelled to remain standing, or find what ease I could upon my knees, or hanging by my arms.
Never had a day and night seemed so long. Also, I was hungry. The meager daily ration had been given out while I was in the Inquisitors' chamber. Thus, I had gone without. Likewise, when the guards came for me the following morning, it was before the hour of the prisoner's rations. I went with them, thirsty and hungry and aching in every limb from my long night's discomfort.
I was taken straight forth to the torture chamber, that I knew well from the many hours I had labored within it. I was handed into the custody of the Torturers. I knew them all too well but their grim faces showed not a flicker of recognition. They ordered me to kneel and await the Inquisitors with such brusqueness I knew I should receive from them neither pity nor compassion.
I was trembling when the Inquisitors entered and solemnly took their seats at the Tribunal.
I had always believed in God and prayed to God. My faith in him was so strong I had not the wish to deny him. I feared his wrath. To confess to consorting with the Devil would cast me into eternal damnation. Yet my dread of the Holy Inquisitor was almost as great. I trembled like a leaf.
The Inquisitor's hard, cold eyes rested upon me. Before he spoke, such was my fear that my body's nature could not withstand my terror. Shame was added to my misery as I knelt in an expanding puddle.
The Inquisitor's voice was remorseless, like doom. "Do you confess you are a Heretic? That you have blasphemed against God?"
He repeated the question twice before the sharp point of a Torturer's knife pressed upon my shoulder drove an answer from me."
"Not ... true!" I choked.
"You will be put to the question," stated the Inquisitor. He gestured.
The Torturers seized me, stripped me and threw me down upon my knees. My thumbs were bound tightly to a small stick with cutting cords. Then, by twisting the stick violently, they did so greatly increase the pressure of the cords, that blood did spurt from my thumbnails, putting me to such excruciating pain I did cry out in a most piteous manner. Yet the hardened wretch who treated me so heartlessly, did untwine the cord, which was deeply sunken into my flesh, with such roughness as to increase my misery.
After an elapse of time, when my pain had eased and my blood had ceased to flow, the Chief Inquisitor asked again:
"Do you confess your Heresy, wench?"
I would not speak until the sharpness of the Torturer's knife upon my shoulder pricked me deeply. I could only shake my head in denial of the Inquisitor's question. Despite my misery I Was unable to confess a sin that would send me to Hell.
"You will be put to the question," declared the Inquisitor.
The Torturers did take me by the arm and lead me to another part of the chamber, where I was laid down upon the flagstones. Leather gauntlets were placed around my ankles. These gauntlets were fastened to the extreme ends of a bar of wood. In the same way, leather gauntlets were fastened upon my wrists, likewise secured to another piece of wood. Each of the wooden bars was fastened to long, thick ropes passing over a drum. Upon the drums being revolved by a handle, they did pull both ropes tight, thus stretching my arms above my head and drawing my legs out straight.
The Inquisitors descended from the Tribunal and drew near, seating themselves upon stools placed ready for them by the Torturers.
"Do you confess, wench?" asked the Inquisitor. I turned my head from them, forbearing to answer.
The Inquisitor signalled.
Then did the Torturers apply themselves to the handles of the drums, drawing the ropes unbearably tight. Then did they, with the use of levers upon which they strained mightily, stretch my arms and legs unmercifully.
Yet were they not content, persisting with their abominable racking until I was raised from the floor to the height of a man's waist, drawn out quite straight, like a bowstring, before they desisted.
My distress was great. The gauntlets cut fearfully into my wrists and ankles, my muscles were stretched nigh to tearing and my joints grated in their sockets. My outstretched arms drew my breasts flat and imposed such fearful compression upon my lungs that my heart thumped loudly and I did fight for breath. Yet, completely at the mercy of these vile monsters, I knew only one salvation. I prayed aloud to God, I beseeched him for his grace and comfort, and as though he heard and answered, a great calmness came upon me and fortified me, so that even my distress lost its sting and gave me the courage to reply when the Inquisitor again put the question. I said I had nothing to confess, had never had converse with the Devil and worshipped only the one true God.
Whereupon the Torturers revolved the drum and put me to even greater distress.
Again the Inquisitor put the question.
Despite being so sorely stretched I did answer in defiance, fortified against my pain by my faith in the Lord.
The Torturer did then take a lighted taper and apply it to my armpits and my private parts, quite burning away the hair and putting me to great torment, the more for the fearful stretching that rendered me quite helpless and unable, even by moving a single muscle, to escape the flames that burned my flesh.
Yet did I resist this great trial and still answer defiantly when again the question was put.
The Torturer did with a sharp knife make a cut in my leg below the knee. So sorely stretched was I that my flesh did not feel the sharpness keenly, not even when the lips of the wound were held open and a yellow powder pressed within them. Also did I bear other cuts on both legs, two upon each thigh and deeper cuts in my haunches. All were packed hard with a yellow powder, the purpose of which I did not know. Then did the Torturer place a spoonful of the yellow powder in the deep, concave hollow beneath my ribs, which stood out with great clarity so cruelly stretched was I.
Again the Inquisitor put the question.
Again I swore I had not sinned against God.
The Torturer took a lighted taper and applied it to the yellow powder (brimstone) below my ribs. The powder burned quickly, with a blue flame. The searing heat burned into me and I screamed dementedly, the while he did apply the taper to my wounds, firing the powder within them so my flesh was consumed as though I was already condemned to Hell, and the flames of the Inferno had claimed me. Such pain was not to be borne yet my legs and haunches were aflame before my senses mercifully fled.
I knew no more until I awoke in my cell.
Yet my agony was so great I was quite out of my wits. Many days elapsed before my pain eased. My strength was drained and I could scarce drag myself across the cell when the daily pannikin of soup was set down. Many more days elapsed before a Physic visited me and examined the holes burned into my flesh. He sprinkled upon them a white powder which did possess healing qualities, since as the days passed my wounds did heal, yet did not cease to trouble me greatly and afforded me little ease, since neither could I lay upon my belly nor my back without great discomfort.
The long days passed. When I had the strength I began again to scratch their passing on the wall, counting now not the days to my liberty, but of my travail.
I was helpless to resist the Inquisitors. Their questions were so fiendish they would not forebear denial. They would have my confession. Even though to deny God would bring me to the stake, better was it to perish in the flames once, than suffer the same torments of Hell again and again.
I knew from the Torturers converse I had overheard, that the Inquisitors were sometimes merciful. Some confessed sinners are allowed to serve penance for their sins in the deepest dungeons. Others were ordered to labor at the sweeps of trading galleys, yet others escape with a flogging and a branding. Yet even should not the Inquisitors be merciful to me by granting me these punishments, there was the final resort of a final confession, when by praying to die in the arms of the Holy Church of Rome, a merciful strangling cord would put an end to my sorrows before the faggots were fired.
My wounds healed and scabbed over, leaving deep-scarred pits in my flesh. I had grown thin but was so inured to the black bread and watery soup, it sufficed me.
The Physic visited me again, examining my healed wounds and body and nodding with satisfaction. Then did the guards come the following morning and did once again place iron fetters upon my wrists and fasten them to the hanging chains.
This filled me with terror. I knew what it foretold. The following morning I would again be put to the question.
I should have had no fears. I was resolved to confess and thus escape the Torturers. But the discomfort of my shackling, obliging me to kneel, half-hanging by my arms, was an awful reminder of the stretching machine. Even if my fetters had permitted me greater ease, nevertheless I would not have slept, dreading the nameless terrors that awaited me.
As I feared, the guards came for me the next morning. After submitting to having my hands bound behind me I was led to that terrible chamber, the sight of which chilled me through and through, I shook violently, awaiting the arrival of ... the monsters!
CONFESSED TO HERESY
The Inquisitors seated themselves solemnly and stared at me accusingly. "You are accused of Heresy. Do you confess your guilt?"
"I confess."
The Inquisitors gave no sign my answer pleased them. Instead, one read from a writing that was prepared, in which I declared I was a Heretic, having denied the true God and the Holy Roman Church and consorted with Satan and his disciples.
"You will place your mark upon this confession?"
"I will."
A Torturer brought the writing to me. My hands were unbound that I could place my mark upon it, and the writing given back to the Inquisitor. He gave a sign.
To my great astonishment I was seized, stripped and dragged closer to the Tribunal. A stout wooden post was set into the flagstones to the height of my waist. Set into the top of the post was an iron ring. Taking a long length of cord the thickness of my little finger, the Torturer did pass it through the ring and draw the ends out to equal lengths.
Was I then made to stand against the post facing the Inquisitors, the cord being passed between my legs and drawn up behind me, separated to pass around my waist, and thus again passed through the ring. The Torturer hauled upon the cord, drawing me up on the balls of my feet in cruel discomfort and drawing me hard against the post. The cord then being firmly fastened, it served also to bind my wrists firmly to the iron ring.
I was greatly distressed by this, and not a Hide fearful, my terrors being aroused anew when the Torturer did take down a whip from a rack, the lash beign of plaited leather. He placed himself behind me where he could strike conveniently. Yet I consoled myself I would confess to everything that was asked of me, depriving the Torturer of his need to practice his cruel art upon me.
The Inquisitor prepared paper for writing. When all was ready the Inquisitor asked: "You are a confessed Sinner. Do you know Jaime Plais?"
"No," I replied truthfully.
I heard the hiss of leather. But my wits were too slow to take heed of it before the lash struck my shoulders. Unbearable fire raced down my back to the tips of my toes, flamed up through my arms to my fingernails and into my brain where it flowered in a burst of sparks. Such pain could not be suffered easily. Yet my writhings added to my misery, so cruelly bound I was.
The Inquisitors waited until my sobs had died away. Then asked again: "Do you know Jaime Plais?"
"Tell me what you wish me to say," I pleaded. "I Will confess it."
This time I did not hear the lash that cut across the tops of my thighs and sent pain racing through me.
The patient Inquisitors gave me time to compose myself. When the question was asked a third time I did recover my memory:
"Do you know Jaime Plais?"
"Yes."
"He visited your master's house often?"
"Yes."
"He's a good and devout man and a believer in the Holy Roman Church?" I was uncertain what I should say. "Yes."
The lash cut deep into my shoulders. My pain was the instrument of my learning. The question was put again. "Is Jaime Plais a believer in the Holy Church?"
"No."
"He has blasphemed against the Church?"
"Yes."
"Did he practice evil in your Master's house?"
"Yes."
"In the presence of your Master?"
"Yes."
"Were present any other persons?"
"No."
Again the lash, cutting like fire into my very bones teaching me the words I must confess. "Were present any other persons?"
"Yes."
I was allowed a respite while my questions and answers were written down and read over to me, which I at once did declare all true. Then the questions continued.
"Did Jaime Plais conjure up the Devil?"
"Yes."
"Were present other Demons?"
"Yes."
"Has Jaime Plais a wart upon his cheek?"
I pondered, not wishing to give an undesirable answer. But I delayed too long and the lash taught me that tardiness of reply was as unrewarding as a wrong answer.
"Jaime Plais has upon his cheek a wart?"
In my great anxiety not to delay with my reply I quickly answered: "No," not knowing what was desired of me. This response not being liked I again suffered. And when I recovered :
"Jaime Plais has a wart upon his cheek?"
I had borne two lashes to learn that he had.
"Yes."
"Did the Devil suckle them?"
"Yes."
Thus did my interrogation continue, with the cruel lash to guide my tongue and with frequent pauses for the Inquisitors to write down my confessions. These intervals served also to give me time to compose myself, the punishment I was being dealt so severe as nigh to rob me of my senses.
Drawn up by the shameful ropes onto my toes I could hardly ease myself. Yet did I discover, during a respite for writing, that upon taking my weight upon my hands, and drawing up my body a little until the post bore some of my weight, I could ease my discomfort. And upon the Inquisitors resuming their examination I did remain thus.
But the ease I obtained in this way, necessarily exposed my person in a most favorable way for the Execution of the Torturer's labors. And upon my giving another wrong answer, he did strike so well and true across my haunches, I was sure I was cut through to the bones. Thenceforth I discarded what little ease I could obtain in this way.
Jaime Plais was disposed of. Then I confessed to the Evil deeds of Carlos Leisle and Filipe Salzar.
The remorseless lash fell. I writhed and whimpered and pleaded for mercy to those who had none. And in a respite for writing, the Torturer, in need of stimulants for his labor, did shout for a serving maid to replenish the empty wine flagon. Which she did in great haste that he might not be angered with her tardiness, bringing a large wine skin with which she filled the flagon, affording me a glimpse of the serving-maid who now ministered to the comfort of the Torturers in my stead.
She was a handsome Arab girl of sturdy build and shapely figure, wearing but a twist of cloth around her loins. Her firm, half-formed breasts declared her but fifteen years of age. Although her skin was dark I saw the many bruises of the brutal treatment afforded her and she looked upon me with unseeing eyes, already calloused to the sufferings of her Masters' victims. As she bore away the wine skin, I saw the sullen twist to her lips, denoting her dissatisfaction with her lot. Yet would I have cheerfully served, as she did serve, for all my life, if I could but escape this post of torment to which I was so cruelly bound.
Presently the Inquisitors and the Torturers went to repast, making no ease of my discomfort but leaving me to await upon their return. Upon which the Torturer did place a little bread upon my tongue and a little brandy upon my lips, that I might not faint from hunger. Then did he dip a cloth in a bucket of brine and with great roughness wash the blood and stripped skin from my person, putting me to such torment I was for a time quite out of my wits.
Then did my Examination begin again.
"Do you know Abdul Hassan?"
"Yes."
"He denounced you as a Heretic?"
"Yes."
"Is Abdul Hassan a Heretic?"
"No."
The lash.
Despite my pain was I wicked enough to rejoice that Abdul too, for the suffering he had brought upon us, would himself stand condemned and share our fate.
"Abdul Hassan is a Heretic?"
"Yes."
"He has denounced the Holy Church?"
"Yes."
"He has borne false witness?" I did not reply quickly. The lash!
"He has borne false witness?"
"Yes."
"Against an Officer of the Holy Inquisition?"
"Yes."
"Against your Master and his Family?"
"No."
"Against you?"
"No."
"Against Rafael Bortsh?"
"I do not know."
The lash.
"Yes."
The lash.
"No!"
Thus continued my examination, a long list being Written down of persons of whom I had no knowledge, and who, to my great shame, I falsely confessed as Heretics. I did this, lacking the strength of body and will to suffer the fiendish torture visited upon me when I denied the untruths they put into my mouth.
I did faint away before the long day was over, being revived with some difficulty that my confessions might be concluded. But their being almost at an end when my senses fled me for the third time, they forbore to revive me again and did bear me back to my cell, so that I knew no more until I recovered my senses in the utter darkness of the night.
A Physic did attend upon me assiduously for many days. I lay face down, quite unable to move. My flesh was as sensitive as the quick, and the bruising of the lash was sunken deep into the very marrow of my bones.
I prayed to die. Had the means been at hand I would have made no pause to escape my misery. But did the Physic display such desire to heal me, giving me extra crusts of bread, I did slowly mend.
With the passage of weeks my flesh did heal completely. Whereupon, at another visit the Physic did betray his diabolic purpose. For upon his departure I was again shackled by the wrists and left to hang in chains for a day and night while my dread of what must befall me filled me with overwhelming terror.
Then did the guards come for me, binding my arms and leading me with a rope halter around my neck to my third Examination for Heresy.
TORTURE WITHOUT END
Upon the Inquisitors entering and seating themselves at the Tribunal I was asked no questions, but instead seized and stripped and seated upon the flagstones. Whereupon, leather gauntlets attached to chains were fastened around my ankles. The chains were then fastened to ropes that passed through ring bolts set into the wall either side of me. These were hauled upon powerfully and when secured did hold my lower limbs parted and extended painfully.
Then did the Torturer gather up my long hair, twist it into a single braid and tie it with a thick cord. This cord was then drawn taut by passing it through a ring bolt in the wall facing me. Thus was I obliged to sit with my legs drawn out either side of me, drawn forward by my hair, yet with the full freedom of my arms.
All this was done before any question was put, as though my Inquisitors had prepared for an undesirable answer.
A long list was read of the names of all those I had accused of heresy in my last examination. Upon being asked again if they were heretics I replied: "Yes."
Then did the Inquisitor put his next question.
"You are a confessed Heretic?"
"Yes."
"The names of those read aloud to you are also Heretics?"
"Yes."
The Inquisitor paused, and then said slowly: "Do you confess you and these others did together, by evil and magical means, conjure up the Devil Satan, and did suckle him of his wickedness, thus damning your Eternal Souls, and renouncing the one true God of the Holy Roman Church?"
Despite all I had endured my blood ran cold at this terrible question. I blanched. My ears rang with the awfulness of the words. This was the most terrible blasphemy I had ever heard. To confess to it was beyond my will, despite all the tortures they could inflict upon me. I loudly called upon God to give me his grace and bear witness I would not swear thus.
Whereupon the question was repeated. I found the courage to declare it was not true. The Inquisitors gave no sign this was not the answer they desired, but did sit back in their chairs at ease, the while a Torturer tied cords around each of my wrists. Then did another Torturer take up two balls of iron the size of an egg which had been heated in the fire but allowed to cool. Yet, were they still so hot that when he brought them to me he often changed them from one calloused hand to the other.
Then very quickly the Torturers thrust one ball into each of my armpits, where they nested snugly. They crossed my arms upon by breasts and drawing tight the cords around my wrists, did secure them together behind my back. Then did they release me to watch my torment.
I was consumed by the flames of hell. My mind gibbered in its agony. I threw myself about in a frenzy to escape the unbearable torment. I tore the ligaments in my legs without awareness, tore my head free and dashed it back against the flagstones, and shrieked dementedly. Blood ran from my mouth and I was quite out of my mind.
Yet did these monsters forebear my anguish without pity. Did wait with their infinite patience until my tortured body and soul were exhausted by the agony that racked them, waited until the heat of the iron within my armpits cooled and I lay limply.
In the wisdom of their Unholy work, the Inquisitors displayed diabolical cunning. To obtain a confession of my Heresy they could have broken my body and consumed it with the flames of brimstone. But for their purpose of me confessing the Heresy of others, they preserved my flesh that it might suffer often. Not for me the awful flames that consumed the mortal body. But instead, the torments of hell without seared flesh.
I lay exhausted, my head in a pool of blood, most of my hair still entwined in the strong cord from which I had torn free.
The Torturers unbound my arms, removed the iron balls from my armpits, gathered up what was left of my long hair, plaited it and tied it to the cord.
The Torturer placed the iron balls in the heart of the fire to heat them.
The Inquisitors stared down upon me. Again they put the question I so strongly denied.
I confessed to it!
I would have confessed to anything ... anything! As the Inquisitors in their wisdom had known I would.
I was released, placed before the fire and revived with cordials. A Physic was summoned. He treated my split head, in which he was aided by the quantity of my hair I had uprooted, and gave me an evil tasting potion to drink. The hairs in my armpits were not even scorched, although by their sensitivity I had suffered more terribly than when brimstone had flamed within my flesh.
Yet the Inquisition had not concluded with me. Whimpering piteously, I was led to a bench and laid down upon it. I was fastened to it securely by ropes from its corners, tied around my ankles and wrists and drawn taut.
The Inquisitors sat closer to me on stools, the better to hear my replies to their questions.
The bench upon which I lay was drilled with many holes. Cords were passed around my limbs and threaded through these holes ; two to each shin and two to each thigh ; two to each upper arm and two to each forearm. A Torturer seated below the bench drew these cords tightly by means of a turning key. He twisted until the cords were deeply sunken into my flesh and pinned me down quite motionless.
The Inquisitors resumed their examination. "Tell the names of other Heretics."
"I know no others."
The top cord around my thigh tightened until it sank into my flesh.
"Tell the names of other Heretics."
"Have mercy. I will confess anything. Anything! Tell me what I must say."
Another cord was tightened.
"Holy God save me ... I cannot bear it ... have mercy upon a sinner Holy God...."
"Tell the names of other Heretics."
I tried to think, my thoughts sharpened by agony. The cords tightened. Both legs and both arms.
"Tell the names!"
Anything ... anything to escape the pain. My gibbering mind reached out for names. The tradesman who brought us wine.
"Pablo Tasons," I whimpered.
"His abode?"
"I do not know it."
The cords tightened, slicing like a knife into the flesh.
I whimpered the name of a street, the number of a house, not even knowing that it existed. "He confessed to you his Heresy?"
"He did. He did I"
"Did you dance together within the Evil circle of Satan?"
"We did. We did!"
"Did you, together, conjure up the Devil?"
"Yes."
"The names of other Heretics?" Thinking quickly, remembering Master's other visitors, recalling their faces and pronouncing names. "What abode?"
Not knowing and delaying in my answer.
Cords cutting deeper until my body was on fire.
A respite while the Inquisitor wrote and read aloud what I had uttered.
Another question to which my half-crazed wits could not supply a quick answer.
A Torturer took up a small wooden ladder with seven, sharp-pointed wooden rungs. He placed it upon my shins. He dealt the ladder a sharp blow with a hammer, so sorely bruising my shinbones in seven places at one time that I whimpered an answer. Any answer.
Another question to which I knew not the answer.
"Holy God ... have mercy ... pain ... have mercy ... pain ... I am dying in torment...."
The Torturer beneath me, twisting the cords tight until blood spurted.
A respite while the Physic placed his fingers to my temples, listened to my heart beat and declared I was strong enough to resist the Examination.
More questions.
More whimpered answers.
The small wooden ladder against my shin, the heavy blow of a hammer, shocking me through with torment.
The cords twisting deeper and deeper, the spurt of my blood scalding as it falls back upon me.
Questions, questions, questions!
Infinite pain blending into greyness that becomes blackness.
I came to my senses in my cell.
I prayed ceaselessly to God and his goodness helped me to bear my torment. The Physic visited me every day. But my wounds were deep and responded only slowly to his healing. Two cords had cut through to the bone, tearing muscle and sinew so that when I was healed I walked with a limp, placing only the ball of my foot on the floor and able to raise one arm only to the height of my shoulder.
For many, many weeks I languished in my cell before the Physic was satisfied I was healed. So once again I was hung in chains.
Then taken before the Inquisitors.
This was my fourth examination. But these Unholy men still sought to extract the utmost from my tortured, wasted body.
They placed iron gauntlets upon my hands and tightened them until my fingers were crushed. They attached ropes to the gauntlets and hauled me up, the meanwhile I hung they did tear out my toenails and apply a lighted taper to the soles of my feet.
To such length did they go to obtain a confession. Yet I was ready to confess everything! Nay, eager to confess anything!
I was weak from torture and lack of nourishment. Longer was the elapse of time before I healed again. The bones of my fingers were long in setting and my scorched feet resisted healing ointments. Months passed before the physic declared I was fit for my fifth examination. Yet I knew from the converse of the Torturers that some poor wretches survived nine examinations!
The guards came, shackled my wrists and left me hanging in chains to await what was to be my last examination.
I was now so weakened I cared not what happened to me. As I waited the dread summons to the Inquisitor's torture chamber, I no longer had the will to fear. My scarred and wasted body had no resistance. I was so emaciated my arms and legs were like sticks. I pulled one hand free from its shackle. Closed to its smallest, it could not contain my fleshless fingers. I had little feeling and had grown insensitive to pain. There was little they could inflict upon me that I could not bear. My teeth were crumbling in my mouth, my gums bled, my breasts hung limply, flat pouches of withered flesh and my bones probed through skin that was stretched upon them with the tightness of a drum. The guards came for me.
They bound my wrists behind me and placed a rope halter around my neck, as was the custom. Yet I was so weak, and the ligaments of my legs so badly torn, I fell often. I so aroused their impatience they did all but carry me to the Torture chamber, my wasted body needing but little effort of them to bear.
My senses fled when the Inquisitors put the first question.
The Torturer had bound my wrists and hauled me up. Yet must he let me down and apply a burning brand to my haunch to revive me.
Yet as soon as he hauled me up again, I did lose my senses once more. Upon this being repeated four or five times, the Inquisitors changed the form of torture.
But to no avail.
Each time I was subjected to a small excess of pain my senses fled me. Each time it was more difficult to revive me.
At last, judging nothing more of value could be extracted from such a wasted, wretched creature, I was carried back to my cell and thrown down.
I had survived my last Inquisitorial Examination.
ESCAPE
I appeared once again before the Inquisitors. Not to be examined, but to be informed of their judgment.
I was a confessed Heretic. Heresy was a great evil. But I had redeemed myself by not persisting in my wickedness. I had freely confessed my consort with Satan and his disciples. Moreover, when perceiving the wickedness of my ways, I had confessed my evilness, had begged forgiveness of the Holy Church of Rome and did desire to be forgiven and accepted back into the Holy Church of Rome.
The Inquisitors believed I had not sinned so greatly that I could not be redeemed. By confessing my sins, and those of others, I had found my way back into the grace of the Holy Church.
There remained only the penance I must serve to cleanse my soul and expunge my wickedness. Such penance was to begin at some future Auto-da-fe, when having followed the procession while robed in Penitent's garb, and having a cap upon my head which declared my state of sinfulness, I would be brought before the City Authorities and would be legally sentenced to the terms of my penance, which by their great mercy spared me from the harsher measures that were visited upon those sinners less willing to repent.
I would be imprisoned in a windowless dungeon where never the light of day entered, would bear iron fetters upon my ankles at all times and eat only the bread of sorrow and drink the waters of affliction, for ten years.
Having been informed by the Inquisitors of their mercy, I was taken from their presence for the last time and carried back to my cell.
I did not fear my penance. I knew I would not endure it long. My shift was worn to a rag that scarce concealed my loins and bared to my eyes the sad state to which I had fallen. The devilish tortures I had survived had scarred me fearfully and maimed my limbs until I could scarce but walk, dragging one leg and crouched like an old crone, with a useless arm swinging at my side.
Yet my grievous hurts would not bring an end to my suffering. That would come about from my lack of nourishment. My teeth crumbled, my gums rotted, and gazing upon my withered limbs and wasted body I marvelled life still had the impudence to linger. I had only the strength and will to lie and stare up at the window high above that gave me light, and to crawl to the pannikin of watery soup when it was brought. By the great mercy of the Inquisitors I would be deprived even of the light of day and of soup, when my penance began.
I no longer had the strength to scratch the passing of the days upon the wall, nor the will. But the days were many, albeit they passed with year-long slowness, and the months signalled only by the lengthening of the days.
I was not aware when the Auto-da-fe was declared. But it was not one I would attend. This was a great festival, graced by many high dignitaries of the Church, with Royal persons and high-ranking Civil Authorities. It was so grand that the Officers of the Inquisition did prepare imposing evidence of their industry, seeking out many confessions of self-confessed Heretics whose names were well known to all, thus marking the diligence of the Holy Officers.
The Inquisitors worked hard and long. The torture chambers were never empty. And as the victims screamed their confessions, guards of the Holy Office scoured the City for denounced families that were to be 'saved'. The dungeons of the Holy Office overflowed with those awaiting examination.
My cell filled up with healthy Heretics who awaited examination. Their presence was undesirable, for I had not the strength to fight for the crusts of bread thrown to us. Then did an Officer of the Holy Inquisition favor me greatly, though he knew it not. It was a matter of organization. I was an examined repentant. But I was lodged with those awaiting Examination. The cells of those to be examined were overfilled. Therefore, did this Officer of the Holy Inquisition desire I should await my penance in the cells of detention.
Thus, one morning, I was taken by the guard, and after kneeling in a stone chamber for many hours, fainting away twice in my weakness, I was conducted through long corridors, through barred and bolted doors into another part of the Holy Office, so exhausted I must be carried for the last portion of the journey, quite out of my senses.
Upon waking in darkness I knew not where I was, but crawling and groping with my fingers did I learn my cell was identical to the one I had occupied when first I passed within the walls of this terrible building.
Then did hope burn within me and give me a strength. I fretted at the slow passage of the long hours until the Turnkeys did come and throw open the door of my cell.
The fierce blaze of the lantern seared my eyes. Yet as the Turnkey set down a pannikin and made to withdraw, my heart gave a great leap. I cried: "Carlos!"
He stared at me in astonishment.
"Carlos!" I cried and stretched out my hand to him.
He retreated from me quickly, seemingly alarmed. The other Turnkey moved closer to me to see me the better.
"Pedro," I said, remembering his bluff, hearty good nature.
Yet still did they stare at me. "How know you my name?" asked Carlos, wonderingly.
This was Carlos. I had loved him, and I was sure he had loved me. Yet, it seemed, he had quite forgotten me.
"Don't you know me, Carlos. I am Maria Deluz."
Their astonishment was marked.
"You cannot have forgotten me, Carlos," I pleaded.
Then with inspiration I did say the secret words lovers will speak on certain occasions, and which were then pleasing to us all. Such words served to recall my embraces to them. Whereupon, they came closer and questioning me did assure themselves I was indeed Maria Deluz. Upon which they looked upon me with a compassion which was terrible to bear. I knew then they had not forgotten me, but they did not know me! The buxom beautiful girl with whom they had whiled away so many joyous hours, had become a white-haired, bent, old crone.
They did not know me!
But they did not spare me their kindly nature and compassion. They inspected with horror the scars that pocked my limbs and body and which spoke mutely of the suffering visited upon me. Thus, understanding what had changed me so greatly, they were filled with a great pity.
They showed with their kindness they had not forgotten me. They durst not take me to their chamber, for the guards were more vigilant while preparations were made for the Grand festival of Auto-da-fe.
Yet did they come often to my cell, bearing choice morsels, which despite their kindness, wrought me great harm. Since, in my ignorance I did eat too well, imposing upon my shriveled innards such labors as they had long ceased to know, causing me great agonies and vomiting.
But did Hernandez also visit me, and albeit greatly shocked by my changed appearance, did divine my illness and advise I eat only little for many days. Which good counsel I followed with their aid, eating little and slowly, until my nature learned to retain it.
These three good, kind friends did take such compassion upon me they did determine to restore me to health. With the passing of the days I did grow stronger with the sustenance they provided.
Yet was their mercy born of pity and not of love, as I saw in their eyes when they gazed upon the sagging pouches of flesh which were the breasts that once did so delight them. Before, they had looked upon me with admiration. Now they could look upon me only with immense compassion. This was terrible for a girl yet still in her twentieth year.
Yet. such was their kindness that when I grew stronger, they did divine a plan to aid me tho' it put them at the very risk of death. Their danger did prove the love they bore for the girl I once was, though now they could look upon me only with pity.
Their plan was daring. Many weeks elapsed before the circumstance of its practice did arrive. A woman died.
Pedro summoned a Physic, who upon examining her and recording the manner of her dying, did make a writing with her name and the number of her cell.
Upon the Physic departing, Carlos then came to my cell and led me to the dead woman, who's clothing I did assume. I did remain in her cell. Hernandez and Carlos carried the dead woman to my cell.
It was Carlos, who risked most. With great daring, he did go to find a different Physic, who upon being shown the dead woman did make a writing of her manner of dying. But with my name and the number of my cell. Thus, all was made ready for my escape without fear of vengeance falling upon the Turnkeys for their negligence.
They did then bring sacking to my cell, and after many protestations of my gratefulness, I did lie me upon it. They did place much straw around me and sew me up tightly, after placing between my legs a sack of food to help me upon my way. And a sharp piece of iron in my hand to cut myself free. They left me to await the bearers of the dead.
It was the practice of the Holy Office of the Inquisition to dispose of the dead in the deep of night. The corpses were carried to a courtyard, stacked onto carts, covered with straw that citizens should not be alarmed and driven to the River Tagus. The river flowed out to sea and at a place convenient, the bodies were thrown into the water to be carried away.
When they came, the bearers of the dead proved themselves very calloused men. I was handled neither with respect nor gentleness, being banged unmercifully while being carried through the stone corridors of the courtyard, while striving to remain stiff and endure the knocks I received with fortitude. Yet I had learned well to withstand pain!
They dropped me to the ground and rolled me down the steps of the courtyard. Then was I stacked upon other bodies to await the cart. It was unpleasant to have the dead press upon me so intimately. But I had undergone too many horrors to be moved unduly. Yet, when they did load the carts, the lack of respect of the bearers of the dead, was all but my undoing. They did take me by shoulders and feet, and swinging me between them, did throw me up onto the other bodies. Yet with such bad judgment I rolled from the top and fell to the ground, striking the flagstones with great force, being knocked from my senses. My unconscious state doubtless served to delude the bearers of the dead. But almost defeated the kind intentions of my three generous Turnkeys. For had I remained unconscious long, I surely would have been assigned to the Tagus.
But by good fortune I did recover my senses in good time, first aware of the great ache in my split head, then the weight of the bodies upon me, stacked so skillfully that despite my strength (which the ministerings of my three good Turnkeys had afforded me) did put me to great despair in cutting myself free from the sacking, and squirming to the top of the pile of corpses.
I crawled to the rear of the cart, peered out to assure I was not to be observed and, clutching my bag of food, did jump into the dark roadway from the cart's tail.
I did then follow Pedro's counsel and find my way to the Port, secreting myself whenever I saw strangers, and stealthily approaching a number of sailing vessels until I did find one onto which I could slip aboard unobserved. It being advisable to flee the City since the sorry aspect of my person would not long escape attention, and the Holy Office of the Inquisition thus be informed.
There was no knowing where the ship was bound. Yet I secreted myself in the hold, between the bulkhead and a stack of bales, determined to flee the vessel at the first Port. But upon the morning loading began, the hold being quite filled and the hatches closed and battened down.
I had no fears, not knowing the voyage would be weeks, and not days. I was confined in a small space. I had but little food and if the bilges had not been within my reach and awash with brackish water, I would have perished of thirst.
When the long voyage concluded, and the unloading of the hold bared me to the view of men who spoke a strange tongue, I was quite out of my senses with starvation, and in the grip of a fever that filled my mind with strange fantasies. But upon arousing the compassion of Heytor Travenes Dias, he brought me to his home and healed me. I was later such restored to health I can make this deposition.
Know all men by these presences that this is a sworn, true statement.
Maria Deluz June, 1502
APPENDAGE BY HEYTOR TRAVENES DIAS
Maria Deluz being quite restored to health, I do add these notes to my deposition, for the knowledge of those who may have use of it.
This young woman, who has suffered so terribly at the behest of the Holy Office, has responded to long rest, good food and medical treatment. She is in good health, holds herself erect, albeit she walks with a limp, and has all but recovered the use of her arm. Her broken fingers have set badly but she has learned to make dexterous use of them, although their twisted deformity is gruesome to gaze upon. She will soon lose her remaining teeth of a disease that knows no cure. But her flesh has filled out, revealing the comely form of a young girl.
She is a good, kind wench, able and willing to please. In every way she shows great desire to fulfill a debt of gratitude she declares she owes me.
Nothing can remove from her body the shocking scars that disfigure her entirely. No man can ever again look upon her with a lover's eyes.
I am an old man, plagued with an illness that will soon take me to my Maker. I have no kin but a goodly wealth. It is fitting that wealth is devoted to the future comfort of one who has suffered so greatly. To this end I have asked the hand of Maria Deluz in marriage. Thus, legally joined, she will profit from my property and chattels when I go to my grave.
It will not be a true marriage. I am an old man with declining health that has robbed me of desire. Yet, even were it not so, and I had the full vigour of youth, yet could I not suffer her poor, ravaged body to have memories provoked of the cruelties of other men.
Yet, she shall be my legal mistress. We will go walking abroad, I leaning upon my cane with my Mistress' hand upon my arm. Her white hair and lined face will not make an unseemly old couple of us.
Signed : Heytor Travenes Dias Dated : May, 1503.
DOCUMENT
A Certificate of marriage between Heytor Travenes Dias and Maria Deluz.
Dated : June, 1503.
MEMORANDUM OF EDRICH HAUPTMAN. NOTARY
A certain wealthy and respected widow of this City, by the name of Maria Travenes Deluz, did visit me and deposit with me such documents as are attached under a Seal.
Did declare that because of the adherence of the Church of this Country to the Holy Church of Rome, and the extension of the Powers of the Office of the Holy Inquisition to this Country, does desire these documents shall be maintained in safe keeping, until such time as they may be needed.
Did declare that no eyes be set upon these writings, lest evil should result there from.
Did declare that upon being informed of her death, I may consult such documents in secrecy. And decide after perusal if they shall be destroyed or kept.
Did declare that upon her death, a sum of money shall be bequeathed upon me to further any good and worthy cause giving benefit to mankind, that shall be inspired by the reading of these documents.
Edrich Hauptman April, 1518.
IMPRIMERIE BUSSIERE I8-SAINT-AMAND (FRANCE)
No 1411
