Darkmind
Magistrate
Anno 1455
Jacob was a young man of 25. He had short brown hair and had a muscular body from years of hard work. Born in a small village he grew up with his family attending church every Sunday. Upon seeing his dedication the local bishop assisted Jacobs desire to become a blacksmith. The church helped support him for several years as he learned his craft for which he was eternally grateful.
Two years ago Earl Creston had called him to work for his own armory. He quickly proved himself very capable. The Earl had an interest in the the process behind creating armor and liked Jacob for both his hard work as well as his strong faith in the lord. The Earl had spent quite some time talking with Jacob who was given learning on how to properly conduct himself with the ruling class. As time progressed Earl Harrington found him a very useful resource.
About six months ago the King had set out messages warning all his subjects to be on the look out for witchcraft and other devious behavior. The Earl wanting to earn favor spent a considerable amount of coin in having cases investigated as well as enforcing correct punishment when needed. Earl Creston acquired the instructions for forging and assembling a device know as a witches pear.
Jacob thought it was a cruel device but unfortunately was a necessary evil of the times he lived in. It took some time but he created one for the Earl who had his interrogator use the device on several women. The women had been very stubborn until this point and would not divulge important information. After each women had felt the pear open up they confessed.
The Earl's interrogator was impressed with the craftsmanship of the device so this made Jacob all the more favorable.
It was an early morning and Jacob had just arose. He lived in a nice stone house that was far more pleasant than most other dwellings in the area. This workshop was near by which was very convenient. He was about the depart for work when there was a sudden knock at the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
When he opened the door he saw two of the Earl's messengers stood to attention.
One said in a firm voice “Your presence has been requested by Earl Creston. You will come with us”
A little surprised Jacob Responded “Of course. I am ready now if you like”
“Now would be better. The Earl has requested your immediate presence”
Behind the two men was a horse drawn carriage, the two men gestured almost in unison for him to step inside. Jacob stepped out of his house onto the cobbled street then opened the door of the carriage. As he entered he saw the inside was padded with fabric making it very comfortable. He felt very important as the two messengers mounted the outside of the cabin. He heard the reins rattle then the horses began to move the carriage. He sat back watching people stare as he was transported past them. This was a comfort he could get used to.
Some time later the carriage stopped outside the large wooden gates of the castle. The two messengers explained who they were then they were to the guard then were let inside. Inside the castle grounds he instantly noticed how the people were dressed better and were obviously his social betters. Also the grounds were very well kept, gardening for aesthetics was a thing he had never seen before. Across the grass he saw three young ladies talking to each other. His mind immediately came up with several sinful things he could do with any one of them. These thoughts were soon interrupted as the carriage came to a stop at the main entrance to the tower. It was a formidable structure and the tallest for far around. It had several floors to house the Earl as well as his family. One of the messengers opened the carriage door.
“Out you come lad, the Earl is waiting for you”
Jacob stepped out looking up as he did, many people were intimidated by the tower but Jacob moved on masking his emotions. He walked up some stone stairs then though a set of wooden doors. Inside the keep was very well decorated, or at least far better decorated than Jacob had ever seen. There was a smooth stone floor with wooden cladding on the walls. Candles provided light down each corridor, a luxury few could afford.
The two messengers escorted him upstairs to a room flanked by two guards. They had plate breast plates with chain mail suits underneath. Each one held a polearm and looked like they were more than capable of using it. There was also a shield above the door showing the Earl's coat of arms. As they approached the guards one of the messengers said to the guards “We have Jacob the blacksmith to see his lordship”
“Very well, he is expected and can go in. Alone” responded one of the guards
The guard opened the door letting Jacob walk inside. In the room there was a large table covered in letters in the middle and a good sized window with a commanding view. The Earl was staring out of the window as Jacob entered but soon turned around.
The earl was lavishly dressed in fine clothes with accompanying jewelry. He was 42 years old yet still had a muscular body. The Earl also had a well trimmed beard and a warm presence. Once the Earl turned around Jacob dropped to one knee.
“It is an honor to meet you once more my lord, how may I be of service?”
The Earl gestured with his hand “Arise young man”
Jacob then stood up as the Earl walked across the room to the table. Pointing to the letters he said “There has been much talk recently of witches in the area. Their evil is growing stronger in these parts and I have assured the king it will be dealt with!”
The earl made a fist and slammed it down onto the table to dramatize his point.
“To aid in this the king has now demanded acts of debauchery be investigated as well. As these offend god and without god''s blessing we are all doomed. It is unfortunate but the people implicated in these matter often need more aggressive interrogation before they speak the truth. This is why I have summoned you”
Jacob looked a little surprised but remained silent. He knew he was only to speak when asked.
"The man who I usually call upon to interrogate suspects has taken ill so I call upon you. You have helped in the past and will be handsomely paid for your services. Can I count on you?”
Jacob nodded “Yes my lord, I will do as commanded”
With a smile the Earl responded “Excellent, your role will be to aid a woman called sister Beatrix from a near by monastery who will be doing most of the questioning. You will then apply torture if needed. I implore you to familiarize yourself with the methods, start with the lesser tortures then only move to crueler ones if they are ineffective”
“Yes my lord”
The Earl picked up a letter form the table.
“I received this two days ago and it has troubled me deeply. It is a letter written anonymously informing me of acts of depravity happening within these very walls. The writer tells of several women and a male meeting in a room to commit acts on sin without remorse. There is also the mention of possible demonic behavior as well. The only name mentioned is a young girl called Anne wellsworth who the writer says is he only one they could identify. Anne works as a chamber maid but I have had her detained until she can be questioned. I will have one of the guards take you to sister Beatrix who you will be working with. Do as she says and if you preform well coin will follow. Understood?”
“Yes my lord I understand and am grateful for the chance to serve you”
“Very good” Said Earl Creston with a smile. He then called out “Guard!”
The door opened and one of the guards leaned his head in. “Yes my lord”
The Earl stated “Take this man to see Sister Beatrix at once”
Nodding his head the guard responded “yes my lord”
Jacob bowed then walked out of the room to be escorted to see the sister. He was taken to the other side of the tower by the guard who brought him to a door in a quieter area. The guard then knocked on the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Sister Beatrix I have the blacksmith to see you”
A woman's voice responded “Send him in then leave us”
The door creaked as Jacob opened it then entered the room. The room was sparse compared to the rest of the keep with a few candles providing light. In the middle of the room the was a metal bath tub that sister Beatrix was bathing in facing away from Jacob. She stood up completely naked and she heard Jacob gasp.
She looked over the shoulder as she picked up a large cloth to dry herself and said “O dear young man you are going to see much more of a woman if you and I are to work together. You are able to handle it aren't you?”
He stared at her body for a moment. She was slender with beautiful curves, a total surprise for him. A closer look showed many old scares from where she had been whipped across her back. He cleared his thoughts and replied “I was just surprised Sister Beatrix that was all. I am ready to do what ever is needed”
She turned to face his showing him her breasts. He stood calmly not wanting to show any sock for fear of loosing his new appointment before it had begun. She had well rounded breasts that he could have enjoyed all day but again a closer look showed she had lash marks over her front as well. She had clearly had a troubled past. She said to him “That is good to hear and please just call me Beatrix. I don't want any of my church background mentioned as we do the dark work in the lords name”
He nodded as he watched the candle light constantly move the shadows cast on her body. She covered herself somewhat with the cloth sheet then stepped out of the bath. Her feet made damp thudding sound as she then walked behind a decorative wooden screen to get dressed. Her attitude was almost playful but he knows she is not a faint heated creature.
As she dressed she said “Has the earl told you of your new roles. I need a person who is very capable for this appointment”
Promptly he responded “Yes I am to assist in the interrogation of those accused of misdeeds. To torture if necessary”
Her head turned towards him as she rubbed her body with the cloth. “And are you up to that task?”
He gave one distinct nod “Yes I am”
A smile crept over her face “Excellent as we have one who will be in need of your services in the cells right now”
Once she had dried she put on a black dress. It had exposed arms and went down to just below her knee. It was made of simple black fabric that fitted tightly. She then used a white rope as a belt then stepped into some shoes.
As she put on a chain neckless with a wooden cross she said “As well as not calling me a sister I choose not to dress as one. The black is for my morning or the soles who we must press”
“I understand”
“Come then young man we have much to do”
They then left the room and headed though the halls to exit the keep. Nearby was the prison tower where there victim was held. It was the corner tower of the castle that had a fearsome reputation. As they entered Jacob noticed it lacked the welcoming, wealthy feel of the main keep but instead had a cold and unforgiving in nature. The walls were bare stone and there were far more guards.
One of the guards that appeared to be in charge came to great Beatrix.
“Shall we send the prisoner to the interrogation room, ma lady” The guard said in a cold voice.
“Yes, if you can. We would like to begin questioning. We will head there now and meet you there”
“Very good ma lady”
Jacob simply nodded to the guard then Beatrix then lead him deeper into the tower. Finally she opened a heavy wooden door which had an eye slit on it then then entered the chamber. Jacob looked around knowing he quickly had to familiarize himself with the place.
The room had a small table with a chair at one end that had restrains on it, he presumed this was to tie down a victim. Then again against wall there was a frame in the shape of an inverted Y that a person could be tied to with their legs held apart. Lastly he noticed a smaller table against the wall with a few whips, pliers and other tools of torture. “Not the best stocked torture chamber in the land but it would suffice” he thought to himself.
Jacob was a young man of 25. He had short brown hair and had a muscular body from years of hard work. Born in a small village he grew up with his family attending church every Sunday. Upon seeing his dedication the local bishop assisted Jacobs desire to become a blacksmith. The church helped support him for several years as he learned his craft for which he was eternally grateful.
Two years ago Earl Creston had called him to work for his own armory. He quickly proved himself very capable. The Earl had an interest in the the process behind creating armor and liked Jacob for both his hard work as well as his strong faith in the lord. The Earl had spent quite some time talking with Jacob who was given learning on how to properly conduct himself with the ruling class. As time progressed Earl Harrington found him a very useful resource.
About six months ago the King had set out messages warning all his subjects to be on the look out for witchcraft and other devious behavior. The Earl wanting to earn favor spent a considerable amount of coin in having cases investigated as well as enforcing correct punishment when needed. Earl Creston acquired the instructions for forging and assembling a device know as a witches pear.
Jacob thought it was a cruel device but unfortunately was a necessary evil of the times he lived in. It took some time but he created one for the Earl who had his interrogator use the device on several women. The women had been very stubborn until this point and would not divulge important information. After each women had felt the pear open up they confessed.
The Earl's interrogator was impressed with the craftsmanship of the device so this made Jacob all the more favorable.
It was an early morning and Jacob had just arose. He lived in a nice stone house that was far more pleasant than most other dwellings in the area. This workshop was near by which was very convenient. He was about the depart for work when there was a sudden knock at the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
When he opened the door he saw two of the Earl's messengers stood to attention.
One said in a firm voice “Your presence has been requested by Earl Creston. You will come with us”
A little surprised Jacob Responded “Of course. I am ready now if you like”
“Now would be better. The Earl has requested your immediate presence”
Behind the two men was a horse drawn carriage, the two men gestured almost in unison for him to step inside. Jacob stepped out of his house onto the cobbled street then opened the door of the carriage. As he entered he saw the inside was padded with fabric making it very comfortable. He felt very important as the two messengers mounted the outside of the cabin. He heard the reins rattle then the horses began to move the carriage. He sat back watching people stare as he was transported past them. This was a comfort he could get used to.
Some time later the carriage stopped outside the large wooden gates of the castle. The two messengers explained who they were then they were to the guard then were let inside. Inside the castle grounds he instantly noticed how the people were dressed better and were obviously his social betters. Also the grounds were very well kept, gardening for aesthetics was a thing he had never seen before. Across the grass he saw three young ladies talking to each other. His mind immediately came up with several sinful things he could do with any one of them. These thoughts were soon interrupted as the carriage came to a stop at the main entrance to the tower. It was a formidable structure and the tallest for far around. It had several floors to house the Earl as well as his family. One of the messengers opened the carriage door.
“Out you come lad, the Earl is waiting for you”
Jacob stepped out looking up as he did, many people were intimidated by the tower but Jacob moved on masking his emotions. He walked up some stone stairs then though a set of wooden doors. Inside the keep was very well decorated, or at least far better decorated than Jacob had ever seen. There was a smooth stone floor with wooden cladding on the walls. Candles provided light down each corridor, a luxury few could afford.
The two messengers escorted him upstairs to a room flanked by two guards. They had plate breast plates with chain mail suits underneath. Each one held a polearm and looked like they were more than capable of using it. There was also a shield above the door showing the Earl's coat of arms. As they approached the guards one of the messengers said to the guards “We have Jacob the blacksmith to see his lordship”
“Very well, he is expected and can go in. Alone” responded one of the guards
The guard opened the door letting Jacob walk inside. In the room there was a large table covered in letters in the middle and a good sized window with a commanding view. The Earl was staring out of the window as Jacob entered but soon turned around.
The earl was lavishly dressed in fine clothes with accompanying jewelry. He was 42 years old yet still had a muscular body. The Earl also had a well trimmed beard and a warm presence. Once the Earl turned around Jacob dropped to one knee.
“It is an honor to meet you once more my lord, how may I be of service?”
The Earl gestured with his hand “Arise young man”
Jacob then stood up as the Earl walked across the room to the table. Pointing to the letters he said “There has been much talk recently of witches in the area. Their evil is growing stronger in these parts and I have assured the king it will be dealt with!”
The earl made a fist and slammed it down onto the table to dramatize his point.
“To aid in this the king has now demanded acts of debauchery be investigated as well. As these offend god and without god''s blessing we are all doomed. It is unfortunate but the people implicated in these matter often need more aggressive interrogation before they speak the truth. This is why I have summoned you”
Jacob looked a little surprised but remained silent. He knew he was only to speak when asked.
"The man who I usually call upon to interrogate suspects has taken ill so I call upon you. You have helped in the past and will be handsomely paid for your services. Can I count on you?”
Jacob nodded “Yes my lord, I will do as commanded”
With a smile the Earl responded “Excellent, your role will be to aid a woman called sister Beatrix from a near by monastery who will be doing most of the questioning. You will then apply torture if needed. I implore you to familiarize yourself with the methods, start with the lesser tortures then only move to crueler ones if they are ineffective”
“Yes my lord”
The Earl picked up a letter form the table.
“I received this two days ago and it has troubled me deeply. It is a letter written anonymously informing me of acts of depravity happening within these very walls. The writer tells of several women and a male meeting in a room to commit acts on sin without remorse. There is also the mention of possible demonic behavior as well. The only name mentioned is a young girl called Anne wellsworth who the writer says is he only one they could identify. Anne works as a chamber maid but I have had her detained until she can be questioned. I will have one of the guards take you to sister Beatrix who you will be working with. Do as she says and if you preform well coin will follow. Understood?”
“Yes my lord I understand and am grateful for the chance to serve you”
“Very good” Said Earl Creston with a smile. He then called out “Guard!”
The door opened and one of the guards leaned his head in. “Yes my lord”
The Earl stated “Take this man to see Sister Beatrix at once”
Nodding his head the guard responded “yes my lord”
Jacob bowed then walked out of the room to be escorted to see the sister. He was taken to the other side of the tower by the guard who brought him to a door in a quieter area. The guard then knocked on the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Sister Beatrix I have the blacksmith to see you”
A woman's voice responded “Send him in then leave us”
The door creaked as Jacob opened it then entered the room. The room was sparse compared to the rest of the keep with a few candles providing light. In the middle of the room the was a metal bath tub that sister Beatrix was bathing in facing away from Jacob. She stood up completely naked and she heard Jacob gasp.
She looked over the shoulder as she picked up a large cloth to dry herself and said “O dear young man you are going to see much more of a woman if you and I are to work together. You are able to handle it aren't you?”
He stared at her body for a moment. She was slender with beautiful curves, a total surprise for him. A closer look showed many old scares from where she had been whipped across her back. He cleared his thoughts and replied “I was just surprised Sister Beatrix that was all. I am ready to do what ever is needed”
She turned to face his showing him her breasts. He stood calmly not wanting to show any sock for fear of loosing his new appointment before it had begun. She had well rounded breasts that he could have enjoyed all day but again a closer look showed she had lash marks over her front as well. She had clearly had a troubled past. She said to him “That is good to hear and please just call me Beatrix. I don't want any of my church background mentioned as we do the dark work in the lords name”
He nodded as he watched the candle light constantly move the shadows cast on her body. She covered herself somewhat with the cloth sheet then stepped out of the bath. Her feet made damp thudding sound as she then walked behind a decorative wooden screen to get dressed. Her attitude was almost playful but he knows she is not a faint heated creature.
As she dressed she said “Has the earl told you of your new roles. I need a person who is very capable for this appointment”
Promptly he responded “Yes I am to assist in the interrogation of those accused of misdeeds. To torture if necessary”
Her head turned towards him as she rubbed her body with the cloth. “And are you up to that task?”
He gave one distinct nod “Yes I am”
A smile crept over her face “Excellent as we have one who will be in need of your services in the cells right now”
Once she had dried she put on a black dress. It had exposed arms and went down to just below her knee. It was made of simple black fabric that fitted tightly. She then used a white rope as a belt then stepped into some shoes.
As she put on a chain neckless with a wooden cross she said “As well as not calling me a sister I choose not to dress as one. The black is for my morning or the soles who we must press”
“I understand”
“Come then young man we have much to do”
They then left the room and headed though the halls to exit the keep. Nearby was the prison tower where there victim was held. It was the corner tower of the castle that had a fearsome reputation. As they entered Jacob noticed it lacked the welcoming, wealthy feel of the main keep but instead had a cold and unforgiving in nature. The walls were bare stone and there were far more guards.
One of the guards that appeared to be in charge came to great Beatrix.
“Shall we send the prisoner to the interrogation room, ma lady” The guard said in a cold voice.
“Yes, if you can. We would like to begin questioning. We will head there now and meet you there”
“Very good ma lady”
Jacob simply nodded to the guard then Beatrix then lead him deeper into the tower. Finally she opened a heavy wooden door which had an eye slit on it then then entered the chamber. Jacob looked around knowing he quickly had to familiarize himself with the place.
The room had a small table with a chair at one end that had restrains on it, he presumed this was to tie down a victim. Then again against wall there was a frame in the shape of an inverted Y that a person could be tied to with their legs held apart. Lastly he noticed a smaller table against the wall with a few whips, pliers and other tools of torture. “Not the best stocked torture chamber in the land but it would suffice” he thought to himself.