Charlotte’s relief
To her western mind the week long isolation chained in a cell was an overreaction to the “lewd and lascivious behaviour” charge she’d faced. All because she wore a simple, to her mind demure, mini dress when taking holiday photos in the town square. How was she to understand it was the holiest day in Cruxonistan, and that an uncovered woman in the square was a punishable offense? How was she to know that entering the interesting looking temple was so offensive and forbidden? That especially on such a holy day it wasn’t just taboo, but risked a terrible curse? That the Temple was a sacred ground? Only the most devout, faithful men to visit at all, and in complete supplication?
Never mind, when arrested she thought it might be an interesting matter to experience Cruxonistanian justice for a war story to brag about in hostels as she traveled the world. She’d pay the fine, or worst case a few days in a prison and have a tale to shock fellow travelers…
She did not understand a word of the sentence, and had received no defence. As proceeding ended with a long tirade from the judge in incomprehensible Cruxonian, she reached for her purse, ready to pay whatever fine was required.
Shocked when 2 burly guards slapped her money away, and roughly stripped her of her clothes, putting a collar about her neck and violently dragging her down stone steps by her new chain leash…
She’d been taken to a cold cell, and chained to a wall, where she languished for 7 days. Only twice did she see another soul, as a man entered who also had chains attached to his wrist and ankle cuffs - was that scarring on his back? He silently gave her foul water that she was too thirsty to refuse, from a dirty looking jug, and then left.
After her week was up, two guards appeared, and dragged her to a large chamber- she was thinking her term was surely over, and regretted her breech, while this was going to be a great travelers tale, she had had more than enough.
Then they chained her with wrists above her head, she saw the brazier, and felt it’s heat! She did not understand until a brutal looking man dressed in a leather apron pulled heated cat’s claws from the hot oven.
Each application burned deep and tore her flesh, sometimes to the bone. She was horrified by the terrible animal screaming she heard - certain someone was skinning a cat. With despair she realised they were her own, she who was being skinned.,.
After the heated Cats claws were applied, there was a respite. Tears rolled down her cheeks, she couldn’t stop crying and whimpering in agony.
However, the guards actually smiled! Charlotte was relieved, it was over at last! It had been painful, for sure. But it was over… sweet relief.
The first words in English she’d heard in a week will forever haunt her…
“Now your punishment
begins, western whore…”