Spooky Tales of Aeran: A Halloween Special pt 1

The Kingdom of Verden, almost Two hundred years ago. (52 YBTR)

—

“Have you any last words, Witch?” the Mustachioed Inquisitor asked.

The only thing that slipped from the woman’s lips in response was a dry hissing gurgle as the metal of the pillory dug into her neck and the weight of the balls on her ankle shackles pulled her jaw tightly against the wood.

“Not such a witty tongue now, hmm?” he scowled, spitting at the ground before turning to address the amassed crowd. “As you can see.” he gestured, raising one arm and waving it vaguely at the suspended woman. “A witch, no matter how powerful, is no match for the Inquisition.”

“Praise Inquisitor Grimsby.” the crowd chanted as if it was a call and response.

Grimsby then raised both his arms out and then brought them forward and towards those gathered to watch the spectacle. “And good citizens of Verden, despite being given ample chances to repent and renounce her evil and wicked ways, she hath abjured our lord in favour of her profane and devilish magics.” he stated “And that is not something that can be allowed to stand. This ultimate punishment was inevitable, as you all know such malfeasance will not be tolerated.” Grimsby let his arms fall back to a resting position before addressing the crowd.

“Would you allow such a sacrilegious, profane, depraved, reprehensible, depraved degenerate, to live? To continue bringing misfortune, poison our families, sew dispare, sacrifice our youngest children and our most needed livestock?”

“No!” The crowd’s shouts nearly shook the ground. “No!” they shouted a second time.

“Of course not!” Inquisitor Grimsby responded. “And yet…” he raised his arm again. “She does. Despite our greatest efforts this Witch.” he pointed to the woman, “Has survived.” Grimsby started to pace in a theatrical manner. “Stabbings, Starvation, Dehydration,
Defenestration. But, my fair citizenry, that all ends today, this abomination will no longer bring dread to your doorsteps.”

“Praise Inquisitor Grimsby.” They cheered. “Praise His Majesty the King, and High Highness the crown prince Asgurt.”

“It would seem the jury has spoken, Witch.” Grimsby bellowed “It is time.” he gestured with his hand in a rolling motion and two of his men pulled a heavy rope, pulling her off her feet, as it did she managed to get her throat free every so slightly. “Y-you wi-will p-pay.” she rasped out over chapped lips.

Inquisitor Grimsby began to laugh slightly. “What was that Witch? Do you truly believe Kelmoran will save you?” he asked, his eyes following her as she was raised further off the ground. “So blinded by your evil ways you do not see those roles are reversed now. You have no ground to stand on.” he smiled, pleased with his play on words. “At any rate you will not have the time.”

“I d-don’t know w-who t-that is…I s-swear.” she choked as the pillory slammed against her chin again due the weight on her legs.

Once off the ground, she felt the heavy iron manacles, and heavy iron balls around her ankles cutting the skin, and the warmth of the crimson blood filling her shoes. As the roped gallow she hung on was swung out over the water, she began to mutter in an old language. Her eyes slowly began to glow a haunting green.

“Cut It Now!” Grimsby shouted, seeing that she was attempting to cast a spell.

The rope was cut with the quick chop of an axe, and she was plunged into the frigid lake; the shock caused a scream that was instantly cut off by her mouth being filled with water as she reached the bottom almost as quickly as she’d fallen into the water's surface. The bright green light fading to a dim glow under the water that faded not long after the bubbles.

“Let this be a lesson to any amongst you who believes it possible to hide the practice of magic. Let her be an example. Now return how and pray tonight. Pray for your protection from the witches foul words and sinful presence. Ask that you will be washed clean of her influence.”

“Real shame, she was a cute one.” one of the men said.

“All the better lesson,” Grimsby said, “It shows them nobody is safe…but you are right it’s a shame we had to stage this stunt so early. I would have liked more time to see what she could take.”

The crowd was quickly dispersed by Grimsby and his men. But unseen to anyone a pulse of green light cut through the dark water like a single heartbeat. Sealing the witches first and final curse.