| Enchanted Chapter three The soldiers had approached the town from behind,with coverings on the horses hoofs. The captain did'nt want anyone running away, once the arrest started. The horses were tethered together in the nearby trees and they crept to both entrances of the church. The captain sent the sergeant and two men to the rear and hide. He was hoping Masters when alarmed would rush and destroy any incriminating evidence. He was right, as soon as he burst into the church, a figure broke away from the meeting and disappeared to the back. He soon had the confused "Brotherhood" shackled and under control. The sergeant returned with the protesting Parson Masters, hands tied behind his back. The sergeant carried just one book. The captain had a quick look at the entries and discovered they were all females, and alongside their names, the crime they had supposed to have commited. The sentence was "To be delivered to God, to repent their dealings with the Devil". The captain thought the man was completely mad. How on earth did he control the so called "Brotherhood". He was sure they held repectable business's in the town. "Sergeant! gag that man and cover his head.He will no longer influence these men with his pious beliefs. When Masters was silenced an arrested man spoke out. "Captain,there is a girl in the cellar, waiting for a witch trial. Apart from being frightened she has been unharmed.She believes she is going to become a nun." The man cowered as the captain stood in front of him. He sent one of his men to find the girl. "The entrance is under the pulpit. She has food and blankets... Masters would have began the rituals tomorrow." The frightend man continued. "What rituals?" The captain demanded. "He has this book, no one is allowed to touch it. He goes into the cellar to "Save" the girls with prayer.When he brings the girls up after hours of "Praying". She is muttering and praying forgiveness. We dont know what he does but they seemed hypnotised, and unaware as to where they are. "Then what happens?" Another arrested man speaks. "I am the doctor for the town captain. I have not always practised according to my oath. I have treated women who have fallen by the wayside and become pregnant. As you know this is against catholic beliefs. Masters discovered this somehow and told me if I became a member of the Brotherhood I would be free of catholic reprisal, if ever the cardinal found out. Anyway I had to examine the girls and find blemishes, which Masters said were "Devils" marks. I must admit I was convinced, the marks are certainly not natural, as the brotherhood agreed." The doctor stated. "Describe the marks man." The captain was getting annoyed by the idiocies of the situation. "An upside down pentogram was embodied into the nape of the neck, like a birthmark. Most of the girls had long hair, so it wouldnt be seen." The doctor uttered. He looked at the sergeant and nodded. The sergeant gently lifted the girls hair to look for the mark. "Nothing here sir." The sergeant said. "Go and look for a branding iron Sergeant, should be close to a fireplace if theres one down there." The captain ordered. "How long has she been down there doctor?" The captain asked. "Masters brought her from his house yesterday, during the night. Mrs Masters looked after them until he collected them." "What on earth did he tell his wife where he got them from?" "She is as innocent as he day she was born, as are our wives. They have masters down to be a saviour of unwanted girls found on the highway. They really believe he takes them to a nunnery." "How many have you all killed?" The captain glared at all of them. "We havent actually killed anyone Captain. We build the sacrificial fires and tie the girls to the post. Masters said we are not parsons so we cannot "Save" anyone. He alone lights the fire, after we have left." "So you havent actually seen any girl being burned?" The captain asks. "None of us have." Where do you make these fires?" "Not in this area, captain, I believe toward the Austrian and Spanish borders."The Doctor said. "As I havent any evidence of kidnap or killings I have to release you all except Parson Masters. You need to be questioned by a higher authority than myself. Doctor! take the girl back to the Masters residents, and ask Mrs Masters to look after her until further instruction. All of you are banned from forming any more "Brotherhood" meetings and you will get on with your chosen profession. I know where to find you if I need you for evidence." The Captain was writing a note while disbanding the arrested men. "Corporal! Ride on ahead to the Countess's shoreside housing. Give this note to the head coachman and ask him to deliver it to the Countess. There is no reply. We will wait for you at the crossroads. The quicker we get Masters to the cardinal, the easier people will rest in their beds." "Why's that Captain?" The Sergeant asked. "I dont think Masters has killed anyone. As they say in the church archives, I think that Masters is all "Gas and Gaiters". The Sergeant looked puzzled. "Oh he's guilty of something, but its not for burning anyone. Take his hood off someone, but keep him gagged until we leave town." A soldier came back from the cellar carrying a small iron. As the captain thought it was shaped in a pentogram. "There you are Doctor, the "Devil" mark. Now come along, I will escort you to the Masters house. Sergeant bring my horse the back way. The Doctor led the way and knocked on Mrs Masters door. "Good evening Mistress Masters, I have brought the girl back." The Doctor said. "This is Captain Loretzo of the Venitian council army." "I dont understand Phil....um Doctor." Hariot stammered, she was going to use his fist name then saw the Captain. "Good evening Ma'am, there is no cause for alarm. We have requested the presence of Parson Masters to appear before the Venitian council. He is with my men, while I make sure this young woman is in safe hands for the night.The good Doctor informs me that you look after girls before they go on to a nunnery. Due to our interuption, normal procedure has changed. While your husband entertains the Cardinals Bishop, I have arranged for this girl to be collected by the nuns of the Order of St Agnetha. They will arrive some time tomorrow. Rest well, I bid you goodnight." The Captain smiled. Now the Captain had left Hariot asked the Doctor and girl to enter. "Whats going on then Philip? Hariot asked. "I'm not sure about details Hariot but there will be no more Brotherhood and I think you'll see a few changes from tomorrow. I dont know when Seth will be back, if at all. It all sounds pretty important if he's seeing the Bishop. If you dont mind I'll hurry on home to Bess. Enjoy your evening with the young company, at least you'll have someone to talk to." With that the Doctor went home. Hariot started to heat some water for the girls bath. "It will be a treat to have her for one more night." She thought. |