Curse named human

Curse named human - Part 12 / 40

† Curse named human †

[(ke:s neimd 'hju:men)]

Part 12 / 4 of 5

The last life on earth

The Die and Shinya-Chapters

Things in their little, catholic town became strange. Not through any actions or talking but there was just something in the air that tasted bitter. The council people from their village knew it and Die and his Uncle knew it as well: Highly important visit from Rome had arrived together with priest Graham some days ago. If it was the Inquisition, Die didn't know but anything from Rome meant trouble and these old men really didn't look like being on vacation.

What got Die's attention on this normal weekday was his uncle walking stressful through the parish, obviously looking for something. The old man searched every room and returned later with some heavy books under his arms.

The visit of these old men with red robes followed the same day. Stern and loud voices could be heard inside priest Graham's little office. The talking and instructions lasted almost an hour. Die almost forgot about them while he attended his own business but he was called into his uncle's office immediately afterwards.

"Daisuke, have a seat." His uncle offered and Die noticed that his face looked tired. The heavy, black leather bounded books in front of his desk were randomly opened.

"Uncle?" Die had to remind him that he was there. Sunken in thoughts the old priest Graham shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little tired these days...."

"This men..." Die wanted to know.

"Oh yes, these men.... they were really sent from Rome and will be traveling the country the following weeks."

And it was his tone that told Die that something was about to change.

"So it was the Inquisition."

"Descendants of it... which means we have a lot to do." Priest Graham pointed at the books with his chin. "You certainly know that church is on its peak on the hunt of disbeliever. Any suspicious disbeliever, black magicians and witches must be brought forward to court and this is where our job starts...."

The mere thought of supporting this hunt-madness gave Die a paralyzed feeling from head to toe.

"Us servants of holy church..."

Die wanted to shout in that he was a servant of God but he remained silent.

"... have to observe every citizen in this village and write down any suspicious action, remarks or behavior. And every suspicious person must be brought into court for a personal hearing."

It was not only close to madness but almost impossible. He and his uncle observing a whole village and making reports to Rome? Die tried to work on that information. He opened his mouth several times before he really knew what he was asking. "And how are we supposed to observe all these people?"

"Soon the two of us have to visit each house in the village and write reports about each family. But it is strictly forbidden to tell them about the Inquisition's plans.... we will tell them that it's just a security control."

So at least the mission was clear: The church wanted to see blood. And they made Die and his uncle their servants. Servants of madness and Die wasn't so sure if he was able to stand it. He felt helpless and trapped in something he had no control over. And it scared him.