Episode MMXXXVIII – Strange Encounter

By the side of the road, as our brave holy warriors staggered onward bravely to meet their fate according to the judgment of the grand disciples of the prophetic word, there was an ancient seer that legend proclaims had withstood the blandishments of the vile crusaders and while not even having a clothe to cover himself or even a beard was revered for his wisdom and knowledge of the sacred book. And, he spoke unto these pilgrims, the holy warriors that they might yet achieve paradise if, before encountering the great religious judges to receive their preordained fate, they were able to commit a great work as the beheading of those who have engaged in unseemly behavior or the stoning of a woman who refused to obey her husband or who bared her head, thereby being unseemly and dressing as would a prostitute. And, so, these pilgrims, being anxious for salvation took it upon themselves to purge all that they met for was it not for their own good? © mmg 2008

Episode MMXXXVI – The Landing

Staggering onto the dock, we encountered before anyone else a poleax man who introduced himself as our executioner. Stark naked but for his head which according to law must be kept covered, and stinking himself, had the carcass of a sea creature at his feet and began demonstrating his skills upon it, deftly slicing off repulsive portions of dead flesh from this fish that had been too long in the sun. And, we were forced to concur; the precision with which he wielded his instrument was noteworthy. He was a master and we gave him his due with coin and other blandishments. Whereupon, he took out a greasy crayon and began marking on each of us the cuts that he would take, sundering limbs first and then the rest until we would be but a pile of flesh, each of us, before the sacred law. He advised holding quite still while he proceeded. But, he said, “I will not begin until the religious police have had their way with you. Then, he gave us instructions to the religious court where were to appear for trial and immediate conviction. What choice did we have as a condemnation of death had been issued by the great seer? © mmg 2008