A New Novel, Part 256 The Courtroom

17 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 256 The Courtroom

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya's secular trial is about to begin.  We see the setting of the scene and the transition...

Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel escorted Aksinya into the courtroom on the main floor of the Rathaus.  Aksinya beamed at the configuration of the room.  Unlike the chapel in the Cardinal’s house, this was the proper courtroom of Aksinya’s experience.  The roof was tall and impressive.  The colors of the walls and accouterments were light brown with accents and details in grey-blue.  A tall and wide solid desk, the judge’s bench sat at one end.  Behind it was a large raised seal of the nation and emperor of Austria.  The seats for observers and witnesses within the courtroom were also light brown.  A rail with a center opening ran across the front between the desk and the benches.  Directly in front of the opening was a single chair that faced the solid desk, and behind the chair at either side, was a table each with a couple of regular chairs.  It all reminded Aksinya of her adopted father’s court when he sat in judgment of his people.  At that thought, her smiled turned down.  

Captain Gerber led Aksinya to the table on the left.  She sat.  He and Sergeant Nagel stood behind her.  After a few minutes, Father Dobrushin entered the courtroom.  He wasn’t dressed in Orthodox robes today.  He wore a dark suit without a priest’s collar.  He paused a moment and glanced around as though he was very familiar with the setting and felt very comfortable there.  The Father noted Aksinya and proceeded to the table where she sat.  Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel nodded to the priest.  At the table, he bowed and spoke in Russian, “Princess Aksinya, good morning.  Would you permit me to sit at the table with you?”

Aksinya almost did not recognize the priest.  He had trimmed his beard into the close rakish style worn by many Austrian men.  It looked very pleasant on his face.  Aksinya felt a twinge of desire that she hadn’t known for a long time and felt a little ashamed.  She mumbled, “Good morning, Father Dobrushin.” The volume of her voice increased slightly, “You should not show me so much deference otherwise the nobility of Austria and the Church will rise up against you.”

Father Dobrushin smiled, “In spite of that, I shall always honor you, Princess.”

“You are very kind to me, thank you.  Please sit, as I have no other defenders.  I’m glad Matushka Ekaterina chose not to come.”

“She would have come except Father Makar would not permit it.”

“Have I caused another problem?”

“It is not you…”

“Then the demon?”

“Father Makar has not been happy with you since you escaped to the Ecclesia.”

“He believes I am insane.”

Father Dobrushin’s brow creased.

Aksinya lowered her eyes, “I overheard…”

“So I guessed.”  Father Dobrushin pulled a stack of papers out of his briefcase, “Princess Aksinya, I intend to defend you to the best of my ability.  I don’t wish you to go to prison or the workhouse.”

The built in transition is the break between the visit to Aksinya's cell and the trial.  This is a method to make time move ahead.  Then the scene setting for the courtroom.  We start with two characters you have already bee introduced to.  They aren't that important of characters, but I give them to you as a connection to the scene where Aksinya was captured in front of her house.  This reminds you of her house, the capture, and the idea of the secular trial.  The characters are Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel.  After that, we get into the scene itself.  This description is a comparative description, but it is used in reverse.  The reverse is that the comparison is to a courtroom you have not seen before--the courtroom of Aksinya's father. 

The description of the courtroom is for an Austrian court of the time.  The comparison is to a Russian noble court of the time.  This courtroom is set up as an Austrian judicial court.

The Captain and Sergeant seat Aksinya.  Notice particularly Father Dobrushin.  He isn't dressed in Orthodox robes.  He doesn't have on a priest's collar.  His beard is trimmed.  With this description many Orthodox individuals will be able to determine what has happened.  I won't tell you know--this will be revealed later.  Aksinya doesn't get it.  She almost didn't recognise the priest.  She feels a twinge of desire--this is a foreshadowing.  Note that she is ashamed at her thoughts now.

Then I give you another hint about what has happened.  Ekaterina is not at the trial because Father Makar would not permit it.  Yet, Father Dobrushin is there.  Then we get the short discussion about Father Makar's feelings about Aksinya.  Father Dobrushin will defend Aksinya.  Tomorrow, more about Father Dobrushin.

A New Novel, Part 255 I will Defend You

16 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 255 I will Defend You 

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in a cell under the Rathaus in Wien.  She is awaiting her secular trial.  Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina have come to visit her...

Father Dobrushin’s face displayed great anger for a moment.  He turned toward the wall then back toward Aksinya.  She picked at the bandage on her arm.  Father Dobrushin asked, “What happened to your arm?”

Aksinya stared at the bandage on her forearm and hand, “It was necessary.”

“What was necessary?”

“The clothing must all be marked with crosses or the demon can remove them.  He tried to freeze me to death in the Cardinal’s house.”

“He, you mean the demon?  What does that have to do with your arm?”

“I…I cut myself to mark my dress and blankets so the demon could not take them again.”

Ekaterina asked, “You marked them with your blood?”

Aksinya’s shoulders rose, “They wouldn’t give me anything else to mark them with.”

Ekaterina grabbed the hem of Aksinya’s dress and scanned it.  She looked at the blankets, “Are these the ones you marked?”

Aksinya smiled, “Frau Becker let me keep them.  That was very kind of her.”

Father Dobrushin asked, “Have you seen the demon since you were at the Cardinal’s house?”

“No.  He has ignored me since then, and that makes me very happy.”

“I pray for you every day, Princess.  I want you to be free of this creature.  I also don’t want you to be punished for something you did not do.”

Aksinya’s stared at him wide-eyed, “What do you think I am not guilty of?”

“Whatever your sins, this trial is only about your assault on the Lady Natalya and your debt.  There is nothing else that they will try you for and the outcome and guilt is uncertain.”

“Uncertain.  I did indeed beat the Lady Natalya.  I did allow my household to fall into debt…”

“Princess,” he interrupted her, “Have they assigned a defender to you?”

“Like the Inquisitor Esposito?”

“Yes, like the inquisitor.”

“They have not.”

“I will defend you.”

Aksinya laughed, “I don’t think it will do any good, but I shall permit it.”

“I was not of a mind to give you a choice.”

Aksinya scowled at him, “If the court will allow you, I shall be happy to have you defend me.”

A knock came at the cell door.

Ekaterina touched Aksinya’s arm, “We must leave.  Would you like us to bring you anything?”

Aksinya pressed her hands together, “Yes, please bring me the Greek Bible Father Dobrushin lent me.  I only know the Gospels and Acts.  I wish to memorize Paul’s letters.”

Ekaterina stammered, “Memorize?  Certainly.  I will bring it tomorrow.”

Okay, okay, I admit it.  I've told you before that I intend to repeat important ideas in such a way that you can't miss or forget them.  This is the reason I don't like to "tell" you that one character explained some sequence of events to another character--I'd rather "show" you through the conversation.

In this case, I repeat the incident about the crosses.  The crosses are very important to the entire theme of the novel.  The degree of pain and suffering that Aksinya will go through to be rid of the demon is important.  Plus, I can drown you in the pathos of the situation that Aksinya finds herself in through the repetition.  Therefore, Aksinya picks at her bandage and Father Dobrushin asks about it.  There is more in this than simply repeating the why and the event.  I want you to see Father Dobrushin's concern for Aksinya.  There is something very important in this too. 

Through Ekaterina and Father Dobrushin's reaction, I let you see their minds and the agony Aksinya went through.  To Aksinya, everything was necessary.  Do you see how that sounds to her friends?   This leads to the transition to the demon and then to Aksinya's guilt again.  This leads naturally to Father Dobrushin's question.  “Have they assigned a defender to you?”  The answer is no.  Therefore, Father Dobrushin tells her that he will act as her defender.  Look at the their interaction.  Aksinya is still acting like a Countess, a Princess.  She can't not act in this way.  Father Dobrushin was not going to give her a choice. 

There is much in this that relates to the ultimate theme of the novel.  Aksinya is guilty.  She was found guilty (as were all her friends) in an ecclesiastical court.  She will face a secular court.  She had no defender before, now Father Dobrushin has stepped forward to defend her.  I told you before, this work is a semi-allegory of the book of Tobit.  It is also a novel about temptation, sin, and salvation.  There it has been said.  For Aksinya, salvation is to be free of the demon.  She is indeed guilty.  She does deserve punishment.  We know she is not guilty of many of the crimes she was accused of or found guilty of.  We shall see if she is found guilty of those crimes a secular court can try. 

The ultimate question is her guilt in the ultimate court.  I give you a hint about Aksinya's soul at the end of this piece.  She is not enamored of sorcery anymore.  She wishes to memorize Paul's Letters.  So a simple metaphor for the transition she has made.  There will be more.  Tomorrow, the beginning of Aksinya's secular trial.

A New Novel, Part 253 There May be a Way to be Rid of the Demon

14 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 253 There May be a Way to be Rid of the Demon 

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in a cell under the Rathaus in Wien.  She is awaiting her secular trial.  Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina have come to visit her...

“All of that was the demon’s doing.  He visited me while I was in the Cardinal’s house.  He told me he had planned everything.”  Tears choked Aksinya’s words, “He told me he allowed my family to be killed.”

Ekaterina pulled Aksinya’s head against her and stroked her hair.

Aksinya moaned, “I caused them all such pain.  I wish I were dead.  If I were dead, the world would have been such a better place for everyone.”

Ekaterina shook her gently, “You are not dead, and the Dear Lord doesn’t wish you dead.  Now, your life’s work must be to right this wrong.  Do you wish to add more sin and evil to what already exists.”

Aksinya sat up and drew her sleeve across her eyes, “I’m afraid what I’ve done can never be made right.”

Father Dobrushin sighed, “Perhaps it cannot, but likewise, you can’t bear all the blame for what has happened.”

“I willingly bear it.”

“You may not bear any more than that which is your own sin.  Others made choices.  They can only be held responsible for those choices—not you.”

“I face a trial in the courts of Wien, now.”

Ekaterina smiled, “And we will do everything we can to help you.”

“Their mind is already made up too.  When I had my preliminary hearing, they told me, I will go to the workhouse to pay off my debt.  I will go to prison for beating Natalya.  My aunt and uncle won’t help me.  They hate me.  They lost their position in the community and among the nobility.  Herr von Taaffe has lost the backing of his father.  I sent him away before.  He cannot help me.  I have no money.  All of my goods, jewelry, and clothing have been sold.  They still weren’t enough to pay my debts.  I, even now, have a contract with a demon, and I pray to God I could be rid of him.”

Father Dobrushin pressed his hands together, “There may be a way to be rid of the demon.”

“You shouldn’t speak about such things too loudly even in jest.  I know he watches me.  He waits for more ways to destroy anyone close to me—to torment me.”

“Princess…”

Aksinya turned her face away, “You shouldn’t use that address with me.  Aksinya is enough.”

“Princess Aksinya…”

Aksinya clenched her jaw.

Aksinya wishes she were dead.  How often do we when we have caused grievous harm wish we could have ended that harm.  The problem is that nothing we do can ever repair the harms we inflict.  There is never enough payment and never enough penance or repentance for many harms.  Aksinya has caused these type of harms.  They are grievous and may affect the recipients for their entire lives.

Aksinya has reached the bottom of another point in her journey--she has realized the depths of the harm she caused.  Many never reach this point.  Most imagine the harm they caused can be easily wiped away, but harm we cause others are like tears of ink--they stain the soul and they can't be undone.  Even death can't repair this kind of harm.  That is the point Ekaterina makes--she tells Aksinya that her life's work must be to undo the harm.  Father Dobrushin rightly tells Aksinya that she can only be guilty of her own sin and not the sin of others.  Aksinya changes the subject, or rather, she points the subject in a different direction--about her secular trial.  Yes, this is what we want to know about.

The reason Aksinya is in despair is that she has heard the charges against her during the preliminary hearing.  Her crimes are her debt and her attack against Natalya.  Then, Aksinya tells us what has happened to her friends and relatives.  We realize that these must have been issues during the hearing.  You can see how far Aksinya has fallen.  Where before, she had everything, now she literally has nothing.  The end is that Aksinya has one thing in the world left--her contract with the demon.

Father Dobrushin suddenly tells Aksinya something that may give her hope: “There may be a way to be rid of the demon.”  Do you remember that he has been studying about the demon.  This is what we have been waiting for since the beginning of the novel.  Aksinya worries more about what might happen to Father Dobrushin and to Ekaterina than she does for herself.  Aksinya has made a great transition in thought.  It isn't all about Aksinya anymore.  She even puts aside her title.  She is not to be called Princess because, in her mind, she has lost that as well.  Tomorrow, more about the possibility of getting rid of the contract with the demon.

A New Novel, Part 244 I am a Romanov Princess

5 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 244 I am a Romanov Princess

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

The day of Aksinya's ecclesiastical trial has arrived.  Aksinya is seated in the Chapel.  The first question is that of her identiy...

Inquisitor Esposito stammered, “If it pleases the Archinquisitor, the promotor fiscalis should first establish the identity of the accused.”

The Archinquisitor frowned at him, “Very well.  This is not the usual procedure, but I will take the advice of the advocatus reorum and first prove the identity of the accused.”  He faced Aksinya, “Little girl, what is your baptized name?  I know it is not Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

Aksinya nodded, “What you say is true.  My baptized name is not, Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

The courtroom let out a sound between a gasp and a groan.

The Archinquisitor smiled, “Then what is your baptized name?”

“My baptized name is Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.”

The Archinquisitor glared at her, “Preposterous.”

Aksinya stared him down, “My father was Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  He died of tuberculosis before I was born.  My mother was Princess Nina Vladimirovna Golitsyna, nee Bockmann.  She later married my adopted father Count Andrei Nikolaevich Golitsyna.  I was given my adopted father’s name and all rights to the name by him.”

A whisper started in the courtroom, “She claims to be a princess.”

The Archinquisitor half stood, “Quiet in the courtroom.  Preposterous, I say.  You claim first to be a Countess and now to be a Romanov Princess.”  He slowly lowered himself back into the Bishop’s seat.

“I am a Romanov Princess and a Countess and I insist on being addressed properly.”

The first question that falls properly to the court is the identity of the accused.  Note, the inquisitor Esposito reminds the Archinquisitor of this.  The Archinquisitor has information that he thinks is accurate, and he does not wish to allow Aksinya any opportunity to grandstand.  Let us assume the Archinquisitor's information is not exactly as accurate as it should be. 

The Archinqusitor knows some, but not all.  Does this scenario seem familiar?  His information is correct, but not complete.  He addresses Aksinya as "little girl" again.  Do you remember the only other being who addressed her as "little girl?"  It was Asmodeus.  

The Archinquisitor attacks immediately with a very knowledgeable question.  No one asked this or knew this except the Bockmanns.  What is Aksinya's baptized name?  This is very important in the Catholic and the Orthodox Church.  When you are baptized, you are given your name.  Your baptized name is your official name in both noble and ecclesiastical circles.

Aksinya acknowledges this point--her baptized name is not Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  The courtroom reacts because Aksinya's acknowledgement is as good as announcing that she is truly an alleged and not a real countess.  Can you imagine the thoughts of the spectators. 

A little on Russian names.  Aksinya's name is her given name, her patronymic based on the first name of her father, and her family name, the name of her father.  She announces that her baptized name is Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  If you are a student of the Russian nobility, you will note that this is the family name of the Russian Tsars.  This is the last name of Tsar Nicolas.  That is why the Archinqusitor reacts as he does.

Aksinya simply explains that her father was Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  The real Grand Duke did die of tuberculosis and was unmarried.  He left no progeny.  I chose him for this reason.  I chose Aksinya's mother as a historical figure because of the way she died, but ultimately they are historical figure whose history I borrowed and molded to the needs of the novel.  By the way, if the Princess Nina (a real person and a German and Russian Princess) married the Grand Duke, the patronymic and the family name would have been Aksinya's.  So, you have a bunch of real historical information packed into a very simple couple of paragraphs.  The Princess Nina did indeed remarry, so if she had any children of her first husband, the second would have adopted them.

Do you remember, I hinted at this about Aksinya through the whole novel.  You might have figured it out if you dug deeply enough, but I didn't want to make it easy to find.  I wanted you to be just as surprised as the Archinquisitor and the spectators at the trial.  Based on her lineage and her name, Aksinya does indeed claim to be a Russian Princess. 

Aksinya has made a claim.  The Archinquisitor is in danger of looking like a fool.  Who do you think set this up, and what do you think the outcome will be?  Can Aksinya really succeed in defending herself or is this a false hope?  Tomorrow, the proof of Aksinya's claim.

A New Novel, Part 241 Let Me Testify in Her Favor

2 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 241 Let Me Testify in Her Favor

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense.  Frau Becker follows the inquisitor out of the room...

The Priest went to the door.  Frau Becker pursued him through the opening.  In the hall outside, she called to him, “Inquisitor Esposito.”

The priest turned, “Yes, Frau.”

“You know this girl is not fully sane.  No one can really do sorcery.  No one can do the things this child has been accused of.”

“She has confessed to them, and I don’t see much that I can defend.”

“Listen to me, Father.  For the love of God, you must not allow them to harm her.  Since she has been here, I have not seen anything in her but an honest and contrite woman.  I hear the papers are following everything.  I know there are reporters outside the gates every day.  This trial will ruin her and many others.  It will not help the Church.  It will not lead to anything good.”

“The Pope himself sent us to seek out a resolution to this matter.  It is not in our hands.  It is in the hands of God.  For better or worst, the result will be what it is.  Additionally, Archinquisitor Gallo is a driven man.  He will not let this go until it reaches the bitter end.  The scourging and discipline of the Church and its members is a critical function that we provide.”

“But this will not scourge and discipline.  It will lead to much harm.”

“So you say,” he frowned down on Frau Becker.

“Let me testify in her favor.  I am a member of the Church and can speak to her sanity and her goodness.”

“That will not be allowed.  You are not a witness to any of the charges to which she has been accused.”      

The inquisitor turned on his heel and left Frau Becker standing with her mouth hanging open.

Frau Becker wishes to help Aksinya.  She has been an angel for Aksinya in the house of the Cardinal.  She speaks what any sane person should know: Aksinya can't be guilty because there is no such thing as a demon or sorcery.  Listen to the inquisitor's response: “She has confessed to them, and I don’t see much that I can defend.”  He will determine her guilt on her own confession.  This is patently not allowed in the Church.  Frau Becker understands this, so she begs for them to show mercy to Aksinya. 

From Frau Becker, we also learn what the demon has done--the press is involved.  Whatever comes out in the trial will come out in the papers.  It will indeed ruin everyone involved.  Do you remember how incendiary the events are around Aksinya.  If you have forgotten, the climax of all the events came on the night Aksinya was to give her answer to Ernst's proposition of marriage.  We discovered that Natalya, with the help of Asmodeus, and by Aksinya's own hand, had seduced Ernst.  In today's world this would be nothing--in the world of Austria right after WWI, this is a feature story.  The nobility has not been ended, yet.  The people are looking for respite from the war and a scandal is the perfect thing to take their minds off their own suffering.  A nobleman who stoops to take the lady-in-waiting of a countess to his bed is an affront to Austria and the nobility.  There are two noble families involved in this mess.  There is a Catholic school and a Catholic church.

Frau Becker is right: "This trial will ruin her and many others.  It will not help the Church.  It will not lead to anything good.”

The inquisitor states his position also--he is there to resolve the issue of Aksinya.  There is a parallel here.  We learn about the main inquisitor, Archinqusitor Gallo.  The inquisitor threatens Frau Becker, but she will not back down.  She volunteers to testify in Aksinya's favor.  She is flatly refused.  Aksinya is guilty, and she will stay guilty no matter anything on heaven or earth.  Tomorrow, the trial begins.

A New Novel, Part 240 I am Guilty

1 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 240 I am Guilty

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense...

“You called this demon into the house of the Cardinal?”

“I did not call him here.  I can’t be rid of him.  He comes and goes as he wills, but I am guilty for bringing him back to the world where he can tempt and harm others.”

“You also tried to kill yourself.  That is a very grievous crime as well.”

“I did not try to kill myself.”  Aksinya’s voice was low, “I tried to protect myself from the demon.”

“Yes.  This will be very difficult to defend Fraulein.”  The Inquisitor placed his papers and pen back into his briefcase.

“I have no intention of defending myself at the trial.”

“Yes.  I see.  I am still called to defend you.”

“I will not hold it against you because you will fail.  I am guilty.”

“I see.”  The inquisitor stood.  He started for the door.  He stopped and called over his shoulder, “We expect the trial to begin tomorrow.  Do you have anyone who might speak in your favor?”

“My priest, Father Dobrushin, Father Makar, the Matushka Ekaterina.  They might speak in my favor.”

“They are Orthodox.  They will not be allowed to testify.”

“Then there is no one who will speak for me.  But it doesn’t matter because I am guilty.”

      The Priest went to the door.  Frau Becker pursued him through the opening.

Inquisitor Esposito is not a very excitable man.  He isn't really interested in defending Aksinya.  He seems more interested in declaring her guilt.

The demon, Asmodeus, is a side story in the mind of the inquisitor.  We might also ask if he really believes Aksinya at all.  He has never seen a sorceress before.  The inquisitor shows more excitement at the idea that Aksinya attempted suicide.  He doesn't even work with her on a defense, but that is good, Aksinya doesn't intend to defend herself.  The inquisitor simply states the charges, then puts away his notes and leaves.  He acts as though Aksinya were not able to be defended or that she is not worth defending.

Listen to how Aksinya lets this terrible priest out of his guilt.  She tells him that she will not hold it against him when he fails.  She is too kind, but she also thinks she is guilty.

When the inquisitor asks if anyone will speak in Aksinya's favor, we see a glimmer of hope, but the inquisitor shoots that down: “They are Orthodox.  They will not be allowed to testify.”  Of course they will not be allowed to testify.  No one will be allowed to testify who might aid in Aksinya's defense.

Aksinya is not to be defended.  She is not to be found not guilty.  This is the work of the demon--Aksinya is to be found guilty and also... I will not say.  We will have to see.  Tomorrow, Frau Becker speaks to the inquisitor.

A New Novel, Part 239 No One Can Control a Demon

31 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 239 No One Can Control a Demon
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense...

The inquisitor chuckled at the last.  Then his face turned serious again, “There is much to recommend these charges.”

“There are witnesses?”

“Yes, there are, but I am not privy to the case against you.  I act as the advocatus reorum in your trial.  I am to represent you and defend you from the charges of the inquisition.  Both the promotor fiscalis and the judge is the Archinquisitor Gallo.  He does not have to share this information with me, only the charges.”

Aksinya shrugged, “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.”

“Perhaps it is not.”

Frau Becker sneered, “It is not at all fair.  What might be the punishment for such charges?”

“Excommunication and death could be the punishment, but death cannot be levied by an ecclesiastical court—it can only be recommended to a secular trial.”

Frau Becker wrung her hands, “You would kill her for this?”

“If she is guilty.”

Aksinya cocked her head, “You have not touched the most egregious sin I committed through sorcery.”

Inquisitor Esposito sat back, “And what would that be.”

“I called a demon from the depths of hell to be my servant.”

Frau Becker involuntarily scooted her chair back a little.  Frau Mauer brought her hands up to her face.

The Inquisitor wrote on his pad, “Who was this demon?”

“It is the demon Asmodeus.”

“You have seen him?”

“He was the one who took my clothing from me in the cell.  He was the reason I had to mark my clothing and the blankets with the crosses.  He still torments me.”

“But he is your servant?”

“No one can control a demon.  I brought him out of hell to protect my family.  He ensured that they all died.  He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.”

“You called this demon into the house of the Cardinal?”

“I did not call him here.  I can’t be rid of him.  He comes and goes as he wills, but I am guilty for bringing him back to the world where he can tempt and harm others.”

The Inquisitor Esposito tells Aksinya there are witnesses to her crimes.  Through this, I get to explain something about an ecclesiastical trial to you.  The Inquisitor Esposito is the advocatus reorum, basically the defense attorney.  The prosecuting attorney is the promotor fiscalis.  The Archinquisitor Gallo is acting as both the judge and the prosecutor.  The rules of an ecclesiastical trial are exactly as I have laid them out to you.  As Aksinya notes: “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.”  Frau Becker agrees with her. 

Frau Becker wants to know the punishment that Aksinya might face.  Excommunication and death we are told, but an ecclesiastical trial may not levy death.  This is great for Aksinya except, after this trial, she will be arrested by the Austrian policemen for a secular trial.

Then the honest Aksinya (she has become disconcertingly honest--did you notice?) confesses to her greatest crime--she contracted a demon.  Listen to Aksinya's new found wisdom: “No one can control a demon.  I brought him out of hell to protect my family.  He ensured that they all died.  He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.”  Aksinya confesses to all the charges--do you note.  To the inquisitor, this is unimportant, because the trial is indeed rigged against her.

So, Aksinya is in a pickle.  She confessed to the charges.  Things don't look bright for her.  Tomorrow, more charges.

A New Novel, Part 237 There are Other Charges

29 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 237 There are Other Charges

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  Aksinya is recovering from her experience in the cold cell under the house.  The Inquisitor Esposito comes to speak to her about her defense...

“This is the Inquisitor Esposito.  I’m here to speak to the prisoner about her defense.”

Frau Becker nodded, and Frau Mauer opened the door.

The stocky priest inquisitor entered the room.  He wore his usual priestly robes.  Frau Becker stood.  The priest walked up to the bed and cocked his head and observed Aksinya for a long moment.

Aksinya turned her face away, “Please, Inquisitor Esposito, I feel very uncomfortable under your scrutiny.”

He smiled and sat in the chair Frau Becker had left.  “Sorry,” he didn’t sound sorry, “I just wanted to take a careful look at you.”

“Why?”

“I’ve never seen a sorceress like you.”

Frau Becker snorted, “Have you ever seen a sorceress at all?”

      He glanced annoyed at Frau Becker, “Actually, no. Might I have a private discussion with the Fraulein?”

      Frau Becker brought a chair from the small table and put it on the other side of the bed, “Actually, no.  Frau Mauer and I will chaperone the Fraulein while you are here.”

      Aksinya smiled, “Thank you very much, Frau Becker.”

      The expression of the priest’s face didn’t change, “Very well, but if she must confess, you will have to move far enough away not to hear.”

      Inquisitor Esposito took out his briefcase and pulled out some papers and a fountain pen, “Now Fraulein Golitsyna, you must realize the charges of the Church against you are very serious.”

      “That I am guilty of sorcery, I confess.”

“You confess it?”

“Yes, I freely confess this.  I already confessed sorcery along with all my acts against God to my Orthodox priest, Father Dobrushin.”  Aksinya rushed ahead, “I would like to speak to Father Dobrushin.”

“That is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“He is Orthodox and not permitted at your trial.”

“I am Orthodox—does the same rule apply to me?”

The inquisitor ignored her, “There are other charges.”

So, we set the scene.  You know the where and the when.  The whos are defined except the new character.  We have met him before, but I use a technique to remind you of that description.  Therefore, he is the stocky priest.  I give you an abbreviated description based on his previous description.  This places him firmly in the scene and we can move forward from there.  The conversation like most of the scenes in my novels drives the scene.

Notice, the inquisitor has never seen a sorceress before.  He has to stare at Aksinya.  This is an advanced writing technique that shows you this little fact.  The conversation lets you know this information.  The actions by the inquisitor are embarrassing to Aksinya and to the ladies in the room.  His actions would never be allowed a cultured man in the society.  They are allowed only because Aksinya isn't being treated like a person, but we knew that.  You don't put young noblewomen in cold cells (or try them for sorcery).

Frau Becker is culturally aware--she will not let the priest act in a way that is not honorable.  She will not allow him to be alone with Aksinya.  Though the inquisitor thinks nothing of breaking cultural norms because Aksinya is a sorceress.  He shows that he thinks she is already guilty as charged.

The inquisitor brings out his papers.  This was one of his characteristics in the original description--the briefcase.  Aksinya surprises the inquisitor by freely confessing to sorcery.  She recounts that she has already confessed in the Orthodox Church, and she asks to speak to her confessor.  The little play between Aksinya and the priest are meant to show how intelligent she is and to press the point of the authority of the Catholic Church to try her.  It doesn't work, but it was worth a try.  The inquisitor points out that there are other charges against Aksinya.  We will learn those tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 235 Does It Have Crosses?

27 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 235 Does It Have Crosses?


For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  To prevent Asmodeus from tormenting her, she drew crosses on her clothing and blankets with her own blood.  Once she started the flow of blood, she couldn't stop it.  Frau Becker saved her again...

Aksinya awoke in a bed.  It was warm and comfortable, but she felt light headed.  Someone held her hand.  She turned her head and expected to see the Lady Natalya or at least Sister Margarethe.  She tried to focus on the face near hers.

A weary voice spoke before Aksinya could identify the person, “Why did you try to kill yourself?”

Aksinya still couldn’t focus, “I didn’t try to kill myself.”

“But your wrist…”

“I had to put crosses on my things so he couldn’t take them again.”

“So who couldn’t take them again?”

“The demon…”

Frau Mauer’s voice came from the side, “You see, Frau Becker, I told you that’s what she said.  She begged my thread and a needle to make crosses on her dress and the blankets.”

Frau Becker’s voice hardened, “And you wouldn’t lend them to her?”

Aksinya still could not focus her eyes well, “Frau Becker was the kind woman who gave me the blankets.  I marked them well.”

“You almost bled to death.”

“Still, now the demon can’t take them from me.”  Aksinya moved her free hand around under the covers.  Frau Becker stroked her other hand.  It felt numb and heavy.  Aksinya gave a worried cry, “My dress and my blankets.”

Frau Becker’s voice was soothing beside her, “I dressed you in a nightgown.”

“Does it have crosses?”

“Yes,” Frau Becker lied.

“My blankets…?”

“Are you warm enough now?”

“Yes, thank you.”

There was a slight choke in Frau Becker’s voice, “Before you return to the cell, you will have your blankets.”

“The ones with the crosses.”

“Yes, the ones with the crosses.”

“Thank you.  I feel very sleepy.  As long as there are crosses, I will be safe.”

“Yes, you will be safe.  I’ll sit right here with you.”

“Thank you, Frau Becker.  I am gratefu…” Aksinya’s eyes closed.

“Frau Mauer,” Frau Becker hissed softy, “Sew crosses on her nightgown.”

“But.”

“No buts, do it.  Do it now and don’t wake her.”

“But she’s crazy…”

“I don’t care how crazy she is.  She is in the Archbishop’s charge.  Sew the crosses on her nightgown.”

     “Yes, ma’am.”  Frau Mauer gently pulled the edge of the nightgown from under the covers and carefully embroidered four crosses evenly spaced around the hem.  Then she sewed them on the sleeves.  By the time she was done, Aksinya was stirring and Frau Becker sent Frau Mauer down to the kitchen for food and tea.

I'll give you the revelation that I hope you already saw.  If you didn't see it yourself, once I mention it to you, you will know its truth.  I asked yesterday what could help Aksinya.  She declared her true allegiance and the demon punished her.  She is in dire straights: held for ecclesiastical trial, in a cold prison, her friends have appeared to desert her (do you remember what she said to Natalya: "everyone will betray or desert me."), she is trying to do the best she can by herself.  There are no miracles here for Aksinya--or are there.  In real life there are few miracles, but we see a small one before us. 

Frau Becker has been a miracle for Aksinya.  She rescued Aksinya twice.  She did this even though she believes Aksinya to be insane.  This is the revelation--it doesn't seem like much. It isn't a miracle at all, but it is real for Aksinya.  It makes a difference for Aksinya.

In this scene, we see the initial scene setting.  At first, I don't want you to know any more than Aksinya.  You experience her waking in a bed.  You wonder with her exactly where she is.  She is light headed from blood loss.  I don't need to tell you the reason, just the results.  She imagines that she is back under the care of her friends, Natalya and Margarethe.  We know that can't be.  The first question is the one we dreaded: “Why did you try to kill yourself?” In the Catholic Church at the time, this was an important question.  Aksinya is ambivalent.  Aksinya is self destructive, but she has never thought about killing herself.  She answers directly--she can't do otherwise. 

That's when the full ramifications of Aksinya's apparent insanity strikes Frau Becker.  Listen to Frau Becker's response.  She isn't mad at Aksinya, whom she imagines to be insane.  She is mad at Frau Mauer because the Frau wouldn't loan a needle and thread to a poor, insane, girl who was imprisoned for sorcery. 

Don't you love Frau Becker?  She is the kind of absolute pragmatist that puts real action to what she knows is right.  She doesn't care about the accusations against Aksinya, she cares about Aksinya.  This is the kind of reaction that is a firm contrast between the truth (we understand in the world of the novel) and the truth of the real world (represented by Frau Becker).  Frau Becker's response to Aksinya is very different than Faru Mauer or the inquisitors.  It is more akin to Father Dobrushin or Ekaterina.  Yet, where Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina seem to believe Aksinya to a degree, Frau Becker does not.  It is enough for Frau Becker to simply help someone she believes is helpless.  I set up this character to show this for just this reason.  Just as I gave you Father Makar to show you one who doesn't believe Aksinya, but who's compassion is stifled because he can't be compassionate for Aksinya, I wanted you to see someone who could have simple compassion for a person, not because of who they were, but because of their need.

Frau Becker doesn't care if Aksinya is insane--she berates Frau Mauer because she wouldn't help.  This is a result of Frau Becker's pragmatism.  That's the point of the entire conversation.  This is the point all the way to the white lie Frau Becker tells to the insane girl to comfort her.  I hope you like this lie because it does no harm, and immediately, Frau Becker acts to repair it.  She orders Frau Mauer to sew crosses on the nightgown.  Such a simple action that has such important meaning for a single pathetic girl.  This is the true meaning of compassion, and do you see the extent of the revelation?  Although Aksinya faced the torment of the demon.  Although he own actions led to more problems.  Still, she was saved, and she was provided a savior, a help if you like.  Frau Becker was the one who helped.  Tomorrow we shall see that she is even more help although she can't stop the freight train that is approaching. 

A New Novel, Part 234 She May Be Dying

26 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 234 She May Be Dying


For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien.  Aksinya knows Asmodeus will return to torment her.  Unless she can put crosses on her dress and blankets, he will take them from her.  She uses her own blood to draw crosses on them.  Unfortunately, she can't stop the blood once she started it...

Frau Mauer screamed and jumped up.  Aksinya’s eyes closed and she slowly lay on the bench.  The release of the pressure on her vein let the drip become a slow stream.  Frau Mauer screamed again and ran toward the kitchen. 

Frau Mauer grabbed Frau Becker’s arm, “The sorceress has committed suicide.  She is bleeding everywhere.”

Frau Becker’s face clouded and her eye twitched, “Get the Secretary, immediately.”

“What will you do?”

“Just get the secretary.”

Frau Mauer nodded vigorously and ran off. 

Frau Becker grabbed the kitchen axe from the wood pile and ran to the corridor that held Aksinya’s cell.  The guards didn’t attempt to stop her.  She glanced at Aksinya and the growing pool of blood and chopped at the lock on the door.  The old wood splintered satisfactorily under the axe and the door swung open.  Frau Mauer grabbed Aksinya’s wrist and immediately the flow of blood stopped.

Secretary Schwab followed by Otto stopped at the entrance to the cell.  Frau Mauer didn’t wait for them to say anything, she yelled at them, “Get the doctor now.  I’ve stopped the blood, but she may be dying.”

They almost trampled Frau Mauer as she hobbled down the corridor toward them.

This scene is very straightforward.  The results of Aksinya's experiment are not good.  She achieved the markings she wanted, but she couldn't stop the flow of blood.  The demon couldn't imagine this result--could he.  Whether he did or not, the result will be the same.  It appears that Aksinya has tried to commit suicide.  Although Frau Becker stopped the blood, what will the result be for Aksinya.  It seems that she is slowly falling deeper and deeper in to a place that is impossible to recover from.  Sad since she had the spiritual strength to face down the demon and pronounce her freedom from him.  We see that she is not free from the demon.  She has placed her trust in the right place, but Aksinya's problem is like all of ours.  Do you remember Paul's great cry of dismay?  "I do those things I don't wish to do and not those I know I should do."  Still, can there be hope for Aksinya.  If there is hope for her, perhaps there is hope for any of us.  Tomorrow, she wakes. 

A New Novel, Part 233 I Might Need Some Help

25 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 233 I Might Need Some Help

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien.  Last night, Aksinya almost died of exposure because the demon took her dress.  Now, she is back in her cell with warm blankets, but unless she can mark them with crosses, the demon could take them away...

Aksinya sat back and pouted.  She felt much better, but she knew that wouldn’t last long if the demon returned and took her dress and the blankets from her again.  She only knew one way to fight Asmodeus.  She thought for a while about how she might put crosses on her clothing and the wonderfully warm blankets.  After a long time, there was only one thing she thought she could use.  Under the cover of the blankets, she began to prick at her hand with a sharp point of her rosary.  After a few minutes she drew some blood and made a couple of satisfactory crosses on the hem of her dress.  At that point, she couldn’t get much more blood without going deeper into her hand than she wanted to.  She thought for a while then began to prick at the large vein at the side of her wrist. 

She cut through and gave a slight gasp.  She glanced up to see if Frau Mauer heard her.  The old woman didn’t stop sewing.  Aksinya was surprised at the amount of blood the little nick drew.  With blood, she marked the collar and sleeves of her dress.  Then quickly put crosses at the corners of the woolen blankets.  When she was finished, she held the place on her wrist she nicked, but it wouldn’t stop bleeding.  She had nothing to use as a bandage, and she was becoming a little faint.

Since she had marked everything, she thought it was safe to say something to the Frau.  Aksinya cleared her throat and tried to speak.  She couldn’t say anything at first and her sight began to dim.  Finally, she forced out, “Frau Mauer.”

The old woman didn’t turn, “I’ll not give you any thread or a needle.  You needn’t ask again.”

“Frau Mauer, I don’t need them anymore, but I might need some help.”

Frau Mauer leaned over and clucked her tongue.  She turned toward Aksinya.  Aksinya held out her arm.  A bright drip of blood ran down her hand and dropped to the stone floor.  It spattered into a growing puddle of blood on the ground.
Frau Mauer screamed and jumped up.  Aksinya’s eyes closed and she slowly lay on the bench.  The release of the pressure on her vein let the drip become a slow stream.  Frau Mauer screamed again and ran toward the kitchen.

Aksinya moves from one problem to the next.  Do you see how the demon is still driving her even when he isn't present.  There is a great allegory in this.  You do recognize that Aksinya's actions are literally the only thing she can do.  If she does not make crosses, the demon will take her dress again, and she will suffer greatly.  She choses to use her own blood to protect herself.  As a side note, Aksinya is selfish in this, just as all of us are selfish.  She doesn't want pain and suffering.  She doesn't want the demon to take her clothing and blankets.  She doesn't want to be cold.

Unfortunately Aksinya makes a slight error.  In her hurry to find some blood, she pricks too large a vein and she can't stop the flow of blood.  I use some fun advanced writing techniques to show you what is happening.  Plus, I interject a little humor. 

Remember, Aksinya is cold.  She is undernourished.  She has only blankets and thin clothing.  Although she isn't bleeding very much--it is enough to make a difference.  Frau Mauer thinks Aksinya has tried to commit suicide.  Do you imagine this might be part of the demon's plan?  Suicide is an unforgivable sin for the Catholic Church.  Aksinya's actions will appear to be a suicide attempt--or success.  Tomorrow, more help?