“Well?” Judah asked, and I could feel Prophet Cain’s eyes on me, imploring me to confess. I remained quiet. I simply did not care what they did to me. Trial or no trial, I was done with it all, with this beauty that lured men like Micah into raping me. For I now knew what they disguised as a “Lord’s Sharing” was rape. I now understood what rape was.
Prophet Cain sighed in defeat. Standing up, he looked to his brother. “You are the Inquisitor, Judah. I wash my hands of her and want no part in her schooling.” Prophet Cain looked to Micah and said in a cutting voice, “Maybe you are right after all, brother. Maybe she is beyond salvation.”
Prophet Cain walked off and ascended a large set of stairs, disappearing from sight, but I frowned when I saw his reflection in the opposite nearby window. He had stood with his back against the wall, tipped his head back, spun around and sent his fist into the white wall. His burst of rage startled me, but I did not have much time to think it over. Brother Judah, Brother Luke, Brother Micah, and most hurtful of all, my father all loomed over my cowered body. Though, I had come to realize this man was not a father to me. He had no care in his soul for me.
Brother Judah looked to Micah. “Gather the people. They must witness how The Order punishes a willing harlot of Satan. We shall take her to circle. We shall try her for the witch she is.”
*****
The crowd was on their feet as I was tied by my wrists, each arm spread and fastened to two posts. They were yelling things at me, their angry faces red as Judah and Micah introduced me as a deserter.
“This Cursed woman of Eve was found tonight fleeing The Order, after being saved by Brother Micah.” Gasps of shock echoed around the clearing. Men and women of all ages and sizes were glaring at me, adults shielding the children’s faces from me.
“The devil living within her convinced her run from the Lord’s salvation. And as a weak woman, she was swayed from reaching God’s offered light. Instead, she chose the path of darkness.”
The people’s attention was rapt on Judah as he kneeled by my side, Brother Micah holding back my hair so my face was on show. “This is a Cursed. Notice her face, designed so men would fall at her feet.” Judah ran his finger over my forehead. “Her features perfect enough to entice any man. Her forehead is the perfect size, her eyes large, framed with thick and long black lashes. Her cheekbones are high, yet not too defined. Her chin is small, giving a softer appearance, and her lips are full and plump, but her mouth not too large. Men will be driven crazy by this face.”
Judah got to his feet, pulling on my hair so I scrambled to my feet. Brother Micah moved behind me and immediately sliced down the back of my vest so all that was covering my modesty was my white slip. Gripping the slip at the back, the material clung to my shape.Men in the crowd stared upon me with lustful eyes, some edging forward closer to the stage. “Ah, my brothers, I see the siren’s call has pulled you in. For her body was created to cause lust in the hearts of men.”
Judah’s hand started at my shoulders, then slowly drifted down. “Her shoulders are feminine, gentle. Her breasts full and pert.” I fought back bile as Judah’s large hand cupped my right breast, kneading at the flesh, pinching at my nipple.
His hand then dropped to my waist. “Her waist is small, her stomach perfectly flat, leading to hips that flare and welcome a man between her thighs.”
Judah released me, and I slumped to ground, the rope burning my wrists.
“Many have been tempted by this woman, this whore.” Judah looked behind him at the council of elders. “Step forward if this woman has cast her spell upon you.”
Brother Micah stepped forward, then Brother Luke, and finally, my father. The crowd gasped at the elders admitting their weakness. Judah stepped to the edge of the raised stage. “And brothers who gaze upon this woman now. Step forward if you have been staring at this Cursed, wishing you could join with her, taste her, touch her.”
Trembling, I lifted my chin only to witness many men, tens and tens of men, stepping forward. Tears that I had been too numb to produce tumbled down my cheeks. Curse this face! Curse this body!
Judah spread his arms. “Tonight we shall rid this woman of her evil forever!”
Brother Micah appeared at my back again and ripped off my slip, leaving me bare to the crowd. Some of the men become crazed with lust as they stared at my naked flesh.
“Brother Micah! Retrieve the lash!” Judah ordered, and I heard Brother Micah pick up something off the floor. Hot breath was suddenly at my ear, and Micah said, “This is my retribution, Delilah. You too shall be scarred… if you do not die first.”