Introducing the chronicles with an application for a Vigil for a Virgin
“The supplicants have arrived, Eminence”
“Your view?”
“I have examined the girl alone, and her mother separately, Eminence.”
“I’m sure you have. Where did your fingers wander? They’ll be grateful that God stopped your cockstands when you were castrated, even though you still get thoughts you can’t turn into action..”
“Eminence – the girl is a bride of the church according to the recommendation of the local priest in these documents, as she claims. So she is entitled to apply for a virginity examination, a Vigil, a betrothal and deflowering.
“The mother?”
“I questioned her closely. She was most co-operative. She is also prepared to make a generous donation….to help the poor” the Chamberlain said firmly. “She, the daughet and her companions are in the confessional hall”….”and she seemed to enjoy it – twice” he muttered just loudly enough for the Bishop to hear.
He swept on into the hall, the Chamberlain trailing behind with parchments, past three men from the Red Fyrds.
A man, a woman, a girl and a nun sank to their knees, heads bowed. He touched each in turn, bestowing a perfunctory blessing.
“May the blessings of Holy Pinossa and all her ten thousand companions be upon you,” he said as he raised the girl’s chin with his left hand, stroking her hair with his right. He felt a shiver run through her.
“Who speaks?”
“I, MeadowSong” said the woman. “We are here to ask you Eminence for the Vigil and confirmation of virginity for my daughter before her betrothal to GuMar here. And I wish to apply for a Cup of Indulgences”
“Really? What do you know of this sacrament?”
“Enough to know it should not be spoken of except in private to Your Eminence”
He grunted. “The girl? She is of age?”
“Her course has run three times”
“You have the mark?”
“Yes Eminence, as your Chamberlain can attest. He has examined me very thoroughly.”
“You understand the Vigil, the confirmation and deflowering?”
“Yes your Eminence. I was a similar age when I was blessed with a Vigil, and you had just been consecrated. Meadow Flower was born 10 months later. She is my only child”
As he had suspected, it seemed that he had deflowered this woman when she was young, and put a child in her belly, who was now standing before him on the threshold of womanhood, as her mother had been. It would be an interesting day and night, and maybe more!
“She does not have the mark, or a father?”
“No Eminence. He forbade me taking her to the nuns. But he is dead now”
“I suspect there is something here. How did he die?”
“Must I speak ill of the dead?”
“I think you are determined to.”
“As your Eminence commands. He took no interest in me as a woman, even though your Eminence had provided the proof that I am when we were both younger. God took him as he was tupping GuMar in the barn.”
“Is that widely known?”
“No Eminence. I cleaned up the body and the sodomite helped me take the body back to the cottage so I could call the priest without suspicions. “
“So why do you wish your virgin daughter to be married to this….er….man?”
“Inheritance and reputation, Eminence”
“You want me to put a swelling in her belly which the man will accept as his, so you can pass your land and wealth to her on marriage and on to her child? And this is within the one year limit for widowhood so it does not become your dowry on re-marriage? So while men may court you, it can only be for yourself and not the inheritance? And meanwhile your land will be safe from predator men who would covet it as much as your daughter’s body?”
“Yes Eminence”
“And does MeadowFlower know what you have planned?”
“Yes Eminence”
“You’ve thought a lot about this. Did you have any help?”
“The local priest was most solicitous and has advised me a lot.”
“I’m sure he has”
“And that’s why I want the Cup.”
“You had better tell me more in private confession. Has GuMar done penance for his sin and shame?”
“I don’t know Eminence, that is between him, the priest and God. But no doubt any extra penance you impose will be accepted. And I ask for the Cup of Indulgence because of the possible law breaking.”
“How will your daughter deal with his…preferences?”
“He’s a receiver not a giver. And some pain helps him to…I will also be there to ensure he does nothing illegal but remains….content.”
“And how will MeadowFlower remain “contented”?
“The tongue has many uses. And the priest says he’s always available for private consultation.”
“Hmm. And you would wish to be with your daughter throughout all ceremonies, and would be available to consult with me privately too afterwards?”
“I am completely yours to command now …and always …in any way…. Eminence”
He smiled, understanding completely.
