"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:16".
The priests' words echoed into Roland's ear, turning his attention from his trousers to the priest; his words echoing through one ear and going through the other.
The book which he held in his hand was now open, his eyes staring intently on the pages before him. Between its pages was a small crucifix.
"This is your first test. As you can see, the devil knows no bounds. Shamelessly parading in such garments and hypnotizing the Lord's children causing them to be blinded by lust.
'But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:28' ".
Roland scrutinized the priest. His eyes raked over him until his gazed landed on a tent which was pitched in his trousers.
His mouth twitched.
'Is your trunk filled with holy water, ready to be released in the name of your lord?' he could only shake his head and sigh.
"'For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God'.
Therefore, such things are of the devil. Anything related to the devil must be destroyed with holy water for fire is the devil's element".
'I bet you would really love to release all your holy water now'. Spray it all out in the lord's name'.
The priest snapped his book shut and walked towards the platform.
Roland and the hunched individual followed suit, walking abreast.
"My brethren" the priests' voice echoed across the square, silencing the few who were not hypnotized. Everyone's attention was solely on the individuals on the platform.
"Today we have caught another".
Cheers erupted from the protestors at his words, stopping shortly after he raised his hand.
"Evil has been roaming among us since the beginning of humanity. We have lost millions of souls since then to the devil. We've been oppressed for so long without any form of hope but today, I am here to tell you, that there is hope in the Lord. If we tread on the road he has paved for us, he will sustain us".
He turned towards the woman on stage that still had a rather seductive smile on her face. With his back towards the crowd, the priest stealthily brush his palm against his crotch and Roland couldn't help but laugh at his actions.
He quickly covered it up behind his hand.
'The devil was once an angel favoured by the lord, but look at him now. All because of the evil clouding his mind, he fell from the lord's grace. No matter how holy one claims to be, he will eventually falter'.
The hand in which the priest held the book in was placed on the woman's thigh. Roland looked on as the priests' finger 'slipped' and traced up and down her thigh, pushing aside the fabric which clothed her. His hand moved up and lightly palmed her chest.
The crowed started to murmur seeing his actions. As though he was trapped in a trance the priest jumped.
"My people" he faced the crowd once more "No matter how much we immerse ourselves in the Lord's work and teachings, we are still at risk and may be easily suppressed by the devil. Even I, myself, face temptations at times. But, if we keep persevering, we will overcome all evil.
We have executed many but take today as an example.
You lack fortitude spiritually and so many of you were easily tempted. I beseech thee to turn to your homes and pray to the Lord that he may wash away your sins before it's too late. We have lost too many to the clutches of the devil and I would hate to place any of you under the stake.
We will proceed with the execution of the witch soon.
Blessed be the name of the Lord".
He clasped his fists and turned to the soldiers.
"Take her to the dungeon. Avoid staring into her eyes. They are her strongest weapon".
He walked towards the woman and whispered in her ear:
"Wait for me. I'll deal with you later."