To see the previous installments, click on the following links: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10

Rodrigo's cell was in the twilight of dusk, when footsteps echoed in the corridor. As the door opened, Masaki Hayato appeared with an expression that hinted at a certain urgency. Unceremoniously, he bowed slightly to Rodrigo before speaking.

“Tomorrow, during the trial, you will be subjected to a special test. It will not be a regular interrogation. You will be forced to step on religious symbols and so will Aoi Takasugi, the porcelain artisan. They want to know if you profess Christianity, but they also want to test your loyalty to the Date clan.”

Rodrigo frowns at Aoi's name and with a worried look on his face asks, “What religious symbols?”

“It’s the fumie (踏み絵), a Christian religious image. It is usually a representation of Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary, made of wood or metal. Those suspected of practising Christianity are forced to step on this image to demonstrate their rejection of the Christian faith. Refusal to do so is considered proof of adherence to the religion and can lead to death.”

“Thank you for the warning, Masaki. But tell me, what do you want me to do? Step on what I don't understand but respect? Betray someone who is innocent in order to save my life?.”

To be continued

Header Image:

Figure of the Virgin Mary used to uncover practitioners and sympathisers of the Catholic religion. Source: Wikipedia