The Romanian Inquisitor

NA/S 123200_7B  INVESTIGATORY REPORT 02.08.2010

Arrived in Cioroiași on Sunday, August 1 at 8:10 am. Since that time and to the day of this report, I have interviewed several witnesses, while observing from a safe distance the behavior of M. Cosma, hereafter named the Suspect. 

Witnesses claim in good faith that the Suspect is involved in systematic practices related to the divination, propagation, and breeding of unholy creatures and demons, more specifically Lucifer (also referred to as Satan). 

Witnesses: 

– Priest Onofrei

– Robu, Constantin

– Robu, Maria

Testimonies describe distressing consequences of the Suspect’s maledictions: 

– Separation of married couples;

– Trauma and psychological abuse of men;

– Corruption of young women;

– Suspect’s victims are reluctant to speak.

Testimonies describe forms of wonder-workings involving animals: 

– Suspect uses livestock in her household to gain access to secret knowledge;

– Such creatures assist the Suspect in casting blasphemous oaths upon select citizens of the village;

– Specifically: the eggs of a black chicken are incubated in the armpit of Suspect for approx. nine days, for the purposes of hatching demonic creatures. 

Suspect profile: 

– Elusive, always alone, quiet. 

– No family; never married. No relationship with community. 

– Has never attended church. 

– Does not seem to be intimidated by the community’s actions against the detrimental effects of her program. 

– Suspect’s household resembles a compound with high walls blocking the view. 

– One unforeseen encounter with the Suspect: She carried a large bag: movement inside. 

There is unrest in this community. Documentary evidence establishes validity of certain claims (E-001). No direct incriminatory evidence attesting the existence of the aforementioned fowl as of yet; I have not yet succeeded in observing the built environment. Suspect’s motives unknown. I can confirm that her presence is extremely unsettling. 

Documentary evidence:

E-001 : eggshells collected at 1.8 m from the Suspect’s fence.

The information uncovered not only established the credibility of claims of misconduct but points to serious offenses and fraudulent, potentially criminal intent. Considering the new claims and evidence, I request prolonging my detachment to allow for thorough investigation and to collect further evidence for a necessary legal analysis.

I have been advised by citizens to proceed with caution as I might be a target. I have not come across sorceries or ungodly practices in all my years of service, but I assure you I am fully competent to pursue my exercise of duty. 

NA/S 123200_7B  INVESTIGATORY REPORT 03.08.2010 

I have further investigated the allegations associated with the Suspect. I am fully convinced we are dealing with a serious case of witchcraft. The evidence confirms the proliferation of sorcery by the Suspect and points to the existence of a network of practitioners of witchcraft and associated unholy, faith-invasive practices.  

Confirmed information regarding deeply distressing operations that involve mobilization of other females, their initiation and transformation into culpable practitioners of witchcraft. 

Testimonies attest:

– The Suspect rallies other females of the community, typically of younger age, and engages them in obscene activities in the forest nearby the village;

– Females perform dances of worship around fires, undressed/summarily dressed in white gowns, assisted by domestic livestock to summon forces of Evil;

– Chanting in indecipherable language and loud screaming;

– Imbibing of strong alcohol. 

I believe I have encountered two members of the group: On 03.08.2010 at 06:45, I was awoken by loud screaming. Description: young females (2), 19–25 y., parading in public domain, summarily dressed, barefoot. Subjects holding hands, refused to state their names, fled the scene. Visibly possessed.

Repercussions on the community:

– Psychological trauma among men who witness the aforementioned activities, manifested through uncontrollable rage, substance abuse, poor physical condition, failure to provide adequate supervision of their spouses and offspring, unconsecrated sexual pursuits outside marriage.

– Effects of maleficent sorceries among the wives that profoundly affect the stability of the households, varying from moderate (acts of insubordination), serious (emotional neglect of family), severe (heightened and erratic sexual behaviors, abandoning the household), fatal (termination of pregnancies).

– Destabilization of the community’s ability to engage in Christian Orthodox practices essential to the health of crops and the village’s development.

Investigation of Perișor Forest confirms testimonies and evidence of supernatural forces:

– Clearing in the forest, barren ground with no signs of vegetation on a radius of more than 20 m, a fire in the center. 

– Documentary evidence: E-002 – red apple showing clear signs of decomposition; E-003 – empty bottle, strong liquor (odor analysis confirmed țuică); E-004 – piece of white cloth, presumably satin; E-005 – black feather, presumably chicken

I do not have direct surveillance of activities as my deployment order does not permit discretionary authority to act against violence.

Given the severity of the situation and the mounting evidence pointing to a network with serious criminal intent, I request (1) a second extension of my deployment, (2) authorization for elevated discretionary power in my exercise of duty, and (3) a back-up unit. The patrol officer of the village is not qualified for this investigation. We must access the Suspect’s compound and collect direct incriminatory evidence of the medium for breeding demonic creatures: the black chicken. 

Notes: My advisors fear for my health as I am showing symptoms of affliction with Evil Eye, common amongst the male victims of the Suspect. God as my witness, I do not believe in such blasphemies, but I must report that my general condition is deteriorating. Not only have I observed myself yawning at untimely moments of the day, but I am experiencing constant headaches. However, I confirm I am in power to continue to perform my duties, and I remain committed to protect the creed and souls of this community. Awaiting your urgent response. 

FROM: DOLJ COUNTY INSPECTORATE, TERRITORIAL UNIT 

TO: NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SERVICE, 0011S PERSONS RECORD AND DATABASES MANAGEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS & INFORMATION ANALYSIS, ROMANIA

SUBJ: INVESTIGATION 2501/22.08.2010. NICOLAE ANGHELESCU|NA/S

123200_7B. MISSING.

Subinspector Nicolae Anghelescu was conducting the investigation of Mara Cosma for alleged misconduct and fraudulent practices in the village of Cioroiasi Dolj County, Romania, following good-faith complaints received by Territorial Unit / 0011S Persons Record and Databases Management. Subsequent to his reports, he was granted extension of deployment by the Dolj County Inspectorate and limited discretionary authority to act in exercise of duty.  He was last reported seen at the outskirts of the locality in Perișor forest 44.113994, 23.486967 by a group of villagers on the morning of 05.08.2010, approximately 06:30. The County Territorial Unit was deployed in the field on 12.08.2010 as N. Anghelescu failed to report for duty. The circumstances of his disappearance remain unsolved. 

Findings:

Cioroiasi / (Latitude: 44° 4° 0 N, Longitude 23° 25° 60 E / Population 1595 / Ethnicities: Romanian 96.93%, 2.76% unknown / Religious confession: Christian Orthodox 96.93%, 2.76% unknown). 

Surveillance of the village by the Dolj Territorial Investigations Unit showed nothing suspicious. It is a quiet settlement, the men plough the fields from early morning to late afternoon while the women look after the children and the livestock. Apart from a few, the houses are small. Many look poor but all seem tidy. Basil and garlic hangs from the windows to dry. There is one street passing the village. At the outskirts of the settlement there is a three-way fork in the road: the main road to Craiova city and two country roads, one leading to the fields and one going up the hill to Perișor forest. It is here that sub-inspector Anghelescu was last reported seen, running in the direction of the forest, by a group of men heading to the fields in the morning of August 5, 2010. 

Witnesses:

– None of the villagers our unit has spoken to have provided any relevant details that point to the current whereabouts of N. Anghelescu. Priest Onofrei, Constantin and Maria Robu confirmed being interviewed once by the sub-inspector five days prior to his disappearance but insist they don’t know where he might be. 

Territorial Housing Unit: 

– The inspection of the N. Anghelescu’s living quarters revealed important information indicating the subinspector’s activities and his state of mind prior to his disappearance. The room smelled heavily of tobacco and sweat. The window was closed, the curtains shut. The wooden floor was stained and dirty, feathers everywhere. The small chamber had little furniture: a single bed with a floral bedspread, a pillow showing signs of tearing (possible source of feathers), a wardrobe with the door open which contained three hangers, two of them with the same model white shirt, one empty. The third shirt covered a mirror on the opposite wall. The mirror was broken. There were distinct dark marks on the curtains, resembling dirt and/or ash. The same marks were found on the bedsheet and pillow. Near the left side of the bed there was an overturned oil lamp and a cabinet with a single drawer, containing items that seem to belong to N. Anghelescu: One Graphite pencil: broken in two, the tip shows signs of burning; One Panasonic RN202 Microcassette Recorder: playback of the audio recording reveals a constant static noise. The recorder is in good working conditions, likelihood of the static coming from a defective cable is low, all wires and shields are firmly attached; One copy of the Holy Bible: pages missing, ripped out; One black A5 notebook: contains the sub-inspector’s field logs, notes, transcripts related to his investigation and a page which appears to have been ripped out from the aforementioned Bible. A section is heavily marked with graphite/coal: Old Testament, Exodus 22:18, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” 

Inspection of the notes indicates that N. Anghelescu was in poor health condition and his mental capacities might have been impaired or severely disturbed; possible fever-induced hallucinations. The last entry in the log is dated the morning of August 5, 05:50, approximately forty-five minutes before he was last reported seen. 

We request urgent action from the National Intelligence Service for further investigation to ascertain the conditions of N. Anghelescu’s disappearance. This case is beyond the competency of the Territorial Unit. We further recommend involvement of experts in witchcraft to gauge the extent, nature and geographical spread of unholy practices. We hereby enclose N. Anghelescu’s official reports, the discovered field notes and items for further analysis.

FIELD LOG | NICOLAE ANGHELESCU

DAY 1. 01.08.2010 

21:30 / Village seemed like any other. Quiet people, respectful with authorities. I was saved a seat in the church, the Priest was expecting me. Post-service, he gave me some clues, but nothing strong enough. I had a feeling that the Robus might know more, they are one of the few wealthy families in this village, very popular people. They were more than happy to have me for supper, very friendly. They described the practices of this woman and what she does to these poor men and women. “She poisons them somehow. Good men lose their ways, their eyes become empty, they drink their minds to drown their sorrows and escape the haunting. Dumb, they sleep all day, walk around like zombies, take it out on their children. The women become cocky, stop listening, refuse to cook, roam around, forget their families.” Robu’s wife was very angry about Suspect (possibility of a personal conflict? Credibility uncertain).

I found their claims hard to believe until I saw her. Encountered the Suspect after leaving Robu house at approx. 16:05. She stared at me, slowed down, but didn’t stop (kept walking toward her gate). I said hello, good evening, she did not respond to my salute. She was carrying a large bag, there was movement inside the bag. She held her hand close to her armpit (egg?). She looks like an ordinary woman from afar, but her eyes were not a woman’s eyes (not human?). They’re cold and fixed, and her stare is sharp like that of wild animals. Felt chills, like she could read my thoughts—very disturbing. She didn’t seem afraid, she looked at me as if she knows who I am (does she know I’m investigating her?). After she went inside, I found eggshells outside her gate. I’ve never believed in witchcraft or supernatural forces, but I’m certain there is something unholy going on.

Description of Suspect: 

– Dark eyes; long hair, dark, not brushed; long dress, dark red; large bag (burlap?), possible movement inside. Disposition: defiant, cold, silent.

Effects of Suspect: 

– Strong men fall into sin, lie with other women (masturbation?). Wives overtaken by lustful desires. 

EVID.!: Egg shells (white) – 1.8 m from gate.

CRUCIAL! Investigate further. Fence – high. Go to forest, chicken – black. Find women “victims.”

TOMORROW: Ask for an extension in the report (maybe for backup?). Focus on hard evidence & figure out what’s really going on. (1) Confirm the allegations (2) Figure out her motives.

22:30 / Woke up from a dream; drenched in sweat. Chills, 27° C. Research Evil Eye symptoms tomorrow.

TRANSCRIPTION 1C (EXCERPT): 

ROBU CONSTANTIN + WIFE 

[01.08.2010. 14:15—16:00 / LOC: HOUSE #33, ACROSS STREET FROM SUSPECT]

ROBU’S WIFE: She thinks she’s all superior. While we work hard, that cunt — God forgive — talks to the Devil! She made a pact with him—she breeds his children.

N. ANGHELESCU: Breeds his children? What do you mean? 

WIFE: Why do you think she has the tallest fence in the village? There’s a black chicken, she lays the eggs herself and carries them under her armpit for nine days—Devil’s hatch. She twisted the minds of young pious women, bitches now. Yes, here! They go to the forest and dance with Satan at night. Nothing grows there. The cursed place kills everything.

CONSTANTIN ROBU: There is something wrong with that woman, I’m telling you. Please fill your glass, I have more in the cellar. 

(C. Robu exits room — looks troubled)

WIFE: (whispering) She lures men in at night, you know? They don’t remember a thing the next day, pour souls… Good men go mad, they start drinking more and more, they walk around like they’re in a trance, they beat their wives and children, run to whores.

NA: (whispering) She forces them to commit adultery? 

WIFE: (whispering) They will deny it, but there is no other explanation. Righteous men become lecherous—consumed by wicked lust, corrupted by temptation, they live in sin—

(C. Robu returns with wine)

WIFE: The Evil Eye curses anyone who dares come close. “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.” Turn your eyes if you see her! I will pray for your protection. Saint Nicholas, protect you.

DAY 2. 02.08.2010 

10:20 / Sent report. I’m sure I’ll get the extension.

Symptoms point to Evil Eye: constant buzzing in my ear, can’t stop yawning. Head feels heavy. “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” Deuteronomy 18:11–12

16:30 / Movement outside the house, think I might be watched. Safer to keep curtains shut, not leave room. Still no response from Directorate. Yawning is intense, head hurts like hell. 

20:00 / Deployment prolonged. Need to rest (my head is pounding, eyes hurt too—migraines?)

TOMORROW: Resume investigation. Start with the forest. 

DAY 3. 03.08.2010 

06:45 / Didn’t close eyes all night. Saw female victims—heard sounds like howling, screaming, I ran outside. There were two: young, half-naked, white gowns, jumping around (dancing?) on the street. Had the same wicked eyes as the witch. Laughed at me, pointed (because of my robe?) when I demanded identification. Appeared possessed. Kept spinning wildly. I heard them whispering, I approached them and they ran away. (I couldn’t follow them, order doesn’t permit.) Their feet were bare, covered in mud. Must have been in the forest‚ going to investigate now.

08:00 / Perișor Forest, alone: Found clearing: trees stop in a uniform circle, 20–30 m. Fire in the epicenter (extinguished, still warm), ashes in oval, middle of clearing, remains of wood (oak?). Numerous footprint trails, indicates at least six or seven of them. Collected evidence.

16:00 / They must have broken into my room while I was out. I found feathers under the bed and there are fingerprints on the mirror. They’re not mine, must be women’s prints, could be her or one of her victims. Covered the mirror, I have to stay vigilant.

19:00 / Muscle pain in my arms, vision seems blurry, the tremors are getting worse. No energy but very restless. Drinking a lot of water (blowing over it three times to break away Evil Eye)

20:00 / The window’s shut tight but the curtain’s moving. I feel I’m being watched (ran out of cassettes, can’t record activity). Every time I close my eyes, I see those women spinning in their white dresses, I can almost smell them. The Devil is trying to lure me into sin

21:00 / Sweating like a pig, have a high fever. Still no response from Directorate. Don’t they see how serious this is? God help me, I might have to act alone. Unholy thoughts and impure physical urges growing more intense, taking all my energy to resist. “If your Eye is Evil, your entire body will be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:22–23. Oil lamp almost out.

DAY 4. 04.08.2010 

11:00 / Limited discretionary power, “No factual or demonstrative evidence that I’m being retaliated against.” They’re out of their damned minds. TONIGHT: Enter the Witch’s lair. Collect evidence to prove severity of situation

17:00 / Physical ailments getting worse, couldn’t get out of bed the whole day, can’t sleep either. The ringing in my ears is deafening, my temples feel about to explode, muscles are seizing up from resisting Evil Eye’s effects.

20:45 /  Bodily urges had me paralyzed, I had to release pressure, regain some strength. 

Going to Witch’s compound. Reading Psalm 91 for protection. “He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

1 hour till dusk

22:10 / EVID. direct!!! black chicken in coop

I saw the Devil—I entered through a breach in the fence. There’s a clearing in the garden, same as the one in the forest. I quickly found the coop. There were eggshells everywhere. The black fowl, wide-eyed, standing firm—the demon was expecting me. Gave a loud demonic cackle (caught on tape). It charged straight at me but I was faster, I closed the coop door in its face. I saw a flickering light at the window of the Witch’s house and smoke rising from the chimney (brewing, conjuring?‚ I don’t think she saw me.

Report first thing tomorrow. Units will be here in no time. Will apprehend the Witch immediately once they see evidence.

05:30 / SHE WAS HERE

woke up in the middle of night, saw her coming / she smelled like burnt hair, was covered in a white cloth / I tried to get up but my hands and legs were tied. she was carrying coal in her hands / climbed on top of me tied my eyes with the cloth covered my mouth. skin burning from her contact / she made spitting sounds then ran her cold wet tongue on my forehead, temples, nose / I must have lost consciousness. don’t remember anything else. I woke up face down, could barely get up from the floor. mirror is still covered… could I have dreamt it all? / the sun is starting to rise. the spasms have extended to my chest, abdomen and thighs. I noticed coal marks on my forehead, cross-shaped / she is surely trying to kill me

05:50 / God won’t protect me here.