In a dark dungeon, the Inquisition's Henker and an Old Priest prepare for a brutal strappado, a medieval torture device reserved for the most wicked of witches. Blonde Alice, the accused, is bound and suspended, her body tense with fear and anticipation. Laura Witch, her coven sister, watches in horror as the heavy weights are attached to Alice's wrists, pulling her arms taut. The Henker, with sadistic glee, begins the interrogation, his voice echoing menacingly in the cold, stone chamber.