Behold - The Castle of Cachtice.
An unconquerable stronghold
that time will turn into stones and dust.
The last witness to the mysterious story...
of Hungarys wealthiest noble woman
Countess Erzsebet Bathory.
Here, as the legend says, she tortured
and killed innocent virgins...
and bathed in their blood to stay young and beautiful forever.
The fewer the facts, the plentiful the legends.
The truth will remain forgotten in this forgotten dungeon,
from where the countesses desperate wailing and sobbing
could be heard night after night.
Until the devil himself took pity on her
and setting her on his firey steed carried her away,
to the darkest depths of hell.
Or was it an angel?
And was the story rather different perhaps?
I trust my daughter Erzsebet Bathory,
in marriage to Ferenc Nadasdy.
That our families may be united!
This union will be the most powerful in Hungary.
Erzsebet! Erzsebet!
Look! I have my own horse!
Now I am a man.
Marriage is a duty and love a sin.
Ferenc will increase the family fortune,
your job is to manage and preserve it.
And look after the servants.
The canīt work if they are ill.
Erzsebet!
Viva young couples!
Dear Countess, we have a duty to our families, to conceive a son.
How are we going to accomplish this?
My uncle told me, do not worry, my dear.
For centuries, the Turks and Tatars devastated
and plundered the kingdom of Hungary.
Killing and destroying everything that Hungarians held sacred.
Erzsebet.
Finally, the Protestant lord set aside their dispute with the Catholics,
and together rows to wage war against the Muslims.
The fate of this vast land,
which people spoke 13 different languages,
fell into the hands of some powerful, led by Ferenc Nadasdy.
Look at the Habsburgs. Always the first to flee.
I like to see the infidels kicking Catholics.
I told you will not be bored for long.
For God and Hungary!
Guide your people to victory!
Hungary!
The Turks.
Count Nadasdy...
fearless warrior and commander,
always stood in the front of the brave son of Hungary.
The bleeding Hungarian kingdom,
became the last bastion
protecting Christian Europe against the infidels.
History is written by winners, and the Chronicles,
by fools like me a humble monk named Peter.
My testimony is not a legend about heroes like Ferenc
but about life and death of his beautiful wife Erzsebet.
The three dragon teeth from her family crest
represent the three names that marked his life
and, ultimately, fulfilled her destiny.
- Countess. - Thurzo?
Where is Ferenc? - Donīt worry, he is safe.
It was a great victory.
Here sends a list of war trophies.
He sends you a gift.
Look out the window.
The best gift would be to have Ferenc home.
My little fairy.
he is an Italian painter we stole from the Turks.
Come.
He should be painting roses shutters to the Pasha of Budin,
but in exchange for this portrait,
Ferenc promised him freedom.
- Move, miserable! -Let me go!
Iīm a protege of Cardinal Del Monte.
Move!
Maybe he can capture your beauty.
Come on, Maria. Faster! You so sweet.
Ferenc, my beloved black horse.
Perhaps you could stop by after the Sunday service
to sign your agreement for the next half year.
Donīt worry, pastor, Iīll sign it in Ferences name.
- Wait! -Yes, Istvan?
Our painter hast ordered half the forest for his paints.
And he still wants more.
What else does he need, Istvan?
What kind of rose is this?
a Venetian.
Blue as a Venetian sky.
Three days mourning our dead comrades.
We have been living close to death.
Ferenc...
you are drunk.
Tomorrow, I am conquering the Fortress near the Eger.
Tonight, I am conquering you. - Ferenc. Ferenc.
Ferenc, no! Ferenc, no!
- I beg you. My baby! - Love can not hurt the baby.
Ferenc!
No!
My baby!
This war without end, turned me into a brute.
Even when I am with you, I act like a barbarians.
Erzsebet Honey, forgive me the pain that I caused you.
I never forgive myself the loss of our unborn son.
My... Damn. That was close.
See Nadasdy, cannon balls, arrows, everything mises him.
Is the luck of the devil.
God gave Nadasdy courage and strength. That's all.
Yes, Bathany. And wealth... And a beautiful woman.
You envy him? -Of course.
Beautiful women are hard to find.
When the master get drunk,
they become as strong as horses,
and then they just go and hunt a defenceless orphan, like me.
Weīll be out here
if we get pregnant and the Countess finds out.
But youīre sweet.
No!
You can have me for nothing.
Come on, Merisi! Possess me as does the master!
Leave me alone! Get out!
- Open the door, Merisi. Who? By God...
Why is it locked?
Iīm mixing paints.
See that red...
as our blood.
Symbolizes life and love.
Erika
I was drawing from memory.
See?
Tomorrow youīll begin painting me and my daughters.
You preserve what I have left.
Praise God! Our Countess is well again.
Countess is taking their young man to the manor house.
Now sheīs gonna have all the fun she wants.
- Yes! -Shut up!
Itīs the only thing you think of.
Do you know how many children
her herbs have saved?
I canīt capture the curves of your body.
I need a naked model.
An honest woman shows her body to no one.
Not even her husband.
See this skull.
I never painted any creature without knowing its skeleton.
In Florence painters dissect the dead.
What this place? A torture chamber?
My hospital.
Use this to cauterize the wound.
This is what I use to let blood on your leeches.
- Dio mio. - Shut up or cut your leg off!
- What this? - Drawings of medicinal herbs.
God, please donīt let me die in this horrible place
You are the only one who paints?
What's this? A list of all his victims?
Subjects I have cured.
Here it is. Hang on the sinner, Dora.
No, no, no...
No worry
That will teach you to paint naked women.
- Move, Erika. -Let me go.
She wanted to flee madam.
God, help me!
There were five of them. Overthrew the all doors and raped us.
They were drunk. Waving their sabres and shouting.
There was nothing we could do.
Which one attacked you?
I think it was the officer, with a scar on his forehead.
Thurzo?
Every night some man tries to enter my room.
Even the old Istvan.
Put out your hand.
For your protection.
BATTLE ESZTERGOM
There is only one God.
But the world stands divided by the ways
each of this flock comes on to him.
Why Turks dropped suddenly?
They got scared coward Muslims.
- What the Habsburgs are doing? They donīt care about the orders.
There are two harems on this was
and they are celebrating already.
The battle is not over!
Go back to the battle, you lazy bastards.
The commander enjoy the spoils of war as well.
This can be a trap!
The Turks surrendered too fast.
These whores Turkish so good.
Attack!
These Turks pigs.
Thurzo, letīs back up, to get out of here alive.
Lets get out!
Why not paint my face?
I am waiting that you smile.
Why hide such beauty?
Leonardo da Vinci said that a a painting is a poem for the eyes.
To me, this land is a poem, Merisi.
Hungary stretches from Moravia
all the way down
to the Adriatic Sea.
I own third of the country.
Which is more land than the king has.
16 castles, thousands of servants and 20 times more animals.
- And those deer? -Belong to Thurzo.
a friend of the family.
Ferenc gave him this land, but he always wants more.
Now he wants my lakes.
A charming man.
But hi slicks around me like a dog on feed.
You will be in haven this day, my men! The lord will avenge us.
- Courage, men! -For God and Hungary!
Youīre lucky the have no idea who you are.
For God and Hun...
- What did he say? - What is our turn tomorrow.
Hey!
a message from my uncle, Prince of Transylvania.
Bad news?
My uncle Sigmund has invited me to his birthday.
I have work for you.
Andiamo.
Wait here.
It took ten year of marriage, before I had my first child.
It was a girl.
But the boy I lost, would be called Andrasz.
I want you to paint him.
But you must be quick.
We will travel to Transylvania tomorrow.
No can do it one night only.
Oh, Madonna mia!
I want to return him to the earth where he belongs.
Use both hands.
Carefully, Ferenc.
Who is there? Erika?
Why Dio!
Dio mio!
Christ!
You saved my life. Thank you.
I wonīt forget it.
Your hand.
Itīs an honour commander.
There must be stables near by.
Count Nadasdy will be angry. I havenīt finished your painting yet.
One you havenīt finished. The other you have burned.
What will I do with you? Iīll give you away...
to my uncle.
Iīm not a slave, you just give away!
When do you get it?
Your faith is in my hands youīre the spoils of war.
Nothing less than a slave.
Slave, slave, slave! Trophy!
Erzsebet, good to see you!
GYULAFEHRVR MAJOR TRANSYLVANIA
Uncle Sigmund.
Count Bethlen, my right arm.
I think I remember his nephew, Gabor.
Gabor.
Now that the Transylvania joined the war against the Turks,
we need new blood.
You became very handsome.
You get better every day, Aunt Erzsebet.
But the Bathorys have hot and wild blood running through their veins.
Uncle Miklos, when he was bishop,
he killed more men than all Turks together.
Cardinal Andrasz Bathory, a true saint.
Was ashamed of he beheaded four.
Great aunt Arnica Bathory.
As the Vikings, she believed
stay young beautiful forever
if your soul purify in fire
and incorporate in another body.
She got what she wanted, when he burned her castle.
And now, the most charming niece of the prince...
The woman, whose beauty and youth seem eternal.
A woman richer than all of us together.
Brings us a delightful gift: a painter from Milan.
Music!
Sigmund - profile!
Excellent! The best on earth! Prince of Transylvania!
- Yes! -No, no, no.
Fox!
Too boring for you, Erzsebet?
Thurzo? Where is Ferenc?
The war is a priority for him, as usual.
Do we play chess or dance?
Battle-or hug? -Definitely, battle.
Ferenc sent in any news?
He sent gifts to his uncle, and sent me to entertain you.
Then, entertain me.
Who wins, chooses the dance.
You donīt like me Ersebeth, do you?
I always wanted a woman as smart as you.
women more attractive all Hungary.
A smart woman can be a problem in the life of her husband.
The knight!
Watch your king.
I canīt concentrate on this with Italian Clown watching.
If I were your husband, I would castrate him.
Clown? Complete game for me, Merisi.
Certainly.
Checkmate, Mr. Thurzo!
Should spend more time practising chess
than going behind my set up.
Wait, Countess!
I forgot to say something about Ferenc.
Thurzo an idiot. That pig messed up.
That pig saved the life of Ferenc.
Thatīs what he says. But I donīt believe him.
Stay awhile, Erzsebet. Iīve been looking forward to see you.
My husband and wounded and I stay with him.
I am sorry. Thanks for everything.
Gotta go.
I must go to Sarvar. We will meet at home, little angels.
SARVAR WEST HUNGARY
The count is in Pressburg
by order of King Rudolph.
- And the wounds that he had? His wounds have healed.
Havenīt even cleaned the room, lazy loafers.
I want every maid in this castle whipped.
I am lonely, Merisi.
I miss tenderness.
Kiss me.
Its an order!
I never kissed a woman.
Then this shall be your first time.
Paint me.
You have the eyes and smile of Da Vincis Mona Lisa.
Iīve never been in love.
When I was studying painting,
I met a beautiful young man. His name was Luca.
He became my model.
It was a passion for his his physical perfection.
It was not love.
You must keep this only in your mind.
You have the same brand as you aunt Arnica.
- Are you afraid of aging? -No. It is the law of God.
Everything must grow old. - Except the faces in the paintings.
A painting preserves what time destroys.
People will admire
your pale beauty long after you will leave this world.
Iīm pale because Iīm ill.
Thereīs something wrong in my blood.
Sometimes I hear a rolling inside my head,
as if the sea were calling to me.
I feel death in my bones.
But no one should know not even Ferenc.
- Do you love your husband? - No.
Marriage is something about love.
Alarm! Alarm!
Ficzko, what was that?
A man spying. But ran away.
It all to clear was is in this town.
A vampire. Let us pray.
No, their not teeth marks.
Take the body to the castle.
This my gift for you.
So you can paint like masters of Florence.
I canīt do it.
You said you wanted to understand the human body.
Its like... It feels like murder.
Let do it together.
I am afraid, Merisi. The Countess is a vampire.
If we donīt run away, sheīll kill us and drink our blood.
Come with me.
God, please help me!
No!
How it is when a man loves a man?
The same as when you love a woman.
Out, Merisi!
I want to see if you are a full man.
Out!
Undress now!
"I understand" Countess.
I understand, Countess. I am a handsome man, no?
I understand.
- Go! -No! No!
- No! -Bye, Merisi!
I swear! I will only make love to women from now on.
Did you know that your behind is prettier than your face?
I know! I know!
You were running away because of Istvan?
Every night that pig try to get into my room.
So you killed him? I didnīt kill him.
Donīt you dare lie to me!
I saw the wounds! From the dagger
I gave to you defend yourself.
Put out your hands.
Both.
Where did you get that ring?
- Where did you get that ring? Merisi!
Your bitch Liar and bitch
- Heīs obsessed with me! -Liar!
He comes to me every night!
He begged me to ran away with him.
- No! -I wish you dead!
No!
Please, God, forgive me I didnīt mean this to happen.
Oh, God!
Leave me alone! Out! Ficzko! Out! Everyone!
Go! Out!
I havenīt seen you for five days.
Why are you avoiding me?
You betrayed me.
I couldnīt betray you. I love you.
Liar!
- Wait, please. - Youīre a liar!
Youīre right, I lied. Iīm not who you think I am.
Go!
I am not as innocent as I appear.
A year ago I killed a man.
Knifed him in the heart, in a duel, so I had to flee my home.
The Turks took me on the way to Vienna.
And then your husband...
Merisi my real name.
But I sign my paintings as Caravaggio.
Caravaggio?
I thought the only thing important for me was the painting.
But the only thing I canīt live without...
is you.
Run to your room. Ferenc is back. Fast!
Iīm not going anywhere. - Ficzko!
If Ferenc finds you here, heīll kill you.
Ficzko!
Yes!
Whereīs your mistress?
He hasnīt left her chamber for three days.
Three days?
Is she sick? My god.
Since when the husband enters his wifeīs bedroom through the window?
Since they can not live without them.
Iīve been so lonely, Ferenc.
Archduke Mathias, brother of King Rudolph
has honoured us with his visit.
Let him wait.
Why are you crying?
Come.
My painter did it?
I want you to send him away.
Send him away, Ferenc.
Please. I donīt want to see him again.
Archduke Mathias is having fun.
But Ferenc, you should be more at his side.
I hate to rush,
My throne will wait for me. That is my philosophy.
Bravo!
I donīt understand. Erzsebet is drunk. She never gets drunk.
She having fun. Thatīs not a sin?
That Italian prick is wearing her favourite ring.
How did you get it?
Did I tell you?
About our visit in Transylvania.
They spent the night in the Sarvar, on the way home.
I will kill him. -Wait!
In front of the kings brother?
I donīt care.
Leave it to me.
He wants freedom. Why not give him?
Come here, painter!
I have a reward for you.
Drink! Youīll be a free man again.
To your freedom, painter.
- Freedom! - Freedom!
Erzsebet!
Donīt touch her!
Go!
Water! Send for the old healer!
Did you hear what I said? Send for Darvulia!
Sheīs a witch! - I donīt care if sheīs the devil incarnated!
I have to save my wife.
Open your eyes.
Leave the darkness, come to the light.
Welcome back to the world, Countess.
Who is she?
A healer. And a seer.
Darvulia.
Caravaggio?
Where is he?
The count ordered his prison, a week ago.
Drink it.
Merisi?
Merisi is not here. The rats have eaten his bones?
No, heīs alive.
Do you feel it? A draft...
He escaped.
He didnīt even wait to see if I lived.
I know why you hear the roar of the sea.
You are ill,
but I can cure you.
I know the secret of healthy blood.
And more!
My medicine will keep you as young and beautiful as you are in the painting.
But you have to make a sacrifice.
Love...
and reputation.
You will give birth to Ferenceīs son,
and for ten years you will live a happy and full life.
And?
See for your self...
I will show you evil that you canīt avoid without my help.
The time will come when you must choose for yourself.
Who is this man?
Your enemy, paving your way to hell.
Before I die I will write his name on the wall
in my own blood.
There is only one god,
yet people keep dying in this war against the Muslims
But neither live the Christians in peace with one another
When The Green Reaper increased his toll on the battlefield.
His eminence, Cardinal Forgach
sent me on a secret mission to upper Hungary.
Rumours from Cachtice spread throughout the kingdom.
That its wealthiest noble woman was under the spell of and old seer
named Darvulia her black magic with blood.
Helped by a young novice called Cyril
seek to discover truth of this bastion of Protestant believe
became a focus of forces of evil.
Cyril, we must give them a hand. Start bringing water.
I canīt believe it.
Our own soldiers kidnapping our servants
and selling them to the Turks, as slaves.
Lift me up, mommy. I want to see.
Weīll be safe. They wonīt dare attack the castle.
It was a mistake to postpone our marriage.
Darvulia said the stars donīt favour it.
We discussed this often, Anna.
Iīm glad, lord Zrinyl will be joining us,
but not in time of war. It would be inappropriate.
Why do you always do what that old witch says?
Because she saved me from death.
Only Darvulia found the cure for my illness.
Now that is enough.
Youīre nothing but a laughing stock, mother
Everyone knows that you leave her here, so you can stay young.
Iīll kill you.
Stop!
Sara, stop!
Youīre good with the hands.
I was a wood cutter before I became a monk.
And you?
When are getting married, Lucia?
When she saved for a good dowry.
Next week, she will work in the castle.
Yes, yes, mother!
Christian brother.
Iīm Father Peter. This Cyril, a Novice.
My name is Ponicky, am the new pastor.
What brings you here?
The Church is making a map of Upper Hungary.
Youīll find this a strange place.
Ever since the old hag the witch Countess Erzsebeth
castle maid keep dying one after another.
Is it the plague?
Plague...
God save you!
Where the devil canīt go, he sends a catholic.
Out of the way. - Another body!
Darvulia.
We have the chance to send the first message to the monastery.
A body.
Father, I hope that next time itīs not yours!
The Cardinal was right to send us here.
Write what I say.
Countess Bathorys male servant Adreovic
buried bodies in the garden.
The plague with a blade...
Death and blood surrounds me, another made is now gone.
Iīm afraid, dear Ferenc.
Our daughter seem quite eager to marry.
Soon, I will be even more alone.
I praise god that Pal is still to young
and that I have the faithful Darvulia by my side.
Always think of those that I miss.
Her potion a herbs a curing me. It is a miracle.
We pray together for God to help you defeat the Turks
a have you return safely home to me.
This war against the Turks lasts more than 10 years.
Only God knows when it will end.
Praise be to God that all of you will be safe.
I count the days until we can be together, my love.
Your Black bey.
Buda Castle
For Hungary!
Win!
Thurzo, my brother, watch my back!
Black bey, black bey!
- Easy! Conceal-gold! Hurry!
Where is the gold?
My gold. -Get out.
For Hungary!
What is it?
Death is here.
My lord...
its turned black.
Go to the Countess, Lucia.
Tell her to prepare for a trip to Sarvar.
Ferenc! Ferenc!
Somebody help me!
Help!
You scared us.
When I grow up, Iīll be like you, Father!
I promise
In the spring youīll have a real horse.
Now go
Erzsebet.
Yes?
Be careful.
The Habsburgs are attempting to destroy Hungary.
There will be traitors when the time comes.
Protect yourself.
Join forces with Bathany.
Why?
Because I trust him.
Marry Pal to their family,
or get married yourself.
Our swords will protect us.
Viva!
SARVAR, 1604
Come, noble gentlemen of this proud land.
We will provide our ultimate tributes
who so bravely took the stabs.
He fought the Turks, as the dreaded black bey.
He fought for Christ until his death.
His ear is frost bitten.
S God knows what witches did to him.
Message! Message!
Cardinal Forgach! Your Eminence, message for you.
Thank you.
Erzsebet, we need to talk.
I know this is not a good time for you,
but when I helped Ferenc to flee,
he promised me the lakes in the west of my states.
He wanted to make sure that there will be no problems with that.
It is no mention of this in his will.
I hope you wonīt doubt the word of a soldier.
Please.
Iīm only claiming what's mine.
Find another to steal from.
Donīt think you can fool me like you fooled Ferenc.
He never knew what happened in Sarvar.
How many times that Italian painter and you slept,
while he was protecting his country.
How dare you?
Iīll think that is a little piece of foreplay.
You bastard! Dirty piece of scum.
You pig, run to your Habsburg friends!
She will soon give me what's mine.
I will protect you, aunt Erzsebet.
When I become prince of Transylvania,
I can crush anyone, even the king.
Sir, we have to go. -Yes.
Almost forgot, I have a letter for you.
Thank you, Gabor.
Caravaggio.
Heīs alive.
Madame. Hey!
May I come in, my lord?
It seems you've lost sleep over her wealth.
She started the game, she canīt win.
She must give you what's yours The bitch.
Let me join this game. I can be very useful.
I can turn Darvulia.
Youīre more useful giving birth to my children.
And donīt forget: I know herbs
that can turn even Popes black.
Donīt play with fire.
You could lose your head.
Donīt worry
no one will suspect me or you.
We found her on the road near the manor house
Some monster cut off her head.
And your family crest is carved in her chest.
Are any of your maids missing? Not that I know of.
Enough for today.
I want to sin! I burn in the flames of fornication!
I want to be consumed by you.
Arnica?
Iīm Erszebet. You are Arnica.
In donīt want to die in flames like you.
If you die now, you stay young forever.
As shouldnīt travel alone. Its not safe,
especially during the war.
I have all the protection I need.
I represent the interests of the king.
I hope you donīt want to assault me.
You are lucky, I havenīt the strength for it.
Rumours about your healer have reached the Viennese court.
Sheīs hurting your reputation. Get rid of her!
Darvulia in not your concern!
Erzsebet, you should think about the future of Pal.
If we both join forces with the Habsburgs, they will win the war,
and we become fabulously wealthy.
The Bathory family will never, never convert to Catholicism.
I am a Protestant, as well as you. But think about it.
If we come together to achieve peace between the Habsburgs and the Hungarian nobility,
your son could become emperor.
- Is that the interest of the King? - This is my wish.
I want you.
What are you doing?
- Ferenc would have killed you. Ferenc is dead.
Then I will kill you!
Iīm sorry, my lady. My hand slipped.
You wanted to kill me!
No, I would give my life for you.
I know, Sara. I know...
I can not tell dream from reality.
Iīm tired. I want to die.
You can not leave this world, dear.
Your children need you.
Especially little Pal.
- Pal? Yes, your son.
I donīt have a son.
I donīt understand.
The medicine that helped you, is now working against you.
Holy God. Again. Did you notice the code of arms?
Three dragonīs teeth.
They say she has full barrels of blood of virgins in the cellar.
Sooner or later, it will be the blood of all of us.
For, if you are not to be saved by good words.
It is a sure and certain thing that you will be damned by evil ones.
The Jezebel is still among us!
Hidden in the walls of her castle,
bathing in the blood of innocent virgins.
Leave! The truth will follow you!
Look! A miracle!
God confirmed my words!
The mail arrived.
- Easy! -Thank you, mother.
You help me in the kitchen.
Margita, hurry!
- Margita... - I need you in the kitchen.
Cyril, what was it this time?
Cardinal Forgach wants proof that Ponicky is right.
We have to sneak into the castle.
Donīt you think its strange? She look about 20 years younger than she is.
Father Peter, you must really hate her?
Why did Sarah came in to comb my hair?
Donīt you remember? Really?
- What is it that you drinking all the time? - Your potion.
God!
Mushrooms.
Donīt eat or drink anything that I havenīt prepared for you.
You understand?
Take this one!
No, I donīt want any more eat raw liver.
You have to purify your blood.
Blood! Blood!
I want Sara! Where is Sara?
Sara is dead.
- You killed Sara? - I can help you.
- You killed Sara! - I can help you.
Somebody wants to poison your soul.
No!
Look what these mushrooms have caused you.
- A murderer. -No.
I didnīt...
I didnīt killed her.
You... You! Deceived me all these years!
Ficzko!
- Ficzko! Ficzko! Yes, my lady?
Take that witch. Chain her to the wall!
Iīm not your enemy.
I would never hurt you!
Take your poison with you.
May God forgive you, Erzsebet!
Fast, Father! Fast!
We are right on time!
- We should have used disguise. - Remember...
A guest entering a house, is God entering
even if heīs a catholic.
Then, why not enter the front door?
Move! Move!
Lucia, wait for me!
timo! timo!
Come, Cyril!
Witch!
Weīve got to find those barrels with blood.
Father Peter!
Pastor Ponicky was right.
Prepare the device.
We capture the moment!
A beautiful proof! Cyril!
- Spy! - We were just looking...
What are you?
- Spies? Thieves? -We lenserers.
Weīre mapping the mountains of Upper Hungary.
Youīre trespassing on my land. That is what youīre doing.
I will have your eyes put out.
We are under the protection of Cardinal Forgach.
Not even the Pope can protect you here.
Cyril?
The boy I healed! You were attacked by wolves!
Yes, its me.
You patched me and sent me to school.
Thank you, my lady, I will pray for you.
But you became a catholic.
Why did you renounce the faith of your forefathers?
I always wanted to be a lenserer.
Mommy, mommy! They found Sara
Sara...
- What have they done to her? - She was buried in church yard.
Some dug her up. - How did her body get here?
I was on guard all night, my lady. Nothing passed me by.
Poor girl! A vampire attacked and sucked her blood.
Now your soul never finds peace.
This was not a vampire. They are trying to trick us.
Look at the bathtub.
Bring Darvulia here.
- Where is she? - Sheīs gone.
Thank God!
Somebody helped. The chain was cut.
Throw these two spies out of the castle now.
- We are all Christians! -Leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Thank you! Thank you!
Thank God! Saving us from the clutches of the beast!
One exhumed maid doesnīt make her a murderer or a vampire, Peter.
What about the blood in the bathtub?
Only red herbs. Look!
Red herbs...
Siding with your beloved Countess again.
Once Lutheran... always a Lutheran.
- I think she is innocent! - Youīre a surveyor!
You mustnīt believe. You must see.
He didnīt have our eyes cut out.
The greater the legends, so few facts.
All what I believed seemed not to make sense.
There were no vampires or bloodbaths.
Darvulia?
What puzzled me was the disappearance of the witch Darvulia.
It became a challenge for me, a spy of the Cardinal Forgach,
to find out who was behind these strange events.
Thurzo?
Bytca - Thurzo family estate
I am very happy you accepted our invitation, Erzsebet.
- How could I refuse? - Welcome to our library!
Countess Bathory brought a partner for dance, girls!
They Pal to the garden.
- Are you well? -Very well, thank you.
We are very happy that you are healthy again.
We have books here in five languages.
But I have another book, I think it will interest you more.
Your king is missing You are missing something to.
- Where did you get my book? - You draw very well.
But you understand that if Church finds out
youīll be burned alive.
We all do this, donīt we? But we must be discreet.
All these rumours in the village, about cutting up corpses,
in the long run it will harm you.
As will the story about
stabbing the maid to death with scissors.
How did you know this?
Darvulia?
That old witch thought that you and Thurzo are enemies.
She came here crawling here to give him your book.
- How could you? - I forgot to say...
She doesnīt have a tongue any more, but still has a black soul.
Iīll take her back.
I told to get rid of that witch.
Imagine if she had gone to someone who wants to harm you.
- Who wants to harm me? - The Habsburgs.
They paid the witch. They want Hungary to be catholic again.
And you, the most powerful protestant in the land
are standing in their way.
I heard you want to become the new Palatin.
I canīt protect you.
In Hungary, even a powerful widow,
can loose everything in the flash.
As I already said, I can take care of myself.
Mama, the girls go for Vienna to see the new King Mathias.
Can I go too?
Please! Please!
Yes. You canīt miss a royal ball. Monterverdi will show us his new Opera,
and the painter Caravaggio exhibits a painting in the Cathedral.
Caravaggio?
We are much stuff as dreams are made on.
He, who yields for power and wealth, would even sell his soul to hell.
That was my bitter truth.
VIENNA - CAPITAL of THE HOLY Roman Empire
You still have the smile and the eyes of the Mona Lisa.
Merisi!
So, youīd rather want to see Monterverdis work in progress
than see my completed masterpiece?
The paintingīs not good enough.
You far more beautiful than my Madonna.
And older.
Paintings capture you for eternity.
I have to see your birthmark again.
Not here. Its a sin.
At least we donīt need to go far for confess.
You once gave me a ring.
I had to sell it to to get back home.
Hereīs one for you.
It will bring you luck. Blue like the Venetian rose.
Iīm offering you my eternal friendship.
King Mathias wants to see you. You like my mask?
Glad to see that youīre having fun.
Iīm glad you accepted my suggestions to come to Vienna.
Sheīs not as smart as you thought.
God, have mercy for me. Forgive me, please.
Let her remember my prophecy.
Not that sheīs past beyond my protection.
Let her come under yours.
Your Majesty, Countess Erzsebet Bathory,
whose unfading beauty has become a legend.
Countess, I wish to know your secret.
- What secret? - From your eternal youth.
If you tell the king yours secret he will let you see your future.
My seer is blind, but she can see the future clearly.
You will not be satisfied.
You are on a journey, and you travelling faster and faster
You are going towards the flames.
Youīre conspiring with the devil! The end is near you.
Do not believe everything what you hear, Countess.
All this time,
youīve been paving my way to hell.
On the contrary.
I am here to ensure your safety and your interests.
And yet, you reject me.
You see what will happen to you, without my protection!
I seek protection from the king.
I am the only one who can help you.
Now, I want a third of your property
or the prophecy of the Gipsy will become true tomorrow!
God! Not even you could go that far!
We could have done this the easy way without involving the king,
if you werenīt so stubborn! This is my last offer.
No matter what you do, you will never see me on my knees.
Oh yes, I will. perhaps not today, but eventually tomorrow.
Soon I will be the second man of the kingdom.
Bastard!
Just a word from and everything can change.
One day you will realize that Iīm better than your Ferenc.
The king is backing me.
Cut the maids bellies open,
so the Countess can take a warm bath.
When you finished, leave by the back door.
Royal Guard, at your positions!
Open the doors. Fast! Come on, men!
Move!
Where is the Countess?
Since when a captain enters the chambers of a Countess
without permission?
Darvulia! Darvulia!
Darvulia?
No!
No! No! No!
Forgive me, Darvulia. I swear that I will avenge you.
From now on, profits profits from our land
will go to my nephew Gabor in Transylvania.
Are you sure? Gabor is a distant relative.
Gabor is the only one I trust
and the only one, whose army the king fears.
Youīre making decisions about money that eventually will be ours.
There will only be one heir to the family estate, Pal.
You will need his protection
and the single way to do this, is to remain strong.
What about us? We married your daughters.
- What do we get? You will get his protection to.
Long live Palatine Thurzo! Long live the champion!
Pressburg Seat of the Hungarian Palatine
Iīll get her next time.
Swear you are doing this for us, not for her.
Get out. Get out.
Donīt sleep, Erzsebet.
Wake up! Wake up!
Get up.
Why canīt you find peace in your grave, Darvulia?
Alarm! Alarm! Intruders in the castle!
Intruders in the castle!
Alarm!
Leave it! Poison.
Pal...
My son...
He tried to kill my son?
Thurzo and his killers. The third managed to escape.
Throw their heads to Thurzos doorstep.
He wants to play, Iīll play!
Turks! Turks!
The Turks! Hide the children!
Thurzo will know that this was us and not the Turks, aunt Erzsebet.
- That's what I wanted. - I donīt think this is the end.
He may threaten you. If you need anything,
send me a message and I bring my entire Army.
Thank you, Gabor.
I have bad news for you.
The Italian painter heīs dead.
- Caravaggio? -God bless his soul!
He died of fever... alone.
I had no chance...
to say goodbye.
A painting can preserve what time destroys.
Nothing lasts, Merisi.
Not even the faces in paintings.
Why are, all the people I love, leaving me.
This was a warning.
This pig from Transylvania, Gabor
has burned your third village.
Heīs willing to declare war on the king,
to protect his aunt.
We need to take the bitch to court immediately.
We canīt get the Countess to court,
unless we have six nobles to testify against her.
Why donīt we just lay siege to her castle?
It can take months, perhaps years.
No, the single way to make it, is to catch her inflagranti delicto
in the act of murder,
and get witnesses for her abomination.
- No, stop! -Stop!
Father, the Countess went crazy. Sheīs killing in daylight.
The devil came back.
I have to inform the Palatine.
In this letter, Pastor Ponicky asks the king
and me as the new Palatine,
to put an end to the killings of Countess Bathory.
As a noble, she has the right
to put her subjects to death.
Weīre talking about dozens of murders.
The pastor says here that she turns into a black cat.
If we canīt accuse her of witchcraft... That will work
She gets burned as a witch.
The church will confiscate her property
and we are defending the interests of the king, donīt we?
SARVAR
You are very angry, when you fight. That's not such good thing.
Anger is my best weapon, Bathany.
A message from Cachtice, Mylady.
My war is not over yet. I must return to Cachtice.
Thurzo is making his next move.
Every castle can be conquered... from within!
Cachtice is not conquerable.
It protected me from the Turks. I will protect from Thurzo.
Iīve made up my mind. Iīm going.
Not her, Margita. Not here.
Margita! Margita!
Youīīre kissing a catholic? Go and wash your mouth.
He wants to marry me!
And convert back to our faith, for me.
Then you want to marry a renegade? Get out!
No!
Take your hands of her, or you will lose more than one ear.
We are no longer welcome here.
In not going back to the monastery. Iīm tired of being a spy.
Theyīll send other spies. Listen...
Divine music.
We havenīt managed to remove prince Gabor
but the Bathory case is going well.
Many witnesses testified about her crimes.
If you manage to achieve this, Iīll give you a fat salary.
Who is this?
Count Druget, husband of Katarine, a family member.
I can no longer keep the crimes of countess Bathory secret.
And if she is arrested, her property will be confiscated by the Crown.
But you said it would be divided between us.
There is a solution,
its unpleasant, but if youīll both be loyal it can work.
You can count on us.
In this case, her property goes neither to the king or church.
It will stay within the family - that's you.
And it will be divided
equally between you and your protector,
that's me.
And if she is innocent?
Now, I want both of you to swear agreement to this plan.
Your father protected Hungary with this sword
and before him, his father, and his grandfather.
Uncle Gabor will teach you how to use it,
and youīll be our protector.
The blood of our family.
Whatever happens, you remember who you are
and where you belong.
Yes
Forgive me for arriving unannounced.
Anna and I did plans for Christmas.
We think that we should spend the holiday together as a family.
Sorry.
Druget and Katalin agreed.
No, Miklos.
I promised Pal, that we spend New Year
in Transylvania, with my family.
We must go before Christmas.
But your daughters were so looking forward to your company.
Stay at least for Christmas. I really want to see my sisters, mama.
A few days wonīt make any difference. Come!
There must be a traitor amongst your servants.
How else would Thurzo know when you wanted to leave?
Heīs planning something.
The have stationed Royal Guard patrols around Cachtice.
The townīs been sealed off.
Get him.
Your safety is at stake, your grace.
Donīt worry, Gabor will protect me.
I will send him a message to come after Christmas
with his Swiss Army.
Until then l, will celebrate birth of Our Lord,
right here in the castle, with my family.
I promised to Pal. For your services.
- Remember me in your prayers. -Thanks.
They sent a message! Itīs from the castle! Kill the pigeon!
Cachtice, 29 DECEMBER 1610
Ficzko, this will warm you up.
That was wonderful. Girls, give candy to children!
Everybody in the castle! Guests arrive soon!
Lucia, come with me!
Hurry, hurry.
a pity that in the canīt go with you, my lady.
Especially now...
I learned to open my veins alone.
I know you want to help me but I need only herbs.
I canīt even look at blood any more.
Dorota, what you are doing here?
I forgot to close the window.
Go on!
This my gift for Christmas for you.
Take all the herbs to Ficzko, at the castle,
and go home.
Freedom for me and for my family?
- I don't deserve this. - Yes, you do, Lucia.
You are like a daughter to me.
May I kiss you goodbye, my lady?
Its almost dark.
Iīm worried that Lucia is not home yet.
Ficzko! Mylady has set us free!
- Where were you? -Donīt come closer!
Who are you?
- Wasnīt it Lucia? Lucia?
What would she do in Church at this hour?
However, it have been somebody.
- Someoneīs definitely here.. H- yes...
You see the light?
Where does this lead?
- Shit! -Cyril, God hears you!
Donīt get your feet wet, Father.
I found the church, you want it closed, no?
What is the Royal guard doing here?
Ficzko is the traitor.
It looks like a secret way to the castle.
Open the gate! Itīs me, Zrinyi!
Master Zrinyi!
The countess awaits you.
I pray to God to save us!
Father.
Poor girls. Letīs help them.
Go, go, go, go!
Get out here. Youīll be safe in the bell tower.
Go, go! Here.
Quick, Cyril! Quick!
- Leave me alone! - Where are the little bitches?
They have fled. You didnīt tied them up properly..
- Ficzko! -Its you, you scum!
Lets go, Lucia.
Who are you?
- Dora? -Donīt kill me, Ficzko!
I must warn her grace.
Thurzo! You pig!
God, just do something!
Now is the time for one of Your miracles.
Damn!
Make way for the Palatine Thurzo. Clear!
Hurry, Pal! You have to hide.
I wasnīt expecting so many guests.
- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas to you!
I heard, that you were leaving.
And I couldnīt let you go, without saying goodbye.
Enough of this.
Erzsebet Bathory, I arrest you in the name of the king
for imprisoning, torturing, and murdering young women
in the dungeons of your castle.
You can not arrest a noble woman without witnesses of equal rank.
Youīre breaking the law. The law doesnīt applies here,
cause I caught in the act. Take her into the dungeons!
Find her son!
Youīre a traitor!
Stop! Stop!
Stop!
- So, you got me, no? - Where are the girls?
- Where are they? -The girls fled!
We did everything as ordered, my lord.
What are you talking about, you stupid whore?
- Those monks released them! -Find them.
Come!
They are herbs.
In the eyes of most people, its evidence.
People like over legends more than truth.
Just one word and everything can be different.
What will it be? Stalemate or checkmate?
Checkmate.
One move. Only one move
and I send you straight to hell, where you belong.
- Lower your weapons! - Do what she sends.
Ilona, Katalin. Arrest them.
Ficzko, whatīs going on?
Drop your weapons. Open the gates.
Drop! Drop!
Get Pal. Heīs in the secret chamber.
Yes, my lady.
- Drop your weapons! - So the paladin orders.
an order from Palatine Thurzo...
an order from the Palatine...
Sit.
Open the doors!
Open the doors! Let the Countess out!
Countess, youīve been betrayed!
Close the gates. -Release the Palatine.
- Mama, I wonīt let them take you! - Let him be! Let her be!
- Pal! -Mama, I will fight for you.
You will obey the soldiers, or theyīll hurt you.
Yes, mama. Iīll wait for you.
Remember, I will always be yours and youīll always be mine.
I love you.
Mama...
- Pal! Pal! -I love you, mama!
Pal, I will always be yours and youīll always be mine.
We found a bag full of frogs.
- We found chests full of jewels. - Make an inventory.
Okay.
Palatine Thurzo found new evidence.
The mutilated bodies of girls, buried in the garden of the manor house.
And for those who mocked me
when I compared this heartless beast
a to bloodthirsty vampire...
Come to the table and sign testimony of what you have seen.
You, you... and you.
- A gold necklace, seven diamonds. Seven-diamond...
An Emerald size of a coin.
A ruby necklace... A ruby necklace...
- with a pendant... - with a pendant...
Four-diamond in a ring. Four-diamond...
This my last message for you, Cardinal.
God!
Good good, what beautiful wings you gave to the angels.
A pity that you didnīt also gave us wings,
so that we go high a see
how small pitiable we are.
Why have we stopped?
The horses fear the wolves.
Catch the whore!
Stop, whore!
You idiot! We needed her alive.
You pay for this with your head.
Dorota Sentesz,
Countess had record of here victims?
Yes, she wrote their names in a book.
- How many were they? - Donīt say anything...
Thirty-! -Liar!
Thirty a month! -Whore! You whore.
Cyril, you must leave now. God bless you!
Bytca 2. JANUARY 1611
As prosecutor of the king, I demand the most severe punishment
for these accomplices who participated in the crimes.
Hear the verdict!
Janos Ujvary, nickname Ficzko,
Ilona Jo, Katalin Beniczka and Dorota Sentesz
shall be taken to a place close to this court.
And will have their fingers plucked, except Ficzko, who will be beheaded.
The Countess Erzsebet Bathory is sentenced to a life in jail,
isolated from the rest of the world.
A red gallows will erected red at the castle of Cachtice,
symbolizing here slow death.
Kill the pigs!
I am innocent!
You imprisoned Countess Bathory in here castle
against her will.
Yes, but I have hundreds of testimony of witnesses.
Yes, but they all commoners.
The evidence wonīt be inadmissible in court.
Your majesty are telling me something?
Has the political climate changed?
Noble can not be above the law.
I, Mathias II, will not allow the imprisonment of a noble woman
without substantial prove of guilt.
The Countess Bathory was sentenced in her absence.
She could not defend herself.
All the general witnesses have been executed
with a speed than I can describe only as suspicious.
If you can not show that you have been acting in good faith,
God have mercy on you!
There mustnīt be a court here, Cardinal.
The king turned against you, Count.
You may have executed the witnesses
but Erzsebet Bathory can not may remain in
her castle forever.
- Unless... -Unless, what?
Unless you think the Church can benefit
from the profits you removed from her castle.
For example, nine chests of treasure, a necklace...
Well, I like to win,
but I can be a good loser as well.
The one thing that I require in exchange, are the names of the monks.
I can not help you. Both are dead.
Lord, how can one handle this?
Who else can straighten what was left?
Is justice only for the most powerful?
Cachtice Castle Black tower, 1614
Excuse me, my lady, a monk want to see you.
Your grace.
Peter!
Donīt look at me like that.
I know, Iīve aged.
Whatīs happening outside? Here I have no news.
Thurzo is playing on both sides,
but he has a single goal to dispossess your family.
Why isnīt Gabor doing something? Gabor, heīs dead.
He was killed by his own people.
Thurzo is probably behind that.
The Habsburgs are gaining.
Iīm afraid to ask about Pal.
Zrinyi is now his guardian.
He is under pressure to renounce you.
My son would never renounce me.
You need to give him my will.
Heīll need it.
You must not let Thurzo win.
If I still believed, that is God Almighty
I would pray for you.
I was born at a time that was not right for me.
Iīm not as strong as thought.
Remember me when I leave.
Lord...
The weight of the cross you placed on my shoulders is to much for me.
Save my soul.
Erzsebet Bathory will be given a dignified funeral.
But she committed suicide, Palatine.
She was heard singing a hymn as burned.
She killed others and then killed herself.
She may be buried in hallowed ground.
She can not be buried in sanctified soil.
Who gave you the right to judge?
She made the move most daring of all.
One that I never expected.
With this move, she won the game.
I loved her.