Based in the life of Countess Erzebet Bathory (1560-1614)
History is a tale told by the victors Who are the victors?
Barbaric warriors, mad kings, and greedy traitors
Maybe most of our histories are made of fables fabricated by those glorious victors
This is the story of Countess Erzebet Bathory.
Not just history remembers her but also how I remember her
Countess Erzebet Bathory was born into one of the Hungary's most illustrious families in 1560.
Your future wife.
She was promised to Ferenc Nadasdy at birth.
Erzebet, come here
They stole a horse that deserved to be punished.
History tells us, from very early age, Erzebet learned to be fearless...
unfeeling...
curious... - The seed will turn into a big tree one day.
...and pitiless.
Why is it? when you put someone under the ground they do not grow like seed?
The seeds are alive, whereas people we buried under ground are dead.
- But if we bury them alive? - They suffocate and die.
So we get eaten by worms.
The body melts away but the soul passes on to heaven or hell.
You will go to heaven just like your Papa. The soul is eternal my dear.
If it was not, I would have to raise an army to conquer death.
He is so lovely, I want him to be my husband.
When he reaches his marring age, you will be old and worn.
Count Nadasky will be your husband.
I beg you not to harm him. I love him, Mother.
You'll learn that the only love you should feel is to our lord. You should respect your husband.
But as for peasants and servants you must never fornicate with them.
Your peasant will die as he deserves and you will stay in your room
so no one knows of your silly mistake.
- It is a boy. - Leave.
But Mother, my child.
She was married to Ferenc Nadasky at 15.
Her mother died soon after.
Erzebet managed her estate masterfully.
Soon many noble families from kingdoms of Bohemia to Poland were indebted to her and her husband
She even lent a large sums of money to the king himself.
She gave Nadasky 3 children. The first child was born 10 years into the union.
She hardly spent any time with her husband.
In less than 50 years,
the Turks have slaughtered and enslaved half the population of Hungary.
Nadasky and his men were the only warriors they feared.
Erzebet founded a hospital for the poor.
But ## said, that many of them never came out alive.
They were devoted protestants.
Erzebet believed many heretic theories.
Darvulia, who some claimed was witch,
managed Erzebet's wealth so well
that some believed she knew the recipe for making gold.
The combination of Nadasky's military prowess
and Erzebet's intelligence and unbending will
quickly made them the most feared, respected and powerful family in the kingdom..
The Countess
- Good afternoon, my King. - Good afternoon, Dear Count Nadasky.
Your majesty, I have come to demand my pay for the last year of war.
Of course, you are welcome to stay for a few days if you wish
while we gather the amount.
- We'll having executions all day tomorrow. - Uhm, unfortunately, I have no time to wait.
- I must leave before night fall. - What a shame.
Half in gold, half in talers will do.
Good day, My King.
A gift from the King.
With what he still owes us, he should have gotten me the holy grail.
Mother, Father is back.
- Please leave the room... Now. - Leave.
I brought you my pay. And...
Oh, thank you dad, a bird.
- I feel a bit sick. - It is the wine.
My head hurts.
You're burning up.
Let me get Darvulia. She will surely have a good remedy for you.
I do not need the help of Satan.
More.
You saved me, my love.
I can see the beautiful morning light.
I am sorry dear, but he is gone.
Count Ferenc Nadasky was a good husband and father.
But above all, a great warrior.
Today he's standing joyfully with Jesus at the right hand of the God.
Soon we will be with him at their side for eternity.
I will send the soldiers back to war.
You will manage Cachtice while I'm gone.
I must bring the children to a safer place
and show the Court Ferenc's death has not weakened me.
- Are we ever coming back, Mother? - Of course, but for now you will stay in Vienna.
You will learn music, French and Latin with the best teachers.
And aunt Klara will take you to see plays and fireworks.
- Fireworks? - Yes.
- You see it is essential to pay soldiers well. - I know, dear countess.
But the peasants who escape the slaughter are dying of hunger.
Please, have patience and allow me to pay you later.
- It should be difficult for me to... - Should I assign a guardian to manage your estate?
You know I disapprove of a widow handling her lands alone.
I can manage perfectly well.
You know, my husband had little to do with such matters.
Well, then you can sell some land, hire younger men and pay them less.
I am not too keen to impoverish my estate and send children to war.
But if you demand it, I will.
I will keep the Turks out of what is left of Hungary no matter what it costs me.
You are my best ally.
Dear Miss, I'm delighted you decided to leave your little angels with me.
It would not be fair to keep them at Cachtice.
Your husband's death must have been a dreadful shock to them.
Indeed. To die so fast, and in bed.
He probably caught a shameful illness come from one of those Turkish whores.
Last time my husband visited from the battle front,
his little skin dagger almost fell off.
Not a great loss from what you've told me.
Dear Countess Bathory, I heard the king owes you so much from Nadasky.
He, therefore, could not afford to pay you for more than a year.
Yes, the King owes me a fortune which is to my advantage.
But might you not perhaps take offence in such wealth since you are a protestant?
Our king openly tolerates protestants.
Thank you, Count Thurzo.
It is my right not to share my possessions with the Catholic Church.
For centuries, your friends in Rome have orchestrated countless
murders of innocents, especially women.
It'll surprise me.
Are you defending witches, Countess?
Please, this conversation is boring me!
I apologize.
I was just asking the Countess about her admirable wealth.
Ne posez pas de questions que vous connaissez deja la response.
My little niece knows six languages, including ancient Greek.
It is possible for a woman's mind
- to be sharper than a man's? - Of course it is.
But I have heard that their emotions are
always get best of them, so their intelligence is ultimately... wasted.
I agree that most women are weak.
And it is in the area of heart that the weakness seems to lie.
A man's weakness is located in a lower place of the body.
At somewhat less noble part.
I think men and women are both equal and different.
- Equal? That is a very bold statement. - You do not listen, Bishop.
My cousin said ## different.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
What are your weaknesses, Countess?
I am woman. I love beautiful dresses and gold jewelry.
Just like you, dear Bishop.
Are you sure the woman at Cachtice can manage your estate wisely?
Darvulia is young, but she's been more than wise in maintaining my wealth.
She is the most knowledgeable woman in the land.
- After you. - Of course.
I've heard you earned a large amount of money recently.
Yes, a very profitable transaction.
It did cost the life and freedom of many Bohemian peasants.
Everything has its price.
- Turkish lines are quite near your castle. - Indeed.
Don't you feel endangered to stand alone near the wars?
- I'm not alone and the war is my duty. - Have you considered remarrying?
Our union would make us the most powerful.
Dear Gyorgy, you know very well, it would be improper for me to marry you.
You are a Count by marriage whereas nobility has been in my blood for centuries.
I know your cousin. All I'm saying is if you feel yourself in need, you can always count on me.
What matters is that we are all united against the Turks.
Of course.
We must leave for the ball, Erzebet. Dear Count, will you join us?
Unfortunately I am leaving for Prague early tomorrow.
What a shame. Have a good journey then.
- Did he dare to ask you? - Of course.
I knew it. He insisted on coming.
I am not fond of his manners. He's always wearing last year's fashion.
Do not marry him.
Safe journey.
There is that French doctor I want you to meet. He would like to visit your hospital.
I am afraid it has become more of mass grave than a hospital lately.
Also, there's an astronomer that says that the earth is not moving in a circle around the sun
but all over the place. Maybe that is why I've been so dizzy lately.
- Countess Erzebet Bathory. - Enchante de votre renconnaisance.
- Je suis tres intresse a attende votre hospice. Madam. - Bien sur, comme vous voulez.
Excuse-moi.
Do you happen to know who that young man is?
Istvan Thurzo. Gyorgy's only son.
- He moved back to Vienna recently. - He was a child just yesterday.
Yesterday? Then do not wait too long.
He might grow old and bald before the night is over.
- Klara. - Istvan.
We had dinner with your father,
but unfortunately he could not join us to the ball.
I would like you to meet my little niece.
I do not think I've had the pleasure of meeting you before.
Oh, would you excuse me.
Pleased to meet you, Count Thurzo. I knew your later mother quite well.
She was lovely... I am Countess Bathory.
- Countess Erzebet Bathory? - Yes. What have you heard about me?
That everyone respects and fears you.
- Forgive me... - I do not object to being feared.
- Do I inspire fear in you? - Not at all.
I'm so very honored to meet you.
And I you.
- I am awfully sorry about Count Nadasky. - It was a dreadful shock to my children.
It might a manner to ask, but does your widowhood forbid you to dance?
No.
- You're a good dancer for one so young. - I am not that young, I'm 21.
Oh, 21?
- Would you care to dance the next one? - I need a moment to myself.
- He is in to my taste. - Much more exciting than his father, isn't he?
- Are you going to have an affair? - Perhaps.
You must.
- Every word he speaks seems so sincere. - Well, he might be sincere.
Ever since his mother died, He's being very devoted to study ##.
The Italian countess he was about to marry died before they even met.
Now, his father has found him a new wife in Denmark.
Istvan has spent very little time in the court.
You mean he still has chance to go to heaven?
He has not yet been corrupted by power?
A genuine and virtuous young man. How lovely.
- What are you looking at? - Sorry.
- Do you find them pretty? - Pardon?
- My lips. - Yes. That is...
- Do you wish to kiss them? - No!
No?
- Oh, yes... - Then why do you not?
- In front of everyone? - Do you care?
You have arrived.
- Why are you shaking? - I do not know.
You must rest.
I do not believe I will be able to rest until we meet again.
I have to ride back tomorrow.
May I see you earlier so I can spend every moment with you before you leave?
Every moment?
It is only because I know what I feel.
- You can meet me at my aunt's villa before noon. - Thank you.
I must go before I lose my mind.
Wait... do you have to go?
Since we will meet in the morning, and we only have less than a day.
I know what we've done is sinful, but it does not feel wrong in the heart.
My heart feels warmer than ever.
- Was I careful? - You have nothing to worry about.
Kissing you feels like making love to you.
- And making love to you feels like... - Like what?
I cannot find words to describe it.
Is it not strange to think as we enjoying us today, warm each other's arms
others are dying at war?
We are in hand of God's
Let us rejoice we are not ones dying in war.
It is morning. I'm to leave soon.
Must you travel today?
I have many matters to attend to at Cachtice.
War is a messy job for a lonely woman.
I understand.
I will have my valet bring you letter every week until we meet again.
Be careful, they cost me fortune in Vienna.
I have this one made for you, my dear.
I have so much to tell you.
I had an affair with a young man. It was so lovely.
Good.
Do you have more of that ointment to make my skin softer?
Softer for that young man?
- Lust, it will gain you nothing. - It's not lust, not this time.
I have never felt this way. Even when I was a girl.
- I thought you were strong. - That is only love, not the sign of weakness.
- It is the most noble feeling known to man. - Assuming he is the one.
You should see his skin. So soft, so perfect.
Is it him you're fond of or just the texture of his young skin?
Do not be a witch!
- How old? - 21.
- Who is he? - Istvan Thurzo.
His father wishes for their bloodline to by tied to mine.
Are you planning for asking for his hand?
Keep him as a lover, if you wish, but do not forget your rank.
- He is 21 while you're soon to be 39. - He's very mature for his age.
Of course he is.
Erzebet, young people change their mind all the time.
He can have any woman.
I am not enjoying your company today you old hag!
I am your servant as always.
But I remind you that I am younger than you.
Enough!
Time has no respect for beauty.
Countess, a letter.
Erzebet, you know I will marry soon.
Yes, I have heard.
It hurts me to even think I got to touch another woman.
Istvan, marry her, have children... and be my lover always.
But I will be so far away. And I want to be only yours.
No other woman could mean anything to my heart.
- To your heart? - Yes.
I have never felt this way.
Is it a sin to love someone in this manner?
When I am with him, I feel joy and beauty.
When I am away from him, I feel pain as hundreds of tigers
are tearing apart my entire body.
- His soul is in a better place. - Whose?
- Count Nadasky's. - Of course.
It is such an honor to have you pray in our humble village church.
And thank you again for your generous donation.
It was nothing, father. God has given me so much.
Countess, you shouldn't be out here. It is so cold.
- I'm waiting for a letter. - Must be a very important letter.
- Very. - What a beautiful dress.
- What's your name? - Pola.
Here, take it. It's yours.
Go now. Leave the Countess alone.
It has been over a week and I have not received his letter yet.
You have to be careful what you wish for.
Your two destinies could be tied in a manner that you did not expect.
It is my desire.
- And more if the magic work soon. - Gold is not the main thing that binds me to you.
And you can spend your nights with me.
I will need something of his. Something he gave you preferably.
Just for tonight.
My beautiful love what a fool I was to worry.
Your messenger was simply delayed.
He will meet me at von Varad ball in a week.
I shall leave tomorrow.
- So soon? - I will visit the children.
Dear Countess, you looked even more splendid
than in the paintings I've seen of you.
- I am Count Dominic Vizakna. - Flattery is a secret enemy I've heard.
Is seduction merely one of you hobbies or your life's main occupation?
Forgive me for intruding, but you seem somewhat morose.
I suppose I cannot hide my emotions very well.
Can I help you feel better in anyway?
I am afraid the reason for my pain isn't curable.
Then it can only be that horrible sickness called "love".
Truly this person does not deserve your love
if he is capable of hurting such gracious women.
A noble man is looking for you, Countess.
I missed you so.
I'm not be able to see you for long tonight.
- I have important matters to deal with. - It's late, what is it?
I will leave from Vienna with you tomorrow at mid day.
To your castle. I would to stay with you.
Very well I could visit my children early... but
I will be with you not late than mid day. I promise.
Wait! Is there a reason for your haste you not tell me?
I must know what is it.
Is it that you do not feel the same as you did a month ago?
I do feel the same.
And the next few days will prove my true devotion.
Dear Countess, he is not worthy of your love.
- You are wrong about him. - Will you like company tonight?
Do you not see the lines on my face? I have no time to play, good night!
Dear Istvan. I have waited, and you've given me no sign.
Young people often change their minds...
...because they think they have all the time in the world.
Often death takes us before we have had chance to taste love.
Because when love was right in front of us, we were too busy looking for it elsewhere.
Please tell me I was not fooled, and your feelings were true.
- You have no right to keep me in this room. - You disobeyed me and met with her again.
- She has being waiting for me since yesterday. - I've found out about your foolish plan to escape with her.
She has countless minions, you are just one of many, my son.
I do not believe she feels the same about me as she does about her other lovers.
You got what you wanted from her.
- Everything that is conquered is destroyed. - Conquered?
If the goal was to honor Countess Bathory, yes, the goal was reached, more than once.
But unlike you, I do not see anything destructive in the act of love.
We are not talking about a lands to conquer or a competitor must be bested.
We are talking about a kind woman and a very noble feeling we share.
The same noble feeling you share with Baroness von Kraj?
You know very well that I have not seen von Kraj, since I met Erzebet.
I do love her, father.
Love is a myth to keep the minds of young peasants and virgins occupied with a dream.
- It has no place in our world. - In your world!
I do not understand you though. It would be beneficial for you if I married Erzebet.
So you could grand me a tiny portion of her land?
She never marry you. Your blood is not noble enough.
- You are leaving today for Denmark. - I will not.
Would you like to know how grieved the Countess is?
She is already in the company of Count Vizakna.
- You know his reputation? - That is a lie.
They met two days ago and not left each other since.
You have already been forgotten.
If you are wise, everything that is mine will be yours one day.
Have a good journey.
Guards...
This man will stay with you until he decide not to disobey me again.
My father had arranged my marriage to the daughter of a wealthy Danish trading partner.
I was married Hanne Aagesen against my will.
It was only a year later, on his death bed,
that my father confessed me some of the truth about Erzebet.
But I arrived so late to decide,
that I could only understand a few words between his screams.
I heard just enough to realize it was known the Countess is made of many lies.
In fact, Almost all I know about her from that day on, I was told.
Count Vizakna is waiting for answer.
I am so honored you have agreed to spend time with me.
and surprised you wish to ride.
- Which part of the kingdom you were born in? - In the castle of Bekov.
There are amusing rumors about the castle.
A noble family that only lives at the night and eats newborns so I've heard.
It is because of a skin condition that afflicts most of my family,
we're not fond of the sunlight.
But do not worry. I do not feed on newborns.
Have you read that book about Turkish customs?
They drink the blood of our boys to take on their strength.
I have not read it, but I'm not surprised to hear such infamy.
Your young friend wasn't in such hurry the other night.
Yes, I have not heard from him since. I concerned he may got him hurt or...
I saw him just this morning near San Nicholas with a friend.
He seemed quite well.
- A friend? - Yes.
- A woman? - No.
She was too young to be called a woman.
- Probably his little sister. - He has no little sister.
- Oh. - Maybe you were right about him.
I did not even get a word of apology.
Making me wait all day.
You old witch! Your repulsive look scared my horse.
Powerful now, but soon you will look like me.
- And then you shall see. - How dare you. Out of my sight!
Countess, you cannot let someone who insults you in this manner go unpunished.
- Did someone bring a letter when I was away? - No, Countess.
Disdress me. This makes me look olden one.
I wish to change, now.
I wish to pray and fess until he answers my letter. Leave me to myself.
Dear Lord, why are you punishing me?
How can you give me this beautiful love and take it away from me so fast?
Water alone will not keep you alive very long.
Erzebet, it has been 3 weeks.
If you let yourself die, what will happen to your land and children.
I do not know.
I do not understand how a strong woman can afford such weak young man?
He is not weak. He is so pure and kind.
Before I met him, my life was meaningless, I have no idea.
News from Cachtice.
- The Countess is ill. - Ill?
- Sounds she got mad, she's heartbroken. - Istvan?
Their silly love affair might infect service in some way.
I thought it will be wise to take hold of this.
Although it was no small cost.
Soon my son would well fully into melancholy. He is naturally like his mother.
He has inherited so little of my character.
What I want is proof of her lunacy... at any cost.
I shall kill him!
He just plays with me. Who is he?
A son of a whore in ##
He wrote about a young married woman. The Baroness von Kraj.
Only 17 and very pretty.
He says he loves her more than anything in the world.
That his heart will only be hers.
He writes that he's sorry that he mistook his feelings of admiration and respect for love.
That I reminded him so much of his late mother!
Look!
Smooth and flawless.
Even if she smells like hog shit, any man will choose her over me.
Erzebet, forget about him. I beg you!
How?
A man dressed in black at the door, asking for you.
- A young man? - Count Dominic Vizakna, he says.
- Should we let him in? - Of course.
I wish to see him alone.
- What brings you here so late? - I do not like travel during the day.
You frightened my maids. All my soldiers are at war.
We are careful about who we let in here.
I have brought you that book of Turkish customs I was telling you about.
Traveled a long way to bring me a book?
It concerned me to hear nothing from you ever since that afternoon.
I've been quite busy.
The truth is I could not wait any longer to see you again.
Let me show you other ways to use this belt.
And someone might find it's more suited to his taste.
When my father first told me of the nature of her liaison with Dominic Vizakna
I could not believe she was capable of such decadence.
- Did you truly enjoy that? - Yes.
- How can you? - You do not now
because you do not have taste for receiving pain.
- Did you enjoy inflecting though? - I am not sure.
I wish to be your servant... always.
I am not young and foolish. I mean what I say.
I wish to be alone.
I came to tell you I did not like the man visit in the night.
I was such a fool to believe in Istvan's love.
I was just too old to be loved.
But it is not true.
Maybe I should never have shown my face during the daylight.
Look at me. I am rotting.
- She was right. - Who?
The old witch in the park. She put a curse on me.
Your ointments are no longer effective. Make something that works!
Erzebet, I will not have you talking to me in this manner.
What do you looking at? Come and brush my hair.
It's bad enough my face has wrinkles. Now you want me bald like old man?
Look at what you've done!
Leave! Leave!
No one knows what she saw in the mirror.
Is because the soft morning light had merely illuminated her face in an unusual manner,
of if her reason had weakened.
Thank you, my Lord.
You can stay at the castle. We'll take care of you until you're healed.
This is for you from the Countess.
The countess is a good woman. I did pull her hair a bit hard.
Dorothea, Susanna needs you down in the kitchen.
- How old are you, my child? - 16.
- Where is your family? - In Nov¨¢ky.
- That's great far. Do you see them often? - I visit them once a year.
Are you a virgin?
- Yes, Countess. - Of course.
Feel better.
- The wound is completely healed. - I told you to remove the skull every time.
I did, but it healed anyway.
Darvulia, come have a close look.
- I have not seen any difference. - Nonsense.
Helena, Dorothea what you see?
- It looks smoother to me. - Yes, yes, absolutely.
Yes, it is the Lord's answer to my prayers.
Not only the look, but the feel of my skin is incredibly different.
As if I were younger. I believe it is because she is a virgin.
The purity of her blood seems to be the reason why it is working.
It is a true miracle.
It is for your own good.
Did I kill you?
Almost.
I felt the cold breath of death and I saw two doors open up to a bright light.
You mean heaven always opens a door for you?
I doubt you will go to heaven with recognition of these games.
In fact I am sure to go to hell so why not do exactly what I wish during my time here.
I am so fond of you that I could not stay away from you for more than a week.
To my behavior to that old woman, I thought you might have being frightened of me.
On the contrary. That old witch deserved to die. You were too kind.
For what I thought she'd put a curse on me.
It's old and torn off.
You looked exceptional ravishing tonight.
- Tonight more than the other night? - Yes, more than the day we met.
More than that afternoon in the park.
Tonight it seems the sun itself is glowing from under your skin.
Now that I look closely,
it is quite magical.
Tonight you looked no more than 20 years old.
I know.
Countess...
What is happening?
You are giving me something beautiful. Something I had lost.
But when will you stop?
When you are empty, my child. It is God's will.
It is said that it is how the murder started.
To achieve her mad pursuit of eternal youth and beauty,
she needed fresh blood, more and more.
God, is it wrong to one to stay beautiful and young?
All around you is beauty.
If only Istvan could see me today.
You seem to be only one that cannot see the blood is working.
Fortunately, Dominic was there to notice
how different I've looked ever since I started.
I will not trust a word comes out from his mouth.
Will you stop this before it is too late.
I tried to stop, but I already found it less alert.
I applied the blood again and I found an incredible strength invading every part of my body.
The blood is not making you any younger.
On the contrary, you starting to smell of death.
- Leave. - Your vanity will be your undoing.
And you impudence will bring yours.
- Leave and never come back. - No, I care too much.
Is it true that you share love only with women?
That makes you a virgin then.
There have been so many maids died in the castle lately.
They were clumsy little geese. Some cut themselves while cocking and got sick.
Others fell down the stairs.
- Here. - Thank the Countess for me.
We shall stop bringing girls to church.
I know the Countess wants to give them proper burials, but above all...
...the Countess wants fresh blood.
A quite invention.
I want make sure the witches around here are bled before they are burned.
I have heard that the moisture in their body keeps them from burning on the inside.
It is said that the cages allowed her to bleed the girls
more effectively with very little blood wasted.
The murders quickly multiplied. Witnesses said she used to take ten girls a month.
I wrote Erzebet many letters but never received one from her.
After I was assured of her affair with Count Vizakna,
I stopped writing and resigned myself to my fate.
What a staring jewel, matches your beauty.
A token from the King Matthias for my army's many victories.
- Must be exhausting to deal with war. - Indeed. And it is costing me a fortune.
It is a shame that a beautiful woman has to worry about such matters.
After all, it is said that the Queen of England lost her looks just
because of her war with Spain.
- Do you care for me? - No.
You are not beautiful enough. Your features are almost like those of a Turk.
Oh, unlike Istvan?
- Do not say his name. - Would you like me to kill him for you?
- Is he back? - He is visiting Vienna, with his wife.
So, should I... be his death?
No.
- What are you looking for? - I thought the Countess has sent you away?
I come here at night to watch over her. Make sure no harm is done to her.
- You are a rat. I know who sends you. - I am just here to please the Countess.
No, you are here to flatter her worst side - her cruelty.
You are quite a beauty.
I did not know witches could have such pretty features.
- Do not touch me with your poisonous hands! - Not poisonous, soft and loving.
If you come back, you will die.
I will die? How would I die?
Will you ask Satan for his gracious help?
Countess Bathory is the one who keeps you from being burn at the stake.
But now it's clear that she is more fond of me than she is of you. So...
...let us see who dies first.
Seasons passed and Erzebet spent less and less time at court.
She would visit Vienna only to see her children.
She claimed that she was busy with the war,
but slowly the rumor spread that she stayed at Cachtice
because of her evil practices.
Witnesses later claimed that the dead girls were left in the woods around the castle.
And most of the bodies were never found.
Erzebet allegedly kept precise record of every murder.
Her journals were presented as the main proof against her at the trial.
Even though she denied ever have written them.
My Lord, perhaps what I am doing is wrong.
The blood has given me rashes of late.
Maybe peasant blood is too rough for my skin.
Darvulia has called for you. She is very ill.
Poisoned by her own venom no doubt. I do not wish to see her.
Many girls have gone.
I found a body last year in the forest, no blood left in her.
There are demons in there.
Maybe it is Bathory herself.
You have to do something.
Be sure you give it to the king himself.
My Lord, the demons are here.
How can you let this happen, my Lord?
I gave you so much.
He betrayed the Countess. The King must not be informed.
Stop that messenger, Janos. Hurry.
Count Vizakna left early, and one of you journals is missing.
He will not come back now that he knows.
I should send someone to kill that villain.
Yet, it would be wise.
I came to tell you that Darvulia has died. She left a letter to you.
My love, do not let another stranger into your castle.
You have given them the weapons to destroy everything you have built.
I shall miss only one thing from your world which is no longer mine.
Your soft kisses.
I have loved you always.
Erzebet, you have gone too far.
Everything that is alive must die, and you too.
No matter what you do.
There is beauty in letting time do its duty.
I wish to leave for Vienna and visit my children.
You killed our priest, you demon.
Back to Cachtice!
Make sure the general gets it soon.
We need soldiers to protect us.
An angry crowd can be more vicious than a pack of wolves.
Where is Janos? He has been gone for weeks.
You send him to get girls from far away.
Give me a mirror.
The blood is making me sick but without it I am dying.
Bring me a virgin. Even a boy.
No, no boys. God created them in His image.
Countess.
This is the only girl we could find.
She is not too healthy, but she is a virgin.
- How old are you, my sweet? - Twelve, I think.
- You do not know? - I was found, Countess.
- So you have no family? - No.
They feed me when I clean up the pig sty.
Come.
Pola, I remember you.
Come.
I wish to tell you something.
Pola, run away. Run, leave this castle.
Run, or I will kill you.
Pola!
After my father's death, I found records of
large sums of money sent to Dominic Vizakna.
As well as a letter mentioning women of lower nobility who
disappeared around that time.
- Who are you? - I am Kasia from Rosenheim.
My parents find you and punish you for this.
- How old are you? - 15.
- Are you a virgin? - Yes, of course.
And you?
I'm 22 and I am married. I am the Baroness von Kraj.
Janos, I kill you.
You have brought a married woman. She is of no use to me.
And her husband will be looking for her.
I would like to know why we have been brought here by force?
I will punish the traitor myself who got us into this.
- Did you say "Kraj"? - Yes.
Kraj, how lovely to meet you.
You are right. My husband will be looking for me.
Not if I have a letter of farewell brought to him,
confessing your run away with your lover.
Istvan Thurzo, is it not?
You are mad. I have not seen Istvan in many years.
But I remember a rumor...
...about an illustrious countess, who was fallen madly in love with him.
And gave herself to him so easily.
Could you possibly be Erzebet?
Collect the blood before it is wasted.
It is no manners to put us out of bed in the middle of the night.
I did not want to wait too long because...
...of the smell.
We are not sure how many have perished this way. Maybe hundreds over the past years.
Not a drop of blood left in the poor girls.
And our mother has been using her hospital to justify the numerous deaths.
- I wish to visit mother and see for myself. - This is just one of many.
Would you wish to see more? Most of them are in much poorer shape.
- I am not going. - But you are the man, you must.
- I am not going either. - Well I'm not going alone.
Your Majesty...
There are reports that girls have been
disappearing near the Countess Bathory's castle for a few years.
Many peasants have come all the way to Vienna claiming that hundreds have died.
The girls have been tortured before their death.
- I see nothing wrong in that. - And bled to death.
Many are claiming Countess Bathory is assisted by witches and blood-thirsty demons.
Witches and Demons? The Countess Bathory involved in witchcraft?
Possibly.
Her strength always seemed unnatural. Her army is mysteriously invincible.
Probably driven by some spell? It's fascinating.
A priest was found dead as well.
If the Countess is proven to be guilty of using witchery,
you will be cleared of your debts to her and can seize her estate.
Sign this and I shall send men to investigate murders of Cachtice.
Every month, I signed dozens of death warrants for those witches.
And it becomes worse than plague. When does it stop?
When men become wise.
Which will not be soon.
The King has heard of the murders and suspects Bathory of witchcraft.
We must send our men today.
Her children signed the agreement.
They are eager to get their share.
Perhaps she will be charged with murder.
I assured her children that witchcraft would not be mentioned at her trial.
So her estate cannot be seized by the King.
To allow her to decrease her possession to whomever she wishes.
The king was going to hear of her... doing soon enough,
and... her children would be in completely destitute.
She has little choice but to sign this...
...in order to protect her children.
The agreement entitles you to take over her land...
...and the extraordinary army she and her husband established over the years.
I see you have doubts. But the truth is that hundreds of young women have died.
Peasant girls first, but noble women have vanished now also right near her land.
- You used to know one of them. - Yes. But why send me?
As I recall, you were once quite close to Countess Bathory.
As I recall, you were not very pleased about it.
- Why not send him? - She will kill me.
I believe you are the one too, to take care of this matter, my son.
And she is very cautious. It would be easier for you to approach her.
- Can I say no? - No.
You saw some of the girls I found near her castle.
My body still bears the scars of her lunacy.
- Would you care to see? - No.
She is a murdereress.
I want everything taken care of before the King can get to Cachtice.
This is for you, my son.
After this, you will be the most powerful man in the Kingdom.
- After you. - Of course.
We are leaving today.
Do not feel remorseful.
She begged me to kill you, not so long ago.
- Why did you not? - She did not offer to pay me.
It is strange to think that the hand that
once struck her will soon strike her.
I will only strike her if she's guilty.
You know which sin is worse? Murder or greed?
We will soon find out.
In hell.
Beware of her. She's mad.
And she will try to kill you.
Stop!
Dismount.
I wish to see her doings with my own eyes before we arrest her.
They will stay here until we send for them.
Do not fear, she only has a few men protecting her.
It is not fear of facing a murdereress that unsettles me.
The excitement of seeing her again mixed with a sorrow of losing her forever.
Horsemen, 2 horsemen riding towards us.
Dorothea, my white dress. Hurry.
You answered my prayers.
Dear Count Thurzo, what a surprise after all this time.
What has it been? Three years?
- Five. - How quickly time flies.
Yes.
Let me ask you, how have you been, my Lady.
I have been quite busy with this awful war.
So, what brings you here?
I was riding to Krakow when
my companion pointed out your beautiful castle.
I thought maybe we could stay one night... or even a bit longer.
I apologize about the flies.
My men left a horse rotting outside the castle
and we have not been able to get rid of them ever since.
- So you're married now? - I was married for four years.
My wife died one year ago bearing our first child.
It died soon after.
I am do sorry to hear that.
She was the daughter of a powerful Danish merchant.
My father needed a new trading allies.
I am truly happy about your visit, dear Istvan.
I cannot tell you how often I've wished for this day to come.
Why did God have us 20 years apart?
It will not stop me from loving you.
Come to my room.
I have had a long journey.
Let me rest first. Then I shall come to you.
I was so afraid you would say no.
Why did you have to break my heart with that abominable letter?
What did I write in any of my letters could have possibly upset you?
The one and only letter I received from you...
...confessing your love for the Baroness von Kraj.
Kraj used to be mine but after I met you, I never saw her again.
And I certainly never sent such a letter.
My father... he must have written it in my name.
How could I have doubted you?
I wrongly trusted my valet to deliver the many letters I wrote to you.
Begging you to forgive me.
But I was sent away by force.
Let us be stronger than your father's desperate
attempt to destroy our beautiful love.
It's not too late. Come.
No.
Why not?
Your hands are so cold. Why are you shaking, my love?
It is the joy of seeing you again.
Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?
I once lost my mind.
There is nothing more painful than feeling betrayed by someone you love so deeply.
I once promised myself to take revenge.
But when I saw you riding from afar...
...all my anger vanished and all I felt was love.
No matter how much I cared for her,
another part of me believed what I had heard and seen.
There was too much evidence, too many witnesses,
for me to believe she could be innocent.
Have you lost your mind?
You're here to find out about the cruel murders, not to spend the night with her.
I'm so fond of her. I do not believe she could hurt anyone.
Do not let her charm you. She will eat you alive.
Perhaps if her heart had not be broken, she would have not become who she is.
No one is to blame. God made her this way or the devil more like.
Her evil was forged this way from birth.
- What if I disobeyed my father and escaped. - Well, you didn't.
So we will never know. Let us find out who she really is.
Let's find out something not good..
Master, you do not want to see this.
A pile of rotting corpses, dismembered children.
Their eyes are eaten by worms.
The devil himself could not be more effective.
Countess Bathory, you are under arrest.
The accomplices have confessed to all of the murders.
The girls were bled to death in the cage.
Erzebet's servants' confessions were made under torture.
The Countess herself was absent for her own trial.
It was decided to hide her uncontainable madness
and thus to protect her name.
Death by strangulation is what they deserve.
As for that creature, decapitation.
He can hear but not speak.
Countess Bathory is condemned to be wall up inside her bedroom for life.
A small opening will be left to provide food and water.
No mirrors will be left in the room, in order to punish the countess for her vanity.
Many witnesses have testified to the murders and the atrocities
committed by the Countess and her accomplices.
Bodies were found around Cachtice castle. Some of them partially eaten by the Countess.
Also found were the journals written by the Countess Bathory herself
documenting the murders in detail.
As well as letters from Darvulia, the witch, heretical books,
and finally the cage she tortured the girls in.
Even if it seems the Countess may not have practiced witchcraft,
we do have one witness who has confirmed that
he saw her copulating with the devil himself.
All evidence will be destroyed per the decision of Count Thurzo.
In order to keep the countess' name as untainted as possible.
By signing this document, the Countess
bequeaths all her possessions to Count Gyorgy Thurzo.
Cachtice will be ceded to her children.
The king is now cleared of any debts to the Bathory Nadasky family.
Now, if the devil allows you to. Sign this.
You have orchestrated this masterfully, I must say.
You have murdered innocent women.
- Hundreds. - Lies.
How many innocents have been sacrificed in you pursuit of wealth?
I've seen persistence in denying the truth only come from
that you are now be wrath of reason.
Unfortunately, not. I will go to my grave completely sane.
Your tale merely confirms that women are mad and vain.
And should not be given the right to rule.
Your fable will be keep the populace occupied for very long time.
They will be terrified of the blood-thirsty myth
that you made of me, and forget about evils that are indeed very real.
Curse it, Erzebet, if it was not for me you would have been burned at the stake.
My gratitude for sparing me a quick death.
And if it were not for you, I would have never felt love.
Eternal love.
Is it not strange to think, as I stand here today, sentenced to die alone...
...so many lovers are warm in each other's arms.
Proceed.
God, you have abandoned me.
In war, hundreds are killed and tortured
and they are left there to rot and to feed the vultures.
And yet, we glorify our warriors.
We give them laurel and honors.
But I get a ##. I cannot be humiliated this way.
Give me an illness that will kill me fast.
I cannot do it yourself. I must go to heaven. Amen.
God perhaps you are trying my faith.
Perhaps you are punishing me, because I loved him more than I love you.
Man has created God in his image, which gives them dominance over everything else.
Birds, lions, trees and women.
I wish I'd been born a man, I would have killed thousands in battle
take over countries, burned witches. I would've been a hero.
That is it. You are nothing but a myth.
The Greeks created gods for everything...
...because they could not figure out why the sea, why love, why death.
Now we have created you to appease and feed our fears and ignorance.
Because we have so many questions and so few answers.
I have used you in prayers to forgive myself for my horrible sins.
A proper burial or feeding the wolves is the same thing.
Holy water is just dirty water.
Why am I so scared to die?
Because I do not believe in you or in the eternity of the soul.
When I die, I shall rot. And nothing will be left of me.
Love is the dagger that stabbed me in the back.
If you are not a myth, absolve me of my sins and give me blood to keep me young.
I thank you, my Lord.
- No coffin? - Was a very cold winter, there's no wood left.
Look, her legs.
I don't want to touch her, she's been dead for weeks.
Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
History is a tale told by the victors. And that is what is left of her.
A tale of a mad murderess and a blood-thirsty devil.
Was she really guilty of all the murders, if any?
Or did my father fabricate most of the evidence?
There is nothing in this world you can be certain of.
All I know is whatever she was,
whatever crime she might have been guilty of.
I loved her deeply, and I believe she loved me.
But history does not concern itself with that,
the truth has been sealed behind the brick wall.
And time will soon bury us all.