You can only abide in horror as the instrument, two prongs at either end, is securely fastened around your neck by a collar, ensuring it will remain in place. One end of the fork is jammed deeply into your sternum bone, causing excruciating pain, while the sharp tines opposite are pressed into the tender, fleshy underside of your chin. The pain is unimaginable, and you feel yourself growing faint as warm blood trickles down your neck onto your chest and shoulders.

Your Inquisitor demand you repeat “abuiro” – “I recant”, however the horrendous pain of the Heretics Fork does not allow free movement of your neck or jaw, making your ability to speak nearly impossible, and your voice is scarcely audible. Again and again it is demanded of you to recant and repent from your crime against Christianity, but alas, you are unable.

The die has been cast, and your fate is now sealed. You are labeled an impenitent heretic. Adorned in a fancy costume and paraded through town, you are led to the stake where you will be burned alive or hanged.