The Queen of Justice

The southern avenue leads you to a wide open plaza, surrounded by tall, imposing buildings and full of people dressed in their finest clothes, as if they've come alone to see a show. In the middle of the plaza is a raised platform, and on that platform is one of the most dreadful things you've ever seen.

"This is Torment Square," explains Ibi, pointing to various devices of punishment scattered around the place. Cages hanging from high poles, whipping posts, shackles and fetters, foot stocks placed on the ground with colourful feathers next to them.

"And that's a Judge, see?" She's pointing to a tall, athletic woman in robes and a blank white mask that make her face invisible. "The Queen lives in the Palace of Justice, and nobody knows what she looks like. But her Judges bring people here from all over town, to be punished according to their crimes."

"But what's happening on the platform?"

"Well, that's just someone being punished."

"But he's a man!" you protest. The Judge has the man bent over in stocks, in front of dozens of amused-looking men and women, and she's wielding something that looks to your eyes exactly like a huge wooden paddle. "You can't punish a man like that!"

"Why not?"

"It's undignified and humiliating," you say, sounding determined. "We can't let this happen. We have to put a stop to it."