Scribe

The performer explains to his guests that he came across a writing desk belonging to one Antonio de Almeida, a Scribe that took down the confessions of over 2000 witches during horrific torture sessions in 1490 in Spain. It is said that de Almeida took his own life following the torture and subsequent burning at the stake of a young witch known only as Carla. Apparently, de Almeida was the subject of the girls dying curse.

"Inscribe the lies and make words of my pain, may you forever hold the quill of despair and never find peace............!" The following day, de Almeida threw himself off the high walls of the city and plunged to his death on the rocks below.

It appears as if the girl's curse actually had some power behind it - some say that the ghostly hand of the Scribe can still be observed.

At this point the magician shows a series of symbols or tarot cards and prompts a guest to choose one. It's identity is kept secret from the magician. The desk is opened to reveal a small pile of parchment paper, a  blue feathered quill pen and a single black candle.

The articles are removed and the tarot card is placed inside the desk. The candle is placed in the wooden holder and lit, whilst the the parchment is placed between the jewel encrusted crucifixes on the desk.

Everyone steps back and the waits. The candle flickers and suddenly the quill stands erect and begins to move about on the paper as if held by a ghostly hand.

After a few moments the quill stops moving and the magician removes the parchment, it is held up to reveal the name of a tarot written in black ink. Next the desk is opened to show the tarot card, both match. The inside of the desk is seen to contain nothing out of the ordinary.

This is a hi tech electronic prop operated by a small hand held remote control. The movements of the quill can be programmed before the performance.

Note that the quill "appears" to write and a switch is necessary at the end of the performance.

Each "Scribe" includes : The wooden desk in a teak finish with jewelled crucifix accents , an old antique ink pot and candle holder (both are permanently set into the desk), the concealed electronic workings, parchment paper, the quill. 
The inside of the desk is lined in cloth. Full instructions and patter are also included. 

Check out the video clip HERE!