Nestled between the hallowed walls of vine-strangled homes, I sat myself upon my knees, eyes buried in my clasped hands, and heart racing rampantly. I called to anyone who might answer, friend, foe, or fiend, with the hope of easy respite or retirement from this treacherous village. Many a panic encroached the town, wherein peasants and nobles alike ran in fear of something they never dreamed could affect them. In such an isolated place, enveloped with mountains and forests, who would suspect the plague could spread so rampantly here?

"O plague ridden town," I cried. "O horrid town. I would a life free of pain, of sickness, of woe, live and cherish. Set me free from this place. O, I pray--"

"Up now, woman!" a commanding voice boomed from behind. I turned to see the once tranquil doctor in torn garb and antic breath. "Stand! Are you not aware of what is coming?"

"A plague, then? I am well aware of what has strangled these lands."

The man groaned and stomped towards me. Only when he was close enough could I see the blood on his clothes and his black gums. He gripped my arm and raised me to my feet with the haste and strength of a wolf.

"A plague, yes, but the plague you know of is no more," he riddled.

"Pray, speak plainly," I cried.

"Those who fell victim to the plague... those who passed many moons ago," his eyes bore into my soul. "They have returned."