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."

"Returned? From where?" I inquired, a new sense of fear flooding my body.

The doctor sighed. "It is difficult to explain, but I will simplify it for thee. Do you recall the young stonemason who was attacked and killed by rogue hunters in the woods last summer?"

"Aye, his father wept for many days."

"O'er the course of the last day, I studied his body for reasons that I will keep hidden. All you must know is that his grave still remains, yet his body does not. He has returned to his father's home, gathering arbitrary materials in voiceless motion."

"His body still moves? Why then are your clothes torn?"

The doctor finally released my arm, looking off into the field behind me. "There were others who merely left their graves. They all turned towards the woods, and marched as though they were leagued in some military in siege. I confronted them, questioning what demon had brought them back from the depths of the earth, and whether their bodies moved without their soul's consent."

"And their answer?"

"Two large ones lunged at me and scratched me until I bled. I believe more have returned from their graves and now commit the same crimes done to me unto the villagers here, and thus, a spell of frenzy has fallen upon this town."

I stepped back, trying to take in everything the doctor told me.

"Do you understand why you must leave? Thou who art so calm in such a time, with a mind still intact to pray. I prithee, seek refuge away from this place."

I looked away, and then fell again onto my knees. I thought, if God or some devil has brought a plague that can return the likes of anyone killed in combat, cold, or curse, then I might be able to see him again. I clasped my hands, returning to my prayer.

"O joyous plague, I pray," chanted I, "command thy fingers to intertwine with my love's and pull him with heaven's unwavering force from the earth. Allow him to return... as a revenant soul."