Black Death

The plague, or 'the great pestilence', broke out two years ago. For all we know, it's still spreading like wildfire through most of Europe.

In addition to being deadly, the disease causes much suffering. It starts with swollen lumps, or buboes, that appear in the groin or armpits. Some of those swellings grow as large as an apple or an egg. If you open them, they bleed. And from them, the disease spreads to all other parts of the body. After a while, black spots appear, followed by fever and vomiting. Most of the infected die within a few days.

People do what they can to avoid getting infected. Some stay at home and refuse to talk to anyone. Others flock to churches, praying for protection and seeking forgiveness for their sins, which – according to some – are why God brought the plague on us.

But, as it turns out, there is a remedy. Vrakhiri blood has the power to cure the infected and prevent others from catching the disease. That is how Brencis healed the people of Vale Sangora, but I don't think he plans on sharing his blood with anyone outside the valley.

And so, the plague rages on.