The Scourges 1 The Hunt Is On.

Mandated by the church, a delegation of exorcists accompanied by two hundred Crusader knights galloped to a village in the Serbian Empire. Convinced that the origin of the black plague was in this place, in the name of G.o.d, the delegation's mission was to eradicate the evil responsible for the greatest scourge known to mankind.

The Christian delegation crossed mountains and plains to finally reach the village designated as the cradle of the dark forces. None of them doubted the triumph to come. In order to defeat these envoys of the devil, who after a long and careful investigation were four in number, their delegation was composed of the most powerful Crusader knights and the best exorcists.

Not wanting to give the demons time to flee, it was twilight when they entered the village at full gallop. Knocking down the stalls of the few traders still open and the villagers too slow to avoid their charge, they rushed to where the roots of the black plague were supposed to be.

The moon was full when, coming out with their heads down, four crossed knights fled as quickly as their legs would allow that h.e.l.l into which over one hundred and ninety of their comrades-in-arms had just fallen.

Certainly fearing the arrival of a larger Christian delegation, the demons would have left the next day. That day also marked the end of the scourge that decimated so many lives throughout Europe and parts of Asia. The Vatican was able to link their reappearance to various major catastrophes that shook the Earth. Faced with the danger posed by these beings, the Church's high authorities presented the facts to various governments who promised them unconditional support. However, despite satellite surveillance, the family still managed to vanish into thin air before the arrival of the now joint forces.

June 1974

Halfway between adolescence and adulthood, Terence, Jamal and Troy, 18 years old, come from elitist families who think they are above the law. In the black luxury car that leads them to their favourite playground, Terence turns to their day's distraction.

It's over 10:00pm but despite the darkness that bathes the sedan's interior, he smiles as his eyes settle on a beautiful brown girl their age. Seeing her happily chatting with Jamal sitting next to her, Terence is all the more eager to start the game.

This girl and her family have only recently arrived in the area. This New Jersey city is not a big city, so it took only a few hours for everyone in the area to be informed of the new arrivals.

This family of four is particularly discreet. If the two Keller girls hadn't joined the local High School, it is likely that tonight the three friends wouldn't have found the most beautiful toy to play with.

On the small road lined with forests, the car is driving at high speed. One tree after the other is pa.s.sing by. Jamal and the beautiful girl are still chatting happily. His right hand leaving the steering wheel to change the radio station, Troy plagues when he can't find Rock and Roll. As for Terence, slumped in the comfortable seat of the beautiful car, he smokes a big splif heavy on marijuana.

It's 10:15pm when the car leaves the small forest road and drives into what looks like a long abandoned quarry. Not leaving the rear-view mirror for a moment, Terence's eyes revel in the surprise mixed with fear visible on the beautiful girl's face.

Seeing her so calm just a moment ago and starting to stir in all directions, the three boys do their best not to laugh at the young girl's misfortune.

Convincing this girl to follow them was not difficult. Her naivety mixed with their charm allowed them to manipulate her by making her glimpse a very fas.h.i.+onable dance hall.

"You've deceived me! This place isn't a dance hall at all. If my parents find out I snuck out, I'll be punished, so I want to go home now."

For any answer, the three boys only offer her laughter, before an oppressive silence settles in the car that stops at the foot of a set of huge buildings made of metal and concrete.

Quietly, the three boys get out of the car. Seeing that the trembling girl in her short green dress refuses to get out, Terence opens the door and extends his hand to invite her out.

"Anna, my beautiful, as promised, we have brought you to a place where you can break with the gloom of your daily life. Please take my hand or I'll be forced to resort to violence if you refuse to obey me. Believe me, I have no desire to ruin your so beautifuf face before our game begins."

Sitting on the hood, Troy looks distractedly at his friend and lights a cigarette. Jamal, who had just entered the nearest building, returns with a military bag on his back, which he throws in front of Troy.

"Careful with that bag Jamal. By throwing it so hard, you've just stirred up some dust. Look at the result, my white pants are now gray."

As Jamal shrugs his shoulders, Terence's threats convinced Anna, who outside, facing the three boys, is shaking more and more.

Seeing her try to hide her beautiful b.r.e.a.s.t.s with her hands, which can only hold a third of them, Jamal considers that starting the game without enjoying the body of such beauty is a waste without name, yet, fearing the anger of his two friends if they expressed his opinion, he keeps his mouth closed.

"What are you going to do to me? You don't want to hurt me, do you?"

As usual, and although it becomes particularly annoying as the years go by, Troy, hearing the girl's question, decides to answer it.

"Don't worry, we won't take advantage of your body. We're not beasts, we're civilized beings from the best families. No, we'll give you thirty seconds to run away, then we'll hunt you down and kill you. I'm tired of waiting and I'm out of cigarettes. Jamal, the tools!"

While Jamal opens the bag, Terence approaches Anna, who tries to back up but is stopped by the car.

"Don't panic like that. In order to even the playing field, I just wanted to give you this. Don't you want it? Okay, I'm throwing it on the ground. If you change your mind, you still have a minute to pick it up."

All three boys give each other an amused look. It's probably this pa.s.sing distraction that prevents them from seeing the s.a.d.i.s.tic smile on the beautiful girl's lips as she bends over to pick it up.

They are not afraid that Anna might run away and are even less worried that this pretty girl might even hurt them. Serene, they meet and bend over the bag.

At the sight of the three rusty axes in it, Troy's making a face. If their old instruments no longer suited them, what about these wastes? Jamal was in charge of replacing the old ones, but the result is always the same. Angry, Troy spits in the face of the person in charge.

"You're good for nothing. Where did you get such these piece of garbages?"

"Daddy's gardener's shed."

Terence is not as demanding as Troy. He puts his finger on the blade. Seeing the little trickle of blood, the young man is very satisfied with his tool.

"Your tools are perfect, Jamal. Don't listen to Troy, you did a great job. Good and now, I declare that the game begins."