La profezia

Zagor and Chico arrive at the port of Concepcion, in Chile. Throughout the journey, warning signs of something catastrophic looming over the region have multiplied and the same omen animates the preaching of a religious fanatic, Friar Tomas Nunez, who incites the inhabitants to revolt against the wicked Governor. Two of Tomas' brothers report the fanaticism of the preacher to their superior, who orders a punitive expedition against them carried out by his exalted followers. Zagor and a young army officer, Captain Pastor, manage to save one of the friars from the lynching, taking him to the inn where they are staying. But as the fanatics storm in to complete the work, the earth begins to tremble... An earthquake of unprecedented power shakes the Chilean city of Concepcion to its foundations. Shortly thereafter, the sea retreats to give rise to a gigantic wave that hits the ruins, sweeping away the streets and killing many of the survivors. Zagor and Chico, who miraculously escaped, try to help the population. Only a few hours pass, and a ship flying the British flag drops anchor in the port invaded by wrecks: it is the Beagle, a brig on which an English naturalist, Charles Darwin, is travelling. The man of science wants to gather news and testimonies on the cataclysm and meets with the Governor who carries out an inspection to evaluate the disaster. Both are targeted by Friar Tomas' fanatics and the Spirit with the Hatchet is forced to intervene to save their lives. But it is his that is in danger... In the city of Concepcion, devastated by an earthquake, the fanatics of the mad Friar Tomas seem to have the upper hand over the strenuous defense of Zagor and the small group of people barricaded with him in the room of a crumbling building. Among them are the governor and the English naturalist Charles Darwin. Chico and the actors of the Deplano y Matamoros company are certainly not doing any better, hostages of two bandits seeking revenge. But even when the Spirit with the Hatchet and the trusty Mexican set off again towards the most extreme tip of South America, where they are headed to try to stop Dexter Green, dangers continue to threaten them, as when they find boarding on the merchant ship "Marilena", immediately caught in a storm...