[ WP ] You 've been caught stealing , and your punishment is simple ; you must defend against the monsters outside The City .

‘ Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ’ 
 
 The sentence was just, that was for sure. I had taken more than my lot. I had robbed a fellow man, a brother. The City would not survive long if we did not share our goods equally. 
 
 Here comes one. 
 
 ‘ Good day to you, Sir. Greetings from the Lower Land – beyond the… ’ 
 
 ‘ Your business, please? ’ I interrupt. There really isn ’ t time for all the formalities, which won ’ t matter anyway. 
 
 ‘ My village – kind Sir – they suffer – we need fresh water – a-and food. Please, I beg your King ’ s ear ’. 
 
 ‘ Your offer? ’ 
 
 ‘ Trade – my Lord – we have the finest woods and craftsmen – though they suffer for hunger… ’ 
 
 Disgusting. He continues to ramble on, pleading for water and food, offering nothing but worldly goods that tempt and allure us away from the teachings of our Elders. This monstrous devil must be slain. 
 
 I strike, swiftly. One blow has him on the ground. A second, a third and I see he is barely conscious, and not for much longer. 
 
 ‘ The City does not trade. We have no need for your trinkets. And we have no King. ’ 
 
 I am short of time. I may not be the strongest, but at 6 ’ 7 ” and with appropriately long arms the hammer has plenty of momentum as it bares down on this monster ’ s skull. 
 
 He ’ s gone now. A quick clear up before the next comes. Thankfully, this one ’ s light as I drag him round to the heap. 
 
 Ah, silver. Nearly a handful! The Elders will be pleased. I do not pretend to know how they process it into the food we share, but that must be enough for a week ’ s worth. And that ’ s from just one monster! 
 
 What a relief to be earning my way again. Not only to feed my brothers but to defend against this heresy, this satanic capitalism. 
 
 I will joyfully give every last gram to the Elders.
