The village bells echoed in the quiet morning, summoning everyone to the town green. There was a bustle of activity as people ran to and fro following the Elder’s orders. Those skilled in construction were assembling impromptu shops and posting signs written in a strange language. Others were strategically placing treasure chests throughout the village as if they wanted to direct attention away from the homes. The women and children gathered near the stables as wagons were being prepared for them to flee.
As more people gathered, it quickly became apparent what the commotion was about — a Hero was coming. While the merchants laughed with glee the villagers grumbled and cursed, prepared for the worst. The merchants would thrive, but how many people would have to suffer to satisfy the Hero’s greed?
How many homes would be destroyed and looted? How many innocents would die by the Hero’s sword and the monsters which would follow in the Hero’s wake?
To a Hero life is nothing more than a game. They’re blind to the mess left behind while they pursue their quest. Any who oppose them are slaughtered and those who survive are forever scarred by the experience.
Heroes may think they are saving the world, but to the villagers they are the true threat.
This was originally published on Narrative on August 14, 2019 in response to a writing prompt.
