RWF 2.1

The ravaged people stared at each other from the ivory towers. They hurled insults at each other from their high places. The red nation screamed, “You’ll pay for this! Criminals! Murderers!”

The blue nation exclaimed in reply, “Blasphemy! You brought this upon us!”

“Disgusting, vile lies!” The red nation shouted back. They bickered back and forth, hurling childish insults at each other until their voices grew hoarse and they could scream no longer. Both sides came to a silent agreement and retreated for the night. They lay hungry, sick, and bruised in the ramshackle remains of their kingdoms; yet this night was not sleepless. A beast had found shelter in these people, and it gave them satisfaction. They lay, staring at the stars, curious of what the next day would bring until sleep took them over.

They awoke to the sounds of birds chirping, and screeching as they were quickly shot out of the air with rocks, thrown by the starving people of the land. Makeshift tents were set up, campfires were made, and the people of the valley enjoyed a meal of small bird meat. Civilization was reforming.

After a meager breakfast, the people of the kingdoms began planning in their respective kingdoms, for they knew they that idleness would only bring strife. So they split. The men went out and hunt, the women took care of the children, and the children waddled around and played little games with their mates. All was well for these people. They knew not of a better life. Survival was enough for the people of the valley. Everyday was lived with a purpose, no idling, no breaks. In the morning they toiled: farming, building, hunting, then slept early and awoke early for another day of more hard work.

Years of monotonous work passes, and Soon enough the people of the blue nation grew tireless. What had their lives become? Where have they gone? What is their purpose? Is this all life had to offer? “Surely there is so much left to discover in the world.” They thought. Friends began to ask each other such questions for the meaning of existence. The people didn't know why they lived, and why they were there. For so long survival had been what their brains craved. Now that survival is easily in reach, what now? These thoughts rushed through the brains of the people without end. They were haunted by these thoughts, as if they were reminding them of their meaningless life. Some time later, the people decided to discuss their thoughts at a meeting.

At first it was awkward, and silent. The people sat around in a large circle around the circle just before sunset. Everyone stared at one another, waiting for someone to take initiative. The men fidget around, for they were not used to be part of such sedentary activity. The sun sets. More silence.

Until suddenly, a voice appeared from outside the circle. “Surely, there is more to life.” Said an old man with a faint voice. Everyone’s eyes darted at the tent he was lying down in. He got up, and sat up to face all the youth around him. He was a weak, pathetic being. He wore wrinkled skin and pale sunken eyes. He waved his finger towards them and said, “You are our future. Please. Explore, experiment, discover. I promise to you that there is so much more to life than survival.”

The men stared at the old man and nodded obediently. They return to their awkward silence. The fire crackled quietly as the moon began to peak over the hill.

A young man’s voice erupted suddenly, “Impossible. Simply impossible.” The crowd’s eyes shot towards the young man this time. “So what if we discover something never found before? How can we ensure these discoveries will bring good into our lives?” Whispering broke out amongst the other people at the camp. “Silence!” The chatter quickly died down. The young man took a deep sigh. “If we are living our lives this why, then it must be a reason.” He pointed at the sky. “Whoever is up there pulling the strings knows, but we don't. We can never be corrupt if we don't allow corrupt things in our lives you see? Look! We have everything we need here! Water! Food! Shelter! Now what? We need more? To fulfil our selfish desires?” The people stared at the young man, who had gotten up from his seat in excitement.

The old man began to speak once more. “I could argue with you all day about this boy, but I will be courteous and allow you to apologize to all of us for rebelling against us. The old man scanned the crowd of people with his eyes. “Isn't that right?” The people nodded in agreement. The young man stared at the people in shock.

He stared straight at the old man. “No.” The crowd gasped. The young man stared at the people with disgust. He began another speech, “Look at what you’ve become! Puppets! This old man is -” Two men grabbed his arms and shut his mouth close

The old man screamed, “Blasphemy! Remove this man from this kingdom, for he speaks only to deceive others!”

The men grabbed him and began to climb the tower. The young man struggled and pleaded. “Why! Why must you do this to me?”

The men simply replied, “You betrayed our cause Peter.” The young man named peter continued to struggle, but he could not escape. Like a rabbit in a snare, he was hopeless.

 He tried asking more questions. “Do you understand what's happening right now? Look at what you're doing!” The two men simply clasped their free hand over his mouth. Soon, they reach the top of the tower, and they hold him at the edge of it.

“You should be honored Peter, you’re the first criminal to be put to death for treason. Peter began to weep. The two men slowly pushed him closer and closer to the edge. One of them shouted, “I didn't want to do this, but we must. This is for the good of mankind. You must accept that.”

“I won’t accept that!”

Without further ado, the two men held Peter over the edge of the tower, and their grip slowly loosened. Another body was added to the dip of the valley that day, and there were many more that were to come.