There was a disaster. A flood, or maybe a dragon. From all around we gather into an untouched vilge, expanding it into a town. The vilge headman, balding and bearded, throws open the doors of his great house to share all that he has with we dispossessed. A cult of personality springs up around him, praising him for his wisdom and his charity. He is continually uncomfortable with this development.

  I leave the vilge-now-town on an errand and when I return ter that day the headman is gone, fled to who knows where from the unasked-for burden of adoration and expectations. It was only a matter of time, really.