"Hope!" The shopkeeper exclaimed, "It's great to see you again, what can I get you today?"

A girl with a basket stepped through the doors. Her golden hair shone brightly against the little light coming through a nearby window, "Just buying some bread for dinner today."

The man nodded, grabbing a baguette from the bread racks behind him. "Here you go. I assume you plan to use your rations card?"

"Yes, that would be fantastic, thank-you Aleyn." She began to pull a card out of a pocket on her emerald green coat.

"Oh don't worry, I don't need to see it, you come here often enough," he quickly typed a number into a primitive wooden keypad, a small strip of paper came out of a slot on his desk, "Here is your receipt, I should let you know that it looks like you have a low balance."

"Already?" she looked surprised, "It's only Tuesday, the rations just renewed Sunday."

"Tough times have come upon Crystralion, at least according to Lord Theodoric. He's been cutting people's rations more and more by the week." Aleyn said sadly, "Which reminds me," he pulled out a small paper, "Theodoric has ordered all shop keepers to give this to each of their customers."

Hope grabbed the paper, she was angry. Theodoric was pushing his luck. He was not well liked by anyone in Crystralion, but especially not so in the town of Blackoak. The towns hate for Theodoric went back to King Daniel's death. Daniel was Theodoric's predecessor, who went to sleep one night and never woke up. Daniel was from Blackoak; his death caused the town great pain. "What does he have to say this time?"

The Words of Lord Theodoric:

Dear Citizens of the town of Blackoak, It has come to my attention that an individual within your fine town is working to take down my kingdom. Till he is found, Patrol presence will be increased, all for your saftey of course. We are also imposing a curfew, no one out after sundown, all those violating the curfew will be seized and sacrificed to the Morvis. If you have knowledge of such an person who may be working against me, please contact the Patrol. Your contribution will not go unrewarded.

Sincerly,

Your Lord,

Theodoric

Hope sighed angrily, more Patrol officers meant more kidnappings. Ever since Theodric came into power, he issued an executive rule allowing the capture of any citizen of Crystralion to be sacrificed to the Morvis. He claimed the Morvis needed constant sacrifice to power it, and that if we were ever to not give it human life the whole kingdom would die. Of course Hope had her doubts about that story.

"Well this is a bunch of horse excrement, he just wants to punish the town for hating him." Hope vented.

"While that may be so, Hope, pray be careful. Your brother has already lost both of his parents to the Patrol, he can't lose you." Aleyn replied.

"Don't worry Aleyn, I am not totally incompetent. I better get going though if I am to be indoors before this outrageous curfew." Hope replied.

Aleyn nodded, "Good-night to you then Hope,"

"And goodnight to you!" She said as she dashed out the door, she walked briskly down the dimly lit streets. She marveled at the fact that even in year 2203 they still couldn't figure out how to make a street lamp that didn't set all of the houses on fire.

One of the Patrol prisoner transport vehicles was moving in the direction opposite of her. She preferred not to look in the cages or else she would feel too much pity for the people inside. As well as anger towards that the Patrol that was wrongfully taking them.

She kept her head down as they passed, making sure her hood covered her face, "Hope!" the person screamed from the cage. Hope looked up surprised, the prisoner just said her name? She looked behind her, but the light from the sun blinded her, preventing her from seeing the prisoner clearly.

She continued home, slightly shaken by the the prisoners screamed. Though she was not prepared for the events that would transpire when she stepped into her home.

She threw open the door, "Jason!" she yelled for her younger brother, "I have dinner!". There was an odd silence, which was strange, Jason was always anxious for dinner. It was then that she saw the neatly folded note on her table.

She picked it up:

Dear Resident,

Jason Augustine has been taken for sacrifice to the Morvis. We realize the pain this must bring you. But remember he is doing a service to the kingdom; you should be proud. We hope that your life continues to be prosperous.The Patrol