The Great Monarch Avarice looked out glaringly over the crowd, “They’re at our borders,” his guttural voice cracked — “Those twisted and monstrous beasts all in black — the soiled and scabbed — the fanged toothed devils — beware of the other or else there’ll be trouble! — They’ll eat all your children — they’ll tear out your eyes — they’re likely among us in devious disguise. — If you don’t follow my every command — it’ll be obvious you’ve joined them — and for that you’ll be damned. — We’ll snuff you out — we’ll find out your treason — we’ll kill you with glee and your children — you won’t see them.” — “However…” the great Monarch paused. “If you are true to the crown and follow command — a reward will await you at the initiatives end.

The monarch skulked back into a luxurious pavilion — his magistrate taking the mic. — Looking down his nose — and in a nasally tone — he made the monarchs nefarious intentions well known.

“Upon the kings decree — we henceforth enact — the torrent initiative.” he angrily snapped. — “Every man, woman, and child will participate — No-one is exempt. — Let the burning, salting, and scorching commence. — As our benevolent and exalted monarchs demands — the work begins today” — he said with wringing hands.

The magistrates voice trailed off over the crowd. — Been given the word — they all gave a bow. — The people of the land of Avarice all quietly left. — Not a single person dared to suggest — that the monarch might be wrong — about these mysterious others unseen — ‘fore he had automated gun placements focused in on the attendees.

The poisoning of the land did not take long — with each and every family working along. — The sound of the monarch’s bombers playing a drum beat — to the toil and hardship of the people in the streets.

It took barely a yearlong — before all the land turned to ash. — Miles around the inner sanctum all scarred, burnt, and blacked.

While most were convinced of Lord Avarices’ words — about these nefarious others who would chop them in thirds — a few dissonances arose in the crowd — who spoke in whispers and hushed tones regarding the crown.

Unfortunately for them, Lord Avarice had spies — those loyal to the crown of whom he advised — should they supply him the names of all the defiant — riches and food would await them for their compliance.

Phase One of the Torrent initiate was complete — but Lord Avarice had new plans he envisioned in his sleep.

“Atop my tower I can still see their towns! — Those bloated and blistered beasts all around! — I must be unburdened by this terrible view! — Forced to look out onto their land just won’t do! — Set my people to digging into the ground. — We shall dig a deep hole that will cover us round! — Then lower my tower into the hole — so I may go out on my balcony for a stroll — without this unnecessary and arduous toll!"

Lord Avarices’ magistrate complied with the order — Blasting out the commands over loud speakers that reached the end of their borders. — The people of the land of Avarice all huddled around — collecting the gear supplied by the crown.

Each began digging, scrapping, and shedding crust from the earth. — Prodded by the promise of punishment if they slowed in their work.

The earths once healthy cladding pealed back. — Picked and scratched by hundreds of bent backs.

Within no time a deep and dark pit was revealed. — The earth, under pressure from hundreds of weathered hands was unsealed. — It was raised over the pit’s ledge — where it hung precariously on a knifes edge. — The Great Monarch Avarice — having refused to leave his throne — stood out on his balcony where he bemoaned. — He criticized his people for the speed in which they moved — promising punishment if it didn’t improve.

It was at this moment a murmur began to spread. — Of the precarious position they had Lord Avarice in. — Without more than a nod or a wink — the populace of the land of Avarice found themselves all in sync. — Each one of them at that very moment — simply let go of the ropes they supported.

Loud cracks and snaps rang out across the crater — as the supports holding the tower around its equator — shattered and broke leaving the tower in free fall — where it crashed at the bottom once and for all.

The people of the land Avarice had been freed. — Freed from the monarch’s cruelty and greed. — With Lord Avarice dead many began to ponder. — Questioning the reality of those 'others' far off yonder. — The longer time passed, the more they enlightened. — "Perhaps there are good things beyond the horizon."