The town with no name was not as tiny as it once had been. Eight families settled here, centuries ago, and it had slowly expanded along the valley. They had no contact with the outside world, nor wanted any. They blocked the entrances to the valley with rock falls and cultivated brambles, taking care to leave no trace of tampering. Voluntary exiles went forth into the world, to spread tales of death and horror on the mountainsides. Every possible scenario was hashed and rehashed to make sure no one would ever find them. So when the traveler stumbled into the valley and collapsed at the Dioana’s feet, pleading for help, she did the only thing she could. She killed him.

Half and hour later, she killed him again.

After the fourth cycle of death and resurrection, the two declared a truce and she led him into the village to meet with the elders.