Waiting for the Barbarians

The position of The Magistrate in the Empire's desert frontier is one of delicate balance, maintained through years of diplomatic negotiations. This peace is soon disrupted when Colonel Joll, a menacing figure with ulterior motives, arrives to impose his will.

Colonel Joll's arrival signals havoc as he unjustly accuses an innocent man and his nephew of sheep rustling. He employs cruel methods to extract what he believes is the truth, showcasing his ruthless nature and intolerance for dissent.

As tensions rise, the nephew is horrifically tortured and forced back to his tribe, heightening the fear among the local populace. The Colonel's actions lead to the wrongful capture of several innocent women and elderly men, falsely labeled as 'prisoners of war.'

Following Colonel Joll's departure, The Magistrate feels compelled to release the captives taken during the tumultuous events. He arranges for their safe return to their families, though the scars of the Colonel's actions remain deeply etched within the community.

Months later, The Magistrate encounters a former prisoner, who bears the traumatic and physical scars of her ordeal. This woman, now begging on the streets due to her broken spirit and body, exemplifies the harsh realities of life under the Empire's rule.

Compelled by empathy, The Magistrate offers the woman food, shelter, and medical care. However, his kindness is misconstrued by soldiers who suspect his motives, complicating his attempt to do right by her in a world riddled with suspicion and violence.

Desperate to make amends for Colonel Joll's brutal actions, The Magistrate sets off on a perilous journey through the desert mountains. Facing initial hostility from the nomadic tribes, he gradually earns their respect through his good intentions and perseverance.

Upon returning from his journey, The Magistrate discovers that Officer Mandel has taken over the fort and quickly finds himself arrested on charges of treason. Stripped of his position, he is forced to reckon with the fallout of Colonel Joll's heinous schemes.

As he tries to aid those suffering under Mandel’s harsh rule, The Magistrate is met with violence and bewilderment. Accusations rooted in absurdity lead to public shaming, and his home and belongings are seized, leaving him destitute.

The devastation caused by Colonel Joll's military campaign unites the nomadic tribes against their oppressors. In a show of solidarity, they form a formidable army, marking a shift in power dynamics and setting the stage for inevitable confrontation.

Colonel Joll makes a return with a diminished troop, revealing the dire outcomes of his brutal campaign. The Magistrate confronts the detached Colonel, who appears unfazed by the chaos around them, highlighting the growing chasm between them.

As The Magistrate wanders through a town ravaged by conflict, he discovers children mimicking soldiers next to scarecrow soldiers. This chilling scene serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive conflict and its impact on the youth and societal psyche.

The calm is abruptly disrupted by a rumble from the distance, heralding the arrival of a large army of nomadic warriors. This army aims to reclaim their homeland, rekindling hope among the oppressed and presenting a new threat to the Empire.

Through all the chaos and despair, The Magistrate is left as a shadow of his former self, grappling with the rejection from his own community. The burden of guilt and the weight of his experiences haunt him as he navigates this tumultuous reality.

Even in his darkest moments, a former servant offers The Magistrate a flicker of kindness, providing him with much-needed food and shelter. This small act of compassion amidst the turbulent backdrop signifies that even in chaos, humanity can prevail.