The Night Watch

A city guard stood at a gate, checking every traveler who passed.

One night, a plague cart arrived from the east. The guard, following protocol, let it through — travelers were to be logged, not stopped.

By morning, the plague was inside the walls.

The next city built its gates differently. When guards saw a plague sign, the gate closed entirely. No logging. No exceptions. The gate stayed shut until the elders convened.

"But legitimate travelers will be delayed," critics said.

"Delayed travelers can wait. Dead cities cannot."