And so it came pass that a great plague swept the face of all the Earth. Some say it came from the East, others say it came from gloomy caverns of the bat or jungles of the civet. From whence it came, who can say? But come it did.

In the distant kingdom the temples of the gods had fallen silent. 

As the waters of contagion receded, the Queen did declare that the people could meet again. After seven days times seven let al the merchants and bazaars sell their wares.

The priests of Middle Earth and the sons and daughters of Men were exceedingly glad. For the worshippers had not paid homage nor supplication. Neither did they replenish the storehouse: the sound of shekels and farthings had not been heard therein for many a long day.

But lo, there was a caveat. Frivolity and feasting, yea indeed, “but fellowship do not partake, neither you, nor your maidservant nor manservant, nor the sojourner in your midst.” 

It was decreed that “Feasting there may be, of five score and no more. But if thou dost gather for fellowship, let it be but half a score, lest the pestilence return.”

Protested the priests, “How be it the house of disrobing for the lascivious pleasure of tax collectors and sinners is not so?”

“Those be not for fellowship, neither close interaction”, was the regal reply. (Was that the distant sound of the suppressed laughter of a priest of Middle Earth who knew that was untrue?) 

“But we must bury our dead!”, the people cried. “Let the dead bury the dead”, said the Sovereign. The sons and daughters of Ranginui and Papatuanuku were provoked to wrath and did rent their garments. The Queen relented: “For the sake of your ancestors with whom I made a covenant, you may have two score and ten, but no more.” 

“The decree of the Queen is not to be gainsaid. But I shall show mercy upon whom I show mercy.” The one called the Epidemiologist, a sorcerer of great renown, did reluctantly concur. 

“Do not fret! Fear not! The decree be revisited soon”, pronounced the Queen.  

The temple priests (all bar he whose destiny had been foretold) were soothed. The temple treasurers were mollified. And yet the children of the Land grew impatient and did murmur. “Is there no balm in Gilead?” 

 And a voice was heard: “be ye kind to one another”. 

The hearts of the people were thus strengthened and peace returned to the kingdom.