There it was, finally.

The man collapsed in front of the structure after days of wandering. His feet bled through his worn shoes. Tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.

Here he was to meet the ambassador who would pass him the sacred amulet.

The amulet would save the world.

As he lay gasping, a hand held the back of his head, and drizzled cool water into into his mouth. His eyes fluttered open.

“You—?” He rasped, then passed out.