The village chief took a deep breath and spoke slowly. “Everyone, our village has been caught up in a mysterious set of rules. They’re very strange, so listen carefully. First, no one may speak more than three sentences, or a strange wind will sweep them away. Second, on every full moon night, all villagers must sit around the big tree in the center of the village. No moving, no talking, until dawn. Third, no red objects may be brought into your home. If one is found, the entire family will fall into a deep sleep and cannot be woken. Fourth, don’t look directly at the old well in the village for more than three seconds, or you’ll go instantly blind. Fifth, everyone must touch the large stone in the village once a day. Anyone who fails to do so will be bound in place by an invisible force, unable to move.”
