Staring at the tightly shut city gates, everyone's spirits broke. They swarmed the entrance, pounding furiously, hoping someone might emerge from within.
"Stop your pounding! We've received orders from our superiors. The county town can't help you. You should hurry on to the next city; don't waste your time here." A head peeked over the top of the wall, and his words only enraged the crowd below.
"At least give us some water! How are we supposed to make it to the next city otherwise?"
"We don't have any water either," the Government Official said, pointing to his own chapped lips. "The entire county town is down to a single spring. Each of us only gets less than half a bowl a day, barely enough to stay alive.
It's still early. You'd best get back on the road!"
