The Lie of Shepherd Land

The townspeople stared blankly. AnnaKate just announced that The Town God, her mythical father, had ordered all to stop working. At first they did not believe her, but she slyly convinced them.

“You better put that water back!” AnnaKate demanded. Two farmers cast the water back into the stone well and returned home. Delighted, AnnaKate and the village children skipped into the grassy meadows to play. Finally AnnaKate had earthly friends to play with.

As the days flew by, Shepherd Land began to look desolate. Its golden grass transformed into a wilting, fragile wasteland. Animals wept from starvation, their eyes drooped from the pressure. It had been a beautiful little town with rich soil, fresh vegetables, and healthy animals . . . but now, it looked as though it was abandoned.

“AnnaKate! Come with me to Shepherd Land to see why these people aren’t working!” The Town God roared violently. Rapidly, AnnaKate stumbled down the pebbly path to Shepherd Land. Her heart thumped painfully. Her amber-colored hair tangled into her face, blocking her view.

She helplessly tripped onward. She knew she was caught and about to be in big trouble. AnnaKate lost her courage . . . before, it seemed perfect to lie, but now . . .

“Town!” AnnaKate bellowed, shaking away the guilty feeling. The townspeople leaped from their porches, looking excited.

“What is it?” an eager townsperson hollered.

“Why have you neglected . . . ,” she began without thinking.

“We haven’t done anything for so long, since you ordered us to stop!”

“Who ordered you to stop working?!” The Town God howled angrily. The gang of people instantly pointed at AnnaKate, who sprinted behind the rolling hills.

“AnnaKate, stop immediately!” AnnaKate stopped abruptly, panting and heart pounding. She slowly traveled back with her eyes set on her torn shoes. “Now for the trouble she’s caused, AnnaKate will work with you!”

AnnaKate gaped at the thought. “No! Please, Father!” she miserably begged.

“Silence! And for the harmful lie . . . you will never be able to speak unless it is the truth!” declared The Town God. A flash of light struck AnnaKate. From then on, AnnaKate never told a lie again.