Counter Measures - Part 10

"I suppose that's why the Elder has his Favour system," Beam said lightly, just to test the man's reaction.

"Pah," he spat. "I don't need no Favour system to tell me when to help a neighbour. We didn't need it before he came to power, and I can tell you we won't need it after. Besides, where's he in all this? Not sticking his neck out for the village, I can tell ya."

"You were here when the Elder came to power?" Beam asked with interest.

"Oh aye, 'course most people were. Not many come from outside to settle in like you did. He was born in this village, he was, came back about fifteen years ago, just as the last Elder got elected. Seemed like a fine man back then. He got elected through it. But the years 'av eaten away at his mind. Not like he used to be, he isn't," the old man said. "'Course, when you get to my age, most of your old friends ain't like they used to be."