The tribe sat by the hearth, their faces lit by the flames that danced in the circle of rocks. The fire warmed them and kept the darkness and the things within it at bay. On the far side of the fire stood the elders of the tribe - Father-to-All and Mother-to-All - and kneeling before them was He-Who-Hides. He-Who-Hides' face was bruised and there were many cuts that glistened on his skin.

Father-to-All addressed the tribe. "We sit here tonight in judgement of He-Who-Hides. He has committed a great crime against us, his family and his kin. By his actions, he almost brought ruin upon us."

Mother-to-All spoke next. "Three nights ago, He-Who-Hides was given the task of feeding the fire. This is a great privilege - and a great responsibility!" She looked down at the figure cringing at her feet. "There are many who want this, but only a few are given it."

The tribe murmured and nodded amongst themselves. They remembered the events of a few days past, when they had woken to find the hearth full of ashes and glowing embers. They remembered the fear that they would lose their fire and all that it gave them. They remembered how Skilled-With-Hands had worked hard to restore the fire before night fell.

"So," Father-to-All said, "we must decide on the punishment for He-Who-Hides." He looked around the tribe.

White Hair struggled to her feet. "That creature," she pointed at He-Who-Hides, "should lose his name. He does not deserve to be remembered." The tribe murmured as they discussed this.

Another one, Hunter-of-Game, got to his feet. "He has endangered our people," he said, and jabbed his spear towards He-Who-Hides. "Without the fire, we would have died of cold and the creatures that roam the night would have come into our camp. He should know what it is to suffer." Again the tribe murmured.

Father-to-All nodded. "Are there any more who would speak?"

"Is there anyone who would speak for He-Who-Hides?" Mother-to-All added.

There was silence, apart from the sound of wood cracking in the fire.

The two elders turned away from the tribe. They talked quietly and earnestly, occasionally glancing back towards He-Who-Hides. Then they came to a decision.

"He-Who-Hides!" Mother-to-All announced. "We have decided what will be done. We agree with White Hair and Hunter-of-Game. Your name shall never be spoken again, and you shall be cast out of the people. You shall wander the land without family, without fire. Go!"

The elders stood to one side. He-Who-Hides scrambled away, fearful that the people might still turn on him, and vanished into the night.