The next day, TS is sworn in as Lord of the Ridge of Revelation and reconstructs the residency as the Gold House. He consolidates power quickly and sets his sight on the rest of the Mountain of Mortality. These regions grow uneasy with Ridge’s transformation.   

waves rise upon the sea

field’s data centers flicker

woods retreat into its shadow

and grove’s old chains grow thicker 

and in the hills of hope

the worry settles deep

of lands forced into union 

but brave voices sleep

Six months after his inauguration, TS invites the regional governors to the Gold House. They enter a pentagon-shaped room, where gold beams rise from each pillar and lock into an inverted star above, casting sharp lines across the ceiling. A golden calf porcelain sits on the Dominion Desk. 

TS greets them without ceremony:

this mountain born of struggle

must rise to something more

no longer bound by mortality

but moral at its core

to protect that order

from chaos at the seam

we close the southern border

to guard the northern dream

we take what was divided

and forge it firm again

to make the mountain greater

than it has ever been

TS knows he must convince, threaten, or deceive the governors into supporting his agenda. However, he ends the meeting without taking questions or listening to their perspectives. As everyone stands, TS motions to the Governor of the Hills to the side door of the Pentagram Office. Inflame Fury moves to join, but TS dismisses him as they exist. 

Once inside, TS places his hand on Hope’s shoulder and says: 

the north stands divided
between doubt and command
i seek a path to order
with your help to guide the land

the willow holds a secret
where roots and silence meet
a place to shape our future
and make the mountain complete

Hope feels TS’s manipulation pulling at her. She calmly responds:

your proposals carry weight
and i hear what you propose
the mountain longs for balance
as every leader knows

but the hills i serve are fragile
they do not bend by force
they follow quiet conscience

not power’s louder course

Hope pauses and then lowers her voice:

word has spread of visions

your revelation seen

may i ask if there were others 

who played a part in the scene

TS pauses for a fraction too long. Then, just as quickly, the moment passes and he is back in control. He answers:

yes a lion and yak were there

and i beside the dragon’s fate

an old weak sheep in failure

and a lamb behind its gate