The Defenders of the Willow’s Deep gather in the Church of the Weeping Willow. Hope commands the make-shift operations room while the old and vulnerable Christ’s Church rests wearily. In the room are representatives from the Ridge, Hills, Grove, Woods, and Field. No generals, not wealthy elite, but concerned citizens trying to raise their families with compassion and without judgment. They gather where the roots run deep, at the last place left to hold.

Hope addresses the bleak situation:

thank you for coming

to this tree of peace

the ridge now threatens

their hatred does not cease

we do not hold these grounds

with walls or iron with might

but what is rooted here

will stand against the night

they seek to purify 

but also seize our land’s grace

so they can illuminate god’s mind 

deep under this holy place

we will resist until the end

to protect this sacred place

we stand with the true lord

here we share in his grace

as we do with atheists 

or others who pray

here we resist not evil

but we will not walk away

we must come together

at this time of great strain

to heal our hearts and minds

and remove fear’s chain

god does not divide

nor judge or condemn

the mountain needs healing

and freed from the mayhem

Outside, the wind carries a distant rhythm – boots against earth, drawing closer through the dark.