Damned!

Roshana Continues

Laura, Federico, Ein, Thomas, and Cheryl came to Imama's house at her invitation. She walked them along the river's edge at the time of sunset and a cacophony of sounds filled the air made more beautiful with the colors of the setting sun.

"God damn, this is beautiful!" Cheryl exclaimed with quiet praise.

Imama introduced the group to the many gods of the river, Horah, Roshanna, and others. She explained how that the power of deities was shared just as the community had shared their abundance and culture with the priest, whom she now lovingly called her former husband.

"We all have different ways of life, but one thing we can agree on is the love that winds through our communities. Along with the stories we pass down, he will always be remembered." The crowd stopped to listen to the wind through the jungle trees.

Imama continued, "We welcomed Heinrich when he first came, even though his ways and his religion were strange to us. Even though he fought our religion, even taking the statues from my house when he would visit, silly man. I'll let you know, I harbor him no harm and I dare say he had become more accepting of the so-called deviance of our ways in the end. Roshana, our river goddess, that provides our sustenance to give us economic freedom, we will fight to never let her be damned. She is as important as the Catholic god Heinrich revered. During this whole government confrontation, I believe Heinrich understood this."

"We will fight with you, Imama Giovanna", Cheryl said with affection, already feeling respect for Giovanna, having heard the story of the lady who had stood bravely up to the archbishop Dominez. "I am going to personally station a reporter to advertise your story, from the Gandan perspective. Lord knows, we have had enough media coverage through the capital."

"We won't forget." Laura agreed. "If you agree, I would like to bring you as a witness to be heard in congress. The time is on our side now and you can educate our politicians."

"I would like this, thank you."

There was a sigh of grief from Ein. Imama leaned over to embrace him in a hug and the small crowd gathered in as well.

"Amen", Thomas said as the light from the sky turned dark and the stars gathered up their courage to shine in brilliance through the night.