Resurrection

Chapter 30 : When Stars Align

I had my eye on the Pastor. On older man, though not as ancient as yours truly, he had several decades of experience behind his withered, lined face. He employed some of the more advanced persuasive techniques echoed by famous political speakers, however I was sure he couldn't articulate their actual names. He was the idiot savant of public speaking. With each example of anaphora he really plugged home the idea of the infidel and the enemy within plaguing this great nation and attempting to poison the good faith of god-fearing citizens everywhere.

This religion he had cultivated was truly something special. Instead of focusing on spreading unity and harmony among his fellow humans, he was quickly encouraging fear, paranoia and hate – one of the most important paradoxes embraced by the more extremist religions surrounding the globe. Unbeknownst to them all, they were playing into my hands in a spectacular fashion and with wide and over-glazed eyes they would be lured into the hands of darkness like the Jews led into the chambers at Auschwitz.

Yes in spite of all this, in spite of a very complex system of cells forming synapses that would shape what could be designated a conscience, they chose to act immorally. In the immortal battle between universal love and universal hate, hate was winning by a landslide. It was even more powerful when it was described as love. Don't get me wrong – I wasn't complaining, merely appreciating the surplus of souls heading in my direction.

In this particular sermon, he took a moment to yank down his horn-rimmed glasses, casually biting on the arm as it pivoted in his gold tooth, before returning them to look upon his adoring followers.

"Believe it my Christian Soldiers, we ARE marching as to war, and every day our enemy is getting stronger. It is time we arm ourselves with thy rod and thy staff. We cannot just call upon the good book and our faith to conquer them, we need to be vigilant and ready to act. Remember that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men, and good women, to do nothing."

At the end of this quote, he was met with resounding applause.

"To our most faithful, I remind you that we have our next gathering. We will continue to build." I looked on as members of the congregation nodded as if receiving the secret code. To my frustration, I still wasn't part of the inner circle.

At the conclusion of this sermon and at the start of refreshments, I made a beeline for the Pastor. He was casually talking with his wife before I dished out the charm.

"Yet another inspiring sermon today Father Brian. I feel so invigorated."

"Why thankyou" He replied... "Abraham I believe?"

"That is correct. I can't believe you know my name already." I gushed.

"A good shepherd must always tend to his flock, no matter how new. It's great to see a new face and besides, you're already starting to leave a favourable impression on a number of people." He smiled as he said this.

"Thankyou Father Brian. If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask, even if you need help at camp." I said.

"Oh I see, yes... Carol did mention your enthusiasm. You live in town, don't you? At that Bed and Breakfast over by Clinton's farm?"

"Yes. It's not much I know, merely modest but very friendly people running it" I replied.

"Are you here for a while, Abraham?" he inquired further.

"Yes, I believe I have no future plans to leave." I stated.

"Good. Well be prepared for a visit this week." His tone was friendly but firm and forthright.

I eagerly awaited this new set of events.

It was only a few days before I was greeted by my room with a determined rapping at the door. The dried out hinges groaned as I welcomed a fellow parishioner by the name of David. Clad in pastels and a cornflower blue collared shirt, he resembled a younger David Attenborough, though his Texan twang shattered the impression the minute he opened his mouth.

"Howdy there, Bram." He greeted me in his best colloquial language.

"How are you David? It's hot isn't it?" I asked.

"So hot the hens are laying hard-boiled eggs out there." He chuckled.

"So what are we doing today?" I asked.

"We're going to go somewhere and have some grub and a chat, and I'm going to ask you a bunch of questions. Nothing too scary: If you answer them one way, I'll drop you back here and if you answer them another we'll come back and pack your bags for another adventure. Capiche?"

"Well I'm ready and rarin' to go." I nearly convulsed as I said these words.

David drove us to down one of the main streets and settled on a Mom and Pop style café whose signature dish was their butter fried chicken with biscuits and gravy. Though I wasn't particularly hungry, I settled on some freshly brewed coffee. David's appetite was much larger and before we entered deep conversation he was burrowing into a plate of waffles with fried chicken. In between gulps, I felt like I was the one with questions:

"So what exactly do I have to do to prove myself to the Father?" I asked.

In between partially chewed mouthfuls, David offered some guidance.

"well.... (chew chew)... just how far are you prepared to go to prove your faith?"

"You have no idea the extent I can go... and have gone... to prove myself. I would literally go to hell and back if I needed to, or if I felt the cause was justified." I smugly replied.

"Even if it meant some sacrifices?" he continued to press.

"What sacrifices are we talking about here?... but depending on what you're asking... yes."

"We ask our loyal followers to devote themselves completely and conditions are tough, but once you run the gauntlet, once you complete your rite of passage, the rewards are infinite and your life will change for the better." He proudly stated.

"Consider me faithful." I replied.

"Do you have any military training?" he asked.

"I have engaged in some martial arts style training, yes. I know it's not quite the same thing but you'd be amazed at what I accomplished."

If only he knew.

"Well you tick all the right boxes. Do you have much in terms of luggage?"

"Only a few possessions."

"Well Bram, let's pack your gear. You'll be spending some quality time at the sanctuary." He enigmatically stated.

And at that, we quickly packed up what little I had and loaded it into the van. He tightly strapped a black blindfold around my face and asked me to be faithful as I blindly headed into this new abyss.