Rohan

[Cyc]

Hearing of the ceremony in Rohan for Brother Alexander, Cyc leaves instructions for the Castle, and dressed appropriately mounts Lit and heads in that direction. Knowing the land like the back of his hand, Cyc easily makes good time through the hills and mountains. He should get there in time.

 

[McNulty]

The Spiritualists prepare for the service. Already, people climb the hill they are using. As people gather, a rider on horseback comes into view...

Brother Joshua: Who approaches in such haste?

Brother Adam: I believe I recognise him from a painting I once saw. By the Spirits, it's Prince Cyc!

Sister Eve: How can that be? He is at the Castle of Bavaria. No-one could traverse that distance so fast.

They watch as the horse spans the distance between them with ease. The rider arrives...

Cyc: Greetings follower of the Spirits. I am Prince Cyc. Am I on time for the service?

Brother Adam: You are at that your majesty, but how could you have known of it? We only agreed to hold it this morning.

Cyc: Truth be told, I was coming to attend the funeral ceremony for the brave Brother Alexander. I learned that I was too late when I entered Rohan, but I was then told about the special service. I resolved to attend that instead.

Brother Joshua: Then by all means, descend from your mount. We begin the service within the hour.

Prince Cyc dismounts and his mount is taken by a groom. He then goes over to the Spiritualists...

Cyc: I had to remain in the Castle of Bavaria last night, for I was hosting the wake for Prince Shaitan. It was a moving event, attended by many nobles of the houses of Fanatika.

Brother Adam: How I wish we could have been there. Did Brother Fox and Sister Dana represent us?

Cyc: That they did. And they spoke most eloquently. You would have been proud. Prince Grandmaster was most moved, I think.

Sister Eve: Prince Grandmaster? What are you saying?

Cyc: Oh, I suppose you wouldn't have heard. It seems that Prince Shaitan was Grandmaster's natural father. He has been bequethed the title and the majority of the lands his father held.

Everyone is stunned by this revelation. To the Spiritualists, Grandmaster is a noble soldier, a leader of men and a brother in Spiritualism. This is quite a surprise...

Brother Joseph: (breaking the silence) Then we grieve doubly for him, for to learn of such a thing only after Prince Shaitan's death is sorrowful indeed.

Cyc: I believe Prince Shaitan vowed he would not reveal Grandmaster's true parentage until after his death. For the loss of honour he perceived would be the result. The Prince would not have done that to his son, despite his own personal feelings.

Sergeant-at-Arms: I thank you, your Majesty for telling me the name of my new master. We soldiers of Vanir will pledge our alliengence to Prince Grandmaster upon our return.

Cyc: But I have not told you the most remarkable thing that happened. During the course of the evening, the estranged daughter of the late Prince did arrive at the wake. She claimed that Prince Shaitan had appeared to her and they made up their differences. Your Brother Fox and Sister Dana told her that she had experienced a visitation from the spirit of her dead father!

Brother Adam: By the Spirits! A true visitation is rare indeed. The Spirits allow such a thing only in cases of extreme emergency or when the deceased has such a strong desire to make a visit. Truly the Prince was favoured to be allowed to make such a visit from the afterlife.

Cyc: That is what your people said to her. It did seem to ease her sorrow. And it made her reconcilliation with her mother and sisters that much easier. Prince Grandmaster has also been accepted I believe.

Brother David: (arriving) My friends. If we are to begin within the hour, there is still much to do.

Cyc: Go ahead. I will stay and speak with your soldiers. I want to hear of your battles.

Brother Adam: So be it. Come brothers and Sisters, we have work...

 

[McNulty]

The Spiritualists stand on the top of the hill. All around are people. Amongst them stands bold Prince Cyc, and the brave soldiers of Vanir. Brother Adam comes forward...

Brother Adam: My friends, it is indeed an honour to be standing here today. In this special service, we honour the life of Brother Alexander and Prince Shaitan and we look ahead to the task of bringing the word of the Spirits to Rohan. We ask almighty Alpha, Terra, Pyra, Aqua and Aria to bless this service and send the word of the Spirits amongst us all.

Brother David plays the song of worship, "Onward Pyra's Soldiers" on the bagpipes

Sister Eve: Brother Alexander always wanted to settle down in Rohan, or Ankh Morpork as it was called. His dream went unfullfilled, superceded as it was by his strong sense of duty to Fanatika. When the call came for men and women of honour, he answered that call.

Brother Joseph: As did Prince Shaitan of Vanir. Both men fought and died for the ideal of Fanatika. Peace, security and honour. We mourne their passing, but we celebrate their lives. Let us pray:

"Oh Great Spirits Alpha, Terra, Pyra, Aqua and Aria. We ask that you receive our brothers into the Place of the Spirits. Honour them with your love and give them their just reward for their devotion and sacrifice. And bring the light of your love to all Fanatika, and the World. We ask that in Rohan, you show all that you are the path. In your names."

Sister Eve and Sister Angela sing "Nearer Aqua, to thee"

Brother Joshua: In this time, the Spiritualists have pledged to bring the words of the Spirits to Rohan. In that, we consider it a holy duty. We will put forth the views of Spiritualism at ever opportunity to the leaders of the land. And a second Mission will be built, so all can worship inside holy walls.

Brother Adam: Myself, Brother Joseph and Sister Eve will soon depart this land. But we will take the memories of a land whose people opened up their hearts to us. We will keep in regular contact with our Brothers and Sister, eagerly awaiting the next Pelican Post. Our thoughts will always be with you.

The Service draws to a close with the song, "What a Friend we Have in Terra"

The Service is over and the people start to disperse, some people come up and greet the Spiritualists. Prince Cyc also speaks with the Spiritualists, saying how much he appreciated their service. At length, they all head down the hillside and make their way back to Kells...

 

[Cyc]

* At dinner that evening Cyc was telling stories from the day and night before. The huge crowd outside of the Bavaria Castle, the toasts and song that took place on the inside, and of course of Marie's experience. "I would have liked to have gotten to know Marie a little better, but they wisked her and her sisters off at evening's end, with Prince Grandmaster, I believe...Oh, in regards to the Spiritualist's Mission he said, and I quote...As long as the banner of Vanir flies, and as long as I sit on the throne, Spiritualism will have a home in the Marillion. Come hell or foreign hordes, you and your comrades will be secure within my halls. I swear it.

Ah, well enough stories and wine for me. I have a long ride back tomorrow, so I'm going to turn in. Good night and good luck all."

 

[Grandmaster]

Aye, my friends, I am most sorry I could not make it to the service for Brother Alexander. I was forced to attend to urgent business in Nara, which sadly could not be avoided. But the memorial went well, I assume?

 

[Padma]

Ah, well. To have come so far in guarding Brother Alexander's body enroute to his funeral, only to find that the events of the past days forced me to miss both the funeral and the service.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all this day.

 

[McNulty]

The three Spiritualists meet to discuss how things are going in Rohan since the departure of the escort...

Brother Joshua: Welcome my Brother and Sisiter. I trust you are both in good health?

Brother David: Aye, we are both fine Brother. The climate of Rohan is much like that of our Community.

Sister Angela: We have journeyed far and wide in Rohan, and for the most part, the reception we have received has been favourable. The people of this land are friendly and curious of Spiritualism.

David: Except...

Joshua: Except that the rulers of Rohan have not decided on us yet, is that not right, Brother?

David: Aye. I believe that they wanted a Fanatikan citizen to be their cleric, not an immigrant from the Community.

Angela: We cannot be a hinderence to the word of the Spirits. If the rulers of Rohan would prefer another to speak, maybe we should leave.

Joshua: That we cannot do Sister. For the Spirits must be heard. We are only their messengers. If the rulers of Rohan will not support us, then we do it alone. The other Spiritualists of Fanatika would not leave us to do this mighty task, they will help us.

David: So, we hold our service tomorrow then?

Joshua: It is our Holi Day, as every seventh day is. We hold the service, in the open air again. For the Spirits will be heard. In their name.

Angela and David: In their name.

 

[McNulty]

The day is crisp as the three Spiritualists begin their open air service....

Brother Joshua: My friends, we welcome you to our Holi Day service of worship of the Spirits. Let us begin with a song to gladden our hearts.

Sister Angela leads the congregation in the song, "I am the Spirit of the Dance"

Joshua: We thank the Spirits for the safe return of our Brothers and Sister to the land of Vanir. We received a message via Pelican Post to this effect. They want it known that they consider the welcome the people of Rohan showed them was a valuable memory they will cherish.
Here in Rohan, the specre of dishonourable war will not vanish soon. The treachery of the Indians will not soon be forgotten. But Fanatika must learn to forgive its neighbours for its past transgressons. For in forgiveness, we find enlightenment and in enlightenment, we find peace.

Brother David plays, "The Glen of Tranquililty" on the pipes...

Joshua: My friends, we are working long and hard to build our new Mission but it will not be an easy task. The land and the materials are indeed hard to come by. We beseech the Spirits to guide us in this matter.
In our travels here we have spoken to many people from a very wide spectrum of backgrounds. Most have been friendly and curious to our religion. But in Rohan, although the people seem to be welcoming and happy to have us here, the authorities have a more distant attitude. We ask the Spirits to show them the true path.

Sister Angela sings, "The Armour of Pyra"

Joshua: Let us pray:

"Oh Great Spirits Alpha, Terra, Pyra, Aqua and Aria, guide your followers in these uncertain times. War and conflict ravage the lands of Fanatika, unhappiness and want stalk the countryside. But as we suffer, we are heartened that you are with us, leading us to happier times. Bold Pyra, protect us from enemies at home and abroad. Wise Aria, give us the wisdom to find the right path. Mighty Aqua, send us the bounty of the waters to feed us and generous Terra, give the land your fertile abundance to sustain us. And above all almighty Alpha, first among the Great Spirits, lead us and give us hope. In your name."

All present: In your name.

Brother David plays, "The Mountains of Maloran"

Joshua: The service is at an end. May Alpha, Terra, Pyra, Aqua, Aria and all the Spirits watch over you and guide you now and forever.

 

[McNulty]

A pelican arrives in Rohan where the Missionaries stay. It carries a message...

Brother David: (retrieving the message) News from our brother and sisters. Let's just see...(opens and begins to read) By the Spirits!

Brother David quickly takes the message to his fellow Spiritualists...

Brother Joshua: Brother David. What is the matter?

David: Joshua, Angela! Brother Adam has been struck down in Vanir! He was riding to meet with Brother Grandmaster when he was wounded. The message does not say how it happened, only that he is in a coma!

Sister Angela: By the Spirits, this is terrible tidings!

Brother Joshua: Indeed it is. For Brother Adam and Sister Eve are the first of our Clan to travel to Fanatika. If not for them, the Fanatikans would still be living in darkness.

David: What are we to do?

Joshua: We can do nothing for him, except pray for his recovery.

They do so...

 

[McNulty]

Brother Joshua, Sister Angela and Brother David are in deep discussion about the future of Spiritualism in Rohan...

Sister Angela: But we are getting nowhere with the authorities here. We cannot keep holding our services out in the open. The people can't be expected to attend in all weathers.

Brother Joshua: Until we can obtain some land to build a Mission, we have no other choice. The service we had today was still well attended.

Brother David: But not by a single member of the ruling classes of Rohan. Why were Spiritualists invited here if they continue to ignore us.

Joshua: That is for the Gods to know alone. I heard tell that the founder of this land, BCLG100, has left Fanatika. Perhaps this is the reason.

Angela: Maybe, but that doesn't excuse the others.

Joshua: Brother, Sister, we are not here in Rohan simply to convert the ruling class. All the people of Rohan must come into the light. If we fail with the ruling classes, we can still win the hearts of the people.

David: You are right of course Brother. Come, we must find some land to purchase...

 

[McNulty]

Brother Joshua is sitting in the room of the inn the Missionaries are staying in. He is reading from the Book of Spiritualism...

Brother Joshua: (closing the book) Oh Great Gods, are we to struggle so to bring your word to this land? Why do the authorities ignore us so?

Brother Joshua is disturbed in his contemplation by Sister Angela and Brother David bursting in in a state of great excitement...

Sister Angela: Brother, Brother! We have the most excellent news! It is a miracle!

Joshua: What has happened?

Angela: We have just received a Peligram from the Mission at the Marillion. The Jedi Plexus has donated a plot of land in Rohan to us! We can at last build our Mission!

Brother Joshua leaps to his feet, overjoyed by this wondrous news...

Joshua: Hallelujah!!!!

Brother David: (puzzled) What?

Joshua: I don't know, it just came to me. I am so happy. Our prayers have been answered. Come Brother, Sister: we must thank the Gods.

They all kneel...

Joshua: Oh Great Gods. We thank you for giving us new hope in Rohan and please send your blessings upon Plexus, for he is a true friend to Spiritualism. Aid us in the building work to come. Strengthen our resolve and allow us to spread your true word.

The Missionaries get to their feet and make their plans to build the Second Fanatikan Mission...

 

[McNulty]

The three Spiritualists receive the Peligram with news that Acoama Homes are to begin building their Mission this Holi Day. The Spiritualists are overjoyed and begin to make preparations for the blessing of the land ceremony...

 

[McNulty]

The largest gathering since the funeral of Brother Alexander is assembled in the small plot of land which is Spiritualist in Rohan. Brother Joshua stands with Sister Angela and Brother David. They look into the massive crowd and recognise several familiar faces. Prince Padma can be seen with an impressive following. Several people in Jedi robes can also be seen as can some soldiers and people standing under banners of famous houses of Fanatika. Of special notice is Plexus, the man who made this day possible. Brother Joshua strides forward smiling broadly...

Brother Joshua: (in a loud, clear voice) My dear friends and visiting dignitaries, on behalf of my Brother and Sister in Spiritualim, we welcome you to the site of the Second Fanatikan Mission! Today, we ask the Gods to bless this land and help us to make a place of worship and love.

Sister Angela starts the ceremony by leading the congregation in the song, "Onward Pyra's Soldiers"

Joshua: We stand here today on this land, so generously donated to the Order of Spiritualism by the Jedi Plexus, and we ask ourselves, "What does this mean to us?"
It is a serious question. In one way, the Mission we build here will be a beacon for our faith like the one in Vanir. It will serve as a place to spread the good word of the Gods. And that in itself makes the effort worthwhile.
But it will be so much more than that. For the Mission, like its counterpart in Vanir, will also be a place of succour for the lost, the lonely, the dispossessed and the destitute. It will have a dormintory to shelter a passing traveller, as well as a dining area for the hungry. For we pledge to feed and comfort our fellow man, as well as to show him the light!

Brother David: We stand here on the brink of a great endevour. We will bring a new hope to the people of Rohan. A place of sancturary from the wars and hardships that plague the lands. Ir is our holy duty so to do.

Brother David plays, "Stand for the Gods" on his bagpipes

Brother Joshua takes a shovel...

Joshua: I call upon Plexus to come forward and turn the first shovelful of earth for us.

Plexus is surprised, but comes forward. Smiling in thanks, Brother Joshua gives him the shovel and steps back...

Plexus: (a little nervous addressing the crowd) I didn't really expect to play a part in this ceremony. I thought that my part in this ended when I donated the land. However, I would like to say that I am pleased that this land will be used to bring hope and comfort for the people. The Jedi and the Spiritualists have always had the most friendly of relationships in Fanatika and the Community, and so I am happy to extend this.

Plexus drives the shovel-head into the ground and takes a full measure of the earth. He turns it over. The crowd cheer...

Plexus: With this action, I hereby begin the construction of the Second Fanatikan Mission.

Plexus returns the shovel to Brother Joshua, who shakes his hand warmly. Plexus returns to the congregation...

Joshua: We thank Plexus for his warm words. Now we shall consecrate the land for the Gods.

Brother Joshua takes a small handfull of earth and throws it into the hole that Plexus made...

Joshua: In the name of Terra, Queen of the Gods and the Goddess of the earth, we consecrate.

Sister Angela takes a small lit torch and throws it in the hole...

Angela: In the name of Pyra the God of Fire, we consecrate.

Brother David takes a small goblet of water and pours it out into the hole...

David: In the name of Aqua the God of the Waters, we consecrate.

Sister Angela sweeps her hand over the hole...

Angela: And in the name of Aria the Goddess of the air, we consecrate.

Brother Joshua comes forward holding The Book of Spiritualism. He holds up his hand and invokes the name of the King of the Gods...

Brother Joshua: And in the name of the most holy Alpha, the First One, the King of the Gods, we consecrate.

Seemingly in response to this invocation, the sky suddenly lets loose a lightning bolt. It streaks down from the heavens hitting the ground precisely at the point of the hole. A mighty thunderclap resounds accross the land. The congregation are amazed...

Joshua: Truly the Gods bless this land! And in their name we will build a wonderous Mission here.

Sister Angela sings, "The Works of the Gods are Wonderous to Behold"

Joshua: The ceremony has ended, we thank you all for coming. Go with the Gods now and forever...

 

[McNulty]

Brother David returns from Acoama Homes full of excitment and good cheer. He comes into the inn where Brother Joshua and Sister Angela are still staying...

Brother David: Brother, Sister! Our Mission is built! Prince Padma has just accepted our payment!

Brother Joshua: Hallelujah! The Gods be praised!

Sister Angela: We must hasten there as soon as we can. We still have much to do. The artisans we have hired to furnish and decorate the Mission must be told that they can start work there now.

Joshua: Indeed! And we still wait for Brother Robert of the Community to send his painting to us.

Brother David: All that can wait for now. Come my friends, let us take our belongings and move to our new home.

This said, the Spiritualists leave the inn for the last time and make their way to the new beacon of Spiritualism...

 

[McNulty]

The three Spiritualists arrive at the Mission just as the foreman of the workcrew is about to pack up. They all stop and look with appreciation at the beautiful building...

Sister Angela: Truly the Gods themselves guided the workcrew's hands.

Brother Joshua: It is more wonderful than I dared hope.

Brother David: And when we have finished having it furnished and decorated, the inside will be every bit as beautiful as the outside.

Shaking the hand of the foreman in gratitude, they leave him and go inside. For now, it is bare, but they have such plans...

Joshua: (indicating an area) This will be the perfect place for the lecturn, while over here, we can set up a row of seating.

Angela: Here is a fine place for a statue. And this wall is great for paintings.

They go into another room...

David: This entire room will house many of the homeless and people passing through the land. We will need many beds. The kitchens and dining rooms are through here...

They go all through the Mission, planning and exploring. Eventually, they chose rooms for themselves and set up their blankets...

Joshua: Good night both of you. May the Gods smile on this place!

 

[McNulty]

Brother Joshua, Sister Angela and Brother David watch as the pelican taking their peligram flies out of sight. Then they re-enter their Mission. All around them, is the trappings of Spiritualism, statues of their Gods, inspirational paintings and a wonderous stained glass window. But even in such surroundings, they can find no joy...

Brother David: (breaking the silence) I still cannot believe that our Brothers and Sisters in the Community have been forced into exile. Damn the Inquisition!

Brother Joshua: Mind your language Brother. Although I share your sentiments, it is not right to swear in a house of the Gods.

Sister Angela begins to weep...

Sister Angela: What of my sister Ruth? They say that she has not been seen in days, ever since the Inquisition came for her in the night.

Joshua: We must ask the Gods to keep her safe Sister. Our faith in them is all we have to hold on to.

David: We three, and Brother Adam and Sister Eve are all Community born. How could things have changed so much since we left. The last issue of The Lighthouse made no mention of the Inquisition. How could the Assembly have done this?

Joshua: King Sean must see the influence of Spiritualism as a direct threat. He won't have been the first monarch to be at odds with a church. And with the birth of the miracle child, who is known as The One, he must have seen this as a more serious threat.

David: What will Reverend McNulty and the true Spiritualists do now they are in exile?

Joshua: They must find friends. I know that the French over there are sympathetic to Spiritualism, although the English are hostile to them. They will be alright, I am sure.

Angela: Let us pray Brothers, pray for our Brothers and Sisters.

Thus, the Spiritualists in Rohan go on to their knees and pray...

 

[McNulty]

The three Spiritualists walk through their Mission sadly. Today was meant to be the Holi Day service to bless the Mission and dedicate it to the Gods. They were supposed to open the doors of this place of Spiritualism to all. But because of the terrible events in the Community, and Brother Adam's decision to break from the New Spiritualism of the Inquisition of the Community, they decided to pospone the ceremony until the next Holi Day in seven days time...

Brother Joshua: (sighing) It would have been wonderful to have our Mission open today. We have waited so long.

Sister Angela: The decision was correct. With the fate of our Brothers and Sisters in the Community unknown, it would not be right to have a happy celebration today.

Brother David: Aye Sister, you are right. We must strive to make next week's ceremony the best we have ever held.

Brother Joshua resolves to get back to the work of finishing of the decorations to the Mission. He wants to take his mind off the terrible times his friends are enduring. He goes over an starts to open a large unopened package...

Joshua: (suddenly stopping) By the Gods...

Angela: What is it Brother?

Joshua: (taking out a painting and showing it to the others) Look here my friends. It is a painting by Brother Robert!

Sure enough, the painting is one made by the great artist Brother Robert of the Community. The Spiritualists remember how they send him word weeks ago, asking him to paint them a masterpiece for their Mission. He must have sent it to them before he was forced into exile with the rest of the McNulty Clan...

Angela: (in awe) It's...beautiful.

David: It certainly is. I love the way Robert has painted a scene of the Community Spiritualists, led by Reverend McNulty, as well as the Fanatikan Spiritualists, led by Brother Adam, all watched over by the pantheon of the Gods in the Place of the Gods. He has captured the way that the Gods look over us all, no matter where we are.

Joshua: It is a sign my Brother and Sister! No matter where they are, our fellow Spiritualists will be watched over by the Gods! Come David and Angela, let us get this Mission ready for next Holi Day!

The Spiritualists are about to resume their work, but they are suddenly distracted by the entrance of several Jedi Knights. One of them speaks...

Jedi Knight: Greetings good Missionaries. We have been sent by Lord Master Zarn of the Jedi Council to protect you. We fear that the dreaded Sith are abroad and they seek the destruction of the Jedi and the Spiritualists. Zarn has sent us here to ensure that this does not happen.

 

[McNulty]

The day has finally arrived. The three Spiritualists are opening the Rohan Spiritualist Mission to all. Many people have come to witness this day, including several members of the exiled McNulty Clan, who made the journey to Rohan to see this day...

Brother Joshua: My dear friends, this day has been long in coming. But with the news that the Inquisition has been finally defeated in the Community, we now have no obstacle to opening to this wonderous Mission.

Sister Angela, Sister Diane and Sister Margaret all lead the singing with, "What a Friend we Have in Terra"

Brother David: You will see that this place is not only a place of worship for the Gods, but it also will be a refuge for the homeless and the desperate in Rohan. For we need to look after the physical needs of the people as well as their spiritual needs.

Brother Angus plays, "The Mountains of Maloran"

Sister Angela: We are happy beyond words that our fellow Spiritualists from the Community are here to witness this day. We rejoice with them that the Community has thrown off the shackles of the Inquisition, and we expect our friends to return home soon, with The One.

Brother Joshua: Let us pray:

Oh Alpha, in whichever form we worship you. We are so happy to dedicate this place for your glory and to help your people. Give us the strength and the resolve to do thy work, and make this a haven, a place of peace, e'en if there is no other. For we are your people, and it is our holy duty to do thy will. Amen!

No-one quite knows why Brother Joshua ended his prayer with this word, but it seemed right to do so. The Mission is open! And the people of Rohan and its visitors rejoice. Praise be!

 

[McNulty]

The Mission is packed with people. More even than when it was officially opened. Many of the congregation have copies of The Lighthouse and already know of the wonderous events which have transpired. Brother Joshua, Sister Angela and Brother David are standing, ready to begin the service. And look, for other Spiriritualis, including Reverend McNulty and The One have made the journey to Rohan this special Holi Day...

Brother Joshua: My friends, we are a joyus people today for we have with us the leader of Spiritualism and the man who Alpha has chosen to reveal the true light unto us. We come together today to worship Alpha and learn more of the new way we see him, the World about us, and our place in the Universe.

Sister Angela leads the congregation in the song, "We follow Alpha the Father"

Reverend McNulty: It is a special pleasure for me to be here today. Firstly, because I wanted to see the Mission of Rohan and witness the wonderful work of my Brothers and Sisters here, and secondly, because I am priviledged to be here at a time when our religion is undergoing such a fundemental change of understanding. I can still see that awesome sight when the Place of the Gods became Heaven to us, and the Gods became Archangels, Angels and Saints. And above all is Alpha, the one true God, who loved his people so much that he sent his son amongst them to show them the light. We are truly honoured to have The One to guide us and we look forward to his ministry with a sense of joy and wonder.

Brother David plays, "What a Friend we have in Terra" on the bagpipes.

The One: I thank Reverend McNulty for his kind words, and I am grateful to the Spiritualists of Rohan for their welcome here today.
Dear friends, Alpha knows that the revelations about Spiritualism are confusing to some, and only has shown you this new truth because he believes that you are all truly ready to accept this. I have begun a journey which will show all peoples the light. On this journey, I will take with me companions, that shall witness all that will happen. My friend James, son of Brother Alexander, is the first such disciple. There will be more. On my journey, I hope to preach that love and peace are the most worthy goals to aspire to. I see the unending wars that Fanatika have with their neighbours and I am sorrowful. One day, all warriors will beat their swords to ploughshares and their spears to pruning hooks and study war no more. I look forward to that day of enlightenment.

Sister Angela sings, "All my Hope on Alpha is Founded"

Brother Joshua: Faithful friends, we have already begun to open our doors to the weary travellers and the homeless in Rohan. Even now, good people who were displaced by the Indian Invasion have not yet homes to return to. Let them know that until the Rohan leadership are ready to rehouse them, the Mission is ready and willing to give them shelter. For we shall not ignore the plight of the needy. It is our holy duty to offer aid and it is one which we do with a song in our hearts. So let us pray:

Oh Alpha, the one true God. We continue to pledge our lives and work to your service. For the work you have given unto us is no burden. To do good for all is reward in itself. Send your angels to strengthen our faith and our resolve to do the holy duty. Send Terra the Archangel of the Earth to our farmers, that they will labour in the fields and produce a bounty for all people. Send Pyra the Archangel of War to our soldiers to strengthen their sword arms and help them fight for the day when their sacrifices will no longer be neccesary. Send Aqua the Archangel of the Waters to our sailors and fishermen, so that safe journeys and full fishing nets will be theirs. And send Aria, your winged messenger to us, to show us your will and your word as she travels the gentle breezes she creates. For we are your people, and we shall do your will. Forever and ever Amen!

Sister Angela concludes the service with this song:

And did those feet in ancient times
Walk upon Fanatika's mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of Alpha in the Community's pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Primus builded here
Among the dark and evil mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spear! Oh clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built a holy church
In our green and pleasant land!

 

[McNulty]

In the evening, after a light supper, The One and James pack and prepare to be on their way...

Reverend McNulty: Sir, are you not returning to the Mission of Vanir with the rest of us on the morrow?

The One: No gentle McNulty, we are going on our journey. The time is right to spread the true light of Alpha.

James: Don't concern yourself Reverend, we shall be careful. We know the dangers of the World.

The One: And do not think that our paths will not cross from time to time. For we are both working for the same cause.

McNulty: I understand. We shall keep the faith and listen eagerly for word of your ministry. May Alpha guide your steps.

With that, The One and his disciple walk off down the road. Many of the Spiritualists present at the Mission assemble at the gates and bid him farewell...

Brother Joshua: (concerned) But Reverend, is it right to let them go off alone? I mean The One looks fully grown, but he is only four years of age. And James is still a youth.

McNulty: Alpha is traveling with them, as he is with all of us. We cannot go against his will.