The sky was dark and grey. A cold wind blew among the trees. The man shielded himself against the wind. He remembered happier times. Playing with his brothers in their Dad’s shop. Dad made them wooden camels to ride. They loved their wooden camels. Mom made delicious lentils. They were savory, and the aroma made the man smile. He loved to go to the shops with Mom. He watched her purchase food for their family. Mom bought him a sweet fig for helping her with the groceries.

The Man was hungry. He had not eaten for several days. He enjoyed a good meal. Many of the meals he ate were with his friends. They spoke of many things. Of triumphs and tragedies and what was coming. Gosh, the wind was especially cold this night. A Voice spoke in the Wind. Not man, not beast. The kind of voice that is pleasant to listen to. Smooth like silk and deep like an ocean. A convincing Voice full of reason and common sense.

The Preacher gathered the forgotten around him as they hiked into the woods. There were the sick and homeless among them. The immigrants were there for Sanctuary. Those who watched and sought peace instead of war were there. Truth mattered to the ragtag group the Preacher led into the deep cover of the Forest.

The Man listened to the Wind. ‘Eat and rest, for there is much for you to do,’ the Voice said. ‘When we leave this place, you shall be recognized for your ability,’ the Voice continued. ‘Suffering is oversold and underwhelming,’ the Voice noted. ‘You need an Agent someone to go before you and make strategic contacts on your behalf,’ the Voice attested. ‘I will give you the publicity your mission requires,’ the Voice promised. ‘I have been in this Place longer than you, and I know where the canyons and sharp rocks are,’ the Voice explained.