The sky was a fur grey, a faint shimmer of light in the distance, a beacon. The sky moved with subtle grace much like an old hero with a clear conscience. The congregation moved as one, in unison with the heavens above. Not a sound was heard except for the malevolent blowing of the wind around them that sought the hearts of those who stood weak, those with lesser will. The frigid atmosphere collided with the will of the group, biting at one’s mind and leaving an ache of hopelessness. They moved as one yet every mind was isolated with its own willingness to go on and not able to focus on another, though they toiled with protecting their brethren. Blades of bleeding green lay withered in the dust, trampled by the weight of the cold air for so long.
Night fell upon the desolate plain with haste, rushing the bashful group to set up their checkpoint for the night.
“Not even the fire can keep the wind at bay,” one mentioned.
Another looked up and nodded in agreement, followed by the rest. “This beacon of light seems no closer than ages past, yet we continue our trek. Why is this? What is the purpose? Certainly there is more to this life than seeking something that seems so desperate, so impossible.”
The others gazed to the heavens in deep contemplation of their journey, their purpose. One returned to warming themselves, the others’ energy waning. They finally turned in for the night after dusk.
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When they all awoke the next morning, they had noticed that they were missing one from their group.
“What could this treachery mean? We were told to seek the light without holding back,” one cried. Another drew his gaze upward.
“I believe they told us that it is a task for after we’ve lived what we can, done what there is to do in life, not to waste our lifeline on one task.” The others nodded in agreement.
The first member seemed flustered. “This beacon can save us! It is our salvation! It is worth it to waste an entire life to reach this point of true eternity with love and grace!”
Another stepped forward. “And if we fail, and perish in our efforts?”
They all stared toward the ground, no one spoke.
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