Chapter Three: Preparing the landscape

The Great Hall rings with silence after the delegates' shocked departure. Rather than the concessions they were after, the spokesmen for the East and West States left with fear of commination.

You remain seated at the head of the long table, alone, lost in reflection about the inspired stance you have taken. While spiritually exhausted, your spectrum of heavy emotions has composted into a fiery fury with the power to burn your entire being to the ground, and raze the whole of the country in the process.

Seeds of doubt sprout in your mind - if we go to war, what will be the cost? Will the citizens of the Central State support your actions? How would it end? Is this decision righteous? Is this what your parents would have wanted? The warmth you felt spread throughout your body is gone, replaced by a biting chill.

Michael steps into the room, thankfully bringing your future-trip to an end.

"Gardener." His greeting sounds reverent and resolute. "The delegates have departed and are being escorted out of the city by my men."

You nod solemnly, feeling impacted by the actions already taking place as a direct result of your words, making them real.

Michael pauses for a moment then crosses the room slowly, thoughtfully. He takes a seat next to you.

"You did well, Gardener. Your parents would be proud of you."

"Thank you, Michael," you reply, "although, it feels like I have accepted consequences that are not mine alone to bear. I wonder if I have the right to let my own emotions affect all of those around me - to affect the entire State."

He lets the words sit for a moment then responds, "Your family has carried the will of the people for generations, always acting in their best interests. And I can assure you, as a citizen of the Central State, you continued that legacy here tonight."

You look up at Michael's face, searching it, and find only truth and sincerity there.

He continues, "You needn't worry about what you said. You channeled the true spirit of your people tonight. When we meet with the regional and city leaders they will confirm or decline this new direction. Proceedings are already in the works, and word of your great bravery tonight spreads quickly throughout the State. By morning, everyone in the country will know of your strength and how you defended the Central State's freedom. This burden is not yours alone."

You take great comfort in Michael's words and feel much relieved. You still feel the heaviness of your commitment to what might turn out to be further years of conflict and hardship for your people, and the feeling of selfishness won't subside.

As if reading your mind, Michael gently counters, "This is the role of a leader, and you assumed that role quite effectively. The fact that you do not take your words lightly proves that you are conscientious of your actions and concerned for your people. You are exactly what the State needs now."

You sit together in silence for a few grateful minutes. The palette of emotions you felt before is doubled with the weight of new responsibilities and concerns. It seems more than you can bear.

As always, your one true friend knows when it is time to bring you back into the present. "Gardener, I have a request."

"Of course, Michael, anything. What is it?"

"I too, wish to shed my name. Michael was my father's name and also the name of many men in my family. It is after the archangel who wields a great sword to enact divine vengeance. And, while this name is entirely in line with my willingness to take action after tonight's delegation, it is common and its history is lost on many. I would like a name whose meaning is unmistakable and that represents my devotion to you and the defense of this great State."

"Sir, I am honored," you reply. "Do you have one in mind?"

"You seem to have a great talent for providing appropriate names for people, even after having never met them before. I would be honored if you would suggest something."

A name immediately comes to mind, but you think for a moment to consider it before bestowing it on this man who you respect so deeply.

"As a defender of the realm, an integral part of those I tend, and my trusted mentor and confidante, I name you Thorn - the protector of integrity."

"Gardener," he replies with emotion, "it is I who am honored. I am humbled and privileged to carry this name and will wear it with pride. I am Thorn."