The 4th Step- Part 1

A wind blew through the forest. Not as rambunctious as its sister gale, but fiercer than its brother breeze, it journeyed. A south-easterly wind, running like a wolf, it chased its prey across the continents. Through mountains, over oceans, past meadows and hills and rivers, it blew, hunting. Never satisfied, it was as if the wind blew across time itself. Crossing worlds, it ran. Until it reached the forest.

From the very first feel, this forest felt special. Made mostly of sprawling oaks, towering redwoods and wise old cypresses, it gave off an aura of dignity. It was as if the King of the Fae himself dwelled in these royal woods. There, the wind blew, stirring branches, kicking up dust and spreading leaves. It seemed the ferocity of this wind made the very forest come alive, singing and dancing a song known only to Mother Nature. And there, in the centre of the sacred forest, was a triangle. The oldest cypress, tallest redwood, and rambling oak made this triangle, as if guarding the entrance to another world. All around this triangle, new saplings sprouted, taking root in the rich soil. But none dared tread within the triangle. On this hallowed ground was a circle of boulders. In the middle of the boulder was a patch of thriving, green moss. Shadowed by the huge branches of the three trees, it annexed the land like a conqueror. 

"Wake up."

The forest fluttered in harmony as these two words were spoken, almost as if the elders had spoken themselves.

"Wake up." 

The streams gushed and the spring spurted harder, the very water coming alive for this one wish.

"Wake up."

The animals who dwelled on this holy ground went silent, no longer creating the ruckus they did just so this wish would be heard.

"Wake up."

It seemed like the entire forest was holding its breath, waiting to see what the elders were yearning for. But for a long time still, nothing happened. The forest entered the same tranquil state it used to have, the calling already forgotten. But one final time, it rang out.

"Wake up."

This time, the very elders swayed, the power and regality of the words ringing out through the forest once more. And in the stillness that ensued, the patch of moss stirred. Out of it came the arm of a man once worshipped, now just a distant memory.