The Oak

“Hard to believe it has been twenty years since we first met under the oak tree,” said Ula

“Time has no meaning for those who live in harmony. Together, we have crossed an ocean of time. When we reach the distant shore, we will find it took only an instant,” replied Terik.

Ula and Terik were Seers for the Tollek people. They spent their days reaching out across time and space to help the council with the coming war.

“The oak is a sign of strength for our people,” said Terik. “Now I fear it will become a rallying cry for war.”

“I too feel the same as you. I wonder if the council will disregard our visions to take the Subotine Lands,” remarked Ula.

The Seers walked to the mighty oak and, with outstretched arm, encircled its trunk.

“We see and are seen, we hear and are heard. We are one with the oak, and the oak is one with us,” spoke the Seers.

Visions of blood-soaked fields swirled within their heads. The vision was replaced with the Tellek people embracing the Mongkel leaders.

“Two choices. Two outcomes,” said Terik.

“We must alert the council members,” said Ula.

“I fear we will be named scapegoats for the puppetmasters,” muttered Terik.

“We have no choice in the matter. If the council rules against our vision, then we will be freed from our bond and can go,” said Ula.

The two stood hand in hand before the Tellek council and spoke of their vision. The room remained silent until the arbitrator thanked the two and dismissed them.

“We must flee tonight or lose our lives,” said Ula.

“I concur with your assessment,” replied Terik.

Ula’s father had a small cabin high in the Largai Mountains where the two could take sanctuary.

“When the moon rises, meet me at the stable’s rear door,” said Terik.

By the next morning, high above the plain, Ula and Terik were secure in the mountain cabin.

“I saw the smoke rising from the fire in the city center,” said Ula after her morning walk.

“No doubt the Lord Chamberlain will use them as an excuse to start a war. It’s only a matter of hours now,” said Terik.

After a week, the fires died down, and the Seers decided to return and survey the destruction.

“We have much work to do. The people will need guidance,” said Terik.

“We should go and listen to the oak before we say anything else,” replied Ula.

The future was unknown. Ula and Terik felt the mighty oak would help the people. They believed it would guide them back to the path of peace.

“I am glad we are here for them. We offer hope in this hopeless time,” said Ula.