WILLOW MAP
CHAPTER 2: The Old Tree
Mom... Said Damien, yes dear his mother replied. Why is this tree so old? What tree said his mother? While I was in the woods behind grandpa’s old machine shop there was a strange looking tree. It’s kinda, well … its covered in that gree….n gross spongy stuff. I know the one your talking about son and that tree has been through years and years of historic events and she has seen so much. When I was a little girl that tree was my hiding place when your grandpa was mad. Mad? Why was grandpa mad? Well when I was little your grandpa was very beside himself, so to speak and he never felt like he could do enough to provide for us, he was not the grandpa you once knew. Why are you concerned about the tree, sweet heart? I feel strange around this tree like it’s watching me. It’s well.. it’s just creepy mom. I spent many days in the top of that tree son, it is very special, leave it be honey. Now go wash up for dinner, you’re covered in mud! I see you have been to the lake to. Ugh..FINE! I better get washed up I’m also covered in green mushy stuff. Squish…..squish… squish, Damien’s shoes left little wet foot prints mixed with clumps of mud all the way to his room.
Damien a seven year old was a rambunctious little boy with a curiosity, that from time to time would get him into trouble. His mother moved into the old farm house after her father passed, since times were tough after Damien’s father had left them. The tree behind grandpa’s machine shop was very old and for many years it comforted Damiens mother Sam. For she did not disclose to her son some of the facts about the tree. She was ashamed of how her life turned out after she left the farm. Her rebellious behaviors lead her through many years of torn relationships and poor decisions. Damien was the best thing about her life and she was looking to create a better life for her and Damien.
Samantha, it has been a long time...
Samantha, it has been a long time.. I know Willow, said Sam. Why are you here my love? Willow, my son.. He has, well, he is asking questions about you. What have you told him? Nothing my dear, he knows nothing of me..yet. Yet?! Willow…. Willow, I have failed, said Sam tearfully. Sobbing, she sits against the old tree as if time had never passed. I am not worthy because the life I have lived. My daughter you know He loves you and wants you to come home Sam. You have been avoiding this conversation, but you hear Him calling. I know, but why would He forgive me? Do you know what I have done?! Daughter, you know He knows all, but He is calling you. You can feel the heart and it is the flesh that desires the earth but it is the heart that longs for Him and a grace that is true comfort. “Come home Samantha.” Willow, will you teach my son of the truth of ages? I am just an old tree, Samatha. I bear no fruit for my blossom has been taken from me and I can bud no more. But like us all, the Father has a plan. Your Son, Damien is no different.
I can share a lot with him but he will have to come and seek Him and the Father will share His wisdom. Here and there, why don’t you come and we can share time together my dear Samantha. Like old times sake. I hoped you hadn’t forgotten. Yes Willow, and its Sam by the way. No my dear, you are Samantha to me. Bye Willow, said Sam. Bye my dear, said Willow. Sam walked away and the Willow could hear the distance sounds of leaves crumpling under each step. The woods has a way when nothing is making noise. It’s so quiet, even the summers breeze sounds loud. It’s peaceful.
You really think you can undermine me you old tree? Archfiend,………..I could…. smell the stench amongst the forest, said Willow. You had her while she was young but your principles have failed. What is it you want here you ole’ devil. Wow! I see you have still got some fire in there, you old tree. Maybe after all, there is some decay in there. It is I who took your blossom, the only gift to you by the creator. No! It was man, tricked by you! You had Eve convinced that fruit would make her the same as the Creator! But, she should have smelled the aroma of a coward, evil and trickery that scent is distinct! You didn’t even dare to try and take the fruit for yourself.
What I could bare and you can handle is two different things….coward! My strength held the key to time and with all your power you couldn’t even take the fruit for yourself. Coward? Scoffed Archfiend! Big words for such a thing held down by roots and soil. Should I convince man to come here and plow through these woods for tender! When the creator has finished with me it shall be done but for the mean time the knowledge He gives will not be stopped from the likes of you. You know He has called each of us and to do His will in time and space... Ha, He has forgotten about you..we shall see what will come of you.. old tree. But it is I who knows your defeat Archfiend and you know that time is close now. It has been many years since the garden and you cannot deny the season.
Archfiend went on about His way after his conversation with the Willow. He plans for Damien to fail in the purpose set before Him as man is easily tempted in to acts of flesh. Truth is, Archfiend knows if He fails to sway Damien, the man he will become has devastating effects for the plans of Archfiend. For Damien’s future is to show many the Creator and His plans for Earth. Willow has not seen Damien’s future, she does know the creators whisper but she also knows for Archfiend to take interest he must he is important.
