“My friends,” he said, still grinning, “Be of good cheer, for what Vole witnessed those months ago, is now happening by the hands of my Brothers in the Faith all over the countryside. The sacred mandala of 'Christ Awareness' is being spread in village after village and glen after glen.”

Worm began to glow red with satisfied excitement that his vision was being so quickly fulfilled. Vole still had a Cheshire grin from her vivid, ecstatic recall of events months before. Robin was eyeballing Raccoon's hulled acorns, drying in the corner. Crow was pacing, worried about his relations in a far nation. Raccoon was having a munch attack and was totally absorbed in cracking open some walnuts he had gathered just that morning.

By now the critters that had seen Francis walking through the wood, had caught up and were gathering just outside Racoon's den.

(to be continued)