Dele had started preparing for the Soldiers’ meeting. Their hideout, the Hidden Light was a long distance from the city. They had made it as secure as ever, especially since today was one of the days when they would discuss the Light.

Dele pushed the chairs and tables to form a circle for eight. He wanted to see everyone's faces as he delivered the speech that would propel the destinies of many.

Nkechi came in first and decided to sit at the side of the circle where she felt Dele's eyes could not peer into hers. She always doubted herself when he asked her a question. She had not studied the Apocrypha or attended the Bible schools he had.

She looked around the Hidden Light with silent excitement, anticipating the day’s illumination. Studies of light were her favourite. She would hear, learn, and be filled with the Light of Truth. As much as she learned, she reminded herself that she didn't know enough to fight yet. Dele always said they didn’t. She hoped they would by the time the War came.

“Nkechi, welcome to the Hidden Light. Where are the others?” Dele asked while setting up the snack bar.

“I—I... they're on their way, Lieutenant, sir,” she stammered, her eyes glued to the ground.

“Okay then. We will start when they arrive.”

Dele continued to arrange the hideout until he was satisfied. Soon, Robert, Andrea, Bukky, Duke, and Martha filled the seats available in the circle, except one. The last person who was to be present had been missing in action since Thursday.

Dele had prepared his speech for this reason.

“Welcome, everyone, to a day of Enlightenment,” he began. “You know we usually gather like this to discuss the Truth of our cause and inspire each other to know more. Today, we have another cause in mind.”

Dele paused, letting the words sink in, then continued.

“One of our strongest men, Richard, has been missing in action since Thursday. This is a great cause for alarm, as men are wanted. Who will teach the Truth to us? Who will bring out the revelations and the knowledge? Who will inspire our curiosity for new ideas and greater Light?”

He raised his voice slightly, his tone resolute. “We must look for men! Men are wanted! Men are needed—for us to know the Truth and live by the Truth!”

Dele was about to continue his speech when the darkness of their hideout was suddenly illuminated beyond bearing. The brightness of the light sent the troop into confusion. They shielded their eyes with their hands.

Dele's eyes recovered more quickly, and he opened them to see the General of Heaven’s Armies Himself.

He immediately jumped into a salute. “Morn, Sir!”

“What is going on here?” the General asked His voice calm yet overwhelming.

“Sir, we are re-restrategizing,” Dele stammered. “A—a member has fallen, and so we are recruiting new soldiers, Sir!”

“When did you become the Recruiter?”

“S-Sir, we noticed that we are short-staffed, and so we wanted to fill in the gap...”

Nkechi looked at Dele, her eyes screaming, You and who?

The General’s voice cut through the tension. “Are you all not supposed to stand in the gap? Nkechi, have I not given you the wisdom of the ancients? And you, Robert, have I not given you the courage to speak to the masses? Why are you here?”

“Sir,” Dele began hesitantly, “we thought we needed more knowledge on how to make war before the war starts.”

“You selfish servants! The war has started! How long will you study and do nothing? Why are you sitting as though you are ill-equipped? The war has far gone.

“And you assume a member has fallen. Richard met me on the battlefield and debriefed me on all that has been happening here. I came to see for Myself.

“Do you not know? To not fight alongside Me is to fight against Me. To not fight at all is to be defeated.

Take your stand now. Choose whom you will serve.

“Are you on My side? Come with Me, and let us make war with My enemies until they are defeated.”

The Soldiers were too scared to move, let alone speak. Their fear filled the room.

Nkechi stepped forward, her voice trembling but determined. “I’ll go with you.”

Dele looked at her in disbelief. “Nkechi, you don’t know enough yet. They’ll kill you!”

“He who called me says I can,” Nkechi replied firmly. “If He says so, why should I stay? Why should we stay here? He has lighted us. If we fight with Him, He will give us the victory. I have chosen my side.”

She turned to the others. “Anyone else?”

Bukky stood up bravely. Robert saw her courage and rose. Then Andrea, Duke, and Martha followed until they all stood at the edge of the room with the General—except Dele.

Dele looked at them, unable to believe his eyes. They didn’t know enough. They hadn’t studied. They hadn’t...

The General broke into his thoughts. “You’ll never be enough, more than I’ve made you. The war outside is the greater war. Choose your battle.”