The Reverend Troy stands in a lush pasture of the Groves surrounded by a flock of newborn lambs. No more than a few days old, the young lambs look up to Lionel and follow his every move, much to his amusement.
“Welcome to the sanctuary of salvation, where the grass is greener, the skies are bluer, and the lambs are so innocent and pure.”
“So blindly following their shepherd. So eager to follow. So willing to trust.”
The New Messiah takes to his knee and begins petting a nearby lamb. The rest approach quickly, eager for his adoration.
“See how they graze so carefree and unaware of the dangers lurking around them, just like you, my dear lambs. So oblivious to the wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting to devour you with their deceitful tongues.”
He pulls the lamb in close and lowers his head so that they’re nose to nose.
“But fear not, for I am here to guide you. To protect you from the ravenous jaws of sin.”
Troy stands and turns to walk away. The trusting lambs inevitably tail his steps.
“Watch as I lead them with gentle nudges and soothing whispers, just as I lead my faithful followers with my words of wisdom and promises of prosperity. Like lambs to the slaughter, you willingly submit. Never questioning. Never doubting, for you believe in the righteousness of your shepherd.”
He turns to face the lambs, stopping them in their tracks. They tilt their heads like curious dogs, waiting for Troy’s next command.
“But beware, my little lambs, for not all shepherds are as benevolent as I. There are those who seek to exploit you; to manipulate you for their own selfish gain.”
“Just as there are false prophets in the world, there are false shepherds among the flock, waiting to lead you astray.”
Zion’s Child turns his back on the lambs once again.
“And yet, despite the dangers that surround them, my lambs continue to follow, their blind trust unwavering. How easy it is to wield them – to bend them to my will – just as it is easy for me to control my congregation with my charismatic charm and persuasive rhetoric.”
Troy leads the flock of lambs up a hillside where a wooden structure sits at its peak.
“But do not mistake my intentions, for I am not like those false shepherds who seek to fleece the flock for their own personal gain.”
“No… I am here to lead you to the promised land.”
“To guide you on the path to eternal salvation.”
Once Troy and the lambs reach the top, we see that the wooden structure is in fact an abattoir.
“At Lambs to the Slaughter, every man, woman, and child will heed the voice of their shepherd, for only I can lead them to the green pastures and still waters of heaven where they will find eternal rest and everlasting peace.”
Troy stands to the side and ushers the lambs into the barn. They cross its threshold without a second thought.
“For I am your shepherd.”
Lionel follows the last lamb into the building and begins closing the door behind him.
“And you are my flock.”