They Congregated: Fantasy

They congregated beneath the spreading boughs of the yew tree, the full moon rising up to hover between the trees branches like horns. They congregated in silence, the only sound the shush of their robes moving over the dry autumn grass. They congregated with their heads bowed, knowing that their needed goal today was not a happy one. Few there wanted to do what had to be done, but all had read their scrying bowls and knew that it was the only thing they could do to save themselves. Still, they shuddered a little as they thought of it. They knew that if they did not do this thing, soon the invaders would wipe out their people, destroy their faith, and trample their name into the ashes. Still, they did not like the idea of having to become monsters to be remembered.

Inspiration: "congregated"
Story Potential: Medium.
Notes: Hmm. A bit interesting, but nothing too cool here.