IX. Libera Nos a Timore (Deliver Us From Fear)

[Intro - deep bass pulse, low cello] [Gregorian Choir Only - distant] Libera nos a timore. [Male Lead - clear, restrained] They taught us fire before the flame, taught us terror with thy name. Before we knew what death could mean, we learned what waited for the damned. [Drums enter] A child can fear what none can see. A whispered hell can bend the knee. And dread once planted in the breast may live long after faith has left. [Gregorian Choir Only] Libera nos a timore. [Male Lead] What love demands the threat of pain? What father builds an endless flame? What mercy says, Adore me well, or wake beyond the gates of hell? [Full band - controlled, driving] If love is freely given thee, then fear must leave the choosing free. For what is worship born of dread but chains laid softly on the head? [Brief instrumental - bass and drums] [Male Lead - quieter] We feared the grave. We feared thy gaze. We feared the end of mortal days. We feared the question left unspoken. Feared the rule that might be broken. [Band begins rising] Yet fear is not a sacred bond. Nor terror proof of worlds beyond. A trembling heart may still obey— but love does not require a chain. [Gregorian Choir - stronger] Libera nos a timore. [Refrain - full band, lead dominant] DELIVER US FROM BORROWED DREAD. FROM FIRES BUILT TO RULE THE DEAD. FROM EVERY THREAT DISGUISED AS GRACE. FROM FEAR THAT WORE A FATHER'S FACE. [Band drops to bass and cello] [Male Lead - close] If thou art love, then love needs no abyss. If thou art good, why rule the heart like this? [Pause] [Final rise - drums and guitar return, clean and powerful] No flame shall teach the soul to kneel. No threatened grave shall make faith real. Let fear depart. Let conscience stay. Let love be love— or fade away. [Everything recedes] [Gregorian Choir Only - very distant] Libera nos a timore. [Male Lead - soft] We have feared long enough. [Bass stops]