Day Five Hundred Seventy Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Hans, our new sailor guest, wanted the Captain to take the ship out immediately. He believed the port, and the entire island to be surrounded by warships. For emphasis he pointed to the glowing fires in the distance.

But we knew his fears in that regard to be unfounded. Yes there were fires, but they were not due to any ships offshore. Besides I felt there would be little incentive to destroy such a magnificent facility if it could be had by other means.

He settled down with the advent of a new day, when all was revealed to be as before.

Elijah met with the Captain and told him it was safe to enter.

The anchor was ordered up.

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Day Five Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have arrived near our destination, but though the way in is clear, we won’t rush.

The Captain put us on our guard earlier this morning. When we had the whole archipelago in view, certain areas glowed brightly in the dark. Very ominous.

The largest island and home to our next port of call looked normal.

We were still the only vessel plying the waters. On our first peek into the harbor, we could see several ships moored at the docks.  And no signs of activity.

The Captain ordered the anchor down in the roads. He wants to wait to see if a pilot boat comes out. He’ll send Tomas in tomorrow.

Elijah and I want to accompany him ashore.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Things always look different in the light of day. Or so Elijah is fond of reminding me. And so he does now. What was invisible in the dying light, now stands out in full relief. Though by contrast, where Elijah had been and what he had been doing is still “invisible” to us.

The harbor of this port is wide and deep, easy to navigate. The Captain took us in without the aid of a pilot. It is his home port, hence his familiarity, and what he has seen has shaken him to his core.

No ship stood at anchor to greet us. Instead, two rested with broken backs atop the nearer tall buildings.

Otherwise, all life has been scoured away.

Day Three Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain has extended to us an open invitation to join him on the bridge any time he is there. (I think he wants to keep an eye on us).

We came on the bridge just after eating, and hovered in the background. The sea anchor was still down as the shore ahead was shrouded in clouds or fog. The Captain looked at us and shook his head.  

Elijah told the Captain he would take care of it and to prepare by weighing anchor.

He sent me to our cabin to retrieve his staff.  

The Captain had us underway by the time I reached Elijah on the bow. He raised the staff and the sun broke through dispelling the clouds.

Day Three Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We sighted land late in the afternoon. With the fall of night the ship will anchor at sea until the dawn. There is nothing by which to navigate, neither lights nor radio signal. The Captain will not venture near land save in broad daylight.

Elijah spends much time with him. They go over charts and schedules.  There will be three other ports of call besides the one now in front of us and the island after. Along with our ultimate destination they are all stops of our choice, places we feel compelled to visit.

I passed the bulk of the day in the makeshift sanctuary, deep in the Spirit. I drew from this time a confirmation of our chosen path.

Day Three Hundred Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

But the hail did not spare those surrounding us. To the last man they were swept away or crushed under boulders of ice.

And there is no sign of Stan. Elijah is sure he is well away from the city. I am sure we have not seen the last of him.

We made it down to the dockside where our vessel had previously berthed. Another was is its place, its back broken, as though dropped from the sky too.

Our ship rode at anchor still out in the roads. Elijah observed me watching it, then took me in tow.

We rounded some buildings and climbed down to the beach.

From there I followed Elijah as we walked to our ship.