Day Three Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain was concerned about the narrowing gap ahead between the bloody morasses on both sides of us. Elijah pointed out that the gap is narrower behind us, and indeed has closed off at a couple points.

We are committed now. The Captain has ordered both vessels to full speed ahead.

Some time in the afternoon we came upon the missing lifeboat from the grain ship. The Purser wanted us to close and investigate, but the Captain denied that notion. Timing is too crucial.

When still a ways off we could see nothing but birds on that craft. As we passed near by our wake rocked it, setting the birds to flight, revealing the picked clean bones of three men.

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Day One Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

All witness accounts line up. The single column of smoke rising from the center of the first district made its first appearance two days ago.

I went into the city to investigate. I walked to where the gates to the first district once stood. They have been removed, and the gap walled up.

An easterly wind pushed the smoke in this direction filling the sky overhead. It bore with it the sound of cymbals and drums.

I turned my back on the sights and sounds and strode away. A man came out of his house and stopped me. He asked what it all meant. I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Nothing good.”

Peace returned to me in the walled courtyard.