Day Eight Hundred Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I followed Elijah’s lead up to the top of the tallest building. And here we passed the night in what I would describe as an audience chamber.

On a clear day I suppose the view would go on forever. At least far enough to trace our recent path through the mountains and then down to this megapolis. But today nothing but haze meets our gaze, rendered more opaque by the brilliance of the sun’s rays from somewhere up above.

Our time of meditation was interrupted by the floating image of Stan which was bigger than both of us. He gloated about his successful effort to remove us from our role as the protective covering over the army of the East.

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Day Seven Hundred Eighty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I arrived at the hunters’ village just fine, and were even allowed in without fuss. And no ceremony. Not that we were expecting any deference; in fact just the opposite.

I chalk it up to the Leader being absent and they didn’t quite know what to do.

When told he had gone to the city, we replied that we would wait.

He did not return until this morning.

It was a long night, but we sat patiently under the gaze of an image of Stan.

Upon entering his face was lit with a glow of triumph. Before we could say a word he turned to his guard and barked an order, and the Captain was brought in, bound.

Day Four Hundred Ninety Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Many of the villages we are passing have lights within. And dogs which bark at us. A few even chased us. But not for long. When Elijah turned on them, staff in hand, they stopped in their tracks and bolted for home.

The image of Stan continues to haunt us. His visage stares out from posters plastered on walls throughout the villages and towns. Some have incense burning before them and offerings of bits of fruit. It turns my stomach. Elijah does not even deign to look.

Some are wary of us. Most are just curious.

Elijah learned that there is excitement about the upcoming census. And I learned that the prospect of renewed global communication is all the buzz.

Day Four Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We made some unsettling discoveries after the truck sighting. It effected our choice of shelter and our security consciousness.

Detritus in front of one building led us to surmise that the truck had been positioned outside. We entered. In Elijah’s evaluation it was a temple of some kind. I had the same thought, but was puzzled at its barrenness. But then with that truck, its contents could have been carted away easily.

Then around in a candle lit alcove the image of Stan looked benignly down upon us.

We left immediately and looked for a place to rest far away from that edifice.

A fitful day passed with frequent watch changes.

Come night we shook its dust from our feet.