The Cleansing

The Aftermath

What good will there be of peace when there is no one left to care,
Why dream of love and happiness when there is nothing left to share.
It is the end. The final chapter of a life no longer able to live,
Everything is gone, destroyed. Nothing left to ask for, nothing left to give.

A massive quake, the earth shook with a maximum force.
Stretching across the city like dominoes running a course.
Thunder roared, its echo shattering the morning sun.
And as panic ensued, pushing, shoving, on the run.

No escape. Mournful shouts, crumbling buildings held captive souls,
They can not move, screams becoming whispers as they can not reach their goal.
Ashes to ashes, hazy dust clinging in the air. Can not breath, can not scream.
And the power poles surge forward, threatening to loose their hold their lines flying free

It is not over yet, my fear that it has just begun. I cry. Earth shattering cries,
Oh I can not bear the agony, the pain. They suffer so, A heart stops, it dies.
And still they run knocking each other trying to be the one to escape, but there is none,
A blazing fire ignites, a fierce wind captures the flames, and natures forces won.

© Cynthia Clark
     6/10/2014




The Cleansing

‘ I survived. There were survivors other than myself, some praised God for their survival, some were looters, some were just pure evil, but most of the population had been annihilated. Why did we live? I am really not sure how to answer that, other than the fact God had a purpose for us.
Yes. I was one of the folks that believed in God, and thanked Him. I still lived and though there was nothing, that I could see, there was something somewhere. It was my intention to find what I searched for.
A heart wrenching scream came from a sinkhole. I tried to ignore it. Those people could not be helped. I could hear so much pain in those sobs, it brought tears to my eyes. I tried not to listen, I really did, but I had no choice. The voice inside me said you must help, do not let them die alone in the darkness.
I stumbled to the sinkhole and realized it was a lot deeper than I first thought. It was so dark down there, and I could hear not just one, but many voices blending as one, begging for help, begging for life, and begging for death.
It was like climbing down a mountain with no trail, my journey into the sinkhole. I was scared, probably more scared than I have ever been my entire life, yet I continued on. No I must go back. I have to go back, I did not think this through. 
To travel into the darkness unknown, I must have light. Going down was a lot easier than climbing back up. I had a lot of trouble getting a grip in the dirt and maintaining hold. God had my hand though. I could feel His push, I could feel His strength, and though I had survived much and felt I had no sleep in a long, long time, I felt alive.
I made it to the top without incident and now my problem was to find light while dodging the blazing fire that still raged, and avoiding the live power lines that were swinging in the smothering breeze. My breath was coming in gasps for dust and ash were swirling strong. 
Clothes, purses, money, many objects littered the ground. I ripped a piece of cloth from a shirt, and covered my nose and mouth. It seemed to help somewhat.
Another mighty rumble and the moans and screams were silenced. I could have been in there, I could have been swallowed up in that sinkhole , as the others that I had thought to help. I cried as I thought of the people that were buried alive and though I prayed for them I was really glad that I was not one of them.
Once again God had seen fit to rescue me.


         Part 2

I wandered away. I had no destination in mind. I had no money, no car, and mad laughter burst forth. Why would I need money? What good would a car do? Gas was fueling the flames of cities, and the cars were in sinkholes, burned, totaled out, and only God knew what else.
Yep, looks like it is back to the stone ages. My laughter turned to tears. The farther I walked the more bleak things looked. I had a deep thirst, but nothing for miles around.
Once this area had thriving farmland with a huge pond full of catfish. Mr. Baker had a bunch of goats running loose near the west side fence. They had kept the grass cut close and gave enough milk to cook with. There were times he would even sell some of it.
The east side held a herd of cows, must of been two hundred in all, and off a corner to the right was a big old red bull named Bully. Yea we all thought it was a funny name for a tough old bull, but it sorta grew on ya.
A big two story white frame house sat back towards the edge of the woods. Used to be some good smells coming from the kitchen. I could taste it now, fresh apple pie....well maybe I can not taste it now, but you could at one time. 
My throat was closing for lack of moisture. My breath was shallow and  tears that I had tried to hold back ran full force down my cheeks, the pond was full of dead cows, debris, and some kind of fuel. Looked like Bully had fought to the end. His dead carcass was half in, half out of the nasty water. Well I guess there was no drinking out of that pond now.
My steps were staggery now. Several times I fell, several times I forced myself to get up. I saw the house in the distance, or what was left of it. Maybe, just maybe. One foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other, so on and so forth.
And then I heard a familiar sound that turned my self pitying tears to happy tears. I looked and sure enough one of the milk goats was alive, and it looked to be full of milk. She began to follow in my steps.


Chapter 3

I was closing the distance to the house, and by the look of things it was not doing to well. The back corner was tilted, leaning against the trees in the forests, shards of glass were scattered about falling from the broken windows.I took a deep breath. So what was my plan? If I could make it inside before it leaned to far, grabbed a few things, I might be able to get back out before another incident. I needed something to put the goats milk in anyway. After I milked the goat I could drink and rest, but for now I needed to get inside that house.
Each step I took the goat followed. I was staggering now, having a lot of trouble walking straight. I was tired, hot, and thirsty, but I knew I had to move forward. So I pushed on. Finally I reached the house and cautiously stepped upon the porch and took a slow light step. Okay so it held. Another slow step, and another, till I reached the door. It hung on one hinge but as I grasped the handle the whole door fell off landing with a loud thud. I jumped and my heart jumped with me.
There was safe passage to the kitchen, but not beyond. This is where the goat stopped, waiting, watching. I almost took a step, before I looked. There was a huge hole in the middle of the kitchen floor. Floorboards scattered about, nails sticking up, and a damp musty smell, but across the room I saw a most beautiful sight. It was an unopened 2 liter Pepsi. I knew it was hot, but right now it did not matter. 
If I could ease my way around the edge of the hole and hold tightly to the counter, I could possibly reach it. I kept telling myself as I eased myself around I would not look down in the hole, but I did. I shivered. It was a massive hole, very deep, and dark. 
I made it to the Pepsi and reached for it, at the same time I felt the floor shift. I held tightly to the counter and felt it sinking in the hole. I only had one possible choice, I jumped, and prayed that God would see me safely to the other side, and He did. I ran, the goat following and made it out just as the whole house caved into the massive hole.
Well I did not find anything to put goats milk in, but I did have a hot 2 liter Pepsi. The goat looked up at me and I patted it on top of the head. I opened up the Pepsi and I drank, and drank, and even shared it with the goat.
“Hey goat, you need a name.” At that moment flames shot up from the hole and I ran, good thing too because an explosion threw debris everywhere. I figured I was at a safe distance so I stopped to catch my breath. “Now what?”I asked no one in particular seeing as how there was no one there anyway. Evidently the goat thought I was talking to her because she took off running like something had spooked her. “Hey goat, goat come back, I need you. I will give you a name, I promise.” But still the goat ran so I had no choice but to catch her. With the last possible strength I had, I chased that darn goat. She was teasing me too. I would almost catch her, she would watch and then take off running. Finally I knew where she was going. I could not believe my eyes.
In the midst of all the chaos, smoke, fire, dust, green, poisonous water, sat a big red barn. It was in perfect shape. The door was open and I could see hay baled, and from where I stood no damage inside or out.
Thank you Lord for giving me a place to rest. I followed the goat inside. I do not know why but at that moment she became Nessie.

Chapter 4

It was like another time, another place. Was I perhaps transported to another world? I eased one foot inside the barn for fear it was a dream. Was I so tired that I imagined the possibility of perfection? I eased the other foot in and breathed deeply.
Hay bales lined the walls, pitchforks, rakes, hoes, and various other tools, hung along the east wall. A bench sat against the other wall. I shook my head, closed my eyes, then opened them again. I walked slowly towards the bench for fear everything would disappear.
A can of tuna, with a pop top, a box of crackers, and a jar of peaches were laid out neatly, as if I was expected. I was hungry, and so tired, and suffering greatly from the after taste of that hot Pepsi.
Nessie nudged me and I patted her head. “You are right Nessie. You are so full of milk I think you might just bust. Let’s find something to put your milk in.” A bucket sat in a corner. I really hated to waste the milk. I know I would drink some of it, but there would be more than I could use, and it would spoil before I got back to the other survivors
Maybe the situation was not funny, but at the time I just had to laugh. Three little kittens came from nowhere, and looked like they were half starved. There was no mama cat so looked like they would take care of some of the extra goats milk.
Now I was full, refreshed, tired, and darkness had descended. With nothing left to keep me going I would rest a bit, before my journey back to town.
I did not want to go, but I had to help the other survivors, and I was sure there were a few. Now we had a place to hole up for a bit, recover our wounds, and regain our sanity.
I know there is safety in numbers, but I also knew, if I had brought them at the time, they would have slowed me down, and I could not afford that.
I sat down laying my head on a bale of hay. I closed my eyes for a moment, but only a moment . I could hear scratching sounds. I grinned probably the kittens. But it was not. To my amazement there were two laying hens and a rooster, and a billy goat.
This kind of made sense, but maybe not. Were they to re populate the city? And a dire thought struck me, was it just the city and surrounding area, or the whole of earth? Tomorrow would be soon enough to find out.
Nessie snuggled beside me, the kittens, and even Billy lay with me. The hens and rooster were close by watching the door. Well that is what it looked like anyway.
They were protecting me. I smiled and I remember nothing else for a long, long time.

Chapter 5
I was at peace. I felt like I was floating in the air, reaching for the clouds.....and then voices. They did not sound to be pleasant voices either. The looters had found my sanctuary. I needed to hide, yet afraid to move, but if I did not, what would they do to me? I opened my eyes and tried to peer out the door.
Why had the animals not given me any warning? I almost laughed out loud. What animals? Had I dreamed the whole thing. There was not even a Nessie here. I must have been hallucinating. Yes that was it, had to be.
The barn was in a shambles. Boards scattered across the floor, nails here and there. there was even a musty smell from rotting hay. I had even been sleeping on rotted boards. Even the bucket I milked Nessie in was not only on its side empty, but had traces of green dried, I do not know, maybe paint?
“So what we gonna do now Hank? Can’t get near that old barn. Might fall down around our ears.” “They water can’t be to deep Bill, ain’t like we had a flood or anything.”  “What about you George, care to try?”  “Yea, I’ll give it a try, Gotta be something in that old barn.”
Water? What water? Even if I had been hallucinating at the time I would still be wet. But I was not in the least bit wet. I sure don’t remember any water around the barn, in fact I remember a beautiful field, with lush, green grass.
I heard a plop in water, then loud, terrifying screams, and could still hear them at a distance. What in the world had scared those tough sounding looters? They had to be looters, what else would they be doing out at this time of night.
What the......okay what was going on here? Am I hallucinating again? There was light in the darkness, Nessie and the other animals were back, and I lay back down. Nessie lay on one side Billie on the other, the kittens curled up on top of me, and the rooster and hens guarding once again.
I slept peacefully the rest of the night.

Chapter 6
Beautiful sunshine woke me and I felt so refreshed. I jumped up and was preparing for the day. I was really happy and then, I remembered all that had happened.....yesterday? Was it just yesterday? Seemed like so very long ago.
So in all my time spent in this barn I never thought about what I could use out there. It would be so nice to stay in here surrounded by these animals and forget about the real world , but I could not.
There was some peaches left in the jar, and at the growl of my belly, I finished them off. The tools would be safe here. I would bring the survivors back and we would plan how to make our next move. 
There was a cupboard in a corner and I opened the doors. I know a sparkle must have come into my eyes. Fours shelves loaded down with jars and cans of food. Fruits, beans, even ravioli, and at the bottom was two, two liter Pepsi’s.
A shoppers bag was in the bottom right corner and I proceeded to fill it up with food. Mostly cans went in the bag because I was so afraid the jars would bust. The Pepsi’s definitely went in, though I sure would love a cold glass of iced tea. 
I fixed the straps to go on my back like a back pack, and started for the door, at the corner, leaned up against the door jamb was a machete. A little voice inside my head said take it, you will need it, so I did.
The animals stayed where they were except for Nessie, she followed, and I let her. A little ways through the field I looked back, I screamed, but only for a minute. The barn was caving in, totally destroyed, and where once had been dry enough for me to walk through, was now almost pond size water. The water looked deep and was like a green ooze. A skeleton popped up, it turned its head and looked straight at me. It moved its mouth to say help me, then disappeared under the depths again.
He had been one of the looters, and that is what scared the other two away. I do not understand the why’s and why not’s of what happened last night. Why the Lord decided to help me I really do not know. But I am thankful. The Lord sure does work in mysterious ways.

{And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”   Isaiah 32:2}

{Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?}
Chapter 7

No eagles soaring over the mountain tops, no fresh air, only an eerie darkness in a restless morning. Smoke hung everywhere and I had to cover my mouth and nose to keep from inhaling the strong odor. Dust kept blowing in my eyes from the breeze. It was a dry breeze. I felt like I was suffocating, but I had to move on.
I tried to run Nessie back, she was good at finding shelter, but she would not leave my side. There was a rumble beneath the earth. It shook so strong it pulled me off my feet. The ground opened. A massive gap split the area in two parts. How was I to cross now? How were the survivors to get through? There was no way to get to the other side.
As I sat on the ground where I fell I could hear the echo of screams. I could see people in the distance running, towards me, and I could see flames burning higher and higher, blowing smoke and ash. There was no way out for them. I could not help.I hung my head and cried. A few more minutes and I would have been in the middle of all that. Death would have found me just as it would find those that had survived, but no longer. The earth swallowed them and the screams ripped my soul. For several minutes I watched the earth burn.
Nessie lay her head in my lap and nuzzled me. She had become my little ball of comfort, my companion, my friend. I wonder if she had been an angel once upon a time sent to protect me.
I rose from the ground and smiled.It was a half hearted smile, but a smile none the less. My little guardian angel. There was only one thing left to do, go the other way and hope when I reach the next city, this would all be over. Maybe this was a nightmare that would end soon.
Chapter 8
Days? Weeks? Months, I really do not know anymore. Time no longer held any meaning, no purpose. The earth sank into total darkness. Day or night, it all blended together as one. My journey was endless, and lonely. I saw no one for days and days.
I can well imagine what Will Smith felt in the movie I Am Legend. To feel you are the only one left alive, the only one to survive earth’s destruction, was a scary feeling. 
The difference being in the movies there are zombie’s, mutants, all kinds of evil beings. Not saying it did not happen, or could not happen, just saying so far I have not seen anything like it yet, and hope I do not.
Before, I had always loved my alone time, but now, I just do not know. Funny is it not?You are always wanting something till you get it, then you decide you do not want it after all. But I think I would rather be alone than deal with flesh eating cannibals, or super strength mutants.
I will say that all the movies I have seen never quite prepared me for the reality of the cities destruction. I hope it is just this city and its outskirts, but what if it is the whole earth? What will happen to me? To Nessie? To any survivors if there are any? Well it is in Gods hands now, and whatever He asks of me I will do my best to accomplish.
I could hear a small rumble in the distance, then it grew once again splitting the earth. Instead of splitting in the middle this time, it split along the roadway. It was chasing me. “Come Nessie,” I yelled as I ran. I did not have to tell her twice.
We ran side by side, trying to out run the cracked earth. My breath was becoming shallow and I was giving out. Gasping for breath, I thought to stop but oh no, I could not. It was almost upon me. My legs were giving away, yet I knew I had to push on.
I should have rested earlier, I should have... well I should have done a lot of things I did not do. No use in worrying over it now when I was so busy running. 
Nessie got right behind me and rammed the back of my knees, knocking me sideways on the ground,but I did not stop there. I rolled and rolled down a very steep hill, and at the bottom was a thicket of blackberries, and through the middle was a beautiful stream. The water looked really clear, and cold. I cautiously took a small sip to make sure it was good, oh and it was. And after all the ash, thirst, dirt, and sweat, I decided a quick wash would do me a world of good. Nessie must have agreed because she got in too.
Just for a few minutes, my heart settled and the world went away. 

{Psalms Chapter 121}

{1 (A Song of degrees.) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.}

Chapter 9 
I looked under rocks, crevices, up and down the creek and found three water bottles. I filled them with the ice cold creek water, and stuck them in my backpack. I thought about taking my machete and cutting out some of this blackberry thicket, but then thought better of it. This area is the only area unspoiled so far and I would not want looters or  any of the undesirable category to ruin it. 
This would be a place to bring a few survivors. I needed to find some light, though I was getting used to seeing in the dark. The next city, town, store whatever, I really needed to find supplies.
A loud explosion ripped through the darkness, only after my initial thought it was not an explosion, but thunder, and I could see streaks of lightning hitting the ground in the distance, but moving my way quickly.  A few drops of rain fell from the sky and felt like my skin was burning; acid rain.
I had not noticed the other blackberry thicket, till Nessie ran through it. I had to get out of this weather and I am sure Nessie knew of a safe haven. She had never let me down before and this time was no different.
Even though I waded through the creek, getting wet again, and ran through a briar thicket, I ended up on the inside of a cave and though I saw no candles, torches, or even fire, I had enough light to see. 
It was not a massive cave, but a decent size. There was three tunnels leading from the main cavern. I looked around in amazement. It was undisturbed. No falling rocks, no trash to litter the area, a good place to hole up through the storm, a good place to bring survivors, a good place to live.
I could hear Nessie moving around in one of the side rooms and slowly I entered. Wow was all I could think of at the time. The creek ran through this part and ended in a small pool off to one side. That in itself was wonderful, but the really amazing part was the fact that Billy, the three kittens, and the two hens and rooster were all sitting quietly by the waters edge.
A bed of moss drew my attention. Down on my knees now, thanking God for once again loving me, protecting me, and saving me. It was not long after that I lay down on the mossy bed. I had no worries, nothing to fear, and I slept.


Rom 8:38

{For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.}

Chapter 10
I am not sure how long I slept considering it was dark when I went to sleep and still dark when I woke.  But that had become a way of life for me. Funny thing is there was still light in the cave. It never grew brighter, it never dimmed it was constant.
Poor old Nessie was so full of milk I knew I could no longer avoid milking her. With a sigh (it is really hard to milk a goat) I set about the task of doing just that. The 2 liter Pepsi bottle come in handy for the milk and after it was full, I put the bottle in the creek to keep it cold. It felt really good to have cold milk, Pepsi, and most of all water, though for how long I did not know. That was up to God.
I went back into the main cavern and looked around.  I walked farther down, and around a bend, and it ended. So the main cavern was one huge room, same as the room with the creek and shallow pool. I had two rooms left to explore. I went to the cavern on the left hand side. It was more narrow but seemed to be longer. The walls were covered in moss and smooth rock, and a little lighter than the other rooms. Then I saw a much brighter light and the cavern came to an opening in a wildflower field. A rock wall surrounded so there was no escape, which also meant no admittance. No one could sneak in this way, the only way in or out was the front entrance. 
Nessie and the other animals must have followed me and there was no doubt in my mind, we were home. Billy and Nessie were munching on wildflowers and tall grass, the hens and rooster were pecking the earth, and the kittens were running and tumbling in the grass.
The last room to explore was mostly covered in moss, and the light slightly dimmer. My first thought was a sleeping room. Several people could stay in here. There would not be any privacy, but neither would they be crowded.
Our safe haven, our place of peace, the place I would always return too after my long journeys. I could not stop the long sigh that retreated from my lips.
Tomorrow a new journey, a new page in my life. It may already be tomorrow, like I said I am not really sure of time. Not really sure of anything really, well except for the fact that I was on a mission.
The hens eggs had been piling up, and I got a very bright idea, if it would work, that is. I went out the front entrance, found some dry pieces of wood, and tried starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together.
It was kind of funny if you thought about it. A few miles away was a blazing inferno, yet I could not start a small camp fire. Well at least the wood would be dry. I am sure I would find some matches, or a lighter or something to bring back. 
I shrugged my shoulders. There was a jar of peaches left. Mighty tasty too.

Chapter 11
All this alone time has put my mind in overdrive. I have so much free time to think. Walk and think, walk and think, that seems to be my life’s story now. 
How far have I walked today? How much have I thought today? I do notice that the sky is getting a little lighter, and in this area there have been no tremors for awhile
“Ah, ah, Living on a prayer, take my hand we will make it I swear,” I remember that.  Bon Jovi’s, ' Living on a prayer.’ And there is my quandary. I can remember songs, movies, cities, colors, but I can not remember anything personal.
Was it Gods way of keeping me from mourning the loss of a family,or did I ever have one? I know I had to have a mother and father at one time or another, or I would not be here.
Was I married? Did I have children? No matter how hard I tried I had no memory or even a feeling of such a thing. Maybe it was best I do not remember. At least I do not feel hurt, or pain, over a loss that I know nothing about.
I had walked many miles today and my legs ached something fierce. Before I left the cave I had put several bottles of cold water in my backpack, but I am sure they are no longer cold. I plopped down in the dirt to rest for a minute, but got up a lot quicker. The sand was scorching hot. and I felt tiny vibrations underneath the earth.
I now knew my mission. I was to save as many people as I could find, as quick as I could find them, and take them to the cave. 
It was not over yet, there was more to come. We must be ready for the cleansing.
What was that? I could hear a scream. A child? Yes there it was again. Tired legs or not I had to reach that child. I ran, and ran, my sides aching, heat pounding into my skull, sweat running down my face, but I could not stop until I reached my goal.
A survivor, a child standing over a man. I grabbed the child and turned him to face me. No one should see the vision that child had seen. The man was to far gone to save. One side of his face was gone, big soldier ants taking him piece by piece.
I held the child tightly shielding him from the nightmare that once was a man. I found out later that man had saved the child’s life, and by the looks of his leg, just in time.
A small chunk of meat had been cut off. Up ahead  there used to be a city, but now a mix of cities in one. There are several men, women, and children held captive. Their purpose; feed the creatures. As in they are the food.
Somehow it fell upon me to rescue these survivors and get them to safety. I fell to my knees to ask God for His guidance and help, and though the sand was still scorching this time I did not feel it.

Psalm 144:2
{He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.}

Psalm 18:32-33
{It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.}

Chapter 12
I was faced with a dilemma, and really not sure how to handle it. I gave the boy (His name was Johnny) a bottle of water and cautioned him to only take small sips. I am sure he would love some eggs and fresh cold milk, but I also needed to try and rescue the others.
I was walking through a wasteland. Desert sands with no trees or weeds for cover, just an occasional rut. I could not leave him here hidden, because there was nowhere to hide. If I took him with me he would slow me and be in danger of capture again. He really needed to have that leg on the mend. It needed medicine and bandaged but that would have to wait. I prayed that there would be no infection.
I could always take him back to the cave. He would be safe there, but how many lives would be lost by going back the way I had come. Well I guess he must come with me. I would just have to watch over him as well as myself.
He limped rather painfully and held  a grimace upon his lips. “Come. Hop on my back. I know your leg will hurt, but it will not be as bad as walking.” “I.....I can not go back there, please, please, do not take me back to them. They will eat me.”“Shhh. It is okay little one. You will be safe. Between me and the good Lord you will be protected.”
To be so little he was rather heavy. He looked to be about five, maybe six, and skinny as a rail. I could feel the ooze from his leg seeping onto my shirt, but I had no other choice. Either way he was a danger to himself as well as me, though I knew it was not his fault.
I had not journeyed far when I hear someone yelling, “Wait, hold up, please wait.” I froze.
Friend or foe? Johnny started crying and fought against me for release. He was coming from behind, coming from where we had already been.
“Stop, please.” I could hear the desperation in his voice. I lowered Johnny to the ground but held his shirt tightly so he would not run. Such was his fear, to create a danger to himself. So here I stood waiting on a stranger, with one hand on Johnny and in the other I had gained my machete. 
I did not think he was evil at the time, and perhaps the answer to my dilemma. He was closer now. I could see he was very hot and tired, but I made no move towards him. “Do not worry Johnny, I got this. Be very still.” I let go his shirt . I was prepared just in case. Well I was prepared for him, but I was not prepared for what was to happen next, not prepared at all.

Chapter 13
I had been traveling west, when I ran upon Johnny, and trouble come from the south. I heard the man scream, or was it Johnny? I do not know it might have been me.  The vibration started small, but became stronger and stronger with each second that passed. Flames shot from the north, but luckily still a distance away. 
My heart was thumping furiously. Johnny had fallen and he was crying harder now. I knew he was scared but I did not have time to console him. I grabbed him up of the hot earth and hurt leg or not he had to run.
The man was also on the ground and he looked like he had given up. “Get up,” I shouted, “You have to move now.” I did not wait to see if he complied. I took off running half dragging Johnny. 
Another shake of the earth and the man jumped up and was trying his best to catch us. 
There was nothing to burn, nothing but sand, but that did not stop flames from rising underneath the earth. 
Then it stopped. No more shaking of the earth, no more flames bursting through, just a smothering heat from the aftermath of what went before. Walking on egg shells from day to day, never sure of what lay ahead, where to step, and where to sleep.
The man had finally caught us and I held no fear he would attack. He was to weary as he collapsed at my feet. I dropped too and little Johnny practically fell.
No one said a word for several minutes, we could not. My breath had long since deserted me, and I know the other two felt the same. Finally the man felt he had to introduce himself, and once again my thoughts were God sure does work in mysterious ways.
Okay so his name was Tom and he was a plastic surgeon, but even so he had an amazing amount of doctoring experience,(At least more than I did) and maybe he could help Johnny. Not only Johnny but other survivors. 
I told him of the cave, the animals, even the cool water. I gave him a bottle of water but we ended up sharing. I only had one left, because the one I gave Johnny was laying back down the trail, somewhere in the dirt or fire. He dropped it when we ran and I sure could not fault him for it.
He looked at Johnny’s leg and as I thought it had become infected. There was nothing to be done at the moment. 
Now I had two to watch out for. At least I would have help with Johnny. “We must go.” I stood and had to practically pick Johnny up off the ground. Poor little guy. I knew he was tired, and his leg was really sore, but we had no choice in the matter, it was time to move on. 
We only went a short distance when something compelled me to look back, and I did. I could honestly say I was totally shocked and equally surprised . I had not laughed like that in a long time. My little Nessie, my rescuer. So now I knew what God had planned. 
She would escort Johnny and Tom back to the cave. He could at least clean the wound and he had a lighter so he could build a fire to sterilize and whatever he needed to do. “Y’all follow Nessie, and be careful. Johnny you let the doctor treat your leg okay. Do not give him a hard time on the road.” Nessie looked at me as if to say, ‘Do you really think I will let him,’ I laughed. No, Nessie had things well under control.
“I will see what supplies I can find, and return as soon as I can.” I turned and started my journey , but stopped as Tom spoke,“We will await your arrival. By the way you never told me your name.” I thought for a moment then shrugged.“I do not know my name, and besides it is unimportant.”
And with that I turned and walked off. I had no time to chatter over a name, and the truth is I never really thought about it. I was so used to being on my own. And once again I am alone and it felt good.
You know when you walk and think you loose track of time, well I had already lost track ages ago. I can not even recall the miles I had walked, but I guess it really did not matter. That was my mission in life, search for survivors.
I was coming upon a city. I was not sure which one because it had many signs from many locations, scattered in the dust. I saw no signs of fires, but it was as if an ocean of desert sand had created a massive wave over the area.
An eeriness created chills upon my spine and a deep fear held my mind captive. This place was death. I had the urge to flee. I wanted to run from this place, but as always God took my hand and walked with me. I no longer felt fear.
Everything was topsy-turvy. Cars were piled on top of others, barely sticking out from under the sand. Dead bodies littered the ground, rotting corpses so long in the heat. I could feel their pain, I could hear their deathly screams. Tears for them, and prayers, but I continued on. There was nothing to be done for them.
There were many articles of clothing scattered about, shoes as if someone had took them off and left them as they sat, and a lot of debris. I tripped over many things buried in the sand. It slowed me down but did not stop me. 
I knew I had finally made it inside the city. Then I stopped, took a deep breath, and looked around what once had been a city. There was a service station to my left, it was mostly buried. You could still see part of the inside, and there was still a lot of merchandise in there. I started towards the station and I knew why it had not been cleaned out.
Walking through the drifts of sand was no option. There were sink holes everywhere and I did not want to drown in sand. I was already to my knees in sand and I felt, what I thought was a body underneath.
I  made it out of the drifts and back on the main road. It was also slow going but better than walking in the drifts. In the distance was , (Here I just had to laugh) a Wal-Mart. It was possible I could make it in there. Here and there it was buried. I would know more when I got closer. 
I really did not have a plan, just following God’s lead, but it really made sense to try the store for supplies. Besides I was really thirsty. I know if there was anything left it would be hot, but right now I really did not care.

I walked the streets cautiously searching for signs of life, any kind of sign to find the people the boy spoke of. Not the cannibals, but the survivors the cannibals kept prisoner.
Buildings were toppled to the ground and shards of glass were scattered in the sand, both on top and underneath.
No pavement, no grass, no sidewalks, there was only endless miles of sand. Imagine taking a dull brown crayon and covering a whole canvas with that one color. That was what I was seeing, that was the vision before me.
More dead bodies; arms hanging from under bricks, legs half covered by fallen walls, and heads cracked open as an egg.
There was nothing to be done for them, except pray for their souls. there were way to many to bury, and besides the next windstorm would cover them anyway.The destruction was endless. At least they were not burned alive as in other places, but then I guess being buried alive was just as bad.

Chapter 14

I had made it to Wal-Mart. the sand was not that bad. Not as bad as I first thought. I know I could not carry everything I needed so I would only take what I could carry in my backpack and a few weapons.
I could not make up my mind whether I wanted to be around people, or be by myself. I guess it is just the fact that Wal-Mart should be swarming with people, live people.
So quite in here, maddening quite. I stood for a minute thinking of all the children that screamed and fought for a toy, grabbing them from shelves, and the ones that were happy with the toy they got. All the teens that walked the aisles texting friends , doing selfies, and sending pictures of items to other friends. I grinned when I thought of some of the out fits, and all the ones that wore pajamas. Well that sure made my day.
I did not see any immediate danger , and I did need a new outfit. My long skirt had rips and tears, it was really dirty, and smelled horrible. I was flipping through the rack and jumped back drawing my machete.
In between the skirts was a little boy, could not have been more than seven, maybe eight. He was holding his finger to his lips as if telling me to be quiet. He pointed towards the back of the store. I motioned for him to stay where he was and on silent feet I moved towards the end of the aisle and looked in the direction he pointed. 
I almost gave myself away. I know I gagged a dozen times and I pulled myself back. There were three, well not sure what they were, humans? Mutants? I am not sure because I did not see there face, but they were covered in dried blood and fresh blood as well. That was bad, but the worst thing, they were eating the raw, rotted meat from the meat counter.
I eased back to the boy, leaned down and asked, “Are there anymore?” “Not in here,” He whispered, “But out there. They snuck up on us, I hid.” “Shhh it is okay little one. Stay here for now. I will get you out of here.” I slid the skirts back around him. You could not even tell anyone was in there.
So now what was I to do. All though their backs were to me, as soon as one was down the other two would look and I really did not know how fast they were. I had no knowledge of how close the ones outside were or even how many so a gun was out of the question unless....... I eased my way back to the sports/camping section. A BB Gun was one alternative but I must be accurate and quick. I drew in a deep breath, and close. If I could just get at least one at the base of the skull I might be able to use the machete on the other two. I would have to stay out of reach and hope they did not call to the others.
I got a shot off, it hit the base of his skull, but another fell over too. I did not have time to worry over it because the third was in a rage and coming at me fast. He was almost upon me when he also fell over. Man he really was ugly, and his teeth were like shards of glass. All three of them. I approached cautiously as well as my helper.
He was tall, probably about six foot three, long black hair, and a scraggly beard. His weapon of choice... a sawed off shotgun with a silencer And that was how he did it. He had a silencer.  “Thanks, for your help,”I really was thankful. He just shook his head and grunted. 
There was no doubt those three were dead, so now back to the boy. He was cowering, and I think he was afraid to look for fear it was one of the evil ones. “It is me little one. Do not worry those three are dead.” 
He slowly came out from the clothes rack. There was no telling how long he had been there. He had a hard time standing. Dirty blonde hair, looked like it had not been combed in days, but I guess that was a sign of the times. Blue eyes, pretty blue eyes marred with dark circles from lack of sleep. Tall and very skinny. Looked like he was malnourished and I would bet he was. He needed the doctor.
“What is your name?” “Adam, my name is Adam.” “So Adam, do you know where the others are being held? “Yea they are in the meat locker.”
I had forgotten the stranger. I turned to speak and he was gone. Perhaps he was hunting the others. I shrugged my shoulders, oh well I had my own agenda. I grabbed a couple of skirts from the rack and stuffed them in my backpack.
I went to sporting goods again. I had seen a bow and some arrows earlier, should have got them then , but I did not. Well now they were mine. “Okay kid stick close. If you see anything at all you let me know.” I do not think he would have any problem with that, and when I said stick close, he really did.
I slowly opened the meat locker, weapon at the ready. The smell was horrible. Rotted meat, and some of the survivors were not in very good shape, well none of them were.  They tried to run, and create a panic.
“Quiet, do you want more to come or do you want out of here?” They settled down and I continued. “We need supplies.” I looked around, there were two women, one man, and six children. “Everyone get a backpack fill it with necessary items. By necessary I mean flashlights, batteries, lighters, matches, water, canned food. As much as you can carry but no overload. We may have to run.  “Kids, please no toys, not yet. We will find a mode of transportation soon, and we will come back. Okay let’s move and please watch your back.”
Light was the first thing. I rounded up four flashlights and several packs of batteries, the big packs. I picked up four bottles of water, and several knives. Oh yes I almost forgot. I picked up matches and several packs of bics.
The pharmacy was next. Antibiotics, aspirin, bandages, alcohol, and more basics.I thought of Johnny and Tom, and hoped they were well. I thought Tom might Like a blood pressure cuff, so I got one of those too.
I downed a bottle of water and hoping I would not get sick from drinking it so fast. I gave Adam a bottle and he downed it as fast as I did. That is all for the moment. I would return later when I found a way to haul the things I needed.
The darkness had returned. I do not know if had become day and now night, or if darkness just now reached this area and would stay. Truth is I am tired of the darkness, tired of the loneliness, just plain tired of everything, but I knew I had to continue. 
After putting batteries in another flashlight, (saving the four I had), I gathered the group and we walked out of Wal-Mart.
I do not know what all they gathered, all I know was I needed a place to rest for awhile. 
I really do not care what anyone says God does create miracles, and he has created many for me since the cleansing had begun, and now there was another. He will provide, and He did.

Chapter 15
While we were gathering supplies the tall man had disappeared, and now I knew why. Somewhere he found a mule and wagon. It was not a big wagon but we could make do. The captives could ride now, and I would not worry about them holding us back.
He never told me his name, but I never told him mine either. I was still not ready to worry about a name for me, I would take care of that when I mourned for the loss. I have no idea what I lost but I am sure it was someone. None the less I would mourn for the unknown victims. But that would be later.
I was happier than I had been in awhile. God was so amazing for providing food and a way to haul the things we needed. I found out the tall man could not talk. I was not sure if he was born like that, or something in his past, maybe it was the shock of what was happening in the world.
I think I will just call him Hero for now. Hero stood guard while the other male captive and I ran back in. We grabbed a couple cases of water, cans of food, pop tarts, more flashlights and batteries. We did not want to over do in case others came, and we did not want to overload the poor mule.
Now we had everything loaded. I got on my knees and Hero also did. I do not know his prayer, but I suspected it was the same as mine. We prayed for our journey to be a safe one, and asked that each would be blessed by His love.
The mule( I gave her the name Jezzie)  had a rough time wading through the sand. Mules are said to be stubborn, but she kept right on. One foot at a time, raising them high, making slow progress, but never giving up.
Noises came from all directions. Our people were crying, and screaming, Jezzie was trying really hard to struggle through, at a higher rate of speed, and Hero and I were bringing up the rear.
Hundreds of those things were chasing us. There was no way we could kill them all. “Stay down,” I told our victims. Not sure what good that would do but they were moving around and shaking so much poor Jezzie was having a rough time.
They were almost upon us. I did not realize the speed they had. They were making weird chomping noises and I felt shivers upon my spine. One reached out, it barely touched my arm and the burn was immense. It was not a scratch, not a gouge, just a slight touch.
We were almost at the service station, and there were more inside there. They had no trouble, going through the sand. It was if they were sand creatures. They were not really running, more or less a jump, and dragging a leg, Their ribs were very visible, long slender finger bones, with claw like nails on their fingers. I do not think they were zombies, because the ones we shot stayed down, but I know they were cannibals and there were way to many to suit me.
I do not know what happened just that I went down and they were almost upon me. Hero picked me up and practically slung me in the cart. He was really strong, and I could not feel a thing. I had went numb.
“Lord give us strength to get away . Hero can not do this on his own.” The darkness became light for a moment then it returned. The cannibals froze in place, the mule began to trot, and after we passed the service station Hero jumped in the cart. No one was guiding the mule but she knew where to go.
We made it to the location where I saw all those signs jumbled up, and the rumbling began. It started out as a small rumble, but as with thunder it grew over the distance. It became so loud everyone covered their ears but me. I still could not move.
I know everyone was shocked when a massive wave of sand swept everything clean. As far as the eye could see, nothing but sand. Carried by the darkness it looked like an oceans wave.
Everything became still, and so quite. Not even our fellow humans made a sound.
It did not seem to bother Jezzie though she continued on the trail. Hero scooted over towards me. “Do not worry Hero. Jezzie is headed in the right direction. He opened his mouth and I knew it was silent laughter. I forgot to tell him I named him Hero. Though my body refused to move my head still worked. I tried to raise it to check my injury, but I could not raise it that far. It had to be from that touch on my arm, that was the only thing it could be.
I looked around at the survivors. they looked at peace. Some were sleeping, and some... well I guess they were just gazing and thinking. I closed my eyes, and though I could not get on my knees to pray, God and I had a nice conversation. I do not know His plans, but I do know He loves me. He cradled me in His loving arms and I slept.

{Acts 18:10: "For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."}



Chapter 16

I really do not know how long I slept, or how long we had been traveling. I tried looking around but it was hard in the darkness. I could feel Hero’s eyes upon me. What was he thinking? What questions did he have to ask that he could not?
Jezzie had slowed, and the survivors were quiet. I had not realized till I tried turning my head that Adam’s head lay on my shoulder. I could not feel it. I still could not feel anything. The only way I knew we were still moving is the gentle banging of my head against the floorboards of the wagon.
I felt a water bottle against my lips. Even hot it was good. My throat had become dry and my lips began to crack. I felt it run down my chin, but even knowing it kept flowing I could not feel it.
Tears, started easing down my cheek, and I could not reach to wipe them. I was frustrated and did not understand what was happening or why this happened to me. But no, chin up girl. It was not just happening to me. I survived, they survived, and I am sure God has His reasons for my paralysis.
I closed my eyes and listened for God to tell me what to do next. “Rest my child. Just rest.” 
I could feel Hero’s hand now, stroking my hair, and I smiled. I am glad Hero was along. He would make a good asset. He was also resourceful. I have no idea where he found Jezzie and the wagon but I was most thankful for it.
Jezzie stopped quickly, and as a stubborn mule would not move another inch. Hero grabbed his flashlight and jumped from the wagon easing his way around front. Adam must have followed him because he came back, leaned in my face and said. “It is a white goat. She looks to be tame.” 
“Fresh meat,” Yelled the man we rescued. I never asked his name, “You will not touch one hair of that goat. “Oh come on. It has been weeks, maybe months since I have had meat.”
Hero grabbed the man by the tattered shirt collar. Though Hero could not speak his message was loud and clear. You do not touch the goat.
“Nessie,” I half way yelled. She came around the wagon, and jumped up by my side. She looked me straight in the eyes and I was sure I saw tears.She lay her head on me and nuzzled for a minute then jumped off and went back around front.
“Follow Nessie, Jezzie. She knows where we are going.” And as if Jezzie understood, she took off after Nessie. We were almost there. I thought about Johnny and hoped his leg was healing. How was Tom? I hoped they were able to protect themselves from intruders and elements.
Jezzie started down the hill. I did not think she could make it through the blackberry bushes with the wagon, but somehow she did. The occupants of the wagon were stirring now. A creek? Cold water; a bath, cool down, I could hear all those conversations, or should I say parts of conversations.
Jezzie took us all the way in the cave and Tom was waiting. There was still light in the cave, and he had a small cooking fire. 
Hero picked me up and Tom ran over with a look of concern on his face. I could tell he was waiting on Hero to speak, so I filled in the blanks. “Hero can not talk Tom. I have no idea what happened to me. I am going to get Hero to lay me down,(Hero grinned at this point and I sure wished I could pop him on the head.) and after you check all the others out, you can look at me.
Then I became worried. Where was Johnny? “I brought lots of medicine.” “Johnny is okay Lady. He is out back playing. His leg has healed nicely. Tom directed Hero to my mossy bed and he lay me down, then turned and walked away.
Nessie and Billy came in, and a baby goat. Awww Nessie had become a mama. The three kittens came in, and they were no longer kittens. I realized I had never named them. The rooster came in then the two hens, followed by about five little chicks. they were already repopulating the earth.
When Tom came to see me, I told him to keep an eye on that man. Nessie was never to be eaten, or at least not yet. It was not time to eat the animals yet, especially the original ones.
One of the women had baby wipes in her back pack. I wish I had thought of that, but I would still rather have a bath.
Tom left the room and it was less than a minute Hero followed him back in. He picked me up and carried me to the pool. Tom had made or found a chair while I was gone and he had it setting in the pool. Hero put me on the chair and held me while Tom bathed my arm. That touch that thing gave me, was red, swelled and badly infected. In fact my whole arm was infected. That is probably why I could not move.
I turned my head to thank Hero for all his help, for without him none of us might be here. But in the end I stayed silent. He was on his knees praying, and I would not disturb him.
I could hear children’s laughter, people chatting, so excited like children with new toys. Maybe they were. They were exploring, and taken with everything. The pool of water, the animals, and I am sure they found the outside area.
The mossy bed felt good. Yes, I was starting to get my feeling back again. Johnny came in for a visit, and I was blessed with a big hug. One of the women, Theresa I think she said, brought me a pop tart, scrambled eggs, and crackers. Of course Nessie provided cold milk.
Tom would check on Hero, to find out why he could not talk. I felt safe, full, and loved. The Lord had sent so many miracles and blessings my way.
As I shut my eyes to pray Nessie came in laying her head on my chest. I prayed and we slept.

Chapter 17
I was being pulled through a thick fog. My mind was somewhere in between conscious and unconscious. the in between where you do not know if you are still dreaming or in reality. I did not want to wake. For the first time since the cleansing had begun I was sleeping so good. But then I heard Nessie. Something was wrong.
I opened my eyes and there the man stood. Funny I did not find out anything about these people when I brought them in. It had been so rush, rush, then the doctor and bed.
But there he was trying to take Nessie from me. I know he saw my eyes open but he continued. I tried to speak but could not. He had gagged me. “By the time anyone finds out, she will be goat steak, and I am sure all will want a piece.”
He did not know that I had got movement back. It had been slowly coming back and it was all back. I did not bother with the gag. I wanted the element of surprise, besides I was afraid of some of the words that would flow forth.
I did not just stand up, I jumped. Before he even realized what was happening I took my fist and hit him straight in the nose. Nessie took off running, while me and the man continued to scuffle.He had a few choice curse words to say over his bloody nose, and I paid for it when he blacked my eye.
Hero grabbed him behind with a big bear hug and Tom grabbed me separating us. We were both trying to escape their holds but their grip was too tight. 
My temper was leaving me and I ceased to struggle. Nessie came to me and rubbed against my leg. I smiled. Tom removed my gag and I smiled. “Thanks.” I think that was all I said at the time.
The man was still cursing and struggling, and Hero tied his hands behind his back. I think they all ready knew what was going on, and they had known earlier I was getting my feeling back. “Take him into the main cavern. Get everyone together. If we are to live together rules need to be established.”
They did not hesitate to do as I asked, but the doctor in Tom just had to see my eye. I kept telling him it was okay, but hey I think he took his job seriously. 
We went in to join the others. They all looked so much different than before. They had bathed, had food, and felt safe. I felt safe. Safer than I had even before this started. I could feel Gods presence and I did not want to ever let him down.
The man was still tied up and I guess it was just as well I never found out his name, because of his punishment to come. I had no choice. We could not have anyone in our household that could not obey the rules and took away from others, and that is what he would be doing.
“I gathered y’all her because of an incident that occurred. I had made it plain that Nessie was not to be touched.” I saw their heads shake affirmative so I knew they all understood. “He came in there as I was sleeping, trying to drag Nessie out. Nessie provides our milk, which soon will also provide our cheese and butter. She is also our guard, my companion, and a mother.”
“They will keep reproducing then we will eat, but not yet. It is not time yet.” I paused to let this sink in. This next part was going to be the hardest but it had to be. “Since he had already been warned, he must be punished. He will be banished from our group.” A big gasp filled the room, from the rescued captives, Hero remained silent as did Tom. I really hoped I was doing the right thing. “We will send him on his way with food and water, flashlights and batteries. We will take him a ways and set him out.” 
I saw fear in his eyes and I could not look at him anymore. I did not want to do this but I really had no choice in the matter. “But why can’t he stay here?” That came from one of the women brought with him. “Because we have to live by rules, and he broke the rule. That rule not only affects me, but all of us. She is a life source that will last for a long time. her meat could not be eaten in one day, where would it be stored. Would you eat the rotten corpse as those things in Wal-Mart?”
“I will be leaving in a little while, and Hero and Tom will be in charge.” Hero shook his head no, and pointed to me. “No, Hero, you stay here. I do not know where I am headed after I drop him off, or what I will find......”He did not let me finish as he spoke. He spoke, yes he spoke. “I go with you.” And the emphasis he put on it I did not argue anymore. This trip I would not make alone. 
So it was decided Tom was the doctor and leader, though when I was here everyone looked to me. I really did not want to be responsible for these people, but it was the hand I had been dealt in this new world.
Hero and I gathered a few supplies for us, and some for the man. He was scared. I almost backed out, almost. I could not take the chance of his thoughts taking control again. What if the next time his urge for meat led him to one of the children.
It would be so good to have a juicy Sonic burger, but I did not want one so bad that I would eat the forbidden. 
We bid everyone goodbye and struck out towards the south. That was where I had come from, my starting point. I wanted to know, needed to know, if after all this time if there was anything left. Last time there was no way across, but I was compelled to go. Maybe there was a way around.
This time I was not alone, this time I had Hero with me. Maybe it would not be so bad.
And as I had before each journey I kneeled and prayed for a safe journey, as did Hero.
Chapter18
We took Jezzie and the wagon. Perhaps we would run into more survivors, if not we still needed more supplies. We walked, except for the man. I do not want to know his name, that would make me feel more guilt than I did now. This was not personal, for revenge, or anything like that. It was a matter of survival.
The man grumbled and complained, then he would beg and plead, after awhile I ignored him. There were other things running through my mind. In the southern direction it was not dark, but neither was the sun shining. It was like a cloudy moment before the sunrise. It was extremely hot, and I was not sure if it was because here the earth had burned, or if I was not mistaken it should be summertime.
Time. Time was a funny thing. It meant nothing anymore.No more rushing to work without breakfast for fear of being late. No more rush hour traffic. No more getting the kids to school on time. It was amazing that our lives all depended on time.
Now I know what stop and smell the flowers meant, except there were no flowers. There were no trees, there was no grass. There was nothing but a dull brown earth, with black ashes in some spots, and an intense heat, smothering heat.
We had walked for hours and I was getting tired. Hero looked as if he could use a break too. I had found a milk jug a ways back and cut the top off. I poured a bottle of water for Jezzie. She lapped it up gently, as if she knew it had to last. She finished the water and I picked up the bottom of the milk jug and put it in the back of the wagon for later.
Hero and I sat in the back of the wagon, and instead of resting Jezzie continued. Neither Hero or I was much on conversation, besides it was too hot and dusty. The more we talked the thirstier we got so we remained quite. Funny thing though, it was if we could read each others thoughts.
God had chosen Hero also. We were to work together to reboot the earth. We were to rebuild, re populate, and regrow. This was a new chance, a new life, a new earth. This was a new beginning, not just for me, nor Hero, but life.
Jezzie was turning now. She was headed on the road to old Bakers farm. No, no there was nothing there. “Jezzie,” I jumped off the wagon and went to her. “No, Jezzie there is nothing there. I have already been here. It was all destroyed after I left.” But Jezzie gave new meaning to stubborn mule. She would look at me like she knew something I did not, so I followed her lead.
Hero jumped off the wagon and come up beside me. I told him of my experience on the farm, and where I met Nessie and the other animals.
Before we left I had bathed and put on one of the long skirts, thankful it had pockets. The stench was almost unbearable so I covered my nose and mouth with a bandana ,Hero had picked up from Wal Mart. I had put it, a pocket knife, a pop tart, and several other items in the pocket.
I was beginning to think Hero was pretty smart. He thought of things that I did not. Maybe that is why we were meant to work together. He looked at his surroundings, just as I did, and I think we were both on the same page. Why did Jezzie bring us here?
“Look I have to use the bathroom. Could you please untie me.” I shrugged my shoulders, Hero did the same. Why not? We were far from the camp. If he got away he would find his own danger. It would no longer be on me and Hero. Perhaps this was why Jezzie brought us up here. She stopped without being asked too, so she knew.
Well that must have been his plan. He grabbed one of the back packs and ran, we let him go. Halfway across the field he stopped, turned, and waved. I guess he thought he was teasing us, but I was relieved and I think Hero was as well. 
We let him go. Jezzie turned as did we, then we heard his screams. The earth was shaking craters were opening, we jumped on the wagon and Jezzie was moving faster than I have ever seen any mule move. I turned and watched as the swamp water, rotted cow carcasses, the collapsed house, everything was swallowed.
I saw movement trying to avoid the craters. There were lots of them, perhaps hundreds. They looked like those things in Wal Mart except some were on all fours. Some were jumping the craters, some were using others as a springboard, and close to catching us. 
As we reached the main road off the farm road. The hills collapsed, rocks tumbled and all access had stopped. Hero and I both fell to our knees and praised God. Once again He had saved us from a horrible death.
As we rose, an amazing thing happened. A little old man, (by the looks of him very old) come riding up on a horse. A big, black stallion. It looked very healthy as did he. He had several packs upon his horse and he offered them to us. Before we could turn them down, or offer to share, he had disappeared leaving the horse and packs. I mean really disappeared. He could not have hid, for there was no place. He could not have ran that fast.
There was only one other possibility. God had sent and angel. In one of the packs was bread. I smiled. Bread from Heaven, and in the other was fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and maybe it was not Sonic, but it was the best burger I ever tasted.
I took the seeds from the apples and strawberries, and the other fruits and vegetables. They would be planted. My mouth watered just thinking about fresh fruits and vegetables, even though I had just ate some.
I gave Jezzie more water, and it did not run dry. I thanked God for the food and water, Hero unhooked Jezzie and she laid down . Hero and I laid down in the back of the wagon, for some much needed rest.
“Goodnight, or day, or whatever it is Hero.” He still grinned whenever I called him Hero. He had shaved, (probably sometime or another got razors from Wal Mart), and looked so much better, but it would not last long. Too much heat, too little resources but right now looks were unimportant.
We made a great team. Maybe someday he would tell me about himself, but right now it did not matter, in the future it would not matter either. This was a new beginning. We were cleansed, reborn. 
He pulled my head over on his shoulder and we slept confident that God would watch us. He was not through with us yet.

Chapter 19
How many miles had we traveled before I awoke? I was riding alone, and well covered. Every inch of my body had some kind of wrapping.  Sweat trickled down my body, and I was extremely hot. If I did not know better I would think Hero was burying me alive.
After removing the wrappings I could understand why. Intense heat fueled by a blazing ball of sun. So the farther North we went darkness held, and the farther South it became much lighter and so much hotter.
I sat up, rocking with the wagon, and looked around. Hero was walking with Jezzie and I just had to laugh. He had fashioned Jezzie a hat out of an old shirt. Well maybe not a hat but a covering for her head. Her ears stuck up through the arm holes.
Hero stopped Jezzie and turned towards me, with a grin on his face. He must have heard my laughter, for he came back to me, and in a half hearted twist modeled his new get-out-of the sun clothes. He looked like a hobo, traveling with so many clothes and no way of carrying them.
“Why did you not wake me? I would have walked with you.” He shrugged his shoulders.You needed rest. It has not been long since you could not move at all. He got the water jug and gave Jezzie some more water. We were running low so we only took a few sips from a shared bottle.
We had been traveling for several days, at least I think we had. It was hard to tell because day and night still had not straightened itself out. I missed the moon and the stars, night and day. Instead of cool nights and hot days like before it was hot nights and even hotter days.
I got out of the wagon walked around and stretched my legs a bit. Off to the left a little way was a burned area. It had what had once been a chimney sticking up. I grabbed my bow and quill of arrows. I try to always be prepared for everything.
Almost upon it I tripped over something, I did not fall but came close. I jumped back. It was an arm, or what once was an arm.It was burnt black, charred flesh hanging from bone. I did not want to see the rest. From then on I was careful where I walked.
I arrived at the chimney and there was three bodies lying there. There were huge army ants eating flesh from their bodies and carrying it away. The woman had blisters covering a burnt face. Her legs were only skeletal remains the ashes blending with the sand. 
A little child, unknown whether male or female, lay in the fetal position. There was no flesh left, no distinguishing marks, not even toys scattered to give away the sex of the child. 
I fell to my knees and could not stop the tears that flowed. Long held pent up emotions, long held tears, loneliness, fear, everything held back for months? Years? It all came forth. 
Hero pulled me up and held me in his arms, using soothing words to calm my soul. I do not know how long we stayed like that. My heart ached. I did not know these people, yet they were still people that died a horrible death.
There was nothing of interest here, it was time to move on. I think Jezzie was ready to move too. I put the empty water bowl into the back of the wagon, and walked side by side with Hero. I needed solace, I needed comfort.
Hero grabbed my hand. For miles and miles we walked hand in hand. I tried not to remember the vision I saw. I tried not to remember people died. I tried not to remember this had become a way of life.
The only thing I wish to remember now is one breath at a time.

Chapter 20
We covered our head and faces back up only leaving our eyes. I vowed that as soon as we found another supply store I would find a pair of sun glasses. Walking many miles in the heat tired us quickly, so we climbed back in the wagon.
Now we were coming to the big crack in the earth. The fires were out. There was no one to put the fires out so maybe they just burned themselves out, or maybe they were still smoldering we just could not see them from here.
Our problem was how to get across. The crack was much to wide to jump, besides Jezzie would not be able to make it over. We had two choices. We could walk a ways to the left, see if there was a way around, or we could walk around in the opposite direction.
I had no knowledge of how far we must travel, or whether it would be worth the trip. But a compelling force drove us on. There was something, some place better. A place for supplies, a place to raise families, a place to start over.
Travel weary we stopped for awhile, ate us a bite, and stretched our legs. We finished the last of the water. Worry settled my heart, but then it came to me. Why would I worry? God did not send us this far to cause us anguish. Perhaps we would thirst, but only for awhile. God would provide.
My lips were cracked, my throat was dry, and my eyes were filled with dust, yet I had to laugh. It was not a funny laugh, or insane laugh, but a laugh of pure joy. We had found the end of the cracked earth and a small forest settled in the midst of all the heart ache, pain, death, and destruction.
A rock ledge with water falling over it, nearly took my breath away. I wanted to rush right in, but Hero cautioned me to calm. He was right, it must be checked out before we went full force hog wild.
It was not long till we stripped down, not totally but the grimy garments to keep the sun at bay.  I stood under and it felt like a real shower. So amazing it felt. I felt so much like an innocent child, I splashed Hero. Of course he splashed back. It felt so good just to laugh and play, forget the harshness of the world, for awhile anyway.
We washed our grimy garments and put them back on wet. That would cool us for awhile. It would be so nice to stay her for ever, but that was an impossibility. Our mission was to recreate the world, bring civilization back into being.
We filled the water bottles, and Jezzie had drank her fill. She had even gotten in the water. I felt more alive than I had in ages, and by the look in Heros eyes I am sure he did too. All good things must come to an end, and this did as well.
Wrapped back from the blazing sun, I had to shield my eyes. The forest had been cool and dark, but back in the sunshine took quite an adjustment. 
We did not have to travel far before we found bodies piled one on top of the other. Many, many flies, landed in wounds, and rotted flesh. Some were burnt so badly the skin had peeled. We walked on scattered ash and I wondered if it was from burnt objects, or cremated people.
The stench was terrible, and the insects were huge. There were more of the army ants carrying flesh. I thought of stomping them but there were way to many. The fly’s were twice as big as normal and extremely irritating.
So far there had been no signs of life, other than the huge insects, and the dead. But at one time this had been a massive city. Who was to say there was no one or nothing hidden in some of the buildings that still stood.
It was surprising after what I had witnessed that any remained. They did not look to be the best of shape, but they were enough to get out of the sun, and possibly have some supplies we could use.
“So what do you think Hero? Should we give it a try.” “Sounds good Lady. Just be careful, we do not know what is in here.” I think Hero was still trying to get used to talking. His voice sounded a little strained, and neither of us had talked much anyway. 
I think this place had once been a drugstore, but it did not matter what it was. I found a pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen. Hero got a kick out of me modeling several different pair, but then he did the same.
I grabbed a couple extra bottles of sunscreen. I was not sure if it would help, but it was hard to move with all these wrappings, plus the fact it was extremely hot. But then again I had seen what happened to the people exposed to the sun.
Hero unhooked Jezzie and brought her in out of the sun. She put up quite a ruckus. She had good instinct for trouble, and from the back we heard a loud crash, and something moving. Hero let Jezzie go and she flew out of the building, then she stopped.
I decided I did not want to be in there either, not yet anyway. Hero followed me out, and we saw something, not sure what it was. I think at one time it had been human, but it slid on all fours, and its eyes were glazed over as if blind. It made weird noises as if calling more.
There were at least four, maybe more. I realized we were in no danger of being chased. One of the creatures came out only a little and screamed in pain, the others pulling it back. I could smell its flesh as it burned, and I gagged.
We were safe for now, but later we would have to clean them out. Walking on down, I guess you could call a street, I was not surprised that Jezzie followed us. It did her good to be rid of the cart for awhile.
Well now here was a real shocker. The building was really small, but one that I do not think we would need anything from. I really laughed so hard. You might know that a government building would survive.  
The next building was The U. S. Postal Service. Even Hero got a good laugh out of this one until we knew our reason for being there. We had to go in. All laughter stopped.

Chapter 21
All eyes on the inside door. I thought I had seen movement earlier, but it must have just been jitters from our previous building. I pulled off the sunglasses, and looked around. The sun shone brightly through the windows and I was aware of dangers behind counters, in corners, even under the scattered packages.
I felt Hero’s eyes upon me, and my frustration was building. It should not, I know, but why should I have to be the one giving orders. I came so close to telling him so, but it only took one look in his eyes. He grabbed my hand,”Stay close ,Lady. I will not see you hurt. And I sure felt the guilt. He was not waiting for orders he was making sure I was safe
“Lady if you will look over there I will look here. I am sure there are packages that have needful things in them.”I smiled. I think I was falling a little in love with him, but I do not think that was what was meant to happen. So I fought the love as if I was fighting an enemy.
I could hear him ripping packages open. I was on the verge of ripping my first one open when I saw Hero’s face staring at me.Not really Hero, but his picture. There was a board with missing children, some before the cleansing, some after, missing families, pets, and Americas Most Wanted. It was Hero, there was no denying. Wanted for three counts of murder and one count of rape. No. Not my Hero.That was another Hero, of course his name was not Hero, it was Luke Johnson. No he was Hero, my Hero, and no matter what went before....I reached for it I wanted to tear it into shreds before he saw it, but it was too late. He saw it, and jerked it down.
I knew right then he was as unaware of his past as I was mine. He found his but was it a good thing? Better to be left in the dark, but there was a reason for seeing this. I never thought about his eyes much before. Oh I know it brought the brown out in them when he smiled and they crinkled. It made them seem so big and beautiful, but never had I seen this.
He was not angry, he was so sad. I tried to hold him, but he backed away. I could see his eyes clouding and I knew the tears were not far away. Still with the poster in his hand he walked out the door, and kept walking. 
“Hero stop, please.” “I am not your Hero,” He held the poster out, “I am Luke Johnson, murderer, and rapist.” I ran to him and said, “No, you are not. You are Hero,” I grabbed his arm, and he pushed. I felt myself falling and I hit the sand. I could feel the heat through all my clothes.
I just sat there sobbing. I could not move and it was not because I fell, or I was hurt, or anything like that. Jezzie was galloping towards me, and in my mind I was begging her not to come to me. I could not say it aloud. I had to be quiet, I could not move, I had to ease my breath.
Hero turned. I do not think he knew I fell. ‘No Hero,’Played through my mind, ‘Please, please, please do not scare them.’ Did he catch my thoughts? Or had he given up on his future? Was he holding to the past?
Oh God please let this turn out alright. Jezzie and Hero both knew the snakes were there, circling me. I was not sure how many. I know there were at least three and they were huge. They were under the sand, but each movement brought them to the top.They drew back to strike and I closed my eyes. 
Then I felt Hero lifting me from the ground and he held me tightly. I looked down at my feet. Jezzie stood on top of two snakes, and the third had an arrow through its head. We would never be sure what kind they were because we had never seen these before. A new breed of evil. 
“Lady I am sorry. I swore I would never hurt you and I did. I am so sorry.” “Hero,” he looked as if he was about to correct me but I would not let him. I held up my hand. “That was a sign from God. It was not to throw your past in your face, but to show you how far you have come. It is to show both of us that people can and do change. If God did not care would you be here? No, you would be dead, or one of those creatures.”
“Hero, you have a new life, a new beginning. I do not care what happened before. If God has forgiven you, can I do no less. I do not need this Luke Johnson. He is dead and gone. I need Hero. Are you still my Hero, Luke?”
He smiled then. I do not know if he will ever forget what he learned today, but for now I had my Hero back. “Who is this Luke you speak of Lady? There is no one here but me, Hero.”
And that is what I wanted to hear. We decided to stay away from the post office for awhile. That would be for a later time. 
Jezzie went back to where she had been. I had no worries, she seemed to know when she was needed same as Nessie. I started to put my sunglasses back on again, but I must have dropped them in the sand.
I turned back to look and thought I saw movement, and as I was turning I saw Hero go down, I was running towards him, and I fell. I did not trip, so what happened? My head was in a whirl, and I felt something in the side of my neck. A tranquilizer dart. I tried to rise. My eyes were dimming and I could barely see Hero struggling for freedom.
“Laaaady, “He yelled as he went down, “Hero,” Did I yell it, whisper it, or just think it? I was down and out.

Chapter 22

I can not recall any part of my body not aching. My headache was so severe I wanted to keep my eyes closed. But I could not. “Hero, Hero.” It was only a whisper. My throat was excessively dry. I felt around for Hero. He must be off looking around. 
No, wait a minute. It was not supposed to be dark, it had not been dark since we arrived. A tear slid down my cheek. Now I remembered. We had been attacked and I had not even seen our attackers. I could hear movement, coughing every now and then, and sobs. Other people. There were survivors in here. Why did they have no light?
I crawled on my hands and knees; rock. That is what I felt. I could feel the sharpness cutting into my hands, and I felt blood from a cut on my thigh. I stopped. Crawling around in the darkness did little good. Hero had not spoken yet, perhaps he was not awake yet. Perhaps he was.... no. I refused to consider that possibility.
Then a thought come to me. I should have a flashlight in my skirt pocket, unless they searched me. “Thank you, God,” I said as I looked upwards. I could not see anything, yet I knew He was there. And so was the flashlight.
It would not last for long. I only had the batteries that was in it, they were new, but I did not know how long I would be in here. I shined it around the area. We were underground. This was a cave.
I had not noticed before but their was a rotted smell. At least they left me with my wrappings. I covered my nose and mouth.
I noticed as I shone the light around there was movement. It or they did not want the light to shine on them. Well that was to bad. I needed to know what I was locked up with. And yes, I knew I was locked up. A boulder rested in front of the entrance way, and there was no other way out. I already figured out Hero was not in here, but I needed to know who was in here.
The light finally caught this little old lady, and she shielded her eyes. How long since she had seen light? Disregarding the rock floor, I crawled over to her. The poor old woman was terrified. Old? No she was not that old, not as old as I thought before. Her red hair was so dull and lifeless, matted together as the look of an old witch. She had numerous cuts and bruises, and my goodness how she stunk. Her dress was barely hanging on her thinning frame, tatters barely covering her breasts.
There were others, male and female, cowering against the wall. And on the opposite side I saw what caused the rotted smell. Several dead bodies lay there. Death had taken them gasping for air. They were piled one on top of the other as a stack.
I could hear someone coming. They were whistling a tune. I knew I had heard it, but could not recall what it was. It was not Hero, but maybe they would let me go to him, or tell me where he was.
The boulder was moved by chains. Very clever. A lantern was carried by one of them. He was silent, head down, scared fellow. The other had a huge roasting pan with some kind of food in it. I am not sure what it was but it looked kind of like oatmeal and grits mixed together. It turned my stomach. 
The man that brought the food in had evil eyes, dark thin eyes. His skin was dark and he had a cowboy hat pulled back from his face. He glanced my way and I felt chills. It brought a silent prayer to my lips.
“Dig in,” He said. His voice was deep, and he had an accent, but I could not place it. They all gathered round the pan, and the evil one kicked a little scrawny man. Young, old, I did not know. This life had really took hold of them, robbing them of everything they once were.
The man grimaced and went forward again. “Not you. Everyone but you.” Once again he kicked the man and looked straight at me. “Get over there and eat.”There was no way I would eat that. Not yet anyway. “No thank you, I am not hungry.” He walked to me and I looked him straight in the eyes, and he hit me hard. I fell in the plate of food, and everyone just ate around me.
I gathered what dignity I could and stood. “Eat,” He yelled, “No,” I yelled back. “Soon you will. Soon you will be just like the rest of the bait.” “Bait?” “What kind of bait?” “Oh Lady soon you will find out, but not yet.”
“Where is Hero? What have you done with him?” He laughed a harsh laugh, and he was still laughing as the boulder dropped and the darkness reappeared. 
I told the little man, “It is safe, you can eat now.” He was crying. “What is the matter. You can have my share.” The woman I noticed first said, “The ones that do not get to eat, they know they are bait. Tomorrow when they take him out, he will not be back.”
I fell to my knees ignoring the pain of the rock, ignoring the throbbing face, and ignoring the tears that fell. I needed God. “God, it is I Lady. We need your help. I know there is a purpose for this, and I know you are with me. Please help us God. Amen.”
“He will not help us. He has forgotten us. I gasped. How could anyone think such a thing? “You are wrong. He sent Hero and I to help you, and we will.” The woman cackled, and once again I thought of a witch. I berated myself for that thought. There is no telling how long she had been in here. “You are locked in here with us, and your Hero is dead.” “No, Hero is not dead, and God will provide.”
An amazing thing happened. The little man was on his knees praying, and then all of them were, all but the woman. 
I was not sure of the future, how long I would be down here, or how we would escape, but we would. I could feel it in my heart. I felt a hand on my shoulder but no one stood there. Let me rephrase that, God had His hand on my shoulder. 
I do not know how, but I slept.
{Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the currency of heaven. It’s the substance you need for God to go to work.}

Chapter 23
Isaiah 41:10-11 . So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish....... 

Food was delivered, water in a big bucket, day after day? Twice a day. I did not know. They never came for the man, and still I gave them my portion of food. I could barely hold the water, and its foul taste, I was afraid to try the food.
“You have been here five days you know. Sooner or later you will have to eat.”Her cackling laugh always grated my nerves, but as usual I ignored. “Where is your rescue? I told you once you were in here , the only way you leave is bait.”
I really did not want to talk. I was weak and hungry, my throat dry, but I had to ask. “Everyone keeps talking of bait. What exactly is bait?” “Well nobody knows. That is just what they call us. All I know is when they come to get you, they do not bring you back.”
“How do you know how long I have been in here.” I think it was more of a curiosity than a really want to know kind of thing. “I have a calender. It is out dated but it is still usable. They bring the food, every night, same time.” 
“I do not ever want to know again. I care nothing for time. That is the reason all this came about. People were always in a rush, always greedy, it was always,”If I had more time,” My head was beginning to hurt, and my thoughts were deserting me. 
Help will come. Hero will come. He is not dead or I would know this. I sat, my back to the wall. I had trouble standing anymore. My flashlight had long since depleted itself of batteries. When I found this wall I did not stray far. It was the cleanest spot in here, and I was so afraid to loose it.
I had tried being brave, I had tried helping these people, but I did not know how. I cried, but with my lack of water it was dry tears, my eyes burned, my head ached, and my eyesight was dimming.
I was going blind. “Lord if it is your will, then so be it.” The boulder was moved from the door and more swill in the huge roasting pan. I could hear their slurping noises, and if I had anything to throw up, I probably would have.
And with a cackle the woman said, “Day six, and you are still here.” I did not respond, instead I closed my eyes to pray. I still did not know how many people were in here, but I do know that several would come and pray with me.
“Hero,” I thought I heard his voice, and again there it was. “Lady, hang on. I am coming for you.” Unsure whether the voice in my head was real, or fantasy made. I listened again. I could feel Hero. He was alive, and he would come for me.
Though my throat was dry I felt joy in my heart and could not help a verse of Amazing Grace.

Chapter 24
He wakes. He reaches for her and she is not there. Such trouble he has sleeping when she is not with him. He tried to rise but she was not in sight. He hurts, and he does not know why.  He is amazed by the blisters that form his skin, and the hot sand burns him.His wrappings had disappeared. He could not completely rise. He half crawled, half drug himself. He needed out of the sun.Where was she?
Then he remembers. They were attacked. He had left her, but he had not meant to. He had just wanted to think, but he left her side. But she had caught up to him. His thoughts jumbled, blended into many scenarios. Who was he kidding? It would have happened even with him near.
When they met he realized she was his mate, but she did not know this and he could not say the words. Not yet.She is his heart, and he feels such anguish, such pain.He must find his heart, and forever would he remain by her side, no matter the happenings. 
He struggled past the post office, too much heat and sun, and his past. He could not enter there again. Not yet anyway. She had forgiven him that, God had forgiven him that. But that is what caused him to loose his heart.
She was not dead, he knew this. He could feel her breath, he could hear her words and thoughts.
He opened the door to the place she had gotten the sunglasses and fell upon entering. Those creatures were here, he remembered them, though he had never gotten a good look. He could not move though, and he did not remember them coming this close to the light. 
His eyes closed. He was only going to close them for a moment, only a moment. He was moving, being dragged. He started to struggle, but if these were the things that had Lady perhaps they were leading him there
Being a big person, they were having trouble dragging him, and it was hurting him worse than before. They stopped. He heard their ragged breath. He did not know how many, but there were more than two and less than four by the feeling.
Then he felt more, many more. Maybe this was not such a good idea after all. They did not know he was awake so he did have the element of surprise. Then there were many dragging him. He could feel the hands all over his body. Their fingers digging into his burnt body, he felt like screaming but for a bit more he must be calm.
“Why you bring this big human here?” A woman‘s voice, an unfamiliar voice.“They are coming ,Uma. “They took the Lady, what if they come back for him. He good I think.” Silence for a moment then,“Big man, big man wake. You need move farther back. They get you. They will not come back here.”  He moved farther back on his own, once he knew they were trying to help him and not harm. He opened his eyes and looked. They were human just under fed, and lack of sunshine. They were hiders. It had to have been since the beginning. Their eyes were glazed over as blind, and their skin was a pearly white. Skin and bones really hard to tell the men from the women.
“Shhh, shh quite now. We talk after they leave.” The door opened and slammed shut. “Where is he?” He has laid in the sand for six days. You said he was dead. NOW WHERE IS HE?”
“He was dead boss. We checked him. Even took those rags that he covered with.  Jack said he saw one of those mutant wolves. Maybe they got him.” 
“You should have brought him when I told you too. Icarn is on the move and he is unsatisfied with our recent bait.”Right now he was very unhappy with his men. Evidently they could not follow orders. “Hey boss what about that Lady. She ain’t done nothing but stir up trouble, since she been in there. She got them all a praying and having them believe some Hero is going to save them.”
It was all Hero could do to remain still and not give them all away. “We could try, I guess. Probably need to get rid of her anyway. She won’t be no good to us dead of starvation. Now Lets get them supplies loaded and head out. This place gives me the creeps.”
He heard the door slam and let out a deep breath he had been holding. “What is bait?  He thought he might know but he really wanted it verified. “Well we do not really know. We just know when they take you, you never return. I think it is a sacrifice.” That is what he had been thinking.
He remembered now. The wolves had stood guard over him. He had seen her face, had felt her tears. His heart hurt, he felt his body aflame. She was near, she was his Lady, and he was getting her back. “Do not worry Lady, I am coming.” He smiled, she heard him for her whispered words carried upon the air, “I know, my Hero. I know.”

Chapter 25
“Her heart is pure, her love is true. She tries to ease our suffering all of the people imprisoned with her. She has given us her food, she has prayed with us, and for us. Why do you hate her so?” The woman that always cackled shrugged her shoulders. It mattered not to me. I have tried many times to befriend her, pray for her, but each time she turned me away.
But always I will pray for her. No one seems to know what bait is, but I have an idea. I am thinking sacrifice, and I fear no more. God will not let me be a sacrifice for anyone but Him.
I can not say I have not been afraid since I have been in here, but it was not for long. The Lord was with me, and I felt Hero’s presence stronger each day.
He is my soul, but I can not tell him, not yet. The first time I met him, I knew he was meant to be my mate, but he must be the one to talk of it. It is not the time.
I can not give up hope. I feel my faith strong within me. I had questioned the reasons for me being here and Hero somewhere else. I should not have. I know God always has his reasons, and I think I know why. 
Quite time, thinking time, rebuilding time. We need to figure a way to build a bridge across the split. Even though it is extremely wide there has to be a way. Or we could build a barrier to prevent people from falling into the split.  It would all work itself out. And that was our purpose for being here. Settling in this location, saving these people from their situation. 
If we could remove all the debris, stack all the lumber from the destroyed buildings, and start anew. 
There was potting soil, in the store where the sunglasses were, we would just have to deal with the creatures, in there. I had the vegetable and fruit seeds from the man, (I still think he was an angel). We could build a shed to grow things in.
We could bring Nessie, the other animals, Tom, and the rest. There would be enough people to work at it, and start over again.
Funny how weakness made your brain think of things you should have known all along but only now brought it to mind.
All was quiet, no chatter, and I closed my eyes. My stomach growled furiously and I knew soon I would have to eat. I could already encircle my wrist with my fingers, and crawling more than walking.
“Do not worry Lady, I am coming for you.” My throat was dry, and only a whisper escaped, “I know, my Hero, I know.

Chapter 26
I think the woman in here with us loved to torture me. I did not know any of their names and never asked. That would make it personal. But if my mission was going to be fulfilled I needed to get personal. But the woman; well I was not so sure. Never give up hope though.
“Day seven,” She cackled, as the boulder moved from the door. No one came through. I could hear screams, shouts, and people running. “No not that way, that way is death.” The screams stopped but I could still hear feet running. 
A light came, "Out everyone out.” I could not move. I had sat so long my body had went to sleep. I could see the light now, but my eyes could not handle the brightness. Someone was at the entrance way guiding and helping the people, and still I sat. I do not know what overcome me. I just know of a sudden, I could not breathe.
“Out you people. You can escape, now. There is nothing to hold you here anymore.” But still they sat, all but the cackler. Slowly she walked to the entrance, but stopped and cowered at every noise. She walked through the entrance and not long after instead of hearing her normal cackle I heard screams, down, down, down farther, till I heard them no more.
My eyes were shut, I needed to rest just for a moment. Let everyone else clear out first, then I would leave. I felt his breath against my ear, and he gently pulled me up, holding me tightly. I tried steps, but I could not walk them. He lifted me in his arms and my head rested on his shoulder. I felt my life returning, I felt my soul, I felt my heart smile.
He bade everyone go to the right, left meant certain death. “Show me. I can walk now.” He released me from his arms but still held my hand. “Slowly lady, would be easy to walk off the edge.” And I knew what he meant. We were inside the earth and the drop off was the crack in the earth. A bottomless pit awaited anyone that ventured this way. It come quickly, without warning and that was the screams that lasted long after they should have ended.
I prayed for the lost souls that had journeyed that way, and prayed for the ones that made it out safely.
“We must go now. There is still danger. We must leave this place.” I had not realized how many people were in there but we passed more cave like rooms. We made sure everyone was out before we left, then the earth shook, but not like the big quake, more of a ......everyone scattered.
He was huge. Taller than the post office. I had never seen a giant, the only existence I had known was in the bible. But here was one trying to step on our people.
The people had pretty much gotten out of the way except for me and Hero, and his giant steps, brought him close quickly. Hero handed me my bow, but the arrows did no good. “I am Icarn.” His voice was loud, echoing throughout the town. “I want food, now.”
Again the earth shook and it settled. Each time the earth dropped. He stomped his foot like a child with a temper tantrum. “YOU,”  His voice boomed as if thunder over the mountainside. It was me he wanted, but he was not going to get me. How to prevent it, I did not have a clue, but it would come.

Chapter 27
Icarn bent down reaching for me. His hair was so long, I could have climbed it as a rope, but looking at him it was short. It really only reached his shoulders, but his shoulders were huge. It was a dusky charcoal color, and it matched the freckles upon his face. The color must be from the sun. He did not burn, he tanned. That was weird since everyone else burned, and he was closer to the sun.
Maybe it was the location he was from. there was life other than here but really big life. I side stepped his hand. My goodness the size of his fingers. Almost the size of one of my legs. I shot an arrow into his finger and it only must have been a pin prick to him. I think I just made him angry. He slammed his fist upon the sand and it created  a vibration, picking me up and tossing me in the air.
I was so tired, weak, and hungry but God had given me the strength for this battle. But now it must end. He reached for me again and I took off running, motioning for Hero to join me. Icarn stood reaching his full height , and we ran avoiding his gigantic feet. Now I know what they meant by giant steps. And we were running straight for the crack in the earth. Closer and closer, to the crack and the last minute I turned left, Hero turned right, and Icarn could not stop. I could hear his screams as he tumbled into nothingness below.The screams gave way to a sad echo.
I plopped down on the ground, to tired to move, and Hero moved to my side. He also plopped down. I looked at him, he looked at me, and for some unknown reason, laughter burst forth. Could be from, joy, could be from being alive, or could just be from the insanity of it all. I mean really how many giants have ever been around? Icarn was the first one I had ever seen, and I wondered were there any more? Such a big possibility.
What was happening? The whole area began to shake and Hero and I held tightly each other. The remaining buildings tumbled, the survivors ran in random directions avoiding the aftermath. The post office crumbled into dust, glass from the windows shattering, and massive boulders rolled from under the earth where we had been imprisoned. 
Still we held tightly to each other, still the earth shook, and the crack in the earth was filling with rock and debris. When it was filled to the top, the earth no longer shook. A quiet peace settled. 
The survivors came out from hiding slowly, looking around in wonder. The hiders came from the only building that remained standing, the one where I got my sunglasses. 
Hand and hand Hero and I made ourselves known. We were home. This was where we would settle, start anew. This was our new beginning. 
The wagon was still there and still in one piece, but where was Jezzie?


Chapter 28

“I know you.” I turned. She was an old woman, perhaps in her seventies. “You lived up the mountain, little old cabin up there.” All the time she spoke I was thinking no, no, please do not tell me. What if it was bad? What if it was something I did not want to remember?. But I have never, well not sure about the past, but now I have never walked away from anyone. That would be rude.
She cocked her head to the side, and after looking for a minute said, “Maybe that was not you after all,” And she hobbled off. I watched as a young girl, really filthy girl, took her arm and was leading her away. She was not the only filthy one, we all were.
This was good. People walking about, getting to know each other. Even the hiders had come out.  Hero had let me in on a short version of hiders, my rescue, and how he had been left for dead.
We gathered everyone together, and led them to the waterfall. It was amazing how people could change so much after the grit and grime was washed away. There was so much laughter and chatter, so much happiness had come this day, or night which one I did not know. I did not have the cackler’s calendar to rely on. 
The man that had looked after me while I was imprisoned was called Mark. He claimed to have been named after the book of Mark in the bible. He had brought me a can of peaches. He had opened them and everything. I was delighted with his gift, so delighted I kissed him on the cheek. I watched as his face turned red.
At one time he had been a hider. They had stock piled food way back in the back of the store. He had slipped out one day, and they had caught him. “Lady I think the reason I was caught was to meet you. It matters not anymore. I am at your service anytime.”That was so sweet. “Thank you, Mark. I will remember that.” 
Most everyone were trying to find a place to lay their heads. They were clean now, most had eaten, quenched their thirst, and now their energy was abandoning them. It was time for me to rest as well.
There were more people now to guard and they were scattered. How were we to guard them? It would be better to get them all together, but Hero took my hand and led me away.
He pointed to the north, the south, the east, and west. “Do not worry Lady, we are well guarded. We have nothing to fear.
They were beautiful. Wolves stood in all directions. Four of them, but they were bigger than a normal wolf, stronger, and deadlier. Two were ivory white, and two were black as a ravens wings.
“Hero, have you seen Jezzie?” I had no idea why I worried over her. It was the same with the stranger‘s horse. They would come when they were needed.“No Lady, I have not, but I am sure she will show.” He touched his finger to my lips and said, “Shhh now Lady, let us go rest. You have been through a tough time.” He led me to the store and we went to a secret room in back. I worried no longer over the cuts and bruises I managed to receive, but I could hear his sharp intake of breath.
I turned towards him and touched his cheek. Oh what tender eyes he held. I could never get enough of looking into his brown eyes, yet now was not the time for declarations of love. A little voice flitting through my mind teased my thoughts. Will the time ever be right? He held me gently in his arms and sleep came quickly.

Chapter 29

I awoke with my head on Hero’s shoulder. It felt good, it felt so right. I wanted to watch him sleep, but it was really dark back here, dark as the cave. I had almost got my eyes readjusted to the sunshine, and now I am in darkness again. I shook it off. I could not fear. I had God watching over me and Hero by my side.
I could feel the beat of his heart, and the warmth of his breath. I could feel the peace, the feeling of safety, that Hero sent forth. I snuggled back up against him and enjoyed the feel of him. I did not know how long it would last.
Our world had been spinning us like a child’s top. A new journey, a new adventure each day, or night. It was not really so bad being unaware of time and days. I felt more appreciation for what God had given us. I felt a deeper appreciation for people, but most of all, I had a deeper love for God.
My thirst had returned. I eased from Hero’s arms, and stood grabbing my bow and flashlight. Though I was just going to grab some water, I would not be caught without a weapon. So many things could happen, so many things could go wrong.
“Hold Lady, I will go with you.”  “It is okay Hero. I am just going for water.” His voice became more insistent. “I said hold Lady. I lost you once, I will not loose you again.” Another time, another place, not really knowing for sure, but I think I would be upset. But now, at this moment, my heart was singing a very happy song.
His hand touched mine and our fingers entwined. The flashlight put out a weak glow as we walked through the shadows of stacked boxes. It was if they knew what was to come. 
I stopped us by the sunglasses. I would need another pair since mine had been lost during my capture. Wait a minute. The sun was not shining.
We practically ran out the door and looked towards the Heavens. Darkness had fallen, but not the darkness like back at the old cave. The cave where Tom, Johnny, Adam and the rest were. No this was night time darkness.
There was a full moon, and a sky full of stars. The wolves gave a chorus of howling at the moon, but not for long. Just long enough to let us know that we had survived, the worst, and getting ready to work for the best.

Chapter 30
It was cool, and it felt so good. Not wintertime cool, but the cool you felt on a summer’s night. Time, seasons, daylight, and night, things we had taken for granted now served as a lesson learned.
Hero and I watched the sunrise together, and it was such a beautiful sight. Had I ever watched a sunrise? I was not sure, but I was watching it now.
I was no longer going to call our people survivors, they were neighbors. John, the barber, and his wife Leia the seamstress, Jimmy the carpenter, and his son, Anthony, Chancy the grounds keeper, and so many more.
There were many, I was overwhelmed, not many as in big city many, but enough to start our own little town. There were more carpenters, millers, shop clerks, and the list went on and on. Now all we needed was organization and team work.
They began to walk to Hero and I and soon they had all gathered. They looked to us, they looked to me, and I did not want the responsibility. I was a warrior, a gatherer, a disciple, not a leader.
Besides it was time to go back to the cave and gather the others. They should be here with us, in our new home. There were no houses yet, no buildings, except the store, but that was soon to be taken care of.
“Lady, what do we do now?” I think that was Jacob the worrier. “Well we get organized. Everyone has their talents, it is time to put them to use. We rebuild. We share food, and water, we grow crops, we build houses, there are many things to be done.”
“But Lady that will take time.” Of course there had to be one drama queen in the mix, so now we had Debbie drama. “And where are you going anytime soon? We have no clock, we have nothing to say rush, rush, rush. Time is unimportant. Enjoy this day God has given you. We survived. Appreciate that.”
“So Lady, what is your talent? Can you build, can you sew, what can you do?” I do not think it was what he said, but how he said it. He was a pudgy little man,(which was out of place here amongst the ones that had little food.) and he had a smirk upon his face. And then he had the nerve to look me over like he was buying livestock. Well maybe I was just imagining it, but then maybe I was not, because I felt Hero tense up and the look on his face was none to pleasant.
“I am a warrior, a settler, I am not a leader, and I do not do arguing. Though Hero may take a mate, he will lay with her at night, but on the morrow, I will be by his side, fighting, protecting, exploring this new world.” What had I done? I should have left Hero out of this. I think my face must have turned all kinds of red. I just as much said he was my mate. How to correct this before I stuck my foot further in my mouth, I was unaware. I am sure he would not forget this.
Hero stepped forward. he did not look at me, did not smile, but looked straight at the pudgy fellow. “Lady is a warrior and a very good one. Do you think y’all are the first ones she has helped? Towards the west are cannibals. Yes they eat people. It was her bravery, her courage, her faith in God that saved those people, and almost cost her her life.’
“Though she may someday marry, she may lay with him at night, but on the morrow I will be by her side. I will always fight with her, go where she goes, and have her back no matter what. If anyone has a problem with that come forward now.” The pudgy man lost the smirk on his face and eased his way into the back of the crowd, however another stepped forward. A little skinny fellow only about five feet tall, long shaggy red hair and a thick beard to match. Surely this man was not going to challenge Hero.
“I am Elvin, sir, and Lady,” He nodded his head once at each word. I am a preacher and I would be honored to marry you two. It is known by all you are meant to be together.” “Well Elvin, the preacher, I am honored that you would do this, and honored that we have a man of God among us. Now we can have a church. You will preach for us won’t you.” Okay so I was avoiding the subject of marriage. For one Hero had not asked me, and now he had a choice of more women no. For another, it was not time, not yet.
Hero had been put on the spot. Yes he wanted Lady as his mate, but it was not time. How could he say this without hurting his soul, his mate. Besides there were more men now, and it was time to bring Johnny, Tom and the others. Tom was in good health and a doctor, maybe she would prefer him. Oh his heart hurt at the thought.
My heart hurt at the thought of Hero laying with another, but he was a handsome man, and a brave warrior. There were more women now, and clean they looked pretty. I would not dwell on it now, that would be future. What God wanted would be the outcome.
At the same time we spoke,”Thank you Elvin, but it is not time yet.” I think we both breathed a sigh of relief. Yes we were mates and I held a deep love for this man, but something was telling me yes, it will happen, but not yet. Now was not the time.
I had work to do. We all had work to do. Everyone got busy putting their talents to use. The barber was cutting hair, the seamstress was sewing clothes, there were many stacking lumber from the fallen buildings, removing debris, all were busy except the pudgy man.
Ellie took it upon herself to cook for everyone, and I made it plain those that did not work, did not eat. “If they give you trouble fetch Hero or me,old pudgy over there, if he does not work soon, no food.” She laughed. “That is Curtis the banker. He was always so greedy, and mean. He has never had a kind word for anyone.” “Well Ellie, perhaps we should take him down a notch or two.” I winked and walked off.
I could not help the sharp intake of breath that come forth from my lips. Hero was without a shirt, helping stack the lumber, his skin had become a dark brown, and without the wrappings he was indeed a fine specimen of a man.
I went into the store, got on my knees and thanked God for the opportunity He put before us. I knew there was more, I could feel the restlessness.  Soon we must get the others. We needed Tom. It would be good to have a doctor around.
After my conversation with God I found some flower pots in the store and the potting soil. My back pack was still in the wagon, so I retrieved the seeds. I put the tomato seeds in three different pot and found a nice out of the way spot to put them. Now for the water. I could use bottled water, but then I would just have to refill the bottles. I found a jug, I already had my bow, but for some reason I preferred my machete, and I had not used it in awhile, so I also took it along.
Thinking and walking just like before. I could find some pipe, drag it to the waterfall, and run it into the town. We could build a big barrel to catch the water. We could also build a smaller barrel, put it in the shade and the coolness would keep drinks and things like that cold.
He followed her, and watched her, and he waited.

Chapter 31
She was beautiful, his Lady. Why did she take off on her own? Did she not realize she was always in his thoughts. He was always aware of her. He could feel her hearts beat when she was not near. He could feel her breath, as a whispering thought. He loved her. He had not told her, but she knew.
The jug was filling  and he watched as she stepped under the falling water. It fell upon her, and he closed his eyes. He did not need to see, he knew. He knew the way her eyes sparkled with joy at the simplest pleasures, the way the corners of her lips turned up in an innocent smile.
She was through now and he would carry the water. He showed himself, and he saw her eyes light with pleasure, someday, yes someday.
“Wonder what lies past these trees?” I know it came out of the blue, but I really was curious. “Well Lady, perhaps we should find out.” I was not surprised to find he was there. I felt him, I could sense his presence. He had given me my space and I loved him that much more. He always knew what I needed.
He carried the water back for me, and I watered the seeds I had planted. It would be harder for the fruit trees, the soil was ,mainly sand. Of course if I dug the hole deep enough I could put potting soil in, then the seeds, or I could start them in a flower pot.
Curtis the banker came over and offered his help. He had no skills that he knew of (besides money) but he had stayed on a farm for awhile. He would not say much about it except he loved to watch things grow. 
He carried bags and bags of potting soil, and once started he would not stop. I think he lost himself in the task at hand. There was no longer any chatter, no longer any sarcasm, and I did not have to give him direction in anything he was doing. He really was not a bad sort, but then again he had to go without lunch earlier in the day.
Shadows lengthened the evening sky, and everyone was at their stopping point. There was only a few working on a wash barrel, but it was not through yet. Everyone was heading for the waterfall to wash up for supper. 
Hero and I were left alone. We both were getting restless. Things had been started here and they were well able to tend the town themselves. They are getting organized, they were breathing, once again they held hope.
As soon as Jezzie returned I was going back for the others. This was their future as well. This town needed a doctor, fresh milk, eggs, and oh how I missed Nessie. 
The wolves had remained and Hero and I would feed them, when we were here. When we were gone, Morris would feed them. Morris was young, perhaps a teenager, it was hard to tell. I noticed Sarah Jane eyeing him a lot this day. Well we did have a preacher now.
The wolves were baying now, everyone was running from the waterfall back to town. An occasional scream tore through the air, but then all was quite.
Just like a school girl I jumped up and down and actually cried happy tears. Hero was smiling from ear to ear, The wolves stopped their baying, and the whole town was looking at us really funny.
Jezzie was back and she had brought three horses with her. Now we were building up our animal stock. After we brought back the others, Jezzie and the wagon could stay here, and Hero and I could take the horses exploring.
There was still a lot of land out there to explore, a lot of survivors, and a whole lot of curiosity.

Chapter 32
I found Elvin to be a true man of God. He prayed over our meals, prayed over the crops started by Curtis and I, and he even prayed over the wolves. Many a time when Hero and  I were on our knees and he came to join us.
The moon had passed five times since Jezzie had returned, and on the morrow Hero and I would depart for the cave. I felt a sense of urgency, mixed with a sense of excitement. I knew Tom could handle the small group, and the animals, but I still felt that something was not quite right.
Two buildings were up, a church, and community building. The water barrel for cooling was completed and the washing barrel was almost through. I still preferred the water fall. It provided a sense of peace and privacy.
I usually bathed with clothes on to wash them as well, but this time I removed everything.. There would be no prying eyes, the wolves guarded me well, especially my biggest wolf, my Hero. I did not feel his eyes on me and that was just as well. It was too soon, and we were not married yet.
I felt good, I felt clean, and I stood guard over Hero as he done with me. We walked back together in silence. My mind was on our journey to come. 
After arriving back in town I went into the church and Hero followed. We were on our knees asking God for his blessing on our journey, and thanking him for our people and the wonders already accomplished.
There was a big change in Curtis. I think he was meant to be a gardener rather than a banker. Several of the men had gathered enough old wood to start wooden sidewalks, and had even built some wooden benches.
A long wooden table was in the center of town, and that is where we all gathered for our meals. Elvin asked God to bless our food before us, and just before we started our food Elie came around to my side of the table and bless her heart she had some sweet tea. I think I thanked her so much her eyes sparkled from pure joy.
Many things I missed since the cleansing begun, but I managed. Many things I had drunk, goats milk, hot Pepsi, even hot water. This was sweet tea, and you better believe I enjoyed it immensely.
Several of the women helped Elie gather the dishes from the table, and the men hung out just to chat. 
Hero come to my side and said, “Lady may I have this dance?” I was going to speak of no music but of a sudden I heard some. Someone had found an old boom box and though the radio would not play, there were CD’s. I discovered I knew how to slow dance, and even later just danced. There was so much laughter. I guess we were celebrating, or maybe it was a farewell party. Soon the batteries died on the player, and though there were more, everyone was tired, and ready to call it a night.
She watches me. She had watched me all night, and the feeling was creepy. Did the old woman really know me, or was she mistaking me for someone else? She had called me Cindy the other day. For some reason it was familiar, but then the young girl, her granddaughter Erica snatched her away before I could ask more. I really did not want to know more though.
Hero and I had a tent now. One of the wolves we named Bane. Why I do not know,it just sounded right. Bane was always more watchful, he chose to watch our tent as we slept. The other wolves remained nearby, watching, waiting. I think a few more had come in the last moon’s pass.
I did not know their thoughts, but Hero did. They had protected him as he lay weak, and dying upon the sand. Yes, they were welcome here and the new ones as well. 
As I lay asleep, dreams flowed through a misty haze torturing my mind.

Chapter 33
He was a man, a big man, mean looking. He was reaching for me. He grabbed me by the hair, and I was terrified. “Lady, Lady awaken please.” I woke terrified and shaking fiercely. “What is it Lady? What is wrong?” He held me and I calmed a little. I did not tell him, I could not tell him, because I did not know myself. Before I woke I saw the old woman in the distance tears from her eyes.
I lay in Hero’s arms fear keeping me from sleep, and I could tell he did not sleep either. It was decided we would leave before sunrise. If we should need sleep we could climb in the wagon and rest.
We were leaving Jezzie and the old wagon, and one of the horses. They would be useful moving lumber and hauling debris. Even though the crack in the earth had been filled, we still had to build a bridge to bring the wagon across. That had been done, nearly after Icarns demise. 
The men had built a new wagon, complete with a roof. It was very nice. A covered wagon as in the old days. We were starting as they did, and I prayed every day that our progress would not end up as it had in modern days, before the cleansing.
  We had proven that we could survive, on what little we had. Though things were missed we could make it. It was sure great having that sweet tea. She found it in the hiders things. In fact I think they had told her about it.
    Curtis had been happy too. Little sprouts were coming up all over the place. He had even found a hoe, and turned some of the soil. He said though it was sandy, if he could dig deep enough, or even mix it with some potting soil he might be able to get some grass started. There had been some grass seed in the store also.
    We were loading up the wagon with supplies when Elvin come upon us. He said that something had woke him, and when he discovered what we were doing he wanted to wish us well, and safety. 
    I was grateful that he was awake to bless our journey. I entered the church, Hero by my side, and prayed for the safety of our town, our people, and our journey.
    Flashes of that man in my dream kept flitting through my mind. I never did get a good look at him, but I knew he was evil. I could feel it. I began to shrivel inside at Hero’s touch but why? I did not want to. I loved him and I knew I was hurting him, and though I tried there was something I did not understand. 
    The wagon was loaded now. I was not sure how long the trip would be because there had been no concept of time when we left. There was no day and night, light and dark. It did not matter we were on our way now, and no matter the length of the journey we would have more citizens, fresh eggs, fresh milk, and a doctor.
    I talked to God quite a bit as we started our journey, something just did not feel right, but I was not sure what yet. I just believe the evil man had something to do with it.
    
    

Chapter 34
I could not be cold towards Hero for long, especially during the time we slept. Bane traveled with us and though most wolves in olden times slept of the day and were active at night, Bane did both it depended on the need.
The lack of sleep had taken it’s toll on me and Hero finally insisted I crawl in the wagon and sleep. If I was needed he would wake me.I know I slept, but the evil man kept appearing. Not for long, just a whisper here and there. Every time the evil one came for me Hero replaced him.
The third pass of the moon and we passed what was once the road to the Baker farm. I was wide awake now, looking at the marvel of the new world.  A dirt bank covered the entrance to what had once been the road to the Bakers farm , and trees were growing. If you did not know you would not believe that had once been a dirt road.
Soon we would arrive. I needed to walk a bit and Hero joined me. He took my hand in his and I realized it had been awhile since we had just held hands and walked. As usual we did not need words. Bane was close on our heals and as Jezzie had done, the horses kept moving. It was as if they knew where to go.
I still had the feeling that something was not quite right and the closer we got to the cave, the more the feeling affected me.
I understood that Hero was worried over me, and I finally told him of my dreams and the evil one. He stopped, I stopped, and he held me tighter than he ever had before. He touched my cheek and at that moment all my fears left me. “Lady, I will never let anything happen to you. No one will harm you as long as breath flows from me.” And I believed him.
We climbed back into the wagon, and spotted the opening leading to the cave. Something was definitely wrong. I jumped down from the wagon and rushed into the cave. The smell of death was strong. I could smell burning hair, and flesh.
I ran through the cave Hero following close. Tom was burning bodies, Adam and Johnny was bringing wood to help burn them better. Tom had warned them not to eat that meat. Someone had left it on the road, it was cold, and wrapped. “I told them Lady. I practically begged them not to eat it. We did not touch it. Even the children wanted it. I do not know if it was intentional, or accidental, but they are dead. There was nothing I could do. I tried, I really did.”
I prayed with Tom, Johnny, and Adam, prayed for the dead, and prayed that there would be no more death. 
“Gather your things. We have found the perfect place to start again." I looked around.Where are the animals” We put them in the cooling room and Nessie is watching over things. I went into the cooling room and sure enough she was guarding well. 
I sat, and Nessie, Billy, and the cats(I could no longer call them kittens) came to welcome me. “We must go.” I washed some of the dust off my face but I really do not know why. I was just getting right back in it. Maybe it was not because of the dust, maybe it was to wash away the tears.
The cats, (there were extra now), the hens, several more (since the little chicks had grown), were in the wagon. Tom, Johnny, and Adam had also climbed up there. Nessie, her kid, and Billie walked along side.
On the journey home I told them all about our little town. I knew they would be happy there. There was life, happiness, and friendship, and so much to do.
“Tom, it is okay. You can not control people. It was meant to happen.” I turned and smiled at Johnny and Adam, Boys if you look in that box over there you will find a jar of peanut butter. There are also some crackers in there. We also brought kool aid, but it is warm I am sure.
I do not think it mattered to them. It was food, it was something besides eggs and goats milk, and they were growing boys. They had grown a lot since I saw them last.
A shiver ran up my spine, but as soon as it came it was gone. A warning of things to come. Passed the Bakers farm road was a swarm, or herd, I really do not know what you would call them. But they were there and there was no where we could go. We had to fight.

Psalm 27:5 'For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.

Chapter 35
Flat noses, red bloodshot eyes; you could barely catch a glimpse from the droopy lids. They had only a few tendrils of hair, and their skin was almost an ivory white, and their teeth(If you could call them that )had a light greenish tint. Their clothes hung in tatters, and they walked in a stooped manner.
As they moved forward towards us, I got a better look at them. Their teeth were jagged, and sharp like shards of glass. Froth dripped from their lips. One had a piece of dried meat hung between the edges, and it really looked to be raw. 
Ten maybe? Hero and I could probably handle it. I do not think Tom has ever fought, and I bade Johnny and Adam remain in the wagon. They needed to survive, they were the future 
They rushed us. To be in the condition their bodies held they were quick. In no time at all they were upon us. It was to close in for the bow and arrows, so I had my machete striking anything in my path. Hero, was cornered as well, and slashing as I did.
Tom and Adam grabbed Nessie, Billy, and the kid and put them inside the wagon for safety. They would not have a chance to fight off the swarm, or whatever they were called. That was one worry off my mind, I would not have to watch out for them as well.
One of them came from behind and I felt its long jagged nails attach themselves to my arm. Its nails were hung in my skin. Finally it got loose and had a small strip of my skin which it tasted. It really went into a frenzy then. I remember going down, my arm bleeding, and the creature on top of me. It was going for my throat and I was holding it off trying to get the machete at an angle to attack, when Bane jumped , knocking it off of me.
Bane struck like a wild animal(which he was) sharpened fangs tearing chunks from the creature. He had a taste of blood now and he was after all the creatures. Soon they were defeated and Tom, jumped from the wagon with his doctoring kit.
Antiseptic and bandage, I was ready to go. Hero had a long gash down the side of his face, and I could tell the antiseptic burnt. He bit his lip to keep from yelping, and I tried not to smile. Tom said it would probably scar and Hero frowned at that, but me, I loved that man so much he always looked good.
The dark shadow that had come over me was gone now, so I thought the danger was over. Upon the road we moved again, except for a wagon going west, we were moving east.  Through the night we traveled and by morning we were nearing our little town.
And that got me to thinking, our town needed a name. Though I would travel near and far, I would always return. This was where I had awakened after the cleansing, this is where I came back after the farm, and this is where I came after the cave.
Even now I felt like I was coming home.

Chapter 36
The wolves were baying, but not an angry bay. They knew it was us. They were welcoming us back home.
There was a lot of activity going on. Curtis was tending the garden,  Ellie was putting food on the table, and Mark, along with a man I did not know his name were building a box inside the ground.
The wagon came to a stop and everyone ran to greet us. I felt so alive, so loved. I introduced Tom, Adam , and Johnny to the towns folk. Morris, Adam, and Johnny were close to the same age, and they were chattering up a storm. When Morris discovered the animals he was so excited. he was the animal tender, that was his passion.
Everyone was excited over the animals. Ellie was already thinking of breakfast, fresh eggs and milk for the whole town.. 
The underground box was actually a cooling box. A side was partitioned off to keep things cool without getting wet, the other side held the water to keep drinks and things cool.The sidewalk had been extended, more wooden chairs had been built, and a small house was started.
Hero and I were informed that it was our house, and when we went on our travels and we returned it would be a place to lay our heads.
Hero and I walked the town hand in hand greeting everyone.Tom, Adam, and Johnny were doing the same. Morris had the animals settled and brought the wolves in. None here feared the wolves anymore for they knew they protected the people of the town.
Elvin ran up to us and Mark was not so far behind.
“Welcome home, Hero and Lady. We have missed you.” Mark handed me a bouquet of flowers. They were not real, but it did not matter, they were beautiful. Thank you Mark, I will treasure them. Elvin spoke,”We hope you do not mind. We settled on a name for the town, but if you do not like it we can change it.
They had grabbed some spray paint from the store and was in the process of painting a sign. New Beginnings; a perfect name. Yes I liked it.
The old woman’s eyes were on me I could feel them. She walked to me and grabbed my hand. Shivers upon my body, and a deep voice echoed my mind. “Cindy, I am coming for you.”
I took a deep breath and ignored it.
I survived the cleansing, God had been good to us. I had a good man, good friends, and I was home. New Beginnings. Yes a perfect name.

© Cynthia Clark