*~*
It so happens, I did find this journal, though not its writer. I knew Andy, so, following the orders of my superiors, I pursued the rebel band of Kazakhs and Mongols into the Gobi Altay Mountains. Near starvation ourselves, we marched through the night to overtake the band at a steep mountain pass.
We certainly had them trapped since we had the only known approaches and exits to the pass blocked, but what we found was not only confusing, it was downright haunting!
In a narrow crag, we found the last of the rebels' belongings, and a mangy dog that lay near boots I recognized. The Christians seemed to have abandoned all, even clothes and packs, in a last effort to flee up or down the cliffs and hide in the rocks. The troops with me killed their horses and ate the meager food they'd left behind. Thereafter, we searched for a week, whereupon we nearly starved to death a second time—and some did—but we never found a single rebel or even a fleeting trace of anyone.
Since I was the only one of my soldiers—and a sergeant at that—who reads and speaks English, I kept this journal without argument from the others. This journal is the second of two books that I now value beyond life itself, and both have changed my life since reading them.
The first is the Bible.
And, yes, having read both books, and having heard news reports from around the world that millions of others have vanished, I do now understand what has happened.
The world is in upheaval around me. The water turns crimson and the sun is blotted out by ash. Millions upon millions have died. But I'm still alive, for now. I've gone to great pains to see this book in print and distributed, regardless of the strife involved—and not only this book, but Bibles as well.
Once, in a drunken rage, I nearly killed Andy for his boots. Now, having only spoken to him two or three times, I count him a close friend—and even a brother. By his life, he led me to the One who saves souls.
Sincerely, Sergeant Xing
###