The Vanishing (The End of Time Chronicles Book 1)

by Heath Jannusch

  “It was a vision,” corrected Rupert, “a warning from God.”

  “Prove it!” demanded Mason, astonished at everyone’s naive confidence in Rupert.

  Just then the door to the library swung open and several men from the east lookout tower came in, helping a man who looked like he’d been through hell. The stranger was being held up by two men as they helped him to the nearest chair.

  “What happened?” asked Shiloh, standing up and walking over to them.

  “We found him on the outskirts of town,” answered a man named Walter, as he walked off to get the stranger a drink of water. “He’s been mumbling about a massacre at a town east of here.”

  Kassie came over to the man and began sniffing all around him. Rupert bent down in front of him and rested his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You’re safe now friend, we’ll take care of you. What’s your name and where have you come from?”

  “My name’s Will and I come from the town of Cherry Creek,” answered the young man, patting Kassie on the head, it seemed to calm him a little. “They came out of nowhere and slaughtered everyone.”

  “Who did?” asked Shiloh.

  “A large group of men,” replied Will, “they wore red sashes on their arms.”

  “The Enlightened Ones,” whispered Lex, softly.

  “Were there any other survivors?” asked Rupert.

  “No!” Will shook his head, as tears began to fill his eyes and he covered his face. “They killed everyone!” Kassie rested her head on his knee, as if she was trying to comfort him.

  “How many of them were there?” asked Ian.

  “Thousands,” grumbled Will, “but it was the giant that did most of the damage!”

  “I’m sorry, but did you say giant?” asked Rupert, flashing a quick glance toward Shiloh.

  “Yes and I know it sounds crazy. I wouldn’t have believed it either if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. He must have been fifteen or twenty feet tall,” continued Will, as he resumed rubbing Kassie’s ears, “and he tore through the town before most of us knew what was happening! I watched him rip the arms and legs from my friends and neighbors!” Will covered his face again and finally began to cry. “I’ll never forget the sounds of their screams as they died in agony!”

  “Well,” Rupert whispered to Shiloh, “now we know where the battle between David and Goliath fits into the story. As well as the town you saw burning.”

  Shiloh nodded in agreement. Everything was starting to make sense. His vision was beginning to come together like the pieces of a puzzle. Although all of it wasn’t clear yet, he had faith that it would be in time.

  “Giants?” scoffed Mason, folding his arms in front of him. “Really?”

  “They exist,” countered Rupert, “of that I can assure you.”

  “How do you know? Wait let me guess, it’s in the Bible right,” mocked Mason, in disbelief.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact they’re mentioned throughout the Bible,” replied Rupert patiently.

  “Well I need more proof than hearing you say the Bible says it’s so,” hissed Mason.

  “The Nephilim don’t only exist in the Bible,” explained Rupert. “Every ancient culture refers to them, they just use different names. Even the American Indians and the Egyptians have records and drawings of giants. The American Indians were terrified of the six fingered people. That’s why they held up their hands in greeting, so that they could count each other’s fingers. Giants have been recorded in Pictographs in Chaco, New Mexico among countless other places.”

  “Show me where an educated or civilized man has ever documented or recorded the existence of giants,” retorted Mason, “and then maybe I’ll believe.”

  “Very well,” replied Rupert, turning around and walking over to the bookshelves. After a moment of searching, he found the book he was looking for and brought it back over to where everyone stood waiting. “Would you consider a winner of the Medal of Honor, William Fredrick Cody also known as Buffalo Bill, to be an educated and civilized man?”

  “I suppose,” agreed Mason, reluctantly.

  “Very good,” said Rupert. “I have here in my hand Buffalo Bill’s autobiography written in 1920.” Rupert opened the book and flipped through the pages until he found the passage he was looking for. “Here it is, and I quote…” Rupert then began reading the passage.

  “‘While we were in the Sand Hills scouting the Nevara country, the Pawnee Indians brought into camp some very large bones. One of which the surgeon of the expedition pronounced to be the thigh bone of a human being. The Indian’s said that the bones belonged to a race of people who long ago had lived in that country and they said these people were three times the size of a man of the present day and they were so swift and strong, that they could run by the side of a buffalo and taking the animal in one arm, could tear off a leg and eat it as they ran.’ Apparently,” continued Rupert, “the bone was too large and they didn’t have any wagons, so they had to leave it behind.”

  “You’ve convinced me,” offered Ian.

  Mason turned to Will and asked, “If this giant was killing everyone, then how did you survive?”

  “I hid from them and when no one was looking, I ran,” admitted Will, his head held low with shame.

  “Which way are they headed?” pressed Mason.

  “West,” answered Will, “they’re coming here. I thought I could help you, even if I couldn’t help my friends.”

  “How do you know that?” Dr. July asked, with noted fear in his voice.

  “I overheard several of them talking about it. They’re after someone who lives here. I guess he did something to make them angry.”

  “How far behind you are they?” asked Ian, already planning the defenses in his head.

  “They couldn’t be more than a day or two behind me,” answered Will, as he drank from the glass of water that Cleo handed to him. “They stopped to rest, but I haven’t stopped in two days. I couldn’t sleep with that thing behind me!”

  “That doesn’t give us much time,” said Mason, “we need to formulate a plan.”

  “I agree,” replied Ian.

  Jessie, Savannah and July helped get Will to a nearby bed, while the rest of the men began planning. Kassie followed Will and laid down next him, feeling that he needed her protection at the moment.

  Everyone in the library was speaking at the same time, making suggestions and offering their advice. The scene was chaotic, as word spread through the small town. Folks started showing up at the library wanting to know if they were in danger. Shiloh saw Alfonso enter the building and he pulled him off to the side, whispering briefly in his ear.

  “We need to surrender!” shouted Luke above the commotion. “It’s our only chance for survival!”

  “Maybe we should take what we can and run,” suggested Rollin.

  “Or better yet,” said Garrett, “let’s try and negotiate with them. Perhaps if we give them some of our food and supplies they’ll leave us alone?”

  “Nobody’s giving anybody food from my farm!” shouted Ian. “I say we defend the town and let them know we won’t just roll over for them.”

  “I agree,” said Mason. “They may not be the last people who try to take everything we have. We must take a stand now or we’ll lose everything eventually.”

  “Can I have everyone’s attention?” Shiloh asked, after he’d finished giving Alfonso instructions.

  “I know most of you know me, but for those of you that don’t, my names Shiloh Evans and I own a ranch north of town. Most of us are aware that there’s an army of raiders marching here as we speak. Please have no doubts about the intentions of these men. We must not underestimate this group. Many of you seem to be pinning your hopes on building up the town’s defenses. I hope that will be enough, but I think we should have a backup plan just in case they get through our defenses.”

  “And what do you propose?” asked Dr. July.

  “I’ve built a small village, resort on my ranch,” an
swered Shiloh. “It’s hard to find and people will be safe there. No matter what happens here in the next few days. I recommend that anyone who isn’t willing or able to fight take refuge there, at least until the battle is over. I’m sending Alfonso up there today with supplies and anyone who wants to go with him.”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” agreed Lex. “You should go with them,” he said to Cleo.

  “The hell I am,” replied Cleo, with a stern look. “I’m staying right here with you. We’ll give those bastards bloody hell! Ya think I’m just a weak lass who can’t handle herself?” Cleo winked at Lex with a smile.

  “No, no” smiled Lex, shaking his head and putting his arms in the air as if he was surrendering, “nothing like that.”

  “Okay then,” Cleo crossed her arms and smiled.

  “Alfonso, will you take Kassie with you? I don’t wanna worry about her.” asked Lex.

  “Si Señor, she’ll be safe with me,” promised Alfonso.

  “Cleo’s right,” said Mason, looking at Savannah, “we’ll need her training to get through this. But I want you to go with Alfonso, when it’s safe, I’ll come and get you.”

  “Oh no,” Savannah shook her head in defiance. “I want to help and I’ve been training with Ian every day, just in case something like this happened. Was that just for fun?”

  “Baby, it’s gonna get real dangerous around here and I’d rather not have to worry about your safety,” argued Mason.

  “She’s an amazing shot Mason,” interrupted Ian.

  Mason paused for a moment, thinking about his options. He knew his wife and he didn’t want to argue with her, or worry that she’d sneak back and get killed. “Do you promise to do exactly what I say, when I say it?”

  “I promise!” Savannah replied with a determined look that really impressed Mason. She seemed stronger than he remembered.

  “Alright,” smiled Shiloh, “then it’s settled. Anyone who wants to go with Alfonso, hurry and gather as many supplies as you can carry. Everyone meet back here in one hour.”

  Shiloh turned to face Alfonso, “Once you have safely guided everyone to the village I need you to round up all of the horses and cattle and drive them into the valley, we may need the meat and transportation. Remember to hurry they could be here any minute. They may have caught up to Will more than he knew. We can’t afford to take any chances.”

  “Si Señor,” nodded Alfonso, as he accepted the map and directions that Shiloh handed to him.

  “On that note,” said Ian, “I want fresh eyes at the outposts in ten minutes! Garrett, Luke, I think you can take care of that, while I handle things around here. Report back any activity we can’t afford to miss anything. Even the smallest piece of information may mean the difference between victory and defeat. And send back one man from each outpost for a report, every hour on the hour. I’ll expect the first report in exactly one hour from now. Move!”

  Ian took command in a way that made Shiloh smile. He was really thankful to have his friend here with him. Luke and Garrett, along with ten other men left without another word.

  “Rupert,” called Shiloh, “help Alfonso get these people to my ranch.”

  “I’d rather stay and fight,” argued Rupert.

  “I understand,” said Shiloh, “but if I’ve learned anything through all this, I know that the town is going to need you more than anyone else. If things go bad here, you need to lead them through these turbulent times.”

  “Oh course, you’re right,” agreed Rupert, as he nodded his head in agreement. The history professor, turned preacher, followed Alfonso from the library.

  “Sam,” Shiloh turned to face the Mayor of Clearview. “Organize a group from the folks going to my ranch and stop at Ian’s farm and any other farms along the way. Gather as much food as you can and take it with you.” Shiloh handed the large Irishman a hand drawn map.

  “Aye lad, it’s thinking clear that ya are. Robert, Stanley,” called Sam, “we’re gonna need your trucks! Come on, let’s go! We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

  “Don’t come back,” countered Ian, already knowing what Shiloh was thinking. “You’re the Mayor of the town and the people will need you. When you and your men get to the hiding place, stay there and defend the location. When it’s safe, we’ll come for you.”

  Sam gave Ian a look like he was about to argue, so Ian added, “The town needs a leader Sam. We don’t have time for this. Get moving!” Sam sighed and lightly nodded his head. He turned on his heels and walked out the door.

  An hour later, Ian got his first report from the lookout towers. There was no sign of the raiders from any of the outposts. He sent all the runners back out with specific reminders of what to look for. They quickly reported back to the outposts and delivered their messages. The men were finally using their combat training in a combat situation. They now understood why they’d taken turns trying to sneak-up on each other and catch each other. Only now, they were trying to spot their enemies and not playing war games with old friends.

  An hour later, after saying goodbye, Shiloh and Lex watched from the steps of the library as Rupert and Alfonso led several hundred people and Kassie, north and out of town. The group was mostly women, elderly and the young teenagers who hadn’t vanished with the rest of the children. They carried what food and supplies they could.

  Dr. July strolled up smoking his pipe, joining Shiloh and Lex on the steps. “It’s quite a sight,” he commented, in between puffs, as he watched the people leaving town.

  “What are you doing here Doc?” asked Shiloh. “You should’ve gone with them.”

  “Oh bother,” grinned Dr. July, “I’m not that old. With a fight coming, you guys might need me here to mend your wounds. Besides,” he added with a wink, “I’m not that bad of a shot.”

  “Neither am I,” said Jessie, as she emerged from the library with Cleo.

  “What are you doing here young lady?” Uncle July’s face was stern, yet worried, but that wouldn’t change her mind.

  “It’s like you said uncle, they’re gonna need every able bodied person that can shoot and mend wounds. Since I can do both, it was my responsibility to stay.”

  Battle of Champions

  The Vanishing – Day 15

  Clearview, Nevada

  Over the next two days, Mason and Ian led the remaining men in fortifying the town’s defenses. The outposts had guards manning them at all times. The men were on four hour shifts so that they wouldn’t get tired and miss something. Everyone had taken more than one shift. Lex and Cleo insisted on taking shifts together, but they appeared to never loose focus while on duty.

  Ian ordered guards posted at each road into town. Useless cars had been overturned to be used as blockades. Bunkers and trenches had been built, with loaded weapons positioned at key defense locations. Each man had orders of where to report and when, if certain code words were called out over the radio. These battle plans were practiced daily.

  Ian organized groups of men to make deadfalls, large and small, in every possible part of the woods. He revealed the location of each one to everyone still in town, just in case. He was out digging the deadfalls, while Mason was leading his own groups in reconnaissance missions.

  At Mason’s request, hundreds of glass bottles were being filled with motor oil and gasoline. They were sticking rags soaked in kerosene, down the neck of the bottle and storing them in crates. The town was now armed with portable explosive and incendiary devices, better known as Molotov Cocktails.

  A few of the teens left in town were assigned this task and accomplished it quickly, discussing how they used to use the Molotov Cocktails in video games. They were discussing some of the tactics they used in the games; partially distracting themselves from their fears, but mostly hoping it might help them get through what was coming. Mason asked them to put several crates in his Hummer, adding to the rest of his mobile arsenal.

  Dr. July and Jessie, with Savannah’s help, prepared the library to take injurie
s and if necessary, casualties. They stocked Lex’s dune buggy with any medical supplies that might be needed, including a stretcher. They were now prepared to help on-site, if necessary. Dr. July was not happy that Jessie was planning on coming with him but he knew he’d need her help if he got a call.

  On the seventeenth day after the vanishings a long, thin smoke tendril began rising just east of town. The whole town saw the smoke before the outposts reported it. The Enlightened Ones had arrived, and it looked like they were less than two hours away.

  “Alright fella’s,” shouted Ian, when he saw the thin tendril of smoke rising in the east, “that’s the sign! Everybody take cover and get into position! We have less than two hours. Remember when they get here hold your fire until I fire! Most important, remember to breathe! Deploy to position bravo! Move! Move! Move!” The citizens of Clearview immediately did as instructed and headed to their predetermined positions. Most of them reported to the east bunkers, looking nervous.

  Shiloh glanced around at the fifty or so men by his side. He could tell they had no idea what was coming or what to expect. Some of them had hunted and used guns all of their lives, while others had never killed anything. Then there were those like Mason, Ian, Lex and Christopher, who knew what it meant to kill. Mason’s CIA background made him particularly useful. Mason, Ian and Christopher had all three experienced combat situations and were the only ones who really knew what was ahead.

  Shiloh turned his eyes back to the east and in the direction of the raiders approach. He could hear the sound of them coming before he could see them. The noise became loud and ominous as the raiders grew near and then suddenly, they popped out of the tree line and began to pour out over the hillside. The massive number of troops descended over the eastern hillside, like a dark shadow covering the land.

  At the head of the column was a man standing three to four times as tall as the rest. It was the giant that they’d been warned of. Shiloh’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of so many blood thirsty men, hell-bent on killing. His mouth felt dry as he tried to swallow and prepare himself for what was to come.