The Birds of Augur

Chapter 1

The sun rose at the end of a valley of ruined skyscrapers in a part of the city that was flooded. The water lapped against the third floor of the surrounding buildings. Drifting along the golden path of solar reflection a lone figure stood on a makeshift raft . Although going with the flow he used a staff as an oar. He was remembering an old poem¹.

    "My wandering soul finds solace in a renewed connection with the source, though I, heart-troubled through ocean roads long row the rime-cold sea, I tread the path of an exile."

    Images of nuclear explosions flashed across his mind.

    "Events always go as they must!"

    In a jerk he pulled the hood of his long grey coat off his bald head to reveal a middle aged man with a prominent scar. Despite his age he was in great shape. He was close to the side of the artificial valley and a jutting building cast half his face in shadow.

    "Often each day, alone, at dawn, I ponder my sorrows. For none now lives to whom I might speak openly."

    His raft collided with the incline of a gentle hill. He leapt gracefully on to the bank and began to ascend it. As he walked the ghosts of bygone busier days surrounded him. He could almost hear the rustle of a crowd and smell exhaust fumes as he weaved his way through the buildings without function and burnt out cars.

    "Where is the horse gone? Where the rider? Where the giver of treasure? Where are the seats at the feast? Where are the revels in the hall?"

    He had reached a high point and he gazed across a vista painted with destruction and abandonment.

    "Now that time has passed away."

    He began to climb a large pile of rubble towards the highest skyscraper in the area.

    "All is troublesome on this planet as the universe turns its focus upon us."

    Though he was light footed, he dislodged a tiny pebble from its resting place. It fell down a few feet before hitting another and another until a cascade of stones and rubble slid downwards. As they smashed into the ground the largest of the boulders flattened an old TV set and sent glass flying outwards.

    "The foundations of your world have turned to waste!"

    He turned to notice a faint pattern in the shards of glass upon the floor spelling the word - wait.

    At the top of the ruined skyscraper he sat cross legged in meditation. The sun swung by over-head and he was joined by an increasing number of birds similar to pigeons. They were not afraid of him and he was happy to let one perch on his shoulder.

    At around midday a meteorite flew across the sky behind him and disappeared over the horizon. Dusk arrived and with it a lightning storm. He remained still and unperturbed.

    On a nearby building five robots climbed towards a window from which they'd be able to see the meditating man. Four of them were similar looking. They were of human size and shape. They were white with a sheen of green and composed of blocks linked by joints. They had two large black lens for eyes and prominent aerials attached to their shoulders. Despite their angular build they moved in a surprisingly agile and human way. They were carrying rifles.

    The fifth of the robots was all together grander looking. It was larger than the others and smoother in construction. Its face was one large black lens and the rest of its body was gold in colour. Emerging from the side of the lens in every direction were long pointed strips of metal creating a mane around its head. As it moved the spokes jostled slowly back and forth of their own accord. When lightning struck nearby they cast out glimmering reflections like the rays of the sun.