Today, Sometime During the Colonization of America

I woke up early in the morning today, for the express purpose of taking a walk before breaking my fast. As I exited my cabin, the rim of the sun was just peering over the treetops, and a mist covered the land. Although I could not see them, I could almost feel the protective presence of the three ships in the harbor downstream. I had about an hour before the meal, so I walked on one of the few dry paths in these abominable marshlands. My musket was heavy in my hand, and my long knife a reassuring weight at my side. However, in this damnable swamp, the savage's bows are much more reliable than any weapon relying on dry gunpowder.

As I entered the wood I noticed that the trees were tall, stout, and thick, and would make excellent firewood. Unfortunately, they also make excellent hiding places for the savages. Looking back at the colony, I could not see any fires yet burning outside of the cabins, and nary a soul about.

When I had gone further into the wood, I realized my isolation was total. There was no sign of man, beast, or savage anywhere about me. Suddenly, before my astounded eyes, a vision appeared. I saw many things -

His Majesties troops fighting some ragtag army, famine and despair, many inventions and achievements, great riots as man surged against man, war, war, and more war. I saw terrific explosions and gargantuan mushroom shaped clouds. I saw great guns spewing a hail of death. I saw destruction and death overwhelm all of the world, despite the frantic actions of the forces of peace.

I reeled, shocked to the core. I raced through the swamp, returning to the settlement as the rest of the colonists were finishing their meal. I ran amongst them, and told them in a breathless voice what had been revealed to me, although my words then, as now, were inadequate for the purpose. After I had finished they sat, pondering in silence what I had said.