~~~
Day’s Verse:
Alas, sinful nation,
People weighed down with iniquity,
Offspring of evildoers,
Sons who act corruptly!
They have abandoned the Lord,
They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
they have turned away from Him.
Isaiah 1:4
~~~
Later
Despite my concerns over how my illness will cause me to behave in civilized company, I know I must return to England to fulfill my responsibilities. Despite my horrific behavior, I am bound by my Sherborne family honor in this matter, and I must trust that God and my self-control will restrain my new, unholy appetites. However, my quest has received a heavy blow with James’ death and the loss of our pack animals, for I alone cannot transport the supplies and what meager treasure I still possess back to anywhere approaching civilization. Thus it is clear that, although I speak only European languages, I must somehow convince the natives here to throw in their lot with mine. I must return to England by any means necessary; the weapons in the camp, diligently maintained by poor James, remain a viable final resort. I feel little compunction about threatening a few local tribesmen; for they are so primitive any touch of civilization, however brutal, must naturally improve their lot.