Heed the signs! it shouted in bold letters. The end of the world is at hand! Ravenous beasts, destruction by earthquake, wind, flood and flame . The end of our age and the beginning of the new era . But a few — those who keep the faith — shall reap the riches, even among the ruins . They shall be rewarded . Power and glory shall be theirs and they shall rule heaven and earth, hand in hand with those who shall rise .