Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We took turns through the night watching the prison. No one reported signs of seeing anyone – no prisoners, no guards, no deliveries, (even by drone).

Those contraptions and birds were all that moved. And always passing overhead on their way to somewhere else. And if any bird dropped down to roost it was only momentary.

So, this morning Elijah rose and boldly went down into the road and walked into the prison. No one and nothing stopped us. From top to bottom it was empty.

Magwich was at a total loss. And could not understand why what he had seen with his own eyes proved to be false.

Elijah announced that we would return to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Reuben found us a nice perch on a building across from the army barracks that stands outside of the prison. The whole area including the army camp and the prison appeared deserted.

Few drones were flying around. Just enough that we decided it was safe to fly ours.

Inside the prison there was no sign of movement or activity.

On its return flight, we caught sight of someone else atop another building.

Quasimo took it down for a closer look. And there staring out at the prison was Magwich. Alone.

Reuben went to him and brought him back.

He was contrite. Especially when he reported that his comrades had been killed.

But then related that he had traced Mawuli here.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The skies above Jerusalem were abuzz with drone traffic, the majority of which appeared to be carrying goods of some sort. So, we judged it safe enough to launch our own.

Quasimo guided its flight handily. The views it sent back were crisp and clear. It seems that wherever it flew, it passed over mansion after mansion, betokening wealth unimaginable.

Reuben remarked that all of this construction was new. A logo, familiar to Quasimo, was affixed atop one of the largest palaces. He said it belongs to the richest merchant family in Babylon. Probably displaced here when the army of the East captured that city.

Elijah asked Reuben to lead us to the prison in which we had first met.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Word about our intended mission spread throughout the hiding place and we soon had more volunteers than necessary, or, frankly, desirable.

Elijah and I had already selected two to accompany us – Quasimo and Reuben. So the others were all disappointed. I did encourage each one to commit to the all important labor of intercession, and received encouragement myself when they answered in the affirmative.

We made our way North. Knowing that our expedition would take up a few days we kept an easy pace. Especially climbing out by the remaining path in that direction.

We stayed well away from the main road, observing the traffic thereon – mostly tanker trucks.

Reuben found us a nice sheltered spot to pass the night.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I understood Elijah’s decision. It was a nod to the concern held by the majority within the hiding place. Though I was willing to go along, I felt that a latitude should be granted to those who will operate the drones to utilize them when and where necessity dictates.

I insisted that he and I go out with Quasimo on a test run. We chose to take a peek at Damascus.

We put some distance between us and the hiding place before launching.

Though the city was small in the viewfinder, a stream of activity was clearly discernible going in and out – unmistakably tanker trucks.

On the way back, Elijah asked if we could take a look at Jerusalem tomorrow.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I had not been able to close my eyes in sleep all night. I was compelled by an urgency to intercede for Tomas and Sy on their reconnaissance mission.

Yet the vigil in no way impaired me in my chores come the day. It seemed only to have energized me to further exertion.

In the afternoon I worked with Quasimo on a big project. Our drones kept at the hiding place had fallen into disrepair during the time of our separation in the East and South. He had gathered the necessary parts, and we should have them up and ready by tomorrow.

Elijah saw what we were doing and stopped and forbid us to use them anywhere in the vicinity.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We learned from others in Reuben’s little community that Magwich and his comrades indeed had left to find Mawuli and to rescue him if needed. (They had acted before Elijah’s revelation).

Sy and Reuben rushed out in pursuit but returned before sundown when it was clear the trio was well out of the area.

I called a meeting this morning at Elijah’s request. He poured oil upon the anxious spirits of the people and together with the other leaders promised that their concerns would be addressed, (the chief concern being the secrecy of this location if any of Magwich’s group were captured).

Tomas sought permission to go after them, but Elijah ordered him to accompany Sy back to the redoubt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah took Mawuli’s parents aside to encourage them. I could tell that their hopes were greatly shored up when I talked with them later in the day.

And I know my resolve has been strengthened likewise. It helps when you get the focus off yourself and onto Whom it belongs.

Keeping busy also helps. Especially doing those things that I can see are building up others and meeting their needs.

Mei and Meesa have aided me in this, adding to the list that Elijah gave me yesterday.

However, these chores were interrupted soon after. When delivering some requested items to Reuben’s conclave, he met me with the news that Magwich and two other former prison guards had left without permission.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Everyone has made the leap of logic and lines up the rumored sacrifice with the person of our young friend.

I was at the point of second guessing and backing off on that conclusion, banking on the fact that any hard evidence to the connection is completely lacking, when Elijah interjected that Mawuli is indeed in Moglen’s clutches and it is Stan’s intent to sacrifice the boy.

Then I knew in my heart that the altar had been replaced once again up on the heights above Sy’s old redoubt.

And I knew that we would be returning there.

Thankfully before that thought could immobilize me, Elijah set me some tasks around the hiding place that could benefit from my attention.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

An all-pervading sense of intercession has continued. And a growing awareness of our mortality in the face of these last days is focusing our desire to be more like Him – Jeshua Hamashiach.

Many came to Elijah and myself and recounted visions regarding our deaths, accounts identical through the multitude of details. Details not unfamiliar to either one of us.

But strange to say – not frightening – with each retelling there was the addition of a promised blessing.

During the evening meal, Magwich and the Raj twins returned from Jerusalem. They were much downcast, with no direct news about Mawuli.

An oppressive pall enshrouds the city with the abomination at the center. And rumors at every turn proclaim a coming sacrifice.