Day Seven Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The leader of the army’s advance units took it upon himself to place us out front. Obviously he sees us as a shield and intends to wield us as such.

Of course, we actually are his shield and for the army at large wherever they place us or wherever we would choose to place ourselves.

I scanned the mountains on the right and the Captain those to the left. Elijah just forged on ahead.

This first day nothing out of the ordinary happened. At its end we set up camp and sent back word for the rest of the army that it was safe to advance.

The message was acknowledged and an additional communication was handed to Elijah from Tomas.

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Day Seven Hundred Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We had no sooner noticed that activity throughout the camp had increased, when Tomas brought word that orders were circulating for the army to advance.

At that juncture the Supreme Commander came to us with a request. He wanted us to assume a place with the advance units as they go through the next pass.

Or specifically Elijah, the Captain and myself. For he had decided to keep Tomas back in the rear of the army by his side.

(Obviously to keep us from wandering too far).

After a brief conference we acceded to his request.

I knew from my ongoing talks with Elijah that this fit exactly with our goals.

Even in the position that Tomas will find himself.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We arrived in an area at a lower elevation – and less cold. The advance units of the army had disappeared further down the pass and the main body had marched into view.

They moved more swiftly than before. At the double quick.

At first I wondered how long they could maintain that pace, but then I was struck by perhaps a more important question – why.

Tomas chimed in with the thought that they may have discovered evidence of their enemy’s presence back in that defile.

Our discussion on this topic was interrupted by the Captain who brought the news that we were not alone on the trail.  He had found tracks on our path that merged onto it from above.

Day Six Hundred Eighty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The advance units of the army arrived at the point of the avalanche this morning, and passed by oblivious to the danger that had lain in wait for them.

We pressed on ourselves, resigned to the fact that we will be falling behind again, especially as the trail ahead was climbing.

With the gain in elevation this time another problem arose, snow was on the ground – not on the path – but standing off to the side – not melting, for it was very cold. We wrapped ourselves in our blankets and continued on.

I fell in with the Captain and we picked up our studies from the day before. It kept our minds off the cold.

Elijah stayed close and listened.