Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We depended upon Mawuli to lead us around to one of the last remaining approaches to the hiding place. Besides the difficulty of negotiating the terrain of the route he had another problem to deal with.

Small groups of soldiers kept impeding our forward movement. It was apparent these men were no longer organized patrols, and all were moving in one direction. Up to Jerusalem.

We were halted waiting for one such group to pass, when Mawuli led a guest back to us.

We crowded around Mei, overjoyed to see her.

Then it fell to me to break the news of the deaths of the Captain and Tomas.

Hiding tears she put on a brave face and led us in.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Eighty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was disappointed. Instead of being back in the hiding place and resting, we were trudging up and over hills avoiding the major pathways.

As we neared the Damascus-Jerusalem road, my attitude improved for I recovered my bearings. And soon after Quasimo took the lead as he was more familiar with these approaches to our destination.

Elijah held me back and picked up our conversation of the other day. He shared that his dreams about the end have returned and are stronger than ever. He confessed that he does not dwell on them but finds that as the time draws closer, he did not want to let the opportunity pass to thank me for my constant help and companionship.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

This last leg of our journey has sapped our strength and taxed our comprehension. Every where we turned our way was blocked. We had exhausted, it seems, all the approaches to the hiding place from the west and down towards Damascus.

Finally we gave up going in that direction and doubled back around to the north. There, at last, we found a way clear that was headed in the right direction.

The night had ended long before and we were tired. But we wanted to struggle on after a brief rest. (Besides, the path was more of a track – better traversed in daylight).

So, with Tomas in the lead and Elijah right behind we gained the hiding place by day’s end.

Day Seven Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas did find another path. We have taken it and left behind the busy road and its dangers. It is pointed due north and looks to keep true to that orientation.

Early on I remarked to Elijah that the terrain we were passing through looked familiar. He replied that there was a good reason for my recognition of our surroundings. And stated that we were on the approaches to the place in the north we had visited by the power of the Spirit many months ago.

The memory of that time flooded me with peace. We had been there less than a span of a day, yet it was unforgettable.

And I’ll never forget Jordan’s astonishment at our sudden return.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We exercised the usual caution today.  At first light Tomas went into the city to scout, while we stayed on the outskirts.

The Captain was focused on the fruit trees that were indeed on the approaches to the city. Very little fruit was left to glean. What there was, was green or in one instance mealy.

Tomas brought an end to our foraging upon his return. With a long explanation he hustled us into the city.

The city was in the throes of preparing to stave off an invasion.  He convinced us that we needed to be settled as soon as possible.

Thankfully we found an inn. Though Stan’s image was everywhere no one asked if we bore the mark.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The speck on the horizon has taken on a more recognizable form. Buildings spread out in a line, conforming, I surmise, to the presence of a river or some other feature out of our sight.

The Captain bubbles over with excitement at the prospect of fresh fruit. For he believes he sees groves of trees grouped around the approaches to the city.

Tomas stayed awake late last night smelting the gold from the satellite components. This morning he showed us the results of his labors – four small, shiny rectangles of the precious substance. One for each of us if we wanted to divide them up.

We will make a short day of it. We prefer to enter tomorrow in daylight.

Day Two Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The leader of our “escorts” has not a clue what to do with us. Elijah for his part has been content for us to remain along the river for now. But that will change soon.

We made a short expedition over to Elijah’s other bridge. The escorts (seven this time) became agitated when they realized where we were headed. No one from the city will go near that bridge. They take seriously the minefield warnings placed around its approaches. I wondered what they would do if they knew the signs were placed by Elijah. He persuaded them no harm would ensue if they followed in his footsteps.

Elijah was pleased to find all as before. I marvel our reputation grows.