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.

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Day Nine Hundred Sixty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The news brought by Jezer and his companions was grim, but not unexpected. Damascus has turned into an armed camp, the focus of hundreds of army units flooding in from the countryside roundabout. (Many, I am sure, we saw on our way here).

Jezer had more challenges than usual getting back here with his tiny flock, but he has his ways. And it certainly helped having the clearances that come with driving tanker trucks obtained through Elam’s influence.

Elijah questioned them closely about what they had seen and heard. I could tell he was sifting for any leads on the Purser. I took more time with them afterwards to explain what finding these people will mean to all of us.

Day Six Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The darkness has returned again. It’s like the land wanted to roll over and go back to sleep.

Even the farmers were late getting on the road. But only a few traveled towards the army camp.

It got darker. Like a storm ready to break over our heads. You could smell it in the air.

Elijah took me with him into the city. Our friends remained behind – unhappy, but obedient.

Upon our arrival in the central square a mass meeting was underway. Rain was spitting.

Elijah interrupted.

I saw his image on the building wall as he announced to the world that he was sealing up the heavens.

The rain stopped. The sky cleared. And the Spirit whisked us away.

Day Six Hundred Eighteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Three days from today we will set out. We are no longer contending with each other for our future destiny. The Spirit has shown each one that to follow Elijah is to follow Him.

We must prepare. Each one in his own way.

Elijah visited his spot on the causeway.

The Captain traveled beyond the crossroads to reconnoiter the area towards the army camp.

I accompanied the Captain, only parting from him later to better cover the vicinity down by the river to search out crossings.

Tomas remained in the house and conversed with our neighbor.  It was from that source that he learned another name for Hamashiach – Yeshua. Our neighbor carries it from the memory of being left behind.

Day Six Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The stamp of feet no longer reverberates throughout the house. The last soldier column passed our crossroads around midnight during my watch.

The silence was welcome.

After my turn on guard I slept and actually got some rest.

Upon rising, Elijah was just returning from some time apart on the causeway. He reported more strangeness.

The farmers were on the roads again, but instead of being bound for the city, they were headed towards the army camp.

We decided to postpone our departure for today. Instead we dispatched the Captain into the city to reconnoiter.

The news he brought back was disconcerting. Not a single man of military age remains in the city, only women or children or old men.

Day Six Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas entertained us with tales of his adventures on the road before turning in. He found the conditions the same as reported by our neighbor. And no one bothered him.

We showed him the map to the other exile’s place and he recognized most of the landmarks therein. He was excited at the prospect of leading us there.

We intended to leave at first morning light and join the farmers in their daily movement to the city. However, come the dawn not only weren’t there any farmers and their produce heading to market, but the roads were clogged with columns of soldiers.

I pointed out the obvious conclusion – construction of the army camp must be complete.

We are waiting again.

Day Six Hundred Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Monotony got the better of the Captain today. Or so he explained it. He just had to take in a change of surroundings. Clear his head.

He decided to head off in the direction taken by the troops yesterday. None had returned so he thought it important to know what they were up to.

He ran into Elijah who was just returning from doing that very thing.

We all thought Elijah was out on the causeways again, but he too had felt the pull to check things out. What he found was an army camp spread out along a river.

Elijah thinks it is meant for a larger force than currently present. It is under construction.

Certainly good to know.