Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were hesitant this morning about whether we should push on or not.  The battlefield to the south had fallen silent,  and no victorious troops (which we assumed were the armies of the East and North) had moved up into the positions vacated by the world government.

Mawuli removed every reason that we thought could hold us there when he simply stated that we must move on, and do so immediately. Every member of our party simultaneously felt impressed with the same instruction.

So in short order we decamped.

Along the way Mr. Kagi had a revelation and asked me a question- why were there no warplanes?

I then told him what had happened up near the reservoir above Jerusalem.

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah called for Tomas and tasked him to scout a new position for us on the route back to Sy’s old redoubt. He set up a camp with Mawuli a day’s march away.

It was late in the evening before Mr. Kagi, the Captain and Elijah and I caught up with them.

Yesterday the army of the East was stopped and held at bay by the elite forces of the world government. And it was clear today that Stan was sacrificing that group because the troops supporting them were being withdrawn.

They did so in perfect order and easily outpaced us.

The din from the opposing forces increased even as they dropped from view.

All was left to our imagination.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas had to reposition himself at his lookout point to stay out of view of an observer set up further down these heights and closer to the skirmishing.

The Captain, after talking with him, was just about to do something to this interloper, when Elijah appeared and settled him down. Indeed, he said there was no need, as we would soon be departing back for Sy’s redoubt.

As though to confirm his point, the army of the East burst forth from their forward positions at that very instant. Just in time to vacate ground that erupted under an artillery barrage.

I turned to see my friend already consumed in the throes of intercession.

It proved to be an interesting day.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Small pitched battles pock-marked the plain as the opponents sent out feelers to test the other’s mettle. Tomas guesses that the elite troops of the world government were successful at keeping the other two armies in check close to their lines.

Meanwhile the numbers of the army of the East were swelling in their positions on their front lines. It’s easy to see that when they reach a critical mass, they will burst forth and carry all before them.

In all this, Mawuli called my attention to a vehicle circulating about the camp of the world government. He is sure it is Stan’s. When it had accomplished its purpose it set its heading and sped out to the north.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We passed some tense hours awaiting the return of the Captain and Mawuli. (Which I sought to relieve by intercession). We were aware that their task might require a full day’s travel to accomplish. But as we were sure that they were aware of the advance of the army of the North too, our hope was that they would exercise the ultimate in caution.

Both, thankfully, did return safely – and with a fresh supply of water – from a situation that was even more harrowing than we had imagined.

Like we had surmised, they were aware of the northern army. And reached the well without being detected. But they were nearly trapped there when the army of the East rolled through.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mr. Kagi has taken over a couple of my watches at the lookout point with Tomas. Between them they discussed a couple of ideas, the results of which he brought to Elijah and me.

The well to which Sy once led us, is still viable and not too far distant. So, we thought it prudent to send the Captain and Mawuli ahead to replenish our supply of water.

No sooner had they departed when Tomas brought news of movement off on the horizon.

Mr. Kagi is certain they are the advance units of the army of the North. He finds that circumstance puzzling for the plan he was privy to, granted the advance position to the army of the East.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has released his disciples. They shall return to the hiding place and take with them a message to our people there.

The message – to prepare for the end by banding together to pray for us. Especially on the ninth day from today. If they travel night and day they should arrive well before then.

Mawuli caught them on the way out and asked them to assure his parents that he was alive and well.

For now we will stay right where we are. Elijah wants to insure that the armies of the East and North drive the forces of the world government back into the plain below the the site of Sy’s redoubt.

We shall shadow them from above.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Eighteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We no longer have a reason to go onward to Babylon. For the Spirit has delivered Mr. Kagi to us. Leastways as it seems to our understanding.

But we had much discussion on this point after Mr. Kagi and Elijah’s disciples filled us in on the situation there.

According to Mr. Kagi the coalition of the armies of the East and North will need to act soon while they have the supplies and the strength.

The desalination plants in Babylon have been reduced to rubble. Though possessing a huge reserve they want to advance and capture their enemy’s before theirs is consumed.

Elijah’s disciples believe that the time is imminent and they desire to depart before their armies flood in.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas called everyone to his lookout point at midday. The sounds of conflict had reignited and movement could be seen on the horizon in the direction of Babylon.

It was soon apparent that we were observing a retreat. But a retreat of which army? The coalition of the armies of the North and East? Or that of the world government?

Whichever the case, the Captain estimated that this movement was not a rout, but rather a strategic repositioning. Units were breaking off and taking up positions on the high ground to each side.

I had a moment of consternation when I realized that our position might be desirable for their purposes.

But by evening they were well short of us.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Another change to our prospects. Sy and I did find some more foodstuffs, untouched under an opening clogged with rubble. Sy says it dates back to his former occupancy of the redoubt.

This development may not, however, influence Elijah’s decision. He still thinks most should be sent back – especially Mawuli.

We had more time to contemplate the situation on the way past the stone bridge. Tomas wanted to show us the extent of the forces that are tied up in this death struggle.

I was not prepared to see the aftermath of a battle spread out below that high position. A crimson carpet of bodies left drying in the sun, all bearing the uniform of the army of the East.