The Fairy Diary Day 559 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The rest of us had our instructions also. While Tinadell and Merlin remained in the chamber to monitor the strand as it paid out, we were each assigned to a dragon with our own tasks. 

Dunfallon left on Conjil with the assignment to meet Gibley when he emerges at the other end of the tunnel. Tinadell said it comes out at a lower level than the cavern from which we staged our searches. 

Noralei, on Rayjil, was appointed to retrieve the other strand anchored to the rock on the other side. I was to accompany them on Cluyjil and while she minded the loose end I was to make sure that it was not in danger of severing back along its exposed length. 

It was a quick transit without the constant harassment of the wind. Our two dragons grew somewhat frisky as they did not need to battle its turbulence at the mouth of the rift. I let Cluyjil have his head as he showed off for Rayjil by orbiting her and Noralei. But then reined him in the closer we approached the secured end of the other strand. 

After reaching our destination, Noralei pronounced the strand intact and sent me off to follow it back up to its source. This Cluyjil and I did. 

However, at the mouth of its small tunnel, I found a lot of slack in the line. Concerned I tugged on it and was glad when it at last pulled taut. 

I mounted Cluyjil to return to Noralei but stopped when my pendants signaled danger. I drew my bow and notched an arrow and shot into the dark opening. A worm slid out and died at my feet. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 134 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I made the decision to go into the outpost alone. My friends remained outside and observed. 

I kept to the road and approached slowly, doing my best to be non threatening. (I left my bow and quiver with Rumble. Though I admit given my size I probably could not scare anyone).

Soon all eyes were on me. I could feel it. The guards at the gate allowed me to come right up to them. 

The one in charge knelt and asked me, “Would you happen to be the fairy named Meribabell?”

I barely squeaked out a “Yes,” so great was my surprise. 

And he added with a grin, “Then where are your companions?”

Such was my introduction to the Captain of Nimrood’s personal guard, Caywyn, and soon his introduction to all of us, as I brought my friends in at his invitation.

Day Four Hundred Sixty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The crew has switched to lighter summer attire, and Tomas has allowed the heavier work details to put off  those chores until the cooler parts of the day. Meanwhile the only breeze stirred comes off the bow of the ship.

Elijah spends time with Tomas and those in the crew he has known from before: renewing acquaintance, strengthening and encouraging their walk in the Spirit.

I made my daily report to the Captain. Routine. No changes from yesterday.

For his part, he apprised me of a change in course. Tonight he will order the ship to a northerly tack (to confuse potential pursuers), before resuming our easterly course.

There are possible clients along coastal areas that could signal for services.

Day Four Hundred Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

In my capacity as purser I accompanied Tomas on his rounds today. Every thing was in its place and as far as outward appearances go, in perfect condition. And Emil’s special container still crowned the stack of deck cargo.

We caught up with the other ships at the mouth of the channel. One split off and headed for the island port. The other two just sat there waiting.

And it was easy to see why. Another storm looked to be brewing in the south. Our Captain took a wait and see attitude too.

Back on the bridge, I watched as Elijah went forward. He dropped from sight. But I knew he made it to the bow.

For the skies cleared.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

On deck the air radiated hot and oppressive, despite the fact of our swift forward motion. At the bow it was more akin to a blast furnace.

Elijah stayed in the sanctuary cabin over night and was missing from the vigil we were keeping on the bridge in the early dawn hours.  So I assumed he was still there.

Out of the grayness a wide expanse of ocean came into focus beyond the closing pincers of the enveloping morass.

The Captain despaired. In his judgment the welcome sight was still too far away.

But then it were as if we crossed a line into a polar region and a fierce wind blew from behind us forward, forcing the pincers apart.

Day Three Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The water was noticeably placid where we held up last night. An undisturbed mirror. No wave action at all.

That all changed after the Captain ordered our ship forward to close with the becalmed ship. The cut water at the bow cleaved ahead, parting the waters and ruffling its placidity.

We hailed the ship and received back no answer whatsoever.

The Captain sent his First Mate over in their cutter. After a few attempts with a rope and grapple they were able to gain the deck above.

They were some time getting back with their news.

The ship is a grain ship. But no longer carrying grain. It is filled with the carcasses of locusts.

Elijah wants to go over.

Day Three Hundred Thirty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Stan’s former cabin is now swabbed out. The crew to a man refused to do it. The Captain was at the point of rolling up his sleeves and pitching in himself, when the Purser and the First Mate volunteered for the chore.

However, the Captain ordered the entire crew forward to view the cabin before the two volunteers tackled the task. And he had them all go through it after it was cleaned. His goal, I am sure, was to cure them of their fear.

I was standing at the rail near the bow, wondering if he had been successful in his intent, when the view changed my focus.

I climbed back to the bridge to report an approaching ship.

Day Three Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Foul weather had blown in. And from every direction it seemed. The island as of then had not come into our view. The Captain assured us that we were close, and added that it would be a good time for Elijah to do his “trick” again.

I started to protest his worldly understanding, but Elijah interrupted, told me to fetch his staff, go out to the bow, and there command the storm to cease.

I caught on immediately that this way would educate the Captain better than my words. And it was also the fulfillment for one of my dreams.

I obeyed.

And to the amazement of those watching the storm blew itself out.

One of those watching was Stan.

Day Three Hundred Eighteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The sun shining and the sea mild today. It made it easy for walking about. To that end, we climbed down from the bridge to the deck and skirted the containers to the bow.

Almost too much fresh air in our faces there.  Before we ducked out we did see islands ahead, but not ours. And we saw a porpoise alongside racing the ship, leading several others. We kept them in view on our walk back to the superstructure and the bridge. It was a magnificent sight.

The Captain was present so Elijah stayed to converse with him. I continued to the cabin set apart for quiet contemplation.

I must be getting old. For I had a series of dreams.

Day Three Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain has extended to us an open invitation to join him on the bridge any time he is there. (I think he wants to keep an eye on us).

We came on the bridge just after eating, and hovered in the background. The sea anchor was still down as the shore ahead was shrouded in clouds or fog. The Captain looked at us and shook his head.  

Elijah told the Captain he would take care of it and to prepare by weighing anchor.

He sent me to our cabin to retrieve his staff.  

The Captain had us underway by the time I reached Elijah on the bow. He raised the staff and the sun broke through dispelling the clouds.