Day Nine Hundred Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We are on to something. Our new track showed indications of the passage of wheeled vehicles. The first we have seen out here. And the other oddity of late has been the complete absence of drones.

Elijah is excited. He believes we may make contact tomorrow. I admit I feel the same way, but I don’t know what to expect. For I really don’t know what to make of those huge wheel tracks. Somehow I don’t think the people we are looking for would have access to anything like the vehicles that made them.

On another topic, the sighting of two pigeons brought forth memories of our pair – Rufus and Clarissa. Elijah fell silent for quite a spell after that.

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Day Nine Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were on lockdown still when he left to take up the thread on our queries. He left me with a whole set of drone components to tinker with. It kept my hands busy and my mind occupied.

Elijah even lent a hand, off and on. It reminded me of the days when I knew Elijah as Lyle, and he called me ‘Enough.’ Back when we built a pair of drones. And left the city behind for the mountain.

When I voiced my recollection, Elijah said it elicited a different memory for him. It made him miss his pigeons, Rufus and Clarissa.

And that touchstone released a new flood of memories about people we hope to see again before long.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have retaken our place beside the lake from which we caught some trout, so long ago, the trout that Elijah seasoned with the hazelnuts which were discovered by Clarissa.

Elijah thought it good to take one more day to prepare before launching into the city on our next quest.

So, after a lunch of fresh trout (without hazelnuts) we climbed up out of the valley that cradles the lake in order to get a closer look at the city.

We had to go a considerable distance to rise above the tree line and gain an unobstructed view.

Its wall appears intact, though the skyline beyond is not what I remember. Hit by the fire from heaven?

Day Two Hundred Forty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has assumed the leadership role. And I take back all of the scribe functions.

I knew both of these facts beforehand. After all I am a prophet also.

We must prepare ourselves for we shall depart this oasis tomorrow. Rufus and Clarissa shall remain. Where we are going they cannot follow.

I shall keep to my special place the rest of the day.

Day Two Hundred Forty Three Afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enoch writes:

Awaiting the return of Rufus and Clarissa. I am certain that Elijah must be in the other oasis that I saw on my trek into this one.

 

Day Two Hundred Forty Two Afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enoch writes:

Rufus and Clarissa returned for more provisions for Elijah (yes, I know Lyle’s real identity).

Pray we will soon be together and be about our work.

Day Two Hundred Forty Two Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Opened my weary eyes this morning to see Rufus and Clarissa waiting for me to awaken.

They brought me food and a smile to my face.

Day Eighty Seven AM #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

I set Rufus and Clarissa free today. Ever since we arrived at this spot they have raised a racket. Rufus threw himself repeatedly at the bars of his cage. I was fearful that he would do himself an injury.

I felt my action was the best course for all concerned. Enough had no thoughts about it either way. He’s caring but not much where animals are the topic. And there were times when I caught Stan looking at them that sent chills through me. I don’t know if I could trust him if he were starving.

Day Eighty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Icicles on the tent this morning. The freezing level has dropped. And we have no way of knowing for how long. Thankfully there is no snow on the ground, just ice where any water had collected.

All were glad to see the sun later, especially Rufus and Clarissa. My guess is that all the ice will be gone before long.  So we decided to wait and give it a chance.

Lyle let me wander about without constant supervision, or what seemed to me to be strict scrutiny.

Finally, our patience was rewarded, a check of the path showed it again passable.

It is now looking the better part of wisdom to take the pass as the summit above remains white.

Day Seventy Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

A restless night. Seems I was awake every hour on the hour. And actually got up a couple times, having thought I heard Enough just outside.

It was all my imagination. Each time.

Both Rufus and Clarissa greeted the new day like it were any other. No apparent concern on their part. But not so for me.

The sun shines bright and cheery, another factor that jars my feelings.

I can no longer wait. Enough should have returned by now.

I must begin looking towards the village across the river. It seems the most obvious place.

I will cross the bridge and send up both drones.