Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Reuben is heart sick. Not only for the loss of his friend and the others, but perhaps more so because he failed to meet them and bring them up here to the heights.

We are thankful that Sy had the presence of mind to restrain Reuben when he wanted to run headlong down to the aid of his stricken comrades.

Elijah has Reuben with him now and is counseling him.

I will confer with Tomas. Reuben, upon his arrival two days ago reported that the Captain and Jezer had returned. So I will send Tomas out to intercept them. And Mei.

Thankfully all conflict remains far away from the distant valley below.

Time to prepare for the new moon tomorrow.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

After our comrades recovered from the suddenness of our return, we decided not to venture beyond our thicket – but pressed further back into its wild undergrowth. And there passed the night.

Come the morning we were surprised when Quasimo discovered a huge water reservoir nearby. Reuben recognized the structure and led us around to the other side where he knew of a path that could take us east.

We eschewed the side where the tanker trucks were adding their loads to the reservoir. Even then someone must have spotted us for a warplane dropped down from a great height and lined up on our position.

Elijah raised his staff and the jet tumbled from the sky – but not before firing.

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.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We learned from others in Reuben’s little community that Magwich and his comrades indeed had left to find Mawuli and to rescue him if needed. (They had acted before Elijah’s revelation).

Sy and Reuben rushed out in pursuit but returned before sundown when it was clear the trio was well out of the area.

I called a meeting this morning at Elijah’s request. He poured oil upon the anxious spirits of the people and together with the other leaders promised that their concerns would be addressed, (the chief concern being the secrecy of this location if any of Magwich’s group were captured).

Tomas sought permission to go after them, but Elijah ordered him to accompany Sy back to the redoubt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Three of Elijah’s six disciples have left us. They continued on after we halted at daylight. They felt keenly the need to do so. Elijah did not stop, nor even try to dissuade them. Instead he gave each his blessing.

I watched them as they disappeared from sight, and silently prayed for their safe passage.

As of the time we set out this evening, agreement has still eluded us. But thankfully contention has not raised its ugly head.

And a good thing for it was a challenge dodging the patrolling drones even with seven pairs of eyes on the alert.

After a couple of close encounters I could not but help think of our departed comrades and how they fared.

Day Seven Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

This day it seems we have spent more time off the road than on it. For the traffic has increased the farther west we travel. Tanker trucks mostly. But also some army convoys.

Their presence upsets Mei, for she fears it means that her comrades in the army are cut off or surrounded. In any event it doesn’t bode well.

Elijah is concerned that our westward drift is taking us away from our desired destination. So he has instructed Tomas to seek out a more northerly route.

With an expected full moon tonight, he is preparing to do just that.

Mei and the Captain put together our evening meal. And noticeably Tomas’ portion was double that of any one else.