Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The skies above Jerusalem were abuzz with drone traffic, the majority of which appeared to be carrying goods of some sort. So, we judged it safe enough to launch our own.

Quasimo guided its flight handily. The views it sent back were crisp and clear. It seems that wherever it flew, it passed over mansion after mansion, betokening wealth unimaginable.

Reuben remarked that all of this construction was new. A logo, familiar to Quasimo, was affixed atop one of the largest palaces. He said it belongs to the richest merchant family in Babylon. Probably displaced here when the army of the East captured that city.

Elijah asked Reuben to lead us to the prison in which we had first met.

Advertisement

Day Eight Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

During the daylight hours, the constant din of construction assails our ears. I find myself longing for the relative quiet of the night.

Jezer welcomes the noise. To him it means, that for the time being, the authorities have chosen to ignore the goings on in this quarter, one in which can be found a multitude of those not bearing the mark.

As to himself he is currently basking in plenty, having sold off all his camels. And is contemplating his next investment.

I just hope we do not end up part of his calculations.

Meesa has praised him to Elijah and said his aid has been pivotal to the needy in this quarter. We passed the afternoon with her.

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 Two Hundred Seventy Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There are indications of a great slaughter in this area also, just no human remains left behind to decorate it.

Elijah kept our presence hidden from view. At any sign of activity, construction or otherwise he turned us aside.

Our course was so erratic that we lost our orientation. We entered building after building in search of a vantage point from which to regain our bearings. At long last Elijah was satisfied, and we descended to take up our march towards a garden square in the next sector over.

Suddenly, as we neared our destination, people filled the streets. But we were just two more figures moving in the gathering dusk.

We will spend the night in the garden square.

Day Two Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I convinced Elijah to return with me into the building above. I wanted him to get an understanding of the city’s layout. And I had something important to share – between us alone.

We felt the burn in our calves after ascending those stairs.

Coming out of the stairwell on the 20th, the view of where we’ve been, greeted us – the river, the bridges and the distant mountain. We crossed to the back where the view of where we’re going awaited.

There were stark contrasts – lots of construction ahead on the left – nothing to the right.

Elijah thanked me. He now knows where we will go next.

I then shared that I saw Stan last night. Roaming the deserted streets below.