The Fairy Diary Day 596 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It would appear that mornings are the times of quaking. For such we experienced when Dunfallon and I went out early.  I wanted to show him where the creek goes underground. And while we watched the hole that was swallowing the creek, it grew larger – apparently the result of the ground shifting beneath it. 

The pixie looked down into the ever lengthening crevice, and said he saw a way down. I was about to suggest that we notify Merlin before any action on our part when the wizard appeared by our side. 

He took one look and agreed that we should go down to investigate – but only after the quaking had subsided. He thinks that sometime this afternoon would be best. 

In the meantime under his direction we met with the others. They led the dragon with the wagons down to the creek, the better to observe and be ready to aid us if necessary. Navril was selected to accompany the three of us, while Noralei, Gibley, and Rumble stayed topside. 

As the time drew near, as was my habit, I checked my scroll – and there at long last was a message from the High Fairy. 

“Do not descend,” was all that his excellency had written. 

I showed this to Merlin. And he had me write back, asking where he was and what he was doing. And why should we not descend. 

Then, we waited. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 438 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Once in, I scribbled a note to the High Fairy on the scroll to inform them they could cease their exertion. I knew he had received it when I sensed the structure relax and sink beneath my feet. I went in search of the noise I had heard from the outside. It was no longer muffled. A clear, steady beat echoed throughout. 

After a few wrong turns took me away from its source, I finally stumbled back onto the right track and into Gilgorgon and his dwarves. My sudden appearance shocked them into silence and they dropped their hammers with which they were digging their way out. Gilgorgon’s surprise melted into a wreath of smiles as he recognized me. 

When I told him I was there to help, he thanked me and then pointed to the widening crevice they were creating. 

I wrote another note to the High Fairy and those outside worked once again to raise the structure. This added to the dwarves’ work enough space to allow all to make it out – if they wanted to. Gilgorgon’s miners shored up the opening with any materials they had on hand and there was soon a new way in and out of the sunken capital. 

Gilgorgon came out with me to meet with Merlin and the High Fairy. And the topic for everyone was what to do next about Artoxon. 

The Fairy Diary Day 436 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Knowing that the capital was somewhere before us, we combed the area looking for any entrance, however small, or any device that would grant us access. Obviously not privy to all the important specifics Gnoston could only direct us by his best guesses. We split up to better cover those possibilities. 

I stopped to listen repeatedly along the vector I was assigned – for snatches of sound came and went. These led me to a long crevice where the noise became a steady hum. I called the others over. 

Gnoston took one look and said that it must mark the outer wall. Merlin nodded and planted the butt of his staff in the visible crack. A ribbon of golden light ignited and spread like a fire and eventually revealed the outline of the sunken capital. 

Yet – still – no entry. 

Leaving Merlin’s staff in place we set out to examine the crack more closely. 

The Fairy Diary Day 301 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

After a few difficult sections in which we had to climb down a rock face to access a bridge across a vast crevice and then up the rock face on the other side, our way improved. The floor beneath our feet was flat and level making for easy going. 

And time to think and ponder. The light from Willie’s cage was bright and even, but the shadows around us were constantly on the move. 

It was uneasy to sense that there was an evil still out there. Many of its agents we have encountered and overcome- but it itself remains hidden. 

What lies behind the image of the black bird? That evil spirit that animates our opposition. 

That line of thought was broken with the sound of a distant ocean drifting in from the passage ahead.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah awoke first, and came and roused me. We collected Tomas and the Captain and departed our captors.

Both soldiers were in a deep, sound sleep.

Outside the crevice I had to hush our puzzled companions until we were further down the trail.

Later to my explanation the Captain said it was like one of the passages he had read to me recently. I concurred.

We looked for the army but the pass below was empty. Elijah told us it was imperative for us to catch up to them.

We picked up the pace, but I was not convinced it would make any difference. Another path at a fork looked to suffice and we took it despite its radiation warning.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A wind storm blew in over night. It became so fierce we backtracked on the trail to a rock wall with a crevice-like opening on its face.

All four of us easily fit inside. We just stood there shivering and listening to the howl of the wind. Praying it would soon pass.

Tomas, crammed in the back of the crevice, felt the movement of air on his legs. Upon investigation he found another opening through which he could crawl to a larger chamber.

We gratefully joined him.

The smell of burnt wood was pervasive. Feeling around the Captain found a firebrand which he ignited with flint and steel.

We held up inside all day as the storm continued unabated.