The Fairy Diary Day 170 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Dunfallon rejoined us this morning. He reported that all is well up on the hill. Almost before he finished, Geog and Grimace collected him to introduce him around to their family and show him the sights. 

I told him to hold himself at the ready for an eminent departure. 

Meanwhile I was still awaiting a reply from the High Fairy. 

Trimbeard, the father of our troll friends was a great aid to our mission. At his sons’ suggestion he had sent out some of his people to scout for the refugees.

They discovered a pass upon which a great company had travelled. So they now know how to direct us in our search. 

I wanted to start immediately, and would have, except for a new message from the High Fairy. 

His excellency commends our present course of action, but asks after Noralei and writes that she must be with us.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Conjecture is all we have as to the why of Mawuli’s departure. His parents, the Purser and Mary, had no inkling that he would do such a thing. Though they did note that he has grown quite independent.

It is my considered opinion that he would not have acted without first consulting the Spirit. But why he had not sought the wisdom of others for a confirmation has me puzzled.

As for myself I feel an overpowering desire to go up to Jerusalem to look for him.

Elijah, however, remains noncommittal. He will not budge an inch until summoned to do so.

Magwich has come to us today with the Raj twins and we allowed them to make the attempt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Strange things mark this day. (None, however, were the sign to trigger Tomas’s departure).

The sun came up and promised to lend a cheeriness by its presence. But in its rise it did not dispel the darkness overhead. There were no clouds, but something hung there as if there were.

The blackness turned to a dark purple, that then lowered onto us like a fog of a similar hue.

It raised a great consternation among the guards, one of whom scurried about distributing gas masks. Forcing us to don them also.

Tomas swept in with word that nothing was toxic or otherwise harmful in the fog. Then took us back into the megapolis to be closer to the Supreme Commander.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Everything has changed over night – for Tomas – for Elijah and myself. But especially for Tomas as to attitude. He is no longer swallowed up by doubt and indecision. He has grown in confidence that his place for now is here. And he knows with surety that he will be called away and has been given a sign upon which to wait.

This development, to my thinking, is all the more remarkable because the suspicions we have been harboring have been confirmed to him. The Supreme Commander, indeed, purposes to keep us with him.

As for Elijah and me, we now know our departure will be soon. And we will be leaving Tomas behind.

The prospect saddens me. Spirit, prepare us.

Day One Thousand Twenty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I went over our plans before our anticipated departure tomorrow. Not that we planned everything in minute detail. In our experience, collectively and individually, that would be counterproductive and would run the risk of missing the Spirit’s leading.

We did settle upon a direction.

At first I was all for heading north as I thought that the most likely place to begin our search for Tomas and Jezer after my talk with Quasimo yesterday.

Elijah dismissed that notion, not unkindly, but with an explanation that revealed he knew more than I did. His first pupils had been responsible for covering our crossing from that direction, our missing friends acted only to the south.

So, Damascus is our destination.

Day Nine Hundred Ninety Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I led the next group out during the first watch, thankful to have the moon up for the more difficult part of our journey. I remember wondering as it sank below the horizon how the Purser would fare with his charges, as I was sure that at the time of their departure the moon was well below the horizon.

Mawuli welcomed us and directed the group to their designated abodes. The whole process was much better organized this time around.

Come the hour of the Purser’s projected arrival we were disappointed. It came and then passed us by.

I can only assume that they have put it off until tonight.

Elijah is unruffled and talks of visiting Reuben.

Day Nine Hundred Ninety Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Consequent to the events of yesterday the Purser thought we might have to move up our departure to today. Elijah, however, was all for keeping on schedule, since there was no pressing need, but did allow that, rather than all at once, the departures should be staggered.

To that end, when Mawuli reported in that all was prepared, the Purser ordered him to lead the first group tomorrow – all those who up until yesterday had been reluctant.

Mawuli asked to accompany Elijah and to sit with the young men while he taught.

I had other things to do, but felt impressed to go along. I was glad I did.

Along the way Mawuli shared that  the twelve were bringing healing.

Day Nine Hundred Ninety Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

An unforeseen consequence to our staying here has surfaced. In our council last night we had decided to schedule our departure for the day after tomorrow. When this plan was announced this morning there was audible grumbling in certain quarters.

I took it upon myself to investigate and tracked down a few of the discontents. Each one shared the same reasoning, a reluctance to give up their present comfort for an unknown future.

I remonstrated with them to little effect. So I turned the whole matter over to the Purser and Elijah.

By day’s end my friends had them convinced of the folly of their thirst for comfort. No doubt Elijah’s vision of future troubles within these confines clinched it

Day Nine Hundred Thirty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah was out before I arose this morning. He took Jezer and Elam with him for a walk up the mountain. I know the plan was for him and Jezer to point out the way to the hiding place, but I think that Elijah had an additional reason for the hike, a more personal one.

I had everything prepared for our departure by the time they returned. We would have left right then, but Elijah called for a last minute meeting with Sy, in which he asked him to consider lending his support in freeing the imprisoned group.

Sy promised to put out a fleece on that request.

Elijah thanked him. They bid us Godspeed. And we left with Elam.

Day Nine Hundred Twenty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain provided the signal to the timing for our departure. I am thankful for it – not only for the confirmation itself and the confidence it provides, but also for the sense of belonging that it gave to my friend. I rejoice with him that he was chosen to aid the fellowship for this important step.

Both he and Tomas will provide valuable leadership in our absence.

We gathered them with Meesa and Mei for a conference in advance of our expected leaving tomorrow. Meesa will continue in overall charge. And Elijah had very specific instructions for the others to support her in seeing to the well being of the community.

Then all gathered around to pray for our mission.