Day One Thousand Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Since we had not arrived at the third relay point before halting last night, I asked Reuben to make a quick reconnaissance. What looked deceptively close higher up he had found to be much further away. Quasimo was at a loss for he does not remember it being more than one day’s journey distant from the second.

And a thornier problem had intruded.

Another outpost had been set up on the direct route.

He and Quasimo put their heads together and came up with another route.

And that is how we came to backtrack up the hill and down its other side. From there we have paralleled our intended path to keep hidden from the observation of the enemy’s outpost.

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Day Eight Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The haze lifted sometime overnight. And we had an unobstructed view in every direction. In the distance to the south lay the harbor that services the megapolis, choked with merchant vessels.

And signs of much activity. Commerce was in full swing, with people going about the business of business in stark contrast to the continued stillness in this central locale.

Palaces were the norm in that quarter, spread out in both directions.

We had no curiosity to head in that direction. Unless, of course, the way out of Babylon lies in that direction. But my desire is for a more direct route to Jerusalem – somewhere to the east and north of here.

We’ll have to see what obstacles there are.

Day Four Hundred Ninety One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The terrain of our passage last night was for the most part level and easy going. I judge that we have covered the most ground yet.

As the first glimmer of dawn was stretching its fingers in our direction it revealed a town huddled around the road ahead.

Again no inhabitants were evident. Though the sound of engines rumbled somewhere within.

We were cautious on approach.

Elijah was intent on finding the best place to rest for the day. I was alert for the source of the engine noise.

Our road did not take a direct route through the town, but took a right turn off a central square.

As we took that turn we saw a truck speed away.

Day One Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Awoke this morning and during my ablutions I discovered I had been bitten by something. Such is life in the outdoors.

On a similar note, we also received a messenger from Moglen.  A different type of pest.

I know – how uncharitable of me. Probably the irritation factor of that bite unsettling my equilibrium.

Lyle was commanded to accompany the messenger back into the city.  He went freely. After I argued with him. That bite again.

I kept busy in Lyle’s absence. I had to change our original plan of trying to find a more direct route down to the desert. Instead I stood with Grazie and selected seed for planting.

In times like these, I really miss my walled courtyard.