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.

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Day Six Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Another day of waiting. Still hopeful.

Our neighbor dropped in and with all gathered around to watch, he drew up a map for us. I noted down his running commentary as additional directions for our use.

He also presented Elijah with a letter of introduction to his friend, and fellow exile, on the other side of the city.

So, we will be well prepared to leave immediately after Tomas’ return.

The Captain made it his responsibility to insure that all is set right in the house. It fits his personality as one who’s a stickler for having everything ship-shape.

I was at the point of winding up this entry when Tomas, all smiles,  came walking through the front door.

Day Five Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The road is clear ahead, and I can almost smell the sea. I can’t see it through the haze in front of us, but I can sense it is there. We are noticeably descending. Elijah claims we are approaching sea level.

The peasants we rescued yesterday were grateful, but not followers of Hamashiach. Before we separated they told Elijah that people answering our description could be found in a certain household in their village.

We are on our way there now. According to their directions it should be the third village on this road.

It was quite late when we arrived in the second. Elijah, being eager, wanted to continue but I prevailed upon him to wait for the morning.

Day Three Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Clear weather has made for good sailing. Hence the Captain believes we may even gain a day, if it continues.

The clear skies also made for good visibility in all directions, though as we learned the main focus had been directed towards our front. That is the most likely reason why the lookout had not noticed the ship shadowing our movements astern until late this afternoon.

The Captain estimates that it should have been sighted this morning.

After reprimanding all of the lookouts, he met with Tomas and the Purser as to their responsibilities in various contingencies.

The question of the hour remains, friend or foe? We will press on and await developments.

The Captain has asked for Elijah’s counsel.

Day Ninety Nine AM #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

I stood by the river alone and closed my eyes. And though they were closed, I could still “see” the river. The current slowed and the level of the water dropped – the riverbed emptied. Its babble silenced.

I opened my eyes and the river still flowed.

It must not be the right time. I will await direction.

Day Eighty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A momentous day. And not just because we made excellent progress.

We made it to the top of of the pass, and that shortly after noon. To celebrate we set up camp early. Only to have a young bearded man charge through, upsetting everything and struggling against our attempts to calm his panic.

Lyle says he came from the direction we’re headed.

After he finally surrendered to us, he only sat there, apprehension on his face. At last he realized we meant him no harm and settled down. Then he tried to convince us to follow him by telling us he had been fleeing from a bear.

We stayed put. On closer questioning Lyle learned he believes likes we do.

Day Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I remember now why I don’t stop anyone to ask the way. Or one reason. An important one. It takes too bloody long to explain. The question is easy enough, boil it down to “where?” They come back with the question “why?” I never can explain it in one go, but have to go through it all again. Even then there can be misunderstanding or a misreading on my part when they answer. Case in point, in this particular instance, she answered me in complete sentences. I had gotten across what I wanted, but then I had to deal with the thing or things that she wanted in return.

I finally had direction but it was too late to go.