Day One Thousand Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have left the patrol and our false friend far behind. The latter whimpering about being abandoned and blind on the mountain path. I was sure that his friends would soon rescue him.

We came about to our original heading and pressed on. And we saw no one in pursuit the rest of the day.

Elijah and I conversed as we went along.

More and more there were signs of the drought deepening. This underlined the importance of convincing Sy and Jordan to bring their people into the safety and security, and yes, to an abundant supply of water offered in the hiding place.

I then finally told him about my dream. The dream of the rising tide of blood.

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Day One Thousand Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas and Jezer passed through on their last trip from the well. The last until the drought ends or a miracle intervenes – it would take one in Tomas’s estimation.

Jezer thinks it may recover before then.

But now it is apparent we shall need to move on as soon as possible.

Mawuli and I met with his father to calculate how long our water will last. We concluded that we must begin to ration.

The matter had me thinking back to that snowfall in the desert. It had not been what I prayed for, but it was what we needed.

I was kept so busy over these issues that I forgot to discuss my suspicions with Elijah about the drone.

Day Eight Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It happened much as Elijah planned.

We entered Jerusalem with the morning crowds. And made our way to its heart. There were depictions of Stan on every side. Much nicer than the paper posters we’d seen to date.

And soldiers stood guard on every street, scrutinizing every passerby.

In fact, one left his post to follow us. Elijah took the attention in stride. I moved to keep myself between the two. And to shield Elijah.

We emerged onto the Temple court and there Elijah announced to the multitudes the continuation of the drought. And closed his announcement with the promise of its deepening.

A great roar of anger arose.

And the guard made to seize us, but we were gone.

Day Eight Hundred Ninety One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The road up to Jerusalem was crowded, and at times choked in both directions. Military vehicles held precedence and we pedestrians yielded the center whenever they appeared. Which was often.

The pedestrians were numerous and thankfully we blended right in.

Along the way we discussed strategies for locating our missing people. Elijah listened patiently to all my ideas. Until another interruption, this time, by a passing tanker truck.

That’s when Elijah announced the plan.

“I think we’ll walk to the center of the Holy City and announce ourselves.”

I turned to face him and he added, “And proclaim that the drought has not ended, but will continue.”

“And then what?” I asked.

“As always follow the lead of the Spirit.”

Day Eight Hundred Sixty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We did not make any progress towards Damascus today. We encamped on the outskirts of a larger town last night – the capital for this district, as we soon discovered. For we decided to begin the day’s journey by strolling through rather than around it.

The telltale posters of Stan hung everywhere with extra added touches of adornment.

We were no sooner in its central square than we were surrounded by a convergence of celebratory citizens that clogged all the exits.

We were a captive audience.

When the officials spoke we learned that they were collected to celebrate the anniversary of the world government coming to their rescue in the drought.

When it broke up, the day was too far gone.

Day Eight Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Not only did I lack confirmation, I confessed to having more questions than before.

Along the way Elijah had confirmed my suspicion that the first snowfall had been an answer to his petition on our behalf – a provision of water for the next step in our journey along an unknown path. A highly localized suspension of the drought. Purely for our benefit.

But – hence the question. Who was responsible for the crimson snow that followed. And did they know where we were? And if so, how? Were we under surveillance?

Elijah just shrugged and said it was obvious the enemy’s goal was to thwart us, but asked me to remember that the Spirit can use that opposition to help us.

Day Eight Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Both Quasimo and I advised against the move southward. But Elijah insisted. So the rest of the day we made our way out of the central district, and passed the night in a posh but deserted hotel.

Before we set out this morning Quasimo told us they would be on high alert since the explosion and surveillance would begin the minute we set foot in the southern sector.

Elijah said we would only be there long enough to deliver a message, then we would egress via his preferred route.

Thus, we ended up before an angry crowd and Elijah announced the continuation of the drought. Their anger boiled over.

But we disappeared before they could lay a hand on us.

Day Seven Hundred Eighty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were unable to talk with the Captain. He was shown to us only to be whisked away. The Leader of the hunters, however, did want to interview us.

One at a time.

He passed the night grilling Elijah. And my turn came in the morning.

By his questions to me, I can guess that he pummeled Elijah with the same. He took his time but finally got around to what he wanted to know. “Was I responsible for the drought?” I answered that we serve only at the behest of the Spirit.

With that the interview ended. He told me he was charged with the task of bringing us all in – Tomas and Mei included – to the world government.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There is a body of water at the back of the city, a lake that has shrunken due to the drought. The river that feeds it is running low, and at the other end stands a dam that impedes outflow.

This source of water is most precious to the inhabitants and it is what they intend to protect and preserve at all costs. So we conclude after observing the comings and goings of the local militia all day, and in particular their concentration in the vicinity of the dam.

Over on that side of the city Tomas was a witness to their opposition to some tanker trucks he recognized.

Though they retreated we are sure they will return in force.

Day Six Hundred Forty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have spent the whole day here. Barely moving. And shall spend the night too, rather than travel on.

The Captain has seen to the comfort and rest of our young friend Tomas. His condition and the weakening constitution of Elijah will keep us here overnight and possibly a few days more.

It is now clear why the discipline of fasting was denied me. My strength was necessary to tend to the needs of others in our group.

One item of curiosity has surfaced from among the many things Tomas related to us about his recent trip. Tanker trucks, traveling with the army are draining every body of water they pass by.

They take seriously the drought proclaimed by Elijah.