Day One Thousand One Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A not so subtle change has confronted us. Elijah had relayed a suggestion through Tomas to the Supreme Commander about our guards. He thought that a few of them could be released from our detail to other more important duties.

Instead he responded by doubling our guard. No word of explanation. Nor was our freedom of movement curtailed – for now.

I can’t shake the suspicion that this action has been motivated by a belief that he will be unbeatable if he has us with him. Considering us as little more than living talismans.

Elijah takes it in stride and remains unmoved by it, confident that we can escape any time we are called to.

The development, however, has disturbed Tomas.

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Day Seven Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A busy day for all. A large contingent of the camp spent the day with Elijah at the request of Jordan. Since Jordan has been here he has sent many groups off on the next leg of the journey to Jerusalem.

Word has passed down from all the groups that have collected here from out of the northern countries about the guidance that Elijah had shared on that one singular occasion. They were all eager to hear from the man himself.

He did not disappoint. Even the Captain and Tomas were riveted by his words. And Mei came to me with an enlarged understanding. And with many more questions.

When the camp took up their  duties she met with Elijah.

Day Seven Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Just because we were set at liberty did not mean that we were free to leave. Our guards were dismissed to other duties which meant that instead of being under their sole observation we had the attention of the entire army wherever we turned.

The Supreme Commander had decided for reasons of security that we would not be allowed to depart from the camp. And orders were issued accordingly.

I was surprised at Elijah’s complaisance in the face of these strictures. However, Tomas and the Captain were unperturbed and welcomed the opportunity to take it easy.

Finally I realized I had my sights too attuned to the end goal and was not directing my immediate focus where it should be.

Day Five Hundred Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The crew is scared witless. Elijah has been sharing with them portents of future events. He did temper his vision with reasons to hope, but they have only been able to focus on the downside. I took every opportunity to share with them out of our experience about how that hope is real and has the power to see us through anything.

I passed part of my time today with P to instruct him in the duties of a purser. (Yes, he has been approved for the position by all concerned). He has asked a lot of questions – always a good sign. I encourage him to ask more, as it gives me the best insight into what I should teach.

Day Three Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I should have paid more attention to Tomas. To his state of being.

But his duties kept him out of our sight and busy. And the Captain, not yet familiar with his personality, had no standard against which to judge any seeming anxiety or concern in his new First Mate.

Our paths crossed today. Off duty, Tomas stood idly by the rail, staring blankly into the sea. I gauged his demeanor to be due to homesickness, and tailored my comment in an effort to bring him out of his funk. It failed.

I sent for Elijah who got to the bottom of the matter. He assured Tomas that his family is safe and like him had a job to do.

Day Two Hundred Sixty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The leader of the guard would not leave Elijah’s side. Instead they conversed the night through. His men joined them upon rising with the sun.

All camp discipline and duties have been pushed aside.

I puttered about and got together a meal for everyone.

Then served each one as the meeting continued.

At the last, the leader begged Elijah to remove his mark. Elijah turned to me and called for a mirror. I soon returned with a small hand one. As soon as he gazed on his image, the mark faded. Elijah said he would now be called Sy.

As he sent them away to our former host, Elijah was candid about what lay ahead for them.  Hardship and persecution.

Day One Hundred Ninety Three Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

Grazie is being held at her post in the vineyard. And we can’t do anything about it.

She had left for it at the normal hour this morning. One of the patrolling drones pealed off and followed her. That seemed normal too, until Moglen came into the camp to claim his daughter Terresta.

Regret seized me. I should have insisted a change in Grazie’s duties to keep her in the camp. But then again she always made herself scarce if ever there were even a hint of her father anywhere near.

I told Moglen we will oppose him however we may.

Day One Hundred Eighty Eight morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

An exercise in futility? I prefer to see it as battling the temptation to impatience.

Stayed all day yesterday, returning to camp with no answers. Grazie remained until the end, and would have been waiting there still if I had not prevailed upon her that she had other duties and responsibilities.

Encouraged her to take her post at the vineyard today, and promised that I would remain in camp. She made me vow further that I would not venture to the city without her.

Two drones, one after the other, buzzed the camp.

I stood out front and waved.

Day One Hundred Seventy Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle has not returned. Not last night, not this morning.

All are upset by this, but Grazie most of all. I assured her and the others that nothing can happen to him. (Left unspoken is my confidence, nay my growing conviction that the vision is true and cannot be thwarted).

I reminded them of Lyle’s history in similar situations. He always returns.

I decided to set an example and went about my normal duties. And urged them to do likewise.

I took Grazie with me and we reported for seed sorting. Over our work I picked up on our former conversation. I explained she need not fear losing us. In fact, they will all be removed from the coming storm.

Day One Hundred Seventy Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

All from the meeting now know what to expect. They will know what to do when they hear and see the Glorious Appearing.

Lyle was equally clear that in the meantime they are not to neglect their normal duties. And especially to use all opportunities to bring in others that they may not miss it.

Those attending disseminated the vision throughout the encampment.

For his part Lyle went in search of Flowers again. Above all he wants him to know that he has a place here where there is no condemnation. No one has seen or heard anything more about him.

Grazie turned to me with her questions. She has such a tender heart. I did my best to answer.