Day One Thousand Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Both Elijah and I felt immense relief to see the two groups set out for the hiding place. Our goodbyes were short and sweet. And all look forward to the day when we shall be together in the same place. Praise to Hamashiach.

I was thankful that opposing forces have been drained away from the areas they will traverse. Again praise to Hamashiach.

And so the three of us were left on our own, yet not alone.

Elijah called us to a day of fasting and prayer. Sy led us into a place  that he had set apart within his redoubt for that very purpose.

I knew that Elijah would prefer to be on the heights above.

Perhaps sometime later.

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Day Eight Hundred Forty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We stared and stared at the western horizon as we chose our camp for the day. And I could not but help continue to inspect the sight each time when serving my watch.

The tiniest of bumps disturbed the line of the horizon. A mountain it was not. A hill maybe.

Elijah and I discussed it when exchanging places. He was certain it was what we were looking for. But suggested that we wait until it ‘grows’ in stature before turning in its direction.

At day’s end when we arose to resume our march, some low-lying clouds obscured the western horizon.

Elijah smiled at me and asked what I thought about fasting until our hill grows into a mountain.

Day Six Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

At first, the Captain refused to budge last night. Not for any reason that I could see as to his ability to move or not, he clearly was hail and hearty. But I suspected he wanted to make things easier for Elijah.

We all know Elijah has been fasting for a month now and that he hasn’t yet declared when he plans to stop. But, as I pointed out, neither has he made any complaints. He just keeps plodding on. No stumbling, not even faltering.

In fact, while the Captain and I were discussing this. Elijah just took off and it was all we could do to catch up and to stay caught up.

He also determined when we halted.

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.

Day Six Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

One full day stretched to a day and a half. We wanted to wait for the cooler temperatures of night before setting out again.

It has been good to rest and collect ourselves. I believe it has done Elijah much good too.  He has been moving noticeably slower.  His fasting is taking its toll.

The Captain sat with his face to the south.  At times I could see his concern for his friend Tomas chase away the peace engendered by his meditation. I understand and empathize with him.

It was during one of those moments that Elijah intervened to save my life. I had inadvertently positioned myself beside a scorpion’s nest. It was scuttling my way when he crushed it.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Though we could see our way by the light of the stars, our progress was slow. By a great measure our pace improved with the rising of the moon.

It was otherworldly to watch my companions’ shadows ascending and descending the contours of the land as I followed in their wake. Our silhouettes only recognizable half the time.

We were all still energetic with the coming of day, so we pressed on. Only stopping when the heat drained our resolve.

The Captain did well, so we no longer harbor apprehensions about his ability to keep up. And I marvel at Elijah’s constitution. I do believe he could easily outdistance us all.

Turned in without a morsel, but not really fasting.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas says that the silver object in the sky yesterday was a war plane intent on attacking us. He hasn’t seen one since before the time of the troubles began.

This didn’t move or concern Elijah in any way. He merely added that there were others up there looking for us.

The Captain fell ill in the afternoon. We called a halt to tend to him. I believe the heat has something to do with it.

He soon recovered, but we remained at rest.

We made our decision, and with the setting of the sun we arose and set out again. We shall now travel at night until we pass this desert.

Elijah still fasts, but I yet do not.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

From day to day the heat has been mounting. I do not know if it is a function of going deeper into the desert, or the accumulation of days since Elijah sealed the heavens, commanding this drought.

Tomas located another well, so we have resupplied handsomely. There was a nearby shallow pool whose shrunken border gave clear evidence of the effectiveness of the drought.

At the evening meal (Elijah still abstains), I broached the subject of night travel again. And again the consensus was against me. At least for now.

As to the topic of fasting, I have the desire on my part, but not a clear cut permission to do so.

Grappling with these decisions makes for long nights.

Day Six Hundred Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Flock upon flock of birds passed over our heads today, originating from somewhere to the north and flying like arrows to the unmoving mountains to the south.

I think they are cranes. Tomas believes them to be as big as the condors he is familiar with.

Elijah caught up to us at midday. We had just finished our meal. I noticed that he did not eat anything. Nor, I believe, did he yesterday.

I did not call attention to it. Neither the Captain nor Tomas seemed to notice. They were more intent upon putting more miles behind us.

Elijah’s step is firm and energetic and shows no sign of lagging. His wit is sharp and engaging.

Should I fast too?

Day Four Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The fasting and the time apart proved effective for me. I can truthfully say that my mind did not wander once.

Towards the end of my watch I sighted a light in the darkness in front of us. Tomas answered my call, and after observing it himself, judged it to be on land.

Based on that knowledge the Captain ordered the ship to hold up offshore until morning. And had the watch tripled.

The source of the light proved to be a village. We warily watched as one of their boats came out to us.

As it turned out the Captain was acquainted with the person in charge. And he soon agreed to transport some of their tin and bauxite.