Enough writes:
Grazie appeared to me in my dreams. She took my hand and I stood to my feet.
My cell door lay open. Soon I followed her lead through empty corridors and out into the streets of the second district.
I was not asleep after all.
We hid in an empty house in the third district.
An image of Flowers graced one wall.
Lyle writes:
I got in the first question. “Why are you holding my friend?”
At Moglen’s answer I realized that my prediction had come true. They are accusing us of gross wickedness. They suspect we have murdered their liaison Flowers.
The truth they will not accept, which is not surprising, for that is at the root of the difference between us.
We will not be allowed to leave. They have required us to unpack and we are setting up the camp again.
We remain under their close surveillance, even in the fields.
And they refuse to release Enough.
Lyle writes:
– How I dislike writing things down. ‘Enough’ is so much better suited for this. But now with him in the hands of Moglen and Stan it falls to me to keep the chronicle going.
– I came back into the encampment after a quick trip down to the desert. I found the narrow track with little problem. Flowers should be well on the way.
Grazie informed me about ‘Enough’s seizure and insisted on going with me to the city. There at the gate, we were turned away with no comment.
I was successful in restoring calm to the camp.
How I pity Moglen should he try to coerce my friend.
Lyle was gone already when I arose. No one knew where he had gone. He had not left word with anyone.
I was not too concerned and thought for sure he would reappear before we set about our chores.
But instead of Lyle, Moglen burst in upon us. Accompanied by six of their guards.
He asked only for Flowers, demanding to talk to him. And he did not like my reply. He did not believe that “our” liaison would traipse off into the desert on a whim.
My protest to the contrary fell on deafened ears. And he changed his demand. He is taking me with him to answer to Stan face to face for Flowers’ disappearance.
Moglen is terrified.
All await the ultimatum. It’s dependent, of course, upon when Moglen and the others discover their latest gambit has collapsed. In the opinion of most, it has already occurred. Four drones instead of the usual two buzzed the encampment and spread out from there.
Lyle called a meeting of his leaders, but even more people came. Hardly anyone reported to the fields. Everyone wanted assurance. Not just for the future. But for their next breath.
Lyle was the calm in the center of the storm. He directed their focus to where it should be.
Afterwards we went off together. I asked him what we were going to tell Moglen when he asks to speak to Flowers.
“The truth, of course.”
The messenger came into our camp this afternoon with Flowers in tow.
He delivered his charge then departed. Flowers took up a stance and motioned to all to gather around. He announced that all was resolved. He had met with Moglen and together had hammered out an agreement. Since the world authority would settle for one in the outside community to represent the others by bearing the mark, he, Flowers, had volunteered to fill that position.
Lyle raised a hand and halted the proceedings. He crossed to Flowers, tapped his shoulder, and led him out. At Lyle’s nod, I followed.
At the vineyard, Lyle pointed to the desert and said, “Go and find yourself.” Flowers launched out without a word.
On the heels of the morning drone fly over, we had another visitor from the city. Moglen.
Along with him came the demand that we hand over Flowers to them.
I spoke up and told Moglen that Flowers has been missing for days. Moglen begged to differ, stating that the fugitive had been spotted by their drone.
No one knew what to say to that. And we told him so.
Moglen wasn’t happy with our answer and even less so when Lyle asked if he could speak to Flowers if and when he was found.
Moglen left after that. But with a parting shot. We no longer will be allowed free movement within the city. And hinted at stricter measures.
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.
Lyle sent me on an errand at the rising of the sun. I made a tour of the encampment to invite his leaders to a meeting, while he crossed into the east end to look for Flowers.
I was able to delegate others to spread the invitation, so by the time of our gathering there was a boost to the turnout. Lyle was a few minutes late and without Flowers. But he did bring with him a dozen people from the east end who want to move out here to the fields. All welcomed the newcomers and pledged their support.
Lyle settled everyone in and began to speak. He announced that the time is at hand and shared our vision.
I was about to write down that nothing happened today. Or, as a subnote, little that I was aware of. For it is unusual not to record anything.
But then Lyle returned.
He was alone. It was not what I had expected. This morning he left with Flowers into the third district to meet the merchant’s parents.
They had reached the street on which they reside, when ahead on the stair before their house they spied Stan waiting.
Flowers made an abrupt about face and evaporated from sight.
Lyle continued on and confronted Stan. But Stan would have none of that and dismissed him when Lyle had no mark to show when asked.
I think the gates are closing forever.
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