Day One Thousand One Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The terrain we have traversed is deserted. So Tomas’s job has been easy with not much to warn about or shield us from.

His focus, therefore has changed.  With yesterday’s earthquake there have been changes to the landmarks we have used in the past to direct our steps. Whole sections of rock have uplifted obliterating entire pathways.

The course of the sun is his best indication of direction.

I am left wondering how much this will slow our passage. And what it means to those who are and will be following us.

Tomas says I worry too much. And Elijah agrees.

Most likely so. I prefer to describe it as caring. But that’s not to say my companions care less.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Both Elijah and I agreed that today would be the day, and though we were prepared, we were not expecting deliverance in the quarter from which it came.

Tomas had returned and I confess my focus was totally on what he had to tell us.

He had neutralized the artillery quickly. Then he went beyond his assigned task and scouted the near elements of the army of the North.

As he described their configuration, a picture formed in my mind’s eye, and I saw Elijah and me easily trekking our way through to our destination.

Before I could even consider the “how” the Supreme Commander rolled in and asked if we could curse the army of the north for him.

Day Nine Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Off to our right a fire burned the night through. We kept walking longer than usual, able to do so by its far reaching illumination. Elijah and I, our thoughts filled with concern for Tomas, had one dominant thought between us – we wanted to get to the rendezvous point as soon as possible.

And we did.

But being early only meant we had longer to wait. A plus to Elijah’s way of thinking. He settled into a time of rest, of focus, of communion with the Spirit. It was an effort, but I followed his example soon after.

And that is how Tomas found us. He was early also. He had rushed lest we worry he had been taken prisoner.

Day Seven Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We left the valley, but not for long. Tomas came to tell us that the trail ahead comes to an abrupt end. It was just fine when he checked yesterday. Now a cliff marks the end of the trail’s usefulness.

We returned to the valley to seek a new way out.

I stayed with Elijah and prayed while the others split up to better cover the possibilities.

Our focus was still northward, but if we were to exhaust all possibilities in that direction Elijah would prefer a westward trail that angles north.

At day’s end we collected for the night and compared notes. Two likely paths were also blocked.

Our concern is growing that an unseen agency is opposing us.

Day Seven Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas made a couple of jaunts to our rear to head off any surprises from that quarter. Satisfied he changed his focus to the direction ahead.

In between two such forays Elijah collared him, whispered some instructions and sent him on his way.

I guessed that the thrust of their exchange had to do with the smudge that was then open to our view off to the right of our track.

I know I was curious about it.

It was quite some time before Tomas returned from his exploratory errand.

And I was correct Elijah had indeed dispatched him to discover what lay behind that ‘smudge.’

Tomas was excited. He wanted the Captain to return with him for a look.

Day Five Hundred #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The one lead we had from the river district was a dead end. We have only a third of the metropolis left to check.  It seems more likely than not that no followers of Hamashiach remain to be found.

It is a severe disappointment to Elijah. Under his crusty exterior he is actually very tender.

We have moved again today. Our exit from the metropolis is only a day or two away. The slums will be the focus of our search next. Rather than stay in one place we plan to move about daily and stay wherever we land for the night.

I long to be back on the ship and among our friends. I wonder how they are faring.

Day Four Hundred Fifty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain terms it a regular monsoon. We tried to keep ahead of its leading edge, but were overtaken by midday.

Blackness shrouded us, which added overall to the terror as the ship plowed forward into each oncoming wave. Tomas went out at intervals to make sure that none of the load topside had shifted.

So far, so good.

Throughout the ordeal Elijah maintained his composure and confidence. It was a great reminder to me about where I am to place my focus.

The Captain cannot say for sure when we can turn about, but promises to keep his word by delivering Emil’s container to the port city on the mainland.

Who knows how far we will have to go.

Day Four Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The stream beside us is widening into a river. Soon that fact will precipitate a decision.

We covered a good deal of ground today. And the people are  adapting to a new rhythm for their lives. There is no sign of pursuit nor that of surveillance. Spirits remain high.

I joined Elijah in the lead, so I have to adopt a new mindset. No longer am l preoccupied with where we’ve been, but now my focus is on where we’re going.

There is no road or path, only the meandering river. But that soon will be of little concern.

In the evening council meeting, Elijah revealed that we will soon part ways with the larger group to catch the ship.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Captain and the Purser returned to the ship after a day ashore on a quest for news about their families. Everyone else was confined to the ship in their absence. Both went out hopeful, but came back drained.

Elijah could see it in their demeanor as they neared the dock, so he descended to meet them. Some of the crewmen confronted the Captain to beg leave to go into the city also, but he refused to hear their pleas.

Later, he recounted the tale of their day to us and Tomas. They found the Purser’s home abandoned but undisturbed. The Captain’s, however, showed signs of violence.

I sense he has steeled himself and will focus only on his duty.

Day Three Hundred Thirty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Stan’s former cabin is now swabbed out. The crew to a man refused to do it. The Captain was at the point of rolling up his sleeves and pitching in himself, when the Purser and the First Mate volunteered for the chore.

However, the Captain ordered the entire crew forward to view the cabin before the two volunteers tackled the task. And he had them all go through it after it was cleaned. His goal, I am sure, was to cure them of their fear.

I was standing at the rail near the bow, wondering if he had been successful in his intent, when the view changed my focus.

I climbed back to the bridge to report an approaching ship.