The Fairy Diary Day 403 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I regret not going further than outside the other gate, but we were tired and wanted to rest up before venturing out into the canyonlands. My decision resulted in another attempt to wrest the hatchling from Gibley and us. I suspect that Artoxon set the plot in motion. And thankfully we believe neither Fliget nor Gnoston were involved. 

Both Dunfallon and I were awakened from a sound sleep to the sight of two burly dwarves creeping up to the swaddled hatchling. Our cries of protest awakened the others and we rallied around the dragon and its goblin. Rumble and Noralei beat them off with their drawn swords, forcing them to drop the sack into which they hoped to secure the hatchling. She bit the ankle of one of the dwarves before they both stumbled off. 

Our attackers did not enter the city, but made off for the canyonlands. So, we were a bit apprehensive when we exited the land of the dwarves and emerged into the first canyon. And like Rumble once said – a vast army could be hidden down here. 

Thus the very first thing, Dunfallon summoned his eagle and flew ahead as a precaution against being taken unawares.

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The Fairy Diary Day 402 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It seems we were kept waiting forever outside the gate to the stronghold city. The guards would not let us pass due to the presence of Gibley’s hatchling. And our demands to see Fliget went unanswered. Finally Gnoston was able to convince them to allow him entry to seek an audience with his friend. 

In the meantime Rumble purchased a hooded cloak from a passing merchant, with which Gibley and Noralei swaddled the hatchling. (It was more to hide her from prying eyes than anything else). 

As his impatience grew, Dunfallon agitated about either taking to the side passages to enter the city or maybe even going up to the surface and be on our way. But I vetoed his first idea as dangerous and reminded him that the quickest and easiest way to the canyonlands was through the city. 

The pixie’s sulk was cut short by the appearance of our friend Fliget – and his explanation for our long wait. He had decided to order all his subjects to stay indoors or to move from the main thoroughfare in order to clear a route through the city for our party to pass through unseen. 

He added an apology that there would be no time consequently to renew our friendship. I told him I understood but later remarked to the others that I felt our friend was being forced to comply to the will of the long arm of Artoxon.

The Fairy Diary Day 393 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We were horrified and saddened upon our entry into Artoxon’s capital. The main gate was unguarded. No one was about. I had a fleeting thought that this explained why we had not encountered any dwarf guides out on the Low-way, but then more serious considerations came crashing in. 

The further we went into the city the more the stench of burnt dwarf grew in pungency. Though, the fires were now out and not even smoldering. 

Rumble and Dunfallon tried five different streets before finding one that was unblocked and could take us to Bifitz’s palace. 

Its untouched state raised our hopes that someone within may still be alive. 

This time we were challenged by a coterie of dwarves who were soon joined by an angry Bifitz. The ancient goblin railed against us – making nonstop accusations, blaming us for all that had befallen them.  

Noralei gently rose into the air and commanded him to be silent and to listen- and proclaimed that we all were yet in danger. 

Bifitz did fall silent and I seized the opportunity to warn him that we needed to descend to Artoxon’s apartments or greater calamity may engulf us. 

The tired and spent goblin relented and allowed us entry.

The Fairy Diary Day 344 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Sitting atop the tower did much to clear my head. From  that height I watched the former dark elves stream out of the city below – some exiting the quickest way by the canyonlands – others via the gate to the Low-way to travel to the other access points along that route. 

There I was basking in the contentment flowing from the happy conclusion to our recent efforts when a cold cloud of fear descended upon me. A tingling in my back between my wings soon had me shivering all over. 

I looked down and saw that the pedestal upon which the chalice had once stood was icing over. 

I leapt back when the shivering ceased and the hot passion of the bloodlust was enveloping me. 

I shrugged it off and dove off the tower and flew to my friends. And related this disturbing incident to them.

The Fairy Diary Day 339 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Noralei remained with Navril and his elves, and will assault the gate of the stronghold from the Low-way. I went down the passage to the chamber of the junction nearest the stronghold to join Rumble and Dunfallon. 

Only the Dromadil pixies, all veterans of the Battle at the Bottom of the Shaft, were there when I arrived. They had set up a barracks of sorts in the chamber and in parts of the various offshoots. They told me Dunfallon and Rumble were off scouting for the hidden passage into the stronghold.  

I was growing edgy waiting for news when Noralei came up from the Low-way to check on us. That is when Rumble emerged from a passage with news that they had made their way into the stronghold. Dunfallon had ascertained that it comes out within the city walls above the gate. 

I sent Noralei back to Navril and his troops to await our actions. 

I marshaled the Dromadil pixies and together we followed Rumble down the secret dwarf access to the stronghold. 

Dunfallon met us within the city wall with the report that Nililitil had begun the assault on the other side. 

It was the opportune time for us to strike. For the gate tower was deserted. 

Working in tandem Dunfallon and Rumble loosened the mechanism operating the gate. And Noralei and Navril and his troops rushed in to join us. 

What happened next I need more time and considered thought before I write it all down. 

The Fairy Diary Day 134 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

I made the decision to go into the outpost alone. My friends remained outside and observed. 

I kept to the road and approached slowly, doing my best to be non threatening. (I left my bow and quiver with Rumble. Though I admit given my size I probably could not scare anyone).

Soon all eyes were on me. I could feel it. The guards at the gate allowed me to come right up to them. 

The one in charge knelt and asked me, “Would you happen to be the fairy named Meribabell?”

I barely squeaked out a “Yes,” so great was my surprise. 

And he added with a grin, “Then where are your companions?”

Such was my introduction to the Captain of Nimrood’s personal guard, Caywyn, and soon his introduction to all of us, as I brought my friends in at his invitation.

Day Three Hundred Ninety #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We slipped out of the city in the middle of the night. Elijah, the Purser’s family and myself. Not through either gate. But over the wall via the rooftop of an adjoining building.

Elijah and I have some valuable experience in this regard from our first days together.

We stumbled about a good deal until we discovered at last the road leading to the interior. From there on it was an easy march for all.

We halted at the same place that Mary, the children and I stopped four days ago.  

Neither Elijah nor I know which direction we should go next. The Purser is all for striking out straight ahead. But we all agreed to await the Spirit’s leading.

Day Three Hundred Eighty Six late morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

The Captain has finished offloading this port’s cargo and is now loading containers for future ports.

He is convinced that his family did not come this way, so he will look elsewhere. So, he wants to get underway as soon as his freight is aboard (with or without Enoch’s party). To that end he is seeking permission to leave. So far the answer is in the negative.

We have re-evaluated at which gate to look for our travelers. The southern one seems the more likely.

Day Three Hundred Seventy Nine evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enoch writes:

We have been through a dozen villages. All deserted. The one ahead shows signs of habitation, but its gate is closed. Probably too many refugees have trekked this way.

We shall skirt around it and camp down by the river on the far side.

Mary hopes to catch a riverboat there.

Day One Hundred Eighty Six morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

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.