The Fairy Diary Day 568 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It was a quick deliberation. And in many ways obvious. 

There is too much to be done here. So it is imperative that Noralei and Rumble remain close by to see to her interests. 

As for Tinadell I appreciate his desire to be off on an adventure with me – but given the terms of the agreement worked out by Merlin, he is bound to Nonin-gal-dith until such time as he is needed elsewhere in service to the crown. And since such is not the case, he must remain here. 

And that leaves Dunfallon. I am choosing to take him along – (do not tell anyone, especially him, that he would be my first choice in any event). He is the perfect companion for this adventure. And besides, his gifts will be better channeled there rather than the mischief he would create for everyone if he remained behind. 

Still, there was grumbling from the others when I announced my choice. But that passed quickly. 

I did exact a promise from the pixie before we left – that I would have the final word in any decisions along the way. And that was put to the test immediately. Dunfallon wanted to make our first stop at Gilgorgon’s mountain. (He envisions enlisting the aid of the dwarves in the matter of Noralei’s dragon). But I wanted to stop in at Merlin’s castle to ask word from the owl as to the wizard’s whereabouts. 

And thankfully he submitted to my plan. 

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Day Nine Hundred Ninety Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

An unforeseen consequence to our staying here has surfaced. In our council last night we had decided to schedule our departure for the day after tomorrow. When this plan was announced this morning there was audible grumbling in certain quarters.

I took it upon myself to investigate and tracked down a few of the discontents. Each one shared the same reasoning, a reluctance to give up their present comfort for an unknown future.

I remonstrated with them to little effect. So I turned the whole matter over to the Purser and Elijah.

By day’s end my friends had them convinced of the folly of their thirst for comfort. No doubt Elijah’s vision of future troubles within these confines clinched it

Day Nine Hundred Seventy One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I left before the sun was up. We took Tomas with us. He knows the way in and out so much better than us which was especially helpful in the twilight.

The Captain, we have left behind. Grumbling to be sure but all for the best for any number of reasons. (I overheard him remark once recently he is getting too old for such adventures- I feel the same sometimes).

Tomas brought us by a way that came out onto the road by which we originally travelled to Damascus. From the heights we could see the string of villages laid out along its length.

With military activity so readily apparent we crossed the road and into the desert.

Day Seven Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The melody renewed its hold on me upon waking.  Not from within. Instead Tomas was whistling the tune while preparing something for us to eat.

I made no comment, but felt it held a good portent for the day ahead.

We arrived near the village in the afternoon. Actually it wasn’t a village. It was more like a large compound. There were multiple buildings but all contained by a low wall around its perimeter.

The Captain hung back, grumbling and making his disapproval known. But he was the first to recognize one of the inhabitants as he walked across the courtyard of the compound.

And the Raj twin G also was surprised to see us when moments later we entered.