The Fairy Diary Day 466 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Her Majesty provided an escort to guide the four of us out to the secret hiding place of the Crack of Doom. These fairy troops will be added to the protective detail already in place. 

On the way out of the fairy capital we passed over the daisy ring defenses. As it would be expected they are much larger and more extensive than those surrounding Nonin-gal-dith. The High Fairy noted my interest and headed off my thought that similar arrangements should be supplied for the bell’s hiding place. He pointed out that such measures call attention to what they are defending, and we need to conceal it. 

And such was the case as we soon discovered – for the hiding place was much closer to the capital than I thought it would be. There was no road leading straight to it. The capital had dropped from view when the High Fairy directed us off the road towards a towering forest that appeared all the more impenetrable the closer we drew to it. 

Halting before a pair of tree monarchs his excellency spoke the words of enchantment and the brambles between the two unwound and parted, allowing our group to enter into the sanctuary beyond. 

Leaving the fairy troops to integrate with the others, Merlin with our assistance began to review the inner repository for ways to improve the protections around the bell. 

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mei and Mawuli brought us in to the hiding place with a minimum of difficulty. There was no quelling the celebration that greeted our safe return. Only the news about Tomas and the Captain dampened the spirits of some, those that knew and loved them.

At the first opportunity Reuben and Sy sought an audience to relay important intelligence. Both had just returned from Jerusalem. Stan is indeed there, gloating over his ‘complete victory.’ A conclusion he claims since he is the ‘last leader standing.’ And though triumphant the general feeling among his followers is an abiding hatred towards Elijah and his followers.

Because they realized we would soon be going there, they were begging the honor to accompany us.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We depended upon Mawuli to lead us around to one of the last remaining approaches to the hiding place. Besides the difficulty of negotiating the terrain of the route he had another problem to deal with.

Small groups of soldiers kept impeding our forward movement. It was apparent these men were no longer organized patrols, and all were moving in one direction. Up to Jerusalem.

We were halted waiting for one such group to pass, when Mawuli led a guest back to us.

We crowded around Mei, overjoyed to see her.

Then it fell to me to break the news of the deaths of the Captain and Tomas.

Hiding tears she put on a brave face and led us in.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mawuli was the one to discover their bodies. We had passed the night without them in a place chosen by him. We unanimously decided not to leave the area until we could learn their whereabouts.

Judging by their final position and it’s great distance off our current path, Mawuli surmises that they encountered a patrol and led them away from us. Ultimately sacrificing themselves.

With care, Mr. Kagi and I buried their mortal remains.

Mawuli then assumed the chore of directing our way back to the hiding place.

Thoughts crowded in upon me – remembrances of all our times together- both at sea and on land. Through it all they were the most steadfast and faithful helpers for Elijah and me.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Had we entertained beforehand the thought of going to Damascus, we would have changed our minds when the city came into view. It was a city no longer. What was left was little bigger than a village. A village broken down and smoldering.

I had a flash of concern for our people in the hiding place. And wondered if what befell Damascus had spread its impact that far afield.

Elijah spoke up and put my mind at ease with his assurances.

Tomas, soon after, diverted us onto another path and what was left of Damascus slipped from our view.

I wish I had talked once more with Tomas before he and the Captain took the lead and departed this life.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We found the redoubt empty and in disarray. It had been abandoned in a hurry. Whether it was to join the battle or to flee we didn’t know.

Mawuli and Tomas opted to keep vigil. Through the whole night.

But I took over at midnight and sent them in for a much deserved rest.

Actually there was nothing to watch or guard against. Save wild animals. And none put in an appearance.

Elijah led us out in the early morning. He wants to reach the village at the edge of the wilderness by tonight.

No matter how late.

Along the way the Captain shared a premonition. He doesn’t think he and Tomas will arrive at the hiding place with us.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has released his disciples. They shall return to the hiding place and take with them a message to our people there.

The message – to prepare for the end by banding together to pray for us. Especially on the ninth day from today. If they travel night and day they should arrive well before then.

Mawuli caught them on the way out and asked them to assure his parents that he was alive and well.

For now we will stay right where we are. Elijah wants to insure that the armies of the East and North drive the forces of the world government back into the plain below the the site of Sy’s redoubt.

We shall shadow them from above.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

What we had long expected came to pass today. An army unit, perhaps a relief column, appeared on the road leading up to the redoubt.

Elijah decided it was time to leave. And time for us to part company.

Sy and Reuben with their men set out for the heights. From there they will trace their way back to the hiding place. On Elijah’s order Mawuli was placed in their hands. And they had to bodily restrain him.

Elijah and I took to the road that goes over the stone bridge, accompanied by Tomas and the Captain.

I have a strong feeling that we shall continue on to Babylon. Poor Mr. Kagi has been much in my thoughts of late.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy has re-evaluated our food stocks. Enough has been damaged or spoiled by the earthquake that we soon will be forced to make some decisions.

Half of us will need to be sent back to the hiding place. But no one wants to go. Or more importantly everyone senses the call to be with Elijah and myself.

Thankfully the others will be obedient to whatever Elijah decides. He has drawn apart to seek answers.

Sy and I looked into hitherto untouched chambers on the chance we come up with something salvageable. The Captain followed behind and kept a tally.

Tomas and Reuben again trekked beyond the stone bridge to gauge the activity of the contending armies, with Mawuli tagging along.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mawuli has been deeply effected by his ordeal. The windows to his soul are filled with a vacancy that hurts others to see. It is for the best that he was not sent back to his parents in the hiding place. For now.

Elijah has taken him aside to seek his healing.

Sy has taken stock of supplies here in the redoubt. We can easily hold up for a month, barring other circumstances.

Tomas and Reuben scouted further east, going well beyond the stone bridge. They encountered no opposition.

The mouth to the valley is heavily garrisoned. And a lot of traffic flowed back and forth in the direction of Babylon.

Before resting I looked in on Elijah  and Mawuli.