Day Five Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

More empty villages littered our route. Though discouraged we are hopeful for the road ahead. Elijah feels that the household in question may have fled to the large city now within our view. I pointed out of course that the populace of the entire countryside appears to have done the same.

A heavy mist that has covered the environs of the far side of that city has melted away in the afternoon sun, revealing the presence of the sea beyond.

Thankfully it will limit the flight of our fugitives.

However with each step forward the city looms larger. It is an effort to keep the task ahead in perspective, and less daunting.

We decide to seek first for the shipyard.

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Day Five Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The road is clear ahead, and I can almost smell the sea. I can’t see it through the haze in front of us, but I can sense it is there. We are noticeably descending. Elijah claims we are approaching sea level.

The peasants we rescued yesterday were grateful, but not followers of Hamashiach. Before we separated they told Elijah that people answering our description could be found in a certain household in their village.

We are on our way there now. According to their directions it should be the third village on this road.

It was quite late when we arrived in the second. Elijah, being eager, wanted to continue but I prevailed upon him to wait for the morning.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The quiet of the night was interrupted by shrieks and clashing sounds from the square, though from my bedroom in the upper story, peace enveloped the household still. I rolled over and went back to sleep.

I learned later that Elijah had sallied out and confronted the “reprobates.” I guess that was the clashing or crashing noises I heard.

His bravery impressed Sy’s parents. So they did not stop us when we went out with the morning crowd.

Our plan for the day was simple – get to know the area well enough so as to not get lost.

We came across a worksite. And next to that an administration building, newly opened.

Marked our list and returned home before night.

Day One Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our immediate household is all in the field today. Lyle, the widow and her son, and myself. Grazie when she learned of our return, joined us. She became very concerned when we explained the recent developments. She wants to know if anything can be done for those like herself still in the west end. Lyle asked her for the particulars.

We all clammed up, as at that moment the two east enders bearing the mark arrived at our camp. They offered their services as mediators. Lyle told them that it would never work out, as Moglen, claiming control of the whole city, needn’t bargain with anyone.

They left, and we talked long into the night.

What to do next indeed.