The Fairy Diary Day 621 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The innkeeper approached Merlin this morning for his promised payment. The wizard asked me where the moon flower blooms had been stowed. Noralei overheard the reference to the blooms and joined us in the stable. She knew every nook and cranny in which they had been crammed. When she uncovered the lot, the innkeeper beamed with satisfaction at the amount, and said they were more than sufficient and made arrangements for their transfer. 

While there Noralei took Merlin over to Conjil and showed him the ear shields she had wrought for the dragon. The wizard was impressed and told her that she must fashion some more. 

By the time of our return we were unanimous in our decision – Gibley and Noralei must fly to the canyonlands and bring this same protection to the dragons of the goblins. 

Once we had seen them off on Conjil, Merlin took Rumble, Dunfallon, and myself down for a walk along the waterfront. He asked us to review his findings and led us to a vessel at the end of the quay. The wizard had hired it to quarter all of us for a journey to the western isles – where he believes the former queen is held up with the dragons Cluyjil and Rayjil and her confederate the Caretaker. 

Once aboard he showed us into a cabin especially fitted for him. Rumble was given his maps to go through and Dunfallon and I were handed the seers stone to see if we could come to the same conclusion as the wizard. 

I soon saw why Merlin wanted other sets of eyes on the problem – for the readings were many and conflicting. And though the majority were on an island in the midst of the sea, the lands we knew were littered with others. 

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Day Nine Hundred Forty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The wind changed and was at our backs when we walked out of the wilderness into the village. The streets were deserted but we didn’t think it strange, given the time of day- early afternoon.

The only building not closed up was an inn on the main street. We entered and were greeted by the innkeeper. He remained friendly even after we said we would not be staying. When Elijah asked after the news of the day, a youngster sweeping the floor sidled away.

The innkeeper had just finished his account of police patrols combing the area for two strangers, when in burst five men who seized us.

As they placed us in their vehicle I saw the pesky villager.

Day Six Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah and I passed the day dodging patrols searching for us. Patrols set upon us by the innkeeper who recognized Elijah as the “troublemaker.”

Before he came back for me, Elijah hid the Captain and Tomas away somewhere in the mountains. And they are waiting for us there now.

When we will rejoin them is the question. For we are being held here at the direction of the Spirit for His purposes.

In our wanderings we noticed that the army’s tanker trucks are hard at work siphoning up any water that is left in the river. The whole process shouldn’t take much longer.

I wonder what the town will do once the army leaves and they’ve taken all they wanted.

Day Six Hundred Seventy One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I guess, most would think I was panicked into numbing inaction, by concern for my friends. Or even paralyzed by fear for my own safety.

And perhaps so they would judge by my immediate actions.

But such would not be the case.

Yes, I turned in for the night.

But that was because I knew I was not alone. The One who is with us always, never leaves us.

And I simply followed His direction.

And out of that time of rest came the dreams. The dreams that old men dream.

Which came to pass today when Elijah came for me, and brought me out of the inn right under the noses of the guards called for by the innkeeper.

Day Six Hundred Seventy #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Overwhelmed.

This is one of those times when so much has happened I am not able to write it all down. So I’ll just touch on my highest concern.

I went out early to find some light fare with which Elijah can end his fast. (And to look around and get a feel for our situation). The innkeeper looked nervous when he saw me leave.

After a multitude of encounters in the market I concluded that it was sold out of fruit. A function of the army’s presence.

That being the case I found and begged a few pieces from an army mess.

Upon my return to the inn, the innkeeper was gone. Vanished.

And so were my three friends.

Day Six Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our innkeeper was curious as to why only three from our party ever come out of our rooms. As more questions followed I realized he was concerned that we may be spies operating in advance of the much talked about army.

Tomas and the Captain have reported to me that it was definitely headed our way, and that most in town are speculating about whether to flee or stay put.

I was very insistent to the innkeeper that he has nothing to fear from us. He nodded acceptance of my assurance, but I doubted his sincerity.

When we were all together again, I sought to warn them about our predicament.. Elijah stopped me and declared all will come clear tomorrow.