The Fairy Diary Day 649 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The figures I had seen off in the distance a couple of days ago were indeed merchants. They gave us a wide berth as we passed each other. 

At first they were not so standoffish since they most likely found in Navril’s contingent, friendly faces. But the sight of the rest of us, especially the dragons, set them on the defensive. 

I do not blame them. I verily believe that I would have had the same reaction. 

However, instead of dwelling on such thoughts I should have been more attentive to Clemjil. He must have picked up some scent from the merchants. (Fire plants)? 

These merchants froze in panic as the young dragon passed among them, sniffing at each one. 

Thankfully, Navril enticed the dragonling with some fire plants back to the wagon. And the merchants seized the opportunity to scoot on up the road. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 589 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

What an absolutely horrible day. 

It all started well enough. We passed a fairly comfortable night in the open – the unseasonal chill having departed. And we had renewed hope that we might discover Dunfallon and Navril. We had seen some figures in the distance in front of us, but they turned out to be only a couple itinerant merchants. And they soon took another fork towards the southern part of the Faerie Kingdom. 

We looked around before taking the approach to the repository and seeing no one else – hurried out of the view of the main thoroughfare. 

There were no guards near the hidden entrance. And no one challenged us or answered our calls. All was deathly silence. Rumble knew of a sally port by which he gained entrance and opened the gate. 

We were the only beings inside – no Caretaker – no soldiers – no dragons – and no bell, for the Crack of Doom was no longer hung up in its space. 

But perhaps worst of all – there was no sign that Noralei or Gibley or their dragons had been there, or had even arrived. 

The Fairy Diary Day 488 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We were not the only ones traveling the passageway down to the Low-way of the dwarves. Many merchants were passing us in both directions. In the main they were dwarves, but there was a smattering of goblins and elves among them. All were curious and stared unremittingly at Merlin. The wizard took it in stride – and even exchanged pleasantries with a few of them. 

Gibley was not a little amazed at the attention he was getting from these strangers for his being among our number. It made me want to shield him all the more, but Dunfallon beat me to it and fell in step beside him. 

When we reached the bottom where the great doors stood open (as was Merlin’s hope when they were replaced) we found another surprise. Fliget was there – set up in a camp just on the other side, in the Low-way of the dwarves. He had heard that we were coming and had come out to meet us. 

His capital is still being rebuilt and wanted to take us down to the stronghold city to talk through things there. 

Thus we entered into another occasion of dwarfish hospitality. 

Day Seven Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I could not stop thinking about G and his people and the road ahead of them. And wondering if we forgot to relate to them anything that might make their pilgrimage less perilous.

Tomas, thankfully, had given him valuable information for dealing with the Supreme Commander should they run afoul of his massive army. And Elijah wonderfully encouraged him.

This train of thought halted when the Captain spotted movement ahead of us, and for all appearances coming directly for us.

After the briefest of discussions, we continued on our course.

At one point they halted for no other reason I can think of, except they saw us.

It was a caravan of merchants. We passed one another in absolute silence.

Day Five Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

One plus about this jungle – we do pass other travelers, and thankfully none of them are officers of the global government. They are either merchants or peasants traveling to or from the metropolis.

Elijah queries each one upon encounter about Hamashiach. But so far all have hurried on, expressing no curiosity by asking any questions in return.

One merchant even became belligerent, and would have struck Elijah except that he clearly saw that Elijah’s staff was bigger than his.

With a snarl he continued on towards the metropolis.

I am sure he fully intends to report the encounter to the authorities.

But we should be through this jungle and well on our way before anyone can get up a pursuit.

Day Three Hundred Ninety Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah sent me out today to stock up on some supplies for our departure, which he believes will be soon.

Prices were noticeably higher than when the market was filled with merchants. So I wasn’t in a hurry to purchase anything. At the time I remember thinking that I would advise Elijah that we hold off until the next big market day.

I did buy a few necessities, and was about to leave when a riverboat put in and landed some passengers.

Curious, I stayed to look on. One figure stood out from the rest. Whereas most left the riverfront and dispersed, he went into the inn where we first stayed. It was the young man with a beard, Stan.