Day One Thousand One Hundred Forty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The wisdom of the directions only became clear after the events unfolded. I received confirmation of the instructions as related by Reuben (and reiterated by Elijah), but they gave me great difficulty, for they required me to break the covenant struck between Elijah and me – to never separate.

But I set my mind to obey and we did.

When Moglen left the high place, I crossed over to it while Elijah and Reuben distracted the drone.

I crushed the idol with any rocks that came to hand and tossed the pieces into the fire.

After giving the drone a chance to record the proceedings, Elijah brought it down with his raised staff.

Swiftly I rejoined my friends and we departed.

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Day One Thousand One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

My mind is at ease. Jezer and Tomas arrived this morning. They had a breakdown just south of the first village and it took all of the Purser’s people to drag it into a place with the right equipment for Tomas to attempt a fix.

Tomas is happy with the results and believes his repair should last. And Jezer reported that the Purser’s people should be on the way.

I relayed the good news to Elijah. He nodded with a smile and an arch of his brow. Then took me by the arm and walked me to his meeting with his “pupils.”

He wanted me there as he commissioned them and sent them out once again.

It was a special moment.

Day Nine Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elam came to me early. I could tell he was distraught and agitated. So desirous was he to be on his way, he was already dressed and equipped for his journey.

I understood the feelings that were coursing through his mind, and took pains to express them back to him. And I followed that with the reminder of what happens when we let emotions blind us to the leading of the Spirit.

In that very moment I knew that indeed this was the Spirit’s prompting him. And said so, just as Elijah and the others joined us.

Elijah then released them to follow up what we had discussed yesterday. For the timing was right.

Then he told me to prepare.

Day Nine Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Jezer was down to the last of his leads today. This he took care to explain before departing. He would like to move to another location as soon as possible to continue the search.

However, Elijah remained certain that the trail to Raj G’s group will originate here in Damascus.

Last night I had given Jezer a list of the last components I needed for the drone under construction. So not having anything to work on to keep me busy, my mind was filled up with other concerns. I felt more than ever that I needed to be out and about. But I stifled that feeling. And was obedient.

As it turns out, Elijah proved correct. Jezer returned with news.

Day Nine Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were on lockdown still when he left to take up the thread on our queries. He left me with a whole set of drone components to tinker with. It kept my hands busy and my mind occupied.

Elijah even lent a hand, off and on. It reminded me of the days when I knew Elijah as Lyle, and he called me ‘Enough.’ Back when we built a pair of drones. And left the city behind for the mountain.

When I voiced my recollection, Elijah said it elicited a different memory for him. It made him miss his pigeons, Rufus and Clarissa.

And that touchstone released a new flood of memories about people we hope to see again before long.

Day Seven Hundred Thirty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Word was received back from the Supreme Commander this morning. The commander of this unit has been ordered to supply our needs and to release us to go our way.

This outcome has greatly relieved the mind of my young friend. Tomas had been called for, told the gist of the message and asked to list our needs.

After a brief consultation with us – so as not to forget anything essential – he submitted our requests.

In short order the commander supplied our needs and knowing that we were heading into the mountains added some warmer clothing. However, he also made one request himself. He wants us to take two of his men with us.

To our surprise Elijah said yes.

Day Five Hundred Eleven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have come safely through the jungle. But not without problems.

First there was the issue of that irate merchant, whom I could tell was delighted by thoughts of doing us harm. Such a mind will only succeed in consuming itself.

Then, just today, there was a ferocious attack by a big cat – not a lion – but a jet black cat about the size of a lion. And not upon us, but upon other travelers, a family of peasants.

Elijah waded straight into the fray swinging his staff left and right. The cat bobbed and weaved, and took a swipe at him, but at the same instant Elijah caught him with a backhand, sending him sprawling.

Stunned, the cat fled.

Day Four Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The fasting and the time apart proved effective for me. I can truthfully say that my mind did not wander once.

Towards the end of my watch I sighted a light in the darkness in front of us. Tomas answered my call, and after observing it himself, judged it to be on land.

Based on that knowledge the Captain ordered the ship to hold up offshore until morning. And had the watch tripled.

The source of the light proved to be a village. We warily watched as one of their boats came out to us.

As it turned out the Captain was acquainted with the person in charge. And he soon agreed to transport some of their tin and bauxite.

Day Four Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have not seen anyone else on the road, in either direction, since we left the river yesterday. Judging by the calculations of the former merchant from the port city we still have three days to go.

Elijah tells me that the Purser had given him a message to relay to the Captain. A resignation – and an apology for doing so. Elijah raised an eyebrow to me at the finish of this information. I caught his gist and agreed to offer to take on the position if acceptable to the Captain.

My mind was filled afterwards with thoughts of what I would do as a ship’s purser – things that I learned from watching him, and things from my own experience.

Day Four Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

While Elijah again accompanied the Purser to meetings, he assigned me the task of going through the entire camp seeking for people bearing the mark.

They have been plagued by lone wolves coming into their midst, feigning allegiance to Hamashiach, and sowing discord instead. My mind sprang back to the man we rescued from the quagmire as a likely example.

Elijah deputized me with his staff. I will take it with me on my assignment as a sign of authority.

It was not long before I knew that this was going to take more than a day to accomplish. At the same time that realization was paired with an unshakable burden. I feel that my every movement is being watched.