Day One Thousand One Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We stayed atop one of those dead-ends last night. We were too tired and it was too dark to make our way back down.

So when the morning dawned clear and bright we had an uninterrupted view down the plain. The army of the North had pivoted towards Babylon and appeared to be preparing an assault in that direction or setting up to receive one.

I admit I stared upon the scene with fascination.

But Elijah did not allow us to linger long. The view of our route ahead was also clear, at least as long as we could carry the memory we thought we should be able to avoid the next few dead end paths.

And so it proved.

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Day Six Hundred Thirty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The caravan route has been easy to follow. And we have moved quickly upon it. When in the few instances it disappeared, Tomas unerringly led us to where it reappeared again.

There are magnificent mountains to the south of us, and no matter how far we progress, they remain stationary. We wonder if the army would be found on the march in that sphere.

Elijah has fallen into a new habit.  He rises hours before us each morning. Then lingers behind, joining us on the route later in the day at lunch.

I brought up the idea of night travel. Something Elijah and I have done in the past. But the others want to keep to daylight hours for now.

Day Six Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas hammered away all morning at Elijah with reasons why we should travel to the other side of the city and seek refuge with Mr. Kagi’s uncle.

After Elijah dealt with each argument in turn, Tomas proposed going by himself. This idea in particular upset the Captain greatly. Tomas reminded him that nothing can happen to either of them apart from one another, if they are to believe the prophecy spoken over them.

The Captain countered by agreeing with him in that instance but was at pains to point out that other outcomes equally undesirable were also possible.

“Like Tomas,” I interjected, “being scooped up as an army conscript. What would we do then?”

Waiting can test the best friendships.

Day Five Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Upon rising this morning a melody filled my heart and soon a song of praise to the One was on my lips. It was a brand new song, one I had never heard before.

Elijah was greatly cheered by it. He said it portended awesome things for the day ahead. We both took eagerly to the road again.

Our mood changed when we passed a temple built beside the way just outside the third village. Slaughtered bodies lay all around its premises. Like the others we’d seen, it had been plundered, emptied out of valuables. Unlike the others, the attendees had resisted. And paid for resisting.

And likely as a consequence when we entered the third village it was deserted.

Day Four Hundred Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I never thought I’d see disagreement between the Captain and Elijah. They argued upon Elijah’s return from the city last night and they took it up again this morning.

They were still at it when I went ashore. Emil wasn’t in yet, but I felt that was no excuse not to begin. When he did arrive he immediately asked me if a decision had been reached about his special container.

I told him that the main issue was still unresolved. As he suspected it would be.

The Captain is unwilling to go to their sister port for any reason especially with anything that could cause a forfeiture of his vessel.

I’m for the risk but no one is asking me.

Day Two Hundred Forty Two Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Opened my weary eyes this morning to see Rufus and Clarissa waiting for me to awaken.

They brought me food and a smile to my face.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Four Afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

My dream of yesterday is reality today.

Morning was late coming, for the massive rock became a mountain and blocked out the sun longer than one would think.

Day Two Hundred Thirty Two Afternoon #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

My fever, or whatever it was, broke this morning.

Much more steady in body and mind now.

Am feeling more invigorated having washed off the sweat of my torment.

Thankful.

Day Two Hundred Thirty One Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

The splash of the fountain brought me out of my revery. All night, all morning I have been slipping between dreams and visions.

More and more I see a glowing mountain.

Day Two Hundred Twenty Seven Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

The source of the noise has revealed himself.

Stan stepped out of the dark before morning. He carried food. Especially prepared for me. All I need do is follow him.

I told him to leave.