Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

From the safety of a dense thicket Quasimo sent the drone aloft to join the stream passing near the Temple. The surroundings thereabouts were too exclusive and affluent for us to wander around.

The pictures sent back were inconclusive. The cages on the grounds all held animals – no sign of Mawuli.

Ordering the others to remain, Elijah and I, walked up to the Temple.

Ignored at first, that all changed when a passerby recognized Elijah and ran from us raising a hue and cry.

Stan’s image materialized at the gate and announced that the one we sought was now with his army and would do a good service for him.

Guards tried to seize us but we were whisked away.

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Day Eight Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It happened much as Elijah planned.

We entered Jerusalem with the morning crowds. And made our way to its heart. There were depictions of Stan on every side. Much nicer than the paper posters we’d seen to date.

And soldiers stood guard on every street, scrutinizing every passerby.

In fact, one left his post to follow us. Elijah took the attention in stride. I moved to keep myself between the two. And to shield Elijah.

We emerged onto the Temple court and there Elijah announced to the multitudes the continuation of the drought. And closed his announcement with the promise of its deepening.

A great roar of anger arose.

And the guard made to seize us, but we were gone.

Day Six Hundred One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah communed with the Spirit today. He went out to do so. He wandered about the causeways towards the city side of our dwelling. And out of view of the guards.

We kept an eye on him. And on the guards as well.

They scrutinized each passerby and stopped each and every cart, searching them thoroughly. But most of the time they stood about in the hot sun.

To his credit the Captain wanted to take some water to them. However, neither Tomas nor I thought that prudent for him.

Instead I took some out myself.

They eyed my approach suspiciously, but relaxed when they saw the water.

They said simply they had a sufficient supply, enough until their relief.

Day Three Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

More than the scheduled containers were waiting to be loaded, including two that are billed for the island not originally on the planned port of calls. The Captain is pleased with this development, as he now has an economic reason for his course change.

Elijah and I went ashore while the loading process was underway. The look was the same as the great city before it was taken down, with new structures rising from the ruins, but a whole different feeling emanated from the people in the streets.

Elijah questioned a passerby who directed us to a meeting hall whose entrance was marked by the sign of a fish.

We returned to the ship, confident that here all is well.

Day Two Hundred Fourteen Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

The terrain has changed to a level expanse, running straight. (No place for a snake to hide and surprise the hapless passerby).

Studied my goal before closing my eyes. Made a decision. I shall drink the water that should be there, but I will continue to fast.