The Fairy Diary Day 305 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

The way ahead has changed. We have turned a corner as it were. The path has again leveled off and has straightened. According to Rumble’s map we are now lined up for a straight approach to the canyonlands. 

Dunfallon took one look at the map and observed that we must be on the famous Low-way of the dwarves. He first had heard of it from our time with Gilgorgon and his dwarves under the mountain. It had been constructed aeons ago – and abandoned in another era – now to them only a distant memory. 

We passed by some hollowed out habitations – probably dwarfish handiwork – and Noralei advised greater caution going forward, saying we may soon encounter the lead elements of the dark elves.

Advertisement

The Fairy Diary Day 10 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

After I had returned my diary to the bottom of the case, I checked the note from the High Fairy. There was a new message from him. Or rather instructions. 

All it said was to bear to the right. 

It made little sense at the time. Until the path this afternoon split in two. 

After a brief hesitation I took the path to the right. It would not have been my choice on the face of it. It appeared to be much more difficult. Closed in and dark and foreboding. 

I checked the note again. There was nothing new. But the recent instructions were now underlined.

Truth Came Walking

Truth came walking
Transcending
The wide expanse
Just to find me
In the confines
Of my circumstance

I was shown
In my marrow
I can fit
Squarely within
The narrow
For there too
He’s content to be

Yet could
Temptation
Lure me
To walk away

Mar my feet
If it comes to that
Keep me
Centered
On the straitened path

RWOz2

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mawuli was the one to discover their bodies. We had passed the night without them in a place chosen by him. We unanimously decided not to leave the area until we could learn their whereabouts.

Judging by their final position and it’s great distance off our current path, Mawuli surmises that they encountered a patrol and led them away from us. Ultimately sacrificing themselves.

With care, Mr. Kagi and I buried their mortal remains.

Mawuli then assumed the chore of directing our way back to the hiding place.

Thoughts crowded in upon me – remembrances of all our times together- both at sea and on land. Through it all they were the most steadfast and faithful helpers for Elijah and me.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Had we entertained beforehand the thought of going to Damascus, we would have changed our minds when the city came into view. It was a city no longer. What was left was little bigger than a village. A village broken down and smoldering.

I had a flash of concern for our people in the hiding place. And wondered if what befell Damascus had spread its impact that far afield.

Elijah spoke up and put my mind at ease with his assurances.

Tomas, soon after, diverted us onto another path and what was left of Damascus slipped from our view.

I wish I had talked once more with Tomas before he and the Captain took the lead and departed this life.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There were signs of a recent occupation when we reached the village at the edge of the wilderness. But we didn’t realize just how much until we set out this morning.

One entire building was filled up with dead bodies, our attention drawn to it by a swarm of buzzing flies. A makeshift hospital I assumed, but Mr. Kagi called that into question when he observed that all of them wore the uniform of the army of the North. A detail that bore a more sinister connotation.

While Tomas and the Captain ranged ahead, picking a way for us off of the beaten path, Elijah walked with Mawuli.

Mr. Kagi and I marveled at the depth of the lad’s understanding.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Seventeen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah had chosen three of his disciples to go to Babylon. They had acted on a suggestion he had made to them long before they had last parted from us. He had told them that the Spirit would nudge them to the task when the time was proper.

And when it had came to pass, at that self-same instant one was given a vision of Mr. Kagi. That disciple was with that worthy somewhere on the path behind them.

We dispatched the Captain and one of the disciples to bring them in.

We waited and waited. Through a long night. And when they arrived this morning even Tomas and Mawuli abandoned their lookout to come greet our old friend.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah laid hands on Magwich this morning and raised him from his couch. Judging him sound we left after eating.

Upon leaving I noticed a sign posted at the entrance to the compound that announced it was quarantined. I shot Reuben a glance and he gave me a wink in return.

Reuben led the way on a path new to everyone. At the bottom of a gully he asked Quasimo to send the drone aloft for a quick look ahead.

It indicated that we had the path to ourselves.

From the next high point we could see the way ahead was quite rugged with lots of ups and downs as it wound its way down from the heights of Jerusalem.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

After our comrades recovered from the suddenness of our return, we decided not to venture beyond our thicket – but pressed further back into its wild undergrowth. And there passed the night.

Come the morning we were surprised when Quasimo discovered a huge water reservoir nearby. Reuben recognized the structure and led us around to the other side where he knew of a path that could take us east.

We eschewed the side where the tanker trucks were adding their loads to the reservoir. Even then someone must have spotted us for a warplane dropped down from a great height and lined up on our position.

Elijah raised his staff and the jet tumbled from the sky – but not before firing.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Word about our intended mission spread throughout the hiding place and we soon had more volunteers than necessary, or, frankly, desirable.

Elijah and I had already selected two to accompany us – Quasimo and Reuben. So the others were all disappointed. I did encourage each one to commit to the all important labor of intercession, and received encouragement myself when they answered in the affirmative.

We made our way North. Knowing that our expedition would take up a few days we kept an easy pace. Especially climbing out by the remaining path in that direction.

We stayed well away from the main road, observing the traffic thereon – mostly tanker trucks.

Reuben found us a nice sheltered spot to pass the night.