The Fairy Diary Day 465 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin called for me this morning. When I joined him the High Fairy was with him, stationed at the window and gazing off into the distance. 

I launched immediately into expressing my desire to learn more about the goblin dragon handlers. But before I got beyond the bare statement, the wizard nodded and said, “All in good time – but that is not why we have called for you.”

His excellency turned from the window at that point and gave his full attention to our discussion about the need to secure the Crack of Doom from the designs of our enemy. He made many astute observations based upon their meeting of yesterday with Noralei. 

We were just finishing when Noralei herself came in to inform us that permission was granted for us to review the bell’s security in its secret location. 

We are to make ready for the trip and depart tomorrow. 

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We learned from others in Reuben’s little community that Magwich and his comrades indeed had left to find Mawuli and to rescue him if needed. (They had acted before Elijah’s revelation).

Sy and Reuben rushed out in pursuit but returned before sundown when it was clear the trio was well out of the area.

I called a meeting this morning at Elijah’s request. He poured oil upon the anxious spirits of the people and together with the other leaders promised that their concerns would be addressed, (the chief concern being the secrecy of this location if any of Magwich’s group were captured).

Tomas sought permission to go after them, but Elijah ordered him to accompany Sy back to the redoubt.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah took Mawuli’s parents aside to encourage them. I could tell that their hopes were greatly shored up when I talked with them later in the day.

And I know my resolve has been strengthened likewise. It helps when you get the focus off yourself and onto Whom it belongs.

Keeping busy also helps. Especially doing those things that I can see are building up others and meeting their needs.

Mei and Meesa have aided me in this, adding to the list that Elijah gave me yesterday.

However, these chores were interrupted soon after. When delivering some requested items to Reuben’s conclave, he met me with the news that Magwich and two other former prison guards had left without permission.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

From day to day the heat has been mounting. I do not know if it is a function of going deeper into the desert, or the accumulation of days since Elijah sealed the heavens, commanding this drought.

Tomas located another well, so we have resupplied handsomely. There was a nearby shallow pool whose shrunken border gave clear evidence of the effectiveness of the drought.

At the evening meal (Elijah still abstains), I broached the subject of night travel again. And again the consensus was against me. At least for now.

As to the topic of fasting, I have the desire on my part, but not a clear cut permission to do so.

Grappling with these decisions makes for long nights.

Day Five Hundred Eighty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Though the port authorities signed off on our proposal, we did have one more hurdle to overcome. The commander of the warship, as the senior representative of the global government at this location, needed to grant his permission.

He kept us on tenterhooks all morning as he mulled over his decision. At last it came in the affirmative, with one proviso – we must carry some supplies for their ships at our next port.

The Captain agreed, and was happy to, as that meant taking on less ballast for the voyage.

Later, upon observing two containers being lashed to the deck rather than placed in the hold, I remarked to Elijah that it appeared we would be resupplying that robotic warship.

Day Five Hundred Eighty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We took on some cargo unexpectedly.  Actually we had carried it here. The owner, one of the refugees from Stan’s tropical island requested passage and transport of his belongings.

The port authority granted him permission. And shortly after loading was completed we were cleared to leave.

The Captain didn’t waste any time taking us out.

We felt all eyes trained on us as we passed the warship. To our relief they remained in place.

Two other ships departed at the same time. But they soon split from us to take a northerly course.

We were all alone as we headed south.

Our passenger, Mr. Kagi, asked for an audience with the Captain. He proposes we make a run for it.

Day Five Hundred Forty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We began our plan’s implementation today. First, I paid a quick visit to the ship to ask the Captain’s permission to bring aboard the Hamashiachite contingent. Upon my assurances that none carried the plague, he whole-heartedly approved, and I returned to Elijah with his blessing.

Second, Elijah briefed these people fully in the steps they are to take to fulfill their role in the end of days. The ship shall deliver them to the next port down the coast. There they shall gather other Hamashiachites and set out for their long journey.

From the noon hour onward, we sent these dear people out by twos and threes to the docks.

By day’s end we were all safely aboard ship.

Day Four Hundred Fifty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Hurry up and wait. The tune called by our hosts. At one time, all for getting rid of us at the earliest opportunity, only to turn around and hold us here while they check on rumors of stowaways.

I don’t believe it possible. The Captain and Tomas have been fastidious in their efforts to keep anything from being surreptitiously placed aboard. Especially as Elijah warned them that an attempt would be made to compromise us.

Late in the day they gave up and allowed us permission to depart, hoping that we would put it off till tomorrow.

The Captain decided to leave immediately rather than be forced to endure the like later.

The pilot took us out into the night.

Day Four Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A whirlwind of a day. At the crack of dawn the tug returned with our guests of yesterday. We were granted permission to enter the harbor.

The pilot took us in.

A berth had been cordoned off for our vessel, and as soon as we docked, Emil’s special container was offloaded. All the while the political officer kept Elijah and I under close observation.

If the three containers we were to take back had been ready we would have been out of there in no time. But they weren’t. Granted they had an excuse, they had not been expecting us.

So we had to wait.

Elijah asked permission to go ashore and was denied.

My request as purser was granted.

Day Four Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I too, caught sight of the ship that Elijah spotted yesterday. And I also believe it to be our former vessel.
It appears now to be holding station off the harbor, awaiting a pilot or permission to enter. On one hand it is reassuring, giving us more time to get to the city; and on the other (at least in me) engendering a concern that it may be gone before our arrival.
Our progress is much as before -stumbling along in starts and stops. Elijah and I now use the down time in different ways. He meditates. I continue the search for ways up.
Recently the presence of homes on the heights raises hopes that they are serviced by roads.