The Fairy Diary Day 655 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We held out the hope that we could outdistance the force that Dunfallon had observed – perhaps even cross over the border before they reached our road. (Though I wondered whether or not that would stop them from following after).

Matters intensified when Dunfallon returned with word that our pursuers had disappeared. Merlin allowed Navril’s elves to close ranks on the wagon and to send out some scouts. We were tense anyway, I guess the wizard figured it would not hurt for the soldier less weapons to be more alert. 

When my pendants began to glow and transfuse their warmth through me, I knew something was about to happen. Dunfallon’s “army” sensed it too. While half remained close, the other half went on the attack. 

It was then that I could see their targets. In the swirl of movement the cloaks of invisibility worn by our opponents lifted, revealing the elvish feet rushing towards us. 

Navril’s elves stood on the defense, but I could see the attackers made no move toward them. 

Noralei was about to release Rayjil to join the fray, but soon there was no need as the spears and swords of Dunfallon’s army decimated the enemy. 

I thought our peril had past. When looking around I saw two elves break away from the rear guard and charge for the wagon. I wondered if they saw a danger that we did not. 

However, Rumble was between them and the cages on the wagon. Out came his sword and he opposed the first, disarming and forcing him to yield. The second was about to leap up to the wagon when he tripped over our eager Clemjil. (I do believe the dragonling was only trying to help).

Merlin trussed the duo up like packages before I could shout “Hold them.” He turned them over to Navril. 

When Dunfallon returned he was upset at having missed “all the fun.”

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The Fairy Diary Day 634 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It has been a day of action – unrelenting in our efforts to beat our way to the shores of the island. Even with the help of Gibley and Conjil towing, it was slow going. In the meantime Dunfallon drilled his army constantly. 

When at last we neared the shore, we were greeted by Nora who informed us that Noralei had landed to scout around. 

Merlin ordered Captain Goff to anchor the ship, and the rest of us helped Dunfallon land his troops. The wizard held the dragon and Gibley in reserve against the expected arrival of the other two dragons. 

Before we left the beach, Noralei returned with a captive – the Caretaker. She had surprised and subdued him not long after going ashore. She easily avoided the patrols of Frost Fairies ringing his chamber at the base of the tower in the mountain. (In many ways it reminded her of the repository back in the Faerie Kingdom). Noralei wrung from the Caretaker the intelligence that his queen was not there but with the dragons and the army of Frost Fairies in the field. Then handed him over to Nora who transported him over to the ship where the captain shackled him. 

The next task before us then, was to secure the bell. So, Dunfallon set his troops in motion and Rumble, Noralei, and l marched behind in the rear guard ready for anything. 

We came up against the first outpost but its blue defenders had disappeared. And as we swung our column towards the tower we caught sight of our adversaries in full flight. 

Our pixie had not yet pressed onward with his soldierless weapons and we three fairies took to the air and harassed the Frost Fairies from above. Then the resolve of our enemy broke and they sued for quarter and laid down their arms. 

(Later, we learned that many of them had witnessed the slaughter of their fellows back at the village of the Sprites – and did not want to experience a similar defeat). 

In exploring the tower we found the young dragon Clemjil under lock and key. Noralei with Dunfallon’s help was instrumental on reaching through his distrust and once under the attention of Conjil, he settled down. 

With the tower and the Crack of Doom in our hands, we set about preparations to meet the return of the former queen and the dragons. 

The Fairy Diary Day 350 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

It was a day for saying goodbyes. Nililitil and Navril mustered the elves of light and after a touching ceremony in which Fliget gifted each with a cuirass of the finest dwarfish workmanship, they departed for Laguayil. 

Nililitil promised to send out orders for all in his kingdom to watch for any sign of our Will’o’the Wisp. 

The Dromadil pixies listened to a fine speech by Dunfallon in which he presented each with a sack of gold as their thanks from the dwarves. When they were dismissed they took up the rear guard to the Laguayilian troops. 

Next, Fliget saluted our pixie with a surprising gift – a harp of gold that he can carry in his pocket – it grows when played and shrinks back to pocket size afterwards. (The regent thought its music would be the perfect accompaniment to Dunfallon’s stories).

My turn for farewells came shortly after Merlin’s return. There in the city square before all its denizens, Fliget placed a new pendant around my neck. It sported a tiny crystal, so it fit quite nicely and did not clash with my other two pendants. He tells me it has the power to protect me against the ill effects that ordinarily I would suffer in the presence of iron ore. 

As proof he revealed that its chain was of that material. I felt marvelous. 

Without further adieus Merlin and I were off for his castle. Dunfallon by mutual consent is traveling on his eagle, the better to check for signs of Willie. 

And hopefully we will soon know whether or not Rumble and Noralei will be joining us.

Day One Thousand Seventy Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Come morning we had second thoughts about our decision to stay put. The rear guard of the world government forces were in our view, but they had halted to stave off multiple attacks by small units of the army of the East.

The danger, we realized, was that these small units in their efforts to flank the retreating army may come across our position.

Elijah ordered us to return to the area of the restored well. From there we could retrace Sy and Mawuli’s route to our next jumping off point.

We passed the other well on the way and found it no longer protected. We ignored it and continued on.

And that is how we encountered Mei’s comrade, Lung.

Day One Thousand Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We left the redoubt, but did not leave the area. Here, at day’s end, we still await a sign. So, we set up a camp with the intent to stay until we do.

We can see activity down on the plain, but Elam tells us that it is only minimal. And he is sure it can mean that more are operating beyond the rear guard well beyond our field of view.

Sy concurred and added that he expected to see more troops being moved up from Damascus soon.

Mei asked if that might be the sign we are awaiting.

The Captain weighed in and said he was sure that it would be something else, something dramatic and unmistakable at once.

Day Six Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Every once in a while we could make out two figures on the ridge above us shadowing our movement. We soon outdistanced them, as they were forced to follow the contours of the mountain.

Midday we finally sighted what we thought to be the rear guard of the army, but it turned out to be a field hospital. From what we could tell as we skirted the area there were no battle casualties, only footsore stragglers.

A couple of guards spotted us and came out to check, but upon closer view, dismissed us, I believe, as wandering nomads. They returned to their posts without a backward glance.

Toward evening, Elijah noticed that the two figures were back.

With a third.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We crested a ridge this morning and got a look down into another section of the pass. We could see a mass that just might be the rear guard of the army.

Tomas departed from us down a side track to a better vantage point.

He rejoined us later with the news that it was the object of our interest. Or a section of it. And further, it appeared to be not moving. Stalled.

We were heartened that we could soon catch up, but at the same time concerned for what the reason might be for their inactivity.

Our attention was soon back to navigating the trail with Elijah pressing us onward. Tomas ran ahead hoping to find a shortcut.

Day Two Hundred Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The Purser will continue to lead the followers of Hamashiach on this continent. We said farewell to him and his family. I will miss them, but most of all, Mawuli.

I was struck with curiosity as they approached the river to cross, keeping an eye on Elijah to see if he’d intervene. But the river, though wide, was very shallow at that point and no action on his part was necessary.

We stayed until the rear guard was across. And Mawuli and I exchanged our last goodbyes from opposite banks.

Elijah turned his face eastward. I followed suit and we set out.

The road runs straight with little change in elevation – the highs brought low and the lows filled in.

Day Four Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

As the rear guard we were the last to go into bivouac last night. Despite the late hour I went in search of Elijah.

I arrived just as the council was closing their meeting. They had been evaluating their first day on the march. Overall it was positive. And our rear guard was commended for our diligence.

Elijah and I drew apart by ourselves. He wants me to  choose someone else to take my place on the rear guard and rejoin him in the lead.

So I have kept a close eye today to that end. I would like to appoint Mawuli, but fear his youth would be a stumbling block. I asked Mawuli and he recommended the perfect candidate.

Day Four Hundred Eighteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There is no longer a camp. We are all mobile.

I have taken up the rear guard position. And in that capacity I have made my best effort (with help of course) to obliterate any evidence of our having been on the plain. I shall extend that endeavor by covering or sweeping over any sign of our passage. Again with much help.

As we descended from the plain I could just make out the van of our body in the distance ahead. And Elijah clearly in the lead.

Good spirits abounded. I especially noted the good cheer in those assisting me in my chosen chore.

Mawuli was with me and flitted about calling our attention to things we had missed.