Day One Thousand Two Hundred Eighteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We no longer have a reason to go onward to Babylon. For the Spirit has delivered Mr. Kagi to us. Leastways as it seems to our understanding.

But we had much discussion on this point after Mr. Kagi and Elijah’s disciples filled us in on the situation there.

According to Mr. Kagi the coalition of the armies of the East and North will need to act soon while they have the supplies and the strength.

The desalination plants in Babylon have been reduced to rubble. Though possessing a huge reserve they want to advance and capture their enemy’s before theirs is consumed.

Elijah’s disciples believe that the time is imminent and they desire to depart before their armies flood in.

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

In our meeting of yesterday the Supreme Commander revealed to us news of the conflict raging far to the north, as the forces out of that fastness have been engaged by those of the world government. He was content to sit out and let them weaken one another, all the better to step in later and destroy them both.

We welcomed this news but for another reason, and advised Quasimo’s cousin and Mei that now would be the best time for them to depart on their journey.

They agreed and Tomas concurred and together we escorted them to point outside of Babylon to the west.

As we were parting, Lung appeared and committed to accompany the women on their journey.

Day One Thousand Seventy #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah called for a halt today. On the face of it, there was no compelling reason due to any overt threats, but we obeyed without question.

Perhaps it was because of our current surroundings. Except for the absence of water, we were in a depression that shielded us from the constant wind, descending from the mountains at our back.

Or maybe Elijah just saw our need. One which was so close under our noses that we were blinded to its impact.

So, it was with gratitude that we each were able to take time to draw apart. To intercede for those behind in the hiding place, and then for those whom we yet seek, the focus for our united mission.

Day Nine Hundred Thirty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah was out before I arose this morning. He took Jezer and Elam with him for a walk up the mountain. I know the plan was for him and Jezer to point out the way to the hiding place, but I think that Elijah had an additional reason for the hike, a more personal one.

I had everything prepared for our departure by the time they returned. We would have left right then, but Elijah called for a last minute meeting with Sy, in which he asked him to consider lending his support in freeing the imprisoned group.

Sy promised to put out a fleece on that request.

Elijah thanked him. They bid us Godspeed. And we left with Elam.

Day Nine Hundred #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Quasimo came to us to offer his help. He shares our concern over Meesa’s disappearance. Though their acquaintance has been but brief, he has learned from the others her part in their rescue.

Jezer was reticent to accept his offer. Though commending his gratitude as the motivation, he said he’d prefer someone familiar with the region in particular.

I suspected that another reason (or force) was at play here. And Elijah sensed it too.

We sent out Jezer by himself and made the point to pass the rest of the day with Quasimo.

When he related their experiences in the desert, playing hide and seek with another large group, we realized that that mystery group may be one of ours.

Day Eight Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I find myself warming to our erstwhile friend Jezer. I begin to think that he only acts the scoundrel to acquire what others need. With only minimum thought to himself.

And I also understand better the reason for our call to Damascus.

There are scatterings of Hamashiachites throughout the city. Late comers to belief after the Great Appearance. Living lives in fear and persecution when found out. And sorely in need of a leader.

And Elijah shall fill that need, willingly and most gladly. I shall help, of course. But unlike with other groups we have gathered in the past, we shall lead them ourselves to Jerusalem, and not hand them over to others to direct.

And time is short.

Day Eight Hundred Thirty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I still heard barking in the distance on the way and kept my attention directed to it. It appeared to gain on us, then passed off to our right. And was silent.

When I saw mounting clouds to the west, blocking out the stars, I guessed the reason behind the actions of the trailing animal. I called Elijah’s attention to the coming storm. He concurred that we needed to seek shelter.

But there was none. All we could do was watch and pray. And to our amazement the storm front veered to the south and passed by.

So another night march and still no well. Elijah remains unperturbed. We continue to keep rested each day, despite our rounds of watching.

Day Eight Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We learned the reason behind Quasimo’s choice of yesterday.

The ‘goat track’ kept on through the expanse, meandering from wadi to wadi. Well out of sight of the road. Though we were still aware of its presence by the rumble from the tanker trucks.

Elijah and I were delighted to pass the heat of the day by a well, situated beside the pastoral path. The water was fresh and sweet to the taste.

In the space of our short time there, we were joined briefly by shepherds stopping to water their flocks.

Quasimo knew one of the shepherds and from their conversation we could tell each was pleased with what the other had to say.

Afterwards, Quasimo took us home.

Day Seven Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I could not stop thinking about G and his people and the road ahead of them. And wondering if we forgot to relate to them anything that might make their pilgrimage less perilous.

Tomas, thankfully, had given him valuable information for dealing with the Supreme Commander should they run afoul of his massive army. And Elijah wonderfully encouraged him.

This train of thought halted when the Captain spotted movement ahead of us, and for all appearances coming directly for us.

After the briefest of discussions, we continued on our course.

At one point they halted for no other reason I can think of, except they saw us.

It was a caravan of merchants. We passed one another in absolute silence.

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.