The Fairy Diary Day 155 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We bid adieu to Caywyn this morning. He was anxious to get back to his post and to find out if his men there were experiencing any problems due to the enemy’s retreat. Noralei asked permission to join him. To this we reluctantly agreed, but only because the rest of us thought we would soon follow.  

While waiting for instructions from the High Fairy as to our next actions we took our ease. Nimrood wanted to stage another celebration but we prevailed upon him to wait for things to return to normal first. 

Encouraged by Noralei‘s example, Dunfallon put in a request to accompany Geog and Grimace back to their home. I was not keen on him leaving us too until I heard that many of the farmers in the area had fled into that territory. Then, I knew what I had to do – I put it to the king that we would be glad to carry the tidings to his people up there that it was safe to return to their farmsteads.

No need to ask the High Fairy. It was the right thing to do. 

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas called everyone to his lookout point at midday. The sounds of conflict had reignited and movement could be seen on the horizon in the direction of Babylon.

It was soon apparent that we were observing a retreat. But a retreat of which army? The coalition of the armies of the North and East? Or that of the world government?

Whichever the case, the Captain estimated that this movement was not a rout, but rather a strategic repositioning. Units were breaking off and taking up positions on the high ground to each side.

I had a moment of consternation when I realized that our position might be desirable for their purposes.

But by evening they were well short of us.

Day Six Hundred Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have stayed put today in the nice dry cave Elijah found for us. We need to sort through some issues before making our next move.

Just as we had our news to share with Tomas and the Captain, so too have they returned the favor.

They had observed various scouting patrols in the area, each one checking out the routes up to the mountain pass. All have hastily beat a retreat back down to the plain.

Tomas went out on his own to see what was what. He brought back some unsettling news.

Dire warnings are posted on the roads westward. They warn that radiation is present at dangerous levels.

It must be why the army has not budged.

Day Five Hundred Sixty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah agreed with the Captain’s decision to avoid the next port of call.

We were surprised that these were the first words out of his mouth upon emerging from the special cabin. For he had held up in there for the past two days.

He then added cryptically that this port will be the end of the voyage. For everyone.

The Captain began to protest. And stated that the end was always supposed to be on the tropical islands at the center of this immense ocean.

To this Elijah answered that the people awaiting the shipments were no longer there. All the inhabitants had been removed forcibly on Stan’s orders. He now holds the islands as his personal possession and retreat.

Day Three Hundred One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our room has a view of the harbor. Ships crowd the docks. And many more are out in the roads, waiting to come in, or awaiting the best conditions to depart. We will have to find one that is going our way before the clock ticks down the last eight days.

Elijah led us into the highways and byways to proclaim the warning.

It was as though all had blinders on, eyes open to their tasks, and ears closed to anything outside their focus.

Then we noticed that the streets were filling with soldiers trying to separate us from the crowds. And Stan stood at their head.

Elijah resisted and they fell back in a swoon.

Stan could only retreat.

Day Two Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our escorts (I will not say captors) have treated us respectfully. We are under no restraints of a physical nature. We could walk off at a whim if we so desired, and in any direction, but always with six or seven in our wake.

Six of them indeed did shadow us as Elijah followed a sudden urge to retreat back across the bridge. He desired to check out his old haunt under that end.

Our “companions” seemed surprised that this hidden place existed. They are an unimaginative lot, not at all curious.

Elijah settled in to contemplate. I took the hint and went topside with my threesome. Their leader met us and requested our presence back here at their encampment.