Day Four Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have reached the last village on this plateau. Ahead a vast wilderness awaits. I figure it must be part of the other one we crossed a few days ago further to the west.

The locals tell us that we must plan for at least three days to pass through to the other side. They also inform us to be prepared to ward off wild animals.

As we have dealt with that type of problem before, we are unconcerned. I am concerned, however, if Stan is in pursuit. It wouldn’t do to be overtaken in such a place.

For now Elijah thinks he is probably too busy trying to pull things together after his failed meeting in the riverfront town.

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Day Three Hundred Ninety Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

While awaiting direction, Elijah kept to himself and remained at the inn. I roamed the streets of the riverfront town. I think I had it covered all before noon.

I’d hardly seen any of it my first time through with the Purser’s family. Now I consider myself an expert. I could give tours.

Our inn is surrounded by markets, which are constantly supplied by traffic from the river. I took notes on schedules and fares, should we be led up or down river.

Moving out from there I finally came upon the route used by the followers of Hamashiach in their flight from the area. I have the strongest feeling that our course lays along that way.

Let Elijah decide.

Day Three Hundred Ninety Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was relieved to leave the desolation behind. And I think I speak for Elijah too. He hasn’t commented directly about it, but for a while there, he was holding his arm across his face. Now he walks unencumbered and without stumbling.

The last long stretch before the riverfront town, though lonely was a refreshing walk. I still wonder why there are no villages on its outskirts. They have the look of prime farmland.

The riverfront town has emptied out, comparatively speaking. We were probably the only ones around that could be considered refugees. We had no trouble finding a place to stay, an inn down beside the river.

We as yet have no leading as to our next step.

Day Three Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The city has dropped from our sight as we have pushed on into the wilderness. I returned the sling to Mawuli before we parted figuring that they would require its protection should they pass through similar wild beast habitats. An easy decision. After all, we have Elijah’s staff with us.

As indeed it did prove to be an aid in keeping some ravenous mastiffs away from us. And some rather big cats.

We were able to leave them and the wilderness behind before we went into camp for the night.

I asked Elijah if he had any sense for our future course once we reach the riverfront town.

He says he is still open and encourages me to be also.

Day Three Hundred Eighty evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enoch writes:

Mary had enough to pay for passage on a riverboat down to a riverfront town which is a hub for roads in the area.

Many refugees have preceded us, but we are told they are keeping to roads that run further inland. They are avoiding the one that we must take to our intended destination.

No one knows why.