Day One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I don’t know who was more overjoyed, or relieved – Reuben or us. Perhaps it was dependent upon whoever was sharing. For we mutually encouraged one another by the good news we were each privy to.

All was well at the hiding place according to his account. And for him to hear from us that Tomas was well gave him immense satisfaction.

The fact that he was here was the result of his search for Tomas. The trail that he had pieced together to follow him, lead him to us.

He strongly considered going on to Babylon, but we dissuaded him. It was very providential to have him with us as we left the plain behind and climbed into the hills.

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Day Three Hundred Ninety Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was all for starting off immediately now we know the route we are to take. But Elijah settled me down and explained we still had some waiting to do. He needs to settle the “when” question to his satisfaction. He can’t help but feel that we have something yet to accomplish here. Together.

He did allow one concession.  We changed inns – from the one along the river to another near our future path.

Our new abode has a quiet and peaceful courtyard. Perfect for contemplation. Elijah claimed it for his use. I took up my station outside to watch the comings and goings.

Thoughts came and went too.

About the Purser and his family. And the Captain and Tomas.

Day Three Hundred Fifty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah tells me it was all due to a growing hardness of heart. He saw retribution coming.

The patrol boats dispatched in pursuit of us did not even make it out of the harbor. One minute they were roaring along at full speed, the next they were dead in the water.

The pilot scheduled to take us out never did show. How providential that one was supplied to us.

The teamwork exhibited by the crew – old and new members together, has brought great satisfaction to the Captain in this new day. They were so bent to their tasks that they did not witness the streaks of light descending through the sky behind us.

They did see the glow of destruction.

Day Three Hundred Forty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We will indeed be longer at this port. All shipments for this city have been off loaded, but not everything consigned to ship has arrived to be stowed aboard. But even if they were, the Captain would not depart before he gets satisfaction for his claim on the grain ship.

Elijah was happy this time around for we landed and traveled about on solid ground.

First call was at the Customs house, where we were referred to the Port Authority.

We departed from the Captain at that institution and struck out on our own. Elijah and I are seeking those not bearing the mark, and those new followers of Hamashiach.

Our efforts were crowned with success, the Captain’s were not.

Day One Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Before he left yesterday, Kip offered to help us contact the authorities.

So, our chores, being all caught up, both Lyle and I ventured back into the western end via the second avenue entrance. This time the guards sent us on our way with an escort. All the way to Kip’s house.

There, Kip disclosed to us that he is one of the authorities that we have been seeking. I was speechless, though Lyle seemed to take it in stride, hardly reacting at all. He just took to posing all the questions he could think of.

For his part, Kip was the gracious host, and soon had explained most things to Lyle’s satisfaction.

And suddenly things became infinitely more complicated.