Day Two Hundred Evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

We were unimpeded all the way back to the camp. The gates of the second district and that of the city to the fields stood wide open, their guards in position, but slumped to the ground in sleep.

Great was the surprise of our friend Lyle when we burst in upon his evening quiet time. We exchanged accounts of our doings. And I heard at last from Grazie about her encounter with her father Moglen.

He is a broken, confused and remorseful man. She offered him her forgiveness. It is why she sought him out.

Then she told us it was time.

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Day One Hundred Ninety Eight Evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

Grazie appeared to me in my dreams. She took my hand and I stood to my feet.

My cell door lay open. Soon I followed her lead through empty corridors and out into the streets of the second district.

I was not asleep after all.

We hid in an empty house in the third district.

An image of Flowers graced one wall.

Day One Hundred Eighty Eight evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

I’ve been moved. To Moglen’s in the second district, with a view of the first district square and its golden statue.

Day One Hundred Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Against my inclinations I accompanied Lyle to the meeting with Moglen. Lyle wouldn’t go without me. He told me that he needed “Enough” to be by his side to call “enough” over the proceedings, if necessary.

We entered the second district. Evidently Moglen was not required to change venues when promoted. The “Capital” is wherever he is.

He was friendly, but he spoke and it was our job to listen. In addition to taking the mark to be allowed to trade, we also will require it to remain in our homes. Then he insisted on taking us to the first district. He brought us before the statue, which pointed at us and said, “Bow.”

We both said “Enough,” and left.

Day One Hundred Fifty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Moglen is forbidding any contact between the citizens of his second district and the markets of the east end.

We expect that the other western districts will soon follow example.

Going forward, Lyle is expecting renewed problems with leaders wanting to take on the mark. I don’t think things will get critical until we can no longer supply our own needs.

Lyle does not want to share the vision with everyone just yet. And I agree. Timing is everything and between us we should know the proper time. I have cautioned Grazie along the same lines. She will not tell the vision to anyone.

Tomorrow the people of the east end will move from the encampment back into their residences.

Day One Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Pressure is mounting on two fronts.

Moglen is the undisputed leader now in the second district. It is even whispered that he may rise to rule the entire west end. We expect an ultimatum soon.

And Lyle faces opposition from two of his leaders. They were denied access to a west end market unless they bear the mark. They proposed that they take it on to represent the east end in these matters. I advised Lyle to counter their notion with the suggestion that they maintain their market here. Let the west end come to us, we set no restrictions.

Grazie worked diligently in our fields today. I worry about the return of her depression once the harvest is finished.

Day One Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Grazie had been under surveillance. Probably a drone that kept well out of view.

Moglen alleges that Kip is responsible for alienating the affections of his daughter, Terresta. He will oppose Kip’s transfer to the east end until he has Terresta back.

Grazie is beside herself. She feels keenly being the source of conflict – saddened for Kip, and fearful for herself. She repudiates the name Terresta and does not want to go back.

Lyle has gone into the second district to meet with Moglen, if he can. And to possibly work out a compromise.

I gave Grazie into the care of the widow. She will do her best to keep her occupied.

I passed the day in my walled courtyard.

Day One Hundred Fifty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

All the “I”s are dotted and “T”s crossed on the paperwork for Kip. Lyle remained behind to accompany him.

I left early from the second district to make a run out to the fields and vineyards to look for Grazie.

Only a few people were at work in the western fields, while ours were a beehive of activity.

I took my time and scanned each individual. I waved at a likely candidate and was rewarded by a salute in return.

Grazie was overwhelmed with thankfulness to encounter me. This marked her last day in the vineyards. At her request she accompanied me to our encampment.

Lyle arrived alone. Kip was refused exit due to a protest from Moglen.