The Fairy Diary Day 174 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Noralei knew all the passwords, signs and countersigns employed by Caywyn’s clan. And that secured the audience we needed in which we presented Nimrood’s proclamation. 

Cawthrup is the leader’s name and he accepted us readily, or so we thought. 

He put a call out around to his people and invited us to stay in the nearby woodlands while they gathered, reasoning that we would be more at home in their confines. 

Rumble and Dunfallon accepted the offer without a second thought. But Noralei and I were uneasy with that arrangement. She did wring from him a promise to keep all iron weapons, and even iron farm implements far away from us. (And she took the added precaution of erecting the protective barrier around us for the night).

Thus we passed it peacefully and thankfully our reception with the humans this morning went smoothly.  Most of them were glad for the news that they may return to their farms. But there were a few others, including Cawthrup who desire to stay on their new lands. 

What does that mean for our mission?

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Day One Thousand Eighty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

All we saw along the way were signs of the passage of the massive army. We were in its wake and evidently far from its point of contact with the world government’s forces.

I, for one, was glad of it. For I know that the day will come when I shall be face to face with the ultimate carnage. Sooner than it has ever been.

Sy and Elam alternated turns in the advance with Mawuli. The lad is indefatigable.

Mei is greatly buoyed in spirit by our brief sojourn with Lung and her old unit. She was talking with the Captain and asked what he hoped for from our mission.

As one could guess this raised the topic of Tomas.

Day One Thousand Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have left the patrol and our false friend far behind. The latter whimpering about being abandoned and blind on the mountain path. I was sure that his friends would soon rescue him.

We came about to our original heading and pressed on. And we saw no one in pursuit the rest of the day.

Elijah and I conversed as we went along.

More and more there were signs of the drought deepening. This underlined the importance of convincing Sy and Jordan to bring their people into the safety and security, and yes, to an abundant supply of water offered in the hiding place.

I then finally told him about my dream. The dream of the rising tide of blood.

Day Eight Hundred Twenty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Half the encampment saw us off this morning. I believe more would have done so, but the flocks needed tending.

We let it be known our intent to strike out in a northerly direction from the camp, and Quasimo supplied us with knowledge of the wells along that route, plus signs to look for in the desert beyond.

Our parting was brief but warm. The sentiment of all I am sure. I even admit to a lump in my throat as we turned our feet northward.

Since the wadis all ran east west, our route took us up and down the sections in between. This slowed us down, and it was time to turn in before we reached the road.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We could not communicate with one another save through gestures and signs. Their weapons did most of the pointing.

After a few tense moments they seemed satisfied that we were not on a mission from their enemies which we took to be the army in the pass.

Thankfully they did not force us out into the night, but neither would they let us depart this morning.

The Captain had a sense they were waiting for someone else with the authority to make that decision.

Tomas went outside briefly with one of them and brought back news that the storm had passed.

Both Elijah and I sought to redeem the time in prayer. We were allowed use of the sleeping quarters.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tracks continued to precede us on the trail. Another set joined the first at the juncture of the path with a mountain stream. This second set came up from below.

We slowed our pace by tacit agreement. I believe none of us wanted an encounter up here in the mountains.

We all felt relief on that score when the path forked and the pair of tracks took the upward bound route. We will stay the course and keep in view of the pass below.

We are left curious though. Tomas told us that the upward branch was marked with signs of warnings about radiation – like those in the hills up from the town on the plain.

Elijah alone remains unconcerned.

Day Two Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The leader of our “escorts” has not a clue what to do with us. Elijah for his part has been content for us to remain along the river for now. But that will change soon.

We made a short expedition over to Elijah’s other bridge. The escorts (seven this time) became agitated when they realized where we were headed. No one from the city will go near that bridge. They take seriously the minefield warnings placed around its approaches. I wondered what they would do if they knew the signs were placed by Elijah. He persuaded them no harm would ensue if they followed in his footsteps.

Elijah was pleased to find all as before. I marvel our reputation grows.