Day Seven Hundred Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The communication from Tomas was already opened and we assumed read by other interested parties. On the face of it Tomas was assuring us of his well being and inquiring after ours. But there was a subtext that I was sure had eluded anyone other than our eyes.

It was much in my thoughts as we set out once more.

If I was correct in my assumption, the Supreme Commander was about to suffer the same fate as David at the hand of his son Absalom.

I was discussing the implications with Elijah and the Captain when the surrounding mountainsides of the pass sprang to life. And our attention was riveted on the threat around us.

Where was the Spirit?

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Day Two Hundred Eighty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elam, the name of the former madman, goes where we go and lives where we live. He hangs on every word that Elijah passes on to him.

Sy’s parents invited us (Elam included) around to the back of their residence where they supplied us with food. Elijah again tried to persuade them to go to their son, adding that the city’s days are numbered. They declined again, but this time I sense some hesitation.

We turned our faces to the city center. Along the way Elam stopped at each cross street and called out the dire warning. “Twenty nine days!”

Elijah spoke on the administration building’s steps. They still deny us access.

The crowds are getting bigger and linger longer.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Last night was quiet and peaceful from one end to the other. Elijah must have made a lasting impression.

Sy’s father put in a request to him. He would like us to get a message to his son. Elijah refused as we are not headed that way. But he added that the only reason for returning – part way at least – would be to point them in the right direction. That ended the discussion.

We left for the administration building. It was as though we walked in a bubble, for everyone on the streets avoided us. And it was the same at the administration building. They declined to let us in until we bear the mark.

We’ll try another tack tomorrow.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Sy’s parents had been wary before admitting us, explaining that people who spend nights in the square are unsavory characters – molesters, drunkards, robbers – all around reprobates (their description). They keep locked up tight nights.

They offered us a place to stay as long as we want.

We thanked them, but Elijah countered by telling them that we are here to get them out and back to their son.

Our offer was met with frigid silence.

When the father spoke it was with adamant absoluteness. He will never leave. I saw the same resolve in the mother’s eyes.

We turned our talk to other things – of the denizens, their rulers, and the seaport beyond.

We hope they will change their minds.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It would have been a quiet night in the square if not for the revelers at midnight. They appeared intent on hassling anyone in their path. Catching sight of us they came straight for us in a booze fueled fury.

Elijah stood to his feet and around the rock of his presence the subhuman tide split and fell to fighting amongst themselves.

We were not bothered the rest of the night, though we did take turns on watch.

With the dawn we took note of which residences surrounding the square did not disgorge any occupants. The second such house as it turned out belongs to Sy’s parents.

They invited us in. And listened eagerly to the news about their son.

Day Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

Came back to the camp very late. Only to find Enough gone.

My fear has come true. I’m kicking myself for my little foray yesterday morning. I should have left a note about my intentions. Though it did not seem plausible at the time that I could be absent more than an hour or so.

I needed to check out the area further away from the village on this side of the river. We should have run into that widow and her son long before now.  I wonder if she has gone on over the mountain.

I spotted two cabins from one of the drones. It was at its limit.  One looked inhabited, so I had to check it out.

Nothing. And I could not go on, knowing that Enough was alone and perhaps concerned for me.

Obviously he was, and he went to find me.

And no note from him either. We’ll have to talk about that.

He should have waited. That’s what I’m going to do.