Day One Thousand One Hundred Forty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

This morning Elijah sent Reuben out again to check. He returned almost immediately. While he watched, Moglen who was still lurking, turned about and left.

With this news, Reuben and I thought we should leave as soon as possible. But Elijah surprised us by insisting that we wait a while longer. Adding that we have an appointment to keep.

He waved aside any further query and asked us to be praying for his two bands of pupils. He said they were in sore need of our support.

This we did until Elijah announced it was time to depart.

At every turn of the path I expected to see one of Elijah’s pupils. Imagine my surprise when we came upon Tomas.

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Day Nine Hundred Thirty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah was out before I arose this morning. He took Jezer and Elam with him for a walk up the mountain. I know the plan was for him and Jezer to point out the way to the hiding place, but I think that Elijah had an additional reason for the hike, a more personal one.

I had everything prepared for our departure by the time they returned. We would have left right then, but Elijah called for a last minute meeting with Sy, in which he asked him to consider lending his support in freeing the imprisoned group.

Sy promised to put out a fleece on that request.

Elijah thanked him. They bid us Godspeed. And we left with Elam.

Day Nine Hundred Twelve #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah kept his restriction in place. No one was to go out to look for Jezer but myself and Elijah. Even Quasimo was instructed to stay inside. No drone flying for him.

I had reclaimed that responsibility on this instance.

Before going out, Elijah settled the question over who would be in overall command in his absence. He appointed Meesa to be the servant of the people.

All the other potential candidates lent her their support. As I knew they would.

Once outside, I launched the drone and set about the task of locating our friend with the phony mark. Elijah promised that we would not return without him.

It was soon apparent it might be longer than anyone thought.

Day Seven Hundred Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The sound of two gunshots and an answering fusillade crashed out of the pathway to our left.  Before their echoes trailed off, we made our easy choice, the right-hand fork, and hurried out of the area.

Tomas ran ahead to sweep the path and to ensure we wouldn’t come up against another surprise.

Mei took up her favored position,  keeping a constant watch behind us. The Captain dropped back also to keep her company and lend additional support.

Thus we continued all day.

I walked with Elijah. With not a word between us. A whole new vista was opening up before us – the hills flattening into rolling prairie to which we could see no end.

“Almost there,” said Elijah.

Day Seven Hundred Forty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Waited all day for an opportunity to talk to Tomas alone. I would have accompanied him on one of his jaunts, but didn’t want to leave Elijah and the Captain without my support. Lung has been outwardly calm, yet I can tell agitation is festering just below the surface. Every step is taking us further and further away from his unit. If only he would talk to Elijah again. Lung has been avoiding him ever since the glacier.

Thankfully, Tomas brought word of another path branching off this one. He is certain it will take Lung back down. If not to the lake, at least to the desert.

I also decided to put off my talk with Tomas until tomorrow.

Day Two Hundred Forty Four Late Morning #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah writes:

Another oasis in sight. Should be there by afternoon.

Treasure my staff. It has been a faithful and reliable support.

Long to see Enoch who is more so.

Day One Hundred Seventy Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle sent me on an errand at the rising of the sun. I made a tour of the encampment to invite his leaders to a meeting, while he crossed into the east end to look for Flowers.

I was able to delegate others to  spread the invitation, so by the time of our gathering there was a boost to the turnout. Lyle was a few minutes late and without Flowers. But he did bring with him a dozen people from the east end who want to move out here to the fields. All welcomed the newcomers and pledged their support.

Lyle settled everyone in and began to speak. He announced that the time is at hand and shared our vision.