The Fairy Diary Day 334 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Those little walking sprouts kept us busy rounding them up. Noralei thought they were cute until they began devouring one another – the victors consequently growing in size. 

Finally only one was left standing. We thought we had it restrained, but it snuck a tendril beyond its bounds and unfortunately past the bars of Willie’s cage, and the Will’o’the Wisp pulled it in and ate it. 

At that moment Dunfallon rejoined us and gave us the news after we explained what just had occurred. 

He saw three dark elves emerge from the cave above the abandoned fishing village. He has no doubt that one was the warrior about whom Merlin had warned us. And he was carrying a bulky package. They have taken up a march that should bring them here within two or three days time. 

But there was no sign of our friend the wizard. 

I re-sent him out to keep surveillance on the dark elves. And to look for signs of Merlin. 

Before the pixie departed he gave Rumble a bouquet to give to Noralei, then on watch. 

The flowers were her favorites.

Advertisement

Day Eight Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Not only did I lack confirmation, I confessed to having more questions than before.

Along the way Elijah had confirmed my suspicion that the first snowfall had been an answer to his petition on our behalf – a provision of water for the next step in our journey along an unknown path. A highly localized suspension of the drought. Purely for our benefit.

But – hence the question. Who was responsible for the crimson snow that followed. And did they know where we were? And if so, how? Were we under surveillance?

Elijah just shrugged and said it was obvious the enemy’s goal was to thwart us, but asked me to remember that the Spirit can use that opposition to help us.

Day Eight Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Both Quasimo and I advised against the move southward. But Elijah insisted. So the rest of the day we made our way out of the central district, and passed the night in a posh but deserted hotel.

Before we set out this morning Quasimo told us they would be on high alert since the explosion and surveillance would begin the minute we set foot in the southern sector.

Elijah said we would only be there long enough to deliver a message, then we would egress via his preferred route.

Thus, we ended up before an angry crowd and Elijah announced the continuation of the drought. Their anger boiled over.

But we disappeared before they could lay a hand on us.

Day Eight Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The first part was easy. Quasimo led us out of the audience chamber the same way he had gotten in. Avoiding all surveillance.

Then came the tricky part.

He took us into the communication/security room in the basement. There he was to report the success of his mission. It also held the relay connections to initiate a final solution in the event his mission turned suicidal. He switched the controls to that connection over to a timer instead. Set it and led us away via underground passages.

We emerged in the market area. But Quasimo held us back – until the explosion.

Then he explained, “Now all surveillance is down. And all the barriers also.”

Elijah asked to go south.

Day Eight Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I am naturally suspicious. So it took awhile for me to warm to Quasimo. Elijah had no such qualms. He kept him nearby all of yesterday and together they planned for our exit.

It was necessary to remain in the audience chamber for, per his knowledge, everywhere else was under surveillance. There, I finally took some time with him this morning to get to know him better.

His family was taken up in the glorious appearance. He was left behind and bitter. And sought the kind of employment that landed him in the inner circles of the world government.

He was blinded, but now he sees.

As we set out, he turned and asked for the removal of the mark.

Day Four Hundred Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The stream beside us is widening into a river. Soon that fact will precipitate a decision.

We covered a good deal of ground today. And the people are  adapting to a new rhythm for their lives. There is no sign of pursuit nor that of surveillance. Spirits remain high.

I joined Elijah in the lead, so I have to adopt a new mindset. No longer am l preoccupied with where we’ve been, but now my focus is on where we’re going.

There is no road or path, only the meandering river. But that soon will be of little concern.

In the evening council meeting, Elijah revealed that we will soon part ways with the larger group to catch the ship.

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 Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I confess an uneasiness throughout the day. It was a very narrow path, I mean like walking a tight rope in places. No view has any depth but that which is ahead or behind. To our sides are nothing but trees. And that is the source of my uneasiness for I felt as if our every step was under surveillance from that quarter.

The birds were markedly quiet also, a fact that bothered Lyle even more.

That all changed after the trail took a climbing switchback, crossed a stream, and rose above the tree line. The weight of oppression fell off all of us at the same instant. And the sing song between Rufus and Clarissa continued loud and clear.