The Fairy Diary Day 378 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Our guides delivered us to the entrance of Artoxon’s capital and left us there as they had another party to escort down the Low-way. We were taken into the care of Bifitz that ancient goblin, adopted by the dwarves and Artoxon in particular. He was waiting patiently for us. (Again word had preceded us).

He invited us into his chambers for what turned out to be a close questioning about our intentions.  

I laid out to him our concerns for the dwarves ever since the events surrounding the theft of the dragon egg from under Gilgorgon’s mountain – and our suspicions that the perpetrator – that is, the dragon, came in via the underground passages. 

At that point Bifitz cut us off and stated in no uncertain terms that no dragon would dare enter into their capital. He branded the whole idea that a dragon was present among them as preposterous. And would not hear of granting us permission to descend into the depths to visit Artoxon in his apartments. 

To say I was taken aback at this attitude is an understatement. But we did not protest. Just simply accepted his hospitality until our departure.

Advertisement

Day One Thousand One Hundred Eighty Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Much rejoicing today as Tomas and Sy have returned – accompanied by an overjoyed Captain and Jezer (their expedition put on hold again after encountering them).

It took a while to assemble all the leaders, a particularly trying situation for Tomas as he was bursting to tell us everything.

Mei was the last one located and came running when she received word.

I noticed that Sy was quiet and brooding the whole time we were waiting, and became more so when Tomas began to speak.

They had not located Mawuli. But they have suspicions.  A vehicle carrying Moglen was seen moving from camp to camp behind the lines.

And as suspected the altar has been rebuilt- as yet without an idol.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Everything has changed over night – for Tomas – for Elijah and myself. But especially for Tomas as to attitude. He is no longer swallowed up by doubt and indecision. He has grown in confidence that his place for now is here. And he knows with surety that he will be called away and has been given a sign upon which to wait.

This development, to my thinking, is all the more remarkable because the suspicions we have been harboring have been confirmed to him. The Supreme Commander, indeed, purposes to keep us with him.

As for Elijah and me, we now know our departure will be soon. And we will be leaving Tomas behind.

The prospect saddens me. Spirit, prepare us.

Day One Thousand Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas and Jezer passed through on their last trip from the well. The last until the drought ends or a miracle intervenes – it would take one in Tomas’s estimation.

Jezer thinks it may recover before then.

But now it is apparent we shall need to move on as soon as possible.

Mawuli and I met with his father to calculate how long our water will last. We concluded that we must begin to ration.

The matter had me thinking back to that snowfall in the desert. It had not been what I prayed for, but it was what we needed.

I was kept so busy over these issues that I forgot to discuss my suspicions with Elijah about the drone.

Day Nine Hundred Eighty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A hush hung over us all morning. Not a breeze was stirring anywhere atop the table plateau. All our conversations had the same quality, carried on in undertones. In fact even my thoughts seemed muffled to me.

The anticipated return of the water couriers was no doubt responsible.

I discussed my suspicions with Elijah about who among us may be the tares. Surprisingly of the half dozen I have identified (and the Purser concurs) only one is in uniform.

We thought it wise to have Tomas descend to the camel pen to keep a lookout- for them, and for the return of the water couriers.

The day was far gone when the couriers came over the rim followed by Jezer.

Day Nine Hundred Forty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were separated this morning and questioned. Then were reunited hours later in an holding cell with a dozen other prisoners. Our one common denominator-lack of the mark upon our bodies.

I moved to Elijah’s side and was about to ask him about his interrogation, when I realized that he didn’t want to speak with so many listening ears.

We seized the opportunity later when the other prisoners were moved out.

We were puzzled at the apparent ignorance of our interrogators here. Those in Damascus appeared to know who we were, but showed more interest in Elijah’s staff. (Perhaps they thought that by its possession they’ve rendered him powerless).

None of their suspicions appear to have followed us here.

Day Nine Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Having obtained Jezer’s release, one would have expected us to return immediately to the hiding place.

But Elijah had other ideas. He wanted to continue the search for other followers of Hamashiach immediately. So we headed back into Damascus.

Besides, Elijah pointed out that any other direction would have raised the suspicions of the local police whom he was sure were monitoring our movements. And if our actions matched their expectations they would soon lose interest in us. Or as Jezer suggested we could lose them in the multitudes.

Along the way I had my little talk with Jezer about acquiring the materials with which to construct another drone for Quasimo.

He deferred to Elijah who reluctantly added his approval.

Day Four Hundred Eighty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah wants me to accompany him. Not just ashore, but to continue across this subcontinent and perhaps rejoin the ship at a port on the other side.

I want to go, but not before discharging my responsibilities.

Elijah will wait, but will wander around the waterfront in the meantime.

We have landed the cargo for this port and that of the prior one. Due to our status (i.e. No mark) we will not be allowed to take on any other business. That cuts our time short here. The Captain and I had to battle the port authorities for more time and space to get down to that mystery container.

They only relented, when we shared our suspicions of potential danger.

Day Three Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The lone guard sent word to the Captain that he desired to speak with him.

He was quite agitated when the Captain, in the course of his rounds, at long last arrived. He demanded to know what exactly the Captain planned to do to ensure the security of his government’s container. He was aware of our shadow and the reports of various crew members have been feeding his suspicions.

The Captain explained his thoughts on the matter, much to the guard’s dissatisfaction.

I chimed in with the possible explanation that the warship may just have the same destination and only appears to be following us. And that we should not read anything more into it than we have evidence for.

Day Three Hundred Forty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The grain ship has disappeared from the sea to our front. The Captain’s immediate concern was for the missing vessel’s engines, fearing that they may have failed, and we passed them by during the darkness. He considered coming about and going in search of the vessel.

The Purser spoke up and opined that it made more sense that they pressed on to the port, which he calculated was only a one day sail away.

The Captain was unhappy with that conjecture as it cast a bad light upon his First Mate, calling into question his motivations.

With what we suspected we could not help coming to the same conclusion as the Purser.

Elijah took him aside to explain our suspicions.