The Fairy Diary Day 427 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

All the way down to the great hall of the dwarves, Gabhe recounted everything that has happened to her since last she saw us. And she had to tell it in order – so that at the moment we entered the great hall she was only up to the time that the conflict broke out between the two dwarf kingdoms. 

We were not prepared for an empty hall, the sight of which only filled us with more anxiety – and questions. 

Where was Gilgorgon? And where were his dwarves?

Gabhe answered simply. Gilgorgon had mustered his troops and led them off down the subterranean passageways to the gates to the Low-way of the dwarves. She had not seen him or anyone since. But before departing the dwarf king had charged her to look after things while they were gone.

This being the case Merlin asked her permission to assemble in Gilgorgon’s council chamber in order to discuss our next actions. To this she readily agreed after he included her in our number. 

After a long discussion we agreed we must follow after Gilgorgon and descend to the Low-way of the dwarves. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 111 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We have observed a swarm of activity in and around and above the frontier town. They are fairy troops. But whose?

Dunfallon led us to a thicket just beyond the last barracks. He and Rumble settled on it before the latter went off on his own. So, we are now in a good position to strike out over the border into the human territories.

While we waited for Rumble to rejoin us, Dunfallon went out to test the border for any magical defenses. Noralei and I, between us, kept Willie in thrall and calm. 

Overall, I felt restless. Being separated from two of our number did not help. 

Leaving Noralei with the Wisp, I left the center of the thicket the better to watch for Rumble. In the heat of the afternoon there, a shadow passed over me and I looked up to see that flight of black birds, their number having grown since yesterday. 

And I rejoiced to see my pixie friend swoop down out of the sun on his golden eagle.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We were hesitant this morning about whether we should push on or not.  The battlefield to the south had fallen silent,  and no victorious troops (which we assumed were the armies of the East and North) had moved up into the positions vacated by the world government.

Mawuli removed every reason that we thought could hold us there when he simply stated that we must move on, and do so immediately. Every member of our party simultaneously felt impressed with the same instruction.

So in short order we decamped.

Along the way Mr. Kagi had a revelation and asked me a question- why were there no warplanes?

I then told him what had happened up near the reservoir above Jerusalem.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I am proud of Mawuli. He is exercising supreme control over his compulsion to wade down through these elite troops to get at his chief tormentor.

He has taken to heart Elijah’s advice (and warning) that any vengeance we could imagine to inflict upon Stan for his deeds would fall short by an infinity to the true justice he shall receive under the full weight of the Word.

For now he is content to share the vigil with Tomas and await developments.

He is as keen as I am to witness what is coming.

Later the Captain stirred more excitement when he brought news of more visitors.

I hurried to Elijah. Two of his disciples were there fresh from Babylon.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Fifteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Mawuli had slipped away from Sy and Reuben only two days out from the redoubt. He eluded their attempts to retrieve him and followed after us. (He promises to apologize to them at their next encounter).

Mawuli asked after the rest of our party, and when he learned what they were doing, he went out to join them.

The Captain came in shortly after, thankful for the respite.

In the morning I delivered some food and water to Tomas and Mawuli. I was gladdened to find Tomas fast asleep while Mawuli kept the watch on the troops below.

The Captain traded places with me throughout the day. Come my evening turn, Mawuli was quite agitated.

The boy had spotted Stan.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

During each of our turns on watch through the night, we observed the army passing by in the plain. And they ceased to throw out units to their flanks.

In the light of day we finally could ascertain that these troops belonged to the world government. Most looked fresh and ready for action, but there were a few that appeared wasted, just limping along. And those were prodded forward mercilessly. Prisoners.

The units left behind in ambush waited unmoving all day. We could see them for we knew where to look, but invisible, we were sure, to anyone below.

Their trap looks to be a failure. The end of the retreating army came in view with no one in pursuit.

Day One Thousand Two Hundred Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have had no sightings of any troops in pursuit of us. Nor, thankfully, any sign that any adversaries are aware of our presence.

There have been some patrols on this road, but Tomas pulled us from view well in advance of any danger.

Tomas tells us that tomorrow we shall alter course to the south and Babylon. All Elijah advises at this time is that we stay on the high ground as in our other journeys and avoid descending into the plain until absolutely necessary.

I hiked beside the Captain and we conversed. It has been an age since we have spent any time sharing the details of our lives. He too feels an urgency to help Mr. Kagi.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Eighty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah summoned Tomas and me to join him in a walk inside the hiding place. As we went he closely interrogated Tomas about what he had seen while away in the Galilee. Not about the high place and the altar, but about everything else.

Elijah wanted to know about Sy’s redoubt – were any troops stationed there?

Tomas proceeded to give us a rundown on the units there and then the best he could, he tallied everything else in the valley onwards.

I asked if he knew anything about the armies of the East and the North.

He told us that Sy had traveled further east and took a quick survey.

I realized Elijah was wondering why there was no fighting.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Thirty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

When viewed yesterday, the high place seemed only to be a day’s journey more, but the actuality turned out otherwise.

We got a peek at it every so often as the path weaved to and fro. It is unmistakable that the idol of Stan has been replaced. And it is now even larger than the one we destroyed days ago.

I am sure that it is clearly visible to his troops far below in the valley.

We saw no movement in its vicinity, but we knew something was going on.

A wisp of smoke commenced at noon, and thickened into a column by day’s end.

The uppermost question now is – what will we do when we arrive on the scene?

Day One Thousand Sixty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We left the redoubt, but did not leave the area. Here, at day’s end, we still await a sign. So, we set up a camp with the intent to stay until we do.

We can see activity down on the plain, but Elam tells us that it is only minimal. And he is sure it can mean that more are operating beyond the rear guard well beyond our field of view.

Sy concurred and added that he expected to see more troops being moved up from Damascus soon.

Mei asked if that might be the sign we are awaiting.

The Captain weighed in and said he was sure that it would be something else, something dramatic and unmistakable at once.