Day One Thousand Thirty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We found the spot where the tanker truck had been abandoned. Or, at least, we thought we did. For whatever wreckage had been there, had been removed.

We did not stay long on the busy thoroughfare after that, but at the first opportunity we struck off onto a mountain path. And slowly made our way to the place where  we had once waited with Meesa.

First thing this morning we moved to a vantage point from which we could evaluate the movements in and out of Damascus.

We were keen to know if any changes have been enacted since last we were here.

Elijah was pleased when he saw a group of his pupils emerge with the morning work force.

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Day Seven Hundred Fourteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Tomas has taken up his wanderlust again, traveling in advance of us, sampling the paths that branch off of this main one. None have been judged better than the one we are on.

Elijah has ended his fast so he kept up with our brisk pace.

Tomas did beg us to join him up on a vantage point, a short distance off the beaten track.

It offered a full view of an hundred eighty degree arc of the mountain ranges west of us. They look for all the world like waves frozen in place on its march to the sands of the desert off in the distance.

But more importantly we could see that our path veers towards the west.

Day Six Hundred Eighty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We crested a ridge this morning and got a look down into another section of the pass. We could see a mass that just might be the rear guard of the army.

Tomas departed from us down a side track to a better vantage point.

He rejoined us later with the news that it was the object of our interest. Or a section of it. And further, it appeared to be not moving. Stalled.

We were heartened that we could soon catch up, but at the same time concerned for what the reason might be for their inactivity.

Our attention was soon back to navigating the trail with Elijah pressing us onward. Tomas ran ahead hoping to find a shortcut.

Day Four Hundred Sixty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Our apprehensions for Elijah and Tomas were laid to rest upon their return in the dog watch before eight bells. Tomas brought back some information that went a long way to assuage the Captain’s anger.

They had climbed to the top of the tallest building in the city. From that vantage point they could see the robotic warship. Two other vessels were in its company. They appear to be blocking our exit.

At the other end of spectrum Elijah is pleased to report that Emil has safely set up camp in the interior, which he confessed was according to his plan.

Two vessels entered the harbor today. Tomas confirms they are the ones he saw.

We left before they docked.

Day Three Hundred Forty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Well, our doubts have vanished. We arrived off the harbor of our destination port, and were awaiting a pilot to take us in. From our vantage point we could see clearly that the grain ship had preceded us.

Through his glass the Captain made out a commotion engulfing that vessel. Her deck appeared to be aswarm with scavengers, and an ever growing number of soldiers was arriving to combat them.

The Captain confessed that he felt conflicted at the sight. On the one hand satisfied at the misfortune of his subordinate, and on the other filled with pity for him.

News that we will be kept here longer arrived with the pilot.

Elijah had already come to the same conclusion.

Day Two Hundred Seventy Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

There are indications of a great slaughter in this area also, just no human remains left behind to decorate it.

Elijah kept our presence hidden from view. At any sign of activity, construction or otherwise he turned us aside.

Our course was so erratic that we lost our orientation. We entered building after building in search of a vantage point from which to regain our bearings. At long last Elijah was satisfied, and we descended to take up our march towards a garden square in the next sector over.

Suddenly, as we neared our destination, people filled the streets. But we were just two more figures moving in the gathering dusk.

We will spend the night in the garden square.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Getting past the city wall was no problem at all. We bypassed it all together.

From our vantage point yesterday Elijah picked out our landing point on this side of the wall. He didn’t tell me the reason behind his choice until we got here.

It all harkens back to the time we were separated when seeking a way out of the city. Elijah had gone back from the wall in search of rope. He had informed me that he had fallen into the control of our nemesis.  It was she who supplied us with rope, proving herself a friend instead.

What he didn’t tell me was that she knew who we both were. She knew I am named Enoch.