Day Nine Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Magwich took me up to the tower, so I could see over the wall. I wanted to be there when the tanker trucks came through the outer gates into the army compound.

We expected them first thing this morning, but were still waiting as the sun reached its zenith.

I would have gone down earlier but I was enjoying Magwich’s company. We had much to discuss. He was particularly interested in all my travels.

Reuben interrupted us with the news that the army had been called out. I went to the overlook and there down by the gate, Elijah and a couple of the guards swung the gate open, allowing the tanker trucks to enter.

By night we were underway.

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Day Seven Hundred Sixteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The melody renewed its hold on me upon waking.  Not from within. Instead Tomas was whistling the tune while preparing something for us to eat.

I made no comment, but felt it held a good portent for the day ahead.

We arrived near the village in the afternoon. Actually it wasn’t a village. It was more like a large compound. There were multiple buildings but all contained by a low wall around its perimeter.

The Captain hung back, grumbling and making his disapproval known. But he was the first to recognize one of the inhabitants as he walked across the courtyard of the compound.

And the Raj twin G also was surprised to see us when moments later we entered.

Day Six Hundred Thirty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Although it is difficult to measure how much ground we are covering each day, both the Captain and I feel it to be less and less. I made another plea to switch to night time travel.

This time the consensus was favorable, but we will wait until the day after tomorrow to implement.

We were crossing a flat expanse with Tomas in the lead, when the young man caught a flash of silver in the sky. He followed its path as it passed our position, circling to our rear.

Tomas ordered us to take cover.

However, Elijah stood his ground, raising his staff over his head. And the diving machine crumpled and fell to earth as though striking a wall.

Day Three Hundred Ninety #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We slipped out of the city in the middle of the night. Elijah, the Purser’s family and myself. Not through either gate. But over the wall via the rooftop of an adjoining building.

Elijah and I have some valuable experience in this regard from our first days together.

We stumbled about a good deal until we discovered at last the road leading to the interior. From there on it was an easy march for all.

We halted at the same place that Mary, the children and I stopped four days ago.  

Neither Elijah nor I know which direction we should go next. The Purser is all for striking out straight ahead. But we all agreed to await the Spirit’s leading.

Day Three Hundred Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We bid Elam goodbye and God speed, as we sent him off with the last group of those wanting to get out of the city.

Elijah advised him to tell Sy to move everyone beyond the wall, and explained how to do it.

We passed the day out walking in the streets. The crowds are gone. We only encountered workers, and they were easily outnumbered by the ever present soldiers.

We were unwelcome at every turn, yet they feared to oppose our movements.

Stan appeared when we returned to our quarters, and we watched as they put a cordon in place around the building.

Their obvious plan is to hold us in place for the next six days and beyond.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Left our host and his safe haven in the early morning hours. We easily avoided the patrol that changes the guard at the wall. I had observed its activity as well as that of another that swings through the area around noon.

Elijah is unhappy about slinking around. He’d prefer advancing right out in the open and let happen come what may.

I agree on the strategy (or lack of one), just not for this side of the river. I want to wait until we get to the other side before we get into any confrontations.

From where we are held up now we can see the towers of the bridges. We need to decide the best one to cross.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I believe our host is more paranoid about the world government than I am.  

Case in point, I went out for a morning walk to familiarize myself with the area, but before I could, he stopped me. He did finally let me go but only after he laid down a most stringent set of rules.

I cannot go back to the wall area, as it is frequently patrolled. Nor can I head down to the bridges, unless it be at night and in their company.

This time of day that only leaves two directions and in those sectors he requires that I stay under cover.

I did go out but not very far.

Elijah will have to talk to him.

Day Two Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have retaken our place beside the lake from which we caught some trout, so long ago, the trout that Elijah seasoned with the hazelnuts which were discovered by Clarissa.

Elijah thought it good to take one more day to prepare before launching into the city on our next quest.

So, after a lunch of fresh trout (without hazelnuts) we climbed up out of the valley that cradles the lake in order to get a closer look at the city.

We had to go a considerable distance to rise above the tree line and gain an unobstructed view.

Its wall appears intact, though the skyline beyond is not what I remember. Hit by the fire from heaven?

Day One Hundred Ninety Eight Evening #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Enough writes:

Grazie appeared to me in my dreams. She took my hand and I stood to my feet.

My cell door lay open. Soon I followed her lead through empty corridors and out into the streets of the second district.

I was not asleep after all.

We hid in an empty house in the third district.

An image of Flowers graced one wall.

Day Fifty Two AM #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

I am reasonably certain that Enough is no longer on this side of the wall.  I have found the point at which we parted company and the drone has been both directions from that point, and not a sign of Enough anywhere.

Time we cross over and begin our search there.

Rufus seems excited at the prospect.

Have them in sight!