The Fairy Diary Day 21 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabel writes:

I have caught my breath today. Things go much easier when I have tasks to perform with clear goals in view. So thankful for the direction of the High Fairy. 

Rumble and I have been setting the groundwork for the defense of the pixie burrows. He has brought fairy magic to combine with that of the pixies. This should render them hidden from all sentient beings. 

We will still have to seek out an encounter with the forces aligned against us in order to put our defenses to the supreme test. 

Rumble and I hope to sally forth into the unknown regions to the west. 

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Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

This last leg of our journey has sapped our strength and taxed our comprehension. Every where we turned our way was blocked. We had exhausted, it seems, all the approaches to the hiding place from the west and down towards Damascus.

Finally we gave up going in that direction and doubled back around to the north. There, at last, we found a way clear that was headed in the right direction.

The night had ended long before and we were tired. But we wanted to struggle on after a brief rest. (Besides, the path was more of a track – better traversed in daylight).

So, with Tomas in the lead and Elijah right behind we gained the hiding place by day’s end.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Twenty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Far to the west skirmishing between the two armies was ongoing throughout the day as we pushed into the plain.

We proceeded with caution. Our guess that we were behind the lines of the army of the North went unconfirmed, for thankfully we saw no one. Or more importantly – no one saw us.

The sounds of conflict dissipated the further we ventured into the expanse. Our confidence rising we picked up the pace.

Strangely after that my thoughts wandered and I found myself thinking about Moglen and Stan. I recoiled as though burned by just thinking the thought.

I told this to Elijah. He confessed to something similar. But added, “I am certain that they are thinking evil towards us.”

Day One Thousand One Hundred Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

In our meeting of yesterday the Supreme Commander revealed to us news of the conflict raging far to the north, as the forces out of that fastness have been engaged by those of the world government. He was content to sit out and let them weaken one another, all the better to step in later and destroy them both.

We welcomed this news but for another reason, and advised Quasimo’s cousin and Mei that now would be the best time for them to depart on their journey.

They agreed and Tomas concurred and together we escorted them to point outside of Babylon to the west.

As we were parting, Lung appeared and committed to accompany the women on their journey.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Clarity dawns in fits and starts. Soon, it is my belief that our fellowship will be breaking up to go our own ways.

It is my hope that those departing should remain together. And this seems likely given the option that has arisen for the Captain. Mr Kagi has put the ship at his disposal which opens it to whom ever should like to accompany him.

The Captain intends to take her out and around to the west. And either come through the area by the crossroads well and the desert, or even attempt the backdoor through Jerusalem.

Quasimo’s cousin plans her return by the land route via her tribal village and the crossroads well.

Elijah has given his blessing.

Day Eight Hundred Fifty Four #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

For the time being, we’ve mutually agreed to hold up here to await developments. Elijah still holds back and is waiting for me to confirm the next waypoint on our way to Jerusalem.
A series of new images puzzled me. None of them indicated a destination. Or at the least, no correlation came to mind. Only one face after another, all complete strangers to me.
That is, until this afternoon. A man emerged from out of the west, leading a string of camels. And though this man was the same as the first of my images, there was one difference. He bore the mark on his forehead.
He hailed us upon his approach and begged leave to enter our circle.

Day Eight Hundred Twenty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We kept well off the road as we made our way west. The traffic thereon has been noticeably less than we remember. Tanker trucks were still in the majority, but more appeared to be headed west than we had seen rolling down to the megapolis.

Quasimo thought it an indication of big changes in store for the region and for the world. Stan always talked about moving west to Jerusalem. The financial levers would remain in Babylon. What he had planned for the City of David was on a whole other level.

Quasimo was silent for a spell, obviously disturbed by his thoughts.

Elijah moved beside him to encourage, and to tell him that certain things must come to pass.

Day Seven Hundred Ninety Nine #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I confess there were tears in my eyes at our parting this morning. Our hugs were marked by whispered prayers for one another. Our parting, though real and painful, we know to be temporary in the greater balance of things. Our shared hope buoys us all.

I watched them as they and their groups disappeared in the west.

I was cheered by my belief that they were ready, especially Tomas and the Captain.

We had the road to ourselves all day. Nothing and no one crossed our view – on the ground or in the sky.

We shed our heavier garments as it warmed, only to put them on again at the sinking of the sun.

Our next destination- the Capital.

Day Seven Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

This day it seems we have spent more time off the road than on it. For the traffic has increased the farther west we travel. Tanker trucks mostly. But also some army convoys.

Their presence upsets Mei, for she fears it means that her comrades in the army are cut off or surrounded. In any event it doesn’t bode well.

Elijah is concerned that our westward drift is taking us away from our desired destination. So he has instructed Tomas to seek out a more northerly route.

With an expected full moon tonight, he is preparing to do just that.

Mei and the Captain put together our evening meal. And noticeably Tomas’ portion was double that of any one else.

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.