Day One Thousand Twenty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I was gladdened to see that the Purser and his family are fitting right in.  And he himself has volunteered to help Mei and Meesa in the everyday operations. I know they will soon come to appreciate his experience and input.

Mawuli, however, wants to do more, but feels slighted on account of his youth.

He came to me.

I told him I would take him on, but only if he first spent the week ahead sitting with the pupils under Elijah’s tutelage.

I there and then walked him over to their assembly area.

Elijah welcomed Mawuli into his group. And I suggested to Elijah that the three of us at week’s end, go in search of Tomas and Jezer.

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Day Six Hundred Sixty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have made the transition from travelers by night back to daytime beings. The days are hot but not blistering.

Our trail and the river lead to a broad valley that we can just glimpse from each rise we crest.

The up and down nature of the track took its toll on Elijah. The upward legs were trying for everyone. But very noticeable in his case. The Captain was ever at his elbow.

Elijah chose our stopping place for tonight – on one of the downward slopes which has access to the river. So we took the opportunity to refill our water supplies.

There is something familiar about the lay of the land hereabouts. Something that harkens back to my youth.

Day Five Hundred Forty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

A storm lashed the ship all day. Our guests remained in their quarters except the five of their number who are joining the crew. G oversaw their baptism as it were into this lot of a sailor’s life.

Elijah remained in the special cabin for the duration of the storm.  I could sense him wrestling for our safe passage.

I kept to the bridge and to the company of Tomas and P. Between the times of intense activity we talked about our lives, our past, and what it was that led us to this point in our life journeys.

Come my turn, their jaws dropped at the revelation of my great age. And marveled at my memories of my youth.

Day Four Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

As the rear guard we were the last to go into bivouac last night. Despite the late hour I went in search of Elijah.

I arrived just as the council was closing their meeting. They had been evaluating their first day on the march. Overall it was positive. And our rear guard was commended for our diligence.

Elijah and I drew apart by ourselves. He wants me to  choose someone else to take my place on the rear guard and rejoin him in the lead.

So I have kept a close eye today to that end. I would like to appoint Mawuli, but fear his youth would be a stumbling block. I asked Mawuli and he recommended the perfect candidate.