Then I saw in my dream that I walked along the River of Life. The water ran beside me clear and bright, just as it had in the beginning, like at the dawn of the dream. The Interpreter walked with me, silent and sure, as though he’d never left my side at all.
Seeker stood before the cottage, calm as morning light. He had grown so much since I first beheld him in Uncertain—stronger in bearing, steadier in soul. A quiet smile rested on his face, and in his hands he held a new Book.
Beautiful leaned against him, a shadow of sadness still softening her gaze—but her beauty had only grown more radiant. Not a line touched her face. Not a strand of silver threaded her hair.
Nearby stood Bright, leaning lightly on his staff. His long black hair drifted in the breeze, and though pain still lingered in the way he held himself, his face shone with the light of a tender heart.
Wonderful had grown more lovely—fairer than any in the land. Yet even that beauty was outshone by her knowledge and skill.
And Seeker lifted his voice and sang a new song:
I once was known as Seeker-for-Truth,
And I come from Uncertain, My new name is Satisfied, and I am bound for Beulah Land
In my years of searching, I have discovered that truth lies
In all that is Beautiful, Bright and Wonderful!
As I walked, my heart grew heavy for Satisfied, Beautiful, Bright, and Wonderful. For word had reached me of a beast rising in the Lands of Doubting—speaking blasphemies against the Most High, breathing out threatenings against His people. And its foolish babblings had deceived even the Elect.
At the beast’s side stood the False Prophet, who rose from Coveting, demanding all take his Mark upon their hand or forehead. Many pilgrims were seized, bound, and cast into the dungeon beneath his rule.
Rumors had spread that Plague had gathered his kin and was slaying all who came near. Fear tightened within me, for the way to Beulah ran through those very lands.
I turned to the Interpreter, my voice barely more than a breath. “What will become of them?”
He looked upon me gently. “Even now,” He said, “a place is being prepared for them in Beulah Land.”
The whole world seemed to hold still—water paused in its flowing, wind resting among the trees. We waited for his next words.
“The King has decreed they shall walk in safety. He sees every sparrow that falls from the sky. How much more, then, His cherished children?”
Then I came near to Satisfied, and he placed his Book in my hands. It was bound in blue, with letters of gold.
Tears of the Elect.
In it he had written his life and all the wisdom he had found, and he gave it to me to keep.
I looked into his eyes, and I loved him.
And in that moment, I knew—I was Satisfied.
So I awoke from my sleep, and behold—it had been a dream!
