Seeker followed Comfort into a building at the center of the village. The office was elegant but not extravagant. Natural light filtered through leaded-glass windows. High-quality wood paneling lined the walls. A landscape painting, a globe, and a bookcase lent a quiet air of authority. A modestly plush couch rested against one wall, and high-backed wooden chairs stood before a large, solid-wood desk with neatly arranged papers.
A timeless man sat behind the desk—neither young nor old—with white hair and a dignified bearing that suggested great age and wisdom.
“Father,” said Comfort, “this is Seeker. He arrived today. I assured him you’d be happy to help him build a house in Delight.”
He looked up at Seeker—stern-faced, though his eyes were amiable enough. “Seeker, welcome.”
“Pray, excuse me,” said Comfort. “I have other matters to attend.” She curtseyed and left.
“Tell me, young Seeker,” said the mayor. “What brings you to the village of Delight?”
“Sir…” Seeker began. But then the mayor stopped him.
“I’ve been called many things in my life, but ‘sir’ isn’t one of them. You can call me Jabal.”
Seeker spoke of his promise to Beautiful—his desire to build a life together with her.
“Ah, yes,” said Jabal. “Desire fulfilled is a tree of life. King Solomon wrote that, thousands of years ago. Desire was once the name of this village.” He picked up a black binder and stood. “Walk with me.”
He led Seeker through the streets of the village. “In Delight, everyone does their fair share—and everyone receives their due rewards.” He pointed to a lovely house with a charming flower garden. “When Diligent first arrived, he was no different than you. Look what he and his wife, Dedicated, have built together.”
As they walked, he pointed out more homes—and told the stories of the people who had built their lives there.
When they reached the edge of the village, Seeker exclaimed, “Yes—this is where I met Comfort! And she said you could help?”
Jabal opened the binder he carried and flipped through a few pages. “Yes,” he said. “This land is for sale. It’s Diligent’s—but as you saw, he doesn’t need it anymore. Fifty gold—that’s what it’s listed for. And a cozy little cottage shouldn’t cost more than, say, a hundred. Ten percent down is standard. So, fifteen gold, and we can start building.”
Seeker stared at him. “I don’t have any money.”
Jabal put his hand on Seeker’s shoulder and smiled. “Of course,” he said.
They retraced their steps back to Jabal’s office. “We do the King’s work here in Delight,” he said. “All work, and all are rewarded. Even my own daughters work. If you serve me well—serve the King well—my daughters will serve you well, too.
“One silver coin per day—that’s the standard wage.” He held out his hand, and Seeker shook it. “There is always something to be done. Milling. Harvesting in autumn. Chopping wood in the winter.” Jabal reached into his pocket, drew out several gold coins, and pressed one into Seeker’s hand. “A bonus, to help you get started.”
They met Comfort coming the other direction. “Daughter,” said Jabal, “Seeker will be needing a place to stay. Please show him to his room.”
