The morning sky gradually gave light over Erudition, and villagers began moving about in their daily routines. Raham walked in from the orchard, accompanied by Selah and Zetetic.
“Will you be with us long?” Raham asked Zetetic. “Surely, you are weary from the missionary work. Allow yourself time with your friends here.”
Zetetic lit with a smile. “A short while, I think. I could use some time, and it really is good to see everyone.”
“Please stay a while with us,” Selah asserted. “You know you are welcome with us, and our extra room is yours as long as you like. Besides, Raham has missed you. He still speaks of the hard season you two had dividing a field together.” Selah’s eyes lightened as she nudged Raham.
“Yes, that was a really hard growing season. Hard for everyone, even. It was you who sowed the seeds among our people. Seeds of giving even out of difficulty. Soon, many were sharing their little extras and providing to your charitable marketplace stall.” Raham smiled, reflecting. “Fortunately, our village sustained, and the experience had more value than our harvest.”
Zetetic laughed, “Oh, I remember well. You were very uncompromising back then, Raham. Thankfully, you aged with grace.”
They neared the still waters of the spring, and Zetetic paused, seeing their reflection. “You two go ahead. I think I will stay for a bit.” She sat on the large, flat rock, reminded of years past. Peace fell over her with the sound of trickling water and the meditative view of the engraved stone.
At the other end of the village, Mara made her way to the market with her usual over-packed bundle. Her basket swayed with each step. The slight incline had her breathing heavily, stumbling through the morning shoppers. She was making her way to the spice vendor, yet stopped when she noticed Barak, and in front of him were both Zakar and Naqam giving directives.
“That’s it,” Mara’s face stiffened. Her basket dropped with its contents flying out near Naqam’s feet. “You two!” Mara shouted. “I know your devious measures, and you have used this humble man long enough.”
“Mindful that your carelessness doesn’t cost you again, Mara.” Naqam smirked.
“You have no hold over me, Naqam. And it’s enough, the way you have worked Barak!” Mara was furious at this point.
Zakar stood slightly behind Naqam with a shrewd grin. Naqam shot back, losing his honed smile, “This doesn’t involve you, Mara. Barak is quite happy with our agreement. Isn’t that right, Barak?”
Barak looked uneasy, pleading, “Mara, please. It’s okay.”
Onlookers were noticing, and Naqam looked at Zakar, motioning him as they moved on. Mara, still puffing from the weighted basket, and now from the contest, stooped to gather her spilled contents. Barak promptly bent down, helping her.
“It is not okay, Barak,” Mara said, settling herself. “Look at your stall. It is packed with more of his merchandise than yours. What Naqam expects… it’s far more than what this stall is worth.”
“Maybe I will buy my own. One day I will have enough. Now, though, I have to do this. Do like you said, to have suffering, and spirit, and hope.” Barak helped Mara stand with her bundle.
“I know what I said.” Mara said defensively. “That little advice was for you, not me. I can still take that glutton Naqam down a notch.”
They both let out a quiet laugh, picking up the rest of Mara’s wares. She carried on to the spice vendor, and Barak went back to his obligations.
Raham and Selah were passing through during the heated exchange.
“I wonder what that was about?” Raham asked. Selah shrugged. “Let’s speak to them and see,” said Raham.
Raham went directly to Barak, and Selah followed Mara, waiting until she reached the spice vendor, relinquishing her load.
“Good day, Mara,” Selah greeted.
Mara had a personal relationship with Selah and Raham. They were generous when she faced her financial trial.
“Selah!” Mara turned surprisingly. “Good day to you.” She said with a an elated smile.
“I see Barak has made his way to the village. He seems to be quite busy with his craft now.” Selah pried.
“You could say that,” Mara agreed. “Naqam keeps him quite active as an expense for the stall. Barak won’t admit it, but he knows he is being dealt with unfairly and he is pressed to do extra work.”
Selah’s calm smile turned to unease. “I see,” Selah motioned for Mara to come back with her to Raham and Barak.
Raham was more direct with Barak, “Tell me, what was the matter with Naqam? He seemed a bit unhinged.”
Barak was uncertain about bringing Raham in on the issue. “What Naqam asks, Mara says is too much. Mara is a good friend, but I deal with Naqam and that Zakar too.”
Mara was unwilling to let the matter slide so easily. “Barak works too hard for the simple use of Naqam’s stall.” She said, pointing at Naqam, who had not left the area.
Naqam noticed the meeting and Mara pointing. He approached them, making his case in front of the elder and everyone else. With his practiced smile and domineering stride, he met the group, with Zakar close behind.
“Raham, I know Mara has her issues with me, but her accusations are unfounded. I am a respected businessman and will not permit her slander,” Naqam protested.
Zetetic had approached indiscreetly, watching the encounter with interest.
Raham put his hand up, motioning that he was ready to speak. “I will not accuse you, Naqam, but surely you are treating Barak well according to our ways. Barak will not complain, so there is nothing more for me to say.”
Naqam’s curved smile returned. “See, there is nothing to be done here. Barak has use of my stall and should only be grateful for my goodness.”
Zetetic stepped forward in view of Naqam. His expression turned to shock. “Zetetic, I did not know you were visiting.” He said in surprise.
She did not greet him in the same manner, but challenged his claim. “Your stall, is it? I believe it is mine, and your only claim is that I granted you to use it in my absence. It was after your persistent asking that I reluctantly said okay. Now, I find you are using it to exploit this hardworking craftsman. I now regret placing it in your hands.”
Murmurs rippled through the gathered buyers and browsers. By then, most of the marketplace had gathered to witness Naqam’s debasing. No one spoke to him as Zetetic had, and he was unaccustomed to it as well. He looked around at all the faces staring back.
“I found him struggling. He was working off a mat on the ground and out of his tent. He was isolated from buyers. I heightened him.” Naqam explained desperately.
Zetetic inhaled deeply as she gave her decree, “Your help expects payment in secret. It comes attached with bindings. You know nothing of struggle, Naqam. Even when the village was in trouble, you had plenty. I withdraw my stall from your possession.” She paused, looking at Barak and then pointing. “It now belongs to him. Barak will use it fully without your intrusion.”
He stood speechless; his face red with embarrassment. Finally, he called out angrily to Zakar, “See that you attend to my merchandise.” Naqam departed angrily, avoiding all eyes.
The onlookers dispersed, going back to their busy trading. Barak, unsure of what had just happened, was still staring at Zetetic. Her tightened face lightened into a smile as she addressed him.
“The stall is yours, Barak,” Zetetic said softly. “There is no debt, no favors to repay; only to use it as the Creator intended.”
Barak had no words at first, as if he was still working things out. He looked over at Mara, who had not stopped smiling after hearing Zetetic’s words. She simply gave him a nod and a look of affirmation.
“I will honor you… and the Creator,” he said in a serious tone. “If there are those with need.. yes, I will give to them. I will help them when I can. Thank you,” he said with striving words.
“I know you will,” Zetetic said softly. “I see much hope in your eyes.”
Zetetic, Raham, and Selah moved off together, leaving Mara still smiling. She moved toward Barak, head high and soft eyes full of life.
She spoke directly to Barak, “There is good here. Do you see it now, Barak? Now you have endured. Now, you have hope, and I am proud that you stayed worthy… the character you have shown. This stall was set aside for you. It was saved for you by the Creator, who is faithful to reward. He rewards those who are steadfast in His ways.”
“Yes, I endured. I did not want to. I did because you told me. I trusted you and now I see… I see you were right. My way was to make my own way. Now I know. It’s not my way, but a higher kind of way. This way… it does not feel heavy. It does not bind.”