Pearls for Chastity
or The Search for Wisdom by Walter D. Craig
She wore scarlet trimmed in silver. Layers of pearls hung at her weathered throat. Her eyes had grown narrow, suspicious. Rouge and powder were abundant; in vain. Arm outstretched, crimson tipped forefinger extended, she drove the woman child from her. “If it’s pearls you want, go to Shinar.”
Chastity looked toward the village. Wide blue eyes rimmed in red, tears dribbled down her smooth little cheeks. The road was steep, rough; the village lay far below. Chastity was frightened. “But, can’t I have some of yours?— You have so many and they’re so very pretty.”
“Pearls aren’t for the asking. You’ll have to buy your own.” The scarlet clad woman clinched her teeth. “Now get away, you sicken me.” The low cut of her dress revealed a fleshy wave rippling through ponderous breasts as she stomped back into the fluorescent gloom of her mansion.
Chastity was in awe. If only I could be as beautiful as she. Her dimpled hand dipped into leather pouch and withdrew five gold coins. Pearls are worth more than all of these, she thought.
Chastity began her journey to Shinar timidly; careful to be sure of her footing lest she fall. Soon, the child gained confidence. She skipped down the barren road toward the village below, but grew very weary. Her little legs were unaccustomed to the pace.
Resting on a rock, she poured the five gold coins from pouch to hand. Gently, she touched each one with a pudgy finger. Whoever held the first coin could tell no lies. The holder of the second believed implicitly. The third was prized because it brought great happiness. The fourth made you eager to learn, please, and do, while the last made its owner affectionate and kind. Chastity smiled. They all belonged to her, but soon she would exchange them for pearls. A noise in the undergrowth; pretty fingers tightened around gold coins. Wolves! The child sprang to her feet. Lips trembling, cheeks wet, she began a headlong descent. Little girls cannot match the speed of wolves. Heart thrashing, control lost, Chastity fell in sharp stones and filth. Her hand burst open spilling the coins. In an instant the beasts were upon her, five in all. Each devoured a precious coin but was indifferent to the bruised, bleeding, sobbing child that lay crumpled in the road.
When Chastity regained her feet she found she was in Shinar. The journey had not been so long as she had anticipated. As she stood surveying the shoddy village, she discovered she was standing before the pearl vendor’s shop. All five of her precious coins were gone; nonetheless she decided to look at the merchant’s wares.
A wrinkled and gray proprietor with gnarled hands and stooped back greeted Chastity. “Come in child, all I have is yours. Take what you will.”
“I’m sorry sir, I can’t pay. I’ve lost my gold.”
The proprietor chuckled. “The wolves are but my collection agents. Your bill is paid.”
Chastity didn’t understand. The crooked old man whistled. Five snarling forms skulked from the dark corners of the shop and gathered at his feet. “Meet Ambition, Suspicion, Worry, Apathy and HateÉNow go ahead my dear, take what you want.”
With caution, she moved to the case where the jewels were kept. Selecting the largest and most lovely string of pearls, she walked to the full-length mirror.
As she gazed into the glass, she hung them about her neck. Chastity was aghast. Peering back was a woman dressed in scarlet trimmed in silver. Her eyes were narrow, suspicious. Rouge and powder were abundant; in vain.
Chastity wept.