36. The Explorer
One day a large vessel from afar landed on the East beach. A world explorer emerged from the mists of the morning dew, a handsome figure decked in fine garments and gold jewelry. At the gates of the village he encountered the hermit who sat in rags with his beggar’s bowl.
“What is this place, old man?”
“Allandon,” the hermit replied.
“Allandon!” said the explorer with incredulous laughter. “This is the fabled island of Allandon?” His laughter verged on crying.
“Why do you laugh?” asked the hermit.
“It seems I have unceremoniously reached the pinnacle of my world travels,” the explorer said. “I have voyaged at great expense to find Allandon, where they say life is harmonious and abundant. Instead the first thing I find is a pathetic old man who has been reduced to begging.”
The explorer started walking back to his ship.
“I can understand your disappointment,” the hermit said.
The explorer turned around. “Yes. I thought when I found Allandon I would finally find a place of true harmony. I have traveled the world to this end, but I am left to conclude that there is none.”
“Ah, but there is such a place,” the hermit said gently. “A place where only love and peace reside.”
The explorer moved a few steps closer to the hermit, giving him a piercing stare. “Tell me where it is, and I will climb any peak to reach it.”
“Alas, in that way you will never find it.”
“Well then, must I charter the finest ship to cross the oceans to this place? If so I will do it.”
“This place is deeper than the deepest ocean, and much higher than the highest mountain.”
“Then I am lost,” the explorer said.
“An excellent place to start your journey,” the hermit said with a smile.
THE END
