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he was following me, and you are concerned, you punch him in the gut and hold him down. But don’t you ever cross your halberds before my face again. Now keep your mouth shut unless you are talked to and do your job, or I’ll have you hung.” Without a comment they removed the halberds and stood straight like statues as if nothing had happened.
    The moment we entered through the gate, the vicinity turned into a whole different world. Clean air filled my lungs and beautiful sights were all around. The long elevated boulevard lay ahead, leading all the way to the mansion. Reddish stones paved a gorgeous even street, which could not be compared to the improvised paths in the Works.
    To the right of the terracotta boulevard rose the district wall as high as a house, removing the sober reality of the average life from one’s eyes. To the left of the boulevard, rows of two story houses were aligned, tended with a lot of time, care, and money. All the balconies were decorated with colorful flowers that outshined their neighbors’. Everything and everyone in this district looked clean, affluent and healthy, and yet some of the merchants were of the driest and most sullen spirit.
    Mr. Edelstein turned left towards a yellow villa with a green balcony and door. He grabbed a ring from his belt which carried half a dozen keys. They all appeared identical but as he entered the key into the lock I noticed a bit of green paint on its handle.
    “Come on in,” he said opening the door, and put the key ring back on his belt.
    Walking in, I tripped over the carpet and bumped into him, “I’m so sorry,” I exclaimed, “We just don’t have those back in the Works.”
    “Almost knocked me off my legs you useless son of a –” he raised his hand at me.
    “I’m sorry!” I backed up.
    “You’ll be eaten alive within a month of your service, you weakling,” he lowered his hand and fixed his vest. “Now let’s get to work. I would like the drawer over here,” he said pointing to an empty space, “But I want you to note that the look has to match the ambiance. I was looking for something with smooth curves and a rather shiny dark colored type of wood. Something classy, but young. Antique, but modern in its own way. Do you understand what I mean?” He asked a little exasperated thinking that I did not pay attention.
    I put my palm on his back for reassurance, “I understand exactly what you mean. This would take approximately four weeks.”
    “Two weeks,” the merchant said.
    “Two weeks, twice the cost.”
    “Excuse me?” the merchant muttered, “take those measurements and get out before I send you back to your Master without a tongue. I’m sure he would not want me to raise the rent on him.”
    “Two weeks it is, sir,” I abided and went right to work.
    The man sighed and hung his hat by the door, “I am taking my afternoon nap, get out as soon as you are done.” Slowly he worked his way up the stairs to his chambers, leaning on the handrail with every step.
    Carefully I unfolded my measurement stick and checked out the room. Just décor in the living room was worth more than what my family and Eric owned combined. Golden carpets, paintings, vases, sculptures… he had it all. I got on my knees and measured the empty space in depth and width. Even the floor was carefully crafted, and despite its beautiful tiles, was covered by rugs. As I got up from the floor to measure the height, my eyes caught sight of a glass cabinet containing a collection of three dozen golden and silver chalices. Each of them must have been worth a month’s labor. I never understood how an object that does not aid survival in any way could be worth so much. With the numbers chalked down, I folded up my stick and hurried out.
     
    The sun was starting to sink. In the carpentry we sat around the fireplace chewing on a few dried berries while I told Eric about Edelstein’s request.
    “Enough business for today,” he said, leaning back in his