Chapter 3

Audrey became the leader of the line down the long stone staircase leading toward the palace. As they approached closer they could see the glimmering marble walls in the moonlight. They finally reached the bottom of the mountain and were covered in a thick mesh of trees. As they continued to walk on the trail the trees opened up to the massive palace. They could hear beautiful music and laughter echoing through the windows and main entrance. The trail became brightly lit on both sides with what seemed to be large, glowing quartz crystals hanging off of tree poles. As they came to the grand palace doors which had to be fifty feet high they could see the silhouette of a butterfly poised on the wall. It was completely still.
"Hello there," timidly spoke Odell. The wings started to shudder after which the butterfly flew off the marble wall and floated in the air facing the children. The butterfly was beautiful. Its wingspan stretched four feet and its eyes were shimmering white fire. Its iridescent wings resemble a Blue Morpho except the wings also had flares of orange, pink, and red.
"Lu nu nu nu" calmly spoke the butterfly.
"What is that?" asked Camille.
The butterfly gently smiled, she then asked again, "Who are you?"
"We are lost" shouted Austin, "We are looking for shelter now it is dark, could you please help us?"
"Hold on Austin" Odell said annoyed pushing back Austin. "We saw your beautiful palace and well...... I'm Odell, this is my two younger sisters and younger brother. What is your name?"
"My name is Reo, I am the protector of the palace." replied the butterfly.
"We wanted to meet the King of this palace.....there is a King right?." bounced back Odell.
"Hehehmhm" chuckled Reo. "One moment."
Reo closed her eyes and though her wings stopped moving she was able to stay perfectly still in the air. A blue ball of bright light appeared a few feet in the air above Reo's head. It gently lowered till it disappeared into Reo's eyes. She opened her eyes and smiled.
"Yes there is a king, and he is waiting for you inside. You may enter."
Just then, smaller butterflies came out of the trees carrying musical pipes and in a chorus of sound the main doors open. A beautifully lit hall awaited them.