The Prince of Light

Chapter 3

The scene was paradise. Literally. It was the most peaceful scene I had ever seen. On either side of the moss opening were peaceful oases. Palm trees and giant ferns lined the crystal clear pool. They were connected by a swift, rapid-filled stream. Going over the top of the stream was an intricate and beautifully carved stone bridge. Above the oasis to my right, in the mountain's cliff, was a bubbling spring. It flowed down into the right oasis, emptied out into the stream, and entered the other oasis. From there I lost sight of it. I crossed the bridge, running my hand along the sides. On the railing were stone vines curling around it. I stepped off the end of the bridge and looked around here. In front of me was a tropical forest with giant flowers blooming on the trees and thick undergrowth covering the lush, grassy, forest floor. I heard birds calling out to one another from hidden perches in the trees. On my right and left were giant stone statues of animals, covered up by moss. Jaguar, Monkey, Snake, on and on it went until it reached the forest. I walked up to the forest. A small dirt path led on through the trees and undergrowth. I looked into the dense and dark forest, not knowing what lurked within. Then I caught sight of a bright blue flashing. I looked up to where the light was coming from. Up in the canopy, amid the greens, browns, and flashes of other colors, fluttered the blue butterfly. It flashed again. The lines on it were filled with a substance like a lightning bug's light was. It and the swarm of other butterflies flew right above the path.

'They want me to follow them.' I realized. I sucked in a deep breath, released it, and then started forward, picking my way carefully through the forest. On I went, following the glowing butterfly. Over dead logs, giant flowers, around giant trees, and jumping over rocks. Finally I reached a giant hill. The butterflies were already flying over the top. I stumbled up the steep incline and finally reached the top. I gasped. In front of me was a giant building. But it was one of those Mayan buildings. It was in ruins. And there was a glow coming from inside of it. But it was too bright to be the butterfly and not bright enough to be the sun. It was making the whole top of the hill glow an evil blue-green color. I gulped.