Millions of In-Worlds

Chapter 5: Shambhala

The next mornin' after breakfast Gee informed Zahn that we was ready. In mere seconds the vator pulled up ta the side door. Zahn, looking purty spiffy, stepped out. He didn't always get to see the Grand Keeper face-to-face and he obviously wanted to look his best. They don't give much thought in the Kingdom ta things like money, or power. Everyone, no matter what their job or abilities, has everythin' they need ta live the life they want ta the fullest. Even the Grand Keeper was technically on the same level as the groundskeeper. Respect was a birthright. However, acknowledging achievement, and honoring' age was acceptable, if not overdone.

We bustled into the vator, Momma, Mizzus Anderton, Freck, Gee, and me. Once inside Zahn asked us, "If you do not mind, we will make one quick stop to pick up Rotel before proceeding to the Great Hall." No one objected. Rotel, also known as Jacob Foster when he lived topside, was waitin' just outside his door. He greeted us all, and sidled over ta stand by Mizzus Anderton. They were once gettin' fixed ta marry. It was obvious they still had strong feelin's for each other. You could see it in their moony eyes and the way he gently folded her hand inta his.

Travelin' by vator's still a curiosity. There ain't no feeling of movement. Ya get in and whoosh, a moment later ya arrive at yer destination. We exited the vator a few steps down the corridor from the bronze butterfly doors of the Great Hall. The solid doors open by dissolvin' into zillions of amazin' butterflies of all sizes and colors. It takes yer breath away ta watch the multi-colored storm as it bobs and weaves 'round. We crossed the threshold and the butterflies swept back inta place behind us. I glanced back. The doors appeared just the same as they did before we approached them. They looked like massive bronze doors without even a hint of butterfly construction.

The Great Hall was one ginormous room, it was huge as an airplane hanger. I swear it could hold five full-sized passenger jets. The same seamless panels as in the rest of the Palace provided light. They's the ones that appear ta have no top. At the other end of the hall was the dais where we were first introduced to the Council of Keepers. Currently it was unoccupied. In fact there warn't a soul in the hall 'cept for our small group. We walked briskly to the dais. Smack-dab in the middle was the official seal of the Kingdom. In the center of the emblem was an embossed brilliant chrome salamander, just like Gee. When we arrived at the dais the seal split in two and opened up to lush burgundy-colored carpeted stairs that led down ta the residence of Grandma Chris, the Grand Keeper. We walked down the stairs and came ta another smaller bronze butterfly entrance. It too dissolved into thousands of colorful butterflies. Just inside Grandma Chrys was waitin'. Her smile was as invitin' as a candy store on free sample day.

"Welcome all of you. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. If there is anything you require just ask Zahn and he will make sure you get it. As for Wishes and Freck, with all of your permissions, I would like to speak privately with them for a few minutes."

She led us to a room we had visited before. She called it her atrium. That was a good name because it was filled with all sorts o' plants. Some I recognized, but some I ain't never seen b'fore. Grandma Chrys spoke to them as we entered the room, "Good morning to each of you. Do not be concerned, I have brought these children in to have a little talk. Please do not be disturbed by anything you might overhear. Just go about your business of being beautiful and growing strong."

After greeting the plants, she turned to us and said, "Freck and Wishes I have to tell you that adventures always come with an element of danger, but that every precaution will be taken to keep you safe and return you to Burns without being the worse for wear. That is how you say it, worse for wear?" She arched her eyebrows asking for confirmation.

Freck responded, "Yes, that's the way we say it."

Grandma Chrys smiled sweetly and continued, "You understand you always have final say, right?"