Great trees spanned the wide boulevard, forming an endless
cathedral of outstretched arms gently swaying in the breeze,
whispering great secrets concerning nature and the breath of God.
Glimpses of light danced between their fingers, gently illuminating
the soft path, revealing the glittering hues of the leaf-strewn road.
The fragrant aroma of budding flowers calling insects for pollina-
tion originated from the tips of these branches, while fully mature
fruit hung near the base, welcoming all to partake in the luscious
meals hanging above.
Shama and Ezer navigated along this highway among the
mystified crowd slowly shuffling toward their lodgings. Questions
bombarding their unbelieving minds, everyone walked the crowd-
ed road in silence.
The perplexed crowd had been standing before the now-well-
guarded gate for some time. Finally, in the deafening silence of
disbelief, they turned and slowly meandered back along one of the
three highways feeding the celebration ground. Akin to swollen
waters after a flood, not anxious to go anywhere, the crowd nev-
ertheless began dissipating, leaving the soldiers alone to guard the
entrance.
The King sometimes puts forth mysteries awaiting the diligent
to discover His secrets. There were so many mysteries, so many
secrets strewn throughout nature, faith, life, and even within each
individual creature. Yet this mystery, the mystery of canceling one
of the three required annual celebrations, was a mystery that per-
plexed even the most diligent observer.
Shama and Ezer knew there was only one place—one place,
that is, except asking the King Himself—to go searching for the
meaning of this mystery. This crowded boulevard led to the Celes-
tial City–downtown, home of HNN’s main office. Certainly, the
folks at HNN Headquarters could provide explanations concerning
this delay, postponement, or cancelation of the Great Celebration.
Without speaking, they both turned, embarking on that journey:
the journey taking them to the place of cumulative information.
* * *
Red glittering stones mingled with colorful sparkles reflecting
through the clear gems of pavement. The luxury of green grass and
outstretched trees was absent in this part of town. Instead, build-
ings towered high above the streets. Here at the intersection of
Ruby Way and Diamond Boulevard, the glitter extended past the
curb, reflecting the white marble walls of an old building pressing
against the sidewalk.
Shama and Ezer walked to the large glass door marking the en-
trance of this ancient building. Shama arrived first. Trying to enter,
he discovered something unexpected: a locked door.
“Really?” remarked Shama as he bounced back a step.
“Try the bell,” suggested Ezer, pointing to the button on the
Next page: From Chapter Six