The gates of the Palace of Light stand forty feet tall. They are made of solid sunshine and white glass. There is no lock. There is no handle. The gates only open for those who carry hope in their hearts.
Everett steps forward. He does not use his sword. He does not use his strength. He simply thinks about the morning sun in Willow Creek. He thinks about the smell of pancakes and the sound of his friends' voices.
The gates swing open with a sound like a harp.
Inside the Palace
The interior of the palace is a forest of light.
The Floor: It is a pool of liquid gold. It is not wet, but it ripples when the kids walk.
The Pillars: They are tall trees of white fire. They reach the ceiling.
The Ceiling: It shows the stars of the world above. It shows the houses of the cul-de-sac. It shows their parents and their pets.
In the center of the room, a giant bird sits on a perch of starlight. This is the Sentinel of Spark. Its feathers are made of orange and yellow flames. Its eyes are two diamonds.
"Who enters the Hall of Gloria?" the Sentinel asks. Its voice crackles like a warm fire.
"We are the Knights of Chivalria," Everett says. He bows his head.
"We come for the Crown of Hope," Clara adds. She holds her notebook close.
The Sentinel spreads its wings. The heat in the room rises. It is not a burning heat. It feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
"The Crown belongs to those who see light in the dark," the Sentinel says. "But the Dragon's shadow is at the door. To earn the Crown, you must give a Spark of Joy. What is your happiest memory?"
The kids look at each other. This is the test.
Audacia: "I remember the day I learn to ride my bike. I feel like I am flying. I feel like I can go anywhere."
Robbie: "I remember our last summer picnic. We eat watermelon and stay outside until the stars come out. I feel safe."
Clara: "I remember the first time I read a book. The words turn into pictures in my head. I feel like I have a whole world inside me."
Everett: "I remember the day we find the Blue Ball. We stand in the grass and we know we are a team. I feel like I finally belong."
The Sentinel of Spark chirps. It is a beautiful, musical sound. It flies into the air and circles the children.
"Your joy is your armor," the Sentinel says.
The bird flies to a high pedestal. On the pedestal sits a crown of woven gold and sparkling diamonds. The Sentinel picks up the crown with its beak and drops it into Everett's hands.
The moment Everett touches the crown; the whole palace vibrates. The Blue Ball in Robbie's bag glows so bright it shines through the leather.
"We have three," Everett whispers. "The Sword, the Mirror, and the Crown."
"But the palace is shaking!" Robbie yells.
The golden walls start to turn grey. The liquid gold floor becomes dark and sticky. The Dragon is here. He is not in the room, but his shadow is over the palace.
"Go!" the Sentinel cries. "The fourth gift is in the Heart of the World. The Code of Chivalria waits for you. Go before the light fails!"
The kids run for the gates. They have the crown. They have the hope. But the Dragon is right behind them.