09 Adventure Calls!

CHAPTER 9 ADVENTURE CALLS! Tag looked at Blaze. Then he turned back to Grey. "Do you really think a barn owl, a squirrel, and a baby bird can battle Thorn?" "We need the Ember Stone, Tag," Grey said. "Blaze already trusts you and Skyla. And it is Blaze who will find the stone."

Tag knew what he had to do. "We'll do it," he said. "Skyla, Blaze, and me. We will go to Fire Island and find the stone." Grey smiled. Then he quickly searched through some papers on his desk. He pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper, and gave it to Tag. "This will show you the way." Tag tucked it beneath his wing. Grey opened a large cabinet filled with weapons. He turned, holding up two sets of armor. One for Tag, made of silver. One for Skyla in bronze. "I had these made for you."

Tag tried his on. It fit perfectly. "How did you know we would need armor?" "I am very old." Grey smiled. "There is not much that I do not know." He handed Tag a golden dagger. It felt lighter than a feather. "Wow!" Tag said. "This blade is sharper than a tiger bat's beak!" "This is for you, Skyla." Grey gave Skyla a slingshot made from the finest wood. She grinned. "I'll be able to shoot even faster now!"

"What about Blaze?" Tag asked. "Her feathers are stronger than any armor," Grey said. "And you've seen how fearsome her cry is." Tag and Skyla nodded. "Sleep here tonight," Grey continued. "I'll be on the lookout for Thorn's spies, so I won't see you off. Keep your weapons close at all times. And remember: Thorn could attack at any moment. Good luck." Grey flew away into the night. Tag gripped his dagger. He felt a shiver of excitement as he looked at Skyla and Blaze. "Tomorrow, we head for Fire Island," Tag said. "Where no owl—or squirrel— has gone before!"