2 Dire Howls

CHAPTER 2

Dire Howls The forest trail was dark, except for the few shafts of sunlight that streamed through the trees. Lucas and Clara hopped over the spidery roots and moss-covered rocks to keep up with Grom. The wizard moved like a swift fox. His cloak fluttered behind him as he went down the trail. Lucas wondered if Grom had something else on his mind. The wizard wasn't acting like a happy hiker. His eyes were fixed on the trail, and his mouth was set in a thin, grim line. But Lucas pushed his concerns aside when he heard the thunderous roar of Goblin Falls in the distance.

"We're getting close!" Lucas called. The rumble got louder and louder as the path led out of the forest and up onto a ridge. Grom reached the falls first, followed by the kids and Ruskin. They gaped at the rapids plunging over the cliff. The water seemed to vanish into the earth.

"Whoa!" cried Lucas. "It really does feel like you're on the edge of the world!" Clara nodded and followed Lucas down the path beside the falls to get a better look. Suddenly a sharp whistle rang out. The kids looked over at Grom. He waved at them wildly. Lucas and Clara raced back up the path to his side.

"What's wrong?" asked Lucas. Grom had gone white with fear. "Listen," he said. Lucas and Clara heard a faint sound above the booming falls. OW-OW-OWOOOOOO! "It sounds like dogs howling," Lucas said.

Clara whispered, "Those aren't dogs. That's the cry of dire wolves." Lucas could not believe it. "Impossible. Dire wolves only come out at night. Why would they howl during the day?" More howls echoed, and Ruskin flew to Lucas. He patted his dragon on the head. "Don't worry. The wolves won't bother us."