4 A Daymare

CHAPTER 4

A Daymare Lucas leaped out of bed and threw himself in between Ruskin and the swirling mist. "STOP!" he screamed. But the dragon's eyes were closed, and he was only focused on the misty opening. Ruskin was in a trance. "Ruskin, PLEASE!" Lucas begged as he scanned the room for something, anything, to wake the dragon up.

Lucas pulled a chair into his path, but Ruskin nudged it aside. Next Lucas tried to push against the dragon's shoulders, but Ruskin was determined to walk into the mist. What is going on? Lucas wondered. It's almost as if Ruskin is being controlled by that mist! Then Ruskin opened his jaws, and Lucas saw a small fire growing in the dragon's throat. Would his own dragon actually attack him with fire? Quickly Lucas reached for his last hope… a sack of chocolate-covered pretzels that he frantically waved in front of his friend. Finally Ruskin paused. His nose twitched at the delicious smell. Then his eyes opened, and the

dragon lunged for the pretzels. With the trance broken, the mist disappeared completely. Lucas fell to his knees beside Ruskin, who was chomping away at the sweet treats. "That was a close call, boy! It's a good thing you love food." But Lucas had a feeling the danger had only just begun.