8 Bren

CHAPTER 8

Bren Clara grabbed Lucas by the hand, and the two of them ran to the stables. After saddling Scallop and Lucas's horse, Ivan, they hopped on and galloped over the bridge to Burth. "Where are we going?" shouted Lucas. "You'll see!"

Clara and Lucas thundered along a dirt road until they came to a stone cottage surrounded by orange lilies. Clara and Lucas tied Scallop and Ivan to a hitching post. Then Clara pounded on the door.

A short, stocky troll with rosy cheeks and sparkling blue eyes answered the door. "Well, hello, Clara!" the young troll exclaimed. "Why the heavy hand? Are you delivering bread with your father today?"

Clara shook her head. "No, Bren," she said. "The prince and I have come to ask for your help. The scarlet dragon is very sick. He needs vixberries before sundown or he'll die." The troll's expression became very serious.

"What makes you think I know anything about vixberries?" asked Bren.