3 Ch3-A New Mission

CHAPTER 3 A New MISSION The Dragon Masters followed Griffith to his workshop. "We must find Diego before Maldred uses him to do another evil deed," Griffith said as they walked down the hall. "There's something I don't understand," Carlos said. "Why didn't Maldred steal the book himself? Why did he need Diego to do it for him?"

"Maldred knows that Diego and I are friends, so he knew Diego could get into this castle easily," Griffith replied. "We need to find Diego, before he finds the keys and gives them to Maldred," Petra said. "Right!" Griffith agreed. They entered the workshop. The room was piled high with strange things. Shelves held dozens of bottles filled with colorful waters and powders. Griffith rushed to the magical gazing ball and placed his hand over it. The large glass globe lit up.

"Diego, Diego, where did you go?" Griffith asked, waving his hand over the ball. Hazy smoke swirled inside the ball. They all waited quietly, watching. Then the haze cleared, and an image appeared. An image of a short, round wizard. "Diego!" Carlos cried. Diego was standing at the foot of a hill. On top of the hill sat a sturdy- looking stone castle. "I know this castle," Griffith said. "It is in the Land of Gallia, not far from here."

"We are in the northern part of the world," Petra said. "So maybe the Silver Key is in Gallia!" Griffith stroked his beard. "That is a good guess. I studied The Lore of the Ancient One for many years. But even I could not learn the exact location of the keys. The book is written in an ancient magical language." "Can Maldred read the ancient magical language?" Ana asked. "Better than I can," Griffith replied. "So if Diego is in Gallia, then the key must be there."

He pointed at Drake, Bo, and Carlos. "You three must get to Gallia right away," he said. Rori folded her arms across her chest. "Why do only the boys get to go?" "We have a long fight ahead of us. I must choose Dragon Masters carefully for each mission," Griffith explained. "Carlos knows Diego best, so he and Lalo must go. A Water Dragon's powers should be able to cure Diego of the dark spell, so Bo and Shu must go. And Drake and Worm can transport everyone there quickly." "I guess that makes sense," Rori replied, frowning. "But I'm definitely going on the next mission!"

"I know I can always count on you, Rori," Griffith said. "Now, Drake and Bo, go to the Dragon Caves and leave from there. Carlos and Lalo will follow you." "Good luck!" Ana said. Drake waved to Ana, Rori, and Petra. "We won't let you down." "Hurry!" Griffith said. "You must stop Diego from getting the Silver Key!"