14 Ch14-Balance

CHAPTER 14 BALANCE We should store the bottle where no one will ever be able to find it," Jean suggested. Uri and Zelda looked at each other. "We know a very safe place," they said. Zelda took the red bottle from Darma. She and Uri approached the open door. "Naga, guard this for us," they said.

The yellow eye blinked. Then the eye moved away from the doorway. Rows and rows of scales slid past the opening. Finally, the Dragon Masters saw the tip of the Naga's tail. Zelda held out the bottle, and the Naga folded its thick tail around it. Then the tail moved away and the Naga's eye returned to the doorway. "Thank you, Naga," Zelda said. "Now we must remove the Silver Key and close the door," Uri said.

"That reminds me— here's your Gold Key," Drake said, and he handed it to Darma. Darma looked up at the Gold Dragon. "Hema, please retrieve the other key." The Gold Dragon glowed and then transformed into a monkey. The gold monkey scrambled up and removed the Silver Key. The Naga's huge yellow eye blinked. Then the stone door slid closed. "The Naga is at peace again," the twins said. The monkey climbed down and handed the Silver Key to Jean. Then Hema transformed back into a dragon.

"Now that everything is in balance, I must return to Suvarna," Darma said. "I must guard the Gold Key once more." "And I must return to Gallia, to guard the Silver Key," Jean said. Drake hugged his two friends. "I will miss you. But maybe Worm and I will come visit sometime." "I hope you do," Darma said with a smile. "Anytime," Jean said. "I still owe you a sword-fighting lesson."

Jean and Darma left with their dragons. Drake stared for a moment at the Naga's closed door. Uri and Zelda smiled at Drake. "Thank you for helping us defeat Maldred, Drake," Uri said. "We could not have done it ourselves," added Zelda. "Dragon Masters have to help each other!" Drake said. "We should help you rebuild your home," Zelda said. "Yes," Uri agreed. "The Naga did not mean to harm it." "Bracken!" Drake cried. He held up the mirror. "Griffith! Is everyone okay?"

"Things are under control here," the wizard replied. "Uri and Zelda can stay with the Naga. But you and Worm should come home right away." "We will," Drake promised. "Please come back and visit," Uri said. "Yes, please do," Zelda added. "I have an idea," Drake said, and he handed Zelda his magic mirror. "Use this to contact us whenever you want to. Especially if there is another threat to the Naga." "We promise," Uri and Zelda said. Drake touched Worm's wing. "Worm, let's go home!"