12 Ch12-Save the Village!

CHAPTER 12 SAVE THE VILLAGE! What power is Tani going to use?" Drake asked. He glanced at the ocean. He had never seen it do this before. The water pulled farther and farther from the land.

"The ngaru nui," Manawa said. "A very, very big wave." "We call it a tidal wave on my island," Opeli added. "A wave so big it can wipe out a village. Or even an island." Manawa nodded. "Yes." Manawa pointed to the hill. "The village is that way. Warn my people. Tell them to get to higher ground." "Everyone, touch Worm!" Drake cried. "We can get there quickly." "I must stay here," Manawa said. "It is my sworn duty to protect Tani— and to protect others from Tanis I need to keep trying to connect with her."

"I must stay as well," Opeli replied. "I am responsible for Ka." "But, Manawa and Opeli—" Drake began. Manawa shook his head. "Just go, and save my village!" "Hurry! The wave is coming. There is no time!" Opeli cried. An enormous wave was heading toward the shore. It glowed with Tani's turquoise light. The wave looked to Drake as tall as King Roland's castle!

"Bo, touch Worm and Shu!" Drake said, and Bo quickly obeyed. Drake put a hand on his dragon. "Now, Worm, transport us to the village!" Worm transported them right away. They landed in a village filled with huts that reminded Drake of his village in Bracken. The villagers gathered around Drake, Bo, and their dragons.

Pania pushed through the crowd. "See, I told you!" she said. "Baby dragons!" Bo stepped forward. "A ngaru nui is coming!" he said. "We must head for the top of the hill— now!" "Wait, where is Manawa?" Pania asked. "And your other friend, Opeli?"

Drake gazed out toward the ocean. He could see the enormous wave getting closer and closer. Manawa bravely stood on the rock with his hands on his hips. Opeli stood onshore, while Ka roared and stomped his feet on the sand. Worm, we have to get them to safety, Drake said. I know, Worm agreed. "Bo, we'll be right back," Drake said. "Help the villagers get away!" Then Drake touched his dragon, and they transported back down to the shore.