8 Ch8-Into the Fortress

CHAPTER 8 INTO THE FORTRESS Drake stared at the beautiful box in his hands. "How does this work?" he asked. "Worm must get you as close as possible to the beasts. Then you'll unlatch the lid, open it, and the box will do the rest," Griffith replied Drake took the pouch from Griffith and tucked the box inside.

Eko approached. "Everyone must be ready to protect their lands, in case Astrid shows up with her beasts," she said. "Rori and Vulcan should return to Bracken. And I will take Opeli, Manawa, Quilla, and their dragons back to their kingdoms. Then I will join you at the fortress." Quilla stepped forward. "It is not safe for Wayra and me to return to Queen Amaru," she said. "Please let us fight Astrid with you." "Not safe?" Griffith asked. "Queen Amaru had Wayra chained up," Drake explained. "She wanted her to do bad things. But Wayra has a safe home to go back to on the Mountain of the Wind Dragons." "We will go there after we help you," Quilla said.

Griffith nodded. "Thank you. We could use the extra help. Now then, let's all get ready to go!" Opeli and Manawa ran up to Drake and hugged him. "Go stop that evil wizard!" Manawa said. Opeli nodded. "I know you can do it." "Thanks for all of your help," Drake replied. Then Eko touched her purple dragon. "Neru, create a portal to our first stop: Kapua."

Neru let out a roar that sounded like thunder. Then a hole made of swirling purple energy appeared in the air. "Step into it!" Eko instructed Opeli and Manawa. The Dragon Masters and their dragons entered the portal. Eko and Neru followed them. "I will see you in Navid!" Eko called out, and the portal closed. Rori climbed onto Vulcan. "Good-bye, everyone! Quilla, you and your Wind Dragon are awesome!" Quilla replied, "Thank you for your help!" Rori and Vulcan flew off toward Bracken. Drake turned to Quilla, Wayra, and Griffith. "Gather around Worm!" he cried.

Seconds later, they all landed outside the Fortress of the Stone Dragon. A line of soldiers stood at attention, along with a woman wearing a crown. "Who are they?" Drake asked. "I contacted Princess Daria of Navid," Griffith explained. "She and her soldiers are standing by in case Astrid attacks this land."

Jayana and dozens of other wizards stood between the soldiers and the fortress. Bright white magic streamed from the wizards' fingertips. It pushed against a band of red magic that circled the stone walls.