4. TO THE VILLAGE!

CHAPTER 4 TO THE VILLAGE! The next morning, Drake awoke with the little Flower Dragon curled up beside him. Wildroot yawned. The tiny dragon scuttled over to the window. He lifted his face and closed his eyes as the sun hit his scales. He smiled. Bo sat up in his bed and laughed. "Wildroot's eating breakfast," he said, and then his stomach rumbled. "I could use some breakfast, too!"

Drake and Bo got dressed for the day. Drake picked up Wildroot and they made their way to the Dragon Masters' dining room. Rori and Ana were already there, and so was Griffith! "Good morning, Drake and Bo," Griffith said. "You'll be happy to know that Astrid is safely locked away in the Wizard's Council prison."

He stepped closer to Wildroot. "So this is the Flower Dragon Rori and Ana just told me about," he said. "You are a fine-looking dragon, Wildroot!" Then the wizard clapped his hands. "Drake, I think Ana should go with you and Wildroot to Stellburg. Since Flower Dragons like sunshine, Kepri might be useful." "Hooray!" Ana exclaimed. "Rori and Bo, you'll stay with me. I've been away for some time and there is much to do here at the castle," Griffith said. "Now, everyone, let's eat! The cook made currant buns." Drake sat down and picked up a bun dotted with purple berries. "Griffith, we're going to try to find the boy in the Dragon Stone as soon as we get to Stellburg," he said, taking a bite.

"That is smart," Griffith replied. "There is a reason my stone showed you the boy." After breakfast, they all went to the Dragon Caves. Worm and Kepri came out of their caves. "Worm, we need to transport to the village of Stellburg," Drake announced. Then Drake heard Worm's voice in his head: Wildroot is worried. He says the villagers do not know about Flower Dragons. His tribe lives a quiet life, hidden among the starflowers. And they like it that way. Drake told the others about Wildroot's fear.

Griffith extended his right pointer finger and sparks shot out. A cloth pouch with a strap magically appeared. "Wildroot can hide in this bag," Griffith said. "Thanks!" Drake said. "Worm, let Wildroot know." Wildroot climbed inside and Drake slung it over his shoulder. Griffith handed Drake a green Dragon Stone that dangled from a gold chain. "Give this to the new Dragon Master when you meet him," Griffith instructed. Drake nodded. "Yes, Griffith." He tucked the stone into his pocket.

Then he and Ana touched Worm, and Ana touched Kepri. "Worm, take us to Stellburg!" Drake cried. Worm transported them in a flash of light. Drake blinked. They had landed in the middle of a village square. Behind them was a carved wooden statue of a winged dragon as big as Worm. Drake read the plaque at its base. "The Legendary Dragon of Stellburg," he said. Suddenly, villagers surrounded them. They pointed at Worm and Kepri. "Dragons!" a man yelled.