14. DIEGO'S IDEA

CHAPTER 14 DIEGO'S IDEA Poof! Diego used magic to return to his cottage. Worm transported Drake, Val, Carlos, and Lalo there, too. "That was quite an adventure!" Diego said. Val frowned. "I miss fig already." "I understand," Drake said. "I make friends on every adventure I go on. It's never easy to say good-bye."

Carlos grinned. "But sometimes we get to say hello again, like when Drake comes to visit. And I'm sure we can help Diego when he checks on the dragons back at the castle." Val gave a small smile. "I'd like that." Then Val's eyes got wide. "Something is licking my arm!" The air began to shimmer purple and green. Fig appeared. "Fig! Did you hitch a ride with Worm again?" Val asked. The little dragon ran in a circle around Val.

"I'm happy to see you, too. But you have to stop running away from your nest," Val scolded. "We'll get a message to the castle so your parents won't worry." Diego stroked his beard. "Hmmm. I have a thought, but we will need to go to Bracken to find out if I am right. First, we all need some food and a good night's sleep. It's been a long day!" The next morning, after breakfast, Worm transported everyone back to Bracken Castle.

A minute later, they all appeared in the Training Room.

Griffith came out of the Dragon Masters' classroom. "Drake! Worm! How good to see you again! We've missed you," the wizard said. Drake's friends Bo, Ana, and Rori followed Griffith.

Drake introduced everyone. Then they all started talking at once. "How was your trip?" Bo asked. "Is this another baby dragon?" Rori asked, looking at Fig. "And are you her Dragon Master?" Ana asked Val. Val sighed. "I wish I was." "That is why we are here," Diego explained. "Griffith, it is clear to me that Val and Fig have formed a very strong connection in a short amount of time."