12. THE BEAST'S DEMAND

CHAPTER 12 THE BEAST'S DEMAND Drake looked over at Rune. His new friend's eyes were wide with fear. Something in the pond was communicating with them both. The Dragon Masters took a big step back from the water's edge. The surface of the water rippled and a head emerged.

The beast had gray, slippery-looking skin and a long snout. Bright yellow eyes gleamed from its face. And a single, curled antenna grew from its head. The voice, ancient and deep, entered Drake's head again. Who dares to approach my pond? Drake took a deep breath. "I am Drake, and this is Rune," he said. "We seek the Star Flute, and—" The beast's eyes fixed on Drake. To cross my pond, there is a price. What have you to give? Something shiny and rare will do. Drake saw Rune reach for the Dragon Stone around his neck. He tapped Rune's arm. No, Drake signed.

Drake took the gold disc from his bag and held it out. Ooh, gold! I love gold, the beast said. I hope Darma won't mind, Drake thought. He tossed the gold disc, and the beast caught it in its mouth and gulped it down. Delicious! You may pass, the beast said. The beast disappeared under the water. Then the pond vanished! The boys walked forward on the grassy path. They hadn't gone far when a golden head came through the hedge wall. It was Hema, in goat form, munching on leaves. Drake and Rune laughed.

Hema ducked back through a large hole in the hedge, and the boys followed Worm, Darma, and Lysa were waiting for them on the other side! Hema transformed back into a dragon. Darma's Dragon Stone glowed green, and he grinned. "No, I don't think you can chew our way to the Star Flute, Hema. Not even a dragon's tummy could hold that many leaves." Then Drake heard Worm's voice in his head.

Rune says: I can't believe we met the Picland Beast! I have heard stories about it but never seen it. I am glad we escaped. Thank you, Drake, forgiving up your gold disc. Drake turned to Darma and added. "We ran into a monster! And I had to feed it the gold disc you gave me. I'm sorry." Darma smiled. "It is okay. I sensed you might need..." But Drake stopped listening because he heard music. Sweet, high notes came from a pathway on their right.

"Is that the sound of the Star Flute?" Drake asked Worm, taking a few steps toward the path. Lysa tells me birds are singing that song, trying to get us lost, Worm replied. We need to move away from the sound before— Charmed by the music, Worm stopped talking to Drake, and crawled down the path. Drake, Darma, Hema, and Lysa followed him. The birds' song led them away...