16. A FRIEND IN NEED

CHAPTER 16 A FRIEND IN NEED Drake and Worm celebrated with their new friends under the night sky. They listened to music and ate delicious food that was spicier than Drake had ever eaten before.

Then Drake lay down next to Worm. He slept deeply for the first time since the sky-shadow had appeared. Worm's tail curled around him, and the Earth Dragon snored softly along with Drake. When Drake woke up, Aruna and Darpan were sitting on a blanket next to them. They offered Drake and Worm fruit from a big bowl, and rounds of warm flatbread They ate until their bellies were full.

"Thank you," Drake said, stretching. He looked up at the sun shining in the blue sky. "Isn't that a beautiful sight?" "I'll be grateful for every sunrise from now on," Aruna replied.

Drake stood up. "Worm and I need to return the Star Flute to its secret location. And our friends back home will be missing us." "I understand," Aruna said. She patted her pocket. "Darpan, Chaya, and I will be busy looking for people who need the Star Stone's help. If you find anyone who was hurt by Chaya's shadow powers, please let me know." "I will. Now that wizards can use magic again, our wizard can send messages to Vanad," Drake said. "Good-bye! I hope we will meet again." "I hope so, too," Darpan said. "Be well, Drake!" Drake touched Worm's neck. "Let's return the flute, Worm!"

Seconds later, they landed in front of a shimmering crystal castle. A white dragon and a boy with red hair were outside, staring at the blue sky. Drake waved at Lysa the Light Dragon and Rune, her Dragon Master. Rune was Deaf, and Drake didn't know enough sign language yet to communicate with him. The boys used their dragons for that.

Drake heard Worm's voice in his head. Rune says: You did it, Drake! And I'm glad you came back right away with the flute. Your friend Ana flew here yesterday with a message. I have some news for you. Your wizard, Griffith, is missing!