2. THE GREAT LIBRARY

CHAPTER 2 THE GREAT LIBRARY Chaya is one of the most powerful beings in the world right now," Griffith explained. "We must stop this dragon before he uses his new strength to do more harm!" Drake gently patted his Earth Dragon, Worm. "We haven't slept in a while. Is it okay if we go on our next mission now?" The green Dragon Stone around Drake's neck glowed as he heard Worm's voice in his head.

Yes, Drake. We must find strength. We are running out of time to stop Chaya. Drake touched Worm's neck. "Then transport us to the library in Helas!" Drake's friends waved as Drake and Worm transported in a flash of green light. Drake blinked. Here, as in Bracken, the dark gray sky-shadow blocked the morning sun. But a huge, ancient building made of white marble cut through the gloom. Tall columns supported the library's two stories. Wide steps led to the great library of Helas.

A girl with curly blond hair ran to greet them. "Drake! Worm!" she cried. A green four- headed dragon followed her out. "Petra!" Drake gave her a hug. Worm approached Zera, the Poison Dragon, and lowered his head in greeting. Zera smiled at him with all four of her heads. "Thanks for meeting us here, Petra," Drake said. "Bo and Jean told me that there is a way to stop this terrible shadow," Petra said. "I'm happy to help. Come on in! My parents and I have found something."

Drake followed Petra into the library. He gasped. The building was massive! Bookshelves as tall as trees filled the space, every inch holding a book or scroll. Drake spotted a gray kitten playing with a ball of yarn under one of the shelves. "Is that your cat, the one you named Zera after?" he asked.

Petra grinned. "Yes. Luckily, both Zeras became good friends." A woman with hair like Petra's and a tall, thin man approached them. "Mom and Dad, this is Drake," Petra said. "It is nice to meet you, Drake," said the man. "I am Zale" "And I am Daria," said Petra's mom. "I wish we could give you a tour of the library, but Bo and Jean wrote us about your mission of great importance. You seek information about Star Dragons." "Yes," Drake said. Daria nodded. "We have just the book. Enzo is fetching it now." She pointed up to the top of a nearby shelf. A boy, not much younger than Drake and Petra, stood at the top of a ladder.

Enzo grabbed a book and then scrambled down. "Here you go," the boy said, handing the book to Drake. He had dark blond hair and hazel eyes. "Thank you," Drake said. "I think I would be nervous to climb all the way up that ladder." "Enzo is an expert climber, and a great reader, too," Petra said. "He is a big help here at the library." Enzo grinned. "Thanks, Petra! I really love being around all of the books." Petra took Drake's hand. "Let's see what we can find out!"