5. GUARDIAN OF THE TEMPLE

CHAPTER 5 GUARDIAN OF THE TEMPLE Moments later, Drake and Worm arrived at Mount Sky. They had landed on a flat area just below the highest peak of the mountain. Drake felt a strange crackling of energy in the air. It must be because we're so close to the sky-shadow. We're really high up, he thought.

Petra and Zera stepped out of the gloom. Petra had brought the Star Flute and the book about Star Dragons. "How did it go in Sindhu?" Petra asked. "Good! Aruna's brother will help us. I just hope the plan works. If it does, the Shadow Dragon should arrive soon," Drake said. "We need to head to the temple now and summon the Star Dragon." Petra motioned behind her. "This path will lead us there. But the book says a dangerous creature called a griffin guards the temple."

Drake's Dragon Stone glowed green. He heard Worm's voice in his head. Petra is right. A dangerous creature awaits us. "We'll have to get past the creature," Drake said. "The temple is the only place we can summon the Star Dragon." Petra took a deep breath. "The book tells of one way to deal with the griffin," she said. "Zera and I will have to do it." "Worm and I will follow your lead, then," Drake said. Petra and Zera started up the path. Drake and Worm followed. The four of them soon reached the top of the mountain. Ahead stood a white marble temple. Star-shaped symbols were carved across the beam on top of the columns.

Something is coming! Worm warned Drake. A creature stepped onto the path, blocking their way. The beast had the body of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle. "Begone from here!" the griffin screeched. "We're on an important mission," Petra said. "Please let us pass."

"Begone!" the griffin screeched again. "Or face my wrath, the wrath of the guardian of the Star Temple. Beware my claws!" Petra's Dragon Stone glowed. Petra leaned in to Zera and whispered, "Sing the griffin's lullaby!" The Poison Dragon's four heads began to sing.