3. GUARDIANS OF THE CAVE

CHAPTER 3 GUARDIANS OF THE CAVE Llew led Drake, Rori, and the dragons down the road. "I've never seen dragons like yours before," said Llew. "My dragon, Worm, is an Earth Dragon," Drake explained. "And Vulcan is a Fire Dragon," Rori added. "But don't worry. He won't breathe fire unless I tell him to!"

Llew smiled as he led them toward a shady tree. "I have never seen a chair that moves like yours does," Drake remarked. "My father found it in Gallia," Llew replied. "A Dragon Master named Jean makes them." "We know Jean!" Drake cried. "She makes amazing inventions." Llew got a faraway look on his face. "I would love to meet her myself one day," he said. As he pushed forward, his wheels bounced on the uneven path.

"It can't be easy to wheel over the bumpy ground," Rori said. "It's better to be bumpy than to not go anywhere," Llew replied. "When I was a baby, I had an illness. I got better, but that is the reason my legs don't work and I need this wheelchair to get around. Before I got this, my mom or dad would have to carry me or pull me around in a cart. Now I have more freedom because I'm able to push this chair myself." He stopped at the tree. "There," Llew said. "Have a seat. I have a tale to tell you." Drake, Rori, and their dragons sat in the shade.

Llew began the story. "Outside the village, where the tree line ends and the sky meets the land, is the Crystal Cave. The cave leads deep underground, but nobody can say how deep it goes. And crystals with magical powers grow inside the cave." Drake's eyes got wide. "Magical powers?" "Yes, like crystals that can help you dream. Or crystals that can give you confidence, or good luck," Llew explained. "Those crystals must be very valuable," Rori remarked. "They are. The villagers love them. And wizards all over the world use them to cast spells," Llew continued. "But some crystals can be used for evil spells. So a wizard born in Greenshire is chosen to guard the cave—to make sure crystals aren't stolen."

"Our missing wizard, Griffith, was born in Greenshire," Drake said. "And so was Griffith's cousin, Morgan. Morgan has guarded the Crystal Cave for many years," Llew explained. "He lives in a hut outside the cave, and the villagers supply him with all that he needs. But one week ago, when Gwen went to bring him vegetables, he was gone. And the cave was as silent as a tomb." "Oh no!" Rori cried.

"Sadness swept through the village," Llew went on. "Morgan is very kind, and people were worried. My father and others are out searching for Morgan. A message was sent to Griffith, asking him to guard the cave until Morgan was found. Griffith came right away. But just yesterday, he disappeared, too."