5 THROUCH THE GATE

CHAPTER 5 THROUGH THE GATE The Dream World is a big place," Drake said. "How will we find Zoltan?" Kishar smiled "Mamu, please show us Zoltan's trail." Mamu faced the gate. A beam of pale blue light shot from her mouth. Inside the beam, a trail of sparkly particles became visible.

"Zoltan left that trail behind. You see, real- world creatures leave a trace when they come here. Mamu can use her powers to track them," Kishar told Drake. "Like that fairy tale about the boy who left a trail of breadcrumbs behind so he and his sister wouldn't get lost in the woods," Drake remarked. "Yes, except that we will be using Zoltan's energy trail to find him," Kishar said. "Cool! Lead the way, Mamu!" said Drake. "First I must explain the rules of the Dream World," Kishar said. She pulled a scroll from her pocket. She unrolled it, revealing a map. All across the map were different islands, each one floating on a group of clouds. Like islands in the sky, Drake thought.

"The Dream World is divided into many different lands," Kishar explained. "When people dream, whatever they dream about appears in one of these lands. When the dream ends, the dreamer and anything they dreamed about will disappear."

Drake thought. "So... if somebody dreams about a monster, then one will appear?" "Yes, but all scary creatures appear in a land called the Land of Monsters. They never stay long," Kishar answered. "However, when beings from the real world travel here in their bodies, like you have, dream creatures can hurt them. Even if the creatures are not monsters."

She looked at Worm. "You will be safe, Worm. Dream creatures cannot harm an Earth Dragon." "What about Zoltan?" Drake asked. "Can he hurt Worm in here?" "Yes, Zoltan's magic will still be able to harm Worm," Kishar agreed. "Just as he can harm us. We will have to protect each other. Kishar's Dragon Stone glowed. "Mamu, open the gate! It is time for us to enter." Mamu aimed a beam of pale blue light at one of the gold dragon images on the gate. The dragon glowed. Then all of the gold dragons decorating the gate glowed, too.

The Dream Gate's doors flew open. Beyond them stretched all of the lands of the Dream World. Each one sat atop a large bed of clouds. Drake gasped. "This is the most magical place I have ever seen!"