5 The Guardians

CHAPTER 5 THE GUARDIANS "We will help you," Drake told the Dragon Master. "I am Nuna, and my dragon is Kinguq," the girl said. "Kin-guck," Drake pronounced. "That's a great name. My dragon's name is Worm."

Nuna's eyes lit up. "Really? Kinguq means 'worm' in the language of this land." Drake grinned. "That's so cool! I'm Drake, and this is my friend Wolfgang."

"Nice to meet you both," said Wolfgang. He knelt next to Kinguq. "How did your dragon get hurt?" "Kinguq and I are the guardians of this cave," she began. "We watch over a big secret." "You guard this cave to stop anyone from finding the doorway to the Naga," Drake said. "We know all about the Earthquake Dragon. Worm and I have been to the Dragon Islands." Nuna raised an eyebrow. "Ah, then maybe I know why you are here. Are you after the strange dragon who attacked us?" "We are. Is that how Kinguq got hurt?" Drake asked.

"Yes," Nuna replied. "Very few know about the secret door. Mostly, Kinguq and I chase away folks who stumble upon this cave. But earlier today, we could not chase away that dragon. He used wizard magic! He cast a spell on Kinguq that hurt her. Then he ran farther into the cave, looking for the door." "That Wizard Dragon is my father, Zoltan," Wolfgang said. "I'm sorry he hurt Kinguq. He wants to open the door and release an evil wizard who is being guarded by the Naga." "You must go stop him," Nuna replied. "When you are done, maybe Worm can transport Kinguq to our living chamber. I can heal her there."

Drake looked at Kinguq. The dragon's eyes fluttered open, but her breathing was shallow. "We should help Kinguq first," Drake said. Nuna bit her lip. "Okay. There is a maze of tunnels ahead of us, so it will take some time for the Wizard Dragon to reach the door. If we act quickly—" "Go help Kinguq," Wolfgang interrupted. "I will stop my dad." "It's too dangerous, Wolfgang," Drake said. "Please stay with us. We should heal Kinguq and then find Zoltan." Wolfgang gazed into the dark cave. Then he nodded and put a hand on Worm. "Kinguq, connect with Worm and show him where we live," Nuna said. She put a hand on each dragon. Drake touched Worm. "Worm, transport us there!" he cried.