6 Kinguq's Cave

CHAPTER 6 KINGUQ'S CAVE Seconds later, Drake, Wolfgang, Worm, Nuna, and Kinguq appeared in a chamber deep inside the ice cave. There was no ice on the gray rock walls. It was small and cozy, with just enough room for the three humans and two dragons. A cheerful fire burned in a fireplace. The cave held a single bed and a wood table and chairs. Clay pots and woven grass baskets filled the shelves on the wall. A pile of soft furs made a comfy dragon's nest next to the fire.

Without being asked, Worm used his powers to lift Kinguq onto the nest. Worm's body glowed green, and a green light surrounded Kinguq as she gently floated up onto the furs. Nuna got busy. She picked up a kettle hanging near the fire. She poured the water into a large bowl. Then she opened one of the pots and took out what looked like dried moss. She put the greenish-brown plant into the bowl.

"This plant is called stink weed," Nuna said as she worked. "It should cure Kinguq of the effects of the wizard's magic. It just needs to steep for a bit." "I didn't know plants could cure spells. That's good," Drake said. "Can you tell us more about the secret door?" "I can," she replied. "Kinguq and I have transported to the Dragon Islands a few times, too. This cave's secret door is nothing like that fancy temple. There are no Dragon Masters here who connect with the Naga."

"Like Uri and Zelda do on the Dragon Islands," Drake said. He had met the twin Dragon Masters who could summon the mighty Earthquake Dragon from the depths of the earth. "It's just me and Kinguq guarding the door," Nuna went on. "But we cannot open it. The door is protected by secret, magical words." "The door at the temple on the Dragon Islands is protected by Uri and Zelda, and it is very secure," Drake said. "Why does this door even exist?" "It was created years after the temple of the Naga was built," Nuna explained, "as a way to reach the Naga if the Dragon Islands are ever destroyed."

The liquid in the bowl was dark and murky now. Nuna brought it to Kinguq and touched the dragon's nose. "Open wide," she said. The dragon obeyed and gulped the liquid. Nuna stroked Kinguq's head and sang a song. Drake didn't understand the words. "Are you singing a magic spell?" Wolfgang asked. "No. It is a song for healing that my people sing when someone is ill," Nuna replied. "I think it might help." "A song that can heal. That's amazing," Drake said. Nuna patted the space between her dragon's ears. "Feel better?" she asked.