11 Emperor Song

CHAPTER 11 EMPEROR SONG Drake struggled as a Raven Guard held him under one arm. "It is no use," Bo whispered. "They are much stronger than we are. We cannot fight them. And they are taking us to Emperor Song, which is what we want." "But we need Shu!" Drake whispered back. "Do you think our dragons escaped those other guards?"

Bo frowned. "They may have been captured. We will have to face the emperor without them." Drake looked down at his Dragon Stone. Worm, give me a message. But the stone didn't glow. Then Drake thought of something. Emperor Song might see our pieces of the stone! What if he tries to take them? "Quick!" he whispered to Bo. "Hide your Dragon Stone." The Raven Guards carried Drake and Bo through a large hall. Gleaming black and red stones formed a pattern on the floor. Large black columns lined the walls. A red dragon design swirled down the columns.

The guards took them to a large room. A dozen more Raven Guards waited for them there. A man in a red robe sat on a white throne. He had a long mustache, a pointy black beard, and wore a black hat. A thin smile spread across his face when he saw Bo. It reminded Drake of a field snake's smile.

Bo whispered to Drake. "See the evil in his eyes? This is not the emperor I remember." The guards let go of the boys and pushed them toward the emperor.

"Bo," Emperor Song said, "I am surprised that you came so quickly. Where is my Dragon Stone?" Bo looked at Drake, panicked. They had been counting on Shu to help them deal with the emperor. Without Shu, they had no plan. And without Worm, there was no way out. "Well Bo?" the emperor asked. "I am waiting." "I... I don't have the Dragon Stone, Emperor," Bo said in a small voice.

A dark look came over the emperor's face. "No Dragon Stone?! Then you have failed me!" "It's not Bo's fault!" Drake blurted out. Emperor Song looked down at Drake. "A child dares to speak to the emperor this way?! Take them to the prison! These boys shall join Bo's family." Drake squeezed his eyes shut Worm? Worm? Can you hear me, Worm? We need help! "Take them away!" Emperor Song yelled. Then the doors burst open.