5 Bo's Story

CHAPTER 5 BO'S STORY Bow's hands were shaking. He looked up at Griffith. Drake stood frozen in the doorway. "Come in, Drake," Griffith said. Drake obeyed. The wizard's eyes stayed on Bo. "This is very serious. I set this trap because I thought someone inside the castle had tried to steal the stone last night. I said I was leaving the castle, but then I hid in here. I had to see if the thief would come back. And he did— you did."

Bo looked down at his shoes. "I am sorry," he said softly. "Bo, tell me why you would do such a thing," Griffith said. "I..." Bo looked up. "I cannot say." "Please, Bo!" Drake blurted out. "I know you! You wouldn't steal anything. You have to explain." Griffith looked into Bo's eyes. "We can help you, Bo," he said. "But you must tell us why you tried to steal the stone." Bo sighed. "It began when King Roland's soldiers came to my kingdom. They went to see Emperor Song." "What did they want?" Drake asked.

"They wanted me," Bo replied. "The soldiers told the emperor that King Roland wanted me for an important project. At first, Emperor Song did not agree to send me off. He was worried that I would not be safe. But my parents said it would be an honor to our kingdom. So he agreed."

Drake nodded. "Emperor Song sounds very kind." "He is— or at least, he used to be," Bo said. "Last night, I found a black feather on my pillow. There was a note with it that I did not show Drake." He took a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to Griffith. "It says—" His voice choked. "It says that Emperor Song has put my family in prison. To save them, I must steal the Dragon Stone and bring it to him right away. And I must not tell anyone." fclnef. His eyes filled with tears.

Griffith put a hand on his shoulder. "I understand." "But you said he was a kind emperor, Bo," Drake said. "Why would he do this?" "I do not know," Bo replied. "I fear that some evil has come over him." "I fear you are right," said the wizard. "And we must help your emperor. But first, we have a problem closer to home. The black feather is a symbol of the Raven Guard." Bo nodded. "Yes. You have heard of them?" "I have heard stories," Griffith said. "The Raven Guard is a group of skilled fighters who serve the emperor. They are very dangerous." Drake turned pale. "So if the feather is in the castle..." "Then one of the Raven Guards is here, too!" said Bo.