6 The Raven Guard

CHAPTER 6 THE RAVEN GUARD What do you know about the Raven Guards, Bo?" asked Griffith. "They dress all in black," said Bo. "They can move silently without being seen." "They must be sneaky," said Drake. "How else could one of them get that feather on your pillow?" Bo nodded. "They are very skilled at spying."

Just then, Drake's Dragon Stone felt warm on his skin. He looked down. It was glowing! Then he heard Worm's voice inside his head. Danger outside! "Rori and Ana!" Drake cried. "They went outside by themselves!" Griffith frowned. "We must find them." He stomped into the hallway and yelled to the guard by the Training Room door. "Simon, please watch my workshop! Make sure no one enters!" Simon grunted in reply, and the three of them rushed out of the workshop. They raced through the long tunnel that led to the Valley of Clouds.

When they got outside, Rori and Ana ran up to them. They both started talking quickly. "The thief was here! He was dressed in black!" cried Ana. "He had a red crystal! And he shone it in our eyes," Rori said. "Then he started asking us stuff! And we gave him answers!" Ana said. "Somehow he made us tell the truth, even though we did not want to. I think the crystal was—" "Magic!" Rori added. "And then he was gone! He moved so fast!"

"He is a skilled and dangerous spy," said Griffith. "The red crystal he used sounds like dark magic. Now, tell me: What questions did he ask?" "He wanted to know where the Dragon Stone was," Ana replied. fclnef. "And if it was guarded by anything."

"Ana told him about the magic charms!" Rori said. "And you told him Griffith had left the castle," Ana said. "Wait a minute, Griffith. What are you doing here?" Rori asked. "Never mind that," Griffith said. "I am here now. And the spy may be on his way to steal the Dragon Stone. We must get to my workshop. Hurry!" They all raced back through the tunnel. Drake's heart pounded.

When they got to Griffith's office, Simon the guard was conked out on the floor! And the workshop door was wide open!