9 Griffith's Plan

CHAPTER 9 GRIFFITH'S PLAN Bo closed his eyes, listening to his dragon. "What is Shu saying?" Rori whispered. "That there is a dark cloud over the emperor," Bo said, opening his eyes. "A darkness that is not his own."

"Could it be Maldred?" Drake asked, thinking of the dark wizard. Griffith nodded. "The dust the guard used looks like Maldred's dark magic. Maldred may be using the emperor to get to the dragons." "Can Shu help?" Ana asked. "She says that she can," Bo replied, "but that she needs to see the emperor in person." He looked at Griffith. "May I bring her to him?" "I do not know all the secrets a Water Dragon holds," Griffith said. "If Shu says she can help, then I trust her."

"We should go to your kingdom right now, Bo!" Drake said. "I'll get Worm." "Let us think this through, Drake," Griffith said. "I trust you and Bo to go on your own. I must stay here to protect the Dragon Stone. Ana and Rori can assist me. But we will need the help of my friend, Diego, too." Griffith snapped his fingers. POOF! Drake jumped. A cloud of smoke filled the room. When it cleared, a short, fat wizard was standing there.

"Griffith! What's wrong?" Diego asked. "Maldred is trying to steal the Dragon Stone," Griffith explained. "You and I must strengthen the charms that protect it." Diego nodded. "I will do whatever you need, my friend." Griffith turned to Bo and Drake. "Be careful. Let Shu try to remove the dark cloud from Emperor Song. Make sure Bo's family is safe. Then come right back." "We will do our best," Bo said. Drake had a scary thought. I know Bo feels bad about trying to steal the Dragon Stone. But what if the emperor tells Bo to do something else? Like turn over our dragons? Would he do it to save his family?

Drake wasn't sure what to think. But right now, he had to trust his friend. "There is no time to waste!" said Griffith. "Drake, put a saddle on Worm." "I'll be fast!" Drake promised, and he ran to Worm's cave.