14 A New Dragon

CHAPTER 14 A NEW DRAGON? The next afternoon, the Dragon Masters went to the Valley of Clouds for flying practice. Before they could begin, King Roland marched in with his guards. "I must have a word with you all," he said in his gruff voice.

Oh, no! Drake thought. Is the king mad about us bringing Worm and Vulcan to see the queen? But he seemed so happy with us last night! "Griffith has told me of a great battle that happened yesterday," the king said. "A battle against a dark wizard and a four-headed beast."

"It wasn't a beast," Rori piped up. "That dragon didn't do anything wrong. The wizard made it attack us." "Still, it was very brave of you all," the king said. "And I am grateful." Drake could not believe his ears. Is this really happening? Is the king thanking us?!

"Tonight, I am throwing a big feast in your honor," King Roland went on. "Drake and Rori, I understand you have family in our kingdom. They will be invited." "Yay!" Drake and Rori cheered. "I may even invite Queen Rose," the king added. His cheeks got a little red. He coughed. "Since she is very fond of the dragons." He turned to Griffith. "And you may invite that little round fellow who comes around." "Thank you, Your Majesty," Griffith said. "Diego will be pleased."

"Yes, thank you!" the Dragon Masters said. The king left, and everyone started talking at once. "A feast!" cried Bo. "I'll get to see my mom!" Drake cried. "And my dad!" added Rori. Suddenly, Bo pointed up to the sky. "What is that?" The hydra was flying across the forest on the other side of the valley. The four-headed dragon swooped down and landed nearby.

"Oh, she looks sad," Ana said. "Ana is right." Griffith said. "Come, let us see if the hydra needs our help." Together, they slowly approached the dragon. Worm slithered ahead of everyone. He stood in front of the hydra for a moment. Then Drake heard Worm's voice in his head. She is far from home, he said. But her home is not safe. She would like to stay here. "Worm says she needs to stay with us," Drake told everyone. "Where she's from isn't safe."