4 A Message From The King

CHAPTER 4 A MESSAGE FROM THE KING Drake caught up to Petra. "You'll like dinner," he said as they walked. "The food is really good." "I am hungry," Petra said, entering the dining room.

The table was full of plates piled high with roast beef, chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bread. Petra stood still while the others quickly took their seats. She stared at the table. "Where are the chickpeas? And the olives? And the figs?" she asked. "I don't know what a fig is. But we have roast beef," Drake said. Petra sighed. "My family doesn't eat meat," she said. Griffith waved to her. "Come and sit with us, please."

Just as Petra sat down, Griffith got a twinkle in his eye. He pointed a finger at the potatoes. One of them floated up and landed on Petra's plate! Petra's eyes widened at the sight of the magic. "The potatoes are delicious," Griffith said. Drake watched Petra poke at her potato with her fork. "Petra, I was thinking," Bo said. "Maybe the Dragon Stone chose you for the hydra because of Cosmo." "Maybe taming hydras is a talent that runs in your family," Ana added. "Maybe," Petra said, not looking up.

Then they heard a sound on the stairs. Simon the guard marched in. "I have a message for you, wizard," he said. "King Roland wants to see all of the Dragon Masters and their beasts tomorrow. In the courtyard." "Why not in the Training Room?" Griffith asked. "Queen Rose is coming to visit. The king wants to show off his new dragon outside," the guard replied, and then he left.

"Tomorrow?" Petra asked with a squeak in her voice. "But I have not even worked with the hydra yet. Everyone knows it takes time to get to know a dragon." "I agree it is too soon. But we must obey the king," Griffith said. "And his friend Queen Rose is very nice. You will like meeting her." Petra frowned. She ate a few bites of her potato and then pushed her plate away. "I'm done," she said. "May I please go to my room now?" Griffith nodded. "Of course. We will see you at breakfast." "I'll show you to your room," Ana offered.

The two girls left, and the other Dragon Masters looked at one another. "I don't think Petra is fitting in very well," Rori blurted out. "Nonsense," said Griffith. "She fits in fine. Give her time." Bo leaned over to Drake. "What do you think?" he whispered. Drake hated to say it. It hadn't been easy for him when he first came to the castle. But he had been excited to be there and to meet the dragons. Petra didn't seem excited at all. "I'm not sure she belongs," Drake whispered.