They stood, still as stone, as Blayze circled above. His massive wings caused bursts of downward drafts, making leaves swirl around them.
Henry raised his hand as if asking permission to speak. “How will we be able to move with a Dragon out there?”
“We’ll have to wait until he leaves,” Will replied.
“Is it fire-breathing?” Anna questioned.
Raven nodded, her onyx eyes still focused on the starlit sky.
“Oh man.” Henry let out a soft moan. “We’re toast. We’re all toast.”
“If you keep talking, you will be. Extra, extra crispy,” Will huffed.
They waited in silence while the Dragon circled until Raven finally stepped out from behind her tree.
“Follow me,” she urged, moving away.
Henry didn’t budge from his spot. “Are you sure he’s gone?”
“For now,” Raven responded. “He’s circling.”
“Move it, Henry. Or lose it,” Will implored, following after Raven.
They moved at a quick pace through the woods, close to the tree line, but just within the shadows. Anna pushed herself because every step they took meant a step closer to the castle and to their mother.
Raven stopped again, holding up her hand, her dark eyes scanning the sky.
“What is it?” Anna asked, trying to keep her panic to a minimum. Her breath was too quick, gulping down the cool air after racing at least a mile through the woods—dodging branches, tripping on exposed roots, and weaving through trees. All while being hunted by a fire-breathing Dragon.
Raven’s movements were slow and deliberate, her eyes wide with fear as she turned toward them. “We’re being watched.”
Anna scanned the area, but it was too dark to see anything beyond a few yards.
“How do you know?” Will questioned, his eyes also roaming.
“I can sense it,” Raven murmured. “But I can’t see anything from the ground. Stay hidden behind the trees. I’ll be right back.”
Right before their eyes, Raven shifted—her body transforming, melding into a large, black bird, at least four foot tall, with ebony feathers.
“Did you see that? She’s a girl—a bird. A bird-girl,” Henry stammered, shaking his head. “I guess that explains her name.”
“She’s a shifter,” Will informed.
“Shhh—” Anna gave them both the cut-throat sign to shut up.
Flapping large wings, Raven soundlessly took off as they stayed pressed against the trees.
“What if the Dragon eats her?” Henry added.
“It won’t eat her,” Anna consoled, even though she’d overheard Raven earlier talking to Lavinia. Heard her telling her how the black Dragon killed her parents and she managed to barely get free. The thought made her heart ache.
“How can you be so sure?” Henry breathed. “Dragons eat anything, and Ravens must taste like chicken.”
“If you don’t be quiet, it won’t matter,” Will muttered.
Anna felt restless like they should still be moving. Not moving meant it would take that much longer for them to reach their destination, and for other things—deadly things on the ground—to find them. “Do you think we’re safe here?”
“I don’t know,” Will replied. “Raven told us to stay put, so we can’t move.”
A shrill caw made them jolt as Raven dove out of the sky, heading straight for them. “Run,” she screamed. “Run away!”
Behind her was a stream of fire, scorching everything in its path. The fire Dragon had seen her and was closing in. Raven folded her wings and swooped across the river, into the cover of trees.
“Run!” Will hollered, grabbing Anna’s arm and yanking her with him. Behind them, Henry stayed right on their heels.
As they sprinted down the riverbank, toward the castle, the Dragon appeared in front of them. It was huge—at least eighty-feet long, with shiny crimson scales and massive bat-like wings, and limbs ending in razor-sharp claws. Protruding from its skull were two massive horns. Down its spine were thick spikes which connected to an even longer, blade-like tail. Tendrils of smoke rose from its nostrils.
Anna screamed as a stream of fire torched the entire area ahead of them, cutting off their path.
“We’re trapped!” Henry bellowed. “What do we do?”
“The river!” Will changed direction, tugging Anna with him. Henry was on their tail as they dashed toward the raging river.
Dread overcame Anna. “Wait!” she screamed, trying to pull from his grasp. “We’ll drown!” She knew what it felt like to be sucked in by that river. To have its icy clutches tug her down against her will, beating her against its rocky bottom until she had no fight left.
Will paused and met her gaze. “Don’t worry, Anna. We have the upper hand this time.”
“How?”
“Trust me. Get rid of the armor.”
All three peeled from their metal armor as the Dragon circled around, heading toward them with a thunderous roar.
“What do we do?” Anna couldn’t stop her body from shaking and didn’t know what was worse … the river or the Dragon.
“We’ll use our power,” Will said. “If you are going under, toss the flame downward. The power will thrust you back up to the top. I’ve done it before. It’ll work.”
“It has to,” Anna answered, tears spilling down her cheeks.
Will gripped both of her shoulders, steadying her. “We can do this. I promise I won’t lose you again.” Anna nodded and had no doubt he meant what he said. “We have to stay connected,” Will continued, instructing them as he headed toward the river. “As long as we stay joined together, we’ll get through this.”
The water was frigid, making them gasp as they stepped in ankle deep. Henry stood between them, locking elbows with each of theirs, creating a human chain.
The Dragon was coming. His deep-set glare set on them. His fire aimed, torching the forest behind. Ash and embers fell around them.
“Now!” Will shouted as heat brushed their backs.
They plunged into the rushing river. The current yanked them under its icy clutches. As they broke the surface, Henry coughed, “When do we stop?”
They were yanked back under, but when they popped up again, in between breaths, Will exhaled, “Look—for the—castle.”
The current twisted Anna under, so she summoned her power and thrust it downward. The recoil flung her back to the surface and she yanked Henry with her. Will did the same, both fighting to keep theirs and Henry’s head above the water.
It was working, but they were quickly becoming exhausted, not only from the use of their power but against the constant fighting of the glacial current. Anna knew they had to get out soon or risk hypothermia.
“Castle,” Anna exclaimed, looking into the distance. On her right, about a half-mile away, the watchtower of the castle peeked above the tree line.
“We—made it!” Henry cheered, then coughed after inhaling water.
“Not—yet,” Will puffed, tossing his power downward. “Anna, when I tell you, toss your power to my side. Hopefully, it will push us toward the bank.”
Anna nodded in agreement, treading water, her body shivering to the core.
As the river carried them swiftly toward the castle, Will yelled, “Now!”
They both thrust their power toward the left, and as Will predicted, the force pushed them toward the bank. Anna grabbed hold of a thick root jutting from the bank and pulled Henry toward her.
Just as Will got his footing, a huge log, obscured by the dark river, slammed into his side. The impact ripped his grasp from Henry and knocked him unconscious, sending him helplessly down the river.
“Will,” Henry screamed, trying to rush in after him, but Anna held him back.
“Will!” Anna wailed, watching her brother disappear into the river.
That horrible river hadn’t taken her this time. It took her brother.
A dark figure swooped overhead, cawing before soaring do
wnstream after Will.
“Raven,” Henry yelled, pointing to the bird. “But where’s the Dragon?”
“Will, can you hear me?” Anna pleaded. “Will, please answer.”
But there was no answer.
Will gained consciousness while underwater, and quickly used his power to force his body upward. As soon as his head broke the surface, he sucked air into his lungs.
Sharp claws clasped his shoulders, making him holler, dragging him toward the embankment.
Once he was in the shallows, the talons released, and the large, black bird landed on the bank, shifting back into the girl. Raven jumped into the water and grabbed Will’s arms, dragging him off the bank and into the cover of the dark woods.
“Will,” she whispered, shaking him. “We can’t stay here.”
On his back, he moaned, clutching his side, too weak to move. Raven lifted his shirt and her eyes went wide.
“You’re injured,” she whispered.
“I’m fine,” he breathed. A shooting pain made him wince. “Maybe not.”
Touching the skin around the bruise she said, “It looks like you’ve broken some ribs.”
Will’s breaths were short, but he reached out and touched her hand. “Thanks.”
Raven froze and then shook her head. “It was nothing.”
“I’m alive because of you.” The pain caused him to clench his eyes and groan.
“Your sister and friend are still out there. Are you able to move at all?”
Will tried to sit up, but immediately fell back down, biting in a scream. “No,” he moaned.
“I’m sorry. I can’t fix you, but I’ll find someone who can. I’ll have to move you to a safer place first. Are you up for it?”
Will nodded. “Do it,” he exhaled, gritting his teeth. He’d been injured before but this was a pain he’d never experienced. He once broke his arm, falling out of a tree when he was younger, but that was nothing compared to this. Each breath felt like he was being punched and stabbed in the ribs.
Raven assisted him to his feet and walked him carefully to a hollowed-out tree, previously used for hunting. He moaned, his chest throbbing as she helped him down to a comfortable sitting position.
“Stay put, I’ll go get help.”
“Wait.” He coughed, trying to clear his throat, but it was too late. Raven had shifted back into the bird and flew away.
The Dragon was near. Its horrifying roar filled the woods. Will was in too much pain to feel afraid, but he was safe for now, secure inside the hunting tree.
“Anna,” he called in his mind. “Anna, can you hear me?”
“Will. You’re alive!” she exclaimed. “Are you all right?”
A sense of peace settled over him after hearing his sister’s voice, knowing she was okay.
“I’m fine for now. Raven saved me.”
“Where are you?”
“I don’t know. I’m sitting in a hollowed-out tree somewhere downstream. I can’t move. I’m freezing, and I’m pretty sure I broke some ribs. Raven went to get help. Where are you?”
“I’m with Henry. We’re hiding in the trees where we lost you. We’re freezing too, but as soon as the Dragon disappears we’re going to start heading toward you. So, sit tight.”
“Be safe and keep hidden. If you run into danger don’t hesitate to use your power.”
“I won’t,” Anna answered.
As soon as the sky was clear, and the Dragon seemed to have moved on, Anna and Henry ran. They followed the river, sprinting toward the castle in hopes of finding Will along the way. Every now and then they’d hear something in the woods, but nothing was there when they looked. But the prickling skin along Anna’s back let her know something was there. She just didn’t know what or where.
“Do you know where we’re going?” Henry huffed, out of breath.
Anna’s jaw chattered from the cold. “No, but as long as we are heading in the direction of the castle, we’re going the right way.”
“I would offer you something warm,” Henry noted, rubbing his hands together, “but I’m soaked too. Sorry.”
Anna smiled. “Thanks. You’ve already given me your shirt,” she said, wringing out the blue and white flannel he’d given her when they first arrived. It no longer smelled like him, which made her a little sad. His distinct smell gave her a sense of not being alone, and also reminded her of home.
Ahead of them, leaves crunched and they spotted a pair of red beady eyes glowing in the darkness. Calling her power, an emerald flame burned brightly in the palm of Anna’s hand. Just as she pulled her arm back to thrust it at the intruder, the creature cried out.
“Please, don’t!” It cowered, holding up two large paws in front if its face. “I’m harmless, sent to watch over you. To make sure you’re safe,” it pleaded.
Anna held her flame out toward the creature. “Who are you?”
“It’s that creepy mole from the Crystal Lake.” Henry’s finger directed at it.
“Creepy? I’m not creepy,” the mole returned, its red eyes squinting.
“You’re a spy,” Anna threatened, her flame growing and brightening.
“No,” the mole whimpered. “Oriana sent me. I’m no spy! I promise.”
“How do we know you aren’t lying and leading the enemy to us instead?” Henry questioned.
“Because if that were true, you’d already be captured.”
Anna took a step forward, her emerald light illuminating the dark woods around them. “How long have you been following us?”
“Since you left the ruins,” the mole answered. “I know the way to the Crystal Castle. I can take you there.”
Anna glanced at Henry. “If he’s telling the truth, we could use him.”
Henry looked wary. “And what if he leads us into a trap?”
“If he’s lying, I’ll blow him into a gazillion pieces.”
Henry snickered and nodded his head. “That is the best plan I’ve ever heard.”
Anna narrowed her eyes on the mole. “I won’t hesitate to use my power.”
The mole quivered, slowly backing away. “I’m on your side. I promise.”
“I hope so,” Anna said, attempting to sound intimidating. She wasn’t used to being mean or demanding. That was usually Will’s specialty, but it seemed to be working.
“Malzador is searching for you, and Blayze is his eyes tonight. He knows you’re out here, so you mustn’t linger,” the mole urged. “But you must put out your light first.”
The Dragon roared. It was close, and they could see flames growing behind them. Anna closed her hand, immediately extinguishing her own flame.
“How are we supposed to follow you if we can’t see you?” she asked.
“Your amulet.” The mole pointed to her neck. “Take it off and hold it in front of you. Ask it to light your path and it should illuminate the ground enough to see.”
“How do you know about that?” Henry asked, stepping toward the mole.
“Lady Lavinia. She told me.”
Anna took the amulet from her neck and held it in her hand. “Nothing’s happening.”
“You’re supposed to ask it to light up,” Henry stated.
Anna rolled her eyes. “You want me to talk to the necklace?”
“Yes. Yes, I do. I’d very much like to get out of this pitch dark forest without bumping into every single tree,” Henry replied.
“Fine.” Anna sighed and brought the amulet up to her lips. “Please light so we can see where we’re going,” she whispered. Anna gasped as the amulet began to glow. “Henry. You were right.”
Henry smiled. “Yeah, I guess it pays to listen sometimes.” He looked around and pointed ahead. “But, I think we lost the mole.”
“What?” Anna hurried to find him, but the mole wasn’t too far ahead. He didn’t stop, even as she loudly whispered after him. His head whipped from side to side, his pointy nose constantly sniffing the air, obviously nervous.
“What’s your name?
” Anna asked, hoping to maybe settle his nerves with questions.
“Myron,” it answered, continuing to move forward cautiously.
“Hi, Myron. My name is Anna and this is Henry.”
“Yes, yes. I know who you are.”
“You know me?” Henry gawked.
“I know of the twins, and heard there was a third who stumbled through the portal.”
Henry’s shoulders slumped. “My father used to live in Misteria, but he was sent to protect Talia. His name is Haribold Hobbs. Maybe you’ve heard of him?”
“Hobbs . . . Hobbs . . .” Myron spoke quietly to himself. “I can’t say I recall a Hobbs.”
“Figures,” Henry sighed. “I’ll always be the tag-along.”
Anna giggled quietly. “I’m sure there are a lot of Misterians who haven’t heard of my mom.”
The mole cleared his throat. “Actually, everyone in Misteria knows of Talia. Your heritage is legendary,” he replied.
Anna bit her lip and grinned sheepishly at Henry. “But that’s not always a good thing. Look where it’s gotten us.”
“I don’t mind being the tag-along. Honestly,” Henry admitted. “I grew up with you guys and know you better than anyone in Misteria. You’re my best friends.”
“Quiet.” Myron stopped, squinting ahead into the darkness. “Quick. Hide your light!”
“What is it?” Anna whispered, dousing the light and putting the amulet back around her neck.
“Something’s ahead.” The mole whimpered. “It’s him. It’s him.”
“Who?” she questioned. “Who is it?”
Myron stumbled backward, a bumbling fool. “Hide. I must hide. He’ll kill me.”
Dirt flew everywhere as Myron burrowed into the ground.
“Who are we hiding from?” Henry asked, frozen in place.
“The dark warrior. He’s here,” Myron said before disappearing beneath the earth.
“Wait! Where are you going?” Anna yelled in a whisper, but he didn’t answer. He was gone.
Fear suddenly gripped her as the mole left them alone in the dark. She turned and began running in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” Henry panted, trying to keep up. “We don’t have the mole. We’ll get lost.”