“Savani is getting things under control,” Kendra said.
“But she can’t protect us like a Giant Queen could,” Knox said.
“I’d love to see a Giant Queen,” Tess expressed. “Does she wear fancy gowns?”
“I’m not sure,” Kendra said. “Technically the Giant Queen is part of Dragonwatch. But she does things her own way. We’re not sure how much we can rely on her.”
“But she keeps her dragons under control,” Knox said.
“It’s supposed to be the most secure sanctuary,” Kendra said.
“Then why aren’t we there already?” Knox asked. “Tess is just a kid! Don’t you want her secure?”
“I’m into double digits,” Tess said.
“I’m not new to giants,” Knox reminded Kendra. “You were there when we partied with Thronis. Besides, even if Titan Valley is super dangerous, I’ve proven I can handle emergencies. I want to help you get Seth back.”
“It isn’t your fault he was taken,” Kendra said.
“I’m the reason Ronodin had access to the barrel,” Knox said. “I left the keys to the dungeon with the goblin at Fablehaven.”
“You made a mistake,” Kendra said. “It’s good to learn from, but it was Ronodin who took him.”
“I can still help save him,” Knox argued.
“The dragon war is heating up,” Kendra said. “With more preserves falling, the dragons are gaining momentum. I have a feeling Titan Valley could become a battlefield.”
“Visiting Remulon turned into a battle,” Knox said. “If I hadn’t been along, you might still be his prisoner. You need me.”
“The more people helping, the better your chances,” Tess said. “I want to come too.”
Kendra sighed. Knox really had saved the day when they faced Remulon. And he was right that Titan Valley might prove to be a safer sanctuary than Crescent Lagoon. “Fine. If that’s what you want, you and Tess can come.”
Knox pumped a fist. “Yes.”
“You might not thank me in the end,” Kendra warned.
“Let me at least enjoy the beginning,” Knox said. “We’re going through fairyland?”
“We are?” Tess asked breathily, eyes wide.
“Yeah, the Fairy Realm,” Kendra said. “We’ll just be passing through.”
“When?” Tess asked.
“Now,” Kendra said. “I’d intended to say goodbye to you, not to bring you along. Grab what you need.”
Kendra exited the room and went to the main platform, where Warren, Vanessa, Tanu, Newel, Doren, Savani, and Andromadus awaited her. “Knox and Tess are coming,” she announced.
“That confirms it,” Newel said. “We’re coming too.”
“We’d love your help,” Kendra said.
“Nobody made life interesting like Seth,” Doren said.
“Without him we might never have learned about fast food,” Newel said.
“Or video games,” Doren said.
“Or gummy candy,” Newel added. “He must be rescued.”
“So be it,” Andromadus said. “Kendra, do you know the story of the Legender?”
“That doesn’t sound familiar,” she admitted.
“The tale explains the origin of the legendary Dragon Slayers,” Andromadus said. “These are the five Dragon Slayers who set the pattern for all others. The ones we hope to find. It might be of value for you to know it.” He pulled a large book from within the folds of his robe. “There are many versions of the story. I like this illustrated telling.”
Kendra accepted the oversized book and leafed through it. The book wasn’t thick and had fairly large type, with fanciful illustrations and illuminated letters. “I’ll read it.”
“The dragons are hunting the legendary slayers,” Andromadus said. “We need to find the slayers first.”
“Don’t leave yet,” Knox called. “Here we come!”
He and Tess ran into view from across a bridge.
“Should I leave a note for the fairies?” Tess asked.
“I will give them your kind regards,” Savani said.
“Shall I transport us to the fairy shrine?” Andromadus asked.
“Sure,” Kendra said. “It’s nice to have a wizard around.”
Andromadus looked at Savani. “You have much to accomplish here.”
Savani gave a small bow. “I bid you all a fond farewell and wish you safe travels.”
“Thanks for everything,” Kendra said.
“Keep that volcano calm,” Knox added.
“We will do what we can,” Savani said.
“Come,” Andromadus said. “The fairy shrine awaits.”
Waterfalls spilled from a semicircular embankment into a shallow marsh where large tiki statues waded. They were in different locations from where Kendra had found them on her previous visit. She knew the statues could move, though she had never caught one in the act. Kendra understood that unwanted trespassers into the fairy shrine would be destroyed, but today, she and her friends had permission.
“Freaky statues,” Knox said. “Where are the fairies?”
“Did you drink your milk?” Tess asked.
“I drink it every morning,” Knox said.
“Then you would see them if they were here,” Tess replied.
“I expect we’ll see plenty when we cross to the Fairy Realm,” Kendra said.
“This is where we part ways,” Andromadus said. “I must make assignments to some of the members of Dragonwatch, and the Polar Plains sanctuary has requested my assistance.”
“I wish you could come with us,” Tess said.
“You will be protected,” Andromadus said. “I notified the Giant Queen about your visit. A giant called Rustafet will meet you at the Titan Valley fairy shrine and provide you with safe access to the castle.”
“What kind of welcome can we expect from the Giant Queen?” Kendra asked.
“As official visitors from Dragonwatch, you can count on her hospitality,” Andromadus said. “If you want a word of advice, she will think you perceptive and intelligent if you recognize her virtues. But don’t overdo it. She is no fool.” The wizard vanished in a burst of red light.
“So dramatic,” Warren said.
“You’d do it if you could,” Vanessa teased.
“I’d probably moonwalk first,” Warren said. “Maybe throw in a spin.”
“I can hardly believe a blix will be allowed to enter the Fairy Realm,” Vanessa said. “No matter how briefly.”
“The Fairy Queen is letting me bring whoever I want,” Kendra said. “This way.”
“We have to wade into the water?” Knox asked.
“Going through will dry us off,” Kendra told him. “Don’t grab any treasure you see along the way. It’s a trap.” She sloshed deeper into the marsh. The others followed.
“So don’t go take that golden shield over
