by Andy Holland
John had been acting very mysteriously for the last few days, ever since he had had a visit from some old Golden Dragon that his brother knew and to Crystal’s annoyance, he had refused to discuss it with her. She had been to see him to talk about their upcoming trip to the new cities, but he had brushed her off, telling her that there had been a change of plan as he had been given a promising clue into how to find the cure and he would tell her and the others all about it in the evening. They had been planning to leave in two days' time, so this was all very frustrating.
"We're still going, aren't we?" Jenna asked her as they waited for John at the twin's palace with Daisy. Her cousin had been surprisingly keen to go to see the new cities, which surprised Crystal as they were unlikely to have the sort of luxurious accommodation that she had become accustomed to.
"He wouldn't tell me anything," Crystal replied testily. "I don't know any more than you. Have you been to see John this afternoon, Daisy? Do you know what's happening?"
The princess shook her head. "Sorry, Crystal, I didn't have a chance. He sent me a note, telling me to invite you all here, but he didn't tell me what it was about. I was looking forward to the trip as well, so I really hope it's still on."
"Where's Arthur?" Jenna asked impatiently. "Do you think John would have told him or Seth? That would explain why he's avoiding me."
"He's not avoiding you," Daisy corrected. "He was meeting Gerald at the summit, and then he was going to come home. He'll be here soon."
"Very convenient," Jenna huffed. "Oh, here he is with Seth. We can interrogate them together."
"Interrogate us?" Seth replied as he sat down in a comfortable armchair. "What have we walked into?"
"Ignore her," Crystal replied. "She's impatient to find out what John's brought us here to discuss. She thinks he might have told one of you two."
"Some chance," Seth replied scornfully. "As if he'd tell me anything that he hadn't told you or Daisy. He hasn't told you anything, has he, Arthur?"
Arthur shook his head and sat next to Jenna. "No, of course not. Why, do you think we're going to go somewhere else?"
"Maybe," Crystal replied, sinking back into her chair. She just hoped that John wasn't trying to go back on his promise to look for a cure. He had been very reluctant to go on this trip and had made it clear that he thought it would be a waste of time. She was still dwelling on this when John came in. He pulled up a stool and sat on it, facing the five of them.
"Thanks for meeting me," John began. Crystal couldn’t understand why he had to be so formal and at times, she felt like strangling him. She had pulled him up on it many times but he just couldn’t change. Right now, she just wanted to know why he was changing the plan.
"I have recently had an informative conversation with a Golden Dragon called Solomon,” John continued. "I'm afraid it means that I won't be going to the New Cities. I know you were all keen to go, so you’re welcome to go without me, but I have somewhere else I need to go."
"Where, John?" Crystal demanded. "What could be more important than searching for a cure? You promised me that you wouldn't give up."
"I'm not giving up," John insisted. "I'm just looking somewhere else. I believe I've found a more promising place to look."
"Then we're coming too," Daisy insisted firmly. "Right, everyone?"
"Sure," Jenna agreed, somewhat less firmly. "Provided it's not the Circle. It isn't the Circle, is it?"
"Where is it, John?" Crystal asked, now very curious. "Are you going to let us go with you?"
"It's not the Circle, no," John began. "And I won't stop anyone from coming, but whether you want to come is another matter. You know about all of these tunnels that we found in the Circle, don't you?"
Crystal shrugged. "Of course. We hid in some on the way home. They're made by Worm Dragons, aren't they?"
"Exactly," John replied brightly. "At some point, there was a community of Worm Dragons living in that place and a large community at that. If anyone knows the secrets of the Circle it would be them."
"But John, Noah told you that the Worm Dragons in the Sanctuary knew nothing of this place, didn’t he," Crystal replied. "At least that’s what you told me."
John nodded. "They don't know anything. But they're not the ones I mean to ask. I'm going to ask the ones living in the Valley."
Now Crystal really was intrigued. John had never spoken about the Worm Dragons who helped him back to health last year, and he had given the impression that he had no intention of doing so in the future.
Seth was even more excited than she was. "Those Worm Dragons! You've always been more secretive about them. Are you going to finally tell us about them?"
John nodded again. "But you have to promise to keep everything I tell you secret. Even from my people. Worm Dragons are very secretive."
Everyone rapidly promised absolute discretion and John continued with his spiel. "There's so much we don't know about tunnelling dragons, even us Golden Dragons. Above ground, they wouldn't stand a chance against almost any flying dragon, but they don't need to come above ground that often and underground they rule. Our borders mean little to them as they can tunnel wherever they like. Everywhere you go, you'll find their tunnels, from the cold, far northern reaches of the Blue Dragon territory to the wild and dangerous swamps and jungles of the Forbidden Quarter. They're everywhere, although nowhere do you find as extensive a network of tunnels as you do in the Circle."
Crystal was puzzled. "If that's the case and no other dragons can threaten them then why are there any in the Sanctuary?"
John smiled patiently. "Because there are many races of tunnelling dragons and although they're safe from us, they're not safe from each other. We call them all Worm Dragons, but that's misleading as there are many races and they are all quite different dragons. The ones that live in Sanctuary are a different type to the ones in the Valley and know little about them. The Circle is empty of Worm Dragons now, but the Valley isn't that far from the Circle, well, relatively speaking anyway, so there's a good chance that they'll know something about it. They may even be the same type of Worm Dragons that lived in the Circle."
"Wouldn't they have told you about a cure when you were hurt?" Arthur asked. "They were the ones who treated you at the time, weren't they?"
John nodded. "They were. They're remarkable healers and did what few others could have done. They probably thought they had done enough. Even if they hadn't, the Circle wasn't an option then as I couldn't have made the flight in that condition. I've already lived longer than most would in my situation, so they must have done something right. I think they're my best hope at the moment."
This seemed reasonable. On reflection, Crystal was surprised that John hadn't thought of this sooner. Jenna apparently had the same thought.
"But there is more, isn't there, John?" Jenna asked. "There's nothing you've told us that you couldn't have worked out yourself. What else did Solomon tell you?"
John hesitated, looking a little reluctant to go on. "Don't get your hopes up too quickly, as this is just a legend as far as we know. According to Solomon, a long time ago there were tales of a place in the Circle where you could find a cure for anything. A place of healing for any illness or injury. I know it sounds a bit far-fetched, but I did feel a lot better when I was there, so there could be something to it. He lent me a few books on the region, and it is mentioned in two of them. The tales originate from a time when the area was the centre of Worm Dragon civilisation before the True Dragons appeared, so if anyone knows the truth about it, they will."
"Sounds pretty ridiculous," Jenna said disparagingly. "But I guess when you're desperate you would want to try anything."
"You have to, John," Crystal added, frowning at Jenna disapprovingly. "So when are we going?"
John looked surprised. "You would go back to that valley, after what happened last time? You could have been killed."
"We all owe you, John," Crystal replied. "Everyone will come."
"Hold on, C
rystal," Arthur objected. "Let's discuss this before you make any promises."
"You can count me out of a trip there," Jenna stated. "There's absolutely nothing you could say to get me to go back to that place. We were almost killed last time."
Even Seth didn't seem that enthusiastic. "I enjoy camping as much as the next dragon, Crystal, but from what I remember of our last trip, we didn't actually sleep in the tents. We slept in a tree and came very close to being eaten. Why do you want to go back?"
"John doesn't have a choice," Crystal pointed out. "It might lead him to a cure."
"That would be a little ironic," Seth replied. "After all, that's where you got sick in the first place."
Crystal avoided looking at any of the others for a moment, blushing as she recalled that fateful trip a year ago. The reason John was dying was that he had transformed at night in that Valley, something he was forced to do to prevent them from being eaten by the ferocious cats that lived there. It was at a time when Crystal was rather unpleasant to John, yet he had risked his life to stop her from being killed. She could understand Jenna and Seth's reservations, but as far as she was concerned, they had a debt to John and had to go with him. Daisy, of course, had no qualms about going back.
"We'll be going, won't we Arthur?" she said to her twin. "We owe John, for that and much more."
"Yes, we do," he agreed, rather reluctantly. "And we will go if you want us to. But do you really think this will lead to a cure? What guarantee have you that they'll know anything?"
"None," John replied. "But it's where I might find out about a cure. The inhabitants of that Valley treated me last year and saved my life when probably no one else could. Even if the stories about the Circle come to nothing, if f knows about a cure it will be them."
"Well that makes sense," Jenna replied. "And if I were you I would definitely be going to see them. But I'm sorry, there is no way that I am ever going back to that Valley. And that's final."
So of course, the six of them began planning their trip back to the valley. Crystal was a bit disappointed that they wouldn't be travelling with Mark and Gerald to the new cities, but the opportunity to find out more about the Worm Dragons more than compensated for that. After all, these dragons had shared their land for hundreds of years, yet almost no one knew of their existence. She would be privy to information that not even most Golden Dragons would have.
The school had already granted them leave to travel with Gerald, Mark and the others at the end of the summit, so Arthur had decided that it would be simplest to merely stick to the same plan but to just change the destination. This meant that they would be leaving in only one day, but there was little that needed to be arranged as they would be camping.
"I can't believe I have agreed to go camping yet again," Jenna grumbled as they checked their things before departing. "I thought I would never have to do that again."
"Don't let Arthur hear you say that," Crystal warned with a giggle. "I expect he plans to do a lot more of it with you."
"He can think again," Jenna muttered. "Did anyone tell the others we're not going with them?"
"John told Mark," Crystal replied. "Arthur told everyone else who needs to know. Daisy said that Gerald was a little disappointed but understood why we had changed the plan."
"Ready to go?" John asked, wincing as he stood up. Crystal looked away, not wanting to let him know that she had seen his discomfort.
"Ready as we'll ever be," Jenna replied sourly.
"Alright then," John replied, getting ready to transform. "Let's go."
The flight was shorter than Crystal remembered, presumably because they were all more competent in the air now. She no longer lagged at the back but kept up with John with ease. Previously, when they had flown together, John would continuously give her advice on how to improve her technique, advice that she had come to greatly appreciate, but she was even more pleased that he didn't bother to do so now. She may have failed to learn how to transform into a Golden Dragon, but her flying skills had progressed beyond anyone's expectations.
John led them all to the Valley in very good time, and they arrived around midday. Crystal had forgotten how pretty the Valley was, her memories clouded by the painful events of that horrible night. She could hear many bird sounds that she hadn't heard before and noticed the many different plants and flowers that covered the ground next to the river. It might have been her imagination, but she was sure that her senses had heightened over the year. Or perhaps being more competent in the air meant she could pay attention to these things. Either way, it was a welcome development.
The most prominent and memorable feature of the Valley was the pretty, winding river that flowed from one end to the other, disappearing into the earth at the southern end. John used it to navigate the valley floor and led them all to the spot where Arthur had left him almost one year ago. He screeched loudly as he landed, announcing his presence very clearly.
That should get their attention, he told the others as they landed behind him. Don't bother transforming. Not yet, anyway.
Why, would we be in any danger? Jenna asked, glancing around nervously and moving closer to Arthur. Crystal snorted derisively. How could her cousin be afraid of those cats as a dragon?
I doubt it, John replied, not during daylight, but you know what lives here. Why risk it? But no, that's not the reason. The Worm Dragons won't take human form above ground so we wouldn't be able to communicate.
Will they appear with us all here? Daisy asked, walking over to stand next to him. Do you want us to leave you on your own?
John turned to gaze up at her. They're already here. You just need to use your eyes.
Crystal spun around, scanning the edge of the rocky clearing for signs of life. The forest was still and silent, almost unnervingly so.
Where, John? Arthur asked impatiently. Or did he sound nervous? Crystal found it hard to interpret tones when they communicated telepathically, and the lack of facial clues made it even harder. How many are there? Arthur added.
John ignored him and spoke to the hidden Worm Dragons instead. Greetings, we come in peace. Would you like us to transform?
Crystal had no idea what was said in reply, the Worm Dragons communicating only with John, something she still found challenging. He turned back to them. It's quite safe, please, transform.
Without waiting for a response, John disappeared in a flash of golden scales to reappear in human form, neatly wrapped in his light grey cloak. Crystal realised that he had a new one, no longer wearing the old, stained one that his mother had bought him. She wondered how she was and whether her health had improved. It was strange that John never mentioned her. Perhaps he hoped that if this place was real, he could take her there. After all, if it could heal him, it could heal anyone.
Are you transforming? Jenna asked them all. Where shall we go?
Look! Daisy cried in delight. In the ground!
Suddenly Crystal realised where the Worm Dragons were: all around them, amongst the rocks they could see pairs of eyes peering out of small holes. They were buried in the ground!
John was waiting patiently, neither moving to meet the Worm Dragons or hurrying the others. Crystal decided to wait no longer. She had been practising this for a while and was keen to show off. She began her transformation slowly, before speeding up and smoothly wrapping her clothes around her and she emerged in human form.
"Very good, I think," John said politely. "I must admit, I looked away just in case, but that was done very quickly. Can you transform the other way as quickly?"
"Not yet," she admitted. "But I'm getting there."
"Leah has done well. You should both be proud."
Crystal nodded, thinking that Leah would be much prouder if only she could transform into a Golden Dragon. Crystal looked back at the series of reptilian eyes gazing up at them from the ground and bumped into John as she unwittingly backed away.
"You're quite safe," he told her. "I wouldn't have told you to transform o
therwise."
"Yes, I know," she replied, feeling a little embarrassed. "I wish the others would hurry up."
"Welcome to my life," John replied with a wry smile.
Moments later Arthur and Seth emerged from the edge of the clearing, shortly followed by Daisy and Jenna. They quietly walked over to join Crystal and John.
"Now what?" Seth asked. "Are they coming out?"
John shook his head. "No. They prefer not to. Follow me." He walked towards the nearest Worm Dragon and as he did it emerged from the ground, pushing the loose rocks away from the entrance to the tunnel it was sitting in and clearing the way in. John bowed low to the creature, but it paid no attention, industriously continuing its work. Crystal quickly realised that it was quite different to the statue she had back in her garden in Furnace. This dragon was about twice as long, with pale skin and a massive, powerful head. It had no legs but could hardly be compared to a serpent, being far too bulky. It might not be able to fly, but on the ground, she suspected that it would be a match for any Red Dragon. It was just as well that they were friendly.
The creature soon cleared the entrance and stood to the side, allowing John into the tunnel. Arthur marched after him, beckoning the others to join him.
"Come on, I guess we should follow John. We’ve come this far."
Jenna took Crystal's arm. "Does this seem like a good idea to you?"
Crystal laughed nervously, wondering the same thing herself, before trudging after Seth and Daisy into the dark tunnel. Behind them the Worm Dragon immediately began to reseal the tunnel, trapping them inside and she felt Jenna shiver in response. If she had any doubts about coming in it was too late to do anything about it now.
Now that they were inside she found that the tunnel was well lit and away from the entrance it was quite spacious. John was standing a few metres ahead of her, next to two young Worm Dragons. They were wearing long, free-flowing grey robes and had their hair cropped so short it was hard to tell what colour it was. They were talking too quietly for her to hear what they were saying and paid no attention to anyone other than John, leaving Crystal and the others standing there awkwardly. Although she couldn't hear them, she had the impression that they were unhappy with them being there. Eventually, John turned to address them, looking relieved.