< back to Part 8: The Ice Fields Adventure
Part 9: Return of the Snek
400 Pennonia Orgona (Lilac)
“What’s wrong, Little Buddy? Weeks since we left the Ice Fields and you’ve hardly said a thing.” Essri glanced at the portal stones. Professor Eenness would arrive any moment. “I’m afraid to go home,” Essri said. I’m sure your mother will be happy to see you, Vika said. “They’ll be impressed by your adventures,” Quin added. “How many of them have learned to read and write?” Makhabesh asked. “That’th not a valuable thkill for thneks. Thtorytelling and thinging—” Just then, the Professor appeared at the center of the portal stones. “I have a confethion,” Essri said before fear could stop him.
401 Pennonia Balaton-kék (Lake Balaton)
Professor Eenness glanced at Essri, then the others. “Sorry, preparing for classes took longer than expected. Good to see you all again.” She moved closer to Essri, who held tightly to Vika. “I never talked to the elderth. I jutht repeated a rumor.” Professor Eenness laughed. “Is that your confession?” Essri nodded. “That’s nothing to worry about. If all sneks have magic, like you said, then there’s a good chance your rumor is true. And the pursuit of knowledge is always worthy.” Essri let out his breath. “I thought you’d be mad I wathted your time.”
402 Thornton's Green
For a week, they trekked through the forest until they came to a spot not far from the Muirdoor. “How much farther, Essri?” Quin asked. “Tomorrow, but we have to croth Mad Mara’th territory.” Essri shivered. “I’ll fireball her once and for all,” Makhabesh said. “Oh, don’t worry about Mad Mara,” Professor Eenness said. “She and I have a sort of understanding.” Before anyone could ask more, she said, “You haven’t told us the name of your village, Essri.” “Drekvin.” The Professor focused all her attention on Essri. “Really? Do you know what that means?”
403 Colorverse Alpha UMa
The Professor’s stare was intense. Essri tried not to squirm. “It’th jutht a name.” The Professor suddenly grinned. “In the old language, Drekvin is short for dragon friend!” Everyone turned to stare at Essri. “Oh,” he said. “No one ever told me.” As they gathered around the camp fire, the Professor said, “What other dragon legends does your village have?” Essri racked his brain, trying to remember if he’d heard anything else. Truth was, few people ever talked to him except to make fun of him. Then he remembered. “There’th an inthcription in a cave.”
...to be continued, every Tuesday.