“Tell us where they took all the dragons,” Dragon Father said. “It must be a big place.” 

“It is not far,” my fake father said. “Two minutes’ flight in that direction will lead us to an island with another volcano. Underneath that volcano is a cavern big enough to hold a thousand dragons. Our enemies have taken all the dragons there!” 

Dragon Father shook his head. “Oh no! Then we have to go!” 

I smiled inwardly. Dragon Father was clearly acting and acting badly. 

“Ow, ow, ow!” Dragon Little grabbed her leg. 

“What’s the matter, Joy?”

“My leg hurts!” 

I smiled inwardly again, as Dragon Father leaned over to look at her look. “Joy, Joy, you twisted your leg. You can’t fight!” 

“Nooooo!” Dragon Little said. This was a pleasure to behold. Had Dragon Little even imagined her father had told her to stay out of a fight she would have raised such a ruckus… But as it was, she lowered her head and said with a sad tone, “I’ll just go baaaack to the shiiiip and waaaaait for yooooooo... “ 

My fake father looked at me. “Well, the three of us would have to be enough, then.”

“We can do it!” Dragon Father said as Dragon Little hobbled out of the cave. “Red, can I climb on you?” 

I lowered my head slowly. As I did, my sharp dragon ears heard Dragon Little begin to run as soon as she was out of the cave. 

Dragon Father climbed up my ear, then my head, as slowly as he could. He sat down in the grooves in my scales created by my enslavers, so they could sit safely atop my head and control me. 

My sharp dragon ears heard Dragon Little run on a wooden surface: She had reached the dock!

“Let us go,” I raised my head. “We are all ready!” 

Dragon Father nodded. “Lead the way, father of Shamblila!” 

My fake dragon father spread his wings and flew out of the entrance. I followed him, carrying Dragon Father. 

It was fun to fly, and it was fun to be a part of Dragon Little’s adventure. 

My fake Dragon Father spun in the air and turned in the direction of the island. Behind us, my sharp dragon ears heard Bonny’s Revenge pull out of the water and rise into the air. 

This will be fun! I thought. 

Tomorrow I will tell you of the battle.

—Told by The Red Dragon