As they all swam to the volcano’s shore, Isobel, who didn’t normally like being touched by humans, dove underneath Thisbe and Fifer and lifted them up to ride on her back. Then she went to gather Carina as well. She brought the three of them to safety and climbed on shore, knowing Sky would want her to take care of them. Isobel worried over the group for several minutes as they recovered and squeezed the water from their clothes. Then something caught the sea monster’s eye. Isobel bounded several yards away and looked sharply out to sea, detecting something.

“What is it?” asked Thisbe.

The sea monster pointed a flipper, but Thisbe couldn’t see anything.

Several minutes later, Thisbe could just make out a bony spike slicing the water, and a person holding on to it. Soon a familiar voice called to them. “The Fifer! The Thisbe!”

Everyone turned to see Spike Furious speeding toward them. Standing on the whale, gripping the spike, was Sky. Tears of joy and relief spilled from her eyes. Rather than go home to Warbler, she’d remained with Spike in the area and waited for the volcano to emerge, hoping to see Thisbe arrive safely with Isobel. When Spike drew close, Sky dove off and scrambled ashore, grabbing Thisbe in a tight embrace, never wanting to let go again. Then she tackled her brother and the others.

Isobel looked all around. Satisfied that she’d completed her task, she slipped unnoticed into the water and disappeared.

•  •  •

Not yet visible on the horizon, but coming swiftly from the west, Drock the dark purple dragon sniffed the air sharply, picking up a new but familiar scent. Somewhere ahead of them were the three young mages he’d come to know in the dungeon—the ones that Aaron was seeking. The memory of them freeing him from his muzzle and giving him new wings was sharp and clear. Seth’s scent, in particular, which was laced with anxiety and a good variety of cheeses, was more distinct than any other. Drock would know that boy’s smell anywhere after the stressful time they’d spent together. He knew the goodness level in that one was very high. They’d come to an understanding in that dungeon stall—they were more alike than different in those difficult moments.

Drock thought he could detect a similar level of panic from Seth as he’d noticed that day in the dungeon—or perhaps the boy lived in this constant state of anxiety always, which would be regrettable. The dragon pushed onward toward the scent.