Soon the tip of the volcano appeared on the horizon. Drock squinted, searching for the children, wanting to be certain before he said anything. He sped faster. When he finally caught sight of the flying cheetah up above the volcano, he craned his neck to look at the riders on his back. “Aaron,” said Drock with a rare bit of warmth in his voice, “it is good we left the land of the dragons. I think we’ve located the ones you seek.”

Together Again

The volcano-hopping group couldn’t see Drock coming, nor did they expect him. With a lengthy journey ahead, an eel in the waters, and no telling when the volcano would sink again, and with Spike there to help transport people, they kept their greetings brief and all headed to Warbler Island, going at top speed aboard flying and swimming creatures. Everyone was ready for a proper reunion and some much-needed food and rest.

Copper, the ruler of Warbler and mother of Sky and Crow, had been alerted to the approaching eclectic group. She and several other Warblerans were waiting to greet the visitors and offer a warm meal. And while she’d hoped to see some Artiméan friends returning home, she hadn’t imagined she’d see Sky among them. When Copper realized Sky was there on Spike’s back, she nearly fainted from the shock. Word spread quickly, and the island exploded with the amazing news that Sky was alive and well.

Sky ran onto the beach and fell into her mother’s awaiting arms, and Crow followed when he made it to shore. The three were reunited again.

When Sky and Crow finally let go of their mother, they returned to the others who’d trickled to shore by now. Sky took the opportunity for a less hurried greeting this time, smiling through tears as she accepted condolences from her friends over the death of Alex and their apologies for not knowing how to begin to look for her and for assuming she was dead.

Soon Copper’s chefs were serving up a feast on the beach for the entire crew.

The Artiméans ate heartily, but there were many questions and much to talk about. Before they could begin to share their stories with Copper and the other people of Warbler, Spike, from the water, alerted them to an approaching dragon flying toward them. Simber confirmed it. Soon even the humans could see the speck in the sky.

“Who is it?” Fifer asked Simber.

“It’s Drrrock the darrrk purrrple,” said Simber, frowning. “He has passengerrrs.” Wondering why Drock would be coming from that direction and who his passengers might be, they waited impatiently for him.