The dragon’s words cut deep. And even though Florence was energized and eager to help the people of Grimere, she thought she understood how bleak things must look from Drock’s perspective. He was the only dragon that had retained control of his own mind, and it had been this way for months. His mother, Pan, and his four siblings didn’t acknowledge him or even seem to know him. There was no one to talk to except the ghost dragons, and Drock couldn’t stay in the cavelands for long without being missed. “I’m sorry,” Florence said. “You must feel terribly alone.”

“It’s true,” said Drock. “I was pleased to notice your party shortly after your arrival. Though I’m sure the Revinir has received word by now that you’re here.”

“Unfortunately that couldn’t be helped,” said Florence. “There was no way to hide being spewed from a volcano. Even if the ghost dragons had used their cloudlike hiding features, they wouldn’t have been able to hide Simber or me. And it was too late—we were noticed from the moment we entered the area.”

“She’s likely been expecting you for some time,” said Drock. He looked around the cavelands as if searching for someone but didn’t seem to locate them.

At the same time, Rohan and Maiven approached the small group. They greeted Drock, and Rohan blurted out, “Is it true about Thisbe?”

Drock bowed his head. “I saw one of the red dragons drop her at the castle. She went inside. That’s all I know.” He hesitated. “It doesn’t look promising.”

Florence and Simber exchanged a glance while Rohan stared numbly ahead. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

“So Fiferrr’s message was accurrrate,” said Simber. “As I thought.”

“Is there any way you can find out what’s happening with her?” Florence asked Drock.

“I was on my way back to the castle to see if I could circle around and eavesdrop when I saw your party arrive. And since I’m here now, there’s… someone I need to check on. But I’ll go back to the castle soon and see what I can discover.”

“I’m going with you,” said Rohan.

“No, you’rrre not,” said Simber sharply.

Rohan was taken aback. “Why? Thisbe will listen to me. I need to speak with her.”

“Rohan,” said Florence patiently. “I know you’re not thinking clearly, but if you are seen, you’ll be captured. Everyone at the castle knows you.”

“Then I’ll go at night on a ghost dragon,” he said. “We’ll use the fog feature. I’ll stay hidden.”

Florence studied him. “That’s actually not a bad idea,” she said thoughtfully. “I’ll think about it. But before I let you go anywhere, I need to see you put your feelings in a separate compartment for a little while and focus on what’s right for our combined army.”