Vedra and Krimon the Twin Dragons Read Online Free PDF Page B

the chill air. “We have to find Vedra before nightfall.”
    â€œAduro said the Beasts would be safe until the full moon reached the top of the sky,” Tom said urgently. “We’re running out of time.”
    Krimon came to a sudden halt. Ahead of them, a great hedge of holly blocked the way, its branches as thick as Tom’s arms, its spiky, leathery leaves shining eerily in the red light of the hovering fireball.
    Tom looked at the prickly, snowcapped hedge. He was sure that it had been deliberately put across their path.
    The baby dragon ran distractedly back and forth along the line of the hedge. As far as Tom and Elenna could see, the dense wall of holly stretched on forever in both directions. Mocking laughter echoed through the shadowy trees.
    Krimon stood in front of the hedge. He lifted his head and let out a long, keening cry. Tom looked at his face and saw that great, shining, diamond-bright tears were running from his eyes.
    His brother was on the other side of that massive hedge, but there was no way through.

T OM DREW HIS SWORD AND STEPPED UP TO the towering holly hedge, a grim determination building inside him. He was not going to be stopped from fulfilling his Quest. “Not while there is blood in my veins!” he muttered as he gripped his sword in both hands.
    He swung with all the strength he had. The sword sliced through leaves and branches, sending them flying.
    â€œGood work, Tom!” Elenna shouted. She dragged the twigs and branches away as he stepped forward into the hedge, hacking at it while splinters of wood and spiky leaves flew about.

    His muscles ached and he was soon breathing rapidly with the effort of battling the ancient holly — but he could see no end to the tangle of branches. Behind him he could hear Krimon snorting encouragement.
    At last, he had to pause as exhaustion overcame him. His sword felt unusually heavy, and the muscles in his arms and shoulders were full of pain. He lowered his weapon, gasping for breath. A feeling of defeat overwhelmed him. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he said. “I’ve never felt like this before.”
    â€œWe’ll get through. It’ll just take time, that’s all.”
    Tom looked at Elenna. “We don’t have time. It’s already getting dark,” he said. “You know what Aduro said — if Malvel puts his spells on the dragons when the full moon is at its height, they will be corrupted forever. They will be evil — and we won’t be able to save them.”
    A snort made them both turn. Krimon was peering at them with sad, lonely eyes. The orange light at his chest was dim and the green heart of fire had almost vanished.
    The dragon extended his long neck and gently took the collar of Elenna’s tunic in his mouth.
    â€œWhat’s he doing?” she gasped as the dragon drew back, tugging her along with him and making urgent growling noises in his throat. “Hey! Careful!” she called as she was lifted off her feet and put to one side. “You want us out of the way? Is that it?”
    Krimon released her and made a sharp, high-pitched croaking noise.
    â€œTom!” Elenna called. “Come out of there. I think Krimon has a plan.”
    Tom stepped out of the hole he had cut in the hedge. The dragon pushed his head into it. Tom saw his sides expand, as though he was taking a deep breath.
    A moment later there was a roaring of fire, and a burst of red flame came pouring from the Beast’s mouth and nose. Smoke billowed out of the hole and there was a sharp smell of burning. As Krimon moved forward into the hedge, clumps of snow fell from the upper branches, turning to thick white steam as they hit the flames.
    The dragon pushed farther into the hole.
    â€œHe’s burning his way right through!” exclaimed Elenna. “Good work, Krimon!”
    Tom and Elenna followed the dragon into the scorched and smoldering hedge.