Free The Dragons Blood Key: Legend of the Dragon's Blood Key - Book 1 by Linda L Barton Page B

some time to relax. I’m thirsty as well.”
    After taking a drink of water, Cassy leaned
back against the tree and closed her eyes. It felt good to relax
and have time to clear her mind
when suddenly…
    “What the heck?” she cried out.
    The rock beneath her began to move, rolling
from side to side until it finally
tossed her to the ground.
    “My goodness, didn’t anyone teach you that
it’s not polite to sit on someone?”
    Cassy rolled over and looked into the eyes
of an upset creature.
    “Yes, no, I mean…” her words caught in her
throat.
    The creature stood on his four short legs
and shook. “Well, which is it?”
    Cassy crawled toward Roupert. “I thought you
were a rock. I didn’t know…”
    “ Pomram ,
stop picking on her,” Roupert laughed as he helped Cassy to her
feet.
    “Cool, he looks likes an armadillo, just
like the ones we have back home,” Aaron pointed toward Pomram .
    “Armadillo, what is this armadillo?” Pomram asked.
    “An armadillo is an animal that has armor on
its back for protection. They are really
neat .” Aaron stepped closer to Pomram for a better look.
    “These armadillo’s sound interesting. Do you
go around sitting on them also?” Pomram asked with a hint of
sarcasm in his voice.
    Cassy had heard enough. “ No, we don’t, but they don’t look like a rock
either. I’m sorry that I sat on you, I never meant any disrespect.
I was just tired and wanted to rest for a few moments.”
    Pomram looked up at Cassy. “Okay, no harm was done .” He then glanced at
Roupert and they both began to laugh.
    “What? What’s so funny,” Cassy groaned.
    “You should have seen your face once you
realized that I was not a rock. I have to admit that I thought your
eyes were going to pop out of your face,” Pomram laughed so hard he
could barely stand.
    “I know, it took everything I had not to
laugh,” Roupert chuckled.
    “Her face was rather amusing,” Frier
teased.
    “Fine, go ahead and laugh at my expense, but
I’ll get even.”
    “Oh man, you guys are in big trouble. The
last thing you want is Cassy upset with you,” Aaron grinned.
    The three of them looked at Cassy with
nervous expressions on their faces.
    “I think we need to get going,” Roupert said
when he saw Aaron and Frier nod their agreement.
    “It was nice to meet you, Cassy and Aaron. I
hope that we will get to visit again.” Pomram hoped she was not
still upset with him.
    “It was nice to meet you,” Aaron waved his
hand as he walked toward Roupert.
    Cassy walked toward Pomram then leaned down
and gently stroked the top of his head. “I’m glad we met too, and I
promise not to sit on you the next time we meet.”
    Pomram peered up at Cassy, with his cheeks
flushed a bright red. “Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, now that we are
friends.”
    Cassy laughed softly, and then bent down and
kissed Pomram on the forehead. “Goodbye.”
    “Come on, Cassy; we’re burning daylight,” Aaron
shouted as he disappeared into the trees with Roupert and
Frier.

    The group had walked for nearly an hour when
they came to an old wooden bridge
suspended over a deep ravine.
    “Stop, who goes there?” a croaky voice came
from the bushes next to the bridge.
    “It is I, Roupert. I wish access to cross
your bridge.”
    “What is your purpose? Why do you need to
cross my bridge?”
    “I travel with the one who has come to do
battle with Queen Alona,” Roupert announced in a firm voice.
    “You are with the one who is to remove the
curse and restore the Kingdom of Walandra to its once glory?” The
voice now spoke with enthusiasm.
    Roupert glanced at Cassy then smiled. “Yes,
she wears the sacred Breast Plate with the Blood Key.”
    “Step forward, so that I may see you,” the
voice now grew soft and welcoming.
    Cassy hesitated, giving Roupert a concerned
look then she took two steps forward.
    “It is you, praise be. We have waited for
many years.” The bushes began to rustle then a small man appeared,
holding