Read Online Vedra and Krimon the Twin Dragons by Adam Blade - Free Book Online Page B

but the Master of the Beasts has ever set foot.”
    Tom had heard of the Caves of Nidrem, but they were the most sacred place in all of Avantia and he had never expected to go there. He frowned, realizing that they would have to go on this Quest without Storm and Silver. “Will you come with us?” he asked the wizard.
    â€œThis is your destiny, not mine,” said Aduro. “Only you can enter the Caves of Nidrem.”
    Aduro led them along the rocky shore until they came to a place where a small rowboat was moored.
    â€œThe River Dour will lead you to the caves where the dragons hatched,” the wizard told them. “Once there you must take Vedra and Krimon north, into the mountainous kingdom of Rion. There they will be safe from the evil reach of Malvel.” His eyes glittered in the torchlight. “But beware — if the dragons are not taken to safety before the rise of the full moon, then Malvel will be able to cast his wicked spells over them.”
    â€œBut what if Malvel gets to them first?” asked Tom. “Is there anything we can do to break the spells?”
    â€œIt would not be easy,” Aduro said. “Let me see your sword.”
    Tom drew his sword from his belt and handed it to Aduro. This sword had helped him on so many adventures. It shone brightly in the torchlight. Aduro drew the blade up to his lips and whispered an enchantment. Tom’s fingers tingled at the words.
    â€œYour sword is now enchanted,” Aduro said. “If Malvel has already put an evil spell on the Beasts, then the only way to set them free is for you to score upon their tender underbellies the symbol of Good.” He looked at Tom. “It will take only a single touch, a light stroke from the tip of this blade,” he said. “Enough to scar but not to wound. Only the steadiest of hands can make such a cut, and it must be done before the full moon has reached the very top of the sky … otherwise Malvel’s spells will be unbreakable and Vedra and Krimon will be corrupted forever.”
    â€œI can do it,” Tom said.
    â€œNow, my friends,” said Aduro. “It’s time to go.”
    Tom and Elenna climbed down into the bobbing boat. The rush of running water was all around them.
    â€œTake this,” Aduro said, handing down the bundle. “It is food and drink for your long journey — and warm cloaks to keep out the cold. I know that your shield has Tartok’s claw on it to protect you from cold, Tom, but the cloak will save you from getting soaked to the skin if it snows.”
    â€œThank you, Aduro,” Tom said, placing the bundle in the bottom of the boat.
    â€œFarewell,” said Aduro. “May your Quest be successful.”
    Tom looked up at the wizard from the prow of the boat. “While there is blood in my veins, I will do everything I can to keep Vedra and Krimon safe!” he said solemnly.
    â€œAnd so shall I!” Elenna added, her eyes flashing.
    â€œThen go, my brave friends,” said the wizard, handing them the torch. He loosened the rope that held the boat to the shore. Elenna set the flickering torch in a holder in the prow and they sat side by side, each using an oar to bring the little craft out onto the belly of the dark river.
    A sound came to their ears — a distant booming like sinister, mocking laughter.
    â€œMalvel?” Elenna muttered.
    â€œYes, I think so,” Tom said. He shivered. The River Dour was leading them into who-knew-what deadly dangers.
    â€œWill we succeed again?” Elenna mused anxiously. “Can we defeat Malvel once more?”
    Tom stared out over the prow of the boat.
    â€œDon’t worry,” he said, trying to reassure her. “We’ve never failed before — and we’re not going to fail now!”

T HE RIVER CHURNED ALL AROUND THEM . T HEY had been swept along on the dark water for hours.
    â€œOh no!” Elenna said, peering forward. Tom