The Other Side of the Story: The Treasure Thief

Chapter 9

"Finally," Blister hissed. Kite could easily tell she was filled with anticipation, even though Blister was so unemotional. Kite was just nervous.

"You know the plan, right?" Blister asked.

"Yes, I knock on your mother's door, and hide. Once she wakes up, I go to the Great Hall, where Blaze's party will be taking place. I prompt Burn to go attack the scavenger den once the robbery is complete. Once they are gone, I tell you, and we steal the treasure. Finally, you give me the Ring," Kite recited.

"Exactly," Blister replied. "Now go." Kite followed the path that Blister had shown her, the line of nearly invisible sand led to Oasis's rooms. Knowing that Kite didn't know the way around the stronghold, Blister had left it earlier that night.

Kite raised her tail, and thumped fiercely on the thick door, then ran along the hallway, hiding in a nearby room. Soon, Oasis came stomping out. The SkyWing crouched nervously in the shadows, worried the Oasis would somehow know she was there.

The SandWing queen stalked down the hall.

"Ow, mother you stepped on my tail," a voice shouted from nearby. Blaze, Kite thought. She's not at the party. Maybe Blister failed.

The sounds of conversation drifted down the corridor, but Kite couldn't make out any words. After a moment of standing there nervously, she quietly made her way down to the Great Hall. Blaze was having a party. Huge bowls of coconut milk sat on tables next to platters of roasted grasshoppers and mounds of capybara meat.

Blaze flew in just as Kite entered. She waved to the many dragons gathered below her and landed next to Kite.

"You're my sister's friend, right?" Blaze asked. "I don't remember inviting you."

"I didn't know this was invitation only," Kite replied.

Then screams of pain and fury split the air.