Wings of Fire: The Hurricane BraceletBook One of: The New Seven

Chapter 9

                     Mucky, wet, muddy, hot, and wet again. Just like Hurricane remembered it.

                     The ground went 'sploosh' and 'splock' every time he or someone else's foot stepped onto the ground. The humid air made Hurricane feel like gallons upon gallons of sweat was leaking from him, and his friends. Everyone was miserable.

               Well, everyone but Indigo. He bounced around in glee climbing up trees, petting the occasional sloth, and splashing in the mud. "Just like a RainWing is supposed to!" he said when Dusty questioned him.

                  "Just like a RainWing is supposed to get my scales all wet and muddy!" replied Oasis, who had the worst attitude of them all. "SandWings do not even remotely belong here."

                 They trudged on to the heart of the rainforest, stopping only once to rest and have lunch. By evening, Indigo had spotted the NightWing village from the hundredth tree he had climbed. Hurricane was relieved to finally be somewhere where his feet didnt get wet where ever he stepped.

                 When they arrived, they were greeted by a not-so-friendly group of five, annoyed NightWing guards. One of them complained, "Seriously? Last time a group like these random dragonets came, it was because somehow, the world was at risk! Please do NOT tell me this is the case again."

               "The world is not in danger," remarked Star-sky. "We are here to see King Deathbringer.

               "He's busy," said another guard, flatly. "He has decreed that no one visit him ever unless it is super important."

               "It is important!" yelled Fire-Claw, stomping up to the guard. "Just in case you didnt hear the news, Princess Splash of the SeaWings has been kidnapped by a rogue IceWing."

             "Actually, we did hear the news," said yet another NightWing with authority, obviously the leader. "How does this involve you guys?"

              "Because her brother has come to rescue her!" said a voice behind Hurricane.

                Hurricane looked behind him, and saw another NightWing behind him. Instantly, the NightWing guards kneeled, and the leader said, "Um, sir? Is this Prince Hurricane?"

                 King Deathbringer rolled his eyes. "Apparently you haven't checked his wings," he said. He lifted one of Hurricane's wings, revealing a mark umder it, the mark of SeaWing royalty.

                  Realization spread across the NightWing's face. "Sorry sir," he said. "It wont happen again."

                "It'd better not, Thunderclap!" snapped Deathbringer, with unexpected malice. "Follow me guys," he said, directing his words to Hurricane and his friends.

               With that, he flew off into the forest, Hurricane and his friends following closely behind.

               They flew until they saw a somewhat, big treehouse, obviously Deathbringer's home.

              They landed on a small landing pad made of twigs sewn together with a mix of rope and vine. He invited them in, and settled down on a little pad. The room was a nice, cozy one. In the left corner, a sloth dozed quietly on a pole protruding from the wall, and a small desk, obviosly Deathbringer's.

                He sat at the desk and a long moment of silence passed. Just as Hurricane was about to speak, Deathbringer said, "Let me guess, you are here to ask me to help you find Splash."

                "Exactly!" said Hurricane, eager. "We need an available mind-reading NightWing to browse my memory for a recent dream I had! He or she can draw it on a scroll and you can see if you can recognize the location and point me and my friend there!"

                 Deathbringer thought for a moment. He then muttered something which said, "This is vaguely familiar." Then he went outside to a waiting RainWing, whispered something indecipherable in its ear, and the RainWing flew off in the direction of the NightWing village.

             "Just give Violet about thirty minutes," he said, indicating the RainWing. "Your mindreader is coming."

               After what seemed like forever, Hurricane heard the sound of wingbeats approaching, and the thud of dragons landing on the platform outside. The first one to step inside was Violet.

              When the NightWing came in, Hurricane and the others gasped. Standing before them, was Moonwatcher, the legendary NightWing.