Molly spungle : The Secret of Red Stone
Chapter 24: Changes

Ran-Da lay on the black earth, dazed and sore. Even the horns that ran down his neck and spine ached. His chest heaved as he breathed with difficulty. The weakened red dragon tried to recapture his strength. Stunning him, the force of the great explosion blew him far away from the Spungle village to a place he did not know. However, he was still alive in spite of having disappeared in front of his friends. They were in danger and he could not help. If he had aimed his fire at Jar-Ed as soon as he saw him, this story would have a different ending. He felt deep regret.

In the distance he heard a strange sound. It was a faint humming noise and instantly it entered him. He came alive again in that instant, his mind clearing. As it coursed through his body, Ran-Da knew it brought to life the blood of his dragon ancestors as they rushed to guide him.

The red dragon’s great strength and vigor returned, his nostrils flaring with heat. Unfurling his great wings, he soared through the sky again with ease. Looking down, he realized that the branches on the few trees were bare of leaves, giving the appearance of long black fingers stretched out against the skyline.

When he reached a certain height, he surveyed the grounds far below. The area where he landed after the explosion was barren of any growing things. All that had been around him was black and dying. He wondered at that moment if the evil magic of the black wand had followed him, causing all that was green to die. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

He could see Fielders Forest in the distance from his great height and was hugely relieved. At last he knew exactly where he was. Knowing he had to find his way back to help the others, Ran-Da’s dragon heart beat rapidly in fear that it might be too late.

To his surprise, Ran-Da saw a red stone path leading from the village into Fielders Forest and also one leading into the World Outside. They had not been there before Jar-Ed used the wand to make him disappear. Cautiously descending, he flew a few feet above it, discovering that he could descend onto the path without difficulty. Somehow, the Invisible Divide was allowing him to enter the village. How this had happened he didn’t know. But something had changed in his absence.

When Ran-Da saw the restored Spungle village, he was astonished. It looked as if Jar-Ed’s evil had never touched it. Ran-Da knew then that Molly must be alive and safe or the path would not be there. It was her red stone pendant, after all, that had worked its magic for her. He was immensely relieved, yet couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to King Simon and Hoddi.

The village was silent and still. After searching, he discovered there was no one there. Eager to catch up with Molly and find out what happened after his disappearance, Ran-Da continued to follow the red stone path out of the village. He felt strongly that his friends had headed to King Simon’s home. Flying swiftly, Ran-Da saw the palace ahead. There was no sign of the Spungle fairy or the others. He knew he must use the greatest of caution approaching King Simon’s home, where Jar-Ed may have gone.

Moving quietly through the increasing darkness, Ran-Da searched for his friends. He stopped suddenly, hearing voices nearby and what sounded like a scuffle. Peering carefully over the bush he saw King Simon, a thick rope pinning his arms to his sides, struggling mightily to free himself. Molly and Hoddi were in much the same predicament, fighting against the two men who held them captive.

Jar-Ed stood watching, his face revealing his sense of triumph. “So you survived my spell and now you are back for more!”

“This is my palace and kingdom, not yours!” shouted King Simon, angrily.

“Not anymore, my dear king,” laughed the demented sorcerer. “The rest of your men who refused to join us are now locked away. I must say this black wand has served me well.” Jar-Ed waved the wand in the air then replaced it in the pocket of his black robe.

“He doesn’t care that the magic of that wand is totally unstable and is capable of anything!” whispered Molly, close to King Simon’s ear.

“Perhaps the pendant?” King Simon whispered, his eyes gleaming in anticipation.

Molly’s hand crept up to the red stone pendant around her neck. As her fingers reached out for the stone, the fairy realized Jar-Ed had seen her. His hand shot out and he pulled the pendant sharply until the chain broke apart. He examined it closely. “Looks like the very same stone that covered my men at the Hills of Halle,” he said slowly. “It came from that dragon of yours!” He paused, deeply puzzled. “Is this more of your magic?” he cried. “I will keep this, just in case!” he shouted at Molly. He shoved it into his pocket, glaring at the fairy.

Molly was horrified. What was she going to do now? She had depended on the magic of the red stone. Her heart sank in despair.

“You can all join the rest of the prisoners!” Jar-Ed declared, gleefully.

Shoving their captives roughly to the rear of the palace, Jar-Ed’s men lost no time in herding them into a large wooden shed. As Ran-Da watched, they were forced inside. Feeling the heat rise inside him, the mighty dragon held back. Knowing that Jar-Ed would not hesitate to use the wand again, he was fearful of placing his friends in more danger. He did not want to disappear all over again in the middle of his rescue.

Jar-Ed’s laugh, harsh and callous, echoed eerily through the moonlit night. He had never sounded more deranged.

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