The soil was soft, and it came away very easily. I began to dig but, after about half an hour, Dr. Drake took over, and very soon we had excavated a sort of pit. Then Dr. Drake’s spade hit solid stone. He grew more excited, and excavated more and more quickly. The shape of some kind of ancient doorway began to emerge. When it was finally uncovered, it was about four feet high and about six feet below the surface of the rest of the ground. It was decorated with a fine carving of strange beasts, and at the top was a strange pyramid symbol with an eye. Around the bottom curled the body of a dragon. The door was made entirely of rock, except for the eyes of the creatures, which were made of gemstones. The creatures in the middle looked as though they were attacking each other: there was an ogre fighting a sort of serpent with a man’s head, and an eagle and a phoenix battling it out above them.
“Look,” said Dr. Drake, pointing to the pyramid symbol at the top. “This is one of the very oldest and most secret symbols of the dragonological societies the world over. Few know it represents the Dragon’s Eye. But I wonder how we can open this door.”
He thought for a while. Beatrice, however, was feeling all over the door with her hands.
“I think these gems might press —”
“Stop!” cried Dr. Drake.
Beatrice pulled her hand back from the gem in the eye of the phoenix at the last moment.
Dr. Drake smiled.
“I think I’ve got it!” he said. “Thank you, Beatrice.”
“How?” said Beatrice.
“Tell me the names of those four creatures in the middle.”
“Well,” said Beatrice, “there’s an ogre, something that looks like an eagle, a strange bird that looks like it has flames around it, and a sort of snake creature.”
“Isn’t that a naga?” I said.
“Indeed it is,” said Dr. Drake. “And the other creature is a phoenix. Think of the first letters. What is it we want to do with the door?”
“Um . . . naga, ogre, phoenix, eagle?” I said.
This time it was Beatrice’s turn to smile.
“No, Daniel. It’s ogre, phoenix, eagle, naga!”
“O-P-E-N. Open!” I said.
Dr. Drake began pressing in the eyes of the four creatures. Each time he did so, there was a click until at last the door swung silently open and a rush of hot air came out. It was hot air that carried a scent I recognised — the unmistakable smell of dragons.
Handing us a candle each, which he lit with some matches, we went in through the doorway. Dr. Drake paused to wedge it shut behind us with his spade.
“Do you think the door was booby-trapped?” asked Beatrice. She was obviously wondering what would have happened had she pressed the gems in the wrong order.
“I am sure of it,” said Dr. Drake.
We found ourselves in a low, narrow chamber that soon opened out into a tunnel about six feet high with walls carved all over with twisting serpentine shapes.
We did not have time to study the carvings. Dr. Drake led us on down the tunnel as it took a steep angle that led farther and farther underground.
On and on we went, farther and farther down into the earth, until at last we stepped out into what seemed to be a vast cavern. The walls were covered in the same dragon-shaped carvings that had lined the tunnel. I was awestruck. I stepped forwards, but Dr. Drake grabbed my shoulder.
“Be careful,” he whispered.
Looking down, I could see why. There was a chasm at my feet that seemed to run all the way round the walls of the enormous chamber. In the very centre of the chamber was a platform lit by a dim shaft of light coming from an entrance high above it. That must be the smokestack, I thought. The light bounced off a huge hoard of golden treasures vastly bigger than the one possessed by Scramasax. There were cups and weapons and necklaces and gems and many other wonderful things, rising in a great pyramid in the middle. And right on the top was a most magnificent gem, reflecting the light round the cavern in what seemed to be a thousand colours.
“These treasures were gathered together during the time of the last great dragon slaying in these islands,” said Dr. Drake. “They were brought here by both dragonologists and dragons. They represent the remains of many hoards. They were brought here until the time comes once again when it will be safe for dragons and humans to live in peace. But I fear that day shall be a very long time in coming.”
He pointed at the topmost gem.
“That is the most precious treasure of them all. It is the Dragon’s Eye. In recent times, only Ebenezer Crook has ever set eyes on it. The Society of Dragons gives each human Dragon Master the gem to keep, until the time comes when the dragons must choose a new Dragon Master.”
Even though Dr. Drake had been whispering, at the word “Dragon Master” a sudden hiss filled the hall, and I saw that, coiled around the hoard, so big and white that it almost looked like stone, was a dragon that dwarfed even the mighty Idraigir. From her massive but relatively small horns, I could tell that this was a female dragon. She raised her gigantic head slowly and turned her flashing eyes to look in our direction. She was the Guardian, the one whom the riddle spoke of as the Wantley Dam.
“What human speaks of the Dragon’s Eye?” asked the Dam, her gaze moving from one to another of us as she flicked out her tongue.
“It is I!” cried Dr. Drake. “With your blessing, and that of the Society of Dragons, I am come to claim the Dragon’s Eye. I am sworn to conserve and protect all dragons, wheresoever they may be, so that at last the world may learn to respect the honourable science of dragonology.”
“I am old,” said the Wantley Dam. “Much older than the normal course of a dragon’s life, for I am eight hundred and fifty years from the egg. I have protected this gem from the sight of all human beings save true Dragon Masters for many hundreds of years, only relinquishing it to the ones whom I and my companions thought worthy. Yet the last Dragon Master returned the gem to me, saying that none were fit to be his successor. I regret sometimes being so old. I could tell you of times when humans and dragons were not always at war. I could tell you of times when I was young and this whole land was covered with forests from one end to the other. But now I am old. I was old when I began my guardianship, when I called the first meeting of the Society of Dragons and bestowed the Dragon’s Eye upon the first Dragon Master. It is nearly time for me to pass on my duty as Guardian to another. I regret that my flame, which was once so strong, is very nearly exhausted. Otherwise I would have tested you with fire and claw. Such would not trouble a true Dragon Master. He would know how to deal with both. Yet I would still hear the secret word that all Dragon Masters must know. And I would know who these children you have brought with you are.”
“I am Ernest Drake,” said Dr. Drake. “These children are Daniel and Beatrice Cook. They are the children of two very good friends of mine. I have brought them here because their lives are in danger from one who is no friend to dragons. And I know the words you seek.”
“I have heard the name Ernest Drake,” said the Dam. “I have often wondered why you did not come to claim the Dragon’s Eye before. I have a great empathy for Ebenezer Crook. It is not easy passing on to another a responsibility that one has borne for so long. If you would claim the gem now, speak the secret word. But be warned, if the word you speak is not true, then do not doubt but you shall not leave alive. Tell it to me!”
“It is a simple word,” said Drake, “although it took me many years and much research to find it. Ebenezer Crook would not tell it to me, but he gave me numerous hints how I might know what it was in his last days. It is —”
But at that moment, a familiar voice rang clear near the top of the pyramid of treasure, shouting: “DRACO-RACO-ACODRAC!”
I looked up in shock to see Ignatius Crook dropping onto the hoard from a rope he had used to climb down the smokestack.
The Wantley Dam hissed and twisted her head up towards him and blew out a long gust, forgetting for a moment that she could no longer breathe
fire. But Ignatius was ready and, taking the Dragon’s Eye from the top of the pile, he dodged out of the way.
“Drake!” hissed the Dam. “Why have you brought this man? He is no friend to dragons. He may know the words, but he seeks to control us for the sake of power and an inheritance he does not deserve to possess!”
“Beware the Guardian, Crook!” called Dr. Drake.
“What?” cried Ignatius. “Beware this toothless, spent old wyrm?” And he laughed again. “You surprise me, Drake.”
And with that, he ducked away from the Guardian. She was trying to bite him, but she was finding it difficult because she was so enormous. Ignatius dodged behind a rock, then ran out and leapt across the chasm, clutching the Dragon’s Eye. As he did so, Flitz tumbled from his pocket. The tiny dragon flapped frantically, trying to get as far away as possible from the enraged Guardian.
“You fool, Ignatius,” cried Dr. Drake. “Would you kill us all? The Guardian has a greater power than you think.”
“And I shall use it!” roared the Guardian.
She lowered her head and began to shake so violently that blocks of stone began to fall from the ceiling. Then a strange sound, like thunder, filled the cavern. It seemed to be coming from the dragon’s belly.
Beatrice and I blocked our ears.
Then the dragon reared back her head and roared. I felt the whole earth round me vibrate, and I was sure the whole room would collapse. Beatrice and I clung together, and I could see that even Dr. Drake was gripping onto the wall for support. I could not see Ignatius anywhere.
Suddenly the roaring stopped.
The Wantley Dam looked at us.
“Now none shall escape,” she said. “I have used a dragon call that has not been heard for some four hundred years. I have summoned every dragon in Britain to my aid. The first ones will be here within a few minutes. And then we shall see about the Dragon’s Eye.”
The silence in the chamber seemed even louder than the dragon’s roar. Nobody moved.
Then I looked in amazement to see Alexandra Gorynytchka standing right next to the Guardian. In her left hand she held a strange amulet covered in runes, and in the right an African spear.
“Beware!” cried Dr. Drake.
But it was too late. Before the Wantley Dam could turn to face her new opponent, Alexandra struck deep with the spear, aiming for a spot just under the dragon’s huge belly. A jet of black blood spurted out, and the Guardian groaned, rearing up suddenly and flicking her tail around the chamber, which flushed Ignatius from his hiding place on the other side. The ground shook and shook as the Guardian’s death throes grew stronger.
Alexandra began to climb up the rope that lead into the smokestack.
“Help me, Alexandra!” cried Ignatius.
Huge blocks began to fall from the ceiling all around us as the roof and the whole smokestack above it began to collapse.
Alexandra turned.
“Ha!” she said. “You are a fool. You have what you wanted. And I have what I wanted — see?” Clinging on to the rope with one hand, she held out the spear and the amulet for us to see.
“Aren’t those two of the treasures?” I shouted.
“They are indeed,” said Alexandra. “This is Splatterfax — the war amulet of the Viking Rus. We have long sought our ancient treasure, and now I have found it again. You have kept it from us for eight hundred years. As compensation, I am taking this spear. It belonged to Saint George, I believe. As far as I know it belongs in Africa. But it is the only weapon that is sure to kill any dragon.”
“But you promised to get me out!” said Ignatius.
“As I said,” said Alexandra with a laugh, “you are a fool. And by the time the first dragons the Wantley Dam has summoned appear, I shall be long gone.”
“Flitz,” called Ignatius, pointing towards Alexandra. “Attack her!”
Flitz streaked upwards. But when he reached Alexandra, instead of attacking her, he chirped once, looked back down, and then flew up out of the hole.
Alexandra let out a loud cackle as she continued to climb up into the smokestack. When she reached the top, she cut the rope so that it fell back down into the chamber. Then she disappeared.
But by now, the whole ceiling was coming down.
Dr. Drake turned to look at us.
“Get back into the tunnel!” he called as he ran towards Ignatius Crook.
“Come back!” cried Beatrice.
“I cannot,” he said. “You cannot imagine how terrible it will be if Ignatius Crook gains this power.”
“But what of the other treasures?” I said.
“We can do nothing about them now,” said Dr. Drake. “It is the Dragon’s Eye that is important at the moment.”
As Dr. Drake reached Ignatius, a shower of rocks tumbled down, knocking them both to the floor. The Dragon’s Eye flew out of Ignatius’s grasp and skidded away, resting right on the edge of the chasm. Dr. Drake made to get up and grab it, but Ignatius picked up a huge rock and hit him on the back of the head so that he went down again. Then, in his rage, he hit him again and again.
“Stop it!” cried Beatrice.
We had been backing into the tunnel, but suddenly I made a decision. I dashed out of the tunnel, dodged a falling boulder, and grabbed the Dragon’s Eye.
Ignatius was right behind me. He lifted the rock in his fist, a mad gleam in his eye.
“The Dragon’s Eye is mine!” he screamed.
But just as he was about to smash the rock down onto my head, the tail of the dying dragon lashed out, loosening a carved pillar that tottered and fell. Beatrice ran forwards and dragged me back just before the pillar smashed into the ground, making an impassable barrier between Ignatius and us. More rocks began to fall.
“Leave this place!” cried Dr. Drake, getting to his knees. “Take the Dragon’s Eye to Emery. He will know what to do!”
Ignatius Crook went over to Dr. Drake and grabbed him. Dr. Drake was weakened from the blows he had taken and could do nothing as Ignatius pulled him towards the lip of the chasm.
“Now,” cried Ignatius, “give me the Eye or I will push him over the edge!”
“Get out of here!” cried Dr. Drake. “Do what I tell you!”
“Silence!” shouted Ignatius, pushing Dr. Drake so that he was hanging halfway over the chasm.
“No matter what,” said Beatrice, “we cannot let Dr. Drake die.”
I agreed.
I went up to the fallen pillar and held out the Dragon’s Eye.
“Don’t be fools!” called Dr. Drake. “You don’t know what you are doing.”
“We do,” said Beatrice.
I handed the rock to Ignatius, who stretched out his hand to receive it. Dr. Drake scrambled back up onto the ledge.
“Now, Drake,” said Ignatius, “you die!”
“No!” wailed Beatrice.
But just as Ignatius was about to reach him, a hail of rocks began to fall, dislodging the pillar that had separated us. Ignatius was knocked clear across the chasm, and we rushed forwards, pulling Dr. Drake back into the mouth of the tunnel. He got to his feet. But instead of going forwards, he went back. Ignatius was frantically trying to dodge the massive blocks that were falling all round him.
“I am sworn to protect all creatures,” said Dr. Drake. “Even creatures like Ignatius.”
“No, Dr. Drake!” I cried.
But Dr. Drake paid no heed. He went to the chasm and reached over.
“There is still time, Ignatius,” he cried. “Jump!”
Ignatius Crook got to his feet and, putting the Dragon’s Eye into his pocket, clambered over the Guardian’s still-writhing coils, took a running jump, and just managed to catch Dr. Drake by the hand. Dr. Drake had to haul him up, slowly and very painfully. When Ignatius had finally crawled over the edge and stood up, Dr. Drake gestured back towards the tunnel. Now most of the roof had collapsed, and the walls of the chamber were starting to fall in.
“Come, Ignatius!” he shouted. �
�It is the only way!”
But instead of coming up the tunnel, Ignatius laughed and began to run in the opposite direction, round the rim of the collapsing chamber.
“And let you have the Dragon’s Eye, Drake? Never, do you hear? Never!”
And as he disappeared into a cloud of falling rock, masonry, and dust we heard him shout again, “Never!”
We hurried back into the tunnel. Only when Dr. Drake was sure that the rocks had stopped falling did he leave us for a moment.
“Wait here,” he said.
He went into the chamber. A few minutes later, there was a strange roar and a sudden flash of light. Beatrice and I both raced back in to find Dr. Drake stumbling towards us.
He smiled sadly.
“The Guardian was not quite dead,” he said.
As we left the cave, a mighty roar sounded, very similar to the one that had shaken the cavern to its foundations and summoned the dragons to the Guardian’s aid. But it did not last as long.
“She has called off the attack,” said Dr. Drake. “It was her dying breath. The dragons were flying here to fight, but now they will come here to grieve. It is a shame that we cannot stay here to see them, but they will need privacy now, so that they can properly lay her to rest.”
And as we turned to go back to Wharncliffe, I almost fancied that the sky had darkened in the far distance, as though a huge mass of flying creatures was coming our way.
A few days later, we were back at Dr. Drake’s home in St. Leonard’s Forest, sitting in the sun on the pockmarked lawn, watching the rabbits, and occasionally going to check up on the dragon’s egg. We were not feeling very happy. Uncle Algernon was due to arrive later that afternoon to take us to his home. The luggage had arrived with a newspaper clipping, which said there had been several sightings of dragons recently, even one involving an attack on a train. The police were taking these reports with the usual large dose of salt and had put it all down to the unseasonably hot summer weather.
Neither Beatrice nor myself felt like leaving Dr. Drake. As soon as we had recovered from our ordeal, he had immediately begun his summer school again. We had also been helping to look after Jamal, taking him round on an enormous leash. When he was trying to fly, it took three of us to hold him down. He had not escaped his compound again. We learned from Billy and Alicia that they had initially been grounded after stealing the flameproof cloak from their father, but that when Lord Chiddingfold had found out what had really been going on, he had relented and sent them back to St. Leonard’s Forest. Even Mr. Tibbs had grudgingly admitted that things seemed to have turned out “all right.”
The Dragon's Eye Page 14
