Chapter One
I had 15 minutes to solve the puzzle. Nothing could go wrong. Why, why did Barry Fitzelgard have to interfere? I was 15 minutes away from glory, finally becoming a Drakön Rider. Then Barry came along and decided to ring the bell, signifying that I was done; now I was trapped in a dark musty room, and the water was starting to rise. This was JUST great because I can't swim. On top of that, I had to wait another 10 years to get another puzzle. I had to solve the puzzle quickly so that the water would drain out. I needed to solve the Rubix cube so I could find the combination to the first lock, which would get me the key to the second lock, which would give me math to do, which would give me the combination to the 3rd lock, which gave me a drakön tooth, proof of my victory, while draining the water. Oh, and I had to do this in 2 minutes. You see my predicament? There was another way, it would take less time, but it was harder. I belong to the krakónaqua (Kra-KHON-ackwa) clan, and a special few of us (including me) can control water.
The only problem, as I said before, I am deeply afraid of water and can’t swim. I am considered a disgrace, but if I become a drakön rider I can redeem myself and become a hero. I have never tried my power before, but as my mother used to say, “It’s now, or never!” So, I focus. I will the water to be mine. Nothing. I let go, disappointed. I was going to die a disappointment. I was going to drown in my own element. What was my Mother going to think of me? What would she say? She would tell me I wasn’t a disappointment to her. She would tell me if I’m not good enough for them, they’re not good enough for me. Was she right? Yes, yes she was! Suddenly, the water contracts into an egg about the size of my head. An invisible door opens, and I see my whole clan cheering. I did it!
My egg starts to vibrate, and a tiny drakön head pokes out. Saphire, I name her, and just like that, I become a drakön rider.
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