Chapter 3

When they got back to shore, Edmund told the crew that the dragon was Eustace. Everyone was shocked.

"He must have been tempted by the treasure," said Caspian. "Everyone knows a dragon's treasure is enchanted."

Eustace glared at Caspian and thought Oh, I hate you! Why didn't you tell me?

Caspian quickly corrected himself. "Well, anyone from…here, anyway."

Lucy, who noticed that Eustace was in pain because of the arm ring, went over and took it off. Eustace roared.

"Is there any way to change him back?" asked Edmund.

"Not that I know of," replied Caspian.

Edmund looked at Eustace. "Aunt Alberta will not be pleased."

"Sorry about the paw, old boy. I can be a little overzealous at times," Reepicheep said.

"But what about the other dragon that was with him?" Drinian asked. "Who was that?"

You mean me? Jill asked as she flew down. I'm Jill Pole. I met Eustace after he transformed into a dragon.

"You can…talk," Drinian said.

Well, in a manner of speaking, yes. Dragons can communicate telepathically with each other and other humans. Now that Eustace is a dragon, he can do that.

It's true, said Eustace. I met her after I transformed. She's really nice and…she wants to come with us.

"Well, we can't leave them." Lucy pleaded.

"Your Majesty, the ship is ready!" Drinian called.

"I guess we'll have to stay on shore, then." Caspian said.

"But we have no way of staying warm, sire."

Eustace, who had been listening, looked around and then blew a ball of flame at the ground. A fire rose up instantly.

"You were saying?" Reepicheep told Drinian.

That night, Eustace was sleeping next to Jill when Reepicheep came over. "Trouble sleeping?" he asked Eustace. Eustace just ignored him. "Now, now. All is not as lost as it seems. I'll stay up with you if you wish to keep you company. You know, extraordinary things only happen to extraordinary people. Maybe it's a sign that you've got an extraordinary destiny ahead of you." He nodded. "I saw the way you looked at that other dragon, Jill. If I'm not mistaken, I'd say that like her."

Eustace was shocked, and blushed. Well, I…yes, I like her. She's pretty and…I've never felt this way towards anyone before.

"Well, I'd say you give this time. Maybe she likes you, and doesn't want to admit it, either. When you're ready, you tell her your feelings. Now, we'd best get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow if we want to find the rest of those swords."