Nothing happened. Lief slowly took his hand off the belt. He didn't even know if there were dragons. Josef has been talking about them, but that crazy old librarian could be just mumbling about old rubbish. Plus, he might have to like call it in a special way or something. What would its name be anyway? A name came to him that he heard Josef babbling on about. He said something about the opal dragon being called Hopian. Lief frowned and touched the opal again. Hopian! Awake! Come to my aid! He thought strongly. In no time at all, he heard a soft voice echo in his thoughts. What may you need? I am coming. Lief nearly stumbled. He didn't actually know there would be a reply. Barda rushed over to Lief. "Lief! Are you okay?" "Yes..." Lief steadied himself. Nothing seemed to happen... His thoughts disappeared as he heard a loud chilling shriek and the gnashing of razor-sharp teeth.
Lief and Barda's eyes drew down to slits as the worm was torn open. They had been in the dark so long, the blaring sun hurt their eyes. Flying directly in front of them was a multicoloured opal dragon. It seemed confused at Lief's appearance. Lief and Barda quickly scrambled to the top of the bleeding worm to avoid falling into the quicksand. Where is dragonfriend? I heard him calling.Lief frowned. Dragonfriend? Who was he? I know nothing of Dragonfriend.He thought to the dragon. The dragon growled. What have you done with dragonfriend? Where is he?Lief and barda took a step back as the dragon roared. "We better get out of here quick..." Barda whispered to Lief. "Wait." Lief stepped forward. I am Lief,He thought, King of Del. I have acquired this belt from a blacksmith, and I am not lying. I do not know dragonfriend. At these words the tense dragon seemed to calm down. Where may you need to go?Lief smiled and said. "The mountain." The dragon glaced at the mountain then landed so Lief and Barda could hop on. Lief climbed up. Barda, who was very confused, stopped Lief. "Wait a second. We are just going to trust this dragon?!" Lief nodded. "But, but, what about Jasmine? And... What if you fall off? Think about that Lief!" Lief grinned and gestured for Barda to hop on as well. Barda sighed. He knew it was useless to argue. So, following Lief, he jumped onto the dragon's back.