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[Assistant] The Houdinis waved back. I wish we could go home.


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[Assistant] Annie whispered as she pointed to a picture of Frog Creek. Behold a miracle. Jack shouted down to Bess and Harry. He clapped three times. One, two, three. Then the wind started to blow. The tree house started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.


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[Assistant] The early evening light filtered into the tree house. Jack and Annie were wearing their own clothes again.


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[Assistant] We showed him something he'll never be able to explain.


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[Assistant] Jack looked at his watch. As always, no time had passed in Frog Creek while they'd been on their mission. Six minutes to get home, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Yep, but first we have to write down our new secret of greatness, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Jack pulled out a pencil and picked up the paper that was still lying on the floor. And under the word humility, he wrote, hard work. Hard work, said Annie. That's so simple. Yep, said Jack. Sometimes the truth is amazingly simple. He placed the ring of truth on top of the paper. And I'll leave this too.


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[Assistant] He took the little bottle from his backpack and placed it beside the ring. For next time.


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[Assistant] Mist gathered at first light on the first day of the new moon on the Isle of Avalon, said Annie. Jack closed his backpack.


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[Assistant] Okay, that's it. Let's go. Mom's hot dogs are waiting. Greatest in the world, said Annie. The two of them climbed down from the ladder and headed through the trees. You know what? said Annie. What? asked Jack.


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[Assistant] You know how we were supposed to learn a secret of greatness from the great Houdini? Annie said. Yep, said Jack.


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[Assistant] And we kept waiting for Harry to say or do something to make the ring glow, said Annie. Yeah, said Jack. But in the end, we learned the secret from Bess, not Harry, said Annie. You're right, said Jack.


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[Assistant] So I think Bess was the great Houdini that Merlin sent us to find, said Annie. Why do you think Bess was great? asked Jack. Well, she was kind and funny and friendly, said Annie. Yeah, said Jack, like you. Me? said Annie. Huh. She looked a little embarrassed. Well,


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[Assistant] Also she was a loyal person, she was loyal to Harry. That's true, said Jack. She was loyal like you are, said Annie. Me? said Jack. Yep.


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[Assistant] No, I'm going to remember all those things, said Annie. And the next time you're mad at me, I'm going to remind you how great I am, how loyal and kind and funny. Okay, okay, that's enough, said Jack. Bye. He took off running.


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[Assistant] He ran out of the Frog Creek woods across the street and down the sidewalk.


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[Assistant] Wait, slow down. You can't escape from me. Called Annie. She ran after Jack as fast as she could.


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[Assistant] and caught up with him before he reached home


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[Assistant] We hope you have enjoyed this unabridged production of Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions Book Number 22, Hurry Up Houdini. This program was directed by Lewis Milgram, Executive Producer Orly Moskowitz.


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[Assistant] Text copyright 2013 by Mary Pope Osborne. Production copyright 2013 Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.


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[Assistant] It's better to have a few real friends than hundreds of social media friends who might not even be there for you and could disappear.


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[Assistant] I'm only 19, but I'm always tired and I haven't got any energy.


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[Assistant] I used to go to the gym, but I'm a student, so I spend most of my time sitting at my computer. And my diet is really bad.


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[Assistant] I know I shouldn't eat fast food, but I hate cooking. What do you think I should do?


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[Assistant] I don't have many friends. In the evenings I usually stay at home and watch TV.


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[Assistant] Last year, I joined an evening class on photography, but I only went for a few weeks. Perhaps I should have kept going to it, but it wasn't very


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[Assistant] Nice to meet you too. Welcome to the office. Thank you very much. Just one question. May I use my mobile in the office?


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[Assistant] Oh no. It's just because I want to call my grandpa. Just for emergency.


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[Assistant] And another thing, I'm having a party on Saturday. May I put papers on the wall? Just an invitation.


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[Assistant] Hmm, there are so many laptops to choose from.


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[Assistant] Okay, shall we get one of the shop assistants? There's one over there. I'll go and ask him. Excuse me, could you help us?


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[Assistant] Yes, we want to replace our computer. It's old and it won't last much longer.


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[Assistant] No, I'm afraid not. It should be ready at half past two.


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[Assistant] That's no problem. Why don't you leave them in the luggage room? Shall I ask the porter to take them there for you?


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[Assistant] I'm sorry, sir. You can't park there. It's against the fire regulations. You want not to block the access to the hotel. There's a car park for guests at the side of the hotel.


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[Assistant] Well, that's a no parking area, so perhaps you'd better put it straight in the car park.


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[Assistant] I have eaten my mum's chicken curry a million times and I really love it. I still love it. The saltiness, the sweetness, the sourness, the bitterness, all the flavours combined together so that you won't get sick of it. You want it to eat more and more.


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[Assistant] I'm really proud that I've made it so close to my mom's curry. So I hope the judges will like it.


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[Assistant] Lesson 9. Royal espionage. First listen and then answer the following question. What important thing did King Alfred learn when he penetrated the Danish camp of Guthrum?


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[Assistant] Alfred the Great acted as his own spy, visiting Danish camps disguised as a minstrel


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[Assistant] In those days wandering minstrels were welcome everywhere. They were not fighting men, and their harp was their passport


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[Assistant] Alfred had learned many of their ballads in his youth, and could vary his program with acrobatic tricks and simple conjuring


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[Assistant] While Alfred's little army slowly began to gather at Athelne, the king himself set out to penetrate the camp of Guthrum, the commander of the Danish invaders.


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[Assistant] These had settled down for the winter at Chippenham. Vither Alfred went


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[Assistant] He noticed at once that discipline was slack


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[Assistant] The Danes had the self confidence of conquerors, and their security precautions were casual


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[Assistant] They lived well, on the proceeds of raids on neighboring regions


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[Assistant] There they collected women as well as food and drink, and a life of ease had made them soft


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[Assistant] Alfred stayed in the camp a week before he returned to Athelne


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[Assistant] The force there assembled was trivial compared with the Danish Horde. But Alfred had deduced that the Danes were no longer fit for prolonged battle, and that their commissariat had no organization, but depended on irregular raids.


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[Assistant] So, faced with the Danish advance, Alfred did not risk open battle but harried the enemy


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[Assistant] He was constantly on the move, drawing the Danes after him.


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[Assistant] His patrols halted the raiding parties. Hunger assailed the Danish army


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[Assistant] Now Alfred began a long series of skirmishes, and within a month the Danes had surrendered


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[Assistant] The episode could reasonably serve as a unique epic of royal espionage


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[Assistant] Round the corner, not far away, Bing's going to the park today.


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[Assistant] Oh, haha. Here, don't let him get away.


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[Assistant] Oh dear. Hop over here, let's have a look.


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[Assistant] Don't worry Bing, it's no big thing. Let's go to Amaz, we'll get you cleaned up.


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[Assistant] Property will be waiting somewhere for you. We just need to go and find him.


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[Assistant] Why don't you take this pine cone and pretend it's hoppity?


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[Assistant] Okay. Hoppity loves coming to the park, doesn't he?


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[Assistant] Listening Library presents Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions Book Number 27, Night of the Ninth Dragon. This is Mary Pope Osborne.


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[Assistant] Jack was sitting on the front porch using a yellow marker to highlight a book called Caring for Your New Puppy.


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[Assistant] Fetch, Oki! Annie shouted, throwing a ball across their yard. Yep, yep.


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[Assistant] A scruffy black and white puppy raced after the ball and caught it in his mouth. Bring it back! Annie called, but Okie dashed away from her instead.


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[Assistant] He never does what you say, Jack said with a laugh.


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[Assistant] Yes he does, said Annie. He fetched. He just decided not to bring it back.


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[Assistant] She ran after Okie and wrestled the ball away from him.


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[Assistant] Ready to go to the dog park now? She called to Jack. Yep.


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[Assistant] Jack highlighted a paragraph about puppy dental care.


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[Assistant] Wait, let's see if he'll walk with us on his own, said Annie. If I know him, he'll take off, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Come on, give him a chance. I've been working with him, said Annie. Watch. Okie, come. The little dog ran to Jack and Annie.


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[Assistant] See? said Annie as they started down the sidewalk.


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[Assistant] I was just reading that canine tooth care is very important. You have to-


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[Assistant] Okay, wait, okay, shouted Annie, stay. But the puppy kept running.


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[Assistant] He crossed the street, bounded over the curb, and disappeared into the Frog Creek woods. I knew it, Jack said. Okay, Annie shouted.


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[Assistant] She and Jack raced into the woods after the puppy. Tree branches were waving in the wind. Dry autumn leaves shook and rustled. Ogee, yelled Jack. You were right, wailed Annie. We should have put him on the leash. Don't worry, we'll find him, said Jack. Ogee, they called. Ogee. Yep, yep. Did you hear that, said Jack.


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[Assistant] They followed the yipping sounds until they found the puppy at the base of a giant oak tree.


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[Assistant] The magic tree house was nestled high in the tree top. The rope ladder was swaying from side to side. Good boy, Okie, Annie said. She picked up the puppy and giggled as he licked her face. How did you know it was back? Teddy, Jack called, looking up at the tree house. Teddy.


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[Assistant] There was no answer, and no one looked down from the window.


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[Assistant] Let's climb up, said Annie. There must be a message inside. Yep, yep.


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[Assistant] Yes, you're coming with us, Annie said to Oki. Here, get in Jack's bag.


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[Assistant] Jack took off his backpack and Annie lowered the puppy inside. Is that going to be too heavy?


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[Assistant] No, he doesn't weigh much, said Jack, pulling on the pack. Let's go, buddy.


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[Assistant] Jack carried Okie up the rope ladder and Annie followed.


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[Assistant] When they had all climbed into the treehouse, Jack took off his pack and set it on the floor.


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[Assistant] Okay scampered out and began sniffing every corner.


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[Assistant] I don't see anything here said Annie looking around. Me neither said Jack.


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[Assistant] Jack looked up and saw a scrap of paper floating on the wind. Hey, is that our note? He said. It must have blown out of the window, said Annie. I'll get it. She hurried back down the rope ladder.


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[Assistant] Oki kept barking as Annie chased after the paper and finally snatched it from the ground. Annie read the note to herself and smiled. What does it say? Jack called. Good news, said Annie. What, what is it? said Jack. See for yourself, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She scrambled back up the ladder and handed Jack the scrap of paper. Our favorite place to visit. Jack looked at the old fashioned handwriting. Dear Jack and Annie, please come to Camelot. That's it? Said Jack. It's good news, right? Said Annie. Yeah, but it doesn't look like Merlin or Morgan's handwriting or Teddy's. I don't understand. Who wrote this?


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[Assistant] And why, said Jack. It doesn't matter, said Annie. It's an invitation to Camelot. I love visiting Camelot, don't you? Of course, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Most of all, he loved their friends in Camelot. But something's weird.


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[Assistant] Don't worry, Jack, let's just go, said Annie. Get ready, Okie. She pointed at the word Camelot on the note. I wish we could go there. Yep, yep. Jack grabbed Okie and held him tightly. The wind blew harder. The treehouse started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.


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[Assistant] Chapter 2. Hail Your Majesty.


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[Assistant] The treehouse was dark with shadows. Yep. Jack clutched Okie. He and the puppy both shivered in the damp, chilly air.


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[Assistant] Hey, our clothes didn't change, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She and Jack were still wearing their jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Right, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Maybe the person who invited us didn't know how to magically change our clothes, said Annie. Who is that person, said Jack. He looked out the window with Annie and Okie. And where did we land exactly? The tree house was in a forest.


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[Assistant] Of ancient-looking oak trees with gnarled roots and sprawling branches. The shadowy woodland was eerily quiet. No birds sang. No squirrels scurried over the ground. Are we sure this is Camelot? asked Jack. I wish we had a book to give us information. Let's go down and get information firsthand, said Annie. Okay, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Then he pulled on the pack and followed Annie down the rope ladder to the forest floor. So, which way? Jack asked, looking around at the thick, towering oaks. Here and there, a shaft of sunlight shot through the tree tops. Okie sniffed the air and barked excitedly. He wants to lead us somewhere, said Annie. Okay, but let's put him on the leash this time, said Jack.


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[Assistant] But before she could fasten the leash to Okie's collar, the puppy jumped from her arms and dashed off. Okie, come back, said Jack. Stop, cried Annie.


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[Assistant] Oh brother, not again! said Jack, breaking into a run. Ogie! Ogie, stop! Annie yelled.


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[Assistant] Racing through the woods, Jack and Annie chased Okie around one huge tree and then another.


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[Assistant] They chased him through pools of light and shade and over fallen leaves twigs and acorns until the puppy dashed from the dappled dark into a bright wheat field. Gotcha, Annie said, grabbing Okie. You've got to stick with us, buddy.


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[Assistant] Said Jack as Annie attached the leash to the puppy's collar. Where are we now? Said Annie.


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[Assistant] Tall yellow stalks of wheat block the view of the land beyond the field.


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[Assistant] Morning sunlight shimmered on the tasseled stalks as they swayed in the wind. Oh wow, look over there, said Annie, pointing beyond the wheat.


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[Assistant] Red flags waved from cone-shaped towers. Dragons decorated the flags. King Arthur's castle. Yes, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He and Annie and Okie pushed through the stalks until they came to an open field where cut grass was piled into haystacks.


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[Assistant] The puppy pulled on his leash, and they all started running across the field toward the outer wall of the castle. When they drew close, a trumpet sounded. A guard appeared between two turrets. The guard aimed a crossbow at them. Annie, stop! Jack yelled.


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[Assistant] Ogie barked wildly, and he scooped him into her arms. We come in peace, she called to the guard. We have an invitation, Jack shouted.


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[Assistant] The guard scowled and kept his crossbow aimed directly at them.


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[Assistant] A golden-haired woman in a green cape was hurrying through the gate in the outer wall. As she ran toward Jack and Annie, the guard slowly lowered his weapon. Queen Guinevere, said Jack. Oh wow, said Annie. Hello, hello, Guinevere said when she reached Jack and Annie.


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[Assistant] Hail your majesty, said Jack bowing.


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[Assistant] Hail, Your Majesty, said Annie as Oki tried to wiggle out of her arms. This is Oki, her new puppy. Hello, Oki. Though she smiled, Guinevere looked worried.


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[Assistant] Said Guinevere. But it is not safe outside our castle walls. Come.


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[Assistant] She beckoned for Jack and Annie to follow her back toward the gate. Not safe? Why? Jack wondered as he and Annie hurried after the Queen. Guinevere led them through the arched gateway.


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[Assistant] In the outer yard, Jack saw no sign of knights or servants and no plowmen or stone cutters or carpenters working on the grounds.


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[Assistant] Excuse me, your majesty, but are Merlin and Morgan here? asked Annie. And Teddy and Kathleen?


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[Assistant] No, they left a fortnight ago, said Guinevere. Only a small number of us are here in Camelot.


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[Assistant] She waved at a guard beside the gate in the inner wall.


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[Assistant] And he raised the iron grid that sealed off the main entrance of the castle.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed the Queen across a wide courtyard as Jack looked around.


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[Assistant] Ten days ago, enemy invaders came ashore in the distant east.


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[Assistant] And the king and his knights set out to defend the kingdom and push them back, the queen said.


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[Assistant] After anxious days with no news of the battle, we received word that several bands of the invaders had slipped past the king's army and were heading toward Camelot.


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[Assistant] Before they arrived to plunder the castle, I led everyone who was still here to a hill fort hidden in the west. Yesterday I returned with only a few guards. Why did you come back? Annie asked. The queen sighed. Jack thought she looked as if she might cry. But then she steadied herself and spoke in a strong voice. Because at the fort I received terrible news. What news, your majesty?


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[Assistant] Ask Jack. I will explain, said the Queen, but first I must take you to a secret place.


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[Assistant] Guinevere led them into the Great Hall, the main room of the palace.


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[Assistant] Beneath a vaulted ceiling, tables and benches were overturned.


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[Assistant] Broken earthenware platters and moldy crusts of bread littered the floor. Tapestries had been torn from the walls. Jack remembered what the Great Hall had been like when he and Annie had attended a celebration there, warm, bright, and filled with music. What happened? he asked the Queen. The invaders were looking for gold, she said.


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[Assistant] They stole gold candlesticks and goblets from the chapel and gold plates and bowls from the hall. The Queen led Jack and Annie from the chilly hall into the castle kitchen and pantry.


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[Assistant] There was no clatter of cooks or scullions at work in the kitchen. No fire burned in the huge stone hearth. The wind whistled through the open windows. A rat scurried across the floor. Whoa, said Annie, stepping out of the way. Okie barked and squirmed in her arms. Without even glancing at the rat, Guinevere led them out of the kitchen,


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[Assistant] Across an inner courtyard and up a dark stairway.


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[Assistant] Were Merlin and Morgan scared too? asked Jack climbing after the Queen. Is that why they left? Oh no.


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[Assistant] Merlin and Morgan left with Teddy and Kathleen before word came of the invaders, Guinevere said.


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[Assistant] I believe they know nothing about what has happened to Camelot. Can you send a message to them, your majesty? asked Annie.


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[Assistant] I am afraid that is impossible, the Queen said.


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[Assistant] She took a torch from the wall and hurried down a narrow passageway.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed her to a heavy wooden door at the end.


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[Assistant] The queen opened the door and led them into a torch lit room.


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[Assistant] Inhaling the sweet, woodsy smell of books, Jack recognized the room at once. Morgan's library, he murmured.


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[Assistant] Shelves covered the walls from floor to ceiling. The shelves were filled with books from all times and places.


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[Assistant] Fortunately, the thieves were not interested in books, said the queen. They did not steal a single one. Good, I'm glad, said Jack. Books were more valuable to him than gold. Excuse me, your majesty, said Annie.


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[Assistant] But where did Morgan and Merlin go, and Teddy and Kathleen, and why can't you send word to them? I'll explain in a moment, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] She crossed the room and opened another heavy wooden door.


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[Assistant] Rushed in from a lush garden surrounded by tall stone walls. The answers to all your questions are here, said Queen Guinevere in Morgan Le Fay's Secret Garden.


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[Assistant] Chapter 3. Dragons Everywhere.


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[Assistant] Oh wow, a secret garden, whispered Annie.


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[Assistant] She put Okie down and unhooked his leash and the puppy dashed into the lush greenery. Guinevere led Jack and Annie through the doorway and into the walled garden.


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[Assistant] As they followed her down a stone path, they passed tangles of cream colored lilies, butter yellow daffodils, blue periwinkles, and pale pink roses.


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[Assistant] From her plants Morgan makes inks and paints for the books of our scribes, explained Guinevere, and dyes for the wool of the castle weavers. Cool, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She grows flowers and herbs for healing everyday illnesses and injuries, she said. Like what? asked Jack. Nettles for a cold, said Guinevere, and mint for headaches.


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[Assistant] She pointed to a fish pond surrounded by yellow green grasses and white flowers.


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[Assistant] Lemon grass for fever and yarrow to stop bleeding. Jack shivered. The air felt tingly and alive. Why did he imagine they were being watched? Did he hear breathing, whispering, the flutter of wings? Or was it just the wind blowing through the garden?


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[Assistant] But Okie dashed to a patch of pink roses and barked again.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie followed him and found a statue carved from pink granite. Another dragon, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Oki kept bounding around the garden, yelping at more and more hidden dragon statues. A clay dragon tucked behind clay pots. An emerald dragon hidden among the ivy. A marble dragon between white stones. A silver dragon in tall silvery grass.


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[Assistant] Don't worry, Oki, she said. They're just garden decorations. No, the Queen said.


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[Assistant] These dragons are far more than garden decorations. She looked very serious. Perhaps you have heard of King Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon. I've read about him, said Jack. Doesn't Pendragon mean chief dragon? The queen nodded. Indeed it does, she said.


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[Assistant] The emblem on King Uther's flag and shield was a dragon.


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[Assistant] Before he died, Uther Pendragon ordered his craftsmen to create nine dragon statues.


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[Assistant] Each statue was to be made from a different material, said the Queen. And those statues are the ones here in the garden, said Jack. Yes, said the Queen. Merlin placed a spell on each of them.


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[Assistant] The kingdom's enchanters can unlock the portals to any of the nine mythical realms of Camelot. Wow, said Annie. What are the nine mythical realms? asked Jack. We've never heard of them.


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[Assistant] They are lands that cannot be traveled to directly from mortal worlds, said the Queen. And actually, you do know about some of them.


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[Assistant] With Merlin's help, you have made journeys to four of the mythical realms. She pointed to the silver dragon in the grass.


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[Assistant] That dragon opens the portal to the realm of timeless treasures. I believe Merlin sent you there one Christmas. He did said Annie.


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[Assistant] And the marble dragon opens the portal to the land behind the clouds, said Guinevere. Where we met the Ice Wizard, said Jack.


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[Assistant] The bronze dragon is the gateway to the realm of the raven king said the queen.


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[Assistant] And the seashell statue to the realm of the sea serpent. Where we changed into seals, said Annie. And met Kathleen, said Jack. There are five realms you have not visited, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] Each of the other dragons unlocks a portal to one of them. But the most important dragon is the gold dragon.


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[Assistant] For it unlocks the portal to the most magical realm of all, the Isle of Avalon.


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[Assistant] Morgan and Merlin go to Avalon to rest and renew themselves. There is a vast garden there, filled with the ancient secrets of healing.


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[Assistant] It is the only place where Morgan can grow plants that mend all wounds. Cool, said Annie. So when will they come back to Camelot? Asked Jack. The queen sighed. The ninth statue, the gold dragon.


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[Assistant] Occupies the most important place in the garden, she said. There surrounded by those rose bushes.


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[Assistant] She pointed toward clusters of bright yellow roses in the far corner of the garden. Jack and Annie hurried over to the rose bushes, but there was no dragon. They looked back at Guinevere. I don't see a dragon here, said Jack. No, said the queen. That is because the ninth dragon has been stolen. No, said Annie.


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[Assistant] When the invaders plundered the castle, they found their way into this garden, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] The theft of the gold dragon was likely a simple act of greed. But when they took it from its place in the garden, the portal to Avalon closed. Without the ninth dragon, Merlin, Morgan, Teddy and Kathleen are locked out of Camelot forever. Forever? Breathe, Jack. Yes, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] Avalon is where they are, and Avalon is where they will remain.


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[Assistant] Unless we find the ninth dragon. We have to find it, said Annie. We have to help them all get back.


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[Assistant] Yes, said the queen, and there is another reason to find the gold statue. I told you that I returned to the castle yesterday after I received terrible news. A messenger came from the east to tell me that King Arthur had been mortally wounded. Mortally wounded? What does that mean? Annie asked. Oki whined as if he understood. Guinevere took a deep breath.


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[Assistant] An arrow pierced the king's armor and plunged deep into his chest, close to his heart. If King Arthur does not journey to Avalon soon, he will die.


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[Assistant] Right now we have a small supply of healing water from Avalon that is keeping Arthur alive, said Guinevere. But it will not last much longer. What can we do? said Jack.


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[Assistant] Your courage and intelligence are legendary in Camelot, said the Queen, and that is why I sent for you.


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[Assistant] Will you help me find the gold dragon so the king can journey to Avalon where Morgan can save his life? Yes, said Annie and Jack. Thank you, said the queen. He awaits us now. You mean King Arthur is here? asked Annie. Yes.


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[Assistant] Sir Tristan and Sir Lamarach brought him back to Camelot two nights ago, said Guinevere. Let us go now and see the king.


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[Assistant] Ogie scampered ahead with the Queen as she led the way back through the library and down the passageway to the staircase. When they reached the inner courtyard of the castle, they crossed the cobblestones to a small private chapel.


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[Assistant] Jack picked up Okie and the Queen tapped on the chapel's door. The door slowly opened.


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[Assistant] A bearded knight stared at Jack and Annie with dark, tired eyes. He held an iron lance.


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[Assistant] Another battle-worn night stepped from the shadows.


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[Assistant] When Ogie growled at the two knights, Jack held him tighter. Quiet, he whispered.


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[Assistant] Sir Lamarock, Sir Tristan, Jack and Annie have arrived, the Queen said. It is time to prepare.


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[Assistant] Without a word, the two knights bowed to the queen, then strode across the courtyard.


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[Assistant] Thank you for coming, my friends," a man said in a low, hoarse voice. King Arthur was sitting in a carved wooden chair beneath a stained glass window. In the flickering candlelight,


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[Assistant] The king's rugged handsome face was very pale.


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[Assistant] Oki leapt out of Jack's arms and dashed toward King Arthur. Oki, stay, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Before she could grab him, the puppy jumped into the king's lap. What? What is this? Arthur stammered. But when the puppy licked his face, the king smiled. Well, greetings little one, he said. Then he looked up at Jack and Annie. His eyes were clouded with pain. Hail your majesty, said Jack bowing.


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[Assistant] Hail your majesty, echoed Annie bowing also. We're so sorry to hear you were wounded. No talk of that, the king said, struggling to breathe. I will prevail. The queen stepped forward. Arthur rest, she said. I will tell them our plan. No, I must explain, said the king.


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[Assistant] He took a deep breath as if gathering his strength, then trembling he leaned forward. Deep in the forest lives an old woman, a seer who has a kind heart and the gift of prophecy. An old friend, my nursemaid long ago. Her name is Caffele. She can help us find the gold dragon. That sounds good, your majesty.


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[Assistant] Caffel told him that the wind speaks to her through the rustling of leaves. In her trances, she listens to the trees, then shares her prophecies in the form of riddles. That is why we sent, for you, said King Arthur.


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[Assistant] We know that you are particularly brilliant at solving riddles, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] If you can solve the riddle of Caffel's prophecy, we can find the gold dragon. We'll do our best, Your Majesty, said Annie. Uh, sure, said Jack, nodding. We'll do our best, Your Majesty. Good, said the Queen. Sir Tristan and Sir Lamerak are preparing for our departure. Cool, said Jack.


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[Assistant] You should rest here and wait for us to return with the dragon. But I, I must go, said the king. I fear you should not, said Guinevere. I will tell Caffel. No, I must go, the king repeated. She will share her prophecies only with me. The queen took a deep breath. Then so be it, she said. She looked at Jack and Annie.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie stepped over to the wounded King. They held his arms as he stood up from the carved wooden chair. Thank you. Let us go forth, said the King.


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[Assistant] Okie scampered ahead as Jack and Annie helped Arthur out of the chapel.


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[Assistant] Then the queen slowly led them all across the courtyard toward the gatehouse. A rumbling sound came from the stables


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[Assistant] Jack turned to see Sir Tristan and Sir Lamarach driving a wooden hay cart across the courtyard.


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[Assistant] A pair of oxen pulled the four-wheeled cart as it wobbled over the cobblestones. Okie rushed forward and barked at the oxen. Annie hurried after the puppy and grabbed him. This is our carriage, said the queen.


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[Assistant] But he wondered how such a small, rickety cart could carry all six people. Would he and Annie be walking? The oxen came to a halt and the knights climbed down from the driver's bench.


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[Assistant] Sir Lamerak grabbed tattered cloaks from the back of the cart and handed them to Arthur and Guinevere. The queen helped the king pull on his disguise, then traded her green velvet cape for a patched gray cloak with a hood to hide her golden hair. Don your disguises now, she said to Jack and Annie.


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[Assistant] Sir Tristan handed Jack and Annie two more ragged cloaks. Thank you, said Jack. He and Annie pulled the cloaks on over their clothes.


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[Assistant] The two knights helped the king and queen climb onto sheepskins, spread over the hay.


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[Assistant] Sir Tristan handed a leather water flask to Guinevere. Then the night stepped away.


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[Assistant] Okay barked and squirmed in Annie's arms as if he was eager to ride in the hay cart too.


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[Assistant] Should he stay in the back with us? The Queen asked Jack and Annie. Or sit with you while you drive the cart. Drive the cart?


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[Assistant] Do you really want Jack and me to drive, Your Majesty? Annie asked. Yes, of course, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] Cool, then Okie should ride with you, said Annie. She placed the puppy in the back of the cart.


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[Assistant] King Arthur was lying in the hay with his eyes closed. Take care of him, Oki, whispered Annie.


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[Assistant] The puppy scrambled over to the king and snuggled against him. Okay, let's go said Jack.


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[Assistant] He and Annie climbed up to the driver's bench. As Annie picked up the reins, Jack looked at Sir Tristan and Sir Lamarock standing near the gatehouse.


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[Assistant] Should we wait for Sir Tristan and Sir Lamarach to get their horses, your majesty? No, Jack. We will be traveling alone, said Guinevere. If we come across the enemy...


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[Assistant] They must believe we are a simple family, a poor farm couple, traveling with our two children. Sounds good, said Annie. Then she called out to the oxen again. Hike! It's just us? Jack thought. Just us? The oxen took a few steps forward.


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[Assistant] Their neck yoke was hitched to a wooden pole attached to the front of the cart. As they lumbered over the stones of the courtyard, the cart wobbled along behind them.


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[Assistant] Sir Tristan raised the iron gate that sealed off the main entrance to the castle.


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[Assistant] As the oxen headed across the outer courtyard, Annie waved to the two knights who silently watched them leave. See you later, she called. The knights each raised a hand in farewell. Here we go, said Annie. Here we go, Jack repeated softly. Just us. And the hay cart clattered through the gateway, leaving the castle of Camelot behind.


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[Assistant] Westward toward the mountains, said Queen Guinevere. She was sitting next to the sleeping king, with her hand resting on his chest. Caffel lives not far from here, where the wood borders the heath. Got it, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Ha! she called to the oxen using the sled dog command for turn left.


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[Assistant] The heavy animals moved slowly toward the distant cloud covered mountains. A cool moist wind.


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[Assistant] Where are the invaders now, your majesty? asked Jack, rocking from side to side on the driver's bench.


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[Assistant] We hope that our army is defeating them in the east, said the queen. But small bands may still be roaming the kingdom like packs of wolves. Like packs of wolves, said Jack.


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[Assistant] His eyes darted around the countryside looking for bands of invaders.


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[Assistant] The hills and fields were covered with shadows of clouds, scutting across the sun.


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[Assistant] The shadows swept over abandoned huts and farmlands with charred trees and blackened fields. What happened here, your majesty? Annie asked. Did the wolf packs of invaders burn everything?


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[Assistant] No, the fires were set by those who live here, answered the queen.


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[Assistant] Before they fled, some burned their timber, barley, and flax to keep them from the invaders. When will everyone come back? asked Jack. When they know their King has returned, the Queen said. Until then, no one will have the courage.


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[Assistant] So everything depends on King Arthur, Jack thought. Which means everything depends on us.


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[Assistant] As the oxen pulled the cart toward the wooded hills and plains at the base of the mountains, the bright air grew colder and the wind stronger.


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[Assistant] The lonely road grew wilder until it was no more than a weedy path overgrown with thistles and brambles. Stop here, Guinevere said finally. Whoa, said Annie.


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[Assistant] The oxen stopped moving and the cart jolted to a halt. Guinevere gently shook her husband's shoulder. Wake, my lord, she said. Wake up. Yes, the king said, lifting his head. We are near Cephal's, said Guinevere. We must walk a short way now. Arthur sat up and looked around, then he ran his fingers through his hair. Yes, he said faintly.


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[Assistant] First drink this, said the queen lifting the flask to the king's lips.


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[Assistant] Jack wondered how much of the healing water from Avalon was left. He hoped they had enough for the whole journey.


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[Assistant] Annie climbed down from the cart bench and grabbed Okie.


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[Assistant] After Arthur drank from the flask, Guinevere helped him out of the back of the cart.


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[Assistant] King Arthur took the Queen's arm and the two of them started walking slowly down a path.


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[Assistant] As Jack and Annie followed the royal couple through the shifting shadows of the forest.


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[Assistant] Silver leaves and the interlacing tree branches rustled in the wind. Jack smelled wood smoke.


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[Assistant] Soon they crossed a sagging footbridge over a stream and came to a clearing with a small stone hut.


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[Assistant] A fence of woven sticks ringed the yard, chimney smoke swirled through the afternoon air.


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[Assistant] The queen opened the gate, and she and Arthur crossed to the hut. Guinevere knocked on the door.


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[Assistant] A moment later, an old woman wrapped in a shawl stood in the doorway.


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[Assistant] She had a long white braid and luminous skin worn smooth by weather and time like an ancient stone. The woman's eyes were closed.


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[Assistant] With a start, Jack realized Caffel was blind.


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[Assistant] And her side was a tall white dog with light blue eyes. Okie didn't bark or whine.


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[Assistant] The peaceful gaze of the white dog seemed to keep him calm. Greetings, Caffel. We have come to, to seek your help, grasped King Arthur. Caffel bowed her head. Welcome, your majesty, she said. And the queen has come with you this time, yes? Yes, Caffel. Guinevere touched the blind woman's arm.


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[Assistant] And there are others with you as well, children. Yes, Jack and Annie, said the Queen. Annie, the seer reached out and Annie took her hand. I see you well, Annie, Caffel said with her eyes still closed. You love all animals.


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[Assistant] You speak your mind and are quick and courageous.


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[Assistant] Sometimes though, you move too swiftly, you lack patience. That's right, that's me, Annie said with a smile. And Jack? Caffel said, turning to him. Jack took the seer's hand. You are very thoughtful and intelligent, Jack, she said. You love books and knowledge?


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[Assistant] Sometimes, though, you worry too much, and you do not act quickly enough. Yes, that's me, said Jack. Okie barked. And this is our dog Okie, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She held out the puppy and the blind woman patted his head.


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[Assistant] Okay, you are a very happy and lively dog, very curious and willful, the seer said with a smile. She pointed to the blue-eyed dog at her side. And this is my key. She is old like me. She cannot hear and I cannot see, so we must rely on one another. Cool, said Annie. Caffel then held both her hands out to King Arthur,


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[Assistant] Caffell and Key stepped back into the stone hut. The others followed, stepping onto a worn wooden floor. Inside Jack could barely see anything. There were no windows and no lanterns.


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[Assistant] After Caffele closed the door, the fire from the hearth and two candles were all that illuminated the one-room hut. Once Jack got used to the dim light,


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[Assistant] He was amazed at how easily Caffel moved about with Key at her side.


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[Assistant] The king leaned forward into the half circle of firelight. The Ninth Dragon was stolen from Morgan's garden, he said. Oh, Cafell said, I understand. You need the Ninth Dragon, my lord, to cross to Avalon. I do indeed, wise friend, he said. Cafell nodded. Without another word,


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[Assistant] He joined her at the threshold, and the two stood together facing the woods outside.


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[Assistant] Key's silky white fur glistened in the silver light as the dog looked deep into the forest. Write down what she says, Annie whispered. Jack reached under his cloak and took off his backpack.


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[Assistant] He pulled out his pencil and notebook and opened to a blank page ready to write down the seer's prophecy. For a long moment, all was quiet except for the gentle rustling of the trees. Gradually though,


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[Assistant] The sounds of leaves and wind grew louder and louder until it seemed as if all the forest was shouting its secrets to the blind woman. Then the force of the wind lessened. The whispering and rustling grew softer and softer until a hush fell over the forest. No one moved as they waited for Kafele to tell them what the leaves had said.


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[Assistant] Chapter 6 Riddle of the Forest


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[Assistant] Caffel turned to face the king. She began to speak in a clear voice. Moon so bright, mooneth more night. Curtain of white hides from sight. Magic for flight before dawn's light or lose the fight. Jack wrote down her words as fast as he could when Caffel finished


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[Assistant] She and her dog both stood silent and still in the doorway again. Thank you, Caffel, said the king. The seer turned to him. What did I say? She whispered. She seemed to be in a daze. Jack read Caffel's riddle aloud. Moon so bright, mooneth more night, curtain of white, hides from sight, magic for flight.


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[Assistant] Before dawn's light or lose the fight. Oh, I see, said Caffele. She looked troubled.


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[Assistant] Jack was troubled too. What did the last two lines mean?


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[Assistant] Moonethmore is the highest mountain in the west, said Guinevere. It seems we should go there first? Yes, said Gafel. It is not far from the sea. You can see it from the cart path. Continue on your way and journey over the moorlands. Good, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie, you will decipher the rest of the riddle as we travel. The Queen stood and helped the King rise. Jack and Annie and Oakey stood up too. We must leave at once, Caffele, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] The others looked at him as he read the last two lines again. Before dawn's light or lose the fight. Ah, the queen said, that seems to say we will lose the fight if we do not arrive in Avalon before dawn. Guinevere took a deep breath.


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[Assistant] Travel to Moonethmoor, find the gold dragon, and return it to the castle garden. Thank you for your help, Caffel." She reached out and took the blind woman's hands. My lady, you are trembling, Caffel said. I am fine, said Guinevere. Her voice wavered, but she stood tall. Is she worried we don't have enough time? Jack thought.


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[Assistant] Then he, Annie, and Okie followed the king and queen outside into the cool, windy air.


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[Assistant] Arthur held onto Guinevere's arm as they walked away from the stone hut and through the gate.


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[Assistant] Oki scampered ahead of them yapping at windblown leaves.


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[Assistant] Jack glanced back at Caffele and Key standing in the doorway of the hut.


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[Assistant] The dog could not hear and the woman could not see, but together the pair seemed to hear and see more than others could, Jack thought. He raised his hand in farewell and Key whined goodbye. Wait, children, called Caffele. Jack and Annie hurried back to her. The seer reached into the pocket of her dress. Take this, she said.


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[Assistant] Rocks from the mountains of fire before time, said the blind woman. Lava rocks like from volcanoes, Jack wondered aloud. He rubbed his fingers over his stone. What do we do with them? Use them to save the king, said the blind woman. Use them how? Asked Jack. With hope and courage, said Caffel. And?


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[Assistant] Said Jack. With imagination, said the seer. Got it, thanks, said Annie. Jack didn't understand. But what do we do with? Annie, Jack, Guinevere called from the forest. Coming, your majesty, Annie called back. Please hurry, the queen called. Go now, said Caffel.


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[Assistant] We have to go, Jack, said Annie. She grabbed him and pulled him away.


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[Assistant] Bye. Thank you, Caffele. Thanks, Key. She called back to them. Thanks for everything.


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[Assistant] I don't understand, Jack said to Annie. What do we do with these stones? Use our imaginations, said Annie. But how exactly, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Don't worry, we'll figure it out. We have to hurry, come on, said Annie. And she took off running through the forest. Jack looked back at the hut. Caffell and Key had gone inside. Hurry, Jack, called Annie. Darn, said Jack annoyed.


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[Assistant] He crammed his stone into a pocket of his jeans and ran after the others. Jack caught up with everyone at the footbridge. Annie picked up Okie and carried him across the stream. The Queen helped Arthur into the back of the cart. The King trembled as he drank deeply from the leather flask.


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[Assistant] When he finished drinking, Arthur lay back on the hay and closed his eyes. We must hurry, Guinevere said quietly to Jack and Annie, or all will be lost. Yes, your majesty, said Jack. Keep him warm, Annie whispered to Oki.


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[Assistant] She put the puppy next to Arthur and the little dog cuddled against the king again. On to mooneth more, the queen said. Then she hoisted herself into the back of the cart. Jack and Annie climbed onto the driver's bench. Annie picked up the reins. Hike, she said. In the failing light,


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[Assistant] The yoked oxen begin lumbering up the road toward the distant mountain peaks.


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[Assistant] But the oxen kept their slow pace as the cart creaked and bumped over the rough ground.


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[Assistant] How will we ever make it to the mountain? Find the gold dragon and return to the castle before dawn? Jack wondered.


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[Assistant] And what does Caffel expect us to do with the red stones? We need more information, he said to Annie. We should have learned more about the stones. We had to hurry, said Annie.


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[Assistant] I know, but you lack patience, said Jack quoting Caffele.


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[Assistant] Well, you don't act quickly enough, said Annie, and you worry too much. Both of them were silent for a moment. Read the riddle again, said Annie. Jack pulled out his notebook and read, moon so bright. He stopped. Keep going, said Annie. Jack read the next line, mooneth more night. He paused again.


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[Assistant] No, let's discuss each line, said Jack.


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[Assistant] But we know what those lines mean, said Annie. Plus we need to think about the whole riddle.


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[Assistant] Three horsemen in black cloaks were riding across a burnt field, heading toward the road. Oh man.


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[Assistant] Jack's hands shook as he stuffed his notebook into his pack. He looked back at the Queen. Invaders ahead, he said.


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[Assistant] Guinevere nodded and covered the king's face with his ragged cloak. Then she slumped down in the hay beside him.


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[Assistant] And tucked her golden hair under the hood of her own cloak.


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[Assistant] Jack could barely breathe as he and Annie watched the riders leave the field and start galloping down the road toward them.


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[Assistant] Chapter 7. Run for your lives.


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[Assistant] Okey barked furiously at the three men on horseback. Okay, quiet, Jack commanded. Tell them your sister and your parents have a disease, said Annie. What?


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[Assistant] Said Jack. He could barely hear Annie above Okie's barks. Quiet, he said. But the puppy kept barking. I have a terrible disease, Jack, Annie said. Here, take the reins. She pushed them into Jack's hands.


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[Assistant] Then she grabbed his backpack and started digging through it.


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[Assistant] I have a disease, Annie said, keeping her head down. What do you mean? said Jack. Annie said something, but Jack couldn't hear her.


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[Assistant] Oki barked louder as the riders galloped closer and closer.


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[Assistant] As they pulled up in front of the cart, Jack saw that the men had grimy faces, bristly beards, and knotted hair down to their shoulders. Halt, the biggest man ordered.


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[Assistant] He was gripping the reins so tightly his knuckles were white.


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[Assistant] The huge rider glared at him with small mean eyes. Who are you? He snarled. I'm Jack and she's my sister Annie, said Jack. He tried to keep his voice steady. Annie didn't look up. She was still hunched over the backpack. Jack had no idea what she was doing. The rider glanced toward the back of the cart. Who lies there? He asked.


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[Assistant] Tell them about our disease, Annie said, keeping her head down. Uhm, our mother and father, they're sick, said Jack. And my sister, she's sick too. Bad disease, hissed Annie. They all have a bad disease.


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[Assistant] Jack had to shout to be heard above Okie's barking.


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[Assistant] What disease, growled the rider. I'm sorry, what? said Jack.


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[Assistant] What is their bad disease? The man said. Well it, uh, it's Jack Stammered.


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[Assistant] Yellow fever! Annie shouted. She threw off her hood and looked up at the men. Run for your lives!


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[Assistant] Jack nearly fell off the cart. Annie looked terrible. Her face was covered with bright yellow spots. The men pulled back.


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[Assistant] Grunting and growling, they spurred their horses past the cart. The horses broke into a gallop and the thieves thundered away.


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[Assistant] Well, how rude was that? said Annie, laughing.


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[Assistant] What happened to you? cried Jack staring at her.


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[Assistant] Annie held up the yellow marker from Jack's backpack, the one he'd used to highlight the puppy book. Jack burst out laughing too. Oh man, that was quick thinking. Thank you, said Annie. Jack looked back at the king and queen. Arthur had slept through the whole incident. Guinevere was sitting up holding Oki.


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[Assistant] Oki was barking so loudly I could not hear. Where did those men go?


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[Assistant] Annie saved us, Your Majesty, said Jack. She tricked them. I don't think we'll be seeing them again. What did you do, Annie? said the Queen. Annie turned around and grinned. Guinevere cried out in alarm.


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[Assistant] It's okay, said Annie laughing. I just marked my face with this. She held up Jack's highlighter. I told him we all had yellow fever. Oh, oh, said Guinevere. I see. Then she started to laugh too. All right, let's get this show back on the road, said Jack. Their success had lifted his spirits. He shook the reins. Hike!


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[Assistant] The oxen started forward and the queen settled back in the cart.


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[Assistant] Jack pulled his notebook out of his pack and handed it to Annie.


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[Assistant] Read the riddle again, he said. We'll figure it out. Annie read aloud. Moon so bright, mooneth more night. Curtain of white. Curtain of white, Jack broke in.


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[Assistant] That's probably just a white curtain, right? Like a window curtain inside a house?


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[Assistant] Maybe, said Annie, or a curtain in front of a closet. Maybe, said Jack. Keep reading. Annie read more. Hides from sight. Wait, said Jack. Does that mean the curtain hides from sight? So it's a hidden curtain?


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[Assistant] Maybe, said Annie, or maybe the curtain is hiding something else. Yes, said Jack. That makes more sense. Keep reading. Annie read on. Magic for flight.


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[Assistant] Do you think magic for flight is what the curtain is hiding?


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[Assistant] Yes, said Jack again. I'll bet the robbers hid the gold dragon behind a white curtain. That's it, said Annie. But I wonder where they are, said Jack. Who, the robbers? asked Annie. Yeah, said Jack. What if we run into them when we find the place with the curtain?


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[Assistant] Well, we could try the yellow marker trick again, said Annie. But if it's night time, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Hmm, maybe not, said Annie. Let's just find the white curtain first. Okay, said Jack, read the last lines. Annie read aloud. Before dawn's light or lose the fight. That means we have to hurry, said Jack. Yep, said Annie, hurry.


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[Assistant] Dark clouds covered the sky as the cart creaked and rattled over the weedy path. The air was heavy with impending rain. Jack glanced back at the king and queen.


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[Assistant] The king was shivering as Guinevere wiped his forehead with a cloth. The queen looked up and caught Jack's gaze.


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[Assistant] No matter how great the struggle, he and his knights never give up. They keep going, without food and rest, through wind and hail and freezing cold. We do that too, said Annie. We never give up, said Jack, sitting a little straighter. Thank you, Jack and Annie, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] The oxen pull the cart past deserted farms, thatched huts and clusters of orchards.


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[Assistant] As they traveled farther across the countryside, there were fewer and fewer trees.


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[Assistant] Just before sunset, they came to an open plain that stretched from the base of a mountain. There was no road or path to follow.


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[Assistant] Your Majesty, could this be the moorlands at the foot of Moonethmoor that Cafell talked about? asked Annie. Yes, it could be, said Guinevere. So we keep going, said Jack. Hike! The oxen started across the moorlands.


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[Assistant] Riding over this grubby land toward the mountains, Jack searched for any sign of a human settlement.


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[Assistant] The wind blew harder and a thin drizzle started to fall. Jack pulled off his cloak and held it out to the Queen. Your Majesty, please give this to King Arthur, he said. Thank you.


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[Assistant] Guinevere took Jack's cloak and covered the sleeping king in oaky. Annie pulled her cloak off too. And for you, your majesty, she said. No Annie, you must keep yourself warm, said Guinevere. Please take it, said Annie. I'm fine, really.


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[Assistant] Your majesty, can you tell us about the Isle of Avalon? asked Annie. I have never been there, Annie, said Guinevere.


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[Assistant] But Arthur has. He tells me it is a large island in a vast hidden lake surrounded by mountains.


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[Assistant] It is covered with green pastures and groves of apple trees.


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[Assistant] Apple trees? said Jack, shivering in the gloomy rain.


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[Assistant] In truth, Avalon means apples, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] But the isle has trees of all kinds, as well as flowers, birds, butterflies, and animals, both magical and real. Okie barked.


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[Assistant] Yes, like you, the queen said smiling at the puppy.


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[Assistant] Arthur says that swans pull boats and mermaids swim in the lake. Mermaids exclaimed Annie. Really? Yes.


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[Assistant] And Avalon has sunshine and gentle breezes and clear starry nights all year long and the air smells of lilac and lavender, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] As she spoke her words seemed to soothe the elements. The rain clouds passed, the wind died down, and the air grew warmer.


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[Assistant] Our most beautiful dreams and happiest thoughts come from Avalon, said Guinevere. There is singing and poetry and play-acting, dancing and games and running and swimming.


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[Assistant] The Queen's story was interrupted by a sudden jolt.


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[Assistant] The cart jerked forward violently, and Jack and Annie were thrown from the bench onto the wet grass.


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[Assistant] The oxen bellowed. Okie barked wildly. Jack, Annie! Guinevere cried.


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[Assistant] As she climbed out of the back of the cart, Okie was barking, but King Arthur slept on.


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[Assistant] Yes, your majesty, Annie said, standing up with Jack. The rope snapped in two, said Jack. I see, said the Queen.


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[Assistant] The wooden pole that had been lashed to the oxen's yoke had fallen to the ground. The rope was frayed and broken. The oxen were no longer connected to the cart. Can we fix it? Annie asked, hopefully. No, I fear not, the queen said, holding the pieces of the rope. She took a deep breath. Nothing can be fixed now.


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[Assistant] Even if we get to Moonethmoor and find the gold dragon statue, we will never get back to Camelot's Garden by dawn. Oh, said Annie. No one said anything for a moment. Finally Jack broke the silence. We never give up, he said. We have to do something. Like what, said Annie. We'll have to walk, said Jack.


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[Assistant] The king cannot walk, Jack, said the queen. He is too weak. Then we'll pull him in the cart, said Jack.


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[Assistant] The pole is still attached. Annie and I can pick it up and pull the cart to Moonethmore. Sure, said Annie. It's not that far. We're almost there. We can do it. Guinevere took a deep breath. Yes, she said. Thank you, children. I will pull too.


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[Assistant] Should we take the yoke off the oxen first? Annie asked. Maybe they'll return home on their own. Yes, of course, said the queen.


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[Assistant] With Guinevere's help, Jack and Annie lifted the heavy yoke from the necks of the two oxen and set it on the ground. Go home, you're free, Jack said. Neither ox moved. Go back home to Camelot.


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[Assistant] Said Annie, that's what we need you to do now. Don't worry about us. The heavy animal snorted.


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[Assistant] Then they both began lumbering back across the moor.


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[Assistant] Good job, bye guys, thanks. And he called after them. Come on, let's get going, said Jack. He picked up his pack.


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[Assistant] As he placed it in the back of the cart, he saw that the king was still sleeping in the hay under his cloak. Okie was lying on the king's chest. Good dog, stay with him, Jack whispered. Jack hurried to Annie and Guinevere. Ready, he said. Ready, they both answered. Jack and Annie stood at one end of the pole, and Guinevere stood at the other. Okay, team, said Jack. Grab and lift.


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[Assistant] All of them wrapped their arms around the wooden pole. Heave, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Puffing and panting, they lifted the pole off the ground. Onward, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Annie and Guinevere pulled from the front. The cart rocked forward, then slipped back. Jack pushed as hard as he could.


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[Assistant] Finally the wheels creaked and moaned and the cart began rolling over the ground. Yay, keep going, called Annie.


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[Assistant] Keep going, echoed in Jack's mind as he pushed the cart across the moor.


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[Assistant] Even the squeak of the wheel seemed to say, keep going, keep going.


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[Assistant] Jack kept pushing while Annie and Guinevere kept pulling until at last the cart rolled to a stop at the foot of the mountains. We're here, Jack said panting.


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[Assistant] He ran to the front of the cart and helped Annie and Guinevere lower the pole to the ground.


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[Assistant] And they all looked up at moonethmore, looming overhead.


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[Assistant] A stream of moonlit water splashed over the ridges of the mountainside.


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[Assistant] The shimmering white waterfall spilled into a pool and then coursed down a narrow stream bed.


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[Assistant] Except for the soft rushing sound of the water, the night was still. Are we in Avalon? A deep voice rasped. King Arthur was sitting up in the hay. The queen hurried to him. We are very close, she said. Help, help me down, he said. As Guinevere helped Arthur from the back of the cart, Annie put Oki on the ground.


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[Assistant] Then she turned to Jack. We have to solve Caffel's riddle now, she said.


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[Assistant] Jack pulled his notebook out of his backpack and turned to the riddle. There's not enough light, he said. Don't worry, we can remember, said Annie. Moon so bright, mooneth more night. Then curtain of white hides from sight, said Jack. Yes, magic for flight, said Annie. Got it, said Jack. He repeated the whole riddle.


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[Assistant] Moon so bright, mooneth more night. Curtain of white, hides from sight. Magic for flight, before dawn's light, or lose the fight.


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[Assistant] The moon is bright and we're at moon is more, said Annie. So where's the curtain? They looked around at the barren landscape. That's the big question, said Jack. Hey, look at that waterfall, said Annie. Doesn't it kind of look like a curtain? Jack stared at the sparkling torrent flowing over the side of the mountain. It did look like a curtain, he thought. Yes.


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[Assistant] A curtain of white, Jack said. Hides from sight, said Annie. The waterfall's hiding something. Magic for flight, said Jack. The gold dragon statue, said Annie. Behind the waterfall, said Jack. That's the hidden place, said Annie. Yes, said Jack. He turned to the king and queen.


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[Assistant] The gold dragon is somewhere behind that waterfall, he said.


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[Assistant] We're going to check it out. You guys stay here," Annie said to the Queen. I mean, Your Majesty, stay here. Guinevere smiled. Pray be careful, she said. We will, said Annie.


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[Assistant] As she and Jack started toward the waterfall, Okie ran along beside them. No, go back, Jack commanded. Okie barked at him. Let's just put him in your bag, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She picked up the puppy and lowered him into Jack's backpack. There you go. Come on, said Jack. And they headed toward the shimmering curtain of white.


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[Assistant] Wait, I need to wash off the yellow marks, said Annie.


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[Assistant] She ran to the stream bed and splashed water on her face. When she finished, she hurried back to Jack. All set, she said.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie climbed up to a rocky ledge and gazed at the cascade. Okie sneezed in Jack's pack. Hang in there, buddy, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Okay, see that rock formation jutting out? See how the water shoots over it and then splashes down on the rocks below?


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[Assistant] It looks like there's an opening of some kind behind the waterfall, doesn't it? Yes, Annie said. Let's go.


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[Assistant] Jack followed Annie over the wet rocks to the waterfall.


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[Assistant] In the moonlight he could barely make out a hollow space in the cliff behind it. That looks like a cave, said Annie.


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[Assistant] A cave that hides from sight behind a curtain of white, said Jack. Yep, yep, Ogie popped his head out of Jack's backpack.


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[Assistant] The little dog kept barking as Jack and Annie slipped behind the waterfall and made their way inside the cave.


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[Assistant] The air in the cramped cave smelled of wet rocks and mold.


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[Assistant] Jack had to bend down to keep his head from hitting the ceiling, and Okie tumbled out of his backpack. Before Jack could catch him, the puppy dashed off. Okie, cried Annie. Yep, yep. Okie's barking came from deep within the cave. We're coming, called Annie.


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[Assistant] She and Jack move their hands along the cave wall to guide their way.


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[Assistant] As they followed the sound of Okie's barks and whines, the cave became more like a tunnel.


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[Assistant] The ceiling was so low that Annie and Jack had to get on their hands and knees and crawl in the blackness toward Okie's cries.


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[Assistant] Suddenly Jack heard a flapping and squeaking off to the side. Watch out for bats, he called. Yikes.


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[Assistant] You think spiders could be in here too? said Annie. Probably yes, said Jack. No, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Keep going, said Jack, just keep your head down. Close by, Okie yelped furiously. Jack felled around blindly for the puppy.


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[Assistant] But instead of fur, his hand touched a cold, smooth object.


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[Assistant] He quickly drew back, afraid he might have touched a snake or some other creature. Gotcha, said Annie. I got Okie. Good, said Jack. Hey, there's something else here, said Annie. What, said Jack. It's heavy, but it feels like a plate, said Annie. Actually, I felt something too, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Oh wow. It's too heavy to lift with one hand.


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[Assistant] Where is it? said Jack, reaching toward the sound of Annie's voice. Here.


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[Assistant] Said Annie, she guided his hand to the object. When Jack tried to pick the object up, he almost dropped it.


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[Assistant] It was very heavy. Jack ran his fingers over its surface. Is that a head? A snout, he wondered. Wings? Claws? Oh man, we found it, he whispered. The dragon? Asked Annie.


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[Assistant] Yes, I think so, said Jack. Let's get it outside. Okay, I'll karaoke, said Annie. Jack stuffed the heavy object in his backpack.


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[Assistant] Crawling and then crouching, he and Annie made their way back through the cave until they came to the entrance. The waterfall showered them with spray as they climbed over the rocks to the ground. Jack set down his backpack and pulled out the object. In the moonlight, the ninth dragon was magnificent.


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[Assistant] And its eyes seemed to be gazing into the far distant hills. Her majesty's, Annie called. We found the ninth dragon. She put Okie on the ground.


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[Assistant] There they are, said Annie pointing to a cluster of rocks.


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[Assistant] Guinevere was kneeling on the grass, holding Arthur in her arms. Okie whined and pawed the ground.


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[Assistant] We found it! Jack shouted as he and Annie ran to them.


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[Assistant] Jack placed the gold dragon statue next to Arthur. See, we found the ninth dragon, he said. But Arthur and Guinevere were both still. What, what's wrong? Said Annie. The king is dying, the queen said in a hollow voice. Okie let out a howl. He can't be, said Jack. Not now.


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[Assistant] What about the water? The healing water from Avalon? Wait!


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[Assistant] Jack ran to the cart and grabbed the leather flask and brought it back to the queen. There is no more, said Guinevere. Jack turned the leather flask upside down, not a drop of the healing water was left. Listen, said Annie. Jack heard a faint whinnying sound and the thunder of horse hooves peering across the moonlit moor.


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[Assistant] He saw riders in the distance galloping toward them. The robbers, said Guinevere. No, said Annie. They're coming back for their treasure, said the queen. Jack started to tremble. The king was dying, the enemy was coming. There is no hope, Guinevere said softly. Jack took a deep breath. Yes, there is, he said.


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[Assistant] There's hope. There is, said Annie. Yes, we can save the king, said Jack. We can, said Annie. Yes, we have to keep going, said Jack. The thundering of the horse's hooves grew louder. Keep going how, said Annie. We just have to keep going, said Jack. We have to do the next right thing.


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[Assistant] But what's that? What's the next right thing? said Annie. I don't know, said Jack. Wait a minute, said Annie. I just remembered. Our stones from Caffele. Yes, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He and Annie reached into their pockets and pulled out the red stones. Well, what do we do with them? Jack said.


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[Assistant] We use them with hope and strength and imagination, said Annie. That's what Caffele told us to do.


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[Assistant] Jack clasped his stone. He stared at the dragon statue and tried to feel hopeful and strong and use his imagination. Long live King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, he said.


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[Assistant] Long live goodness and kindness said Annie. And courage said Jack. And patience said Annie. And never giving up said Jack.


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[Assistant] As Jack and Annie shouted their words, the gold dragon began to glow as if it were lit from within.


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[Assistant] It glowed brighter and brighter and grew warmer and warmer.


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[Assistant] The statue glowed so brightly that it looked like it was on fire. Long live Camelot, said Jack, and Morgan's library and all the books.


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[Assistant] Long live the castle gardens and flowers, said Annie, and the great hall and music. Long live myths and legends, shouted Jack, from all times and places. Jack heard thunder, but it wasn't the thunder of horse hooves.


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[Assistant] Jack felt trembling, but it wasn't the trembling of his body. The rumbling and quaking came from the statue. The very air around the gold dragon quivered.


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[Assistant] Long live Morgan and Merlin and Teddy and Kathleen, shouted Jack.


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[Assistant] And all the knights and ladies and children and horses and oxen of Camelot, said Annie. Long live Annie, said Jack.


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[Assistant] Cracking. Screaming sounds rocked the night.


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[Assistant] A mighty explosion and a great blast shook the earth.


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[Assistant] With a thunderous roll, a billowing cloud erupted from the top of Moonethmoor.


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[Assistant] The cloud burst into flame and with a deafening roar, a gigantic fire red dragon rose from the flame and seemed to spread its wings over the world.


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[Assistant] It's horns and claws and scaly skin flashed in the moonlight.


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[Assistant] It's open, bat-like wings begin moving against the night sky, sweeping back and forth, back and forth. Jack, Annie, Okie, and Guinevere


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[Assistant] In a flash of fire and smoke, a portal opened before them. Colors swirled. Red, black, yellow, and green.


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[Assistant] Flying stags, gossamer-winged fairies, one-eyed ice wizards, spider queens, raven kings, water horses, wolf shadows, sea serpents, snow giants, and fallen knights all flew by, ghostly and real at the same time. And then nothing, nothing at all, only darkness. Annie's voice broke through the black silence. Jack, Jack, she said.


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[Assistant] Still clasping the redstone Caffel had given him.


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[Assistant] Annie sat beside him, and Guinevere and Arthur lay nearby. Jack heard water splashing.


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[Assistant] It sounded as if fish were jumping, but when he sat up he couldn't see anything through a golden mist that was rising from a lake. The breeze was soft and smelled of lavender and lilac. What happened? He said. We were pulled into the portal, and it brought us to Avalon, said Annie. Yep. Okie popped up beside her. Right, Okie?


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[Assistant] Annie asked, I believe you are right, answered the queen. Jack and Annie turned around. Guinevere was sitting up.


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[Assistant] Her golden hair tumbling around her shoulders. She looked dazed but happy. How are you both? She said. I think we're good, said Annie. All good, said Jack. He slipped the red stone back into his pocket. Guinevere smiled at them.


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[Assistant] And she reached out and tenderly touched the king's shoulder. Wake my lord, she said.


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[Assistant] King Arthur opened his eyes and stared up at the pale sky.


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[Assistant] Oki scampered over the grass and licked the king's cheek. Arthur laughed softly and stroked the puppy's fur. Where's the dragon, said Jack? You're sitting beside him, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Jack looked down and saw the gold statue shining in the dewy grass.


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[Assistant] When he wrapped his hand around it, the statue was still warm.


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[Assistant] What about the giant living, breathing dragon? He asked. I don't know, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Everyone saw a giant dragon, right? said Jack. It wasn't just me? Yes, I saw it, said Guinevere. And I, said the king sitting up. Arthur's voice was hoarse, but his eyes were clear. Color had returned to his face.


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[Assistant] Oh wow, your majesty, are you going to be okay now? asked Annie. The king took a deep breath.


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[Assistant] Yes Annie, I believe my wound has already begun to heal. I'm really glad, Annie said. Me too, said Jack. Suddenly Okie let out a yelp.


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[Assistant] Then the puppy dashed to the shore of the lake and barked wildly.


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[Assistant] Hi, beautiful singing was coming from across the mist-covered water. Who's singing? Jack asked. Mermaids, said the king. Mermaids, said Annie. Jack just smiled.


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[Assistant] In this strange new world nothing seemed impossible. Look, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Slowly, a cinnamon colored boat with a white sail glided out of the haze.


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[Assistant] At the helm of the boat was a tall bearded man in a blue robe. A small penguin stood beside him. Merlin, Penny, breathed Annie. She and Jack jumped up and ran to the edge of the water.


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[Assistant] When Merlin saw Jack and Annie, his eyes grew wide with astonishment. Peep, chirped Penny. Greetings, called Jack. Greetings indeed, said the magician. How on earth do you children come to be here in Avalon? Magic, said Annie. Merlin landed the small sailboat, and he and Penny came ashore. Okie rushed forward and nuzzled the baby penguin's fuzzy head.


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[Assistant] Penny flapped her wings and made squeaking sounds as if she was giggling. New friends, Guinevere said.


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[Assistant] Merlin cried out in amazement when he saw the king and queen walking toward him. Your majesties, said the magician. What has happened? Why are you all here in Avalon? Soon after you left Camelot.


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[Assistant] Word came of enemy forces in the east, said the king.


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[Assistant] As he began telling Merlin the story of the invaders,


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[Assistant] A snow white unicorn pranced out of the golden haze. Teddy and Kathleen were on its back. Tyanthus! Annie cried. Teddy, Kathleen!


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[Assistant] Hi! yelled Jack, and he and Annie ran away from the shore to greet their friends.


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[Assistant] The young enchanters jumped off the unicorn and threw their arms around them.


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[Assistant] Oki yapped and leapt joyfully around Dianthus. Hi Dianthus, we missed you, said Annie. She lifted Oki up to the unicorn.


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[Assistant] Dianthus sniffed the puppy and Ogey licked him.


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[Assistant] Why have you come here? asked Kathleen. King Arthur was wounded, said Jack. Wounded? Badly? Teddy asked. Yes, but he's better now, said Jack. See?


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[Assistant] They look back at the king and queen who were talking with Merlin near the lake.


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[Assistant] And we hope Morgan can make him even better, said Annie. That's why we came here. Where is Morgan? asked Jack. Teddy peered into the mist.


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[Assistant] She's there, he said, pointing toward the water.


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[Assistant] Morgan le Fay was emerging from the mist in a small boat pulled by a flock of swans. Morgan, look who's here, called Teddy. Jack and Annie waved at the enchantress. Hi, Morgan, Annie called. Morgan looked bewildered to see them.


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[Assistant] Carrying Okie in her arms, Annie ran to Morgan. Jack followed. They told her the whole story.


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[Assistant] From Oakey finding the treehouse in the Frog Creek woods to coming to Avalon through the dragon's portal. Astonishing, said Morgan when they finished. And the king and queen are here too? Yes, there! Annie pointed farther down the shore, where Merlin was still talking with the royal couple. Morgan crossed to King Arthur.


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[Assistant] Welcome back to the Isle of Avalon, your majesty, she said. The king smiled and nodded.


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[Assistant] The enchantress gazed at him for a long moment, then put her hand on his chest and closed her eyes. Finally she smiled and looked at him again.


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[Assistant] You will soon be completely healed, she said.


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[Assistant] But you and the Queen must remain here for a short while until you are restored to your strongest self. Thank you, Morgan, said Guinevere. And Jack and Annie, may they stay in Avalon with us?


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[Assistant] I fear they must return to Camelot, said Merlin, stepping forward. Tonight will be the last night of the full moon.


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[Assistant] Before the sun rises on Camelot tomorrow, they must restore the gold dragon to its rightful place in the garden, or its power will be lost forever.


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[Assistant] But the dragon is not in its place now, said Teddy. So how can they return if we cannot?


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[Assistant] I imagine they will return in the same fashion that they have traveled here, said Morgan, with their own special magic. Oh, said Jack.


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[Assistant] He felt in his pocket for the piece of volcanic rock. With kafel stones? Morgan smiled and nodded.


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[Assistant] Yes, I am certain that the magic stones, along with your words of strength and hope, will again call forth the dragon's power to open the portal.


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[Assistant] When I see Kavel in Camelot, I will tell her of your courage. And I will tell her that you saved my life, King Arthur said.


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[Assistant] We shall be grateful to you both forever, said Queen Guinevere.


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[Assistant] Please tell my knights I will return soon, said King Arthur, and together we will restore the kingdom. Yes, your majesty, said Jack. It is time, said Merlin. Everyone grew quiet.


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[Assistant] Annie and Jack took the red stones from their pockets. Annie held Okie and Jack picked up the heavy statue of the ninth dragon. Then with all his heart and all his good feelings for their friends, Jack whispered, Long live Camelot. Long live Camelot, echoed Annie.


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[Assistant] Grasping their stones, Jack and Annie whispered these words over and over with hope and strength.


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[Assistant] Until the air crackled and a rushing wind bent the trees.


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[Assistant] Clouds billowed and spun into swirling white masses, then changed their colors from white to pink to red.


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[Assistant] And then from the churning crimson sky the ninth dragon took shape and spread its great wings in a rush of air and burst of light.


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[Assistant] Jack and Annie and Okie were lifted off the Isle of Avalon and returned to the Castle of Camelot.


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[Assistant] Chapter 11. Back to the Garden.


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[Assistant] In the first light of dawn, he could see the tangles of vines and flowers, the fish pond and the stone wall. They were back in Morgan Le Fay's secret garden.


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[Assistant] Oki leapt from Annie's arms and scurried among the patches of ivy, wild grasses, and shrubs, yapping and yipping at the dragons made of glass and granite, marble, clay, bronze, silver, and seashells.


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[Assistant] The ninth dragon goes behind those yellow rose bushes, said Annie. Right, said Jack, and let's leave Caffel's magic stones there, too.


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[Assistant] Then he and Annie set Kafele's stones at its feet.


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[Assistant] The dragon glistened and shone as it caught the light of the rising sun. Goodbye, Jack whispered. Long live Camelot, said Annie. Yep, said Okie. Let's go, said Jack. And the three of them left Morgan's garden.


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[Assistant] They walked through the library and down the musty hallway, down the steep steps and through the rocky passage to the outer courtyard.


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[Assistant] Sir Limerack and Sir Tristan were standing by the entrance gate.


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[Assistant] Hello, sirs. Annie called from behind them. The night's whirled around.


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[Assistant] When they saw Jack and Annie, they lowered their lances. Ho!


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[Assistant] How did you get inside? stammered Sir Lamorak. Where are the king and queen? said Sir Tristan. They're safe in Avalon, said Jack. What happened? said Sir Lamorak. It's a long story, said Annie.


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[Assistant] But just know that the king will be completely well soon, and when he is, he and Guinevere will come back to the castle.


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[Assistant] And the king said to tell you that he'll work with his knights in all his subjects to restore order to the kingdom, said Jack. The two knights shook their heads in wonder. Bye for now, said Annie. Hold down the fort.


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[Assistant] Jack, Annie, and Okie headed out the castle entrance gate and started through the hay field. They ran over the dry grass, then pushed their way through the tall wheat stalks waving in the wind.


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[Assistant] From the field they headed into the shadowy forest, and Okie led the way around the ancient oaks until they came to the magic treehouse. Let's go, buddy, said Jack. He lifted the puppy and put him into his pack. Then he and Annie headed up the rope ladder.


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[Assistant] When they climbed into the tree house Annie grabbed the Pennsylvania book and pointed at a picture of Frog Creek. I wish we could go there, she said.


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[Assistant] The wind started to blow. The treehouse started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.


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[Assistant] No time had passed in the Frog Creek woods. The wind shook the tree leaves. Yep. Okie popped his head out of Jack's pack. We're home, said Annie. Home sweet home, said Jack. Right, little buddy? Yep.


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[Assistant] Jack climbed down the rope ladder, and Annie followed. Then they started through the Frog Creek woods. Should we put Okie on the ground? said Annie. Nope, keep him in the pack, said Jack. All the way to the dog park? asked Annie.


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[Assistant] Dog park? Are you serious? said Jack. You still wouldn't go to the dog park? Aren't you worn out? No, not really, said Annie. Really not really, said Jack. Really not really, said Annie.


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[Assistant] Oh, he just led us to the magic tree house. And then we took a little journey to Camelot's secret garden.


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[Assistant] Met a blind seer, scared away robbers, hauled a broken cart across a moor,


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[Assistant] Solved a riddle, explored a hidden cave, found a stolen statue, faced a dragon bigger than a mountain, landed on the Isle of Avalon, saw a unicorn, heard some mermaids, and used magic stones to take the gold dragon back to the garden to help the king and queen and our Camelot friends return to the castle. She shrugged, and then we came home to Frog Creek. Jack nodded, okay.


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[Assistant] What you're saying is Okie just took us on a little detour on our way to the dog park. That's what I'm saying, said Annie. So, do you want to go there now?


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[Assistant] Sure, why not? said Jack as they headed out of the woods. And let's stop by the pet store.


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[Assistant] We hope you have enjoyed this unabridged production of Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions, book number 27, Night of the Ninth Dragon. This program was directed by Lewis Melgram, executive producer Orly Moskowitz. Text copyright 2016 by Mary Pope Osborne. Production copyright 2016, Penguin Random House LLC.


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[Assistant] Once upon a time, in the beautiful streets of Granada, there was but a single chatter heard.


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[Assistant] And I have boilers all over my beautiful face? No can do, father.


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[Assistant] I have actually decided to never get married.


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[Assistant] I will live with you for the rest of my life. Oh, I love you father.


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[Assistant] The women in Granada would rather stay single for the rest of their lives than take the test to marry the king.


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[Assistant] The fear of boils didn't stop there. Some women were reported to have stopped using spoons. With the fear to even mistakenly see their reflection.


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[Assistant] That day, when the shepherdess was to be brought to the palace, was the most awaited in Grenada.


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[Assistant] Those blue eyes and fair skin of the shepherdess looked absolutely flawless in the reflection. She stepped away to look at the king, only to find him staring lovingly at her.