There was so much food on the dining room table! Roast chicken. Potatoes. Carrots. Bread. Cheese. It was more food than Drake had seen in his life.

"Pass the potatoes, please," Drake said.

Griffith pointed to the plate of potatoes. Sparks flew from his finger.

As the plate floated over to Drake, he forgot all about wanting to go home. He stabbed a potato with his fork.

"Is every supper like this?" Drake asked Bo.

Bo nodded. "Yes, there is always a great deal of good food," he said. "But sometimes I miss my mother's soup."

"Is your home kingdom far away?" Drake asked.

"Very far," said Bo. "I come from the east - the kingdom of Emperor Song."

“And I come from the south," added Ana. "It is warm there. Not cold and damp like it is here."

"Well, I am proud to be from this kingdom," Rori said. "My father is a blacksmith. He makes the best horseshoes in our village."

Drake missed home. He turned to Griffith.

"Is there a way I can let my family know I'm okay?" Drake asked.

The wizard nodded. "You may send them a note." He waved to one of the servants. "Please bring this boy paper and a quill."

A servant gave Drake paper, a small pot of ink, and a feather. Drake's cheeks turned red

"What?" Rori asked. "Haven't you seen paper before?"

Drake looked down at his plate. "I worked in the fields at home," he said. "I never went to school. I know how to read. But we never had paper. Or quills. So I don't know how to write."

Rori started to say something, but Griffith gave her a hard look. Bo picked up the quill.

"I will write the note for you," he said "Thanks," Drake said. Then he told Bo what to write.

Dear Mother,

I am safe so please do not worry. Everything is new and exciting. The king is keeping me well fed. My new friend Bo helped me write this letter.

Love,

Drake

Drake did not say anything about dragons. He thought that might scare his mother.

The servant took the note away.

Drake yawned. "So, where do we sleep?"

"We have rooms in the tower," Bo said. "You will be in my room."

Drake smiled. "Good." At least he had one new friend here.

Suddenly, a soldier stomped into the room.

"All rise for King Roland the Bold!" he said.”