Missing

Minestus had not expected Astra to black out. He reassured himself that he was still in control of events. Checkers could do little with the book locked. The dragon thought, "The Glider's services, at least as regards being a part of our little band 'hunting the dragon,' are no longer desired. She is a bad influence on Astra. I shall have to arrange her death, but in such a way as to cast the blame on the dragon. Of course, if I can imprison her, under strict control, she still may be of use on my little translation project. Although I could just grab one of her countrymen and put him to work, they have the rather annoying habit of dying when separated from other Gliders. But with or without her, time is on my side when it comes to unlocking the secrets of the book."

Minestus walked briskly toward the room with the book. Within three minutes, the caverns widened, and he could comfortably change into his native form. He was now a dragon. He could see better - and what he saw did not please him. Both Checkers and Astra were gone!

The tap that he had placed in Astra was not giving him information; either she was still blacked out, or it was somehow removed. The Glider would not have been able to carry Astra far. Even if Astra had revived, it would still take several minutes for them to get to the cave mouth and freedom. And the oath still bound Astra. She probably was still blacked out.

Minestus's eyes then turned toward the book. Had Checkers found the secret to unlocking it? He breathed a non-fiery breath across the surface of the book.

1. The pages turned.
2. The pages stayed fast.

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