"The king would like you to make peace with the wood elves. Vixa will be your guide."
"What's the trouble with the wood elves?" Evan asked.
"They have waged war against us."
Vixa placed her hand on her sword. "The elves feel we have taken their land. They attack
our traders as punishment."
"Well, did you?" Evan asked.
"Did we what?" Tannis said.
"Did you take their land?"
"We cut down a few trees," Tannis said. "The wood elves think all forests belong to them. And their allies, the dwarves, try to claim our underground mines as their own. That's why we've had to bring in the trolls to oversee their work. The Kingdom of Bissel needs resources to prosper. We cannot be distracted by jealous creatures."
"I'm more confused than ever," Cleo whispered.
Evan hushed her.
"This war needs to end," Vixa said, "especially with rumor of the Golden Dragon awakening."
"The Golden Dragon?" Evan asked.
"Have you never heard of the Golden Dragon?" Vixa looked shocked. "She's the most fearsome beast the land has ever seen. Larger than a mountain. Fiery breath that can melt solid stone."
"Standing together, there is a chance we may defeat the dragon," Tannis said. "If we remain divided, we are all doomed."
"Doomed is bad," Cleo said.
"We must travel across the plains, through a mountain pass, and into the dark forest," Vixa said.
Cleo brightened. "That seems okay."
"The journey will be filled with foul beasts," Tannis added.
"Ew," Evan said.
"This should be a simple matter for a clever rogue and a powerful wizard," Vixa said. The glowing gem on her headband dimmed for a moment and she blinked her eyes.
Tannis waved his hand and the gem glowed brightly again.
"You must meet with the queen of the wood elves," Tannis said. "Offer her peace if she will join us. It is the only way we'll defeat the Golden Dragon and save both our kingdoms."
The king moaned and Tannis murmured in his ear. "Now, go," Tannis said. "There's no time to lose."

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Excerpted from The Wizard's War by Eric Luper
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.