The Inner Kingdom: Quest One (Dragon Quest Book 1) (15 page)

“If what he says is true, I don’t feel like being turned into a human ping-pong ball again,” Angie laughed as we stood and watched the portal vanish before our eyes.

“Does this mean you are going to stay on this wretched planet?” Leo teased.

“Well, with us here, it will make this place a lot cooler,” Angie replied.

From where I was standing, I saw something reflecting the rays of the suns inside the tree. “Angie, Ashley your things are still here!” I exclaimed excitedly, happy that not everything was gone that linked us to our home.

Angie and Ashley rushed underneath the tree, pulling out their long forgotten backpacks and coats.

“What is that?” Leo asked, coming closer to inspect the small black flip-phone Angie held in her hands.

“I never thought I would be so happy to see this ancient thing,” Ashley smiled while kissing the phone.

Our parents were very cheap; the only phone they would consider forking up any money for was one that we could only use to text and make calls with.

“April, Ashley you will not believe this,” Angie murmured now staring at the illuminated screen of her phone.

“What is it? You have a bar? Ashley said sarcastically walking toward Angie.

“No, but I do have a message.”

“From who?”

“Mom and Dad.”

“That can’t be. Let me see,” Ashley demanded, trying to snatch the phone away.

“I’ll just read it,” Angie announced, with a quiver in her voice. “Dear, my precious girls. If you are currently still in Eupai, and are reading this message, then I see that you have made your decision. I know you have already been informed about our true identities, but please consider that all we have done, was to protect you because we love you. I know you have many questions for Machen and myself, but right now we are wanted for treason, and it is not safe for us to explain to you our reasons. Be safe, and we will meet again real soon. Yours Truly, Nanina and Machen. P.S. Happy Birthday.