As they approached Solara's palace, the massive gates loomed before them, guarded by imposing flame dragons. Reef and Splash exchanged a glance, knowing they had to think quickly.
"Let's try to blend in," Reef whispered. "Act like we belong here."
Splash nodded, trying to look confident. They walked towards the gates, attempting to appear casual. One of the guards, a fierce-looking dragon with orange scales, narrowed his eyes at them.
"State your business," the guard growled.
Reef cleared his throat. "We're here to see Solara. We have urgent news regarding the Dragon's Heart."
The guard gave a puzzled look. And looked at the other guard, who was just as puzzled. The guards looked back at Reef and Splash. Isn't it a wind or cloud dragon's duty to deliver the news?"
At that moment, Nimbus the cloud dragon, landed beside Reef and Splash.
"Well yes. But you see, my friend and I are in a race with the messenger," Splash said.
The guards looked at Nimbus. Nimbus chuckled, already understanding Splash and Reef's wishes and motives. "I see you got to the gates before me. But can you get to her majesty before me as well?"
With a wave of his wing, the guards stepped aside, allowing Nimbus, Splash and Reef to race inside. Once inside, the three stood at the entrance.
"Thank you," said Reef.
"I wish you great luck on your quest," said Nimbus. "But I have a feeling those travelers won't enjoy your presence after your betrayal."
Reef and Splash exchanged a guilty look. "We know," Reef said softly. "But we have to make things right. It's our only chance to prove we're not all bad."
Nimbus nodded thoughtfully. "Then go. You have much to do and not much time. I will keep Solara occupied for as long as I can."
Reef and Splash hurried deeper into the palace, their eyes scanning every corridor for signs of the travelers. The grandeur of Solara's palace was awe-inspiring, with its high ceilings adorned with intricate murals of dragons and precious gems embedded in the walls.
As they passed by a large room, they overheard a familiar voice. "You think running off and putting yourself in danger is the way to gain my attention? I've always told you that your place is here, under the guards' watch."
Reef and Splash peered inside and saw Solara talking to Tiny Wings. They had to save her and the others.
"We have to be careful," Reef whispered. "Let's find the others first."
They continued their search, moving stealthily through the palace until they reached the dungeon. The sight of the travelers in separate cells, looking dejected and exhausted, broke their hearts.
"Splash! Reef!" Cole's voice was a mix of surprise and relief. "You're here!"
Aurora's eyes narrowed. "Why should we trust you?"
Splash stepped forward, his voice sincere. "We messed up, big time. But we want to make it right. We're here to get you out and stop the Crimson Fang leader."
"If you can get us out, maybe we can work together," said Frostbite.
Reef nodded. "We have to hurry. Solara could come back any minute.
Using the keys they found on a nearby hook, they quickly unlocked the cells. One by one, the travelers stepped out, stretching their cramped limbs.
"We need to find Tiny Wings," Moss said urgently.
"She's with Solara," Splash said. "We overheard them talking. We need a distraction."
That's when the messenger dragons become your greatest allies," a voice said.
The group looked at another cell where a tidewalker was being held. The tidewalker scratched one of his claws against the wall, marking another day of being in his cell. "Name's Coral. Those messenger dragons can be a distraction. Especially when they're delivering the news."
"What are you in for?" Frostbite asked.
"She put me in here for drinking her nectar," Coral answered.
"Your in...for drinking nectar?" Shadow asked in disbelief.
"Her majesty loves her nectar," said Coral, shrugging. "Anyways, I know this place inside and out, and I know the guard patterns. If a messenger dragon, or dragons, is here and can distract her for long enough, we should be able to rescue my tiny princess."
"*Your* tiny princess?" Cole asked in disbelief.
"Coral is Tiny Wings' father," said Moss.
"Oh. Well, Reef and I came in with a cloud dragon," said Splash.
"Probably Nimbus. You're lucky. His talent of shifting into different shaped clouds is very entertaining to Solara." said Coral, "He should be able to buy us some time."
Reef and Splash exchanged hopeful looks. "Then let's get Coral out and find Nimbus," Reef said, quickly unlocking Coral's cell.
Once free, Coral stretched his limbs and gave them a grateful nod. "Alright, follow me. I know the quickest way to Solara's chambers."
The group moved quietly through the palace, with Coral leading them through hidden passages and avoiding the main corridors where guards were most likely to be. As they neared Solara's chambers, Coral stopped and pointed to a small side door.
"That leads to a balcony where Nimbus often waits. I'll signal him," Coral said, slipping outside.
A few moments later, Nimbus floated in, his form shifting from a playful dragon-shaped cloud to his solid form. He nodded at the group, understanding their plan without needing much explanation.
"I'll distract Solara," Nimbus said confidently. "But you need to move fast."
"Thank you," Moss said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Nimbus gave a wink and then drifted towards Solara's chambers. As he entered, they could hear his voice start a lighthearted conversation with Solara, drawing her attention.
"Now's our chance," Coral whispered. "Let's go."
The group moved swiftly but silently, making their way to Solara's chambers. As they peered inside, they saw Solara occupied with a playful debate with Nimbus about the shapes of clouds. Tiny Wings was sitting on a cushion, her eyes wide with both curiosity and fear.
"Stay close," Elanor whispered to the others. "And Cole...try not be clumsy."
They snuck into the room. Coral carefully approached Tiny Wings, Reef placing a reassuring claw on her back. "Hey Tiny," Reef whispered.
Tiny Wings looked back, her eyes welling up with tears of relief. "Coral?"
Coral nodded. "Let's get you out of here."
As they began to guide her out, Solara's voice suddenly became sharper. "What are you doing here? Coral? What are you doing out of your cell?!"
"I missed you too, honey," Coral teased.
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Solara's eyes narrowed. "Guards!" she roared.
ns 18.68.41.175da2
