Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena by Julie C. Dao

Author:Julie C. Dao
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

SADIE

The Deadly Cliffs simulation is even more realistic than the Haunted Castle or the Space Station. As soon as we snap our visors into place, we find ourselves halfway up a mountain of bloodred rock. The sun beats down from a hot blue sky, and enormous black birds swoop above us, piercing our eardrums with their shrill cries. I breathe in the smell of chalky earth and a musty, uncomfortably warm wind and cough a couple of times, already parched from the dry desert air.

“Okay, so obviously we’re looking for Clip, but also a baby dragon?” Iggy asks.

“And some roc’s eggs, to feed the dragon so it can grow its wings and fly away.” Caroline scratches her head. “Whatever a roc is.”

“A huge, mythical bird of prey,” Jeremy says at once. “Sinbad the Sailor encountered one on his second voyage. He rode it off a deserted island into a valley of giant snakes.”

“Who’s Sinbad the Sailor?” Derek asks, puzzled.

“And who would want to go into a valley of giant snakes?” Iggy adds.

“Never mind,” I interrupt, as Jeremy begins to explain. Normally, I love his lectures because they’re full of interesting info, but not while my brother is being held hostage. “Let’s go find what we need to, but don’t end the game before we can get Clip.”

Everyone nods, and then stares at me. I realize suddenly that they’re waiting for me to lead the group. It’s the weirdest feeling, because no way would my brother let that happen if he were here. But he’s not here, and he might never be again, I think, before I can stop myself.

Quickly, I turn and head up the treacherous path, knowing the prickling in my eyes has nothing to do with the dry air. Everyone follows behind me, stumbling on the rocky terrain. The trail up the mountain is littered with sharp stones that move under our feet, threatening to twist our ankles, and bulky fallen tree branches with dry, withered leaves.

“Man, it’s hot. I wish I hadn’t worn a sweatshirt,” Jeremy moans, huffing and puffing behind me. “I have a feeling we’ll come across the dragon soon.”

“Why? Won’t it be at the top?” Derek asks.

“Nah. They like caves. They’re always holing up in little nooks and crannies, hoarding treasure. I’m thinking if we see a cave, we should go in. Once we locate the dragon, the roc’s nest shouldn’t be far, and then we can focus on Clip,” Jeremy adds, patting me on the back.

“I hope he isn’t here,” I mutter. “I hope he’s getting ice cream and just being a jerk and not answering our texts.”

“You and me both,” Iggy agrees. “I hope … Ugh, what is that smell?”

I smell it, too: a pungent, thick odor that’s like a combination of a middle school gym locker, the darkest corners of Clip’s room, and the trash can at high noon.

“Wow, that is ripe,” Caroline says, waving her hand in front of her nose.

Only Jeremy looks happy. “We’re definitely close to the dragon.

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