Astrid communication

  Kendra stood and turned. The astrids perched on the brink of the ledge, regarding her solemnly. Raxtus waited farther down the slope. Stepping between the astrids, Kendra hopped off the ledge, then swiveled to face them.

  "How do I talk to you?"

  That will suffice.

  Multiple voices responded together in her mind, the same way she heard the Fairy Queen.

(Additional text cut)

  We are indebted to you, but we cannot enter the Dragon Temple. Raxtus could, in theory.

  "But he's a dragon. We shouldn't tell him I mean to go there. "

  He hears our thoughts. He already knows.

  Kendra turned and looked down the slope at the gleaming dragon.

  He says not to be afraid.

Chapter 23