The Seventh Crystal Read Online Free Page A

containers stood, filled with colored liquids that dripped through coils into smaller containers. It reminded Chris of Mr. Higgins’s science lab back at school.
    A strange book lay open on a pedestal in the center of the room. Chris went to it but couldn’t read any of the words. It was written in a language he had never seen.
    “So you’ve come looking for the Seventh Crystal?” The old wizard sat on a stool near abattered chest. “What abilities do you possess? Do you fight well? Are you a magician?”
    Chris scratched his head. “I’m not sure I have any abilities.”
    “Ahhh, humility. This is good.” The wizard opened the lid of the tattered chest and lifted something out.
    “This is for you, warrior.” He handed Chris a long glowing green sword like the one the black knight had used to behead the fruit seller. “It is ten times greater than that of the knights of Mogg. It is the only weapon that will defeat the dragon.”
    “Dragon?” Chris took the sword. “I didn’t know there was a dragon in this game.” He swung it over his head, fighting a make-believe enemy. “Thanks.”
    “Do not thank me. It is yours by destiny.” The old man turned to a smaller chest, took a brass key from the folds of his robe, and unlocked the chest. “My next gift is very special. You will require it to complete your appointed task.”
    When the chest was opened, Chris saw a long gold chain with three gold stars hangingfrom it. The wizard took it from the chest and slipped it over Chris’s head. “These are the magic stars of the Princess Darvina. They have great power, so be careful that they do not fall into the wrong hands.”
    Chris slid the sword into his rope belt. “Would you mind answering a few questions for me?”
    The old wizard’s eyes sparkled. “You are not like the others. They would not ask questions. They were foolish.”
    “Others?”
    “There were six before you, all brave knights of the highest caliber. They too went on the quest to save Darvina. But, alas, they failed and were turned into statues for eternity. They accomplished nothing except to use up six of the seven crystals that might have saved our beloved princess. It is now left to you alone. There is only one crystal remaining in the dragon’s lair. The Princess Darvina has sent for you, warrior. You are her last hope.”
    “How do I get this crystal?”
    “The crystal is in the dragon’s lair, past theRiver of Storms and the Death Swamp. The way is difficult, but remember that a wise man’s heart is at his right hand and a fool’s heart is at his left.”
    “What do I do with the crystal after I get it?”
    “
If
you are able to obtain the crystal, travel to the palace in Zon where the princess is held captive. Mogg has placed a powerful spell on the palace which only a crystal can unlock.”
    The old man put his wrinkled hand on Chris’s shoulder. “Guard the crystal well, my son. If Mogg or his evil knights get their hands on it, our world will be lost.”

C HAPTER 9
    “Did the wizard tell you what the stars are for?” Jimmy asked.
    “Right before we left his house, he said that when the time was right I would know.” Chris threw a rock in the river. “He also said they belonged to the princess and if we find her we’re supposed to give them back.”
    “Who cares about a dumb old princess? I thought you were gonna find out how to get us out of this stupid game.” Shawn scratched his cheek and looked down at the water. “I’m sick of this whole thing.”
    “Nobody asked you to come,” Chrissnapped. “In fact, none of us would be here if you and Cliff hadn’t been chasing us.” He turned to Jimmy. “The wizard said we have to cross the River of Storms and go on to the Death Swamp. The crystal is on an island guarded by a man-eating dragon.”
    “That figures.” Jimmy stared at the river in front of them. “Any ideas how we’re going to get across this?”
    Shawn stepped off the bank and waded out into