Dark Wyng (The Erth Dragons #2)

From New York Times bestselling author Chris d'Lacey comes the next adventure about the way our loyalties can inspire the greatest bravery, set against the clash of dragons and humankind.

The dragon Wearle is in turmoil: A human boy named Ren has bonded with a pair of baby dragons, and their connection has given him shocking and extraordinary new powers. Though some of the dragons suspect he is plotting against the Wearle, his dragon allies will do anything to save him. But Ren has an agenda of his own.Meanwhile, after the devastating war with the dragons, the humans, or Kaal, have accepted the leadership of a mysterious stranger. The man, who calls himself Tywyll, has an affinity for crows and rides a remarkable unicorn. The band of followers that accompanies him into dragon territory has no idea the danger they're inviting.Though the dragons and the Kaal are dead set against each other, both will face down an ancient power stronger than any of them can imagine. | Praise for The Wearle:"An inspirational new dragon series. . . . An exciting read for dragon lovers and fans of d'Lacey's 'The Last Dragon Chronicles' and Tui T. Sutherland's 'Wings of Fire' series." -- School Library Journal"D'Lacey presents high fantasy with dragons as main characters . . . Rich in betrayal and adventure." -- Booklist"The creative spin on the intersection of dragon history and prehistoric humans is interesting and the action engaging." -- Kirkus Reviews"Full of action and description, this book's multi-layered story commands the reader's imagination and attention." -- School Library ConnectionPraise for the UNICORNE Files series:"Will hook readers from page one and won't let up until the dramatic conclusion. D'Lacey manages to make the implausible seem possible." -- School Library Journal"A lively and enjoyable read." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A quest laden with suspense and action.... Will leave readers wanting more." -- BooklistPraise for the Last Dragon Chronicles:"Chris d'Lacey's writing is sometimes exciting and sometimes silly. But that seems in keeping with the worlds he created -- one that seems almost real and one that is beyond imagination." -- The Washington Post"An entertaining adventure." -- Kirkus Reviews"D'Lacey's characters are realistic and engaging.... A page-turner." -- The Horn Book | Chris d'Lacey is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including the New York Times bestselling Last Dragon Chronicles series; the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series; the UNICORNE Files trilogy; and The Erth Dragons series, The Wearle, Dark Wyng, and The New Age. Chris lives with his wife, Jay, in Devon, England, where they are at work on his next book. | Gannet knelt and spread a wing low to the ground. Ren was immediately persuaded. A flight on a dragon's back was exhilarating. He hugged both wearlings and told them he would not be away for long. To Goodle, he said, "Guard them with your life." He glanced at Gariffred one last time, then climbed onto Gannet and was lifted away.They had barely crested the hills when Ren knew it was a trap.Two Veng closed in, one on either side of the startled roamer."Set the boy down," one ordered.Gannet bravely flew on. "My orders were to deliver the boy to Prime Grynt's eyrie.""Your orders have changed," said the Veng."Gannet, take me back to the cave!" Ren screamed.But the words had barely left his mouth when he felt himself snatched off Gannet's back.The Veng banked swiftly to the right and was gone.As the ground sped by beneath them, Ren could do nothing but tend his anger. But as the Veng pitched sideways again, Ren felt an awareness in his mind that pressed him to look down and not be afraid. Watch. Remember, a voice seemed to say. Her voice. The mother of the wearlings. Grystina. She was often in his mind at moments of danger, trying to encourage him to use his gifts and think like a dragon. Especially so when the Veng changed course and started its swift descent to the ground. They came down over what looked like a quarry, a place dug and burned and scraped and worked, where stones as big as Ren's head and bigger had been tossed aside in giant heaps. A dark spot loomed up. A hole among the rocks with no visible floor. Into this pit the Veng dropped Ren.