Book excerpt: The terrifying news spreads throughout the land like wildfire, and no one rests easily anymore. Morbane, the most powerful Black Dragon in the world, has risen, and he will not rest until he has destroyed the Guardians, an ancient race of dragons that have long protected Balsk. Their prophecy for victory against Morbane depends on two special dragons who will embody the spirit and power of the Brown Dragonthe founder of the Guardians. And so arise two unlikely heroes: Umphy, a runt plagued by dreams and an unknown illness, may hold the key to discovering the powerful secret he carries within himself. Tarragon is a powerful, rebellious young dragon whose size, strength, and protective instincts may be the equal of Morbane himself! But when both dragons are banished from their clans, they embark on separate paths that will change their lives forever. Umphys path takes him to a powerful northern kingdom, where he becomes caught in a web of vengeance and dark magic. And when Morbane viciously attacks Tarragons home, the young dragon begins a search for the survivors that leads him to a confrontation that will test his strengthand his fate.