Lionel blinked. “Chili dogs? Why, I haven’t had those since I was no larger than you are. But…now that you mention them, I do suddenly find myself craving them.”

“Good. We need to go get you some.” Cindy glanced at the few small piles of gold scattered around the cave. “Wow, is this all the treasure you have?”

“Do you know how much it costs for a dragon gastrologist who makes cave calls?” the dragon said defensively.

“Hope it’ll be enough.” She pointed her bracelet at the gold and tapped one of the gems. A beam of light shot forth from it, and the gold vanished.

“Oh, now, I say!” Lionel protested.

“Don’t worry, it’s in a safe place. We’re just taking it with us.”

“We? Taking with?” Lionel asked.

“We’re going to Steakxas to get you some chili dogs,” Cindy explained.

“Oh, that’s all right the—wait, what? Why should I want to go anywhere at all with you?”

“I’m afraid you’re not going to have a choice.” Cindy tapped the bracelet again, and stepped back through the portal.