At the palace, the family got together. Sofia told them about her run-in with Sir Oliver. Because of what he did in Brazendell, she had reason to believe that Oliver could be responsible for the Snake roaming the kingdom.

"You really think Oliver has to do with the Sapphire Snake escaping from his den?" Garrick asked.

"Yes, there's a very good chance," Sofia declared.

"But how will we know that for sure?" Samira asked.

Sofia whispered in Hugo's ear, and he smiled and nodded.

"Maybe Sofia and I can talk to the Snake ourselves," Hugo told his family. "Sofia has her amulet, and I have my magic medallion. They can allow us to talk to animals."

Axel huddled with his parents, and they whispered to each other.

"We'll go with you, so we can know all the facts the minute you find out," Axel declared.

"Are you sure you want to get near the Snake?" Sofia asked.

"I don't trust that reptile, but today I'm making an exception," Garrick declared.

"Me too," Axel grinned.

"I'll go too," Samira chimed in.

"Okay," Sofia and Hugo smiled.

Garrick and his wife changed into riding clothes and each got on a flying horse.