Introduction

This is a book about a boy named Rowan.  Rowan is a shy and weak person.  The stream where he lives has stopped flowing.  The villagers have to find out why the stream isn't running.  Rowan looks after the bukshah, which drink from the stream to survive.  He is scared of a lot of things including the dragon at the top of the mountain.  A group of villagers are going to go up the mountain to find out what the problem is.  We think Rowan may go with the group and be the bravest heart.

The witch Sheba said a riddle to help them find their way up the mountain:

"Seven hearts the journey make.
Seven ways the heart will break.
Bravest heart will carry on
When sleep is death, and hope is gone.
Look in the fiery jaws of fear
And see the answer white and clear,
Then throw away all thoughts of home
For only then your quest is done."