King for a Day

By Franklin W. Dixon

A theme park called Dragon Days has opened, and Frank, Joe, and Chet can’t wait to get there. First they try their hand at a cool game called the Sword in the Stone. Whoever pulls out the blade becomes King for a Day. All hail King Chet—now he just has to deliver the sword to the Dragon Days sheriff to claim his crown. But suddenly a mysterious person in a black cloak steals the sword! Will they be able to catch the cloaked culprit in time for Chet to enjoy his prize?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aladdin
• Release date: Nov 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481410274

Franklin W. Dixon

Franklin W. Dixon is the author of the ever-popular Hardy Boys books.

Book preview

1

The Knight Life

Check this place out," nine-year-old Frank Hardy said.

Trailed by his younger brother, Joe, and their friend Chet Morton, Frank walked through a huge iron gate. It was the entrance to Dragon Days, the new theme park in Bayport. The theme was the Middle Ages, a time of knights, kings, and maybe even dragons.

Today was Saturday—opening day. Joe turned to Chet. What would you do if you came face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon? he asked.

Chet gave it a thought. Then he grinned. I’d roast marshmallows!

Just then Tony Prito, another friend, came running over with four passes in his hand.

Here they are, Tony said as he gave them out. My dad said we should have a good time.

Mr. Prito was a construction worker who had helped to build Dragon Days. He had invited Tony and his friends to the park while he finished some last-minute work.

Hey, Tony said proudly. Did my dad do a great job, or what?

Joe nodded. You bet! This place is one big time warp.

The boys looked around. People dressed in colorful costumes strolled past striped tents and snack stands. There were rides called the Gauntlet, the Drawbridge, and the Whirling Crown.

We’re going to need a map to get around this place, Frank said.

Forget the map, Tony said. He patted his jacket pocket. I’ve got the whole park right here.

Frank, Joe, and Chet watched as Tony pulled a rolled-up paper from his pocket.

It’s called a blueprint, Tony explained. He unrolled the paper. It’s the plan my dad used to build this place.

Cool, Frank said.

Chet looked at the blueprint. It’s got food stains on it, he said.

Forget the food stains, Tony said. This trusty blueprint has parts of Dragon Days that no map will ever have.

Like what? Joe asked.

Tony pointed to an X on the map and leaned in closer. Like the dragon cave, he whispered.

The dragon cave? Joe repeated.

Tony nodded. My dad told me that a fire-breathing dragon lives right inside this cave. He’s been there for hundreds and hundreds of years.

Joe laughed. A dragon in Bayport?

Get out of town! Chet joked.

Tony looked hurt. What’s the matter? he asked. You don’t believe me?

It’s a good story, Tony, Frank said. But there are no such things as dragons.

Chet raised his finger. Except for the Dragon Tail. It’s supposed to be the biggest and fastest ride here.

Yeah, Joe said. "I heard you sit on it and it whips back and forth