where they all discuss their grievances in a civilized manner. He agrees to cease the attack for two days, while she retrieves the crown from the dragon. When the magicians arrive the next day, they determine through a scrying glass that the dragon is a week's journey away, but they give her several magical artifacts that help her reach the dragon quickly and survive the confrontation. She retrieves the crown and returns to the castle, but the dragon follows her. As it clutches her in its talons and is about to devour her, she quickly dons the crown and turns the dragon to gold. She gives the crown to Grimbold, making peace between the two kingdoms and gaining the respect of her compatriots. At Kenric's suggestion she uses the ring to make Andreanna treat her fairly and not incite the princes against her. Conclusion Giannine awakens in the arms of Nigel Rasmussem, who turns out to be just sixteen. The book ends with Giannine's father coming to take her home. Setting The book takes place in Rochester, New York sometime in the twenty-first century future, but the game is set in medieval Europe. Major characters Giannine Bellisario/Princess Janine de St. Jehan – Fourteen-year-old protagonist whose gift certificate from her dad almost costs her her life. The product of a divorced home, she is being raised by her grandmother. She appears in Vande Velde's earlier book User Unfriendly. Andreanna – Queen and wife of the late King. She acts very rudely and bitter toward Janine no matter what Janine does. Abas – Cynric's middle son, a dim-witted, strength-obsessed titan who initially jumps at any opportunity to kill Janine. Kenric– Cynric's youngest son, who shows a strong interest in magic. Nigel Rasmussem warns Janine not to trust him. She finds him physically attractive. Wulfgar– Cynric's eldest son, who was "raised abroad" and has a dark secret. Xenos – Craftsman of magical artifacts who likes eating centipedes and spiders, especially chocolate-covered ones. He and Orielle do not get along. Uldemar – Blind man who can sense the dead and transform his shape. Janine recruits him to transport her to the home of Xenos's father and then race her to the besieged castle. Orielle – Beautiful young woman who specializes in brewing potions. Janine uses her potion of strength against the dragon. Sir Deming – Snotty nobleman who tells Janine the news of her