Tara Duncan and the Forbidden Book by HRH Princess Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian Read Free Book Online

said, ducking the issue. “We came here to support our friend Cal, who has been unjustly accused of the boy’s death. Since we all witnessed the event and I closed the vortex (may as well remind him that she was the one who saved the palace from destruction), it seemed essential that we give our testimony.”
    â€œI see,” murmured the emperor in a vaguely malevolent tone. “Have you come to claim the imperial favor that my half-sister granted you, so you can save the guilty party?”
    This time Master Chem spoke up.
    â€œWhat do you mean, guilty party?” he exploded. “The boy’s death was an accident, as you know perfectly well. We only came to prove Caliban’s good faith. I suspect there’s a malicious plot behind all this, and I plan to uncover it, believe me!”
    Chem was so furious that he began to hiccup, to the point where a worried Lady Boudiou started pounding him on the back. Despite her efforts, the old wizard’s face turned an interesting eggplant color.
    Empress Lisbeth was about to turn her attention back to Tara when the little crowd suddenly screamed in terror. Under their horrified eyes Master Chem had begun to swell. He grew larger and larger, and sharp claws grew from his fingertips, a white mane replaced his hair, his skin became covered with blue and silver scales, a spiny crest shredded his robe, and huge fangs burst from his throat. Within seconds, a magnificent and imposing dragon stood where the old wizard had been. With an excited zoom the buzzing scoops rushed to transmit the images to their crystalists.
    â€œHic!” The huge blue dragon hiccupped and belched a blast of fire that just missed the highly inflammable wooden ceiling.
    As diversions go, Tara thought to herself, this one takes the prize!
    The emperor was slack-jawed for a moment until he remembered that he was the empire’s military chief, after all, and bravely drew his sword. Next to him, the guard captain brandished his own swords, but looked no more confident. From the corner of his eye he noticed the scoops filming him, so he tightened his grip on his weapons, trying to look martial.
    â€œStop that!” the empress raged at the guards who were trying to pull her to safety. “Unhand me!”
    In a fury, she went to stand in front of the dragon, hands planted on her hips.
    â€œMaster Chemnashaovirodaintrachivu!”
    â€œYes, Your Imperial Majesty, hic!” he rumbled.
    â€œThis is an insult to our court! You will immediately shapeshift back, or I will have you thrown in prison for outrage to our person.”
    The dragon bowed graciously, bringing his terrifying muzzle down level with the angry young woman’s face.
    â€œVery well, Your Imperial Majesty. I hear, hic!, and I obey.”
    â€œGood,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “And stop that huffing and puffing! You reek of sulfur, and it stinks!”
    The dragon began to shrink and its fangs disappeared, as did its scales. Soon the old wizard was again standing in front of them, wearing a robe that he barely had time to conjure, so as not to wind up naked in front of the empress. She glared at him for a moment, then turned back to Tara.
    â€œVery well. So, what were we saying before we were so rudely interrupted?”
    â€œThat you were going to give us permission to help our friend Caliban?” suggested Tara, displaying her sweetest smile.
    The emperor opened his mouth, and Tara sensed that he might be about to ship them right home, but the empress spoke first.
    â€œOf course you can assist your friend, child. That’s why we requested your presence. We will summon the Truth Tellers immediately, and then we can get back to this name business.”
    Maybe the emperor could be fooled, but the empress was too clever not to have noticed that Tara had carefully avoided answering her.
    The four friends respectfully bowed to the sovereigns and were awkwardly imitated by Manitou,