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

right?”
    â€œYes and no. I think a Truth Teller decided to take a little trip around inside my head, and it wasn’t especially pleasant. What happened while I was away?”
    Fabrice didn’t know enough about OtherWorld to grasp the implications of what Manitou had just revealed.
    â€œNothing much,” he said with a sigh. “They’re just standing around Cal wide-eyed, shaking their heads, that’s all.”
    â€œHmm, that’s very strange. Normally it would’ve all be over in a few minutes. Let’s go back inside. I have to speak with Chem.”
    Coming around a grove of trees, they were startled to see two spellbinders in conversation near an exit door. That in itself was nothing unusual, but where their faces should have been there was just a shiny space. And they were wearing gray!
    â€œOh my god!” whispered Fabrice. “Bloodgraves!” He shrank back into the trees, well aware that he was no match for Magister’s evil minions.
    From where Fabrice and Manitou were standing, they could overhear what the two spellbinders were saying.
    â€œThe master’s plan worked perfectly!” said the first with a chortle. “That stupid Chem raced here to protect Caliban Dal Salan, leaving the Forbidden Book unguarded. Magister will have no problem seizing it!”
    â€œWith the demonic spells it contains, the dragons will never be able to resist us. They’ll soon bow before our power!”
    â€œOh no!” groaned Manitou. “Bloodgraves in Omois! That takes the cake! So, was it Magister who managed to get Cal charged in order to draw us here? Now I really have to talk to Chem!”
    The moment the Bloodgraves left, Manitou rushed to the Double Throne Room, with Fabrice hot on his heels. They found the hall in total pandemonium. People were yelling and shouting and making a terrific din.
    â€œThat’s enough!” thundered Xandiar, the captain of the guards. “Let the gnome speak!”
    A tense silence fell, and everyone could see Buglul swallow hard.
    â€œAs I was telling Their Imperial Majesties and this honorable assembly,” he announced solemnly, “we are facing an unprecedented situation. Our Truth Tellers are unable to read this young spellbinder’s thoughts!”
    â€œWhy does everyone look so worried?” whispered Fabrice in surprise.
    â€œBecause if the Tellers have lost their power,” answered Manitou gravely, “it could mean the end of OtherWorld!”

CHAPTER 3
T HE T RUTH T ELLERS
    T he empress’s clear voice cut through the stunned silence. “This is ridiculous! Just because we’re having a problem with this spellbinder doesn’t mean there’s a problem with everyone. Xandiar!”
    â€œYes, Your Imperial Majesty?” said the guard captain, bowing.
    â€œGo stand in the middle of the Truth Tellers. We’re going to have a test.”
    â€œMe, Your Majesty?” he stammered.
    Empress Lisbeth’tylanhnem sighed and rubbed her head. “You’re the only Xandiar around here, as far as I know. So yes, I mean you!”
    â€œVery well, Your Imperial Majesty.”
    With martial stride, the captain went to stand among the Truth Tellers and rested his hands on the pommels of his four scimitars. Everything about his attitude warned the Tellers to be very careful with what they were going to say.
    Glul Buglul gulped, the Tellers’ eyes widened, and almost immediately, the gnome began to speak.
    â€œAttention, everyone! The Tellers declare that the captain of the guards’ first thought is a constant concern for Their Majesties’ safety. His second thought is a yen for a cold pitcher of beer from Mount Tador. His third thought focuses on the attractive Lady Bom—”
    â€œStop!” shouted the guard captain, who had turned beet red. “That’s a pretty conclusive test. The Tellers haven’t lost any of their powers.”
    The