Tara Duncan and the Spellbinders by Princess Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian

no rule against it, but people avoid dressing like them.”
    Tara took a deep breath. “Yeah, that’s what I figured.”
    â€œAm I going to get an explanation?”
    Tara flashed him a bright smile and said, “I forgot to tell Master Chem something. Will you excuse me for a moment?”
    A very curious Cal peered at her, but agreed.
    â€œGo ahead; I’ll wait for you here.”
    Tara sprinted back to Lady Kalibris’ office, but found it empty.
    Darn! she thought. Couldn’t these spellbinders stay put for just a moment?
    She went back to where Cal was waiting.
    â€œMaster Chem wasn’t there. Any idea where he might be?”
    â€œWell, in his office, I guess.”
    â€œOh yeah, right! I should’ve realized he’d have an office . Since he’s a dragon, I stupidly assumed it would be a cave or a cavern. Do you know the Castle well?”
    Cal’s shoulders slumped.
    â€œInside and out, believe me,” he said gloomily. “I’ve been Master Sardoin’s apprentice for the last two years. He specializes in magical mathematics and spatial localization, so he’s had me materialize and dematerialize at least a thousand times in every corner of the Castle, supposedly because I must always know where I’m landing. Except for forbidden zones I know it like the back of my hand.”
    â€œGreat then, let’s go. You can show me the way.”
    The first time Tara passed through a wall, it left her feeling creepy for a good ten minutes. Cal showed her how to spot passages, which were marked with the Lancovit moon and unicorn symbol. You waved your accredi-card, the unicorn let you pass, and the wall melted away. You could also use a regular door, of course, but there were many more passages than doors.
    When they reached the wall outside Chem’s office, Tara noticed it was marked by a tiny unicorn statue but also by the wizard’s personal symbol, a dragon. Each statue stood in a little niche. Tara, who didn’t know quite how to proceed, knocked timidly on the wall. She was startled when both the unicorn and the dragon came to life.
    â€œWho goes there?” roared the guardian dragon.
    â€œIt’s a girl, can’t you see?” snapped the unicorn. “What do you want, my child?”
    â€œEr, my name is Tara Duncan and I want to see Master Chem as soon as possible.”
    â€œI’ll tell him,” grumbled the dragon. “And you”—to the unicorn— “don’t open the passage until you get my order.”
    â€œYeah, yeah, sure,” said the unicorn, rolling its eyes.
    Tara was so fascinated by this that she didn’t immediately notice the return of the dragon, who looked surprised.
    â€œThe High Wizard will receive you right away. You may enter.”
    â€œGo ahead, Tara. I’ll wait for you out here,” said Cal, who didn’t want to seem indiscreet.
    She gritted her teeth and walked into the wall, which politely gave way. Whew! She was through, but good grief! How much she preferred the good old-fashioned doors on Earth.
    Tara was amused to see that for Master Chem’s office, the Living Castle had created a cave landscape with stalagmites and stalactites. A large heap of gold coins and precious stones stood where the old wizard probably rested between meetings.
    A noise made her glance up, and she backed away when she saw that Chem had reverted to his dragon shape. He stood twenty feet tall and was smiling at her with his sharp teeth. Like all dragons, he was exceedingly fond of gold and jewels. With the wave of a claw, he made his treasure disappear.
    â€œSo little Tara, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” He seemed relieved to see that Tara had no interest in his gold.
    Tara decided to get down to brass tacks instead.
    â€œThere’s a Bloodgrave in the Castle!” she said.

CHAPTER 5
A PPRENTICE S PELLBINDERS
    â€œO uch!” roared the dragon,