Chapter 3

3 Grace reached a paw through the shimmering air. It tingled as it passed through. The air on the other side of the force field was warm. Grace's eyes widened in delight. She looked at FinFin. "Are you coming with me?"

"No," replied the little fish. "But don't worry, you're about to meet the other Sea Dragons. And we'll see each other again soon." "Promise?" Grace asked. FinFin already felt like a friend. "Promise!" FinFin replied. With a flick of her purple tail, the little fish disappeared through the trees. "Okay then, here I go," Grace muttered to herself. She took a deep breath and pushed through the force field. On the other side was a beautiful garden. Grace saw flowers everywhere she looked. Their bright colors lit up the glade and their sweet scent filled the air. Exotic butterflies flitted from blossom to blossom. A jewel-like pond glimmered nearby. In the center of the glade grew a magnificent tree covered with deep green leaves and ripe-looking fruit. Grace felt calm just looking at the

tree. There was something about the strong branches that made her feel safe. "Isn't this the most amazing place ever?" said a voice. For the first time, Grace noticed that she wasn't alone in the glade. Two other Sea Dragons hovered nearby! One was the color of coral and the other was a beautiful golden sandy color, flecked with pale blue. There was something oddly familiar about the dragons. It suddenly clicked. "Zoe? Sofia?" Grace cried. "Yes! It's me, Zoe!" the sandy-colored dragon said. "Sofia and I just got here as well. We've been practicing our flying and roaring." The two dragons flew closer and gave Grace a midair wing-hug. It was unbelievable! Grace's friends from summer camp were also Sea Dragons! "I always knew camp would be an adventure." Sofia laughed. "But I didn't realize it would be

THIS adventurous!" Grace looked around the glade. "Have you met the Tree Queen yet?" she asked. She had the feeling that they had some kind of mission ahead of them. She was eager to find out what it was. "No, but I think we're about to," Zoe said. "Look!" She pointed a talon at the tree in the center of the glade. The tree swayed gently back and forth. Then, as the three Sea Dragons watched in awe, the trunk changed into an elegant woman, dressed in a flowing moss-green gown. The leaves became long hair framing a wise and beautiful face.

Smiling, the figure stretched out her branches to greet them. "Welcome to the Magic Forest, Sea Dragons!" she said in a warm, rich voice. "I am so glad you made it here. We are in need of your help." Grace flew closer to the great tree. "What is the problem, exactly? I heard it's something to do with a Fire Queen?"

The Tree Queen nodded, her face serious. "I fear so. The Fire Queen is not fond of water, as you can probably imagine. The three Sea Keepers have gone missing. We suspect she is behind their disappearance." "What are Sea Keepers?" Zoe asked. "They are the ocean creatures who help keep the seas in balance," the Tree Queen explained. "The three Sea Keepers enter the Undersea Garden every full moon. Together, they must check the Water Watch. This watch is very important and very powerful. It controls the tides and ensures the balance of the water realms. Once a year, on the full moon, they must wind the watch. That full moon is fast approaching. If the Sea Keepers are not there, the Water Watch will not be wound up." Sofia looked worried. "And what will happen then?" The Tree Queen sighed and swayed her branches. "I am not sure. It has never happened