3 Chapter 3

3 Naomi and Unichick flew to the edge of the glade. The force field that protected the glade buzzed with powerful magic. Naomi knew that Unichick

wouldn't come in with her. Only those who had been summoned by the Tree Queen could pass through the force field. Naomi felt a little sad to say goodbye to the gorgeous bird. She already felt like a friend. "I'll return when you need me," Unichick promised, as though she could hear Naomi's thoughts. "Good luck!" With that, she fluttered away. Naomi took a deep breath and pressed through the force field. It always reminded her of passing a hand slowly through running water … except the force field wasn't wet. The air inside the glade was warm and sweet-smelling. Naomi was relieved to see that within the glade, the plants were still colorful, and the flowers smelled just as they should. "Hi, Naomi!" called a cheerful voice. "We just got here, too." Two Dragon Girls were hovering near the majestic tree in the center. One silver and one gold —both dazzling. Naomi felt her heart leap. Willa

was a very old friend from kindergarten, and Azmina was a very new friend. It was so good to see them both! The branches of the tree began to sway gently. As Naomi watched, two branches softened into long, elegant arms. The lower part of the trunk changed into a flowing gown. The upper part became a neck, and soon a kind, beautiful face

appeared. The face was framed by long locks of wavy brown hair. The Tree Queen stood before the Dragon Girls. She looked strong and healthy, but when she smiled, Naomi could see worry in her eyes. "What's wrong, Tree Queen?" she asked, stepping forward. "You can tell us anything, you know." "Ah, but that is exactly the problem," replied the queen, frowning. "I can't talk freely at all. Look!" The Tree Queen pointed one of her strong, flexible arms at the protective shield of the glade. Naomi saw gray shapes moving across its surface. Were they clouds? "Shadow Sprites!" Azmina gasped. "Can they get in here?" Willa asked nervously. "No," the Tree Queen assured them. "Here in the glade we are safe from harm. But I fear they can hear us. Normally, they cannot get so close to the force field. My magic is too powerful. But their Shadow Queen has created a long-lasting

sunset, and the sprites can move almost anywhere. As you've all noticed, they are stealing the color from the trees and flowers of the forest. Some of the birds and butterflies are losing their color, too." Naomi thought about Unichick's gorgeous multicolored feathers. It was too terrible to think of her turning gray!

"But we can make a potion to stop them, right?" Naomi asked. "There is a potion," the Tree Queen agreed, "but I can't tell you the ingredients. If the Shadow Sprites hear what you need to find, they will get to the ingredients first. And they will destroy what you require." The Glitter Dragons looked at one another in dismay. How could they gather ingredients for a potion when they had no idea where to start? It didn't seem possible. Then Naomi had an idea. Sometimes, on the way to school, her dad gave her logic puzzles to solve. Just yesterday, he'd asked, "Naomi, what goes up and up, but never comes down?" That was an easy one, and Naomi had gotten it straightaway. A person's age! "Maybe you could tell us the ingredients as riddles?" she suggested to the Tree Queen. "Yes!" Azmina nodded. "I bet we can work them out before the sprites do."