2. DRAGON TROUBLE

CHAPTER 2 DRAGON TROUBLE Is Diego in trouble?" Carlos asked the soldier. The soldier smiled. "No," she replied. "But there is trouble at the castle." Drake looked at Carlos and the boys raised their eyebrows. Then Val ran down to the beach, followed by Diego. An orange floated in front of the wizard, magically hovering in the air.

As Diego approached, the orange started bouncing on the horse's nose. "So sorry," the wizard said. "I was in the middle of an animation spell. And I can't seem to stop it." He pointed at the orange, and it floated back to him. "Now, how may I serve the queen?" "A nest of baby dragons was" — the soldier began, but the orange floated over to her. It started spinning in front of her face — "was found in one of the castle towers." "Baby dragons!" Drake cried. "What kind?" "We're not sure, but they can turn invisible," the soldier replied. "And—"

She swatted at the orange, which zipped around her head. "Can you please do something about this?" she asked. Diego pointed at the orange and it flew back toward him. Val quickly grabbed it out of the air and tossed it to Lalo, who gobbled it down. "Good thinking, kid," the soldier said. Then she turned to Diego. "Anyway, these baby dragons are causing trouble at the castle. And because you're an expert in baby dragons, the queen has called for you."

Diego nodded. "Carlos and I shall leave right away. Drake, you and Worm should return to Bracken." "Do I have to leave?" Drake asked. "I'd love to help take care of invisible baby dragons!" Val's eyes lit up. "Can I come, too? You're going to need help." "Excellent! There is much I can teach you both!" Diego said. "Drake, please ask Worm to transport us all to the castle." "Magical dragon transport?" the soldier asked. "Do you have room for two more?" "Sure," Drake said. "We just "Lalo!" Carlos yelled, interrupting Drake.

The Lightning Dragon zoomed up into the air and began to spin and loop. He moved so fast he looked like a yellow blur. "Oh no!" Val cried. "The orange! It's making Lalo fly out of control!"