4. MIXED-UP MAGIC

CHAPTER 4 MIXED-UP MAGIC Could other wizards be having trouble with their magic, too?" Drake asked Griffith. Griffith nodded. "I fear that this shadow may be affecting all wizard magic." "Maybe Jayana, the Head Wizard, can help," Ana said. "She might know what's happening."

"Excellent idea, Ana!" Griffith said. "Drake, can you and Worm please transport to Belerion to speak with Jayana right away?" Jean spoke up. "Argent and I will go, too. And you should bring your sword, Drake." "Good idea!" Drake replied. "Off with you two, then!" the wizard commanded. "Rori, Bo, and Ana, we shall go help King Roland calm the villagers." Jean is strong and smart, Drake thought as he ran to his room. I'm glad she's coming with us. Minutes later, he met Jean in the Training Room with a silver sword tucked into his belt. Drake and Jean each put a hand on Worm. Jean put her other hand on Argent. "Worm, please take us to the Castle of the Wizards in Belerion!" Drake cried.

Worm's body glowed, and Drake's stomach flip-flopped as they instantly transported to the castle. It sat on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. The weird shadow was creeping across the sky here, too. They had landed outside the castle entrance. The doors were open, and unguarded. "That's odd," Drake said. "Let's see what's going on! Dragons aren't usually allowed inside, but we might need them."

Drake and Jean entered the castle, followed by Worm and Argent. On a regular day, young wizards from all around the world would be in their classrooms, learning magic. Instead, the hallways were filled with young wizards performing magic—or trying to. A few wizards were walking on the ceiling. Several of them had sprouted unicorn horns.

"Muzzlepop!" shouted a student next to Drake, and she waved her wand at a classmate stuck to the ceiling. The boy turned into a bird and flew away. "Uh-oh," Drake said. Then the Head Wizard marched down the hall, wearing an orange dress with fabric draped over her shoulder. "Everyone must stop performing magic now!" Jayana commanded. The students all stopped what they were doing.

Jayana approached Drake and Jean. "Drake, I assume you have come about this sky-shadow," she said. "Who is your friend?" "I am Jean from the Land of Gallia, and this is my dragon, Argent," Jean said. "And your dragons' powers are working?" Jayana asked. Drake nodded. "Yes. Worm transported us here." "Good!" Jayana said. "Then all is not lost."