Free Tara Duncan and the Forbidden Book by HRH Princess Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian Page B

we’re outside its area of influence.
    Sleep, I will. Good night.
    Gallant, whom Tara had miniaturized, whinnied, and they heard Cal’s voice.
    â€œTal, Zegranbraz!” said the little thief happily. “Sal tan mir?”
    Great, they couldn’t understand a word he was saying! (What Cal actually said was, “Hey there, guys! Wassup?”)
    â€œTrus!” swore Sparrow. At least Tara guessed she was swearing. “Valendir!” (Which translated to, “Rats! Let’s move away from here!”)
    She gestured for them to move out of the statuette’s energy field. Once they were far enough, she spoke again.
    â€œThe palace translation spell doesn’t work because the statuette neutralizes all magic in the area around it. You guys will have to learn our various languages, otherwise we won’t be able to communicate.”
    â€œBut I thought everybody used the Interpretus!” exclaimed Fabrice. “What are we gonna do?”
    â€œWe’re going to use a spell that will allow you to learn all the languages I know,” said Sparrow. “Lancovian, of course, plus Omoisian, Dwarvish, Gnomish, Elvish, and a couple of Earth languages I picked up on my visits there.”
    â€œEh, how many do you know?” asked Fabrice, impressed.
    â€œAbout twenty, I think. Once the spell is lodged in your brain, it’s permanent. We’ll be able to talk even when the statuette is neutralizing magic, because it won’t affect us. Gather round, and I’ll cast the spell on you.”
    They obeyed, and Sparrow chanted: “By Rosettus, take every single word I know, and on my friends instantly bestow.”
    Tara felt as if thousands of bees were suddenly buzzing in her head. Words, sentences, and expressions shot through her like lightning bolts.
    â€œAre you all right?” asked Sparrow in Lancovian. “It isn’t too uncomfortable, is it?”
    Manitou shook his head, and his pink tongue lolled out.
    â€œGeesh,” he moaned in fluent Elvish. “I feel like I’ve been run over by a train. Or gotten a hangover without having a drop to drink.”
    Robin stared about wide-eyed and addressed Sparrow in guttural Gnomish: “Wow! That spell of yours really works!”
    After a few experiments in different languages, they all decided to use Lancovian, which Cal spoke fluently.
    They headed back toward his cell. The little thief was standing on the threshold of a large comfortable room. Its door, which was made of clear OtherWorld quartz, let images and sound through, even without magic. Perched on a big cushion, Blondin winked at them.
    Cal had observed their comings and goings with some perplexity. “Are you guys all right?”
    Robin frowned and answered in perfect Lancovian: “Seems to me we’re the ones who should be asking the questions, don’t you think?”
    â€œWell, I’m fine. What’s going on?”
    â€œWe were treated to an accelerated language course,” explained Tara. “In fact, it was so accelerated, I feel like I’ve got every OtherWorld language in my head. Anyway, here’s the question: Why do you look so cheerful?”
    Cal grinned. “Mom said a similar misunderstanding happened to her a couple of years ago,” he explained obligingly, “and she gave me some tips that might help get me out of here.”
    â€œAb-so-lute-ly not!” said an icy girl’s voice. “My father will take care of whatever is necessary to solve this problem. And since my fate is unfortunately connected to yours, you’re not doing anything.”
    Cal rolled his eyes.
    An image of Angelica in the next cell appeared, and Tara grimaced. Not only did she have to devise a plan to get Cal out of jail, she would probably have to free Angelica as well.
    The tall brunette looked at them scornfully.
    â€œWhat are you losers doing hanging around here? Hatching another of your little