Lord Gribble snapped his fingers and two guards came running into the courtyard. One was tall, one was small. The tall one was carrying a big shield with an eagle painted on it. The small one was holding a long lance.

“You know what happens at a tournament, don’t you, Wizard?” asked Lord Gribble. “Two knights put on armour then charge at one another with lances. They aim to hit one another’s shield. Well, I want you to put a spell on the lance so that whoever is holding it hits the shield with the eagle on it every time.”

Freddy had no idea how to do what Lord Gribble asked. He hadn’t even reached the end of the first chapter of volume one of the Wizards’ Handbook (fifty volumes) which he was supposed to read while his Great Uncle Sneezer was away. Then he remembered a little spell he used last winter when he was aiming snowballs at his pals. Now it was a lance not a snowball, but that might not matter.

Freddy closed his eyes, waved his wand and muttered the spell.

The lance gave a little quiver then suddenly shot across the courtyard at great speed. The small guard hung on for dear life.

“WaaaAAAAaaagh!” he yelled, as he sped past Lord Gribble. The lance was just about to hit the eagle when the tall guard took fright and dived out of the way.

Then the lance swooped up towards a crow that was sitting on the castle wall. The crow flew off and the lance broke in half against the wall with a loud crack. The small guard fell to the ground with a thump.

“That was very impressive, Wizard,” said Lord Gribble. “Though the aim needs to improve.” He turned and whispered to his secretary. “I’m fed up listening to Baron Bricknoze boasting about how wonderful his son Bart is. Now, with the help of the wizard, we have a strong yet nimble horse and a lance that is sure to hit its target on the day. Now my son Gordon is bound to win the tournament against Bart Bricknoze.”

“But what if the magic fails, my Lord?” asked the secretary nervously.

“Then we’ll know who to blame!” said Lord Gribble. “See the wizard out!”

A moment later, the big gates of Gribble Castle banged shut behind Freddy. He looked up and there was Odds–and–Ends, hovering in front of him.

“How did you get out, Odds?” Freddy asked.

“The bubble burst – eventually,” said the dragon. “But what have you been up to?” Freddy told him what had happened.

“Master Freddy, the eagle on the shield is the coat of arms of Baron Bricknoze! Everyone knows the Baron is a terrible bully. If he finds out you’ve helped Lord Gribble’s son win the tournament, you’ll be in terrible trouble.”

“Well… I didn’t have much choice… I…” Freddy didn’t say any more because Odds–and–Ends suddenly flew in front of him, blowing sparks through his nostrils.

“Look out, Master Freddy!” squeaked the dragon.

It was too late. A big, fat book fell from the tree above them and hit Freddy on the ear.
“Ouch!” cried Freddy as the owner of the book fell, too, and they all landed in a heap on the ground.

“Sorry, Wizard. Sorry, Dragon,” said the owner of the book.

“Who are you?” asked Freddy, rubbing his head.

“I’m Gordon, Lord Gribble’s son. I slipped off a branch.”

“What were you doing?” asked Freddy.

“I was sitting up a tree reading my book and hiding from my dad,” said Gordon, heaving a big sigh. “He wants me to fight Bart Bricknoze in a tournament but I’m no good with horses or lances.”

“Well… I need to have a word with you about that,” Freddy said nervously. “There’s no need to hide now. I think you might have a very good chance of winning because—”

Gordon held up his hand. “Thanks for your support. But I don’t stand a chance and Baron Bricknoze says that my dad must spend a month in his dungeon if I lose. You’re right. I shouldn’t be hiding in a tree like a coward. I’ll go and do my best to please my dad. I hope you’ll come and cheer me on.”

Then Gordon picked up his cloak and started back for the castle.

Odds–and–Ends blew a few more sparks from his nose.

“Master Freddy, now you’re in a right pickle! If your magic doesn’t work and Gordon loses, Lord Gribble will be locked up. If Bart loses, he will probably find himself in his dad’s dungeon. If Baron Bricknoze finds out you have helped Gordon…”

“I will end up in Baron Bricknoze’s dungeon.” said Freddy.

“You’ve got it!” said the dragon sharply.