by Adam Blade
“I’m fine!” called Albin, ducking under the fence. “I’m glad you’re all right.” He grinned at the sound of a familiar whinny. “And Shah’s back safe, too!” Albin rushed to give the bay pony a hug.
“But who has brought you back to us safely?” Brendan peered into the gloom. “Is that Jennal?”
“Greetings, Brendan,” said the clanswoman, crossing to meet him. “It seems times have been as hard for you as for us.”
“I think perhaps our luck has turned,” he said. Brendan smiled at Jennal. “Whatever wild animals roam these lands,” he went on, “if you join us, together we will be strong enough to fend them off.”
“Together we will prosper,” Jennal agreed.
Brendan’s eyes shone in the flickering light of the torch. “But first, you must be exhausted from your long journey. Let my people stable your horses and unload your things. Tonight we shall feast and celebrate the joining of our clans.”
Everyone started to walk toward the camp, but Tom and Elenna lingered with Storm and Silver.
“A feast sounds wonderful,” she said. “Can we stay?”
“I think we could both use a night’s rest after today,” Tom agreed.
Silver jumped up at Tom’s legs, trying to get his attention. Turning, he saw a familiar misty glow that had appeared in midair. The glow slowly formed into the image of a white-haired man in a red cloak.
“Aduro!” Tom said. He knew the wizard was able to follow their progress from King Hugo’s palace. “I wondered if you would come.”
“You have acted bravely and fought well,” the wizard told them. “Tartok is free to protect the northern people once again, and the kingdom’s medical supplies will get through safely.”
“I’m glad I could serve the kingdom,” Tom said humbly. He wondered whether Tartok would provide another shield charm. Before Tom could ask, the wizard responded.
“And I believe Tartok left you something,” Aduro told him, nodding in the direction of Tom’s shield. Tom flipped it over in his hands and sure enough, there it was — one of Tartok’s claws. It must have come loose when she struck the shield.
“As the scale of the Dragon protects you from fire, so the claw will protect you from extreme cold.” Aduro looked at them gravely. “But be warned. Magic alone is not strong enough to protect you from the fiercest Beast of all.”
A shiver went through Tom. The Quest was not over.
Aduro nodded gravely. “You must journey to the Far East, where Epos the Winged Flame awaits you. This will be your greatest trial of all.” Aduro glanced back at the camp. “But first, you must rest. Eat and drink to your fill. Build your strength for the long trek ahead — and for your battle with Epos.” The wizard began to fade from sight. “Good luck …”
Then he was gone.
Storm whinnied quietly, and Silver looked up at his mistress.
“The fiercest Beast of all,” Elenna echoed nervously.
“Let’s not think about it tonight,” said Tom. “Let’s enjoy the feast and face the future tomorrow.”
“Together,” she smiled.
He nodded. “Always.”
Happy sounds of talk and laughter, and the delicious smell of cooking were coming from the camp. Everyone was ready to celebrate.
Elenna went to join them. Tom started to follow, then paused and looked back over his shoulder at the kingdom of Avantia. New adventures waited for him out there. Was he strong enough to face them? Tom thought about his missing father — the father he wanted to be proud of him. “While there’s blood in my veins,” he swore to himself. Then he turned and walked into camp.
Copyright
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Text copyright © 2007 by Beast Quest Ltd.
Illustrations copyright © 2007 by Scholastic Inc.
Cover art by David Merrell
Cover design by Tim Hall
Beast Quest series created by Beast Quest Ltd., London.
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First printing, December 2007
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e-ISBN: 978-0-545-29423-2