by Adam Blade
“That’s right,” said King Hugo. “And the very end of your Quest will happen here.”
Tom followed him into the room. It was familiar to him from the start of his second Beast Quest, when he recovered the golden armor. He remembered the rough stone walls and the torches in metal holders, and the wooden stand for the armor that stood in the middle of the room.
King Hugo’s master of arms stood beside the wooden stand. He smiled as he saw Tom and Elenna. “Welcome back,” he said. His pet ferret poked its head out of his pocket and added a friendly squeak.
Silver let out a questioning whine as he spotted the little creature, and Elenna rested a hand on his neck. “It’s all right, boy,” she murmured. “He’s a friend.”
Wizard Aduro stepped forward. “Well done, Tom,” he said. “Your courage has saved Avantia once again.”
Embarrassed, Tom exchanged a glance with Elenna. “We did it together.”
“And now you must finish your Quest,” Aduro went on. “Come.”
He gestured for Tom to approach a small table that stood beside the wall. A crimson velvet cushion lay upon it. “This is the rightful resting place of the Amulet of Avantia,” he said.
Tom took the leather thong from around his neck and laid the amulet carefully on the velvet cushion. Then he pulled Stealth’s collar out of his pocket and unfastened the final scrap of silver. He fitted it carefully into the gap that waited for it.
Silver light flared up, filling the room and dazzling Tom’s eyes. He heard Elenna gasp in surprise.
When the light faded, Tom saw that the Amulet of Avantia was complete once again. He drew a long breath of satisfaction. That’s what King Hugo meant. Now my Beast Quest is really over.
“Tom, look!” Elenna exclaimed.
Tom turned to see that the suit of golden armor had reappeared on the wooden stand. The master of arms had already taken out a handkerchief and was polishing the gleaming breastplate.
Then a man stepped out from behind the golden armor. Tom caught his breath as he recognized his father. But he had never seen Taladon looking like this. He seemed taller and broader than ever. His eyes shone and the pink of good health glowed in his cheeks.
He put his arms around Tom in a tight embrace. This time Tom could feel his warmth and strength. It was how he had always dreamed of meeting his father.
“Congratulations, Tom,” Taladon said, stepping back. “And you, too, Elenna. I’m proud of you both. I knew you wouldn’t fail.”
“The whole of Avantia owes them thanks,” Wizard Aduro said.
King Hugo led the way out of the armor room and back up the stairs into his throne room. The balcony windows stood open, and Tom could hear the sound of the crowd outside in the square.
“Come, Taladon,” King Hugo said. “I must announce your return.”
The noise outside swelled to a welcoming roar as King Hugo and Taladon stepped out onto the balcony. Tom and Elenna followed them out with Silver close beside Elenna.
Morning sunlight lit up the square and the crowds of people, who were still streaming in from all directions. King Hugo raised his hands for silence, but it was a while before he could make himself heard.
“Good citizens of Avantia,” he began, “I bring you wonderful news. Taladon the Swift has returned to the kingdom!”
Taladon stepped forward to take a bow and the crowd went wild, waving and cheering and tossing their hats into the air.
“Now that Taladon is here, what are you going to do?” Elenna asked Tom, as his father waved to the crowd.
Tom heard a footstep behind him and looked around to see that Wizard Aduro was watching them closely, a gentle smile on his face. “Are you glad your journey is over?” he asked. “Do you want to go home to Errinel?”
Tom opened his mouth to reply, and stopped. He had often felt homesick for his village and longed to see his aunt and uncle again, but he found it hard to imagine settling back into life at the forge.
Something in Aduro’s voice, or the gleam in his eyes, sent a prickle of knowledge creeping up Tom’s spine. “I’m not going back to Errinel, am I?”
Aduro shook his head. As the cheers of the crowd echoed in their ears, he drew Tom and Elenna back into the shadows of the throne room.
“You will have some time to spend with your father,” the good wizard promised. “But after that, you may be needed elsewhere.” His finger curled, beckoning. “Follow me. I have something to show you…. The most difficult Quests are yet ahead.”
Tom exchanged a glance with Elenna. He didn’t know what Wizard Aduro meant, but he realized that his path was leading him to new dangers. His breath came faster, and he shivered with a mixture of fear and excitement.
Am I ready? he asked himself.
Beside him, Elenna’s eyes were shining, and Silver had cocked his head alertly, as if he wanted to set out right away.
Yes! Tom straightened his shoulders as triumph flooded through him. While there’s blood in my veins, I’ll serve Avantia!
Beast Quest series created by Beast Quest Ltd., London.
BEAST QUEST is a trademark of Beast Quest Ltd.
Text © 2009 by Beast Quest Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cover illustration © 2009 by Steve Sims
Interior illustrations © 2012 by Scholastic Inc.
Published by Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, by arrangement with Working Partners Ltd.
SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.
First printing, September 2012
Cover art by Steve Sims
Cover design by Tim Hall
e-ISBN 978-0-545-46991-3
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