BEASTQUESTTHEDARKREALMBOOKFOURTEEN

SKORTHEWINGEDSTALLION

ADAMBLADEILLUSTRATEDBYEZRATUCKER

WithspecialthankstoMichaelFordToConnorKennedy

Contents

Cover

TitlePage

Dedication

DEARREADER

PROLOGUE

CHAPTERONE:AVisionintheWater

CHAPTERTWO:TowardDanger

CHAPTERTHREE:IntotheGorge

CHAPTERFOUR:CrossingtheBridgeCHAPTERFIVE:EscapefromtheGorge

CHAPTERSIX:AnEnemyReturns

CHAPTERSEVEN:FindingtheWingedFlame

CHAPTEREIGHT:FacingtheWingedStallion

CHAPTERNINE:FighttotheEnd

CHAPTERTEN:ARaceAgainstTime

Copyright

Welcome.Youstandontheedgeofdarkness,atthegatesofan awful land. This place is Gorgonia, the Dark Realm,wheretheskyisred,thewaterblack,andMalvelrules.TomandElenna—yourheroandhiscompanion—musttravelheretocompletethenextBeastQuest.

GorgoniaishometosixmostdeadlyBeasts—Minotaur,Winged Stallion, Sea Monster, Gorgonian Hound, MightyMammoth, and Scorpion Man. Nothing can prepare Tomand Elenna for what they are about to face. Their pastvictoriesmean little.Only strong hearts and determinationwillsavethemnow.

Dareyou followTom’spathoncemore? Iadviseyou toturn back. Heroes can be stubborn and adventures maybeckon, but if you decide to stay with Tom, youmust bebraveandfearless.Anythinglesswillmeancertaindoom.

Watchyourstep….

KerlotheGatekeeper

PROLOGUE

HALLAM PEERED THROUGH THE GLOOM.HEhardlydared takeanother step.Shaftsoflightdancedacrosstherainforestfloorasthecanopyofleaves swayed above. Who knew what creatures lurked behindthethicktrunks,orunderthegiantfernleaves?

Hemovedslowlyoverthemossyground.Noisesechoedamongthetrees—shrillshrieksandlowcackles.ThisplacewasnothinglikethewoodlandwhereheandtheotherGorgonianrebelsusedto hide. There, the worst thing a traveler might come acrosswouldbeawildboar.

But the forest wasn’t safe now. Not since the Dark WizardMalvel had closed his net across Gorgonia. His ruthless armiesscoured the land for rebels, burning the villages of innocentpeople. There were Beasts, too. Hallam shuddered as herememberedthedeathsofhistwocomrades.TorgortheMinotaurhadtornthemlimbfromlimb.

Hallamplungedon, flashing glances in thedirectionof everysound. His sweat-soaked clothes clung to his body. A vinebrushedagainst thebackofhisneck.Hereacheduptobrush itaway,butitwriggledbeneathhistouch.Asnake!

“Urgh!”Hallamcriedout,fallingbackward.Thesnakelandedafoot away and drew itself into a coil, hissing. Its scaleswere aglistening yellow, its eyes bloodred. Hallam lay on the ground,frozen with fear. The snake fixed him with its eyes, its forkedtongueflickeringinandout,itsheadswaying,beforeituncoiledandslitheredaway.

Hallamclimbedtohisfeet,brushingwetleavesfromhistunic.Hepushedonthroughthetrees.You’llhavetobemorecareful!he

toldhimself.Wherethere’sonesnake…Hallamwas so busy watching the trees that he didn’t noticewherehewasputtinghisfeet.Thenextmoment,hewasslidingdown amassive slope. The plants on either side of himwere ablur as he skidded past. And then he saw what waited at thebottom.

Apitofwrithingvipers!

He scrambled to slowhimself, but themudwas too slippery.Vinesbrokeoffinhishand.Hejammedhisheelsintotheground.Ahair’swidthfromthedeadlymassofsnakes,hestopped.

The blood thumped in his head, louder than the calls of thebirdsabove.

Trembling,Hallambegantopushhimselfbackuptheslope.

Youfool!he thought.Malvel’s soldierswill findyou ifyoudon’twatchyourstep!

Hedidn’ttakehiseyesoffthesnakes.Hewantedtogetoutoftherainforestasquicklyaspossible.

His back came up against a tree trunk. He gripped the barkwithhispalms,andthenfeltsomethingsoft,like…feathers.Hotbreathmistedtheairabovehishead.Hallamspunaround.

A horse’s head pushed through the branches above him. Butthis was no ordinary horse. It towered over Hallam and stareddown at him. A Beast! Hallam gasped for breath, his stomachturningoverwithfear.Thecreature’slipsdrewback,revealingasetofmenacingteeth,drippingwithstringsofsaliva.

Hallam fell to his knees at the Beast’s golden hooves. Hugewings opened from the stallion’s body, lifting it above theground.Thecreatureswayedamongthetrees,hispowerful legskicking, then he threw back his head and screeched as Hallamcowered on the ground. Silver sparks flashed from the Beast’seyes, lighting up the glossy leaves of the jungle, before thefearsometeethbegantoclosein….

CHAPTERONE

AVISIONINTHEWATER“WEHAVETOCLEANYOUUP,”SAIDELENNA.

TomandhisfriendstoodbesidetheriverthatwoundthroughthedustyGorgonianplains.ItwasnothingliketheclearstreamsofAvantia.Herethewaterwasbrownandsludgy.Everysooften,bubbles escaped to the surface,burstingand filling theairwithrotten-smellingyellowgas.

Elenna dabbed the gashes on Tom’s arm where Torgor theMinotaur’smightyaxhadwoundedhim.Theenchanted featherinTom’sshield,giventohimbyEpostheWingedFlame,hadrunoutofpowerbefore itcouldhealallofhis injuries. IthadbeenTom’s toughest fightyet,buthehadmanagedto freeTagus theNightHorsefromtheclutchesofTorgor.NowthegoodBeastwassafelybackinAvantia,awayfromMalvel’sevil.

“Doyouthinktheherbswillwork?”askedTom.

Elenna smiled as she ground the herbsTom’s aunt had giventhem.Withsomeofthewaterfromherflask,themixturebecamea thick paste. Silver thewolf watched as sheworked the pasteintoTom’swounds.

“Thank you,” Tom said. He didn’t know how hewould havesurvivedwithoutElennaonhisQuests.

Thepaininhisarmbegantoebbaway.“It’sworking!”hesaid.Thememoriesofthebattlewouldtakelongertofade,though.TorgorwasmoredeadlythananyBeasttheyhadfacedbefore.IftherewereothersuchcreaturesinGorgonia,Tomknewhewouldneedallhisstrengthandcouragetodefeatthem.

ElennawasbandagingthelastofthelinendressingsoverTom’sgasheswhenSilverleapedtohisfeetandbeganpacingalongtheriverbank,barkingwildlyatthewater.

Tom’shorse, Storm, stampedhishooves and shookhismane,thenbackedawayfromtheriver’sedge.

“What’sgottenintoStormandSilver?”askedElenna.

“Something’s spooking them,” said Tom. He peered into thewater.Thecurrentseemedtohavestopped.Silverletoutahigh-pitchedwhine.Apoolrippledinthemiddleofthewater.

The two friends gazed into the river as the patterns thereshifted. Gradually they could see the lines of a mouth, then anose,andthentwoeyes.Rippleslikelongwhitehairsframedtheimage.Themouthmovedinlittlewaves.

Elennagasped.

“Aduro!”saidTom.

ItwastheirfriendthegoodwizardofAvantia.“Greetings,TomandElenna,”thevisioninthewatersaid.

“Greetings,”theyreplied.

“Once again, congratulations on overcoming Torgor,” saidAduro.“TagussendshisthanksfromAvantia.”

ElennasqueezedTom’sarm,andAdurocontinued.

“But,asyouknow,mymagicisweakhereinGorgonia—thegatewaybetweenworldssapsmyenergy.Idon’thavethepowertostaywithyoulong.”

“Tellus,Aduro,”saidTom,“whatisournextQuest?”

“Youmust trackdownanewBeast,”saidAduro.“Itsnameis

Skor.”

TomshotElennaalook.Sheshrugged,lookingmystified.

Aduro’s face began to soften at the edges, and his wordsbecamedistant.Hismagicwasfading.“Beware,”hewhispered.“Igiveyouafinalwarning:Dangerwillcomefrombothearthandair.Remember,earthandair…”

Thefacemeltedbackintothewater.

“He’sgone!”saidTom.

“WhatisSkor?”saidElenna.“Howcanitbeadangerbyearthandair?”

“Idon’tknow,”saidTom,“butwehavetofindout.Wealreadyknow that Epos is in danger.” After the defeat of Torgor, theflamebird’sfeatherinTom’sshieldhadbeguntoglow,callingfortheirhelp.

Tom picked up his shield, swung it onto his back, andtightened his magic belt around his waist. Already, one of theslotscontainedtherubyjewelhehadcapturedfromTorgor,sohenowhadtheabilitytounderstandwhattheBeastswerethinking.But there were five slots still to fill. He wondered what newpowershewouldgainonthisQuest.

“Let’sseewherewehavetoheadnext,”saidTom.

Elenna opened the bag on Storm’s saddle and pulled out themapgiven to thembyMalvel.Unlike the enchantedparchmentthat had guided them in Avantia, this map was scrawled onrotten animal hide. Tom shuddered as he helped Elenna unrollthegreasyyellowsurface.

“Look!”saidElenna.“Apath…”

The stench of themapwas overpowering, and Tom held hisbreathashe leaned incloser.Agreen linebecameclearagainstthe discolored surface. It marked a route from their presentlocationontheplains.Thelinesnakedaroundsteeprockygulliesandravines,andendedinaplaceoftalltreesmanymilesaway.They could see the figure of a tiny phoenix hidden within thetrees.

“It’sarainforest!Andthere’sEpos,”saidTom.

“Itlooksdangerous,”saidElenna.

Tomputhishandonher shoulder. “We’veovercome thirteenBeastsalready,”hesaid.“Wecandoitifweworktogether.”

“We don’t even know if we can trust themap,” said Elenna.“Malvelmaybeleadingustoourdeaths.”

Tom nodded. “Whatever Malvel throws at us, we’ll beprepared,” he said, rolling up the map. He gazed beyond theriver.“Eposneedsourhelp.Wewon’tfail.”

CHAPTERTWO

TOWARDDANGER

STORMGALLOPEDACROSSTHEDUSTYPLAINS,Silverboundingtirelesslybyhisside. Gorgonia’s sunwas hidden behind thick banks of swirlingred clouds, and the gloom seemed to press down upon them,readytoswallowthemup.Thestallion’shoovesstruggledtofindagripon the crumbling soil, and twicehenearly fell.ButTomgripped Storm’s flanks with his thighs, watching the terrain toavoidanylooserocks.

“Gorgonia makes me miss Avantia,” said Elenna, over thepoundingofStorm’shooves.“Thisfeelslikealandof—”

“Death?”saidTom.

Elenna shivered, as though a chill had run down her spine.TherewasnosignoflifeanywhereinMalvel’skingdom,andthestenchofdecayfilledtheair. Itwasas thoughtheDarkWizardhimselfwasfollowingthem,breathingdowntheirnecks.

Something appeared on the horizon. Tom felt his heartbeatquicken.HetightenedStorm’sreinsandslowedthestalliontoacanter,andhefeltElennagriphiswaist.Buthispulsesteadiedasherealizeditwasonlyadeadtree.

Itlookedlikeaskeletalhand,reachingupwardfromtheearth.Thebrancheswereleaflessanddecayed,andahugevulturewithpatchy brown feathers perched there. As they trotted past, itswiveled its bald head and fixed themwith a black stare. Tomcould feel the scavenger’s eyes watching them as they trottedaway.Silverhowlednervously.

“OneofMalvel’sspies?”ElennawhisperedintoTom’sear.

“Whoknows?”Tomsaid,tryingnottoshudder.

Soontheycametoasmallwateringhole,whichlookedalittlecleanerthantheriver.TomandElennadismountedandtookouttheir flasks, while Storm trotted over to the water’s edge. Hebowed his head to drink, then sniffed and neighed. Silverflattenedhisearsandgrowled.

“What’s the matter, boy?” asked Elenna. Then she spottedsomething on the far side of the pool. “Urgh!” she cried, andpointed.

Awhiteribcage,pickedcleanofflesh,brokethesurfaceofthewater.Fliesbuzzedoverit.

“Whatdoyouthinkitoncewas?”askedElenna.

“I don’t know,” Tom replied, “but this water isn’t safe. I’drather be parched than poisoned.” Remounting Storm, Tomstrokedhismane. “I knowyou’re thirsty, boy, butwe’ve got tokeepgoing.”

Storm threwbackhisheadand shookhismane, lettingoutawhinny.Tomduginhisheels,andthestallionshotforwardonceagain. Theymade good speed across the plains. Ahead, the airshimmeredwithheat,andTomcouldseenothingbutpalebrownearth, with an occasional spiky gorse bush. But a tingle in hisstomachtoldhimsomethingwaswrong.

Afterawhile,thegorsebushesbecamethicker,andTomhadtokeephiseyesonthegroundtosteerStormthroughsafely.Hewasworried.WasMalvel driving them into themiddle of nowhere,wherestarvationandthirstwouldwearthemdown?

“Lookout!”yelledElenna.Tomsawacliffedgerightinfrontofthem.HepulledbackonStorm’s reinsashardashecould,andthehorse letoutaterrifiedneigh, tossinghishead inpanic,hishooves skidding toward the edge of the drop and throwing upcloudsofdust.

“Hedoesn’thaveenoughtimetostop!”Tomshouted.

Theyweregoingovertheedge!

CHAPTERTHREE

INTOTHEGORGE

STORM’SBODYARCHEDUNDERTHESADDLEASherearedback,hisfronthooveswheelingintheair.Pebblesclattereddownintothegulleybelow,andtheedgeofthecliffstartedtocrumble.Elenna’sfingersdugintoTom’ssidesandhefelthisweightshiftbackward.Helosthisholdonthereins.ButsomehowStorm’shoovesfoundagrip.Tomheardathumponthegroundbehindhim,andwhenhelooked,hecouldseethatElennahadfallentosafety.

ButtwistingaroundinthesaddlemadeTomlosehisbalance.He tried tograbStorm’smane to steadyhimself,but itwas toolate.Hewasfalling!Theemptyvalleyopenedupbelowhim,asrocksandpebblesscattered.Hisbodyknockedintothesideofthecliff…thenpainjoltedthroughhisankle.Hewassuspendedintheair,hisarmsdangling.Hischeeksweregrazedbytheroughstones,buthewasalive.

“Storm’sstirrup!”Tomshouted.“Itsavedme!”

But he hardly dared to move. Only his foot, caught in thestirrup,stoppedhimfromhurtlingintothedepthsofthecanyon.Eventhemagictokeninhisshieldthatprotectedhimfromfallsmightnotbeabletohelphiminaravineasdeepasthis.

Elenna poked her head over the cliff edge. “Hold on!” sheshouted.

“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”saidTom.

Then he heard her talk to Storm. “That’s right, boy, slowly,”shecoaxed,encouragingthestalliontowalkawayfromthecliffedge and pull Tom back up to solid ground. But he knew they

would have to go slowly— or his footmight slip loose of thestirrup.

Tomfelthimselfbeinggraduallyheavedupthecliff.AssoonashefeltStormapproachsolidground,hetwistedaroundcarefullyandusedhisarmstoscrambletosafety.Hepulledhisfootfromthestirrupand laybackon thedustyearth,gaspingwithrelief.Silverpaddedovertolickhisface,andTomreachedoutahandtopatthewolf’sneck.

“Thank you, Elenna!” he said. Storm whinnied. “And you,Storm,”Tomadded.

The stallion’s flank was slick with sweat and his legs weretrembling.

Elennastrokedhisnose.“There,there,boy,it’sallright.”Thenshe stepped over to gaze down into the ravine. “Do you thinkanythinglivesdownthere?”sheasked,hervoiceechoingofftherocksbelow.

“I don’t know, but we must get across to rescue Epos,” saidTom.Hepointedtothetreesontheothersideofthegorge.“Thathastobetherainforest.”

“Buthow?”saidElenna.“It’stoofartojump,evenonStorm’sback.”

Thegorgewasaswideastenhouses.

Tom scanned the distance with his keen sight, one of thepowershehadwonduringhisQuesttofindthegoldenarmor.Hespotted something dark arcing across the gorge. A bridge! Itlookednarrowandflimsy,butitwastheonlychoicetheyhad.

“Icanseeabridge,”hesaid.“Wecancrossthere.”

HeswunghimselfbackintoStorm’ssaddleandofferedahandtoElenna.Shewaspale.

“What’sthematter?”Tomasked.

Hisfriendbowedherheadinshame.“It’sjustthat,eversinceIwasyoung,I’vebeenterrifiedofheights.”

TomclimbeddownfromStormandplacedbothhandsonhershoulders. “We’ve battled thirteen Beasts andwon,” he said. “Iknowyouhavethestrengthtomeetthischallenge.”

Elenna lookedup,andTomsawher facehadchanged.Fiercedeterminationshoneinhereyes.

“Let’sdoit,”shesaid.

The two of them scrambled into Storm’s saddle. Then Tomdrove his horse in a gallop toward the bridge. Silver’s furflattened as he bounded beside them.As the bridge drew near,TomslowedStormtoacanter.

“Itdoesn’tlookverysafe,”Elennasaid.

Tomfeltdoubttightenhisthroat.Thebridgethatspannedthegorge looked ancient. The rope railswere thin and frayed, andthewoodenplankswereblackwithage.Thenherememberedthe

giftgiventohimbythegoldenchainmail—strengthofheart.

“It’stheonlywayforbothofustocross,”hesaid.“ButStormistooheavy—thebridgewon’tholdhim.He’llhavetostayherewithSilver.”

“Yes,”saidElenna.Tomfelthertwistinthesaddle.“Where isSilver?”

Tomspunaround.Thewolfwasnowheretobeseen.

“Silver!”shoutedElenna.“Whereareyou?”

A howl sounded back, from behind a nearby cluster ofboulders. They dashed in the direction of the noise and foundSilver.Hewassniffingabushloadedwithbrightredberries.

“Food!” said Elenna. “Clever boy, Silver.” She ruffled his fur,thenstartedtopickthefruit.

Tom joinedher. It had been so long since they last ate. Tomstuffed the juicy berries into his mouth until the sticky sweetjuicedribbleddownhischin.

“Theytastesogood.”Elennalaughed,lickingherfingers.“Whowould have thought something so delicious could grow inGorgonia?”

Tomstopped.Elennawasright.Theberriestastedtoogood.Hespat out his mouthful, and stared at his friend. Elenna wasblurringinfrontofhim.Tomheldhishanduptohisface—hisfingersbecamehazyaroundtheedges.Hestaggeredsideways.

“Theberries!”hesaid.“They’repoisonous!”

ItwasanotherofMalvel’seviltricks.

Elenna stumbled toward him. “Something is wrong with myeyes!Whatshallwedo?”sheasked.

Tompointedshakily to thegorge.“Wehave togetacross thebridge—whilewe still can.Wecan’t letMalvel endourQuestbeforeit’sreallybegun!”

Holding on to each other, theywalkedunsteadily toward theedgeofthecliff.Stormcametotheirside.

“You’llhavetostayhere,”saidTom,unhookinghisshieldfrom

thestallion’ssaddleandpattinghishead.

SilverliftedhisnoseandlickedElenna’shand.

“Youtoo,Silver,”shesaid.Thewolfdroppedback,lettingoutaworriedwhine.

Tomedgedtowardthebridge.Itwassonarrowandhefeltsounsteadyonhisfeet.

“We’ll have to go one at a time,” he said. “Let me lead theway.”

Astrongwindhadpickedup,gustingalongthegorge.Theropebridgeswayedandcreaked.Tomshuddered.Noneofhisspecialpowerscouldhelphimnow.HelookedbacktoStormandSilver.Bothanimalswerewatchinginsilence.

“Maybeweshouldwaituntilthemagicwearsoff,”saidElenna,tighteninghergriponTom’sarm.

“Wedon’thavetime,”hesaid.“Somewhereinthatrainforest,Eposneedsourhelp.”

“You’reright,”saidElenna.

Lettinggoofhisfriend’sarm,Tomsteppedontothebridge.

CHAPTERFOUR

CROSSINGTHEBRIDGE“BECAREFUL!”SAIDELENNA.“DON’TGOtoofast.”ThebridgegroanedunderTom’sweight.Tom’svisionblurredagain.Heshotoutahandandsteadiedhimselfagainsttheropes.Hemanagedtotakeanothershortstep.

Ascreechmadehimglanceup.Ablackshapedriftedundertheclouds.Tom’seyesregainedfocus.Aneagle!Itcircled,suspendedon the air, gliding gracefully through the red sky. It screechedagain, the noise piercing Tom’s brain. Was this another ofMalvel’s tricks? A distraction to send him plummeting to hisdeath?

Tomgripped the ropesand inchedhiswayacross thebridge.Eachtimehetookanotherstep,theropescreaked,buttheyheld.Tom’s dizziness was becoming worse. The wind was strongernow,whippingthroughhishair.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Tom called back toElenna. “It’s safe,” he shouted. Thewind caught his breath andwhipped it away. Had she heard him? He yelled again. “Theropesarestrongenough.Youcancomeacross.”

He looked around to see Elenna gingerly place a foot on thebridge. So far, so good. But as Elenna took another step, Tomrealizedhehadmadeamistake.Thebridgebegantoleantooneside, then theother.Withbothof themon thebridge, plus thestrongwind,thebridgewasbeginningtoswaydangerously.Tombentdown, keepinghisweight close to thewoodenplanks.HisvisionblackedoutagainandheheardElennacallout.

“Ihavetogoback,Tom.Thebridgewon’tholdusboth.”

“No!”urgedTom.“Youcanmakeit,Elenna.Keepcoming!”

“ButIcan’tsee!”shesaid.

Tom turned. He squinted and was just able to make out ablurredvisionofElenna,desperatelyclutchingtoonesideoftheropebridge.

“Listen,Elenna,”heshouted,ashisvisionfadedoutoncemore.“I needyou todo exactly as I tell you.Hold the ropesonbothsidesofthebridge.Thatwillsteadyyou.”

Slowly,Elennadidashesaid.

“That’s good,” said Tom. “Now move forward. Shuffle withyourfeet.”

Elennawasmakinggoodprogress towardhim,but thebridgewasstillswingingviolently.Tombegantobacktowardtheotherside,keepinghiseyesonElenna.

“You’redoingwell,”hesaid.“You’renearlyatthemiddle.”

Elennasmiledweakly,butshewasstillshakingwithfear.Thenshe tripped. She thrust a hand out to break her fall, barelykeepingholdoftheropewithherotherhand.Ashuddertraveledalong the bridge like a wave, tilting it to one side. Tom wasthrownagainsttheropesandcriedout.Heonlyjustmanagedtoholdon.

“Areyouallright?”shoutedElenna.

“Ithinkso!”shoutedTom.“Keepcomingtowardme.”

Thenhefeltsomethingslimyagainsthispalmandlookedmorecloselyat theropehewasholding.Whathesawmadehimfeelsick.Itwasmadeofhair!Manydifferentcolors,allwoundtightlytogether. Was it hair from long-dead Beasts? he wondered. Orevenhumanhair?WhoknewwhatevilMalvelwascapableof?

The eagle screeched again, closer this time. Tomwatched itsblack shape swoop lowover thebridge.Was thisbirdactingasMalvel’seyes?

Elenna had reached Tomnow, and thewind had died down.Theyweregoingtomakeit.

“Nearlythere,”hesaid,takingherarm.ThenTomnoticedtheropeonhis left givea tiny shudder.He lookedback.Theeaglewas perched on the far end of the bridge. Gripping the ropebetweenitstalons,ittoreatthestrandswithitsbeak.

“No!”shoutedTom.

“Whatisit?”saidElenna.

Tomdidn’thavetimetoanswer.Beforetheeaglewashalfwaythroughthetwine,therewasaloudtwangandtheropesnapped.

Tomfelthisfeetfallaway,andhiswholeworldturnedupsidedown.HeandElennaplungedintotheair,theirscreamsechoingthroughtherockygorge.

CHAPTERFIVE

ESCAPEFROMTHEGORGETHE ROCK FACE RUSHED PAST.BUT SOON TOM felt himself begin to slow.Ofcourse!Myshield!hethought.Itsmagicwasprotectinghim—butwoulditslowhimenoughtoavoidcrashingintotherocksbelow?

As he passed a ledge, Tom shot out a hand. Jagged rock cutinto his fingers, but he held on.Hiswhole body jarred. Elennawas falling towardhim,spiraling through theair.Hewouldgetonlyonechance….

Hereachedout,hisfingersclosingaroundherwrist.

“Got you!” he said. The extra weight tore at him, but hecouldn’tlethisfriendfall.

Elenna’snailsdugintohishandassheclungtohim.Gatheringallhis strength,TomheavedElennaonto the ledge, thenpulledhimselfupaswell.Thankfully, theevilpoison thathadblurredhisvision seemed tobewearingoff.Nowhecould seewhathewasdoing.

Helayontheground,pantingforbreath.

“Thanks,”gaspedElenna.“Yousavedmylife.”“Howisyoureyesight?”saidTom.

Elennamovedherhandinfrontofherface,flexingherfingers.“It’sbetter!”

Tomgazedup.Thetopofthegorgewasfarabovethem.

“Howcanwegetout?”askedElenna.

“We’llhavetoclimb,”saidTom.

Butthesidesofthegulleywereslickwithslime.Withnoropes,itwouldbedifficult.

Tom hauled himself up against the rock face and placed hisfootinashallowdent.Keepinghisbodytightagainsttherock,hebegantopickapathupward,usingthetinycrevicestoleverhisway.

“One step at a time,” he called down to Elenna. “Slowly andcarefully.”

Elennapulledherselfupbehindhim.

As he climbed, Tom’s knuckles turned white, and sweatstreameddownhisback.Heforcedhimselftoconcentrate.Reach.Step.Reach.Step.Up there, somewhere,Epos theWingedFlameneededhelp.

Themusclesinhisarmsandchesttrembled,andhislegsshook,but Tom pushed onward. Then he saw it— a rope. Itwas thefrayedremainsofthehaircordfromthebridge,danglingintotheabyss.Tomtuggedhardontheend.Itheld.

“Wecanusethis,”hecalleddowntoElenna.

He seized the rope and began to haul himself up, his feetbraced against the slope. Placing hand over hand, he draggedhimselfupthefinalsectionofthecliff.Behindhim,hecouldhearElennabreathinghard.Whenhegottothetop,Tomleanedbacktohelphisfriendup.Thentheycollapsedtogetherinthedirt.

“We’vemadeit!”Elennagasped.

Tomturnedtofacetherainforest.Hugetreesshotoutof theearth. Their lush green leaves cast the undergrowth in shadow.He couldmake out vines wrapped around the tree trunks, andsnakingtendrilshangingfromthebranches.

“Comeon!”saidTom.“Let’smakeAduroproud.”

TomandElennahurriedtowardtheforest.Smallertreesgrewattheedges,withtwisted,leaflessbranchesthatseemedtoreachoutastheypassedby.Bushes,sproutingstemslinedwiththorns,toreattheirlegs.Partsofthegroundweremarshy,andTomfeltsquelching mud clutch at his feet. Then he noticed somethingstrange.Apatchofthelongswampgrasswascrushed.Hewalked

anotherfewstepsandsawanotherflattenedarea.

“Look,Elenna.”Hepointed.“They’reshapedlike…”

“Hooves,”Elennafinished.

Tom nodded slowly. “But theymust be ten times the size ofStorm’shoofprints!Whatcreaturecouldhavefeetthatlarge?”

Elenna didn’t answer and Tom shot her a glance. Shewasn’teven looking at him. Her eyes, opened wide with terror, werefixedonaspotbehindhim.Herhandshookasshepointed.

“Skor!”sheyelled.

CHAPTERSIX

ANENEMYRETURNSTOMFROZE.ADARKHORSE’sBODYTOWEREDabovehim.Silversparksflashedfromitseyes.TheBeastrearedonmuscularhind legs,churningtheairwithgleaminggoldenhooves.Hismanewasasblackascoal, and his tail floated in the air like strands of emeraldseaweed.

Skor gave a deafening roar and unfurled giant, glossywings.Tom staggered backward into Elenna. The underside of thefeathers shimmered purple like an exotic seashell, and the tipslookedasifthey’dbeendippedingold.Tomspottedashimmerofemeraldgreeninoneofthegoldenhooves.Ajewelthesizeofhis fist was embedded there, just like the ruby in Torgor theMinotaur’s ax. Skor beat his mighty wings back and forth, thedraft flattening the clothes against Tom’s body and blastingElenna’s hair into tangles. Then the wheeling hooves crashedback to the ground, sending tremors through the earth thatknockedTomtohisknees.

Skor snorted but didn’t come forward. A voice pierced thestillness.

“Very good,” it said. “It is right that you should bow beforeme.”

TomsawafigurejumpdownfromSkor’sback.Herecognizedhimrightaway.TheboywasayearortwoolderthanTom,withpaleblondhair.Abronzeswordhungbyhisside.

“Seth!”

“That’s right,” said the boy. “Didn’t you expect to see me

again?”Tom hadmet Seth once before, on a quest to free two babydragons.Butthathadbeenanothertime,inanotherkingdom.

“Howareyouin—”hebegan.

“Gorgonia?”Sethfinishedthequestion.“I’llalwaysbeabletofindyou.”

Tomclimbedtohisfeetanddrewhissword.“Thenthatmakesusenemies.”I’llfinishthefightthistime,hetoldhimself.

Seth’s lip curled in a sneer when he saw Tom’s blade. Heunsheathed his own. “I hoped I would get the chance to fightyou,”hesaid.ThenheturnedtoSkorandpointedbackintotheforestwithhissword.

“Begone, Skor! Do Malvel’s bidding, and take care of ourprisoner.”

TheBeastsnortedandrose intotheair.Thenheheadedbackintothedepthsoftheforest,hiswingtipsglitteringlikeflames.

Tom tightened his hand around his shield’s strap.He pushedElenna back among the foliage, whispering, “Stay out of theway.” He raised his voice. “What have you done to Avantia’sBeast?”

Sethlaughed.“Youwon’tseeheragain.”

Tomclenchedhisteeth.“You’renothingbutMalvel’spuppet,”hesaid.

“That’sbetterthanbeingAduro’sworkhorse,”Sethshotback.

Tom adjusted his grip, raised his sword, and darted forward,cuttingthroughtheair.

Sethsteppedasidenimbly,grinning.“ThiswillbeeasierthanIthought,”hesaid.

HelungedatTom,whoparriedwithadownwardstroke.Sethcameagain,slicinganarcatTom’slegs.Tomjumped,feelingthedraftofthebladepassunderhisfeet.Seth’sfacebecameredandhe hissed in anger. He brought his blade down heavily. Tomblocked upward with his shield, feeling the power of the blowshoot through his arm. Seth grunted. Tom tried to thrust

underneath, but Seth parried, and the blades jammed together.Theyfacedeachother,lockedinposition,facescloseenoughforTomtofeelthewarmthofSeth’sbreath.

“You can’t keep this up forever,” said Seth through grittedteeth.

“Iwon’tstopuntilit’sover,”saidTom,thenhethrusthisshieldinto Seth’s stomach.Theyboth toppled to the ground, butTomwasupfirst.“Letyoursworddothetalking,”hesaid,watchingasSethclimbedtohisfeet,hisfacenowblackwithanger.

His enemy ran forward, shouting a cry, and swinging wildlywith his sword. It whistled through the air, but Tom kept hisshieldwellplaced.Hebackedawayuntilhesawhischance.Heducked under one of Seth’s swings and twisted up behind him.Withhisrighthand,hepinnedSeth’sswordarm.Withhisleft,heheldhisbladetohisenemy’sneck.

“You’velost!”hesaidinSeth’sear.“Dropyoursword.”

Seth’sbladeclatteredto theground.Tomkicked it toElenna.But as her fingers closed over the hilt, a high-pitched screechrangoutthroughtheair.ItfilledTom’sheadandhehadtoletgoofSethtocoverhisears.Hecouldbarelystayonhisfeet.

Just as abruptly, the screeching ceased. Seth was alreadyrunning in the direction of the rain forest, but Tomdidn’t careabouthimanymore.HeknewthattheawfulsoundwasaBeastinpain. The winged flame’s feather, fixed into Tom’s shield, wasvibrating and glowing, and through the ruby in his belt,whichhelpedhimtounderstandthethoughtsofAvantia’sBeasts,TomrealizedthattimewasrunningoutforEpos.

CHAPTERSEVEN

FINDINGTHEWINGEDFLAMETHEY DASHED TOWARD THE RAIN FOREST. Seth had disappeared into theshadowsaheadofthem.ButTomcouldn’tfollow;hehadtogettoEpos.

The trees were massive, the trunks taller than the towers ofKingHugo’scastleandsomeaswideasfivemen.

Afigureappearedsuddenlyfrombehindoneofthetrees.Tomrecognizedhisbaldheadandeyepatch.ItwasthekeeperofthegatebetweenAvantiaandGorgonia.

“Look,Elenna!”hesaid.“It’sKerlo.”

They watched the ragged figure hobble toward them,supported by his wooden staff. Kerlo pausedwhen hewas stillsomedistanceaway.Hesmiledandliftedhishand.

“Greetings,travelers!”hecalledout.“Howfaresyourjourney?”

“WehavetorescueEpos,”shoutedTom.“She’strappedintheforest.”Kerlo nodded slowly. “I warned you, did I not? Gorgoniadoesn’twelcomefools.”

Tomfelthisfistsclench.“We’renotfools,gatekeeper.WehaveaQuesttofulfill.”

“The jungle holds many dangers, young one. You will needgreatbravery,”saidKerlo.Heshookhishead.

Tom was tired of the gatekeeper’s mocking tone. “We’re notafraidofanything,”hesaid.

“That’sfunny,”Kerlosaid.“Yourfather,Taladon,saidthesamethingtomeonce.”

Taladon!Tomhadnevermethisfather,whohaddisappearedbeforeTomwasborn,butthestoriesofhisbravedeedsseemedtohave reached the farthest corners of Avantia— and Gorgonia.Kerloturnedtoleave.

“Wait!”saidTom.“Tellmemore!”

Eposscreechedagain,butmorefaintlythistime.

“Comeon,Tom,”saidElenna.“Wedon’thavemuchtime.She’slosingstrength.”

Henodded.Andwhenhelookedback,Kerlowasgone.

Theyturnedandplungedintothefoliage.

Theairintheforestwasthickandheavy.Itwasdark,too,andthe shadows shifted as though creatureswere creeping throughthegloom.ElennasuddenlyseizedTom’sarm.

“What’sthat?”shewhispered,pointing.

Tomcouldn’tseeanythingbutdenseleaves.

“What?”heasked.

Elennarelaxed.“IthoughtIsawsomething…apairofeyes.”

Tompeeredagain,andfeltachilltinglinghisspine.

“Juststayclose,”hesaid.

The ground was covered in spongy moss, and huge fallenbranchesblocked thepathahead.Mysterious soundscame fromallaroundthem—shrillcallsofunseenanimalscuttingthroughtheair.Theleavesabovethemrustled,butwhenTomlooked,hecould see nothing. Somewhere in the distance a branchsplintered.Tomcouldn’t shake the feeling that theywerebeingwatched.ButSethwasnowheretobeseen.

“IwishSilverwerewithus,”saidElenna.

TomthoughtaboutStorm,too,andtriedtoignorehowheavyhisheartfeltwithouttheirloyalfriends.

As they moved farther into the jungle, the vines becamethicker.Tomdrewhisswordandhackedthemaside.Thecanopy

above blocked out most of the red sunlight. A black shapesuddenly broke cover and shot between their heads. Tom spunaroundwithhissword,andElennaletoutacry.

“It’sonlyabat,”saidTom.“Itwon’thurtus.”

Epos’s crieswere fadingnow, but the feather inTom’s shieldvibrated more strongly than ever. If they didn’t find the Beastsoon,perhapstheyneverwould.Tomcouldn’tletthathappen.Iwon’tletAdurodown,hepromisedhimself.

Then his eyes fell on a low branch. It was splintered in thecenter,theendhangingloose.Hewalkednearer.Thegroundwastrampled,too,withahugehoofprint.

“Skormust have come thisway,” hewhispered. “Let’s followhistracks—theymustleadtoEpos.”

They edged forward, keeping close together. Skor’s tracks cutthroughtheforest.Smalltreeshadbeentornfromtheearth,andplantstrampled.

Soontheyreachedaclearing.Tompeeredbetweenthetrees.

“Careful,” he said, holding up a hand in front of Elenna. “Itmightbeatrap.”

Butthereshewas!EpostheWingedFlame.ThegoodBeastsatinamakeshiftnestmadeofgiantleaves.Butherfeathersweren’tthe same burnished gold that Tom remembered. They were adirtybrown.Andhereyesnolongerburnedlikemolteniron.Asshe shifted in her nest, Tom could see that one wing wasn’tfoldingproperly.Itstuckoutfromherbodyatanawkwardangle.From the twisted andmissing feathers, Tom could see that thebonesmustbebroken.

“Shecan’tfly,”saidTom.“She’scompletelyhelpless.”

Tearswelled inElenna’s eyes. “Shemustbe in terriblepain,”shesaid.“WhowoulddosomethinglikethattosuchabeautifulBeast?”

Tomknewtherewasonlyonepersonwickedenough.

“It’sMalvel’s work,” he said, feeling his anger rise. “And hisevilhelperSeth.”

TheybrokecoverandwalkedtowardthestrickenBeast.WhenEpos spotted them approaching, she lifted her beak and gave asoftcaw.

“There,there,”soothedTom.

“Doyouthinkthemagicalfeatherwillbepowerfulenoughtohealherinjuries?”askedElenna.

“Idon’tknow,”saidTom.“I’veneverhadtohealanythingthisbad.”

Theyhadalmostreachedthenest,whenarustlingcamefrom

thefarsideoftheclearing.TomandElennafroze.

The leaves began to shake wildly, and tremors stirred thegroundbeneaththeirfeet.

Goldenhoovescrashedthroughthefoliage.

ItwasSkor!

CHAPTEREIGHT

FACINGTHEWINGEDSTALLIONTHEBEASTBURSTTHROUGHTHETREES,crackingsmalltreesliketwigs.Eposliftedherheadandletoutaterrifiedsquawk.

SethranfrombehindSkor,hisswordheldoutinfrontofhim.Tomdidn’thavetimetodrawhisweapon.

Luckily,Elennawasquicker.She shoveda foot inSeth’spathandsenthimstumblingtotheground.Hewasclimbingbacktohis feet when she swung a branch, which smashed into Seth’stemple.HecrumpledtotheforestfloorbesideEpos’snest.

Tom cut down a vine and threw it to her. “Tie him upwiththis,Elenna!”hecalled.

ElennawasonSeth in a flash, andboundhiswristswith thevine.

“Quickly,Tom,”sheshouted.“Thereisn’tmuchtime.Thevineswon’tholdhimforlong.”

A roar filled the clearing, and Tom turned to face Skor. TheBeastdrewbackhislips.Hugeteethsnappedtheair.TomdashedawayfromtheWingedFlame’snest.HewantedtoputasmuchdistanceaspossiblebetweenSkorandEpos.

Hewas halfway across the clearingwhen thewinged stallionlunged at him. Tom ducked, and the Beast’s stinking breathwashedoverhim.“Overhere!”shoutedSethfuriously.TomspunaroundtoseethatSkor’sattentionhadturnedtoElenna,whowaskneeling on top of Seth. The Beast charged toward her, eyesflashingsilversparksontotheforestfloor.

“Hey!”Tomshouted.“Leaveheralone!”Eposbravelytriedtoliftherselfoutofhernestbutsankback,defeated.Tompickeduparockfromthegroundandtookcarefulaim.Skorwasalmostontop of Elenna now, and she scrambled back from Seth, whowrithedontheground.TomthrewtherockandithitSkorinthetemple.

TheBeast rearedup, snorting inpain and anger.His forelegscrashed back to the ground and he charged toward Tom oncemore.Therewasnotimetothink,andnowheretorun.AllTomcoulddowasrolloutoftheway.Hefoundhimselfhiddenbehindathicktreetrunk.

Elenna, meanwhile, had returned to Seth’s side. “Leave him,Elenna!”Tomshouted.“Youhavetohide.”

She lookedup, and thenbackatSeth,uncertaintywrittenonher face. Then she seized Tom’s enemy under the armpits andbegandragginghimtowardtheedgeoftheclearing,awayfromEpos’snest.

Tom heard the crunch of Skor’s hooves in the undergrowth,and flattenedhimselfagainst the trunk.TherewasnowayTomcouldfacethisBeastontheforestfloor.Hewouldn’tevenbeabletogetclosetoSkor’shead.Maybeifhecouldgethigher…Tomlookedupthetrunk.Skorappearedatthesideofthetree,sniffingthe air. The purple feathers of hiswings ruffled, and his flanksroseandfell.

Tomedgedaroundthetrunk,keepingoutoftheBeast’ssight,then he began to climb. The bark of the tree was coarse andcracked, with plenty of handholds. Tom was as high as Skor’sbackwhentheBeastfinallyspottedhim.TheBeast’seyesopenedwide, and sparks flashed against the trunk, burning the wood,then he opened hismouth and roared. Tom saw deep into thewingedstallion’sredthroat.Thehugeteethsnappedathim,butTommanagedtopullhislegsoutoftheway.Hedrewhisswordand swung it at the Beast. It glanced off Skor’s head, doing nodamageatall.

“Climbhigher,”shoutedElennafrombelow.“Youhavetogetabovehim.”

Tomscrambledupthetrunk.Hereachedahollowinthetrunk

andclimbedintoit.Skortriedtounfurlhiswings,butthetreeswere too dense here. The Beast retreated to the bottom of thetree,outofsight.Foramoment,Tomfeltsafe.

Thenthebranchesbeganto tremble,as thoughastrongwindwereblowingthroughthem.

“Get out, Tom!” Elenna screamed from below. Tom caughtsightofherterrifiedfacethroughtheleaves.Shewasshelteringbyanothertree,herfootrestingonSeth’sback.

ThenTomrealizedwhatwashappening.TheBeastwastearingdownthetree!

“Youhavetoclimbdown!”shoutedElenna.

The Beast attacked the trunk again, and the branches whereTom was crouched shook wildly, scattering leaves below. Thewholetreecreaked.

Tomsheathedhis swordandstarted toscrambledown.Butitwastoolate.Thetreeleanedover,swingingwildlyonewayandthentheother.Tomfelthisstomachlurch.

Aloudsplinteringsoundechoedintheclearing,andthetrunkbegan to topple, scything through the foliage. Green leavesblurredpastTom’sface.Hehadonlyonechance.Hepushedoffwithhisfeetandjumped.Thegroundcametowardhimfast.

Tomlandedonthemossycarpet,bendinghiskneestocushiontheblow,androlledaway.Behindhim,thetreeslammedintotheforestfloor.Birdsshriekedandacloudofdirtfilledhiseyes.

Skor was already galloping toward him through the debris.Tomdrewhissword.Heliftedhisshieldandthrewhimselfatthegoldenhooves.Theythuddedagainstthewoodofhisshieldasheswunghissword,slashingSkor’sleg.TheBeasttookafewstepsbackward.Tomwatchedas thecutdisappearedbeforehiseyes.Theskinwasunblemishedagain.

“ABeastthatdoesn’tbleed?”shoutedTominconfusion.“HowamIsupposedtodefeatit?”

“Youdidn’t thinkMalvelwouldmake it easy, did you?” Sethcackled.“Faceit,youandEposaregoingtodie!”

“Go for thehead!” shoutedElenna. “It’s theonlyway to stophim.”

As the Beast kicked out, Tom dodged sideways to avoid theblow.IfreachingSkor’sheadwastheonlywaytostophimandsaveEpos,that’swhathe’dhavetodo.ButhowcanIgetclose?hethoughtdesperately.

AsSkorrearedagain,Tomsawhischance.Hedartedunderthewheelinghoovesand threwhimselfatSkor’s rear leg,wrapping

his arms around it. Skor snorted and bucked, kicking out withbothhisbacklegs.Tomfelttheteethrattleinhishead,andhisswordfellfromhisgrasp.

“Tom!”criedElenna.

Hishandscame looseandhewas thrownthroughtheair.Hesmashedintothegroundamongtheleavesofthefallentree,andasharppainstunghisforehead.Bloodtrickledintohiseye.

Skor thrashed at the ground with his hooves, then chargedtoward Tom, spreading his dazzling wings and lifting from theground.Ashehovered in theair, stringsof salivadrooled fromhisjaws.

“KillTom!”bellowedSeth.

“Getup!”shoutedElenna.

TomstruggledtohisfeetandfacedSkor.TheBeast’swingtipsscattered golden rays of light across the clearing. Tom lookedaroundforhissword,orsomethingelsetofightbackwith.Therewasnothing.ButTomwouldn’tgiveup.Notnow—notafteralltheyhadbeenthrough.

As theBeast’shooves sliced towardhis face,Tompushedouthisshield.“Whilethere’sbloodinmyveins,”heyelled,“Malvelwillnevertriumph!”

CHAPTERNINE

FIGHTTOTHEENDSKOR’SHOOVESCRUNCHEDONTOTOM’Sshield,butTomkepthisarmfirmandthewoodheld.ThenSkorwhinniedinpain.Tompeeredaroundfrombehind his shield and saw an arrow sticking out of Skor’sflank.“Elenna!”hecried.

HisfriendhadleftSeth’ssideandwaswalkingforwardtowardthem,stringinganotherarrow.

“Run,Tom!”sheshouted.“Ican’tholdhimbackforlong.”

Tomlookedaround.Theremustbesomethinghecoulddo.

Elennaunleashedasecondarrow,whichembeddeditselfunderSkor’s mane. The Beast backed off again, but already the firstarrowhaddroppedout,andtheskinhadhealed.

Tom’s eyes fell on a reed-filled swamp at the edge of theclearing,andanideaformedinhishead.Herememberedastoryhisunclehadoncetoldhimabouthorsewhisperers,peoplewhocould calm whole herds of stampeding animals by blowingthrough pampas grasses. Perhaps the same would work withthesereeds.

Tomscrambledtowardtheswamp.“Stophim!”shoutedSeth.

Tom looked back and saw that Elenna was pulling anotherarrowfromherquiver.Shehadonlythreeleft.

Thewater of the swampwas green and as thick as tar. Tomstrode into the center of the reeking pond. The warm sludgeswallowed his legs up to the knees. Tom tugged at the nearest

reed,andstifledhiscryas thesharpedgecut intohishand.Hepulledagain,andthereedcamefree.

“I’vegotnoarrowsleft!”shoutedElenna.

Skorwascareeningtowardher.

Heplacedthereedbetweenhishandsandblewintohispalms.

Anote likeashrillscreamrangoutacross theforestclearing.Elennadroppedherbowandcrouchedonthefloor,clutchingherhandstoherears.Eposgaveacryandsankherheadintothesideofthenest.

Skor stopped a few paces from Elenna, then lowered hishooves.Hiseyessparkled,buttheynolongersenttheirlightningboltsintothefoliage.

It’sworking,thoughtTom.Hetookinalungfulofairandblewagain.

Skorshookhiswhitemaneasthoughgettingridofanuisancefly.Thenhiseyelidsdroopedandhisgreentailhunglimp.

“No!”shoutedSeth.“Curseyouboth!”

Tomgaveafinalblowonthereed,andSkor’sheadsanktohischest.Hestoodcompletelystill.

“Tom,”whisperedElenna.Shepointed.“Yoursword!”

There it was, resting at the base of a tree. Tom dropped thereed and ran to it. Holding the weapon in his hand, heapproached the Beast. The mighty body towered above him.CouldSkor reallybeasleep?The feathers inhiswingsdidn’t somuchasstir.

“Becareful!”whisperedElenna.

“I’llhavetoclimbontohisback,”saidTom.“Ican’treachhisheadfromhere.”

“No!”shoutedSeth.“Wakeup,Skor!”

TheBeast’s eyes shotopen,butTomwasquick.He threwhissword through the air with all his strength. It spiraled towardSkor,thehiltsmashingintohishead.Thewingedstallionrearedon his hind legs, hismightywings unfurled and filling the sky

withtheirpurplegleamashecriedoutinpain.

But Skor’s hooves did not fall back down to the ground. Heremainedfrozen,legsraisedandmouthgaping,likeastatue.

“What’shappening?”gaspedElenna.

A green glow began to creep up Skor’s back legs. It was asthoughtheforestwerereachingoutandclaimingtheBeast.Tomknewwhatwashappening.He’dseenitalreadywithTorgortheMinotaur. As green crystals began to form over the wingedstallion’sbody,Tomleapedoutoftheway.

A giant emerald prison closed over the Beast. Elenna gave alowwhistleofawe.ThenEposgaveawarningsquawk.

“Quick!”shoutedElenna.“Seth’sescaping.”

Tom saw Seth running away, his hands still tied behind hisback.Anothervine,brokeninthecenter, trailedfromhisankle.Elenna chased after him, and had almost caught their enemywhenshetrippedinthedirt.Sethtookhischance.Hedoveintotheshadowsbetweenthetreesandwasgone.

“HemusthavecuthimselffreewhileIwashelpingyou,”saidElenna.“I’msorry….”

“It’s fine,”saidTom,placingahandonElenna’sshoulder.Hestaredintotheforest.“ThoughI’msurethat’snotthelastwe’veseenofSeth.”

TogethertheywalkedbacktoSkor.

“What’sthat?”saidElenna,bendingdowntopickupsomethingamongthelonggrasses.Itwasthelargeemeraldfromthewingedstallion’shoof.“Anothertokenforyourbelt,Tom.”

The gemstone slipped easily into one of the remaining fivenotchesofhisbelt.

“Iwonderwhatitdoes?”saidTom.

Apitifulwailinginterruptedthem.

“Epos!”saidElenna.

Thegreatphoenixwasrestingherheadonthesideofthenest.Short, raspingbreathsmadeher feathers shudder. She staredat

Tompleadinglythroughhalf-closed,glassyeyes.

“Quick,” said Tom urgently. “We have to help her. She’sdying!”

CHAPTERTEN

ARACEAGAINSTTIMECLOSE UP, EPOS’S WOUND LOOKED AWFUL. Forest insectswerehoveringoverthebleedingandbrokenwing.

ElennastrokedthegoodBeast’shead.“Canyouhelpher?”

“I can try,” said Tom, taking the enchanted feather from hisshield.He ran itoverEpos’s injuries,butnothinghappened.Hetriedagain.

“CurseMalvel!” said Tom. “It’s notworking. Perhaps it’s justnotstrongenough.”

“Tom!”saidElenna.“Yourbelt!”

Tomlookeddown.Skor’semeraldwasglowingdimly.

Elennaraisedhereyebrows.“Doyouthink…”Tompulledthecrystalfromhisbelt.“There’sonlyonewaytofindout!”

He held the crystal close to Epos’s wounded wing. It shonebrighterthecloseritcame,untilTomhadtoshieldhiseyes.Soonthe clearing was completely bathed in green light. Epos’s wingmoved a little. Tomwatched in amazement. Slowly, the bonesstraightenedoutasthoughtheywerebeingresetbyaninvisiblehand.Finally,newfeathersappearedover thebaldpatchwherefeathershadbeentornoutofherskin.

“The crystal has the power to heal broken bones!” said Tom.“EventhoseofaBeast!”

Eposliftedherheadfromthenest.Thelifefloodedbacktoher

eyes.Sheopenedherbeakandgavea squawkofgratitude.Shespread her mighty wings. A smokeless fire broke out over thefeathers.EpostheWingedFlamewasaliveandwell.

“She’smorebeautifulthanever,”saidElenna.

Withaflapofherwings,Epossprangoutofthenestandflewtowardthetreetops.

Tomlookedupatthecanopyofbranches.“Shewon’tbeabletoescapetheforest,”hesaid.“Thetreesaretoodense.”

Butsomethingstrangehappened.AsEposroseup,aslitopenedupintheairinfrontofher.ItspreaduntilitwasacircleasbigasEposherself.

“Agateway!”saidElenna,turningtoTomwithwideeyes.

Tomcouldseebluesky.Therewerehugetowersofstone,too,and flags fluttering on the breeze. He heard the call of distanttrumpets.Thesmelloffreshairfilledhisnostrils—thesmellofhome.

“It’sKingHugo’scastle!”hesaid,hisheartlurching.Itseemedso long since he had been home. Epos was hovering by thegateway, ready to leave. At least she could escape the terriblekingdomofGorgonia.TomandElennawaved.

“Good-bye,Epos,”Tomsaid. “It’s time foryou to seeAvantiaagain.”

TheredjewelinTom’sbeltglimmered,allowinghimtosensethe flame bird’s thoughts, and he felt the warmth of Epos’sfarewell.Heknew shewas saying thankyou. She called a finaltime,andthensheflewthroughtheholeinthesky.Itclosedupbehindher, leavingascatteringof fieryashes thatdrifteddownintotheclearing.

“We’ve done it, Tom!” said Elenna. “Another good Beast isfree.”

TomnoddedinthedirectionofSkor.“AndanotherofMalvel’siscaptured,”hesaid.

“WheredoyouthinkSethhasgone?”askedElenna.

“Idon’tknow,” saidTom.“Butweneed togetback toSilver

andStorm.They’llbeworried.”

Tom and Elenna retraced their steps. The rain forest didn’tseemnearlyasfrighteningnowthatSkorhadbeendefeated.

Whentheyreachedtheedgeoftheforest,theycouldseeSilverand Stormwaiting on the far side. Then Elenna pointed at thegorge.

“Howarewegoingtogetacross?Thebridgeisgone!”

Tomhesitated.“Whataboutthegiftmygoldenbootsgaveme?Icanleaphugedistances.”

Elennafrowned.“ButIcan’t.”

“I’llcarryyou,”saidTom.

He’dnevertriedtousehisgoldenbootswithapassenger.Ifhefailed,itwasn’tonlyhisownlifehewouldbegivingup.Butwhatchoicedidhehave?

“Climbontomyback,”saidTom.Elennaputherarmsoverhisshoulders and jumped up. Tom could feel her heart pounding.“Ready?”heasked.“Ready,”shereplied,hervoicefirm.Tomrantoward the edge of the cliff, picking up speed until his legsburned.Thenheleapedoutoverthegorge.

Hesailedup,hisfeetstridingthroughtheair,andwhoopedindelight as the wind rushed past. The abyss opened up beneaththem,butTomwasn’tafraid.

“Ifeellikeabird!”shoutedElenna.

Thegroundontheothersidewasapproachingfast.

“Braceyourself!”Tomyelledoverhisshoulder.Hehitthelandhard,sprawlingintothedirt.Hisshieldskitteredawayandcametorestagainstanearbybush.

Elennawaslaughing.“Idon’tthinkI’lleverbeafraidofheightsagain!”shesaid.

StormgallopedoverandnudgedatTomwithhisnose.Silverlicked Elenna’s face excitedly. Tom brushed the earth off hisknees and climbed to his feet. Itwas good to be back togetheragain.

Hewalkedovertoretrievehisshield.Butasheturneditover,hesawthattheseaserpent’stoothinitssurfacewasglowingandvibrating.Tomturnedtohiscompanion.

“Elenna,wehavetogo!”hesaid.

“Why?”shesaid,worrycreasingherbrow.

Tom held out the shield for her to see. “It’s Sepron the SeaSerpent.”

AnotherofAvantia’sgoodBeastswasindanger.

“While there’s blood in my veins,” Tom swore, thrusting hisswordtothesky,“I’llfinishthisQuest!”

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