THEDARKREALMBOOKEIGHTEEN

STINGTHESCORPIONMAN

ADAMBLADE

ILLUSTRATEDBYEZRATUCKER

WithspecialthankstoLucyCourtenayToAnnaMcCullough

Contents

Cover

TitlePage

Dedication

DEARREADER

PROLOGUE

CHAPTERONE:DESTINYINTHEWEST

CHAPTERTWO:DARKSURPRISE

CHAPTERTHREE:THEBATTLEBYTHELAKE

CHAPTERFOUR:THEVOICEINTHEWELL

CHAPTERFIVE:THEGATEKEEPER

CHAPTERSIX:DANGERINTHEWESTERNCITY

CHAPTERSEVEN:MALVEL’sCASTLE

CHAPTEREIGHT:THETOMBS

CHAPTERNINE:TRAPPED!

CHAPTERTEN:PURPLEMIST

Copyright

Welcome.Youstandontheedgeofdarkness,atthegatesofanawfulland.Thisplace isGorgonia, theDarkRealm,where the sky is red,thewaterblack,andMalvelrules.TomandElenna—yourheroandhiscompanion—musttravelheretocompletethenextBeastQuest.

Gorgonia ishome to sixmostdeadlyBeasts—Minotaur,WingedStallion, Sea Monster, Gorgonian Hound, Mighty Mammoth, andScorpionMan.Nothing can prepareTomandElenna forwhat theyareabouttoface.Theirpastvictoriesmeanlittle.Onlystrongheartsanddeterminationwillsavethemnow.

DareyoufollowTom’spathoncemore?Iadviseyoutoturnback.Heroescanbestubbornandadventuresmaybeckon,butifyoudecidetostaywithTom,youmustbebraveandfearless.Anythinglesswillmeancertaindoom.

Watchyourstep….

KerlotheGatekeeper

PROLOGUE

THE GORGONIAN MEDICINE WOMAN TWITCHED and muttered in hersleep.Herdreamswerestrangetonight.

A boy stood alone in a dark tunnel, his face bloody andstreakedwith sweat. In his handwas a batteredwooden shieldwithsix tokensembeddedin itssurface.Torches flickeredalongthepassageway,throwingtheboy’sshadowontothewall,whereitstoodhugeandalone.

The boy was suddenly dwarfed by a second silhouette — aBeast with a sweeping tail andmonstrous pincers that snippedandslashedattheair.

Agiantscorpion!

The medicine woman moaned in her sleep as the silhouettegrewclearer.Thecreaturewasmorethanascorpion.Itwashalfman!

The boy whirled around, raising his sword, as the Beastattackedwithhisrazor-sharppincers.“Tom!”

A girl’s voice screamed. It was Elenna, the girl themedicinewoman had helped to heal. She stoodwith awolf by her side,andheldabowwithanarrowinthebowstring.Sheletthearrowfly at the scorpion, but it bouncedharmlessly off the creature’sbody. The boy stumbled and the Beast reared up, his pincerssnappingviciouslyandslicingeverclosertotheboy’shead.

Themedicinewomanwoke fromherdreamwith a gasp. Shesatupright,clutchingherblankets,herhearthammering.Atinyscorpionlayatthebottomofherbed.Shesteppedoutofthebed,her eyes never leaving the creature’s glossy black body. The

nightmare had just saved her life. Many Gorgonians had beenfounddeadintheirbedsbecauseapoisonousscorpionhadfounditswayunderthecovers.

She pushed herway out of her tent. The boy’s facewas stillclearinhermind.Tom.Shehadheardthatnamerecently.Elennahadmentionedit.Tomwasherfriend.

Shivering,theoldwomantriedtoshakeoffthefeelingofdreadthat had crept over her. The dream felt like a sign of things tocome. She’d had premonitions before. She hoped this one waswrong.

“Stay safe, Elenna and Tom,” shemuttered, gazing up at theswirlingredskyofGorgonia.

Scorpions were bad enough. A giant scorpion would beunstoppable.

CHAPTERONE

DESTINYINTHEWEST

THE BLOODRED LIGHT FROM THE GORGONIAN sunrise peeped throughthe trees as Tom and Elennamade theirway out of the forest,theirfaithfulcompanions,StormandSilver,amblingbesidethem.Vulturelikebirdscroakedonthebranchesoverhead,andathickmistlayontheground.

Tom led the way, holding Storm’s bridle. He noticed thatElenna kept her hand protectively on one of Silver’s shaggyshoulders. The wolf had been badly wounded two Questspreviously,andhadonlyjustreturnedtoElenna’sside.Tomandhis friends had already freed five of Avantia’s Beasts fromMalvel’skingdom.CyphertheMountainGiantwasthelastofthesixBeastsbeingkepthereagainsthiswillby theevilwizard. IftheycouldfreeCypher,theirQuestwouldbecomplete.

Tom pulled his shield from his shoulder and studied thetalismanssetintoitsscarredwoodensurface.Thetokensfromthegood Beasts usually glowed and vibrated when a Beast was indanger.ButCypher’stearremaineddark,andtheshieldhadbeenstill now for far too long. Where was Malvel keeping themountaingiant?

“Stillnothing?”Elennaasked.

Tom shook his head. “It’s as if Cypher is somewhere so farawaythattheshieldcan’tsensehim.”Hepushedhisshieldoverhisshoulderagain,refusingtomeetElenna’seyes.Hedidn’twantto reveal his worst fear: that he was already too late to saveCypher. “Perhaps the map will give us some clues,” he said

instead.

He took the smelly,wornparchment fromStorm’s saddlebag.MalvelhadgiventhemthemapwhentheyhadenteredGorgoniafor the first time. Each time they began searching for a goodBeast, themapwould give Tom a sign that he could use, or agreenlinewouldsnakeacrossitssurfaceforTomandElennatofollow.Usually these signsandpathwayswould lead to trouble,butitwastheonlymapthatTomandElennahad.

“Nothing,” Tom said, looking down at the map indisappointment.

“Wecan’ttrustitanyway,”ElennapointedoutasTomputthemapaway.

“You’reright,”Tomsaid.“I’llusemycompassinstead.Itwon’tletusdown.”

Tom’sunclehadgivenhimthesilvercompassforhisbirthday.Instead of north and south, the words “Destiny” and “Danger”were inscribed upon its face. The compass had belonged to hisfather, Taladon, who was once the Master of the Beasts forAvantiaandhaddisappearedwhenTomwasababy.

Tomheldthecompassandwalkedinacompletecircle.Ashepointedittothewest,thearrowwhirledseveraltimesandcametorestonDestiny.

Tomfelthisheartlift.Heputthecompassaway.“Thecompassis tellingus to gowest,”he toldElenna. “I’m sure that’swhereCypheris.Whilethere’sbloodinmyveins,IwillfindhimandgethimhometoAvantia!”

Storm neighed and tossed his black mane as if he wereagreeing.Silversprangaheaddownthepath,eagertogetgoing,andTomandElennapressedonafterhim.

Inthefardistance,theysawsomethinglyingontheground.

“What’sthat?”Elennaasked,shadinghereyesintheredlight.

Tomusedthepowerofthemagicalgoldenhelmettobringtheobject into focus.Although thepreciousgoldenarmorhadbeenreturnedtoAvantiaattheendofthelastQuest,hestillpossesseditsgifts,andthehelmetgavehimextrakeenvision.

Itwasaboy,sprawledonthegroundandriddledwitharrows.Hisbodywastwitching.Tomfelthisskinturncold.

“It’sSeth,”hesaidtoElenna.“He’shurt.”

SethwasoneofMalvel’sservants.TomandElennahadfoughthim before, and each time, the boy had been intent on killingthem.

“Dowehelp?”Elennaasked.

Tomhesitated.

Sethwashisswornenemy.Whatshouldhedo?

CHAPTERTWO

DARKSURPRISE

SETHSUDDENLYLETOUTAGROANOFAGONY thatechoedthroughthetrees.

Tom knew what he had to do. He couldn’t ignore anotherpersoninpain,evenifthatpersonwashisenemy.TodosuchathingwouldmakehimasbadasMalvel.

Tom tugged Storm’s bridle, leading the black stallion towardthefigure.Elennawalkedbesidehim,withSilverpressedclosetoherside.

Thepathbroadenedandthetreesthinnedouttorevealablack,mirrorlike lake. Seth lay close to thewater’s edge.Hewas stillbreathing, but only just. His rib cage rose and fell in shallowgasps.Sixarrowswereembeddedinhischest,andhisbloodhadseeped onto the ground. It seemed impossible that he was stillalive.

TomwasnowcloseenoughtoseethebeadsofsweatonSeth’sforehead. Storm dug his hooves into the path, then steppedbackward.Hisnostrilsflared.

“Hush,Storm,”Tomsaid,soothinghishorse.

“Silver doesn’t like this, either, Tom.” Elenna gazed down ather wolf. Silver’s growls were deepening, and the hair wasstandinguponhisback.

“Sethcan’tdoanythingtous,”Tomreasoned.“Lookathim.Heneedsourhelp.”

Hegave Storm’s bridle toElenna.Thenhe tookhold of EpostheWingedFlame’s featherandgrabbed it fromthe frontofhisshieldbeforekneelingdownnexttoSeth.Asgentlyashecould,he pulled three arrows out of the boy’s body, and held thephoenix’s feather to eachwound. Seth’s skin instantly began toknittogether,andonebyonethewoundsbegantoheal.

Seth’sgroaningeased.Hiseyesflutteredopen.SeeingTom,hecriedoutinpanic,“No!Leavemealone!”

Ignoring Seth, Tom pulled the fourth arrow from the boy’schestandhealedthegapinghole.

Seth’seyesfilledwithterror.HebeganpushingTomaway,ashis strength started to return. “You don’t know what you’redoing!”hegasped.“Youshouldhaveleftmetodie!”

Tomignoredhim.Hetookholdofthefiftharrowandpulled.

With surprising quickness, Seth grabbed Tom’s wrist andpushedthearrowback intohimselfwithascreamofpain.TomheardElennagaspwithhorror.Stormwhinniedandtriedtopullaway from Elenna’s grasp, while Silver stood still, his tailbetweenhislegs.

Tomcouldunderstandwhyhisfriendsweresospooked.ItwasalmostasifSethwantedtodie.

Tom steadied his hands and swiftly pried Seth’s fingers awayfromthearrow,drawingthedrippingshaftoutoftheboy’sflesh.

“No,” Seth moaned, as Tom took hold of the sixth and finalarrow.“Don’tdoit.”

“Something is wrong here, Tom,” Elenna said, shaking herhead.“IthinkweshouldrespectSeth’swishesandleavehim.”

“He’smadwithpain,”Tomreassuredhisfriend.“Thereisjustonemorearrow….”

Tompulledthesixtharrowloose.Sethlashedoutwithhisfistsas Tomheld the phoenix feather to the fifth and sixthwounds,buthewastooweaktoknockTom’shandsaway.Inaninstant,hisinjurieshadhealed.

Seth letoutanunearthly screechandwrithedon theground,makingTom jumpback inalarm.Elennaworkeddesperately to

sootheStormandSilverastheytriedtoturntailandrun.

SomethingwashappeningtoSeth.Somethingawful…

They watched in horror as the boy’s legs fused together,forming a single limb that lengthened and tore through hisclothes.Itgrewdarkerandharderuntilitturnedintoabulbous,beaded tail.The tail swipedoutpowerfullyatTomandElenna,knockingthembothtotheground.

Seth screamed again. His voice sounded deeper and rougher.Fourlegsforcedtheirwayoutofbothsidesofhistorso,tearingthroughhistunic.

“Get back!” Tom shouted to Elenna as they both got to theirfeet.

Sethsprangontohisnewlegsandletoutahorrifyingroarastwo pincers burst from his stomach and began clicking andsnapping in Tom and Elenna’s direction. Tom could hardlybelievewhatwasinfrontofhim.ThebottompartofSeth’sbodylooked just like a scorpion, but his chest, arms, and headwerestillhuman.SethpointedatTomandElenna,hisfaceamaskofangeranddespair.

“You!”he screamed,hisvoice terrifyinglydeep. “This isyourfault!ThisisMalvel’spunishmentformyfailure.Ifyou’dletmedie as I wished, this wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t be amonster!”

Witharoaroffury,Sethpickeduphissword,whichhadbeenlyingbythesideofthepath.Itswickedlyserratededgeglintedinthebloodred light.Withhisgiant scorpionpincers snapping,headvancedonTomandElenna.

CHAPTERTHREE

THEBATTLEBYTHELAKE

“DON’TCOMEANYCLOSER,”TOMORDERED, pointinghis blade at thecreatureinfrontofhim.

Sethgaveaghastlychuckle.Hislongtailrearedhighintheair,readytostrike.

“Tom,”Elennagasped,staringup.“Look!”

Tomfollowedhergaze.Somethingwasgleamingat thetipofSeth’s tail — a purple jewel. An amethyst. Instinctively, Tomtouched the belt he wore around his waist — a belt alreadydecoratedwithfivejewels,eachofwhichhehadtakenfromtheBeastsofGorgonia….IfSethhadajewel,itcouldmeanonlyonething.

“Seth’sanevilBeastnow,”TomwhisperedtoElenna.“Thelastonewemustdefeat.”

“Enoughtalking!”Sethroared,lungingatthem.

Elenna dove away,while Tom dodged to one side. He foundhimselfnexttotheblacklakethatlaybesidethepath,andheardarushofairasElennareleasedherarrow.ButthearrowbouncedharmlesslyoffSeth’sscalytail.

SethswunghisswordabovehisheadandsprangtowardTom.TheBeastmovedsofastthatTomhadtousethemagicalpowerof the golden boots to leap into the air and avoid the viciousblade.ThetipofSeth’sswordmissedTom’sstomachbyahair.

Themomentum of the attack carried Seth to the edge of the

lake,where he teetered for amoment on the bank, desperatelystrugglingtostayupright.Thenhelookeddownathisreflectionintheblackwater,andTomsawhisenemy’sfacesaginhorror.

“I’mhideous!”Sethscreamedindespair,fallingtotheground,awayfromhisreflection.

Tomfeltasurgeofpityforthevilecreatureinfrontofhim,buttherewerenowordsthatcouldpossiblycomforthim.Tomturnedand joinedElenna,whowas standingwithStormandSilver.Ashe did so, a swirling red cloud dropped out of the sky andsurroundedthem.Atallwizardinbloodredrobessteppedoutofthescarletmist.“Malvel!”Tomgasped.

TheDarkWizardinclinedhishead.“Theyounghero,”hesaid,a thin smile spreading across his face. “I knew your good heartwouldgetyouintotroubleoneday.”

Tomrealizednow that thiswasallpartofMalvel’splan.ThewizardknewhewouldtrytohelptheinjuredSeth.Angrily,Tomleveledhisswordathim,readytodobattle.Butwithawaveofone thin hand,Malvel placed a shimmering,magical barrier infront of himself and Seth. Growling furiously, Silver hurledhimselfatthebarrierbuthebouncedoffthemagicalshieldwithayelp,almostasifhehadbeenburnedbyfire.

“Ibegyou,Malvel,”Sethsobbed,collapsingbeforethewizard.“TurnmebacktohowIwas!”

Tom saw the wizard look coldly at his servant. “Stopsniveling,” Malvel commanded. “This is your punishment forfailingmesomanytimes.YouarenolongertobecalledSeth,butStingtheScorpionMan.AndIcommandyou,Beast,togototheWesternCityofGorgoniaandguardCyphertheMountainGiant.”

Stingbowedhisheadindefeat.Malvelconjuredashiningredorb from the air, which pulsed and grew in his hand. Then hethrew it at Sting, imprisoning the new Beast in his bloodredheart.

Muttering in a language that Tom didn’t understand, Malvelclapped his hands together three times. The giant red orb roseintotheair,and,withaflickofhislong,bonyfinger,Malvelsentitwest toward themountains. Inan instant, theorbwasoutof

sight.

TheWesternCity.Tomgazedatthemountainsonthehorizon,committing themtohismagical super-memory,apowerhehadwonwhenhehaddefeatedNargatheSeaMonster.Theorbmayhaveflowntoofastforhimtofollowitsexactpath,butTomfeltsurethattheWesternCitylaysomewhereinthosemountains.

Hewas torn fromhis thoughtsbyMalvel’scruelandcacklinglaughter.

“Iknowwhatyouareplanning,”laughedtheevilwizard.“Butdon’tbother to followSting.There isnowaythatyouwilleverfindCypher.”

Withafinalscreechoflaughter,Malvelwrappedhimselfinredmistanddisappeared.

“He’s wrong,” Tom told Elenna fiercely, pulling himself intoStorm’ssaddle.“WewillfindCypherandwewillgethimhome.”

Elennanodded,lookingasdeterminedasTomfelt.SilvernosedaroundherfeetasshepickedupthearrowshehadfiredatSting.She thenslungherbowoverher shoulderandclimbed into thesaddle.

Tomgazedtothewest,wheretwoBeasts—onegoodandonebad — awaited them. “We’re coming, Cypher,” he whispered.“Andwewillneverstoplookingforyou.Notwhilethere’sbloodinourveins.”

CHAPTERFOUR

THEVOICEINTHEWELL

THE FOREST PATH WOUND ALONG THE SHORE of the black lake,emergingontoawide-openplainthatendedatthelineofblackmountainswheretheredorbhaddisappeared.GrabbingMalvel’smap, Tom found theWestern City. But themapwas playing anewtrick,onethatTomhadneverseenbefore.TheimageoftheWestern City floated across the ragged parchment, shiftingmischievouslyfromoneplacetothenext.

“Themapisnogoodtous,”Tomsaid.“Allwecandoisheadthrough the mountains and hope to find the Western City forourselves.”

Elennanodded,andtheypushedforward.

Graduallytheterraingrewrougherandthetracknarrowedasthey approached the mountains. Tom rode Storm carefully,avoidinganysharpstonesthatmightlamethestallion.Soon,thepath disappeared completely, and they had to weave throughstuntedblackshrubsandtrees,whosetwigsandbranchescaughtat their clothes and whipped cruelly across their skin. Thebloodredsunclimbedhigher,andtheairwassearinghot.

Afterhalf adayofmoving through the aridheat, they foundthemselves back on a stony path, and Tom spotted a cluster ofdullredtowersinacleftbetweentwomountains.TomtookoutMalvel’smapandlookedattheimageoftheWesternCity,whichflittedacrossthemaplikeaghost.Itswallswereredjustlikethetowershecouldseeahead.

“I think we’ve found the Western City,” Tom said eagerly,reininginStormsothatthestallioncouldrest.

Elenna and Silver both sat down on the hot, dry ground. AsTom replaced the map in the saddlebag, he felt Storm’s sidesheaving. The stallion was panting heavily in the heat. Lookingaround,Tomsawawellalittlefartheron.

He pointed it out to Elenna. “Let’s get some water,” hesuggested, and led Storm toward the well. Elenna and Silverfollowedclosebehind.

They leaned over the circular wall of the well and peeredinside,hopingtoseealong,darkshaftandthewelcomeglintofwater at the bottom.But all they sawwas a pile of rubble andloosestones.Thesidesofthewellhadcollapsedinward,blockingitupcompletely.

TomrestedhisheadonStorm’ssweatyflank.“I’msorry,boy,”hesaid.“We’llfindsomewatersoon,Ipromise.”

StormwhinniedtrustinglyandpushedatTom’sshoulderwithhisvelvetyblacknose.

“Perhaps therewill be anotherwell closer to the city gates,”Elenna said, shading her eyes from the glare of the sun as shestaredupattheWesternCity.Theywerenowalittlecloser,andthecity’sdarkredwallsgleamedinthesunlight.

“Hmm, I’m not sure that there are any more arou —” Tombrokeoffastheearthsuddenlyrumbledbeneaththeirfeet.Stormrearedup,andSilvergrowledandretreatedbehindElenna’slegs.

“Whatwasthat?”Elennaaskednervously.“Anearthquake?”

Tomfelta tinglingsensationrushuphisarmfromhis shield.Cypher’s token was vibrating! The earth rumbled again. Themovement seemed to be coming from the broken well. Tomleanedoverthelipofthewellandlistened.Therumblingwasanechoingroar.Tomrecognizeditatonce.

“It’sCypher!”hecried.

Thegiantroaredagain.Thegroundshook.

“Whatishesaying?”Elennaasked.

Thankstotherubysetintohisbelt,Tomcouldunderstandthegood Beasts of Avantia. Now he sensed the giant’s rage. “He’sangry,”hesaid, tryingtoexplainthefeelingsthatwererunningthroughhimashe listenedtoCypher.“He’s trappedsomewhereunderneath the Western City. He can’t breathe properly — hefeelslikeheischoking.”

“We have to get underground right away and help him,”Elennasaiddeterminedly.

“Maybewecan climbdown thewell shaft and look for somekindofundergroundtunnelthatwilltakeusintothecity,”Tomsuggested.

Elennanodded.“You’llhavetomovesomeoftheserocks,”shesaid.“I’llhelpasmuchasIcan.”

The golden breastplate had given Tom the gift of greatstrength.He seized the boulders that blocked themouth of thewell and heaved them aside as if they were feather pillows.Elennatookcareofsomeofthesmallerrocks.Beforelong,theyhadcollectedapileofrocksandclearedadarkspaceinthewellshaft.Buttheoldwallsofthewellhadreliedfortoolongonthesupportof theboulders,andnowtheycollapsed.TheycouldnolongerhearCypher’svoice.

“It’snogood,”Tomsaid.

“We’ll have to head into the Western City.” Elenna lookedthoughtful. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find a way undergroundoncewe’rethere.”

“True,”Tomsaid.“Ifagiantthesizeoffivemencanbetakenunderground inside theWesternCity, then therewouldhave tobeaverybigtrapdoorsomewhere,right?”

“Right!”Elennaagreed.

Together, the four companions moved on along the scrub-coveredtrackthatledtothegatesoftheWesternCity.

Tomhopedhewasrightaboutthetrapdoor.Theydidn’thavemuchtime—andCypher’slifewashanginginthebalance….

CHAPTERFIVE

THEGATEKEEPER

ASTHEYAPPROACHEDTHEGATES,TOMFELTallhissensessharpening.Heglancedaround.FromthetimeheandElennahadarrivedinGorgonia,Malvelhadputapriceontheirheads.Whoknewhowmany bounty hunters were waiting among the rocks ready tocaptureorkillthem?Theclosertheycametothecity,thegreaterthedangerbecame.

Theywon’tcatchus,Tomthoughtfiercely.We’llfighttothedeathifwehaveto!

The great red city loomed up in front of them. Its defensivewalls towered overhead and were streaked with slime. Skullsweresetintothebrickwork,andevil-lookingspikeslinedthetopsof the walls, their tips glinting in the red sun. The city’s hugeblack gates were firmly closed. But there was no sign of anyguards.

SilvergrowleduncertainlyasTomandElennastoppedinfrontofthesilentgates,andStormpawedthegroundanxiously.

Tom dismounted and gazed around. “Why are there noguards?”heaskedElenna.

“Perhapsit’satrap,”Elennareplieduneasily.

Therewas a suddenmovement from behind one of the treesthatflankedthegates.Athinmaninoldbrownrobes,wearingatattered eye patch and holding a walking stick, stepped out tostandbeforethem.

Tomrecognizedhimatonce.“Kerlo!”hesaid.

“Hello,” Kerlo replied. “If youwish it, Iwill let you into thecity.”

Tom wasn’t sure that he trusted Kerlo, even though theGorgonian gatekeeper had helped them more than once.Instinctively, his handwent to his sword. Elenna, too, held herbowandarrowattheready.

Kerloshookhisheadsadly.“Still sosuspicious,”hemuttered.“HaveInotbeenanallyonyourQuest?HaveInotaidedyou?”

“Butwhydoyouhelpus?”Tomchallenged. “What’s in it foryou?”

Kerlorestedhisweightonthelongwoodenstickthatheheldinhisgnarledhands.“Iwasonceagoodwizard,”hesaidquietly.“I tried to help the rebels in their fight againstMalvel, but theDark Wizard’s magic was more powerful than I had everimagined.Hecondemnedmetospendaneternityasgatekeeper—betweenworlds.”Hisfacegrewbleak.“Ihavenotbeenabletocross a threshold inmanyyears. I cannot evenentermy familyhome.” The gatekeeper fell silent for a moment. “You mustunderstand,homeis likea jewel,but it isonlyonceithasgonethatyourealizehowpreciousitis.”

“Wethankyouforallyouhavedone,Kerlo,”Elennasaid.“WillyouhelpusgetintotheWesternCity?”

Kerlonodded.“Onceinside,youmustheadtoMalvel’scastle,”hesaid.“In thecastle’scourtyard,youwill finda trapdoor thatleadstothecemeterythatliesbeneaththecity.ThosecatacombsmightbejusttheplacetohideagiantBeast.”

Kerlo held his hands out toward the gate.With a crash thatshook the ground, the huge iron gates swung open. As theywalkedthroughthem,Tomsawthattheentrancetothecitywasset out in a series of three paths, just like the beginning of amaze. There were three possible routes into the city, but howcould they be sure that they would choose the right one? Andwhatwouldhappeniftheywerewrong?

CHAPTERSIX

DANGERINTHEWESTERNCITY

TOM TURNED TO ASK KERLO FOR ADVICE. BUT the iron gates hadalreadysilentlyswungshutbehindthem,andthegatekeeperwasgone.

Tom thought quickly, then pulled out his silver compass. Heaimeditatthepathontheirright.Atonce,thearrowswungtoDanger. Tommoved the compass until it pointed at the centralpath. The needle flew to Danger again, quivering slightly thistime.ThenTomturnedthecompasstothelastofthethreepaths.

Forwhatseemedanage,theneedlehovereduncertainly.Tomwas about to put the compass back into his pocket when theneedleswungslowlyaroundtoDestinyandheldsteady.

“Thisway,”saidTom,tuggingatStorm’sbridle.

Theymovedcautiouslydownthepath.Bloodredwallsflankedthem on both sides. Overhead, the red sun hid behind blackclouds,castinglong,bruise-coloredshadowsthatseemedtobodeill. An archway loomed up ahead. TwoGorgonian guardswerepatrolling it, theirweapons slung casually over their shoulders.Beyond the guards, Tom and Elenna could see a city squaresurgingwithstrange-lookingpeople,whosebodiesseemedtobehunchedandcrooked.

“Ithinkweneedtotrythedirectapproach,”Tomwhispered.

Elennanodded.

“Hail!” Tom called out, taking Storm with him as he strode

towardtheguards.

“Who goes there?” called the first guard in a harsh, croakingvoice.

“Twotravelers,”Elennareplied,comingtostandatTom’sside.Silverboundedupnexttoher.

Thesecondguardnarrowedhiseyes.HisgazeflickedtoStormand Silver, then back again. “What is your business in theWesternCity?”hegrowled.

“Rest,”Tomreplied,holdingfirmlyontoStorm’sbridle.“Food.Willyouletuspass?”

The first guard looked as if hewere about to step aside. ButthenthesecondguardjabbedhisfingerinElenna’sdirection.Hiseyesweresuddenlyfullofgreed.“Iknowyou,”hesaid.“You’rewantedbyMalvel.Yourfacesareonpostersalloverthiscity!”

Thegamewasup.Usingthepowerfromhisgoldenboots,Tomleaped up and seized the guards around their thick necks,bringing their heads together with a loud thunk. The guardsslumpedunconscioustotheground.

“Take their cloaks,” Elenna said, looking all aroundher. “Wecandisguiseourfaceswiththehoods.”

Quickly they stripped off the guards’ cloaks and flung themoverthemselves.Afteradjustingtheirhoodstomakesurethatnoonewouldseetheirfaces,theywalkedthroughthearchwaywithStormandSilverattheirside.

Thecitysquarewasbustlingwithbeingsthatdidn’tquitelookhuman. Their eyes were yellow, and their hair grew in raggedpatches. Scarred, spotty skin hung loosely off their faces, andtheirteethwereblackandpointed.Withashudder,Tomnoticedthattheirhandslookedlikeclaws.Keepingtheirheadsdownandholding tightlyon toStormandSilver,TomandElennawalkedacrosstheglossyblackflagstonesofthesquare.

Malvel’scastlewasimpossibletomiss.Theycouldseeitinthedistance,on the fringesof thecity.Forksofblack lightning likehuge lizard tongues flickered in the red sky above the castle’sturrets,andTomknewatoncethatitwasthecenterofallevilin

Gorgonia.

Theonlywaytoreachthecastlewastopassrightthroughthecenterofthecity.Tomhopedthattheirdisguiseswouldholdoutthat long. He could see severalWANTED ALIVE posters displayingtheirfaces,stuckhereandthereonthecity’sslimywalls.

“There isn’t much trading or bartering going on, is there?”Elennawhispered,glancingfromlefttorightastheyhurriedon.

Tomshookhishead.ItlookedasifthecreaturesoftheWesternCity seemedmore inclined to fight andargue than trade.Noisyskirmisheswerebreakingoutallacrossthesquare.

A fight exploded between two men just as Tom and Elennawerepassing.

“Give memymoney!” screamed a ragged-looking fur trader.“Thesearepurefoxpelts!”

“Fox pelts?” his opponent roared back. “Cats,more like. Youwon’tgetanymoneyfromme!”

There was suddenly a whirl of fists and kicking legs, whichTom and Elennamanaged to sidestep. Silver was not so lucky.The wolf gave a high-pitched yelp of pain as the fur trader’sheavy-soledbootcaughthimintheribs.

“Silver!”Elennagasped.

Without thinking, she ran to her wolf’s side and knelt downbesidehim.Asshedidso,herhoodfellback,revealingherface.

Therewasadeathlyhushinthesquare,followedbyscreamsofrecognition.

“Avantians!”

“Elenna!” Tom shouted, his own hood falling away from hisface.“Theyknowit’sus!Run!”

CHAPTERSEVEN

MALVEL’SCASTLE

HORDES OF GORGONIANS LUNGED TOWARD Tom and Elenna, theirscalyarmsoutstretchedandtheir fistsswinging.Withhissuper-strength,Tomthrewoffeachapproachingattackeraseasilyasiftheywereragdolls.Barrelingthroughtheangrymob,hecleareda path across the square. Elenna leaped nimbly onto Storm’sback, and the horse lashed out with hard hooves while theGorgonians tried to close in again. Elenna galloped after Tom,withSilvernippingfiercelyattheanklesofanyGorgonianfoolishenoughtostandintheirway.

Tomgrabbedhisswordandflasheditleftandrightinwarning.ElennathengallopedcloseenoughforhimtoseizeahandfulofStorm’smaneandpullhimselfintothesaddle.Theybrokefreeofthe attackers and raced toward the castle. Storm’s black tailrippled out like silk, and Silver was a blur of gray fur as hesprintedattheirside.

As they approached the castle, Tom used his super-sight tocheckhowmanyguardswereonthegates.Hedidn’tlikewhathesaw. Two sentries were on patrol. Various weapons hung fromtheirwaists,andtheyeachheldawicked-lookingsword.

Keepingoutofsightoftheguards,ElennaturnedStorm’shead,andtheyracedintoacopseoftreesatthefootofthecastlewalls.

“We’llnevergetpastthem,”Tomsaid,dismounting.“I’llsendmyshadowintofindanalternativeroute.”

“Goodidea,”saidElenna,jumpingfromStorm’sback.

ThediamondthatTomhadwonwhenhehadbeatenKaymontheGorgonHoundhadgivenhimthegiftofbeingable to sendhis shadow away from himself. However, Tom could notmovewhileheandhisshadowwereseparated.TomandElennasettledthemselves behind a rock that gave them a good view of thecastle.

“Go,Shadow,”heordered.“FindawayinsideMalvel’scastle.”

Tom’sshadowpeeledawayfromhim,slippingoverrocksandbetweentrees,untilhecouldpresshimselfupagainst thecastlewalls. The guards noticed nothing. Tom’s shadow glided alongthewalls, feeling foranynooksandpossible entranceswithhisthinblackfingers.

“Anything?”ElennawhisperedtoTom.

“Nothingyet,”Tomsaid,standingabsolutelystill.

The guards’ voices carried to where Tom’s shadow wasstanding. Through his shadow’s ears, Tom could hear that theywerearguing.

“I’mleaving,”oneoftheguardswassaying.“Youdowhatyouwant.”

“But—”

“Ourshift’sover,”saidthefirstguardimpatiently.“Sowhatifthenextguardshaven’tarrived?”

“We’resupposedtowaittilltheygethere….”

Thefirstguardsnorted.“Waitallyoulike.I’vegotbetterthingstodo.”

Hardlyabletobelievehisluck,Tomwatchedthroughtheeyesofhisshadowasthefirstguardsetoffdownthehilltowardthecity.Afteramoment’shesitation,thesecondguardfollowed.Thegatewaywasclear.

Tomswiftlypulledhisshadowbacktohim.

“Now’s our chance,” he toldElenna, jumpingup into Storm’ssaddle.HeheldouthishandandhelpedElennaupbehindhim.“Quick,beforethereplacementsgethere.”

Storm burst out from the cover of the trees and galloped

through the unattended gate into the castle’s courtyard, withSilverjustbehind.

Tom and Elenna leaped off the stallion and gazed around inawe. Malvel’s castle was built entirely of polished black stone,andstreakedwithgleamingstripesofredthatpulsedlikeveins.

ThetrapdoorKerlohaddescribedwasdifficulttomiss. Itwassobigittookupmorethanhalfofthecourtyard.

“Justtherightsizeforagiant,”saidElennagrimly.

“Malvel must have taken Cypher down here,” said Tom,walkingovertowhereahugeironringwassetintothetrapdoor.“There’s no other way he would have gotten him below theground.”

Storm whinnied and Tom glanced up at him. “We’ll have totakeStormandSilverwithus,”hedecided.“It’stooriskytoleavethembehind.Thereplacementguardswillbeheresoon.”

Kneelingdown,Tomtookthehugeironringinhishands.Hebracedhimself,andpulled.

Thanks to the great strength given to him by the goldenbreastplate,hewasabletopulliteasily,andthetrapdooropenedwith a gentle creak. A gigantic hole was revealed beneath it.Dampstonestepsleddownintodarkness.

Tom lifted the huge door to shoulder height and rested for amoment.Itwastakingallofhisstrengthtoholdit.

“I’mgoingtohavetopushthedoorrightopenandletitfall,”hesaidtoElenna.“KeepStormandSilveroutoftheway.”

“Won’tthatmaketoomuchnoise?”Elennaasked,urgingStormandSilverback.“Theguardswillcomerunning.”

“We have no choice,” Tom replied as he hefted the doorupward.“We’vegottogetdownthereandfindCypher.”

He pushed the trapdoor all the way up, then let it fallbackwardtothegroundwithathunderingcrash.

Tom could hear shouts of alarm from deep inside the castle.“Follow the steps down!” he yelled to Elenna, grabbing Storm’sbridle.“Theguardsarecoming!”

CHAPTEREIGHT

THETOMBS

THEY RACED DOWN THE STEPS INTO THE yawning blackness of thetunnel.Tomyankedhardatthetwolongloopsofropethathungon the inner side of the trapdoor. Creaking and groaning, thedoor heaved slowly upward and then came crashing down intoplace.Tom,Elenna,andtheircompanionscrouchedinthegloomandlistenedasguardsranintothecourtyardabovethem.Theirmuffledvoicesdrifteddownthroughthetrapdoor.

“Whatwasthatnoise?”onesaid.“Foramoment,Ithoughtthemaster’scastlewascrashingdownaboutourears.”

“Soundedlikethetrapdoor,”gruntedanother.

Tomheldhisbreath.Whatiftheguardsfiguredoutthattherewereintrudersunderground?

Athirdguardscoffed.“Theonlywaytoopenthatdooriswitha teamofmen and some of themaster’smost powerful horses.It’llbethegiant,nodoubt,kickingandscreamingbelowground.”

TomfeltElennatenseatthementionofCypher.

“He’ll not be bothering us for much longer,” said a fourthvoice.“Comeon—weneedtofindoutwhatthatnoisewas.Let’scheck the outer walls of the castle; maybe something hascollapsedthere.”

Tom listened to the retreating footstepsas theguards left thecourtyard.

“What did they mean about Cypher?” Elenna asked once

everythingwassilent.

“Idon’tknow,buttimeisrunningout,”saidTom.“Weneedtomove.”

Helookedaroundatthetunnel.Thereappearedtobeonlyonepath leading away from the trapdoor and itwas lit by flamingtorches.Thewallswererough,andpoolsofwaterlayinpuddlesontheground.

Tom,Elenna,and theiranimal companions raced through thetwisting passageway, which sank deeper into the ground witheveryturn.Thesidesofthetunnelgrewsmootherastheyranon,andTomnoticedwithachillthetombsthathadbeensetintothetunnel walls. He remembered Kerlo’s words. These were thecatacombs: theplacewhere theGorgoniansof theWesternCityburiedtheirdead.

As he ran along, he couldn’t help but read the names on thetombs by the flickering torchlight: Memnon, Arantis, Crestar,Xeropes…

Taladon.

Tom stopped dead at the smooth black tomb bearing hisfather’s name. His breath caught in his throat. Taladon wasn’tdead.HewasMalvel’sprisoner.Wasn’the?

“Tom?”Elennaturnedandcamebackupthe tunnel towherehewasstaringattheblacktomb.SheheldStorm’sbridletightlyinonehandandSilverlopedbehindher,hiseyesgleaminginthetorchlight.“What’swrong?”

“Ihavetoopenthistomb,Elenna,”Tomsaidfiercely,drawinghissword.

“There’snotime,Tom,”Elennasaid.Sheseizedhissleeve.“WehavetosaveCypher.”

TomshookoffElenna’shand.His fathermightbe lyinghere,rightinfrontofhim!Hetookastepbackandsmashedthebuttofhis sword into the face of the tomb. The stone cracked. Tomslammed his sword into the stone several more times until itbuckled, revealing a gaping black hole. But there was nothinginside.Thetombhadneverbeenused.

ElennagrabbedTom’sarm.“Wehavetohurry!”

Tomwas about to replywhen the ruby on his belt began toglowandhisheadwassuddenly filledwithCypher’svoice.ThegoodBeastwastellinghimoncemorethathewasfindingithardtobreathe.Tomwhirledaroundandstareddownthetunnel.Hesuddenly understood. Cypher had been buried alive in one ofthesetombs!

Tom was filled with remorse. Why had he stopped to openTaladon’s tomb? It had been a selfish thing to do, and nowCypher’slifewastrulyindanger.Tomknewthathewouldneverforgivehimselfiftheyweretoolate!

“Cypherisinrealtrouble,”hesaidtoElenna.“I’vegottogo.”

“Hurry,then.We’llcatchup,”Elennareplied.

Tom raced down the tunnel using the speed given to himbythe golden leg armor, and left his friends far behind.Thewallsblurredaroundhim—andthetunnelsuddenlyopenedup.Tomskiddedtoahalt.Hewasinanundergroundchamberwithalowceiling.Amassivetomblikeagreatstonemountainstoodinthecenterof the room.Anamehadbeencarved inhuge lettersonthetomb’sside.

Cypher.

Tom’s head pounded. He could sense that Cypher wasweakening.Therewasn’tamomenttolose.Hepulledhisswordfrom its sheath and smashed it repeatedly into the side of thetomb. The echo of steel against stone boomed around thechamber.Butthestoneofthistombwasmuchthickerthanthatof Taladon’s, and even with his huge strength, Tom couldn’tbreakthetombopen.

Thenhespottedaledge, justabovethetomb.Ifhecouldjustget onto it, he could then try to lever the tomb openwith hissword. Tom thought rapidly. The golden boots gave him thepower to leap great heights.He bent his legs beneathhim, andjumpedintotheair,kickingoffthegianttombforanextrasurgeofheight.Withathump,helandedonthestoneledgeabovethetomb.Hethendrewhisswordanddesperatelystartedtoleverupthelid.

Veryslowly,itbegantogive.Tomworkedhard,sweatpouringfromhisbrowashefocusedeverydropofhismagicalstrengthonopeningthetomb.Atlast,therewasagapwideenoughforhimtoseeintothetomb.

Cypherlayverystill,asifunconscious.Hisonegreateyewasclosed.Hewasbreathinginshort,shallowgasps.Tomcouldseethat hewas bound by two huge silver chains that crossed overandaroundhisvast,shaggybody.

With one more massive push, Tom shifted the lid off of thetomb and stood on the side of the casket. He raised his swordabove his head and brought it down on one of the chains thatheldCypher.Butthebladebouncedharmlesslyaway,theimpactsending fierce vibrations up Tom’s arms. He tried again and

again,buthesoonrealizedthechainswereenchantedandwouldnotbreak.Tomcouldfeeldespairthreateningtooverwhelmhim.HowwashegoingtofreeCypher?

The sound of cantering hooves echoed down the tunnel, andStorm,Elenna,andSilverracedintothechamber.

“I can’t do it, Elenna!” Tom panted, shaking his head. “Myswordisn’tstrongenoughtobreakthechains!”

“Don’tlosehope,Tom!”Elennashouteduptohim.“Rememberthe gift of the golden chainmail? Strength of heart! Youmustbelieveinyourself.Youmustbelievethatyoucandoit!”

Tomliftedhisswordshakilyabovehishead.Closinghiseyes,heconcentratedwithallhismight.Hecouldfeelthemagicofthegolden armor pulsing in him. Bringing the sword downwith ayell, Tom cut clean through one of the chains, which slitheredaway from Cypher’s body like a silver snake. The mountaingiant’seyeflutteredopen.

“Onemoreblow,andyou’llbe free,”hepromised,andraisedhisswordforthesecondtime.

But before Tom could bring his blade down, a hideous, jet-blacktailcamecrashingthroughthechamber’swall….

Sting!

CHAPTERNINE

TRAPPED!

TOM GRIPPED HIS SWORD TIGHTLY, READY TO fight, as the rest of thescorpionman’s body smashed through the wall. How could hehave forgotten? Malvel had sent Sting to guard Cypher. Therewas no way that he would let Tom free the mountain giantwithoutafight.

Fixing his gaze on Tom, Sting scuttled across the chambertowardhim.Heraisedhispincersandclashedthemtogether,theghastlysoundechoingaroundtheroughstonewalls.

“Atlast,”StingsaidinavoicethatnolongerheldanytraceoftheboySeth.“Iwillhaverevengeforallthatyouhavecostme.”

TomknewhehadtofindsomeextrastrengthtofightMalvel’slastBeast.Everythingdependedonit.

Hesprangfromtheedgeofthetombandtumbledthroughtheair, landing squarely on Sting’s back. With a roar, the Beastthrashed his tail and the amethyst at the end of it just missedTom’seye.

With lightning speed, Sting spun around. Caught off balance,Tom fell to the ground.Hepulledhis shield fromhis back andflung it over his head as a giant pincer sliced toward him. Thepincerbit into theedgeof the sturdyshieldas if thewoodwasmadeofbutter.

“Overhere,Sting!”Elennayelled,distracting theBeastas shedrewbackherbowandaimedanarrow.

“Leaveus,girl,”Stingsaidroughly.“Thisisnotyourbattle.”

“If your battle is with Tom, then it’s with me, too,” Elennaretorted, releasingherarrow. Ithit theBeast’s stomach,buthisskinwas likearmorthere,andthearrowbouncedoff, fallingtotheground.StingroaredinannoyanceandturnedtoElenna.

Tomstaggeredtohisfeet,eagertoprotecthisfriend,butSilvergot there first, racing in tobiteatSting’s scaly legs. Stormalsocanteredforwardandrearedup,lashingoutattheBeastwithhishooves.Stingsnappedhispincerslikescissors,slicingatStorm’smane.

TomfeltasurgeofprideashesawhisfriendsbravelyfighttheBeast.At the samemoment,hehearda rattling sound from the

tomb.Cypherwasstrugglingagainstthesecondsilverchain.Hisstrengthwasreturning!Tomgrippedhisswordtightly;heknewheneededtodealwithStingbeforehecouldfreethegoodBeast.

Tom called Storm and Silver away from the scorpion man,while Elenna let loose another arrow. This time, it embeddeditself in Sting’s neck, which was still soft and human. With ascreech of pain, Sting flung his hand to the arrow and tried topull itout. ItgaveTomthechancehehadbeenlookingfor.Heraisedhis swordandcharged forward, ready to strikeat Sting’sheart.

ButTomwasn’tprepared for theBeast’spowerful tail. It flewtoward him like lightning. Tom just managed to avoid beingcrushedbyitsweight,buttheamethystatthetail’stipcutdeepintohischeek.

Tom could feel the warm blood trickling down his face. Helooked up to see Sting’s tail coming toward him again.With asurgeofanger,hewhirledhisswordandswungitupward,slicingthetipofthetailcleanoff.

Stingscreamed,thesoundshakingthewalls.Thetipofhistailflew across the chamber and hit the floor in a spurt of blackblood. The amethyst came loose from its setting, rolling acrossthechamberfloortowardElenna.Shebentdownandsnatcheditup, sharing a triumphant glance with Tom. They had the finaljewel!

TomcouldhearCypherstillstrugglingtofreehimselffromthesecond silver chain as Sting turned on Elenna, mad with pain.TomtriedtogetpasttheBeast’sinjuredtail,butevenwithoutitstip,thetailwasstillpowerfulandknockedhimtohiskneeseverytime.

Suddenly, there was a crash from the tomb. Tom whirledaround.

“Cypher!” he shouted joyfully. “You’re free!” The mountaingianthadmanagedtopullhimselfawayfromthesecondchain.Witharoof-shakingroar,heclimbedtohisfeetandpoundedonhischest.

The chamber walls trembled and fragments of rock cascaded

from the ceiling as Cypher’s head brushed the roof. The giantroaredagain,kickingawayonesideofhistomb,whichfelltothefloor with a mighty crash. The foundations of the chambershuddered, and part of a wall crumbled into a heap. Themovement ofCypher’s hugebulkwasputtingmassive strainonthecatacombs.Thewholeplacelookedandsoundedasifitwereabouttocrashdownontopofthem!

StingbackedawayfromElennawithasnarl,hiseyesflickeringaroundthedisintegratingchamberbeforeheturnedandscuttleddownthetunneltowardthetrapdoor.

Cypher bellowed loudly, raisinghis arms. Tom could feel thegoodBeast’swilddelightatbeingfree.Morerockbegantofalltotheground.

“There’sno time to lose,”Tomcalled toElenna. “Wehave tofollow Sting, and get out of these tunnels before everythingcollapses!”

Narrowlyavoidingashardofrockthatspearedintothegroundbesidehim,TomgraspedahandfulofStorm’smaneandpulledhimselfintothesaddle.Elennajumpedupbehindhim.

They began to gallop up the tunnel after Sting. Cypherlumberedafterthem,withSilverrunningalongsidehim.

Straining every muscle, Tom guided Storm between thecrashing boulders that fell like giant black hailstones. Tombssmashed to the ground, spilling their bones into Storm’s path.Grimly,Tompushedonupthesteeppassageway.Intheflickeringlight, he could see pools of sticky black scorpion blood on theground.TomknewthattheyhadtocatchStingbeforehegottothe trapdoor.He had no doubt that the Beast planned to leavethem trapped in thecollapsingchamber.TomremindedhimselfthatStinghad losta lotofbloodandwouldbegettingweaker.Therewasstilltimetostophim.

Thetunnelbeganlevelingout,andaheadTomcouldseeStingscuttlingupthegreatstonestepstowardthetrapdoor.Withwhatlittle strengthhehad left, theBeastheavedopen thehatchandpulledhimselfoutofthehole.

TomleapedoffStormandsprungforward.

Buthewastoolate.Witharesoundingthud,thescorpionmanslammed the trapdoor shut. The torches that lit the catacombssputteredinthedraft,andwentout.

Cypher, Tom, Elenna, Storm, and Silver were plunged intoshaking,rumblingdarkness.

CHAPTERTEN

PURPLEMIST

OVERHEAD, TOM COULD HEAR STING ORDERING guards to placeMalvel’s enchanted bolts into the trapdoor. The sound ofhammeringstartedupimmediately.

“I’mgoingtotrytopushthedooropen,”Tomsaid,feelinghiswayupthestairs.

“Good luck,”Elenna replied anxiously.Tom triedwith all hismighttoheaveopenthetrapdoor.Butitwouldnotbudge.

ThenCypher gave a roar and lumberedup the stairs tohelp.Together, Tom and the mountain giant pushed at the trapdoorwithalltheirstrength.

“Bequick,Tom,”Elennasaid.“Thischambersoundsasifitisgoingtocollapseatanymoment.”

“It’s no good,” Tom panted, disappointment flooding throughhim.“WhateverenchantmentMalvelhasputonthebolts,itistoostrong.”

TomfeltCypher’sfrustrationrushoverhimlikeawave.

“What are we going to do?” Elenna’s voice trembled in thedarkness.“Theremustbeanotherwayout.”

The ground shook beneath their feet. The shuddering tunnelwallsthreatenedtocave.Inthatinstant,TomwishedmorethananythingthathecouldbehomeinAvantia.

Kerlo’s words suddenly echoed in his mind. “Home is like a

jewel,”thegatekeeperhadsaid.“Butitisonlyonceithasgonethatyourealizehowprecious it is.”Hadthegatekeeperbeentryingtogivehimsomekindofclue?

“Doyou stillhaveSting’s jewel,Elenna?”Tomasked, leavingthestairsandfeelinghiswayalongthetunneltowardhisfriend.

There was a bloom of purple light as Elenna pulled theamethystfromherpocket.Tomtookitcarefullyandhelditupinfront of him. The light began to pulse. ThenTom felt his handmove through the air, drawing a doorway in the darknesswiththeedgeof the jewel.Witharushofdelight,Tomrealized thatthejewelwascuttingamagicalgatewaythatwouldgetthemoutofthecatacombs.

Farabovethem,TomcouldhearMalvel’scastlegroaningandcrumbling. The collapsing catacombs must have damaged theveryfoundationsofthecastle.

“Stand close to me,” Tom commanded, as more rocks fellaroundthem.

Hishandwas stillmoving, the jeweldrawing the last part ofthenewgateway.Thedarknesspeeledawayinasharp,clearline.Beyondthefreshlycutdoor,apurplemistswirledandbeckoned.

“Tom,”Elenna gasped, her eyes shining as she claspedTom’shand.“DoyouthinkthiswilltakeusbackhometoAvantia?”

“Ihopeso.”Tomhardlydaredtobelievethattheywerejustastepawayfromtheirbelovedhomeland.InhismindhecalledtoCypher, telling the good Beast to follow them through thegateway. Then he seized Storm’s bridle, while Elenna graspedSilver’sscruff,andtogethertheydoveintothecoolpurplemist.

The air stretched. Tom felt himself spinning. Bright lightsglowedallaroundhim.

“Good-bye, Tom and Elenna….” Kerlo’s voice echoed allaroundthem.

Tomstarted to say thankyou to thegatekeeperbut anawfulscream,fulloffury,interruptedhim.ItwasMalvel.

“Youhavenotseenthelastofme,Tom,”Malvelscreeched.“Iwillbevictorious!”

ButjustasthewordsleftMalvel’smouth,thewizardsuddenlygave a shriek of fear. Tom could hear the sound of tumbling,crashingrock,andthennothingmore.

Tom sensed themassive bulk of Cypher spinning beside him.Thenthegiantseemedtodisappear,andTom,Elenna,Storm,andSilver landedon the familiar floorofKingHugo’s throne room,wheretheKingandWizardAdurowerewaitingforthem.

“Welcome home,” Aduro said, smiling and holding out hishands in greeting. “I knew you would prevail, Tom. You havedefeated Malvel once again and, although I could not see asclearlyasIwouldhaveliked,IbelievethattheDarkWizardwascrushedbeneaththerubbleofhisowncastle.”

Tom felt awave of relief surge through him as he embracedAduro, but this was quickly replaced with panic. Where wasCypher?HadthegiantsomehowbeenpulledbackintoGorgonia?

“The giant has returned to his rightful place — in themountains,”saidKingHugo,sensingTom’sworry.Herosefromhis throne. “Well done, Tom. You are truly Avantia’s greatestchampion.”

Tombowedhishead.WhiletheKingthankedElennaforallherhelp, Tom looked out of one of the throne-roomwindows. Thesky was sapphire blue, and the sun shone gently down on thegreenlandthatsurroundedthecastle.Brightlycoloredflagsandpennants fluttered from the houses in the distance. They hadescapedtheswirlingredfogofevilGorgoniaforever.

“WeareholdingafeastinyourhonorintheGreatHalltoday,”King Hugo announced, as he stroked Storm and Silver in turn.“Avantiaisimpatienttowelcomehomeherheroes.”

A servant walked in and draped a soft woolen blanket overStorm’s back, before leading the stallion away for food and awarmstablefulloffreshstraw.Tomlookeddownattheamethystthatstilllayinhishand.Heslippeditintohisbelt.Therowofsixjewelsglowedfiercely,fillingthethroneroomwitharainbowoflightandpower.

KingHugoclappedanarmaroundTom’sshoulder,andAdurowalked between Elenna and Silver. Together, they all moved

toward thepalacestairwayanddownto thebustleof theGreatHall below,where the feastwas being laid out. Brightly suitedservantscarriedgroaningtraysoffood,andmusicianstunedtheirinstrumentsintheminstrels’gallery.ThecitizensofAvantiawerealreadystreamingthroughthepalacedoorsintheirfinestclothes,andtheairwasbuzzingwithchatterandlaughter.

AsTomtookhisplaceatthetoptablebetweenKingHugoandElenna,histhoughtsstrayedtoMalvelandSeth,theboywhohadturnedintoaBeast.Hadtheyreallyperishedintheruinsofthecastle? Then he thought of Odora and the Gorgonian rebels hehadhelpedtoescapeintoAvantiaonhisQuesttorescueTusktheMightyMammoth.Whereweretheynow?

Shaking the thoughts fromhishead,he turned toElennaandraisedhisglass.“Here’stothecompletionofanotherQuest,”Tomsaid.“Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou,Elenna.”

Elenna clinked her glass against Tom’s, and with her otherhand fed some chicken to Silver,who sat at her feet. “You arewelcome,Tom,” she said cheerfully. “Butwhydon’t you smile?Malvelisgoneatlastandit’sallthankstous!”

Tomdrankdeeply fromhisgoblet, thengrinnedathis friend.Hewould allowhimself to smile today—but only timewouldtellwhethertheyhadseenthelastofMalvel!

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