AMULETOFAVANTIABOOKTWENTY

EQUINUSTHESPIRITHORSE

ADAMBLADEILLUSTRATEDBYEZRATUCKER

WithspecialthankstoJanBurchettandSaraVoglerForTimotejTorakwithallgoodwishes

TableofContents

Cover

TitlePage

Dedication

DearReader

PROLOGUE

CHAPTERONE:ANEWDANGER

CHAPTERTWO:THROUGHTHEDEADLAND

CHAPTERTHREE:CHARGEOFTHEGHOSTBEAST

CHAPTERFOUR:TOM’SCHOICE

CHAPTERFIVE:TIMEISRUNNINGOUT

CHAPTERSIX:THEEVILWIND

CHAPTERSEVEN:TERRORINTHETREES

CHAPTEREIGHT:DOUBLETROUBLE

CHAPTERNINE:THEFINALBATTLE

CHAPTERTEN:SAVED!

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CharacterGuide

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Copyright

Allhail,fellowfollowersoftheQuest.

Wehavenotmetbeforebut,likeyou,IhavebeenwatchingTom’sadventureswithacloseeye.DoyouknowwhoIam?HaveyouheardofTaladon,theMasteroftheBeasts?Ihavereturned—justintimeformyson,Tom,tosavemefromafateworsethandeath.Theevilwizard,Malvel,hasstolensomethingpreciousfrommeanduntilTomisabletocompleteanotherQuest,Icannotbereturnedtofull life.Imust wait between worlds, neither human nor ghost. I am half themanIoncewasandonlyTomcanreturnmetomyformerglory.

Will Tom have the strength of heart to help his father? AnotherQuest can test even themost determined hero.And theremay be aheavypriceformysontopayifhedefeatssixmoreBeasts….

All Icando ishope—thatTom is successful.WillyouputyourpowerbehindTomandwishhimwell?IknowIcancountonmyson—can I count on you, too?Not amoment can bewasted.As thislatestQuestunfolds,muchridesonit.Wemustallbebrave.

Taladon

PROLOGUE

“NOWIT’SYOURTURNTOGIVEMEADARE!”JaktoldhisfriendFlint.Theboyswereplayingontheedgeoftheirvillage.ThesunhadalmostsetoverErrinelandheavyshadowswerecreepingacrosstheground.Theskywasthecolorofadeeppurplebruise,buttheapproachingdarkness justmadetheirgameofDareevenbetter.Flintlookedaround,andJaksawhiseyeslightupashepointedtowardsometreesinanearbyfield.

“DareyoutosnatchanapplefromFarmerGrindall’sorchard,”saidFlint.

“Noproblem!”Jakvaultedoverawooden fence, strolled intothe orchard, and climbed up the tallest apple tree. He’d showFlint he wasn’t scared — even though grumpy old FarmerGrindallwouldchasehimwithastickifhesawhim.

Ashereachedthetopbranch,hehadagoodviewoftheroadthatledawayfromthevillageandranalongsidetheboundaryofAvantia, King Hugo’s kingdom. It was marked by a high,forbiddingwallwithanoldirongate,butevenfromhispositionin the tree, Jak couldn’t see over it. Beyond the wall was theForbiddenLand.Jakknewthatnooneeverwentnearthatplace.Theothervillagerswouldn’teventalkaboutit.Butlookingattheblack,sinisterwallgavehimanideaforthebestdareever!

Hepluckedanapple, swungdownfromthe tree,and jumpedbackoverthefence.

“You win that one,” admitted Flint, as Jak tossed him theapple.

“Nowhere’syournextdare,”saidJak.“It’ssofrighteningIbetyouwon’tdoit.”

“Nothing’stoofrighteningforme!”Flintsaidconfidently.

“IdareyoutogointotheForbiddenLand!”challengedJak.He

foldedhisarms,surethathisfriendwouldadmitdefeat.ButFlintdidn’tsayaword.Insteadhestrodedowntheroadtothegateinthewall.

Jakranafterhim,hisheartbeatinghard.“Youdon’thavetodoit,”hecalled.“Itwasjustajoke.”

“Ineversaynotoadare,”saidFlintashegraspedtheironworkandbegantoclimb.

“Then I’m coming with you.” The gate was rusty and feltunstablebeneathJak’sgripashescrambledupit.Heclimbedon.Hecouldn’tlethisfriendgoalone.

The boys were soon sitting astride the gate, staring inamazement at the sight before them. The Forbidden Land wasgrayasfarastheeyecouldsee.Thegroundwascoveredwithathick layer of dust and the only trees that grew nearby wereblackenedandgnarled.

“It’shorrible!”Flintsaidwithagasp.

“Everythingissodeadlooking,”murmuredJakinreply.

They slid to the ground of the Forbidden Land and walkedslowly away from the gate. Their boots left deep prints in theashlikepowder.Jaksawhisfriendshiver.

“We’vedone thedare,”Flint said.Hisvoicesoundedoddandflat in this strange place, and the gate suddenly seemed a longwayaway.“Let’sgetback.”

Jak nodded, but suddenly spotted something on the horizon.“What’sthat?”

Flint followed his gaze. “It looks like a dust cloud.” His facelookedworried and he glanced down at his feet. “Can you feeltheground?”

Jakcould.Thegrayearthbeneaththeirfeetwasvibratingandsendingshuddersuptheirlegs.

“Something’scoming,”hewhispered.Theboysstoodtransfixedas the cloudof dust got nearer and the vibrations coming fromthegroundbecamestronger.

“It’sahorse!”Flintexclaimed,peeringintothedistance.“And

it’sbig.”

Jaklookedhard.Hisfriendwasright.Hecouldjustmakeoutaglint of hooves and he realized that the hoofbeats must becausingthevibrations.Hecaughtaglimpseofamansittingtallinthesaddle.

“Iwonderwho the rider is,” he said as the horse got closer.“No,wait…”Withrisinghorror,hesawthattheman’sbodywasjoinedtothehorse.ItwassomekindofBeast—partman,parthorse.ButtheBeastsdidn’texist,didthey?Theywerejustmade-upstoriesofAvantiathatJakrepeatedwhenhewantedtoscarehislittlebrother.

The Beast suddenly became transparent and Jak felt his jawdropopeninshock.

“Icanseerightthroughhim.”Flintswallowednervously.“He’saghost.Andhe’scomingstraightatus!”

Jak and Flint dashed for the gate, their feet churning up thegray dust. The Beastwas getting closer, but the boyswere fastrunners.We’regoingtomakeit,Jakthoughtwithrelief.Butjustasthey got to the wall, Flint tripped and fell, sprawling into thedust.

Jakquicklyhelpedhimstand,butabove theirheadscameanalmightyroar.Thefriendslookedup.TheBeast,solidonceagain,was on top of them and rearing up on his hind legs, ready tocrushthem.JakgazedattheBeastandsawanexpressionofjoyanddelightetchedontohisskeleton-likeface.

The boys were paralyzed with fear and screamed as theterrifying Beast lunged down. Jak felt an icy cold feelingsweepingoverhiswholebodyandgaspedasherealizedthattheBeasthadturnedghostlyagainandhadsomehowpassedstraightthroughhim.TearsofdespairtrickleddownJak’sfaceashefeltsomething being torn from him. He forced himself to look atFlint.Hisfriendstoodpaleandexpressionless.

With his last thought, Jak knewwhat had happened to themboth.TheBeastswerereal,afterall.Andthisonehadtakentheirlifeforce….

CHAPTERONE

ANEWDANGER

TOM MADE HIS WAY THROUGH THE MINE tunnels with Elenna close by hisside. He could see daylight ahead. Only moments before, theyhaddefeatedNixa theDeathBringer,oneofMalvel’sevilGhostBeasts, and Tom was glad to be leaving the dark and thememoriesoftheshape-shifterbehind.

“We’llsoonbeoutofhere,”declaredElenna,tighteningthecoilofropearoundherwaist.“Andthesooner,thebetter.”

“ItwasahardQuest,”saidTom.“Butwewonintheend.”

“And we’ve got back the first piece of the amulet for yourfather,”saidElennawithagrin.“Iknowwe’vegotfivemoretogo,butit’sagoodstart.”

“Myfatherlookedstrongeralreadywhenheappearedtousjustnow,didn’the?”Tomaskedeagerly.

Elennanodded.

Tomfeltasurgeofhappiness.Hehadgrownupnotknowingwhetherhisfather,Taladon,wasaliveordead,buttwodaysagoTom had come face-to-face with him. He’d discovered that hisfatherwasaghoststrandedbetweentherealworldandthespiritrealm.Malvel’s evil magic had done this, and the only way tomakeTaladonfleshandbloodagainwastolocatethesixpiecesof the Amulet of Avantia and fit them all together. This wasTom’s Quest, but it would not be easy to recover the amuletfragmentsbecauseeachofthemwasguardedbyoneofMalvel’sGhostBeasts.

Tomtouchedthe firstpieceof theamulet thathung fromtheleather cord around his neck. Taladon had told them that thesecondpiecewasguardedbyEquinustheSpiritHorse.

“Father said Equinus would be a dangerous foe,” Tomcommented.“Butwewon’tletthatstopus.”

“No,wewon’t,”Elennasaiddeterminedly.“Look,we’releavingtheminesatlast!”Theyranoutofthetunnel.

As theyblinked in the sunlight, theyhearda friendlywhinnyand a happy howl. Storm, Tom’s stallion, and Silver, Elenna’swolf,camechargingovertothem.

“Thankyouforwaitingsopatiently,”TomsaidtoStormashestrokedthehorse’sglossyblackneck.

“I think they’re glad to see us!” Elenna laughed. Silver wasjumpingaroundherincirclesexcitedly.

“Nowthattheteam’salltogether,wecanstartournextQuest.”Tomheldouthishand.“Map,”hecalled.

The air in front of them shimmered and themap that Adurohadgiven toTommaterialized.Theywouldhave to fightGhostBeasts—sothemapitselfwasghostly.Ithungintheairbeforethem,showingthewholedusty,grayForbiddenLand.

“We’rehere.”Elennapointed to the rockymouthof themineonthemap.

“Andthat’sthewaywemustgo!”exclaimedTom,asaglowingpathappearedthatledinastraightlineacrossthemapandintoatangledknotoftrees.“Tothatforestintheeast.”Tomstaredatthetreesonthemap.Theylookeddarkandforbidding.HeknewthatsomewhereamongthosetrunkslurkedEquinus.

Tom flickedopen thebrass lid of the compass thathis fatherhadgivenhim.Hedidnotneedto looktorememberthewordsinscribedonthebottom:ForMySon.Theyalwaysfilledhimwithawarmglow.Helocatedeastonthenavigationalinstrumentandpointedinthatdirection.“Wehavealongjourneyaheadofus,”he said. “It’llbequicker ifwe ride.”He swungupontoStorm’sbackandheldoutahandtoElenna.

“The beginning of another adventure!” cried Elenna as sheclimbed up behind him. She sounded excited, but Tom couldsensethatshehadthesamefearsashedid.ThetwofriendshadalreadymetmanyfearsomeandterrifyingBeastsontheirQuests.

Whatnewterrorsawaitedthemnow?

CHAPTERTWO

THROUGHTHEDEADLAND

“IWONDERWHATEQUINUSWILLBELIKE,”saidElennaastheycanteredalong,Silver bounding eagerly at Storm’s heels. They had traveled alongway from themine, but the landwas still just as flat andgrayinalldirections.

“Equinus can’t be worse than Nixa the Death Bringer,” Tomanswered. “Shewas one of themost devious Beasts that we’veevermet.”Hepeeredaheadacrosstheplain.OnhisQuesttosavea good Beast, Sepron the Sea Serpent, from the clutches ofMalvel, Tom had been given a golden helmet with the gift ofwonderfullysharpeyesight.Henolongerhadthehelmet,buttheabilityhadremainedwithhim.However,therewasnosignoftheforesttheywereheadingfor, justmoredull,graylandwithoneortwoashenbushesandsolitarytreeshereandthere.

“This isn’t the most cheerful place we’ve ever been,” saidElenna.“Eventhesunshinedoesn’tfeelwarm.”

Tom looked up. The skywas bright, but it was a cold, deadlight,andtheairwasheavywithastaleandmustysmell.

“Idon’tthinkwe’veeverbeenanywhereasdesolate,”hesaid.“Gorgoniawasfrightening,butthisisjustso…empty.”

“Nothing but dust,” agreed Elenna. “Poor Silver’s gettingcovered in it.” She leaned down to her pet wolf. “Sorry, boy.Wishyoucouldridewithus,butthere’snotenoughroom!”

Silversneezedandshookhimself,throwingoutgraycloudsallaroundhim.

Theyrodeon.

“I can see treetops!” Tom said suddenly. He reined in Stormandlookedintentlyintothedistance.“Itmustbetheforest.”

“Atlast!”exclaimedElenna.

He squeezed Storm’s flanks with his legs, and the stallionsnortedandsetoffatagallop.Silverboundedahead.

Butastheynearedthetrees,Storm’spaceslowedtoatrotandSilver hung back. Tom tried urging Storm to go faster, but thestallion would take only anxious steps forward, glancingnervously to the left and right. Tom felt Elenna’s grip tightenaroundhiswaist.Shewasapprehensiveaswell.Heputhishandtohisswordandfeltitsstrength.Heknewhemustbestrong,too.IftherewasaBeastwaitingforthemhere,whenmightitappear?WasEquinushidingintheshelterofthetrees?

As if in answer to Tom’s unspoken question, an ear-piercingscreamsplittheair.

CHAPTERTHREE

CHARGEOFTHEGHOSTBEAST

STORMREAREDUPATTHETERRIFYINGSOUND,hisfronthoovesflying.TomandElennaclungonasthestallionbuckedandtwistedinterror.

ThenTomvaultedquicklyoutof the saddle. “Holdon tight!”he shouted toElenna. “I’ll try to calmhimdown.”Dodging theflailinghooves,heleapedatStorm’sbridleandgrippedithard.

Thestallion’snostrilswereflaredandhisflanksheaved.IttookallTom’sstrengthtoholdontotheterrifiedhorse,andhecouldsee that Elennawas only justmanaging to remain seated. Tomstroked Storm’s head and spoke to him soothingly, and almostinstantly the horse began to settle. Elenna slipped from thestallion’sback,lookingstunned.

“Thanks,Tom,”shesaid.Silvercreepedtoher.Hacklesrising,hecoweredatherfeet,growlingsoftly.

“Whatcouldhavemadethatnoise?”saidElennawithashiver.“Itsoundedasifitwascomingfromthetrees.”

“Idon’tknow,”answeredTom.“Butwhateveritis,wemustbereadyforit.”

Just then, Elenna gave a cry of warning as a huge shape,shroudedinacloudofdust,camecrashingoutofthetrees.

Tomlookedmoreclosely.ItwasaBeast.Hehadthetorsoofamanandthebodyofahorse,andwasheadingstraightforthem.“Equinus!”Tombreathed.

“He’sjustlikeTagus!”Elennasaid.“Butmuchbigger.”

Asthecloudofdustparted,Tomcouldseewhohewasfacingmoreclearly.Thesightmadehisbloodruncold.Evenfromthisdistance,hecouldseetheevilflashinginEquinus’sblazingeyes.

TheBeast’s longbrownhair lashed the air behindhim, andhishideous skeletal facewas parched dry, like the land all aroundthem.

ElennaputareassuringhandonSilver’sback.Hewhimpered,pressinghardagainstherleg.Meanwhile,TomstruggledtoholdontoStorm’sbridle—theterrifiedstallionwastossinghisheadandtryingtopullaway.

Tom felt the ground vibrating beneath his feet as the Beastgalloped toward them, churning up great clouds of dust. Theforceofhispoundinghoovesbrokeapartthedryearthandcrackssnakedtowardthemandspreadoutaroundtheirfeet.

“Getbehindme,Elenna.”TomgaveherStorm’sreinsanddrewhissword.

HefrownedashesawthattheBeast’sformwaschanging.OneminuteEquinuswassolid,hisskinthecolorofcoldivoryandhisflank an ashen gray, but the next Tom could see the forestthroughhisbody.TomrealizedthatEquinuscouldtakeeitherasolidoraghostlyformwhenhewished,justlikeNixa—andthatmade him a most dangerous enemy. As the Beast drew closer,Tomsawthespirithorse’sheartthrobbinginhischest.Hefeltanewthrillofhorrorrunthroughhim.Thiswasnoordinaryheart.Thisheartwasasblackasnight.

Tom knew that he must not let his friends face such a foe.Controllinghisownrisingfear,hehelduphiswoodenshield.Itgleamedwiththesix tokensgiventohimbythegoodBeastsofAvantia.Each tokenhadhelpedprotecthimonhisQuests, andthethoughtgavehimthecourageheneedednow.

“WhilethereisbloodinmyveinsIwillnotfailinmyQuest!”he shouted. Swishing the sword fiercely above his head, heleapedforwardtomeettheBeast.Butashecharged,herealizedthathewasnotalone.Silverwasrunningalongsidehim,barkingwildly,andElennawasonhisotherside,bowandarrowreadyinher hands. Tom’s heart leaped as he caught sight of his bravestalliongallopingahead.Theyhadallcometohelphim.

Equinushad takenhis solid formagainnow.Hismightybulkreared up in front of Tom. Gripping his sword tightly in bothhands, Tom made a great arc in the air just as Equinus came

downtowardhim.TheBeastdodgedtheswordandlandedwithaclatteringofhooves.Equinusturnedtofacehimagain.Therewasa sudden, terrible silence. The Beast’s blazing eyes bored intoTom’sandoneofhisgianthoovespawedthegroundlikeabull,readytocharge.

Slowly, they began to circle each other. Sword at the ready,Tom kept his eyes fixed on his enemy. Looking at the Beast’sheavingchestandmassivemuscles,Tomcouldseethatstrengthalonewouldnotbeenoughtodefeathim.HeknewthatElennawasstandingalittlewaybackwithStormandSilveratherside,buthesensedthateventhefourofthemmightnotbeamatchforthismightyenemy.

Equinus’seyeswerebloodredwithevilhatredandhetossedhisheadfromsidetosideangrily.Suddenly,helungedforward,andTomonlyjustmanagedtobeathimbackwithfiercethrustsfromhis sword. Tompressed his advantage but caught his foot on aroot, stumbled, and fell. TheBeast reared up, foam flying fromhis snarling lips. Elenna cried out in alarm, and Tom saw hershoot an arrow at the flank of the Beast. It bounced offharmlessly,butitwasenoughtodistractEquinus.TheBeastnowturnedtofaceElenna.

Tom leaped to his feet.He knew he had to act quickly. This

washischancetoplungehissworddeepintotheblackheartoftheBeast.He sizeduphisenemy.Equinuswas tall, soTomgotreadytousethemagic jumpingabilitythatwouldallowhimtoleapupandstrike.Hecrouched,readytospring,waitingtofeelthe surge of strength that usually coursed through his legs.Nothinghappened!Hetriedagain.Stillnothing.

Equinus still hadhis eyes fixed onElenna, Storm, and Silver.Histhinlipspartedinahorriblesnarlandheletoutasharpcryofevillaughter.HerearedupandbegantogalloptowardTom’sfriends.

“No!”Tomyelledatthetopofhisvoice.Furysurgedthroughhisveins.Hewasnotgoingtolethisfriendsbehurt—orworse.Tomstartedtorun.

Elennafiredoffmorearrows,butEquinuswouldnotbehalted.Instead he changed his direction slightly and charged straighttowardStorm.Thestallionseemedtransfixedwithterroranddidnotmove.

Tomranevenfaster.EquinusrearedupandTomcouldseethattheBeastwasabouttocrushpoorStorm.ElennagaveashriekoffearasshejoinedTominthedesperatedashtowardthestallion.But they were too late. Equinus gave a cruel cry of mockinglaughterashecrasheddownontopofStorm.

CHAPTERFOUR

TOM’SCHOICE

“STORM!”SHOUTEDTOM,HISVOICEHOARSE.Suddenly,hesawtheBeastflickerandchangeintohisghostlyform,andinsteadofcrushingStorm,hechargedstraightthroughhim.TheairaroundthehorseandBeastshuddered,givingoffaharshsilverlight.Tomfelttheforceofitpushinghimbackward.Silver bowed his head and Elenna held up her hands to shieldherselffromtheblazinglight.TomsawStormdroptohisknees.

Equinusnowveeredaround.Tomsawthathisevilblackhearthadswelledinhischestandpoundedmorestronglythanbefore.The Beast gave a shriek of triumph, and every angle on hismockingskeletalfacestoodoutsharpandcruel.Thenhegallopedofftowardtheforest,churningthedustaroundhimashewent.Inaninstant,hehadvanished.

TomstaredatStorm.Hecouldseethathisfriendwastakingindeep, shudderingbreaths.Hewas still alive!Tomracedover tohim,Elennaclosebehind.ButevenbeforeTomreachedStormheknew that something was wrong. The stallion was making noefforttostandup.Tomtookthehorse’sbridleandhelpedhimtohis feet.He stroked him soothingly, but Storm stood silent andseemedunabletotakeastepforward.EvenwhenTomflunghisarmsaroundStorm’sneck,theblackstallionmadenosignthatherecognizedhisfriend.

“Storm,it’sme,”whisperedTom,strokingthehorse’sneck.“It’sokay.TheBeasthasgone.You’resafe.”

“I think something’s happened to him, Tom.” Elenna lookeddistressed.“Hiseyesare…strange.”

Tomgazeddeep into Storm’s browneyes. “They’redead!”he

saidwithagasp.“It’slikelookingatastonecarving.Oh,Storm,I’vefailedyou.WhathasEquinusdone?”

Elennaburiedher face inStorm’smane.Silverwhinedatherfeet.

“IthinkIcanexplain,”cameavoice.

Tom and Elenna whirled around at the sound. A soft goldenglow filled the air and a visionofTaladon appeared.He staredgravelyat themandthen lookedatStorm,whowasstillgazingsightlesslyintothedistance.

“Tell me quickly!” demanded Tom. “What’s happened to myfriend?”

Taladonbowedhisheadinsorrow.“Equinusdoesnotkill.Hedoes somethingevenmoreevil.He feedson the spiritsofothercreaturesandleavesthemtoadismal,cheerlesslifeforeverafter.He has taken Storm’s spirit. I am so sorry. I did not think thiswouldhappen.”

TomrememberedhowEquinus’shearthadgrown largerafterhisattackonStorm.Nowheunderstood.IthadswelledthankstoStorm’sstolenlifeforce.Suddenly,hewasfullofrage—andnotjustagainstEquinus.Hisinsideswerealivewithangeragainsthisfather,too.“Ifyouknewallaboutthis,whydidn’tyoutellmeitcouldhappen?”heshoutedathim,fistsclenched.“Iwouldneverhaveletmyfriendsbeexposedtosuchdanger.”

“You are right,my son,” saidTaladonquietly. “I knewaboutthepowerofEquinusandIshouldhavewarnedyou.”

“Thenyouhavedoneaterriblething!”Tomalmostchokedonthewords.

Elenna took his arm. “Don’t, Tom,” she pleaded. “I’m sureTaladoncanexplain.”

“Ihopeso,Elenna,”Tom’s fathersaid inthesamequiet tone.“Yousee,Iwasconvincedthatyou’dbeabletouseoneofyourmany powers to overcome Equinus, but I was wrong to thinkthat.Iwaswrongtoexpectthat.”

Tomstaredhardathisfather.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“ItweakensmeeachtimeIappeartoyoulikethis.ButImust

show you something.” Taladon held out his hand and made amovementintheair.AvisionimmediatelymaterializedinfrontofTomandElenna.Tom started in surprise.Therebefore themwasanimageoftherearingEquinus.SilvergavealowgrowlandstoodinfrontofElennaasiftoprotecther.

“Look carefully,” Taladon told Tom. “This will help youunderstand.”

As he spoke, Tom himself appeared in the vision. Now Tomrealizedwhathisfatherwasshowinghim.ItwasthestrugglehehadjusthadwithEquinus.Hesawhimselfbrandishinghisswordand trying to leap at the Beast’s black heart. It filled himwithhorrortorelivetheterriblemoment:toseehimselfcrouchedandreadyforthegiantleap—andthenfindthathewasunabletodoso.A feelingofutterhelplessness floodedoverhimagainas, inthevision,hesawEquinuschargeatStormandpassthroughhim.

Taladon raised a hand and the vision was gone. Elenna hadtears running down her face. She wiped them away, as if shedidn’twantTomtosee.Tomswalloweddownhisowngrief forthenoblestallionwhowaslosttohimforever.WhatgoodwerehisQuestswithoutStormbyhisside?

“I failed,” saidTombrokenly.“Whyareyouremindingmeofit?”

Taladonshookhishead.“Itwasnotyourfailure,myson,”hesaid,lookingkindlyathim.“Somethinghappenedthatyoucouldnotovercome.”

Tomshotaquestioningglanceathisfather.

“Letme explain,”Taladonwenton. “You tookon the taskoffindingthesixpiecesofmyamulet—andIcannottellyouhowproudIamthatyouwerebraveenoughtoacceptthechallenge.ButIwouldnothaveletyousetoutifIhadknownthetruepriceof your Quest.” He paused for a moment. “You see, with eachpiece of the amulet that you recover, one of themagic powersgrantedbythegoldenarmorwillreturntoitstruemaster…me.Your armor was once mine, and its powers are returning mystrength.”

“That’s why you couldn’t leap!” exclaimed Elenna. “The

momentwedefeatedNixaandwonback the firstpieceofyourfather’s amulet, the power from your golden boots must havereturnedtoTaladon.”

Tom’sfathernodded.“Now,son,Ineedtoaskyouaquestion,andIwantyoutothinkveryseriouslybeforeyouanswerit.”Helooked intentlyatTom.“Iwouldnot for theworldputyouandyourcompanions inmoreperil.Andtherewillsurelybedangeraheadofyou.DoyouwishtocontinuewiththisQuest?”

Tom looked deep into his father’s eyes. If he gave up now,Taladonwouldbeaghostforever.Ifhewastobecomefleshandbloodagain,thesixpiecesoftheamuletmustberecovered.Andonly Tom could do that. He raised his sword high in the air.“WhilethereisbloodinmyveinsIwillcompletemyQuest!”

CHAPTERFIVE

TIMEISRUNNINGOUT

“IKNEWYOUWOULDNOTGIVEUP,TOM,”saidTaladonwithasmile.As he spoke, the air around him seemed to glow brightly,sendingitswarmthdeepintoTom’sheart.His fatherwasproudofhim,andthatwasenough.Butthenastabofpainshotthroughhim as he remembered Storm, who was now nothing but anemptyshellandrefusedtomove.TomwouldhavenochoicebuttoleavehispoorhorsewhilehecompletedhisQuest.

AsifheknewwhatTomwasthinking,Taladonspokebriskly.“There’snotimetolose,butthereissomethingImustshowyoufirst.Lookatyourcompass.”

Puzzled,Tomflickedopenthecompasslid.

Taladonsmiled.“Yourcompasshasahiddensecret.”

Tom stared at the instrument’s bobbing needle.What secretcoulditpossiblyhave?

“Runyourfingeraroundtheoutsideofthecase,”Taladontoldhim.“Thereisaconcealedbutton.Canyoufeelit?”

Tomdidashisfatherasked.Atfirsthecouldfeelonlythecold,smooth brass under his fingers. But then his finger felt a tinyraisedcirclethathehadnotnoticedbefore.Hepressedit,andthefaceofthecompassimmediatelyflickedopen.

“What’s inside?” Elenna was looking eagerly over Tom’sshoulder.

“It’s a sortof clock!”gaspedTom.He staredat the little facewithitsfinelypaintednumbersaroundtherim.Theclockhadasinglehandintheshapeofadelicategoldenarrow.Thepointedheadwasslowlyinchingitswayaround.

“It’s been hidden away all this time and we never knew!”exclaimedElenna.“Itdoesn’tseemtotellthetime,though.”ShelookedatTaladonquestioningly.

“Not in the usual way,” agreed Taladon. “But it tells yousomethingmuchmore important.Thisgoldenhandstartsat thetopof theclockat twelve,and travelsaroundonce. It tellsyouwhen time is running out to complete a Quest or to right awrong.”

“It’salreadywellonitswayaround!”criedTom.

“Yes, thehandbegan tomove themoment thatEquinus tookaway Storm’s spirit.” Taladon’s voice was growing fainter nowandhisimagewasfading.“Butasyoucansee,thereisstilltimetosaveyourfriend.”

“But how?”Tomaskeddesperately.Hewanted to hold on tohis fatherandkeephisghostly imagewithhim,butheknew itwasimpossible.

“You must defeat Equinus before the hand reaches twelveagain.” Taladon’s voice was a distant whisper now. “If you dothis,Stormwillgethisspiritback.Ifyoufail,hewillbelifelessforever.”

Tom looked at Elennawith sudden hope. Elenna’s eyes weregleaming,andTomknewshehadthesamethoughthedid.

“We’regoingtosaveStorm!”hewhispered.

“We just need to find a way to defeat that horrible Beast,”answeredElenna.

“We’veneverfailedbefore,”declaredTom.“Andwewon’tthistime.Butweneedhelp.”

Hewhirledaroundtohisfather.Butthevisionwasgone.TomandElennawerealone.

Elenna took Tom by the shoulders. “You can do this!” sheurgedhim.“Foryourfather—andforStorm.”

Tomnodded gravely. “Stormmust stay here,” he said firmly.“Hecan’tdefendhimselfwithouthislifeforce.Ifhecomeswithus,he’llbeinterribledanger.”

HegatheredStorm’sreinstotietoanearbyoaktree. Itsbarkwaspaleanditsleavesthinandpapery.AsTomtossedthereinsoveralowbranch,acornstumbledaroundhimandcrumbledtodust.Elennacametohisside,withSilveratherheels.

“I’llleaveSilvertoguardhim.”Shebentdownandpattedthewolf’sthickcoat.“YoumuststayhereandlookafterStorm,”shetoldhim.“Wewillbebackassoonaswecan.”

Silver seemed to understand. He gave the stallion a friendlynudgeandthentookaboldstancenexttohim.

“Hewon’tletusdown.”Elennasmiled.

Silver gave Elenna’s hand an eager lick, but Storm stoodmotionless as the two friends said good-bye to him. Tomwrenched his gaze away from his horse and turned resolutelytowardthedreadedforest.

Astheyheadedforthetrees,Tomcouldn’thelpbutconjureupinhismindtheimageofthehiddenclock.Howfarhas thehandgone around? He wanted to keep checking but knew he mustconcentrateonthetaskathand—andnotwastetimeworrying.

Suddenly, Elenna stopped in her tracks. “Tom!” she cried.“Those trees ahead don’t look like they are part of an ordinaryforest.It’sarainforest.”

Tomhaltedaswell.HehadbeensobusyworryingaboutStorm

that he hadn’t paid attention to the changing environment. Hetookinthedensetangleofhugeleavesandcreepers.

“Well, that’s the way Equinus went, so that’s the way we’regoing,”hedeclared.

They strode boldly into the jungle. The trees were closetogether,theirthickbranchesstretchingtowardtheskyasiftheywerefightingforthelight.Thetrunksweresuffocatedwithvinesandivy.Everythingwasparchedandgray.

“We’ve never seen a jungle quite like this,” Elenna said,reachingouttopushasideacreeper.Itturnedtopowderathertouch. “It’s all dead,” she said, coughing in the dusty air. “JustliketherestoftheForbiddenLand.”

Tom strode into the tangle, crushing the knee-highundergrowthashewent.Hisshoulderbrushedagainstamassivetreetrunkandbarkpeeledaway.

“Ugh!”exclaimedElenna,followinginhiswakeastheydrovedeeper into the jungle. “This ash is clinging to my legs. It’shorrible!”

“The air is thick with it,” agreed Tom. “It’s hard to evenbreathe.Ijusthopethisistherightpath.”

Asifinanswer,Tom’sghostlymapappearedinfrontofthem,glowing in thehalf-light that filtered through thedense foliage.Thereonthemapwastherainforest,anddeepwithinthetreeswasatinyimageofEquinuswithapathleadingstraighttohim.

“Looksasifwe’vejustgottokeepgoing,”saidElennagrimly,asthemapfaded.“Itwon’tbelongbeforewefindhim—orhefindsus….”

“Ihopehedoesseekusout.Thesoonerwefindhim,thesoonerwecandefeathim,”saidTom.“WeneedtosaveStorm.”

“We’ll save him. Equinus doesn’t stand a chance against thebothofus,”declaredElenna.

Tomthrewheralookofgratitude.Elenna’sfriendshipwasthebest gift hehad.He struckout again through theundergrowth,withElennaafewstepsbehind.ButhehadnotgonefarwhenheheardElennacryout.

“Getoff!”shescreamed.

Tomswungaround,hissworddrawn,expectingtoseeEquinus.Instead,hesawElennastandingbyafallenlog.Itlookedasifshewascoveredinaseaofwhitish,movingslimethatstartedatherankles andwasworking itswayupherbody. Shewas slappingwildlyatherclothes.

What’sgoingon?Tomthought.Hewasabouttoleaptoheraidwhenhefeltacreepysensationcrawlinguphislegs.

He looked down to see a seething mass of huge, writhingmaggots!

CHAPTERSIX

THEEVILWIND

TOM THRASHED ABOUT, BRUSHING THE HORRID, squirming creatures off hisclothesand skin.Themaggotswereaputrid, sicklywhite colorandeachwasasbigasaclenchedfist.Theyhadhungry-lookingmouths.

“They’re disgusting!” Elenna said, pulling at her tunic andshakingit.Somemaggotsfelloff,butmorewerealreadycrawlingupfromthedustyundergrowth.

“At least something is alive in this dreadful place,” Tom saidgrimly.Hequicklyranthroughhismagicalabilitiesinhishead,but couldn’t think of anything that would help get rid of theslimycreepy-crawlies.“We’lljusthavetokeepmoving.Thatway,nomorewillbeabletoclimbontous.”

“Then let’s go!” insisted Elenna with a shudder. “And fast.Beforetheydecidethatwemightbewortheating.”

Theyrushedthroughtheknee-highdust,scatteringtheclingingmaggotsastheywent.Allthetime,TomlookedthiswayandthatforsignsofEquinus.

“Itdoesn’tmakesense,”saidTom,astheypushedthroughthedecaying giant leaves and creepers of the jungle. “Why wouldEquinus choose to live here? Horses don’t belong in jungles—evenaGhostBeastwhoisparthorseandpartman!”

“Idon’tknow,”Elennasaid.“Butthemapledushere.WehavetokeepgoingandlookoutforanycluesthatleadustoEquinusandtheamulet.Andquickly.”

Tomunderstoodherurgency.TimewasrunningoutforStorm.He stared all around them. “Hey, wait a minute!” They werestandingby a tall tree thatwas sohigh the topwas lost in the

junglecanopy.Tompointedatitstrunk.“Lookatthis!”hecried.Thereweredeep,crescent-shapedgrooveshighinthecrumblingbark. “These marks were made by hooves. I’m sure of it.” Hestretchedup,butcouldn’treachthem.“They’retoofarabovethegroundtohavebeenmadebyanordinaryhorse.”

“Equinus!”saidElennaexcitedly.“Itmusthavebeen.He’sbigenoughtoreachthathigh.Butwhywouldhehavebeenkickingatthistree?”Herbrowcreasedwithconcentration;thenhereyeslitup.“Tom,rememberwhatAdurotoldus?TheBeastsdon’tjustguardthepiecesofamulet—theyhidethem.”

Tom felt himself grinning as he realized what Elenna wastelling him. “Equinus wasn’t kicking the tree,” he said. “Hewanted to hide something up there, and so must have beenrearinguponhishind legsand leaninghis fronthooveson thetrunk. For all that effort, hemust have been hiding somethingveryprecious.”

“Thepieceofamulet!”breathedElenna.

Tomnoddedandstrappedhisshield tohisback.“Imayhavelostmymagicabilitytoleapuphigh,”hetoldElenna,“butIcanstillclimbtrees!”

He began to clamber up the trunk, but the crumbling barkmadeitveryhardtogetagrip.Hegrittedhisteethandpushedonward.

“You’re not the only one who can climb trees.” Tom lookeddown and saw Elenna following him.Hewas glad.He had thefeelinghewasgoingtoneedallthehelphecouldget.

As they climbed, they carefully scanned the branches for anysignoftheamulet.TheyrestedonathickboughaboutathirdofthewayupandTomflickedopenthecompass.

“The hand’s already halfway around,” he said in frustration.Thenhe straightenedhis shoulders.He knew that getting upsetwouldn’tsaveStorm.“We’dbetterkeeponmoving.”

Theyclimbedupandupuntil thegroundseemedavery longwaydown.

“Wemust be at thehidingplace,” saidTom. “Look, thehoof

marksdon’treachthisfar.”

“Checkthebranchesandthetrunk,”saidElenna.“Whoa!”Sheflung her arms tightly around the trunk as the tree began toshake.Tomclutcheddesperatelytothetreeaswell.

A suddenwind had sprung up. It circled the tree, tugging attheir clothes and making the branches shudder. It howled andwhistledwithastrange,unearthlynoise.

“The wind sounds like it’s laughing,” said Elenna, as shestruggledtokeepherholdonthedecayingbark.

“It is laughing,” Tom said, through gritted teeth. “This is noordinarywind. I think it’s been sent byMalvel to stop us.”Hegripped the tree even more tightly. “Blow all you like!” heshouted into the powerful breeze. “We’ll never give up. We’regoingtofindtheamuletpiece!”

The tree began to sway more violently, crashing against itsneighbors. Branches fell about Tom’s head. Bark was beingstrippedfromunderhisfingersbytheeviltornado,andTomfelthisfeetslip.Foramoment,heheldonwithhisarmsalone.Ifhelosthisgrip,hewouldknockintoElennaandsendherplungingtothegroundwithhim.Heknewhewouldlandsafelyifhefell— Cypher’s tear in his shield would make sure of that, but itwouldn’thelpElenna.Tomsearched fora footholdwith the toeofhisbootand,atlast,foundone.

“Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerIcanholdon,”Elennashouteduptohim.

“Youcan’tletgo,”Tomyelledbackabovetheevil,screechingroar.“We’retoohigh.Youwon’tsurvivethefa—“Hebrokeoffinshock,asElennaseemedtosuddenlylosehergriponthetree.

CHAPTERSEVEN

TERRORINTHETREES

TOM’SHEARTPOUNDEDFIERCELYINHISCHEST,buthebreathedasighofreliefashesawthathisfriendwasgrippingthetreetrunktightlywithherlegsandhadletgowithherhandssoshecouldpullanarrowfromherquiver.

“I’ve got an idea!” she told him quickly. “It’ll keep us bothsafe.”

Sheuntiedtheropefromaroundherwaistandfixedit tothefeathered end of the arrow. Tom was impressed that Elennamanaged to tie a knot while the dreadful wind shook the treefiercely.

“I’mgoingtoshootthisarrowdeepintothatbranch,”shesaid,pointing up to a thicker, sturdier limb higher up in the tree.“Hopefullyitwillholdfirm,andthenwecantieourselvestotherope.Thatwaywewon’tfall.”

“Brilliantplan!”exclaimedTom.

Shepulledthebowstringbackandaimedthearrowatthetopofthetree.Thearrowshotupward,andElenna’saimwastrue.

Tom gave the dangling rope a hard yank. “It’s holding!” hesaid.“Welldone,Elenna!”

Hetiedaloopoftheropearoundhiswaistandhandedtheendtohis friendso that shecoulddo thesame.Theshriekingwindwas so strong now that it seemed to snatch the breath out ofTom’smouthashepulledhimselfup the tree.Elennawasrightbehindhim.

AndthenTomsawapatchofbark that lookeddifferent fromtherestofthetree—unevenandprotruding.

“Here!”heshoutedtoElenna.“Thispart’sbeenpulledoffandthenrammedbackin.”

“Peelitoff,Tom,”shesaideagerly.

Bracinghimselfagainst thewind,heworkedat thebarkwithhisfingertips.“It’scomingaway!”heyelled.Thebarkcamelooseandtumbledtothegroundfarbelow.Tompeeredinsidethehole.There, glowing brightlywithin the decaying tree,was a jaggedpieceofsilverwithablueenamelinset.

“It’s the second piece of amulet!” cried Tom in triumph. Hegentlyputhishandintotheholeandpickeditup.Itseemedtoshine even more brightly in his grasp, although the windthreatenedtopluckitaway.TomshowedhispreciousdiscoverytoElennabeforesafelyputtingitinhistunicpocket.

“Let’sgetdown,”Elennasaid.

Untyingtheropefromtheirwaists,theyheldontotheendasthey bounced down the trunk in huge bounds until they wereback on the firm, dusty jungle floor. Tom then used his super-strengthtopulltherope,andthefirmlyembeddedarrowheadfellfromthebranchhighabovetheirheads.

Elenna tied the rope back around her waist. “Right, let’s getgoing.We’ve finishedonepartofourQuest,butwestillhaveaGhostBeasttofind.”

Butbeforetheyhadachancetomoveon,theyheardaterriblecreakbehindthem,andthenthesoundoffracturingwood.Theybothlookedupandsawthemassivetreethatthey’djustclimbedtopplingtowardthem.

“Watchout!”yelledTom.Theydoveoutofthewayjustasthetree hit the ground, missing them by a hairbreadth. The windgustedmadlyaroundthemforamomentand,withafinalhowl

offury,blewaway.

The junglewas suddenly silent again. “Looks likeMalvel hasgivenup,”Tomsaidwithagrinasheandhisfriendstaggeredtotheir feet. Tom reached into his pocket for the piece of theamulet.Thenhetookholdoftheleathercordaroundhisneck,onwhich the first piece hung, and fitted the second piece to it.Elennatouchedhishand.

“What’sthatonthesurface?”sheasked,pointingatthesilverdisk.Therewerefaintlinesscoredintothemetal.“Whatdoyouthinktheymean?”

Tom shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said. “This is onemystery that will have to wait. First, we must track downEquinus.” He pulled out his compass and checked the secretclock.Thehandwasnowclimbingslowlytowardthetop.

“We’rerunningoutoftime,”hetoldElennagravely.“AndthatmeanstimeisrunningoutforStorm.”

“We need to head farther inward,” said Elenna, peeringthroughthetightlypackedtrees.

Tomheardafaintsoundfromfaraway.HeandElennafrozeintheirtracksandlistenedhard.Somethinglargeandpowerfulwasplowing through the branches and creepers of the dense jungletowardthem.

“Equinus!”whisperedElenna.

Tomnodded.“He’sfoundus.”

Witharoar,thehugeGhostBeastburstoutfromthetrees,hisblack heart thumping in his transparent chest. Tom andElennawatchedwithhorrifiedfascinationasEquinusswitchedfromhisghostly form to his flesh-and-blood form, before turning backagainwithacoldshimmer.TheBeastwhippedhistailviciouslyand stamped his hooves, churning up the dust all around him.Thebonesinhisskeletalfacestoodoutsharpasknives.

His evil, blazing eyes glared in hatred at Tom, and Equinuschargedstraightathim.

CHAPTEREIGHT

DOUBLETROUBLE

TOMHADTOTHINKQUICKLY.NowTHAThehadfoundthesecondpieceoftheamulet, he knew hemust have lost another gift. He just didn’tknowwhich.

“Good thing I stillhavemy super-strength,”he calledquicklytoElenna.“I’mgoingtoneedit.Stayhere.”

Pushing his doubts aside, he scrambled up onto the recentlyfallentreetrunk.Hehadanidea,butheneededtogetashighaspossibleifhewastostandanychanceagainstthisterribleBeast.He planted his feet as firmly as he could on the trunk, and itsbranchesquiveredandsentashowerofgraydusttotheground.Withluck,thetreewouldholdhisweightlongenoughforhimtoputhisboldplanintoaction.

As theBeast stormed at him,Tom sawEquinus become solidandhisblackheartdisappearedunderhisivoryskin.Itwasclear:Equinusdidn’twantTom’slifeforce—hewantedtocrushhim.Tomsmiledtohimself.ThiswasexactlywhathehopedtheBeastwoulddo.Bybecomingsolid,Tomknewthathemightbeabletowrestle the Beast to the ground. And once he’d done that, hewouldfindawaytoplungehisswordintotheblackheartoftheGhostBeast.

Equinuswasalmostontopofhimnow,andatthelastpossiblemoment,TomthrewouthisarmsandgraspedattheBeast’storsowithallhismight.AterribleshockofcoldstabbedthroughhimashefellthroughtheBeastandcrashedontotheground.Inthatinstant,Equinushadtakenonhisghostlyformoncemoreand,asTom had passed through him, freezing ice had made himshudder.Theice-coldfeelingseepeduphisarmsandthreatenedto takeoverhiswholebody.Tomrealized that theGhostBeast

wasinfacttryingtotakeawayhislifeforce.Hesummonedupallhis strength of heart and climbed to his feet, ignoring thetrembling that shook his body as he felt his energies drainingaway.HesawEquinusbegintoturnbackintohissolidform.ThiswasTom’s chance!He threwhimselfat theBeast,wrappinghisarmsaroundhisenemy’sbody.Equinusgavea screamofangerandpain.

AstheBeastwrithed,Tomgaveaviolenttwist,usinghisarmstoyankEquinus tooneside.TheBeast stumbledand fell to theground,draggingTomwithhim.

Tom landed heavily, and lay choking in the dust. His eyesstreamedinthegrittyair.HespottedtheblurryshapeofElenna’shandleaningdowntowardhim.Hegraspeditgratefullyandfeltherpullinghimtohis feet.Butashewipedhiseyesquicklyonhissleeve,heheardasharp,desperatehowlandsawEquinusriseupfromthedust,hoovesflailing.

“Lookout,Elenna!”Tomshoutedinwarning.

Elenna staggered back, but she was looking openmouthed attheGhostBeast.“He’schanging!”

Tom stared in disbelief. Elenna was right. Equinus wastransforming,butnottohisghostlyformthistime.Thecoldivorytoneofhisskinwaschangingasafaintfleshcolorspreadoverhishead,neck,andchest.Hisashen-grayhorsebodyand legswerebecomingavivid,shiningchestnut.

“Tom,byholdingontohim,youdidsomething.Idon’tthink

hecanturnintoaghostanymore!”exclaimedElenna.

“Mystrengthofheartmusthavegivenmethepowertostandup to him when he tried to steal my life force,” Tom replied.“ThankgoodnessIdidn’tlosethatgift!”ButwhichgifthaveIlost?hethought.

“Whatdowedonext?”Elennawhispered.

“Wefighthim,”Tomreplieddefiantly,drawinghissword.“It’llbeafairerfightnowthathecan’tchange.”

A horrible ripping noise filled the air. Before their eyes,Equinusbecametwoseparatebeings. Ina flash,ahugemanlikecreature, covered in coarse bristles, was standing firm on newhumanlegs.Hewasdressedinahemptunicandleggings,andbyhis side a giant horse stamped his hooves and tossed his headwildly.TheBeast’syelloweyesflashedangrily.Hewasreadytoattack.Nowtheyhadtwoenemiestoface—anddefeat—iftheyweretosaveStorm!

Equinusgavearoaroflaughter.Itwasharshandsoundedlikethecrackingofrock.

“Deathcomesintwoparts!”hejeered.“Dareyoufollow?”Heturnedanddisappearedintothejungle.Theyheardhimcrashingthroughtheundergrowth.

“You’renotgettingawaythateasily!”shoutedElenna.Shegavechase.“I’llstophim,”sheyelledoverhershoulderatTom.“Youdealwiththathorse.”

Tom studied the animal. The Beast’s eyeswere rolling in hishead, his breath coming in panicked snorts, and foam sprayingfromhismouth.Tomleapedontoanearbyrockandvaultedontothehorse’sback.Herearedandbucked,tryingtothrowhimoff,butTomsqueezedhislegsaroundthehorse’sflanksandheldonto the Beast’s chestnut mane. If things continued like this, thehorse would tire himself out, and that was exactly what Tomwanted.

Thehorsesoonbegantopant,andTomgaveasilentcheerofvictory.TheBeastsuddenlypausedandthenchargedatatree.Alow-hangingbranchrammedintoTom’smidriff,knockinghimoffthehorse.Helandedonhisfeetbutwaswinded.Hefumbledfor

his sword.Thisneeded to endnow.Elennawasall onherownagainsttheotherpartoftheBeast.

The horse charged toward him. Raising the sword high, Tombrought the hilt down against the Beast’s sweating templewithall of his magic strength. With a tremendous crash, the horsecollapsedintothedust,unconscious.

NowtofindElenna.Tomknewshewasstrongandbrave,butEquinuswasadeviousBeast.HefollowedthetrailthattheBeasthad left in the dust on the jungle floor. He sped between thetrees,dodginghuge,dry leavesandclingingcreepers.Hedidn’twanttoimaginehowlittletimemightbeleftonthespecialclockinhiscompass.AllheknewwasthathehadtodestroyEquinusassoonashecouldtorestoreStorm’slifeforce.

Bursting through a clump of ferns, he found Elenna andEquinus. The Beastwas pinned to a tree by one of her arrows.Thepointhadgonethroughthehempofhistunicandheseemedtobestuckfast.ElennastoodwithanotherarrowreadytofireifEquinus moved. Tom kept his sword in his hand just in case.Elennadidn’ttakehereyesofftheBeast,butshegaveTomagrinofwelcome.“IwenthuntingandlookwhatIfound,”shesaid.

“Nicework,”Tomsaid.

ThesightofTomseemedtoenrageEquinusandgivehimnewstrength.Inaninstant,hehadtornhimselffreefromthetreeandgrabbedElenna.Hespunheraroundandsnatchedawayherbowandarrow.

Elennatriedtowrenchthemback.Butwithathrustofhisarm,Equinusflunghertotheground.AndbeforeTomcouldgotoheraid, theBeasthadpulledbackon thebowandwaspointinganarrowdirectlyatTom’sheart.

CHAPTERNINE

THEFINALBATTLE

TOMSTAREDATTHEDEADLYSHARPPOINTOFthearrow.Hehadneverthoughthewouldfindhimselffacingoneofhisfriend’sweapons.

HoldingtheBeast’sgazeandkeepinghisfaceblanktohidehisintent,Tomsuddenlyhurledhis sword through theair.The flatbladeflewinanarcandsmackedagainsttheBeast’shands,andwith a cry of pain Equinus lost his grip on Elenna’s bow andarrow.Theyfelltotheground,alongwithTom’ssword.Quickaslightning,ElennasnatchedthemupandthrewTomhissword.

Equinusturnedhismightyheadthiswayandthat,desperatelylooking for anotherweapon. He reached up and ripped a hugebranchfromthetreeabove.Heswisheditmenacinglyabouthishead.

Tomweighedhis sword in his hand. It felt good.He steppedforward to face Equinus. Hewould fight until the end. Storm’slifedependedonhim.

With a roar, the Beast swung hismakeshift club viciously atTom’shead.Tomduckedtheblownimbly.Hemadeathrustwithhis sword, but Equinus parried it with the branch, sending ashudderingforcethroughTom’sarm.Thisenemywasstrong.ButasEquinusraisedthebranchabovehishead,Tomnoticedsweatbeadson theBeast’s face.He felthope rise insidehim.Equinuswasnotinvincible.Hewasfindingthefighttookeffort.

Tom leaped aside as the branch came swinging toward himagain, and he slashed at Equinus, nicking one of the Beast’sbristlyarms.

“Go,Tom!”Elennayelled,buthecouldn’t seehernow.Theirfightwasraisingatornadoofdustaroundthem.

TheBeastwasmovingaboutclumsilyinthethick,chokingair.Hewasn’t used to being on two legs, Tom realized.Hemay bestrongerthanme,hethought.ButIammoreagile.

Tomdartedabouttheclearing,eachtimeavoidingtheswingoftheviciousclub.TheBeastwaspantingandsweatinghardnowastheyfought.Buthisstrengthwasnotdiminishing.Heswunghisweapon in front of him like a battle-ax. Tom found himselfhaving to jump back again and again. I can’t break through hisdefenses,Tomthoughtwithfrustration.AnevilgrinplayedupontheBeast’sfaceasifhehadasecret—asifhewassurehewouldwinthedeadlycontest.

Stepping back to avoid another ferocious swipe of the club,Tom felt his foot slip. He risked a quick look down and utterhorror thrilled through him.Hewas teetering on the edge of ahuge,darkpitwithsheersides.Equinushadbeenveryclever.HewaspushingTomtowardthedrop.

Tom struggled to keep his balance; the ground was slippingfromunderhisfeet.Stonesandearthweretumblingintothepit,but he didn’t hear them hit anything. The pit was bottomless.Tom knew for certain he had no gifts to protect him from anendlessfall.

Withasmirkofvictory,theBeastlungedatTom,usinghisclublike a sword. For one terriblemoment, Tom could feel that hewastopplingbackwardandslippingovertheedgeofthepit.

“Notwhilethere’sbloodinmyveins!”heyelleddefiantly,andhepropelledhisbodyforwardandregainedhisbalance.Thenhe

saw his chance. As Equinus lunged at him once more, TomduckedbeneaththeclubandthrewhimselfashardashecouldattheBeast’slegs.

Now Equinus was completely off balance. With a cry thatechoed around the jungle, he stumbled overTom’s diving bodyandtoppledheadlong intothepit.Ashedidso,hethrustoutahandtograbTom’sankle,butTomrolledoutofthewayofthegraspingfingers.

The Beast gave a cry that became fainter and fainter as heplunged downward. And when the dust from their fight hadsettledandTompeeredover theedge,hecouldn’t seeanything—onlyagreat,gapingblackhole.

Equinuswasswallowedupbythedarkness.HadTomdefeatedtheBeast?

CHAPTERTEN

SAVED!

“TOM!” ELENNA RUSHED TO HIS SIDE. “THANK goodness you’re all right! Icouldn’t see you, but I could hear the fight. It sounded soterrible.”

“Itwas,”Tomsaidgrimly. “But it’sovernow.Withany luck,Equinushasgoneforgood.”Hehopedhewasright.Thenhefeltagreatsurgeof reliefas theoutlineofa tall figureappeared inthe air. “Elenna, look!”He pointed over Elenna’s shoulder. Sheturned,andbeforethemstoodanimageofTaladon.RightawayTomcouldseethathisfatherlookedmoresolid.

“Welldone,”Taladonsaid,andthelightaroundhimmadeTomfeelwarm, justas ithaddonebefore.“Icannot thankyoubothenough.Assoonasyouretrievedthepieceofamulet,Ifeltnewstrengthreturningtome.”

“Equinus has gone,” said Tom. “But what of the horse? Ibroughthimdown,but Ididn’t seewhathappened to theBeastafterthat.”

“You need not fear,” Taladon told him. “The horse turned todustwhenyoudefeatedEquinus.Youhave fulfilledyourQuest.Nowyoumustmakehaste.Thereisanotherwhowishestothankyou.”

“Storm!”Elennasaidwithagasp.

Quickly, Tom flicked openhis compass to look at the hiddenclock.Thehandwasnowmovingbackward.

“Storm’ssafe!”Tomcried.

Hisfathersmiled.“NotjustStorm,”hesaid.“Everyonetouchedby the evil of Equinus has been returned to their former lives.Thanks to you.” Taladon saluted them and his image slowly

faded.

Tom felt his heart leapwith joy. They had found the amuletpieceandsavedhisbelovedhorse.ThisQuestwasover.

“Let’sgettoStorm!”heyelled,andhebegantorunthroughthetrees.

“Holdon!”Elennaexclaimed.“We’vegonealongwaythroughthe jungle and I’m not sure our tracks will be clear enough tofollow.Whichwaydowego?”

Tom held out his hand. “Map,” he called. It appearedimmediately in the air in front of them. Tom skidded to a haltand looked eagerly at it. A line on the ghostly map’s surfacematerializedandshowedthemthewayoutofthejungle.

“And look. Storm’s right at the end of our path!” Tomexclaimed.“Comeon!”

ThistimeElennadidn’ttrytostophim.Thetwofriendsdidn’tstoprunninguntiltheyburstoutontotheplain.

“There’stheoaktree!”yelledElenna.

“Andthere’sStorm!”criedTomhappily.“AndSilver!”

The two friends sprinted across the dusty earth tomeet theirfaithful animals. Silver yelped in delight, and Tom untied hishorse’s reins from the tree and flung his arms around Storm’sneckbeforeburyinghisfaceinhismane.HegazedintentlyintoStorm’s brown eyes. They were sparkling and full of life. Tomlaughedwithrelief.Silverranaroundthem,howlinghappily.

“Thankyou,Silver,”saidElenna,crouchingdowntogreethim.“IknewwecouldtrustyoutoguardStorm.”

Asifheunderstood,SilverrubbedhisheadagainstStorm’sleg,andStormputhisnosedowntonuzzlehisfriend.

ThenTomheardhisfather’svoiceintheair.“AreyousureyouarereadyforyournextQuest,mybravewarriors?”Taladonsaid.

“Weare,”chorusedTomandElennaeagerly.

“Good,” said Taladon’s voice, and Tom could hear that hisfatherwaspleased.“ThenyouhavetojourneytotheDeadPeaks.Rashouk is theBeast youmust fight there if youare to reclaimthenextpieceoftheamulet.Butbeware.Rashoukisatroll,andoneofMalvel’smostterrifyingBeasts.Hehasgreatcunning.Youwill need all your skills if you are to succeed. But there is onethatIamafraidyouhavelost—thepowergrantedbythegoldengauntlets—yourspecialswordskills.”

Withthat,thevoicefaded.

Tom stood back from Storm. “A new Beast,” he murmured,fingeringthepiecesofamuletunderhisshirt.“Will IbeabletodefeatanotherofMalvel’screatureswithoutmyswordskills?”

“Youhavemanymore skills than themagic ones that you’vebeengiven,”Elennatoldhim.“Iknowyoucandoanythingyouputyourmindto.”

TomgaveStormalovingpatontheneckandturnedtoElenna.

“There’sonlyonewaytofindout,”hedeclared.“OnwiththeQuest!”

Teaser

ESCAPINGTHEDEADJUNGLE

“ALMOST THERE!” SAIDTOM, AS HE SWUNG his swordat the last sectionofwildovergrowthblockingtheirpathoutoftheForbiddenLand’sDeadJungle.

“Great,”saidElenna,assheledTom’sstallion,Storm,outontotheflatgrassland.“Ithoughtwe’dnevergetout.”

Storm whinnied in delight. Close behind, Elenna’s pet wolf,Silver,yelpedandranaroundinwidecircles.

Tom laughed and sheathed his sword. “I think they’re happytheycanstretchtheirlegsagain!”

“Although, to be fair, this place isn’t exactly cheery,” saidElenna,lookingaroundatthedeadgrasslandthatstretchedasfaras the eye could see. “I never knew that anywhere in Avantiacouldlooksodeadanddepressing.”

“Me,neither,” saidTom, thinkingof thebeautyof the restofthekingdomandhow theDarkWizard,Malvel,had triedmorethanoncetodestroyit.ItwasbecauseofMalvelthatTomwasonhis current Quest. The Dark Wizard had turned Tom’s father,Taladon,intoaghost,andTomhadtofindthesixpiecesoftheAmulet of Avantia to make his father flesh and blood again.Malvelhadscatteredthebrokenpiecesoftheamuletaroundthekingdom’s Forbidden Land, where they were guarded by sixGhost Beasts — evil creatures who could switch from real toghostlyforminaninstant.

Tom had already defeated two of them and retrieved twopiecesoftheamulet.HevowedtoovercomethenextfourBeastsaswell— thoughhewouldhave todo sowithout someof themagicalpowershepossessed.

On his previous Quests, he had retrieved all six pieces ofAvantia’s golden armor. Each piece had given him a differentpower,althoughTomdidn’tneedtobewearingthearmortousethem.

Butthearmordidnotbelongtohim.Itbelongedtohisfather.Andnow,everytimeTomrecoveredapieceoftheamulet,oneof

thearmor’smagicalpowersreturnedtoTaladon.Tom frownedasa feelingofdisquiet spread throughhim.Hehadalreadylostthepowersgrantedhimbythegoldenbootsandthegoldengauntlets.Itappearedthathewaslosinghispowersinthereverseordertowhichhehadgainedthem.Therefore, ifhesucceeded in defeating the nextGhost Beast, Rashouk the CaveTroll, he would probably lose the power of the leg armor andwouldnolongerhavehisincreasedspeed.

“Whichwayshallweride?”askedElenna,snappingTomoutofhisthoughts.

“Map!”hecommanded,stretchingoutahand.

Theairshimmeredasaghostlymapappearedbeforehiseyes.ItwasagiftfromAduro,thegoodwizard,tohelpthemnavigatetheForbiddenLand.

Elennajoinedhimtostudythemap.“Look,”shesaid,pointingatsomemountainsintheeastcalledtheDeadPeaks.“Didn’tyourfathersaywe’dfindRashoukthere?”

Tomnodded.HewonderedhowitwouldbetodobattlewithRashouknowthathe’dlosttwoofhispowers.

CharacterGuide

HEROESANDVILLAINS

TOMPREFERREDWEAPONS:Swordandmagicshield

ALSOCARRIES:Destinycompass,jewelbelt,andghostmap

SPECIAL SKILLS:Over the courseofhisQuest,Tomhas gainedmanyspecial items for his shield, giving him protection from fire,water, cold, and falling fromheights, extra speed inbattle, andmagichealingability.Healsohasthepowershegainedfromthegolden armor, giving him incredible sight, courage, strength,endurance,swordskills,andenergy.

ELENNAPREFERREDWEAPON:Bow&arrow

ALSOCARRIES:Nothing.Betweenherbowandherwolf,Silver,Elennadoesn’tneedanythingelse!

SPECIAL SKILLS: Not only is Elenna an expert hunter, she is alsoknowledgeable about boats andwater. Butmost important, shecanthinkquicklyintightspots,whichhashelpedTommorethanonce!

STORMTom’s horse, a gift fromKingHugo. Storm’s good instincts andspeedhavehelpedTomandElennafromtheverybeginning.

SILVER

Elenna’s tamewolf and constant companion. Not only is Silvergoodtohaveontheirsideinafight,butthewolfcanalsohelpTomandElennafindfoodwhenthey’rehungry.

ADUROThe good wizard of Avantia and one of Tom’s closest allies.Aduro has helped Tom many times, but when Aduro wascaptured by Malvel, Tom was able to repay the wizard byrescuinghim.

MALVELTom’s enemy, determined to enslave the Beasts of Avantia anddefeat Tom. This evil wizard rules over Gorgonia, the DarkRealm.Ifheisnear,dangerissuretofollow.

BEASTQUEST

AMULETOFAVANTIA#19:NIXATHEDEATHBRINGER

#20:EQUINUSTHESPIRITHORSE

#21:RASHOUKTHECAVETROLL

#22:LUNATHEMOONWOLF

#23:BLAZETHEICEDRAGON

#24:STEALTHTHEGHOSTPANTHER

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