Zepha the Monster Squid

BEASTQUEST

BOOKSEVEN

ZEPHA

THEMONSTERSQUID

AdamBlade

ILLUSTRATEDBYEZRATUCKER

WithspecialthankstoCherithBaldry

ToRachelLeyshon

Contents

Cover

TitlePage

PROLOGUE

CHAPTERONE:GONE!

CHAPTERTWO:ANEWQUEST

CHAPTERTHREE:MALVEL’SWARNING

CHAPTERFOUR:DANGERATSEA

CHAPTERFIVE:LINDON

CHAPTERSIX:OUTTOSEA

CHAPTERSEVEN:INTOTHEWHIRLPOOL

CHAPTEREIGHT:UNEXPECTEDHELP

CHAPTERNINE:THEANGEROFZEPHA

CHAPTERTEN:VICTORY?

Copyright

PROLOGUE

KINGHUGO’SMASTEROFARMSPAUSEDAT thefootof thestairs.Thefaintnoiseofmusic and laughter could be heard from the Great Hall above. ThankgoodnessAvantiaissafeagain,hethought,smiling.

Themasterwalked down the stone passage and stopped outside a heavypaddeddoor,studdedwithbrassnails.Hepulledaslendergoldenkeyfromhispocketandhelditup.Itshoneinarayoflightthatreacheddownfromanairventandpiercedthegloomofthepalacecellars.

Thekeyturnedsmoothlyinthelock.Hepushedthedooropenandsteppedintothearmsroom,closingthedoorbehindhimandlockingit.Ashedidso,a ferret poked its head out of his pocket and peered up at himwith bright,curiouseyes.

“Thereweare,”themasterofarmsmurmured,strokingtheferret’scream-coloredfur.“Nownoonecangetinorout.”

Theroomwassonarrowthatifthemanstretchedouthisarms,hisfingersbrushed the walls on either side. Torches blazed in iron holders, castingdancing shadows on the rough stone walls and a few stars shone faintlythroughthesmallwindowsatthetopofthebackwall.

In the center of the room stood a suit of golden armor. The helmetwasdramaticallymolded into the shapeof an eagle’s head.The tunic of goldenchain mail was covered with a decorated breastplate that shone in thetorchlight.Glitteringlegarmor,gauntlets,andsabatons—armoredboots—completedthesuit.

Themaster walked slowly around it, examining each piecewith a smallgruntofsatisfaction.Hepulledoutahandkerchieftorubaspeckofdustfromthegleamingbreastplate.

“I’ve lookedafter thisarmorfor twentyyears,”hesaid.“WhenI firstseteyesonit,ittookmybreathaway.Anddoyouknowwhat?”Hetickledthe

ferret’sear.“Itstilldoes.”

Theferretletoutasqueak.

“It’sthemostpreciousrelicinallofAvantia.We’vegottokeepeverybitof it shining as brightly as the day itwasmade,” hewent on. “Its rightfulowner could return at any moment.” He passed the handkerchief over thesmoothcurveofthehelmet.“Wemustbeready.”Hebentdowntopolishthegoldenfeetofthearmor.

Suddenly,theferretletoutasquealofalarm.Wrigglingoutofitsmaster’spocket,itdoveforacrackinthewallanddisappeared.

“Hey!”themanexclaimed.“What’sthematterwithyou?”Hestraightenedup and tried to peer into the crack, but the dancing shadows cast by thetorches made it difficult to see. “Come back, you silly creature! There’snothingtobeafraidof.”

Butashespoke,theshadowsbegantomove,slowlyatfirst,andthenwithincreasing speed. Soon, they were whirling across the walls and floor. Heglancedatthetorches,butthebrightflamesburnedsteadily.

Then somethingbrushed theman’s cheek.He spunaroundat thevelvetytouchandstaredwildlyaroundtheroom.“Thesearen’tshadows,”hesaidoutloud.“They’rebats!”

Suddenly,theairwasfullofblackwings.Tinyclawsscratchedathisfaceandhandsandtangledinhishair.

“No!”He let out a choking cry and beat desperately at the air, trying todrivethecreaturesback.Buttheswarmingbatsstillkeptcoming.Hestaredinhorrorattheirfiercefaces,theireyesglitteringwithcrueldelight.

The master of arms backed toward the door as more bats squeezedthemselvesoutofcracksinthewallandlaunchedthemselvestowardhim.Hefeltasifhecouldn’tbreathe.

Soon,thesuitofgoldenarmorwascoveredwithbats,hangingfromeachpiecebytheirhookedclaws.Withagaspofhorror,themasterofarmsstartedforward,butthepainwastoomuchandhecollapsedtothefloor.Stillhekepton struggling, tryingwith all hismight todraghimself toward thepreciousarmor.

“Stop!”hegasped.“Help!Somebody,help!”

Butitwastoolate.Batscoveredtheman’sheadandback,clingingtohishairandsuffocatinghimwiththeirwings.Hefeltasifeverylastscrapofairwasbeingpressedoutofhislungs,andstaredindisbeliefasthegoldenarmorrose slowly into the air, lifted by the evil swarmof bats.Only thewooden

standwasleft.

Thendarknessfloodedoverhim.

CHAPTERONE

GONE!

TOM STOOD NEXT TO A PILLAR IN THE GREAT Hall of King Hugo’s palace andwatchedthedancing.Hewaselatedtoseealltheking’ssubjectscelebratingtheendofhisQuest.Theirsilkandsatinrobesshoneastheywhirledintheafternoonsun.

King Hugo watched from the High Table with a contented smile. TomknewhewashappythatthesixBeastsofAvantiahadbeenreleasedfromtheevilspelloftheDarkWizard,Malvel.FernotheFireDragon,SeprontheSeaSerpent,Cypher theMountainGiant,Tagus theNightHorse,Tartok the IceBeast,andEpostheWingedFlamewerenowprotectingthekingdominsteadofdestroyingit.Avantiacouldbegintorecover.

ButTomcouldn’t join in thecelebration.SomethinghadbeennaggingathimeversincethatfinalmeetingwithMalvelonthemountainsideinthefareast of the kingdom.He told himself over and over again thatMalvel hadfallenintothevolcanoandperishedinitsragingfires.

Buthecouldn’tforgetwhatMalvelhadscreamedathimashefell:“Thisisnottheend,Tom!Weshallmeetagain!”

Tomhadahorriblefeelingthathehadnotseenthelastofhisenemy.Thenherememberedthehoodedfigurehehadspottedinthecheeringcrowdwhenhe returned from freeing Epos, the last of the cursed Beasts. If the DarkWizardhadindeedsurvived,howwouldhetakerevengeforhisdefeat?

Tomshuddered.Hewishedhisfather,TaladontheSwift,werehere.HehadbeenaknightandhadundertakenaBeastQuestofhisown.OnlyhecouldknowhowTomfelt.Butnoonehadseenhimformanyyears.Itwasasifhehaddisappearedintothinair,althoughTomfeltcertainthattheywouldmeetagainoneday.

Tomfeltahandonhisshoulder.He turned toseeElenna, thefriendwhohadsharedeverystepoftheQuestwithhim.Shewaswearingadressofbluesilk,butheruntidy,shortdarkhairstuckout,justaswhenthey’dfirstmet.

“What’sthematter,Tom?”sheasked.“Whyareyoulookingsoworried?”

Tomshookhisheaduneasily.“I’mnotsure…IjustkeeprememberingthelastthingthatMalvelsaidonthemountain.”

“Malvel is finished,”Elenna declared. “There’s nothing toworry about.”TakingTom’shand,shedraggedhimtowardthedancefloor.“I’vejustbeento the stables. Storm is stuffing himself with the best apples, and look—Silver’senjoyinghimselfunderthetablethere.”

Tomsmiledashe saw thewolfcontentedlygnawingonabone,andwasglad to think of his black stallion enjoying a well-deserved rest in thecomfortablepalacestables.

“Everyone’s happy,” Elenna went on. “Can’t you be happy, too? Let’sdance.”

“Idon’tknowhowtodance,”Tomsaid,laughing.

To Tom’s relief, the music stopped before Elenna had the chance topersuadehim.

ThenhespottedKingHugo’swizardandadviser,Aduro,makinghiswaytoward them.Theywouldneverhavecompleted theQuest if ithadn’tbeenfor the good wizard, who had helped and encouraged them in their mostdifficultmoments.Nowheworeamagnificentembroideredrobeandcarriedapolishedwoodenstaffinonehand.Tombowed,andElennadroppedintoadeepcurtsy.

“Areyouenjoyingyourselves?”Aduroasked.

“Yes,it’swonderful!”Elenna’seyessparkled.

Thewizardsmiled.“Ifyoudon’tmindmissingsomeof thedancing,I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.Somethinginthepalacecellars.”

“Notmoredanger?”Tomwasinstantlyalert.

Aduro shook his head, smiling, and Tom realized that even the king’sadviserthoughtMalvelhadbeendefeatedforgood.“No,”thewizardreplied.“It’sarewardforasuccessfulQuest.Avantiaowesyouagreatdeal.”

TomandElennafollowedhimtoasmalldooratthefarendofthehallanddownalongflightofstairs.Elennawasbouncingwithexcitement.

At the foot of the stepswas a narrow passage.Aduro led them on, then

stoppedoutsideapaddeddoor.Asingleshaftoflightshonedownfromahighairventandgleamedonthedoor’sbrassnailsandlock.

“This is strange,” the wizard said. “I was expecting to meet the king’smasterofarmshere.He’snot thesortofmantobe late. Iwonderwhathashappenedtohim?”

“Maybehe’sinside,”Elennasuggested.

Aduro turned the door handle, but the door remained shut. “Locked,” hemuttered.“Maybe—”

Hebrokeoff at the soundof a loudgroancoming from inside the room.TomandElennaexchangedaglance.

“Itsoundsasifsomeone’shurt,”saidTom.

WizardAduro laid the end of his staff against the lock and commanded,“Open!”

Thelockclickedandthedoorswungopen.Insidetheroom,anelderlymanlaysprawledonthefloor.Aferretwasnosingathimanxiously.Theoldmantriedtogetup,buthisstrengthgavewayandheslumpeddownagain.

Tom and Elenna ran to his side.Hewas barely conscious.His facewaspale,hisblacktunicwastorn,andhisfaceandhandswerecoveredwithtinybitesandscratches.

Tomhelpedtheoldmantositup.

“Aduro,canyoumagicajugofwaterforhim?”Elennaasked.“Quickly!”

Butthewizardsimplystaredatthespaceinthemiddleoftheroom,emptyexcept for a wooden armor stand. He didn’t seem to have heard Elenna’sanxiousplea.Helookedstunned.

Tomjumpedtohisfeet.“What’sthematter?”heasked.

Aduro turned to him, blinking as if hewere justwakingup. “Somethingterriblehashappened.”Hisvoicewashoarse.“Thegoldenarmor.It’sgone!”

CHAPTERTWO

ANEWQUEST

“CAN YOU TELL US WHAT HAPPENED?” ADURO asked, kneeling beside the injuredman.

Themaster of arms drew in a shaky breath. “Bats!” hewhispered. “Thewholeroomwasfullofbats.Theytookthearmor.”Hecoveredhisfacewithhishands.“Ihavefailedtheking.”

Aduro touched the oldman’s shoulder. “No,my friend. Evil has been atworkhere.”Standingupagain,hethumpedonthefloorthreetimeswithhisstaff.

A moment later, Tom heard running footsteps in the passage, and twoservantsappeared in thedoorway.Theireyesgrewwidewithshockas theylookedinside.

“Carry the master to his room,”Wizard Aduro ordered. “Send for KingHugo’shealer.Andsaynothingofwhatyou’veseentoanyone.”

The two servants lifted the elderlyman carefully.Elenna scoopedup theferretandgaveittohimashewascarriedoutintothepassage.

Assoonasthemasterofarmsandtheservantsweregone,Tomturnedtothewizard.“ThiswasMalvel’swork!Itmusthavebeen.Heisstillaliveafterall.”

Aduronoddedgravely.“Ifearthatyouareright.”

“What armor was he talking about?” Elenna asked. “Why is it soimportant?”

“Tom,thearmorwastohavebeenyourrewardforcompletingtheQuest,”Aduro explained. “Once it belonged to theMaster of the Beasts. It bringsmagicalstrengthstoitsrightfulowner.”

“But…”Tomwaspuzzled.“Youcouldn’tgivemethearmorifitbelongsto the Master of the Beasts. I remember you told me that Malvel hadimprisonedhim longbeforemyQuestbegan,butwhy isn’the stillwearingit?”

Aduro let out a long sigh. “Many years ago, the Master of the BeastsshouldhavereturnedtothepalacefortheNewYearfeast.Instead,theemptysuit of armor appeared in the Great Hall as the nobles were taking theirplaces.”Thewizard paused, thenwent on. “Malvel had captured him, thensentthearmortomockKingHugo—andme.”

Tomfeltasifanicyhandhadclutchedhisheart.HehopedtheMasteroftheBeastshadnotsufferedtoogreatlyinthehandsoftheDarkWizard.

“However, I felt that all was not lost,” Aduro said. “The powers of thearmorwould still work if the suit was worn by the right person— a trueQuester with brave blood running through his veins. I think you are thatperson,Tom.”

ForamomentTomcouldnotspeak.Hewasn’tsurehewasworthytowearthegoldenarmor.ButhewouldgiveeverythingtoprotectAvantia.

Thewizardbegantopaceimpatientlybackandforthinthesmallroom,hisstaff clicking on the stone floor. “Malvel must have realized that yoursuccessful Quest has made you a danger to him. He would never haveimagined that anyone—much less aboy—could lift the spellsonall sixBeasts.Hehasstolen thearmor tostopyou fromwearing it andgaining itsmagicalpowers.”

“But it would never fit me.” Tommeasured himself against the woodenstandthathadheldthearmor.“Itmusthavebeenmadeforatallman.”

“This armorwill always fit hewho serves theBeasts,”Aduro explained.“Itsmagiccansenseit.”

“Thenwehavetodosomething!”Elenna’seyessparkledwithindignation.“Wecan’tletMalvelgetawaywiththis.”

Morecautiously,Tomadded,“ButwhathasMalveldonewith it?Canheuseitforhimself?”

Aduro halted in his pacing. “No, he cannot. But perhaps we can seesomethingofwhere ithasgone.”He raisedhis staffandswept it inawidearc.Theairglitteredinitswakeandapicturegraduallyformed,hoveringintheair.

TomandElennaletoutgaspsofwonderandfear.

They could see amultitude of flying bats, carrying pieces of the golden

armorhookedintheirclaws.Thentheswarmsplitup.Groupsofbatsflewoffinsixdifferentdirections,eachcarryingapieceof thearmor.ThesoundofMalvel’smockinglaughtergrewuntilitfilledtheroom.

Thenthevisionfaded.Whenithadgone,Aduroletoutawearysigh.“Thisis worse than I feared. Malvel’s bats have scattered the armor around thekingdom.”HelookedgravelyatTom.“AreyoureadyforanotherQuest,sosoonafteryour first?Willyouseekout thepiecesofarmorandbring thembacktogether?”

Tomdrewhimselfup.“OfcourseIwill.”

“Andwhataboutme?”Elennaaskedwithafiercelook.“WhereTomgoes,Igo!”

A relieved smile spread overAduro’s face. “Thank you, Elenna. I knowthatyou, too,have thecourage to succeed.Themagicmapwillonceagainshowyouwheretogo.Fetchitandchangeintoyourtravelingclothes.Meetmeinthestablesassoonasyoucan.”

Tomhurriedback tohisroomandchangedintoawoolen tunicand thickcloak.He fastened on his scabbard, sheathed his sword, and picked up hisshield. Itbore the sixmagical tokens from theBeastshehadalready freed:Ferno’s dragon scale protected him from heat, Sepron’s tooth from rushingwater, Cypher’s eagle feather from great heights, and Tartok’s claw fromextremecold.Tagus’shorseshoe fragmentgavehimextra speedandEpos’sgoldenfeatherhealedwounds.

Surelytheircombinedpowerwouldstrengthenhimnow?

ThenTomwentdown to the stables.Ashe crossed the courtyardElennacaughtupwithhim,Silveratherheels.

“Itooksomeleftoverfoodfromthefeast,”shesaid,showingTomalargebundlewrappedinawhitecloth.

“Goodthinking,”Tomsaid,smiling.Itwouldn’thurt tohaveafewdays’supplieson-hand.

Aduro was waiting in the stables. A groom had already saddled Storm.Elennastrokedthestallion’snoseandfedhimonelastapple.

Tom carefully placed themap in one of Storm’s saddlebags. Thewizardglancedatthefamiliarparchmentscroll.“Guardthemapwell.Andtakecare.This time,Malvel knows you are a threat to him. His magic is clearly asstrongasever,andnowheisangry.”

“I’mnotafraidofMalvel,”Tomsaidbravely,restinghishandonthehiltofhissword.

Stormsnorted,rappingonehoofagainstthestablefloor,andSilverletoutahowlofagreement,butAduro’sfacewascreasedwithconcern.

TomclimbedintoStorm’ssaddleandElennascrambledupbehindhim.

“Farewell,”saidAduro.“Andmaygoodluckgowithyou.”

Heorderedtheguardstoopenthegatesofthepalace.

TomurgedStormintoatrot.Astheypassedthroughthegates,withSilverbounding alongside, Tom could still hear music and sounds of celebrationringingoutfromthepalacewalls.TherestofAvantiahadnoideathatMalvelwasaliveandplottingoncemore.

Tom was determined that the Dark Wizard would not succeed. He andElennawouldfollowthisnewQuesttotheend.

CHAPTERTHREE

MALVEL’SWARNING

“I’MGLAD I’M NOT ALONE ON THISQUEST,” Tom told Elenna as they rode awayfromthepalace.“Iknowwecandothistogether.”

“Silver and Stormwill help us, too,” Elenna said. “And don’t forget theBeasts.They’refriendlynow,andit’stheirjobtoprotectAvantia.MaybewecancallonthemtohelpusfightMalvel.”

“That’s true,” said Tom, feeling a swell of determination. With Elenna,theiranimalfriends,andtheBeastsofAvantiaonhisside,heknewthatitwashisdestinytodefeatMalvel.

The road they were following led through fields where cattle grazedpeacefully.A few treesgrewhereand there in the lushgrass; theafternoonsuncastlongshadows.

Soon theycame toacrossroads.TombroughtStorm toahalt andpulledoutWizard Aduro’s enchantedmap. As he unrolled it a red path began toglow,leadingtothecoast.

“That’s the roadwe tookwhenwemet Sepron theSeaSerpent.”Elennapointedout,peeringoverTom’sshoulder.

“Thenatleastweknowtheway.”Tomrolledupthemap,putitbackinthesaddlebag,andurgedStormon.

Theypassedthroughanarrowbeltoftreesandbegantoclimbahill.Tomnoticed that the sunlightwas growing hazy, as though nightwas falling.Achillwindwhisperedoverhim.Butthesunstillstoodwellabovethehorizon,and the skywas blue except for a few puffs ofwhite clouds.Tomglancedaround,uneasy.Hecouldn’tseeanythingexcepttreesandfields.

Then he looked up.High above in the blue sky, black dotswere flitting

backandforth.TomrememberedthevisionAdurohadshownthem.“Bats!”heexclaimed.HefeltElennalockherarmstightlyaroundhiswaist.“Ithoughtbatsonly

flewatnight,”shesaid.

“MalvelbentthegreatBeaststohiswill.Itmustbeeasytogetbatstodohisbidding,”Tomrepliedgrimly.

HereinedStorminandgrippedthehiltofhissword,readytodrawit.Theblack stallion threw his head up and his harness jingled. Beside the horse,Silverstoodstiff-legged,barkingangrilyatthesky.

Thebatsflewlowerandlower,untiltheywereswoopingaroundTomandElenna.Stormsnortednervously;Tompattedhisnecktoreassurehim.Silverleapedintotheair,hisjawssnappingvainlyattheleatherywings.

TomandElennahadtoducktoavoidthecreatures’talons.Tomdidn’tdaretry tooutrun themonStorm; thepathwassteepandrough,and thestallioncouldeasilybeinjured.Inadesperatemove,hedrewhisswordandslashedatthe whirling pack of bats. They fluttered upward out of range and thenclusteredtogetherinarollingball.

Elennagaspedinastonishment.“Whataretheydoing?”

Slowly,theballtookonadifferentshape.IcyfearrushedthroughTomashe recognized the hooded being that had laughed at him so cruelly on thatmountainside.Itstretchedacrosshalfthesky,fromaboveTom’sheadtothedistanthorizon.

“Malvel!”heexclaimed.

TheDarkWizardwas using the bats to give form to his evil face. Tomcould see the gleam of his sunken eyes and the twisted line of his cruelmouth. Mocking laughter poured out and Malvel’s voice boomed aroundthem.

“Ihopeyouenjoyedmysurprise.Youarefoolsifyouthinkyoucandefeatme!”

Tomraisedhissword.“Iknowwecandefeatyou.We’lltrackdowneverypieceofthearmorthatyouhavestolen.Nothingisgoingtostopus!”

Malvel’slaughterechoedagain.“Nothing?NotevennewBeastswithevilhearts?BeaststhatIhavecreated?”

ForamomentTomwasshockedintosilence.

Silver let out a miserable whine, and hurled himself into the air again,snappingatMalvel’sshape.

“NewBeasts!”Elennaexclaimed.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Malvel replied. “You’ll find out soon enough, when you meet Zepha.Maybethenyou’llchangeyourminds.”

“Never!”Tom cried defiantly. “You can conjure upwhateverBeasts youlike,buttheywon’tstopme.I’llneverfailAvantia!”

Butwho—orwhat—wasZepha?TomfeltalurchoffearinthepitofhisstomachashethoughtofthesixnewBeastshewouldhavetoface.

Thenthebatsbegantoscatter.Malvel’sfacebrokeupanddisappeared,buthisjeeringlaughterechoedaroundthehillsuntileverylastbathadvanished.

Tom sheathed his sword. His stomachwas still churning. Elenna lookedwhite and shaken,Stormwas sweating and trembling, andSilver’s tailwasdragginginthedustoftheroad.

“I thinkweshouldmakecamp,”Tomsaid, trying tokeephisvoice firm.“Thesun’sgoingdownandit’llbedarksoon.”

Elennanoddedinagreement.Theydismounted,andTomledthewaytoasmallclumpoftreesnotfarfromtheroad.Therewasapoolinthemiddleofthetrees,atthebottomofarockyhollow.TomunsaddledStormwhileElennacollectedwoodandmadeafire.Theywerebothgladofthebrightflamesasthesunsankloweranddarknessbegantocreeparoundthem.

Elennaunpacked the food shehad saved from the feast andhandedTomsomebreadandcoldchicken.“IwonderwhyAdurodidn’twarnusaboutthenewBeasts,”shesaid.

“Perhaps he didn’t know,” Tom replied. “This is a different Quest. Thistimewe’reonourown.”

Elenna’seyesshonewithsteelyresolve.“We’llmanage,”shesaid.“We’vegotto.”

Whentheyhadfinishedeating,Tomwrappedhimselfinhiscloakandlaydownbesidetheremainsofthefire.Hegazedup,searching.Themoonshone

brightlybehindwispsofcloud;noblackspecksdottedtheskyandthewindcarriednosoundofleatherywings.

But now Tom knew that something else was out there. Something evenmoredangerousthanMalvel’sviciousbats.

AnewsetofevilBeasts.

Maybe theywere already circling around him, hidden by the night. Tompeeredintotheshadows,buthecouldn’tseeanything.

Ittookalongtimeforsleeptocome.

CHAPTERFOUR

DANGERATSEA

BYNOONTHENEXTDAY,THEYWEREDRAWINGnearthecoast.Tomrememberedhowtheyhadstruggled through the floodwaters thatSepron theSeaSerpenthadcaused.Nowthelandwasclearagain:Gardensweregrowingandhouseshadbeen repairedwith newwood and thatch. Tom felt proud thatAvantiawassafe again, but couldn’t help but worry what could lay in store if Malvelcarriedouthisevilplans.

AtlasttheroadledTomandhisfriendsthroughapatchofthinwoodlandandoutontotheshore.

“Look!”exclaimedElenna,pointing.“All the fishermen’shutshavebeenrebuilt.Andtherearelotsofnewboats.”

AtfirstTomwaspleasedtoseethesnugnewhutsandthebrightlypaintedfishingboatspulleduponthebeach,withfishingnetspiledupbesidethem.Thenhefrowned.

“Shouldn’t all those boats be out at sea?” he asked. He exchanged anuncertainglancewithElenna.“What’sgoingonhere?”

“There’sasmellofdeadfish,too,”saidElenna,wrinklinghernose.

Tom spotted a wisp of smoke rising from behind some boulders fartheralongthebeach.HeandElennadismounted.LeavingStormtocropthegrassunder the trees, they headed for the rocks.As they drew closer they saw agroupof people crouched around adriftwood fire.Onewomanwas ladlingstewfromanironpotintowoodenbowls.Allthepeoplelookedworriedandmiserable.

ThenTomrecognizedatallboywithredhairandafreckledface.“Calum!”heexclaimed.

Theboylookedupandsprangtohisfeet.“Tom!”HehuggedTomandthenElenna, before bending down to plunge his hands into the thick fur aroundSilver’sneck.“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.”

“It’sgoodtoseeyou, too,”Tomsaid.HewouldneverforgethowCalumhadhelpedhimwhenhecametofreeSeprontheSeaSerpentfromMalvel’sevilspell.

“What’s going on here?” Elenna asked. “Yes, why is no one out in theboats?”Tomadded.

Themenandwomenaroundthefireexchangednervousglances.

“It’s too dangerous to go out to sea,”Calum explained after amoment’shesitation. “A couple of our people didn’t come back yesterday.We foundwreckage washed up onshore, but no one knows what happened to theboatmen.”

Tom glanced swiftly at Elenna. She was looking as confused as he felt.Sepron was free now, and should have been protecting this part of thekingdom.Whathadgonewrong?

“Doyouknowwhytheydisappeared?”heaskedCalum.

A man Tom recognized as Calum’s father, Matt, pointed out to sea.“Whirlpools,”hesaid.“Theyappearedafewdaysagonear thoserocks.Nooneknowswhy.Onlyafoolwouldgoouttherenow.”

“OrLindon,”anothermansaidwithabitterlaugh.

“Who’sLindon?”Tomasked.

“Astubbornfool,”themanreplied.

“Hedoesn’tknowwhat’sgoodforhim,”awomanchimedin.“Heinsistedongoingoutthismorning,trawlingforfish,justashealwaysdoes.Hehasn’treturnedyet.”

“Andgoodnessknowswhyhewent,”Calum’sfatheraddedgrumpily.“Thepickings are thin enough. Since the whirlpools appeared, all the fish havegone.”

“Someofthemhavewashedupdead,”Calumsaid,pointingtotheedgeofthewater.

Tom could see the gleam of silver fish lying amongst the other debris.Silvertrotteddowntothewater’sedgeandsnuffledatoneofthem.Thenhedrewbackwithadisgustedsnort.

“Silver!Here,boy.”Elenna tickled thewolf ‘searsashe returned toher.

“Becarefulwhereyouputyournose.”

“These were good fishing waters,” the woman went on. “But if thewhirlpoolsstay,we’llhavenothingbutafewvegetablestoliveon.”

Tom gazed atCalum.The boy’s eyeswere filledwith hope.Hewas theonly one from this village who knew that Tom had freed Sepron fromMalvel’scurse.

“IthinkImightknowsomethingaboutthis,”Tomsaidsoftly,sothatonlyCalumcouldhear.

“Waithere.”

Beckoning to Elenna, he hurried back to where they had left Storm. Hepulledthemagicmapoutofthesaddlebag.Whenheunrolledit,hecouldseeapictureofagoldenhelmetrestingintheseabesidearockyislet.

“That’sexactlywherethewhirlpoolsare,”saidElenna.

Tommetheranxiousgaze.Hispulsebegantoracewithamixtureoffearandexcitement.

“You heardwhatCalum said,”Elennawent on. “Boats that go out theredon’tcomeback.”

Tomgazedoutacrossthewaves.“Idon’thaveachoice,”hesaid.“ThisismyQuest.Ihavetogo.”

CHAPTERFIVE

LINDON

TOMPUTTHEMAPBACKINTOONEOFSTORM’Ssaddlebags.Asheturnedtotheshoreonce again, he spotted a fishing boat sailing around a headland toward thebeach,itswhitesailbillowing.

“ThatmustbeLindon,”hesaid.“Maybehe’lltakeusouttothewhirlpoolsinhisboat.Comeon!”

Tom and Elenna hurried down to the water’s edge, Silver and Stormtrottingbehind.

Theboatsoonreachedthebeach,andthefishermanleapedoutandpulleditupbesidetheothervessels.Heliftedareedbasketoutoftheboat,butTomcouldseetherewereonlyafewfishinthebottom.

“AreyouLindon?”Tomasked.

“That’s me.” The fisherman dumped his basket on the beach andstraightenedup.Hewasatallyoungmanwithshaggydarkhair.Hisfacewasharshandunfriendly.“Whowantstoknow?”

“Ido.Ineedtogoouttosea.Willyoutakeme?”

“Imight,ifthepriceisright,”Lindonreplied.“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”

“Overthere.”Tompointedouttowardtherockyislet.

Lindonraisedhiseyebrows.“Therearewhirlpoolsoutthere.Thatwillcostextra.”

Tom exchanged a glance with Elenna. “I can’t afford to pay you,” hebegan,“but—”

“That’sallright.”TomrealizedthatLindonwasstaringpasthimatSilver.“I’dacceptatrade.I’lltakethatmuttoffyourhands.”

Elenna stepped in frontof thewolf.She looked furiousat the suggestionthatshewouldhandoverherfaithfulfriend.ThehaironSilver’sspineroseupandheletoutasoftgrowl.

“Wecan’tdothat,”Tomsaidfirmly.“Isn’ttheresomethingelseyouwant?Oranythingwecoulddoforyou?”

Lindonnarrowedhiseyes.“Whydoyouwanttogooutthere,anyway?”heasked.

Tomknewhecouldn’ttellanyoneabouthisQuest.Thefirsttimehadbeenbadenough,withthegoodBeastsofAvantiaunder terriblecurses.ButnowthatMalvelhadunleashedhisownevilBeastson thekingdom, itwasevenmoreurgenttokeeptheQuestasecret.ThepeopleofAvantiawouldpaniciftheyknewwhattheDarkWizardwasupto.“Ihavesomethingimportanttodo,”hesaid.

Lindon let out a bark of rough laughter. “‘Something important?’You’llhavetoletonmorethanthatifyouwantmyhelp.”

Tom saw that Elenna was red with anger on his behalf. He had to actquicklybeforeshesaidsomethingtheywouldbothregret.

ThepeopleofthevillagedidsaythatLindonlikedtotakerisks.MaybehewouldhelpifhethoughtthatTomwasequallyreckless.

“IwanttoseeifIcansurvivedivingintoawhirlpool,”Tomsaid,thinkingquickly.“AndI’vealsoheardthefisharedying.MaybeIcandiscoverwhat’scausingit.”

Lindonlookedathimwithastonishmentforamoment.Thenheshookhisheadandlaughed.“Well,you’reamadone,makenomistake,”hesaid,thenpaused,asly lookpassingoverhis face.“Ifyoudon’tcomeback, I’llhaveyour fine-looking horse.” He nodded to Storm, who pawed the groundanxiously.“Ifyoudomake it, I’ll justshakeyouby thehandandwishyouwell.”Hesighed.“Whoknows?Maybeyoucanfindoutwhat iskillingthefish.We’llallstarveifitcontinues.”

Tom stroked Storm’s neck. “Don’t worry, boy, I’ll be back,” he saidreassuringly,buthecouldn’tignoretheswellingfearinhisstomach.

Tomhadfaceddangerinthisoceanbefore.ButnowhehadtodefeatZephaandfindthegoldenhelmet.Ifhedidn’t,hewouldlosehishorseaswellashislife.NottomentionleavingthegoldenarmorinMalvel’sevilgrasp.

CHAPTERSIX

OUTTOSEA

I‘MCOMINGWITHYOU,”ELENNASAID,ASLindongottheboatready.

“No,”Tomtoldher.“Not this time. Icouldn’thave freedSepronwithoutyou.ButdefeatingZephaandfindingthehelmetissomethingIhavetodoonmyown.”

Elenna bit her lip, then nodded, understanding. Tom unfastened hisscabbardandhandedittoher.

“Youmightneedthis,”hesaid.“Andmyshieldis tiedtoStorm’ssaddle.Thepeopleherearedesperate;theymightbedangerous.AndyouneverknowwhatMalvelmightdo.”

Elennahesitated.“Butwon’tyouneedyourswordandshield?”sheasked.

Tomknewhewouldbevulnerablewithoutthem—buttherewasnowayhewasleavingElennawithjustherbowandquiverofarrows.He’dhavetorelyonhiswits.HetookElenna’shandandwrappedherfingersaroundthehiltofhissword.“I’llbefine,”hetoldher.

“I’llstaywithCalumandhisfather,”shesaid.“I’venothingtofearfromthem.But,Tom,becareful.RememberwhatMalvelsaidaboutZepha.”

ColdfeargrippedTomagain.Hedidn’tevenknowwhatZephawas.Howcouldheprepare to fightanevilBeastwhenhehadno ideawhat it lookedlike?

“Areyoucomingornot?”Lindon’sharshvoiceinterruptedhisthoughts.

“I’mcoming,”saidTom,pushingdownhisapprehension.

Elenna grasped his hand. “Good luck,” she said. Silver added anencouragingbarkandStormwhinnied.

“Don’tworry.I’llbebacksoon,”Tompromised.

HehelpedLindonpushtheboatbackintothewaterandscrambledovertheside.Theskywascoveredwiththick,grayclouds.Lindonraisedthesail,andsoon the boatwas scudding over thewaves again. Tom looked back at theshorewhereElenna,Silver,andStormstood.Alreadytheyseemedverysmallanddistant.

AsLindon steered theboat out to sea, thewindgreweven stronger.Thewaterbecamechoppyandtheboatpitchedupanddownonthewaves.

Tomgripped the side and stareddown into the sea.He thought he couldmake out the movement of some dark shape far beneath the surface.Suddenly, thewater began to churn angrily andTomgasped as he realizedthattheboatwasswirlingaroundinahugecircle.Awhirlpoolwasstartingup—andheandLindonwereatthecenterofit!

Memoriesofthedeep,greenwaterandthefeelingofhischeststrainingforairbubbledupfromTom’smind.HehadfacedSepronintheseverywaters—andnearlydrownedintheprocess.

Lindon laughed. “Getting scared?” he taunted. “Do you want to changeyourmind?”

“No!”Tomwasdeterminednot to letLindon seehewas afraid. “This iswhatI’vecomefor.”

Lindongruntedanddeftlysteeredtheboatoutofthewhirlpool.Tomcouldtellhewasaskillfulsailor.Evenso, theboatrockeddangerouslyandwatersloppedovertheside,soakingTom.Lindonguidedtheboattotheedgeofthechurningwater. “I’llwait for you here,” he said. “But don’t take too long!OtherwiseI’llbeheadingbacktocollectyourhorse.”

Tomclimbedontothesideoftheboat.Thewaterwascirclingfasterthanever,openingacone-shapedpassage into thedepthsof thesea.Tom’sheartthumped in terror, but he knew he couldn’t turn back. Another memorystruggledtothesurfacenow,strongerthantheothers:sunlightonthesea,airrushingintohislungs,andthetoothofaseaserpentinhishand.WhenTomhaddoveintotheseatomeetSepron,hehademergedvictorious.

“I have todo this,”Tommuttered. “For thegolden armor.And todefeatMalvel.”

Tomtookinalungfulofairandclosedhismouthtightly.Thenhedoveofftheboat’sedge.

CHAPTERSEVEN

INTOTHEWHIRLPOOL

THEWHIRLPOOLSUCKEDTOMDOWNINTOTHEdepthsoftheoceanatonce.Theforceofthewaterdraggedathisclothesandwrenchedhisarmsandlegs.Tomfeltasifhewerebeingtornapart.

Swirlingwaterwasallaroundhim.Caughtupinthepowerfulcurrent,Tomspun around and around. He fought not to lose his bearings, but soon hecouldn’ttellwhetherhewasfacinguptowardthesurfaceoftheseaordowntotheoceanbed.

I’m going to drown! he thought frantically.Was this the end of his newQuest already? Then pain stabbed through him as his flailing arm strucksomethinghard.Instinctively,hegrabbedatitandfoundhewasclingingtoaspurofrockthatthrustupwardfromtheoceanbed.Workinghiswayalongit,hemanagedtodraghimselfoutfromtheforceofthewhirlpoolanduptothesurface.Hetookafewdeepbreathstocalmhispanic,anddovebackdownoncemore.

Lookingaround,Tomsawthespiresandhollowsofacoralbedstretchingintothedistance.Thenadullgleamofgoldcaughthiseye.Ononespikeofcoralrestedthegoldenhelmet.

He had never seen a helmet like it before. Itwas shaped like an eagle’shead:Thevisorwasmolded in the shapeofahookedbeak,and thegoldensurfacewaspatternedtolooklikefeathers.

Tomwasamazed.Hecouldn’tbelievehoweasy thiswas!Hewould justcollectthehelmet,thenswimbackuptotheboat.

Kickingawayfromtherock,Tomswamtowardthegoldengleam.Butashereachedforthehelmet,

he spottedmovement just beyond it. A dark shadowwas rising up from

behindthecoral.ItwassohugethatittookTomamomenttorealizeitwasahead, with staring, bulging eyes and a mouth like a gaping beak. Secondslater,abodyfollowed,amassofgiant tentacles.Tomcouldseethroughthecreature’sskin,towherethreeredheartswerepumping.Zephawasagiantsquid!Morethanthat,amonstersquid!

Thiswas theBeastwhowas threatening the villagerswith starvation bydrivingall the fish away.Panic frozehim.Howcouldhebattle suchavastcreature?HiseyesalonewereastallasTomwasandhisbeakcouldswallowhimupinonebite.

BeforeTomcouldmakeadiveforthehelmet,thesquidhurtledoutofitsshelterinthecoral,itssnakingtentacleslashingoutforTom.

Tomfelthislungsstarttohurtwiththeeffortofholdinghisbreath.Ashepushedhimselfthroughthewater,awayfromthegraspingtentacles,heletthelastfewpreciousbubblesofairescapefromhismouth.

Nowhewasdeepbelowthesurfacewithnoair,andthemonstersquidwasbetweenhimandthehelmet.

Whatcouldhedonow?He’dnevergetoutalive!

CHAPTEREIGHT

UNEXPECTEDHELP

KICKING OUT STRONGLY, TOM SWAM FOR THE surface— fast. At anymoment, heexpected one ofZepha’s tentacles to fasten around his ankle, dragging himbackintothedepths.

Tom’sheadburstthroughthesurfaceofthesea;hecoughedupwaterandtookingreatgulpsofair.Blinkingtoclearhiseyes,hespottedLindon’sboatrocking on the waves a few yards away, and swam carefully around thewhirlpooltowardit.Whenhereachedtheboat,Lindonleanedoverthesidetohelphimonboard.

“I thought I’d seen the last of you,” said Lindon. There was a grudgingrespect inhis toneofvoice.HegraspedTom’shandandshook it firmly.“Ireckon you can keep your horse after that.” He looked at Tom curiously.“Whatdidyouseedownthere?”

“Youhavetotakemeback!”Tomgasped.“IneedtopickupElenna.”

Lindonsawthedeterminationinhisfaceandnodded.Quicklyhehauledontheropesandsoontheboatwasplungingbacktowardthebeach.

Elennawaswaiting for Tom at thewater’s edge, holding his sword andshield. She flung them down and hugged Tom as he leaped ashore. Silverboundedaroundhimexcitedly,lettingoutahowlofwelcome.

“You’resafe!”Elennaexclaimed.“Butwhere’sthehelmet?”

“Atthebottomofthesea,”Tomreplied.“Guardedbyagiantsquid.”

“Zephaisasquid?”

“Yes. He’s huge. A monster.” Hesitating, he added, “I’m not sure I candefeathim.”

“Thenwecandoittogether,”Elennasaid.

Tomwaswarmedbyhisfriend’scourageandloyalty.“Iwashopingyou’dsaythat,”hesaid.

HeturnedbacktoLindon,onlytoseethefishermanalreadyheadingaway,towardthepeoplestillhuddledaroundthefire.Hewascarryingthebasketoffishhehadcaughtearlier.

“Hey!”Tomcalledout.“Ineedyoutotakemeoutthereagain.”

“I’vehadmorethanmyshareofriskfortoday,”Lindonsaid.Heshookhisheadregretfully.“I’mnotgoingbackoutagain.Sorry.”Hestrodeofftowardthefire.

Elenna and Tom looked at each other. They both knew that Elenna wasskillfulathandlingaboat.

“Doyouthinkweshouldtakeit?”Elennawhispered.

“Wehadtodothatlasttime,whenwefreedSepron,”Tomreplied.“It’sforthegoodofthepeoplehere.Wehavenochoice.”

When they were sure that no one was looking, Tom fastened on hisscabbard and put his shield into the boat. Then he and Elenna climbed in.Silverwatchedthem,lettingoutamournfulwhine.

“Allright,youcancome,too,”saidElenna.

The wolf’s ears went up and he took a flying leap into the boat, whichrockedfromsidetoside.

“Stormwillbefine,”Elennaadded.“Calumislookingafterhim.”

Tom’sfearreturnedasElennaguidedtheboatouttosea.HeimaginedoneofZepha’sgianttentacleslashingoutofthewater,draggingtheboatdownintothedepths.Allthreeofthemwoulddrown.

“Areyoureadyforthis?It’sverydangerous….”hebegan.

“Wewantedtocome,didn’twe,Silver?”Elennasaidcalmly.

Silvergaveayelpofagreement.

“Butyouhaven’tseenZepha.”Hadhemadeamistakecomingbackforhisfriend?

“I’veseenSepron,though,”Elennasaid.“Ifwecoulddefeathim,wecandefeatZepha.”

“Sepron!”Tomshouted.“Ofcourse!”

TomgrabbedhisshieldandpolishedSepron’stoothhardwiththesleeveofhis tunic.At firstnothinghappened.Then,Tomheard the soundof rushing

water.

Elennaleanedovertheside.“Icanseesomethingmoving!”shecried.

Tom’sstomachlurched.“Sepron?”heaskedhimself.“OrZepha?”

Joyfloodedthroughhimasahugeheadandarchingneckburstoutofthewater, glittering seawater pouring off it. Tom gazed up at Sepron’s shiningeyesandrainbow-coloredscales.

“Itworked!”Elennalaughed.

Thegreatseaserpentarchedhisneckprotectivelyover theboat.Thenhedovebeneaththewavesagain.EventhoughTomcouldnolongerseehim,heknew that theBeastwas there, ready tohelpandprotect them.Would itbeenough?OrwasMalvel’sevilBeasttoostrong,evenforSepron?

AsifinanswertoTom’squestion,ablueglowformedintheairjustahead

oftheboat.Insideit,Aduroappeared.Tomcouldstillseethetossingwavesthroughhisrobes.Thewizardhadsentanillusionofhimself,justashehadmanytimesbefore.

“Don’tgiveuphope,Tom,”hesaid.

Tomsmiled,happytoseesuchafamiliarface.

“Aduro!”

“I don’t have much time, so I’ll speak quickly. It was good thinking tosummon Sepron,” Aduro went on. “But remember: As a good Beast ofAvantia,hecanonlyattackZephainordertoprotectyou.”

Tomnoddedinunderstanding.Hehadsomanyquestions,butthewizard’sformwasalreadybeginningtofade.

“Goodluck!”Adurocalledoutbeforehedisappearedaltogether.Thenthebluemistevaporated,andTomcouldseetheturbulentwaterattheedgeofthewhirlpool.

Silverbegantowhineandpacebackandforthalongtheboardsoftheboat.

“Heknowssomething’swrong,”Elennasaidgrimly.

Gripping his shield, Tom climbed onto the side of the boat, Elennascramblingupbesidehim.“I’lldistractZepha,”Tomsaid.“Whenhecomesafterme,yougrabthehelmetandswimbacktotheboatasfastasyoucan.”Elennanodded.

Tom gazed down into the whirlpool. Just below the surface Sepron wascircling,waiting.

“Stay, Silver,” Elenna told the wolf. He whimpered a little, but settleddownobedientlyinthebottomoftheboatwithhisnoseonhispaws.

“Thisisit,”Tomsaid.

Together,heandElennadoveintothewhirlpool.

CHAPTERNINE

THEANGEROFZEPHA

THIS TIME THE WEIGHT OF TOM’S SWORD AND shield took him down faster. Hemanaged to keep his sense of direction, swimming in a spiral down to theseabed.Helookedup.Abovehim,ElennaswamwithSepron.

Soon Tom spotted the coral reef and the golden glint of the helmet. Hepointed Elenna toward it. Elenna saw his signal and began to head in thatdirection.

Then thehuge formofZepha came intoviewbehind the spires of coral.TomsawElenna’smouthopeninacryofhorror.Valuableairbubbledawaytowardthesurface.Tomhadtohelp!Heswamclosetoherandgrippedhershoulderencouragingly.

Then they swam on together toward themenacing shape of themonstersquid.

Astheydrewcloser,Tomcouldseethegianttentacleswavinggentlyintheunderwatertide.Zephawascurledupasifhewassleeping.ButTomwasn’tfooled.

In a sudden movement, Elenna darted toward the helmet. Tom swamnearer, despite the danger, hoping to distract the evilBeast.But he got tooclose.

AsTom turned to swimaway,hopingZephawouldbe lured to follow, atentaclelashedoutandwrappeditselfaroundhisankle.

Tomtuggedfuriously,tryingtofreehimself.HespottedElennaswimminginhisdirection,butwavedherback,towardthehelmet.

Hecould feel the tentacle tightening. Itwascuttingoffhisbloodsupply;hisfootwasgrowingnumb.Hekickedout,tryingtoswimforthesurface,but

the tentacleheldhimback.Starting topanic,Tomswallowedamouthfulofseawaterandbegantochoke.ThenhecaughtanotherglimpseofElenna.Herknifeinherhand,shewasswimmingdowntowardthegiantsquid.Shepulledherarmback,andtheknifeflashedinashaftofsunlightthatpiercedthesea-greengloom.ThenshethrustthebladedeepintothetoughmuscleofZepha’stentacle.TheBeast’spaleeyesopenedwide inaspasmofpainandfury.Tomfelt

the grip on his ankle loosen. Drawing his sword, he slashed angrily at thetentacle.Red blood billowed out into thewater. The tip of the tentacle fellawayastheBeastthrashedwildlyinagony.Tomwasfree—forthemoment.

HeswamawayfromZepha,butthesquidheavedhimselfupfromthecoralbed and gave chase, closing the gap between himself and Tom withfrighteningspeed.

ThenTomsawSepronswimmingtowardthem.Hisscalesglitteredandhiseyesflashedwithfury.Theseaserpent’sjawsgapedashesnappedangrilyatZepha.Histeethpuncturedthesquid’sleatheryskinandgrippedtightly.

Zepha twistedwithrageandpain,andsquirtedahugecloudofblack inkfromtheundersideofhisbodyintotheseaserpent’sface.Sepronrearedback,blindedbytheinkandlashinghisheadfromsidetosideastheblackcloudspread.HisgriponZepha loosenedasherolledoverandover in thewater,tryingtoclearhissight.

Free again, the monster squid shot after Tom. His tentacles thrashedthrough the sea,churningupunderwatercurrents.Tomwasbatteredaroundby the angrywater.WherewasElenna?He couldn’t see her!He swiped atZepha with his sword, aiming at the three hearts that pulsed beneath thesquid’sskin.

Butoneflailingtentacleknockedtheswordoutofhishand.Tomstaredinhorrorasitsankandwaslostinthedarknessofthegreen,waterydepths.

Tom had never felt so alone. Sepron couldn’t help him, and Elenna hadvanished.Hisarmsand legsachedwithexhaustion,and theair inhis lungswasrunningoutagain.Hestruckoutfor thesurface,butheknewhewouldnever swim fast enough to escape, and he had noweapon left to fight themonster.

ZephasensedTom’sweaknessandswamrightforhim,hisbeakopenwide.The beast’s pale eyes gleamed. One of his tentacles coiled around Tom’swaist. Terrified, Tom felt himself dragged closer to the gaping hole of thesquid’smouth.Hehelduphisshieldasalastattempttodefendhimself.ButZepha’smouthwasbigenoughtoengulftheshieldandTomaswell.

Malvelhadwon.TherewasnothingmoreTomcoulddo.

CHAPTERTEN

VICTORY?

THEWATER SWIRLED ASELENNA SWAM IN front ofTom, his sword gripped in onehand,herknife in theother.Fearlessly, sheplunged the sword intoZepha’sopenmouth,jamminghisbeakopen.Thesquid’seyesflaredwithanger.HereleasedhisgriponTomandflungallhistentaclesatElenna.Morebubblesescapedfromhermouthasshegaspedinalarm.Sheturnedandswamaway.

Tomknewhedidn’thavemuchtime.Theswordwouldn’tholdZephabackfor long and he couldn’t hold his breath much longer. He had to find thehelmet,butinthebattlewiththesquidhehadlosthissenseofdirection.Hepeereddownthroughthegloom,buthecouldn’tseethetelltaleglintofgold.

To his relief, Sepron came gliding through the greenish darkness. Tomcouldtellhehadrecoveredhissight:Hiseyesglaredwithangerandhewasheading straight for Zepha. He swooped down and wrapped his rainbow-coloredcoilsaroundthesquid.This time,Zephacouldn’tsquirt ink intohisface,orgriphimwithhistentacles.

Sepron clutched the giant squid tighter and tighter with his coils. Tomcouldhardlybelievewhathewasseeing.It lookedasif theseaserpentwassqueezingthelifeoutofZepha.Astonished,Tomwatchedastheedgesofthesquidstartedtoblur.HelookedaroundforElenna,whohadreappeared,andpointed frantically. Something was happening! Rippling movements camefrombeneathZepha’sskinastheevilBeastwrithedinagony.

Suddenly, themonstersquid’s threepulsing, redheartsshattered into tinyglintingpieces,toomanyforTomtocount,andhisskinburstopen, tearingcruelly. Tom struggled not to gasp as thousands of tiny squids shot out,swimming as if terrified. Zepha’s empty papery skin began to sink slowlydownintothegloom,towardtheseabed.Malvel’sbeastwasnomore.

ElennagrabbedTom’sswordbefore it could falloutof sight.Tomswamafter her, gazing around for a glimpse of the helmet. Then he spotted itsgoldengleam.

Butexhaustionmadehis limbsheavy.Hehadnoair left.His lungswerescreamingwithpain.Elennamustbefeelingthesame.Weretheygoingtodieafterall?

ThenTomcaughtsightofSepronswimmingtowardthem.TheseaserpentdoveunderneaththemandroseslowlyupwardsothatTomandElennacouldclingtohisscalyneckasheheadedforthesurface.TomhuggedSepronwithrelief.

Astheypassedthecoralspirewherethegoldenhelmetrested,Tomreachedoutandgraspeditbythehookedbeak.

Sepron’sneckroseoutof thewater justbeside theboat.TomandElennahung on for a moment more, gasping air into their tortured lungs. Silversprang up and rested his front paws on the side of the boat, letting out anastonishedyelp.

Thentheseaserpentloweredhisneck,gentlydepositingTomandElennaintothebottomoftheboat.SilverpushedupclosetoElenna,nosingher.Sherolledontoherbackandallowedthewolftolickherface.Herchestroseandfellasshegaspedforair.ThenshereachedoutahandtoruffleSilver’sfur.Shewasallright.

“Thank you, Sepron,” Tom panted, reaching up to pat the serpent’sgleamingscales.“Wecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.”

Sepronbowedhisheadbeforesinkingbackbeneaththewavesagain.Tomcaughtalastglimpseofhisrainbowcoilsasheswamawayintotheopensea.HefeltwarmedbythethoughtthattheBeastwhohadoncebeenhisfoehadsavedtheirlives.

“Well,”hesaidwithanexhaustedsigh.“We’vegotthehelmet.”

“Whydon’tyoutryiton?”Elennaasked,climbingtoherfeet.

Tomhesitated for amoment, turning the helmet over betweenhis hands.The gold shone brightly and he could see how skillfully the helmet wascrafted—eventhefinestpiecesfromhisuncle’sforgecouldn’tcompare.

Coulditreallybeforhim?WasheworthytowearthehelmetthathadoncebelongedtotheMasteroftheBeastsofAvantia?

“Goon!”Elennaurgedhim.

Tomraisedthehelmetandputitonhishead.Instantlyhefeltitshrinktofithim.Hegasped.Hiseyesighthadsuddenlygrownstronger!Hecouldseethepeopleontheshoreline;Calum’sfatherMattwasmendingafishingnetandLindonwas squatting by the fire, drinking something from a bowl. Fartherawayfromthesea,CalumwasleadingStormalongtheedgeofthetrees.Tomcouldevenseethewhitesofthestallion’seyesashepacedupanddown.

“This is amazing,” he exclaimed. “I can see everything! I just wish myfathercouldseeme.”

“He’dbesoproudofyou,”Elennatoldhim.

TriumphbubbledupinsideTom.ThefirstpartofhisnewQuestwasover!Hehadretrievedthehelmet.Andnowhewasdeterminedthatitwouldn’tbelongbeforehefoundtheotherfivepartsofthearmor,too.

“We’veonlyjuststarted,”hesaidtoElenna.“I’mnotgivingupuntilIhave

everypieceofthegoldenarmor.”

Elennasmiledinagreement.“Let’sgetbacktoshore,”shesaidgently.

Shepulledupthesailandbegantoguidetheboatbacktothebeach.

Theywerehalfwaybackwhenafamiliarblueglowbegantoappearbeforethem,andAduroseemedtostandonthewaves.

Butthistimehewasnotalone.

BehindhimwasMalvel,whoheldaslimdaggeragainstthewizard’sneck.Aduro’s face was set hard. Tom knew that face: It was the one he worehimselfwhenrefusingtoshowfear.

“Getawayfromhim!”TomshoutedatMalvel.

TheDarkWizard smiled. “So you have the golden helmet,” he sneered.“ButIdon’tsupposeyoufeelquitesopleasedwithyourselfnow,doyou?”

“I don’t believe this!” Tom cried. “It’s just an illusion. You could nevertakeAduroprisoner.Youhaven’tthepower.”

“I’mafraid Ido.”Malveldug thepointof thedagger intoAduro’sneck.“Tellthem,fool.”

“Thisisatruevision,”WizardAdurosaidreluctantly.“Iwasfoolish,anddidn’tguardmyselfwellenough.IamMalvel’sprisoner.”

“I’llfreeyou!”Tomsaiddefiantly.

Malvellaughedcruelly.“Youcantry.”

TomreachedouttoAduro,buthishandpassedthroughair.“Tellmewhattodo!”

“Youmustfindthefullsuitofarmor….Itistheonlyway.”

Malvel let out a piercing laugh. “Thatwill never happen.You’ll fail thenexttest,Tom,whenyouhavetofacemysecondevilBeast—Claw.”

“We’lldoit,”Tomvowed.“We’llfreeAduroanddestroyyouonceandforall.”

“Icanholdoutagainsthim,”Aduroinsisted,thoughhisfacewaspale.“ItistheQuestthatmattersnow!”

Malvel’slaughterrangoutagainasthevisionfaded.

Tom and Elenna exchanged a horrified glance. All of Tom’s sense oftriumphhadvanished.HecouldonlythinkaboutAduroinMalvel’sclutches.

Astheybeachedtheboat,Calumcameuptothem,leadingStorm.Tomhad

been wondering how to explain to Lindon why they had taken his boatwithoutpermission,butthankfully,thefishermanwasnowhereinsight.Tomclimbedoutoftheboatandtookthestallion’sreins,strokinghisnose.

“Thanks,”hesaidtoCalum.Glancingouttoseaagain,headded,“Idon’tthinkyou’llhaveanymoretrouble.”

Calummethisgazesteadily.“Iwon’taskquestions,”hesaid.“Yousavedusoncebefore,andthat’sgoodenoughforme.”HebenttogiveSilverapat.“You’rewelcometocomeandstaywithmyfamilyifyou’dlike.”

“Thankyou,butwecan’t,”Tomsaidregretfully.“Wehaveotherduties.”

“Iunderstand,”saidCalum.“ButIhopeyou’llcomebackwhenyoucan.You’llalwaysfindfriendshere.”

Taking up his sword and shield, Tom climbed into Storm’s saddle withElennabehindhim.

“Farewell!”Elennacalled.

“Farewell,andgoodluck!”Calumreplied.

Withalastwave,TomandElennaheadedupthebeachtofindtheroadthatledbackinland.

Tom felt as if a hugeweight was pressing upon him. “This is ourmostimportantQuestyet,”hesaid.

“I know.”Elenna tightened her arms around hiswaist. “This timewe’vegottosucceed.”

Tom nodded. She was right. The Quest wasn’t about his need to provehimself,notanymore.Itwasn’tevenaboutthemagicalgoldenarmor.

ItwasaboutrescuingAduro.

Couldtheydoit?

“Whilethere’sbloodinmyveins,”Tomswore,“I’llnevergiveup!”

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