Tartok the Ice Beast (6 page)

“My friend fell into a split in the ice over in the dunes. She will die of exposure unless I can …” Then he gasped in surprise — one of their horses looked very familiar. “Hey, that’s Shah. You found Shah, he belongs to Brendan’s wife!”

“He was running wild,” a man explained. “We thought he must have escaped from Brendan’s camp. We are on our way there now.”

“But, first, a small detour.” A woman with a weathered face and long black hair gestured for
Tom to sit beside her on her sleigh. “It sounds like your friend needs help quickly.”

Tom jumped aboard. “Are you from the clan camping in the east, in Rolaz?”

The woman barked a command at her horse and they sped off. “We were. But the land is not safe anymore. My name is Jennal, clan chief. I wish to ask Brendan’s clan if we may join with them in Avantia.”

Tom would have laughed at his good luck if he weren’t so worried about Elenna.

They soon reached the valley where Elenna lay trembling. Jennal made her warm and comfortable with dry clothes and thick, woolen blankets, and her herbal treatments brought a healthy color back to Elenna’s cheeks in minutes.

“I told you it would be all right,” said Tom, squeezing his friend’s cold hand.

She squeezed his fingers back and smiled.

Elenna was soon warm and comfortable on a sleigh, and Tom was riding Storm alongside Jennal.

The ice fields were cracked all over from the damage Tartok had done while under Malvel’s evil spell.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Jennal said, noticing Tom’s concern. “In time, the ice will mend itself and all will be right in the northern plains. Until then, we can take an older route that is still passable.”

It was true. The split that had cut them off from Brendan and the others would soon refreeze. With Tartok no longer breaking up the ice, the channel from Avantia to Rolaz could be traveled once again.

Night gathered over the desolate plains as the clan sped onward. Then, at last, they approached the wooden fence that marked the edge of Brendan’s camp. Silver came racing out, yapping and barking with delight. Jennal’s people looked alarmed for a moment.

Tom quickly explained: “It’s only Silver, Elenna’s pet.”

Silver ran straight up to where Elenna lay on the sleigh and started licking her face and nuzzling her ear, his plumy tail wagging hard enough to fall off. Elenna laughed weakly. “It’s all right, Silver, I’m feeling much better already.”

“And so is everyone else, by the sound of it,” said Tom. He could hear excited voices.

“Tom, Elenna!” cried Brendan, leaping the fence with a flaming torch in his hand. “I thought the split in the ice could not be passed!?”

Tom jumped down from Storm to greet him. “We took an older route.”

“Is Albin feeling better?” Elenna asked.

“I’m fine!” called Albin, ducking under the fence. “I’m glad you’re all right.” He grinned at the sound of a familiar whinny. “And Shah’s back safe, too!” Albin rushed to give the bay pony a hug.

“But who has brought you back to us safely?” Brendan peered into the gloom. “Is that Jennal?”

“Greetings, Brendan,” said the clanswoman, crossing to meet him. “It seems times have been as hard for you as for us.”

“I think perhaps our luck has turned,” he said. Brendan smiled at Jennal. “Whatever wild animals roam these lands,” he went on, “if you join us, together we will be strong enough to fend them off.”

“Together we will prosper,” Jennal agreed.

Brendan’s eyes shone in the flickering light of the torch. “But first, you must be exhausted from your long journey. Let my people stable your horses and unload your things. Tonight we shall feast and celebrate the joining of our clans.”

Everyone started to walk toward the camp, but Tom and Elenna lingered with Storm and Silver.

“A feast sounds wonderful,” she said. “Can we stay?”

“I think we could both use a night’s rest after today,” Tom agreed.

Silver jumped up at Tom’s legs, trying to get his attention. Turning, he saw a familiar misty glow that had appeared in midair. The glow slowly formed into the image of a white-haired man in a red cloak.

“Aduro!” Tom said. He knew the wizard was able to follow their progress from King Hugo’s palace. “I wondered if you would come.”

“You have acted bravely and fought well,” the wizard told them. “Tartok is free to protect the northern people once again, and the kingdom’s medical supplies will get through safely.”

“I’m glad I could serve the kingdom,” Tom said humbly. He wondered whether Tartok would provide another shield charm. Before Tom could ask, the wizard responded.

“And I believe Tartok left you something,” Aduro told him, nodding in the direction of
Tom’s shield. Tom flipped it over in his hands and sure enough, there it was — one of Tartok’s claws. It must have come loose when she struck the shield.

“As the scale of the Dragon protects you from fire, so the claw will protect you from extreme cold.” Aduro looked at them gravely. “But be warned. Magic alone is not strong enough to protect you from the fiercest Beast of all.”

A shiver went through Tom. The Quest was not over.

Aduro nodded gravely. “You must journey to the Far East, where Epos the Winged Flame awaits you. This will be your greatest trial of all.” Aduro glanced back at the camp. “But first, you must rest. Eat and drink to your fill. Build your strength for the long trek ahead — and for your battle with Epos.” The wizard began to fade from sight. “Good luck …”

Then he was gone.

Storm whinnied quietly, and Silver looked up at his mistress.

“The fiercest Beast of all,” Elenna echoed nervously.

“Let’s not think about it tonight,” said Tom. “Let’s enjoy the feast and face the future tomorrow.”

“Together,” she smiled.

He nodded. “Always.”

Happy sounds of talk and laughter, and the delicious smell of cooking were coming from the camp. Everyone was ready to celebrate.

Elenna went to join them. Tom started to follow, then paused and looked back over his shoulder at the kingdom of Avantia. New adventures waited for him out there. Was he strong enough to face them? Tom thought about his missing father — the father he wanted to be proud of him. “While there’s blood in my veins,” he swore to himself. Then he turned and walked into camp.