Luna the Moon Wolf (5 page)

D
eep in the belly of the volcano, my talons grip the baking rock. I sense liquid fire bubbling, heat rising: This is mybirthplace.

Dawn is near. An event long awaited is about to begin. I must act; I feel it from my talons to the tips of my shimmering wings.

I take to the air. My powerful wings lift me into the swirling hot currents and I rise out of the crater in a burst of flame. I hover in the cool night air, letting the breeze ruffle my feathers. I look out over my homeland: Avantia.

Out there is my destiny. My Chosen Rider. At last it is time to find him.

I open my beak and let out a cry that echoes between valleys and trees; my signal, sent out to trusted friends. It is many moons since we last met. I settle on the volcano's crater to wait.

I spot a tiny shape in the distance, far above me, moving swiftly against the lightening sky. Excitement races through me. The shape grows larger, until it takes the form of … a gray wolf. He dives toward me. At the last moment he opens his leathery wings and lands gently on four strong legs. He paces around the edge of the crater. I nod my head in recognition. Gulkien has come.

An eerie yowl cleaves the air. From the shadows pooled at the volcano's foot appears a huge, pumalike cat, lithe and agile, bounding over boulders toward the summit. Sparks fly as her claws rake the rocks. Her fur is golden and her amber eyes flash in the volcano's fires. Here is Nera. I know her of old — her fierce courage will be needed in the testing times ahead. It fills me with pleasure to see my friend return.

From the other side of the crater comes a slithering sound. I turn to see the great serpent, Falkor, emerge from a vast fissure in the rock, his forked tongue flicking the air, tasting it. The flames from the lava-filled crater reflect on his scaly form as he winds his way toward us, his body pulsing with muscular energy. Colors swirl on his flanks, like spilled oil in water. His wide head, bristling with spines, bows in greeting. Nothing — neither stars nor fire — reflects in his black eyes. Falkor folds his shining coils around a boulder, alert and waiting.

My feathers blaze more brightly. This is a momentous day: We have come together again. I open my wings to their widest extent. The Beasts come closer, bowing their heads to listen. The air crackles with energy, as if a storm is about to break.

It is time,
I tell them
. Our enemy of old, Derthsin, brings danger to the kingdom. War is brewing. We must each find our Chosen Rider.

Gulkien throws back his head and unleashes a howl that reverberates around the volcano's slopes. Nera joins in with a thunderous growl — I feel the rocks beneath us creak and shift. Falkor hisses and tightens his coils around the boulder, causing a crack to spread. My own exultant cry erupts from deep within my throat.

Gulkien leaps into the air, beating his wings savagely. I watch him speed away. Nera bounds down the rocky slopes to disappear into the shadows. Falkor stretches his body out to its full glittering length, bows his head to me in farewell, and slithers into a fissure.

Good luck, my friends. My thoughts are with you.

Last of all, I spread out my wings, feeling their power, and take to the air.

I am Firepos, and my Chosen Rider is waiting….

PREFERRED WEAPONS:
Sword and magic shield

ALSO CARRIES:
Destiny compass, jewel belt, and ghost map

SPECIAL SKILLS:
Over the course of his Quest, Tom has gained many special items for his shield, giving him protection from fire, water, cold, and falling from heights, extra speed in battle, and magic healing ability. He also has the powers he gained from the golden armor, giving him incredible sight, courage, strength, endurance, sword skills, and energy.

PREFERRED WEAPON:
Bow & arrow

ALSO CARRIES:
Nothing. Between her bow and her wolf, Silver, Elenna doesn't need anything else!

SPECIAL SKILLS:
Not only is Elenna an expert hunter, she is also knowledgeable about boats and water. But most important, she can think quickly in tight spots, which has helped Tom more than once!

Tom's horse, a gift from King Hugo. Storm's good instincts and speed have helped Tom and Elenna from the very beginning.

Elenna's tame wolf and constant companion. Not only is Silver good to have on their side in a fight, but the wolf can also help Tom and Elenna find food when they're hungry.

The good wizard of Avantia and one of Tom's closest allies. Aduro has helped Tom many times, but when Aduro was captured by Malvel, Tom was able to repay the wizard by rescuing him.

Tom's enemy, determined to enslave the Beasts of Avantia and defeat Tom. This evil wizard rules over Gorgonia, the Dark Realm. If he is near, danger is sure to follow.