9 The Finalists

CHAPTER 9

The Finalists "Finalists!" called the Head Spire. "Today you must climb the stone staircase to the top of the volcano. The clue to completing the last test awaits you there." The large crowd murmured with concern. Climbing the steep path was dangerous. Clara and Gilbert started up the stairs. Every few steps the volcano rumbled and shook. The two contestants had to lean into the mountainside to keep from falling.

"Should we be climbing an active volcano?" asked Gilbert uncertainly. The mountain rumbled again, and Gilbert tumbled into Clara. They held on to each other until the rumbling stopped. "No," Clara said. "Climbing an active volcano isn't brave —it's crazy!" Gilbert laughed nervously. "You're right," he agreed. "It's totally crazy." This time they both laughed, and their laughter bonded them together. "Maybe it would be wiser to turn back," Gilbert suggested.

The mountain shook violently again as Clara and Gilbert grabbed hold of the rocky wall. "Or... what if we stuck together and helped each other to the top instead?" Clara suggested. Gilbert admired Clara's courage and nodded slowly. "You're right." So they both came up with a plan. First they spaced themselves apart on the stairs so they wouldn't knock each other over. Then they crouched low and used their hands to steady themselves against the side of the unstable mountain.

Slowly they crept upward. A fiery-hot wind blew down from above. "We made it!" Gilbert said as they climbed onto a wide rim that circled the top of the smoky volcano. On the ground before them lay different weapons: A sword, a bow, arrows, potions, a spear, and the dragon scale from the challenge the day before.

Gilbert swallowed hard. "What are we supposed to do with these weapons?" But before Clara could answer, Mount Fireburst erupted. Clara and Gilbert covered their heads. But instead of lava, an enormous yellow dragon burst forth from the volcano. The beast flapped its great golden wings and then landed in front of the children. Gilbert picked up a sword from the ground and stood in front of Clara. The dragon raised its enormous wings and stalked toward them. "Grab a weapon!" Gilbert cried as the dragon forced them toward the edge of the volcano.