White Horse Talisman by Andrea Spalding Page B

like that. But where are you?
    How come I can only see you in this beam of light?
    My magic is not yet strong enough. But old magic can be strengthened in many ways. One is to become a believer.
    We need many believers. Another way is to find and join the broken talisman. If you find the other half, boy, you will have power undreamed of. Until you do, keep this half safe. Sleep with it in your hand again, and I will bring you once more to Dragon Hill. What’s your name, boy?
    Adam.
    Adam … Adam. The dragon rolled the name around his tongue. A fitting name. It means first born. Adam, you shall be the first holder of the dragon magic. Names are powerful, Adam. You must use mine. Call me Worm and our bond will deepen.
    I could teach you words of power, Adam. Ancient and secret words that summon me. Unless they are spoken by the holder of the talisman, I will remain imprisoned be – neath your feet. Once I am free we will share magic. Free me, Adam, and you too can have power. The power to do anything. The power to change things however you wish.
    Adam staggered, almost overcome by the possibilities that flashed before him. He could stop his parents from fighting. He could stop Chantel from bugging him. He chuckled. He could turn her into a beetle! He could live on his own with Owen and they could do whatever they liked. He could have loads of money. Yes. He would free the dragon and together they would fix the whole world.
    Adam gazed in wonder at the bald earth beneath his feet. Dragon Hill … you’re inside Dragon Hill! Amazing! Tell me what to do and … and … I’ll let you out. We’ll fly around the world together and fix things.
    The dragon chuckled again. You are the eager one! His voice grew serious. But there is a price, Adam. To gain the power you must bring me the whole talisman.
    But …
    No time to argue, said Worm firmly. Bring me both halves of the talisman and I will show you how to use them. Say nothing to the others. Dragon magic is old and fragile until I can reappear and strengthen it. See, my image is failing.
    The flickering dragon in the beam of light was fading.
    Quick, clasp the talisman — I must return you. Come again another night.
    Adam folded his hand and cut off the glow. Darkness surrounded him, and he was filled with a sense of loss.
    Close your eyes and think of where you came from. The dragon’s voice was a faint whisper. Adam closed his eyes tight–ly and imagined lying in his bunk bed in the farmhouse.
    CCC
    A hand grasped his shoulder and shook hard. “Come on, Adam. Wakey, wakey! We’re going to Wayland’s Smithy today, remember?”
    Groggily, Adam opened his eyes to find Owen leaning over him.
    â€œYou were dead to the world,” Owen laughed. “I’ve been trying to wake you for ages. Come on, breakfast’s ready.”
    During breakfast Adam hardly spoke. His mind was full of his dream. He refused eggs, chewed through a bowl of cereal and reached for some toast.
    The phone rang.
    â€œIt’s your mother.” Holly handed the mobile receiver to Adam.
    Adam’s face lit up. He grabbed the phone. “Hi, Mom!”
    â€œAre you okay?” His mother’s voice sounded distant, with a tinny echo at the end of each sentence.
    â€œI’m fine. And Chantel’s getting better. I went to see her yesterday and we’ll go again today.”
    â€œWhat on earth were you all doing?” his mother said. “Chantel shouldn’t have been riding. She’s only seven.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Adam’s smile faded. “You let her ride. We all went trail riding last summer.”
    â€œYes, but I was there. So was your dad. You shouldn’t have been out on horses on your own. I told you to look after your sister.”
    â€œAuntie Lynne and Uncle Ron let us. Holly and Owen ride everywhere.”
    â€œThey’re older. I expected you to use some common