Free Trial By Fire (Avalon: Web of Magic #6) by Rachel Roberts Page A

as she could.
    “Lorelei!” The three girls called upon the magic of the unicorns. “Protect us!”
    The sky exploded with fire.
    The girls shielded their faces from the intense heat as flames flew overhead.
    But it was not the fire born of magic jewels.
    It was the fire of a tremendous winged creature, a flying monster.
    The huge beast swooped in, its massive wings cutting through the smoke and flames, making it hard to see exactly what it was.
    “Oh, no!” Emily cried.
    “The manticore!” Kara screamed.
    There was nowhere to go. They were completely surrounded. The magic of the horn had failed them.

P ANDEMONIUM ERUPTED IN the field. Blue lightning flashed as shadowy imps scurried through plumes of smoke. Screams, yells, snorts, and roars added to the chaos.
    “Stay together!” Adriane commanded, swinging her arm, tearing swatches of bright gold light through the smoldering haze.
    The girls remained in position, jewels glowing and ready.
    “Hey! They’re running away!” Kara pointed.
    The imps sparked with blue electricity as they retreated, their nets in tatters.
    Ozzie jumped up and down shaking his fist. “And don’t come back—uh-oh.”
    But the imps had only retreated behind the leading goblin riders. Night stallions reared, snorting flames, adding to the thick smoke flowing across the field. The riders held bright red staffs high as they bore down on the group, coming in fast.
    Kara raised the unicorn horn as Emily and Adriane gripped Kara’s hands. Gold and blue flew from the rainbow jewel and the wolf stone, swirling into the horn.
    Adriane pointed the unicorn horn at the ground in front of the incoming riders. Magic exploded forth. Four night stallions were blown off their feet, their riders flying as grass and dirt rained everywhere. Six more jumped the smoking fissure, lightning firing from their riders’ staffs.
    Adriane and Storm leaped into the fire’s path, spinning a shield of sparkling gold. Mistwolf and warrior worked like a fine-tuned machine, whirling to block every bolt, sending them flying harmlessly into the air.
    But the night stallions were strong and fast, thundering past Adriane straight toward Emily and Kara.
    Another group attacked from the side, driving the healer and blazing star apart.
    “Stay together!” Adriane ordered.
    “Kara, look out!” Emily screamed.
    A wave of imps ran between the riders and threw a sparking net over Kara.
    Adriane leaped and spun, fists of golden fire slicing the nets to shreds.
    Dreamer barked as he ran between the mages’ legs, barreling over Ozzie.
    The girls scrambled together as another group of riders charged.
    Roaring, Lyra pushed the girls behind her, teeth bared, wings unfurled, ready to absorb the crushing impact.
    A huge red tail swept through the haze, knocking the goblins off their mounts. The mutant horses careened out of control, missing the group by yards. Emily and Kara felt their fiery breath as they passed.
    The creature landed in front of the girls roaring defiantly at the goblins and imps. The attacking hoard dispersed over the far ridge, leaving, for now.
    “That’s not the manticore!” Ozzie exclaimed.
    “What is it?” Emily asked, trembling.
    The fierce creature turned a horse-like head on its long sinewy neck. It was as big as a bus with a long tail covered in glimmering red scales. Large reptilian eyes narrowed dangerously as it snorted. With a rush, it stomped toward them on massive hind legs.
    Something opened inside Adriane’s mind. Something familiar, strong, and right— feelings of love rushed through her mind and body, it was like… coming home.
    “Dragon!” Ozzie screamed.
    Kara grabbed for Emily’s and Adriane’s hands.
    “No, wait!” Adriane cried.
    The dragon lumbered toward them, practically stumbling on his enormous feet. When it was only a few feet away, it stopped, folding its shimmering, iridescent wings. Smoke drifted from its nostrils as it leaned forward, opened its huge