The riddle and the rune : from Tales of Gom in the Legends of Ulm

Gom has only two clues to find his mother and save his life! Gom's mother. Harga the Brown, gave him the ability to talk with animals. She also gave him a mysterious stone her runewhich he has worn ever since he was horn when she disappeared. Gom's father was certain she had good reasons for leaving them, hut he didn't know What they were. Now Gom must find Harga. wherever she is, and return the rune, because it is being sought by evil beings for its power. But Gom learns that he will not be able to meet his mother until he has solved a riddle, a riddle given to him by a talking sparrow! Gom has no time to puzzle over a riddlehe's busy running for his life from the horrible thing pursuing him. With its skull-like head, long snaky neck, and vulture's body it is surely no ordinary creature. But neither is Gom an ordinary boy. He will need all his wits and talents to escape the terrible skull-bird and find his elusive mother. Gom sets forth to seek his destiny, discovering that he has new powers and a gift for making friends such as the magnificent horse, Stormfleet, who accompanies him through many adventures. Describes the journey of Gom beyond his mountain home to the place called Far Away. He is searching for his mother Harga, who left the mountain shortly after Gom's birth