Publisher's Synopsis
Prince Jacob ignores his parents' warnings and plays in the Forbidden Forest. He finds the magic seal that his father, the Jade Emperor, has used to contain the Dark Forces. When the prince touches the seal, it shatters, and the twelve diamonds and the beautiful jade at their centre are scattered across the world. Once again evil has taken over the changing landscape.
Without the seal, the Jade Emperor has no way of containing the Dark Forces. He has no choice but to destroy Earth.
Feeling responsible, Prince Jacob begs his father for a chance to find the diamonds and the jade, restore the magic seal and banish the Dark Forces forever. The Jade Emperor agrees, but he knows that his son cannot do this alone.
The evil unleashed by the Dark Forces affects the human race only, and not the animals, so the emperor devises a unique challenge to find the bravest animals in the world. The animals will compete in a Great Race, and the first twelve to cross the Trial River will help Prince Jacob in his quest.
None of the winning animals is more steadfast and reliable than the legendary Ole Ox. His calm and honest nature hides a fearsome strength, and he values fairness between humans and animals above all else. He might not be as clever or quick-witted as some of the other animals, but his never-say-die attitude is one of his formidable strengths.
His individual task is to find the grey diamond. He will need all his strength and courage when he comes up against the evil Vikings, and the fearsome werewolf, all of whom are under the extreme influence of the Dark Forces.
