SOLVED. Boy, girl, and old man journey to a mountain and fight a giant... worm? [s]

[Rachel]

I remember reading this book when I was a kid (mid-late '90s). A boy and a girl set out on a journey to a mountain. As they leave their village, they cross a bridge and an old man jumps down from a tree and introduces himself as "the Fool" because "every story should have a fool" or something along those lines. I think there was another character referred to as "The Maiden." He accompanies the kids on their journey. When they get to the mountain, they end up using swords to fight a giant worm?? or something that lives in the mountain. I want to say that maybe the boy almost dies but the girl saves him.

I remember a black cover with a row of 4 or 5 stones on the top and another row of 4 or 5 stones on the bottom with the title centered between the two rows. By stones, I mean like topaz, turquoise, tiger's eye, etc. Hopefully this cover actually goes with the book that I described and I'm not mixing it up with some other book.

The book wasn't super thick, probably not more than 300 or so pages.

[bookel]

Unlikely to be Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee as details don't entirely match.

[Pamela]

"Worm" is an old term for a dragon, if that helps.

[Kimber]

I'm wondering if this is a book I read a few years ago. I don't remember the exact name but I do remember it had a red and white cover with runes on it and the name Rune Marks (or something like it) comes to mind.

[Feliks]

You wouldn't be talking about the classic, The Worm Ouroboros?

[Rachel]

Runemarks came out in 2007, so that wouldn't be it. The Worm Ouroboros isn't a match either. I wish I could remember more details, but it's just been so long that I can't recall anything else. I just remember enjoying it as a kid and wanted to find it again.

[Rachel]

Also, as far as "worm" being used to mean dragon, I don't recall that this creature had any wings, legs, or arms. I feel that it would be more accurate to describe it as an earthworm rather than any kind of reptile.

[Alicia]

Was it ?

[Rachel]

Oh my gosh, Alicia, I think that's it. And for only $0.01 on Amazon?? Looks like it's about to get added to my collection. Thank you so much. :) And thanks everyone else for your help.