The Lost Princess of Elvenstar

Celestie Winters

LEGACY

And The

Seven

Keys

Book 1

The Lost Princess Of Elvenstar

Contents

1 Legacy Moonswallow 7

2 The Alliance Meeting 10

3 The Secrets revealed 12

4 The Seven Keys 18

5 The Visitor On Shadowlark 21

6 Where Do We Go Now? 25

7 A Warrior in the Trees 29

8 Crossing the Ancient Bridge 32

9 The Rusty Cauldron 37

10 Leah O’Malley 42

11 A Small Hope in the Darkness 47

12 Mysteries and Marketplace 51

13 The Heartstone Palace 57

14The Dungeons below 64

15 The Lost King of Elvenstar 71

16 Family Matters 77

17 Dragoria 84

18 The Tale of Estella Starbomb 92

19 The Dragon Ceremony 97

20 Dragon Lessons 104

21 The Long Road To Freedom 109

22 Two Paths 113

23 Ruby’s Trial 116

24 Where’d She Go? 118

25 The Mystery Within the Abandoned Hollows 123

26 I Was Broken, Now I Am Whole. 127

27 Confessions 131

28 Shooting Stars 135

29 The Neverhollows 138

30 Greeted By A Robin 143

31 A Tour Of Neverhollows 147

32 A Note From The Queen 152

33 Cellmates 156

34 The Quest That Was Set Before Them 158

35 The First of The Seven Starkeys 159

36 The Hardest Journey Yet 163

37 Worst Case Scenario 168

38 The Creator’s Grace 171

39 The Battle of The Emperor and the Lost Princess 174

40 The Guardians Of Encrealmsle 178

41 The Secret Of Alice Jewelwater 183

42 The Start of Something New 192

Book 2 Chapter 1 Train Rides and Daydreams 198

1

Legacy Moonswallow

Thunder clapped and lightning struck, casting a dark shadow over the black stone fortress, where rain dripped down the iron windows. Inside, the Dark Emperor sat amidst red and black crystals, his dark black robes a stark contrast to his scars over his eyes and black-green streaked hair appearance. The Emperor turned around in anger and faced a woman, a woman who looked like she was made out of shadows.

I...I-we’ve looked everywhere your Majesty. She said, her voice shaking as she spoke. But the girl you speak of is nowhere to be found… The Emperor’s Eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as he bared his teeth. "Oh do I have to do everything! I need that girl! Don’t you see? She holds the key to getting my revenge. She holds the key to my power! I need that princess!" His words dripped with venom.

We’re trying your Majesty, with everything we have. But we’ve searched for 13 years. We don’t even know if she made it out of… the woman pleaded.

The Emperor’s eyes flashed with anger as he turned to face the woman. You expect me to believe you’ve looked everywhere? He spat. FIND HER! He roared again, his hands crackling with dark energy. A burst of red fire erupted from his fingers, casting flickering shadows on the walls."

Meanwhile, in the small town of Stoneboro, there resided a close-knit community centered around a solitary church, doctor’s office, inn, and town hall. The neighborhood was compact. Its houses arranged in a gentle curve that allowed residents to easily walk between homes. A dense forest of silver trees bordered the town, casting long shadows in the fading light. Nestled within this quaint setting stood a cozy house with a navy roof, cornflower blue siding and cobblestone chimney.

On the second floor of this welcoming abode, in a charmingly frilly pink room, a thirteen-year-old girl lay sleeping fitfully in her bed. Abruptly, she awoke, her heart racing as she surveyed her surroundings, relieved to find everything in its rightful place. Tears traced down her cheeks as she recalled the unsettling dream that had jolted her awake. Brushing away the tears, she slipped on her soft, fluffy boots and quietly made her way across the room, climbing the ladder to her sister’s loft.

Lizzy! Lizzy! The girl said, shaking her older foster sister by the shoulders. The girl had a soft British accent.

What is it Legs? It’s like 2:00 a.m.!

It happened again… the girl replied, The nightmare keeps coming back, Liz...

Lizzy, sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes. Legacy, it was just a dream, she said. You know Mum and Dad will keep us safe. There’s no need to worry. Now go back to sleep!

I don’t want to, Lizzy! Legacy replied. What if it’s real? What if the Emperor attacks us—Or I have another nightmare?

Lizzy motioned for Legacy to come near her as she yawned. Legacy, remember what mum told us to do when we’re scared?

Legacy nodded, Pray to The Creator, and ask Him to help us.

Yes, exactly. She responded and they prayed together.

Thanks Lizzy.. She mumbled, her eyes getting heavy.

It’s what I’m for. Lizzy said, and put a pillow under Legacy’s head, while stroking her hair. Soon enough, Legacy fell asleep on her sister’s lap and the two sisters slept peacefully through the rest of the night. Their heads resting on one another. A faint sound of an owl hooting filled the cold outside air, of the late night.

The next day, Legacy awoke with a sense of unease about her. Nightmares were not new to her. They haunted her dreams almost every night. Stricken fear and despair into her everyday thoughts. But somehow her most recent dream felt more real, almost like the Emperor had really gotten into her mind.

Ella, the mother of Lizzy and Legacy. Noticed her daughter’s distress and worry. She saw Legacy’s eyes darting around the room while they worked on school work, she noticed her doodling sad faces in the margins of her notebook, and she saw that her smiling little girl was now frowning.

Ella’s face softened as she sat next to her. Sweetie, why don’t you take a break from your school work. You could practice with your bow and arrow for a while.

That afternoon Lizzy found Legacy in the forest, her bow and arrow at the ready. Releasing the arrow as she approached, hitting the bullseye with a satisfying thunk. Sunlight bounced off the bow as Lizzy came closer, adjusting the little red bow in her platinum blonde, curly hair.

Hey Legs…You okay? You seem kind of out of it today. Lizzy asked, her voice full of concern for her sister.

Legacy’s eyes didn’t move from the target. But her hands started to tremble as she released the next arrow. To her dismay it missed the bullseye, and landed in the bushes. She sighed retrieving the arrow, It’s just…The nightmares are happening a lot more now… And the Emperor’s really in my head. Legacy admitted sadly, while twisting a lock of her dusty brown hair around her finger. She put her bow and arrows to the side and sat on a tree stump.

Lizzy sat down next to Legacy, smoothing out her peach colored skirt while wrapping her arm around her sister’s shoulder. Hey, it’s going to be okay. Mum and Dad will always protect you.

Legacy’s teal eyes glistened with tears, her voice trembling with fear. I know, Lizzy. It’s just…hard….I don’t want to be scared anymore…Every day Shadowlark comes closer and closer. You know what happens on Shadowlark. The Shadows will take someone away to the Emperor and they’ll never come back…

That’s not going to happen. We live in the only Realm that is safe. And our parents are in the Alliance. So we don’t have to worry about the Emperor.

Legacy hung her head. Yeah, I guess…I wish Oliver were here…He always cheers me up..

Lizzy smiled, Well I think I can help you with that! Just then a rustling in the bush occurred. It sounded like a lot of twigs and branches were being trampled.

Did I hear my name? Said the figure emerging from the bushes.

OLIVER! Legacy shouted as she hugged her best friend.

Oliver Followsworth was their age. He had curly short red hair, and bright blue eyes. Lots of freckles just like Legacy and wore a tan shirt with black suspenders. He had met them when they were all very little and had been best friends ever since.

I didn’t know you were back yet! How was the town hall? Legacy asked

Ha, dad finished up work there early so we got home faster! And it was good. But kinda boring, none of the other Alliance members were there. Oliver glanced over at the target to see the arrow sticking straight in the center. You got a bullseye? He said, impressed.

Legacy blushed a little and said Yeah, I didn’t get the second one though. I was too busy thinking about…

Lizzy told me. You know those nightmares aren’t real right?

Yes but...Just, I don’t know… Something felt different. It felt more… real, more terrifying. She shivered at the memory.

Real. Hmmh. Well you know what I say? We need to do something to take your mind off of it.

Legacy eyes lit up at the suggestion. Okay, like what?

We need to go on an adventure! You love those!

What kind of adventure?

Oliver scooched in between Lizzy and Legacy and pulled out a notebook. What if we follow our parents into the Alliance meeting?

Are you out of your mind! We can’t just follow them into the Alliance meeting. Children aren’t allowed, remember! Lizzy scolded.

Oh, come on Lizzy! You’re too dull! You need to lighten up! Have some fun! Also, don’t you want to know what they do at the Alliance?

I am not dull! And, should we really risk getting our parents and ourselves in trouble for us just to have some adventure?

Listen Liz, it would be something fun to do. We all need to take our minds off of the Emperor and have some fun! he responded.

We can have fun while still not getting in trouble!

Come on! Lizzy! Do it for Legacy.

Legacy looked at Lizzy, clearly wanting to go on this adventure. After a few moments of careful consideration Lizzy sighed and said, trying to hold back a smile. Fine, but we better not get caught!

Legacy hugged her and smiled. Thanks Lizzy.

My pleasure. Though I think this is a terrible idea, I’ll go along with it. For you.

The rest of the day the three sat in their secret hideout in the woods and came up with plans to follow their parents to the Alli ance meeting the next day.

2

The Alliance Meeting

It was now night, the second night that Ella and George, Lizzy and Legacy’s parents, had left them alone once more. Departing once more for the town hall to attend the Alliance meeting. The Alliance was a secret group of leaders from various Realms in Encrealmsle, united in their deep desire to bring down the Dark Emperor and seeking a plan to do so.

As the kids waited until they were certain their parents were gone, which included Oliver’s father, Alden. They waited with bated breath, watching their parents walk down the cobble stone street. The sun was just starting to set and cast an orangey-red glow across the trees. When their parents were finally gone, Oliver, Lizzy, and Legacy slipped out of the house, their hearts racing with anticipation. Let’s get moving! Oliver whispered.

They followed the path their parents had taken earlier, their shoes making a clicky sound as they walked across the cobblestone road. The crisp autumn air was cold. Legacy wished she had brought in a coat. They could hear the faint sound of crickets starting to wake up, and make their music.

As the kids crept closer to the meeting hall, their eyes fixed on the windows for their parents would be discussing the fate of the Realms. They crouched behind a big fern-colored bush. Peering into the window as if trying to absorb every detail through their gaze.

Guys…We really shouldn’t be here! Lizzy whispered, shakily.

Shh, come on, Oliver whispered back, his eyes fixed on the door. We can’t turn back now.

But what if we get caught? Lizzy asked, her voice rising in panic.

Legacy put a hand on her arm. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. We just need to be quiet and careful.

As they slipped inside the grand hall, Legacy’s eyes widened in awe. The high ceilings and marble floors seemed to stretch up to the sky, and the golden and silver accents glinted in the dim light. The air was thick with the scent of old books, scrolls, and polished wood.

The room was filled with people, all dressed in formal attire, gathered around a large marble table in the center of the room. Legacy recognized Mr. Alden’s fiery orange hair and blue eyes from afar. He sat at the head of the table, his hands folded in contemplation. His blue cape draped over the side of his chair.

As they crept closer, she felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew that she shouldn’t be here, but she couldn’t help feeling drawn to the secrecy and excitement of it all.

The council chamber was filled with an eclectic mix of beings. Topaz, the fiery ruler of Celesterra, stood tall beside her counterpart, Eleanor, the regal senator of Evershine. The room was abuzz with whispers and murmurs as the representatives from each realm gathered around the grand table. Nixie, a diminutive creature called a Woodlark with a pointed chin, feat, and hands and cotton-candy textured brown hair, fluttered about her seat, her Scottish accent ringing out as she chatted with Alea, the mermaid queen of Silverscale. While Owen, the dwarf, was bickering with Eleanor. Meanwhile, Mal, the jade fairy representative from the Jade Lands, watched with an air of quiet and unsetting intensity.

Owen’s voice boomed through the chamber as he slammed his fist on the table. We can’t keep sitting around twiddling our thumbs while The Emperor grows stronger! We need to take bold action! His words were met with a mixture of nods and frowns from the other council members

Owen, please refrain from shouting, Topaz said, her voice firm but measured. We can’t simply launch an attack on the Emperor without considering the consequences.

Eleanor nodded in agreement, her Scottish brogue thick and rich. Aye, we must be cautious. The Emperor’s power grows stronger with each passing day. We need to come up with a strategy that won’t put our realms at risk.

Owen’s face turned red with frustration. We’re doing nothing, and meanwhile the Emperor is getting stronger by the day! He slammed his fist on the table, making the other council members jump. Nixie’s the only one who’s not pulling their weight.

Nixie’s eyes flashed with anger as she leapt to her feet. How dare ye! I’ve been working tirelessly to protect Never Hollows, she exclaimed, her Scottish accent as thick as Eleanor’s. Her pointy chin jutted out in defiance as she stood as tall as she could, her dark green and brown dress fluttering around her knees. She was standing on a few pillows on her chair so she could look the other member in the eye. Her hair curled around her large pointy ears.

I say, I’m the only one doin’ anythin’ about the Emperor! I’m actually goin’ and doin’ stuff while ye all are sittin’ here talkin’ about doin’ stuff. Never Hollows has never been better, mind ye!

Oh you be quiet, Nixie! We don’t need this! Oswald, The Great wizard, bellowed.

Well I never!

All you Woodlarks do is just drink gallons of maple syrup and complain about everything!

Nixie gasped, picked her pillow up and moved her seat to right next to Owen’s. When she got out of her chair, you couldn’t tell she was there, she was shorter than the table. She popped her chair down, and screeched. We do not! For your information! Us Woodlarks do love our maple syrup but do drink other things like honey! And Ye! Ye dwarf! All ye fella’s do is hit some stones in the ground for hours! Talk abou’ doin’ nothin’!

Nixie’s words sparked a heated debate, with the council members arguing over their respective roles in addressing the Emperor’s threat. Oswald’s thunderous voice boomed through the room, Enough! We don’t need this kind of bickering! The outburst sent the council members into a flurry of shouting and pointing fingers.

Alden’s firm voice cut through the chaos, Enough! We’re all doing our part, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re facing a crisis. The Emperor’s Shadows are attacking on Shadowlark, and I fear Waterbrook will be targeted next. The room fell silent, with the council members looking at each other in concern.

Nixie’s pout deepened as she spoke up, But why is the Emperor doin’ this? What does he want from us?

Eleanor nodded in agreement, It’s a good question. We need to know what’s driving his actions.

Mal’s voice was laced with concern, He must want something of ours. But asking him directly would not be wize. Alea’s anxiety was palpable as she added, He’ll burn us alive with his fire power.

Owen’s curiosity got the better of him, When did this all start? Alden’s expression turned somber as he replied, Thirteen years ago, during the fall of the Lost Kingdom. The Emperor’s power has been growing ever since.

The children had found a series of large vases and pots to hide behind. Legacy’s ears perked up at the mention of the Lost Kingdom. She nudged Oliver on the shoulder.

What’s the Lost Kingdom? Legacy whispered.

It’s just a legend, I don’t think it actually exists.

Still, I want to know!

Before he could tell her, a roar from the council came up.

"The Lost Kingdom is gone now, and so is Elvenstar and their