The Last Page

By Lisa Cresswell

When her story began in Storyteller: The True World, Lily Lightfoot didn’t know she was a fairy with the power to make things happen, just by telling a story, but then everything changed. Now she’s on a quest to save the True World with only a few friends to help her. Her mother and her best friend captured, it’s up to Lily to complete the Quest of Galamar – a centuries old fairy tale. All she has to do is figure out how to turn back time. Easy, right?

In Storyteller Book II: The Quest of Galamar, Gabriel sent the three friends to find the Full Moon Amulet, hidden deep in the mountains and guarded by a fierce dragon. The amulet, one of four moonstones created ages ago by the fabled elf warrior Galamar, holds the power of the Northern Portal keeper, Ironblood the dragon. Whoever possesses all four amulets has the power to recreate or destroy the True World. Gabriel’s brother, Lord Kane, will stop at nothing to have the ancient powers for himself and keep Lily from fulfilling the Prophecy of Galamar.

The amulet recovered, Lily loses her guardian and best friend in the process. The only way to save him is to face the remaining portal keepers, the Griffin and the Harpy, and Lord Kane himself. As the True World prepares for an epic battle, Lily races to find those she loves and fulfill the ancient quest before it’s too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Cresswell
• Release date: Nov 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311572189

Lisa Cresswell

Lisa T. Cresswell lives in the wilds of Idaho where few souls dare to tread, with her family and a collection of critters that includes way too many llamas. In her day job, she's an archaeologist; by night, she writes fanciful stories for children and young adults. Come visit the blog www.lisatcresswell.blogspot.com

Book preview

STORYTELLER

Book Three: The Last Page

By Lisa T. Cresswell

Copyright 2013 Lisa T. Cresswell

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you.

Acknowledgments

I want to thank my friends and family for all the love and support over the course of this story. And many thanks to Chris Ash, for all his beautiful cover designs.

I couldn’t have done it without any of you.

Find other titles by Lisa T. Cresswell at Smashwords:

Storyteller Book I: The True World

Storyteller Book II: The Quest of Galamar

***~~~~***

THE LAST PAGE

CHAPTER 1: THE RUINS OF KNELL

Even the finest castle

is not a home without

those you love.

~ fairy proverb

Lily could count the spells she knew by heart on one hand – not many. How can I save the True World like this? she wondered. From the back of the dragon, Ironclaw, she could see the towns far below them, teeming with Fomorians. Their flickering fires lit up the twilight, twinkling like fireflies, but now Lily knew how much more sinister those lights were. Each one represented a hand against them. Lily felt hopelessly outnumbered. How many trolls can Edan gather? A troll might best four, maybe five Formorians?

Lily took a deep breath of cold air. The night was growing frosty and she shivered. She was thankful for Gran leaning against her back to keep her warm. Jude and Heather rode silently behind Gran, each one lost in their own thoughts.

Ironclaw carried them swiftly to Lord Gabriel, who waited for them at Knell Castle. The last time Lily saw the castle, it had been on fire, under attack by the Morrow. Now that the vile lizard-creature was defeated and Lily’s grandmother rescued, her thoughts turned back to saving her mother Eleanor, and her friend Peter, both captured by Lord Kane. Lily shuddered. How could Kane be so heartless, murdering his own brother? Could he really be her uncle?

Lily couldn’t even imagine the evil that possessed him or how they could ever defeat him. She hoped Gabriel would have a plan. She checked the crescent moon amulet at her throat, a gift from her grandmother. They had retrieved the Full Moon Amulet from DuraDor. Had Gabriel found Eleanor’s amulet, the one lost in the Ferraden Forest? Lily was certain he had. He wouldn’t return to Knell Castle without it, would he? Jude’s sudden shout interrupted her thoughts.

Dragon! Look there! shouted Jude, pointing to a thick cloud bank ahead.

I see it, said Ironclaw. It’s one of Kane’s storms, no doubt. Hang on tight.

Can’t you go around? asked Lily.

Knell Castle is directly below us. The only way is through.

Ironclaw’s head dipped lower and she flattened her wings against her sides, launching into a steep dive. Once in the clouds, a cold stinging ice hit Lily in the face. Lightning flashed, illuminating the gray clouds for a split second. They were not alone.

Harpies! cried Heather, as the dragon dodged one of the two hideous bird women suddenly swirling around them.

They’ll tell Kane, said Gwendolyn.

Ironclaw, don’t let them get away, said Lily. The dragon nodded.

I don’t intend to. Hang on tight.

Ironclaw changed course faster than Lily thought possible, spinning around to seize the closest harpy in her jaws. Its scream became a gurgle, turning Lily’s stomach. The dragon dropped its prey and went for the other harpy, which was flapping as fast as it could in fear. They were no match for a dragon. It was easily dispatched as well. Lily closed her eyes, cringing at the screams and the howling of the wind whipping her face.

A crash of thunder so loud and close Lily’s hair stood up caused the dragon to dive again. Lily thought Ironclaw must have been hit. Heather screamed somewhere behind her. Lily dug her heels into the dragon’s shoulder, her nails into her neck, and fought her own panic.

Oh mother, protect me, she wished, wondering if they might actually die. And then suddenly as it all began, the dragon landed on the ground with a thud. The sky pelted them with sleet so heavy Lily had to look hard to see they were standing in the courtyard of Knell Castle. Or rather, what remained of Knell Castle after the fire. Ironclaw crouched under one of the remaining covered walkways out of the wind and let her passengers climb off. Heather was still sobbing from the shock. Lily felt herself quivering too. She glared at Ironclaw’s huge face, which was strangely calm.

What was that? she demanded.

"I’m sorry, My Lady. I had to get you out of the lightning. She bowed her enormous head to the ground.

You don’t have to bow to me, said Lily. I would just appreciate some warning next time.

I did say hang on, My Lady.

Something moved in the darkness, just out of sight. Jude hefted his sword Singblade. Lily jumped in front of him, slapping aside the blue elfin blade.

No wait! she said, peering into the gloom. For a moment, the only sound was the sleet piling up on the stone walkway. Hello?

Emerging from the shadows was a creature with amber eyes and a golden mane. It was a manticore, a man covered in fur with the head of a lion. Jude gasped, but Lily ran to embrace him.

Lily, no! warned Jude.

Gabriel! Lily cried in relief. The manticore had kept his word to meet them. Lily threw her arms around his furry neck and hugged him. He pet her lovingly on the head.

Lily, it’s so very good to see you again. I see you’ve met Ironclaw.

Greetings, Lord Gabriel, the dragon whispered, bowing even lower. Jude stared at Lily and gripped his sword tighter, still unsure what this creature was.

Lily, you know this thing? he asked.

It’s OK, Jude. Gabriel is a friend, said Heather. And an elf.

An elf?

Yes, an enchanted one, said Gabriel as he gazed over the rest of the group. Where is Peter?

Lily’s face fell.

We lost him, she whispered. Gabriel’s eyes widened in surprise only for a second before his expression hardened.

I can see we have much to discuss. Come inside and warm yourselves. You too, Ironclaw. There’s room.

Gabriel led them up a flight of stairs to the crumbling castle, the smell of smoke still strong in the damp air. Lily could hardly recognize the hallway anymore. They climbed over piles of charred rubble in the darkness, deeper into the ruins until they came to what had been the Great Hall. The glow of the fireplace at the far end of the room provided just enough light for Lily to see the tall windows overlooking the sea and the glint of the gilded mermaids adorning the walls. Most of the hall had been spared from the fire, but there were holes in the roof where water dripped here and there. The long table was still there. Even so, there was plenty of room for Ironclaw to walk without stooping. She curled up in a corner and became as still as stone.

Lily and Heather helped Gwendolyn into an armchair by the fire as Gabriel produced a quilt to wrap around her.

Thank you, Lord Gabriel. It’s been a long time, said Gwendolyn, giving his paw a gentle squeeze.

Indeed it has. Much too long.

What happened here? she asked.

The Morrow attacked the castle and burned much of it to the ground. We were all lucky to escape.

Where is Erik? asked Lily, who sat down by Gwendolyn’s feet and rested her chin on her grandmother’s knee.

He is well enough, never fear, but he has become a bird permanently now that this place is destroyed. Gabriel’s bother Erik had been cursed to live as an albatross whenever he left the confines of Knell Castle.

The same thing happened to Elaine, said Lily, gazing up at the holes in the ceiling. Flashes of lightning illuminated the rain pouring through them from time to time.

And Peter? asked Gabriel. Gran hugged Lily around the shoulders. She was too tired to answer.

Merab captured him, offered Jude. Gabriel peered close at Jude for the first time.

And who might you be? he asked.

Just an elf saved by the mercy of Lady Lily. I am Jude, your servant Lord Gabriel. Jude bowed low.

Saved? She’s pretty good at that. Gabriel’s grin showed his razor-sharp teeth.

I was possessed by a Formorian. Your niece expelled the demon.

Niece? Gabriel’s eyes grew wide as he looked from Jude to Gwendolyn for some explanation. What does this mean? demanded Gabriel.

Forgive me, Lord Gabriel. I didn’t mean any harm. Lily is Lord Seth’s daughter. You never noticed the resemblance? said Jude.

Gabriel’s mouth hung open, his fangs gleaming in the firelight. He flopped down on the floor without a word, staring at Lily and Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn smiled at him.

You knew about this? And you never told me? he asked her

It was Eleanor’s decision. She made me swear to keep their secret, said Gwendolyn.

Eleanor was Seth’s…? Gabriel couldn’t finish his sentence.

Wife, yes.

Oh, he said, his voice falling.

You aren’t angry, are you? asked Lily.

What? No, of course not, Lily. It’s no fault of yours. I just never imagined Seth might have taken a wife without telling us.

I’m sorry, said Lily, wondering if Gabriel was unhappy about his brother marrying a fairy. Peter had said there was an unwritten rule against elves and fairies ever being together. Gabriel shook his head.

No matter. The important thing is you’re here now and you’re safe. And that my family has just become a little bit bigger.

Thank you, said Lily,