Publisher's Synopsis
The Lanterns of Craghallon
Deep within the Enchanted Forest, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers and whispering trees, lay the cheerful leprechaun village of Craghallon. Tiny cottages dotted the landscape, each glowing with the warm light of magical acorn lamps, gifts from the great Towering Oak of Light. The villagers carried on their merry lives with song and laughter-until one day, the glow of the lanterns began to fade. Leprechaun Woodcutter Zeb was the first to notice. He stood in his little workshop, sharpening his trusty axe, when he realized his lamp's glow was dimmer than usual. "Odd," he muttered, his bushy red beard twitching with worry. Stepping outside, he saw his neighbors gathered, their faces alight with concern-and not much else. "What's happening to the lanterns?" asked a tiny leprechaun girl clutching her dimming acorn lamp. "The Oak of Light must be losing its magic," declared Zeb, his green eyes narrowing sharply. "But why?" The villagers hurried to the golden palace of the Leprechaun Queen. Her emerald-green gown shimmered as she listened, her crown of golden leaves glowing faintly in the dimming light. "This is grave news," she said solemnly, tapping her glowing acorn staff on the floor. "If the Oak of Light withers, so too will the magic of our village." "Then I'll find out what's wrong," Zeb said firmly, gripping the axe at his side. He was known for his bravery and wits, and the villagers nodded in agreement. "You shall not go alone, Zeb," said the Queen. She turned to the delicate figure of Kayleigh the Fairy, her silvery wings sparkling like morning dew. "Kayleigh, guide him. Your magic may uncover what his axe cannot." Kayleigh gave a determined nod, and with that, the two set off through the forest towards the Towering Oak of Light. The colossal tree stood in a clearing, its thick, gnarled trunk glowing faintly. Normally, its golden leaves bathed the forest in light, but now they shimmered only weakly. As Zeb and Kayleigh approached, they felt a chill in the air, and Kayleigh shivered. "Something's wrong," she whispered. "The forest doesn't feel...alive." Zeb ran his hand along the Oak's trunk, his sharp green eyes spotting something unusual. "Look here," he said, pointing to the bark. Faint, dark tendrils were creeping up the tree like smoke trails. Kayleigh hovered closer, her lavender petal-dress fluttering as she touched the bark. A spark of silver magic shot from her fingers, revealing a faint trace of shadowy energy. "It's a spell," she gasped, her translucent wings fluttering faster. "A dark one."
