About this ebook
Unless he finds her, the kingdom falls.
Philia Pendragon is the greatest teen fencer in modern Wales, but she longs for another world. Late at night, she's haunted by memories of a magical, medieval kingdom, and the loving father she was forced to leave behind. Can Philia navigate shifting portals and hidden traitors to return to the Enchanted Isle?
Will Owain is the most determined apprentice in the King's Watch. Selected by His Majesty for a high-risk mission, Will must forego his quest to rescue his mother from the traitor Lord Amaranth. Can Will find the King's lost daughter, Philia, by year's end and prevent the King from forfeiting his throne to Lord Amaranth?
AVALON LOST's visual storytelling, compelling characters, and epic fight scenes will appeal to fans of The Legend of Zelda universe and Pedro Urvi's Path of the Ranger series.
Enjoy this new YA fantasy book for teens and adults! Your adventure begins here.
About this book:
Genre: Epic fantasy, Portal fantasy, Arthurian fantasy books, Scottish fantasy fiction,
Clean YA fantasy books, Celtic fantasy books, Fantasy romance for teens.
Audience: Teens, Young Adult, Adult.
Settings: Contemporary Wales and Scotland; the magical, medieval kingdom of Avalon.
Recommended Reader Age: 14+
Completeness: First in a series.
Similar/influenced by: The Legend of Zelda, The Ranger's Apprentice, Path of the Ranger,
The Golden Compass, The Princess Bride, Song of the Sea.
AVALON LOST is for young adult readers 14 and up who want a fantasy adventure with noble characters, treacherous villains, magic portals, Scottish vibes, first love, and lots of epic sword fights! It's like The Legend of Zelda meets the Path of the Ranger series by Pedro Urvi.
*****What readers are saying about Avalon Lost*****
"The kingdom may be in peril, but there's a lot more to this quest than just action...Perfect for readers who want to feel more for the characters...Highly recommended!" -Zephyr Thomas, YA fantasy author of An Octave of Stars and Paper & Feathers.
"There were so many great scenes in this book, too many to name...Will's sword fighting and watchmen chapters were...fast-paced and filled with action." -Teen Reader
"It's action-packed, it's funny, the settings are beautiful and the characters are a blast to hang out with...There's watchmen and fencing students, lost queens and dashing cousins. And sandwiches!! Arthurian fantasy meets Scotland and modern technology, in a novel that was a joy to read. I can't wait for the sequel!!" -Grace Woods, award-winning Legend Fiction author
"I would definitely [recommend this book]...It's very nicely written...It captures you right from the beginning to the end." -Julia W., Teen Reader
"There are so many things I love about this story. First, that there is violence and danger and treachery, but what is equally present and feels more lasting is honesty, love, fidelity, loyalty, and courage." -Mary Rakow, PhD., highly acclaimed novelist, book editor, and author coach.
"Captivating! Mary Rose Kreger has written a must-read tale of epic perseverance, chivalry, and love akin to Arthurian legend meets modern day fantasy." -Terry Hojnacki, Editor in Chief, Sterling Script: A Local Author Collection.
Begin your adventure today!
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Reviews for Avalon Lost
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Book preview
Avalon Lost - Mary Kreger
What Readers are Saying about Avalon Lost
It's action-packed, it's funny, the settings are beautiful and the characters are a blast to hang out with. And it's so unique…There’s watchmen and fencing students, lost queens and dashing cousins. And sandwiches!! Arthurian fantasy meets Scotland and modern technology, in a novel that was a joy to read. I can't wait for the sequel!!
—Grace Woods, award-winning Legend Fiction author
There were so many great scenes in this book, too many to name…My favorite parts were when the two worlds came crashing together…also Will’s sword fighting and watchmen chapters were…fast-paced and filled with action.
—Teen Reader
I would definitely [recommend this book]…It captures you right from the beginning to the end.
—Julia, Teen Reader
The kingdom may be in peril, but there’s a lot more to this quest than just action…Anxiety, loneliness, and fear are all foes alongside usurper kings and treacherous family members. Perfect for readers who want to feel more for the characters…Highly recommended!
—Zephyr Thomas, YA Fantasy Author of An Octave of Stars and Paper & Feathers
I love [Will’s] fierce-ish spirit, how he thinks, and how well his character is written.
—Julia W.
There are so many things I love about this story. First, that there is violence and danger and treachery, but what is equally present and feels more lasting is honesty, love, fidelity, loyalty, and courage.
—Mary Rakow, PhD., highly acclaimed novelist, book editor, and author coach
Captivating! Mary Rose Kreger has written a must-read tale of epic perseverance, chivalry, and love akin to Arthurian legend meets modern day fantasy.
—Terry Hojnacki, Editor in Chief, Sterling Script: A Local Author Collection
Copyright © 2024 by Mary Rose Kreger
Book Design by Benita Thompson, kairosbookdesign.com
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher, with the exception of a brief quotation for review purposes, or as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact maryrosekreger@gmail.com.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Summary: Stranded in modern Wales, Princess Philia Pendragon must join forces with Will Owain, a brave young watchman, to return to her kingdom and reclaim her inheritance.
Note to Parents: This book contains mature themes presented in a manner appropriate for teens 14 and older, including: intense action scenes, torture, a father hitting his son, and an implied, off-the-page rape scene.
First edition 2024
For little girl: Let me hear your voice.
Contents
1. The Isle of Apples
2. Rescue at Sea
3. The Trials
4. The Death Swing
5. The Knightley Academy
6. The Left-Handed Warrior
7. The Fencing Tryouts
8. Stranger in the Wood
9. Flaxen Grove
10. The King’s Mission
11. The Way by Land
12. Voice in the Fog
13. The Intruder
14. In the Traitor’s House
15. The Music Room
16. Welcome to the Academy
17. Haggises and Hounds
18. An Arrow in the Door
19. Atonement
20. Inverness
21. The Queen’s Story
22. Passing Through
23. Masquerade
24. The Curse of the Way
25. Across the Stars
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1
The Isle of Apples
I don’t know, Philia…do you think we should chance it?
Philia Pendragon made her way onto the wooden docks and peered over her mother’s shoulder. Thick, brooding thunderclouds gathered on the northwest horizon, hovering like angry watchmen over the Irish Sea. Even from this distance, she could see the whitecaps forming on the dark, threatening waters.
It doesn’t look so good,
Philia conceded. She squinted into the rising winds and frowned. But what choice do we have? We go now, or wait ten years.
It was almost a decade since Philia and her mother had fled the mythic shores of Avalon, and if they didn’t sail home tonight, it would be another decade before they could try again.
It could be dangerous,
her mother paused. Sailing west.
Philia leaned over the railing—towards the west—and curled her fingers into her palm. Her heart had been set on sailing these waters since the day they first fled the enchanted isle. Avalon was calling her, drawing her into its mysteries like a fisherman pulling codfish from the sea.
Maybe it’s best for you to stay, my dove.
Lines of worry wrinkled her mother’s flawless complexion. You’ve made friends here in Conwy. You’re the lead on the fencing team now, and at the top of your class in school. You could be happy here…safe.
The word tantalized Philia. Her mother was offering her an easy way out. You don’t have to go. You could stay right here in Wales.
Her mother placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Philia shifted away from her touch. She wanted to be strong.
How can I be happy when I know our people need me? If I stay, and they remain the tyrant’s slaves…their suffering will be on my hands.
She turned so her mother could see she was in earnest. Tonight, we have a chance to return. How can I abandon them?
When her mother said nothing, she added, Please. I want to go.
Philia knew she was making a perilous choice. Nothing confirmed that more than her mother’s lack of words.
Mum, you’ve always told me it would be dangerous to go back. A death sentence, really, if things have gone badly in Avalon.
Philia held her mother’s gaze. But…I want to take that risk with you. For the hope we could set things right for our people.
After a long pause, her mother nodded. And the hope of seeing your father again.
And my father,
Philia agreed. She hefted her backpack onto both shoulders, where she’d stored a copy of her mother’s latest novel, The King’s White Rose. We have to see if your book is true.
Vivien Pendragon’s deep brown eyes filled with tears. She was a rare, delicate beauty, the kind that made men walk into streetlights or, back in Avalon, stumble into castle moats. Yet Philia’s mother had never shown interest in any man except the one she’d lost in Avalon.
Go on then,
Vivien urged. She dabbed her tears away and smiled at her daughter. Ready the ship.
Philia grinned and headed down the pier. Soon she reached their little fishing boat, an electric-powered rig they’d cheekily named The Lady of the Lake.
She carefully boarded the boat and then stored her backpack in the front compartment. The King’s White Rose shifted inside her bag, where she’d packed it between an extra pair of clothes and a set of watercolors. Of all the books her mother had written, this one was her favorite.
A story to give us hope.
She peeked her head over the side of the boat.
Come on, Mum! We’d best get out there before the rain starts.
A moment later, her mother appeared with their remaining luggage: a handheld radio, two waterproof duffel bags, and an old suitcase.
There’s no need to look quite so excited about the weather,
Vivien chided, as she passed the cargo up to her daughter.
Philia shrugged. She loved the sea, and most of all, she loved the storms. They were fierce and unpredictable and full of adventure–just like the Avalon of her mother’s books.
What does the weather matter?
she said. "We’re going home."
The waters of Conwy Bay were relatively calm, but as their old fisherman’s boat entered the open water, the conditions grew increasingly more treacherous. The whitecaps churned and roiled and rocked their boat until Philia’s stomach started churning right along with it.
She took a deep breath and grasped the helm with both hands.
Okay…now head north-northwest for a bit,
her mother said.
Philia turned to starboard. The boat clipped into a wave, spraying Philia and the upper deck with freezing cold salt water. She wiped the stinging spray from her eyes as the boat creaked beneath them.
They weren’t more than a kilometer out of the bay when the rain started.
Philia hastily flung up the hood of her jacket and snapped the top button of her collar. Curly wisps of chocolate-brown hair swung out of her hood as she turned toward the stern of their boat, where her mother huddled beneath a plastic poncho. The yellow glow of her mother’s torch illuminated Philia’s position at the helm.
The two Pendragons sought to discover the elusive Way by Sea—a water path that led to Avalon in early August, during the harvest feast of Lammas Tide.
Vivien was using the SkyView constellation finder to navigate via the cloud-covered stars, just as King Arthur’s shipmen did many years ago, although they wouldn’t have had the fancy app.
Tonight Mum sees the stars as Arthur would have seen them, when he was sailing to Avalon after the last battle. The thought made Philia’s rain-touched skin tingle with excitement.
Start sailing due west,
her mother shouted into the growing wind.
Philia brought her gaze forward so that she could check the ship’s instruments and slightly adjust their course.
Due west, she thought, squinting into the falling rain. Lightning snapped across the sky. Right into the thick of it.
Are you okay, dearest?
her mother called.
Philia’s stomach lurched with each increasing wave, and her wet garments clung to her skin. We could meet our deaths out here, long before we reach Avalon’s shores.
She pushed the thought away.
Come on, Philia, you can do this. Remember your people.
I’m fine,
she shouted back. Just keep giving me directions.
The water calmed down a bit as they turned north-northwest again.
I think we’re getting close, Mum.
Close to Avalon, Isle of Apples. And the Way by the Sea.
I’m so proud of you,
her mother said, a smile in her voice. Your father would be, too. Maybe…
Her words trailed off, so Philia finished her thought for her.
We’ll be with Father soon, Mum. Then he can tell me himself.
She wanted to believe it. She knew her mother wanted—no, needed—to believe it still more.
Philia glanced upward. The storm looked uglier than ever, but the waters around their boat had grown eerily still, as if the sea was holding its breath.
Philia, watch out!
She jerked her head around, saw the massive wave, as tall as their little boat and growing taller, bearing down on them from the west. She tried to cut into it, but her shaking hands slipped on the slippery spokes of the helm.
The boat tilted horribly as the mountain of water slipped beneath them like a child’s hand beneath a blanket. The helm spun, and she scrambled to stop it. The wind cut off her mother’s cry—and then the wave rose up and swallowed them whole.
The sea surged up her nose, inside her slicker. The giant wave lifted Philia off the deck and crushed her against the railing. She gasped, clutching at empty air and water as the wave drove her out of the boat and into the open sea.
Down, down, down. So quiet and peaceful. But then: sharks, whales, sea dragons. Darkness blotted out the surface.
Her years of swimming and boating lessons kicked in. She pushed her Converses off her feet, flung out her arms, and fought her way up to the surface. When she reached the top, she could see the boat to her left. It was closer than she’d expected.
Philia!
Her mother’s cry was laced with panic and fear.
Here,
she gasped. Here, Mum!
She went under again as another wave surged. When she came up, her mother had pulled out an orange life preserver and was hovering by the railing.
Grab on, Philly!
Her mother flung it out.
Philia forced her cold limbs towards the boat. Her eyes stung. The water choked her. She swam on and on, frozen arms treading a frozen sea.
One more wave.
Come on, Philly! I know how strong you are!
With three swift strokes, Philia brought the lifesaver in range. She squeezed herself inside the ring as her mother frantically pulled her close to the side of the boat. Philia held out her arm to keep from being dashed against the shifting hull.
Pull, Mum!
she cried, pushing her bare feet against the boat’s side.
With surprising strength, her mother yanked the life preserver up so that Philia was dangling just above the water.
A brilliant burst of lightning illuminated the scene: her mother’s pale face, determined and grim; their boat tilting ominously to port; and a final great wave rolling in from the west.
Philia’s trembling hands reached her mother’s just as the fourth wave hit.
Don’t let go,
her mother ordered, fire burning in her clear brown eyes.
Never,
Philia yelled in return.
Then the side of the boat met their bodies with a sickening thud, and all went dark.
2
Rescue at Sea
Pain blazed in Philia’s head as she cracked open her eyes. Across the water, the deck ripped in two with a terrific shriek. The boat sank with frightening swiftness, and the sea rushed to fill the vacuum where their fishing vehicle had been.
Philia lay in their orange lifeboat, surrounded by their most precious belongings: the backpack, the handheld radio, and a bag of emergency rations.
How did I get here?
She stared at the twisted wreck of their fishing boat until the last light on top of the vessel went under, plunging both the boat and the sea into inky blackness.
Mum,
she whispered, struggling to quell her growing panic.
I’m here.
She felt her mother’s hand latch onto her shoulder. We hit the deck awful hard.
Philia’s raging headache confirmed this fact, as well as something hot and sticky dripping down her right cheek. She licked her lips and tasted blood.
My head is killing me,
she groaned. But what about you, Mum? Are you okay?
I’m not sure,
her mother said, her voice heavy with worry. After a brief pause, her mother held up her phone. Its flashlight feature revealed her mother’s face.
I guess it really is waterproof.
How does it look?
Vivien asked.
Philia squinted at her mother, then grimaced. "Ugh. The left side of your face is all black and blue. It took a moment for the implications of her observation to sink in.
Mum. How in the world did you get us onto this raft by yourself?" She gestured down at their lifeboat, which was bobbing over the rough sea.
Vivien offered a crooked smile. Mmm. A little something called ‘mum power’.
Philia’s stomach twisted with unease. She was grateful for that ‘mum power’, but she feared the cost of her mother’s exertions. Judging from her mother’s battered face, she seemed to have hit the deck even harder than Philia had.
We should call for help. ‘Mum power’ or not, you need medical attention, and—
I’ve already called,
her mother interrupted, holding up their two-way radio. "The coastguard is on their way. We both need medical attention. There’s no way we’re going to make it to Avalon, or anywhere else, without aid," she added with disappointment.
Philia massaged her aching temples and hissed in frustration. Am I crazy for wishing we could go further?
The music of Vivien’s laughter sounded loud and strange on the open sea. Only as crazy as your mother.
The lifeboat bobbed over an invisible swell, splashing them both with sea spray. Waves tossed the small raft, but not with the ferocity of earlier.
Philia groped for her mother’s hand in the gloom. A quarter of an hour ago, Vivien had fallen still in her lap. Nothing Philia tried had succeeded in waking her—not a gentle shoulder shake, nor a splash of frigid sea water, nor any amount of cajoling, begging, and pleading. If it weren’t for her mother’s ragged breathing, Philia would have feared the worst.
Where’s the coastguard? I thought they were coming soon.
"Come on, Mum," she tried again, rubbing the top line of her mother’s waterlogged sweater. She’d seen a nurse do that once, when her mother underwent a minor procedure a few years back. It had worked then to waken her mum after anesthesia. But it didn’t work now.
I’m probably doing it wrong. She rubbed again, a bit harder.
No response.
Philia gritted her teeth until her jaws ached. For the hundredth time, her eyes raced across the horizon.
What if they can’t find us?
Panic clamped around her chest, panic and unbearable loneliness. Here she was, a sixteen-year-old girl, shipwrecked, injured, and alone on the Irish Sea. Not just a girl,
she told herself, raising her chin in defiance. "A princess."
With great effort, she pushed her fears aside and returned her attention to her mother. She briefly used the iPhone to examine the bruised side of her mother’s face; the site was swollen and hot to the touch. She raided her knapsack, pulled out a spare t-shirt, and dipped it into the waves. This she gently draped over Vivien’s forehead as a makeshift cold compress.
Come on, Mum,
she whispered. Come on.
The waves softened as she kept vigil, lulling Philia into a daze, coaxing her to sleep. Each time, she forced her exhausted body awake again. This happened so many times, she couldn’t tell if she was actually seeing the bright lights of a ship coming their way, or if she was only dreaming.
Here,
she mumbled, in case the ship was real. She flung her left arm into the air and waved the glowing iPhone. Here!
The ship spotted her.
Blinding lights, a violent lurch, and Philia found herself surrounded by a jungle of uniforms, medical instruments, and loud, frantic voices.
Young miss,
a woman said. Philia blinked and struggled to focus on the newcomer’s face. Can you tell me your name?
Mum,
Philia reached for her mother, then realized that the rescuers had already separated them. How did I miss that? Her vision blurred and the ship’s lights spun. She—she needs help.
Take it easy, miss. Can you give me your name?
Philia.
Arms shot out to support her as she swayed backwards. Someone cast a blanket over her shivering shoulders.
Fill-ee-uh? Am I saying that right?
She nodded.
Philia, drink.
She glanced down as the woman gave her a cup with a straw. Her teeth chattered against the straw as she sipped. It tasted painfully sweet, but she felt better after drinking it.
Can you give me the date, Philia?
Lammas Day,
she stammered, confused by the question. August the first. Our best chance. Wasted.
What’s she going on about?
someone behind her asked.
Philia took another sip. My mum. She won’t wake up. Can you help her? She—she’s hurt because of me. Can you—?
We’re going to help her, as best we can,
the woman promised, sounding faint and far away. Hello? Philia, can you hear me…?
A tall, fair-haired man strode across pure white sands. He caught sight of her, waved his arms and beckoned her to shore.
Philia. A kind smile brightened his sun-weathered face. Philia, come home.
She eagerly stretched out her hands across the cerulean sea.
Coming, Father! Just a few more strokes, and he’d gather her into his arms...
***Be still now, child,
A woman’s sharp voice jerked her back to reality. Or you’ll make things worse.
Ouch,
Philia groaned. She pulled away from the stranger’s touch and opened her eyes.
It’s all right, there’s a dear,
said the stranger with an encouraging smile. A middle-aged woman dressed in colorful hospital scrubs, wearing a badge that read Nurse Susan, smiled down at her. You’re safe from that dreadful storm.
Philia looked beyond the woman to take in her new surroundings. Nurse Susan and several other workers pushed her down a brightly lit hallway on a creaking hospital bed. One of them slapped a silver button on the wall, then waved Nurse Susan and the others through a set of automatic double doors. Philia could just make out a sign as they passed through the doorway. Llandudno General Hospital: Emergency Ward.
Llandudno? She suppressed a groan. Llandudno was the next town over from Conwy. I guess the coastguard brought me here.
They rolled past a window, where the sky had taken on the rosy hue of dawn. The storm clouds had cleared, but bright drops of rainwater still clung to the windowpane, sparkling like jewels in the morning sun.
Last night’s disappointments flooded Philia’s memory all at once: the loss of their fishing boat, their injuries at sea, and their failure to reach Avalon. Philia and her mother were worse off than when they’d started their sea adventure.
Mum! Where’s Mum?
She lifted her head off the floral-scented pillow, but the sudden movement made the hallway tilt like a boat at sea.
Philia forced out a question.
Mum,
she said. Where’s… my Mum?
The memory of her mother’s grim, determined face as the last wave hit flashed in and out of Philia’s mind.
She’s here,
Nurse Susan said. Just finished her first test.
But how is she?
Philia demanded.
The nurse didn’t answer until she had wheeled Philia into a clean, semi-darkened hospital room. Half of the space was hidden by a beige curtain hanging from the ceiling.
I’ll let her tell you that herself.
With a wink at Philia, Nurse Susan pulled the curtain aside. Mrs. Pendragon, your daughter is here.
Her mother looked terrible. The left side of her face was a giant blue and purple bruise, and her left eye was swollen almost shut. Stitches wrapped across her forehead and temple, and an IV dangled from her arm.
Philia shifted sideways on her hospital bed to face her mother. Guilt sank like an uneasy stone in her stomach. This was my fault.
Dearest.
her mother’s voice came out raspy and hoarse, but her one visible eye sparkled with affection. Thank goodness you’re alright.
Oh Mum,
Philia said, I’m so sorry. We never should’ve gone out there last night—
Her mother raised her hand, almost like a warning. Philia belatedly remembered they were not alone.
Excuse me, ma’am?
Her mother’s lips twisted into a wry smile as she spoke to the nurse. May I have a moment alone with my daughter?
Nurse Susan hesitated and studied the two Pendragons with a practiced medical eye. She seemed reluctant to leave them so soon after their rescue.
Alright then,
she agreed with a nod. I’ll give you ladies a moment while I call the doctor. If you need assistance, press the red button.
She exited the room.
Vivien shifted her head toward her daughter.
How are you, dove?
Not wonderful, but I think I’m going to be fine.
She felt tired, dizzy, and sore, but these were curable things. Mum, I’m worried. Are you—?
The question caught in her throat.
She watched her mother clench and unclench her left hand. The fine pearl set in her wedding ring shimmered on her finger. The doctor thinks I may have a traumatic brain injury. If so, it will be a slow recovery. I may not be able to travel for some time.
That’s okay, Mum,
Philia answered bracingly. I’ll be here for you. I can help.
She reached out her fingers towards her mother, craving the connection.
Vivien blinked and slowly clasped her daughter’s hand in her own. They’re going to separate us, Philly. You’re still underage, and there will be no one to care for you while I’m recovering.
No one to care for you. Sudden panic engulfed her. Without your mother, who do you have?
"No one to care for me? she protested.
What about you, Mum?"
Her mother winced when Philia raised her voice. "When they separate us, I’ll request