Chapter Five: Shells, Stars, and Royal Decrees

 

Chapter Five: Shells, Stars, and Royal Decrees

The city sparkled all around them, but Ariel barely had time to take it all in before a new voice called out from the city gate.

"Ah, there you are," came a deep, deliberate voice that rumbled like distant thunder.

A large turtle—walking upright and dressed in long, flowing robes that shimmered with the colors of dawn—approached them. His shell was patterned with star-like swirls, glowing faintly with blues and golds, and he walked with a staff that clicked against the glowing cobblestone road.

"Advisor Orlow, at your service," he said with a small bow. "Queen Liora has been expecting you."

Ariel blinked. "You're a turtle."

"Indeed," Orlow said with a slow smile. "And you're the Starborn. We all surprise someone eventually. Come, let me show you our city."

As they walked behind Orlow, the city of Liora bloomed around them like a dream.

Buildings of crystal and carved moonstone shimmered in the light, casting soft reflections that danced like stars across the streets. Shops lined the roads, filled with things Ariel had never seen before—sparkling scarves that floated in midair, pastries that steamed with swirling clouds of sugar and starlight, and little bottles that glowed when touched.

Ariel paused at one shop window where a thin, willow-like creature sold paintings that moved. Each one was alive, the scenes shifting and changing—mountains forming, rivers flowing, creatures running through enchanted fields.

"Whoa," she whispered.

Boo wrinkled her nose at a food stall where something purple and wiggling tried to climb out of a pot. "Remind me not to eat that."

The city smelled of flowers and spice and something warm and glowing—like comfort itself. Residents moved through the streets with graceful steps, some riding gentle, antlered creatures and others floating above the ground. Ariel caught bits of their conversations as they passed:

"Did you see her? The Starborn!"

"The prophecy... it’s really happening."

"Do you think she can stop him?"

Ariel felt all their eyes. Curious. Hopeful. Afraid. She squeezed the key tighter in her hand.

At the center of the city stood a castle unlike anything Ariel had imagined.

The Castle of Liora rose high above everything else, its walls made of translucent crystal that shifted colors with the light—soft pinks, golds, and shimmering blues. It looked like it had grown from the earth itself, rather than being built. The towers were tall and spiraling, with glowing vines climbing them, pulsing like veins of light.

Massive doors opened as Orlow approached, the entrance wide enough to fit a dragon.

Inside, the air changed. It was cool, calm, filled with the sound of flowing water and soft music that seemed to come from the walls themselves. The floor was smooth stone laced with stars, and the ceilings sparkled like the night sky.

"You will dine with Queen Liora soon," Orlow said, bowing slightly. "But first, your rooms. You must rest, freshen up, and change. The Queen wishes for you to be properly outfitted."

Ariel and Boo were led to adjoining rooms, both glowing softly with moonlight. A shimmering wardrobe appeared at the foot of Ariel’s bed, and inside were clothes unlike any she had ever seen.

Her new outfit wasn’t fancy—it was practical. A deep-blue tunic lined with soft silver threads, matching pants that moved like silk but felt strong, and a cloak the color of twilight. A star-shaped clasp fastened it at her shoulder. She looked like she was ready for an adventure.

Boo’s outfit—though she grumbled—consisted of a silver collar with a small, elegant cape. "Ridiculous," she muttered. "Absolutely regal."

Outside their rooms, Advisor Orlow turned to Thistle with a gentle nod. "You’ve done well, Mr. Fernwhistle. Perhaps it’s time you returned to your post."

Thistle blinked. "Oh. Well, I suppose if that’s—"

"No," Ariel interrupted, stepping forward. "I want Thistle to stay. He’s helped me since the beginning. I trust him."

Orlow studied her for a moment, then turned to Thistle. "Do you wish to stay, Mr. Fernwhistle?"

Thistle puffed up his chest. "I would be honored to remain. It’s not every day a humble guide becomes part of the Starborn’s story."

Together, they were brought through a long, winding hall into a vast dining chamber.

The room was lit with floating orbs of golden light. Long windows showed the entire kingdom stretched beneath the castle like a sea of stars. A crescent-shaped table stood at the center, and seated at the head was Queen Liora.

She was radiant.

Her skin shimmered like pearl, and her hair flowed like starlight, long and silvery-blue. Her crown looked like it was woven from moonbeams and glass. But her expression was serious—strong, not cold.

She rose as they entered. "Ariel. Boo. Thistle. Advisor Orlow. Welcome."

Ariel bowed slightly, her heart thudding. Boo dipped her head as well, looking curiously at the floating plates filled with glowing fruits and soft breads.

Queen Liora sat again. Her gaze swept over the group before settling on Thistle.

"Thistle Fernwhistle," she said, her tone calm but firm. "You have done your part in bringing them here. You may return to your duties."

Thistle lowered his head respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty."

But before he could take a step, Ariel stood straighter. "Wait. If I’m supposed to help, then I want Thistle with me. He’s already helped more than anyone."

Queen Liora tilted her head, studying Ariel for a long moment.

Then she nodded. "Very well. He will stay."

A smile crept across Thistle’s face. "Oh, thank the stars."

The room grew quiet.

"Lord Umbric has stolen the Starflame," the Queen said. "The heart of our kingdom. It is more than light—it is our hope, our guide, the flame that once fell from the sky to give this world its spark."

She waved a hand, and above the table a small glowing fire flickered to life. "This was once part of it. But he’s taken the core. And now, his creatures destroy our starfruit and the great startrees that grew from the fragments of the Starflame."

The image dimmed. "He means to extinguish us. Slowly. Thoroughly."

Ariel’s voice was small. "Why me? Why Boo?"

Queen Liora looked her in the eyes. "Because the prophecy said the Starborn would return in our darkest hour. That a child not of this world, with a heart full of wonder and courage, would bring the light back."

She turned to Boo. "And she would not come alone."

Boo tilted her head. "So we’re supposed to save your whole world. Just the two of us?"

Queen Liora smiled slightly. "With help. But yes. The kingdom of Starlight now depends on your words, your choices, and your deeds. Will you answer the call?"

Ariel looked to Boo.

Boo looked at the glowing fruit on the table and sighed.

Boo Asked, "But what happens if we don’t? What happens if we can’t? What happens if we... fail?"

The question hung in the air like a shadow.

Ariel’s breath caught, and she looked to Queen Liora, who didn’t answer right away.

Her eyes glimmered with a mix of sorrow and strength. "Then we lose the light. And the world fades into silence."

Boo looked down at the fruit again, ears twitching. "No pressure," she mumbled.

Ariel looked at Boo who looked back and then they both looked at Thistle who reached out a furry paw ariel put her hand on top of thistles and Boo put her little paw on top of ariels.  "We can do this!" Fernwhistle said to them quietly but confidently.