Shadows of the Redwood - By Gillian Summers Page 0,19
dear, this is Lady Keliatiel, former Lady of the Dread Forest, and her granddaughter Keliel, also a tree shepherdess.” Kalix bowed his head toward the other elf. “And Norzan, Tree Shepherd of the Northwoods.”
Sariela bowed her head in return. “Welcome, honored guests. Please share our meal as family.”
Grandmother smiled graciously. “Keliel and I thank you for inviting us to your home.”
Norzan was staring curiously at everything. “Thank you for having us, Lady Sariela. Your home is one in balance with nature and the trees. You are truly blessed.” Sariela seemed very pleased with Norzan’s compliment.
For some reason, though, Keelie could feel waves of tension come from Grandmother. Was she afraid of heights? Jealous of the nice home? Hungry? Whatever. She would have to get over it. Keelie was starved, and it was nice to be around some happy elves for once. She’d just live in the moment until after the meal.
Dinner was delicious. Keelie asked questions about the treetop settlement as they ate their fill of bread and butternut squash soup, followed by hot mint green tea. Keelie wrapped her hands around the blue earthenware mug, enjoying the warmth that soaked into her hands.
“Are you tired, Keliel?” Norzan peered at her, worried. That caring look made her chest tighten.
She nodded, then glanced over at Grandmother, who was studying the inside of her tea mug, oblivious to Norzan’s concern. Grandmother would never have the kind of empathy the Northwoods Tree Shepherd was displaying. Even though she and Keelie had reached an understanding, Grandmother was still her stiff and regal elf self.
Kalix pushed his chair away from the table. “So, my tree shepherd friends. Have the trees spoken to you?”
“It’s been a long day.” Sariela interrupted, placing her hand on Kalix’s arm. “Maybe we can have this discussion another time. Talk to Bella, then let us retire. The child is weary, and she needs her rest.”
The “child” actually wanted to hear what the other tree shepherds had felt. Had Norzan felt the dark magic?
Kalix nodded at his wife’s words and patted her hand. “I shall be brief, as you suggest, and tomorrow we can discuss our plans and how to proceed.” It sounded like this particular “what we’re going to do” discussion involved Keelie. She sat up, sleepiness gone.
“As you know, our Tree Shepherd has disappeared, and the trees cannot sense him. It was upon their suggestion that we sought help from the tree shepherds of the two greatest western American forests.” Kalix said. “We are grateful for your assistance.”
“Could the fae be behind his disappearance?” Grandmother asked.
Norzan nodded. “I would start there. In the Northwoods, we’ve had discussions with the High Court of the fae. We’re working together to strengthen the veils between the worlds.”
“I’ve always disapproved of this unnatural alliance. Beware the Shining Ones,” Grandmother said ominously. “The fae have not been friends to the elves.”
Norzan frowned. “They approached us first, my lady. We all have to work together. You heard about the Arctic thaw? We must reverse it in order for our ways to survive.”
“The fae, as you call them, no longer live in our forest.” Kalix’s tone was serious. “The trees said it was urgent that we send for you.” He turned to Keelie. “Your success in the Dread Forest has been heard far and wide. The trees and the spirits speak the name of Keliel Tree Talker.”
She lifted her head. “Me?” Spirits were speaking her name?
“Yes, you.” Norzan smiled and his blue eyes twinkled. “You’re the first to combine the magic of elf, fae, and Earth. The fairy courts of the Northwoods know you well, and speak of you as one of their own.”
Keelie didn’t like that. She wanted to be low on the fairy radar. It was one thing to deal with the Dread Forest’s fae and bhata, but she didn’t want to go global. She realized that Kalix was right about the absence of fairies—she’d seen no bhata here.
“Why are there no fae in the Redwood Forest?”
Sariela, Kalix, and Tavyn looked at one another as if Keelie had mentioned an unpleasant subject.
Kalix cleared his throat. “They were banished, along with the goblins that sought to overrun this forest.”
“Goblins?” Keelie jerked back, almost spilling her hot tea. Just hearing the word “goblin” shot chills through her body. Visions of giant, toad-faced creatures carrying broadaxes flashed in her mind, and she heard again the loud cackling laugh of the Red Cap. She’d come close to death when she’d battled a Red Cap at the High Mountain Faire.