Shadows of the Redwood - By Gillian Summers Page 0,92
family saga short: I’m the half-elf, half-goblin son of Kalix’s sister. Kalix raised me as his own, but he is the one who slew my goblin father, he whose blood nourishes the roots of the Ancients. Kalix knew I was part goblin, but I hid my true nature from him.”
Viran frowned. “I told Kalix nothing good ever came of helping a goblin.”
Tavyn hissed. “You’re dying, old man, and because of your advice, my father is dead. But his intent lives on in the trees. You couldn’t stop that, tree shepherd.”
Sean was nodding grimly. “I will let you live, goblin, but never come near Keelie again.”
“I promise. I’ll be a good goblin and leave your girlfriend, alone.” He laughed. “Good goblin.”
Tavyn turned to Grandmother, who was staring in disbelief at the creature in front of her. “You thought Bloodroot possessed Tavyn. It was the other way around. I took over Bloodroot.”
Then Tavyn’s bitter gaze focused on Keelie. “We have a lot in common, you and I, Keliel.”
“I have nothing in common with you.” She was disgusted by Tavyn. He’d been such a handsome young elf, but his true nature was repellent.
“You and I both lost a parent, and we are both half-breeds. We have the blood of the dark fae singing within us, and we both can control Earth magic.” Tavyn grinned at Keelie. “You and I are going to make a wonderful pair.” He made a gesture and suddenly he was Tavyn the elf again, although his long hair was still in dreads.
Sean moved forward. Tavyn spun around and pointed a finger. “Better keep an eye on your lovely Keelie. The goblins know her name.”
Tavyn laughed again and began to spin. Dirt flew everywhere, spraying them with rocks and debris. In seconds, Tavyn was gone. A hole in the earth was all that remained. From deep inside came the jangle of Peascod’s jester hat, and dark laughter. Was the creepy jester a goblin, too? That would explain a lot.
Chills consumed Keelie. She knew this wouldn’t be the last time she saw Tavyn, and she wondered what his relationship was with Peascod. She didn’t want to see either of them ever again.
A tree spirit drifted over, and Keelie realized that it was Bloodroot. Without the goblins’ influence he seemed stern, but somehow kindly. His tree-face eyes were gray, no longer the brilliant green of the goblin’s poisoned sap. He hovered near Viran. Viran closed his eyes. Keelie knew the two were talking in tree speak, but she couldn’t hear their words.
The Redwood Tree Shepherd nodded. “It is time, Keliatiel.”
“What’s going on?” Keelie asked.
Grandmother closed her eyes. Green magic flowed through her body, and when she reopened her eyes, they were a supernaturally bright green.
“Are you both in agreement?” she asked.
“Yes, my lady.” Viran straightened.
The tree spirit Bloodroot bowed. Yes, shepherdess.
“We must wait until Lord Zekeliel comes, and then we shall perform the ceremony.”
“Dad’s coming?” Keelie asked.
“It’s going to be okay, Keelie.” Grandmother said reassuringly. She stepped closer to Viran, and he leaned on her. “I’ve summoned your father. The trees are no longer blocking us.”
The Redwood Tree Shepherd placed his gnarled hand on Keelie’s shoulder. “It is my time to fade, child. Bloodroot has requested an Involucrum: a binding of shepherd and tree. My spirit will live on with the tree. We will become as one, and I will be able to guide the new treelings. So, in a way, I will still be here. You and your father will help me make the transition.”
“But you can’t fade. I just found you.” Tears brimmed in Keelie’s eyes, making everything blurry.
“You have saved me, child.”
“Keelie,” a soft voice said from below. It was Coyote. He pointed his sharp nose toward the clearing behind them.
Risa was carrying Knot in her arms. His head was pressed against her chest, his legs dangled, and his tail hung limp. She clutched him tightly to her chest. “Keelie, what are we going to do?”
“Knot?” The tears that had blurred Keelie’s eyes now flowed down her cheeks. She couldn’t lose him. He was gross and obnoxious and she loved him so much. She couldn’t live without him. Her throat burned and her heart ached with such deep pain that she feared taking her next breath. How could she live without Knot?
Keelie reached out to Risa. “May I hold him?”
Wetness shimmered in Risa’s eyes. She sobbed and held Knot’s body closer.
“He was my guardian.” Keelie just wanted to say goodbye.