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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781481713436 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 02/08/2013 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 250 |
| File size: | 4 MB |
Read an Excerpt
The Dagger of Bahyel
The First Elf AdventureBy Sandra McPherson
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2013 Sandra McPhersonAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4817-1341-2
Chapter One
GETTING READY FOR WINTER
It was a bright, sunshiny, crisp air kind of day. Winter would be here soon, but today the leaves were yellow and orange and red and every hue in between. It was near the end of the harvest season and Gidley and his friends Casha and Bellina were in the Lega Woods filling baskets with the very large acorns that grew in those woods.
"Ooh, it's so hard to find the acorns with all these leaves," Casha cried.
"I know, but we have to get as many as we can today," Gidley reminded her.
"What do the Fairies do with all these acorns, anyway?" asked Bellina.
"Well, the Fairies use the acorn caps for dishes. Bowls are made from the whole ones. The woodworker Elves clean and polish them, just as they are, although some are stained with berry juice and other natural dyes. Those are for the more important Fairies. Plates are made by rubbing them on rocks to grind down the rims until they are almost flat. I guess they break a lot doing that, plus, there are a lot of Fairies."
"Ooh, thanks for the history lesson, Gidley."
"Yeah," Casha said. "You're sooo smart."
"Hey, you asked. I was only trying to help. I thought maybe you girls could use the information. Ouch!" Casha hit him right between the eyes with an acorn.
"Good shot!" Bellina said, half laughing, half serious.
"You could put someone's eye out doing that," Gidley said indignantly. "Why do you two always have to end up hurting me?"
"I'm sorry, really," Casha giggled. "I just meant to toss it near you. I guess I'm a worse shot than I thought. I tried to miss!" She burst out laughing and was joined by Bellina. This was too much for Gidley and he started pelting them both with acorns as they ran for their lives, laughing and taunting him.
Of course, Gidley didn't really try to hit them. Well, not too hard. He would never do anything to hurt anyone, especially Casha, whom he thought was the most beautiful Elf in Sharrock. She was just a little over three feet, seven inches tall and very slim. She had softly curled, golden, blond hair that hung to her waist and violet-blue eyes. She was the best singer in the country and she danced as though her feet were encased in cloud puffs. They had been friends all their lives and one day he was going to marry her. Of course, they would probably have to let Bellina live with them. She also, was the best friend of both of them and exactly the opposite of Casha. She too, was beautiful, but her hair was so dark it was almost black and she always put it in one big, fat braid, which she wore draped over her right shoulder. She had dark, hazel eyes that sparkled when she laughed. Bellina was three feet, eight inches tall and also slim. She and Casha often danced together, but Bellina played the flute and hardly ever sang.
Gidley played the flute and with his dark brown hair and deep green eyes, kept all the female Elves interested. He stood almost four feet tall and was considered to be the most handsome Elf for miles around. He didn't sing or dance, but no one minded.
They ran down near the Teld Stream and all three dropped down near the water's edge, panting and laughing.
"You made me drop all my acorns," Bellina exclaimed, looking down at her now empty basket.
"Well, looks like you better get going. Queen Findra promised to have lots of dishes for Queen Sennabelle by the end of the week and today is our day to gather them.
We can't disappoint the Queen."
"Right. Come on, Bellina," Casha said. "I'll help you. I don't know why we put up with him anyway." She gave Gidley a wink, as she turned and skipped away to help fill Bellina's basket, again.
Gidley followed to help, too. It really wouldn't do to let Bellina incur the wrath of Queen Findra. She wasn't a mean Queen, but she demanded absolute respect and no one ever disobeyed her. No one wanted to. They all loved her and she was fiercely protective of all her Elves. However, not getting enough dishes for the fairies' Queen Sennabelle, would make Queen Findra look bad and no one wanted that, especially not these three. It was the first year they were out on their own, together, to collect acorns. They were usually with a larger group of friends, gathering berries and herbs, so they really wanted to make a good impression.
This courtesy to Queen Sennabelle started a long time ago when Sharrock was under attack by evil Elves from a far off realm. The Fairies came from Kellenshire and helped during the battle. The Fairies are tiny creatures, but they have magical powers and they have the ability to fly. They were a great asset during the battle, because they were able to act as messengers, back and forth between Queen Findra and the battlefield. With the fairies' help, the Elves of Sharrock were able to keep their army informed of all battle plans and strategies.
They won that war and when Queen Findra asked what she could do to repay the Fairies for their help, Queen Sennabelle revealed how difficult it was for the tiny Fairies, who were only between three and six inches tall, to hunt, gather, and fashion the acorn caps into usable dishes. So now, each year the Elves do it for them. The Elves also gather fruit and nuts and preserve them, usually by drying, and provide food sources for themselves and the Fairies for winter. The Fairies keep a strict look out at the borders, for intruders, and also look for sources of honey and berries. Much of the winter clothing for the wealthy Elves comes from the Fairies. They weave a lightweight cloth, known as Fairy silk, that is extremely warm.
They work well together and they all stay well fed and safe. They are great neighbors!
After filling Bellina's basket once again, the three friends started back toward home.
Suddenly, Gidley stopped and held his hand up for the girls to stop talking. He cocked his head to listen.
"What is it?" asked Casha.
"Shhh! I thought I heard someone scream."
"Where?" asked Bellina.
"Shhh! How can I hear, if you two keep chattering," Gidley said, as he motioned them to stay back. He advanced to the edge of a stand of trees.
Listening again, he heard a scream and voices coming from the wooded area ahead.
"Stay here, I think someone's in trouble." He ran forward pulling his small dagger, from its sheath.
Not being ones to listen to Gidley or to remain somewhere, when there was adventure elsewhere, both girls hesitated a few minutes and then threw down their baskets of acorns and ran after him.
When they finally caught up to Gidley they both let out small sounds of surprise. It seemed that a large branch had broken off from a tree and had fallen, pinning an old Elf to the ground. His head was bleeding and he wasn't moving. Two young Elves, one boy and one girl, were crying and calling 'Ga-pa, ga-pa', over and over.
Most startling, however, was that Gidley was engaged in a battle for his life against a deadly lupode, a wolflike creature, who usually inhabited the land further north. Why a lupode was here in the woods of Sharrock they could not guess, but it was clear he was here and Gidley needed help.
Both girls ran forward just as Gidley thrust his dagger into the heart of the creature, as it sprang forth, in an attempt to kill Gidley.
With the lupode lying at his feet, breathing its last breath, Gidley turned his attention to the old Elf pinned under the fallen branch.
Casha and Bellina knew that Gidley wasn't going to be able to move the large branch alone, so they rushed forward to help.
Casha called to the children to keep back and not to panic, although she felt pretty scared and panicky herself, at that moment.
"Bellina, grab the end over there and pull towards me," Gidley shouted. "Casha, come here and help me pull this way."
As the branch started to move, the old Elf groaned and opened his eyes.
"He may be really hurt, but he's not dead," Bellina said with relief.
"How can we get him back home, even when we free him?" Casha asked.
"Someone will have to go get help," Gidley decided. "I think you two should stay here with the little ones and comfort the old Elf. I can run the fastest, so I'll go back to Sharrocktown for help."
"Come let's move this branch off of him."
Putting all the strength they could muster, they pulled and pulled and finally freed the old Elf. The children ran to him and began to comfort him, as he lay moaning.
Gidley took off at a fast run toward town and help.
"Casha, I think we can keep us and the children calm, if I play my flute and you sing along," Bellina suggested.
"Good idea," Casha responded. "It won't take Gidley long to get help. He runs like the wind."
Very shortly, voices could be heard coming towards them. Gidley had indeed run like the wind and three of their friends, riding on their ponies, were headed to where the old Elf lay.
They had brought along a leather pouch filled with vita that the elves were famous for in their realm. The fairies and elves make it from magic water, honey and herbs. One good drink and the old Elf quieted right down. Vita has special properties to heal and calm, so that the Elves were able to lift the old Elf onto a sling made from two poles covered with leather. Once it was fastened to Dira's pony they were able to drag him, quickly but gently, back to Sharrocktown for medical attention.
Casha and Bellina helped the two little ones on to the other two ponies and the other riders took off with them, following their grandfather.
Gidley had a huge grin on his face. "We sure did our good deed for the day!"
Casha and Bellina smiled and agreed with him.
"Although," said Casha, "I'm afraid we have all lost our acorns."
"Here we go again," Bellina sighed.
"We had better hurry," Gidley said. "It's going to be dark soon and it's starting to get cold."
"That old Elf sure was lucky you heard the kids scream," Bellina said. "He may not have made it through the cold night, even if the lupode hadn't threatened to kill them all.
Chapter Two
THE BREAKFAST
Gidley awoke to the sound of his name being called. He lay there and listened a minute.
"No, I guess I was dreaming. No, I definitely hear my name. It sounds like Bellina and Casha. Why would they be up so early?" Gidley climbed out of bed and ran to the window. There was Casha and Bellina standing near the garden with one of the Queen's guardsmen. 'Why is he here?' Gidley wondered out loud.
"Hello, Mr. Gidley. Please come down at once and join us," the guard called.
"I, I can't. I'm not dressed. You woke me up," Gidley said, confused.
"Please, dress quickly. Her Majesty, Queen Findra awaits you," the guard called up to him.
"Queen Findra? The Queen wants to see me?" Gidley exclaimed. "Why?" But deep down inside he knew why. They had failed to gather enough acorns yesterday and the Queen was probably mad. They had a real good excuse, however, so Gidley knew they wouldn't get into too much trouble. Besides they could volunteer to go again today. He was almost ready for winter and he knew the girls were even more diligent than he was. If he felt ready, he knew they would be.
"Okay, be right down," Gidley called out cheerfully. He didn't feel cheerful, however.
After 'good mornings' to his two best friends and to the very nice guard, they all set out for the palace.
The palace was set on a rock ledge, which was the highest elevation in the middle of Sharrocktown, the ruling town of Sharrock. Sharrock was one of the largest Kingdoms of Elves, in that part of the world. It was peaceful and quiet and the surrounding kingdoms were all on good terms. The wars and battles were long over.
Sharrock was made up of small towns, on mostly flat, level land. The children, animals and crops were raised in a land of rich, fertile soil that supported many farms. The gentle, streams, stands of tall, majestic trees and fields of wild flowers made for a quiet place to live a wonderful life. Even winters here, although cold and snowy, weren't as harsh as they were in the kingdoms farther north.
The palace was built of splendid white marble and the finest wood and it could be seen from almost anywhere in Sharrocktown. The Queen's flag, a gold dragon on a white background, flew from the tower. The palace was surrounded by a high wall and during a war or dangerous situation all of the Elves of Sharrock could be brought inside. With the gates closed they were safe and the Queen's guards could defend them and their Queen. Very few Elves ever got to go inside the palace itself; however, they were all frequently in the courtyard, at the front of the palace, under the balcony. It was from this balcony that Queen Findra made all of her important announcements.
Upon reaching the courtyard, all three friends stopped and looked up at the balcony. The guard surprised them by asking them to hurry along. They followed behind and gave each other inquisitive looks. Maybe they were in more trouble, than Gidley had first thought.
The guard ushered them into a large room, brightly lit with candles. The walls were covered with rich fabrics and there were the most lavish furnishings they had ever seen. This was not at all like the small rooms in the tiny cottages, that most Elves were used to living in.
"My dear subjects and heroes, please approach the throne," Queen Findra intoned. "Guard, thank you. You may leave now."
The three friends approached and knelt before the Queen. They felt not at all like heroes. Queen Findra only stood three feet, six inches tall, but she was still a commanding presence. This morning she was dressed in a simple gown of pale blue, her dark brown hair long and flowing; a golden crown on her head.
"Please rise. I have heard of your deeds of yesterday in the forest. I am pleased to have such brave subjects. I expect my guards and soldiers to do brave deeds. It is their job and they are dedicated, but for mere Elves such as you three, to be put into such danger to spare others, ah, I am most pleased. You may not be aware of exactly whom you have saved."
"No Your Majesty." Casha was the bravest today and the first to speak directly to the Queen.
The other two mumbled 'no' and fell silent.
Queen Findra continued, "I didn't think so. The elderly Elf is Atilol. Years ago during the horrible war with the Elves from Dordom, Atilol and his young son, Andely, served in my army. Andely was a fine Elf and very good soldier, better than most. He helped his father lead the army. He was brave and fought to his death. Atilol was grief stricken over Andely's death, but that didn't prevent him from continuing to fight and finally help win the war.
When Atilol returned home, he found that his wife had also been killed by a group of marauding soldiers. Their young daughter had been spared and Atilol raised her on a farm outside of Sharrocktown. He was fiercely proud of his son's bravery, but was so broken hearted over his wife and son's deaths that he became a recluse. He was one of our greatest heroes, but sadly, we rarely see him now. He lives with his daughter and her two children, whom you met yesterday. It seems the daughter was so busy with winter preparations that Atilol decided to take the children, in her place, for the annual acorn gathering. Things went badly for them, as you well know, and had it not been for the three of you ... well, lets not think of that."
"I'm so proud of you and at the Winter Ball I shall speak of your deeds to all of Sharrock. You will be given a special honor," the Queen said smiling. "But for now, it would be my pleasure to have you join me for breakfast."
The two girls let out a quiet little squeal of excitement and they followed the Queen to the huge dining room.
Gidley almost choked and suddenly breakfast didn't seem like a very good idea. He followed the girls, but he was sure he couldn't eat a thing and he wasn't at all sure he could handle the tools that he had heard the Queen used for dining. Gidley, like most of the common Elves, usually used a small knife for cutting up the food and he ate with his fingers. 'Oh, no' he thought, 'how can I get through this?'
The dining room was the largest room, other than the throne room, that the friends had ever seen. The table alone could not fit into any of their whole houses. It was set with elegant plates and glasses and eating tools. Fresh flowers were everywhere. If this is breakfast, what must the other meals be like?
There were fruits and berries and nuts and vita. Gidley took a quick sip of his vita, to calm himself down. The two girls were staring wide-eyed, but didn't seem nervous. Excited, but definitely not as scared as he was. The pots of golden honey sparkled in the morning sun, coming through the stained glass windows and those same windows cast lovely colors over the pots of cream. Scones were piled high on a platter. They were dazzled by the food. Elves are not meat eaters and even though most of what the Queen had to eat was the same foods they all usually ate, they had never had all of them at once and never of such quantity or quality.
Casha and Bellina decided not to waste a moment and began to eat immediately. Gidley decided he'd better try to eat something.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The Dagger of Bahyel by Sandra McPherson Copyright © 2013 by Sandra McPherson. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
GETTING READY FOR WINTER....................1THE BREAKFAST....................7
SNOW HOLIDAY....................13
SOMETHING MISSING....................17
PROVISIONS AND PLANS....................25
THE SEARCH BEGINS....................31
THE ENCOUNTER....................35
NEER, BUT NOT VERY FAR....................39
THE STORM....................43
HELP COMES....................47
BEDS FOR THE NIGHT....................53
THE SEARCH GOES ON....................59
DASH TO THE RESCUE....................63
THE ROAD TO DAWES....................69
A WELCOME IN LUMPOR....................73
TRAINING AND TRAVELING....................79
SWORDPLAY....................85
WHAT HAPPENED TO BELLINA?....................95
BACK TO THE BAILI MOUNTAINS....................99
THE MOARDS....................103
UP THE MOUNTAIN....................107
THE RESCUE....................113
UNEASY TRUCE....................119
THE BAILI MOUNTAINS TREASURE....................125
AUDIENCE WITH THE QUEEN....................131
ALL ALONE....................139
THE STORY AT LAST....................147
FRIENDS TO THE END....................151
THE CLASH....................155
REPORT TO THE KING....................161
SAYING GOODBYE....................165
THE ROUTE HOME....................171
HAIL THE HEROES....................181
BACK TO NORMAL....................187
THE RETURN TO THORPESHIRE....................193
THE PLAN....................201
THE REUNION....................207
THE LIST GROWS....................213
THE BATTLE....................219
THE LAST PIECE OF THE PUZZLE....................227
IN POWER....................233
THE CORONATION....................237