The Revenge of the Elves Read Free Page B

too.”
    “Do you really believe that?”
    “Yes, I do!” she said, more certain this time. “I just don’t know what we should do with it if we keep it.”
    He pulled hard on her arm. “We’ve got to find the well as fast as we can.”

Chapter Three

    She has grown far stronger than I ever imagined , Blodwyn said.
    And that disturbs you? the magnificent tree replied.
    In a way, yes , she admitted. She chose not to honor the bond. She lives independently of us, and she pays no heed to our precautions, our warnings nor our attempts to contact her. I don’t trust her.
    Yet she protects the heir and his brother , Lilandre said.
    A soft wind blew through the heavily laden branches, rustling the leaves. They sang in the wind.
    So it seems , she replied, though with skepticism in her voice.
    Blodwyn chose her enemies carefully and her friends even more so, yet Sidra remained an enigma. She folded her arms and stared at the ground, barely noticing the tree’s efforts to soothe her worries.
    Do you doubt what she is doing is for our benefit? Lilandre asked.
    It is not doubt that plagues me , Lilandre, she said, looking up with imploring eyes at the huge Lalas she stood under. Its branches sheltered her but she still felt ill at ease. What she is doing is brazen and provocative. She flaunts her power, as if she can do what she wishes without any fear of recrimination. What has changed? Does she think we are too weak or preoccupied to respond?
    The tree lifted its branches as if shrugging, and a few silver tinged leaves drifted to the mossy surface.
    So you believe our power is waning , Lilandre stated in response.
    Blodwyn jerked her head up. Her long braid smacked against her back.
    I did not say that! Defiance marked her tone and she drew her cape tight around her body.
    You did not have to , the tree responded. ‘Tis true nonetheless .
    What? That I believe it or that it is a fact?
    Lilandre’s silence was deafening. The leaves fluttered and the branches swayed, and the odor of Lalas was sweet and strong, but no voice spoke within Blodwyn’s mind.
    You are not going to answer my question, are you? Blodwyn asked. Why, Lilandre, why? What are you hiding from me? The shielded thought flitted through her head.
    A finger-like tendril reached out and caressed her cheek and she flinched and backed away. She was in no mood to be patronized, but Lilandre was persistent.
    It was you who did not answer my question, Blodwyn , the tree whispered inside her head. Do not be afraid of what you believe. It is faith that drives the world forward. You cannot always choose what your heart embraces. It comes not of thought and contemplation but of instinct and emotion. Don’t refuse it. The seeds of resent and unhappiness are nurtured within the rank soil of denial.
    And it is faith that blinds us, is it not? I admit I fear for the trees, and for you as well , she said, allowing the Lalas’ touch. How many have we lost this past tiel? Nine?
    The branch wound around her arm and looped over her ear. She sighed and gave in to its embrace.
    Yes, nine , Lilandre replied somberly.
    The number resonated in her head. Nine trees dead in six years.
    Nine trees. And now the total has reached eleven , Blodwyn said. How can we sustain such losses? It seems impossible.
    It is, Blodwyn. But we do not lament. Everything that occurs does so for a reason. The 11th shard has been secured. As we become weak, others grow stronger.
    Surely you cannot mean… she replied, shuddering at her tree’s words.
    No, Blodwyn. I am not referring to Colton. Though his power is increasing, it is not because ours is fading. Soon, the heir will have what he needs. Our hopes lie with him.
    Yet Colton is bolder each day and his reach is greater than only weeks ago. He believes the trees have forsaken the earth , the Chosen said. Of what significance then is the 11th shard? And it was a sister from Parth who stole it out from under his nose? she asked, still surprised at this