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    Curse of the Elfs
    Curse of the Elfs
    Curse of the Elfs
    Ebook319 pages4 hours

    Curse of the Elfs

    By Anna del C. Dye

    ()

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    About this ebook

    When an immortal race ceases to be immortal, woe to the land.

    Ancient legend tells of elfs crossing paths with the dying wizard, Zoltan. The Old Sorcerer’s nefarious deeds had caused the wizarding school to chastise him severely. On his deathbed, Zoltan asked the elfs for help. Losing patience in his delirium, he cursed them.

    Now, the immortal elfin race is slowly, but surely dying. Their only hope lies in a servant of kings who must learn to love the elfs before he will attempt to save them. But no one, elf or mankind, has ever heard of this man. Can the healer be found before their race is gone forever?

    Inspired by Tolkien’s masterpiece, Anna del C. has created a brilliant medieval tale. Curse of the Elfs is full of high adventure, romance and battles that will leave you awed from beginning to end.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAnna del C. Dye
    Release dateMar 5, 2015
    ISBN9781311498793
    Curse of the Elfs
    Author

    Anna del C. Dye

    Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess wan an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.

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      Book preview

      Curse of the Elfs - Anna del C. Dye

      Curse of the Elfs

      Anna del C. Dye

      This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described here are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

      Curse of the Elfs

      Second Edition – Revised and Enhanced

      All Rights Reserved.

      Copyright © 2014 Anna del C. Dye

      V2.0

      Cover Art by Lois Moore

      Illustrations by Kevin Mura

      This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

      ISBN-10: 150082772X

      ISBN-13: 978-1500827724

      PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

      In Curse of the Elfs, Anna del C. Dye has written a delightful tale… Seamlessly crafted with fully fleshed and very likeable characters, the story will appeal to both teen and adult readers alike.

      — John R. Clark, MLIS

      Author, librarian and reviewer

      Dye is a master at characterization… The plot is strong, the characters loveable and the settings superb… She uses visually rich language.

      —Debra Gaynor

      Reader’s Favorites

      I have read some good stories, but what sets this author apart from the rest, is her character ability. It only takes a few pages for you to fall head over heels in love for them.

      —Ashley Denis

      Independent Reviewer

      Anna del C. Dye has a true gift for storytelling. She grabs hold of her readers and takes them on a journey to a mythical place that has us all wishing we would never leave.

      —Front Street Reviews

      Books by Anna del C. Dye:

      The Silent Warrior Trilogy:

      The Elf and the Princess

      Trouble in the Elf City

      Elfs in a Conquered Realm

      Curse of the Elfs

      A Royal Elf of Abalon

      Shahira & the Flying Elfs

      The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain

      And available only as an e-book:

      Emerine’s Nightmare

      When an immortal race ceases to be immortal, woe to the land.

      Ancient legend tells of elfs crossing paths with the dying wizard, Zoltan. The Old Sorcerer’s nefarious deeds had caused the wizarding school to chastise him severely. On his deathbed, Zoltan asked the elfs for help. Losing patience in his delirium, he cursed them.

      Now, the immortal elfin race is slowly, but surely dying. Their only hope lies in a servant of kings who must learn to love the elfs before he will attempt to save them. But no one, elf or mankind, has ever heard of this man. Can the healer be found before their race is gone forever?

      Inspired by Tolkien’s masterpiece, Anna del C. has created a brilliant medieval tale. Curse of the Elfs is full of high adventure, romance and battles that will leave you awed from beginning to end.

      I would like to take another moment to comment on Dye’s writing skills. Few can surpass her. With each book she sets the bar higher. I am amazed that she finds another way to improve what I consider perfection.

      —Readers Favorite

      Chapter One

      The Elfs and Mankind

      I am worried sick about my wife Katelynn; she is great with child, and is with me, here in Altair, where a perilous battle will erupt at any moment. My name is Lathenyl, and I was unable to make her stay safely in Rolarin, the mankind city, where we live. She was adamant about being with me when our baby was born. So, unknown to me, she followed after I left to battle our old enemies here in the south.

      Not many mixed marriages like ours are blessed with descendants; in fact, not many elf couples in this land are thus blessed either. The surprising prospect of a baby almost overwhelmed us with joy… but now…

      My dearest love… What have you done? I am deeply saddened as I watch her sleep—so precious and in so much danger.

      I sense that the next battle might be our last, and the mere thought of her presence here causes me to tremble.

      Elfs are meant to protect and defend their women, son, my father’s voice came from my memory. It is our charge to do so with our lives.

      I know… I tried and failed... my frustration burst out through clenched teeth. I left her days away from this frightful place… But, now she is here in the midst of a city that holds no hope for us.

      I closed my heavy eyes once again and my mind wandered to an era long past, before I had become old enough to think of a partner for myself.

      It is uncommon for elfs to seek partners with other races, my father had told me in that bygone time. I remembered the conversation vividly.

      Why so, Father?

      One reason is that elfs live longer, men’s lifetime is very short compared to ours. It is sad to lose your partner after only a few decades together.

      I only thought differently after I met her. I decided that to have her for a short time would be better than to not have her at all. I still remember the first time I laid my blue eyes on her green ones. I had been summoned from Woodland, my city, to counsel with men.

      The orks had attacked some settlements and I had been selected by our council to go to Leenan, the mankind commander of Rolarin, and help him figure out what loomed over their horizon.

      Less than three weeks later, I had arrived at the mankind city, alone, and entered his house. This large man had some forty seasons and a handful of brown and white hair caressed his temples. He was tall, fit and strong, with a set of intimidating large blue eyes.

      I have dealt with elfs before, but I don’t recall seeing you; still, you are a sight for sore eyes, Leenan had greeted me, shaking my hand, a required custom of his kind. You come highly recommended.

      Thank you, how can I help you?

      Our king placed me in command of his troops. Yet, I can’t make sense of my scouts’ reports.

      I had been aware that Leenan was a veteran from other wars, well known and respected among men. I, for my part, had helped before in alliances with men to fight the orks, our common enemy, and am a well-known warrior among the elfs, for my knowledge of our enemy is extensive.

      It was in his house that I saw her. ‘A very tall slender girl,’ I admired her in my mind. Her step had seemed to falter when her eyes met mine. When she smiled, it brightened my very soul.

      I had sensed her father’s eyes move to follow my gaze. Leenan had observed her at the end of it, Lathenyl, this is my only daughter, Katelynn, he introduced us.

      It is a pleasure, my lady, I kissed her hand and let my eyes part not from hers. They were as green and beautiful as the deep lakes in my city.

      I had wondered if her father had noticed the attraction I felt for his daughter. I knew that Lee had knowledge of elfs by reputation and, at that moment, hoped that he had heard nothing but good reports about us. If that was not the case, I was headed straight for heartache.

      After dinner that evening, I noticed that Lady Katelynn had left the men of the household to stroll outside her home. I followed after a short moment.

      You are quite tall for a mankind girl, my comment had caused her to turn towards me. I mean no disrespect, I assured her.

      I had found her in her family’s colorful garden. The flowering bushes had bathed me with their perfume, or perhaps it was she. I watched the breeze play with her long chestnut hair as it caressed it shamelessly.

      It’s perfectly all right, it’s not the first time I’ve been told that, she answered me.

      I have seen few men that are as tall as you. Well, except for your brothers and father.

      I’m taller than many; my father believes that I’ll probably never marry for that very reason.

      Men prefer their women shorter than them, I had guessed correctly.

      Yes. They feel threatened by my height.

      I am sure that it will be the men’s loss, I smiled at her conspiratorially. I find it refreshing.

      I was careful not to allow my gaze to stray and so miss any of her lovely features.

      How so? she had sat on one of the garden benches to hear my answer.

      I grow tired and my neck hurts after I have been in company of mankind.

      She had laughed melodiously, and I felt the aura of my forever partner for the first time. I had heard before of the power that we elfs possess to recognize our partners, yet had wondered about the reality of it. However, at that moment, I had become a firm believer. For there she stood right before my eyes and what I felt for her had filled my whole soul with happiness.

      You’re the first elf I’ve ever seen, she changed the subject and shied away from my unwavering gaze.

      And has it been a good experience, my lady? I eased myself next to her.

      Yes … I suppose, she had giggled, and I wondered why.

      You suppose? I intently observed her reactions.

      You wonder if I like you?

      That was quite blunt for a woman of mankind. I knew enough of their race to know that mankind takes great care to not say what they mean. Elfs, on the other hand, are not adjusted to such games. If they find their eternal companion, it is usually a mutual attraction and they waste no time in letting each other know.

      Yes, I had expectantly waited, for I had been unsure of how I should talk to this girl.

      She, of course, was a woman of mankind. Those girls are not supposed to say such things, especially the first time they were in conversation with a man, or at least that is what I had heard.

      Her face had suddenly turned crimson and her eyes had looked down, yet she answered, I do.

      Are you alright? my exclamation had brought her eyes back to me. I was worried that I had done something wrong or that she might be sick. I had never seen that reaction before, and I felt uncertain.

      I didn’t expect you to ask that, nor did I expect my answer.

      I see. Her reaction was most becoming. Thank you… Would it be proper to say that I like you too, very much? Or do I need to wait for a year or two?

      Laughingly, she answered, I think that it is appropriate.

      May I say that you are pretty? I asked, and watched her face go bright red again.

      Yes, I’m sorry, she had answered me after she managed to return the normal color to her cheeks. I didn’t expect you to say that … but I really liked it.

      * * * * *

      Time passed and I accompanied her every evening, while, during the days, I poured over maps and reports with her father.

      One day as I sat in the garden next to a window, unseen by Leenan, he had a talk with Katelynn. He asked her what she thought of the elf—me.

      He’s very different than most of the men I’ve met, Father. He told me that he likes me very much, and I like him, too.

      Well, sweetie, at least he’s taller than you. Her father laughed at his own saying.

      Yes, Father, that he is, and he likes me to be tall.

      It pleased me to know that he didn’t oppose my love for his daughter.

      It was some days later, about midmorning, that her father exclaimed, upon seeing her ready to leave, You’re going out?

      It’s market day, Father, she answered.

      Market day? I joined them by the door. We had been in the study, and I had followed her father out of curiosity.

      I had been around mankind before, but mostly in the battlefields and never in their cities. Thus, I had not known much about their way of life at home.

      That’s where we buy the things we need and sell what we don’t. She moved enough to see me where I stood behind Leenan.

      In our realm we have everything in common: food, clothes and weapons, I explained. Most know the arts of fabrication and we share everything. That way no one feels superior to anyone else.

      That’s a very different concept, her father scratched his stubbly face, in deep thought. I wonder if that could ever happen here, where jealousy and greed run high.

      When we need something, we just go to the place that fashions it and get it, I continued. We have already paid for it with our own labor. We all work together and make or grow everything we need.

      It sounds like a wonderful way to live. Katelynn admired our way of life, which pleased me greatly.

      I’ll tell you what, why don’t you accompany Katelynn? You can see it with your own eyes, her father said. You need a break from all these maps, anyway. The fresh air may help you see more clearly.

      Are you sure it is all right? I felt a great anticipation to see part of their culture.

      Yes, I’m sure. Besides, you might find something you’d like to buy, he answered.

      That would be impossible, I replied.

      Why? they stared at me.

      Because I do not have anything with which to buy.

      Well, that can be remedied, the governor chuckled. Here. He threw a sack full of coins to me with a smile. You’ve earned it.

      I see… Thank you. I followed her to the street.

      Does my lady like to go to the market? Our steps took us towards the center of her city.

      Yes. Usually you see everybody there: friends, neighbors, family.

      I smiled at her excitement. She took me down numerous side streets, lined with rows of homes on either side with some businesses sprinkled in between. I saw the shoemaker, the dressmaker and the healer’s houses with banners that marked their trade.

      The roads were made of dirt that had been trodden down until it was hard. My mind leapt to the clean hanging halls of my land. Woodland, my kingdom, is nestled on the boughs of ancient trees that never lose their leaves. We need not worry about mud there.

      When we finally arrived at the market, I swept my eyes over it as I tried to absorb the new sights. ‘This is very different than my city,’ I thought, yet I was interested beyond measure.

      There were rows of stands that offered many things, from goat milk to weapons and everything in between. Many people strolled by the vendors, as they chatted noisily with each other.

      I pulled my eyes from the scene to pay attention to the people and their proceedings. For a while, I tried to understand the people and their transactions.

      Katelynn was busy when I finally interrupted her with my exclamation, This is quite different!

      What is? she replied, as she closely inspected a squash.

      The system your people employ to gain profits.

      It is. The point’s to earn more money than you start with. Oh, look … that’s so pretty, she exclaimed, with a touch on my sleeve.

      My eyes followed her gaze to the dressmaker’s display. The clothes-maker, a few stalls over, held up a beautiful cream lace dress, simple yet very elegant.

      That gown is very similar to those in my kingdom and it is lovely, I exclaimed, surprised to see something like that in a mankind kingdom.

      Really? she answered interestedly. I think it is gorgeous. She went to admire it closely and I followed her, quite interested in the way she felt about the gown.

      If it pleases my lady that much, why does she not get it?

      That dress is to be worn by a princess, she told me, and finally turned away from it, not me.

      I believe you to be a queen, my lady, I bowed to her, and that gown should be yours.

      Once again her cheeks colored as I smiled.

      May I ask why you do that with your face?

      I can’t help it. … It happens because you make me feel very special.

      A pleased smile curled my lips, May I buy it for you? I asked.

      Oh no! … I can’t accept it, maidens are forbidden to accept gifts from a man who’s not their father or husband, especially clothing, that would look bad for the woman.

      Men are hard to understand, I said and stared, but women are even harder.

      She still looked dreamily at the dress, and I knew that she would love to have it. I watched her closely and picked my words with care. Well then, what about as a wedding gift? Would that be acceptable?

      Wedding gift? Her face turned fiery red again and her eyes widened with surprise.

      I loved the way her face changed colors; it was fascinating. Especially since I knew now that I had pleased her.

      Wedding gift? she repeated, as her face got red once again and her eyes fell on me. Yes, I think it would be all right, she told me shyly.

      I purchased the gown and returned to her side with the package under my arm. Soon afterwards, we returned home to where her father awaited us. He helped me store the purchases.

      What did you think? Leenan wanted to know.

      It is quite different, yet I believe that I understand the concept.

      It all has to do with needs, her father informed me. The more others need what you have, the better for you. They’ll give you whatever you ask for it. The governor grinned. That’s how you become rich in the world of men.

      Rich? What does it mean to be rich? I asked.

      When a man has more than others and can do as he pleases on account of the wealth or money he has, that’s a rich man.

      Are you a rich man in that sense? This information troubled me somewhat.

      I have enough to keep my family going for many years to come, he answered. Why do you ask?

      To us, an elf is rich if he has his companion and is worthy of her love. Possessions or the lack thereof has nothing to do with riches in our world. According to your account, in your kingdom I am but a poor soul … yet in my kingdom we are all wealthy.

      You need not worry about what men think of you, Lathenyl. Besides, they are honored that you care to help them and that takes the place of all the money you could have.

      My service to your kind will be paid with their loyalty?

      Oh no, more than that if you’ll have it, he responded.

      I do not want anything from your kingdom, that is except… I didn’t finish my sentence as my eyes met Katelynn’s. Her face reddened as she escaped to the kitchen, where she remained the rest of that morning. After a small pause I turned to Leenan. May I have your permission to court your daughter?

      He looked at me with pleasure. What are your intentions? Are you going to leave her behind?

      I am an elf. Do not compare me to a mankind. You can be confident that I am not merely playing with her feelings.

      He stared at me for a moment, and I wondered at his silence.

      Do you mind that I’m an elf? I asked, just to make sure that this was not a problem.

      Not if Katelynn doesn’t, he shrugged his shoulders.

      I believe that she does not mind, I smiled. My eyes traveled to her through the kitchen door.

      You’re right there, my friend, her father agreed.

      We then turned to the table that awaited us with its puzzles.

      Do you think the ork attacks are isolated incidents? he asked, and handed me a new report.

      No, my best guess is that they want to remove men from the lands that border theirs for some reason. But isolated incidents they are not.

      * * * * *

      Not long thereafter, I told Leenan of my desires to marry his daughter before I returned to my home.

      How’ll the elfs receive my girl? I don’t want her to come back sorry that she went.

      I understood his concern as a father for his only daughter’s happiness.

      My people accept all. They let others prove themselves before they make up their minds. My kind does not have preconceptions about strangers. They will love her as much as I do.

      Just a few nights later, I stayed in the dining room after supper with the rest of Katelynn’s family. This was quite different, because usually we would go into the garden where we could be alone. That had the added benefit that I could see how Katelynn felt surrounded by living plants.

      My people live among trees that we respect greatly as we enjoy the peace that can be found in nature. My hope was to return with her to my beautiful land. Lee’s house provided a big garden that was surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, all neatly arranged. This garden was as close to Woodland as I could get in a mankind kingdom.

      When Katelynn saw me stay inside, she took a seat next to me. I stood up and took her hand in mine. Then I got on one knee and asked, My Lady Katelynn, will you marry me?

      She looked at her father and brothers who were present at this special occasion and wore broad smiles.

      Yes, I would love to, she answered, once again red-faced.

      I was so delighted. I kissed her hands softly. Thank you, I murmured,

      Congratulations, sweetheart. I wish you the best, Leenan said. He came to hug her and shake my hand.

      Thank you, Father. She seemed to radiate the same happiness I did.

      Her brothers pressed close to congratulate her and embrace me.

      We are so happy for you. Leenan’s second son patted me on the back.

      You did quite well, her younger brother grinned.

      For an elf, they teasingly added and we all laughed.

      Later that evening, when we were alone, Katelynn asked me why I got on my knee to asked her to marry me.

      I asked your brothers what would be proper, I explained. They said that girls love to have their men on their knees. I know not why you would like that; but, I wanted you to know that I would do anything to make you happy.

      You are wonderful. She jumped up to embrace my neck.

      I think that I liked my lady’s reaction, I admitted. If I kneel every day, will you embrace me?

      Oh, Lathenyl, she exclaimed. You don’t have to kneel to be hugged. I promise to hug you always, forever.

      Wrapped deeply in her eyes, I love you so much, I replied.

      I also love you, she answered.

      Her arms were still around my neck and mine tightly locked on her waist, as so our lips had no problem finding each other in a most beautiful silence.

      After a long moment, she broke away, "Actually, when a man kneels in front of

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