The Way of Those Who Wander

By Kristyn Ahrens

Fate can be a funny thing. At least that is what Kinley, a half-Human half-Elf child is coming to realize. Struggle follows her wherever she wanders and her life seems destined to be one of seclusion and disapointment. That is until a most unusual individual finds his way into her life. Together, Kinley and her mentor Dagen embark on a harrowing quest that takes them through the many histories and cultures of Atlan. As their challenges grow so too does a looming darkness that begins to shift not only the fate of the pair, but the fate of their world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781794773561

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.

This story is a work of fictions. Names, places, and events were created by the author’s imagination. Any similarities with actual individuals or events are purely coincidental.

Cover design by Kristyn Ahrens

Book design by Kristyn Ahrens

First Published in 2021.

Distributed by Lulu Press INC

IBN: 978-1-7947-7356-1

Copyright year: 2021

Copyright Notice: by Kristyn Ahrens. All rights reserved.

The above information forms this copyright notice: © 2021 by Kristyn Ahrens. All rights reserved.

For those who supported and inspired me on this journey. When dreamers become doers, real magic can happen.

Prologue -

The black gate of Orcus lay at the base of a large crater. The Dark Magic that surrounded it oozed from its maw like an oil spill. The gate itself was comprised of bones, dyed black and gray by the ravages of time and the dark sorcery that enchanted it. It was an image too horrifying to enter even the darkest of nightmares.

Snaking from a slivering crack in the gates were Daemons. Beings crafted and carved by black magic and the darkness of the underworld. Thousands had already made their way through the gate, but every passing moment brought more. Among the ranks of Daemons, stood a number of Human warriors. Called to this battle by the Order of Three, each and every one of the Human fighters was being consumed by Daemon spirits. Victims of possession, they were nothing more than vessels now. Poised to do the bidding of the Order. At the head of the ranks sat the three Human Kings that called themselves the Order. They were astride the backs of flying Daemon beasts, with bat like wings, fangs, and long jagged claws.

The Order of Three had formed many years ago and had spent all their time in the shadows desperately working to bring the Daemon forces of the underworld into this world. The Human Kings had craved power and control over Atlan, and the only way they could do that was to delve into Dark Magic.

Niriel stood on the edge of the crater trying to steel her nerves as she saw the great terror that awaited her people.

We can do this, a voice said from beside her. She turned to see Robrick, a Human Knight who was bravely leading a rebellion of his people against the Order of Three. Robrick had been her closest ally in this war, and it was only fitting that now they faced the enemy they had spent months preparing for together. She reached over and took his hand.

We have no other choice, she said. Only an Elf would give such an uninspiring statement. Robrick smiled at her candor.

Never fear my lady, he replied, darkness cannot prevail. This evil will not endure. Niriel was grateful for his words of comfort. So often, the magical beings of Atlan had underestimated the strength of Humans. That slight was very likely the reason why the Order of Three gained power. But as she stared at Robrick and his courageous conviction, she knew that Humans had a magic all their own.

A deep bellowing scream issued from the crater below, and the very earth began to shake.

This is it, Robrick announced turning towards the two armies behind him. Elves and Human Rebels had answered their call. Now armed to the teeth, their people prepared for the greatest fight of their lives. Without warning a hail of black arrows launched from the crater below. No! Niriel thought as panic flooded her. This was too soon, they weren’t ready.

Brace! Robrick yelled to their armies. Niriel didn’t react. She stood there, staring at the cloud of arrows racing toward her and her people. Someone was screaming next to her, but she couldn’t hear it. She prepared for the pain, for the end. Before the arrows could hit their mark, a bellowing roar came from behind her, and a blazing fire cut through the air.

Niriel shot upright, panting and sweating, tangled in the sheets of her bed. It was just a dream, she thought, just a memory, it wasn’t real. Memories of that day had never stopped haunting her. It took her several minutes to calm her breathing.

Are you alright, a soft voice came once again from her side. She turned to see Robrick, her ally now turned husband laying in the bed next to her.

Fine, Niriel whispered as she climbed out of bed.

Another nightmare? Robrick asked. She only nodded in response as she fanned herself with her hand, trying to cool the sweat on her body.

Did I wake her? Niriel asked, heading towards the lounge chair at the end of their bed.

Are you kidding? Robrick said through a yawn, I doubt that little one would wake if the whole forest was on fire. Niriel smiled at that. Robrick always knew how to comfort her. It was part of the reason she had married him. She sat down carefully beside the beautiful little girl fast asleep upon the chaise lounge. Niriel tenderly reached over and touched the child’s half pointed ears. Being only half-Elf, her daughter did not possess the sharp point of her Elven kin. Instead, her daughter had a soft subtle point. Niriel had decided that she liked that better.

She strode back to the bed and climbed in next to Robrick, who extended his arms towards her. I think this means something, Niriel announced with a nervous sigh.

Robrick squeezed her to him, You have had these dreams for years now. What could it possibly mean?

Niriel shook her head, I know that, but they have never been so frequent before. She released another sigh, I think something is coming, something terrible. Robrick said nothing. She knew he didn’t believe her. This wasn’t the first time she had mentioned a premonition she had felt. Or, she said swallowing slowly, that something never left.

We have discussed this before Niriel, Robrick said calmly. Your father has sensed no growing darkness here. We even sent for the Elves guarding the gate. They have seen nothing. There is no cause for concern.

Why don’t we go there? Niriel said softly. If we go ourselves, we can know without a shadow of a doubt that this is over, that the world is safe.

Niriel, Robrick responded, it has been 200 years since the battle. There has been no sign or sound of the Daemons. The survivors were hunted down and exterminated. There is nothing left of that time, except the scars we carry with us. He was right, at least partly. There had been no proof of the Daemons return. Except the feelings she held in her heart.

Take me to the gate, she said softly. Let me see that this is truly over, and I will never speak of it again.

Robrick let out a frustrated sigh and ran his hand over his face. Niriel, please, he begged.

Take me to the gate, she said again. On this matter, Niriel would not budge. She and Robrick had brought a child into this world. She would do anything to ensure that little girl’s safety.

Robrick shook his head, Fine. I will leave in the morning and go to the Black Gate.

No, Niriel interrupted. I am going with you. I have to go.

Niriel, Robrick exclaimed, we cannot just leave our daughter here alone. She needs protection. She needs us. You must stay with her. Niriel stared at the lounge chair for a moment. He was right, they shouldn’t leave their daughter alone.

Let me go then, she said. Robrick was instantly shaking his head. You stay with her, and I will go check the gate.

No way in hell are you going there alone, Robrick demanded.

Robrick, I have to see it for myself, Niriel whispered. I will take a company with me to make sure that I am safe. It will only take a few days; you won’t even notice I am gone.

No! Robrick said again, but Niriel knew he would relent. If she was persistent enough, he would let her go because the only thing Robrick ever really cared about was making her happy. She ceased the conversation, for now. Tomorrow she could resume her pleas, and soon enough she would be able to journey to the Black Gate.

~*~*~

Chapter 1 – And So it Begins

It is a funny thing, how a million amazing memories can be completely eclipsed by a single horrible one. The hours of my life I had spent learning magic with my mother, were overcome by the recollections of her laying in a sick bed. Thoughts of practicing swordsmanship and archery with my father, were overwhelmed by the distinct images of him crying by my mother’s bed side. And the once beautiful, wooded paths and marble halls of my Elven home were lost to the quite chill of a soon to be empty bed, where an Elven Princess once slept.

There had been a time where I had known such immense joy and happiness. A time when I was surrounded by nothing but love and laughter. My parents love story had been one for the ages, filled with adventures, alliances, great battles, and untold dangers. Both my mother and father made sacrifices to be together. My father gave up his home, his family, and his friends instead choosing to stay with my mother. My mother gave up her future as the Lady of Elwood, the home of the Elves, as well as her immortality. This love and sacrifice led them to begin a new life and a new family with me.

For a time, our family lived happily ever after in Elwood … until we didn’t. Unexpectedly my mother was stricken with an illness. She did her best to fight against it, giving us only one more heartbreaking year together. But eventually she succumbed, and we lost her.  For a brief moment the whole world went quiet as such a lovely light was extinguished. And yet, in the aftermath when loss left my entire world upside down, somehow life still went on. And shortly after my mother’s passing, my grandfather advised my father that he and I could no longer remain in the Elven Forest. Grandfather had said that we would no longer be safe in Elwood, my one and only home. 

I never really understood his decision, but my father agreed that it would be best if we left. So, one evening we packed all our belongings into a few packs and rode out of the deep Elven wood.  On the outskirts of the Elven city of Silvanus, we exchanged brief goodbyes with my grandfather and cousins. As we turned away from the only family I had ever known, I pulled my midnight blue cloak tighter around me. I followed my father through the dense trees heading for the edge of the forest, and with each passing step, Elwood started to feel more like a fading memory than an actual place.

~*~*~

It was still dark in the early hours of that day, by the time we broke through the trees. A sliver a pink was dancing on the edge of the horizon, the sun would be rising soon. I swiveled my head to better take in our surroundings, but there wasn’t much to see. Without light, the plains in front of us looked like a black void.

My grandfather gifted my father and I two Elven mares, to see us to safety. My father rode a chestnut mare named Ember, a horse that had seen him through war and untold troubles. The Elven mare that my grandfather gifted me just so happened to be the horse that I learned to ride on. Her name was Shadow, and we had already spent many years together bonding. She was painted black and white with silvery blue eyes. I was grateful that she was with me; it felt like I still had a piece of my Elven family.

Come on, my father called to me softly as he urged Ember on.

Where are we going? I asked as a breeze rippled across the fields.

We must head to the Human Colonies, he replied, that is where we begin our next chapter.

I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to begin the next chapter of our lives.

We rode on through the early morning as the eastern sky began to paint the world in pink and orange hues. I squinted my eyes as the grasslands around me began to light up, illuminating a series of endless fields.

These are the plains of Edryn, my father said over his shoulder.

Edryn? I whispered.

Beautiful name isn’t it, my father replied. It’s rather fitting, considering the incredible view.

He was right, it was completely enchanting even if there was no trace of magic here. At the far edge of the plains, rose the Atlan mountain range, though it looked like little more than hills from this distance.

We have much ground to cover, my father continued. And with that, he surged forward taking us further and further from the Elven woods.

~*~*~

I had never been on such a long journey before, so the hours of riding were an unfamiliar experience for me. Things had happened so quickly, that I really hadn’t had time to process it. Yet as our trek across the Edyrn Plains began, I was filled not with thoughts of the home I had just left, but with our future adventures and a wonder at the new world around us.

The golden fields stretched out as far as the eye could see. There were occasional dots of trees here and there, but for the most part the landscape was nothing but rolling hills. I managed to spot a few animal sightings, though admittedly I wasn’t entirely sure what all of these creatures were.

There were ravens and owls like we had in Elwood, but also large brown raptor birds that I had never seen before. Deer flocked across the landscape much like they did in the forest, but there were also smaller hoofed creatures I saw hopping about as well.

I had learned a few things about the Human world from my father, but he had never told me anything about this. The spacious and deserted landscape was a far cry from the forests of Elwood. I was so entranced by new experiences that our journey felt more like a trip that we would return from. In reality, it could not have been farther from the truth. 

Are you alright to keep going? My father called back to me as the sun began to creep towards the horizon. I nodded in response, though I wasn’t paying much attention. I was too wrapped up in the new world laid out before me.

By the fourth day of our travels, however, the truth of our new life began to take its toll. My father and I had started to set up camp, and something about the way the campfire was crackling reminded me of the pyres from my mother’s funeral. I stared into the orange and red flames and could practically see the funeral procession reflected in them. It seemed terribly unfair that this was one of the few memories I could recall so clearly.

I threw down my sleeping roll and stumbled back.

Everything alright dear? My father asked.

No, I said breathing heavily. No it isn’t. This is all wrong. My chest became tight, and my mind was racing.

What do you mean darling? His voice seemed distant as a pounding began in my head.

We shouldn’t be here, I said, my voice beginning to shake. Why are we here?

My father didn’t respond. I whipped around to face him, but the hammering in my head stopped at the look on his face. He wasn’t looking at me with pity or with confusion, as I was expecting. He was looking at me with understanding. The fear and loss that had welled up inside me so suddenly was reflected in the downturn of his eyes.

He didn’t say anything. I suppose after all that had happened there wasn’t much he could say. In the span of one month, I had lost my mother and my home. He opened his arms, and without a second thought I raced to him. We crashed together in a tight embrace, and I felt tears start to slide down my face.

Can’t we go back? I asked in a small voice.

Not yet, he whispered into my hair. For now, we must move on, and be with our own people.

As a half-Elf I didn’t really have people to call my own, but I understood his meaning. He was Human, and now with my mother’s passing we would be returning to his home, the Human Colonies. I still didn’t understand why we had to leave Elwood. But if this is how my father wanted it, I would have to accept it and follow him.

Everything is going to be different isn’t it? I asked father later that night as we laid under the stars in the heart of the Edryn plains.

I suppose it will be, he replied softly. That is what makes it an adventure!

I wasn’t quite convinced. What if we don’t like it, wherever it is we are going?

Oh, don’t worry about that, I think we will enjoy our new home very much.

But it’s not home. Our home is Silvanus.

Kalene, he said as he rolled over to face me, home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling. It is the feeling of comfort and belonging and love. As long as we are together you will always have that. No matter where we are, we will always be home with each other.

It was a lovely thought, but I was becoming increasingly homesick. I did my best not to show it, but all the change was beginning to wear on me.

I just don’t understand, I sighed as I stared up at the night sky. Why did everything have to change? Why couldn’t it stay as it was?

My father scooted his sleeping bag closer to mine and snuggled against my side.

Change is a part of life my darling, he answered, as natural as the sunrise. Even the stars above us change and move over time. That is not to say it is easy to weather. Change is often very hard. Yet you cannot grow without change. And it will surprise you how change can lead you to the most incredible of places.

I turned on my side to face him. You mean like when you moved to Elwood to be with mother?

Exactly! He said leaning over to kiss my forehead. It was the best change I had ever made. I pressed my head against his chest and let out a long sigh.

Do not lament the changes before you sweet girl, you never know where or what they might lead you to.

~*~*~

With each passing day, the Edryn plains led us closer to the looming Atlan mountains. I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer we would venture before we found civilization. I didn’t know much about the Human Colonies, but I had never imagined that they would be so far away.

Kalene, my father said as he turned towards me, when we arrive at our future home, there are some changes that we are going to need to make. I glanced up at him a bit confused. Elf-kind are not common outside the forests of Elwood, he said simply. Magic is even less common. He gave me a knowing smile. We are looking for a fresh start here darling, and if we want to fit in, we will need to be … discreet.

I cocked my head Discreet? I asked.

Sweetheart, the world is full of many dangers, he continued, and the best way to protect against such dangers is not to call attention to yourself. Or in this case ourselves. For you never know when it can become the wrong kind attention.

I nodded my head, though I didn’t fully understand his ramblings, Okay father.

My father leaned over his horse to plant a kiss on my cheek. As far as those changes go, he brushed his hand from the side of my cheek up to my ear, I think for a while it might be best if we conceal these. He poked the top of my pointed ears before undoing the braid that held back my hair.

Curtains of golden waves fell around my face, covering my ears. My father brushed a few strands to the side then gave me a warm smile. You have the most beautiful hair, he said sweetly. I shook my head, allowing the curls to dance around, and my father let out a small laugh.

There is one more thing my love, he said softly. He took a deep breath; he was clearly struggling with this. Kalene is a wonderful, beautiful name, he paused, but it is a uniquely Elvish name. I stared up at him, confused. In order to blend in, we will need to find you a more Human name.

I blinked slowly then turned my gaze out to the horizon. My parents had named me Kalene in memory of my grandmother, how could I use any other name? I had never met my grandmother, Kalene Elwyn, but I had always felt a special connection to her because of our name. Although we bore different surnames.

My grandmother was an Elwyn, the surname of the monarchy and my mother. I was Kalene Elfkin, since I was only Half Elf I couldn’t take the royal surname. My father and I were called Elfkin. In Elvish it meant family of the Elves. I suppose that was fitting seeing as we weren’t Elves ourselves, or at least not entirely. It did however separate us from our Elven family, and for a time I deeply disliked the name Elfkin.

But then my mother and father decided to make it something special we shared, using it as a knick-name. Something uniquely ours that bonded the three of us together. My little Elfkin! Mother and father used to say to me. Elfkin? Perhaps I could use that. I thought about the name over and over, slowly picking it apart. If I couldn’t be Kalene then …

Kinley, I said.

My father glanced down at me. Kinley? He asked.

I nodded sharply. Is that Human enough?

My father smiled back at me, It is perfect! Kinley it is then!

~*~*~

Over the next few days, my father practiced using my new name as much as possible to adjust to the change. He also decided to change his name, though his was more for anonymity.

From now on, I will go by Thad. He said simply.  It didn’t matter much to me, seeing as I would only ever call him father. But it was nice to see that I wasn’t the only one having to make changes. I couldn’t help but wonder though, why he wanted to keep his real name a secret.

Are we going to stay with your family? I asked one afternoon. The sun was beginning its slow descent into the west, casting shadows all around us.

Unfortunately, we cannot, he replied. I have outlived all of my direct relatives, and there would be little purpose in trying to track down distant family. No, my dear, from here we start an entirely new chapter of our lives.

When my mother married my father, she had forsaken her immortality, instead choosing to share her long lifespan with him. It was a unique enchantment called the Half Life, and this magic had allowed him to live for hundreds of years. Far beyond that of his Human family.

There was something he wasn’t telling me. Avoiding any remaining relatives, distant or not didn’t seem logical, and my father had always been a logical man. There was a reason we were going at this alone, and the mystery of it all was going to drive me crazy.

So where are we headed then? I asked, pushing myself to change the subject.

There is a town not too far from the base of the Atlan mountains, he answered, called Abeline. It is relatively small but will fit our needs.

What are our needs? I asked.

He smiled at that, well I was thinking something quaint and quiet. But I must apologize, I didn’t ask you what your needs may be! Tell me Kinley, if you could have anything you want in a new home, what would it be.

I thought of the deep, beautiful woods of Silvanus. The details were faded, but I distinctly remembered the crystal streams and silver trees. Trees, I replied, we will definitely need trees.

Very good. I do believe Abeline has some of those. What else?

Hmmm, I stared out over the golden grasses that covered the plains. Maybe a farm, I said softly, some place with plants and animals. I wanted desperately to see more of the flora and fauna the Human Colonies had to offer.

A farm? He chuckled. You know, that is a rather lovely idea. What kind of farm would you like?

Something small, I replied, after all it was just the two of us. A barn for us to stay in maybe. And gigantic pastures for Shadow and Ember to run in! I gestured wide with my hands to add to the description. Shadow whinnied her approval at my idea.

Well if that is what you wish for, my father replied, then you shall have it.

I spent the remainder of our afternoon daydreaming about a big, beautiful farm. It may have been a small thing, but it was the first time in days that I had begun to look at the future with a bit more hope.

~*~*~

It took us two weeks to reach the Human town of Abeline, I still did not quite understand why my father had chosen this town to be our new home, but I trusted his judgment. Rolling hills surrounded the small town, and it seemed I would get my wish. There was farmland stretching for miles outside of the city limits. A vein of evergreen tree clusters cut through the countryside. Hardly the forests of Elwood, but it was still a lovely and comforting sight.

My father guided us to a heavily forested hill just west of the town; we carefully kept to the outskirts as we made our way past the village. As father said, we didn’t want to attract the wrong kind of attention. As an added measure of precaution, I pulled the hood of my blue Elven cloak up to hide any sight of my ears.

Over the forested hills we wandered. The winding dirt road we traveled offered passage back to the town center of Abeline, we were far enough from town to avoid attention, but still had access to supplies and any provisions we would need. I couldn’t help but wonder what a Human town would be like. There were few dwellings out here though. And none that we passed were vacant or available for purchase.

I was losing hope, and patience. I was fairly certain I could not stand another night of camping out in the fields. I couldn’t help but wonder if this journey would ever end. Then as we crested one on the numerous hills, I saw nestled near its base a dilapidated old barn pressed up against the small spine of woods. It was hardly the dwelling I had dreamed up. By its shabby state, it couldn’t possibly be occupied. 

Well now, my father said, what do we have here? The windows were broken, the door was hanging off its hinges, and based on the chipped paint this barn had not seen residents for some time.

It is a bit worse for wear, he added. That was a gross understatement. As if on cue, a shutter snapped and fell off one of the windows. I felt my heart sink a bit at the pathetic site. In Elwood, our homes were great oak trees magically blended with stone. Nature and finery perfectly balanced. This disappointing shack was perhaps the furthest thing from the dwellings we had left behind.

A side-glance and my father’s face told me that now was not the time for comparisons or to be particular. Under the smile lines on his face was the stress and strain this trip had taken on him. I had been so focused on my own feelings I had not considered his. A mistake I would try not make again. 

With a bit of love and care, it will be perfect. I suggested.

Relief spread across my father’s face, and I felt a warmth flow through me. Where we were didn’t matter, so long as I had him. He was my home.

We let loose the horses in the open pasture and set about preparing our new home. I helped my father raise the door and reset the hinges, before heading into the paddock. Like the rest of the barn, the stalls and hall looked worse for wear, but it was nothing I couldn’t fix. I started with the one thing I knew best, the earth and the flora. Elves had always had a special connection with things that grew. It was how their cities and homes became woven with the forests around them. I may not be able to craft a tree dwelling, but I could clean up this paddock and pasture. I placed my small hand in the dark, cold earth.

My magic pushed and pulled at the earth, willing it to change. The ground was a swath of weeds and dirt, no color, no life. That was about to change. My magic pushed and pulled at the earth, helping it to alter. I pulled at the roots of the weeds digging them up then burying what remained deeper and deeper into the ground. It took several minutes, but eventually I had wiped the slate clean. Nothing but dirt and rock remained, those I could work with. I closed my eyes and thought of all the stunning wildflowers we had seen in the fields we passed during our journey here. Reds, blues, yellows, purples. They had come in every shade imaginable. As their images danced before my eyes, I willed my magic to find them, to bring them here. It took time, and nearly all of my magical strength. When I opened my eyes again, our crumbling barn sat in a stunning field of flowers. I was positively beaming; it was the most beautiful thing I had seen.

That evening, father prepared us a quick meal of venison stew and we sat at the newly assembled kitchen table that he had spent the afternoon restoring. There was still much to do. The living quarters of the barn desperately needed cleaning, and the loft that overlooked the open space had nothing but an old, decrepit dresser.

The kitchen was also a bit worn down, the cabinets were missing doors and the paint that coated them was chipped and peeled. The whole barn was in serious need of some intense care. With the paddock clean, and the fields blossoming with grass and flowers, I was beginning to see just how much potential this home had.

Saw your handwork outside darling, my father said, it is absolutely lovely! Some of your best work yet. I smiled back at him, and absent-mindedly tucked my hair behind my ears. My father reached over and pulled it back out, gently smoothing the hair over my pointed ears. Drat, I had already forgotten about that.

Sorry father, I mumbled, force of habit.

No need to apologize love, he replied, this new life is going to take a bit of getting used to. For both of us.

I gave him a small smile and sipped at my stew.

Do you know what I always admired most about the Elves? He asked. I glanced up at him and shook my head. Well of course other than their immense skill in battle and their incredible magical capabilities, he smiled, I always admired the way they sort of glowed.

I raised my eyebrows, they glowed? I hadn’t remembered that.

My father nodded, it was a subtle thing, but it was there. Almost as if their magic was so powerful, they couldn’t quite contain it. It just flowed out of them. It made them look ethereal. I vaguely remembered how radiant my mother was; I suppose that is the glowing my father was referring to.

You know Kinley, he said softly, you have that too. I gave him a look of disbelief. I most certainly did not glow. I was only a half-Elf as it was, I didn’t possess that intense magic.

You do, he gave me a small smile, you may be half-Human, but there is nothing Human about your appearance. Fortunately, you look more like your mother than me.

I smiled back at him, you know that is not true. I have your eyes after all. My mother had possessed stunning green eyes, and although I may look like her, my eyes were a deep blue, like my father’s.

They are my best feature, he mused, if you had to get anything of mine, I am glad it was that.

You are going to ask me to stop glowing, aren’t you? He looked a bit hurt by my question but did not deny it. I will try to control it, I said softly, though I wasn’t entirely sure how.

He leaned across the table and grabbed my hand. I don’t wish to change you Kinley, he said quietly, I ask only out of necessity. I want you to know that it breaks my heart to temper your Elven side. I knew his words were truthful, so I did not take offense to the situation. I knew he was struggling with these changes just as much as I was.

I love you darling, he said as he leaned forward to kiss my hand.

I love you too father. We exchanged another smile while picking at our stew. "

Kinley, I think I will ride into town tomorrow, and get us some supplies for our renovations.

Can I come? I asked.

I think it might be better if you stay here, to keep an eye on things. My heart sank; I didn’t like being separated from him.

Is it because of the glowing thing?

Father let out a soft laugh, among other things, he replied. Most importantly though, it is to keep you safe. I will take you into town soon enough, but first I need to scout it out. Make sure that it isn’t dangerous for you.

I nodded my head, but I did not entirely understand. In Elwood, I remembered I was allowed to go almost anywhere I wanted, with or without supervision. The city of Silvanus was so safe, that I never felt afraid when I went exploring. The Human world was a continuing struggle for me.

When night fell, we climbed the ladder to the loft and spread out our blankets and sleeping rolls. There was no bed to be found, so we had to sleep on the floor.

I think I will grab us some paint tomorrow, father said, a bit of lumber as well.

We will need fabric too, I added, so we can make bedding and curtains.

Sounds like you have some grand ideas for this place, he said with a smile.

I snuggled in next to him, I am just getting started.

~*~*~

Chapter 2 – Home is Where Your Heart is

It took nearly three weeks to complete the majority of our repairs. First, father had set about painting the outside of the barn, while I painted the inside walls and kitchen cabinets. Father then added some walls and doors to the paddock and fenced in a small area on the side of the barn. Ember and Shadow were delighted with their new accommodations, sniffing and exploring the paddocks.

I then began crafting a large, comfy bed for us in the loft and cleaned up the neglected dresser. Father was able to make a mattress for the bed, and I sewed together some bed linens. It took both our efforts to piece together a lavatory in the back corner of the main floor. Father managed to find us a claw-foot tub that we cleaned and fixed up. After that, he fashioned a few more furniture pieces for us and cleaned up the ancient fireplace, while I sewed and hung curtains over the large windows.

We used a spare paddock at the back of the barn to set up a makeshift training area. Father hung his sword and our bows there. He set up piles of hay for us to use in target practice. Perhaps it wasn’t the most normal addition to a home, but it was essential for us. Finally, once each of our projects was completed, I used my magic to wind deep green ivy vines up the side of our freshly painted white barn. We both stepped back to take a look. My father pulled me into a tight hug and kissed the top of my head.

It is perfect, he said, and I couldn’t agree more. Each small touch, from the paint colors to the training area, to the vines and flowers reminded me a bit of Elwood. For the first time since we left Silvanus, I felt like I was home.

We decided to celebrate with a bit of swordplay and archery. We had been so consumed with our renovation projects that we hadn’t spent nearly as much time training as we used to. Back when we lived in Silvanus everyday had begun with some sort of activity. Practicing fighting skills with my father had always been my favorite. I quickly changed into a pair of breeches and a tunic so we could begin.

Keep your elbow up, he instructed as I aimed my long bow. This was a traditional weapon of the Elven people. My mother had the bow commissioned just for me. It fit my hand perfectly.

Elbow or not, I will still best you, I teased my father as I loosed the arrow. It sunk easily into the center of the target at the end of the barn.

Confidence, I like it, he said with a smile as he took aim and released an arrow of his own. It split directly down the middle of mine. But don’t forget where all that skill of yours comes from. He ruffled my hair and gave me a nod to continue.

We shot at the target for nearly an hour before turning to sword play. I preferred fighting with hunting knives, a similar style to my mother, but my father insisted that I utilize different types of weaponry.

Let’s try a rapier today, he said as he dug through his collection of weapons.

That is a child’s sword, I complained, hanging up our bows.

It most certainly is not, he chided producing a blade for each of us. The Rapier Sword is an instrument of precision and speed. In the right hands it can be as deadly as any other weapon. You should know better than anyone that size does not determine strength.

I gave him a small smile as I took the blade and moved into a fighting stance. On Guard, I called to him.

Touché! He replied.

~*~*~

Seeing as the barn was in decent enough shape, I decided to spring a question on my father that had been eating away at the back of my mind.

Can I go into town with you sometime? I asked over dinner. Ever since our arrival, father had been avoiding this topic as much as he could. He had told me not so long ago that I would need to be discreet. Since I changed my clothes and altered my appearance, I looked more Human than ever. Could it really be so bad for me to be around other people? Just this once?

My father stared down at the roast in front of him. Kinley, I don’t think that would be wise.

Why not? I huffed, I look like a Human! I won’t draw attention to myself now!  I just want to see what it is like and be around other people.

Kinley there is nothing for you to see! He said with a sigh, Abeline is a small town and there isn’t much to it. Honestly!

I crossed my arms and fixed him with an angry stare. You can’t keep me cooped up here forever! I have done everything you have asked, why can’t I have this one thing. I could see instantly that my words had hurt him, and I felt a little guilty that I had been so harsh.

You are right darling, he said quietly, you have done everything I have asked. You have handled these changes and challenges so well.

I sat up for a moment; I couldn’t believe he was actually going to let me go.

In a perfect world, I could take you in to Abeline, you could make friends and spend time with kids your own age, he set down his fork and locked eyes with me. I wish with all my heart I could give you that world, but I can’t.

He could not be serious. I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up a hand silencing me.

Before we lost her, I made your mother a promise, his voice trembled with emotion. I promised I would keep you safe. No matter what the cost. That is exactly what I am going to do.

He stood up from the table and gathered his plate.

That isn’t fair! I exclaimed. I knew I was pushing him, and I was probably taking this too far, but I couldn’t live like this forever.

Life so rarely is, my father said as he turned to face me. I understand your frustration Kinley, I really do. But I cannot give you what you ask. You can hate and resent me for it, but it does not change the answer.

I hopped up from my seat and raced out the back of the barn to the paddock. I pushed past the door of Shadow’s stall and threw my arms around her neck. The mare lowered to her head to cradle me to her as I fought back tears.

Kinley? My father’s voice came from the entrance to the paddock.

I could see his shadow framed in the doorway, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t want to talk to him. He had already said enough.

It may be hard for you to believe now, but I do understand what you are going through. Unlikely, I thought. Our lives have changed so drastically and so quickly, that it is hard to process all that has happened, he said softly but he didn’t move to approach me. It is not just where we live that has changed. Our way of life has too

I pulled my head up so I could see his shadow in the frame of the door.

We have left the comfort and protection of Elwood, Kinley, he continued. That comes with consequences. We must find a new way to live and to guarantee our safety and security. It is what I am trying to do here.

I pushed my head into Shadow’s neck again; I didn’t want to hear anymore.

I don’t expect you to enjoy this change. I don’t expect you to understand it, he let out a breath. But I ask only that you find a way to weather it.

I heard footsteps as he turned to head back into the barn, but just before he departed, he said, I love you Kinley. With all my heart.  I am sorry, but my love is all I can afford to give you right now.

His words actually made me cry. I didn’t mean to be so hard on my father. He didn’t deserve it, and none of this was his fault.  I didn’t like this new world or our new rules, and I couldn’t hide my feelings any longer.

Something he