The Wood Fairies of Estraelia: Sons of Elderberry series, #2

By Theresa Sneed

When Elias introduces his best friend Jaron Finley to his magical world of fairies, castles, wizards, and yōkai shapeshifters, will Jaron ever want to go back to his dull world of school and homework, especially after meeting Elieli, the fairy princess of Estraelia? It's doubtful, but he must—the mortal that he is. Will Elias alter his memory and erase all that his friend has seen, or will Jaron keep the secret that Elias Rey, a sophomore at PVHS, is a wizard, and the youngest heir of Elderberry?

 

Talk about ending on a cliffhanger! I kept flipping the last page back and forth looking for more. While still being young and reckless teen boys, Elias, Jaron and even Samuel (who we see lots less of this time) grew remarkably. I was sad we didn't see Aydon, Adalee, or the dragon much after those first few chapters. And I want to know how things go with the curse and does Sirius ever get vanquished? I laughed at the scenes, I worried during others, and I cried so hard during the battles, and that plot twist for Jaron totally floored me. I never saw it, Saulen and his fate, or the comment from Jorethen coming until they slammed into the pages. Book one took time to get going and now a day later I'm dying to know when book three releases because I need to know more. -Shannon Triple A

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theresa Sneed
• Release date: Apr 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9798987631812

Theresa Sneed

Author Theresa Sneed graduated cum laude with a BA in education, and though she loves teaching, she is currently taking a break from it to pursue a writing career. Her books are unique; each story will take you to places you have never imagined before. She writes across four genres—mystery and suspense, fantasy, historical fiction/time travel, and realistic paranormal. All of Theresa’s books have elements of sweet romance, and while none of her books have profanity or sexually explicit scenes, each book is intriguing and white-knuckle intense—the kind you can’t put down. The No Angel series is the story about a guardian angel with an attitude, and the ever present, but misunderstood spirit world. There are four published books in the series with many more to come. Book one is called Angel with an Attitude, book two – Earthbound Angel, book three – Destiny’s Angel, and book four – Earth Angel. The Sons of Elderberry series has one book out called Elias of Elderberry. Book two is called The Wood Fairies of Estraelia. Harry-Potterish—with wizards, fairies, elves, pixies, yōkai shapeshifters, and dragons, this epic story has it all! Theresa anticipates another three to five books to finish that series. Escape is the story of a 15 year old girl abducted by a corrupt sheriff in the 1970’s. He keeps her captive in his cellar for five years until she escapes with his truck and his young daughter. Escape is book one in a three book series. Book two, Missing is Theresa’s current WIP, (work in progress.) Salem Witch Haunt was intended to be a stand-alone book, until the shocking ending made it apparent that her characters were not finished telling their story. As the ninth great granddaughter of one of the women hanged as a witch in Salem, Theresa has a vested interest in this epic time-travel. Thoroughly researched, all interactions with real people from that era are based on primary sources—the trial scene with Susannah Martin is taken from Reverend Samuel Parris’s transcript verbatim. All Theresa’s books are available in print edition. Visit her website at http://www.theresasneed.com. She loves hearing from her readers and may be contacted through her website or through her email at mailto:[e-mail]. Follow me on twitter! https://twitter.com/TheresaSneed Friend me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/TheresaMSneed/ Favorite me at Smashwords!

Book preview

Sons

Of Elderberry

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Elias of Elderberry, book one

The Wood Fairies of Estraelia, book two

THERESA SNEED

When Elias introduces his best friend Jaron Finley to his magical world of fairies, castles, wizards, and yōkai shapeshifters, will Jaron want to go back to his dull world of school and homework, especially after meeting Elieli, the fairy princess of Estraelia? It’s doubtful, but he must—the mortal that he is. Will Elias alter his memory and erase all that his friend has seen, or will Jaron keep the secret that Elias Rey, a sophomore at PVHS, is a wizard, and the youngest heir of Elderberry?

Sneed wove a beautifully complex story about elves, fairies, dragons, and wizards in Wood Fairies of Estraelia, her second in her series of wonderfully crafted epic fantasy. If you love stories that take you to other worlds, you’ll appreciate Sneed’s ability to world build and create meaningful characters. Two worlds collide when Elias takes his friend to his native land of Estraelia, but conflict is not far away when the beautiful Elieli makes a wish to come to Earth with her new Earth friends, putting them all in danger. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but it was still fun to read! -Zeigler

The Wood Fairies of Estraelia - Talk about ending on a cliffhanger! I kept flipping the last page back and forth looking for more. While still being young and reckless teen boys, Elias, Jaron and even Samuel grew remarkably. I was sad we didn’t see Aydon, Adalee, or the dragon much after those first few chapters. And I want to know how things go with the curse and does Sirius ever get vanquished? I laughed at the scenes, I worried during others, and I cried so hard during the battles. Book one took time to get going and now a day later I'm dying to know when book three releases because I need to know more. -Shannon Triple A

Elias of Elderberry is a truly marvelous book! The action, concept, and mysteries contained in this novel are intensely compelling and exciting. Not satisfied with simply writing an entertaining story, Sneed fills the pages with lessons about temptation, addiction, and the morals of right versus wrong. - R.L. Drembic

The Sons of Elderberry! Book One, Elias of Elderberry, was fantastic! I am eager to read the continuing sequels. Do any of us really know who we are and what our real worth is? Fifteen-year-old Elias was soon to discover things beyond his wildest imagination. This is about the present day with regular school attendance, yet also, time travel with castles, dungeons, dragons and more! There were many characters that were well-defined and realistic. Also, the scenes were portrayed very well so the reader was able to easily picture them occurring. My Review of this book offers a Five Stars rating.

- LAWonder10

Elias of Elderberry was action packed and a fast-paced read. There was a plethora of different species. I’m amazed by the world the author created and all the different creatures. I enjoyed getting to know Elias and his friends and family. I laughed at some of the antics of the characters. I found Elias to be a typical teenager, dealing with the normal teenage woes. I loved the solutions he came up with for problems. - TNT Reviews

Elias of Elderberry is a good read. Not only is it a good fantasy, but the characters seem very real as they grasp the choices of good vs. evil, power vs. the greater good of mankind. The characters are memorable, especially Elias. The dilemmas he faces, while fantasy, can parallel situations in modern life, such as addictions which may take courage to overcome, the struggle with selfishness, etc. It was both a fun read and insightful. -Azguy

I look forward to more from this author. It was well-written, and I could identify with the characters and their circumstances, which probably makes me weird since this is High Fantasy (fairies, etc.) urban style. I look forward to more from this author. She kept it clean. - Meesha

One

The Dragon Egg

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Adalee held the small egg in her hands, small for a dragon’s egg that is. The egg itself was large when compared to the eggs of other species, but when compared to most dragons, the eggs from the Swift Dragons of Ural were tiny—about ten inches long, oblong, and heavy. Each dragon egg was unique no matter the breed, and the one Adalee held radiated soft, purple hues interspersed with threads of shimmery gold. This one was interesting for another reason, not many dragon eggs hatched without their mother hovering over it. In fact, abandoned dragon eggs rarely hatched at all.

Adalee watched in wonder as the crack widened and a small piece of the eggshell popped off, revealing an eye wide with anticipation, blinking back at her. The hard part was in not helping the little creature escape its prison. Adalee knew from her many studies of dragon-lore that helping a dragon out of its shell was like interfering with the delicate birth of a butterfly, whose wings need to fight out of its chrysalis to survive.

The egg stopped quivering and became still. The eye closed, and Adalee panicked. What’s wrong? Why did it stop? Oh, no! She wrapped her warm fingers around the egg and concentrated. Suddenly, a small leg poked through the shell and then another. It felt for her and then wrapped its clawed toes around her palm.

Adalee beamed. Yes! More of the shell fell away, leaving a shiny purple and gold cap flopping over its head and left arm. She waited, allowing the young dragon to completely free itself. All at once, it looked up at her, cocked its head to the side, and bawled, no doubt hungry from its hard work. Eeps! What do I feed it?

She searched her memory—brickle-berries were a good substitute with their creamy, milk-like centers, and crispy, nutrient-dense skin. She knew where to find them. Holding the tiny dragon, she carefully made her way deeper into the woods. A large patch of brickle-berries grew near the canyon by Elderberry Lake. Soon, she was there.

Getting the dragon to eat them was another story. It turned its head to the right and then left, not wanting anything to do with the berries. Adalee slumped down on the edge of the lake and dropped the berries beside her. She didn’t want to have to return the dragon to the elves, but if it didn’t eat for her, she would have to do just that.

Suddenly the dragon jerked forward leaning over the water. Its eyes darted back and forth and then it leaped from her hands and dived into the clear lake.

Whoa. I’m pretty sure your breed doesn’t swim, she called after it. But they must, she thought, watching it shoot to the bottom and nab a small fish in its jaws. Within seconds, the tiny beast had devoured dozens of the fish and then made its way back to the surface. You were under the water an awfully long time.

Who are you talking to? One of the younger elves came up behind her.

She jumped and turned around, blocking the dragon climbing out of the water. You startled me, Aydon.

He made a face. Really?

Her eyes widened. Yes, really. She looked sideways, grabbed his arm, and then steered him away from the dragon. Uh, so, why are you here, Aydon?

He drew his head back and studied her. What’s going on, Adalee? He tried to look around her. You’ve seen me here lots of times.

Hmm. Yeah, I guess. She pushed him forward, away from the lake.

Huh. He stopped walking and faced her. I came looking for you. He stuck his hand in his pocket.

She gave a nervous laugh and shoved him forward again. Whatever for?

Adalee, stop! He looked at her curiously then pulled his hand out of his pocket. Opening his fingers, he revealed the remains of a purple and gold eggshell. I wanted to show you this, but— A snapping sound came from behind them and stopped him in mid-sentence. He gasped as the little dragon stuck its head around her legs, a bunch of brickle-berries hanging from its jaws.

Adalee dropped down on one knee. Oh, so you do like the berries after all. She petted its small, wet head while it cooed softly.

Aydon’s mouth dropped open. He fell back a step. But that’s … that’s a Swift Dragon of Ural, I’m sure of it. He looked down at the broken pieces of eggshell in his hand and drew in a breath. H-h-how did … w-w-what? The dragon stayed hidden behind Adalee. Whoa. He got down on his knees and leaned toward it. Reaching for the young dragon, he cautiously let it sniff his fingers. Amazing.

Yeah, huh?

Aydon sat back on his legs. You did this? He gestured to the dragon that had come around in front of her and now leaned against her leg. He shook his head. I can’t believe this, Adalee. He looked up at her. Where did you find the egg? I’ve never heard of a mother laying her eggs anywhere but inside the mountain.

Um … She picked at her fingernail. Well …

Wait. Aydon gasped. "The dragon we lost today—this is hers. Adalee, how did you get it?"

She sat on the ground and pulled him down beside her. Remember when I tripped and fell down, beside the, erm, abandoned nest?

His eyes widened. When we ran out of the dragon hatchery?

She wrung her hands in front of her and nodded. You said the eggs probably wouldn’t hatch anyhow. She truly felt bad. So, I … just took it. She wiped a tear from her eye. I’m sorry.

He stroked the dragon’s neck. "Sorry? Probably none of the other eggs will hatch. You shouldn’t be sorry for saving this one. It was obvious that Aydon was excited as he danced back and forth from one leg to the next. You can hatch abandoned dragon eggs. Do you know how awesome that is?"

All at once, he stopped, and his eyes widened as if he’d just remembered something important. Oh wait, I almost forgot. Queen Faelyn asked me to find you. He still looked at her awestruck and that unnerved Adalee.

She took a step back. Oh? Earlier that day, Queen Faelyn had kissed her fingers then touched the bulge in her bag where Adalee had hidden the egg. I knew it—she knows I took the egg. Eeks. Her shoulders fell forward. I guess she wants the dragon. With a deep sigh, she stood and scooped up the small dragon in her hands. Come on, Aydon. They took off toward Eldervale.

The young dragon curled up in the palm of her hands. Within seconds, it fell asleep, snoring gently and occasionally snorting. Right before the footbridge over the wide river, Aydon stopped. He gestured for Adalee to keep going.

Aren’t you coming with me? she asked with a nervous laugh.

No. I want to practice a bit before dragon-riding training.

Her eyes filled with envy. Lucky.

Yeah, he said nodding. He whistled and his dragon swooped down from a low hanging branch across the river.

Adalee squinted. Whoa. I didn’t see her there. The tree had several dragons perched in its wide canopy, hidden by thick, green foliage. Amazing.

Yeah. Aydon grinned. So, I’ll see ya later. He jumped up on his dragon’s back.

Yep. She turned toward the bridge. The little dragon wiggled in her hands, and she looked sadly down at it. You’re so cute. She sighed, slipped the dragon into her satchel leaving the flap open for airflow, and then stepped onto the bridge.

Two

Jaron Finley

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In the fairy kingdom of Estraelia, the birth of a fairy is a spectacular event. It happens once every thousand years, much like the Merwing, where hundreds of newly born infant fairies enter their world for the very first time. Elieli beckoned for Elias and Samuel to follow her. They slipped away from the feast unnoticed as the others continued talking and eating Elderberry pie topped with swirls of white-lemon cream.

Hurry! I want to show you something. They followed her through the chamber and on through the ballroom, but instead of leaving the donjon the way the boys had entered, she took them down a long hallway then up a narrow flight of circular stairs that tightly hugged the castle’s stone wall.

The evening sky greeted them as they neared the top of the sixth tower. Though they stepped out to a spectacular view of the woods and the tiny village far below, it was the stars that stood out the most. The heavens danced, as they twinkled brightly, setting off bursts of energy that filled the sky with gentle fireworks of bluish-white lights.

Samuel pointed to the sky. What is this? I’ve never seen the stars look like that.

It is the Dance of the Fairies. Elieli gazed up at them. They do look like stars, don’t they?

Samuel glanced from one shining orb to the next. "They are stars, Elieli. Aren’t they?"

No, she sighed, not stars. She looked at the boys then took a small clear stone from her pocket and held it up to the shimmering display of lights. Look! She pointed through the stone to the lights.

Whoa. Elias gasped. It’s hundreds of wood fairies! He could see them clearly now, even though they were miles away in the sky, lifting their magnificent wings slowly up and down in beautiful, synchronized patterns of dance.

She took two more stones from her pocket, handing one to each of them. It is the beginning of the celebration of the birthlings. They stayed up in the tower for hours, gazing at the fascinating phenomenon, sprawled out on the floor with just their heads touching, staring up into the azure sky.

Elias was mesmerized by the sight of the fairies. As he lay there, two swooped down to him and gently slipped their arms under his, buoying him up with their strong wings back into the night sky. He soared alongside them, high above mountain and trees, feeling weightless and free. They flew over the village, and he looked down and saw the dim lights from the tiny windows as they passed by. On they sailed, over long meadows, and past villages and towns, until at last they came to a place he recognized. They sat him down effortlessly on the doorstep of 1228 Elderberry Street. He stared at the welcome mat.

Am I home? He hesitated to go inside, struggling with his newfound heritage, and going back to being a foster child. What do I do? He turned to the fairy on his right.

That is for you to decide, Master Elderberry. He bowed, then gesturing to the other fairy, they alighted into the sky. Goodbye, Elias of Elderberry!

For how long? He called after the diminishing lights, but they were too far away. He opened the door slowly and stepped inside. Mom? He looked around, but she hadn’t arrived back home from taking the legal papers to her office. He sank in the same seat in front of the fireplace that he had earlier, when the golden snake had made himself known. It seemed like a lifetime ago, even though only minutes had passed on earth. Almost immediately, the door opened and Ann came rushing inside.

Are you okay, Elias? she said breathlessly. Dad got your panic call from your phone and— She pulled hers out and called Clint, letting him know that Elias was okay. Did you mean to press that code or was it by accident?

I, uh, well … by accident, I guess. The enormity of it all struck him as he realized he could never tell his foster parents he’d been rescued from an evil snake by immortal beings. He couldn’t tell them about the castle or that he’d visited a fairy kingdom. He felt dizzy. He couldn’t tell them the best secret of all—that he was a wizard.

Ann tossed her purse on the couch and sat down across from him. So, what have you been doing for the last hour?

He cleared his throat, while images of Grymuks, Nyimps, pixies, yōkai, Elieli, and Cedric crowded his mind. Um, nothing much. He looked down at his feet. I guess.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Lizzie came home from school and spent most of her time doing homework and texting her friends. Elias walked across the street to visit Jaron.

He bent down and banged on Jaron’s bedroom window. Hey. Let me in. The curtain parted and Jaron peered out. A surprised look spread across his face and he opened the window wider, motioning for Elias to climb through.

Jaron cocked his head to the side.

What are you looking at?

It’s just that, well, you look different, somehow. Jaron stared at him. It’s really weird. I can’t place it … just different.

He’d give almost anything to tell Jaron everything but suspected the truth would be too unbelievable. He shrugged. Beats me.

They pulled out the controllers and spent the next thirty minutes trying to beat their last game scores.

Jaron’s cell phone rang. He reached sideways for it, knocking it off his desk. Argh!

He lunged forward, just as Elias, who was caught up in the video game, mindlessly pointed at it. The phone stopped falling in midair.

Jaron jumped up. He pointed at the floating phone. Look! He gasped.

Elias dropped his hand and the cell phone fell to the floor. Oops.

Jaron’s eyes widened in fear. He looked at Elias, then at the phone, and then back at Elias. "How’d you do that," he said in a frightened whisper.

Uh, do what? Elias asked, turning back to the game.

E-li-as! Jaron yelled, his voice quivering. "Tell me I didn’t just see—the phone—you—floating! Ahh!" He screamed, grabbing his head. He jumped away from Elias.

I, uh, well … Elias hesitated, not knowing how much, or even what to tell his friend. He didn’t like Jaron’s fear and uncertainty. Okay, but you have to promise me that things won’t change between us, and that you won’t tell anyone else, okay?

Y-y-yeah, o-o-okay, Jaron stammered, staying close to the door.

Well, Elias said carefully. It’s like this … He told him about Cedric and the dragon riders, the castle, and his brothers, and finally that he was a wizard. Throughout the explanation, Jaron’s eyes grew wider, and his mouth dropped open, but when Elias said ‘wizard,’ he completely lost it. He burst into riotous laughter.

Elias jumped up. Why are you laughing? His fists clenched to his sides. Stop!

Jaron fell back against the wall, holding his sides with laughter. S-s-orry, Eli … sorry! I mean seriously, your story got crazier and crazier. I expected it was a magic trick. He snickered, "but when you said wizard. He wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. Okay, fess-up, how’d you really do it?" He chuckled.

Elias narrowed his eyes. You really want to know? He pointed at Jaron and bellowed, Ascendu!

Jaron abruptly rose five feet from the floor, his body pressing firmly against the ceiling. Ahh! He thrashed about and would have fallen had Elias not held him secure.

Elias let him scream. After about two minutes of continuous screaming, Jaron finally stopped. He sat there in the air gaping at his friend.

Elias looked up at him. Are you convinced now, Jaron? Jaron gave a quick nod, and Elias lowered him to the floor, but as soon as his feet