Summon the Elven Mage, Barbara Ferrier [ebook reader with highlighter .TXT] 📗

bright yellow and white for an instant. Kris blinked and saw they’d arrived at the intersection of two large rivers. They stood on the firm and fertile forest floor. Kris stood in awe, trying to absorb every single detail. He looked up and saw light filter through layers of transparent leaves, their intricate veins created a three-dimensional work of art. Ferns and mosses clung to stones and trees. Berries, flowers, and mushrooms thrived. He heard birds and small animals scurrying, then watched ants bringing food to their nests. Kris was overwhelmed with all the life surrounding him. Tears flowed from his eyes as Kris’s soul accepted the ancient forest’s cleansing bath. He felt himself transform; and a few distant memories stirred. His brown eyes turned a deep beautiful green.

Sylvia watched him stand with his hands out, facing the sun through the trees, as if trying to absorb the entire forest. She realized his magical radiant glow as an extension of the mist, the river, and the land here.

A tall, thin, ageless woman appeared. She had dark hair, brown eyes, and a gentle smile. She wore a long white lace robe and a wreath of flowers in her hair. She watched Kris take in the forest, while silently acknowledging Kelne, Tah, Sylvia and Ivy.

“I see you’ve made your way back,” she said to Kris. “Well done.”

He looked at her with a look of inquisitiveness. “Back,” he said. “When was I here before? It’s new to me, but it does feel like a home.”

“Flanders told me,” the Maiden of the Forest said. “I sent him to find the elves after an attempted robbery of the ancient Waterland crystals. He said he met a stranger with Sylvia. Shantini and Jetson had told me to expect you …” Kris turned and met Sylvia’s eyes. She nodded.

“There have been no elves in the Waterlands for a very long time,” the Maiden said. “They left when the Elven Mage was sent on an extremely important task. He left our world to absorb wisdom from another planet. They have remained deep in the Crystalline Forest for safety.”

Kris didn’t know how to comprehend her words. He was beginning to accept that he was from Kalendra before he was from Earth. He knew in his bones he belonged here. She just called him the Elven Mage. That would take some getting used to.

“Please,” Kelne said to the Maiden, “His return opened an essential portal. Now I need his help for a bit of emergency – related to those recent attacks. Tah, here is coming with Kris and myself to find safety on Earth. Sohm’s orders. We won’t be long.” Kris and Tah both nodded.

“Of course, I bid you good travels,” she said, bowing to Kris. “I will tell the others that the time has arrived for the elves to return to the Waterlands and re-establish their homes.”

Kris nodded and smiled at the Maiden.

“Please, before you go,” the Maiden said looking at Kelne, “take a simple gift from this land. See the powder blue stones in the water here?” Kris and Tah investigated the river and nodded. “Please choose one.” Tah and Kris knelt and selected their stones. They each held a beautiful translucent light blue stone with white rings around them. “These are called Sajilo stones and they contain the magic of this forest. With them your travels will go effortlessly. Call them easy stones. And remember, when you carry them and trust, they will lead you,” she smiled looking Kristen and Tah in the eye.

“Thank you,” Tahendra said wide eyed.

“I will treasure this,” Kris said. “I’ll be back soon. You have my word.” He turned to Ivy and nodded, then held Sylvia’s eyes. Kris turned to Tah, “Do you know I have a nephew your age? You’ll be great friends.” He smiled.

“I like friends,” Tahendra said. She threw her head back and smiled at Kris.

“Me too,” Kris said. Then he looked to Sylvia and Ivy again. “I can’t wait to come back here and spend more time with my new friends.”

“You are welcome anytime. And there is always a place for you to stay,” Sylvia said. Ivy nodded.

Chapter 11

Kelne, known as Mr. Kelly on Earth, stood with Kris, Tahendra, and Jaime in the living room of Jaime’s house. They were the only one’s home. Kelne wore his Earth business suit and waited for his good friend Sue to arrive.

Mr. Kelly concealed his hand gesture and brought an array of foods to the dining-room table. “Would you like a snack?”

Jaime and Tahendra turned to one another, then raced to the dining-room table. They tied and giggled loudly.

“I like this arrangement already,” Kelne said to Kris, who was also nodding enthusiastically. “This is going to be good for all involved.”

Sue walked up the front steps as if she owned the house. She loved working as a realtor on Earth and kept track of property in case safe houses were needed for Kalendrians. She and Kelne had known each other for years. She knew he brought his grandniece to visit, and she’d agreed to take care of Tahendra for a while.

As she stood on the porch of Jaime’s house, Kelne walked outside and bowed deeply, his hands in prayer. She greeted him in the same way.

“I am so grateful you’ve arrived. Please, I’d love to introduce you to my grandniece Tahendra, also known as Tah, and my good friend Kris Campbell. They are inside.” The two walked through the door as Jaime was walking to the kitchen. “That is Jaime, Kris’s nephew. It is my greatest wish that Jaime and Tahendra grow up almost as siblings,” Kelne said quietly so he wouldn’t be overheard.

Sue nodded. “Oh, I would love to make that happen. I’d love to raise your grandniece.” She looked across the street and pointed at the modest house with a For Sale sign outside. Sue nodded toward it. “I’ll secure that one.” She smiled. “This will be a charming place to live.”

“We will need her back,” Kelne said,