Winter of Elves

by Joanne Vruno

  “Alice, where did you get such a granddaughter!” Lunt smiled at me.

  All eyes focused on Silver for her reaction. She considered the situation. “We’d have to bring them in secretly, without Pia or Stig knowing about it. Not all their family members may still have light in them. If they don’t, we’d have to send them back. If that happens it may give them some heartache, but we’d be saving some elves and helping the light elf kingdom at the same time.”

  “When and where should we do this?” asked Grandma.

  “I’m not sure. It should definitely not be at either village, and also not here! We already have two wolves to deal with. Is that where Emily is?” asked Silver.

  “Yes, I didn’t think she needed to be part of this today. She’s still trying to deal with seeing trolls. Imagine what her fear would be like knowing how many dwarfs are out there right now,” said Grandma.

  “Well, I say we do it soon,” Silver said. “More exposure to dwarf behavior may rub off on the rock elves. We want to save as many as possible. Why don’t we talk to Beck and Agda and let them know what we’re planning, since these new elves will be joining their village? They can also keep the new elves busy while Koppor joins us.” She turned to me and Grandma. “Go out to the woods, to our normal meeting spot away from the villages. We’ll meet you there in two hours. That gives you two guardians time to eat and form a plan on how to do this. I’ll fly over to Agda and Beck’s village and talk to them and my sister. Hopefully we’ll have a positive result trying this,” Silver said as she rose and left.

  “I’m coming with you two. This is something I want to see,” said Lunt.

  “We’ll keep Emily busy here, or the wolves will. I hope they aren’t getting too used to all the pampering Emily’s giving them,” said Berg.

  I turned a bit red with that comment, too. I hadn’t even visited them today, but maybe that wasn’t a bad thing. School was starting up in a couple days, and then our visits would be less and less often. Berg was right. We didn’t want the wolves dependent on us. Soon they would need to be wild again. Today I just needed to focus on the elves.

  Chapter 20

  Lunt, Grandma, and I all arrived together at the meeting spot. We noticed Asa up in the sky keeping watch with Silver. It wasn’t long before Koppor arrived with Agda. Beck stayed at the village and made sure the newest elves had jobs to do.

  Grandma flashed her amulet to block any view of what we were attempting. We had decided we would transport one family and then put them quickly to sleep. Koppor could do her magic before we brought the second family. When Koppor was done transforming them, we’d send back the ones without light and awaken the new light elves. Koppor and Agda would then be in charge of introducing them to the light elf world a bit before we walked them, under our shield, to the village to reunite with Pia and Stig.

  We held hands as we said in unison, “Bring Pia’s family to us. Bring Pia’s family to us. Bring Pia’s family to us!” Poof! Twenty rock elves of all ages stood before us. Immediately I held out my amulet. “Slumber now” I ordered.

  We watched as Koppor went from rock elf to rock elf. They didn’t look any different from light elves with their eyes closed. I could see generations of Pia’s family, from grandparents to small siblings or cousins. They all appeared good to me in their sleep.

  Soon Koppor lit up and joined with elf after elf. I wiped a tear of joy from my cheek when I realized every member of Pia’s family was now a light elf. He was going to be so excited knowing his family was safe.

  Koppor nodded when she was done. Grandma and I knew it was time to bring Stig’s family here now. Together we held hands and said, “Bring Stig’s family here!” three times. Poof! A smaller group of twelve rock elves appeared and again I quickly used my amulet to put them to sleep.

  Koppor again walked around the sleeping elves, checking them all out. When she had viewed everyone she started to glow again as she joined with elf after elf. We watched with anticipation to see how many were being transformed into light elves. When she went to the last rock elf, we all cheered at the knowledge that all of them had been transformed.

  Koppor was beaming with joy but was also drained as she sat on the ground. Grandma quickly used some healing powers on Koppor, which helped a bit, but we both knew she needed rest and food. Silver swooped down with Asa and lifted Koppor on the hawk, quickly taking her sister to the village. We knew she would get Koppor food and care while she recovered from the enormous task she just completed.

  Agda, Lunt, Grandma, and I talked over how to handle these elves, who would certainly be in shock when they woke. Agda came up with the best idea. She got Pia and Stig. We knew they would be surprised seeing their families asleep on the ground. We hoped they would be able to calm their relatives.

  Pia and Stig just stared in surprise, as we expected. “How did you find our families? Are they light elves now? Why would you take the time to help us this way?” asked Pia.

  “You’re part of our village now,” said Agda. “When we heard of your fear of the dwarfs, we realized your families were still living with the fear. Your light elf heritage was still part of you or Koppor wouldn’t have been able to change you. We thought your family members also would likely be able to be changed, so we took the chance. We’re so happy to see all members of both families still had the light elf part of them alive inside of them.”

  I smiled at the two as I said, “We need you to help us calm them and let them know they’re safe. I’m going to wake them all at once. Are you ready?”

  They both nodded. I raised the amulet and said, “Awaken now!”

  Slowly, eyes opened and very frightened elves looked around at the woodland. Both Pia and Stig ran to hug family members as they rose. They gathered their individual families and told them how they got here.

  Eyes looked at Grandma, Agda, and me as we watched their reactions. Agda was the first to approach the new light elves as she moved from one after another introducing herself and welcomed them into her village. Then she returned to Grandma and me as she spoke to all. “In a light elf village, we are blessed with having a human guardian who protects us from any creature who may cause danger,” she said. “You’ll soon find out we’re not the only light elf village around here, so we are lucky to have two guardians around in times of need. Today these two guardians brought you from your homes to this spot. Some of your elders can tell you that over a thousand years ago we were all light elves. During the conflict between the giants and gods, we were split. Today we have reunited you with your light elf heritage. Soon you can join the others in the village in healing nature, which is our purpose in life. We were not meant for war and destruction. I want every one of you to touch a tree or plant around you.”

  The new elves followed the order and I could see by their eyes they could feel the life in the plants.

  “You’re feeling life,” Agda confirmed. “Your purpose from now on is to protect that life. We’ll soon go to the village, where the elves livng there will help you build homes. We’ll introduce you to what specialty each elf has and in a few days we’ll let you choose what position you’d like in the village. We are now your new extended family.”

  Conversations started up between the new members. We could tell they were processing the information. One elderly elf walked forward. “So we are not prisoners?” he asked. “Nor are we servants to you? We’re actually free to live and do what we want?”

  “That’s correct,” said Adga. “You’re part of a village where all members depend on each other. Our only rules are to follow our creed of protecting nature and respecting each other. Right now, we also ask you not to wander away from the village because of the dwarf incidents of late. We’re on alert at the moment. Our village has guardian protection on it so other creatures can’t see us, but outside the village you’re not protected. Our healers and other elves who work ou
tside the village have been trained in safety measures. You’ll soon be trained in these safeguards, also. For now I ask that you stay inside the village area for your protection.”

  “So now we will also be hunted by dwarfs?” asked an elderly female elf.

  “Yes. That’s how we found Pia and Stig. I’ll let them tell about their experiences. All I can say is that after hearing their stories, we wanted to help their families so they didn’t have to be forced to similar situations,” said Agda.

  I finally moved forward. “My name is Aly, and I’m your guardian. I’ve been granted magical powers. I used one on you today to bring you here. When a dwarf, troll, or any other threat is noticed by the village, I’m called. I’ll always show up to protect you. I may be young but in the past month I have protected this village from seven dwarfs. Not a single elf has been harmed. You have my promise I’ll do all I can to keep you safe.”

  All eyes stared at me. “Aly is remarkable, and she’s right,” said Agda. “She has powers to keep us all safe. Next to her is Alice, Aly’s grandmother. Alice is a guardian of another village that, in time, you may visit. Their relationship and the nearness of our villages makes us doubly protected. We just want you to know there are possible dangers beyond the village, dangers I’m sure you have lived with before. Now I think it’s time we return to the village. Aly, will you do the honors and block our view from others as we move down the path?” asked Agda.

  I smiled as I held up my amulet and flashed it. Grandma and I followed the new elves as Agda guided them to the village. We had fun observing their reaction to the creek and the beautiful woodland. One elf actually turned to us and said, “This place is wonderful! We’ve lived high up in the mountains, so high that it was mostly rocks. We’re not used to the plants and trees. I can’t wait until the snow leaves. It does leave, right?”

  “It does,” I said, “and then everything’s green until autumn, when it turns into a variety of colors. There are deer, squirrels, foxes, raccoons, and plenty of animals in these woods. Humans also venture here for walks, biking, and picnics. The village is away from their usual places. Humans, unless they have some magic in them, can’t see you, so you just need to stay away from where they walk.”

  As we entered the village, the new elves were greeted by the others. Some new buildings were already in process of being built. Beck had the same belief all of us did, that these elves would be light elves again. I smiled and nodded toward the construction. “I believe in time we’ll be united as light elves, just as we originally were,” smiled Beck. “I know a few can’t be, but I think the majority can. Today proved my beliefs may be right.”

  “And you say you’re more businesslike,” said Grandma with a smile.

  Beck turned a bit pink as he smiled back.

  Silver walked out of Koppor’s house right then, and I went to her to ask about Koppor.

  “She’s like you, drained when she uses too much magic at a time. Look at all these new light elves . . . it is amazing. I feel like history is being healed. I wonder how many more can be returned to their original state. I never thought this could happen,” said Silver, watching all the excitement.

  “I think new light elves in the future may need to join your village. Today thirty-two new light elves have a new home here,” I said.

  “I’d welcome new light elves into my village,” said Silver, “especially after seeing the light in these elves’ eyes glowing with happiness today. Look at them. They’re so happy!”

  Silver was right. The fear or resentment they could have had at being taken from the only home they’d known and being brought to a completely new place wasn’t there. Instead, they seemed relieved. I wondered if their old life had been so terrible or being transformed into their true identity had made them that way. I hoped it was the latter. They were finally given the opportunity to be free!

  Grandma, Lunt, and I decided it was time to leave. Silver wanted to stay with Koppor for a little while longer, so we said our goodbyes.

  Chapter 21

  I felt proud of what Grandma and I helped accomplish, though the real work was done by Koppor. We told Lina and Berg what had happened when we got back to Grandma’s.

  “So, will you be bringing more rock elves here now?” asked Lina.

  “I’d like to,” said Grandma. “Today was so rewarding. I think maybe Peder and the other new light elves should have the same option with their families. The hard part is that not all family members are guaranteed to be changed. Some may have lost their light, but I think the family would already realize that. And it can’t happen for a while. Koppor needs to regain her strength. I’m so pleased she has this power, though. It gave her something to be proud of in herself after the mess she ended up in with Fredek. She really has become a stronger elf, with confidence she didn’t have before.”

  Lina said, “It was good she wasn’t involved in Fredek’s attacks. The light elves need her magic more than ever now. Thirty-two new light elves, and all miners. Looks like King Helmar lost some hard workers and will have less weapons. Did they make the dwarf weapons, too?”

  “I don’t know, but it sure would help all creatures if we could transform the rest of the miner elves,” said Berg. “A limited amount of weapons would lower the risks when we encounter more dwarfs.”

  “Oh, I hope they can!” I said, knowing I was the only one in the room who had felt a dwarf’s blade. The memories of that day were becoming more vivid as the others talked. It wasn’t good for me, so I chose to go visit the wolves.

  I quickly went into the bedroom I shared with Emily when we stayed there and changed into Grandma’s old clothes before entering the backyard.

  Emily was lying down in a wolf sandwich. She was on her back with a wolf on each side, trying to pet them at the same time. I smiled at the sight and moved to Fen’s other side while Emily then only pet Fir.

  “Aly, where have you been?” Emily asked. “I was telling these two we won’t have many more days like this because we need to go back to school during the days. I thought you would be out here all day, too.”

  “I had guardian duty. I just came back from the village. With Koppor’s help, we just brought thirty-two rock elves here and Koppor changed them into light elves,” I proudly announced.

  Fen and Fir both lifted their heads and looked at me.

  Fen silently spoke in our heads. How can you change rock elves into light elves?

  “That village has an elf named Koppor. We just found out she has these really strong healing powers. Remember the dwarfs who arrived before Fir? Well, they all had rock elves riding on their shoulders. They were looking for the light elf village. When each dwarf was close enough to the village, I put them and their rock elf rider to sleep with a sleeping spell. Koppor asked me if she could look at the rock elves before I sent them away. Somehow she could see they still had some light elf in them and wanted to try to change them. She magically did just that with three of them. One of the rock elves had no light elf left in him, so I sent that one away. All rock elves at one time were light elves, changed when they left and went to live with the giants. I think the change came when they stopped healing nature, but I don’t know for sure. Today we found out Koppor could change some rock elves who mined and made weapons for the rock elves and maybe the dwarfs, too.”

  This Koppor’s magic must be really strong, said Fen.

  “It is. Luckily she thought of trying it on the rock elves. We hope we can keep doing this and change more,” I said.

  “Aly, this is great! Then there won’t be a war!” said Emily.

  “I don’t know about that, Emily. Not all the rock elves could be changed, but I hope we can change a large number of King Helmar’s rock elves back. I don’t think dwarfs normally hunted elves before this war, so hopefully they’ll stop if they know there are less rock elves.”

  Brother, then
we could return to our home in Murkwood! said Fir.

  Fen said, It’s nice to know there’s a possibility, but I think it’ll take awhile. I’m wondering if we should move on to someplace else before then. Our scent has put the light elves in danger. Aly, you didn’t have groups of dwarfs in the area before we arrived, right?

  “No, we only had one dwarf here in the summer.”

  We were sent here to protect the light elves, and instead we’re drawing attention to them. Fir, when you’re strong again, I think we leave, don’t you? asked Fen looking at his brother.

  You’re right. We need to leave, but where do we go? We don’t know where Queen Elin and our pack is. We’ve never lived without her protection. We know we’re not very good on our own. We need to be with other wolves or our pack, said Fir.

  “Aly can send you to Queen Elin,” said Emily.

  You can? asked Fir.

  “I can, and so can my grandma. When you feel strong enough we can transport you.”

  It would be great to see our family, said Fen.

  “Just let us know when you’re ready,” I said.

  Tomorrow, said Fir.

  Emily’s face couldn’t hide her shock and sadness. She immediately hugged Fir around his neck. “I’m going to miss you,” she said with a tear falling down her cheek.

  Fir licked her, then nuzzled against her.

  My brother, the tough one. Who would have thought a human girl could touch his heart? said Fen in our heads.

  Fir gave him a deadly stare a moment before he said, Let’s see how you do with goodbyes tomorrow, brother.

  I didn’t wait for tomorrow to give Fen a hug.

  Fen put his head on my lap while Fir did the same with Emily, and we sat there together until it was time to change before our mom came. It was strange how quickly we got attached to these creatures—first the swan maidens and now these two giant wolves.