Author:
Alex McGilvery has been reading since before he can remember, and writing almost that long. He has published 18 books and is author and editor at his imprint Celticfrog Publishing. He lives in Kamloops with his dog and the stories clawing their way out of his head.

Ten year old Justine has lived with the loss of her mother for two years. Even while she misses her Mom, she is discovering the gifts they share. When bullying at school makes Justine’s life miserable, she befriends a tree she calls Drasil. It isn’t fair that life causes so much pain for Justine, so her father is happy when she makes a friend, even when that friend is a tree.

She tells stories of visiting a land where peace is valued above all else and hospitality is the primary virtue. Her father listens to her stories and marvels at how she changes, even as he wonders if her stories are true, or the fantasy of a lonely young girl. When the stories get darker and more dangerous, he worries that she is being hurt, even in this land of peace.

He has no idea how much they will both be changed as they get caught up in the struggle between a people who believe in peace, and those who trust in war.

Playing on Yggdrasil

The next day Patrick was again wakened by the sound of children. They were playing Wolf or Guest. One of the little ones made a mistake that sent the whole crowd running down the road. He was sure there were more than yesterday.


"Stone has been dropping hints to the little kids," Justine said, as she handed him a steaming cup. "It's not coffee, but it's hot."


"It's not bad," he said after a sip. "Thanks, Justine."


"The best part of the game is when someone makes a mistake and changes their mind. Then we get to chase them and tickle them, but the older kids never make mistakes so it isn't much fun. Stone is convincing the littlest ones to make a mistake and get chased."


"What do the little kids get out of it?"


"Stone spends time with them. He plays the games with them the other big kids won't. So, when are we going to meet this friend of Davvad's?" Justine said.


"I didn't know that you were listening."


Chapter 48