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

"Pardon, Brother, but I was talking to this man," Patrick tried to keep the annoyance out of his voice. He turned back to the young man. "The kitchens are running out of firewood."


"What of it?" another youth said. "They are the hosts. It is the City's concern."


"There is a forest not far from here," Patrick replied. "For every day that the kitchens don't run out of wood, I will answer one question. Only one, mind you, so you'd better think about it."


"We will need to ask if we don't understand something," Barsta said.


"Come, we have some work to do." Barsta looked at Patrick. "Where will we find you?"


"I can come here after breakfast each day." Barsta nodded. "Be welcome, then." He led the group of youth out toward the gate.


"I'm not sure that was a wise idea." Brother Raston said.


Chapter 50