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

"I believe that I am prepared to take on this task," he said, "and what award do I give to the winner? We have no great reserves to give extra food."


"That's the best part," Patrick explained, and showed Garad the flag. "The prize is the honour of flying this white flag. As long as their tent is the cleanest they keep the flag."


Garad grinned. "A worthy prize indeed. Let me begin." He began touring through the tent area, muttering to himself. Then wandered off down the road.


"I hope he knows not to award the flag to us."


"I don't believe that will be an issue, today," Marisha said coming out of the tent, "but I would like it to be an issue tomorrow. We can do much better than this. Stone groaned, but Justine elbowed him.


Soon Boddi was picking up and tidying while Stone and Justine were sweeping and rearranging.


Chapter 52