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

 "Go back to where ever you came from," the other said.


Patrick just shook his head; he couldn't force any words past his teeth.


"Well, don't say we didn't warn you." The first one said as strong arms took hold of Patrick. He was quickly tied with coarse rope.


"Better take him to the surgeon first. We don't want him dying before His Highness gets to talk to him."


"Poor blighter," the second guard said, "he'll wish he was dead soon enough."


Patrick was carried to a stifling hot tent and left on a cot. One end of the rope tying his wrists was fastened to bed. He laid shivering and trying to convince his body now he was warm, it should cooperate, but even in the heat he felt cold to his very core.


A man in a white uniform with a red patch came in and looked at him.


Chapter 67