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 used to say that to Justine," Patrick said.


"It's time for me to go," Patrick hugged the World Tree.


Patrick was swept into the space between the universe and Drasil held him in a hug. 


::Forgive me,:: Drasil said into Patrick's soul.::I didn't protect Justine. I promised and I failed.::


"You are not God," Patrick said, "and even you have limits."


"Yes," Drasil said, "for all that I live in the warp and weft of the universe, I am like you, both more and less than what you see. I connect, and because I connect, I love. Justine's heart called out to me and I made her my friend, and the universe was brighter for it."


"She loved you. Now she is gone and the universe is colder for it."


"Nothing loved is ever lost," Drasil said, "Justine told me that."


"She is lost to me," Patrick wailed, "Can't you find her?"


"How long must I wait before I see her again?"


Chapter 78