In the 17th Century, the ancient sprawl of Epping forest is bursting with magic and those who go unseen by human eyes: the elves who rule the summer court, and the goblins who rule the winter court. It is said that if a human catches the eye of one of the fey, they are either doomed or blessed. Contains the stories: Wulfren and the Warlock: When Wulfren wakes from a strange dream of a human captor with long silver hair, and grey eyes, his brothers tell him they rescued him from a warlock, and take Wulfren back home to the goblin king's palace. But Wulfren isn’t so sure the matter is that simple. Why was he missing so long? What are the strange dreams of the beautiful man with the silver hair? Dalliances with humans are severely frowned upon, especially by Wulfren’s father, but Wulfren is willing to risk the scorn of his family to find the human who haunts his dreams. Quiller and the Runaway Prince: After a hard winter, Quiller is sent deep into the forest on a family errand, and is surprised when a human stumbles into his path. Quiller swoops in to pester him, perhaps even eat him, but there is something special about the human: his scent is royal, though he protests that he is not, and soon Quiller finds himself agreeing to help the human with his troubles—in exchange for a kiss.

Goblins

A soft snap of leaves announced the warlock’s return. He was covered in his cloak as before, and held his torch aloft. It shone a pale light through the trees as he picked his way to the front door of his cabin. This was it then. I knew I was inviting trouble, but I didn’t care. I took a deep breath and shook myself out, wishing I could make my human form that little bit taller and sleeker. I wished I looked more like my mother’s people, like the long limbed, blond haired elves, but I was what I was. Stepping out from the shadows, I willed Ash to see me.


As if sensing, he looked my way, and paused. I found myself wishing, yearning,bid me enter. Yet he turned away, and went inside. I was crushed. But maybe he hadn’t recognised me?


Chapter 12