Irefenia Salgonda & Elensaรกr Gelindor
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
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Irefenia Salgonda & Elensaรกr Gelindor
Crossbow Isle The Quest
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
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Irefenia Salgonda & Elensaรกr Gelindor
Crossbow Isle Volume III
The Quest Part 1
Irefฤ nia Salgonda Elensaรกr Gelindor Editor KLJ
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
Copyright © 2012 Irefĕnia Salgonda & Elensaár Gelindor All rights reserved. Registered with the IP Rights Office Copyright Registration Service Ref. [253510418]
Copyright © Irefĕnia Salgonda & Elensaár Gelindor Published by ISEG Media® The Quest – Volume 3 – Part 1 First published 2012 Edition: 2nd 2014 Illustrations & Cover© Elensaár Gelindor ISBN-13: 978- 1482530919 ISBN-10: 1482530910 CS-Title ID: 4170311 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the authors. vi
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HiQ+ The ultimate entertainment for Intelligent People
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Abridged Recapitulation of Volume 2 – Y Ddraig Goch Parts 1, 2 and 3 SPOILER ALERT! (If you have not read those books yet, be warned that the following is a spoiler. If you read it now, you will learn about names and essential developments that will be detrimental to the reading pleasure of these books but you won’t understand the entire story of Crossbow Isle if you had not read all previous instalments.)
Not much later than Enyana had defeated Torgos the schismatic mage and taken away all his magical powers and abilities and once Fucanglong had ensured that he never would be able to regain any of those powers and talents as long as his eternal life lasted, – the young woman had returned to the elven realm Rialian Yldannan where she was raised by the Ithil’quessir elves. Much earlier than planned she resumed her studies of magical powers, elven lore and honed her abilities to perfection but for the crucial training of her physical abilities she had decided to continue her studies on Ai Seler’ en’ Tolea’Fuin, the island that the Amrun’quessir elves had transformed the way they remembered their home in the far away “Never Winter” island Tolea’Fuin. Here, she learnt and practised all the talents that were given to her and especially needed once she herself would become the teacher and mentor of Fucanglong’s son Y Ddraig Goch who was destined to hatch on Midsummer Solstice from his egg that was laid more than three thousand years ago. Although little Y Ddraig Goch would not instantly require the use of her abilities but once needed she had to be perfect. Failing anyone of her talents could be detrimental to her teaching duties and could cause harm to her fosterling. Once the great day of Midsummer Solstice had come, which was also Enyana’s birthday, Fucanglong appeared very surprisingly and with him not only the eight dragons of the viii
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circle of ‘Nine Luongs’ where Fucanglong belonged to but also an entourage of drummers and cymbalists from the land Zhongguo. They indeed highlighted the rare event of a dragon birth adequately to its importance as it would have been celebrated in the land where the ‘Nine Dragons’ were worshipped ever since they had first arrived in this reality of planet earth. Gigantic fireworks shook Ai Seler’ en’ Tolea’Fuin in its roots and no one there could miss that something had happened that would change the fate of this world for a long time to come. A couple of months later, Hex Goblinfly the elven teacher and meanwhile good friend who had taught Enyana to use some of her outstanding talents had pondered the ultimate question that every elf has to decide once in his life. The official ceremony called Tar’marty a’Ambar Tel’Quessir where the decision of the elf was announced officially developed in a very surprising way and entirely different from any other similar celebration before. Not only that Hex Goblinfly was bestowed with the two names
Elensaár, son of the house of Gelindor, as it usually happened only to elves who were regarded as “High Elves”. The closing of the ceremony was apparently coordinated and executed by forces unknown as of yet and culminated in the queerest behaviour of moonlight, which shaped to a silver bright ribbon of light. The ray wound around Elensaár, Enyana and Y Ddraig Goch, which somehow indicated that their lives were tied together in a way they did not yet comprehend. A few months later and after Y Ddraig Goch had matured rather quickly and mastered all his talents, his education culminated in his readiness for his Minya Nosta, the second birth of a dragon. At the table stone of Menomenta where other and not lesser important events were celebrated, Fucanglong guided his son through the procedure that changed more than only its appearance and size. ix
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Much to anyone’s surprise, Enyana and Elensaár were included and an Eternal Trinity was formed with talents that allowed them sharing sight, hearing, their talents and mind conversation beyond any distance and without the use of magic, hence, absolutely undetectable. Among other adequate gifts, Elensaár received the shield Anar Tinechor of whom he had not the slightest idea how importantly it would influence his life. Ddraig, now equipped with everything he needed to fulfil his obligations as Guardian of the Isles was still probing his new and significantly grown figure and the powers of his talents as unexpected and uninvited visitors approached from lands far away in the north. Not instantly was it clear what they held in stock but soon the defenders of Crossbow Isle learnt that the assailants were not only accompanied by the cruellest beings known to Zaron who had lived longest on Crossbow Isle but that they were pursuing the cruel task to unload their ghastly passengers called Orontai onto the shores of Crossbow Isle. That, however, called for immediate action. Enyana asked the Wind Brothers to blow them back from where they had come from but it was quite clear that they would return and with Kimball Caradoc’s help, they established a line of beacons along the coastline to call for help in case of need. Sadly but true, after the weather had turned cold and wet, the people had abandoned their watchtowers and one bad night, they had to pay for their comfort and carelessness with their lives whilst the young women and children were dragged away to face a merciless future. No matter that Enyana and her friends tried everything in their powers to help but any help came too late and all that was left was to care for the survivors and to ensure that such thing would never happen again. Once the preparations were in full swing they learnt that the Orontai had formed an unlikely alliance with the Northman under the influence of one of the first Demons loyal to the x
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Ruler of the Worlds Below and they expected a second attack to take place anytime soon. As expected, the driving forces behind that alliance had an unknown interest to instigate this unthinkable plot in the first place. Therefore, they prepared for a fierce onslaught and as the day came they were well prepared but not for what were thrown against their powers. Not long after the battle had begun they realised that the real target of the demon by the name Oqualorak were no one lesser than the wielders of White Powers and the elves whilst the Orontai were send to be killed for their intention to multiply with the use of the young human women who would not have survived the birth of the Orontai offspring. For hours they battled and diminished the Orontai by the thousands until Enyana was badly wounded and Oqualorak stepped in. Now the battle was taken to a new and unknown dimension, which after heavy fighting led eventually to the quite surprising demise of the demon. Enyana’s wounding was severe as it was inflicted by a being from the worlds below and if not for the surprising cure administered by the little elven Ly Cheen Reedfly who was meditating about some developments during the battle, Enyana would have transformed to a wraith and her eternal life would have continued in an entirely different manner before it really had begun as it was supposed to be. Now the women and children had to be searched, were found and lastly rescued but the armada of Northman ships were not to be stopped that easily and due to intrinsic mechanisms of false pride and haughtiness, the Northman promised to return to Crossbow Isle to take what they wanted. That, however, was not to the liking of the defenders and since their powers were easily matching the challenge, the return of the Northman to their devastated land and homes was accomplished not without a humorous note, accompanied by a long lasting and painful lesson. xi
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Finally all villains were fended off or killed and the passageway to the worlds below was destroyed beyond repair. The damages were mended and as a token of appreciation, Kimball Caradoc arranged a very surprising New Year Eve Ball for his friends. Once again peace had returned to Crossbow Isle but for how long, – no one knew at that time and how the tale continues can be found here in the chapters of the third volume of Crossbow Isle named “The Quest”. The Quest, – volume three of the Crossbow Isle sequel continues the tale and we wish you much reading pleasure. However, for really understanding this volume and everything that follows you should have read the first volumes completely since Crossbow Isle is ONE large tale of more than 4,500 book pages and not a conglomeration of independent episodes! This abridged recap of the complex story is not sufficient to fill you in but merely meant to refresh your memories.
Enjoy
Elensaár Gelindor & Irefênia Salgonda
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Preface Dear Reader and Elven friend. As Crossbow Isle spans over five volumes in fifteen parts, we found it most suitable to let you know what the entire tale holds in stock. Therefore, we have ‘conjured’ a very brief introduction to the tale of Crossbow Isle. About four-thousand-years ago, the Elven Planet Phaéthon was deliberately destroyed in a fiery inferno and a large number of its inhabitants were stranded between the times. From within this void, time did not anymore appear as a consecutive string of events but allowed their minds to access some of the many realities that are attributed to each planet. The lass Ithilhin or Moonchild was born and lived in one of those accessible realities of planet Earth on a place called Crossbow Isle. Here, Ithilhin, the Moonchild was raised by elves who had ‘somehow’ come to that island as well. As the ripples of the event that had led to the destruction of Phaéthon bounced back and struck the reality where Crossbow Isle was located, another part of the plot unfolds, coercing Ithilhin and her friends into an intriguingly planned plot, which is spiced with countless mantraps, hilarious to gut-wrenching situations and deadly fights that eventually will guide them to an event that changes this universe and its realities and reverses the adverse influences of the ‘One’ who had caused the destruction of Phaéthon. However, they are not yet able to influence the effects on the planet that the ‘One’ had isolated and occupied for himself, – the people and world he had changed to his liking – Earth! xiii
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Table of contents I Alban Eiler................................................. - 1 -
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I Alban Eiler Softly whispering voices interrupted Enyana’s sleep: “Will you wake her or shall I do it?” Still a bit drowsy, the young woman listened curiously and shielded her mind whilst opening her eyes slowly to narrow slits. Just a little but enough that she could scan her chamber through the eyelashes to find out from where the voices came. Gentle movements caught her eyes and she saw where the culprits were. There, they sat on the wide windowsill. Two elves had taken on their smallest sizes and eyed Enyana watchfully. Her chamber was still dark but the two shadows were clearly visible against the light of the young morning that brightened the eastern sky. With the powers of her elven sight she focused at one of the little beings and recognised Ly Cheen. That moment nothing -1-
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was left of the much-matured acting elven who had carried the burden of watching over the northeastern coastline for the peril that not long time ago had crawled onto the shores of Crossbow Isle. “If she is not waking up soon she will miss all the action”, Enyana heard Ly Cheen whispering impatiently. “Well it is still quite dark and she has time enough to wake up”, Gossamer Moonglow the other elf replied softly and looked out of the window. “What will I miss if I do not wakeup in due time?” Enyana thought and lay motionless in her bed, pondering about any likely event that crossed her mind. It took a while ere she had shed the last sleepiness but then she remembered something. Today was truly a special day. It was the birthday of her beloved friend Rasmus and the elves were right, she should make haste and get out of her bed. However, since her friends were waiting patiently at the windowsill, why not playing a little prank. Enyana lay stockstill under her blanket and concentrated on leaping from her bed right in front of the window. For a short while it was quiet in Enyana’s chamber and Gossamer Moonglow just turned his face to look at the sleeping beauty. “If she does not wake up in the next few moments then you have to wake her”. “And why do I have to do that?” she asked curiously. “Because you are the one who always comes up with good ideas and now a good idea is needed to wake her without shocking her to death. I have to confess, currently I do not -2-
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really have any notion how I could do that without playing some mischief”, he chuckled. “Well, well, well”, Enyana thought. “That means that it is time for my little surprise”, and with the powers of her mind she leaped out of the bed to land the next moment in front of the windowsill and cried chuckling “Boo. – Have I surprised you instead?” looking brightly grinning at the two bamboozled looking elves. Indeed. Ly Cheen was truly dazed and slipped from her comfortable seat at the almost empty pincushion that she had found quite comfortable. However, now she lay on the windowsill stretching her well-formed tiny legs away and laughed until tears rolled down her rose-red cheeks. Then she began slowly to grow until she had reached her normal and comfortable size, got up and meant still chuckling, “That suits us quite well. Why do we silly nuts sit here cracking our heads, pondering how we can awake you without shocking you to death? You never have missed a special event by oversleeping”. Gossamer Moonglow had also grown to his normal size and chuckled, “I wish you a good morning Enyana. Ly Cheen is right. We should have known better”. He sat down and let his legs dangle from the windowsill as Morgan opened the door seeing the two elves and her Enyana who stood barefoot in front of the wide-open window where cool air rushed in. That was some kind of unusual sight because Enyana as much as Elensaár, Zaron and Ddraig loved the warmth of AiSeler’en’ Tolea’Fuin over all measures. “Good morning”, she said cheerfully. “You should get dressed in a hurry or else you will miss all the fun. -3-
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“Missing all the fun?” Enyana thought still curious what else than the day she remembered could be the reason as she realised that her seanmhair1 had hidden her thoughts away. “Something is going on and I do not have the slightest idea what it could be’. She whirled around and dressed up hurriedly, running the next moment to the garden to find out what she was not supposed to miss. Washing and brushing had to wait and as she looked into the faces of the two rascally grinning elves who flitted alongside, it was quite clear they knew something she was not aware of. Enyana was just about trying to read their minds, as her seanmhair’s voice appeared in her head. “No, no, no, – I don’t think that you should do that. Just wait as anyone else for what is about to come. You are as impatient as Elensaár”, her mind chuckled as she shook her head that her long burgundy mane swayed elegantly. Only now got Enyana aware that all Willowbee’ers had gathered on the meadow near the fringe of Christof’s apple yard watching the eastern horizon. The Sun heralded the new day with red-golden rays, shining from beneath the rim of the world onto a bank of distant clouds that lingered high above and it looked as if the following sunrise would do well justice to the tradition that sunrises at Alban Eiler2 were usually the most beautiful ones, – heralding the merry time
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The Celtic word for Grandmother is Seanmhair, which is pronounced shen-uver Ostara; later called Eastern 21.3. Rare day of magical virtues, due to exceptional balance of light and dark, time of planting – colours: red & yellow or green & yellow
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of spring. However, with what just unfolded at the eastern horizon, – no one had reckoned. The upper fringe of the Sun peeked with one bright redgolden ray timidly over the rim of the world like the glowing eye of a mighty creature. Then it grew steadily and began to sparkle and glitter. It grew slowly and majestically. – The rays turned brightly golden laced with blue, red and green streaks as no one had ever seen. What was that? Had the Sun all of a sudden decided to shine differently than it had done since the beginning of time? That could not be. Enyana watched the spectacle with squinting eyes but the sun’s bright glare did not allow seeing anything. However, the bright sparkling was real and could not be missed at any rate. Many “Ahh’s” and “Ohh’s” gave account that such sunrise colours had never been seen by anyone of the villagers. Enyana covered her eyes with her hands and peeped through a tiny hole between her fingers and saw that something hovered or flew right beneath the rim of the sun’s rounding face. With the powers of her elven sight she saw that this ‘thing’ had huge and glittering wings which stroke gently up and down. Now she knew who was ‘bringing’ the Sun to Willowbee. Her mind connected to her Desh’nerain, “A most beautiful good morning handsome. You look marvellous when you carry the Sun of spring on your back. Well done dear friend, – well done indeed”. “I should have known. If anyone can discover my little trick then it is you. Good morning Enyana and I wish you also a most happy and merry Alban Eiler”, Ddraig replied happily. -5-
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It was true, Ddraig had somehow managed to fly hidden by the glare of the Sun and in the right distance and angle beneath the sun’s ‘rim’ towards Willowbee and the reflections on his brightly glittering scales had created the most spectacular sunrise his friends in Willowbee had ever seen. “Someone has to be allied with him. I wonder who.” She looked around to find out who was sharing his sight with the rascally dragon but she could not figure it out. Even her seanmhair seemed to admire the spectacle as much as the two elves at her side. Someone else with special talents had to be somewhere hidden behind or amongst the spectators. Once Ddraig had come near enough that the contours of his figure could be seen, it truly looked as if he were carrying the Sun on his back to Willowbee. As soon as he had come close enough, he ‘released’ the Sun to its eternal path, lifted away from ‘beneath’ the Sun and soared in tight spirals above the village. It surely was a captivating sight as the mighty and magnificent figure with his brightly sparkling armour soared in the deep blue sky. Many Alban Eiler had the Willowbee’ers celebrated and every year had they gathered here to watch the marvellous sunrise but this year it was the most remarkable one they had ever seen. It was the first year that ‘Y Ddraig Goch, – Guardian of the Isles’ had carried the Sun on his back to his beloved friends. Once the villagers had realised how and especially who had created that miracle they cheered and applauded. The excitement gave slowly way to lively chitchatting and the people stood around in groups, wishing their friends and neighbours well and a happy Alban Eiler2. -6-
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As Ddraig landed nearby he walked to Enyana and Morgan. “Is there no one who wishes me a good morning? I have been so much looking forward to seeing all of you and even the ‘Sun of Spring’ have I brought – and now, – no one heeds me. – That really hurts”, he lamented sadly but a his chuckling gave away that he did not really mean it. It had been too much fun to stage the little surprise he had created with the help of Gawain who soared now high above the village crying down his best wishes to his friends in Willowbee. Ddraig knew how impressive it had looked as he had watched himself with Gawain’s sight soaring towards the village, anxiously keeping his flight path at the right level and angle. “I really wanted it so badly to bring my friends the most impressive and beautiful sunrise to herald spring at my first Alban Eiler” he lamented on but then Zaron’s voice appeared in his mind, “That my friend, – that you really have done well. This sunrise, – no one here will ever forget”, and with these words the druid appeared smiling next to Morgan. Ddraig bowed his head in appreciation of Zaron’s praise. “Then my carefulness has paid off very well and I should thank Gawain for his help”, he said and directed his thoughts to the mighty eagle who still circled high above the village. If he really had thought for one tiny moment that his friends were not appreciating his special surprise then now it was about time to learn that he was entirely wrong. The children who had eagerly searched for the many beautifully coloured eggs that the grownups had hidden all over the place came running to Ddraig – loud laughing, yodelling and cheering, – wishing him a good morning and a happy Alban Eiler ere -7-
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they praised his marvellous performance to bring the Sun of spring to Willowbee. It felt good and he was proud about his idea and happy that Gawain had aided him to realise his plan. No one was able to read his mind since Elensaár had hidden his thoughts away, something that was truly needed with so many nosy minds around. Elensaár appeared next to Morgan, giving his best wishes to his friends and smiled. Zaron looked at him and realised that he as well had somehow been allied with the Dragon. “I should have guessed it. To hide Ddraig’s thoughts so perfectly needed a powerful mind as yours. Not even I had the slightest notion what had made the Sun sparkle so brightly. Well done I say, – well done Ddraig”. Zaron smiled, looked around to find Liam and especially Rasmus to wish him Happy Birthday and walked to the group that was loudly chitchatting with their neighbours. Ddraig looked at the sun, which meanwhile had climbed far above the horizon, smiling down from a clear blue sky at the merry crowd, and said in Zaron’s mind, “Thank you for your compliment Zaron”. A large coach rumbled from beyond the village over the meadow, pulled by the two heavy cold-bloods Ares and Drostan, heralding the arrival of Drew McLean and his family whose faces and especially arms appeared in the coach windows. They drove cheerfully crying and waving to the old apple tree near the fringe of the ‘Dark Forest’ and once the vehicle had come to a standstill, they poured out and were happily welcomed by their friends – because friends they were all. -8-
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As a much welcomed surprise even Erlina and Timothy the bakers from Crumbleton had come along and once they had exchanged all the niceties that are obligatory on such occasions and especially at Alban Eiler, they came to see Ddraig who felt a bit awkward as they encircled him. “We wish you a happy Alban Eiler, ‘Y Ddraig Goch, – Guardian of the Isles’”. Then Erlina stepped closer. “Well, well, well. If I had not known about you I would have been shocked to find such a huge being amongst my friends. However, many visitors from Willowbee have told us about you. Although I never have seen you before, I have learned all about your deeds and especially how large and magnificent you have grown but I have to admit that none of the descriptions was coming any close to reality. I like to thank you for this most beautiful sunrise. Actually, your deeds during the battles are the talk of the town and I am most honoured to make your acquaintance”. With the last words Erlina had made an elegant curtsy and bowed her head. Ddraig thanked her politely by bowing his head and felt a bit uncomfortable being praised over all measures but then he heard Enyana’s voice. “Don’t worry Ddraig. Erlina is a good friend of ours but as a baker’s woman who talks the whole day to her customers she is so to say a bit over-boarding, – hihihihi”. Timothy, who knew his wife well enough had somehow felt Ddraig’s discomfort and whilst he linked his arm to Erlina he -9-
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winked with one eye to him and thanked him for the brilliant idea. “With such a marvellous welcome this really promises to become an auspicious spring”, he said and led his exited wife gently to the tables, which were set beneath and around the old apple tree. As usual, Ddraig enjoyed the unleashed excitement of the children and endured it patiently. Since he was able to visit Willowbee it were always the children who had welcomed him first and engulfed him with their curious questions. The grownups had commonly to wait and surrendered to the ritual. Meanwhile had Erlina returned to the coach and exclaimed ostentatiously after a few fruitless calls for attention: “Well, – if no one is interested to find out what Druce has baked for you children then I have to stow it away or the grownups will eat it”. Some of the children had just heard, “…eat and stow it away…”, which spurred them enough that they all came running swiftly and yodelling to the coach. What was that supposed to mean? Who has ever heard that someone had brought something along for sharing to take it back? Not here in Willowbee! Erlina stood loud laughing in the door of the coachbox and looked into the ‘hungry’ eyes of the rascals who had surrounded the coach. “What has Druce baked for us?” they cried with curious joy. - 10 -
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Erlina lifted a big white blanket from a stack of large wooden trays, which were placed on top of two benches and said brightly smiling, “I have here something for every one of you rascals and if you can manage to wait for a moment – you shall have it”. No matter how curious they were, without being ordered they assembled in double file and waited for the delicacies to be handed out but their curious eyes followed every one of her moves. “Every piece has a name on it and once I have called that name this child shall come forward”, she explained lengthily. Timothy who stood now next to her meant smiling, “My dear, – don’t make it more difficult than it has to be. They hardly can wait for you to begin. Can’t you see how hard it is for the poor rascals to be so patient and behave so orderly?” She looked at her husband and realised that once again she had made things too complicated. Lastly, she took the first piece from the tray and read the name that was baked in to it aloud. One by one the children came to the coach to receive a large bun to which Druce had painstakingly ‘written’ each child’s name with dried raisins. They thanked Erlina and Timothy politely and showed their parents what they had received. Somehow they felt proud that their names could be read and especially that Druce had remembered all names and not forgotten one child. The buns looked neat the way they were decorated with small faces whilst their names were picturing the mouth. If not for the curiosity and eagerness to find out how they tasted, the one or other would have liked to take pleasure in keepsake. Nevertheless, hunger and curiosity beheld the - 11 -
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upper hand and since they had been here long before sunrise to search the well-hidden eggs – keepsake lost this battle. Camlin, the rascally runaway had picked a small piece of dough from the bottom and with dancing eyes he exclaimed, “Wow, – that is sweet and tastes very good”. That was signal enough and many voices agreed in no time to his verdict. Camlin was right. Those buns were truly soft and sweet and tasted heavenly. Now the group of grownups came slowly to Ddraig who stood near the coach. At the frontline walked Liam, Jake and Rasmus. Jake placed himself in a somewhat ‘officially’ looking posture in front of the dragon who eyed him curiously whilst Liam and Rasmus had found a place near Ddraig’s long neck and once Jake’s unexpected solemn face had given way to an impish grin, he cried merrily… “My dearest ‘Y Ddraig Goch, Guardian of the Isles’. You really have surprised us over the measures; therefore, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you have carried the ‘Sun of Spring’ to Willowbee. We wish you a beautiful Alban Eiler and merry days in spring”. And with Jake’s last words, Liam and Rasmus had thrown a long blue shining ribbon over his neck to tie a nicely decorated something that had the shape of a heart, which bore one big and artistically written “D” in its centre. It smelled tempting and the huge dragon tried to see it by twisting his long neck somehow towards his chest but that queer attempt brought him only much laughter. “That is something you might keep or eat. It is up to you to decide”, Rasmus laughed and patted his neck.
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Ddraig felt not only much honoured but also somewhat embarrassed and with one of his soft harrumphs he bowed his huge head and said simply but apparently moved, “Thank you”. He suddenly felt something that he had not felt since the last days of his childhood – hot cheeks. However, this time he did not turn green. Actually, his colours did not change at all. Thankfully he looked at his friends and at least for once he was happy about Erlina’s over-boarding nature as she called from the coach door, “Is there no one else besides the children who feel hungry? I still have some ‘morsels’ to share except for that ‘little’ piece with the name ‘Ddraig’ on it”, she laughed and beckoned joyously. What was that? Erlina had something for him. He could not trust his ears. Carefully he turned around and watched his tail that he did not hurt anyone with its three elven-sword-sharp blades. Gingerly he bowed his head down to the coach door and his nose sampled the tempting scents of freshly baked pastries that filled the cabin. It smelled sweet, aromatic and fruity. He found the scents of eggs, butter and flour and a ‘slight’ rumble from his stomach was reason enough for the grownups to make loud laughing some room for their Dragon. Erlina looked brightly smiling at him and ordered, “Close your eyes and open your mouth”. From a big basket, she took one of those buns that the children had had but its size was adequately for Ddraig’s huge mouth. She handed the heavy piece to Timothy who placed it on Ddraig’s tongue. Then he pressed gently against Ddraig’s lower yaw to show him that he could now close his mouth.
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“Don’t worry Ddraig. My hands are out of the danger zone”, he chuckled whilst the dragon closed his gaping jaws and pressed the almost wagon wheel sized bun gently against his palatine. He felt its soft texture and squeezed it a bit more until it warmed up and developed its rich aroma. Now he began slowly to chew and his nose filled with the sweet scents of raisins, vanilla, butter, honey and other ingredients that he never had heard of. One could see that he enjoyed it to the utmost and it took quite a long time until he opened his eyes and said, “Wow, – that tastes fantastic. I could eat a wagonload of those delicious cakes”. The Willowbee’ers had watched the scene with amusement. Sure enough that everyone would soon be able to share Ddraig’s excitement. However, watching and listening to the dragon’s delighted sounds was worthwhile to wait a little while longer. Once Ddraig had opened his eyes and thanked Erlina and Timothy politely, sending his best regards and appreciation to Druce, all grownups gathered in front of the coach to get their share of those marvellous buns, which had not been named yet. Erlina set a huge basket in front of the coach and cried, “Here, – help yourself. There is enough for anyone. I shall hand it to you with Druce’s best regards to his friends in Willowbee and his wishes for a happy Alban Eiler”. Very excitedly they smelled and sampled what Druce had secretly fabricated for days and if someone had watched the villagers for the next few moments he would have marvelled about their exited faces. The verdict was unison. Those, - 14 -
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whatever they would be called were just unbelievably OUTSTANDING. The villagers’ findings and praise for Druce’s work was well received by the bakers’ and they would be more than happy to let the young baker know that his tedious work and the many hours he had laboured for creating those delicacies had paid off well. Now he would be more than delighted to sell those buns in Crumbleton with the recommendation from his friends and especially from the ‘Guardian of the Isles’. However, one setback had still to be resolved, – the naming of the sweet buns that he had especially created for his friends. Nevertheless, Erlina was quite sure that at the end of the day a fitting and catchy name would have been found. She knew her witty Willowbee’ers rather well. The children had run away to the meadows where they played happily whilst Ddraig followed the villagers to the fountain where they discussed the plans for the day and later, he vanished into Morgan’s garden. It was agreed to gather in the afternoon beneath the old apple tree for another treat of cakes and especially merrymaking as it was tradition in Willowbee. In the late afternoon, the large Ostara Earrach3 bonfire would be lit and in the night the people would pray for a good year, for fertility and to send their thoughts of thankfulness with the rising smoke to the heavens.
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Spring
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Enyana and her friends sat in Morgan’s garden around the table and enjoyed the first warm sunrays. They talked about their plans for this year, Elensaár reported about his progress in learning the ancient elven tongue from the palantir and his queer feelings that the more he learned, the more familiar it appeared to him. Liam and Rasmus had joined as well and once they had wished him all the best for his birthday, they listened attentively as the merry memories of the surprise NewYears-Eve-Ball at Caradoc Castle were recalled and how bamboozled Captain Connlaodh had looked as Kimball had introduced him to his ‘Victorious Army’. Rasmus wondered a bit that no one as of yet had offered him a special cake or something like that but on the other hand he knew that not many were yet aware of his birthday at all and since his dearest friends had not forgotten about it he was pleased as it was. Lastly, he was one of the latest members of this community. Many anecdotes and events from the last fight were recalled and often was the garden filled with laughter, especially as Zaron described very lively Ddraig’s ‘adventure’ as he had tried to ‘shed some light’ into a certain cave, which then had ‘blown itself’ to the sky. However, no matter how joyfully the time passed, it was running fast and soon enough they heard the voices of the villagers returning to the old apple tree meadow. Once their friends had followed the villagers only Enyana and Ddraig remained in the garden and she asked, “What do you think? Shall we fly northwards tomorrow? We really have to visit Kimball. We also should have a look at the villages along the coastline and since it is spring we have to - 16 -
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see if anything has to be done about the many landslides that Oqualorak has caused. Especially now since all the snow is melting which might become a problem if the water cannot find its way to the rivers”. Ddraig cocked its head. “What a question. I will be more than delighted to fly with all of you due North”. For a moment, Enyana looked puzzled at him and asked, “Who is all of me?” Ddraig chuckled, raised his right paw and extended his foreclaw. “Well, there is my dearest friend Enyana, – my good teacher Enyana, – and last but not least, – my beloved Desh’iriai Enyana. If all of them find enough space on my back – I will be more than delighted to take you all along”. Enyana was surprised about Ddraig’s wittiness and thoughts and looked gladly forward to their long flight. Now it was time to follow their friends to the meadow, which had witnessed the double wedding of Rodney and Lesley and from afar they heard the Willowbee’ers chattering as if they had not seen each other since weeks but understandably, the tidings of the events at the ‘Devils Hole’ and the stories that Zaron, Elensaár, Morgan, and Enyana had contributed, was enough stuff for tales to be told and spun for a long time to come. Once all was set and all the cakes and drinks were carried to the meadow, Seanna came from the inn and with her came a small cart that was covered with white linen, hiding something underneath. She halted beneath the old tree and exclaimed brightly beaming … - 17 -
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“My dearest of friends. This Alban Eiler begun with the most spectacular sunrise we were ever allowed to witness. However, this is not the only reason that I am standing here because I am very glad that we have a friend in our midst for whom the bees had to fly countless extra hours to collect all the honey I needed. Over the many years that we have known him – he has not only become a dear friend to us and of late he has proved what we all had suspected – he not only has a very big heart but he has it also on the right spot. Without him, many people would not be alive anymore and much laughter had not echoed through our hearts and houses. Hence I am very pleased and honoured to wish our beloved Rasmus all the best to his Birthday”, and with the last words she removed the white linen from the cart to reveal a huge heart-shaped cake, which was richly decorated with sugar beads, marchpane flowers and written in red icing was … ‘Happy Birthday dear Rasmus’ Rasmus’. Rasmus got up and real surprise was painted all over his face whilst ceaseless applauding and cheering accompanied him until he had reached Seanna who embraced him heartily with a thick birthday kiss. However, ere he was able to say something intelligent, the lads and lasses of the choir had found together and intoned the very first birthday serenade that Rasmus had ever received. One could easily see that he was deeply moved. The moist that he so often had made vanish in other peoples eyes flew now freely down his cheeks and it took a while until he - 18 -
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found words again but he had no time for something to say because now all Willowbee’ers came to congratulate him, bringing gifts along because never ever in his life had he received any. The villagers made it easy on him and no one expected a speech because that, – Rasmus would not have been able to do. – At least not today. Hence after Seanna’s very surprising birthday address the cakes found much appreciation and this newly introduced brew called coffee found many friends as well. Lengthy discussions were held about the naming of the marvellous buns that Druce had baked and the many funny names that were created were reason enough for much laughter. Even the children contributed many ideas from ‘Albans’, over ‘Eilerines’ to ‘Yum-yum-buns’, but not one of those names found as much appreciation as the sweet buns had found by young and old. Nevertheless, most of those names were at least good enough for some laughter and Erlina wondered how difficult it was to find an appropriate name for something that tasted so delicious. Lastly, they agreed that the combination of Druce’s name with ‘delicious’ was the most appropriate version. Hence the sweet delicacies were ambiguously named ‘Drulicious’ because they made one’s mouth really drooling. Late afternoon carts with long thin logs and heaps of fagots were pulled onto the meadow. The children carried bundles of dry twigs and branches from the forest and a huge fireplace for the traditional Ostara bonfire was setup that would be lit when the last rays of the Sun were vanishing beneath the horizon. - 19 -
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Tables laden with baskets of colourful eggs and many other offerings were placed around the fire and Stuart arrived at the meadow with two large casks of his latest brew. The lasses had begun to decorate the tables with fresh twigs bearing the first green. Vases with willow catkins and colourful ribbons from the O’Donnald weaving mill completed the simple decoration. Whilst waiting for the Sun to set, the grownups stood around in groups and chatted about this and that. Once the bonfire was ablaze, the lasses and lads were holding hands and danced around the fire singing some of the old songs that their parents and grandparents had already sung and later chanted the grownups the ancient Ostara Prayers for fertility, a good harvest, good health and asked for the blessings of their deities. The Moon looked down at his children whilst the fire burned down slowly. A beautiful day came to its end but with this day spring had officially arrived in Willowbee.
We wish all our friends a HAPPY ALBAN EILER and hope you enjoy the read. - 20 -
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The tale continues in
Crossbow Isle The Quest Part 2
More information about the Authors, Crossbow Isle and its volumes can be found on:
http://www.crossbow-isle.com/
Full colour Crossbow Isle maps, size 26.5” x 39” (67.3cm x 99cm) can be ordered via our website. http://www.crossbow-isle.com/CBI-crossbow-slemap.html
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
The Authors Elensaár Gelindor had very early developed a passion for music, art and technology, which guided him all his life to the most unusual places and events. However, as restlessness might have lain in his blood, he followed the example of one of his grandfather’s, – who had migrated in the early years of his life to China. – So eventually, he took up an assignment that led him to West Africa where he worked for several years. Once he had met Irefĕnia , they both travelled for many years in pursuit of business around the globe and settled lastly in Malaysia. After a turbulent time that saw the introduction of new and unusual businesses, they moved to Borneo where Irefĕnia developed the first draft chapters of “Ithilhin – Moonchild”. From that point onwards, they both worked jointly out the story’s development and its central theme. Lastly, Elensaár decided to author Irefĕnia ’s red-line-script into the version of this book. His writing style that was coined by stringent adherence to logic and sequencing had now been combined with a style of lively story telling that considerably aided and influenced the story’s flow.
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Irefĕnia Salgonda & Elensaár Gelindor
Irefĕnia Salgonda,
born as the first of three children. She had very early developed a passion for writing. Her essays and short stories were circulated amongst friends. Later she wrote longer stories but never considered publishing any of them.
Once she had met Elensaár, she accompanied him on journeys around the globe, which allowed her to explore her passion and fascination for ancient cultures, their history and mythology on four continents. During that time, she studied the English language and mastered it with distinction as foreign-language correspondent. Especially during the time of travelling, she pursued her writing passion extensively. Therefore, it was not much of a surprise as she presented Elensaár the first draft chapters of “Ithilhin – Moonchild”. He was ‘hooked’ by the tale and from thereon they jointly developed the idea to “Crossbow Isle”, – but this time with aim of publishing it
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
Understanding the world of real elves begins with
Crossbow Isle All Crossbow Isle instalments are published in 4 monthly intervals.
Crossbow Isle is available at AMAZON, B&N and many others online stores. They are also available as KINDLE and YUDU editions. YUDU e-books can be read on every computer like real books. Currently YUDU supports most tablet computers and Android devices but NOT yet APPLE machines, because it requires ADOBE or JAVA software to be installed, which APPLE does currently not support. - 24 -
Irefฤ nia Salgonda & Elensaรกr Gelindor
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Crossbow Isle – The Quest – Part 1
Please take note! All 5 volumes or their 15 instalments are 1 book and 1 story only! Starting in between or skipping one part is affecting the understanding of the story! It is also not advisable to change the reading sequence because the story is quite complex and sorting things out whilst reading might not work all too well!
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