Elgar watched her go with pity. Seeing Malina’s incomprehension, he said, ‘The one named Birin has caused her much pain. She loved him. But, like most Elves, he discarded her when their relationship became . . . inconvenient.’ He said the word as though its taste was bitter in his mouth.
Imalwain? Malina had always believed that a Pixie’s heart was wild and free . . . she and her few Pixie friends had always believed this. Was it not true? Or had they only wanted to believe it to be so?
‘Besides those of Faeriekind, there are a good many here like me,’ Elgar said, changing the subject. ‘Outcasts. We protect those of Faeriekind who cannot fend for themselves. We are many, now. And we are strong. If we decide not to allow you to pass, or to suffer your presence here, your friends would do well not to try our patience.’
‘We do not desire confrontation,’ said Malina, her fear returning. Many of the shadows bore weapons, and moved with stealth and cunning as they took positions along the edge of the forest.
‘There are many women and children with us. All of those who have come are families who have sacrificed everything to leave the Elf Kingdom. If you don’t want us here, at least tell us where we can go. I must tell you that it was Birin’s intent to seek out the other Faerie folk for their protection. The Elf King is evil, and he seeks the destruction of all non-Elves, even if that means murdering his own kind if they stand in his way. Pixies, Nymphs, Sprites, Imps, and others within the Kingdom have been sent to warn their folk, and to convince them either to leave on their own, or follow where others have gone before.