Ralph and the Pixie

‘Elgar, the Elf King and Prince Cir are doing unspeakable things! They betray and murder their own people. Pran, who is friend to the Man, Rowf, and myself, has lost a brother, and his brother’s wife and children, and his tale is but one example. Birin has come to warn any who will listen. Will you not hear him?’

Elgar snorted irritably. ‘We know that your Prince Cir is in league with Goblins.’

‘It’s worse than Goblins!’ Malina cried. ‘Much worse! The Elf Loremasters have done something monstrous.’

Elgar’s eyes widened, his expression reserved, wary. ‘Explain.’

Speaking in a low voice, Malina said, ‘Birin got in a fight with Prince Cir. He split the Prince’s face open with his sword, and Cir hardly bled at all . . . there was something strange about his blood, and it didn’t look right. This has something to do with what the Elf Loremasters have done do the Earth Mother. As well, I think that the Elves are no longer able to control their own Lore. Have you not noticed that things are changing? That there are evil things about, becoming stronger?’

Watching her intently now, Elgar said, ‘You have certain knowledge concerning this matter?’