The Wolf Pack news

Well, the latest news is that my publisher has now sorted out the landing page on the site. Here's the address.

www.creativia.org/the-wolf-pack

Take a look to find out more.

Shadow Stalker Book 3 Renee Scattergood

Shadow Stalker – Part 3
Episodes 13 – 18

By

Renee Scattergood

Coming November 23rd
Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

About Shadow Stalker – Part 3

Things go from bad to worse when the Galvadi Empire develops a new technology to use against the shadow stalkers. Now Kado and Makari are more determined than ever to keep Auren away from their enemies, but Auren decides enough is enough and takes matters into her own hands. She turns herself over to the Galvadi to get close to Drevin and Makari has no choice but to play along. He is forced to either torture Auren to prove his loyalty or die knowing she will be tortured and enslaved anyway. Somehow they have to get close enough to Drevin to bring him down and put an end to the Galvadi’s tyranny once and for all.

Shadow Stalker Part 3 (Episodes 13 – 18) is now available for Pre-Order! It’s 50% off for a limited time, so hurry and reserve your copy!
http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-3-episodes-13-18/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-13-ebook/dp/B01LAUV5E8/

Get The Whole Series

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com
Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

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Aother visit from Renee Scattergood. Today she's telling us abouth Shadow Stalker book 2.

Thank you for coming again, Renee. Tell us a bit about Shadow Stalker book 2.

About Shadow Stalker – Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12)

Episode 7: Bound by Fate

Auren's best friend was captured during the Galvadi invasion, and her rescue attempt goes awry. Now Auren finds herself in the hands of an enemy who knows her true identity…one who has the power to be either her destroyer or her salvation.

Episode 8: Broken

Auren doesn't succumb to Makari's torture, so he decides his father was right about her being the delohi-saqu. Now he resorts to more sadistic methods to extract information, which could doom the Coalition if Auren fails to resist.

Episode 9: Turning Tides

Now that Makari knows the truth about Auren, he has sworn to protect her and help her escape. But when the other guides become suspicious, Makari's loyalty is tested, and he is forced to do something he swore he'd never do again.

Episode 10: Separate Paths

Auren finally meets Shai, Kado's daughter, but she is too weak from her months of torture to escape the reconciliation center. Makari takes over Shai's cleansing sessions, but that means Auren will face daily torture again. To make things worse, Makari disappears and Auren is given a task that means taking the life of someone she loves.

Episode 11: Escape Part 1

Auren and Shai begin their escape, but it doesn't go as planned, and they are forced to adjust their plans. They are pushed to their limits, and Auren has to put her untried abilities to use or risk being recaptured.

Episode 12: Escape Part 2

Makari has decided to stay with the Galvadi for Auren's protection. Auren and Shai are on their own, and nature seems to be against them. After being seriously injured, Auren falls ill and it starts to look like they will never reach their meeting spot with Kado on the southern shore.

Buy Links:

Want to get Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12) free too? http://reneescattergood.com/subscribe-today/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-Bundles-ebook/dp/B010H5Y9R2/

My Review

Book 2 lives up to all the promises of Book 1. Auren has to escape from the Galvadi, which she does with the help of the Emperor's son, Makari. The two of them fell in love when he went to torture her.

She discovers another young shadow stalker imprisoned and the two of them, with the help of Makari, plan their escape. It does not go according to plan, however and the dangers are still around her. Makari, too, has to face dangers of his own.

As with Book 1, the story keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat. It moves quickly and poses questions you want answered.

Auren is a well-drawn heroine. She is realistic and has her faults as well as her good points. She feels fear and anxiety, just as anyone would in those circumstances. Ms Scattergood's characterisation of all her characters is good. Both books are well worth a read and I can't wait for the day book 3 is released.

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

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LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/pub/renee-scattergood/56/963/3

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rscatts/

Hosted By:
Secret Realm Reviews & Services

Thank you Renee. I look forward with impatience for Book 3.


There will be another visit by Renee on Tuesday 27th September when I'll be reviewing Book 3 of the Shadow Stalker books. I won't therefore be posting on that Tuesday as usual. I have work to do on the edited copy of The Wolf Pack my publisher has sent me. Look for my next post the following Tuesday, October 4th, when, as it's the first Tuesday of October. I'll be posting the next episode in Asphodel's story.

A visit from Renee Scattergood, Author of The Shadow Stalker books.

 Welcome, Renee, to my blog. I hope you will enjoy your visit. First let me tell my readers a little about you.

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

 Get The Whole Series

About Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 3):

The Hidden Truth (Episode 1)

A young shadow stalker is destined to enslave the people of the Serpent Isles, and the Galvadi Empire want this child of prophecy dead. Auren Trasks perfectly normal life is disrupted when the Galvadi invade, and she learns a startling secret about her past. A secret that will change her life forever.

The Delohi-Saqu's Fate (Episode 2)

Auren is being targeted by the Council of Elders, and the only one who could put an end to their corruption is her father. But leaving the Dark Isle would turn Kado against her.

Shadows' Betrayal (Episode 3)

After seeing the monster she will become, Auren swears not to leave the Dark Isle. Despite that, the elders are conspiring against her. To escape their scheming, she and Kado decide to explore the Dark Isle. But worse things await them in the forests.

Forbidden Love (Episode 4)

Kado and Auren survive a deadly storm, but when Auren is forbidden from pursuing love with another young shadow stalker, will it be enough to drive a wedge between her and her foster father?

Destiny Reconciled Part 1 (Episode 5)

Auren and Kado accept that they may not be able to avoid her leaving the Dark Isle. Now they have to prepare for that eventuality. Will the training be more than Auren can handle?

Destiny Reconciled Part 2 (Episode 6)

Cathnor has been arrested and is facing a death sentence. The Dark Isle is out of control, and Kado is the only one who can help his people. So he prepares Auren for the possibility that she may have to leave the Dark Isle without him and face her destiny alone, but can she leave him and do what must be done?

My Review of Shadow Stalker Book 1.

A well-written and Original Story

Auren wants to go on a camping trip to celebrate her graduation, but her foster father expressly forbids it, saying the island she and her friends planned to visit was too close to the Galvani Empire. Auren, however, defies Kato and goes anyway.

Kato has been giving the girl some training, and when the Galvani Empire attacks the island where she and her friends are camping, she manages to hide them until her foster father comes to rescue her.

Auren learns that she has a destiny to perform. One which the  Galvani Emperor does not want her to fulfil. she learns of the mysterious creatures called the Shadow Stalkers that she has always believed did not exist. There are many questions that Auren has, and gradually, throughout the book, she learns the answers to these questions.

The story is original in its concept, and Renee Scattergood keeps the mystery going so the reader wants to keep on reading. We want to know what is going to happen to this young girl in the furture.

The writing is very good, too. It moves the story on, and has no spelling or grammatical errors. Ms Scattergood has an excellent command of the language as well and uses it to grab our interest. All in all, an excellent read.

Buy Links:

Get it Free: http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-1-episodes-1-6/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-Bundles-ebook/dp/B00VI2ZCY8/

Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

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Interview with Fero from The Wolf Pack

Me: Thank you for agreeing to talk a bit about yourself, Fero. I know you don't talk much about where you came from but please fill me in. You were born beyond the Three Seas, I believe.

Fero: Yes. I was born in the land of Beridon. That is not only beyond the Three Seas, but also beyond the Great Desert.

Me: Tell me about your family.

Fero: My father was a sandalmaker in the village where I was born and grew up. I was the eldest son. I have three sisters older than me. My parents were delighted to have a son at last as in Beridon, girls are deemed to be of little worth.

Me: That is shocking.

Fero: Yes. I now realize how bad that is. How much talent is being wasted in that country I can hardly begin to contemplate. It wasn't until I came to Grosmer that I really learned the value of women.

Me: I suppose, growing up with that way of thought you wouldn't think it unusual.

Fero: No, but I am ashamed now for my past, my family and my countrymen.

Me: What was life like in Beridon?

Fero: It was hard. We were not actually in the Great Desert, but in the summer there was usually a drought. Frequently our animals and crops died and we went hungry. However, in the past, we had learned about irrigation and so it was not as bad as it had once been. Only in really bad drought years were we in very bad conditions.

Me: Tell me about your family.

Fero: I haven't seen them for many years. I hated sandal making but my father thought that,  as the eldest son, I should follow him and take over the family business. I would then marry a girl of their choice and look after them in their old age. I hated that idea and was something of a rebel. I took every opportunity to go out into the wilds and it was on one of those forrays that I met an old druid.

Me: Did you decide to bevome a druid yourself?

Fero: Oh, no. I am not a very religious man, although I do revere Grillon, the god of nature and wild things. The old man taught me much, but even he could see that I was not cut out to be a druid, so he sent me to a ranger friend of his.

Me: What did your family think of this?

Fero: My mother would have been quite happy with this. I had two brothers now and they were both happy to go into sandalmaking. My father was completely opposed and forbade me from going. Mother couldn't go against him as he would have beaten her and it would still have made no difference to his thoughts. He beat me too, and tried to lock me in my room.

Here Fero laughs.

Fero: He should have realized that he couldn't really do that as my brothers had to come in and out!

Me: What did you do?

Fero: Well, I escaped, of course. I gathered my things and went to tell mother that I was going. Father came in at that moment, just as I was going out of the door. Mother called 'Goodbye Fero. Don't forget us.' Father pushed her back indoors and I heard him say 'Go in, woman, we have no son called Fero.'

Me: That must have been very hard. What did you do then?

Fero: I went to join my new master. She was very good and understanding and taught me well, until one day she deemed my apprenticehip was ended and I was to go out and make my own way in the world.

Me: Where did you go?

Fero: Firstly I wandered Beridon, then decided to go and look at the Great Desert. I almost died of thirst then. I was completely lost, but a tribe of nomads found me and saved me. I was sunburned, blisters all over me. They tended me and then took me travelling with them. I learned to wear the long enveloping robes they wear and to keep out of the direct sun as much as possible. They wandered eventually to the seaport of Candor on the Inner Sea. I had never seen a large expanse of water and it fascinated me. I got passage on a ship crossing to Grosmer. I worked my passage, of course, and eventually came to Bluehaven. Here I abandoned my new career as a seaman and wandered around the south of Grosmer for many years, doing jobs here and there. Sometimes I would pick fruit, grapes or peaches or oranges. At other times I was scouting for caravans. Then one day I was with a group of young men who decided to go to Eribore. I joined them, intending to cross the Western Mountains and see the Horselords on the plains.

Me: Did you see them? They are supposed to be quite a sight when they ride their horses.

Fero: No. I have wondered and wondered why I took that path towards Hambara, but I can't tell you why. Just a sudden impulse came upon me and I left my companions and turned east instead of west. If I had not done that, I would not have met Carthinal and the others. I wonder what the outcome of their quest would have been if they were not eight questors as the prophecy had said? Would they still have found the Sword or would the quest have failed? Also, I would not have met Randa either.

Me: Thank you for your time.

Aspholessaria

Today I am going to start telling you the story of Asphodel, whom you can find in The Wolf Pack. Book 1 of The Wolves of Vimar Series. You will have noticed I use her name a lot. I like her and the way she stands up for what she believes in, regardless of authority. This gets her into trouble quite a lot.

'Aspholessaria!' called the young elf's mother. 'Are you going out?'

'I'm meeting Syssillina, mother,' she replied. 'There's a new place opened across the other side of Quantisarillishon. It's called Allimissoro's and it's supposed to be good. We're going there to suss it out.'

'I wish you'd refrain from using those slang words, dear. So common. Don't forget we're related to the Elf Lord.'

'Only distantly, mother,' called Aspholessaria as she skipped out through the door to meet her friend. 'I don't expect he'll hear about it so don't worry.'

A few minutes later the two girls were running towards where they had heard of the new bar and dance hall especially opened for young folk. The youngsters had little to do in Quantisarillishon and some of them became a little unruly from time to time.

'My cousin, Gerralishirondo, went last night. He says it's really good,' said Syssillina as they trotted across the capital city of Rindissarillishan, the land of the elves. 'He says there were some elves there playing music, and everyone was up and dancing.'

'It sounds fantastic,' Aspholessaria replied. 'Did he say how far it is?'

'Oh, Asphodel,' said her friend, using the elf's diminutive name, 'I told you it's only a few trees over. Wee, perhaps a bit more than that, but only about half a mile.'

The elves built their city of Quantisarillishon deep in the forest. Many who visited it for the first time did not think they had arrived. The elves built so the buildings looked part of the forest. Some of the buildings were even built into the trees themselves with knot holes as windows. Most of the walkways stretched from tree to tree and so to anyone not looking up it would seem there was nothing but forest.

The girls trotted along these walkways passing residences and workshops until they arrived at a building that stretched over the branches of several large oaks. Music and laughter came from out of the open doors. The girls stopped and looked at each other.

Asphodel took a breath and said,' Well, we've come here, so we might as well go in.'
She matched her actions to her words and Syssillina followed.

Lanterns wreathed the room and gave a festive air to the surroundings. Seats surrounded small tables, most of which had young elves sitting and chattering. In the centre of the room was a dance floor with a number of young folk dancing to the music.

The girls looked around. Where could they sit? Then Syssillina noticed an empty table close to the band. the girls made their way across to it and sat down to listen to the music. Syssillina went and got them fruit juice from the bar and they sat sipping their drinks.

'Isn't that LLinisharrovno over there?' whispered Asphodel, naming a young man who had been at school with them. 'Who's that with him? I've not seen him before.'

Syssillina looked over to where Asphodel pointed.

'Yes. I've not seen him for a long time,' she replied. 'His friend's fit, don't you think?'

The girls started to giggle, but stopped quickly as Asphodel noticed the pair looking at them. The two young men started walking across the room towards them.

'Are they coming to us?' Asphodel asked, looking at her drink.

'I don't know. there's that group of girls at the next table. Iexpect they're going to them.'

But they weren't. They came and stood in front of Asphodel and Syssillina.

'I've not seen you two since we left school,' said Llinsharrovno. 'Where've you been hiding yourselves?'

'If I remember rightly, you live at the opposite side of the city from us. We've not been hiding, we just don't get over there very much.'

Llinsharrovno sat down in an empty seat.

'This is my cousin, Vassinamorro.' he said. 'Vass, this is Aspholessaria, known as Asphodel, and Syssillina, known as Syssi.'

The other young man took another spare seat and smiled a handsome smile that made Asphodel's stomach turn over. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. He was tall for an elf, being five foot ten and had the build of one who looked after his body and exercised regularly.

'Pleased to meet you.' he said. 'I'm new to Quantisarillishon. LLin has been showing me round. It's a beautiful city, but it pales into insignificance next to the beauty of it's girls.'

Both girls blushed and muttered their thanks for the complement.

'Can I get you a drink?' asked LLin, standing.

The girls accepted and as he walked away, Vass asked Asphodel if she would like to dance. She accepted and the pair went away onto the dance floor.

Vass was a wonderful dancer and Asphodel felt she had wings on her feet, he was so easy to dance with. When his hand touched hers, the butterflies began to dance in her stomach again, and she thought she would melt into his blue eyes. Her black hair flew round her head as he twisted and turned her in the dance. He lifted her up and swung her round and she gasped in surprise, which made him laugh.

Then the dance ended and the pair returned to their seats.
LLin danced with Syssi, then with Asphodel as Vass danced with Syssi. Asphodel watched them as they danced, treading on Llin's feet a few times, but he laughed.

'My cousin has that effect on women,' he whispered in her ear the fifth time she missed a beat and trod on his toes. 'I wish I had his looks and charm.'

The girls danced with Vass and Llin all evening, the two young men taking it in turns to dance with each of them.

Then came the time to leave. It was dark and the few lamps on the walkways gave only a little light.

'I don't like the idea of you walking alone in the dark,' said Vass. 'May we walk the two of you home?'

The girls agreed and the four young people slowly wended their way through the treetop walkways to the girls' homes.

'Will you be going to Allimissoro's again?' Vass asked them as they stood outside Asphodel's home.

The girls looked at each other. Asphodel had to restrain herself from replying too quickly. She would certainly go again if Vass was going to be there.

'What do you think, Syssi?' she said. 'Should we go again?'

'I think I'll probably give it another go,' answered her friend. 'I enjoyed myself tonight. The music was excellent and the drinks. They've done wonders with the decor too.'

Vass looked at both girls in turn and said, 'Perhaps we'll see you there another time, then.'

The two young men left the girls, walked a few paces and turned to wave.

Asphodel entered her home and crept up the stairs to her bedroom. She threw herself on her bed, smiling, then she turned on her stomach and groaned.

Does he like me? Does he like Syssi better than he likes me? Oh, I can't tell who he likes better.

She thought of the way he had looked into her grey eyes when they danced and her stomach turned again. She thought one minute he liked her best, then the next she thought of how he had looked at Syssi and decided he liked Syssi best. With her thoughts in turmoil, Asphodel fell asleep.Aspholessaria

'Aspholessaria!' called the young elf's mother. 'Are you going out?'

'I'm meeting Syssillina, mother,' she replied. 'There's a new place opened across the other side of Quantisarillishon. It's called Allimissoro's and it's supposed to be good. We're going there to suss it out.'

'I wish you'd refrain from using those slang words, dear. So common. Don't forget we're related to the Elf Lord.'

'Only distantly, mother,' called Aspholessaria as she skipped out through the door to meet her friend. 'I don't expect he'll hear about it so don't worry.'

A few minutes later the two girls were running towards where they had heard of the new bar and dance hall especially opened for young folk. The youngsters had little to do in Quantisarillishon and some of them became a little unruly from time to time.

'My cousin, Gerralishirondo, went last night. He says it's really good,' said Syssillina as they trotted across the capital city of Rindissarillishan, the land of the elves. 'He says there were some elves there playing music, and everyone was up and dancing.'

'It sounds fantastic,' Aspholessaria replied. 'Did he say how far it is?'

'Oh, Asphodel,' said her friend, using the elf's diminutive name, 'I told you it's only a few trees over. Wee, perhaps a bit more than that, but only about half a mile.'

The elves built their city of Quantisarillishon deep in the forest. Many who visited it for the first time did not think they had arrived. The elves built so the buildings looked part of the forest. Some of the buildings were even built into the trees themselves with knot holes as windows. Most of the walkways stretched from tree to tree and so to anyone not looking up it would seem there was nothing but forest.

The girls trotted along these walkways passing residences and workshops until they arrived at a building that stretched over the branches of several large oaks. Music and laughter came from out of the open doors. The girls stopped and looked at each other.

Asphodel took a breath and said,' Well, we've come here, so we might as well go in.'
She matched her actions to her words and Syssillina followed.

Lanterns wreathed the room and gave a festive air to the surroundings. Seats surrounded small tables, most of which had young elves sitting and chattering. In the centre of the room was a dance floor with a number of young folk dancing to the music.

The girls looked around. Where could they sit? Then Syssillina noticed an empty table close to the band. the girls made their way across to it and sat down to listen to the music. Syssillina went and got them fruit juice from the bar and they sat sipping their drinks.

'Isn't that LLinisharrovno over there?' whispered Asphodel, naming a young man who had been at school with them. 'Who's that with him? I've not seen him before.'

Syssillina looked over to where Asphodel pointed.

'Yes. I've not seen him for a long time,' she replied. 'His friend's fit, don't you think?'

The girls started to giggle, but stopped quickly as Asphodel noticed the pair looking at them. The two young men started walking across the room towards them.

'Are they coming to us?' Asphodel asked, looking at her drink.

'I don't know. there's that group of girls at the next table. Iexpect they're going to them.'

But they weren't. They came and stood in front of Asphodel and Syssillina.

'I've not seen you two since we left school,' said Llinsharrovno. 'Where've you been hiding yourselves?'

'If I remember rightly, you live at the opposite side of the city from us. We've not been hiding, we just don't get over there very much.'

Llinsharrovno sat down in an empty seat.

'This is my cousin, Vassinamorro.' he said. 'Vass, this is Aspholessaria, known as Asphodel, and Syssillina, known as Syssi.'

The other young man took another spare seat and smiled a handsome smile that made Asphodel's stomach turn over. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. He was tall for an elf, being five foot ten and had the build of one who looked after his body and exercised regularly.

'Pleased to meet you.' he said. 'I'm new to Quantisarillishon. LLin has been showing me round. It's a beautiful city, but it pales into insignificance next to the beauty of it's girls.'

Both girls blushed and muttered their thanks for the complement.

'Can I get you a drink?' asked LLin, standing.

The girls accepted and as he walked away, Vass asked Asphodel if she would like to dance. She accepted and the pair went away onto the dance floor.

Vass was a wonderful dancer and Asphodel felt she had wings on her feet, he was so easy to dance with. When his hand touched hers, the butterflies began to dance in her stomach again, and she thought she would melt into his blue eyes. Her black hair flew round her head as he twisted and turned her in the dance. He lifted her up and swung her round and she gasped in surprise, which made him laugh.

Then the dance ended and the pair returned to their seats.
LLin danced with Syssi, then with Asphodel as Vass danced with Syssi. Asphodel watched them as they danced, treading on Llin's feet a few times, but he laughed.

'My cousin has that effect on women,' he whispered in her ear the fifth time she missed a beat and trod on his toes. 'I wish I had his looks and charm.'

The girls danced with Vass and Llin all evening, the two young men taking it in turns to dance with each of them.

Then came the time to leave. It was dark and the few lamps on the walkways gave only a little light.

'I don't like the idea of you walking alone in the dark,' said Vass. 'May we walk the two of you home?'

The girls agreed and the four young people slowly wended their way through the treetop walkways to the girls' homes.

'Will you be going to Allimissoro's again?' Vass asked them as they stood outside Asphodel's home.

The girls looked at each other. Asphodel had to restrain herself from replying too quickly. She would certainly go again if Vass was going to be there.

'What do you think, Syssi?' she said. 'Should we go again?'

'I think I'll probably give it another go,' answered her friend. 'I enjoyed myself tonight. The music was excellent and the drinks. They've done wonders with the decor too.'

Vass looked at both girls in turn and said, 'Perhaps we'll see you there another time, then.'

The two young men left the girls, walked a few paces and turned to wave.

Asphodel entered her home and crept up the stairs to her bedroom. She threw herself on her bed, smiling, then she turned on her stomach and groaned.

Does he like me? Does he like Syssi better than he likes me? Oh, I can't tell who he likes better.

She thought of the way he had looked into her grey eyes when they danced and her stomach turned again. She thought one minute he liked her best, then the next she thought of how he had looked at Syssi and decided he liked Syssi best. With her thoughts in turmoil, Asphodel fell asleep.Aspholessaria

'Aspholessaria!' called the young elf's mother. 'Are you going out?'

'I'm meeting Syssillina, mother,' she replied. 'There's a new place opened across the other side of Quantisarillishon. It's called Allimissoro's and it's supposed to be good. We're going there to suss it out.'

'I wish you'd refrain from using those slang words, dear. So common. Don't forget we're related to the Elf Lord.'

'Only distantly, mother,' called Aspholessaria as she skipped out through the door to meet her friend. 'I don't expect he'll hear about it so don't worry.'

A few minutes later the two girls were running towards where they had heard of the new bar and dance hall especially opened for young folk. The youngsters had little to do in Quantisarillishon and some of them became a little unruly from time to time.

'My cousin, Gerralishirondo, went last night. He says it's really good,' said Syssillina as they trotted across the capital city of Rindissarillishan, the land of the elves. 'He says there were some elves there playing music, and everyone was up and dancing.'

'It sounds fantastic,' Aspholessaria replied. 'Did he say how far it is?'

'Oh, Asphodel,' said her friend, using the elf's diminutive name, 'I told you it's only a few trees over. Wee, perhaps a bit more than that, but only about half a mile.'

The elves built their city of Quantisarillishon deep in the forest. Many who visited it for the first time did not think they had arrived. The elves built so the buildings looked part of the forest. Some of the buildings were even built into the trees themselves with knot holes as windows. Most of the walkways stretched from tree to tree and so to anyone not looking up it would seem there was nothing but forest.

The girls trotted along these walkways passing residences and workshops until they arrived at a building that stretched over the branches of several large oaks. Music and laughter came from out of the open doors. The girls stopped and looked at each other.

Asphodel took a breath and said,' Well, we've come here, so we might as well go in.'
She matched her actions to her words and Syssillina followed.

Lanterns wreathed the room and gave a festive air to the surroundings. Seats surrounded small tables, most of which had young elves sitting and chattering. In the centre of the room was a dance floor with a number of young folk dancing to the music.

The girls looked around. Where could they sit? Then Syssillina noticed an empty table close to the band. the girls made their way across to it and sat down to listen to the music. Syssillina went and got them fruit juice from the bar and they sat sipping their drinks.

'Isn't that LLinisharrovno over there?' whispered Asphodel, naming a young man who had been at school with them. 'Who's that with him? I've not seen him before.'

Syssillina looked over to where Asphodel pointed.

'Yes. I've not seen him for a long time,' she replied. 'His friend's fit, don't you think?'

The girls started to giggle, but stopped quickly as Asphodel noticed the pair looking at them. The two young men started walking across the room towards them.

'Are they coming to us?' Asphodel asked, looking at her drink.

'I don't know. there's that group of girls at the next table. Iexpect they're going to them.'

But they weren't. They came and stood in front of Asphodel and Syssillina.

'I've not seen you two since we left school,' said Llinsharrovno. 'Where've you been hiding yourselves?'

'If I remember rightly, you live at the opposite side of the city from us. We've not been hiding, we just don't get over there very much.'

Llinsharrovno sat down in an empty seat.

'This is my cousin, Vassinamorro.' he said. 'Vass, this is Aspholessaria, known as Asphodel, and Syssillina, known as Syssi.'

The other young man took another spare seat and smiled a handsome smile that made Asphodel's stomach turn over. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. He was tall for an elf, being five foot ten and had the build of one who looked after his body and exercised regularly.

'Pleased to meet you.' he said. 'I'm new to Quantisarillishon. LLin has been showing me round. It's a beautiful city, but it pales into insignificance next to the beauty of it's girls.'

Both girls blushed and muttered their thanks for the complement.

'Can I get you a drink?' asked LLin, standing.

The girls accepted and as he walked away, Vass asked Asphodel if she would like to dance. She accepted and the pair went away onto the dance floor.

Vass was a wonderful dancer and Asphodel felt she had wings on her feet, he was so easy to dance with. When his hand touched hers, the butterflies began to dance in her stomach again, and she thought she would melt into his blue eyes. Her black hair flew round her head as he twisted and turned her in the dance. He lifted her up and swung her round and she gasped in surprise, which made him laugh.

Then the dance ended and the pair returned to their seats.
LLin danced with Syssi, then with Asphodel as Vass danced with Syssi. Asphodel watched them as they danced, treading on Llin's feet a few times, but he laughed.

'My cousin has that effect on women,' he whispered in her ear the fifth time she missed a beat and trod on his toes. 'I wish I had his looks and charm.'

The girls danced with Vass and Llin all evening, the two young men taking it in turns to dance with each of them.

Then came the time to leave. It was dark and the few lamps on the walkways gave only a little light.

'I don't like the idea of you walking alone in the dark,' said Vass. 'May we walk the two of you home?'

The girls agreed and the four young people slowly wended their way through the treetop walkways to the girls' homes.

'Will you be going to Allimissoro's again?' Vass asked them as they stood outside Asphodel's home.

The girls looked at each other. Asphodel had to restrain herself from replying too quickly. She would certainly go again if Vass was going to be there.

'What do you think, Syssi?' she said. 'Should we go again?'

'I think I'll probably give it another go,' answered her friend. 'I enjoyed myself tonight. The music was excellent and the drinks. They've done wonders with the decor too.'

Vass looked at both girls in turn and said, 'Perhaps we'll see you there another time, then.'

The two young men left the girls, walked a few paces and turned to wave.

Asphodel entered her home and crept up the stairs to her bedroom. She threw herself on her bed, smiling, then she turned on her stomach and groaned.

Does he like me? Does he like Syssi better than he likes me? Oh, I can't tell who he likes better.

She thought of the way he had looked into her grey eyes when they danced and her stomach turned again. She thought one minute he liked her best, then the next she thought of how he had looked at Syssi and decided he liked Syssi best. With her thoughts in turmoil, Asphodel fell asleep.

Does Vass prefer Asphodel or Syssi? Find out in the next installment at the beginning of October.