Free Darkness Falls (Tales of the Wolf) by A.E. McCullough Page A

more immediate concerns.
    “As a child of the Dhyana, you have a similar destiny. Your lot is tied to the land and the land is tied to you…for good or evil.” Anasazi studied the face of his young protégé and knew that he really did not understand but he had no choice but to continue. “For the moment, just accept that what I’m telling you as fact. All will become clear at a later date but for now, you must meet the Elder Tree. There is a sacred glade deep inside the Great Forest that we must get to before the first rays of dawn.”
    “We are going to the homeland of the Elves? But I thought all borders are closed to outsiders.”
    “They are but we have a special pass that will allow us entrance. However, there are two things you need to remember. First, from this moment forward you need to keep your hood up and voice silent. And secondly if you do need to speak, only use Elvish.” Seeing his nephew nod, he added. “Also, while you are in the Elven realm you will be known as Isengrim Half-elven.”
    Graytael cocked his head to the side. “Isengrim?”
    “It is from an old language rarely spoken throughout Terreth now but it translates basically to your name. Isen means ‘silver or grey’ and Grim as ‘mysterious legend’ – so Grey-tale.” Anasazi smiled at his own cleverness.
    “And why do I need a false name?”
    “I am positive that there are agents of the great enemy inside the Elfholm and I do not want to take any chances. Only rarely are there any half-elven children born and even more rarely to a Highlander-Elf pairing. I do not want anyone putting two and two together. Trust me on this.”
    “I do uncle, I do. I was just curious.”
    Anasazi patted him on the shoulder. “You are very much like your father in that aspect. He had a very inquisitive mind but also very logical. It is a rare and valuable quality in a warrior. Always remember that.”
    Graytael found himself wondering why he was telling him things like this but just tried to accept it. The old shaman was always doing similar things. Teaching or telling him something that only made sense at a later time. As is he could foretell the future and wished to prepare him for it but was unable to accurately describe what was coming.
    They both fell silent as they entered a different part of the forest. It was a subtle thing at first. The trees were larger and older. The grass was greener and there was a lack of fallen leaves on the forest floor, almost as if it was eternally springtime in this region. When a herd of deer wandered across their path, Graytael immediately pulled out his bow and slapped an arrow across the riser.
    “Don’t shoot,” said Anasazi. “All the creatures in this region of the forest are protected by royal decree.”
    Graytael grimaced. “Sorry. Instinct.”
    “No reason to apologize but we are looking to avoid questions and having to explain your reasons of killing a hart to one of the Royal Wardens would complicate that issue.”
    Graytael nodded and unstrung his bow. That would slow down his ability to use it in response for any sort of danger but it would also prevent him from acting out of habit and offending the elves. Instead, he steeled himself to follow his uncle and keep his mouth shut.
      *    *    *    *    *
    By the time they stopped, it was near midnight and Graytael was stumbling with exhaustion. However, the ancient shaman seemed unaffected by the long day of hiking. Turning aside from the path, Anasazi found a clearing and pointed to a campfire that was already laid out and ready to light. “Start the fire and head off to bed. I will stand watch tonight. We shall be on the road before first light.”
    Graytael nodded and forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand. He had started hundreds of campfires in his short life but never when he was so tired. In fact, he did not remember ever being so worn-out after a full day’s hike. Little did he know that Anasazi had been using