Free The Black Sword Trilogy: The Four Nations by Jeffery VanMeter

alive than ever before.
                  “They never did that for me.” Terri said amazed.
     
    Before long, there appeared to be doors and windows cut into the trees with lights coming from within.  Raising himself from the floor of the boat, he gazed around him and saw hundreds of the enormous trees with thousands of lights coming from within.  Some were so far away, they looked like stars. 
    He saw the wide river around the boat with its water so clear, he could see the stones on the river bed and fish darting around the boats .  And everything around him was bathed in a soft, silvery light.
                  “Welcome to the Blackwoods, my friend.” Terri said grinning.
                  Kenner then heard the deep groaning sound of a very unhappy Shela.  He looked past Terri and saw her head with a sad face hanging out of the boat.
                  “Don’t worry about her.” Terri told him.  “They’ve been catching fish and feeding it to her for the past three days.”
                  “She doesn’t look particularly happy.”
                  “I’m afraid she might be a little seasick.”
    Kenner saw Shela look at him as if to say “I don’t feel good, Daddy.”
                 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
     
                  Kenner remembered Terri describing the Lady of the Woods once.  But even her vivid description did no justice to the woman standing before him.  He’d never known such beauty really existed.  Her thick brown hair cascaded gently to her shoulders and her dress fell perfectly over a delicate figure.  Her face was like something he’d never known even in a dream and her eyes seemed to smile straight through him.  He now easily understood the loving way in which Terri had spoken of her.
                  There was a gentle strength in her manner.  She was graceful and elegant; but also confident and secure.
                  “And how was your journey?” The Lady asked him.
    Waking himself from the tender trance she induced in him, he a nswered simply.
                  “I’m afraid I don’t remember most of it.” He answered.  “I seem to have slept through it.”
    He turned and gave a jesting glance at Terri, who laughed quietly.
                  “Yes, well I must apologize for that.” The Lady told him.  “The location of Avalos has remained a secret for centuries and I’m not prepared for that to change just yet.”
                  Kenner’s eyes followed her until he noticed the large red curtain at the far end of the raised platform.  The Lady must have noticed him.
                  “Yes, my dear Kenner.  That is the veil.  It is a doorway between this world and the next and only those chosen may cross its threshold.”
                  She then smiled at Terri.
                  “And how have you been, my dear friend?” She asked Terri.
    Kenner looked and saw Terri act curiously.  Suddenly she s eemed smaller and less composed.  She smiled broadly and she blushed.
                  “It’s been a hard time these past few months, but it is good to be back.” Terri answered.
                  “You are always welcome here, my sweet.” The Lady told her and then turned her attention back to Kenner.  “As are you, Kenner.” She told him.  He started to bow to her in response, but she tenderly touched his shoulder.
                  “No formalities for you, my new friend.” She said to him.  “My name is Kayla and your visit honors both this sanctuary and this blessed land.”
                  After the brief introduction, Kenner and Terri were led through the garden to the table on the veranda.  Kenner didn’t see the flowers or lush shrubs Terri had described to him and he guessed it was because it