Treefell: Legend of the Wood

By Rae Elliott

Fear can make the truth look like a lie.

Thanks to quick thinking and a fast arrow, prideful young Anfin earns the title of expert huntsman amongst his race of elite woodland dwellers. But his new title is nothing new to older brother Geth, who is more consumed by the wise, ancient forest than his little brother eclipsing him again. It's when Geth stumbles across Anfin's arrow, landed astray from his target, that a trail of secrets much darker than a rigged test is uncovered.

When Geth cannot place who it was that secretly secured Anfin's title, he becomes plagued by the fear that an unknown danger lurks in the forest. Geth continues on his own to find the truth, but his hunt unearths an even more troubling discovery: the trees that have sworn to protect and nurture his people have the ability to take human form.

Confused and frightened, Geth spreads the news of his alarming finds. But such news only causes fear and division amongst his family and his tribe. Geth realizes that seeking the truth behind this well-kept secret is his responsibility, as is saving his tribe's ancient relationship with the trees.

But someone is onto Geth's secret mission, and they want nothing more than to watch Geth fall into their crafty trap. Geth soon discovers that a once trusted confidant is not who they claim to be, and the traitor cunningly manipulates their people to fear Geth and the forest. A dark vendetta with deep roots seeks to tear Geth's family and his world apart, unless Geth learns to look past his fears and fight to reveal the truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rae Elliott
• Release date: Jul 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310784422

Rae Elliott

I am an Indie author of science fiction, fantasy, young adult, and women's fiction novels. I am proud to say that I have accomplished the life-long dream of being a self-published author. The first book I have ever published is my science fiction novel Fractured. It is also the first book I have ever released as an audiobook on my Podcast. Fractured is the first in a series, I am currently writing its sequel Desolated. Desolated will hopefully be released by winter 2015. Other novels I'm preparing to publish include my Fantasy series Treefell: Legend of The Wood. I hope to release the first in this series by spring of 2015. I also have completed a women's fiction novel titled Life from the Rear View Mirror. This is the first book I have ever written as a modern narrative, but I have to say it is one of my favorite pieces. I have hopes of publishing this novel come spring 2015. Finally, I'm in the early stages of plotting out a Young adult fiction novel titled The Renaissance. More details about each book will be coming to my web page shortly! As a writer, I have dedicated myself to the science of storytelling. For years I have honed my craft by learning from fellow bloggers, writers, editors and published authors. I love sharing what I have learned with fellow writers via my blog and other social media networks. I also love to dissect excellent story lines and characters that I find in television series or movies to inspire my imagination. Just a few t.v faves include Freaks and Geeks, The Blacklist, Gilmore Girls, Criminal Minds, Downton Abbey, and Sherlock. And, a few movie faves include: Gladiator, Frequency, Forest Gump, The Planet of The Apes, Brave, Ever After, Wall-E, The Count of Monte Cristo- oh boy I'd better stop here! The thing for me is, I always have one question poking my brain as I write each and every story I invent. Why does the reader care? If my audience truly cares about my characters and where their journey leads, then they will most likely come back for more stories I have to give them. And I hope that audience includes you!

Book preview

1

Bears and Arrows

The Wood mourns the emptiness, they sing the song of grief. Man fills the emptiness with a hand, instead of leaf. Leaf fall no more. Men see no more. For Man and Wood, a divide shall come to the fore.

Excellent reading Anfin. Your tone and annunciation has improved greatly.  

My younger brother Anfin raised his head high, chest broadening, as he glanced down at me from the corner of his eyes. He read the poem in Trefec, the forest’s natural language. All members of the Treefell society were taught the secret language of the earth from infancy.

My focus stayed on the sacred poem, the Lament of the Roots. This mysterious, ancient poem of the Wood was a favorite of mine. I read as many poems as Master Riken, our mentor, would give us. Each young man and woman in our woodland society received a mentor at the age of twelve. The trees, our earthen teachers, assigned mentors to a specific child. Mentors helped parents lead their child to make personal connections with the forest and rise to village honors. Living by the wisdom of the forest was our nation’s way of life. Now that I was eighteen and my brother sixteen, Master Riken had patiently tutored my brother and I together for years.

Master Riken rolled the aged paper gently between long fingers. Now we’ve read this poem with our minds. Let us meditate over its meaning with our hearts. Geth, read the first sentence again.

I stared at the beautiful words painted across the crinkling paper. The Wood mourns the emptiness, they sing the song of grief. My shoulders hunched over as I hunted for a deeper meaning.

Yes, yes very good. Master Riken’s deep voice resonated through the surrounding trees. What emotions do you sense here, boys?

Sadness. It says ‘grief’ and ‘mourning’. So obviously the Wood is sad. Anfin’s smile burned through me once again.

My finger strolled across the page. It seems like they will experience a loss. I whispered.

Good point, Geth. Master Riken calmly shook his head.The Wood’s roots touch all corners of the earth. So it makes us wonder, what could they possibly lose?

Anfin and I lifted our eyes toward each other. Anfin watched my mouth, eager to interrupt my incites.

I smirked. Go on.

Anfin’s bright blue eyes tripled in size as he whipped his attention back onto our Master. They can lose something that isn’t rooted in the soil. Anfin’s glittering grin taunted me again.

Yes, very wise response as usual Anfin! The sun’s glorious light reflected off his raven hair as he bowed his head. So, what is not rooted in the soil?

Anfin’s foot tapped as he bit his lip.

Humans. I answered.

Very good, Geth. You’re one step ahead of us I see! Master laughed gently, pale skin stretching across high cheekbones, as he smiled.

Anfin sunk into his seat, a mass of black curls hiding his eyes.

Anfin, re-read the next sentence.

As Anfin read, I became helplessly distracted by the dancing maiden, the wind, as she leapt across my shoulders. I raised my head breathing in her subtle fragrance as she passed.

Master cleared his throat. So we have gathered that humans are not rooted in the soil. Thus they can be lost. But we read here, ‘man fills the emptiness’ with what?

A hand instead of leaf. Anfin replied.

Yes. What does that mean for us?

Silence stood between us. Master Riken’s black eyes expanded as he raised thick, dark eyebrows. We both sat baffled. He donned a patient grin, broad chest expanding as he took a deep breath. Think about it, boys.

But my attention was caught away again as the ancient, massive trees silently sang. The sun’s golden light speared through the trees, drenching my bronzed skin with nourishing rays. The sun’s warm fingers ran through my unkempt, blonde hair. I deeply inhaled the wild musk emitting from the soil, and it rejuvenated my spirit. Countless birds called to their brothers in the distance. Their flute-like songs decorated the peaceful silence. Bees raced over my head, their morning already busy with toil. The deep tenors of the trees resonated gently like droplets penetrating placid waters. Their voices danced through my bones.

Geth?

I snapped back, blinking my eyes. Sorry Master. I scratched my head, pressing down the curling paper. The poem was clear to me once again. The Wood will experience a loss, a particular human or humans precious to them. But man will try to fill the void with something human when it should be with something from the earth. When it says ‘Leaf fall no more’ it means that the Wood will draw away and likewise men will be blinded by their actions. Therefore a divide shall come to the fore. I cleared my throat, realizing both of them were staring at me in surprise. I shrank back, elbows cinching around my waist. At least… I think that’s what it means.

Anfin turned his head down, jaw shifting as he ground his teeth.

Master Riken’s frown revived into a smile. Yes. What a very interesting perspective. His massive hands rolled the scroll up carefully. Do you boys think that such a thing is possible?

No Master Riken. Not at all. Anfin piped in, eyes burning holes through me. The Wood has pledged to protect us. They have selected unique persons to be apart of their tribe, so they would not draw away from them. They only reveal their insights to those deemed humble enough to accept them. Therefore it’s not possible for our tribe of humble people to betray the Wood in such a way. Treefell aren’t capable of such a thing! So no, I don’t think that what Geth theorized is actually possible.

I stared at the poem. To me, it’s meaning was unwaveringly clear.

Besides, why would we revolt against the Wood? What reason would we have for it? Anfin scoffed, his knee shoving against mine.

I ignored him, mindlessly rolling a finger through my hair as I further theorized.

Master Riken’s face grew solemn. We do not know what is possible though, do we Anfin? The Wood is far more ancient than we humans could possibly fathom. They have seen all things come and go, live and die, and still they choose imperfect humans to bestow their wisdom upon. Such privileged knowledge was once given to other earthen creatures alone. We do not know what is truly possible, now that man is apart of this relationship. It is still young, however many centuries we have bonded with the earth. So, we can never truly know what the poems mean until they come to fruition, can we?

Anfin’s face burned crimson and his eyes darted to the earth. No, Master. We can’t.

Many Poems of the Earth have baffled humans for years. We did not know the full meaning of many of them until they came to pass. So we cannot truly know the meaning of this one until it too comes to pass. That being said, Anfin brings up a very remarkable point we should all remember.

Anfin’s head lifted.

Master opened his hand to him. You said the Wood has pledged to protect us. His black eyes came over mine. A pledge is like a promise. So no matter what we may or may not know, we can always trust in the Wood’s promise that they will protect us. Isn’t that thought riveting?

I shook my head.

He smiled. His eyes fell over Anfin. You are gifted Anfin. He turned back toward me, And you are a profound thinker, Geth. Neither of you should doubt yourselves for a moment. Master Riken stood from his seat, collecting his books and scrolls into his cloth bag. Well that will be our lesson for today, boys. Very well done. And as for you- Master’s smile widened as he took Anfin’s shoulder, You have a very thrilling hunting test today!

Anfin glowed. Yes Master, I’m very excited.

Are you overwhelmed at all?

No Master, I’m quite confident.

That’s it, my boy. Master Riken gently pat his shoulder.

Footsteps quickly approached us from behind. Anfin! The Levian are making their way into the forest. Father took Anfin’s shoulder excitedly. This is it! The Wood is ready to determine if you have become a man!

"I’m ready, a’menth!" Anfin used the Trefec term for ‘father’ affectionately.

Are you excited, my son? Father’s smile could be seen through his wiry beard, and his pride prevalent in his golden, glowing eyes. Don’t be nervous, you have practiced hard for this day.

We are all cheering for him, Korgen. Master Riken bowed to father.

Father bowed in turn. Thank you for their session, Riken. And thank you for your unending support. Father turned toward me. Come Geth, let’s not make your brother late.

Right, of course. I gave my poem into Master Riken’s keeping.

Cannot forget this. Father held out Anfin’s gear.

Oh, thanks. Anfin took his bow, and quiver filled with gold-painted arrows.

I smirked, scoffing internally at Anfin’s obsession with his weaponry. He alone detailed his arrows with gold paint. His love for the hunt surpassed all else.

Anfin threw his gear around his shoulder and took off with father into the forest.

As I turned the hood of my cloak up, a hand grabbed my arm. Geth.

I turned. Yes Master?

His face was gentle. How are you feeling about today? I know it has been difficult for you in the past concerning your brother’s accomplishments. You know his honors do not belittle your strengths in the least.

I bowed my head. Yeah, thanks. I’m okay though. I mean, I’m happy for him. I know he’ll do great.

He waited, smirking.

I sighed. Okay, well, honestly I don’t think he’s ready.

All right. And why is that?

He’s only hit the bull’s eye twice this past week. As you know the Levian are expert hunters so I don’t think Anfin will pass their test.

Master Riken grew solemn. "Do not concern yourself with Anfin’s success. You are humble in heart, Geth. That is your strength. Your brother still has much to learn in areas you have already mastered. Think only about your next step. Do not burden yourself with concerns that belong to your brother alone."

I understand, it’s just that he’s my little brother.  It doesn’t bother me anymore that he always receives titles and honors before I do. I really only care about him becoming a good person. If he succeeds, I’m happy for him, and honestly a little surprised. But if he fails, I’m also happy for him because it’ll be a humbling experience. And he could use a good humbling experience.

Master Riken laughed. Very well, Geth. You have the right attitude, which I can see your father has instilled in you. We will all be pushing for Anfin today, right alongside you. He gripped my shoulder, bowed, and turned away.

Eventually I caught up with father and Anfin. They darted through the trees as quick as wild hares. But I became hopelessly distracted by the earthen voices once again. Untouched, pristine beauty danced silently all around. The fog rolled through like an army, the dense mist painted gold by the sun’s own hands. The black soil was lit by cascading ribbons of sunlight, glowing like candle flame. The wind whirled through the trees excitedly in behalf of my brother. Her chants of joy encouraged me to reconsider my doubts about Anfin. Her exuberant cheers rose from from the gnarly, tangled roots, to the glorious emerald canopy. Leaves fell in celebration for Anfin.

Anfin leapt through the trees, noting none of the Wood's silent support. Always he flew like a hawk to the hunt, ignoring all else.

The further into the forest we entered, the closer the arms and hands of the trees knit together. To a foreign eye, the forest was more like a baffling maze. Only Treefell understood the unique pattern of the woodland realm. Branches and twigs crossed and touched, silently supporting one another. Their gnarly roots intertwined, decorated with thick ferns and tall mushrooms. The trees shared nutrients for centuries. It was a sacrifice, but the Wood was willing to give in order to keep their brothers alive.

I slowed my pace, for I felt the presence of our men amongst the trees. Anfin ducked behind the wide trunk of a nearby tree. I hid behind thick brush not far from him.

"Senen  s’maeore halari ora." a Levian leader whispered that we had reached suitable hunting grounds for Anfin’s test. Trefec was designed to hide and blend in with the sounds of forest life. To a foreign ear, our conversation was merely the natural croaking of the wilderness.

After an hour had passed, the crunching of leaves echoed from the distance. I submerged my fingers into the soil to determine the pattern of the animal’s footsteps. The subtle tenors vibrated from the soil and in through my fingers, revealing my answer. Young doe.

"Li mani." A leader confirmed my deduction.

The doe appeared through the dense brush, black, glistening nose sniffing the air. Her ears perked forward, giant eyes alert to her surroundings. According to law of the Wood, a female creature under a certain age was protected by the trees. They were not to be struck down for any purpose. This young doe was nearly free of her spots, still she was deemed too young to kill for provisions. Anfin’s chance had not yet revealed itself.

Distant crunching began again. Another creature approached. Closing my eyes, I