Arlen the Elf: The Gathering

By Eugene Lawrance Webb

This new juvenile fiction novel tells the adventurous tale of Arlen the Elf. Young readers and parents alike will delight in this mystical book and the exciting life of Arlen whose curiosity often gets the best of him, propelling him into challenging situations. This young adult fantasy book takes place in Elysium where magic is common

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gotham Books
• Release date: Oct 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887756455

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© 2023 Eugene Lawrance Webb. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by Gotham Books (October 19,2023)

ISBN: 979-8-88775-644-8 (P)

ISBN: 979-8-88775-645-5 (E)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CHAPTER ONE

The Road to Providence

A long time ago, when the Earth had a super continent called the Time of Pangaea, magic was a common occurrence. Mystical creatures were all around with the portals of other worlds opened to our world. The art of thaumaturgy or the ability to work magic was very coveted; however, Sprites were the best at conjuring magic and the most powerful. This land mass at this time was called Elysium, a beautiful world of plush green forests and tree covered mountains where everything grew with ease. Several fresh water rivers ran through Elysium dividing the land into the Northern and Central Mass, Western Peninsula, Eastern Island with small islands scattered about. The Southern Forest was the most spectacular of all the forests but few ever ventured into it because they were scared of the Sprites and mystical creatures that lived there. Humans were about but not very many and they kept to their own in towns, the largest being Adytum, which is in the center of the Central Mass.

It was in this time an elf named Arlen, who lived in the Southern Forest, became very curious of the world in which he lived. Elysium was a beautiful land with several plush green forests and plains. Crops grew well and there was no desire for anything. Arlen wanted to explore the wonders of the world beyond the forest in which he resided. It was difficult and dangerous for elves to go beyond where they lived because of their size. Looking at Arlen, he was only ten inches tall, light-colored skin, dark hair, with green eyes. He was a sight to see in his traditional green leaf suit with brown leaf vest, pointed green hat with shed snakeskin belt and shoes. On the outside, he looked like a normal little elf but on the inside had the courageous heart of an explorer. The other elves did not want to leave their forest for they feared other creatures of the world. Elves were smaller than Dwarves, but were bigger than fairies. In fact, the Elves, Fairies, and Goblins were of the same family type called Sprites.

The elves were in harmony with nature and loved to see it grow. Arlen had made his home in a rather nice hollowed out tree where he could climb to the top and look over the land beyond the forest with lush green fields having snowcapped mountains behind them. From the time Arlen was small, he wanted to go out and see what was out beyond his forest but the elders forbade him to go. The mentor for the young elves was named Elva, and she held the position of Pedagogy for over five hundred years. Elva was concerned for Arlen because of his inquiring mind and spirit.

Arlen’s spirit became very restless and he was seeking forbidden knowledge of the outlander’s world. One day Elva came to Arlen and with a very concerned look on her face asked Arlen, What is it that you seek, young Arlen?

I know not what I seek, but only that I need to seek it, Arlen answered. Elva tenderly advised him, Is it not best that you stay where you are safe and with friends? This confused world is full of dangers and you might not survive out there. I feel that I am destined for something more important than just living here. This is my home. My feelings are strong for it and my kin that live here. In my mind there is a calling to go and do more than just live in comfort here, was Arlen’s reply.

Be careful of your mind fever, it could be the darkness bidding you to your destruction. There have been others that have left and were never seen again. You know those that I speak of and I do not want you to wind up missing too, Elva warned.

Arlen thought about this before replying and said, I know of the dark wizards, griffins, trolls and goblins. Your teachings are still very fresh in my mind and I heed them well. The elders always speak of your knowledge as beyond anyone they have ever met. Their praise of your wisdom and how you want the new generation of Sprites to share in it is well founded. It is a shame our numbers are dwindling for you have so much to offer to us. I have a strong curiosity, that is all. I am not looking to leave my home and those that I love.

Elva bid Arlen farewell and went her way. Arlen’s mind was not satisfied and it struggled against the desire to explore the world. In the night, while Arlen was asleep, he had a vision of his future and he saw himself as a hero. Some wonderful thing he had done brought hope to many and saved their lives. Arlen could hardly believe this was he and tried to see what great work but the vision faded.

In the morning when Arlen woke up, he thought nothing of his dream because he just could not believe it was, he doing anything of such great importance. The quiet of the morning, being shattered by the sound of the Heed Piccolo, could only mean there was danger. Hurrying to the meeting spot, Arlen wanted to find out what the commotion was. When Arlen arrived, he saw the Elders all standing together with grave looks upon their faces and this began to worry Arlen. Soon the entire assembly of the wood elves gathered and the Elders motioned for silence.

Hedwing, the chief of the elves of the Southern Forest, called for everyone’s attention as he stepped up to the speaking stump. In a very solemn voice Hedwing stated, There is a darkness that is growing from the dark powers that wants to consume this world. We, the Elders, have seen the vision that shows that we, as well as the Land of Elysium, are in perilous danger from the attack of the dark forces that are now collecting. However, there is no need to fear for we have seen the solution. Among our people there is one that has been chosen by the forces of the light to counter the evil powers and rescue the Land. This one has already been given the vision to move out from among us and seek for the answers that will bring peace to all. Now I ask who among you have seen the vision, it might have seemed like a dream, but know now it is your calling.

Arlen stood up stating, Our great lead elder Hedwing, I had such a dream last night, but I question what I saw. Hedwing instructed Arlen to come with him and the other Elders to the council chamber. Arlen did as he was asked, and for the first time in his life, he was allowed into the council chambers where he stood before all the Elders. There the elders questioned him on the details of his vision and wanted him to explain what he saw. Arlen stated, I do not understand what I saw, it was like a moment cut out of time and was not very clear. I have no comprehension of the meaning or what I am to do.

Hedwing asked, Please explain to us in detail what you saw regardless if you understood it or not.

Arlen began to explain, In the first part of my dream there was a creature made of light beckoning me to come but I had no idea where or for what. The dream quickly changed where I saw myself with others, another Sprite for sure but the two others could have been dwarf or human. Lastly, I saw myself coming home to the Southern Forest and being treated like a hero with a great celebration.

At this point, the Elders asked Arlen to step outside as they conversed about what he saw. Arlen was waiting outside for the Elder’s decision and his friend, Meara, came up to talk to him.

Meara expressed her concern, Why is it that you would leave the safety of the protected Forest and go on such a hazardous journey?

I am not really trying to leave those whom I care about, but I feel the drawing to a destiny I cannot forsake. There are many people that are in need of my help, although I do not understand why I am the only one who could do this, Arlen explained.

Meara said, I would go with you if the Elders permit it because I would like to see the rest of the world but have to admit I am afraid.

I cannot explain why I have no fear, he replied, It is like there is a power shaping my destiny and I know it will protect me on my journey. I must learn what all this means and discover what is determining the direction my life is going.

Meara pleaded, I fear that if you go, I will lose you, though not to the end of your life, but our closeness.

Arlen smiled, Nothing can interfere with our friendship and we will always be close friends.

One of the Elders came up and advised Arlen that they were ready for him. Arlen softly caressed Meara’s hand and followed the elder back to the council chamber. They’re stood Arlen in front of the great leaders of the delegation and he wondered if he was stepping out of line with what he felt was true. These elves had proven themselves to the whole congregation to be noble and strong. Arlen wondered why he is the one going on this adventure and not any one of the leaders. Doubts sprung up in Arlen’s mind as he looked into the eyes of Hedwing and waited for him to speak.

Hedwing stood up and speaking with a firm voice said, Arlen, the whole council is unanimous in believing your vision. It seems that you are destined for great things and are blessed of the light. We all salute you and will give you aid in any way to help you on your quest. You need to go and make ready for your journey tomorrow for this will be the day the Southern Forest shines to the world.

The word spread quickly through the forest of Arlen’s appointment to diplomat for the Southern Forest that brought many well-wishers. Those that Arlen did not even know were shaking his hand and patting him on the back saying what a wonderful diplomat he was. There was only one person he was concerned about when she heard of his appointment and that was his Pedagogy, Elva.

He soon ran into Elva and with tears in her eyes she said, It looks like you get to go on your adventure you have dreamed since you were very small. Please be very careful and mind what I have taught you. Let the Source Light guide you in your decision for it will always lead you down the path that is right. I will miss you dearly and I want you to take this. Elva handed Arlen a shard of crystal and explained it was not magic, but it was a pure crystal she found when she was a small, she-elf. It came from a sky rock that landed near where she lived and found lying near the crater. As she placed it in Arlen’s hand, Elva said, May the pureness of this crystal remind you to stay faithful to the light.

As they embraced, Arlen said farewell to Elva and then quickly went to his tree hollow to pack his things for the journey. As Arlen was putting his possessions into his knapsack, he heard someone shouting for him and hurriedly went down to see who it was. Hedwing was standing in the crack of the entrance to the hollow and Arlen quickly invited him in.

Hedwing stated, What you are doing is very courageous and a selfless act which makes me proud to know you. I would, if it were my calling, go with you, but it is you who has been chosen to go and not I. This present will help you on your quest. Hedwing gave Arlen the Mantle of Nebulous. Even though it was lacking any color it sparkled just the same.

Arlen puzzled and then asked, What is the use of such a piece of clothing? It is a magic mantle and can bestow the wearer invisible with the power of great swiftness. My hope is that it will speed you on your way and give you protection by rendering you undetectable to your enemies. Beware of the dark enemies that will oppose your efforts and the black magic that will stand against you, Hedwing instructed.

Arlen thanked Hedwing for the wonderful gift and for his blessing on his quest. One other person Arlen had to say good-bye to was Meara, for they had been friends since they were wee little elves. After what she told him today, it did not seem that it would be easy for her to say farewell. Going to Meara’s favorite thinking spot over by the large sunflowers he saw her there and she was crying. This was going to be more difficult than what Arlen thought it would be.

Approaching her quietly, Arlen said softly, Meara, why are you crying? Meara turned and came over to him, hugging his neck she said sorrowfully, I do not want to lose you. Arlen comforted her by saying, You are not going to lose me, I will be back and we will always be together. We have grown up together and always enjoyed each other’s company. You were there when I lost my parents and comforted me. I cannot think of being without you, but I have to do this and you know that. Meara said, I know that you must do this and that you are destined for great things. The Elders would not let me go with you so please take my scarf. It has my essence on it to remind you of me. Arlen took the scarf and tied it around his neck thanking Meara for her gift.

Arlen was now packed and ready for the trip. He needed a good night’s rest to start on his long journey, but as excited as he was, he did not know if he would be able to sleep. His mind raced as he thought of all the things, he would see in the world around him that he never had the chance to see before. He thought of the new and wondrous things in the world that he would experience and the new people he would meet. Finally, as exhaustion set in, Arlen fell asleep with many dreams of what would come. In the morning, others knocking on his door to wish him well on his journey awakened Arlen.

As Arlen pulled his gear together and left his front entrance, he saw all the forest people cheering him on and dear friends with tears in their eyes. Hedwing gave an encouraging speech with all the elders clapping to his success. Arlen saw Elva and she looked like it pained her deeply to see him go.

Meara came running up and shouted, "I want to go