Autumn of Elves

by Joanne Vruno

  “That could be,” I said. “What have you two been doing all day?”

  Emily said, “Lina’s been teaching me about tomtes and her heritage and some of ours. We baked some chocolate chip cookies, then ate them until our stomachs hurt.”

  “Are there any left?” I asked.

  “In the cookie jar. Save some for your grandmother too, now,” said Lina with a wide grin.

  I hurried to the kitchen. The strange thing about using powers was it might not take long to do, but it made us extremely hungry afterwards, an indication of all the energy we use using magic. “Is Lunt back yet?” I called as I filled a plate and poured a tall glass of milk.

  Emily said, “He came in a little while ago. When he found out you and Grandma were sleeping, he said he’d come back. So, Aly, you haven’t told us about the new elves. Do they seem nice?”

  “I think so. I really didn’t get a chance to do more than greet them. They were shocked and cautious when they arrived, but that’d be normal. Imagine, someone moving you without your knowing. Then Silver arrived. Koppor and Silver’s reunion—they’re sisters—was the high­light of the morning. Emily, I never want to be separated from you for a long time. I can’t imagine what today meant for them.”

  Grandma came into the room. “Oh, what a good nap can do for the body,” she said. “That was a tough transport. I’ve never felt a pull from the other side so strong before. It was almost as though something was trying to hold the elves where they were. Did you feel it also, Aly?”

  “I did, but I thought it might be normal for a large group. I didn’t feel it from the tree sprites, but then I was sending them away instead of pulling them to me.”

  “Odd,” said Grandma.

  “What’s odd?” asked Lunt, suddenly next to her chair.

  “Gnome speed,” said Emily. “You scared the life out of me. I just jumped three feet in the air!”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Sorry, Miss Emily. It’s just how I move,” smiled Lunt. “You’ll get used to gnomes and tomtes popping up. It’s our protection that nobody can see our movements.”

  “So . . . Lunt, what did you observe after Grandma and I left?” I asked.

  “Nothing unusual. Scouts found a nice hilly, ferny place away from the main paths for the village. They quickly started forming homes. Silver and Koppor went off by themselves to visit, while Fredek supervised the elves. He seems a stickler on procedures of how things are done. He treats his colony more like an army than a family.”

  “In what way?” asked Grandma.

  “He has to approve every decision. Dolph would let his sentries find their own trees for their perch nests. Fredick chose the trees for his sentries. It seems he has a formation in mind where everything should be located.”

  “Hmm . . . I wonder how Fredek and Dolph will get along? Does Fredek’s village seem as happy as Silver and Dolph’s?” asked Grandma.

  “Too early to tell. Everyone was focused on constructing homes. I saw very few youngsters in the village, but that may mean they’re hiding until the structures are built. The overall population of elves seems considerably smaller than our village. It makes me wonder if they’ve had some battles or hardships along the way. I guess we’ll have to wait until they share their history. I think Silver will learn the most from her sister. I’m waiting to see what she shares.

  “When should I visit them again?” I asked, knowing I was now responsible for keeping them safe.

  Grandma said, “I was thinking, as long as it’s only four and Emily’s been cooped up all day, we should head to the apple orchard. We need to keep up our cover for your parents. Aly, are you up to walking around the orchard?”

  “Sure, but shouldn’t I check on the new village?”

  “I think that can wait until tomorrow. They need time to construct homes and get organized. We would just get in their way. Let’s give them time to settle into their new surroundings. I’d like to talk to Silver, too, before we head back there. It may be good to know some of their history. So grab your sweatshirts and let’s go!”

  Being at the orchard was stepping back into the normal world, the human world. We rode in a wagon pulled by a tractor down dirt paths to the fields of apple trees. With bags in hand, we strolled to marked paths which led us to the types of apples we wanted to pick.

  It was a beautiful fall day. The sun was high in the sky, the air crisp. We soon had our bags full and turned back down the path to where the tractor would give us a ride back to the main building. Suddenly the normal day changed. On the path walking straight at us, two trolls chomped on apples. I quickly scratched the back of my neck to give Emily the signal, then in my head told her to concentrate on my conversation.

  “So, Grandma, can we make some apple crisp when we get back to your house?”

  “Oh, that sounds so good!” said Emily, following my lead as the trolls were right in front of us, watching us.

  “Sure, I think I have all the ingredients we need,” said Grandma. She walked into one troll, knocking it over. The other moved out of the way quickly.

  We all smiled a few steps later when we heard the troll swear about the stupid humans. But they didn’t suspect we were in any way aware of them.

  Soon we were back on the wagon heading to the building away from the trolls. Emily let out a sigh. I realized I was actually getting used to troll sightings while Emily was still in the frightful stage. I gave her hand a squeeze to let her know I understood.

  We entered the building to pay for the apples, and our senses came alive with the scents of cinnamon, baked apples, cookies, and other wonderful treats. We went to the food area for some cider and an apple bratwurst on a bun, along with an apple oatmeal cookies. I relished every moment being in this building for it held so many memories of past years, our tradition every October.

  We lingered as long as we could, looking at all the items on sale—fresh honey, home decorations, pumpkins, and a variety of canned goods. At the register I grabbed some honey sticks for Emily and me to share. I was glad I had enough money to cover the apples Mom wanted and the honey sticks. Grandma bought us all caramel apples for later. She had bought a variety of goods I knew she’d share with all the creatures at her home. At that moment, I decided to keep honey sticks for Elsa and Enar.

  As the car door shut, Emily whispered, “How can you two be so calm around trolls? I don’t think I’ll ever be like you two! I was so scared when we passed them. And Grandma, you just knocked that one down!”

  “Emily, in time you’ll get more comfortable with trolls,” Grandma reassured her. “I had to knock the troll down because it didn’t move. If I had moved, it would’ve known I’d seen it. When you’re in a similar situation you need to keep moving, troll or no troll.”

  “Will I ever get as calm as you are with creatures?”

  I said, “In one summer I’ve gotten calmer. I still have a twinge of fear of all creatures, but I focus on dealing with them by taking even breaths and walking straight. It’s starting to be routine. It will for you, too. In a few months you’ll see,” I said. “I do notice and appreciate the times I feel totally in the human world. I cherish those moments.”

  Grandma stated, “You’re really never completely in the human world, though. One never knows when a creature will appear. You can never let down your guard because that’s when you’re vulnerable. Instead of being bummed about it, I look at it like this—if I didn’t have these powers I wouldn’t have this whole group of friends around me. I’m never lonely, and I always have someone with me who cares for me. How lucky is that?”

  We both sat in silence pondering what Grandma had just said.

  Eighteen

  As Emily and I came from the guest bedroom in the morning, we were greeted by Lina, Berg, Lunt, and Silver, all waiting for us to join them in the living room. Emily
and I quickly took seats on the floor by the couch as Grandma came in with a tray filled with cups of tea in various sizes to accommodate all present. I had always wondered why she had so many children’s tea sets. It made sense now. She set down the tray and returned to the kitchen to fetch cinnamon rolls. When everyone was finally settled with food and drink Silver said, “First of all, I’d like to thank you, Alice, Aly, and Lunt for giving me time alone to speak with Koppor. I was surprised to see it was her village that arrived. We haven’t spoken in a thousand years. We had so much to catch up on. Her village has made many moves over the years. Her guardian family was in the Canadian military and they moved around all over Canada. This is the first time they’ve been in the United States. I explained to her why our two villages need to stay in close proximity. Aly can’t leave her parents at this age. It may change down the line when you grow up, Aly, but for now we need to live near each other. This may be a challenge. My sister’s always tried to be the leader in every decision and, from what I experienced yesterday, she hasn’t changed.”

  Silver took a sip of tea and addressed me. “Aly, you have a strong character. It came out when dealing with the tree sprites. You knew what needed to be done, and you did it. Not alone, though. You knew sentries would alert Dolph or myself to be your backup when you waved them away. You need to stay strong like you did that day, and follow your instincts. You have the strength now to react to dangers in a true guardian way. Never doubt yourself. Stay true to what you’ve been taught. Don’t let Fredek and Koppor order you around like one of their soldiers. And they might. I know you felt I did this summer with your training, but that was before you obtained your powers and the knowledge what to do in situations. You will need to stand up to Fredek and Koppor and let them know you’re a team, equal in decisions. It won’t be easy, but I know you can do it.”

  Silver took in the others with a sweeping glance. “We all need to aid to Aly during this adjustment time. Give her advice about situations and help her along the way. We’re her family and friends and she’ll need our support. I want her included in our village decisions and told about any sightings of creatures. And Fredek and Koppor don’t need to know.

  “Is Aly in danger in the new elf village?” asked Emily.

  “No, I don’t believe so. Their ways of running a colony are just different from ours. We discuss situations with each other and make decisions together. Our elves can speak up with their concerns. Our village is a family. My sister and Fredek prefer their colony to be a very organized regime where all decisions need their approval. Nobody marries without permission, or has children, or chooses their position in the colony. Every aspect of their colony is decided by the lead elves. The others don’t have a say.”

  “So, they’re dictators?” I asked.

  “Basically,” said Silver. “And because they are, they’ve fallen on tough times. They’ve had elves leave the colony and venture out on their own. Nobody knows what’s happened to them. Nobody’s had contact with them. Koppor referred to them as strays. If we’re going to have light elves in the open, it won’t be long before others discover them. Right now not many creatures know we exist. It keeps us safe. Nobody but the dark elves and the dwarves they’ve enlisted are on the hunt for us. Lost light elves could change that. I’m afraid for them. I wish they just transferred colonies. Right now with communication down between us, I can’t know. Which gives us another possible dilemma. If a group of these strays show up, we don’t know if they’re rock elves or light elves. We don’t approach strange elves, but if they are light elves, how can we turn our backs on them?”

  “We could transport them to us,” I stated.

  The room went silent, all eyes on me.

  “Silver, you said these elves are in danger,” said Grandma. “Aly and I could bring them to us. Your village is very welcoming. We could keep them secret from Koppor and Fredek, at least for a while. Koppor sounded as though they’ve been exiled or don’t like her rule. She really wouldn’t have the right to get angry at our choice to protect them even if she gains the knowledge.”

  “What are your thoughts, Lunt, Lina, and Berg?” asked ­Silver.

  Lunt cleared his throat. “One should never leave another in danger. I know it’s a risk, but I think it’s worth taking. The world needs all the light elves it can get.”

  “We agree,” said Lina and Berg in unison.

  “All right. Aly and Alice, will you come to the village in one hour? I’ll go now and prep Dolph on what was decided. Thank you, Aly, for your suggestion of transporting. Dolph and I were so upset last night, that idea never came to us,” said Silver. She quickly disappeared.

  “Miss Aly, it looks like you’re going to need lots of our help with these two new leaders. My advice to you is to follow what you know is right, as you did today,” said Lunt. “I’m going with you two to the village. I want to observe the lost elves and hear their stories. They may have much insight to offer about our new neighbors.”

  I sat in silence wondering: How am I going to deal with Koppor and Fredek? At this point I just want to be around the new village for their protection. How could they be without remorse letting members of their village leave? I wonder how many of those light elves are still alive.

  “It’s time, Aly. Are you ready?” asked Grandma.

  I nodded as I put on my shoes and sweatshirt and grabbed my camera, our cover for being in the woods. It was like going back to this summer as we left the house. It had been almost two months since I visited Silver and Dolph’s village. Today the colors were changing in the woods. Some trees were already close to bare.

  Lunt disappeared. It always amazed me how he could do that.

  Silver and Dolph waited for us at the bottom of the hill outside their village. Grandma flashed her amulet to the sky, not for opening the view of the village but to hide any movement or sound we might make. Grandma and I had already talked over what we’d say before we left the house. We held hands and said together, “Send the lost light elves from Koppor and Fredek’s village to us. Send the lost light elves from Koppor and Fredek’s village to us. Send the lost light elves from Koppor and Fredek’s village to us.”

  Poof! In front of us appeared twenty light elves, heavily ­battered in appearance and of all ages. They were, of course, ­frightened and confused. Silver and Dolph were the first to approach them.

  Dolph took the hand of the eldest member of the group in his. “I’m Dolph. This is my wife, Silver. We would like to welcome you to our village. These two human guardians can heal your wounds as you tell us your names.”

  Tears flowed from many eyes. “How did you find out about us? We thought we might be goners soon. It’s been tough being on our own,” said the elderly elf.

  “Koppor told Silver about you,” answered Dolph.

  “Koppor’s here?” Fear showed in the elf’s face as he looked around.

  “Not right here. She and Fredek lost their guardian and have had to move close to us. They arrived yesterday. Koppor shared the story of your group splitting from their colony. We knew you’d need protection, so we brought you to our colony. You’ll be safe with us. Koppor and Fredek have no authority here,” Dolph stated in his fatherly voice.

  “They can’t hurt us?” asked the elderly elf.

  “No. You’re safe and under Silver’s and my protection from now on. When you get stronger, I’d like to hear your whole story. Why you left. Rest now, while you’re being healed. Alice, will you do your magic?” asked Dolph.

  Grandma moved near the elf and started her healing. I followed suit and went to another elf. Soon all of the elves were resting and their bodies strengthening.

  Dolph pulled me aside. “Aly, we need to know the truth before we send you alone to the other village. You also are under Silver’s and my protection. These elves are in bad shape physically, but they’re also fearful of Koppor and Fr
edek. We need to know the reason why.”

  “I’m a little scared too.” My feelings were showing. “These poor elves. Something awful happened to them.”

  Dolph patted my finger as he nodded. I saw the same concern on Silver’s and Grandma’s faces.

  We waited about half an hour before the elderly elf made his way over to Dolph. “I’d like to introduce myself to you now. I’m Beck. That lovely elf over there asleep is my wife, Agda. I’ll let the others introduce themselves as they regain their strength. We’ve been on our own several months now. We were exiled from the colony for refusing a command. We refused to kill three injured tree sprites we came across in a swamp. We rescued them from the waters, but they could not fly. We went to Fredek in hopes our guardian could heal them and send them home, something we’d done in the past. This time, we were told our colony wouldn’t offer help to other creatures anymore. Instead, Fredek ordered us to eliminate the tree sprites and any other creature that crossed our paths. We’d never taken any creature’s life before. As light elves we’re charged with protecting nature and all beings on this planet. We stood strong as a group in the middle of the village, stating our beliefs. Fredek and Koppor were furious. The whole village watched as they gave us an ultimatum—either we followed their orders and eliminated the tree sprites or we and our families would be exiled into the wilderness. We stood by the values of what a light elf should be. They commanded their guardian to send us away. Soon we were alone in the wild. We tried to think positively and continued performing our healing duties to the land. We formed a small village. Some birds befriended us. Life was hard but we survived.”

  “It looks like you barely survived,” said Silver. “We admire your convictions. A light elf’s purpose in life is to protect nature! No elf should harm another creature unless it’s threatening one’s life, and even in that case we’ll use guardian magic to transport and erase the creature’s mind whenever possible.” I could hear Silver’s outrage. “We’re your new colony. Let us know what position you wish and we’ll set you up with a team. Rest for a few days, though. We want you to healthy first. In our colony we’re a family unit. We all look out for the others.”