Search Worlds Without End

WFA nominated novella.

It was that transitional time of the world, when man first brought the clang of iron and the reek of smoke to the lands which before had echoed with inhuman voices. In that dawn of man and death of magic there yet remained one last untouched place – the small forest of Ealdwood – which kept a time different from elsewhere, and one who dwelt there who had more patience, pride and love of the earth than any other of her kind – Arfel the Sidhe. This is the story of the last defense of Faery against the encroaching iron sword of the Era of Man.

Omnibus edition containing the Ealdwood duology - The Dreamstone and The Tree of Swords and Jewels

Journey to a transitional time in the world, as the dawn of mortal man brings about the downfall of elven magic. But there remains one final place untouched by human hands - the small forest of Ealdwood, in which dwells Arafel the Sidhe, who has more love of the earth than any of her kind. This is a moving, compelling tale of the last stronghold of immortality struggling to survive the rise of man.

It was that transitional time of the world, when man first brought the clang of iron and the reek of smoke to the lands which before had echoed with inhuman voices. In that dawn of man and death of magic there yet remained one last untouched place -- the small forest of Ealdwood -- which kept a time different from elsewhere, and one who dwelt there who had more patience, pride and love of the earth than any other of her kind -- Arafel the Sidhe. This is the story of the last defense of Faery against the encroaching iron sword of the Era of Man.

They said that Ciaran Cuilean was fey-that he had the touch of the Sidhe on him, and on his lands. And it was true. Elvish blood ran in his veins, and he had been to that other world-that parallel and magical land of Eald, where Arafel, the Lady of Trees, held dominion. But what should have been a blessing was as much a curse--for jealousy and fear grew in the lands of men. Shadows of newly awakened evil swarmed across both landscapes threatening to bring the clang and reek of war from the warm hearthstones of the mortal world keeps to the silvery heart of Ealdwood. And Ciaran knew that he must once again put his humanity aside and reclaim his haunted weapons from the Tree of Swords or see both his worlds fold into darkness!