He sighed. “It is a worrisome state of affairs, Aphenglow. Without magic, we are vulnerable on many fronts. Our army is well trained, but dwarfed by that of the Federation. We disdain the help of the Druids; our only meaningful alliance is with the Dwarves. If that should fail, we would be susceptible to an all-out attack.”

“The Federation wouldn’t dare. The other Races wouldn’t stand for it.”

“I think they would. I think the other Races would stay clear of the whole mess, very much the way they have in other times. If the Dwarves were persuaded to stay out of it, the Gnomes and Trolls would do the same. The Federation would have the match they seek.”

She leaned back and studied him. “Why are you telling me all this? What does my status as a Druid have to do with anything?”

“Just this. As the King’s granddaughter and an Elf and Druid both, you occupy a unique position in the Elven hierarchy. Even disliked as you are by some, you still command respect. I wish you would consider using it. Come back to us and be the leader we need.”

“My grandfather is King and his son Phaedon after him. Since Phaedon has no children, you would be next in line. And after that, there are others who would be favored over me.”

Ellich shook his head, eyebrows arching high on his forehead. “My brother is failing. My nephew would be a dangerous and foolish choice, and I would be a worse one. All of the others lack your skills and training. You are the right person to lead the Elves.”

“This is dangerous talk, Ellich. You might not want to repeat it to anyone else.”

“I am not suggesting that you should claim the throne, Aphen. But as a member of the Elessedil family, you can help by sharing the magic that is rightfully ours.”

For just a second she thought he had uncovered her secret and was speaking of the missing Elfstones. She hesitated, uncertain of what to say. But then she realized he was speaking in more general terms.

“The Elven magic is lost, Uncle. What there is of it is being sought out by the Druids. The Elves do nothing to help. They might have created the magic in the time of Faerie, but they let it slip away. They put it aside and forgot it.”

He nodded slowly. “But it is theirs by right of prior ownership, Aphen. It doesn’t belong only to the Druids.”

“No. Nor do they claim it does. It belongs to everyone. The Druids seek only to keep it available to all.”