The Exile of Elindel (The Elwardain Chronicles Book 1)

A Quest for Light in the Shadows of 6th Century Britain

Banished from her homeland and thrust into the harsh world of Saxon Britain, young Elgiva must survive among strangers while hiding the truth of her elven heritage. When fate brings her together with Godwin—a Briton enslaved by the very people she must now live among—their shared past and uncertain future intertwine in a tale of magic, destiny, and ancient secrets.

As a dark power rises, threatening to consume all of Elvendom, Elgiva and Godwin are drawn into a desperate search for the legendary Lorestone—the only artifact that can turn the tide of the looming war. Guided by a timid elf boy and aided by a stubborn pony, they journey through treacherous lands, facing shadowy foes and long-buried truths. Along the way, both must confront who they truly are—Elgiva, as the heir to a forgotten throne, and Godwin, as the bearer of a magical sword tied to a royal legacy.

The Exile of Elindel, the first installment in The Elwardain Chronicles by Carol Browne, weaves historical detail with rich fantasy in a gripping adventure of identity, courage, and the power of friendship.

Start your journey into Elvendom today—before the shadows claim it forever.

Excerpt from the book

Britain—500 CE

It was hard to talk to trees. They were deep and dark within themselves and spent most of their time asleep. Elgiva touched the rough bark with her fingers, lightly at first. Her desire to act reverently was great, but her need for comfort was stronger. Pressing her body against the tree, she wrapped her arms around it.

“Forest-Lord, I need your help!” she begged in a quavering voice. “My name’s Elgiva. My people are … my people were the Eldrakin. I need your guidance … please … if you could … if you would …”

She couldn’t continue, and for a time, her slender frame was racked with sobbing, while the oak leaves danced above her head, their shadows capering on the grass, carefree as summer butterflies.

“Your arms are warm, little elf, but they need to be much longer if you wish to embrace me.”

Elgiva sniffed back her tears and listened, but the tree’s voice could be felt, rather than heard. It flowed like dark waters under the earth.

“You’ve seen many things in your life,” she said, dabbing at her eyes with her ragged sleeve. “Would you be willing to give advice to an elf who has lost all hope of home?”

“I would,” he replied, “for the elves are my friends. I am Derryth, and I do not forget those who pay me respect. I recall those others … it seems but yesterday. Druids, they called themselves. Now they are gone. All gone forever. All of them slain.”

Elgiva tried to be patient. Time had no meaning for Derryth, and he would never understand the need for haste that governed the lives of shorter-lived creatures.

“Yes, all slain,” he went on sadly. “Then came others from across the grey sea. Bricks and stones and wars. They were always building, but I cared nothing for their works. And now, these Saxons … tree-slayers. I feel the anguish of the forests.”

“Yes, the wilthkin. They’re cruel and selfish.”

“But elves … I like. Speak, child.”

“I need your guidance, Derryth. I was a servant in Elindel, but I’ve been sent into exile … for treason. I’m banished from all Elvendom and must fend for myself, but I don’t know how. Where will I live? How will I survive the winter? The food I brought with me from home is gone. All I have is this amulet.” She held it up for him to see, and for a moment felt extremely foolish, but then she remembered that Derryth had senses beyond mere vision. “It was given to me by a wardain … Lord Bellic. He was my friend, my teacher.”

“I know of him,” said Derryth.

“You do?” Elgiva was astonished.

“Do not be surprised. He travels far and he speaks with the trees. His heart is good. Speak further, child.”

“The amulet has the power to protect, and it gives off warmth if the giver is within three leagues of it,” said Elgiva, “so I think, I hope, he intends us to meet again.”

“How is the amulet used?”

Elgiva thought back to the day she left Elindel. Briar, the wild cat, had carried the gift to her in his mouth and given her Lord Bellic’s message.