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The Elfin Factions Tetragy

by R L Stine 2000

Overview

The fourth book in The Magic Sword Kings collection of ElemenstorLance books, this work is rather four separate works combined into one tome. The four books are tied together by the backdrop of the War of the Elfin Factions which plays some role in each book. Each book contains a relatively short self contained novella (around 100 or so pages) and features several of the reoccuring characters that are found in series. Fans have complained that this work lacks the depth and continuity found in other Elemenstor related works. However other fans point out that there are certainly worse books and that this work contains some of the very few descriptions of the War of the Elfin Factions which is usually look over because of the contemporaneous Vampyric Wars which are considered by many to be much more epic. Following are short plot synopses of each of the four works contained in this book.

The Hunt

This work picks up in the middle of a hunt lead by K'los and Quailheart. The group of Extremely Elves are tracking a group of Low-Elves after a battle between the two factions. The Low-Elves, lead by Captain Hyll'dryn are trying to get to Finkfru to get reinforcements and K'los' group is trying to stop them. The work alternates looking at the Extremely Elves and their pursuit through Battal's epic vistas and the Low-Elves frantic escape and their fear of their pursuers.

The Insult

This work focuses on the beginning of the war and this act that caused the fighting. It begins with a meeting between all the Elfin Factions that was held every hundred years. At the meeting business is discussed regarding the ongoing Vampyric Wars which threaten the lands of Men. Bonard I, descendant of King Ronard, had come to the Elves for help in this most dire matter. Debates rage back and forth about whether to help men in their plight. Memories of The Great Northern Low Elf Wars still held sway over many on the council. The debate gets so heated that at one point one of the elves (it is unknown who exactly) says the following insult:

No one knew who it was that was directed at but everyone assumed that one of the other Elfin Factions had leveled this most heinous insult at them. The meeting breaks up as war is declared between the factions.

The Man

This work focuses on Bonard I and his attempts to recruit a force to fight in the Vampyric Wars. Traveling with him is S'yrf'yl the Immortal who hopes to garner support for his friend and ally. During their travels they run into a group of Grim Elves lead by Bloodbyyrd, recently back from battle with a group of Dim Elves. After much drinking and telling of epic deeds, Bonard and S'yrf'yl manage to convince the Grim Elves to join their cause if one of them could be their leader, Bloodbyyrd. Bonard takes up the challenge, despite S'yrf'yl's pleas not to fight with the appearingly useless sword that he carries. However, S'yrf'yl's worries are abated with Bonard defeats Bloodbyyrd and the Grim Elves join with them.

The Battle

This work focuses on a battle between the High-Elves, Mean Elves and Elf-Witches. The Elf-Witches had recently settled in Aasanarra'iaryl in Shadia. The Mean Elves seeing the momentary weakness in the Elf-Witches engaged to strike. The two factions lead by Ly'riarranaasa and Queen-Princess Xanzandrinzel fought it out in epic conflict. Eventually a group of High-Elves led by Gribow Sleepyeyes wandered into the fight and through judicious use of the Grey-Purple Cloud managed to quell the fighting.