Read Online Scars of Silver by S.A. Archer - Free Book Online

Introduction
A Quick Lay of the Land
     
    The Sidhe series takes place in the modern world,
where most humans are unaware of the magical and paranormal beings
living among them. ‘The fey’ are all the races of beings that come
from the fey realm, known as ‘the Mounds’, and we base them loosely
on Celtic mythology. These include elves, fairies, dwarves,
Brownies, Changelings, goblins and many other races. Among the fey,
the most magical, and therefore the ruling class, are the noble
elves. They are also called ‘the Sidhe’, pronounced ‘shee’. Because
the Sidhe are so powerful, all other fey are known as ‘lesser fey’
by comparison.
    To some degree, all fey have the ability to teleport
and use Glamour, which is a magical illusion usually used to
disguise oneself or to hide something. In addition to this, the
Sidhe as a race possess a common magic known as ‘the Touch’, which
is a form of sharing magic. The Touch is a bonding and beautiful
experience for the Sidhe, and is a gift when presented to lesser
fey. However, the Touch is dangerous to humans, who become forever
addicted to the magic. Touched humans will need to have that magic
replenished every few weeks, or they suffer the same withdrawal
symptoms as drug addicts, and they will eventually be driven insane
by the need. Besides teleportation, Glamour, and the Touch, each
Sidhe possesses a single ‘aspect of magic’ which dictates how their
personal magic will manifest. For example, Lugh’s aspect of magic
is the sun, so he can produce light and heat, encourage the growth
of plants, manipulate fire, and so forth.
    The Sidhe have always been divided into two
philosophically opposed courts. The Seelie Court, also known as the
Light Court, values civilization, pageantry, beauty, and subtle
intrigues. They are all about the presentation of chivalry and
gallant performances, regardless of what truth may lie beneath the
lovely facade. The Unseelie Court, also known as the Dark Court,
doesn’t waste effort on pretending to be anything other than what
they are. They are blunt and to the point. They embrace freedom,
individuality, and are headstrong in their dislike of all that is
‘fake’ about the Seelie.
    The predators hunting the fey include vampires and
werewolves, who find the magic-laced blood and flesh intoxicating.
There is also a sect of humans known as wizards who have discovered
ways to strip captive fey of magic, usually killing them in the
process, to power their own enchantments.
    In the very back of the book is a glossary and
a pronunciation guide for the more unusual fey names.
    We hope that this little introduction gives you a
framework for understanding, as we begin our tale…

Chapter One
     
     
    Malcolm still smelled like industrial hand soap from
his sink bath at the gas station. He wiped the pocket fuzz from the
black plastic comb that was only missing a couple teeth and then
battled the knots in his too long hair. His reflection in the store
window winced back at him. The skater boy hair served a purpose
beyond just announcing to the world that he didn’t have the cash
for a haircut. The unruly waves covered the telltale point to his
ears.
    Even after he beat the worst of the dirt off his
clothing, Malcolm still looked like what he was, a homeless
teen.
    It wasn’t like he couldn’t go back. They’d take him
back. He knew they would. Only, if he went back home they’d never
let him leave again. “For his own protection.” That’s what they’d
say. That’s what they always said. Like house arrest was what it
was. Some kind of fey witness protection program or something.
    Only, if they’d ever let him get out at least once in
a while, he probably would know something. Like how to get money.
Or food. Or a warm place to crash. Instead of having to figure a
way to steal what he needed.
    Malcolm crouched down behind the lunch special sign,
waiting for customers to venture into the Fairy Circle shop.
Probably a waste of time,