‘But if the Lore is destroyed,’ said Doc, ‘how will my friends get back to their own world?’
‘That is another matter entirely,’ the Thane told him. ‘The use of magic is not the same as utilizing the Book of Elf Lore. There are yet many who could return yourself and your friends. That is, assuming any of us survive this conflict.
‘Nevertheless, there is one thing more I would tell you. About the origin of Elves.’
Doc nodded. ‘I wondered when you would come round to that. I think that I have already guessed the answer.’
The Thane raised an eyebrow. ‘Someone has already told you?’
Doc smiled. ‘Didn’t have to. It’s pretty obvious. The original explorers were undoubtedly all or mostly male. Most of your Kindred are female; at least the ones I’ve seen who live in these parts. That would mean that your ancestors were part Faerie and part Human. My own guess, despite what I’ve been told about the Elves creating the written word for themselves, is that it was Humans who brought written language with them, which in turn was used to set down the foundations of your Lore.
‘And as far as the Goblins are concerned, my guess is that they want the Elf-Lore for themselves, so that they can undo whatever has been done to them.’