People of the Great River (Eli's World)

Feather is sixteen and just wants to be like other girls her age. She wants to date, belong somewhere, and not worry about things she’d rather avoid. But Feather is the only bird-girl in a human village, and her past isn’t entirely right. Or, at least, no one talks about it—except perhaps her kind uncle, the village shaman, though even he doesn’t tell her everything. A meeting with a mysterious man by the Great River sets events in motion, and Feather finds herself a pawn in a game played by the ancient powers of Eli’s World.
Set in a richly imagined world, this is a story of courage, belonging, and the enduring power of the stories that connect generations. Feather’s journey blends myth, adventure, and personal discovery, as every choice she makes could affect the balance of her fragile world.
Adventure stand-alone novella from Eli’s World.

The Great Moose continued to look at her. Then he spoke slowly. ‘Think carefully, dear Violet,’ he said, ‘if this is what you’re asking of me. Because it is within my power to grant such a wish, but once I do, there is no turning back. You may think that with magical power, you will be welcomed in your village. But the opposite is true, my foolish girl. No one likes those who have power over life and death. On the first day, they celebrate the sorcerer; on the second day, they fear him; and on the third day, they drive him away. If I give you the power you ask for, you will be forever changed. You will lose your beauty and will never be able to hide what you are. You will gain a long life but lose everything important in it. Think carefully about what you say to me, Violet, because I will grant your wish. But you will regret it.’