Song of Steel — April Adams

The elves say peace is one of life's greatest riches, and the one spent most quickly. War weary and facing yet another imminent conflict, an assemblage of the elfin people, led by King Rowland, embark on a quest for more peaceful lands. But the second son of the king, though still a child, fosters a warrior's heart and must leave behind his nascent dream of glory.

When the elfin ships reach the New World, it turns out to be everything the elves wished for - a garden of pristine mountains and lakes, rivers and waterfalls - scarcely populated. In a hundred years Prince Traejan is grown, yet still young and harboring hope. When he chances to hear of a legendary warrior in the lands to the south, hope soars.

Traejan embarks on his own quest to acquire a warrior's prowess, but obtains a warrior's responsibility as well - and sacrifice. It will be much needed, for it turns out that even the most pristine gardens have dangerous borders. We all learn that not every battle is external and the conflict between love and reason and destiny is the fight that shapes our very lives.