The problem was the Barrier. It was a great idea to start with but once you start to think about the consequences it becomes obvious that it just won't do unless a better explanation can be found.

Also the very beginnings of the folk we call fey, works out at first being driven into hiding by the brutal apex predators of human kind but then how do they create the Barrier and if they could have done so why didn't they build a fence to keep humans out on the continent?

Supposing that that the real intelligence is the planet itself, that its a sentient being, guiding Life as it develops in its own way and of its own accord, then that not only makes more sense but also provides a solid basis for my White and Black sentinels that appear when Tim first encounters the strange island in the lake.

Right! Good! That ties up those loose ends, now all I have to do is figure out how to weave it all together seamlessly.