Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) by Jacquelyn Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

with Dwarfhaven for generations, but they’re still considered traitors. I’ve heard hints and vague mentions of those names, but they were always hushed up.”
    “With good reason. It is the dwarves’ secret shame.” Lysandir watched Barlo’s response. Several moments passed before the dwarf spoke.
    Barlo straightened, his expression resolute. “This is a story that needs to be told. When I return from this quest, I will hold a clan meeting and bring this out into the open. I will tell this story to my children. For years, I’ve wondered at our rift with the elves. I can’t believe the lord and lady let me into their wood!”
    “The Linadar listen to the voice of the Quenya,” Lysandir said. “Do not count on getting the same reception from other elves.”
    “Iarion, why did you never tell me this story?” Barlo turned toward his friend.
    “It was Lysandir’s story to tell.” Iarion lowered his eyes. “And to be honest, I couldn’t bear to tell you. It didn’t matter to me anyway. I’ve lived longer than any Goladain . I’ve learned not to hold one person accountable for the guilt of a nation over something long forgotten.”
    “Now you see how rare your friendship with Iarion is,” Lysandir said. “And now that all your impertinent questions have been answered, it is time we got some rest. We have a long journey to Mar Arin tomorrow.”

– Chapter Seven –
     
    Friends in Need
     
    Iarion and his companions traveled across the Adar Daran in broad daylight. The tall grass swayed in the summer breeze. Silvaranwyn looked around in wide-eyed wonder as she walked, taking in their surroundings. Iarion smiled. The Linadain had never been beyond the borders of Melaquenya before.
    Iarion scanned the area as well, but for different reasons. He and Barlo had already been caught off guard crossing the grasslands. It wouldn’t happen again. He felt a small shadow pass overhead and looked up. It was a gull. He had never seen one this far inland before. The bird circled once before flying northeast and out of sight. Iarion shook his head and refocused his attention on the swaying grass.
    Lysandir kept them moving all day. They only made one brief stop at noon for food, water, and rest. The Adar Daran was quiet. It was rare for Saviadro’s creatures to attack during the day, but they had already done so once before. They continued their trek in silence. Lysandir maintained a brisk pace, his eyes narrowed as he walked. Barlo had loosed his ax from his belt, holding it ready as he lumbered behind Iarion.
    The outline of Mar Arin grew on the horizon as the sun began to set. Lysandir pushed an even harder pace. They did not want to be caught in the open after dark. Even Silvaranwyn was alert now. She seemed to give off a pale, red-golden glow as the last fingers of the sun reached across the land.
    Iarion was distracted by a flash of light in the distance. It was the glint of steel. Lysandir stopped, raising his hand for silence. He had seen it too. He turned to face them.
    “There are dark forces ahead.” He spoke in a quiet voice. “Iarion, Silvaranwyn, what can you see?” Both elves shaded their eyes to look.
    “It is a large group,” Iarion said with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “More than we can handle. They are moving south, fast. I think they have already spotted us.”
    “It is a group of goblins, ogres, and trolls,” Silvaranwyn said.
    “There is nowhere for us to run or take cover.” Lysandir sighed. “We must make ready to meet them. No matter what happens, we cannot allow the Levniquenya to fall into their hands.” Everyone nodded.
    They formed a line and waited. Iarion and Silvaranwyn nocked their bows and took aim. Beside them, Barlo gripped his war ax with both hands. Lysandir stood with his arms at his sides. An unnatural, warm breeze stirred his hair and robes.
    The dark creatures drew closer. The goblins were in front, loping before the trolls and ogres in their