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

been seen for months. He could be anywhere.”
    “What are we going to do?” Linwyn asked.
    “Although I would like to search for him, we do not have the time.” Lysandir chewed his lip and sighed. “All we can do is ask for news of him as we travel north, and keep our eyes open. Hopefully we will find some trace of his passage. The hawk did indicate he was traveling north.”
    “Do we leave now?” Barlo asked.
    “We should wait for the cover of darkness. Saviadro’s creatures do not even seem to fear daylight anymore. We need to go through the Narrow Pass and across the Lower Daran Nunadan to reach Belierumar. By nightfall, we have the better chance of slipping past unnoticed.”
    “And what about the goblins that attacked Iarion when he traveled the pass by night?” Barlo said.
    “Iarion killed most of them,” Lysandir said. “The rest have most likely either moved south and were a part of the force that attacked us on the way here, or have moved north to join the larger force that will attack Belierumar. There might be scouts watching the pass, but other than that, I expect to find it empty.”
    “We had no trouble coming through the pass on our way here,” Linwyn said.
    “In any event, we should rest here until nightfall,” Lysandir said. “I do not think anyone would be able to breach the tower, but we should take turns watching the surrounding area from the northern spire.”
    The others murmured their assent and took a few moments to work out their shifts. Iarion drew the final watch. Barlo got the first. The dwarf climbed up the stairs.
    “We should rest,” the Learnéd One said as he settled into a comfortable position. “We might have to fight our way across the Lower Daran Nunadan to reach Belierumar.”

    Hours later, Iarion watched the sun sink below the horizon. Its vanishing light bled across the western sky. No creature had been seen near Mar Arin during any of the watches. Iarion mistrusted the quiet. He was reluctant to travel the Narrow Pass by nightfall again. Twice in his long life he had been ambushed there. He hoped this time would be different. He went down to the main hall to wake the others.
    Lysandir was already packed. “Any news?”
    Iarion shook his head. “Nothing.”
    The others were soon ready to leave the protection of Mar Arin. Lysandir sealed the doors behind them. By this time, the sun had disappeared behind the western horizon and darkness covered the land. Linwyn and Golaron collected their mounts, which they had left tethered outside the tower. The twins chose not to ride, leading their horses as they walked with the others. Lysandir took them east along the Traitor’s Road. Iarion tilted his head, mulling over their situation.
    “May I borrow one of your mounts?” he asked the twins. “I want to scout ahead.”
    “I will go,” Linwyn said, already placing her foot in the stirrup and preparing to mount.
    “Forgive me, but you do not have the eyes of an elf,” Iarion said. “Although I do not doubt your bravery or prowess in battle, I can see much better in the dark than you.”
    Linwyn still seemed ready to protest, but her brother silenced her with a look.
    “You may take Vanyar.” Golaron held out the reins to his dappled gray gelding.
    “My thanks,” Iarion said. He was grateful it was Golaron’s horse that was offered. Linwyn’s chestnut mare was fiery and skittish, similar to its rider in temperament. Iarion took the reins from Golaron and proceeded to undo the fastenings of the bridle. He slid it off the horse’s head and began to work on the girth of the saddle.
    “What are you doing?” Linwyn demanded.
    “I don’t need these things to ride him.” Iarion gave Vanyar a pat on the neck and let the horse give him a good sniff. “I also don’t need all these buckles jangling if I am to do any sort of scouting job.”
    Linwyn seemed offended by this for some reason and stood back to watch him with a scowl. Golaron helped Iarion finish