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

removing the saddle, placing it on Linwyn’s mare with Iarion’s pack. The chestnut gave a snort of disgust at the added weight and rolled her eyes to give her mistress a plaintive look. Iarion smothered a laugh and vaulted onto Vanyar’s back. The gelding went rigid for a moment, but soon calmed at Iarion’s soothing, Elvish mutterings.
    “I will wait for you at the entrance to the pass,” Iarion said to the rest of the group. Lysandir nodded his approval.
    “I don’t like this,” Barlo grumbled. “I should go with you. You don’t have the best of luck when it comes to that pass.”
    “I don’t think this is the best time for you to learn how to ride, Barlo.” Iarion smiled down at his friend.
    “Well, be careful then! Narilga will be put out with me if she finds out I let you wander that pass alone and you got hurt again.”
    “I will be as careful as I can.” Iarion nudged Vanyar’s sides with his heels and was off.
    Vanyar’s hooves pounded the dirt road as Iarion headed east. He kept his eyes and ears open for any sign of the Marred Races, but he met no one. The night breeze ran through his long, silver hair as he clung to the horse’s mane. It had been too long since he had last ridden. He eventually turned north toward the Jagged Mountains, slowing Vanyar to a halt. He dismounted and gave the horse a command in Elvish to stay put. Vanyar snorted and bowed his head.
    Iarion continued toward the pass on foot, blending in with the shadow of the mountains. Memories of his previous journey washed over him. He drew his knife from his belt, holding it low and ready as he continued his silent advance.
    Iarion’s eyes swept the bare rock of the pass for any sign of a hidden force. He saw nothing. He strained his ears to listen for any loose stones shuffled by enemy feet. The only sound was the evening breeze. He moved forward with all his senses alert, hugging the eastern mountainside as he crept forward. When no rain of goblin arrows came from the shadows, Iarion breathed a sigh of relief. He was alone. Still, they could be waiting at the other end of the pass. He didn’t want any surprises while he and his companions would be in such a confined space.
    About half an hour later, Iarion cleared the pass. He encountered no one. It was a nerve-racking experience, waiting for an attack that never came. Now he wanted to see what lay to the north in the Lower Daran Nunadan.
    Iarion’s heart sank. Belierumar was already surrounded by enemy campfires. It was not an overwhelming force, but it was significant. The dark army would probably wait for reinforcements to arrive from the north before attacking. Their presence would make reaching the city difficult for Iarion and his companions. It also indicated a prolonged siege.
    The potential delay gnawed at Iarion. The logical part of him knew he might need Linwyn and Golaron’s help to complete his quest. For that to happen, they had to help liberate Belierumar. How could a company of six accomplish such a thing? He turned around and headed back for the southern entrance of the pass to meet the others.
    Iarion did not have long to wait. His companions arrived just after he made it back to Vanyar’s side. The horse nickered in greeting. The others seemed glad to see him. Barlo gave him a relieved smile.
    “No arrow wounds?” he asked.
    “The pass is clear,” Iarion said. “But the Lower Daran Nunadan is not. It seems the goblins moved north from the Adar Daran after all.”
    “One thing at a time,” Lysandir said. “We still need to travel the pass. We should all have a look at this enemy force before we start to worry.”
    The Learnéd One gave them a moment for Golaron to re-saddle his horse. Iarion helped him. Linwyn seemed to be struggling between disappointment and admiration at seeing that Iarion had not fallen off or had any other mishaps while riding Vanyar bareback. Iarion reclaimed his pack, glad to have the Levniquenya in his possession once