Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

weren’t going alone. Both Lysandir and the elf princess had magic, which would no doubt be useful. Still, Barlo could not bring himself to trust the Learnéd One.
    Lysandir had been raised in the dark lands under the influence of the Fallen One. Now he was going to lead them back to his childhood home and help steal Saviadro’s source of power. Barlo thought it much more likely that Lysandir was returning to his foul master to tell him of the Light Elves’ plan. Barlo resolved to keep a close eye on him.
    Iarion trusted Lysandir, which would usually be enough for Barlo, but he suspected this time his friend didn’t want to see what was right in front of him. How Lysandir had managed to fool the Light Elves was anyone’s guess. Barlo would have to stay vigilant if he was going to keep Iarion safe.
    The lord and lady led them to another clearing. This one housed a large pavilion of green silk. Their daughter had disappeared.
    “You must be tired from your journey,” Iadrawyn said. “We do not often have guests in our wood. I must apologize for your rustic quarters.”
    “You will find food and drink within,” Valanandir said. “Take rest while you still can in safe surroundings. We will meet you tomorrow to help plan your course and outfit you with provisions. Sleep well.”
    Barlo’s stomach rumbled at the mention of food. He poked his head into the pavilion to see what was inside. The interior seemed impossibly large. Beds of twisted wood seemed to grow right out of the ground. They were topped with thick mattresses and pillows, as well as some blankets. But what caught Barlo’s attention was the long, wooden table that stretched the length of the tent. It was heaped with food. The scent of fresh bread, tubers, eggs, and soup filled his nostrils, while bowls of berries and honey promised a satisfying dessert. Several flagons of wine waited to be opened.
    “Where’s the meat?” Barlo asked.
    “The Linadar revere all life,” Lysandir said. “They do not eat meat. Not even fish.”
    “Well, that’s a shame.” Barlo sighed. “Looks good though.” He stepped up to the table and began to fill a plate. Iarion and Lysandir followed his example.
    All three of them took their meals outside. A cluster of tree stumps made comfortable seats. They ate in silence.
    The sky was beginning to grow dark, but a ring of silver-wrought torches surrounded the clearing, keeping it lit. After a while, Lysandir stood.
    “I am going to get some rest,” he said. “I suggest neither of you wait too long before doing the same. We have a long journey ahead of us. Good night.” He smiled and headed back inside the pavilion.
    Iarion sipped his drink and sighed. “It’s good to have wine again.”
    “It’s not bad,” Barlo said. “But I still wouldn’t mind some ale.” The wine had a clean, fruity taste that tingled as it went down. “Are you sure you want to do this, Iarion?” He turned and looked at his friend.
    “I must.” Iarion raked a hand through the unbraided portion of his long, silver hair. “This is the best chance I’ve ever had of discovering my destiny.”
    “We could die, you know. Well, you could die. It would take a lot to kill me. You’re lucky I’m coming along to protect you.”
    Iarion laughed before turning serious. “I know it will be dangerous. But it’s a chance I have to take. If I don’t survive, at least I will have died trying to do something meaningful.”
    “Who knows, we might even manage to save the world! I suppose that would be worth sticking out our necks.” Barlo chuckled.
    The two friends sat together, enjoying each other’s company. A few moments later, a strange, sorrowful voice drifted into the clearing. It was a woman singing in Elvish. Her haunting song sounded like a dirge. Goosebumps rose on Barlo’s arms.
    He and Iarion sat still as the elf woman appeared between the trees. Her long, white hair floated on the air behind her. Barlo shivered. Impossibly blue eyes