Read Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) for Free Online Page B

has ever had reason to.” Iarion shrugged. “I suppose a part of me has always believed there must be a reason I am the way I am, and that there must be an answer out there somewhere. This could be it.
    “So if I seem cold about what Silvaranwyn and her family are going through, it’s only because I know they can see the path that is laid out in front of them. They know more about what is happening than they let on. I, on the other hand, am embarking on a potentially fatal quest and I might as well be blindfolded.”
    “You aren’t the only one, Iarion,” Barlo said. “Try to remember that.”
    “Thank you, Barlo.” Iarion gave his friend a small smile. “You’re a good friend. I’m glad you’re coming with me.”
    “As if you could leave me behind!”
    “Are you ready to depart?” Valanandir asked. Silvaranwyn had stepped back from her family and was brushing tears from her cheeks. Iarion, Barlo, and Lysandir joined her. They were packed and ready to go.
    “It grieves me that we did not meet under better circumstances,” Iadrawyn said. “Melaquenya is not usually a place of sorrow. Perhaps when you return and the Quenya is made complete, we can share a happier visit.”
    “Good luck on your quest.” The lord smiled before turning serious. “All of Lasniniar hopes for your success. Farewell!”
    The three companions bowed to the Lord and Lady of Melaquenya, thanking them for their hospitality. Silvaranwyn stepped forward to lead them from the forest. With heavy reluctance, Iarion turned and left the glade of the Quenya behind.

– Chapter Six –
     
    A Dark Past
     
    As their group left the golden and silver trees of Melaquenya, Iarion felt the comforting presence of the Quenya fade. He hoped he would live long enough to feel it once more.
    Once Silvaranwyn led them out of the forest, Lysandir resumed the lead, taking them through the Rolling Hills to the west and north of Melaquenya. They wanted to stay under cover for as long as possible before crossing the open grasslands of the Adar Daran. They made camp that night within the northernmost border of the hills.
    Silvaranwyn had been quiet all day, and fell asleep after the evening meal. Lysandir sat by himself with his back to the campfire, looking out into the night. Iarion and Barlo sat together by the fire.
    “Iarion, what is the Forbidden Pool?” Barlo asked after a long silence.
    “What?” Iarion looked up. He had been lost in his own thoughts.
    “The Forbidden Pool. The lady said you would be tempted to drink from it.”
    “Oh.” Iarion shrugged. “It’s a magical pool.”
    “Where is it?”
    “It’s beyond the Mountains of Fire in the dark lands. It is fed by the Nightrush River.”
    “Why is it forbidden?”
    “Well it’s not forbidden, exactly,” Iarion said. “It’s just very dangerous to drink from it.”
    “Why would you want to drink from it then?”
    “Because it gives insight to those who taste its waters.”
    “Yes,” Lysandir said, “but at a great price.” Barlo looked up, startled. The Learnéd One joined them by the fire.
    “I drank from it once, a long time ago.” Lysandir’s silver eyes looked past them.
    “And what did it show you?” Barlo asked. His expression seemed torn between curiosity and dislike.
    “It showed me many things. Some of them true, others false. Even the things that were true were warped and twisted to seem dark and terrible. The Forbidden Pool can grant insight, but it will take away all your hope if you let it.”
    “Why did you drink from it?” Barlo persisted. Iarion was surprised at Barlo’s daring.
    “I drank to find a way to escape the dark lands without Saviadro’s knowledge.” Lysandir held Barlo under his gaze. “I believe you wanted to know earlier about the second betrayal of the dwarves. I will tell you.” The dwarf shifted, but did not flinch.
    “Valanandir and Iadrawyn foresaw the need for people who could be a link between the Linadar and the rest of