The Wild Side: A Legends of Lasniniar Short

By Jacquelyn Smith

The Fey Wood. Iarion stares at the looming forest of ancient oaks and pines and tries not to feel nervous.

A few trees should not intimidate him. But the Wild Elves do not welcome strangers.

Even attractive ones, who search for answers to a thousand year-old problem.

...Unless Iarion can somehow convince them otherwise.

A stand-alone story from the World of Lasniniar series of Iarion’s past, “Legends of Lasniniar: The Wild Side” by award-winning author Jacquelyn Smith adds to the elf’s growing legend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WaywardScribe Press
• Release date: Nov 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781927723142

Jacquelyn Smith

Jacquelyn Smith writes both epic and intrigue-based fantasy, and mysteries that range from cozy to kick-ass, with independent, strong-willed heroes, in search of their place in the world. These heroes take the problems they face seriously (but never themselves), and are supported by unlikely friendships they forge along the way. Jacquelyn is the author of the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series, the Fatal Empire fantasy intrigue series, the kick-ass Kira Brightwell mysteries, and the Mackenzie Quinn Canadian cozy mysteries. (She originally published several of the early Kira Brightwell titles under the pen name Kat Irwin, before killing Kat off to eliminate the many awkward questions about having a second identity.) When spending time in the real world, Jacquelyn lives on the suburban outskirts of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her husband, Mark, and their feline owner, Xena, who is definitely a warrior princess. To learn more, visit: JacquelynSmithBooks.com

Book preview

The Wild Side

THE WILD SIDE

A LEGENDS OF LASNINIAR SHORT

JACQUELYN SMITH

WAYWARDSCRIBE PRESS

The Wild Side: A Legends of Lasniniar Short

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

Published by WaywardScribe Press

First published in November, 2013 as Legends of Lasniniar: The Wild Side

Cover and layout copyright © Jacquelyn Smith

Cover design by Jacquelyn Smith/WaywardScribe Press

Cover art copyright © Arkadii Ivanchenko/Dreamstime

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. All rights reserved. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

CONTENTS

The Wild Side

Close Quarters

A Note from Jacquelyn

About Jacquelyn Smith

THE WILD SIDE

Iarion stared at the looming forest of ancient oaks and pines, trying not to feel nervous.

This is ridiculous. I’m a Wood Elf! A few trees shouldn’t scare me.

Despite his brave thoughts, he couldn’t help feeling unsettled. He could sense the pulse of life coming from the Fey Wood. It felt wild and unfettered—completely unlike any forest he had ever entered. His stomach performed an anxious backflip. He had heard about the Wild Elves that dwelled within, but he had never met one. He wasn’t sure what to expect, especially after his prolonged stay among the conservative Sea Elves. Part of him wanted to dismiss the forest altogether and move on.

But what if they have the answers I need?

It was a possibility he couldn’t ignore. He had spent countless years wandering Lasniniar in the hopes of finding someone who might be able to help him. If there was any chance he might find the answers he desperately sought in the Fey Wood, he had no choice but to enter. He straightened his shoulders and brushed his long, silver braids back behind his pointed ears.

Enough stalling.

Iarion walked toward the trees, keeping his hands well away from the knife at his belt and the bow resting on his shoulder. The last thing he wanted was to be perceived as a threat. His silver-flecked sapphire eyes darted from shadow to shadow as he approached. Even though he couldn’t see anyone standing watch, he knew the sentries were there. No elves would leave their forest unprotected.

Iarion blinked. An arrow buzzed past his ear, grazing his cheek. He put a startled hand to his face and saw blood on his fingers. He glared at