What the Cat Dragged In: A Legends of Lasniniar Short: Legends of Lasniniar

By Jacquelyn Smith

Death stalks Narilga through the underground city of Dwarvenhome. Sinstari can smell it.

The wildcat's nose never lies. But no one understands his warnings. Not even his longtime dwarf companion and Narilga's mate, Barlo.

And only Barlo stands a chance of saving her. (With Sinstari's help, of course.)

What can Sinstari do?

How can he make Barlo understand, before Narilga's time runs out?

A stand-alone story from the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series by award-winning author, Jacquelyn Smith. If you love cats and adventure, grab this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WaywardScribe Press
• Release date: Aug 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781927723098

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

What the Cat Dragged In

WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN

A LEGENDS OF LASNINIAR SHORT

JACQUELYN SMITH

WAYWARDSCRIBE PRESS

What the Cat Dragged In: A Legends of Lasniniar Short

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

Published by WaywardScribe Press

First published in August, 2013 as Legends of Lasniniar: What the Cat Dragged In

Cover and layout copyright © Jacquelyn Smith

Cover design by Jacquelyn Smith/WaywardScribe Press

Cover art copyright © Refluo/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

What the Cat Dragged In

Mum’s the Word

A Note from Jacquelyn

About Jacquelyn Smith

WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN

Sinstari knew something was wrong. Aside from Barlo, few dwarves spoke with him directly, but he could sense the worried tension that permeated his companion’s home. Fidar—Barlo’s youngest cub—no longer spent his nights off carousing with friends. He moped about the house instead, as if afraid to leave. His older siblings visited more often than was their wont, bringing parcels of food to share. Even Barlo’s behavior had changed. He hadn’t left to work in his forge for days.

Sinstari finished grooming his charcoal and golden fur. He had more silver patches now, but that was to be expected. He was getting older, after all. When he finished smoothing the last errant clump into place, he rose to his feet and padded toward Barlo’s bedroom. He found his dwarven companion there, sitting by the bedside. His face looked wan above his graying face pelt, and his nose was red. Narilga sat propped up in the bed, looking much worse for wear. Her cheeks were sunken, and her skin had a waxy appearance. A sheen of sweat coated her brow. Her salt and pepper hair hung in limp hanks around her face. Barlo stroked her hand as she uttered a series of rattling coughs.

Sinstari’s whiskers quivered. He knew both Barlo and his mate had been fighting off a cold for several days, but something had changed. He inhaled, testing the air. He sneezed. Barlo’s scent was no different, but Narilga’s now carried a familiar undertone.

Death was stalking her.

It wasn’t at her heels yet, but it dogged her nonetheless. If she didn’t get the help she needed... Sinstari had no doubt as to the outcome.

He went to Barlo’s side, sitting on his haunches beside the bed and reaching up with one large paw to tap Barlo’s arm, startling him.

What do you want, cat? Barlo demanded. Can’t you see I’m busy here?

Maybe he wants to go outside, Narilga said in a weak voice. He’s been cooped up underground for days now.

Sinstari would appreciate some time in the open air above the underground dwarven city. He sacrificed much of his comfort to live in Dwarvenhome with Barlo. But that wasn’t the only thing he had in mind. He tapped Barlo’s arm again.

He can go above ground on his own, Barlo said. The guards know to let him through.

Narilga shrugged. He must want you to go with him. Maybe he thinks you need some fresh air.

I’m sure I could use some, but I’m not leaving your side. Barlo wiped his dripping nose with a tartan handkerchief.

I know you’re worried about me, but nothing’s going to happen if you’re only gone for a few moments, Narilga