A Solstice Feast: A Legends of Lasniniar Short: Legends of Lasniniar

By Jacquelyn Smith

A Solstice tradition continues… Once again, Barlo and Iarion travel toward the human city of Nal Huraseadro on their way to Dwarfhaven.

The dwarf and elf make an effort to spend the holiday in the city every time Barlo's rounds to the other dwarven outposts bring them to the area. The trips consist mainly of banter and misadventure. The perfect way to spend Solstice.

Only this time, their journey takes them on an unexpected detour.

A fun holiday story from the Legends of Lasniniar fantasy series and a follow-up to Father Solstice by the author of the Fatal Empire series, Jacquelyn Smith. (Previously published as "Legends of Lasniniar: A Solstice Feast." This adventure takes place between the prologue and first chapter of the World of Lasniniar novel Storm Rider.)

• Language: English
• Publisher: WaywardScribe Press
• Release date: Dec 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781927723722

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

A Solstice Feast

A SOLSTICE FEAST

A LEGENDS OF LASNINIAR SHORT

JACQUELYN SMITH

WAYWARDSCRIBE PRESS

A Solstice Feast: A Legends of Lasniniar Short

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

Published by WaywardScribe Press

First published in December, 2017 as Legends of Lasniniar: A Solstice Feast

Cover and layout copyright © Jacquelyn Smith

Cover design by Jacquelyn Smith/WaywardScribe Press

Cover art copyright © Cobalt88, Obsidianfantasy/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

A Solstice Feast

Prevailing Wind

A Note from Jacquelyn

About Jacquelyn Smith

A SOLSTICE FEAST

...I tried to wound it with arrows, of course, but its shell deflected all of them. Iarion’s fingers twitched as if itching to handle the bow and battered quiver slung over his shoulder as he spoke.

The elf had launched into an elaborate tale of his exploits among the Sea Elves as he and Barlo traveled the Great North Road to pass the time as they walked south from Dwarfwatch. The air was chill and clear, but the sky above them was a solid mass of gray. Barlo gave the looming clouds a sour look. They were full of snow, no doubt.

If it can just hold off until we reach Nal Huraseadro...

A single white flake spiraled downward to land on his long, brown beard that was already flecked with matching white and gray hairs. He glared at it until it melted.

Alfiabalas threw me a trident and distracted the beast with one of his own, Iarion continued. Its pincers jabbed toward him from every angle, forcing him to fend it off. The elf’s golden-skinned hands formed a pair of pinching claws in the air to demonstrate.

Barlo raised a bushy eyebrow at him but didn’t bother to interrupt. Sinstari gave the elf no notice. The wildcat ranged alongside them as they walked, unbothered by the cold or impending snow. He moved like a shadow, his gold and silver marked charcoal fur blending into the gloom. His tufted ears were pricked forward, alert for any sign of danger as he padded along in silence.

I dove beneath it with my trident as Alfiabalas held it at bay. I jabbed the trident at its underbelly again and again, until I finally found a weak spot. Iarion made animated gestures with an imaginary trident. The beast let out a hideous shriek and started to fall over. Alfiabalas grabbed my ankles and yanked me backward, just before it landed on top of me.

Iarion gave Barlo a sideways glance as if to measure the dwarf’s reaction. Barlo gave him a skeptical look.

So this beast you and Alfiabalas fought—

"A larae. Yes?" Iarion lifted a slender, white brow of his own. His golden-flecked sapphire eyes gave nothing away.

Whatever you call it in Elvish. Barlo gave a dismissive wave. It was a giant lobster?

Iarion gave him an injured look. "The larae are ancient monsters of the sea."

M-hm. And how is it I’ve never heard of them before?

Well they’re not exactly something you’re going to find underneath a mountain in a dwarven hall, are they?

Iarion, I’ve been to sea before, as you know full well. He gave the elf a level look. I’ve never seen a giant lobster.

Iarion sighed. "Larae. His eyes danced with mischief. And maybe you would have if you didn’t spend all your time losing your lunch over the side of the ship."

Dwarves were never meant to sail. Barlo jutted out his chin, making his beard bristle. Anyway, my point is, I’ve spent enough time looking down at the water while I’m decorating the side of the ship with my innards to have noticed a beast like that.

They’re very rare, Iarion said. His expression was serious. And their shells are an iridescent purple, so they’re difficult to see in the water.

Barlo frowned. "You never mentioned their color before. I was imagining some big, red