Soul Seeker (The World of Lasniniar Book 1) (43 page)

“And it’s eating you alive! You’ve been in your own world almost since we began this journey. You haven’t even noticed how Linwyn is completely infatuated with you. I don’t like seeing you like this, Iarion. I feel like I’m losing my best friend.”

Iarion frowned and let out a gusty sigh. “I’m sorry if I have been distant lately. It’s just that we’re getting so close. I can’t let anyone else do this for me. It’s too important. Not just to the rest of Lasniniar, but to me.

“This could be my one chance to find my purpose. It’s something I have spent thousands of years searching for. I can’t leave it in someone else’s hands. I know it will be dangerous. I know I might be captured or killed, but I have to try. You don’t have to come with me. In fact, it would make me feel better knowing you are safe.”

“Well, don’t plan on feeling better anytime soon,” Barlo said. “You know if you’re going, I’m coming with you. You keep giving me the same choice, Iarion. I keep giving you the same answer. So when are you going to stop asking?”

Iarion gave him a sad smile. “I only ask because as much as I want to know you are safe, I also want you by my side. I’m traveling a dark road. I don’t know if I can do it alone. I just don’t want my selfishness to get you killed. I keep asking you so I can satisfy my conscience.”

“Well I’m not going to leave you, so consider the matter settled.” Barlo pushed the words past a lump in his throat.

“And I am glad for it.” Iarion placed a hand on Barlo’s shoulder. “But know that as we get closer, I will probably become an even less pleasant traveling companion. The Stariquenya yearns to be returned to the rest of the Quenya. It’s pulling me, growing in my thoughts.”

“Then you definitely need me around to keep you sane,” Barlo said. “Now let’s get going.” They began to walk once more.

Iarion turned to Barlo with a curious expression. “So what was that about Linwyn being infatuated with me?”

Barlo sighed, shook his head, and began to explain.

–
Chapter Forty-Four –

Blood Ties

Golaron and Linwyn found themselves facing perhaps fifty men with their swords and bows drawn. For a moment, Golaron was unsure what to think. These were his own people. One stepped forward and looked the twins over.

“It’s really them!” the man cried. “Lower your weapons!” The others hastened to obey. Golaron let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding.

“My lord, my lady, we are happy for your return.” The man held his fist over his heart and bowed. He wore the cloak and armor of the city guard. “I apologize for the poor welcome, but we couldn’t be certain this wasn’t a trick of the enemy.”

“We understand,” Linwyn said. “But where is the rest of the army? What has passed since we left?”

The guard’s face went from relieved to somber. Golaron’s gaze fell upon black armbands worn by each soldier. A heavy foreboding fell over him.

“I am sorry to be the one to give you these tidings,” the guard said. “It is with great sorrow I must tell you Lord Eranander has rejoined the Quenya.”

The words seemed to hit Linwyn like a physical blow. Her blue eyes glazed over. Golaron put an arm around her in support.

“How did it happen?” he asked.

“After you left, the dark army stayed in the Southern Passage, waiting for something. We tried to prepare, knowing they would be back. Then the two Forsworn Ones returned. They were mounted on new drakes. They led their army out of the passage, heading toward the city. We braced ourselves to meet them, but they swept right past us, heading for the Narrow Pass.

“Your father knew what they were about and ordered the majority of the army to try to stop them. The elf and dwarf armies went with them. That was several days ago. Only the city watch was left behind. Lord Eranander led the army into battle himself. He took an arrow to the gut during the attack. He was brought here. The healers tried to save him, but after several days, he finally died. I am sorry.”

“The news has reached the dark army that we have taken the Stariquenya,” Lysandir said. “They left the city behind to try to keep Iarion from reaching Melaquenya. Once Saviadro gathers all his forces here in the midlands, he will strike and try to claim the Quenya.”

“There is one more thing.” The guard seemed hesitant to speak. Golaron gestured for him to continue. “Before he died, your father… He named Linwyn his sole heir.”

Golaron recoiled in shock. His father’s feelings for him were no secret, but Golaron never thought he would go against their mother’s dying wish.

Linwyn seemed to come out of her haze. “What?” She shook her head in denial. “But we were supposed to rule together!”

“I am sorry,” the guard said. “He had the appropriate papers drawn up and they were all properly witnessed. You are now Ruling Lady of Belierumar.”

Linwyn started to protest, but Golaron silenced her. “It’s all right. I’m fine. You are the better leader anyway.”

“But I need you!” She turned to face him, her eyes full of pain.

“I’m still here.” Golaron met her gaze. Relief flooded her features. Golaron knew she would be unable to deal with the details of their father’s death. He turned back to the guard. “Has his body been prepared?”

“The embalmers finished a few days ago. We have only waited for your return.”

“Have the funeral prepared for tomorrow,” Golaron said. “After that, we will have to plan our next move. We have also brought an army from the north. We need to make them welcome.” The guard looked to Linwyn, who nodded her agreement.

The guard bowed. “It shall be done.”

It was strange to be back in Belierumar without his father’s presence. Every time Golaron walked the hallways of the tower, he half expected Lord Eranander to appear with some bitter remark about his son’s existence. In a way, Golaron missed him. His father was the only parent he had ever known.

Linwyn was devastated. Despite Golaron’s protests, she had spent the night standing vigil over their father’s body. She and Eranander had always shared a special bond Golaron had never been a part of.

Now they were at his funeral. Everyone left in the city had come. Linwyn stood before the crowd, preparing to give their father’s eulogy. A somber hush fell over the crowd as they waited.

For once, Linwyn wore a gown. It was an elegant black silk garment that had been their mother’s. It made her look young and lost. Tears streamed down her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She took a deep breath and tried again without success. She threw a desperate glance in Golaron’s direction.

Golaron stifled a sigh and stood, walking over to join his twin. They had both agreed she would be the best one to speak about their father. But he could not leave her to stand alone at a time like this. He stood beside her and placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. Linwyn gave him a look of gratitude, but shook her head. A moment of wordless communication passed between them where she silently asked him to say what she could not.

Golaron bit back another sigh and looked out at the waiting crowd. What could he possibly say about their father that these people would want to hear?

His eyes found Silvaranwyn’s and he felt his soul laid bare. She knew the pain he was feeling and what it would cost him to speak. Yet somehow, it was as though she gave him the strength to do what was necessary.

Golaron took a deep breath and began. “Our father was a good man…”

The rest of the day passed in a dream-like state for Golaron. He knew he had spoken well at the funeral, but he was unable to recall anything he had said.

Every time Linwyn faltered, he was there to lend his support. They saw their father’s body interred in the family crypt below the tower beside their mother. Perhaps now he would be at peace.

The remainder of the day was spent in mourning and remembrance. The moments seemed to crawl by. Every time Golaron felt himself weakening under the strain, he looked to Silvaranwyn for support.

When the day finally inched to its conclusion, everyone left Golaron and his sister to themselves in their family chambers. Golaron kicked off his boots and let out the frustrated sigh he had been holding in all day as he sat next to Linwyn.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice raw. “For everything. I know how hard it must have been for you.”

“I did it for you.” Golaron squeezed his sister’s hand. He hated to see her cry. Before they had committed to this quest, he was the only person who had ever witnessed her tears. So much had changed.

“I know. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe he’s really gone.”

“Linwyn, I understand why you fell apart today, but now you have to be strong. As of tomorrow, you will be the Lady of Belierumar.”

“I still can’t believe he went against our mother’s wishes. You should be ruling at my side. That was the way it was supposed to be.”

“We all knew how he felt about me. It’s probably better this way. You were always the leader. I will still be your shadow.” Linwyn gave a tremulous smile. It was an ongoing joke between them.

“Are you certain you still want to lead the army?” he asked. “You are Ruling Lady now. You are entitled to stay here and send generals in your stead.”

Linwyn passed a hand over her eyes. “I must go.”

“For Iarion.”

“Can you understand?” She gave him a pained look. “I know it probably won’t change anything, but I need to go.” She sighed, closing her eyes.

Although Golaron wanted to spare his sister whatever pain he could, he knew this was beyond him now. He answered with a sigh of his own. “I understand.”

“What would I do without you?” she asked.

“You’d manage.” Golaron smiled in return. “Light can exist without shadow. The real question is what I would do without you.” Linwyn yawned and rubbed at her eyes. “We should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, especially for you.” He helped his sister to her feet.

Linwyn wrapped him in a weary embrace. “Say what you will, but I still don’t want to find out what life would be like without you. You’re all I have. Promise you’ll never leave me.”

“I promise.”

The coronation ceremony was brief. Linwyn had managed to push her grief aside. There were no signs of the tears she had shed the day before. The people cheered when she took her place on their father’s throne. She was well loved. Golaron remained on the lesser throne next to the one his sister had once occupied. He felt a strange relief knowing he would not rule.

Linwyn made an impassioned speech, telling her people of the war they faced in the south and explaining her need to leave. She named their father’s chief councilor ruler in her absence. The man had already been leading the city since their father’s death.

She also named Golaron her heir until she bore children. If she died before her offspring came of age, Golaron was to be their guardian and act as regent. The people seemed happy with the decision. Although he was not as outgoing as his sister, Golaron was still well liked, especially after his eulogy the day before.

Once the coronation ceremony was over, Linwyn went into a war council with Lysandir, Galfidar, and Falan. Golaron stayed behind, knowing Linwyn would summon him if she needed his input. He took the opportunity to speak with Silvaranwyn. He found her sitting in the parlor of the guest quarters she shared with Lysandir.