Legends of Lasniniar: Lady Justice – Jacquelyn Smith

Legends of Lasniniar: Lady Justice

Series: The World of Lasniniar

In the world of Lasniniar, few chase after adventure quite like Iarion and Barlo.

The elf and dwarf duo enjoy the challenge of unraveling a difficult problem. Especially if it involves a journey and a battle to get the blood pumping.

But both friends remain cooped up at Dwarvenhome, bound by the ties of Barlo’s family.

…Until an intercepted message proves too intriguing to ignore.

A stand-alone fantasy story of Lasniniar’s favorite team of adventurers by Jacquelyn Smith.

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This title is also available as part of the Legends of Lasniniar Bond Forger Collection.

“Your turn,” Iarion said, gesturing toward Barlo.

“Are you sure that’s the move you want to make?” Barlo asked his elf friend, trying to hide his consternation.

Iarion smiled, flicking one of his long, white braids over his shoulder. “I’m sure.”

Barlo suppressed a curse and forced himself to study the board while stroking his beard. He and Iarion were playing Mines and Caverns, a dwarven strategy game Barlo had taught Iarion only two days before to pass the time while he was visiting Dwarvenhome. Although Barlo had already lived an entire lifetime, he was still considered a young dwarf since he was barely in his twenties. As a result, his parents were cautious about letting him leave the underground city, which irked him. Iarion’s visit had been a welcome relief from the daily burden of trying to hide the secret of his previous life—until the elf started winning at Mines and Caverns, that is.

He must be cheating somehow…

Barlo was an expert player. Few in Dwarvenhome could match his skill, and no one wanted to face him in tournaments. He had beaten Iarion soundly at first, but the elf had improved with each game, picking up the elaborate rules quickly. Now he had Barlo’s Clan Chief cornered. Barlo furrowed his considerable brows and looked for a way out.

“Ah!” A smile spread across Barlo’s face.

Iarion had been fixated on trapping Barlo’s Clan Chief, but he had forgotten about his lesser pieces. Barlo picked up the bronze figurine that represented a miner. It was currently located in a cave of no consequence—except for the presence of a hidden tunnel. Barlo used the passage to move his miner into Iarion’s starsilver mine, his most precious commodity.

“The starsilver’s mine now,” Barlo said, hiding his relief. “I win. Again.”

Iarion smacked his own forehead, rolling his golden-flecked, sapphire eyes. “How did I forget that secret passage?”

Barlo shrugged. “It’s a complicated game. You’re still playing it quite well.”

“You did a good job of distracting me with your Clan Chief,” Iarion said. “If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought you had forgotten about the secret tunnel as well.”

“Yes.” Barlo cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve had much more experience than you. I’m obviously going to be better at bluffing.”

“Do you think we can play again?” Iarion asked. “I really thought I was going to win this time.”

Barlo grasped for an excuse. Iarion’s loss had been too close for comfort. “I don’t know… We’ve played so many games today already—”

“Excuse me, Barlo?” a travel worn dwarf carrying a heavy load of packs said, approaching the small gallery off the main street where Barlo and Iarion were playing.

“Yes?” Barlo said, eager for the perfectly timed interruption.

[Copyright © Jacquelyn Smith, 2021]