Legends of Lasniniar: Without Wings – Jacquelyn Smith

Legends of Lasniniar: Without Wings

Series: The World of Lasniniar

Ground walker. Wingless worm. Freak.

The only Sky Elf ever born without wings, Arinwyn does her best to ignore the taunts and slurs. Bad enough she can never know the thrill of flying. Must she suffer the cruelties of her own kind as well?

But the winds of change blow from beyond the elven wood as the Fallen One stirs.

…And more than Arinwyn realizes lies hidden within her wingless heritage.

A stand-alone origin story from the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series by Jacquelyn Smith.

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This title is also available as part of the Legends of Lasniniar Shadow Stalker Collection.

Arinwyn let her thoughts wander as she meandered between the ancient, golden flecked trees of Melaquenya. As usual, the western section of the forest was practically deserted—unless you looked up. The Sky Elves made their homes in the treetops overhead, far above the forest floor. A pair of them—a male and a female—flew just beneath the canopy, their gleaming, feathered wings outstretched. Arinwyn slowed and considered throwing herself in the nearest bush.

Please don’t let them notice me…

“Look! It’s the ground walker,” the male cried out from above.

Arinwyn suppressed a groan as the two Sky Elves swooped lower. It had been too much to hope they would ignore her.

The female looked down at her with a smirk, her long, red-gold hair framing perfect features. Arinwyn suppressed a surge of envy.

“Hello, little worm,” she said. “Out for a stroll?”

Arinwyn remained silent, knowing any words she spoke would end up being mocked. She looked up at the hovering pair with what she hoped was a bored expression. She didn’t know their names, but she knew their type. They would harass her until they tired of their little game and decided to move on. The less she did to encourage them, the better.

“Hm, it seems as if the wingless creature has forgotten how to speak,” the male said, his pale eyes glimmering with amusement. “Perhaps she isn’t an elf at all.”

“Should we try using the Common Tongue?” the female asked with a false look of concern.

The male wrinkled his nose. “No, I’d rather not sully myself. Besides, we have more important things to do. Iadrawyn and Valanandir have asked those of us who can fly to act as scouts.”

“Scouts?” Arinwyn blurted. “Scouts for what?” The words slipped out before she could stop them.

The female uttered an exaggerated gasp. “It speaks!”

“Do not concern yourself, flightless one,” the male said, grinning at Arinwyn’s scowl. “We will protect the forest from the Fallen One and his minions.”

“Fallen One?” Arinwyn said, frowning. “What does Saviadro want?” She spoke the name without thinking. Both Sky Elves flinched.

The female rolled her eyes at her companion. “Now I wish it would stop speaking.”

“Now, now,” the male said. “You cannot blame her for being ignorant. She’s not really one of us, after all.”

“You are right.” The female looked down at Arinwyn. “It’s not your fault, is it, little worm?” Arinwyn’s hands balled into fists and the female uttered a silvery laugh.

[Copyright © Jacquelyn Smith, 2021]