Light Chasers (The World of Lasniniar Book 0)

by Jacquelyn Smith

  Three days passed quickly. It was difficult to only make use of the daylight hours for packing and preparation, but everyone understood the need. Although all the huts had been stripped on the inside, the exteriors were left unchanged. A skeleton crew of sentries would stay behind to maintain the illusion the village was still tenanted, along with Malarin and a few of the larger dragons. Once the elves had reached their new home, Iadrawyn would use the Quenya to let Malarin know. She and the other dragons would bear the remaining elves to the new wood. The Sea Folk and dragons were making their own preparations to relocate their homes, but they would not move until the elves were already in place and Iadrawyn had completed the enchantment on Melavalion.

  Valanandir looked over his shoulder, taking one last glance at Melatelari. He noticed Iadrawyn doing the same. Their eyes met and she gave him a sad smile. He reached out, twining her fingers through his, giving them a squeeze.

  “We’re doing the right thing,” he said. “Look at them all.”

  Behind them was the bulk of the remaining elven nation, bearing all their belongings in heavy packs. They walked softly through the sun-warmed grass, as only elves could. Even the children were quiet. Although there was a feeling of sadness, there was also an aura of hope and relief to be traveling farther from the dark lands.

  Iadrawyn gave him a significant look. “They aren’t the only ones who will be starting a new life in Melavalion.” She placed a hand on her abdomen.

  For a moment, Valanandir was confused. He placed his hand over Iadrawyn’s and noticed her stomach was slightly distended.

  “You mean…?”

  Iadrawyn nodded.

  Valanandir gave a whoop of joy, wrapping his arms around her. She lit up at his excitement. Lodariel came over to see what all the fuss was about.

  “We are supposed to be traveling quietly,” she said. “What is going on?”

  “I’m going to be a father.” Valanandir put an arm around Iadrawyn and grinned stupidly.

  “Well it’s about time!” Lodariel gave him a thump on the back and hugged Iadrawyn. “Honestly, that was the slowest courting process I’ve ever seen.” She beckoned Daroandir over and relayed the news.

  “Congratulations!” Daroandir took Valanandir’s hand and pumped it vigorously before giving Iadrawyn a warm embrace. “How far are you along?” Valanandir mentally kicked himself for not thinking to ask such an obvious question.

  “About three moons. It’s a girl.” Iadrawyn beamed.

  “The Quenya?” Valanandir asked, wondering how she knew. Iadrawyn nodded. He imagined bouncing a miniature version of her on his knee and grinned some more, before another thought came to him. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “I knew the elves had some major decisions to make and we would have to lead them. I did not want my condition to affect anyone’s judgment. Some might have dismissed my vision of a new home as alarmist now that we are going to have a child of our own. I also knew if I told you, you wouldn’t be able to contain yourself.” She gave him a wry smile.

  Valanandir stifled his hurt. He knew what she said was true. Instead, he focused on the future. A baby! Their baby. This would truly be a new start.

  “Shall we move on?” Lodariel asked. “We have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall, and I don’t think Iadrawyn is going to drop any time soon.”

  Valanandir shook his head and smiled, putting his arm around Iadrawyn. “Yes, let’s go.”