Wave Runners: A Novel of Lasniniar

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Best Laid Plans

Barlo waded through the tall grass of the Adar Daran, humming softly as he went. The autumn air was crisp, but the sun warmed him. Only a few puffy clouds drifted across Lasniniar’s brilliant, blue sky. It was a relief to be traveling again, far from any awkward questions or expectations.

The only thing that could make this trip better would be if Sinstari were here.

He had always been able to count on the silent wildcat to watch his back or scout ahead. Sinstari had been a steadfast companion, despite his smug, feline temperament. At least he and Narilga were keeping each other company now. Barlo missed them both, but it comforted him to know they were together.

He forced himself away from such gloomy thoughts, focusing on his destination instead. Iarion would be surprised to see him. Barlo wasn’t due to visit for another two weeks. If there was one thing Barlo enjoyed, it was any opportunity to throw his elf friend off balance. He wondered what Iarion would think when he learned Barlo’s departure from Dwarvenhome was likely permanent.

Iarion will understand. He knows better than anyone what it’s like to not belong.

The elf had spent his previous life wandering Lasniniar in search of the hidden purpose that had set him apart from all others of his kind. It had been an obsession that had consumed him. Barlo hoped his own new connection with the Quenya wasn’t going to drive him to similar lengths...

A slight rustle in the grass behind him pulled him from his thoughts. He slowed to a stop, pulling his ax from his belt and listening. He heard another rustle, closer this time. It was too much noise for a bird or one of the rodents that made their home in the grassland. Barlo waited for his follower to reveal himself, holding his weapon ready.

What is it? A goblin or an ogre perhaps?

He hadn’t seen any dark creatures around the Adar Daran recently, but they did show up from time to time. He was wary, but not overly concerned. It sounded like there was only one of them. With those odds, a battle would be more of an entertainment than a concern. Barlo broke into a fierce grin. A good fight was just what he needed to start off his adventure.

The tall grass behind him shivered and parted as a figure began to emerge. Barlo swung his ax. He shouted a curse as he met a familiar, startled blue gaze, forcing his swing wide.

His follower was Paige.

“What in the First Father’s name do you think you’re doing?” he demanded as soon as he regained control of himself.

The younger dwarf shrugged. “Following you, of course.”

Barlo struggled to keep his voice to a moderate level. “Why were you trying to sneak up on me like that? I could have killed you!”

“I wasn’t trying to sneak. I was trying to catch up.” She tossed one of her honey blond braids over her shoulder. “I knew you would never hurt me.”

Barlo put his face in his hands and silently counted to ten. Paige was a handful at the best of times, but he knew this was going to be one of those days when he almost regretted saving her from a life of slavery. She had been tagging along after him like a loyal hound ever since. After all she had gone through, she should have been downtrodden and timid, but Paige was the most bubbly, single-minded dwarf he had ever met. She was one of the main reasons he had decided to leave Dwarvenhome in secret. If she had decided to follow him... Well, he had little hope he could convince her to stay behind. Still, he had to try.

“Funny,” he said, “I don’t remember inviting you to come along.”

“Maybe because you forgot?” She shrugged and gave him an impish smile, revealing her dimples.

Barlo felt his lips twitching in response and schooled his expression. “Paige, I’m serious. Didn’t it occur to you I might have wanted to make this trip alone?”

Paige’s eyes narrowed. “And why would that be? You’ve always let me come with you on your journeys before.”

Barlo avoided her gaze. “No reason. I just want to be on my own for a while is all.”

A startled look of fear crossed her features. “You aren’t planning to go back, are you? You’re leaving Dwarvenhome forever!”

Barlo stifled a surprised curse. Sometimes he forgot how clever she was. “I—”

“You were going to leave me there by myself?” Paige demanded in an anguished voice.

“Well, you’d hardly be by yourself, would you? You’d have my parents, my aunts and uncles, and don’t forget Cousin Bilralla. Besides, you’ve made all kinds of friends at Dwarvenhome.”

Paige scuffed the ground with the toe of her boot. “It’s not the same. None of them understand me like you do. None of them have even been more than two leagues from home! They don’t know what my life was really like before. To them, it’s only a story that either makes them feel sorry for me because I was a slave, or afraid of me because I killed my master. You were there. You know how it was.”

Barlo closed his eyes, remembering the moment he had first met Paige. He had stumbled across her in a locked shed, where she was kept apart from the other slaves for being a ‘bad influence.’ She had attacked him, mistaking him for one of her tormentors in the darkness. As soon as she was convinced he was there to help, she had led him to her human master, Lord Waterbrook. She had killed him while Barlo was busy dealing with the lord’s bodyguard. Barlo still remembered the wild look in her eyes as she smashed a jagged rock against Lord Waterbrook’s skull again and again, tears coursing down her cheeks.

Barlo opened his eyes and gave Paige a solemn nod. “I know how it was. But I still think you should stay behind in Dwarvenhome. Where I’m going... Well, I’m not even sure whether they’ll accept me, never mind you.”

Paige snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. Lady Iadrawyn likes me. Of course, she’ll let us stay with the Light Elves.”

Barlo gave her a startled look. “Who said anything about the Light Elves?”

“Barlo,” Paige said, rolling her eyes, “your best friend is a Light Elf, and you’re headed south. Where else would you be going?”

“Fine. You’re right. But you know how the rest of the Light Elves can be about strangers in their wood. They don’t go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and I’m hoping to stay there for a long time.”

“All the more reason to bring me with you.” Paige grinned. “I’m much more likeable than you. I’ll win the elves over with my youthful exuberance and charm. I’ll have them eating out of the palm of my hand in a heartbeat. I’ll do my best to convince them to take you in too.” She made the last sentence sound like an afterthought.

“‘Youthful exuberance and charm?’” Barlo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What? It’s true. It worked on you, didn’t it?” She gave him a wide-eyed look, fluttering her lashes.

“Well...” Barlo wavered for a moment—a testament to the very charms Paige spoke of. But she was like a little sister to him. After all she had been through, she deserved a safe, normal life.

Which is more than I’ll be able to give her where I’m going...

His thoughts tripped over something else Paige had said.

“Wait. What do you mean, you’re much more likeable than me?” he demanded.

Paige shrugged. “Just stating the obvious. Oh, I like you, of course. You have a certain gruff, crusty appeal that sets people at ease. It’s an acquired taste though.”

Barlo spluttered.

And to think I would ever miss the days just after I rescued her, when she worshipped the ground I walked on...

“Look,” Paige said, leveling her gaze. “I’m going to Melaquenya with you. I won’t be left behind. Besides, if you try to make me go back to Dwarvenhome, I’ll tell everyone your secret.”

“Secret?” Barlo asked, trying to look innocent. His stomach clenched.

Paige gave him a pointed look. “I’m not stupid. I’ve spent way more time with you and Iarion than anyone else has. I know you’ve tried to be careful in front of me, but it’s pretty obvious once you start adding things together. You’ve known each other longer than you’ve been alive, which shouldn’t be possible.”

“Paige, you must be confused,” Barlo said, his mind racing. “My grandfather was also named Barlo, and he and Iarion were very close friends.”

“And you look exactly like him. I’ve heard all the other dwarves say so! You tell his stories with as much detail as if they happened to you. The way you and Iarion talk about those adventures, it’s as if you were on them together. And now you’re running off to live with the Light Elves. You’re well-liked and respected in Dwarvenhome. Why else would you leave unless you had something to hide?”

Barlo scrambled. “You know when dwarves die, they go to the First Father’s Hall. What you’re talking about... It isn’t possible.” He felt a prickle of sweat forming on his brow as he struggled to protect his secret.

Paige shook her head. “I don’t know how it happened, but I’ll bet the Quenya has something to do with it. You did some important things in your past life, and you’re close with the elves. It’s not that much of a stretch. Why won’t you admit it?”

Barlo closed his eyes. He had promised the First Father he would never tell another dwarf about his rebirth. But Paige already knew, so he supposed it wouldn’t be telling—not really.

He took a deep breath. “You’re right.”

“Ha! I knew it.”

A wriggle of fear squirmed in Barlo’s stomach. “You haven’t... told anyone about about your suspicions, have you?”

Paige frowned. “No. Of course not. It’s hardly anyone else’s business. Besides, who would believe me, anyway?”

Barlo let out a sigh of relief. “Good. You must never tell anyone. The elves already know, but Galrin made me swear to keep this a secret.”

“The First Father?” Paige breathed, her eyes round. “You met him?”

Barlo held up a hand to forestall her. “Did you tell anyone you would be leaving Dwarvenhome? If you haven’t, you had better go back, or they’ll send a search party after you.”

It was his last-ditch effort to leave her behind, but it was halfhearted at best. He knew the battle had already been lost.

“I added it on to the note you left behind,” Paige said, raising her chin.

“Of course you did,” Barlo muttered. “I should have known.”

Ah, well. I guess I’m stuck with her. At least I can keep an eye on her, and make sure she doesn’t blather to anyone. Not that she would, but it’ll give me some peace of mind.

“Come along then,” he said. “We’d better get moving.”

Paige grinned. “Can you tell how you met the First Father while we walk?”

“Yes, but please try not to leave a trail a troll could follow.” He indicated the trampled grass behind her and she had the decency to look chagrined. He stifled a sigh.

I hope I don’t regret this...