Read The Starfall Knight for Free Online Page B

bedrock.  We almost lost a lot more than some netting and timber.  All from a bad gust of wind and a wayward Elade.”
    “What if Elade had crashed into Centara?” Rika said.
    “I don’t know,” Devan replied.  He bit into a biscuit and chewed for a moment.  “I suppose it wouldn’t be much different from Iselt.  They crashed it deliberately all those years ago and Centara gained a nice little mountain range out of it.”
    “Iselt’s andonite veins were tapped out,” Tayu said.  “I’d hate to be anywhere near a smashed active vein.”
    “Fair enough.”
    They finished the meats and cheese, picking at the bread while Rika sliced the teacake.  “Either of you want to see the performance of Karid’s new piece?”
    Devan shared a glance with Tayu – Rika’s love of music meshed with her teaching it to children, but Devan and Tayu were indifferent, leading to some awkward conversations in the house that they shared along with Benton.  Thankfully, Rika’s exploration of new and exotic instruments was banned at the ranger barracks.
    “What’s this new piece?”
    “It’s an experimental composition,” Rika said.  “An hour-long study using various instruments, each one based on the pulse cycle of different andonite chips.  I think he used a range of coins.”
    “Well,” Devan said, “I think we have to experience it for ourselves, don’t you think so, Tayu?”
    Tayu glared at Devan, mouth agape with the remnants of a half-chewed crust visible.
    “It’s settled!”
    “Oh, you owe me, now,” Tayu said.
    “Don’t you want to go?” Rika asked as she handed out the slices of cake.
    Tayu bit in the cake, conveniently delaying his response.  Devan grinned and said, “Of course he does.  We both enjoy new things.  And supporting the Centaran artist community.”
    “Lovely,” Rika said, giving a slice of cake to Devan.  “But I agree with Tay – now, you owe him.”
    Devan grunted – it would be nice to share something about the knight with his friends.  He wasn’t one for secrets.
    “There’s a journal,” Devan said.  He set down his plate and sipped some wine.
    “A journal?  Written by the knight?” Tayu asked.  He and Rika leaned forward, munching on dessert at the same time.
    “The university professors think so,” Devan said.  “Professor Conrick is supposed to be looking into it.  I want to know what he finds out.  Me and Benton found the body – I think I deserve to be amongst the first to know.”
    Rika nodded.  “I know the university buildings.  And Conrick’s department; it’s close to the performing arts faculty.”
    “You’ll help me?”
    “Of course,” Rika replied.  “Can’t have you bumbling about the campus like a lost cow.  You’ll make me look bad.”
     
     
     

Chapter Four
     
    “Come here, Alessa.”  Leonus passed the virid pipe to Pelio and reached for Alessa like a baby grasping for a dangling toy.  Knowing better than to disappoint him, Alessa set down the dustpan and broom and sauntered over to Leonus.
    “Beautiful,” Leonus said.  “Isn’t she?”
    Pelio and Brunos, seated next to the window overlooking the road, nodded and grunted, preoccupied with the virid pipe.  Elina crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair but said nothing.
    “Off the edge with you lot,” Leonus snapped.  He grabbed Alessa and sat her on his lap with a tight squeeze of her thigh.
    “Leonus, what about some food?” Pelio said.
    “What about it?” Leonus replied.  “Get it yourself.”
    Pelio kicked Elina’s chair.
    “Hey, stop it!” Elina said.  She steadied herself against the table.
    “Bring some food, woman.”
    Elina scowled but said nothing.  She hopped off her seat and headed to the crate of supplies.  “Not much here,” Elina said as she rummaged through the box.
    Alessa found herself holding her breath and forced herself to relax.  She leaned into Leonus and trailed a hand onto his hip.
    “Just bring us