The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (find a book to read txt) 📕

“No, he wouldn’t be. I was registered to the Narkoy under the Windrit council on Loos,” he explained.

The computer pad tittered in Cidele’s hand as she stared at Danstu. “Windrit council? A Crehail? I thought only colors were allowed to serve on the council?”

Danstu shrugged. “Yes, well, not always. Um… you haven’t caught me at my best,” he said as he pulled at his dirty shirt. “I was here for my mother's funeral. I left the council recently to help my uncle with family matters. Just bad timing, I guess,” he mentioned.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your mother,” Cidele returned, her eyes gazing into his. “I’m surprised Sedom didn’t recognize you,” she mentioned.

“Why would she?” Danstu questioned.

“Uh… just figuring if you’re in the system she’d know you. Narkoy were funny like that.” She handed him a keycard. “Welcome to Gathow, Danstu Keriney. Your housing is over there,” she pointed to a green building. “I saved you the best one, being that Zion likes you and all. And if Zion likes you, that’s saying something. There are very few people he likes.”

“Zion?” Danstu questioned.

“The big Zalmin with the bad attitude,” Cidele described, motioning towards the direction she last saw Zion walk to. “Your housing is on the third floor, room thirty-seven. Clothing and supplies,” she pointed to the tables, which were empty now. “Well, they’re available in the shopping district. I’ll see what I can dig up for you, in the meantime.” She pointed down the street to her right. “Replicators are only available for two hours a day, for now, so we all have to make do. I’ll be replicating an assortment of clothing this afternoon.” She tugged on his white, button-up shirt, which was covered in dirt and had several holes. “I’ll see about getting a replacement.”

“These aren’t mine,” he spoke in rushed words. “I mean--”

“You’d rather be naked?” Cidele questioned.

“Only if you join me,” he flirted back. Cidele rolled her eyes. “No, no, um, yes some new clothing would be appreciated.” He paused looking into Cidele’s eyes. “Um... Cidele, right?”

“Um hum?” she asked, her voice showing her annoyance.

Danstu shook his head uneasy. “Before I cause myself any more embarrassment, would you know where I can find my uncle? The Chadon mentioned he was here,” he said, his voice humbled.

Cidele pointed behind him as she walked away. He continued in the direction she pointed, turning back to look at Cidele every few feet. One last time he turned, he didn't see where he was going and ended up stumbling into Lolum and his uncle.

“Danstu?” Nokinil exclaimed, wrapping his arms around his nephew. “Thank the heavens you're all right.”

“Uncle!” Danstu hugged back. “When we saw the city being attacked we expected the worst. Our group was attacked in the forest. We lost a couple of good men, but we did manage to find a few children who had run from the city. Thankfully we found that cave to hold up in last night. If it wasn't for Sortec and her men, we weren't sure what we were going to do.”

From behind Nokinil, Lolum cleared his throat to make his presence known. “Lolum Rovantas. Your uncle has been telling me things about you, boy. You have a mighty impressive background for one so young,” he said, offering Danstu his hand.

Danstu accepted his hand. He paused looking down at Lolum's scarred hands. “Rovantas? As in the Rovantas? This is an honor, sir. I heard about your work with the Windrit during the Valley of Fire incident. That was some fine thinking on your part.”

Lolum waved the man's praise away. “That was a million years ago, son.”

“Regardless, you're in the history books.” The three continued to walk. “I want to say thank you for sending Sortec after us,” Danstu added.

“He says that like I have control over that girl,” Lolum smirked to Nokinil. He glanced around the now quiet city street. “Which is where?”

“She left once we entered the city. Zion… I believe his name is, said she had more important matters to tend to.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Nokinil grumbled under his breath.

Cidele rushed over to Lolum, her eyes darting around in a panic. She grabbed Lolum’s arm. “I can't find Alree. He was with Rosanheer then he vanished.”

“Sortec order the orbs to guard him,” Danstu mentioned.

Cidele turned to Danstu, flustered. “She did?” Cidele gasped, dashing off. To where exactly? None of the men knew for certain.

“Is this a typical day in Gathow?” Danstu asked Lolum as he watched Cidele rush away. His intense eyes on Cidele's rear forced Lolum to take notice.

Lolum grunted uneasily. “It’s becoming more so every day. Sortec’s determined to make something of this place,” he explained.

“Reopen Gathow? That would certainly shift the power in this section of space. No wonder the Marisheio are so desperate to find this city,” Danstu mentioned.

“She would like to, but we’re short personnel,” Lolum hinted. “We’re in a unique situation in which a man of your experience and background might be able to lend a hand with,” he implied to the two men, but his words were aimed at Danstu.

Danstu pulled at his shirt. “I’d be happy to lend my assistance. But…” he paused, glancing around the city, “could I clean up and eat first? It’s been a hell of a night,” he mentioned.

Lolum patted Danstu on the shoulder. “Sure, sure, I understand you need to rest. How about both of you join me in my quarters this evening for a drink. We have much to discuss,” Lolum stated. “The cafeteria is that building over there,” he pointed to the cafeteria to their left. “Now if you'll excuse me, I have to help find Alree… and Sortec.” Lolum hurried off after Cidele leaving Danstu and Nokinil behind.

Nokinil immediately smacked Danstu on the back of his head once Lolum was out