The Gadgeteer Box Set by Gin Hollan

Author:Gin Hollan [Hollan, Gin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-14T22:00:00+00:00

// Chapter 21 //

ARABETH NEEDED to sneak out. Mel was sound asleep, as evidenced by her light snoring. Marble napped on the chair still. The world around her slept, but Arabeth doubted she'd be able to.

Sam had told her some interesting things. The gaps in the logic around her marriage started to fill in and make sense. Sleep problems aside, she had a rule about not falling asleep with alcohol in her system. She'd be safe walking around inside the hotel, she hoped.

Changing into her clothes, she walked out and almost burst out laughing when she saw Sam outside of his own door.

He walked to her and took one of her hands, kissing her palm. "Sleep is the last thing on my mind," he said.

She gave a light laugh. "I couldn't sleep if I tried."

"Walk with me?" he asked.

She nodded.

"We're going back to the crystal field by the cave once Mel and Graham are gone, right?" she asked.

"Yes, we must have missed something along the way," he agreed.

"The mural bothers me. I think it deserves a second look."

"Easy enough."

"And these crystals ... if they are used for communication, we should find out how," she added.

They reached the swing lifts and went down. To their surprise, Kennen was sitting in the lobby, reading.

"Don't you sleep?" Sam asked.

"I'm waiting for instructions. If you are done in Owen, as it seems you are, I need to know if I continue with you or go back to the friary."

"So you're waiting for a messenger?"

"Sort of." He shrugged. "It's complicated."

"We couldn't sleep. I'm blaming the harmonics of this place," Arabeth said. "There is a constant hum here."

Kennen looked at her, head slightly tipped to one side. "Really? I don't hear it."

Sam shrugged. "She's sensitive. It makes her an exceptional gadgeteer."

"I guess it would," Kennen said, face straight, but his eyes looked like he was laughing.

Arabeth nudged Sam with her elbow. "Let's go look at the centre tower. The fact that plants grow so well down here is puzzling me."

“I'd like to talk strategy with our friend here,” he said, looking at Kennen.

“Ah, good idea.” Without Graham around, they might actually accomplish something.

The three walked to the dining area. It was a different place at night, with dim lighting, soft music, and what looked like an alcohol display.

They had just sat down in a booth when Clara walked up. "Hello, friends. Are you ready to move on?"

Arabeth frowned. "Why is everyone in a hurry to get us away? Not just here, but the last two places we went did the same thing. A warm welcome, then shortly after, a quick brush-off."

Clara shrugged. "I can't speak to their reasons, but I'd like to get you home before someone in the capital realizes you're exiles and we've hosted you willingly. It's been a long time, but we do know the penalty."

"We thought we had until morning," Arabeth said.

"Now would be better. Best you do it quickly. I'll wait for you here," Clara said, sitting.

Arabeth, Sam, and Kennen jogged to the lift, then down the hall.

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