Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden Read Free Page A

clothing had come as a surprise to everyone, and after only two years of shadowing, Tayver was turning an eye-opening profit for the guild. Every highborn in Silver knew of Master Joran’s star protégé and the fantastical masterpieces he created.
    Gib smiled wistfully. Tayver was meant for city life. I’ve never seen him happier. Now if I can manage to get Cal and myself through Academy, I’d say I’ve done pretty well for us. Ma and Pa would be proud .
    A sigh escaped Gib’s lips as he scanned the dining hall. “Come on. Let’s get our meal. It’ll be a long time until dinner.”
    The youngster nodded eagerly, and the two of them fell in line. Though not as new to the city as Gib had been on his first day, Calisto took his time to ogle over the wide assortment of foods. He chose many different things, even taking a moment to gush over the potatoes and gravy.
    Gib set a hand on the back of his brother’s neck. “Let’s find a seat.”
    As Calisto gazed at all the tables before them, his smile slipped away. “Where are you gonna sit? Where should I sit?”
    “I’m going to sit with Tarquin. Over there.” Gib pointed toward his regular seat, a table near the farthest corner of the dining hall which Gib and his friends had long since claimed as their own. “You can come with me, but the conversation is going to be boring and I won’t be staying long. I have to report to the council room soon.”
    Cal nodded as his dark eyes scanned a different table, where students closer to his own age were eating and chatting amongst themselves. “What if I sit with them? Do you think they’ll like me?”
    “You know I do.”
    “I don’t know any of them.”
    “Not yet, but look—” Gib pointed to a boy and girl, both with onyx hair, fair features, and dark eyes. “Those two there are Inez and Inan Adelwijn. They’re Joel’s cousins. I’ve met them before, and they’ve always been friendly.” Giving Cal’s shoulder another gentle squeeze, Gib continued. “And the boy next to them, he must be your roommate, Scipio Malin-Rai.”
    Cal still didn’t offer to move. “He’s Kezra’s brother? How do you know?”
    “The bindi gives it away.”
    “Bind–bindi?”
    “The red diamond painted above his brow. All the children in the Malin-Rai family have one. So does their mother. She came from Shantar, and the bindi is one of the traditions of her native land.”
    Calisto shuffled one foot across the marble floor. “Can I sit with you if none of them like me?”
    “Yes, of course.” Gib laughed.
    Calisto needed no more encouragement. His walk was a bit stiff as he approached the other children and spoke shyly to them. Gib couldn’t make out the words, but he watched as the young students greeted his brother. The smiles on each of their faces suggested Cal would be welcome at their bench, and sure enough, a moment later they scooted down to make room for him. Gib breathed a sigh of relief. Is this what it feels like to be a worried parent? He shook his head and turned to join his own friend.
    At the table where Gib and his friends had sat on their very first day, Tarquin Aldino looked up with a grin. His white blond hair and unnaturally ashen skin still stood out in the crowd. The wide brim of his hat served to cover his odd-colored eyes, but he was forced to squint when he looked into the light. “Gibben Nemesio! Where have you been? You’re never this late to a meal.”
    Dropping his tray to the table, Gib sat down and chuckled. “I’d have to agree there. Today is different. I had to take my little brother to meet Dean Marc and get signed up for classes.”
    Tarquin nodded. “That’s right. I forgot Cal was old enough for Academy this year.”
    Tipping up his cup, Gib took a drink and began to scarf down his meal. He wasn’t trying to be rude but knew his time had to be growing short. At this rate, he would have to run all the way to the palace if he wanted any chance of being on time.
    “Don’t