Off-Grid
Pacazahno
Four Haosa had arrived so promptly Konsit thought they must have flown, and had been introduced by Arbour as Yferen, Maybri, Chalis, and Uri.
“Welcome,” Konsit said warmly. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”
“Pleased to be able to help,” Maybri said, “though not pleased you’ve had trouble, Speaker joiMore.”
“At least nobody was hurt,” said Yferen, and then looked sharply at Arbour. “That’s so, isn’t it, Arbour? No one was hurt?”
“As far as we know, property damage only.”
“Everyone is accounted for and healthy,” Konsit added. “We made certain of that, first. Would you like to eat something? The village kitchen has set up a buffet. I’ll take you over, and show you the cottage we’ve opened for you—it’s directly across the square.”
“I will be going back to Ribbon Dance,” Arbour said. “Before I go, Konsit—Maybri and Uri are Persuaders, and may be of use to Constable fuJang, and also with the team coming in with Councilor ziaGorn. Yferen is a Back-Seer, and Chalis is a Psychometric. They may be able to find a thread of your mischief-makers.”
“It’ll look like I’m just sitting in one spot, maybe having a bit of a nap,” Yferen told her earnestly. “What I’ll be doing is sorting back through recent events at the art garden—” He broke off and looked at Chalis.
“Is that best, do you think, Challi?”
“Yes, you take the art garden, and I’ll start in the library. If things were tossed around and smashed, they may very well remember who did it. The art garden would have seen a great deal of daily excitement, so best you start sifting.”
“Right. If you get something in the library, we can try to match it to the garden. In the meanwhile, I’ll try to pinpoint the time.”
Konsit looked from one to the other.
“You’ll be looking at what happened last night in the art garden?” she said, hearing how uncertain her voice was.
Yferen laughed.
“Sounds daft, doesn’t it? Easier to do than to explain.”
“Yferen has a strong and accurate Gift,” Arbour said gently. “You can trust him to use it for your benefit.”
“Yes, of course,” Konsit looked at her, feeling her uncertainty fade. She took a deep breath.
“Thank you for all of your help today.”
“Didn’t we agree that neighbors help each other?” Arbour asked, with a smile. “Now, I really must be getting back, and these four”—she made a show of eyeing each one of the Haosa in turn—“had best have something to eat, and then get to work.”