Page 6

RIV

From the outside, The Righteous Pegasus appeared modest, folksy, and well-maintained.

Plex synth and boards made up most of the building’s outer structure.

It was a challenge to discern what lay beyond through the stained flex-glass windows, but the loud sounds, music, and chatter from within reverberated on the street.

Riv entered the tavern through a gaudy awning, where a towering Ccyth guard met him.

The Rider revealed his fake ID, which a droid bot scanned.

It flashed green, indicating that he had no System-wide flags that would warrant him paying a bribe to the Ccyth to be let in.

Still, the Ccyth glowered at him, and Riv sighed, longing for Zane’s psionic powers to shift sentiment and memories in his favor.

Riv tapped his commtab and flung a few schills towards the bot. The guard snarled an unintelligible command and swept the Rider through.

Inside, he was greeted by the scent of rich, deep hops and fried food—the quintessential ingredients to a good tavern and bar.

His stomach rumbled as he made for the bartender, an elfin Falasian woman. Although she was attending to customers, she still welcomed Riv with a wink.

He settled on a stool at the far end of the steel counter and glanced around as he waited for service.

It had a distinctive style. Squared-off rock beams supported the upper floor, and a phalanx of voluminous lamps was attached to them.

Signed holographs of infamous individuals and creatures who’d passed through the bar’s doors covered the walls.

Lit candles were inset into holes in the walls and dripped wax in thick layers over the surface and floor.

The tavern itself was packed. Miners were the primary clientele here, which was a promising sign. Riv preferred mingling with honest laborers rather than hard-core crims andkinais. Less trouble that way.

One gregarious group of Allorians occupied several long counters.

They sat alongside Falasians and Rhesians, indulging in the fare while deep in nefarious deals and trades.

Also present were packs of rough Ccyth colliers wolfing down oversized plates of appetizing grub.

It was a raucous, loud gathering. Even though most of the stools at the bar had bums on seats and space was limited, nobody minded more company.

Riv wondered at the place’s popularity. Judging by the number of heaped platters swinging past from the kitchens and the hearty reception from the punters, the chow and brew had fervent fans.

There was also much to say about the bartender’s good looks and elfin charm.

Judging by the many punters’ failure to hide their not-so-subtle stares.

Her voice rang loud and strong, her cheerfulness promising an excellent evening.

Even though she flirted, Riv noted that she glanced ever so often to the Ccyth at the door.

The tenderness on her face as their eyes met told him everything there was to know about their relationship status.

She came round to him soon enough. ‘Welcome toThe Righteous. What can I get you?’

Her holo badge announced her name.

Riv served her a sloppy grin. ‘Halima, give me a bottle of your most excellent whiskey and a tray of the highest-rated items on your menu.’

He flicked his virtual schill black ID to her, and her brows rose. He’d just told her he was a big spender, and she grinned at the upcoming windfall.