Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens the Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure Read Online Free PDF Page B

Both Porst and the onlookers seemed slightly disappointed—apparently they’d been looking
forward to a lively bout of haggling.
    “Next customer was mine—we rolled a chance-cube for it, remember?” the Rodianwarned the young Devaronian standing next to him at the counter. Then he turned to Luke.
    “Name’s Opato, good sir—and I’m the best guide in Tikaroo,” he said. “Bagged pikhrons on my last three hunts. Satisfaction guaranteed or you get a third of
your credits back.”
    “What’s a—” Luke began.
    “My green friend here couldn’t guide you out of a sack if you cut the bottom out of it first,”the young Devaronian interrupted.
    “Sir, be wary!” Opato exclaimed. “This one’s the biggest liar in Tikaroo—and that’s saying something!”
    The Devaronian smiled at Luke.
    “You need a native—someone like Duna Hilaris. That’s me. I’ve been exploring this jungle since I was a boy. I’m famous for knowing every pool, sand pit, and shady
glade the pikhrons like to visit.”
    “Glad to hearit,” Luke said. “But what’s a pikhron?”
    When the laughter showed no signs of stopping, Threepio sidled up to Luke.
    “My data file on this planet is basic, but apparently pikhrons are native herbivores. Their skins and teeth fetch considerable prices on the black market, as hunting them is forbidden by
Imperial decree.”
    “Lots of things are forbidden around here but happen anyway,”Duna said. “Don’t make your master worry, tin man. We’ve got an arrangement with the
governor.”
    “I’m not much of a hunter, but I could use a guide,” Luke said. “I want to visit the towers I saw on my way in. The ruined ones?”
    The crowd fell silent, even the clank of utensils on dinner plates stopping. The music burbled merrily along uninterrupted. A puzzled Luke looked from face to face.

    “Eedit’s off limits,” Porst said.
    Luke smiled. “I thought many things were forbidden in Tikaroo but happened anyway.”
    The joke fell flat—Opato took a sudden interest in his drink, Duna checked his comlink, and the other guides turned away.
    “Was it something I said?” Luke asked.
    “No one goes to Eedit,” Porst said. “You’d bring ruin to us all, messing with that place. It wouldrisk everything we have left.”
    “Why? I don’t understand.”
    “Because it’s cursed, you brainless outlander,” growled a massive, mean-looking slab of humanoid muscle. “Filled with the ghosts of the—”
    Porst made a slashing motion across his throat, his single eye cold and staring.
    “All you need to know is to stay away from it,” he said, handing Luke his room key. “Number twelve upstairs.House rules are on the back of the door, but here’s the most
important one: I don’t tolerate troublemakers. And you’re already on my bad side, outlander.”
    “Think I’ll turn in, then,” Luke said. “Maybe we can make a fresh start tomorrow.”
    Porst just turned away.
    The room was simple but clean, with a balcony overlooking Tikaroo. Luke stared up at the stars while Threepio fussed overthe room’s power connectors, certain he and Artoo would be
incinerated the second they tried to recharge.
    No moons were in the sky. Luke couldn’t remember if Devaron had any.
    “I for one will be grateful to be back with the Alliance,” Threepio said. “I know you’re disappointed not to find a guide, Master Luke, but no doubt it’s for the
best. I almost think I’d prefer getting shot atby the Empire to a suicidal trek into jungles prowled by savage beasts.”
    Luke just smiled. He wasn’t afraid of jungle beasts, and he didn’t believe in curses. He’d reach the towers. He just hadn’t figured out how yet.



H E WAS SWIMMING
in dark water, beneath two pale moons in a sky spangled with stars
.
    He moved through the water with smooth, easy strokes, alternately gliding along the surface and dipping beneath it. When he got tired he surfaced and treaded water gently until the ripples