“And you, too, Jedi Stokes. I am pleased that the Force led you safely through the raid.”

“Some more than others,” Porter Engle grunted. “I thought that young Zettifar was going to go the same way as Loden.”

The directness of Engle’s comment drew a startled mew from Burryaga, not to mention shocked looks from the other Jedi.

“This is why you should never become a counselor, Engle,” Nib Assek scolded. “I hope your clawfish chowder is better than your bedside manner.”

Engle frowned at the woman, his expression voicing a silent What?

Fortunately, Bell raised a hand, waving away any concern. “Master Engle is right. I barely made it out alive.” Stellan allowed himself to breathe again. There was no animosity in Engle’s clumsiness, and his lack of tact was as legendary as his lightsaberwork. Bell, however, seemed to take it all in his stride, although the pain that had stabbed the boy’s heart had been palpable. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Indeera and the arrival of Master Engle’s drift.”


Star Wars The High Republic The Rising Storm Chapter 23