They paddled over to the nearby island. The clan had built their homes in the center of the island, underneath the cool shade of the trees. The structures were different from the ones in the main city. Here, they were built with leaves and reeds. They looked flimsy, and some looked ready to tumble down. When Leed held up his present of fish, children ran toward him hungrily.
“Why are they hungry?” Obi-Wan asked.
“They cannot fish in the lagoon,” Leed explained in a low tone. “The Homd-Resa clan controls the surrounding seas. The two clans have recently been at odds. The Homd-Resa conducted a raid and destroyed much of their dwellings. The Nali-Erun had to rebuild quickly. They still have not recovered. And for months now they’ve had to live on fruit and what grains and fish they are able to trade for.”
Taroon raised his thick eyebrows at Drenna. “All Senali watch out for each other?”
Drenna looked uncomfortable. “Naturally some clans have conflicts. I did not say Senali was a perfect world.”
“Why doesn’t Meenon step in?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Because the clans are self-governing,” Drenna explained. “Meenon is more of a symbol to us than an actual leader.”
The Nali-Erun clan happily distributed the fish and offered the group some. Leed refused but took a bag of pashie, the sweet fruit that grew abundantly on the Nali-Eruns’ trees.
Drenna also handed the head of the clan a pouch full of shells she had collected from the sea floor. The clan members held up each shell and admired it. One of the members began to string a few of the loveliest shells on a cord to fashion a necklace.
He held the finished necklace out to Drenna. She took it with a smile, then hesitated.
Her smile turned impish, and she turned to Taroon and placed it around his neck. “Now you are a real Senali,” she said, tilting back her head and smiling up at him.
Taroon was startled. He touched the shells. His eyes met Leed’s. “I am still Rutanian,” he said. “But I am learning.”
They caught small silver fish for the evening meal and Leed made a delicious stew. Taroon ladled it into bowls. Qui-Gon watched as the two brothers passed the bowls between them. There was an ease in their relationship now. The four moons rose, high and full, sending four silver paths down the dark water.
They sat underneath the wide dark sky. Qui-Gon stayed silent. He sensed something growing in Taroon, a new feeling the young man was struggling to voice. He hoped Taroon would find the courage to speak. Tomorrow was the third day. He would have to contact King Frane.
“I suppose we should be getting to sleep now,” Leed said at last. “Thank you, Qui-Gon, for allowing us this day without trying to convince me to leave.”
“It was a fine day,” Taroon said hesitantly. “And I have come to a decision. I will not oppose your wish to stay here, brother. I see what draws you here. I spoke hastily this morning.” He turned to the Jedi. “It is a fault I have. I’m sorry for my rudeness to you as well.” He gave a wry grin. “You are right, Qui-Gon. I inherit my temper from my father.”
“Thank you, brother,” Leed said quietly. “You opened your mind and heart. I will do the same. I will return to Rutan and face our father.”
“And I will take your place here until you return,” Taroon said.
“Obi-Wan and I will ensure your safety,” Qui-Gon promised Leed. “You will be free to return if you still wish to.”
The brothers grasped each other’s forearms in a show of affection.
“We will not let this divide us,” Taroon said.
This was precisely what Qui-Gon had hoped for. Yet sadness hung in the air. Leed had taken the step to remove himself from his family.
Taroon had accepted his right to do this. It was clear that both brothers were heartbroken.
They all said good night. Obi-Wan rolled out his sleep mat next to Qui-Gon’s. “Did you know that would happen?” he whispered. “Is that why you didn’t challenge Leed today?”
“I hoped the day would bring reconciliation,” Qui-Gon answered. “When Drenna offered to teach Taroon how to swim this morning, it was a good sign. I’m sure that Leed spoke to her about being kind to Taroon.”
“But Leed was so angry last night,” Obi-Wan said. “So was Drenna. Why would they turn around and be nice to Taroon?”
“Because he is Leed’s brother,” Qui-Gon answered. “Underneath everything, there is a bond between them. Drenna’s loyalty is to Leed, so naturally she would help him if he asked.”
“I don’t understand,” Obi-Wan said. “Everyone was so angry, and now everything is resolved. Can it really be so easy?”
“We are not back on Rutan yet. We shall see.” Qui-Gon stretched out on the dock and gazed up at the sky. The mission was not over, he knew. He should not feel it was resolved yet. But he was pleased at how the brothers had handled their volatile feelings.
Unless it was too easy, as Obi-Wan had said.
Overhead, the sky curved above him, bright with silver moons and clusters of stars. Here on Senali the atmosphere turned the night sky a unique color, somewhere between navy and purple. It was at such times of hushed beauty that Qui-Gon felt the Force vibrate clearly, from the burning energy of the stars to the soft splash of a leaping fish.
“It is seldom that matters resolve themselves so easily,” he said softly to Obi-Wan. “Let us hope it is so. Being a Jedi means we honor connections.”
Obi-Wan nodded, yawning. It had been a long day. Slowly, his eyes closed. The gentle rocking of the structure soon lulled him to sleep. Qui-Gon felt himself beginning to slide into sleep as easily as he had slid into the warm lagoon.
He awoke with a start. He was instantly awake, alert for the next sound. He only heard silence, but he stood, his hand on his lightsaber.
Obi-Wan’s eyes flew open. He jumped soundlessly to his feet. Something was wrong.
The tiniest sounds alerted him, the softest ripple of water. Qui-Gon dashed to the other side of the floating shelter.
A group of Senalis paddled a boat quickly away, their skin smeared with white clay. A bound-and-gagged Leed sat slumped in the stern of the boat.
Qui-Gon searched for Leed’s craft, which should have been tied to the dock. It did not surprise him to see it gone. They had most likely sunk it in the lagoon.
It was too far to swim and catch them.
Leed had been kidnapped right under their noses, just as Qui-Gon was no doubt dreaming of a benevolent galaxy of stars.
10
“You are behind this!” Taroon shouted at Drenna. “You did this! I’m supposed to think he’s kidnapped, and you’re hiding him.”
“Your father did this, you fool!” Drenna shouted back. “You only pretended to go along with Leed’s decision!”
“That makes no sense at all,” Taroon said scornfully. “Leed was headed back to Rutan. Why would my father kidnap him?”
“Because it was too late to change the plan. I don’t know! All I know is that Leed is gone.” Drenna suddenly slumped on the deck. She did not weep, but she rubbed her hands up and down her arms compulsively. “My brother is gone.”
Was Drenna’s emotion genuine? Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon for a clue. He found himself adrift on this mission in more ways than one. He was not sure what anyone was feeling. He was not sure if anyone was telling the truth. But he was sorry to see that the truce between Drenna and Taroon had ended. Now they hated each other more than ever.
Qui-Gon crouched by Drenna’s side. “He was kidnapped by Senalis, Drenna,” he said gently. “He won’t be harmed.”
“How can you know this for sure?” she whispered. “What if Rutanians took him back to their planet? What if he gets thrown in jail?”
“I don’t know anything for sure,” Qui-Gon admitted. “But I do feel that Leed is safe, for the moment. The question is, why would Senalis kidnap him?”
“I don’t know,” Drenna said, shaking her head. “Leed’s decision has split many Senalis. Most believe he should remain, if he wishes. But there are some who do not want a Rutanian to live permanently on the planet.”