Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 04_ Backlash - Aaron Allston [32]
Tribeless Sha stood with Han, Leia, Luke, Ben, and Dyon. “They are the Raining Leaves Clan. Very traditional, women in charge. They suffered a disaster about ten years ago, no one of the clan talks about it with outsiders. But we think their senior Witches all died then. We are now well north of their territory; I do not know why they are here.”
Luke put on a cheerful expression. “Then let’s ask them.”
“They will not tell you. Traditional, as I said.”
Luke turned and moved toward the captured Witches; the others followed. He stood before the black-haired woman who had been pacing him and Ben all this time, but it was the woman with the broken arm who spoke first: “If you kill us, the rancors will eat you whole. Only our will keeps them at bay.”
Luke gave her a look of mild reproach. “I think you know that three rancors are no match for three Jedi, much less the sort of people who travel with Jedi. But thank you for the warning. We actually have no intention of killing you. In fact, this woman”—he indicated the black-haired Witch—“has been very cordial, in a way. Until this ambush, she’d tried several times to dissuade us without harming us.”
The woman with the broken arm turned a scornful look on her near twin, as did a lean, blond-haired Witch, whose green-red-yellow diagonally striped hide garments suggested a venomous serpent was their unwilling donor.
Luke continued, “Why did you switch tactics?”
“You would not be dissuaded.” The black-haired woman looked regretful. Her voice was throaty and low, like that of a back-alley cabaret singer. “You could not be allowed to proceed.”
“Why?”
She did not answer.
Luke sighed. He sat before her. “If we don’t talk, we’re not going to find common ground. Let’s start with introductions. I’m Luke Skywalker.”
That got a reaction. The Witches exchanged glances. Pressing his advantage, Luke continued, “And here are Leia and Han Solo, my sister and brother-in-law, and my son, Ben. And, presumably, Han and Leia’s escorts.”
“I am Kaminne Sihn. I am head of the Raining Leaves Clan.” With a nod, she indicated the woman with streaked hair. “My sister, Olianne, our war-leader.” She looked in turn to the woman with the viperous garments and the stoutest Witch. “Halliava Vurse, chief trainer of scouts, and Firen Nuln, trainer of rancors.”
Olianne, suddenly urgent, leaned close to her sister. Luke could barely hear her words: “Do not be moved by who they are. It does not matter who they are.”
“It does matter.” Kaminne’s expression became thoughtful. “In a way, these events would not be taking place without Luke Skywalker. I can declare him and his friends counselors.”
“Do not.”
Luke remained silent. The argument seemed to be leaning in his favor. He decided not to put any influence into the Force; these women might have enough sensitivity to detect manipulation on his part.
Kaminne nodded, decisive. “I so decree.” She fixed Luke with a stare. “You may untie us now.”
“Thank you. Please continue.” Luke made no motion to rise.
“You are now part of this meeting of clans. As counselors, you bear some responsibility for its success or failure. It would not do for you to show up with the leaders of the Raining Leaves in bonds, in your custody.”
Luke considered. He sensed no duplicity in the woman’s words. She was clearly jockeying with him for power in this situation, but if he kept her as a prisoner, he might do more harm than good.
He looked up at his companions. “Sha?”
Sha moved behind the line of prisoners and, one by one, cut their bonds. While she was about that task, Luke rose and moved a few steps away with his comrades. “You know what I like about coming to worlds so backrocket that no one watches the news broadcasts?”
Han shook his head. “What?”
“No one ever says, You look taller on the ’Net. Say, you didn’t bring any tools, did you? Replacement circuitry, soldering gear? Our lightsabers are out of commission.”
Han nodded. “There’s a kit in what