Star Wars_ The Black Fleet Crisis 03_ Tyrant's Test - Michael P. Kube-McDowell [99]
“This is Wialu, who marked the way for me,” she said brightly, her voice thick with emotion. “And this is Nori—Norika, my friend of long ago.” She looked from one to the other, first left, then right, with an almost disbelieving expression in her eyes. Then she smiled a giddy smile and looked toward Luke. “Yes, Luke—I am real, and they are real. And I am finally home.”
Wialu released Akanah’s hand and came forward to where a stunned Luke stood.
“You helped our child Akanah return to us,” she said. “We are grateful to you for that. Akanah tells us the burden was taken freely, but the risk and sacrifice were substantial. Is there a debt owed?”
“What?” Luke searched Akanah’s face. “Not a debt, no.”
Wialu nodded. “You are the man of honor that she said you were,” she said. “Your friendship to the Fallanassi will be remembered.”
“Thank you,” Luke said uncertainly.
“Your ship must be removed from here as soon as possible,” she said. “It has already been a disruption, and its presence threatens what we do here.”
“Of course,” Luke said. “Just show me where you’d like me to move it to—”
“It must leave the planet,” said Wialu. “Its, presence in the temple is intolerable, but even elsewhere it would be a danger.”
“It’s Akanah’s ship.”
“She has given it to you, in gratitude,” said Wialu. “But it is also simple pragmatism that she do so.”
Luke squinted. “Are you telling me I have to leave?”
“I am grateful for your understanding.”
Luke looked again to Akanah, expecting her to speak out. “I can’t do that,” he said. “Akanah isn’t the only one who came here hoping for a reunion—I’m searching for someone, too. Her name is Nashira.”
Wialu’s expression did not change, but she inclined her head back almost imperceptibly, as though listening to something Luke could not hear.
“I am sorry,” she said. “I do not say I know the name—I do not say that I do not know the name. I cannot help you.”
“I can’t accept that,” Luke said. “If she’s here, you have to at least tell her that I’m here. If she isn’t—” He shook his head as though throwing off a thought. “I’m her son.”
Wialu turned her head as though listening to someone behind her. “I’m sorry,” she said at last. “My answer must be the same.”
Luke stepped past her in the direction of Akanah, then stopped and turned back. “It’s not a debt,” he said, “but it was a promise. Akanah said that she would help me find Nashira. She thought we would find her here with you.”
“Is this true?” Wialu asked, looking past him to Akanah.
“It is,” she said. “His loss has been longer and more profound than mine. He has been separated from the Current and ignorant of the Creed. I had hoped to bring him to them.”
“Reckless,” said Wialu, shaking her head. “We will speak of this later.” She turned to Luke. “I am oath-bound. None of us can betray another to outsiders, by denial or by affirmation. Akanah cannot make such a promise, and such a promise cannot bind me.”
“I’m not asking you to betray your oath. All you need to do is tell Nashira that Luke is here, and let her decide what to do.” He looked past her, sweeping his gaze across the ruins. “Or let me tell her. Bring her here and let her see. She can choose.”
“That is impossible,” Wialu said. “You speak a name, and if I give that name meaning, I have given you power over she who carries it. I’m sorry. I cannot help an outsider.”
“He’s not an outsider,” said Akanah, letting go of Norika’s hand and advancing on Wialu. “He asked to learn the ways of the Current, and I have taken him as my student.”
“This is also impossible,” said Wialu, “for you are but an untrained child yourself.”
Akanah’s eyes flashed anger. Her hand shot out and grabbed Luke’s wrist. “You do not understand the importance of his presence,” she said darkly. “You do not