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“Assassinate them,” Harrar answered from his cushion. “Or at least, as many as possible.”

Nom Anor nodded. “Such an event would prove demoralizing to countless populations. If even the Jedi could be brought down, what hope could there be for the rest? Confidence in the Jedi and the Force would be dealt an irreversible blow. Worlds would begin to capitulate without a fight. Supreme Overlord Shimrra could be apprised that our mission has been executed ahead of schedule, and that we await his coming.”

Elan looked from Harrar to Nom Anor and back again. “What part am I to play in all this?”

The priest moved forward, until he was hovering before her. “One for which a priestess of the deception sect is uniquely suited.”

FOUR

Han stood on the brink, with the tips of his knee-high black boots projecting over the edge of the natural bridge. The voices of his friends were distant enough to be indistinct. Fog that had clung to the giant trees all morning was falling like fat drops of rain. At once rank and perfumed, the breath of Kashyyyk’s perilous and impenetrable underworld made his head swim. Nearby, a pair of kroyie birds rode updrafts in an oblique ray of sunlight.

With deliberate intent Han let go of a piece of wroshyr bark he had been turning about in his hands and watched it fall from sight. That section of the bridge lacked anything in the way of a railing, and nothing stood between him and the abyss.

“You’ll want to watch that first step, flyboy,” Leia said from behind him.

Han gave a start but didn’t turn around. “Funny thing is, ground zero’s always a lot closer than you think.”

Leia’s footsteps drew nearer. “Even if that’s true, you might want to consider a sturdy pair of repulsor boots.”

He aimed a skewed grin over his shoulder. Kashyyyk’s humidity had fashioned a mane of Leia’s long hair, and updrafts tugged at her flowing skirt and sleeveless blouse.

“No need to worry, sweetheart. I’m already down there.”

Leia came alongside him and glanced warily over the edge. “And I thought the view from our apartment was unnerving …” She took gentle hold of Han’s arm and eased him back from the edge. “You’re making me nervous.”

“That’s gotta be a first.” He forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

Leia’s brow furrowed. “Are you, Han? I heard about what happened with Malla and Waroo.”

He shook his head in renewed agitation. “I have to put an end to this life-debt business once and for all.”

“Just give it time. They’ll understand. Remember when I couldn’t even go to the ’fresher without Khabarakh or one of the other Noghri insisting on accompanying me?”

“Yeah, and you’ve still got the Noghri bodyguarding you. Not to take anything away from all they’ve done for you.”

“I know what you’re getting at.”

Han shook his head. “Uh-uh, you don’t know what I’m getting at. See, you could probably command the Noghri to stay away from you. But Wookiees are different. If you think that Lowbacca or Waroo are going to let this slide, you’d better think again.”

Leia crossed her arms and grinned. “Okay. So as soon as we get back to Coruscant I’ll have Cal Omas or someone propose legislation that limits the terms of a Wookiee life debt.”

“And risk angering Councilor Triebakk? Forget it. I’ll deal with this in my own way.”

Chilled by Han’s scowl, Leia straightened her smile. “I didn’t mean to sound flippant, Han. I understand what you’re feeling. Today couldn’t have been easy for you.”

He averted his gaze. “I wish I understood what I was feeling. I thought the ceremony would help put things to rest, but it’s only made matters worse. Maybe if I’d been able to retrieve Chewie’s body and there’d been some kind of funeral …” He allowed his words to trail off, then shook his head angrily. “What am I talking about? It’s more than missing out on some ritual.”

Leia waited for him to continue.

“I know I can’t change what happened at Sernpidal, but I blame myself for getting us into that fix to begin with.”

“You were trying to save lives, Han.”

“And a lot of good it did anyone.”

“Have you told Anakin that you