Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 02_ Shadow Academy - Kevin J. Anderson [43]
He turned on the comm. "Enough!" he said, and disabled the holographic disguise generator.
The twins cried out, then sprang apart, astonished to discover they'd been fighting each other.
After a few moments Brakiss switched off the intercom, not wanting to listen to the children's outraged cries anymore. He shrugged and smiled at Qorl. "I did promise to let her see her brother. I don't know why she should be so upset."
Qorl turned away and walked toward the exit, so Brakiss would not see the depth of his uncertainty. The harsh treatment of Jacen and Jaina disturbed him, affecting him against his wishes.
"Their training is coming along quite nicely," Brakiss said as Qorl reached the door. "I am pleased with their progress. They will become great Dark Jedi in our service."
Qorl made a noncommittal reply as he slipped out and closed the door behind him.
17
Tenel Ka and Luke rode astride a young rancor that had not yet been marked to show ownership by any particular clan.
The night air was warm and still heavy with moisture from the unnatural storm Vonnda Ra and her student Vilas had called up. Dathomir's two moons floated in and out of wispy clouds, shedding a diffuse pearly light on their path.
Tenel Ka sat in front of Luke on the whuffa-hide saddle, guiding the rancor steadily in the direction of the Great Canyon. She was a good rider, and she knew it. She had to admit that it felt good to demonstrate to Master Skywalker that she was an expert at something.
A light breeze rustled the leaves of the low bushes around them, so that when Luke leaned forward to whisper in her ear, Tenel Ka hardly heard him at first. "I had to kill a rancor once," he said. "It was a shame-they're such fine creatures."
"Even so," Tenel Ka answered, "they are dangerous to those who are not their friends."
Luke was silent for a while. "I've fought many battles," he said at last,
"and yes, I have had to kill. But I've learned from the light side of the Force that it's better to do everything in my power first to ... turn a situation-"
"But surely," Tenel Ka interrupted, "a Nightsister-or anyone else seduced by the dark side-would not hesitate to kill you."
"Exactly!" Luke's soft exclamation took her by surprise. "Now you begin to understand," he said. "Those who use the light side do not believe the same things as those who use the dark side. But we can only demonstrate our differences by acting on our beliefs. Otherwise . . . we're not so different after all."
"Ah. Aha," Tenel Ka said. "Just as I struggle to show that I am different from my grandmother on Hapes. . . ." Her voice trailed off. "Yes, I see now."
In spite of the darkness, their surefooted rancor picked its way steadily down the steep path that led to the floor of the Great Canyon. During their descent, they spotted a cluster of more than a dozen campfires, and knew that they had found the Nightsisters' encampment.
By the time they reached the canyon floor, both Luke and Tenel Ka were sore and aching and weary. The air was cool, with a light mist hovering close to the ground, and they were both glad of the warm cloaks that Augwynne had pressed on them during their rushed preparations for departure. She had given them each a change of clothes appropriate to their cover story, along with a bag of provisions. Then she had hugged Tenel Ka fiercely. "Daughter of my daughters daughter," she said, "go in safety. The thoughts of the Singing Mountain Clan are with you." She turned to Luke. "And may the Force be with you."
Augwynne had released Tenel Ka and spoke again to her. "I am proud of what you do for your friends. You are a true warrior woman of our clan.
Always remember our most sacred rule from the Book of Laws: 'Never concede to evil.'"
Now, as they drew closer to that evil, Tenel Ka shivered and pulled her cloak more tightly about her. She wondered if they would find Lowbacca, Jacen, and Jaina at the camp