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When Tenel Ka and Jacen had both composed themselves, they went in search of Jaina and Lowbacca. Then Tenel Ka took the companions on a whirlwind tour of the Fountain Palace, ending at her own chambers. Because chattering went against her nature, the descriptions she provided were brief and succinct.

When they were alone in her rooms, Tenel Ka showed them her favorite-and most privateplace in the Fountain Palace, a completely enclosed terrace garden at the center of her suite of rooms.

The three-story-high ceiling was domed, and could be adjusted to simulate any kind of weather and any time of day or night.

The garden room was fifty meters across, its curved walls decorated with scenes from Dathomir.

Teffaced planters held bushes and trees, cunningly arranged to look as if they were part of the painted primitive landscapes.

At the middle of the garden, smooth stone benches surrounded a tiny artificial lake. Centered in the crystal-clear water, like a miniature volcano emerging from a primordial sea, stood a peaked island with a real waterfall flowing down one side.

"I come here when my heart is heavy, or whenever I miss my mother's homeworld."

"Beautiful," Jaina whispered.

Warmed by her friend's approval, Tenel Ka took a seat on one of the stone benches and gestured for the others to join her. "We may speak freely here," she said, "and I will answer your questions."

And so the friends talked, more frankly than they had ever dared before, until Tenel Ka's grandmother arrived to summon them to evening meal.

"The banquet hall is ready," Ta'a Chume announced.

Tenel Ka's jaw took on a stubborn set. For the first time since her return to Hapes, she felt alive.

How could her grandmother interrupt now? "We would prefer to eat in privacy," Tenel Ka said, knowing that she was displaying an appalling lack of courtly manners. But she didn't care.

The matriarch gave her granddaughter a smug smile. "I've already taken care of that," she said. "I sent away all my attendants and advisors for the evening."

This was an old game that she and her grandmother played-who could outmaneuver whomand Tenel Ka took up the challenge. "Then it should be no problem if we choose to eat here."

"Oh, but the serving droids have already gone into the banquet hall," the former queen objected.

"The meal will be served directly on the hour."

Tenel Ka saw Jaina glance at her chronometer.

"But that's only five minutes from now," Jaina said, her eyes registering surprise. "I'll need some time to wash up first."

Lowie grunted his agreement, and Jacen said, "Hey, me too. - I think we'd all be a lot more comfortable if we weren't so formal on our first night here. " His grin, aimed at Ta'a Chume, was charming and infectious. "And we're all pretty tired from our travels."

Flashing Tenel Ka a look that said she would not give in so easily next time, the matriarch nodded.

"Very well, then. I will have the serving droids sent in."

Ta'a Chume withdrew from Tenel Ka's private sanctuary, and they all relaxed, glad of the reprieve.

Tenel Ka looked gratefully around at her friends and then said, "Let me show you to the refresher units before our meal arrives." She had just stood up to lead them to the door when suddenly the polished stone shook beneath her feet. An ear-splitting roar rent the air, along with a heavy blast, throwing Tenel Ka to her knees.

Lowbacca yelped with alarm, and Em Teedee replied, "Dear me, yes! Master Lowbacca wishes to inquire as to the origins of all this noise and commotion."

"Yeah," Jacen said, "you didn't warn us you had groundquakes."

Tenel Ka looked back to see the Wookiee scrambling to his feet and helping the twins back up as well. "That was no groundquake," she said, grimly launching herself toward the door. "Come with me.

Tenel Ka's heart raced, though not with exertion, as the four of them pelted down the corridor toward the private dining hall. Thick smoke billowed from the far end of the vaulted passageway. She felt her stomach clench.

Her dread lessened