Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 04_ Lightsabers - Kevin J. Anderson [62]
"And I think you may teach many a future opponent that one cannot judge a warrior's worth by her outward appearance," her father added, hugging her. "Never be ashamed of what you are-or who you are."
When Luke Skywalker had returned in the Shadow Chaser to take Tenel Ka and the other young Jedi Knights back to Yavin 4, there had been no mistaking her parents' pride. Her mother's final whispered words still echoed through her mind: "May the Force be with you."
Now, after a good night's rest in familiar quarters, Tenel Ka felt ready to take her next step to recovery. She stood and stretched, delighting in the well-controlled response of her muscles.
She spent the next few minutes ransacking her belongings until she had collected the objects she needed. She found her remaining rancor-tooth trophy wrapped in its supple leather covering. She tucked it under the stump of her severed arm-not a completely useless limb after all, she noted with some satisfaction-while she searched for another item. When at last she located the jewel-encrusted tiara from Hapes, which her grandmother had insisted she take, she placed the two articles side by side on a tiny worktable in the corner and studied them.
Both objects were symbols of who she was, of her upbringing. The rancor's tooth came from Dathomir, a planet that was wild, untamed, fierce, and proud. The tiara symbolized her Hapan inheritance: regal bearing, refinement, power, wealth, and political shrewdness.
Tenel Ka had long believed that honoring one part of her heritage implied that she must dishonor the other. Just as she had believed that trusting in the Force implied a lack of trust in herself. Wincing at the thought, she was compelled to acknowledge that she had actually gained wisdom from the loss of her arm. She knew now that she had to use every ability she possessed-including her talent with the Force-to become the best possible Jedi.
But what of her heritage? she thought, picking up the rancor's tooth and turning it over in her palm.
Hapes and Dathomir. Could she combine the best of both? She was, after all, only one person.
Coming to a decision, she grasped the rancor tooth tightly, lifted it over her head, and brought it smashing down on the glittering, jewel-studded tiara. The delicate crown broke into pieces.
Tenel Ka hammered again and again until bits of precious metal and gems I-ay strewn across the tiny table., Yes, she decided. She was a product of two worlds, and she would learn to blend the best of her mother's and her father's. She laid down the rancor's tooth and reached for the other items she had assembled.
Then, selecting the f' inest jewels from her Hapan tiara, she began to build her new lightsaber.
Brilliant morning sunlight played across the top of the Great Temple and filtered through Tenel Ka's partially braided hair to form a red-gold nimbus around her. Jacen stood about a meter away, facing her, a gentle breeze ruffling his unruly brown curls.
His face was filled with apprehension.
"You sure you want to do this?" he asked.
"Yes," she said simply, though she felt an uncertain fluttering in the pit of her stomach.
"Well, I'm not sure I can go through with it," he said in a low voice.
"You? But why-"
"Blaster bolts! The last time we did this, I ended up - - ." Jacen's voice trailed off and he looked significantly at what remained of her arm.
"Ah," Tenel Ka said. "Aha."
"So I'm asking you if you're sure," Jacen said, "because I'm not."
Gray eyes searched brandy-brown while Tenel Ka considered this. Her throat was tight with unaccustomed emotion when she finally spoke.
"Jacen, my friend, I know of no better way to show that I trust you... that I do not blame you for what happened."
Jacen's face was solemn as he nodded his acceptance. "Thank you." He let his eyes fall half shut and took a deep breath.