Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 07_ Shards of Alderaan - Kevin J. Anderson [3]
"Come here, ronto," Jacen coaxed. Although he didn't know the creature's name, he knew that most animals could recognize a kind, understanding voice. "Come here, boy-it's okay."
The reptilian beast had plowed a wide swath through the underbrush, knocking branches aside, crushing weeds, uprooting vines. Jacen stepped over a broken tree trunk and waded through mashed bushes, sidestepping the deep footprints squished into the moist ground. The ronto's trail certainly wasn't difficult to follow!
He crept forward, sending out soothing thoughts... though he doubted the distressed ronto could sense him yet. Jacen knew the creature had a kind disposition and sincerely wanted to help, though it didn't seem to comprehend its handlers' instructions most of the time.
After nearly an hour, Jacen spotted the huge beast and approached it quietly. It had stumbled into a thicket and now stood trembling and exhausted, its sides heaving. Rows of peglike teeth glinted as the ronto opened and closed its mouth. Rivers of drool poured down onto the lush weeds.
The creature's leathery hide rippled as it shivered with fear.
'It's all right. Good boy," Jacen said, creeping closer.
The ronto turned its huge crested head, its giant eyes rolling....
Jacen approached with calm confidence, sending soothing thoughts. The creature could probably bite off his head with one snap of its jaws, but Jacen knew the ronto wouldn't do that. He knew it meant no harm.
The beast had been frightened by the accident, and Jacen sensed the dim fear that it would be punished for its clumsiness. But Jacen cooed, easing forward.
"Hey, want to hear a joke? Um... why did the ronto run into the jungle?"
He took another step. 'Uh, I don't know-I haven't thought of a punch line yet. Got any ideas?"
The ronto eyed him warily and then, sensing that Jacen was a friend after all, suddenly became cheerful again, eager to please. It bent down and snorted.
"It's all right,' Jacen said again. 'We still want your help. You haven't been bad. It was just an accident. You do great work."
He could feel the ronto's happiness as he gave it that small nugget of appreciation.
"You're very strong."
Finally reaching its side, Jacen stroked a rough leathery flank. The ronto leaned down to sniff him. He patted the beast's head crest.
"Would you like to help us?" he said. 'Do you want to work? We'd really like that. It's very important work."
Jacen sensed understanding going off like fireworks in the creature's mind, and he was almost overwhelmed by the exuberance.
Work, work, work, work!
The ronto wanted to be useful, wanted to show its strength and its willingness to help out. It liked to haul objects for its masters. But it had been confused by complicated tasks and too many strangers giving too many instructions all at once.
"It's okay," Jacen said. "We'll give you some good work to do, and we'll be happy to have your help."
The ronto flared its head crest, and Jacen decided he could take the creature back to the Great Temple now-but it was a long walk. Silently asking its permission, he climbed up onto the beast's back. Why not ride in style?
The ronto seemed utterly delighted to be put into service for such a task, and pranced proudly back through the jungle toward the Great Temple.
A COLD BLACKNESS surrounded Zekk, like the impenetrable depths of a forest in which he had lost his way. Like deep space, endless and dark....
Though immersed in frigid shadows, his body burned with fever. He didn't know where he was. Drenched with perspiration, Zekk longed for a cool breeze, or at least the comfort of darkness.
But the darkness held no real comfort, no peace. He knew that now. He had been so easily fooled.
A red beam, bright as a laser, stabbed his eyes, illuminating a dream jungle around him. No path led through the tangle of undergrowth.