III
Hapes, The Reef Fortress grounds
Tenel Ka approached her magnificent animal with grace. Her Majesty deserved the best and was provided the best. With its rare reddish hued hair, "Rogon" the rancor was beautiful. It was also well trained and, best of all, it was her own. She stroked its mane as it lowered its head in subservience to her will, losing herself – just for a moment – in the colours that flared through it. It was a recent gift from Dathomir, in accordance to her new treaty with the Witches that inhabited the planet.
Tenel was not sure whether the rancor purred, but she liked to think so. As it stood again, she could see the power in the monster's legs and wondered how the rancor was trained.
While Tenel was attentive to the rancor, her doorman appeared.
"We have a visitor, Your Highness," he said. "Master Luke Skywalker has arrived and would like to see you."
Master Luke Skywalker? She had not seen him for months. Her daughter's uncle had never been to her private island sanctuary before. What has finally brought him here?
"Please let him enter and make him comfortable in the Family Room."
The Royal Family Room looked more like a grand ballroom. When they were seated in the privacy of her living space, it was Master Luke who initiated the conversation.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for agreeing to see me at such short notice."
"Don't be silly, Master Luke. What brings you here?"
"I am just returning from Zonama Sekot. The Planet is very worried and disturbed by what's happening in the Galaxy at the moment."
Strangely, Tenel felt a ghost ache in the arm that was no longer there. She cupped the stump, leaned back in her chair and sighed. She looked at Master Luke, whom she had known as Uncle Luke in the not-so-distant past, for a few long moments. Whenever they met he usually beamed reassurance and hope. But today he seemed unsure and afraid. He looked much older.