Chapter 29

/

"Master Skywalker, we're entering the Dathomir system," the pilot of their craft said over the comm.

Anakin stood to activate the comm in the holding area where he and Tristan were seated. "Thank you, Captain."

Tristan settled into his seat and secured his crash-webbing as Anakin then did the same.

"Still having bad feelings, Master?" the young man questioned.

Anakin didn't answer right away; he closed his eyes and reached out with the Force, probing the planet as best he could. When he sensed nothing definite, he opened his eyes.

"Not bad necessarily, just…uneasy," he decided on. "Keep your senses sharp when we get out there, and…"

"And what?" Tristan asked.

"Be ready for anything," Anakin instructed.

Tristan nodded just as they both felt the ship entering the atmosphere of Dathomir.

/

Anakin led Tristan down the ramp of their ship, his eyes taking in the dense forest in the distance before settling on the four women waiting expectantly a few feet away. The women were dressed in traditional reptile skins, thick robes, helmets with soaring antlers and all carried blasters.

He didn't need the Force to feel the barely contained hostility emanating from all but one of the women. Inhaling deeply, he whispered a silent prayer for the wisdom to handle the meeting with Mother Tuija.

"Welcome, Jedi," a young woman intoned lightly as she stepped forward, dipping her head formally. "I am Riema of the Singing Mountain Clan. I will be escorting you to the fortress."

"Riema," Anakin returned her greeting. "I am Master Anakin Skywalker and this is my student, Tristan Kenobi."

"Hello," Riema smiled at Tristan, her green eyes lighting with interest.

Tristan gazed at her in stunned silence, slowly taking in her beauty, earning hushed snickers from the three other women.

"P-p-pleased to meet you," he finally stammered, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. He had grown accustomed to young girl's attentions over the years, but never had a woman affected him so.

Anakin glanced at him sharply as Riema lead them to the rancors that would carry them to the fortress.

"It will be a short trip through the forest," she explained, easily climbing on her rancor. "We have prepared a special feast in your honor, we hope you will enjoy."

"I'm sure we will." Anakin replied. He glanced quickly at Tristan, perched atop his mount, staring at Riema with a dazed look on his face and sighed. This was a complication he definitely did not need.

/

Riema lead the way through the forest, followed by Anakin and Tristan, with two of the women flanking their sides, the third bringing up the rear. Anakin took in the sights and sounds of the native wildlife and vegetation, settling into a light meditative state.

He enjoyed the calm energy flowing throughout the planet, until they began their approach to the fortress. No announcement was necessary; for the peace began to evaporate into a dark malevolence the closer they came to the witches' home. The dark side was pulling at his senses. He recognized it well.

Anakin regained full awareness as they started up the trail.

"Where does the other path lead?" Tristan wondered aloud.

"To the slaves' quarters," the woman to his left answered in amusement.

"Oh."

Tristan exchanged an uneasy look with Anakin. He'd known about the slaves, of course, but he hadn't given much thought to the reality of the situation until that moment. He could clearly see the disgust on Anakin's face and he could feel his wish to do something about it.

Reaching the fortress, they quickly dismounted and were lead inside the triangular building. In the center of the room, a large animal roasted while two men basted and turned the spit. Several dozen women were scattered throughout the room, watching the guests wearily.

The woman from the hologram immediately stepped forward, a warm smile on her aged face. "Greetings, I am Mother Tuija. I welcome you on behalf of the nine clans of Nightsisters."

Anakin introduced himself and Tristan as Tuija led them to several leather cushions in the back of the room.

"I did not expect Master Yoda to send..." she paused, considering her words,"…two male Jedi."

Anakin bit back a retort as he settled on the cushion. He could feel her unease and awkwardness and knew it was because she was being forced to negotiate with two men. Serves her right," he thought to himself.

"Master Yoda felt you may be more comfortable dealing with the men in the Order in the future if you met with two now."

"Humph," Tuija sniffed. "Perhaps I'll understand that decision as time passes. As you know, the men of Dathomir are treated quite differently."

Anakin nodded, shifting uneasily on his cushion. "Yes, I'm aware."

"What time are you set to depart for Coruscant?" Tuija asked, getting right down to business. "We hope you will be willing to stay for this evening's feast but we can have them ready…"

"Actually, a final decision has not yet been made," Anakin interrupted.

"I beg your pardon?" Tuija stiffened. "Why else have you come if not to collect our female children and their mothers?"

Anakin inhaled deeply, pushing back the flash of anger threatening to overwhelm him at Tuija's disdainful attitude towards the males. He cleared his throat, and his thoughts, before he answered.

"We have several concerns," he began evenly. "First, your history of…using spells."

"That's our heritage," Tuija pointed out.

"They would not be permitted," Anakin continued firmly. "A Jedi may use the Force for guidance, strength and defense, never for personal gain."

Tuija sighed heavily.

"I'm sure our children can become accustomed to that," she replied. "What else?"

"If we train your children, they will be trained at one of our undisclosed training academies where visits from parents or other clan members would not be permitted."

Tuija's head snapped up in horror. Her eyes glittered with anger.

"What!" she exclaimed. "How can that be a condition when I know full well the Jedi Order has been allowing parents to be a part of their children's lives and training for years?"

"You can't argue your children would be special cases," Anakin replied. "They were born to women who've spent their entire lives using the…," he paused, not wanting to completely offend his host. "Using spells the Jedi would consider inappropriate."

"They have not been trained to use spells yet and you will instruct them not to," Tuija flared indignantly. "Their mothers should not be excluded."

"Perhaps," Anakin conceded. "But providing the children with exposure to your culture and traditions could put our teachings in jeopardy. That is why we cannot risk the children having any contact with their clans until their training is complete. I'm afraid that this condition is non-negotiable."

Tuija clenched her jaw in frustration. "Anything else?"

"One more thing," Anakin steeled himself for her reaction. "The Jedi Order does not discriminate, and we feel that your male children should have the same opportunity as the females."

Tuija gapped at him slack-jawed. "What?"

"The male children should have…"

"I heard you," Tuija snapped. "I was just hoping I'd heard wrong."

She glanced around the room. "There is no reason for the males to be part of the training. They are quite satisfied with their lives as they are."

Tristan snorted earning a sharp kick from Anakin.

"Nevertheless, it should be considered," he argued.

Tuija studied him silently for a few moments.

"Very well," she finally said, rising from her cushion. "I will bring your conditions to the attention of the other clan leaders."

She waved Riema over.

"Escort the two Jedi to their sleeping quarters," she ordered before turning back to face Anakin. "I will summon you when our meeting is concluded."

Anakin nodded, bowing politely.

Riema motioned for them to stand, her eyes never leaving Tristan. "This way, please."

Anakin and Tristan followed her the short distance to their quarters. She moved aside to allow them to enter. Anakin thanked her politely and stepped inside, missing the heated look that passed between Riema and his apprentice.