Chapter 30


Through the hustle to exit the chamber Julian pushed himself to Adia's side. The girl looked pale, as if to pass out at any given moment.

"Are you alright?" He asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Everything," she murmured. "It's all so crazy."

Julian chuckled.

"Yes, the board has no idea what to do. It seems that they're more worried about the sphere then they are of you."

Adia rolled her eyes as she gave way to a slight smile.

"Well from the gist I've gotten, I take it the so called Shul is easier replaced than the sphere."

Julian chuckled again, taking her into a warm embrace.

"Well no matter what Adia, you can live in assurance with the fact that I am your protector."

Adia snorted, going to say something in return but then changed her mind. Julian decided to let her be and the two journeyed the remainder of the way in silence.

"These are your quarters." Julian finally said, drawing them to a halt. The two guards who stood at the entranceway had now departed so Julian entered, giving the room a quick examination before allowing her in.

"It's getting late, I'd advise that you sleep." He signalled to the bed. "The maids have provided you with night wear that I'm sure you won't have any trouble getting into. If you need anything, my quarters are down the hall."

"Thank you Julian."

Adia whispered, giving him a weary smile that told him that she was utterly exhausted.

"You'll have a maid sent to you in the morning to get you up and started for the day. So until then goodnight Adia."

Julian departed, making his way to his own quarters where he suddenly realized indeed how drained of energy he was.

His quarters were untouched, everything the same as when he left.

The Gungan yawned, glad to be back in the place he knew.

He trailed across his bedroom strewing himself across his bed where he just lay there, staring at the ceiling. It wasn't until he suddenly remembered something that he finally got up again.

From his desk across the room he found the bracelet that his father gave to him. It was beautiful and made of pure gold entwined into a pattern of what looked like a vine of some sort. This was something of great value. Something Julian guessed his father had tailor made. To Julian, its purpose was clear.


Lord Yah approached the girl's quarters. He gave a quiet tap on the door before letting himself in.

Adia stood from her sitting position on the bed.

"No need." He stated, allowing her to sit again. "I wanted to see that you have settled. That is all."

The girl rested back down on the bed giving him a meek smile.

"A little, I guess."

She shifted, obviously uncomfortable in his presence. The prophet was not in the least bit surprised. His rather demanding presence always had that effect on others.

He calmly placed himself down on the bed's end.

"That was quite an upheaval you created in the board meeting. Prince Sei'ghier and I were just discussing it."

"Oh." The girl shifted again, "I am sorry."

"It is fine. I must admit, the board is hardly like that. It is unfortunate that you had to witness a performance of such. Adia, your argument seemed to me quite strong. As if you are sure of something that we are not."

The girl was silent for a moment.

"Is there anything that you should tell me?" the prophet questioned.

The girl shifted, unsure at first but then spoke.

"The Orban told me that when I got to where I was going he would contact me. I don't know where or when that is. All I know is that I need to be somewhere."

"Ah, you have encountered the Orban." Lord Yah hummed. "They speak in riddles don't they."

"Yes," she breathed. "I am so confused."

The prophet chuckled.

"No doubt you are, Adia. You are facing a situation that takes years of training from childhood to control. In normal circumstances you would have been given up for lost and we would have waited for the next Shul to come along. But it is obvious that the Orban have a purpose for you otherwise they would have not revealed you to the Guardian, Er Shua. Now you have years worth of training and learning to be done in the expanse of a very little time. No one is sure if you will be ready to face your task in time. Now do you see why we are all worried?"

The girl went pale. Lord Yah gave her a reassuring smile.

"But I am sure they will know when you are ready and they will contact you in due time. In the meantime though, you have Julian, he is a fine warrior. He lives to bring honour to you, he will serve you well."

Lord Yah stood again, guiding Adia beneath the bed sheets.

"But for now you must sleep. I bid you goodnight, daughter."