Chapter Eight

The evening air was crisp and full of moisture as it usually was on Naboo. The closest waterfall to the palace was Virdugo, and it was large enough to be heard throughout Theed as well as create a constant veil of moisture hanging above the city, especially during the evening hours. It was the main reason the nights of Naboo were especially cool, and why Captain Panaka had chosen to light the fire in the pit where our gathering would take place.

On one side of the circle of stones was where Master Yoda and I had sat. Captain Panaka had soon joined us, and much to my surprise, Qui-Gon had as well.

"Master," I greeted him warmly. "I'm most pleased to see you doing so well, and you've taken up flying, I see."

"Once I have my legs back, I'll get rid of this blasted thing," he said, slapping the side of the hover-chair, "so take it easy on me, Obi-Wan."

I had worried that my pursuit of the Suŗa had damaged our relationship beyond repair, but according to the twinkle in Qui-Gon's eye, I was relieved to see I was wrong in that as well. Throughout my apprenticeship, I had often tried to brighten his mood by telling a joke or using a satirical phrase. Most of the time, it worked, though sometimes he had called me out for not taking things as seriously as I should. Thankfully, this was not one of those times. Although this was a serious situation, he appeared far less worried about it than he'd been the last time I'd seen him.

As the tower in Theed Plaza chimed the last tone of mid-evening, Queen Amidala and her First Handmaiden approached. They sat across from us, next to Captain Panaka. Master Yoda was the first to speak.

"Understand the reason for this meeting, all do. Questions now may be asked. Your Majesty now is the time. Ask anything in regards to this ancient Jedi tradition you may."

The anger was gone from her face, which had been cleaned of all traces of paint. Without it, she looked much younger and far more vulnerable. However, just as the Trade Federation had learned, I knew that underneath her child-like exterior beat the heart of a cunning warrior – someone who was brave enough to fight a battle-hardened droid army with a handful of soldiers, a herd of natives, and a couple of Jedi.

I was doing my best to appear calm, but underneath the layers of my Jedi uniform, my heart was racing. I had no idea what she was going to ask, if she had already made up her mind, or was still undecided. It was up to Master Yoda at this point.

"If I accept, Obi-Wan is still a Jedi, is that correct?"

I didn't expect her to ask that. Was she worried about my qualifications?

"Already considered a Knight, Obi-Wan is. The moment he parted from his Master to pursue the Suŗa, advance in rank, he did. The Declaration of Acceptance, only ensures his life as a Jedi continues. A different status he will have. A Jedi Protector, will he become. No longer responsible for the galaxy's safety will he be, but yours alone."

She shook her head as if the very concept was alien and difficult to comprehend. I had come to accept the terms of the Suŗa long ago and needed to remember that she was just now hearing of it. Of course, she was finding it difficult.

"And what if I refuse?"

The question rattled my nerves and caused my Master to cast me a look of concern. During his stay in the Med Center, our training bond was no longer required and had been eliminated. He could no longer feel what I did, but he knew me well enough to read my expression. He knew I was concerned, but then the corner of his mouth drew up in a brief smile and I automatically relaxed. Just that one simple gesture told me everything was going to be okay. Trust in the Force, he had said to me without saying a word. Yes, Master, I replied through my own brief smile.

"Time for truth, this is. Return to the Temple, Obi-Wan cannot. His path, somewhere else it will lie. During the entire history, only once has a sobatí refused. Common, it is not."

I didn't know this story and I wanted to hear it. I had found no record of any such history concerning a refusal. I was dying of curiosity and it wasn't being sated quickly enough to suit me. Master Yoda had paused for so long, either he didn't know the answer himself or he didn't want to tell us.

"Please, Master Yoda, continue," the Queen prompted quietly. "I need to know."

"Knight Kronn his name was. Arnis Kronn. A fierce and cunning warrior he was. The Force, led him to the Princess of Abamar, it did. His sobatí she would be, but refused, she did. Soon after, disappeared into Wild Space, Kronn did. Went mad and flew into a black hole some say."

Wait a second. Did the denial drive him insane or was he already insane to begin with?

"An incomplete bond, Obi-Wan has. Refusal, your choice it is, but understand you must. His future, unsettled and unsure it will become. A Jedi without a purpose, open to the Dark Side they will be."

I closed my eyes to desperately find my center. It was worse than I thought, but if this was my fate, I would face it with as much courage as was within me. There is no death, there is only the Force. The mantra I had learned in the crèche kept repeating in my mind while I waited on the next question or her final answer. I had a bad feeling I was doomed to darkness or madness and held my breath when the young woman opened her mouth.

"I accept."

My eyes flew open. Maybe I had only heard that answer in my head since it was what I was needing to hear so badly. And yet, I couldn't ask her to repeat it. Thankfully, Master Yoda did that for me.

"Certain you are? Understand the new responsibilities put upon Obi-Wan, you do?"

For the first time since joining our circle, she looked straight at me, her dark eyes brightened by the firelight. "I don't understand much of anything, but I won't be responsible for the demise of another innocent life. I don't know you very well, Obi-Wan, but I hope we can become friends."

Her smile shone brightly in the darkness and matched the joy that flooded my soul. I could feel the bond flare to new life, although it had yet reached completion. I was unsure of when or how that was going to happen, but certainly, time would be the best teacher.

"Is that all?" she asked suddenly, focusing once more on Master Yoda. "Isn't there a type of ceremonial chant or something?"

"Finished, we are. The Suŗa, complete it is."

"Well," she stated before abruptly standing. "I've had a busy day and I'm tired. I wish you all a restful evening. Good night."

I stumbled to my feet, the pull of my responsibility drawing me to her, although there were questions I wanted to ask Master Yoda and things I wished to speak to Qui-Gon about. They would have to wait. I had to follow her. I had no choice.

She hurried through the palace several steps ahead of me and I had to walk quickly to catch up. And just when I was allowed to speak to her, to explain things I had done, and tell her things I wished to, the door to her rooms shut resolutely in front of me.

I guess those would have to wait as well.