Chapter Nine
He was not yet a Master and Obi-Wan knew what he was about to do was tricky. Catching an ignited lightsaber without getting burned wasn't easy, but doing so underwater while your hands were bound was a bit more complicated.
As the cylinder approached, Obi-Wan had to make certain it was angled the right way or else he would lose a hand, or at the least, a few digits. He took into account the current as well as the weight of the water and stretched his arms out as far as the chains would allow. When the end of the laser drew close, Obi-Wan lifted his arms and severed the metal links, ducking out of the way while catching hold of the passing hilt at the same time. He then used his weapon to slice through the bindings on Padmé's wrists just as the Sando reached for her. With a loud shriek, the monster reared back, now missing the lower part of one of its arms. Obi-Wan didn't wish to do the creature any more harm than necessary to ensure their escape and took advantage of the distraction to leave.
And thus was the required alteration of his plan. Even though the monster was going to eat them both, it was most likely going to do so one at a time. He couldn't allow himself to be swallowed and leave her alone. It was too risky. Therefore, the only option was to make their departure obvious. Padmé would have no choice now but to go with him. Obi-Wan had no idea where he could take her, but he felt responsible for her safety. Perhaps after he explained to Jamilla what had occurred and how the Maiden had tried to help him, she would be sympathetic. If not, the oceans of Naboo were expansive. Surely, there was someplace she would be welcome.
He had grabbed hold of her hand during their swim to safety and was nearly halfway to the freedom when he noticed the rapid approach of several Mer guards. They were more adept to their environment than he was and their muscular tails carried them speedily through the water. Just as Obi-Wan was nearing the surface, one of them grabbed hold of Padmé's tail and pulled her from his grasp. He tried to pursue, but their speed exceeded his and they quickly pulled her down into the darker waters. Even with the addition of the Force, he was unable to catch them, and the breather in his mouth couldn't keep up with the increased oxygen requirement.
Obi-Wan had no choice but to leave and he burst above the waves into the cool evening air, pulling the device from his mouth to draw in lungfuls of oxygen.
He had but two choices now; either risk everything and try and save her despite being greatly outnumbered, or return to Queen Jamilla and beg for her assistance. Basically, he would be asking her to declare war upon the Mer. As far as he was concerned, there was but one choice to be made that would ensure Padmé's safety.
Using the energy he had left, Obi-Wan swam for shore, ran up the pebbled beach, and then ascended the stone stairwell that led to the palace. Dripping wet and panting for breath, he rushed inside the marbled foyer and demanded to see Queen Jamilla.
It was the handmaiden Sabé who arrived first. She was wearing evening sleep attire and he suddenly realized it was the middle of the night. Obi-Wan hated to disturb the Queen at such an hour, but this couldn't wait!
"What's happened? Are you all right? We were worried sick!"
"I need to speak with the Queen. It's an emergency."
Sabé took him to Jamilla's suite and aroused the woman before allowing Obi-Wan in. He entered, immediately apologetic, and bowed respectfully.
After explaining the situation, she asked him to take a seat at a small table near the large windows on side of the room. After Sabé placed a robe about the woman's shoulders, the Queen joined him. Without her hair done up and the ridiculous amount of face paint she was wearing the other day, Jamilla looked remarkably young and innocent. She was also being far more patient than he'd expected.
"Are you certain it isn't this Princess who set you up? As a rule, the Mer can't be trusted and I wouldn't put it past any of them to stab their own kind in the back. Literally, in this case."
How could he convince her otherwise? "I understand your point of view. Really, I do. As a Jedi, I have it within me to be able to discern the intentions of others. I knew right away that Sheev was a malicious and cunning being capable of just about anything to achieve his goal."
"What do you believe his goal to be?" Jamilla asked although Obi-Wan thought it was rather obvious.
"He wants to rule the oceans," the Knight pointed out adamantly and with much confidence. "Afterward, he'll come after Theed. With the strength of the entire ocean behind him, he'll likely succeed and all of Naboo will suffer for it. He must be stopped."
The young woman stared at him, apparently unsure whether to believe him or not. Her First Maiden couldn't be trusted to share an unbiased opinion. Sabé was obviously infatuated with this Jedi. Jamilla would have to rely upon her own judgment and was hoping her decision would be the best thing for Theed.
"Sabé, inform the Captain of the Guard to gather a security team and be sure to tell them to grab their oxygen tanks. They're to go to Thallidi to confront the Queen's Advisor and make sure the Princess is safe. If necessary, they are to bring her back to Theed."
Obi-Wan sighed in relief. "Thank you, Your Highness." Even though Jamilla had believed him, she was still skeptical. He could see it in her eyes.
"I will do what I must for the safety of my people. However, your difficulties with the Mer are yours alone. I will not interfere with the legal matters of another kingdom. It is up to you to prove your innocence. I am only acting in regards to the threat you believe to be forthcoming. I agree Advisor Sheev should be vanquished. In that, you are correct, Jedi Kenobi."
That was good enough for him. Pleased with the outcome of this late-night meeting, Obi-Wan rose to take his leave, only to be met at the door by a rather bewildered guard, who was carrying what appeared to be a body.
"My Queen, pardon the intrusion, but we found this young lady washed ashore. She's not wearing any clothing."
"May I?" After being given permission, Obi-Wan pulled back the edge of the cover, gasping when he saw none other than the face of Padmé appear. There was sand in her hair and on the side of her face, and she was unresponsive.
Quickly, Obi-Wan placed a hand to her throat to check for vital signs. Her pulse was slow but it was present. However, her breathing patterns were erratic. What was she doing out of the water?
"We need to get her back in the ocean!" the Jedi told the guard excitedly, who gazed at him in confusion.
"What for?" the man had the nerve to say.
"Isn't it obvious?" Obi-Wan nearly shouted, his manners quickly becoming overwhelmed with increasing concern. He pulled back the covering at the other end of the body, once again shocked to see something he hadn't expected. There wasn't a tail fin as there should be. Instead, there was a pair of feet attached to legs. Human-appearing legs.
"Do you know this young woman?" Queen Jamilla asked him, appearing as equally confused.
He could barely form a reply. It didn't make any sense!
"This is Padmé," he told her in a stunned tone. "Daughter of Kailana, Princess of the Mer."