Chapter Twenty-Three

Obi-Wan knelt on one knee before Yoda. He was in the Jedi Master's private quarters which was filled with so many plants it resembled a miniature arboretum; golden moon ferns, mist-green lava vines, moist tendrils of blue swamp glory, delicate purple tea lilies and other vegetation filled the room. A small rock garden in the corner was bathed by a tiny waterfall. The scent of moss and earth, leaf and flower filled Obi-Wan's nose.

Yoda sat on a green cushion, chewing thoughtfully on a yarkel root.

Obi-Wan tried not to wince at the sight of the root. Qui-Gon had told him once how, when he was Yoda's apprentice, he had wanted to emulate his master in everything. Since Yoda liked to chew on yarkel roots, Qui-Gon had gone to the Temple kitchen and asked for one. The cook had looked at him curiously but handed the root over. Qui-Gon confessed it had been months before the awful taste finally left his mouth.

"Birthday dinner, how was it?" Yoda asked.

"It was very nice, Master. Mistress Nyal is an excellent cook."

Yoda nodded. "For me has she prepared many fine dishes."

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows. Yoda looked piercingly at him.

"Too long have you and Master Qui-Gon from Temple been."

"Yes, Master."

Yoda went back to chewing on his yarkel root and Obi-Wan stilled his mind. On other occasions when he had been called before the Jedi Master, Yoda would sometimes sit for long moments saying nothing. When Obi-Wan had been younger it had driven him crazy, but over time he had learned to quiet his mind and wait until Yoda chose to speak.

"Force collar which was used on Padawan Aalea, identified it we have."

Obi-Wan glanced sharply at Yoda. The Jedi Master also had a habit of abruptly changing the subject.

"You have? What is it, Master?"

"An ancient Sith device. From the time of the wars between the Sith and the Jedi. For the transport of captive Jedi was this device used."

Obi-Wan nodded, but the thought of anyone wanting such a thing sent a shiver of unease through him.

"But that is not why I asked you to come," Yoda said. "Mission I have for you."

"For me, Master?"

"Yes, on this mission Master Qui-Gon will not accompany you."

Obi-Wan's heart beat faster. He was getting a mission of his own. It had to mean he was closer to being considered for the Trials. He struggled to keep a smile from spreading across his face for Yoda was watching him closely.

Instead he bowed his head slightly, his face still.

"I live to serve," he said humbly.

"Hmmmph," Yoda said. He was not fooled by Obi-Wan's act. He had seen the excitement flare up in the young man's eyes.

"You to the planetary system of Sylvonna are to go," Yoda went on. "The daughter of the King of Sylvonna and the son of the King of Tarkasia are to marry. For two hundred years have these planets been at war. Finally peace they have made. This marriage that peace will seal. You as representative of the Republic, Guardian of the Peace and Honorary Bodyguard for the groom will be."

That didn't sound too bad, Obi-Wan thought. It wasn't a blood and sweat mission as he liked to think of the more intense ones he and his master had been on, but it was very high profile and it sounded like a walk in the park. A nice, easy mission to impress the Council with.

"And Padawan Aalea will accompany you as your acting apprentice," Yoda said.

"What!" Obi-Wan cried before he could stop himself.

Yoda glared reproachfully at him.

"Forgive me, Master," Obi-Wan said quickly. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Someday, if a Knight you become," and Yoda stared coldly at Obi-Wan as if to say it was a very big if, "you may an apprentice of your own decide to take. On this mission you as master to Aalea will be. Practice for you it is. Learn from you she will. Learn from her you will.

"But Aalea already has a master," Obi-Wan said. This had to be a mistake. Yoda couldn't be serious about assigning Aalea to him.

Yoda shook his head sadly. "Ke-Ondra will not recover. Request he has made to be released from mastership of her. For now, until by another she is chosen, masterless is she."

"Master Yoda, I don't think it's a good idea to assign Aalea---"

Yoda raised his hand to silence him.

"No more have you to say. Your mission have you. You and Padawan Aalea in two days will leave."

Obi-Wan lowered his head. "Yes, Master."

He stood, bowed once more, then left Yoda's quarters and as he walked down the corridor he noted with dismay his head was pounding again.

To be continued....