Chapter 10: a developing friendship
Obi-Wan opened his eyes and looked into Kyah's face. She was still sleeping. The ginger haired man stood up and went outside to scan the area for scouts and bounty hunters of he king. He knew that Draju wouldn't make it easy for them to leave the planet or even to survive. The king was a great schemer, he was able to influence and manipulate the Senate with his lies. Obi-Wan shook his head sadly. Even he fell- for a few moments- for his stories of the savage rebels. The Jedi stretched his sore sand stiff muscles. He enjoyed the beauty of this planet. Looking up to the sky, the sun was already rising. Soon enough it would be very hot. This would cause enormous problems for the injured girl because they had to move. They couldn't stay in one place for long with the regent only one step behind. He heard noises from inside the gigantic tree, Kyah came to. Quickly Kenobi went inside and was impressed by what he saw. The teenager tried to stand up. Gently he pressed the 16-year-old down by her shoulders. He saw the pain written all over her pretty face.
"You mustn't stand up, young one. You are too weak and your injuries are too grave. Please don't argue with me and lay down again.", Obi-Wan said as kindly as he could.
A confused girl looked into his face. " Where are we and why are you here?", she asked through her gritted teeth. Though she didn't want to admit it, she was in much pain.
"This is a long story, Kyah. I witnessed your so-called hearing and found out everything. Then, last night, after having treated your severe injuries, I broke into King Draju's bedroom. I tried to get the evidence, that confirmed you to be the heir of Dakona. When I got it, he woke up and tried to capture me, but I fled with you." Obi-Wan explained slowly. "When we reached the forest I found this hiding place and here we are.", he said while keeping his intense gaze on the teenager.
Kyah didn't know what to say. The Jedi helped her. He kept his promise. Nobody ever would have done this for her except for her father. How could she even have thought, that this honest man was on Draju's side, now she really was embarrassed.
"Thank you,…" a low voice said
"Obi-Wan, remember? He said encouragingly.
"Thank you, Obi-Wan. I wished, that I could express my gratitude…I owe you everything. I thought, that I couldn't trust you. Thank you for proving, that my feeling was wrong. Thank you for treating my wounds, thank you for not leaving me alone and thank you for believing me!" she said and gave the surprised Jedi a warm hug.
Obi-Wan returned the hug shyly and patted her back. After all she was just a child. Suddenly she took a sharp breath and tried to suppress a wince, but she couldn't. How could he have been so stupid? He shouldn't have touched her hurt back. So, very carefully, he laid her down again.
"Are you in much pain?", he asked guiltily.
"Well, yes. My ribs are hurting, my knee is burning like hell and my back is killing me. But the burns I received during my "hearing" seem to have healed thanks to you again." She said and tried to smile at the concerned Jedi. Suddenly she realized, that she wearing his tunic. She looked down and was relieved to find her torn pants covering her legs and her injured knee.
" I thought, that you would feel more comfortable by wearing something, that covers your upper-body.", he said sheepishly. "Your knee is broken, but I was able to fix the torn and lose ligaments with the force. Your ribs are broken, but with a bit rest they will heal fine. The burns are all healed, but the welts on your back were very deep. The bacta could close them, but they are still looking very angry. You should be in a bacta tank!", he finished resolutely.
" I thought, that Jedi were warriors. How come that you know so much about the healing art?", she asked curiously never turning her green eyes away from Obi-Wan.
"All Jedi are healers. We can be warriors, but want to be considered as diplomats. We all receive a certain training in curing injuries. Masters need to be able to help their Padawans- apprentices- when they are wounded during a mission…", his voice trailed off. Now he had to think of his Master. How he wished, that Qui-Gon was here…
He was brought back to reality by a strange sound coming from outside.
"Kyah, listen we've got to move! Do you know any place, where we can go. I know, that you can't walk, so I'm going to carry you.", he said urgently. The girl shut her mouth by regarding the expression of Kenobi's face. Now wasn't the time to argue.
"Yes, we could go to my supporters. There is a camp in the north of this forest, I can lead you there."
Tbc…