Chapter 10
Arryn grabbed her pack and followed Obi-Wan down the ramp to where a cloaked figure was waiting.
"I am Emory Tiana," said the figure, removing his hood. "Senator Ballastiodes and Governor Schualberke sent me to show you around the city."
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi. These are my colleagues, Darsha Assant and Siri Tachi and their Padawans, Anaria Zahn and Elantra Villa-Neuava. This is my Padawan, Arryn Mindalen," said Obi-Wan, placing a hand on Arryn's shoulder.
"We should move quickly. Daybreak is approaching and you must stay as undercover as possible. Please follow." Emory said, walking briskly ahead. Arryn made a face at his abrupt temperament. Obi-Wan caught it and threw his Padawan a mild warning glance. Arryn looked down, subdued by the chastisement. "Sorry," she mumbled.
The Jedi followed Emory Tiana into the city as the sun was rising. "I hope you do not traveling by foot. We discourage the use of technology here, though we do have the capability."
Arryn didn't mind. Obi-Wan had taught her that the slower pace was best for observation. She marveled at the lush foliage that adorned the various buildings and left a pleasing fragrance in the air. One building in particular caught her eye in the governmental sector. It was held up by four crystalline pillars and seemed to be hundreds of meters high.
"Look at the size of that thing!" said Elantra to no one in particular.
They passed an open-air market where merchants were busy cleaning their stalls in preparation for the day ahead. Banners and pennants glittered against the sparking sky.
"It's a paradise," said Arryn, gazing at her surroundings.
Arryn noticed a colorful booth as they walked though the market. The woman who sat behind the aesthetic display grabbed her arm as she walked by. Her eyes grew wide. "You! I have seen you in my dreams! You are the one destined to do great things!" She exclaimed in a mysterious voice.
"Who, me?" asked Arryn, looking both confused and in awe.
The woman nodded, her countless jewels jangling. "A strong future you have before you, little one, filled with great triumphs. But something ails you. You are plagued by a dark one, are you not?" Arryn didn't trust the stranger and said nothing, though she was surprised at the accuracy of the woman's auguries. She noticed she was falling behind the group who was moving farther and farther away.
"I have to go. I'm sorry!" she called over her shoulder as she raced to catch up with the others.
"A strong future, eh?" said Elantra mockingly when Arryn caught up to him.
Arryn smiled. "You know, Elantra, it's not polite to eavesdrop."
"Who said I was eavesdropping?" came his rhetoric reply.
Arryn rolled her eyes. "Do us all a favor and grow up."