The rest of the royal party erupted in cheers.
King Frane turned back to Qui-Gon. "In three days," he said. "That is all I give you. If you don't return with Leed, Yaana gets thrown into the foulest prison on Rutan." In another abrupt change of mood, he slapped Qui-Gon on the back. "Now enjoy!"
The rest of the royal party now felt free to relish their food. Conversation rose and buzzed amongst them.
Obi-Wan leaned over and spoke to Qui-Gon. "Taroon does not seem happy to be accompanying us," he said in a low tone.
"I noticed that," Qui-Gon answered. "Yet the negotiation went well. I wanted Taroon with us all along. I suspected that King Frane would imprison Yaana. We have bought her a few more days of freedom."
"But how did you know these things?" Obi-Wan asked, puzzled.
"Find the emotion, predict the deed," Qui-Gon replied. "It was a natural step — it is the only thing King Franc has to threaten Meenon with. King Frane is the type of ruler to lash out in the only way he can. Yet he is afraid of war, so he will allow himself to be persuaded to wait. Now all we have to do is bring back Leed. If we believe he is sincere and wants to remain on Senali, we must help him reconcile his father to his decision. If nothing goes wrong and every party acts with honesty and forgiveness, the situation will resolve itself."
Qui-Gon glanced over at Taroon. The young Rutanian had not joined in the feasting or conversation, but had kept his arms folded. His eyes were watchful and sullen.
"So you don't see danger ahead?" Obi-Wan asked.
Qui-Gon gave a brief smile. "I see tangled loyalties and the potential for misunderstandings. And even the smallest misunderstandings can bring danger when a situation is as volatile as this one. Words do not always echo what is in the heart. And things are rarely as simple as they appear."
Chapter 4
From above, the planet Senali looked like a shining blue jewel. So much of its surface was water that it reflected light and seemed to shimmer. As their transport skimmed over the surface toward Meenon's landing platform, Obi-Wan thought he had never seen such a beautiful world.
The seas seemed to hold a thousand shades of blue and green. Chains of islands dotted the water like necklaces. Lush green foliage and blooming flowers dotted the islands and were planted on the docks of the floating cities. Many of the structures were fashioned out of the branches and fronds of a native tree with bright red bark.
They landed on the royal landing platform and were greeted by several members of the chief's guard. Senali were the same species as Rutanians, but they had a silvery cast to their skin due to the tiny scales that covered their bodies. They were excellent swimmers with unusually strong breath control. Unlike Rutanians, their hair was worn short, and many of them wore headpieces and necklaces fashioned from coral and shells.
The Jedi and Taroon followed the guards into Meenon's dwelling. It was a long, low building that floated on the waters of a deep, green lagoon. The guards led them to an interior courtyard that had been transformed into a blooming garden, with drooping fronds that shaded them from the hot sun.
Meenon was tending to the garden, but straightened up and gave a formal bow to the Jedi when they arrived. He was dressed in a linen tunic and was barefoot. A simple headdress of white shells circled his shaved head.
"I am honored to have the Jedi on my beautiful planet," he said.
"We are honored to be here," Qui-Gon responded. He introduced himself, Obi-Wan, and Taroon. "We would like to see Prince Leed as soon as possible."
"Ah." Meenon looked down at the basket of flowers in his hand. He touched one bloom. "We have a small problem."
Beside him, Obi-Wan felt Taroon tense. "Problem?" Qui-Gon asked neutrally.
Meenon looked up. "Leed has gone into hiding."
Qui-Gon did not react, but studied the leader carefully.
Taroon threw his chest out in a challenge. "What a surprise to hear my brother has disappeared! And you should refer to my brother by his title. He is Prince Leed. You show him disrespect."
Meenon bristled. "We do not believe in titles on Senali. Titles make divisions. We are all equal on Senali, unlike on your barbaric world."
Taroon's eyes glinted. "Unlike primitives, we value our bloodlines."
Qui-Gon inserted himself smoothly into the conversation before it could flare into open argument. "You say that Leed has disappeared. He left no word of where he was going?"
"No," Meenon said, turning his back to Taroon. "I do not know where he is."
Taroon put himself in front of Meenon again. "And you'll swear to this?" he demanded, eyes flashing.
Meenon gazed at Taroon. "I do not need to swear. I do not lie."
Qui-Gon spoke a beat more quickly than his usual reserve. Obi-Wan knew that he was trying to restrain Taroon without seeming to. "This is unfortunate."
Meenon shrugged. "He knew of your coming. I assume that is why he is in hiding. He does not want to return to Rutan."
"We are not here to force him," Qui-Gon said. "We only wish to talk to him."
"I assured him that if he met with you I would not allow him to be taken back to Rutan by force," Meenon said. "Apparently he has taken matters into his own hands despite my advice."
"We will search for him, with your permission," Qui-Gon said as Taroon fumed beside him. "Can we question the family who brought him up?"
"Here on Senali we live in clans," Meenon said. "I entrusted him to my sister's clan, the Banoosh-Walores. They live one kilometer to the west, on Clear Lake. You are welcome to question them."
Qui-Gon nodded. "We will be in touch."
"I wish you ease and serenity," Meenon said, bowing.
Obi-Wan could feel Taroon's anger as they walked out of the courtyard to exit Meenon's dwelling.
"He wishes us ease and serenity after such news?" Taroon said, disgusted. "He was mocking us!"
"It is a traditional good-bye of the Senali," Qui-Gon remarked mildly.
"This is intolerable!" Taroon continued. "He plays us for fools!"
"Your father will not take this news well," Qui-Gon said. "He will be angry, as you are."