For even then, they had known the galaxy was changing. Missions were more numerous. Trouble spots erupted constantly. The senate called for their help more often. It had often been difficult to find the time for the training exercise, but Qui-Gon had insisted on it. He had promised Obi-Wan that they would return to Ragoon-6. When Obi-Wan had pointed out that they had plenty of time, a fleeting look of deep sadness had crossed Qui-Gon's face.
"It seems there is always time when you are young," he'd said. "But you cannot hold a moment, Padawan. It runs out like water in you fist. You must seize it when you can, even as it falls away."
Obi-Wan could have kicked himself. He thought at the time that he had reminded Qui-Gon of Tahl. He had, he supposed, but know he also knew that Qui-Gon was thinking of how fast time could pass, and how crowded a life could become.
Remembering this had spurred Obi-Wan on to slot the time for this visit with Anakin. It hadn't been easy. The Jedi Council needed Master-Padawan teams. Yet Yoda and the Council we always careful to grant a request for this training mission. They had seen how many times it had strengthened the ties between a Master and an apprentice.
Would it strengthen theirs? Obi-Wan hoped so. He knew Anakin wasn't looking forward to the exercise as he was. Anakin wanted to be doing serious things. He was anxious to prove himself on missions, anxious to see the galaxy. This time together would be a pause before a future Anakin was eager to meet. Obi-Wan hoped that the exercise would not be too tame for someone as gifted as Anakin.
That was why he had asked Wren to participate. Anakin might smile at how seriously Wren took his role, but he would soon appreciate how challenging Wren's cleverness could be.
Obi-Wan stood. "Come, Padawan. It is time to go."
They took off in the direction Wren had gone. At first the tracking was easy. Wren had not bothered to hide the clues that a Jedi would catch — a disturbance of leaves on the forest floor, the slight indention of a heel. After two hours, they were momentarily stumped when they could not locate his direction, until Anakin plucked a silver-gray hair from a leaf and pointed.
"This way," he said self-satisfied.
Behind Anakin, Obi-Wan shook his head. Sometimes he felt there was so little he need to teach his Padawan. Even to Obi-Wan, who knew him so well, Anakin's command of the Force could be astonishing.
Wren had better come up with his most clever tricks, or Anakin would follow through on his promise and find him by nightfall.
* * * By midday, Anakin and Obi-Wan had to admit they were lost. Wren's clues had grown increasingly difficult, and Anakin's cocky confidence had hardened into dogged resolution.
Frustrated, Anakin suddenly stopped. With one smooth motion, he swiped a rock and tossed it into the woods. It hit a tree with a satisfying thud.
"Feel better?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No."
"I didn't think so. Frustration is part of the exercise, young Padawan."
"I know. I know," Anakin muttered. "breathe in my impatience. Then let it go."
"Correct," Obi-Wan said serenely. He waited a moment. "Well?"
"Well, what?"
"I didn't see you breathe." Obi-Wan knew he was straining the patience of his Padawan. Yet these small test were good lessons.
Obediently, Anakin shut his eyes. He took a breath and released it. He opened one eye. "Can I stop now?"
"I suppose." Obi-Wan grinned. "If Wren could see us know, he'd be very happy."
A gleam of humor lit Anakin's eyes. "The day isn't over yet."
"Come on, let's backtrack," Obi-Wan suggested, heading back down the train. We must have taken a wrong turn."
Dappled sunlight streamed through the thick leaves overhead. They moved from pools of light into shadows and back again. The sun warmed their skin, then the shadows cooled it. The air smelled fresh and softly scented. It was a good day to be lost.
Anakin suddenly crouched down and examined the trail. "He stopped here." He pointed to the dirt on the trail.
Obi-Wan bent down. "Yes, I think so."
"Definitely." Anakin's voice rose in excitement. "And then he passed over the grass here. This way."
He led the way off the trail into the forest. Obi-Wan noted the clues and followed. After a morning of looking for tiny changes in the ground and leaves overhead, Wren had left a substantial clue to his progress. It must be part of his strategy to mix up his hard clues with some easier ones.
Anakin led the way through the dense forest. It was easier to track Wren now. The ground was soft and the leaves underfoot were still wet. Obi-Wan allowed Anakin to take the lead, enjoying the fragrant walk through the trees.
Anakin stopped and turned. "There's a clearing ahead," he said in a hushed tone. "and some coves. Do you think we've caught up with him already? Those marks still look fresh."
"I doubt it," Obi-Wan said. "But proceed carefully. We have to get close in order to end the exercise."
"A lightsaber's length away," Anakin said. "But I think our only chance is to surprise him."
"Anakin — "
"Obi-Wan's call was swallowed in the shadows. Anakin ran silently ahead, then dashed out into the clearing.
Obi-Wan followed, wishing he could teach his Padawan to curb his impatience.
He wished this even more when he realized where Wren had led them. They had stumbled on a malia den.
He remembered the malia from his first trip to Ragoon-6. They were fast, agile, deadly creatures, fierce predators with triple rows of teeth.
Anakin stood frozen in the middle of the clearing. He had seen the malia spread out on the rocks. At first their blue- gray fur had melted into the shadows.
At least they hunt at night.
He had fought them with Qui-Gon. He remembered the gleam of fluorescent green eyes, the cunning of the creatures as they circled. He did not want to meet up with them again.
"What are they?" Anakin whispered.
"Just. back. up. " Obi-Wan murmured.
But even as they took two steps backward, Obi-Wan saw one creature stir. A long, tapered snout lifted. Two fierce eyes opened. A low rumble deep in the malia's throat told Obi-Wan that they were in trouble.