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Dre
"No!" Taroon shouted. The transport wobbled as his hands shook.
Qui-Gon vaulted forward. He took the controls from Taroon and in a series of swift, practiced moves, landed the craft in the field adjoining the ke
"Hurry, Padawan," he urged.
They raced down the ramp, their lightsabers activated and ready.
Dre
"Dre
Dre
Qui-Gon took a dazzling leap into the air, his lightsaber a bright green glow against the gray sky. He smashed at the lowest seeker droid. The lightsaber sailed through it, cutting it in half. A small explosion sent a puff of smoke rising in the air. As long as the seeker droids did not hit the ground, they would not emit a full explosion.
Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon with his own leap. He could not get the same height as Qui-Gon, and his first swipe met empty air. But Dre
Qui-Gon leaped up on the low flat roof of the entrance to the ke
Obi-Wan leaped up to join him. Dre
The noise of galloping huds came to them, and Obi-Wan saw the king and the royal party racing toward them. He ignored them, returning his attention to the droids overhead. They were relentless machines, honing in on their target.
One by one, the Jedi and Dre
The four of them dropped their weapons to their sides. Dre
"Would you mind telling me what that was about? And what are you doing here?" she asked Taroon.
"I should ask the same question!" King Frane cried, leaping off his hud and stamping toward them. "Why are my droids here instead of tracking kudana? And why did you destroy them?" His fierce eyes raked the Jedi. "I forgave you once. What makes you think I would do so again?"
"I think it's time you explained, Taroon," Qui-Gon said, giving him a meaningful glance.
"I was very angry," Taroon said to his father. "And I thought… if Leed throws away what I want so much, why shouldn't I have it? Why should he be forced to take a prize I covet?"
"You want to rule?" King Frane asked, dumbfounded.
"Yes, Father, I want to rule," Taroon said. "Even though I am the younger brother, and clumsy and weak in your eyes. Even though I am not nearly as good at everything as your firstborn. I knew the only way to get what I wanted was to make it happen. So when Leed began to hint that he wanted to stay on Senali, I saw what would happen. I knew he was heading for a clash of wills. I knew he would not break down, that you would underestimate his stubbor
King Frane stared at his son in disbelief. "You pla
"No lives would be lost," Taroon insisted. "Only nek battle dogs, and they are of no consequence."
"They are living creatures!" Dre
"They eat their own kind! They are bred to destroy," Taroon said. "A few less of them won't make a difference."
"Would you destroy any creature to get your own way?" Dre
"I am truly sorry for that," Taroon said, turning to her. "The hunting lodge has been uninhabited for fifteen years. I had no idea you were here."
"Your apology would not mean much to me if I were dead," Dre
"Will you two stop?" King Frane roared. "I am the injured party here! My ke
Taroon nodded.
King Frane froze for a moment. Then he tossed back his head and suddenly broke into a shout of laughter. "How do you like that! He is a leader! Such treachery! Such wiles! You will make a fine ruler. Am I not wise, to raise such a son?" He pounded Taroon on the back. "All you lack is a queen who will fight with you every day, as your beloved mother did with me. What a warrior she was!" He eyed Dre
Dre
"Perhaps there will someday be a way for Senalis and Rutanians to be at peace, after all," he said.
"And us, brother?" Taroon asked, turning to Leed. "Are we at peace? Do you forgive me?"
Leed grasped both of Taroon's forearms in a gesture of affection. "I understand and forgive you, brother."
King Frane's eyes misted, and he cleared his throat noisily. "I, too, would like peace. Already I am tired of these threats and counter threats with Meenon. It interferes with hunting and feasting. I say Leed will be the first ambassador for both worlds. He will foster understanding and trade between the two of us."
"That is a wonderful idea, Father," Leed said, joy entering his voice. "And you will allow me to leave Rutan?"
King Frane waved his hand dismissively. "I am also weary of your sighing and your constant sorrow. It has been very depressing to have you around." He beamed at his two sons. "Now I see that I have two sons who are growing to manhood unafraid of taking what they want. I have done well." He turned to the Jedi. "I forgive you for destroying my droids. Again! Am I not generous? And I invite you to my feast."