Jedi Apprentice 4: The Mark of the Crown (звёздные войны) Read online

  "No," Qui-Gon interrupted firmly. "I believe she only wants you to know. That is all."

  Elan whirled around, her pale silver hair flying. She stalked toward the door.

  "I won't listen to this."

  "What about your parents?" Qui-Gon asked, raising his voice to be heard above the howling wind. "Your mother?"

  Elan turned to face him again. "It is none of your business, Jedi. But I'll tell you so that you will not try to confuse me with lies again. My mother lived in the hills all her life. She never went to Galu. My father was a great healer, renowned by all the hill people. You are wrong."

  "I am sure that those who raised you are worthy people," Qui-Gon said. "But Cana 's blood may be in you, Elan."

  She stared at him icily. "Perhaps you actually believe the Queen's lies. But Qui-Gon, I tell you that there is a plan behind her words. It is up to you to find it out."

  "She is dying," Qui-Gon said quietly. "She is thinking of her legacy. It is a gift she gives to you."

  "I don't believe it, and I don't want it," Elan answered firmly. "This is my legacy." She gestured to take in the dome and all that was outside it. "These are my people. We are all outcasts. You've seen how Gala is ruled by powerful families. The hill people began a hundred years ago when those who were different — whose eyes were too dark, whose skin was too dark, who had no family — took refuge here. We made our own society, and freedom is our first rule. My parents gave me this heritage. I am proud of it. I don't want any crown."

  "You make a large decision in a very short time," Qui-Gon observed.

  Her dark eyes studied him. "And what is this to you, Qui-Gon Jinn?" she asked softly. "You have come a long way, almost lost your life, just to tell me this.

  But Gala is not your world. Its people are not your people. I have ties to something. Do you? Why should I listen to talk of legacies from someone who has no ties?"

  Qui-Gon fell silent. Elan was trying to wound him. Some of what she said merely echoed his own thoughts.

  "My comlink was not working earlier," Qui-Gon said. “Is there any way I can contact my apprentice in Galu?"

  "We jam communications in the hills for our protection," Elan answered. "But we will let you contact him as soon as the storm lessens. Speak to Dana."

  She opened the door. The fierce wind blew back her hair and clothes and sent an icy draft toward Qui-Gon. Elan didn't flinch.

  "Tell your apprentice that when the weather clears, you will be on your way,"

  she added. Then she ducked out into the storm.

  The door banged shut behind her. He had come a long way for nothing. His mission had failed.

  Obi-Wan's comlink was activated when he woke the next day. Qui-Gon had contacted him at last. Afraid to use it in his room — he was still wary of surveillance — he took it to a corner of the gardens that was planted with wild tropical species. Under cover of the thick leaves of overhanging trees, he opened the communication line.

  "Hello, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon's voice sounded strained.

  Obi-Wan sensed something…"You're wounded, Master," he said in concern.

  "I'm healing now. I ran into some bandits," Qui-Gon explained. "But I found the hill people as well."

  "And Elan?"

  "I found her," Qui-Gon said. "My masked rescuer turned out to be the one I sought. But I haven't had much success. She thinks the Queen is lying to further some plan of her own."

  "That could be true," Obi-Wan said.

  "And you?" Qui-Gon asked. "Have you discovered anything?"

  "I think the Queen is being poisoned," Obi-Wan said. Hurriedly, he explained his suspicions and his visit to the substance analysis lab.

  Qui-Gon's face grew grave. "This is very bad news," he said.

  "Who could it be?" Obi-Wan asked.

  "Ask yourself who would benefit from her death," Qui-Gon said. "If she dies, the elections could be suspended by her successor."

  "Beju!" Obi-Wan cried. "But would he poison his own mother?"

  "He might," Qui-Gon said. "Though I don't think so. I think under his anger there is genuine affection."

  "I'm not so sure," Obi-Wan muttered. He didn't have a very good opinion of the Prince.

  "Or it could be someone who wants the royal line to continue," Qui-Gon continued. "Like Giba. Or it could be someone whose motive isn't obvious. You must be careful, Padawan. You must have proof. Maybe when the substance analyzer gives you the poisonous agent, you will be able to figure out the culprit.

  Didn't you say that Jono brought the nightly tea?"

  "It can't be him," Obi-Wan said. "He only picks it up in the kitchens and delivers it."

  "You sound very sure of your new friend," Qui-Gon replied neutrally. "But sometimes the obvious is the answer."

  "I am sure of him," Obi-Wan said. Annoyance rose in him at Qui-Gon's suggestion. His Master had chosen to leave Obi-Wan in charge at the palace. Why couldn't Qui-Gon trust his judgment?

  "In the meantime, you must warn the Queen," Qui-Gon said. "I see no other way.

  She must only take food from those she trusts. Better yet, she should prepare it herself."

  "Are you coming back soon?" Obi-Wan hoped the answer would be yes.

  "In a few days. My wounds might prevent me from traveling."

  "But you said you were healing!" Obi-Wan protested.

  "But they don't know that. Elan won't take well to hearing that her healing arts are slow. She is proud of her skills."

  "Elan is a healer?" Obi-Wan asked. A thought struck him. "But that means she could know about such things as poisons."

  Qui-Gon's tone turned stern. "That is quite a jump in logic, Padawan. Are you saying Elan could have something to do with the Queen's illness? She never comes to Galu."

  "But we don't know that," Obi-Wan argued. "You said she was in disguise when you met her. What if she had knowledge of her position as heir? You asked me who would benefit from the Queen's death. Isn't Elan that person?"

  "She didn't know she was the heir," Qui-Gon said shortly.

  "Or so she pretended," Obi-Wan said stubbornly. If Qui-Gon could accuse Jono, why couldn't the web of suspicion extend to Elan as well?

  "Concentrate on the palace," Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan heard disapproval in his voice. "I will handle Elan."

  The communication faded. Obi-Wan slipped the comlink back in his pocket, disappointed in their exchange. Sometimes it felt as though he and Qui-Gon would never achieve the mind communion that is the mark of the ideal Master-Apprentice relationship.

  Obviously, Qui-Gon had not been able to convince Elan that she was the heir to the crown. Why was he wasting his time with the hill people?

  Obi-Wan followed the path back to the kitchen gardens. As he rounded a corner, he almost ran into Jono.

  "Obi-Wan! There you are," Jono said. "I left a tray for you. Fresh juna berries for you this morning. Very sweet."

  Obi-Wan nodded and headed back toward the palace. Jono had been so close. Had he heard Obi-Wan's communication? Was Jono a spy for Giba and Beju after all?

  Obi-Wan guessed that the Queen was being poisoned with her night tray, but he couldn't be absolutely sure. He had no way of knowing how long the poisonous agent took to act. He couldn't take any chances with the Queen's life.

  He hurried to the Queen's chambers. The Queen sat in the outer chamber in her morning robe. Dark circles were under her eyes, and her long hair fell lankly down her back. The table was set for her breakfast — tea, fruit, and a protein cake. She was just lifting the tea to her lips with a shaking hand…

  "No!" Obi-Wan cried. He sprang forward and knocked the cup away. It fell and smashed on the stone floor.

  The Queen slowly turned to stare at it. "That was part of my betrothal gift,"

  she said.

  "I think you're being poisoned, Queen Veda," Obi-Wan blurted.

  The Queen seemed to move her head with difficulty. She fixed her eyes on him.

  "What did you say?"

  "I don't know wh
o it is," Obi-Wan said desperately. "I have no proof — not yet.

  But if it is true, you must not drink or eat anything that is prepared for you."

  "This is impossible," the Queen whispered.

  "Impossible it is," Prince Beju announced, striding in. Giba followed on the Prince's heels. "The Jedi is lying!"

  "Why would he lie, my son?" Queen Veda asked weakly.

  "To discredit the palace," Prince Beju answered. "Or for some other reason we have yet to discover. I do not trust either of them, Mother!"

  "And where is the other?" Giba demanded silkily. "Time and time again I have asked to see him, only to hear that he is resting, or walking about. I do not believe it! This Jedi lies already, I think. So why should he not lie about this?"

  "You both are ready to accuse me. Strange that you do not give a thought to whether what I say is true," Obi-Wan pointed out. "Even if there is a chance that it's true, I would think you would be concerned. Look at the Queen. She grows weaker every day."

  The Prince turned to his mother. His angry look faltered for a moment, and he took a half step toward her. Then he collected himself and turned to Obi-Wan.

  "My mother's illness is not your concern. And spreading lies about it doesn't help her. It only upsets her! Perhaps Qui-Gon Jinn is mixed up in this poisoning you speak of. Giba is right. It is strange that we haven't seen him. He agreed to our rules, and then broke his promise. He is capable of anything!"

  "Qui-Gon has gone to the mountains to try to convince Elan to bring the hill people to vote," Obi-Wan said. It was a half truth, but at least it gave an explanation for his disappearance. He could not reveal the Queen's secret.

  "What a ridiculous story!" Prince Beju scoffed. "Why would the hill people make a difference? Why should we care what they think? Obviously, you are lying again."

  The Queen pushed herself to her feet. The act seemed to cause her great effort.

  "He is not lying, Beju," she said. "I know it. I asked Qui-Gon to contact Elan.

  For me."

  "But why?" Prince Beju asked, wheeling around to face his mother.

  "Because she is your half sister," Queen Veda replied steadily. "It is time you knew. Your father had an early marriage, and a child. He divorced his wife and abandoned the child. The decision haunted him-"

  "I don't believe it!" Prince Beju shook his head. "Now you are lying. Father would not act so dishonorably. Family is the cornerstone of life on Gala. How often he said that. He would not disgrace the Tallah name by marrying a hill person. And he would not abandon his child! You know this!"

  "I am sorry to tell you this, Beju," Queen Veda said gently. "It is true. He regretted it. He wanted to make it right."

  "You defile Father's memory," Prince Beju whispered in horror. "Will you go to any length to shame me?"

  The Queen turned to Giba. "Tell him," she begged. "You were there. You know it is true."

  Giba shook his head. "I'm sorry, Queen. I will do anything for Your Highness.

  Except lie for you."

  The Queen staggered backward. Obi-Wan moved forward to support her.

  "Now I see it all," Prince Beju raged. "You are in league with the Jedi. You have conspired against me. You will do whatever it takes to make sure I do not gain the crown."

  "No, Beju, my son," Queen Veda said weakly. "No-"

  "I am calling the guards,” Prince Beju said firmly. He moved toward the tubes mounted in the wall.

  Obi-Wan was still holding on to the Queen's arm. He could feel her shaking. She was close to collapse. Yet with a sudden burst of strength, she pulled away from Obi-Wan. She had time to give him a look that told him to run. Then she staggered forward and collapsed against her son.

  Prince Beju was thrown off balance. He held on to his mother so that she wouldn't fall. Giba took a step forward to help him.

  Obi-Wan quickly ran out the door.

  Obi-Wan fled. He burst through the door to the gardens and saw the flick of a silver robe as the elder council member with the milky blue eyes moved off into the trees. Obi-Wan turned in the opposite direction and snaked through the orchard. He had to leave the palace grounds, and he could not leave by the main gate. He was sure now that Giba was behind the Queen's poisoning. The only question was if Prince Beju knew about it. The Prince had seemed genuinely stricken by his mother's condition.

  He heard running footsteps behind him. Obi-Wan quickened his pace. He was almost to the high stone wall that surrounded the palace grounds.

  "Obi-Wan! Wait, friend!"

  It was Jono. Obi-Wan hesitated. Could he trust him? He wanted to trust him. He liked him.

  But had it just been a coincidence that Giba and Beju had burst into the room while he was talking to the Queen? Had Jono followed him there from the gardens, then run to fetch them? Qui-Gon's warning lay heavy on his heart.

  "Please!" Jono called. In another moment, he would round the turn of the path.

  What if he was bringing the guards? Obi-Wan still had time to run.

  I knew you would return…. I have waited for a friend for a long time, Obi-Wan.

  He remembered the look in Jono's eyes that day, wistful and sincere. Jono had trusted him. Obi-Wan had to return the favor. Obi-Wan stopped short.

  Jono burst into sight, his blond hair flying. He almost slammed into Obi-Wan, but instead tripped and went flying.

  "Ow!" he cried, rubbing his knee. He pushed his hair out of his eyes and grinned. "That will teach me to try to catch a Jedi."

  Obi-Wan helped him to his feet. "You can run fast."

  "That's why you need me," Jono said. "You must let me help you. I was coming to attend the Queen. I heard what happened. Do you really think the Queen is being poisoned?" he ended on a whisper.

  "Yes, I do," Obi-Wan said.

  "Beju has called the guards. It's not safe here, Obi-Wan. They're already searching for you."

  "I was just about to leave," Obi-Wan told him.

  "But where will you go?" Jono asked, frowning.

  "I'll hide in the city," Obi-Wan said. "I'll wait for Qui-Gon to return."

  "They will catch you," Jono said. "There are spies everywhere. I must go with you. And I know where we should go."

  "Where?" Obi-Wan asked.

  "To Deca Brun," Jono said firmly. "He will help us."

  Deca Brun's headquarters were in a crowded, bustling area of Galu, in the middle of shops and tall residential towers. Red banners proclaiming his name flapped from almost every window. Large posters of a smiling Deca were plastered on walls. Written on the bottom in Deca's bold handwriting was: I AM YOU! WE ARE ONE!

  "It was Deca who showed us that we are all Galacians," Jono told Obi-Wan as they approached the building. "Before, family lineage was the most important tie on Gala. The great families of Gala — the Tallahs, the Gibas, the Prammis, and others — received the favors of the court. It was Deca who said that we owed loyalty to each other, to all Galacians." The boy's face shone with pride. "He made me realize that there was a world outside the palace." Jono pushed open the door. The office was filled with campaign workers. Some tapped on datapads, others huddled in groups, talking earnestly.

  One tall, bony Galacian caught sight of Jono. He grinned and waved him over.

  "Jono! Come to volunteer, have you?"

  Jono headed for the man. "Sila, this is my friend Obi-Wan. We need to see Deca at once."

  Sila smiled. "So do we all, Jono," he said. "He's hard to track down. He's everywhere. Making speeches, meeting new supporters…"

  "But this is important," Jono insisted.

  Sila's smile faded. "I can see that," he said. "He could be in his private quarters." He hesitated. "Come with me," he said.

  Obi-Wan nodded at Jono to go ahead. He took a seat against a wall. Suddenly a young woman stuck her head in the front door. "Rally on Thrush Street," she called. "Aren't you all coming? We need help."

  The Brun workers sprang to their feet, grabbing banners and laser signs. "Hold down the fort," o
ne of them yelled at Obi-Wan. He nodded.

  In seconds, the room had cleared out. Someone had left a holofile open on the desk near him. Obi-Wan leaned over it.

  A familiar name caught his eye. OFFWORLD.

  A chill ran though Obi-Wan. He and Qui-Gon had tangled with Offworld recently.

  The corporation was a ruthless organization that enslaved beings for their vast mining operations. They plundered planets, depleted their natural resources, and then moved on. And Offworld was headed by Qui-Gon's enemy, his former apprentice, Xanatos.