Chapter 23

Although the Ewoks had suffered several severe casualties the little bears immediately started preparing great bonfires and a party to celebrate their victory. All the companions were welcomed by Chirpa and Logray.

Luke had brought Liane immediately to Logray at his little tree hospital, so she could take care of Teebo and the other severely wounded Ewoks. The medicine Luke had handed to Logray, had eased Teebo's pain slightly, but his life was in considerable danger. With tears in her eyes Liane sat down and took Teebo's head in her lap.

"Please don't die, Teebo," she whispered.

She looked up at Logray, after she had seen the terrible wound in the litlle bear's body. A part of the furry skin and flesh had been severely burned. It wasn't unlikely that that laser blast had damaged some of Teebo's internal organs.

"Hado nao kama suna. Miko teno funo." She said.

['I don't know what to do. He's hardly breathing.']

She closed her eyes, desperately to concentrate on this difficult task.

"Hama niso emma nudo gowa." Logray asked.

['You can't help him with your hands?']

"Kanua sumo sanoa maka." Liane answered.

['I need to reach his mind.']

"Hado kama nako iko suna kama. Kimo." Logray begged.

['Please, we know you can help him']

Liane nodded and placed her hands over Teebo's face.

"Teebo kama diddo suna kama."> She whispered.

['Teebo, please, hear me and listen.']

"Aay-Lee, emma miko! Mido kalan simo!" She heard.

[ 'Eilidh, I'm so scared to die alone.']

Liane moaned as she began to feel Teebo's pain.

"Hama nuda muka. Middo kama suna. Mido haddo suna timo gida." Liane said.

['I can feel your pain. I'll ease your pain. I'll stay with you, until you feel better.']

Gently she released her hands and sat down next to Teebo's body looking down on the terrible wound of the laser blast. Again a shiver rushed down her spine as she looked at the damage muscle tissue. Slowly she started to hover her hands over the wound, while closing her eyes and let that strange concentration take over her movements and her mind. From her fingers bluish streams of light began to flow around the wound. The light streams penetrated the inside of the wound to stop the internal bleeding of several damaged blood vessels. The damaged tissue of the blood vessels miraculously began to close and the bleeding stopped, but the loss of blood had weakened the little Ewok.

She looked up and her eyes sought Logray.

"Nomani telo caso teram nidoro." She said to the little shaman.

['We need to wipe the remains of the blood from the wound.']

"Hadda conora tama sedaro." Logray answered and left.

['I'll get the potion to clean.']

Within a minute he was back with a large kalebas and soft cloths made of ferns. Together they wipe the blood from the edges of the wound and from the inside, taking care not to disturb the severely wounded Ewok. Finally Liane took Teebo's head again between her hands. She felt the little bear's relieve as he seemed to feel less pain, but he still moaned every now and then. Liane could feel his fear to die. She concentrate on Teebo's train of thoughts, but all of a sudden her mind was filled with a luminous flux which showed her images of the little bear's future. Teebo was laughing and dancing. He waved his little paw to greet her and he jump for joy. He would live, he wouldn't die, he would recover.

"Kama nuda, Teebo! Hadda nuda diddo gifolit. Cando sino diddo mido kamuda !" She whispered elated.

['Look closely at these images. You won't die. You will get better, Look that's you dancing! Have you seen it, Teebo! ']

Teebo moaned, and moved his legs and paws.

"Don't move, lay still," Liane murmured in Basic, "See the images of you, dancing again."

She repeated her last sentence in the Ewok language again. The images of a dancing Teebo became increasingly clear. Now the little bear began to relax. His limbs and body laid still when if her trance became to engulf him.

Haddo nuda diddo gifolit. Cando sino diddo mido. Kanda miko. Kanda miko. Kanda miko." Liane said.

['You will get better. Look that's you in the village. See these images in your mind. See these images in your mind. See these images in your mind.]

She started to repeat her healing sentence, penetrating the little bear's mind with her soft whispering low voice. Monotonously she repeated her words in a soft murmur.

After another two hours she released Teebo's head and looked around.

It was almost midday. Logray had vanished, but she saw the neatly bandages on the other wounded Ewoks. Carefully she laid Teebo's head on a soft cushion, covered him with a fur and rose to her feet. Almost immediately Logray appeared from the opposite corner, looking at her with his dark eyes.

"Haddo Teebo gifolido. Hama diddo kana. Kagua?" She said relieved.

['Teebo will recover. I'll help the others in the same way, after I've had some rest. Is that alright?']

"Kaluma. The little shaman answered with great respect in his voice and handed her a bowl of fresh water.

['Of course.']

After having finished her drink Liane left Logray's house. She slowly walked to the village center, feeling tired, but in her heart she felt a great joy. Teebo would live. She had seen it and she would help him to recover. She had to tell Luke. As she start looking for him she pondered on the strange power which had emanated from her fingers and which had stopped the bleeding. That power had started the process of repairing the damaged tissue inside the little bear's body.

While Liane was taking care of Teebo, Luke was having a long discussion with general Madine, and Leia. Leia and Madine argued, that Liane had to go back with the Tychorion to Irithim to testify in the oncoming trial against Dendicott and the brothers Phylotar. Luke objected, saying that after Dendicott's raid on the Ewok village Liane's help was needed to take care of several wounded Ewoks.

"She will never agree to leave the village as long as any of her tribe fellows hasn't recovered. Her help is important, she especially won't abandon Teebo who Dendicott shot at point blank range. I hope she manages to cure his wound. You have to let her stay here with me for as long as she needs to give Logray her help." Luke pleaded.

"Luke, Liane's hiding place is no longer secret. As long as you and Liane stay here, another raid on the village might occur. The Supreme Leader can't leave my men here on Endor permanently. I have to report back to Irithim and it would be an advantage if you and Liane would come with us," The general commented, "besides there also is the problem of her position as a Wegoyy prisoner."

Luke frowned.

"Luke, you had to realize that Liane has been sentenced for her part in Zolgathrii's coup," Leia commented, "Mon Mothma still hasn't made up her mind about to pardon her, although she knows what they have done to her on Wegoyy."

Nearby, on one of passageways, Liane halted her pace as she had heard the last sentences of general Madine and Leia. She turned around and left the passageway; desperate questions began to pop up in her mind. Would they sent her back to Wegoyy? Were they still seeing her as a prisoner? Disappointed she decide to look for Yarnick Grann.

The four oldest Grann brothers were helping to set up the bonfires, the two youngest Granns were strolling with Ian and Yarmod through the Ewok village. Kieran and Bran who had seen how Liane had punished Dendicott, wanted to know where she had learned those dangerous tricks and why Ian had objected against the use of it.

As had happened near the lake Yarmod Martan explained Liane's action before Ian could say anything.

"Master Antilles has explained to me that her action was part of the Dark Side of the Force. She was outraged and her anger and hatred made her susceptible to make use of those Sith skills she has learned," he said, "I clearly felt how the Dark Side of the Force was leading her action; you felt it too, didn't you, Ian?"

"Yes, I did. I can't understand her violent behavior. She still uses her Dark Side powers if she feel threatened and in stead of defending herself, she seeks to revenge herself. I know she has done the same on Wegoyy. I can't understand, why she doing this. As I talked to her in her cell, she was always kind and friendly, and very concerned that I wouldn't get in trouble. That's why I became her friend."

Kieran shook his head, still puzzled.

"My brothers and I never have encountered any problems with her. She was always helpful and friendly even to the many other species we met, and I assure you that not all the species we meet on our travels have friendly intentions; on the contrary. Yarmod, you said that you understood, why she was called the Dark Princess of Morantan, after she nearly killed that fellow Dendicott?"

"I had heard her nickname, when our forces occupied the imperial domains on Morantan. The imperial forces on Morantan seems to have given her that name. Master Antilles reprimanded me about what I said. I shouldn't have mouthed it. Of course it's master Luke's prerogative to take her as his padawan learner and teach her the ways of the Force to become a Jedi Knight in the future. Master Antilles told me, I am prejudiced and I have to tell her what I've said and apologize to her for my uncivilized attitude and harsh judgment. Master Antilles was very displeased with my behavior and called me a blabbermouth. If I want to become a Jedi Knight I have to be more aware of someone's feelings, my master said," Yarmod said with a shameful face.

Ian grinned.

"Master Antilles really is a very stern master, but I don't think Liane has heard your words. Master Luke already had taken her with him out of hearing range," He said, "Does master Antilles really want you to apologize for your words?"

"Yes, Ian, and be sure he knows if I neglect his words. Has any one seen Liane?"

"I heard Luke say, that she is helping that little shaman to take care for the wounded Ewoks, but that was hours ago." Bran said.

"Let's get back to the village center and see if any of those little tree bears can tell us where Liane is now. After we've captured commander Dendicott I hadn't the opportunity to talk to her. Boy, am I glad she has recovered from that terrible mind drug and has her old memories back," Ian said.

"What happened to her on Wegoyy?" Kieran asked curiously, "Yarnick always asserted that she hadn't escaped. Has she really been drugged more than once as he said?"

Ian nodded, but didn't answer Kieran's question. His thoughts pondered on those last moments when he had to leave Liane in the canyon, hoping that his old friends, the Draga, would find and help her. It seemed all so long ago.

"You probably will hear that story from one of us, Kieran, but I don't want to talk about it now," He said.

At that moment Liane walked up to them, looking upset and frustrated.

"What's wrong, Eilidh? What's the matter with you?" Bran asked.

"Luke probably has to bring me back to Dalmaran. I need to tell the Supreme Chancellor and her advisors what has happened to me, but that general still sees me as prisoner. The Supreme Chancellor has to decided if I will be brought back to Wegoyy," She said, looking around as if she was looking for something, "Where is Yarnick, Bran, have you seen your brother?"

"He and the others are helping our hosts setting up the bonfires. Why?"

They stood around the upset girl. Ian and Yarmod looked very concerned.

"I thought you were taking care of the wounded Ewoks, Liane." Yarmod said.

Liane looked at him.

"I was," she said surly, "I went looking for Luke to tell him, he shouldn't worry about Teebo, when I heard what Leia and that general were telling him. I'm want to ask Yarnick if I can... "

She stopped in the middle of her sentence. Slowly she shook her head and claps her hands before her face.

"No, I can't do that; if I leave now, Teebo and the others will die," She stammered.

Ian gently took her arm and pulled her to the circle of tree trunks.

"Sit down, Liane, tell us, what's troubling you?" He beckoned the others to sit down too. Liane looked up to him.

"I wanted to ask Yarnick if I could join them again, but I can't do that. I have to stay and give Logray my help. He expects I will be able to cure those severely wounded Ewoks. Logray needs my help, and so does Chirpa and the others," She said as if in trance.

"If that medicine man needs your help, you can't leave with us, Eilidh. You are his assistant, aren't you? He trusts you," Bran asked.

"I gained the tribe's respect for what I can do when there are sick or wounded Ewoks. To them I'm not the Dark Princess of Morantan." She said reproachfully, looking at Yarmod Martan.

Yarmod's face became almost crimson with shame.

"You heard what I said?" He stammered.

"No, I didn't, but your thoughts betrayed you, when you saw me when Luke and I came back to the village, just before you left with the last the prisoner transport. You seemed convinced that I deserved that title."

"I shouldn't have judged you the way I did, Liane. I'm apologizing for my prejudices," Yarmod said shamefully, "It was wrong of me to use your old title. Princess Leia has told me you hate your old nickname."

"I do," Liane said disapprovingly. "That nickname reminds me of a dark period on Morantan. A period and a life I want to forget. The life I wished I had never experienced. Luke told me that you have become master Antilles' padawan recently. Hasn't your Jedi master told you that a Jedi should never judge rashly, at least that's what Luke has told me."

"I'm sorry, Liane. I truly want to know you better. Please forgive me my unreasonable judgment," Yarmod said.

"Liane, I'm sure Yarmod's apologies are meant sincerely," Kieran said, "You should give him a chance to, as he said, know you better."

Liane looked at Yarmod Martan. Her eyes held the young padawan's shameful gaze. Her lips curled in a gentle smile and she stretched out her hand.

'I forgive you your words, Yarmod Martan. I accept your apologies.'

Yarmod look at her astounded.

"You can communicate using Jedi telepathy? You must be very Force sensitive, Liane," He said.

"Luke taught me to use the Force this way. I've learned to use the Force in many ways as a young girl, mostly the wrong ways, as Luke often tells me," She said at a self-mockery tone.

"Are you using your Force skills, when you are helping the wounded little bears?" Ian suddenly asked.

Startled Liane looked at him.

"I don't think I do. I mistrust the use of the Force. It scares me. I don't know, Ian. I can feel their pain and I can hear their anxious thoughts in their native language. I even communicate with them speaking the Ewok language and most of the times I can take away or reduce their anxieties, as I'm always seeing images of their future. They also see those images and they soothe their pain and their recovery starts almost immediately, even they are severely wounded."

Amazed the two young padawans looked at the girl.

"Liane," Yarmod said, "Ian's question isn't as odd as it sounds. Because you are very Force sensitive, you are probably using the Force to cure and take care for those wounded bears."

Liane looked at her former guard, and suddenly she realized that he was dressed like Yarmod, wearing the distinctions of a padawan learner: the cloak and tunic of rough materials, the utility belt and a lightsaber. Like Yarmod Ian was wearing a strand of hair as a braid at the right side of his head. His short hair had a pony-tail at the back. Then she remembered that Luke had told her, that Ian had become Leia's padawan learner.

"You really already look like a Jedi, Ian. Leia is your Jedi master, isn't she?" She said with an amazed smile and laid her hand on the sleeve of his cloak.

Ian nodded, and placed his hand over Liane's.

"Yes, master Luke's sister, princess Leia Organa is my Jedi master. She's teaching me the ways of the Force. Master Luke has told me much about the Force, while we were looking for you, Liane. He showed how I could use the Force. One day I hope to be a real Jedi Knight. Liane, will you show Yarmod and me the way you are helping those wounded Ewoks?"

Liane felt some reluctance, before she slowly nodded.

"Come to Logray's house, later this evening. It's that two storey tree house just outside the village center. I'll warn Logray that you're coming."

"Hey, Liane, hey Ian, what are you both talking about?" the laughing voice of Brion Grann yelled.

"Look, Yarnick, I think, Ian Tydon is a new rival in winning our Eilidh's affection."

Ian's face slightly reddened and quickly he withdrew his hand.

Brion and the other four Granns were walking up to them.

"I was told, Ian, that you have been Eilidh's guard on Wegoyy," Brion said.

Liane looked at her former guard with a warm smile. She slipped her arm through his and pressed her cheek against the rough texture of his cloak.

"He was," she said, "a great help to me on Wegoyy. Brion, if Ian hadn't been with me, I really would have had a terrible time there. He took an awful risk to disobey the orders of his superiors. If the Supreme Chancellor decides to send me back to Wegoyy again, I hope I will have a guard like him."

She shivered as she remembered her time in the Wegoyy prison. Wegoyy! Dendicott! The torture chamber!

"What are you talking about Eilidh. Who says that you will be send back to Wegoyy?" Yarnick Grann asked with a frown, "You're a victim of torture and malicious treatment. The Supreme Chancellor can't possibly be serious about sending you back there."

Liane didn't respond immediately, but was gazing into the distance. Ian sensed her fears for the dreadful prison, but Yarmod suddenly put his arm around Liane's shoulders as to protect her. Liane looked into his eyes and she knew, that she had found another good friend.

'If you have to go back there I'll ask master Antilles if we can stay with you as your guards. At least we can accompany you together with master Luke.' Yarmod said, using his Jedi skills, 'I'm sure Ian and master Leia will come with us too. We all will make sure you will be safe this time.'

'Thank you, Yarmod, for these encouraging words, ' Liane answered through the Force and smiled at him.

Kieran interrupted their unheard dialogue.

"Eilidh, you really shouldn't worry about Wegoyy. I'm sure, that after what you've been through you will be pardoned you for what you've done."

Liane looked away, then turned to Ian Tydon.

"What happened to me in the Wegoyy prison those last days, Ian?" She asked, "Please, tell me. I only remember those shrieking sounds and the flashing colors of that torture chamber. Is it still operational?"

Ian Tydon heard the agony in Liane's voice; he felt her fear.

"Forget that chamber, Liane. My master has ensured that it has been dismantled, and the Supreme Chancellor, lady Mon Mothma, has send a new garrison of guards to Wegoyy. She's now personally overseeing the treatment of the inmates now," He said reassuringly.

"Tell me, what happened to me, Ian? How did I get in that canyon where the Draga found me?" Liane insisted.

Ian sighed; he sensed the curiosity of the group around him.

"Liane, I had to bring you to that canyon. I left you there."

Liane looked devastated and shocked.

"You? Why, Ian? I thought..."

"That was Dendicott's order, Liane. The commander put your personal guard in charge which is the normal procedure in the Wegoyy prison. You'd better listen to Ian's part of it," a calm Jedi-voice said, "There's nothing to blame him for. If Ian hadn't been in charge when you were brought to the desert; you wouldn't have survived, for the Draga wouldn't have found you."

The whole company looked puzzled, as Luke Skywalker walked over to the circle of friends and took a seat next to Ian Tydon.

"Go on, Ian, tell Liane the last part of her missing memories."

Encouraged through Luke's words Ian Tydon told Liane how it had been his duty to carry out Dendicott's order.

"Fortunately I know the desert of Wegoyy very well. I'd been living there on my own for more than a year, voluntarily, before I became an officer and a guard in that prison. I have met the Draga more than once. I've even lived among them for some time, so when I was ordered to bring you to the desert, I immediately planned to leave you in their territory. I hoped, that I could ask them to hide you, until I would be able to find a way to bring you to a safer place. Unfortunately the two guards who were accompanying me, were two of Dendicott's elite guards, so I had to leave you in that deserted canyon on your own. In the past I had met the Draga there a couple of times, so I hoped that they would find you. And I'm glad they did. However, I didn't expect that they would help you to leave Wegoyy with these guys."

Ian pointed at the Grann brothers.

"I wanted to help you to get off the planet myself, one way or the other. Back in the prison I immediately asked permission to supposedly meet a few old friends in Tropass. Rand Phylotar signed my leave. I went in hiding in Tropass, after I decided to desert. I hoped that master Luke would come to Wegoyy again, so I could tell him what really had happened to you. After more than six weeks his space ship was registered at Tropass' space port. I met him in the waste lands far away from Tropass and afterwards he took me to Dalmaran and I accompanied him on his travels as he started looking for you and your new friends."

"You have left out something very important in your story, Ian," Luke said with a smile.

But Ian silenced and Luke took over his story.

"Ian and I met in the Wegoyy desert. He told me the truth about what had happened to you and Dendicott's part in it. Together we met the Draga and afterwards he helped me to find the names of Yarnick and his brothers and the ID-marks of their space ship. He also agreed to tell lady Mon Mothma what was going on on Wegoyy. After his testimony he stayed on Dalmaran, became my co-pilot during the time I was looking for you in the Outer Rim Territories and a few months ago he has become Leia's padawan. But, Ian, when you left Liane in the canyon, you left her something of great importance...."

"The Jedi-pendant!!" Liane exclaimed and she firmly grabbed her former guard's arm again, "Oh, Mintob has recognized you, when you left me in the canyon. He asked me why the guy who has lived among them, had brought me to the place. I didn't know what he was talking about. You knew about the Jedi-pendant Luke had given me. So you put that package with the box in my hand. One of the Draga handed it to me, but I didn't recognized the box, nor the pendant. I took it with me, because I liked the looks of the pendant. Oh, Ian, it was not until here on Endor that I remembered how I had to use it again, but how did you get it?"

"Do you remember the secret place we'd found in your cell? Well, immediately after Dendicott had issued the order to lock you up in the SL-chamber, I took that box with the pendant away, for I knew what was going to happen to you. You had told me that you could use the pendant to contact master Luke. Although your explanation sounded incredible, I believed your story. I hoped, that when you would recover from the mind drug, you would be able to tell master Luke the truth about what they had done to you. When I met Luke in the Wegoyy desert I realized how you could reach him: he was a Jedi Knight. You could reach him using the Force. My parents have spoken to me about the Jedi Order; about those special powers the Jedi can use because they can feel the Force in everything that surrounds them; about their role in the history of the Old Republic and about the Jedi Knights as the guardians of peace and justice. I'm glad that I've taken the risk, to put master Luke's gift in your hands, for indeed it enabled you to tell him where you were."

Liane leaned against his arm to show her gratitude.

"Eilidh, how did you find out you weren't really Eilidh Grann?" Yarnick asked, "Luke has told us on Rasth, that you had been send to the Wegoyy prison for what you have done, but my brothers and I still don't know who you really are."

Liane looked around, all her friends were sitting around her, even general Madine, Leia and Wedge Antilles had joined the group.

"Although I knew that the name you gave me, wasn't my real name, but as I couldn't recall who I really was and what had happened to me, I thought I really was Eilidh Grann."

Liane looked up and met general Madine's friendly face. He smiled at her encouragingly. Maybe she could ask him and Leia to let her stay, if she would explain to him that the Ewoks needed her help for a while. At least until Teebo and the other wounded Ewoks had recovered. What would be the difference, as long as she wasn't returning to Dalmaran. The Ewoks would take care of her.

"What has happened to me on Wegoyy is also my own fault. I have made several wrong decisions, and the High Court at Irithim decided that I needed to be sentenced to eight year at the Wegoyy prison, but probably there also has been fear about what I had learned from Darth Vader on Morantan. He has been my foster-father, as he had adopted me. On Morantan he raised me as his daughter ... and his Sith apprentice," She said cautiously.

Kieran whistled.

"Eilidh, Darth Vader! The Alliances most important enemy! He was your tutor?"

"It's said that he died during the last battle against the Empire. At least that's what our father told us," Ronan remarked.

"That's right," Leia said, "He died during the Battle of Endor."

"Here?" Yarnick asked.

"No, on the second Death Star; but Liane, please continue your story," Luke said quietly.

Liane looked up at him and suddenly she felt Luke's hidden pain about the loss of his father.

'We know that Anakin has renounced the Dark Side, and redeemed himself to the Good Side. He is a Jedi Knight again, Luke, living on in the Force. Without his help and that of your old master Ben, I wouldn't have been able to recall the use of the Jedi-pendant so soon,' Liane said, unwittingly reaching out to him to sooth his pain.

'Thank you, Liane,' Luke answered, while a nearly invisible smile curled his lips. For a moment he held her gaze, then Liane returned to her part of the story.

"My foster father taught me his points of view of the Force. He taught me, as Luke has told me, the use of what belongs to the Dark Side of the Force, the dark knowledge of the Sith. That's the wrong use of the Force."

"You've all seen how angry I became at commander Dendicott and what I did to him. My foster-father taught me to use my aggressive feelings to manipulate and control people."

" When the Empire was overthrown I was still living on Morantan, Darth Vaders imperial stronghold, expecting that one day my father would return. When the Alliances forces invaded Morantan, I was taken prisoner and brought to Irithim to await a trial. I escaped with help a member of the Senate, who wanted to gain the power in the New Republic. I fled with him to Ortel, but Leia went with us as a hostage, but more as a friend and a protector. General Madine and Luke came to rescue Leia and I was brought back to Dalmaran. Because of my help with the coup and my knowledge of the Dark Side I was brought to Wegoyy. I'm glad I have survived Dendicott's treatment, and I found a new life with you and your brothers, Yarnick. I hope you and your parents will forgive me that I ran away. Endor, more precise the Ewok village became my new home and here I've regained my memories."

"On a clearing in Endor jungle, " Liane pointed in the direction of the lake, "stands a stone which commemorates ... my foster-father's renouncement of his life as a Sith lord. The chiseled words on the stone brought back my lost memories. After Luke had come to Endor he told me that Anakin Skywalker had been my foster father."

She looked at the familiar faces around her.

"This is my story and who I really am. I've made many wrong decisions, but I hope I can stay on Endor for eight years instead of having to go back to Wegoyy."

"For the time being you can stay here, Liane," general Madine said, "Luke will stay with you as your guard and if necessary to protect you. We understand that you want to help the Ewoks to overcome Dendicott's attack on their village. There are a lot of casualties and severely wounded Ewoks and you are helping Logray with their treatment. You can stay as long as you need. Later Luke will accompany you to Dalmaran, so you can to tell the Supreme Chancellor what happened to you on Wegoyy. It's up to the her to decide what will happen further."

"Thank you, sir," Liane whispered.

An oppressive silence fell after general Madine's words; they all looked with pity at the young woman in her dark brown outfit. Was she really such threat to the safety of the New Republic to deserve a living in exile for such a long time ?

"Why did you come here? I ordered you to stay on Endor's space port to assist Olon Dendicott and Rand Phylotar to bring her to Palomintar Four," a voice snarled.

"My lord, the girl got help from the ground forces of the New Republic and several Jedi. They came to her rescue. Olon Dendicott and Rand Phylotar and their men have been taken prisoner."

"So she got help from the New Republic. Why did you leave. Gotten scared. This is lack of discipline, do you understand," the voice continued.

"We understand, my lord."

"You failed me!" the voice sounded angry.

"Those New Republic forces were too well prepared, master. We feared to be taken prisoner as well, so we left Endor."

"You're miserable idiots, fools! All of you!".

"Yes, my lord, we're miserable idiots!"

"Both Phylotars and Olon Dendicott eliminated."

"My lord, maybe we can help to plan another attack on Endor."

"Of course you can, but what will the result be. More men captured. Maybe I'd better hire some bounty hunters. They know how to cope with Jedi Knights and their rebel friends."

"We understand, my lord. Tell us, what we must do."

"Nothing you fools. I'm going to handle this myself. Now get out."

A gloved fist came down on the broad armrest. The two little humanoids anxiously raised their hands.

"Get out!! I said!"

The humanoids ran to the door and vanished.

"Well well, my little dark princess," The voice whispered, calm again, "So the New Republic is protecting you. Why can't you understand that you're the only hope for this galaxy ..."

The thoughts of the dark robed figure were interrupted by a loud beep on the armrest of his chair. Quickly the mysterious person rose and rushed through the corridor to the dimly cave where his holo display was flashing. He touched a button.

"Yes?"

"My lord," A soft submissive image said, "the girl will stay on Endor. Her only guard will be Jedi Skywalker."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, my lordship. She seems to have become a member of a indigenous tribe. She's helping the shaman to cure the tree bears that have been shot by Dendicott's forces. The Jedi has been given orders to be her guard and bring her to Dalmaran in about three months time."

"Good. Your source is reliable?"

"Guaranteed. Some Wegoyy guards who accompanied the commander officer are still at large in the forest moon. One of them overheard a discussion between the Jedi and his general. He managed to contact me."

"Can he keep us informed?"

"Not likely, my lord, he told me that he is on his way to Endor space port to avoid being capture near the village of those tree bears, but I contact an other source at the space port. He might confirm if the New Republic forces leave without the girl and the Jedi."

The screen went black.

"Well, the longer she stays on Endor the better. It will give me a new opportunity seek some bounty hunters who will certainly capture her and bring her to Palomintar Four. So, everything isn't lost yet. If she's mine I finally will get the knowledge I need," The dark hooded figure mused.

The shadows of the trees were growing longer and among the trees it was already dark, but huge bonfires ignited by Luke and Wedge, were driving away that darkness. Their glow was everywhere. Among the tree houses hung an atmosphere of joy, although there also was a feeling of sadness, because of the severely wounded.

Chirpa had invited Luke and the others to be his guests of honor. They got the best seats at the table which was laden with all kinds of food. The Grann brothers were sitting next to Chirpa and the other Wisests to honor them for defending the village against the attack of Dendicott's mercenaries.

Liane's mind was not on the party. Halfway the banquet she left her seat at the end of the table and slipped away to Logray's house.

Ian Tydon saw her walk away and nudged Yarmod Martan. The two young padawans slipped away too and followed Liane. In the darkness of the trees they saw her enter Logray's house. Silently they neared the house, but almost immediately two sturdy Ewoks blocked their path. Ian held his pace and made a peaceful gesture.

"We mean no harm. All we want is to see Eilidh," He said.

In the entrance Logray appeared. He talked to the two guards.

"Haddo noma kanna?"

['What do they want.']

"Haddo nomata kanna Aay-lee ."

['He wants to see Eilidh.']

"Haddo kanno diddo meno." Logray said looking inquisitively at Ian and Yarmod.

['She told me about them.']

From inside the tree house Liane's voice was responded, "Haddo kanno medono, Logray"

['It's alright, Logray, please let them enter.']

The little shaman stepped aside.

Ian and Yarmod bowed to enter the low door. On the staircase to the upper floor stood Liane. She put her fingers to her lips and beckoned them to follow her.

"Please be quiet."

On the upper floor they saw seven wounded Ewoks on fern beds covered with thick fur blankets. They were all unconscious. Some of them moaned. Liane beckoned the two padawans to a separate room. Without any noise she lowered the leather curtain and looked up to them.

"You would show us how you're able to help them" Ian said on a whispering tone.

Liane looked at them and sensed their sincere interest.

"I'll show you, what I'll do, but don't disturb me concentration. Follow me and sit down."

She went back to the room with the wounded Ewoks. Liane knelt near Teebo's head.

"This is Teebo. In the beginning he was my guard, but he also learned me the first words of their language. Thanks to him and Logray I got my own tree house near the lake. Dendicott has shot him to set an example. He is severely wounded."

She carefully placed her hands around Teebo's head and closed her eyes. Ian and Yarmod who sat cross-legged near the little bear's feet, watched her. They felt how Liane surrendered herself to the Force which started to vibrate between her and the little wounded bear and surrounded them both.

"She is using her Life Force for healing. Master Antilles has shown me how I can sense and help the suffering of a living being, but it's very exhausting. " Yarmod whispered to Ian. Ian nodded.

"Let's give her our support,"Yarmod whispered. Without making a sound, he crept beside Liane and silently sat himself cross-legged next to her. Ian did the same and sat on the other side. Gently Yarmod placed both his hands over Liane right hand. Ian who was watching his friend's movement touched Liane's left hand. They closed their eyes and turned inward into a Jedi meditation stance.

'Accept our help, Liane' Yarmod said in his Force trance. 'Together we can strengthen the use of Force in our combined Life Force.'

They both felt how the influence of the Force became stronger. Several moments passed in silence, then Teebo started to smile.

"Hado kanoma doda niko, Aay-lee miko"

['I feel so much better, Eilidh']

"Kamo boda Jedi sico mino." Liane answered and she too smiled.

['There are two Jedi friends with me to help you.']

Haddo nuda diddo gifolit Teebo. Cando sino diddo milo. Kandu miko tiga. Kandu miko tiga." Liane said.

['You will get better. Remember the earlier images you saw? See those images again. See those images the images again.']

Almost immediately Teebo's strained face became soft and relaxed. His breathing became deeper and more regular. Liane continued to repeat her words a few times until Teebo fully relaxed. She opened her eyes and looked down on the facial features of her Ewok friend. She was still holding his head between her hands. Slowly she raised her head and looked at the two padawans.

"Thank you for your help. This time he relaxed very fast thanks to your help. Normally it takes me hours before he relaxes," She said in a whisper.

"Liane are you realizing you're using your Force strength to heal him?" Ian said astounded.

Liane shrugged her shoulders.

"Am I doing that, Ian? How do you know that for sure? I hope I won't hurt them with the Force in this way, for actually I don't want to use the Force. It's an evil power. "

"Are you afraid of the Force, Liane?" Yarmod asked.

Liane didn't answer his question, but rose to her feet and sat herself next to Teebo's body. Carefully she took the bandage around his body away. Ian and Yarmod saw the terrible wound. Liane held her hands above the wound and a bluish flow started to emanated from her fingers. The bluish light began to touch the inner organs. Baffled Ian and Yarmod looked at each other as the bluish light completely filled the inside of the wound, touching the damaged tissue. It renovated and healed the tissue affected by the blast.

"I don't believe," Yarmod murmured, "She is using Life Force Healing to undo the damage and renovate the tissue ."

"She's merging her Force strength with Force Assist Healing to undo and cure the damaged tissue," Ian said, "Master Leia has told me about it, but I couldn't comprehend completely what she meant. This is incredible. Who taught her this? Master Luke?"

"Can we also assist her this way"

"Maybe?" Ian said. He stretched out his hands nearly touching Liane's fingers. Immediately the bluish streams also emanated from his fingers.

"Join me, Yarmod," Ian said, "Do as I do."

Hesitant Yarmod Martan also stretched his hands above Teebo's body, but he withdrew them and shook his head.

'You should help her with this, Ian. I'll watch what's happening. I sense that my help isn't useful with this kind of Force use.'

Yarmod sat cross-legged next to Liane and saw how the body of the little Ewok became engulfed in the bluish bulb of Force light emanating from Liane's and Ian's hands. Ian concentrated on the wound and now the skin and fur began to close. Liane looked up and shook her head.

"Not so fast, Ian. There's a lot damage inside. That has to be healed first." She murmured, while she focussed on the inner layers. Ian followed her lead and used his Force skills to start the healing of those deeper layers of damage. He experienced how the use of Life Force Healing renovated the tissue of the damaged organs.

When Liane slowly took away her hands Ian lowered his hands and released himself from his intense Force trance.

"Your help has intensified the recovery of a lot of damaged tissue," She said, looking down on Teebo who murmured a bit in his relaxed state. She took a kalebas with fluid and dripped it on some ferns. Carefully she covered the wound with the ferns, before she adjusted a new bandage.

"Can you also help me with the others?" She said, as she walked over the next wounded Ewok.

"Not all of them are as severely wounded as Teebo, but they all need much help. Your support will make it easier, not only for me, but also for them. Helping them the way I do, makes me always feel very tired, but also very happy. Their recovery probably will be a bit faster if you would participate with me using your Force skills."

Ian and Yarmod followed her. Again she put her hands around the little bear's head.

The padawan friends silently nodded and placed their hands over hers. Both became aware of the pain the little bear suffered, but then both their minds were suddenly filled with images of a bright future. The little bear was again swaying through the forest. The images they saw were so clear that they began to feel as happy as the little wounded Ewok. Like Teebo he felt asleep with those happy images in his mind. After have treated the wounds as she has done with Teebo Liane came out of her trance and wanted to rise, but this time Yarmod firmly grabbed her arm.

"Where did you learn to use the Force this way?" He asked with disbelieve, "Did master Luke taught you this, or did you get this knowledge also on Morantan? You're using Jedi Battle Meditation and Life Force Assist Healing."

"What are you talking about, Yarmod?" Liane said, while she walked over to the next wounded Ewok. Ian and Yarmod followed her, but Yarmod continued.

"Jedi Battle Meditation. It a very uncommon talent among Jedi Knights. For a Jedi the future is always diffuse, but with this talent a Jedi can see the future more clearly and influence it. Master Antilles has told me about it. My master said that this knowledge has been lost after the Empire took power and the Jedi became extinct. In ancient times there have been only a few Jedi who had a natural talent for it. One of them was Nomi Sunrider, and even she has developed those skills under the tutelage of an ancient Jedi Master. With Life Force Assist Healing you use your own Force strength to use of the Force to penetrate damaged tissues or wounds and cure them. You possess some very special talents using these Good Side Force skills, Liane."

Liane smiled, as she noticed the great respect in Yarmod's words, but she shrugged her shoulders.

"Never heard of Nomi Sunrider, Jedi Battle Meditation or Life Force Assist Healing but thank you for telling me this, Yarmod. Well, if what you mentioned can recover my little wounded friends, then at least I can do something good with the evil power I possess."

"What do you mean, Liane. You're using the Force in a great way! You can be a Jedi too, like myself and Ian, like master Luke and the others!"

"I don't want to become a Jedi Knight," Liane said determinedly, "I know too much of the Dark Side of the Force."

She sat to the next wounded Ewok. Without further conversation they nursed the other five wounded Ewoks. Ian and Yarmod did everything to help Liane as best as they could, but at some moments they just observed her, when she was using her specific powers to ease her patients pain and suffering. They wondered how it could be possible, that Liane didn't want to accept the real source of her healing powers. The strong influence of the Force vibrated through the little room. All Liane's gestures and whispered words were driven by that powerful ally.

Especially Yarmod was astonished. Only three months ago commander Antilles had asked him if he wanted to become his padawan. Startled he hadn't known if he could agree with the commander's proposal, but master Antilles had shown him that he already was using the Force intuitively in many of his normal actions. Although not completely sure about it he had accepted a possible future as a Jedi Knight and the past few months he eagerly had absorbed much Jedi knowledge from the teachings of his Jedi master, showing his master his dedication and commitment to learn the ways of the Force.

After having nursed and attended the seventh wounded tree bear, Liane rose and walked over to a bucket. She filled three cups with water and offered them to her companions.

"We can go back to the party. They will now be at ease for the rest of the night. Thank you, for your help, but Yarmod, why didn't you assist Ian to cure the damaged tissue of the injuries."

Yarmod shook his head.

"I can't explain, but I had the feeling that I shouldn't participate in what you and Ian were doing. Probably the Force held me back, I can't tell. Maybe the Force didn't want my to help you. I felt a strong reluctance, although I wanted to help you as Ian did."

"You don't have to apologize, Yarmod. You're probably right if you followed what you sensed. Your help has been more than sufficient in an other way." Liane said with a warm smile.

They descended the stairs and left the house. In front of the house Ian held her back.

"Liane, have you told master Luke about the way you're healing the Ewoks?" he asked.

"No I didn't. I've never talked about it, because there haven't been any wounded Ewoks after Luke had come to Endor. Logray didn't need my help. I have spent much time with Luke, as he wanted to show me how I can use the Force in a different way, less scaring then what I have learned on Morantan. Luke's always telling me that the Force is influencing everything I do. He says I should learn to listen to the Force more closely. If I do I will learn what the Force wants me to do. "

"He's right. You should tell him what how you cure the injured Ewoks, Liane. I'm sure he will be as amazed as we are."

He forced her to look at him.

"Liane, if we can feel that your Force influence to cure these injured tree bears, are influenced by the Force, master Luke surely can."