Chapter 156

"Not the wealthiest, my daughter, but to Quelan families who had improved and extended their homes over many years. In some of them three generations have been living happily together until the armored forces of the occupier chose them to set an example for all the others," Manall said.

"What do you mean by those words, father," Tronama asked.

"The occupier imprisoned all the male family members of the most prosperous looking houses and forced them to do slave labor in that cave system under the mountain ridge to extend his new base. His armed forces executed the remaining family members. In total many dozens of residents of our community were massacred in the beginning of the invasion, mainly elderly man and woman, mothers and children."

Tronama put her hand in front of her mouth.

"Dozens of residents, father. I've never heard of that. Cornell never has spoken about what really has happened when we had to flee Myr." She said.

"My dear, everyone panicked when Myr and our town became occupied. The forces rounded up some hundred and fifty of our males, young ones and adults, sons and fathers. The mothers, wives and young women were screaming and attacked the forces which were dragging away their loved ones. The forces opened fire and murdered those who opposed them."

"But I've heard from Cornell or from Wollin that the harvest families were also attacked, father?" Tronama said looked upset.

"The harvest families lived at some distance of Ribana near the foothills. The attacking forces entered Ribana from the southern and far eastern hills through the vineyard. Immediately the governors told your husband and Wollin to evacuated the harvest families. They led all them along a hidden path along a series of caves at the foot of the mountain ridge west of the town. Wollin was ordered to lead all further along to the border of the wild lands, while Cornell went back to support the governors and the Council of the Elders to get the whole town evacuated as fast as possible. They managed to get the surviving Quelans through the dry riverbed onto the western plains.

I must say that all the Quelans did everything to support their fellow residents, but it was a chaotic situation. It became worse when the invading forces charged on the western plains and drove the residents further in the direction of the wild land border." Manall told his daughter-in-law.

"I have never realized what happened in Ribana itself, father. Wollin had brought our families to a relative safe place protected by the mountain ridge. All I remember is the long walk later on with all the surviving Quelans through the wild lands to get to western harbor."

"Before all our fellow Quelans started the walk through the wild lands, our community had again suffered a lot of casualties, for on the western plains many fell victim to the laser beam shots of the occupying force.

The Council of the Elders, the governors and Wollin, my son and myself managed to bring everyone deeper into the wild lands where they were relatively safe. Once we had arrived at the first one of the cabin trail, your husband, Wollin and the governors decided to go back to Ribana to gather for as much rations of nuts and other food they could lay their hands on.

They passed the leadership to master Kamalin and master Woldrin as the chair and the vice-chair of the Council of Elders and ordered the rest of the older harvest man to start leading the group to the western harbor in case they wouldn't return. Even I was asked to take the lead of a group of elderly Quelans."

"Why hasn't Cornell never spoken about this, father? I remember, that many elderly and very young Quelans were stumbling and crying. They had joined the harvest families while we were finding our way along the wild land path to the harbor, but the harvest families were aware that Ribana had been occupied."

"We kept most of the the women away from what was happening, Tronama. Besides you were pregnant of Girinn and Cornell had asked me to find some women among the harvest families to take care of you and Lorann and Bolann. Lorann was a nuisance for all of us; Filann and Cemall had to keep an eye on him, but even for them it seemed impossible. It were Mayan Fonaldris and Iljon Jecolin, her classmate, who managed to keep Lorann at bay. They were also looking after Mayan's younger brothers."

Tronama looked at Manall and he sensed that she began to look at what had happened from a different point of view.

"You mentioned Iljon Jecolin, father. Is she family of Anddra Jecolin?"

"She was Anddra's twin sister, Tronama. The occupying forces shot their father who stood up against them. Their mother who witnessed the death of her husband was so emotionally devastated that she lost her eyesight, so the two girls had to take care of their blind mother. Anddra mainly stay with their mother while Iljon gathered roots and berries along the path to provide extra food for her family members. On Tyr Iljon was one of the victims of the Urams attack. Anddra, now alone with her blind mother, took care of the older woman who suddenly died after we heard that Ribana had been freed." Manall explained and put his hand on Tronama's shoulder who now had a shameful look in her eyes.

"I made a very cynical remark about her and Filann when I met her on the space ship that brought us to Myr." She said. "I thought that she was rich, as she had inherited that large berry farm. I have known her father who I have often met on the market in Ribana. I didn't know what had happened to her family. It is clear why Filann's answer was so irritated.."

Manall nodded.

"You're a good woman, Tronama. You have developed a very strong character, but you mainly have always seemed focussed on your family and the other harvest families, but I'm very happy, my dear girl, that you and the all the kids have survived. My son is really lucky he has married a strong woman.

You were only a girl when Filann was born, and two years later you gave birth to Cemall. Your marriage hasn't been as easy as mine once was, for my only son, your husband, is a headstrong man who finds it difficult to look at situations with a more open mind."

"Cornell is a good husband, father. He has fulfilled a difficult task and finished what you and the harvest men had begun, while Cornell and I were just kids. He has faced some terrible situations after he became the harvest men's leader, because he changed the way to harvest the nuts. He didn't know how to cope with the death of some of his men when those birds started attacking his group. I felt how relieved he was, when no one was allowed to enter the nut forest again after what happened to those women and young girls, after our arrival on Tyr. After the Jedi Knights brought back the governors he told me that he and his men had an opportunity to get to Myr to work on that mountain project. He would join the Jedi Knights to Myr who wanted free Ribana. I didn't agree that he would me to take care for our family. I didn't believe the Jedi Knights could really free Ribana, and I quarreled with Cornell about the plan. On top of that, Filann and Cemall asked their father if they could come along to Myr, as Filann was very unhappy in his marriage with Sumall Pohinn."

"I'm glad you look at my son as a good, but sometimes a difficult man to understand, Tronama, for that means that you still love him, don't you?"

Now Tronama laughed relaxed.

"Absolutely, father. As I said he his a good husband and a caring father, but yes, he too often sticks to his believe. I'm still proud of him for being the youngest harvest men's leader ever. I also have to admit that I like his plan to bring me and the girls to Myr to chose our next home, even if it means that we need to improvise our stay and sleep in tents for a while. First the house needs a thorough clean up inside and Cornell has to work on any necessary repairs."

Manall nodded in agreement.

"Did you and my son decide which house you want to restore?" He asked.

"We have, father. Yesterday you brought the Allrann family to an abandoned house in the outskirts near the southern hills. Not far from their possible choice Cornell and I have looked at a similar house. Father, I was amazed how well Hajonn and Kuriann seemed to get along at the moment. I expected that Kuriann was about to file a request to cancel their marriage, as I've heard him say during that hearing. Has he really said at the hearing that he sees his marriage as a failure, but that sounds odd, for Hajonn has given birth to two nice boys: Kalonn and Wirton. I know Hajonn Allrann very well as I often have been concerned about her, when she was depressed about her marriage with Kuriann. She was married to Kuriann at the age of fifteen, while he had already reached the age of twenty-three. Both their boys where born while Kuriann was on Tyr for the nut harvest. I have supported the birth of her sons both times. Father, the Council of the Elders should convince Kuriann Allrann that Hayonn is a good wife and fine mother. I respect her much more that Sumall Pohinn. Honestly, I regret that I ever have agreed with Cornell and Honyan Pohinn to let Filann marry Sumall, when she would be fifteen."

"Don't worry about Hajonn Allrann, Tronama. Kuriann won't put in a request to cancel his marriage, for he has realized that neither he, nor Hajonn want another partner. As to Filann I can reassure you. His unhappy marriage will be canceled which will give him the opportunity to make his own choice."

Tronama looked at her father-in-law happily.

"I hope he will choose that farmer's daughter for I'm sure that with her he will become as happy as I am with his father," She said.

"Maybe he will, Tronama. Much effort will be done to ensure that your son can look forward at happier prospects."

"You mean the Jedi Knights for using their skills, father?"

"They have deliberately given their support to both of them, my dear girl, and I also want to see Filann find a new future on that farm and your help can also can be useful. What would you think to invite Anddra Jecolin together with Filann in your new home once it has been restored. She is a forgiving person, more forgiving than your eldest son who has a bit the character of his father."

"I know that Filann and Cemall have hard feelings against me and Cornell about Filann's forced marriage. Do you think, that Anddra Jecolin will except such an invitation, and that Filann will agree with a visit?"

"Anddra looks at what happens with a more open mind, Tronama. I'm sure she will remind him that your his mother and that she wants to make her acquaintance with you and Cornell. Your relationship with your two eldest sons will benefit from her influence on Filann.

Now, do you want to join me and have another look at the house you and Cornell might choose?"

Tronama nodded and Manall brought her to his speeder. Bolann and Girinn rushed over as they saw their mother and their grandfather wanted to leave. Manall looked at them.

"Your mother and I are going to look at one of the houses again, Bolann. Take your sisters to your father and tell him where we have gone."

The Grann brothers sat in the control room of the Millennium Falcon together with Han, Chewbacca and Leia.

"Yarnick, I want to go to Irithim with Yarmod and Tama-Hin within two weeks from now," Leia said.

Yarnick nodded.

"That's earlier than the original plan, Leia, but we will have the Grannd Traveler ready for you." the eldest of Grann brothers said.

"Han wants me to remind Mon Mothma to read Wedge's report about his trip to Lumeara again. He is right, for I sense that Wedge still has doubts about sending Jedi Knights again to Lumeara. Wedge has send Mon Mothma an update to his report after he had done investigations in the Jedi Archive on Na'ctaMagh'Ba, concerning the massacre of Lumearanians during the Clone Wars for which the Lumearanian leader are holding the Jedi responsible."

"You're not expecting that the Supreme Chancellor will cancel the mission, do you?" Brion asked.

"No, the mission continues regardless, but I want to make a plan in case the situation on Lumeara will be running out of hand. That's what Wedge and Luke have advised me to do. Therefore I want to leave here earlier than originally planned."

"Will Luke and Han join you too, Leia."

"No, we have given that a thought, but on second thought, it would be better if I alone will convince Mon Mothma that we need a plan to leave Lumeara in case the members are in danger. The two Jedi and I know how to stay in touch with the three who will stay on Palomintar Four with the exception that Luke and Shaayla-Car will leave this planet every now and then to look somewhere for the documents they need to proof the date of of birth. After every trip they will come back to Myr and stay here for at least fourteen standard day or longer if necessary. All I hope, guys, that you too will return to Myr to lend a hand here. I know that it's not your usual business as you haven't returned to your trading work after all what has happened here."

"We have promised Eilidh to support her, Leia, and although the intruder is no longer in control here, we will stay on Palomintar Four until we have witnessed her marriage with Luke." Yarnick said and Leia noticed that his voice sounded a bit stiff. "We also have an obligation to the governors of Ribana to help them selling more of the aludium crystals."

"I understand that that business has to be carried out very carefully," Leia said.

"Yes, for this community should profit from these rare crystals, so we will sell very small quantities at large intervals, and every time at different buyers. For the time being we have a reliable contact with the government of the New Republic. Their offer is solid and substantial, so we don't have to look for better options at short notice." Ronan said.

Yarnick looked at Leia.

"Let's set the date of our departure at twelve day from today, Leia. We leave it up to you to inform the other Jedi; we will have the Grannd Traveler ready to lift off. In the meantime there's still enough of us to give the Quelans a helping hand with the last part of the restorations. Yesterday I walked around to see if I could be of some use somewhere and it really feels good to see how the third group is busy with their chores."

He and his brothers rose to leave. Before they walked to the exit ramp Han had a last question.

"Do we already inform the governors, Leia. What do you think?"

"We first will inform the other Jedi, for Luke needs to know what's been decided, as do the others." Leia answered. "We will inform Toallin and Mugin some days before we will actually leave. I don't want them to start worrying already about how all the residents of Ribana are being transferred, along with all the remaining furniture and other belongings that are still on Tyr. These coming days I want to work out a temporary time schedule together with Luke, Wedge and Shaayla-Car to show the governors how we think the definite rehousing from Tyr to Myr can be done. Of course it also depends on how fast the Grannd Traveler will be back on Myr and when Luke and Shaayla-Car will go to Tatooine."

"The definite transfer of all the Quelans to Myr will take some while, Leia. We will be back to bring the third group first back to Tyr and with the help of Luke, Wedge and Shaayla-Car there will be enough Jedi Knight to fly to Tyr. " Brion answered.

Filann looked at Anddra who was standing in front of him.

"Yes, I want to help you with the farm, Anddra, but I have to leave at the end of the day. I can't stay here during the night. I will leave late, if you want. After we're have a late supper together for instance, but what you're suggesting isn't a good plan."

"Why not? You can sleep in one of the five rooms on the first floor. Choose one and I will clean it. When you're going to sleep you can close the door, you can even lock it on the inside, if you don't want me to disturb you too early in the morning," She said with a laugh. "Come on, Filann, There are so many spare rooms here. It's a waste of time to go back to Ribana every evening. "

Filann sighed and wanted to comment on Anddra's words, but he didn't know how to keep his ground. She was right: it was a waste of time driving to and fro to Ribana.

"OK, Anddra. I will stay. Where did you stack those nagawa fleeces you used to sleep on, before I brought you the bed and its coverings."

Anddra took his hand with a smile and pulled him through the corridor to the door next to her sleeping room.

"I've put them in here."

Filann walked past her and took a stack of ten nagawa fleeces, then he walked back through the corridor to the front door. Anddra rushed over, managed to step in front of him and put her hand on his chest, pushing him back.

"Where do you think you're going with those fleeces, Filann?"

"To the greenhouse," He answered.

Anddra shook her head.

"I mentioned that earlier, when we were talking about where you would stay, but I was joking, Filann. You can't sleep there. I don't want you sleep there. It's dirty, it's messy and it's too cold at night. You don't know how much the temperature drops up here during the night."

"I have slept in a tree house high on that mountain ridge, Anddra. If nights here are cold, than on that mountain ridge they are colder. These nagawa fleeces will protect me. I'm used to sleep under them. Anddra, please, do understand why we can't stay in the same house during the night." He said and Anddra heard a begging tone in his voice.

"I know why, Filann, for you're still a married man as long as the Council of the Elders hasn't decided about the cancellation of your marriage with Sumall Pohinn." She said and pushed him gently back.

Filann looked at her

"That's one reason, Anddra."

"One reason? What is the other?" She said teasingly.

Filann sighed, but didn't answer her question. He turned around with the stack of fleeces and walk over to the stairs that were leading to the first floor. He ascended, while Anddra followed him. On the first floor he walked over to the stairs that led to the attic. He turned to the young woman.

"I'll stay, for you're right. It's ridiculous to drive to Ribana every evening and come back here the next morning, But I will make myself a place on the attic. Don't start telling me that the windows still need repairs. I know. I will handle that the oncoming days. I will also do the cleaning there."

He ascended to the attic and put the stack of fleeces in a far corner. He quickly arranged some of the crates around the fleeces as some protection and to put on his belongings. Anddra had followed him and watched him how he determinedly rearranged the crates which hadn't been taken away. Filann turned to her and gently put his hands on her shoulders. He felt how she shivered.

"It's cold in here. We'd better go back downstairs where it's warmer. You just said that during the nights the temperature is dropping on these hills, so I should also check if I can get the heating system up and running, so we will have some warmth in the evenings."

"The attic isn't connected to the heating system, Filann," She argued.

"I have noticed that, Anddra, but I made a decision: I will sleep here and see to it that the windows will be repaired in the oncoming days. And now I want to go downstairs to the kitchen and make a hot cav or choc for both of us. I'll bring you to the living room and will serve you the drink."

Anddra started to laughed.

"Filann Radilan. I should make you a hot cav or choc, for you're my helper, my friend and my guest." She said as she released herself from his grip.

They descended to the ground floor and went over to the kitchen where most of the appliances were in good order. Filann used the ion-kettle heat the water, while Anddra prepared a jug to make cav. Filann poured the hot water on the grains of cav and Anddra took some cups with her as she went to the living room. Filann followed her and filled the cups. She looked at him and laughed again.

As he sat down in one of the armchairs she became aware that she longed to sit close near him on a couch, as had happened in her house on Tyr. Silently she took a seat in the other armchair an looked at him. Filann smiled.

"These armchairs are comfortable, Anddra, but I would love to sit on a couch together like in your house on Tyr. Your house on Tyr is so cozy. I felt at home there." He said, looking at her, being aware that she had have a similar thought.

"Tomorrow I'll first will check the heating system and repair the windows in the attic, but as soon as I have fix that I'll go to Ribana and see if among the spare furniture there is a couch for you to put in this living room. These armchair can be put on the other side of the coffee table." He said.

Anddra smiled encouragingly at him.

"I like that idea, Filann, for I would love to sit next to you while you're telling me what you have done on that mountain ridge in those tree houses."

"Maybe I should take you there one day, when we have restored the farm house."

"I would love to see that place, Filann. I also would like to visit the nut forest once with you. You showed me that drawing your brother made and I felt as if I could step into it and be part of what was happening there. Your brother has a great talent. You should be proud of him."

"Lorann is almost fourteen now, but I remember that Cemall and I had to take care of him while ..." Filann stopped and looked away.

" ... while we have to flee, right, and my sister and Mayan Fonaldris have helped you and your brother to look after Lorann. Filann, Lorann was just a kid. You can't blame him for causing trouble. I sure he didn't understand why we were walking day in day out through that wilderness." Anddra said and sensed that the strain Filann had felt lessened.

She poured him another cav. She recalled her talk with Shaayla-Car and knew how well the Jedi Knight had seen through this young adult harvest, sensing how he still was struggling to find a new future for himself and come to terms with his feelings. She remembered that she had mentioned to Shaayla-Car that she wanted him to become her husband one day.

She stood up and wanted to lit some candles, when all of a sudden the hidden light tubes along the four walls began to illuminate the room. Surprised she looked at Filann who jumped to his feet and shove the curtains aside.

"They have repaired the ion-power system which connects all the houses and street to turn on the lights. Look, even through the windows of the houses that still need restoration the lights are shining." He said and looked at her. "Let's have a look outside, Anddra.

They went left the farm and watched Ribana, standing in front of the entrance. Filann pointed to the path that led to Ribana.

"The system runs up along the path to the farm." He said, while he put his fleece jacket around her shoulders.

Anddra shivered, but looked up thankful at him. t

"Now Ribana looks again like it was when I grew here." She said softly. "Our community is lucky that the occupying forces haven't destroyed everything, for also the water supply system is working properly."

"There must be a connection board in every house where residents can switch off the lights. Any idea where that board can be, Anddra? " Filann asked.

Anddra shook her head.

"My parents always took care to switch off the lights when we all went to sleep. I only remember that in the room where Iljon and I slept my father had installed a separate switch to turn off the lights, but I don't know where the main switch board can be."

Filann went inside the farm house and looked around in the entrance hall. With a smile he pointed to a door next to the door that led to the corridor. He walked over and tried to open the door, but it was locked. He turned to Anddra.

"I'll get my equipment belt. It must be possible to unlock this door." He said and ran over to the stairs.

Anddra heard him ascending to the attic in a hurry. Some moments later he came down again with the belt around his waist. She looked at him with admiration. Filann examined the hinges of the door. He picked a special tool from his belt and managed to take off the hinges. Carefully he pulled the door a bit ajar, after which he could put aside. Behind the door a niche became visible where on the wall was a panel with a number of switches. He turned to Anddra who was watching him with shining eyes.

"This is the main panel for the farm. I only have to check if those switches are still working." He said and looked around in the small niche. Suddenly he bowed deeper and opened a long small closet which was hanging on the wall aside the panel. Inside it several rows of labeled keys were visible. He held out one of the keys to Anddra.

"Your father must have been a visionary, Anddra. This is his inheritance to you, for these probably are the spare keys of all the rooms, the cellar, the attic and probably everything on the farm that could be secured with a lock." He said and put the key back in the small closet. "This is really a lucky find, for now we can unlock any door where the key was missing. I guess that the invading forces haven't taken a good look while looting all the furniture. They have taken the keys they saw and probably discarded them, just to make it impossible for the residents to get back inside the house. When I came here with the first group we gave several of our fellow Quelans some help to unlock the front door of their house."

"When Iljon and I had to flee the farm with our mother I locked the front and the back door and all the time while I lived on Tyr I have kept those keyes," Anddra, "Therefore I could enter the farm house again after I came here with the second group. The front door was locked, but I saw that the windows on the ground floor and the first floor were broken. They smashed the windows from outside, for the shards were every where in the rooms. Some harvest men came over and repaired the windows on the ground floor, but I felt very sad when I saw what had happened to the flower beds in front of the house. They were my mother's pride. What was left of those flower beds made me feel very depressed."

"You should have asked for more help much earlier, Anddra," Filann said.

Anddra began to laugh, looking at him.

"Honestly, Filann, I'm now glad I didn't, because then you wouldn't have come here to help me, would you?" She asked.

"I don't know, Anddra. Maybe we would have run into each other in a different way." He said and looked at her with a intense look in his eyes. "I'm really glad that we met."

"So, am I, Filann," She said and made a step closer to him.

Filann looked in the happily shining eyes of the young woman in front of him. There was a moment of total silence between them, before he put his arms around her while Anddra put her arms around his neck and they passionately kissed each other. As they released themselves Anddra stroke his cheek. Filann put his hand over hers and pulled her close to him again.

"You do understand why I find it difficult to stay here with you, don't you?" He whispered.

"Yes, my dearest friend," she whispered, "for I have similar feelings for you, but as long as your marriage to Sumall hasn't been called off, I'm aware that we have to keep a certain distance to each other, because I don't want to bring you into disrepute. You have been through too much."

"I love you, Anddra Jecolin." Filann whispered as he gently kissed her again.

From the top of the southern hills Luke and Liane were looking down on Ribana.

"Their knowledge has been more sophisticated than I once assumed, Shaayla-Car. This really looks superb." Luke said. "I'm confident that this community will find their former way of living again."

"The cabin on Palomintar Six is a good indication of the Quelan's skills, Luke," Liane said.

"Sure, but after we had visited Ribana as it was while Trevor was still here, Toallin and Mugin became very depressed. But looking at the town now I sensed how much resilience this community has to work on their future."

"Look, Luke, I see a lot of people in the streets, celebrating the restoration of the lights. Shall we join them?" She asked.

Luke nodded and walked over to the speeder. Liane followed him slowly still looking at the lights in the valley below. They drove to the gap and entered the southern outskirts where several Quelans of the third group were standing outside their gardens. Everywhere Luke and Liane heard shouts of greetings and cheerful laughter.

In front of the last the houses of the town Liane noticed a group of Quelans who seemed to have a happy talk together, as they suddenly heard their names. From the group they saw Manall walking over to them. Luke stopped and he and Liane jumped off.

"Luke, very good that you have come to join us again. I heard that you and Shaayla-Car had taken Filann and Anddra to the farm, but you went to your hiding place behind the southern hills I heard. It's indeed been a busy day, yesterday, with all the harvest men and some of their families looking at those abandoned houses. I can tell you that they all have found a house to their liking. Surprisingly there hasn't been any squabble between the harvest men. Everyone seems content with their choice. Even my son and his wife have found a good choice. My daughter-in-law wants this house to become their new home. A good choice. In effect the house had my preference." The harvest leader said and pointed at the house where a group of Quelans was still gathering and talking to each other.

Luke and Liane sense the elated mood of the old harvest man who beckoned his son to come over. Cornell came over with Tronama and his three daughters.

"Ben, we have found a great new place to settle. This house looks very good and my daughters have already allocated one of the rooms for themselves. They will all have their own room which is a great advantage compared to our house on Tyr where Girinn and Pelunn had to share a room." Cornell said, before he turned to his family. "Tronama, I want you to meet Ben, my Jedi friend, who has given me and the others a great support during our work on the mountain ridge. He has done a lot of investigation in the underground riverbed, so we knew, how we could use that riverbed again to flood the caves. I still think it's a pity that the intruder left his hiding place before we released the water flow. His fiancée is also a Jedi Knight. This is miss Shaayla-Car Kenobi, Tronama."

Still feeling some reluctance Troanma reached out her hand to both Jedi Knights.

"My husband told me that you have used your special power to save Cemall, master Jedi," She said. "Thank you for saving his life."

Liane looked at Tronama and sensed that her words were mingled with the memories of the loss of three babies. Immediately she surrounded the older woman with consoling feelings. Tronama produced a wry smile for a moment, as Liane intercepted her eyes.

'I understand that it's a great relieve, ma'am, that your son could continue with his work on the mountain rigde.' She said using her Jedi healer's skills.

"It must have felt as a great shock when he fell off that edge, miss. At least that's what my husband told me. Cemall always boast on what he can do. It nearly has become fatal." Tronama answered frankly.

She turned to her three daughters.

"You have met our daughters in the space ship. This is Bolann, my eldest daughter, and the other two are Girinn and Pelunn. Bolann is eleven years old, Girinn is nine and Pelunn is seven. Girls, I want you to greet the lady Jedi and your father's friend Ben and thank them for the flight to Ribana."

Reluctantly and shy the three girls shook hands with Luke and Liane. Bolann looked at Luke and smiled.

"You came to Cantamaga to bring back our governors, didn't you?" She asked.

"That's right, Bolann. My friends and I had promised them to look for help in Cantamaga. Your father and his men agreed to join us when we went back to Myr," Luke said.

"But this Jedi ma'am wasn't with you. There was another Jedi lady accompanying you, right?"

"The other Jedi lady you have seen is my sister, Bolann."

"Then it was her with two other Jedi, who my father got angry with, because my brother Lorann had gone to the nut forest, while it was forbidden," She said more frankly. "My father told us, that the Urams are very dangerous, for they kill anyone who enters the nut forest, but my brother often went there, but now he has also come to Ribana."

"Bolann, it's not necessary to tell Ben what he already knows," Cornell said, but Luke raised his hand.

"I like her telling me what she had heard or seen, Cornell. She isn't bothering me." Luke said friendly, and nodded at Cornell's eldest daughter.

Bolann was now looking at Liane.

"Ma'am, you came to Cantamaga with a lot of other friends who also has helped the Quelans to free Ribana, for my grandfather and my brother brought you to Myr where we used to live. My father was a very annoyed that my grandfather had done that, for the Urams had wounded my grandfather, but he and my younger brother went to where my father was working and my father told us that my grandfather was no longer wounded. My father didn't understand how that was possible, but he said that it came because my grandfather and my brother were accompanied by another Jedi. And my father also said, that you have defeated the man who has done all these wrongs to us Quelans. Thank you, ma'am, for your help, for I love to be back in Ribana."

"You are a very thoughtful girl, because you can tell me very well what you have heard what has happened while you lived on Tyr. I've heard that you were very young when your mother had to flee with you and your brother and leave Ribana." Liane said kindly.

"I don't remember anything about that, ma'am," Bolann said, "My two sisters have never been here, for they are born in Cantamaga. I went to the school of master Kamalin in Cantamaga. I hope to go to school again here, for master Kamalin is a very nice teacher. I love to listen to what he is telling us."

"I'm sure, Bolann, that you will go to school in Ribana again." Liane commented on Bolann's words.

"OK, girls, you're now coming with me and your mother to the tents where you will have to sleep, while we're restoring this house.. Tomorrow we're starting to clean up and I want you to help your mother as best as you can," Cornell said and directed his daughters to a waiting speeder.

Tronama turned to Luke and Liane.

"Master Jedi, have you brought my son Filann and the .. a Anddra Jecolin to her farm house. The berry farm on the eastern hills, I mean."

Luke nodded.

"We did, ma'am, for I had offered Anddra Jecolin to help her and bring some special item to the farm house. Your son Filann came with her as he has promised her to help her with the restoration of the farm house and have a look at the berry bushes."

Tronama looked at Cornell who stood waiting. She stepped a bit closer to both Jedi.

"Master Jedi, could you do me, as Filann's mother, a favor," She asked in a whisper.

"If we can be of any help we will support you, ma'am." Luke said.

"Master Jedi, can any of you ensure that my eldest son will find a new future with Anddra Jecolin. My father-in-law says that you can use your skills that Filann will become her husband, for my son has had a very unhappy marriage with a very young Quelan girl who didn't love him. My eldest son has been suffering a lot after he was forced into a marriage with that girl. Can you help me and asked the Council of the Elders to call off his marriage with that girl?" Tronama whispered and Liane saw how she struggled to hold back her tears.

She put her hand on Tronama's arm.

"I sense your concern, as a mother, about Filann's marriage with Sumall Pohinn. I know he has been very unhappy with her, despite all he has done for her, but you should worry too much, ma'am. We're sure that the Council of the Elders will call off his marriage which will allow him to make his own choice and find a new future."

"But can't you force a decision?" Tronama asked.

"The Jedi may not interfere with matters that the Quelan community must decide, Madam. We are merely visitors and guests here, but to reassure you, Luke and I have held several separate conversations with Filann and Anddra Jecolin. Those conversations have helped them gain a clearer picture of their new friendship and relationship. I am certain that your son and Anddra Jecolin will find the right words to express their feelings for each other. You already have enough on your mind at the moment: a new house that needs to be thoroughly cleaned and furnished, while there are still many belongings in Cantamaga. You are also worried about the future of your daughters now that the marriage arrangements you and Master Cornell made are no longer valid. It is best to discuss this with Master Cornell, their father."

Tronama looked amazed at Liane.

"You're right ma'am, but how do you know what I'm worrying about. It's so much that I have to think about: Filann's failed marriage; Cemall's impossible choice to marry Mayan Fonaldris; Lorann's idea to become a Jedi Knight and now that all marriage arrangements have been declared obliterate I don't know if my three daughter will find a husband. I wish I had someone who could reassure me somewhat, because it seems like Cornell isn't worried about the children at all. Can you give me some advice. I've heard that you helped Udine Fonaldris when Mayan her daughter had suddenly disappeared. "

"It's not good to have a further talk about all your concerns, ma'am, but as long as I'm in Ribana I always willing to come over to you and have a chat together about what is worrying you. I have done that with your sons Cemall and Filann, with Anddra Jecolin, and even with your husband. For all of them it was a relief to speak out. As a Jedi I won't give advice, but talking about what's on your mind often helps to get a better understanding of disturbing thoughts."

"I would love to have a serious talk with you, ma'am. Speaking with another woman often helps, I have been speaking with other harvest women and listen to their worries, but I haven't been able to speak out myself." Tronama said.

"I will seek you out one of these days, ma'am. Shall I come to your new house?" Liane asked.

"I would love to meet you here, ma'am. I'm sorry I see that Cornell is looking annoyed, because I'm still talking to you."

Tronama hurried over to the waiting speeder. Liane watched her go, before she turned to Manall who was talking to Luke.

"Master Manall, your daughter-in-law is a very good mother. She is very concerned about all her children, even those who have reached adulthood already. She told me that she wants to have a talk with me and I will gladly listen to what's bothering her."

Manall started to laugh and put his arm at Liane's cassock.

"It's good to have some Jedi healers around, Shaayla-Car. I'm sure that my daughter-in-law will benefit from a talk with you, just like Udine, the governor's wife, benefited from a talk with you. Your presence on Palomintar Four has brought a lot of good." Manall said with a warm smile.

"You know how to use Altus sopor, right, Lorann?" Luke asked.

Lorann nodded a bit reluctantly.

"Master Kenobi said, that I shouldn't use it the way I did, master Skywalker." The boy said, while getting a reddish color on his cheeks.

Luke smiled reassuringly, and looked at Ian who was sitting next to him and Lorann. Luke had taken Lorann and Ian to the clearing behind the southern hills where the tree grew dense and close to each other.

"Now listen carefully, Lorann. You remember the special hide and seek game the three of us played on Tyr?" Luke asked.

Lorann started laughing.

"That was a very funny way to play hide and seek, master Skywalker. I sensed all the places were you and master Kenobi went, as I sensed your presence through the Force."

"We had agreed that we wouldn't use Altus sopor, right?"

"Yes, for Altus sopor should only be used when a Jedi Knight mingles in a crowd of others people who he don't know if he can trust them." Lorann commented.

"Excellent, Lorann, but you and Tama-Hin also have used Jedi telepathy together, while Tama-Hin used Altos sopor. You didn't see him anymore, but when you used the Force you sensed his presence and you even could use Jedi telepathy with him, right." Luke summarized.

Lorann nodded, but then he looked at both Jedi with a grin.

"And now we are going to play that special hide and seek, but this time you and master Kenobi are using Altus sopor," He said.

"Not only Tama-Hin and I, but you too, Lorann. We all are using Altus sopor this time, but it's up to you to sense our presence, communicate with us through Jedi telepathy. On the other hand we will find out where you are hiding yourself, but while using Altos sopor you may move and look for other places to stay away from us. As you are using the Force to sense our presence you can keep yourself out of sight."

Lorann looked at Luke Skywalker.

"Why are we practising this, master Skywalker?" He asked.

"Because I want you to stay out of trouble, once you're on a foreign planet during our journeys. You might not need what I'm teaching you, for Shaayla-Car and I will be with you wherever we go. It's just a safety precaution, Lorann. Learning to use Altus sopor the right way is an important feature for a Force-user like you. So, while we're practising this Force use, you have to focus on the Force and become one with it. That's what Altus sopor really is. Do you understand, Lorann." Luke asked.

"Sure, master Skywalker" Lorann said, sounding a bit intimidated.

"Alright, we'll give you a head start. You can hide yourself among the forest around this clearing, but I want you to keep the position of the clearing, don't stray away to far. Tama-Hin and I will seek you, but remember, we also have become one with the Force, so reach out with your feeling to sense our presence."

Lorann grinned, but hesitated as he had to leave the clearing. Slowly he walked over to the edge of the clearing and started walked between the trees. He looked back at the clearing where Luke Skywalker was still watching him, but Ian had vanished. Lorann reached out to the Force and sensed that Ian was walked over to the left of the clearing. He stepped further back among the trees, made himself part of the Force and also vanished. At the clearing Luke nodded approvingly, while he reached out through the Force and established a Jedi telepathy connection with Ian.

'He is going to the other side of the clearing. I'm joining you, Tama-Hin.'

'I clearly sense his presence, Luke. He finding a way among the tree to walk around the clearing.'

'We're going to distract him. Walk further to the left. I'll come over.'

Luke joined Ian at the left side of the clearing where both Jedi stood dead silent among the trees. Ian touched Luke's shoulder and pointed at the edge of the clearing.

'He wants to cross the clearing to the other side. Let's go to the other side.'

'Cross the clearing to the other side, Tama-Hin, but stay at the first row of trees.'

Ian hurried to the other side and took position. Lorann didn't seem to have noticed him, for he was concentrating himself how he could reach the other side quickly while crossing the clearing.

'Close in, Tama-Hin. We'll meet Lorann in the middle of the clearing. Now go.'

Luke and Ian ran over to the middle at the same moment that Lorann rushed to the other side. Both Jedi stood right at the path Lorann had chosen and Luke released himself from the Force and wanted to grab Lorann's arm, but the young Quelan had foreseen Luke's move and ducked sideways and right in the arms of Ian.

"Released yourself from your Force connection, Lorann," Luke said

Ian held Lorann's arm as all of them came out of their Force connection. Lorann looked disappointed.

"That was very quick. I didn't really sense the position of your presence, master Kenobi." He said.

"You did well, Lorann. For you managed to stay out of sight of two Jedi Knight. Well done. Now we reverse this hide and seek game. Tama-Him will use Altus sopor and I want you to tell me where you sense his presence." Luke said and nodded to Ian whose image immediately vanished.

'We will give him some moments to find a good hide, Lorann.' Luke said and held the boy at his shoulder, while using Jedi telepathy to give him instruction.

'Yes, master Skywalker.' Lorann answered, already focusing on Tama-Hin's presence in the Force.

'Don't make a movement to indicated that you know where Tama-Hin is. Just follow his presence among the trees.' Luke instructed Lorann.

'Master Kenobi is standing behind those three large trees. He is watching us, master Skywalker. I'm going to look in a different direction to distract him.' Lorann said and looked to the right of clearing, taking a few steps in that direction.

'Keep your focus on what he is doing.'

Ian had spread his coat on the forest floor and sat down in a meditation stance. Lorann frowned.

'What's he doing, master Skywalker?'

'He is going to meditate on the Force, while he is still using Altus sopor. Become one with the Force now, Lorann and run in Tama-Hin's direction as fast as you can.'

Luke had not yet finished giving his instructions when Lorann used Altus Sopor and raced toward Ian like a whirlwind. Luke watch him go and saw that Tama-Hin was complete surprised when Lorann jumped between the three trees and released himself from the Force. Ian came out of Altus sopor and patted Lorann approvingly on his shoulder.

"You got me by surprise, Loran Radilan. Let's get over to Luke." Ian said.

They walked over to Luke who complimented Lorann for his decision to use the Force to run over to where Ian was. Lorann looked at the two Jedi and sensed their appreciation. For a moment he laughed, but then he looked seriously at Luke.

"Master Skywalker, if I have to use Altus sopor on those journeys, will you also vanish among a crowd. Do I have to sense your presence and that of miss Kenobi through the Force."

"No, Lorann. We won't use Altus sopor. If you have to use that Force skill, you can sense our presence immediately and come over to us, but I don't believe that will be necessary, for Shaayla-Car and I will keep a close eye on you, so you won't get in any dangerous situation. You did very well. Your believe in your skills is growing, Lorann." Luke said.

"May tell grandpa what we have done, master Skywalker? He is very interested in what you and master Kenobi are teaching me."

"You certainly should tell your grandfather and master Kamalin, Lorann, for they are your Force-use teachers as long as Tama-Hin can't become yourJedi master. They understand what you're telling them. It's good to tell them your experience with the Force."

To be continued...