*****
Obi-Wan couldn't take his eyes off Anakin. His fiery spirit was at odds with the passive demeanor. Mentally he thanked Nauco for making Anakin smile every so often; it brightened his face and lightened his aura. 'Anakin,' his mind sighed longingly. Something in his heart seemed to spring forth and dance for joy when Anakin so much as glanced in his general direction. He'd never felt anything like this and ached to explore what it meant but he dared not. Nauco's inevitable lecture on staying focused hadn't been long in coming, but it had lacked his usual enthusiasm.
When Obi-Wan had asked about the Jedi, he'd been infuriatingly vague, saying only that "Jedi Anakin Skywalker is recovering with lively humor." At least he finally knew the Jedi's name. Anakin Skywalker. Quite appropriate for one who traveled the stars.
This was not good. Every train of thought led him back to Anakin. Obi-Wan found him fascinating. Anakin's companion, the Jedi Master, fit the image Obi-Wan ascribed to the Jedi Order right down to the serene calm that seemed a permanent fixture on her face. It was meant to engender trust and authority, but he found the effect disturbing. Anakin, on the other hand, smiled, laughed, frowned and joked with Nauco as naturally as the sunrise. His attitude was rebellious and carefree, but confined within a strict discipline that threatened to smother his potential.
Obi-Wan had refused Nauco's suggestion that he ride with the group. His presence would cause too many questions and Obi-Wan feared he wouldn't be able to focus on anything except Anakin. Not that he was having much success, but at least he wouldn't be distracted by conversation. No matter how much he wanted to hear that voice.
The morning's ride had been pleasant and undisturbed, a gentle reminder of the inherent peace of Siesna. The Embare Province had proven to be extremely enjoyable and the Rangers had been accepted easily as part of a ceremonial entourage. Some might mistake the people's simplicity as a lack substance, but for Obi-Wan their existence always made him pause and remember the small, singular actions that could bring joy or immeasurable grief.
The basic rhythms of life never changed. Waking, working the fields with the sun on your back, afternoons filled with the laughter of children, perhaps an evening swim. Men, women, and children that were living, laughing and loving. This was what Obi-Wan wanted to protect. He and others had worked tirelessly with the Rangers for generations, ensuring the planet's stability and continued evolution, preparing them for the eventual loss of the Quenya's influence and protection. 'We've succeeded a little too well,' he thought.
The Quenya were now a myth, and the Elders preferred it that way. But the Darkness threatened everything and the people of Siesna were their responsibility, even if he was the only one who saw that. The others were ready for the Journey, but not Obi-Wan. His rebelliousness was often seen as a last effort to preserve their race. There was a certain truth to that, but more precisely it was that Obi-Wan had always felt torn, incomplete. He was one of a handful of the last generation of Quenya who had hidden themselves from the general public and for the most part the governing entities. Only the Rangers and the world's top leaders knew they still existed. The Quenya Elders had warned Obi-Wan time and again that they would allow him this last mission to protect the public from the Darkness they all felt. But he could not let his presence be known to anyone and must return soon to take his place as leader among the Quenya and their quickly disappearing numbers. Above all else no interference.
Looking at the attractive features of the handsome Jedi trying to hide his discomfort in the saddle, Obi-Wan began to think he might be able to feel whole after all. But the conflict between his heart and mind grew worse.
*****
Still a few hours from the border of Milaera, in a relatively open area, a high-pitched whine shattered the tranquility of the afternoon. Half a dozen swoops closed in on the group, and while the Jedi activated their lightsabers, Obi-Wan's equara broke into a run to reach them. No weapons discharged on the first pass, but the equaras went wild, bucking and kicking, and threw a few of the less experienced riders to the ground. Obi-Wan and Nauco ran to herd the group together and move them toward the cover of trees less than half a kilometer away, but the erratic attack pattern, unruly equaras, and panicked diplomats made their task difficult. Master Gallia and Anakin dismounted and split up, defending as much territory as possible as the first shots sound out through the clearing.
Laser shots came in from all directions and the Jedi effectively held off the fatal shots, but Obi-Wan worried more about the ricochet. With everyone constantly in motion, stray shots caused casualties. Already, one equara buckled down and three people suffered severe injuries. This was a fight that could be won, only survived. The swoops had the advantage of movement, firepower, and speed. Much later, Obi-Wan would realize the shots targeted the Jedi specifically, but as he jumped nimbly out of the saddle, he was too busy concentrating on calming the terrified animals. They were the only means of escape. Opening his mind, he drew on the fear and adrenaline emanating from those surrounding him, transformed it into strength and peace and focused collectively on the equaras. It took longer than he wished, but for such a large group, one minute was quite a feat. Unfortunately, it's a very long time in a battle situation.
He had just enough time to see Anakin execute a rather graceful aerial maneuver that sliced through the aft thrusters of one of the swoops and sent it spinning out of control. He saw only four left, but they still inflicted significant damage. Two of the Rangers escorted the injured to the forest, Master Gallia covering their retreat. Obi-Wan dropped to the ground as another swoop buzzed overhead. He tucked it into a roll and came up on his feet, rushing to help another man back into the saddle, bloody arm clutched to his chest.
"Arda!" Nauco's warning came only a second after Obi-Wan threw himself out of the way. Soil and rocks rained down and he heard an anguished shout beside him. Turning, he saw the man he just helped lying on the ground, dead eyes staring at him. The sight sent icy shivers through his soul. Immediately his eyes sought out Anakin, and found him attempting the same aerial that had taken out the other swoop. His plan backfired. Another swoop realized Anakin's tactics and though he was too late to stop Anakin's lightsaber, he came in at a ninety degree angle to Anakin and fired before he could reach the ground. Obi-Wan watched helplessly as Anakin cried out and fell to the ground. Then he ran toward the crumpled form.
"Nauco! Get them out of here!"
Reaching Anakin, he roughly flipped him over and pressed a hand to his neck. 'Alive, but not for long.' He pulled Anakin into his arms and summoned an equara, swiftly climbing on with his precious burden.
*****