Vision of the future

crumbled rock beneath our talons.

Luke and Mara exchanged looks. 'You?' Luke hazarded.

Do you doubt my sincerity? Child Of Winds retorted. I, who defied the Bargainer of my own nesting to bring you here?

'It's not your sincerity we're questioning,' Luke assured him. 'It's—well—' It is my age, then, the young Qom Qae said, his tone distinctly huffy now. You do not believe that a child still called by his father's name can accomplish great deeds. Abruptly, Mara noticed that the discussion on the ceiling had ceased. Eater Of Fire Creepers and the other Qom Jha were listening closely to the conversation going on below them. And it occurred to her that with a member of a rival nesting along on the trip, whoever Eater Of Fire Creepers sent with them would bend over double to show how much more helpful the Qom Jha could be. 'No, we're not worried about your age,' she told Child Of Winds. 'After all, I was still almost a child when I went on my first mission for the Emperor. Luke wasn't that much older when he began to fly with the warriors of the Rebellion.'

She could feel Luke's frown. But he'd obviously picked up on her tone, because he nodded agreement. 'She's right,' he told the Qom Qae. 'Sometimes the desire to succeed and the willingness to learn are more important than age or experience.'

'The 'willingness to learn' part meaning you obey orders,' Mara added sternly, 'If one of us tells you to stop, move, duck, or get out of the way, you do it and ask questions afterward. Understand?' I will obey without question, Child Of Winds said, and there was no mistaking the youthful exuberance in his tone. You will not regret your decision.

Luke looked up at the Qom Jha. 'The Qom Qae have given us the services of their Bargainer's child,' he said. 'What do the Qom Jha offer as proof of their own worthiness?' It will be hard indeed for the Qom Jha to match such a valuable gift, Eater Of Fire Creepers said, a distinct note of sarcasm to his tone. Still, we can but try. He fluttered his wings in silent command, and three of the Qom Jha dropped from the ceiling to land on rock perches in front of Luke and Mara. Splitter Of Stones, Keeper Of Promises, and Builder With Vines have all defied the dangers of the caverns to enter the High Tower. They will guide you there and protect you as best they can from the dangers of the caverns.

'Thank you,' Luke said, inclining his head. 'It appears that the Qom Jha are indeed worthy of our assistance.'

The Qom Jha are pleased to be so considered, Eater Of Fire Creepers said. The way is long, though, and for beings without flight the journey to the entrance will require several suncycles. When you reach the place and are prepared to enter, send word back and other hunters of the Qom Jha will join you to serve as protectors.

'That will be most helpful,' Luke said. 'Again, I thank you.'

'And I'll want my blaster and lightsaber back, too,' Mara added. They will be returned at once, Eater Of Fire Creepers promised. We will speak again, Master Walker Of Sky. Until then, farewell.

He dropped from the ceiling and flapped away into the darkness beyond the reach of the glow rods, followed by the rest of the Qom Jha. A minute later, only Child Of Winds and their three Qom Jha guides remained.

'That seemed to work out all right,' Mara commented.

'It did indeed,' Luke agreed. 'I take it all back.'

'Take all what back?'

'Whatever doubts I might have had,' he said. 'You were brilliant. How soon can you be ready to go?'

'I'm ready now,' Mara said, running a critical eye over him. 'But then, I've just been sitting around for the last two weeks with nothing to do but count rocks. The question is whether you're up for a hike or if you'd rather take a few hours to rest up first.'

The droid warbled feelingly. 'I think Artoo's voting for a rest,' Luke said with a smile. The smile faded. 'But, no, I think we ought to get moving as soon as we can. You heard the Bargainer—we've still got a long way ahead of us.'

'And you've got a million better things to do back home,' Mara said, feeling a fresh surge of guilt.

'I didn't say that,' Luke said mildly.

'Doesn't mean it's not true,' she growled. 'Look, if you want to leave, I'm sure the Qom Jha and I—'

'No,' he said quickly.

Quickly; and just a little too sharply. 'Someone step on your foot there?' she asked, eyeing him curiously.