That would deflate his superior manner a bit!
Still, Anakin couldn't help wondering why Obi-Wan had decided to take him on this training exercise. He already trusted his Master with his life. They had been on difficult missions together. He had known him since he was a boy. Every mission brought them closer. Why did they have to take a detour for what seemed to be an elaborate game?
They skimmed over a meadow lush with wildflowers and tall green grass. Above the grassy field, snow- capped mountains hugged the tiny meadow. The sky was deep blue streaked with violet. Anakin could almost smell the fresh scent of flowers. He had never seen such a lush world with so many vivid colors.
Wren landed the craft expertly in a sheltered spot tucked into the rocky side of the mountain. He accessed the landing ramp and turned to them. 'Remember, you must leave your comlinks aboard ship. No homing devices or droids can be used. You must rely on each other and the Force.'
Anakin and Obi-Wan nodded. They both knew these things, but it was part of the ritual that Wren repeat them. They placed their comlinks in Wren's hand, and he stowed them in the secure storage bin.
'If you can't find me, we will meet back here in ten days.' Pausing only to sling a survival kit over his shoulder, Wren nodded a good-bye. 'May the Force be with you.' His gray eyes twinkled. 'You'll need it.'
Wren ran lightly down the ramp. He swung himself up on a flat rock, then jumped to another. Within moments, he had disappeared.
'Wren is certainly looking forward to puzzling us,' Obi-Wan observed.
'He really should get out more,' Anakin said.
Obi-Wan turned to Anakin. 'Do you think Wren is taking this too seriously?'
'No,' Anakin said hesitantly. 'But I don't understand why a Jedi Knight would want to spend his time this way when he could be on missions.'
'Wren has been on hundreds of missions,' Obi-Wan said with a frown. 'He has served for most of his life. Now he wishes to give back his knowledge to the Padawans. It is a noble gesture.'
Noble, but boring, Anakin thought.
He thought it better not to share the thought with his Master. 'How long do we give him?' he asked instead.
'Just a few hours,' Obi-Wan answered. 'Time enough for us to explore the surroundings a bit and have a meal, you'll be glad to hear. We'll be on rations and protein cubes once we leave, but we can raid the ships galley now.' Obi-Wan gave Anakin a piercing look. 'This is designed to teach us, Anakin. But it is also supposed to be fun.'
'Of course, Master.' Anakin didn't want Obi-Wan to think he wasn't looking forward to the exercise. He knew Obi-Wan had been here Twice with Qui-Gon and treasured the memories. Anakin wanted to have that same experience with his Master.
Obi-Wan heated up a meal for them, which they ate sitting in the meadow surrounded by flowers. The morning sun was brilliant yellow, casting its warmth on Anakin's skin. He ate quickly, anxious to start the day.
'Qui-Gon and I tracked a Jedi named Winso Bykart,' Obi-Wan said, pushing aside his plate and leaning back on his elbows. 'It was our second trip to Ragoon-6. On the first trip, we had to cut the exercise short. I didn't know why at the time, but Qui-Gon had just received a disturbing vision about Tahl.'
'I have heard about her,' Anakin said. 'She was supposed to be brilliant.'
'She was. Brilliant and funny and kind. She was unique.' Obi-Wan looked out over the meadow. 'She was a great friend of Qui-Gon's. I don't know if he ever truly accepted her death.
'But a Jedi must accept death,' Anakin said. 'It is part of life.'
'Yes,' Obi-Wan said quietly, his gaze still far away. 'That was the difficulty for Qui-Gon.'
What do you mean? Anakin wanted to ask. But something stopped him. Sometimes, when Obi-Wan spoke of his Master, he became distant. Anakin could tell by the expression on his face. He did not want to intrude by asking prying questions.
Silence fell between them. Anakin was used to that. Usually their silences felt comfortable. This one was not. Anakin watched Obi-Wan's face. He saw the quiet yearning there. Obi-Wan was missing Qui-Gon. And for the first time, it bothered Anakin.
He wasn't feeling jealous of Qui-Gon, Anakin told himself. It wasn't that. He had loved Qui-Gon, too. Something else was bothering him about his Master's preoccupation.
Maybe it was because he was still envious of their relationship. Obi-Wan had taken Anakin on as his Padawan with reluctance. Anakin had always sensed that. Qui-Gon had believed in him, and Qui-Gon's belief had influenced Obi- Wan. How could Obi-Wan ignore his beloved Master's dying wish?
Anakin had thought himself lucky at the time. To arrive at the Temple already chosen by a Jedi Knight! It was unheard of.
Now that he was fourteen, he had seen his fellow Jedi students wait and hope to be chosen by a Jedi Knight. He had talked to his new friend, Tru Veld, about it. Tru had told him about how his Master, Ry-Gaul, had studied him. Tru had felt Ry-Gaul's eyes on him during lightsaber matches, during classes, even walking around the Temple. They had shared many conversations together. When Ry-Gaul had officially chosen Tru at last, he had felt honored.
Anakin too had always felt honored to be Obi-Wan's Padawan.
But why? Anakin suddenly wondered. Obi-Wan did not choose me.
Today, for the first time, Anakin saw the difference.
Then a new thought pierced his heart. Had Obi-Wan brought him here as a desperate act, to develop a closeness he did not feel?
