[Han Solo] - 03(93)

But Teroenza has sealed his own death warrant by this, Durga thought.

As soon as I embark for Ylesia with his successor, he is a dead t’landa In a hushed voice, Durga gave Teroenza instructions regarding how he wanted the body to be shipped home. “It is plain,” Durga concluded, “that we must get you better guards there on Ylesia. These Rebels must not be allowed to raid with impunity.”

Teroenza bowed again. “I agree, Your Excellency. Thank you for saying you will send us help.”

“It is the least I can do, under the circumstances,” Durga said, forcing himself to keep sarcasm from permeating his tones. “Can you manage for a few days without a Hutt overlord?”

“I can,” Teroenza said. “I shall exert every effort to make sure business runs as smoothly as ever.”

Thank you, Teroenza,” Durga said, and cut the transmission.

He then spent several minutes giving Zier instructions on how to find a replacement for Teroenza. Fortunately, Zier was a capable administrator, able to follow orders.

Then, and only then, did Durga turn to the figure who had been standing in his office, patiently waiting, while he attended to business.

“Forgive me, Lady Guri,’ Durga said, inclining his head to the lovely young human female. “I nearly forgot you were there. Most humans are incapable of waiting so patiently. They fidget.”

Guri bowed slightly in turn. “I was specially trained, Your Excellency.

Prince Xizor does not like fidgeting in his subordinates.”

“Indeed,” Durga said. “As you can see, I have reviewed the information you brought, and it confirms my suspicions. Also, as you have seen, my revenge upon Teroenza must wait for a more … suitable … time.

But I intend to confront Jiliac immediately and challenge her to single combat under the Old Law.”

“The Old Law?”

“It is seldom invoked these days, but it is an ancient Hutt custom that, given sufficient provocation, one Hutt clan leader may challenge another to single combat without legal repercussions. The victor is presumed to be in the right.”

“I understand, Your Excellency. Prince Xizor informed me that this was likely to be your reaction, as befits an honorable Hutt. He instructed me to accompany you, and to do everything in my power to facilitate your search for justice.”

Durga stared at her, wondering what one slightly built human female could expect to accomplish against either Hutts or hordes of Desilijic guards.

“You would go as my bodyguard? But …”

Guri smiled slightly. “I am Prince Xizor’s primary bodyguard, Your Excellency. I assure you that I can protect you from Jiliac’s guards.”

Durga was tempted to say more, but something about Guri’s demeanor stopped him. He knew she was Xizor’s primary aide. It made sense that she would also be an accomplished assassin. She must have abilities that weren’t readily apparent. Certainly her manner was nothing but confident.

“Very well,” Durga said. “Let us go.”

They boarded Durga’s shuttle, and the trip to the Desilijic enclave took less than an hour by suborbital flight.

They landed on the island that contained Jiliac’s Winter Palace, and was the current home of the Desilijic clan. Durga, with Guri at his side, carrying a large box, slithered toward the entrance. “Durga Besadii Tai to see Jiliac Desilijic Tiron. I bring a gift and request a private audience.”

The guards scanned both visitors and verified that they were unarmed.

After a quick call, they were waved into the palace. The majordomo, a Rodian named Dorzo, accompanied them to the huge, almost bare, audience chamber, then stepped inside, bowing. “Lord Durga of Clan Besadii,” he announced.

Through the portal, Durga could see Jiliac doing some kind of work at a datapad. At the sight of his enemy, rage flooded the young Hutt’s body. He quivered with blood lust.

Jiliac deliberately kept them waiting for nearly ten minutes. Durga tried to emulate Guri’s stillness. She really was a most unusual human, he decided.

Finally, Jiliac nodded at Dorzo, then the Rodian bowed to the visitors and proclaimed, “Her Supreme Excellency Jiliac, Leader of the Clan Desilijic and protector of the Righteous, will see you now.”

Durga started forward, with Guri pacing gravely beside him. When they reached Jiliac, the huge Hutt matron did not speak. Since, by custom, Durga could not speak until spoken to, because he was the visitor, again they waited.

Finally Jiliac’s massive bulk shifted. “Greetings to Besadii,” she said.

“You have brought a gift, and that is fitting. You may present it to me.”

Durga nodded at Guri, and the human advanced on the Desilijic leader and laid the box before her, as the Desilijic leader hovered on her repulsor sled.