Obi-Wan nodded. “Do you have any ideas about who it could be?”
Qui-Gon shook his head. “I wouldn’t guess.” “It could be Irini,” Obi-Wan said. “She seemed very anxious about that list.”
“It could also be a comrade of Balog’s,” Qui-Gon said. “If Balog knows we’re gaining on him, he might call for help. I don’t want to use the probe droid to track our pursuer. We’re going to have to do it ourselves.”
“I’m ready,” Obi-Wan agreed.
They turned back, making a wide circle to avoid being seen. Qui-Gon pointed ahead to a cluster of hill formations formed from solid rock. He gestured that they should go around them. He remembered that they had gone through the formation in the center, where a rough passage was cut through the rock. He had a feeling their pursuer was inside that narrow passage. It was a good place for them to ambush whoever it was.
They zoomed around the formation, then headed into the passage, moving at top speed now. Ahead, Qui-Gon saw the reverberations of a fast-moving landspeeder. He motioned to Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan guided his repaired swoop high in the air. Qui-Gon pushed the engines faster as Obi-Wan zoomed above. Within seconds, they were on top of the other transport.
Their pursuer looked back in surprise. A gold braid whipped around in the wind, slapping her in the cheek.
It was one of the twins - at this speed, Qui-Gon couldn’t tell which one.
The twin stopped her landspeeder and leaped off. Qui-Gon slowed his own engine. Obi-Wan landed the swoop. As she strode toward them, he saw it was Eritha. He was surprised. Alani had been the more forceful of the twins. Eritha tended to stay in the background. Why had she come on this rugged journey?
“I’m so glad to find you!” she cried. “I’ve been traveling for days. I didn’t know how to reach you. I found out who is backing Balog. I know who your enemy is.”
“Who?” Qui-Gon asked.
Eritha hesitated a moment. Her lips pressed together in a thin line, as if she were reluctant to let the words out. “My sister,” she said.
CHAPTER 8
“Alani is in contact with Balog,” Eritha continued. The words now tumbled out of her. “I heard her speaking to him on a comlink. I couldn’t tell where he was, or where he was headed. Tahl is alive, but he’s keeping her contained in that horrible device.”
Tahl is alive. Obi-Wan saw the relief transform Qui-Gon’s face before his Master turned his full attention back to Eritha again.
“Do you see what this means?” Eritha cried. She twisted her hands together. “Alani must have lied to me all along! She convinced me that Roan was behind our father’s death. And I’m sure that she engineered our own kidnapping.” She went on angrily. “No wonder she was so strong during the ordeal. After we were released, I was afraid they were tracking us to kill us. She kept telling me not to be afraid, not to worry….” Eritha’s voice was full of disgust. “I thought she was so brave. And Roan - could she have arranged to kill Roan? I can’t believe that! He was so kind to us. He was our father’s best friend!”
“What is her goal?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Power. She wants to rule New Apsolon.” Eritha shook her head. “At least that’s what I think they are planning. Balog will back her along with the Absolutes. I can’t believe what I’m saying. I can’t believe I never knew my sister. I’m so ashamed.”
“But you didn’t do anything wrong,” Obi-Wan said.
“Don’t you understand? She is part of me. I should have known.” Eritha’s gaze was bleak.
“Are you sure she gave no clues to Balog’s whereabouts?” Qui-Gon asked urgently.
Eritha sighed woefully. “I’m sorry. I overheard the conversation, but they never mentioned where he was.”
“Thank you for coming and telling us this,” Qui-Gon said. “You risked much. Now you must return.”
“I’m not going back.” Eritha’s jaw set stubbornly, removing the softness that distinguished her from her more dynamic and electric sister.
“I am sorry,” Qui-Gon said firmly, “but you must. Obi-Wan and I are going ahead. It will be dangerous.”
“I don’t care. My sister has shamed my planet. I must restore my family’s honor. She is a Worker and has betrayed the Workers by making an alliance with the Absolutes. Do you see what this means? She thinks that because of who her father is, the Workers will accept her without question. Even as we speak she is maneuvering to get the United Legislature to appoint her as Supreme Governor. I know how she is doing it, too - I know her. She won’t ask, she won’t suggest. She’ll be sweet and modest. Somehow those high up in the Legislature will think they came up with the idea on their own. Just as she once made me believe that Roan was involved in Ewane’s death. Of course the Workers will support her - she is a heroine, for surviving our father’s death.