[Junior Jedi Knights] - 03(19)

Anakin awoke with his side on fire-the gashes from the krayt dragon were now infected stripes of oozing yellow pus. Tionne sat by his side, placing a cold compress to his forehead and medicating his cuts. Old Peckhum clucked and worried as he guided the Lightning Rod back to Yavin 4. Anakin knew the old supply courier had been upset by his and Tahiri’s appearance when they’d returned to his ship from the desert.

“We’re both fine,” Anakin had reassured him.

But he allowed Peckhum to help him into the supply ship, wincing in pain as he was lowered onto a sleeping pad. Tahiri and Tionne sat beside him the entire return trip. Anakin drifted in and out of consciousness, burning with fever.

So much has happened, Anakin thought as the ship sped through the atmosphere. Only a week ago, I wondered if Tahiri and I were ready to attempt to enter the golden globe and free the Massassi children. Now I know that we’re strong enough…. Together we’ve used the Force to escape a giant tentacled creature, befriended Jawas with help from the Force, and defeated a krayt dragon. Anakin’s thoughts swirled with dizziness, fever, and fatigue. He did not even hear Peckhum’s voice signaling that they would soon land on Yavin 4.

Luke Skywalker waited for the Lightning Rod’s cargo bay to open. Slowly the massive jaws of the bay yawned wide, revealing Luke’s nephew and Tahiri. Luke was pleased to see that the girl had returned. She belonged at the Jedi academy. He moved forward to greet the Jedi candidates.

“Welcome home-” Master Luke began. But his words caught in his throat as he stared at his students. Anakin struggled to stand and walk down the cargo bay’s ramp. Old Peckhum held one of his arms tightly, steadying him as he walked. Anakin took several tottering steps, then fell forward. Luke anticipated his nephew’s collapse, and caught the boy in his arms.

Gently he lowered Anakin to the ground. Anakin’s academy jumpsuit was shredded on one side, revealing five gashes. There were dark circles under his eyes, and bruises were visible on his neck and hands. Tahiri knelt by her friend. The girl did not look much better, Luke thought in dismay. Spots of dried blood lined her jumpsuit in a pattern that looked like jaw marks. She, too, looked tired and hungry.

Luke’s eyes met Tionne’s for a brief moment. From her look of torment, he knew she’d tried her best to protect the children.

“Hi, Uncle Luke,” Anakin said with a small voice.

“What happened?” Luke asked in a voice full of worry.

“The Tusken Raiders had a little more in mind for me than just deciding whether or not to remain with the tribe,” Tahiri replied.

“We’ll talk later,” Luke said quietly to Tionne. “Right now, you are both going to the medical droid.” With that, he swept his nephew up in his arms and strode toward the turbolift, with Tahiri trailing.



Anakin awoke. He was lying in his room, a medical droid hovering in the corner, his uncle seated beside his bed. Anakin stared down at his ribs. They were bandaged in soft, white gauze.

“You’re awake,” Luke Skywalker said. Anakin smiled. “And you can smile; that’s good,” Luke said softly. His pale blue eyes reflected his concern.

“Is Tahiri all right?” Anakin asked.

“Yes,” Luke replied gravely. “And she told me what happened. If I’d known what the Raiders had in mind, I would never have allowed either of you to go to Tatooine. Sliven gave his word that neither of you would be harmed….” Luke’s voice trailed off.

“His word was worth more than you know,” Anakin said in Sliven’s defense. “Tahiri chose to fulfill Sliven’s promise-he didn’t force her,” Anakin added. Anakin saw a look of doubt shadow his uncle’s face. “It was something she had to do,” he tried to explain. “I don’t think she could have returned to the academy if she hadn’t… and I couldn’t let her go alone.”

“Your mother wanted me to send you home,” Master Luke said, changing the subject. “Han and I persuaded her to let you stay at the academy. You’re bruised, you haven’t had enough water, and those gashes were infected,” Luke said, pointing to Anakin’s ribs, “but there wasn’t any serious damage.”

“How long have I been sleeping?” Anakin asked.

“Two days,” his uncle replied. Anakin tried to sit up, and fell back as a sickening wave of dizziness washed over him. “It’s going to take a few more days before you’re ready to get up,” Luke said gently.

Anakin settled back against his pillows. He didn’t like the idea of waiting. The time to break the curse was already thousands of years overdue. But a day or two more wouldn’t matter. And Anakin knew that he’d need all his strength to enter the globe and free the children. He resolved to get well quickly.