"He wishes us ease and serenity after such news?" Taroon said, disgusted. "He was mocking us!"

"It is a traditional good-bye of the Senali," Qui-Gon remarked mildly.

"This is intolerable!" Taroon continued. "He plays us for fools!"

"Your father will not take this news well," Qui-Gon said. "He will be angry, as you are."

"I am nothing like my father," Taroon said through his teeth.

"I wonder if Meenon knows more than he is telling," Obi-Wan wondered.

"Of course he does," Taroon spit out. "All Senali are treacherous. This is simply a tactic to delay us."

"Let's hope we can learn something from his sister's clan," Qui-Gon said. "Until then, let us remain calm."

They walked out into the bright sunlight. Suddenly Taroon wheeled and kicked a tall flowering bush that stood near the entrance to the dwelling. He attacked it in a frenzy, fists flailing and feet flying. Red petals showered from the bush and soon were strewn all over the walkway.

"Well, I see you have inherited your father's temper, at least," Qui-Gon remarked.

Chapter 5

The red-and-blue dwelling of the BanooshWalore clan was part of the main city of Senali, which was built on floating docks and platforms. The various islands were connected to each other by graceful silver bridges that arched over the blue water.

The brightly painted structure sprawled over a large area. The main part of the dwelling was merely a frame connected with walls of woven fronds that rolled up to let in sea breezes. One wall was let down to protect those inside from the sun. The rest of the house was open on three sides. There was no need to knock. They could see the members of the clan gathered in the large central room.