"I should say right away that we have no idea where Leed is," Ganeed said, without waiting for Qui-Gon to ask a question. "He left a note which said only that it would be better for his clan if we did not know."

Qui-Gon nodded. "I see."

One of Ganeed's sons spoke up. "That is just like Leed. He does not like to cause trouble." His wife nodded. "He is very kind."

Ganeed's husband, Garth, chimed in. "Even as a boy his kindness endeared him to everyone. It is a pity such trouble has come to him."

"A pity his father will not listen to reason," Hinen — or was it Jaret? — said.

Obi-Wan saw Taroon's hands clench into fists, hidden by his tunic. The prince was struggling to contain himself. Qui-Gon had warned him to let the Jedi do all the talking.

The elder Nin looked up from the stove. "He always had his own way of doing things, our Leed. Set the table for the meal, Wek, if you please. Will our guests join us?"

"I'm afraid we cannot, but I thank you," Qui-Gon said politely.

The boy Wek began to set places at the long table. He appeared only a year or two younger than Leed. Were they close companions? Obi-Wan wondered.

The same thought must have crossed Qui-Gon's mind. "Is there any special place Leed is fond of going, Wek?" he asked in a kind tone.

Wek placed a bowl on the table. "Well, he likes to swim," he said.

"When he isn't sailing," Jaret or Hinen said.

"True, Jaret," the other son said. At least Obi-Wan could now keep the two of them straight.

"I love to sail!" Tinta cried. "Leed taught me how, and —"

"But he was always walking in the forest, don't forget," Mesan interrupted, turning to Jaret. "That's where I would look —" She stopped abruptly to pick up the baby, Bu, who had begun to fuss.