The High Republic: Path of Deceit is a novel geared toward young adults, brought to life by the writing talents of Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland. Disney–Lucasfilm Press released it on October 4, 2022 as a contribution to the second phase of the expansive multimedia project, Star Wars: The High Republic. ## Publisher's summary Located within the High Republic era, specifically 150 years prior to the events of Phase I, this narrative unfolds during a period marked by both fresh opportunities and latent threats. The planet Dalna, situated in the Outer Rim, becomes the focal point of a Jedi inquiry regarding a misappropriated Force-related item. Consequently, Zallah Macri, along with her Padawan learner, Kevmo Zink, journey to this tranquil world to explore a potential connection with a local missionary organization known as the Path of the Open Hand. Adherents of the Path advocate for the Force's unrestricted nature, asserting that its use should be prohibited for all, including the Jedi. Marda Ro, a young woman among these believers, aspires to disseminate the Path's doctrines throughout the galaxy, departing from Dalna. An immediate and powerful bond forms upon the initial encounter between Marda and Kevmo, only to be disrupted when Marda discovers Kevmo's Jedi affiliation. Yet, Kevmo's affability and eagerness to understand the Path give her hope that she can sway him to embrace her convictions. Unbeknownst to Marda, the Mother, the charismatic leader of the Path, harbors a clandestine agenda that is fundamentally incompatible with the Jedi's principles. Marda's dedication to her faith may compel her to transform into the very adversary of her newfound companion… ## Plot summary ### The treasure hunter Radicaz "Sunshine" Dobbs pilots his luxury vessel, the Scupper, to Ferdan, a settlement located on the planet Dalna. Upon arrival, he is greeted by Werth Plouth, who holds the title of Herald and is a member of the Path of the Open Hand cult. The Herald escorts Dobbs to the Path's headquarters, where he is introduced to Elecia Zeveron, the Mother, who leads the cult. Dobbs's mission, as commissioned by the Path, involves acquiring artifacts associated with The Force as part of their overarching objective to "liberate" it. The Mother specifically directs Dobbs to secure three artifacts known as the Rod of Ages, Rod of Seasons, and the Rod of Daybreak. While most of the items Dobbs has procured fail to pique the Path's interest, a large purple egg emanating a strong Force presence captures her attention. Pleased, the Mother assures Dobbs of her willingness to collaborate with him. ### The Jedi On the Outer Rim world of Tiikae, Kevmo Zink, a Jedi Padawan, unites with Zallah Macri, a Jedi Master, Azlin Rell, a Jedi Knight, and their droid, C-9, to redirect a group of grass sharks away from a settlement. Given that these creatures navigate using their planet's magnetic field, C-9 and Rell employ a modified communications beacon to alter their migratory route. Subsequently, the Jedi receive information regarding the theft of the Rod of Seasons from the Hynestian Queen, who seeks assistance from the Jedi. Given their proximity to Hynestia, Master Zallah decides to spearhead the response. ### Followers of the Path Returning to Dalna, Marda Ro and Jezra'lin, both members of the Path cult, assist Ferize, a Kessarine mother, as her six offspring emerge from their eggs within the subterranean complex beneath the compound. Following their assistance with the hatching, Marda joins her cousin Yana Ro for a swim in a nearby river. The two engage in a discussion regarding the Path of the Open Hand's practice of "liberating" Force artifacts. While Marda believes that they are rescuing these items from potential misuse, Yana suspects that they are engaging in theft. Marda, trusting in the Mother's judgment, volunteers to accompany her on a missionary journey, an offer that the Mother declines. As the Elders offer comfort to Marda, Yana visits Cincey's work hut, which serves as the Path's communications hub. There, she meets with Cincey, her girlfriend Kor Plouth, and Treze to strategize the theft of a Force dagger from a Republic storage facility in Port Haileap. This dagger is rumored to have the ability to sever an individual's connection to the Living Force. Kor expresses her desire to return home before her hatchlings' Naming day. ### An interfaith encounter Later, Kevmo and Master Zallah arrive in Ferdan aboard a skiff. After landing at the spaceport, Kevmo ventures into the marketplace to procure supplies. Within the market, he encounters Marda and nine Path children (referred to as "Littles"), who are distributing flowers and promoting their beliefs at a table. Despite suspecting the Path's involvement in the Hynestian theft, Kevmo attempts to establish a friendly rapport with the group, engaging in conversation with Marda and the "Littles" about the Force. Both Kevmo and Marda find themselves drawn to one another, despite their disparate backgrounds. Marda prompts one of the "Littles," named Simi, to present Kevmo with a river rose. When Kevmo employs his Force abilities to levitate the rose, Marda and the children react with dismay due to the Path's prohibition against using the Force. Marda engages Kevmo in a theological debate, arguing that the Force is not a tool and that its use disrupts its equilibrium. Kevmo counters, asserting that the ability to wield the Force is an inherent gift. Marda believes that the Jedi are attempting to exert control over the Force, manipulating it to suit their desires. Kevmo attempts to elucidate the Jedi perspective, but Marda begins to lead the children away from the marketplace. After departing the marketplace, the Littles discuss the Force and their encounter with the Jedi. As the children Utalir, Jerid, and Simi discuss the Jedi, Marda redirects their attention to the construction site of the Gaze Electric, a colossal starship intended to serve as the mobile temple and residence of the Path of the Open Hand. She seizes the opportunity to remind the Littles that they are not superior to the Force, propagating the Path's narrative that the Jedi steal and abuse the Force by wielding their powers. ### Heist at Port Haileap Elsewhere, Yana accompanies fellow Children of the Open Hand Kor, Treze, and Cincey aboard the Harmony to Port Haileap. After landing, Treze distracts the dockmaster by feigning a request for permission to set up a giving station. He then murders the dockmaster. Concurrently, Yana utilizes her slicing skills to unlock the door to a warehouse containing confiscated goods. Kor then retrieves a Force-sensitive object from Moraband from the warehouse. The group then returns to the Harmony, where Cincey, the getaway pilot, flies them and the "liberated" cargo back to Dalna. Yana is aware of Kor's Force-sensitivity, yet her father did not send her away to Ferdan, as was the customary practice for Path children with Force-sensitivity. ### Two faiths Meanwhile, Master Zallah secures lodging with Lady Jara, the elderly proprietor of a guesthouse. Kevmo arrives and recounts his encounter with the Path of the Open Hand at the marketplace to Master Zallah. Zallah refutes the Path's assertion that the Jedi misuse the Force, explaining that the Jedi have served and communed with the Force for millennia. Zallah informs Kevmo that Jara is wary of the Path, which she regards as a cult. Despite the theological disparities between the Jedi and the Path, Zallah advises Kevmo to learn more about the Path and attempt to reconcile with Marda. Later, Marda participates in a naming ceremony for Ferize and her partners' Er Dal and Fel Ix's five hatchlings. In accordance with Kessarine culture, the Kessarines do not assign genders to their children but confirm that two of the hatchlings are egg bearers or girls. The Mother presides over the ceremony, chanting a song that recounts how Sachar Rold, a former priest of the Guardians of the Whills and the Path's founder, arrived on Dalna and established the Path of the Open Hand. The Mother shares her personal narrative of arriving on Dalna as a refugee and joining the Path. She subsequently claims to have experienced a spiritual encounter with a being of pure Force, who imparted to her the knowledge of how to exist in harmony and union with the Force. Following the ceremony, Marda informs her cousin Yana that the Mother wishes to speak with her regarding her mission to Port Haileap. While Marda continues to believe in the Mother's teachings, Yana confides that she has been experiencing doubts about her faith. Marda also recounts her encounter with the Jedi Kevmo Zink to Yana. While she was repulsed by his "misuse" of the Force, she admits to being infatuated with the male Padawan but believes that he was flirting with her. Yana suspects that the Jedi are on Dalna for espionage. Following a conversation, Yana suggests that Marda invite Kevmo to the Path's compound to demonstrate their faith. Acting upon her plan, Marda travels to the Jedi's guesthouse and extends an invitation to Kevmo to visit their compound, which Master Zallah accepts. Yana also updates her girlfriend Kor about Marda's encounter with Kevmo. Following a Force vision, the Mother persuades her primary benefactor, Regnar Pulip, to finance the treatment of Kor's mother, Opari Plouth's illness. After briefing the Mother about their successful operation to steal the Force dagger, Yana informs the leader about Marda's encounter with the Jedi Padawan Kevmo. While the Herald Werth Plouth objects to Yana's suggestion of having Marda invite the Jedi into their compound, the Mother supports Yana, asserting that it would provide an opportunity to convince the Jedi that the Path is a peaceful community, prompting them to depart and allowing the cult to conceal their clandestine activities. During the meeting, Yana and Kor notice the Mother's egg-shaped "jewel," which generates a disturbance in the Force for Kor. Kor also confides in Yana that she feels alienated from the Path and that she does not want her mother Opari near the Mother's "jewel." ### The stolen hyperspace route On Hon-Tallos, Sunshine meets with Republic Pathfinder Alonso San Tekka, who had divulged information about a hyperspace route to the enigmatic Planet X located at the edge of Wild Space. After San Tekka sells him a datacard containing a copy of the route, Sunshine leads him to his starship Scupper at the docks. When San Tekka reveals that the jewels he promised were lost, Sunshine uses his blaster to kill Alonso. After confirming the authenticity of San Tekka's route, Sunshine instructs DZ-23 to dispose of the Pathfinder's body once they have reached space. He also informs the Mother about the hyperspace route job and promises to assist in uncovering information about a lost cousin on Jedha. He resolves to locate the Rod of Daybreak for the Mother. ### Guests of the Path After meditating, Kevmo practices his lightsaber skills with Master Zallah at Lady Jara's guesthouse. The two discuss the objectives of their mission: locating the stolen Hynestian Rod of Seasons and establishing connections with other Force-using groups, such as the Path of the Open Hand. Zallah also advises her Padawan to avoid allowing his emotions to control him and to moderate their use of the Force in the presence of the Path. Together, the master and apprentice visit the Path's compound, where Marda provides them with a guided tour. She showcases their communal garden, explaining that they minimize their use of droids and technology in accordance with their beliefs. Marda also briefs the Jedi on the Path's organizational structure. While she shows them the Path's buildings, she explains that the underground levels are for elderly and young members. Marda also shows them the Gaza Electric, which is still undergoing construction. Marda explains that the starship will serve as the community's mobile interstellar home. When pressed by Kevmo, Marda admits that the Path also stores several Force artifacts, which they guard securely since they believe that people should not be tempted to use the Force. While Zallah meets with the Elders, Kevmo spends time with Marda, who takes her to a second favorite place, a sunrise tree overlooking a nearby river. The two young people confide their feelings for each other. Marda takes the opportunity to try and convert Kevmo to her view of the Force. Using a plant and sunlight analogy, Kevmo argues that the Force can be used for good purposes. Marda also says that the Path lives in harmony with the Force, believing that they don't take things. Despite their religious differences, Marda respects Kevmo for standing up for his beliefs and worldview. Kevmo then steers the conversation towards the topic of Force artifacts. Marda, who is unaware of her community's theft of Force artifacts, says that they only accept artifacts that were freely given or willed by the Force. When Kevmo asks about the stolen Rod of Seasons, Marda angrily insists that her people did not steal the Rod. Kevmo says that they will continue searching and promises to leave Dalna to continue their search. After the two Jedi leave the Dalna compound, Elder Aris Ade speaks with Marda. When Marda says that she aspires to emulate the Mother, Aris tells Marda that she can strive to be better than their leader. Despite their theological differences with the Jedi, Aris believes that their faith is strengthened by listening and challenging other believers. Aris likens the Force to a song and tells Marda that her relationship with the Force can be like a duet. Aris also challenges Marda to ponder what the Mother and she can give to the Force in return. Aris' words give Marda food for thought. ### The Deluge Following the Jedi visit, Yana contemplates escaping the Path commune due to Treze murdering the dockmaster and Kor's feelings about the strange "jewel orb." Before she can seek out the Mother, heavy rain begins falling on the commune's grounds. She finds her cousin Marda meeting with the Mother. Unlike Yana, Marda still fervently believes in the faith and is obsessed about converting Kevmo to the Path. When she asks Yana for advice, Yana says that persistence matters while hiding her true feelings. The Mother counsels Marda to continue "learning" from the Jedi. After Marda leaves, Yana discuss the Jedi visitors with the Mother. Yana is concerned that the Jedi will eventually discover they have been stealing Force-related artifacts. Both agree that the Jedi might establish an outpost on Dalna, bringing the Path's activities under scrutiny. When Yana confides she is planning to leave, the Mother begs her to reconsider and to commune with the Force. After leaving the meeting, Yana discovers that underground water has been flowing into the caverns, causing the Path lands to flood. Meanwhile, Kevmo and Zallah play a game of dejarik while discussing Dalna's unusual rain patterns. Shortly later, Marda visits their home, saying that she wants to learn from them. While discussing the philosophy of the Force, the local law enforcement officer Jinx Pickwick visits the Jedi lodging with news that the basin near Ferdan is flooding. The Jedi volunteer to help with flood relief including sandbagging and evacuations. With the basin flooding, Marda fears that the caves at the Path's compound will flood, endangering the Littles and Elders. Zallah sends Kevmo to assist Marda with evacuating the Path residents while she assists Pickwick with flood relief efforts in the town. While heading back to the Path compound, Marda questions why the Force did not reveal the deluge and last year's Ashrow volcano rockslide to the Mother. Kevmo calms the anxious Marda. At the compound, the find several people gathering at a storage barn near the communal gardens. While most of the Littles and Elders have evacuated to the surface, she realizes that the Kessarines Ferize, Er Dal and three of their newborns are missing. Marda and Kevmo descend into the caves to the rescue the Kessarine family. While heading to the nesting chamber, they pass a narrow corridor marked with black guide marks. When Kevmo asks, Marda says that they are for more advanced acolytes and servants of the Mother. Inside the flooded caves, they find Ferize and her family near the water basins. Er Dal has been trapped behind a loose rock with their hatchlings Fe Isle, Fe Remine and Fe Tale. After freeing Ferize and one of her children, Kevmo and Marda work together to free Er Dal and the two remaining children in the rapidly flooding caverns. Following the rescue, Kevmo apologizes to Marda for using the Force. Marda rationalized that it was the will of the Force that their rescue mission succeeded. ### Aftermath Three days after the flood, Yana meets with Kor, Cindel and Treze to discuss their next plan to "liberate" a Force artifact known as Jedi Tears from the Graf family compound on Thelj. While Yana expresses doubts about her faith in the Mother including the theft and sale of the artefacts, her friends do not share her skepticism. While Kor joins her mother Opari and the elders in rehearsing for a harvest dance, Yana takes leave to work on restoring the lights at the commune. Before leaving, she tells the Herald about her plans to leave Dalna and the faith. The Herald urges Yana to live in harmony with the Force. Meanwhile, Sunshine meets with the Mother. Though he has failed to steal the Rod of Daybreak, he has learnt that the artifact is being exhibited at a museum in Jedha. The Mother is satisfied with his intelligence gathering and tasks her with transporting the Children including Yana for another "pilgrimage." Elsewhere, Kevmo has spent the past three days helping Marda with post-disaster relief work in the commune including preparing a communal meal and babysitting the Littles. Kevmo also tells the children stories about his childhood on Hosnian Prime before joining the Jedi, the Jedi Temple and Jedha. Marda is curious about Jedha, which is the seat of the Convocation of the Force for various Force-wielding faiths including the Guardians of the Whills, Jedi, Sorcerers of Tund and Church of the Force. Kevmo later returns to Ferden where he helps Lady Jara's three Gamorrean and Gigoran workers lift a damaged trading transport from the mud. While heading to the port to rejoin Master Zallah, he eavesdrops on a conversation between the Path cultist Treze and Rilly about finding a ship to travel offworld. The conversation reinforces his suspicion that the Path was behind the theft of the Force artifacts. Master Zallah informs Kevmo that their skiff's compressor was damaged during the deluge and that she has contacted Port Haileap to send a new one. Kevmo briefs the the Jedi Knight about his adventures in the tunnels beneath the Path compound including using the Force to save lives and sensing a dark side presence. Zallah thinks the Path are hiding stolen Force artifacts aboard the Gaze Electric. Kevmo also tells Zallah that Marda is interested in visiting Jedha and that he has feelings for her. Zallah says it is alright for Kevmo to like Marda but reminds him that he knows the Force already. Later that night, Marda bathes in the nearby river. While heading back to her cell at the commune, she meets the Herald. The two discuss the Force and their religious differences with the Jedi. The Herald believes that Kevmo using the Force to save lives on Dalna would mean causing the death of someone far away. He uses a group of flutterbug larvae to demonstrate the Path's belief that the Force must be free. Marda is upset when the Herald reveals that Yana plans to leave the Path. The Herald asks Marda to convince her cousin to reconsider. He also confirms that the Path plan to leave Dalna once the Gaze Electric is space worthy. At Cincey's hut, Yana finishes reprogramming the last of the compound's lights. Before she can leave, she is confronted by an upset Marda, who attempts to convince her cousins not to leave the Path of the Open Hand. While Marda is still a fervent believer, Yana is more skeptical due to her harsh Evereni childhood before joining the Path. She is also more willing to question the faith's leadership and tells Marda that the Path's teachings are not the sole authority of truth. Despite their different opinions, the two hug before separating. ### The invitation to Jedha While waiting for their skiff to be repaired, Master Zallah and Padawan Kevmo discuss plans to search for the Rod of Seasons, which they believe the Path has stolen. While Kevmo is eager to recover the stolen artifact, Zallah advises caution and waiting for the Path to make a mistake. During the day, he meets a distraught Marda, who confides that Yana is planning to leave the Path. While chatting over ice cream, Marda questions why a high-ranking believer like Yana would want to leave the Path. She thinks it is because the Path's Children have failed to win new converts in Hynestia and Hon-Tallos. Kevmo thinks that there may be more to why Yana wants to leave the Path and invites Marda to attend the Convocation as part of an interfaith experience. Marda is interested and Kevmo says he will seek permission from Zallah for her to come along. Following her meeting with Kevmo, Marda visits the Mother's cottage. She finds the Mother meeting with the Herald and Elders Aris Ade and Delwin. Marda informs the Path leadership that she was unable to persuade Yana not to leave the Path. Marda then seeks permission from the leaders to go to Jedha in order to establish the Path there since the Convocation lacks a representative from their faith community. While the Herald is supportive of her Jedha proposal, the Mother insists on sticking to their plan to travel the galaxy in the Gaze Electric. Ultimately, the Mother declines Marda's proposal, saying that she "does not want the Path on Jedha at this time." Marda submits but the Mother's words causes her to question the Path's teachings that the Mother speaks for the Force. ### The failed heist Yana and the other Children depart on Sunshine Dobbs's ship Scupper for their mission to steal a Force artifact from the Graf family compound on icy Thelj. Sunshine uses a private hyperspace route to travel fast to Thelj. During the journey, Kor confronts Yana about her plans to leave the Path. When Yana says the Jedi will eventually discover the Path's stolen artifacts on Dalna, Kor believes that the Force will protect them and still trusts the Mother. Arriving at the Graf compound, the Path as pilgrims seeking respite from the cold and invoke the Rite of Hospitality. While visiting the refresher, Yana hacks into their computer system in order to facilitate the heist. However, things go awry when Treze and Kor are embroiled in a fight with the Graf family's private security guards. Yana kills the human housekeeper by breaking her necklace. Yana kills another security guard restraining Kor while Treze stabs the Duros security guard in the chest, seemingly incapacitating him. Despite disarming the security system, Kor is mortally wounded by a blaster wound to her waist. With the Graf security alerted, the Children are forced to abort their mission. Treze thinks they have been betrayed. Before they can leave, he is stabbed in the neck by the Duros guard. Yana kills the guard with her blaster before fleeing with Kor. While fleeing back to Sunshine's ship, Kor succumbs to her injuries. In her final moments, she expresses her love for Yana. Yana is forced to abandon her lover as security guards and Theljan whales converge on their position. Aboard the Scupper, Yana accuses Sunshine and the Mother of betraying the group. Dobbs denies his involvement but offers to take Yana back to Dalna to settle things with the Mother. Due to the Evereni stereotype for violence, he locks her in the refresher during the return journey. ### Secrets unearthed While Kevmo and Zallah are practising with lightsaber combat, Marda visits their lodging and chats with Lady Jara and her Trandoshan neighbor. Marda tells the Jedi that she is unable to accompany them to Jedha, claiming that she is not ready to leave Dalna yet. Though she does not approve of how the Jedi use the Force, she thanks the Jedi for giving her a sense of clarity and for saving the lives of her fellow believers. Kevmo notices a change in Marda's personality. In private, Marda tells Kevmo that Yana is offworld but is due to return today. Kevmo realizes that the Mother resides on Dalna rather than offworld. When Marda tells Kevmo that she wants to kiss him, Kevmo is reluctant due to the Jedi belief in avoiding attachments such as romantic relationships. Marda is surprised to learn that Jedi practise chastity. The two young people agree to remain friends for life. Later, Kevmo hides near the flood-damaged port office for the Path's ship. That evening, Yana arrives on Sunshine's starship Scupper. He also witnesses Sunshine Dobbs, whom he recognizes as a wanted criminal implicated in various crimes including the suspected murder of Republic official Alonso San Tekka. Kevmo informs Master Zallah, who decides that they will investigate the Path's compound tonight. An upset Yana meets Marda outside the commune and tells her that Kor and Treze perished during their latest mission. Yana believes that the Mother sent them to Thelj and betrayed them. When Marda says that the Force guides the Mother, Yana questions whether the Mother experiences Force visions. Yana wants to kill the Mother but Marda convinces her to let her wash and feed her in her cell. While eating, Yana tells her cousin that the Mother sent her team to Thelj to steal a Force artifact from the Graf compound. However, they walked into a trap, which resulted in the deaths of Treze and Kor. She believes that the Mother wanted them killed since they were asking questions. Marda convinces Yana to also speak with Kor's parents The Herald and Opara. Despite her loyalty to the faith, Marda agrees to leave the Path with Yana after she has spoken with the Herald and the Mother. While Yana thinks that the Jedi will not help
The High Republic: Path of Deceit is a young adult fiction, penned by Tessa Gratton together with Justina Ireland. It saw release from Disney–Lucasfilm Press on October 4, 2022, as an addition to the second act of the larger Star Wars: The High Republic project. ## Publisher's summary This story takes place in the High Republic era, 150 years before Phase I. It's a time of new possibilities, but also new dangers. On the Outer Rim planet Dalna, the Jedi are investigating a stolen Force artifact. Zallah Macri and her Padawan, Kevmo Zink, arrive to follow up on a lead involving a Dalnan missionary group called the Path of the Open Hand. This group believes the Force should be free and not used by anyone, including the Jedi. Marda Ro, a young member, wants to leave Dalna and spread the Path's message across the galaxy. When Marda and Kevmo meet, they feel an instant connection. However, this changes when Marda learns Kevmo is a Jedi. Despite this, Kevmo's kindness and interest in the Path give her hope she can change his mind. Unbeknownst to Marda, the Mother, the Path's leader, has her own plans that clash with the Jedi. To stay true to her beliefs, Marda may have to become her new friend's greatest enemy. ## Plot summary ### The treasure hunter Radicaz "Sunshine" Dobbs pilots his yacht, Scupper, to Ferdan on Dalna. There, he's greeted by Werth Plouth, the Herald of the Path of the Open Hand cult. The Herald brings Dobbs to the cult's compound to meet Elecia Zeveron, the Mother and leader. The Path hired Dobbs to collect The Force artifacts to "free" the Force. The Mother wants Dobbs to steal the Rod of Ages, Rod of Seasons, and Rod of Daybreak. Most of Dobbs' artifacts don't interest the Path, but she likes a large purple egg strong with the Force. Pleased, the Mother says she'll work with Dobbs. ### The Jedi On Tiikae, a world in the Outer Rim, Jedi Padawan Kevmo Zink joins Jedi Master Zallah Macri, Jedi Knight Azlin Rell, and their droid C-9 to move a grass shark herd away from a settlement. C-9 and Rell use a modified comms beacon to change the beasts' path, since they follow the planet's magnetic field. Later, the Jedi learn the Hynestian Queen needs help because the Rod of Seasons was stolen. Master Zallah decides to respond since they're near Hynestia. ### Followers of the Path Back on Dalna, cultists Marda Ro and Jezra'lin help Ferize, a Kessarine mother, as her six babies hatch in the underground complex. Afterward, Marda joins her cousin Yana Ro for a bath in a river. They discuss the Path of the Open Hand's "liberating" Force artifacts. Marda thinks they're saving the artifacts from misuse, but Yana thinks they're stealing. Marda trusts the Mother and volunteers for a missionary trip, but the Mother refuses. While the Elders comfort Marda, Yana visits Cincey's work hut, the Path's communications center. She meets Cincey, her girlfriend Kor Plouth, and Treze to plan stealing a Force dagger from a Republic storage locker in Port Haileap. The dagger can supposedly cut someone off from the Living Force. Kor wants to be home before her babies' Naming day. ### An interfaith encounter Later, Kevmo and Master Zallah arrive in Ferdan on a skiff. Kevmo goes to the marketplace for supplies after landing at the spaceport. He finds Marda and nine Path children ("Littles") giving away flowers and promoting their faith. Kevmo tries to befriend the group and talk about the Force, even though he suspects the Path stole the Rod of Seasons. Kevmo and Marda are attracted to each other despite their differences. Marda gets Simi, one of the "Littles," to give Kevmo a river rose. Marda and the children react with horror when Kevmo uses the Force to lift the rose, because the Path forbids using the Force. Marda argues the Force isn't a tool and using it disrupts balance. Kevmo disagrees, saying using the Force is a natural gift. Marda believes the Jedi try to control the Force. Kevmo tries to explain the Jedi's side, but Marda leads the children away. After leaving, the Littles discuss the Force and the Jedi. When Utalir, Jerid, and Simi talk about Jedi, Marda points out the Gaze Electric, a massive starship being built as the Path of the Open Hand's mobile temple and home. She reminds the Littles they aren't above the Force and repeats the Path's claim that the Jedi steal and misuse the Force. ### Heist at Port Haileap Elsewhere, Yana joins fellow Children of the Open Hand Kor, Treze, and Cincey aboard the Harmony to Port Haileap. After landing, Treze distracts the dockmaster by asking for permission to host a giving station. Then he kills the dockmaster. Meanwhile, Yana uses her slicing skills to open a warehouse for confiscated goods. Kor retrieves a Force-sensitive object from Moraband from the
After Marda voices her confidence in Kevmo and the Force, the narrative shifts. ### The Leveler Unleashed Inside the Mother's dwelling, Yana is met by Master Zallah and Kevmo, who have found the Mother's hidden collection of Force-related relics, notably the Rod of Seasons. Yana retorts by accusing the Jedi of intrusion. Soon after, they are joined by the Mother, the Herald, Jukkyuk, and Qwerb. The Mother proposes a deal: the Jedi can leave with the Rod of Seasons. However, Zallah insists on arresting her for the theft of the Force artifacts. The Herald and his followers then initiate an attack on the Jedi using their blasters, but the Jedi skillfully deflect the incoming blaster fire with their lightsabers. The Mother then shatters a purple gem, revealing it to be an egg containing a Nameless hatchling, who later becomes the Great Leveler. Taking the form of a shimmering blue mass, the Leveler latches onto Master Zallah, rapidly turning her into stone. The Mother declares this as a sign from the Force, which Jukkyuk affirms. The Leveler then turns its attention to Kevmo. The Padawan attempts to defend himself using the Force, but the creature ensnares his ankle with a tendril. Kevmo is overcome with fear, manages to break free from the Nameless, and flees the room. Having absorbed the living Force from its victims, the Leveler evolves into a four-legged creature resembling a tooka. The Mother interprets the Leveler's assault on the Jedi as proof that the Force is protecting them. Separately, Yana informs the Mother that Kor and Treze have died during the failed mission to acquire the Force artifact. Kevmo, in a state of terror, runs from the cavern. The attack by the Nameless has left him unable to feel or sense the Force, and his body is gradually turning to stone. Marda, while preparing to leave and applying brikal-shell paint to her face, goes to the caverns to see the Kessarine Ferize and her family. She tells Ferize that she will be traveling offworld with Yana but remaining loyal to the Path. She mentions an incident during Yana's recent offworld trip involving Kor and Treze. While holding a Kessarine, she detects an unusual sound from the tunnels. Marda and an adult Kessarine investigate the tunnel, where they find a wounded and disoriented Kevmo, who has been attacked by the Leveler. Kevmo struggles to speak and is unable to sense the Force. In his final moments, he reveals that the Mother attacked him. Marda notices a chalk-like scent on Kevmo and observes a grey, stony scale spreading across his body. Before the Kessarines can get help, Kevmo is completely petrified. After his death, she recovers his lightsaber. ### Departure from Dalna Simultaneously, Yana informs the Herald about the Mother's involvement in orchestrating the Ambush on Thelj, a fact confirmed by Dobbs. Yana suggests assassinating the Mother to prevent further Jedi intervention. The Herald dismisses the Jedi as a threat, citing the Leveler's recent display of power. Yana, driven by vengeance for Kor's death, wants to confront the Mother, but the Herald argues that the situation with the Leveler takes precedence over personal vendettas. Recognizing their vulnerability on Dalna, he proposes that the Path leave on the Gaze Electric. Several elders, including Aris Ade and Old Waiden, arrive to investigate the disturbance. The Mother seizes the opportunity to present the Leveler, claiming it appeared to her in a Force vision. Sunshine informs the crowd that more creatures like the Leveler exist on an uncharted planet in Wild Space. The Herald tells the elders that they will soon depart on the Gaze Electric, as the ship is ready for space travel. He states that the Leveler needs to mature away from those who misuse the Force for selfish purposes. The Mother agrees, but Yana detects a power struggle between her and the Herald. Yana notices that the Leveler is drawn to her because she is holding the Rod of Seasons. The Herald declares that the Leveler has chosen her as its champion. Despite her anger at the Mother and the Herald for their deception, Yana pretends to submit, expressing humility at being chosen as the Leveler's champion. Yana suspects the Herald is plotting something and that she has become part of his plan. Marda then arrives at the cavern floor with Kevmo's lightsaber, where the crowd has gathered before the Mother, Herald, Yana, and the statue of the petrified Jedi Knight Zallah. Marda confirms Kevmo's death and kneels before the Leveler in front of everyone. Marda reasons that the Leveler killed the Jedi to restore balance by punishing their abuse of the Force. Marda urges them to stop the remaining Jedi. Her words are echoed by others, who preach that the Path are vessels living in harmony with the free Force. The Mother appoints Marda as a guide to work with Yana, the Leveler's champion. Marda contemplates taking the Path and the Leveler to the Convocation on Jedha. ### Plans Set in Motion Some days later, as the Gaze Electric journeys through space, Sunshine meets with Mother Elecia in her private quarters. He reveals the existence of another Force artifact on Jedha, the Rod of Daybreak, which is heavily guarded by the Jedi in a vault. The Mother instructs Sunshine to go to Jedha to prepare for their arrival, telling him to make the Path's presence known. Meanwhile, Yana has a private meeting with the Herald. Yana discusses her relationship with Kor, who dreamed of exploring the galaxy. They both swear revenge on the Mother for the deaths of Kor and Treze. The Herald reveals that Treze had a girlfriend in Ferdan who is expecting a child. As part of their scheme against the Mother, the Herald assigns Yana the task of recruiting her cousin Marda, who is highly respected by the Path as their Guide. Yana will assume the role of the Guardian. When Yana asks about the Herald's role, he avoids the question. Yana then meets with Marda in her personal quarters. Marda has adopted a more intimidating face paint design to reflect her newfound religious zeal. She questions her own involvement in these events. ### Fear A few days later, Jedi Knight Azlin Rell and his droid C-9 investigate the abandoned Path compound on Dalna, which was recently deserted. Azlin is responding to an urgent request from Master Xo Lahru to check on the safety of Zallah and Kevmo on Dalna after communication was lost with them days prior. Azlin had already examined Zallah's shuttle and spoken with sheriff Jinx Pickwick and Lady Jara, who both blamed the Path of the Open Hand for the Jedi's disappearance. While exploring the caverns beneath the compound, he discovers the petrified remains of Kevmo and Zallah. Azlin also notices that their lightsabers are missing. Using the Force, he senses a disturbance that fills him with dread. ## Media ### Editions - ISBN 9781368076128 ; October 4 , 2022 ; Disney–Lucasfilm Press ; US hardcover [3] - ISBN 9781761212079 ; February 1 , 2023 ; Hardie Grant Children's Publishing; Australian paperback [4] ### Cover gallery