As quickly as Hailen kei Yamaen's mental onslaught had begun, it was over. Jalaen lai Sheelal looked at Wat Tambor, anger flashing in her eyes. Quickly she ran a finger along Rubble's wine glass. Yes, Jalaen thought as she confirmed her suspicions, his wine was poisoned. Jalaen looked at Tambor with contempt. What she saw was no longer the hospitable Skakoan. In his place, what Jalaen saw was a murderer, one who had tried to kill her friend and kinsman.
Jalaen felt her lightsaber in her hand. It felt so uplifting, so exhilarating…
Reptilian pupils narrowed. Turquoise beam engaged.
The Kaleesh flew at Tambor, with an agility that he had clearly not expected. Jalaen cut him down with one swift stroke. Incapable of containing her anger, she hewed head from shoulders. Then dismembered the corpse. And stabbed it. Again and again.
Slowly Rubble began to recover. He couldn't believe the rage emanating from Jalaen. She was just hacking that corpse to bits.. Then Jalaen turned. "Rubble, I'll get you to the med center. Quickly."
Rubble couldn't hold on any longer. He passed out.
Jalaen found enough strength to carry Rubble out of the room, just before a servant rushed in from another entrance. Jalaen tried to jolt Rubble as little as possible; she was afraid of inducing another seizure. "Hold on, Rubble," she whispered.
000
Rubble awoke in the med center. Jalaen was at his side. "Jal," he croaked, "Just what happened?"
"Not much," Jalaen smiled. "After I brought you here, the doctors claimed that the effects of the poison have subsided, fortunately. But they'll keep you here for the night. I'll come for you."
"What?" Rubble said incredulously. "Leave? Where?"
"In case you didn't realize, I just killed Wat Tambor. And not only that, but I've brutally mutilated his corpse, too. I'll be hunted. However, you won't."
"No, not that. You said I was poisoned," Rubble replied.
"The wine, cousin, the wine," Jalaen answered, and stood up. "But I must go, along with Rojien, Father, and Mother."
Rubble tried to get up. He didn't have the strength. "Jalaen, you can't leave. I will go with you."
"No!" Jalaen pushed Rubble down. "Stay here. Get well. I know that I'll need you soon."
Tears welled in Rubble's eyes. This was so unlike him, but how could Jalaen leave him?! "Jalaen, I won't hinder you. Go."
Jalaen nodded, and kissed Rubble on the forehead. "I love you, cousin. I'll make sure we'll meet again."
Rubble watched as Jalaen left his room. Immediately after she had gone, a med droid entered. Rubble stood up and pushed the droid into the wall. "I'm going. Jalaen can't fend for herself. And I'm going to take care of her."
He engaged his lightsaber and ran back towards the former Tambor's palace.