Chapter Three

As Viggo kept his vigil and prepared for the attack, the sharp break of a twig gave away what happened next. From his left, Tiger was beginning the attack without even being given the order to do so which would surely ruin the strategy. "No Tiger, stay hidden until I command otherwise!" Viggo shouted. But it was too late, the bandits under his brother were desperate and Tiger knew that Viggo had promised a Je'daii attack same as the rest did.

Daegen heard the first signs of an impending attack before he even saw the bandits leap from the bushes and trees that they used for their cover. "Master, ready your sword! The bandits are attacking! Archers, ready your bows and fire at will, they'll be too weak to not give you time," he ordered immediately. "What's wrong, Daegen?" the emissary asked.

"Stay in the carriage, the bandits have decided to send us an early surprise," Daegen answered. "I'm coming with you!" Quan-Jang said, readying his sword for combat. The first arrows came in and Daegen was able to deflect them with ease, a feat Quan had not seen in anyone else. But Daegen surprised his Master the most by joining the infantry for a round of close combat with the enemy.

"Daegen, stop! Wait for me!" Quan-Jang said agitatedly. But Daegen didn't wait: instead, he kept with the infantry and even helped them in eliminating several of the bandits while archers prepared. Slicing off heads when he could or bisecting the nearest thugs, Daegen cut a swath through the ranks of the enemy that would attack Baron Ryo's emissary.

However, Quan-Jang's intervention prevented a thug from succeeding in knocking Daegen out from behind or slashing him in the back. "This is why I always demand that you wait for me," Quan-Jang said. "Then be ready to fight from the start and we wouldn't have that issue," Daegen replied. Just then, a bandit with the stripings of a leader charged out with two sword and Daegen shrugged in yielding to the decision to challenge him.

Having absorbed his scabbard earlier, he conjured it again and transformed it into a duplicate of his sword to meet the swordsman on his own terms. The bandit initially had a strong defense but was caught off guard by the full ferocity of Dagen's offense of combined jabs, slashes, and twirls. However, the finesse of it all was traded for bludgeoning slashes that disarmed his opponent of each of his swords. Quan-Jang tried to stop Daegen from doing what he knew he would do but it was too late: Daegen struck deep, fatal blows to the man's chest and abdomen thus killing him instantly.

The warrior was dead before he even landed on his back but Daegen had long since continued to fight the other members of the bandits. It was only when the archers brought in the cavalry and slew twenty-six of them that the rest finally retreated. Judging by the movement of the trees, there would have been eighteen more but those men retreated after seeing thirty-four of their brothers slaughtered. I sense that the true leader isn't dead though, not yet Daegen observed silently.

The reason he suspected this was because the man of rank that he killed, didn't have the bandanas that signified being an actual leader of the troupe. Nonetheless, the one he had killed was likely a relative or else a close companion of the true leader. I don't think we've seen the last of them Daegen thought quietly. "You're worried about whether or not they'll attack again, aren't you?" Quan-Jang asked.

"Not worried but I do see it coming, they'll be back with more men for certain. We must be careful, I've killed someone close to the leader. I don't know if it's a relative or just a close friend but I know that the real leader will be coming back for revenge and with more men," Daegen said. "This is why I tried to warn you not to kill that man: you may have set your undoing in motion," Quan-Jang said.

"Not likely, Queen Hadiya has most likely heard the legends of my premonition abilities and will most likely want me alive until she finds out the extent of them. Only when she knows whether or not I can predict what she wants me to predict for her will she let me die," Daegen said. "How do you know that for certain?" Quan-Jang asked. "I don't but it's what I choose to believe as a result of the way people gossip about our deeds here and elsewhere," Daegen answered.

"The gossip of the ordinary folk is about as accurate as a woman's lipstick. In other words, not to be trusted," Quan-Jang warned. "I'm not worried about accuracy so long as I can get a grasp of the overall picture. Sometimes, that's more effective than using scientific method or any amount of accurate tracking to investigate this," Daegen countered. "And this is why I only agreed to be your Master because I already wanted to raise you as my own," Quan-Jang stated.

"Because you're not good at viewing people other than as guinea pigs for one of your experiments?" Daegen asked. Quan-Jang sneered, not quite sure how to respond to that in any other way but Daegen didn't think much of it. He had gotten quite used to having Quan-Jang have no idea as to the true etiquette of socialization with even the Je'daii Order. A lot of his fellow scientists were like that: put them in their domain and they were brilliant minds but put them outside and they seemed stupid.

For as long as Daegen could remember, Quan-Jang had treated the act of raising him much like another one of his experiments. His frustration, under those circumstances, was surprisingly simple to explain: he felt like he was missing some vital ingredient or something was just going wrong. Daegen knew he was intelligent and wished there was some other way to help him out of his shell. However, coaxing one of the most brilliant scientists of the Order out of his lab had not proven to be very easy.

Skal'nas was pondering what he could have the future replacement of Tul'kar do for him when the man of his hatred finally arrived after receiving his summons on Tatooine. "You summoned me, Master Predor?" Tul'kar asked. "Did you bring your Force Hound with you? I will not explain why I brought you here without him here," Skal'nas replied.

"He is just outside the chamber if you wish me to order him in," Tul'kar said. "Yes, bring him in. Guard, allow Trill to enter as well. We shall need both Force Hounds for what I have in mind," Skal'nas ordered. When both Xesh and Trill arrived in the chambers, Skal'nas decided to just get to the point with what he needed of them both.

"As all three of you may have been sure to sense, whether you know it or not, there is a world that has evaded our reach so far. A world filled with Force-sensitive warriors, philosophers, scientists, and other such people that has not come into our detection. As of right now, we don't have even a name to give this world let alone means by which we could reach it. However, a slave of mine has suggested that we make a truce with an official nearby to test its military might," Skal'nas explained.

"Every time I turn my thoughts to that planet, I see only hurricanes and barriers of lightning. It's like the planet was meant to be impregnable to us," Trill admitted. "That's because you are not strong enough to see a way in as I am," Xesh stated. Trill sneered but Skal'nas had to admit that he found it funny that Xesh would say that about Skal'nas' own Force Hound.

"So what would you have me and Xesh do?" Tul'kar asked. "Firstly, arrange to meet with a power great enough to perhaps challenge this world of Force-sensitives in pure might. Then wait until they either succeed or fail in destroying these beings and act accordingly. If they succeed, steal the spoils from them but if they do not then finish the job as much as is needed," Skal'nas answered.

I already see flaws with that thinking but I shall remedy those flaws, soon enough Tul'kar promised silently. "Is there anything else you wish of me and Xesh?" he asked aloud. "Only that you be quick about finding someone who may be powerful enough to destroy these Force-sensitives. The sooner we begin testing the power of these warriors, the sooner we know if they are a threat to us.

"A little bit of an insurance policy against being overthrown by members of the Slave Species," Skal'nas answered. "You fear the slaves? That's not like you," Xesh mocked. "Watch how you speak to me, boy," Skal'nas warned.

"No he's right, Skal'nas. It's uncanny that you should fear anything, least of all the slaves," Tul'kar agreed. "I don't fear the slaves, I just want to minimize as much of their ability to resist our rule as possible. In time, they might rise against us unless we do something now," Skal'nas countered.

The desire to minimize the risk associated with controlling the Slaves is the tactic of a coward and is a sign of fear. In time, you will be made to pay for having that fear. Be sure of that Tul'kar thought quietly. "Is there anything else you or your Force Hound would like to say to me before you're dismissed?" Skal'nas asked.

"No sir, not at all," Tul'kar said and he made sure of that from Xesh. "Very well then, off the two of you go to help fulfill the design of the Empire," Skal'nas said. When Tul'kar and Xesh had left, Trill was quick to speak her mind on the matter once she got permission. "Are you going to let Xesh get away with doing that to you!?" she demanded.

"No but for now, he has his use just like you do. It would be wise for you both to remember that," Skal'nas answered. Trill made to speak about something else but when she saw the look that said that the conversation was over, she made no further argument. Even if Trill had some of Xesh's rebellious streak, even she knew better than to question the will of Predor Skal'nas.

Landing a solid punch to a nearby tree, Viggo bruised three of his knuckles but that didn't matter. Tiger was dead because of his impulsive action and worst of all, it had been Daegen Look who had killed him and not the Je'daii Master Quan-Jang. Now, by custom of his people, he was sworn to avenge him in the field of combat against the very adversary that had killed him or be himself destroyed. The Queen wants me to bring him in alive, what do I do? Viggo asked himself quietly.

For years, he had loyally served the Queen and had even led some of her campaigns on her behalf. Once, not too long ago, the two had even been lovers though they had to call quits after Hadiya realized the dangers of falling in love in a place like Shikaakwa. "When this war is over, perhaps I will reconsider our relationship but until then we must separate," she had said. He had understood and ever since, he did what he could to aid her aims in the hopes of once again lying in bed with her.

But his clan's honor code meant that that would be more difficult now on the account of Daegen Look killing Tiger and leaving his wife a widow. Would he obey the woman he loved? Would he decide to avenge the wife of his fallen brother and kill Daegen? What did he do and why would he do if he decided to do it?

It would seem as though I will have to consult the Wise Ones on this matter. Perhaps, they would know what to do about this predicament better than I do he thought quietly. Shrugging, he made his way past his brother's tent where Tiger's wife grieved alone. Much as he wanted to comfort her, he needed to speak with the Wise Ones as soon as he could and without delay.

"Good thing we've finally arrived, I was just beginning to get bored again," Daegen said upon seeing the city gates of Baron Ryo's homeland. The emissary chuckled and Quan-Jang did not visibly react to Daegen's comment about boredom. Little do you realize that you may yet have set the stages for your demise in motion.

There are things now in motion that cannot be undone except, most likely, with blood the old Master thought silently. "The Baron will see Master Quan-Jang in the morning, he wishes Padawan Daegen Lok to be put on security detail if he doesn't mind," the emissary said. "Not a problem, it'd be better than hearing my Master blab anymore than he has already," Daegen replied. "My blabbing is meant to keep kids like you safe from people like Queen Hadiya!" Quan-Jang countered.

"Yeah true but while you're in there, kids like me are vulnerable to being stolen and spanked by the Queen herself. Actually, I wonder what it might be like to have her hand slapping that general area of my backside," Daegen said, joking with the last comment. The emissary barely contained his laughter and Daegen shrugged, deciding to continue. "But then, she can lick my veggies and suck on my meat.

"I hear she has quite a voracious appetite for both her meat and her veggies," he said. The emissary exploded into laughter with that one and Quan-Jang ordered them both to leave. As they left, Quan-Jang could distinctly hear Dagen say, "Fucked by Hadiya, must feel nice!" The emissary's laughter accompanied that joke and Quan-Jang shook his head in disgust.

"You need not worry about those two, they are young boys with fantasies of sleeping with a beautiful woman. Even if that woman just so happens to be the head of our enemy forces," the Baron said, intruding. "I never had those fantasies: I was off doing scientific projects before I even kissed a girl," Quan-Jang admitted. "Some men are better off without women in their lives, I have a feeling that you would be one of them," the Baron agreed.

"Shall we get to brass tacks or are you just shooting the breeze until the morning?" Quan-Jang asked. "Oh neither, I was just coming out to watch the stars twinkle and shine while smoking. Doctors said that just the smell is bad for the health of my children, never mind inhalation. So I come out to keep them safe from what I admit is a disgusting habit," the Baron replied.

"I see, I know alternatives that could help you with that problem if you want it remedied," Quan-Jang offered. "Do me the kind favor of sending me packages of your most addicting alternative as soon as you can," the Baron said with a smile. Both men chuckled, finding that amusing between themselves and the Baron took a seat at a chair behind him. Quan asked for one of his own and asked if the Baron minded him sitting next to him.

"By all means, I could use an experienced ear when it comes to interstellar travel," the Baron replied. "I don't have all that much experience but unlike my Padawan, I think it's wonderful. Daegen just looks at it as prime-time barf-time," Quan confessed. "The young will always have weaker stomachs than the elder when it comes to higher elevations," the Baron agreed.

"However, I assure you that the way his works will never cease to astonish me," Quan said. "Maybe in time, with more offworld missions like this, he'll get the stomach. I'm surprised you're not nauseated yourself," the Baron admitted. "I was, I just did a better job of not showing it," Quan replied, earning another chuckle from the old Baron.

Hadiya made no reservation at stating her disappointment in Viggo's failure but nevertheless sent him the reinforcements that he requested. And this time, he had better get the deed done or else I'm hanging him for all to see! Whether or not I love him still, he must not be allowed to fail me more than once she vowed to herself quietly. Smashing a fist on the arm of her chair, she had to admit that she was already questioning whether or not she would actually go through with it.

With her heart still set on marrying Viggo and sharing her bed with him (more than she already had), she needed to know that she'd be capable of doing what was necessary. But would it be what her heart told her was right or would her own heart force her to yield and let him slide again? Would people sense their connection and think her love had already rigged his trial in his favor? Could it be possible that the people she intended to rule would think he had bent her over to his will, already?

No, I can't let the people I intend to rule think that I spared him because he gave my ass a good fucking the previous night! Even for Viggo, I can spare no one who fails me in missions like thisshe told herself quietly. But even as she promised that, even after all that she had just told herself, she couldn't help but feel like Viggo's love for her still had a powerful hold on her. Whatever were she to do if he failed to bring in the boy yet again?

To keep her mind off it, she decided to ask her Generals how the rest of her conquests were going. "We're doing just fine, in fact, we're ahead of schedule. Four houses have fallen to your rule and another will fall in two days if not tomorrow," said Bakko, upon her arrival. "It will only be a matter of a month or two before we subject the rest of the houses to our will," Left-Fist Shri-Lan told her. "Galactic conquest is inevitable at this pace," Right-Fist Gav Vannar added.

"And how are we on the supplies to fulfill this design? I don't want us running out of food and drink upon the successful conquest of Shikaakwa," Hadiya asked. "We've been better but we have more than enough to expand into one or two systems in each direction, safely," Shri-Lan interjected. "Galactic conquest can't be achieved on empty bellies and we don't know how we can fuel our campaign further," Gav admitted.

"Then I have an idea: send our remaining troops of bandits across the Tython system to raid and plunder as much as they can. After that, use what they accumulate to expand, stealing the rest of our rightful supplies in the process. In addition, we'll place strict rations that will force the soldiers we conquer to fight for us in exchange for food to feed their families. They will have to fight to give their wives and children something better than morsel scraps in the streets," Hadiya told them.

"You always did know how to be cruel, my Queen. And no doubt, these soldiers will be the vanguard of our expansion into the rest of the Tython system and even to the Je'daii doorstep? If so, I very much approve this idea in every sense of the word," Bakko said. "Yes, they'll be used for that and I'm glad that you do," Hadiya answered.

After that, Hadiya excused herself so that they could continue to make her proud by their own means. Indeed, they serve the ideal of a united galaxy quite nicely. I wonder if I should keep them alive or else dispose of them when I take rule of the galaxy. Let's see which ones perish by then and which ones don't, I'll consider that afterwards she thought to herself quietly.

Shrugging, she sat back down on her throne room chair and decided it best to ponder other things besides Viggo and who she would dispose of for absolute power over the galaxy. Hopefully, the Rakata won't mind me stealing what they're not using in the first place. Our empires can coexist under those circumstances even if mine isn't as big as theirs she reminded herself quietly. And indeed, shaking hands with the Rakata would be a genuine honor and the completion of all her life.

Especially considering that she intended to betray and usurp their lands when she was through with them, later on. "Oh Hadiya, you and your schemes! If only mother and father had not sold you into slavery when you were a little girl," she said, thinking to herself aloud. "You were a slave once, milady?" asked one of her butlers who overheard.

"If one word about my former life leaves this room, I'll have your tongue cut and cooked for you to eat!" she promised. "Forgive me, milady. I meant no harm, I was just scrubbing and polishing the floors for your next march out of these chambers," he replied.

"Under those circumstances, I suppose I could pardon your intrusion for now. But do not forget what I've said and know that I mean every last word," she hissed. "No doubt about it, milady: you have never once flown astray in setting an example," he said. She waved her hand to gesture his pardon and decided to march to her headquarters; the least she could do was rest her mind from her troubles.

There really is power in sparing the lives of those you control when they deserve death. No wonder Daegen advised me on sparing the weak and not destroying them she thought quietly.