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Picking up her weapon she simply wiped the ash off it before putting the sai away. Again in line they entered under the watchful eye of the guardian of the gate.
Stepping through the door was like stepping into a portal. Blazing fires lighted sweeping ceilings, and each hall had its own color. The one that seemed to beckon her was the one that was lit with blue fire. Gold dragons held the pots with the blaze each face staring serenely down at the floor, almost daring people to pass. The other halls each had a candle bearer of its own.
Another wraith dressed in black with silver lining strode up to Jerakan. He paused for a moment and studied the man. "It has been a long time since we have seen your linage in this castle Jerakan son of Basilar. Tell me why do you bring so many strangers into the great hall of the King?" The wraith's voice felt rather then sounded aged to the ears of Sakia. But her master to a studied eye seemed pained by it. She was sensitive to low frequencies.
The pause Jerakan took seemed almost rude before he spoke up. "It has indeed been over a thousand years since we have seen this hall. Also as long since our heritage was lost. Yet I am still of your people, Strong and proud. We come seeking the king in alliance. These and I the warriors of the galaxy have come in peace. Please tell his great majesty we are here."
"He knows Jedi. Wait here for his pleasure." With that the wraith stomped his foot. Ten rocks jutted up from the floor forming primitive seats. Jerakan bowed at the waist as the steward left. For a few moments the Jedi stirred in quiet conversation.
"Masters…" Jerakan called them to attention as he sat on one of the stones. "I feel your concern, and let me tell you it is misplaced. Now before we see the king are there any questions?" He looked each Jedi in turn.
Sakai motioned him. "Master Jerakan so far the greeting seem more elaborate then when you first thought, tell me so we do not offend how are we to approach the king?"
"Follow your master young apprentice." His gaze moved on and spoke quietly with his apprentice. Sakia knew when she had been slighted, but this was hardly the place time, or rank in which to do it. Xyana laid a gentle hand on her hooded head. The comfort of her touch was needed.
Presently the silver wraith returned. The group silenced and turned expectant faces toward the wraith. "His majesty will see you now Jedi."
There was a deadly grace about his movements as he executed a turn and led the group toward the blue-lit hall. The shadows deepened in the twilight the blue flames created. As their eyes adjusted they began to see more of the intricate art of the wraiths inlayed in the walls. If one unfocused three-dimensional shapes formed of battles dragons, weapons, and words; none of which the Padawan could understand. All to soon the hall ended and once again they stood before a door. Made of solid gold the dimensional artwork out did the rest, and the design when the eye was focused astounded the senses. Not two but six guards each towering just under three meters each holding the same spears as the first door guards. At the sight of the visitors they crossed their spears barring entrance. The porter halted the group and waited. Sakia felt something pass between the porter and the guards uncrossed their spears. Two gave their spears to the comrades and with a mighty heave they pushed at the solid doors revealing a dimly lit room. Shadows sulked in the dark recesses making the room seem alive with spirits. The porter motioned to the walls and from the shadows came sixteen more beings. Four were smaller and wore red and gray robes.
"Remove your robes." He growled before exiting. The large doors were pulled closed with a resounding boom. Removing her own short battered robe she handed it to one of the wraiths. Their job done they vanished back into the shadows. Jerakan took a few steps toward the throne, which she just now noticed. A towering dais with three platforms led to a throne for a giant. On either side golden dragon wings rose outlining the throne. Pillars lined the way along the path widening to encompass the throne.
In her awe she almost bumped into the Jedi in front of her. Peeking around she noticed that the guards barred their way again and more were joining them. Within moments they were surrounded.
"Guards what is the meaning of this?" Jerakan sounded almost offended.
Low rumbles resounded in their throats, growls she realized. "The porter may be too senile to remember what your line did, but we know, blood does not change." The tips of their weapons were pointed at each Jedi's heart. In unison spikes came from their shoulders, and their eyes glowed red orange.
"Peace guards!" Jerakan was beginning to finally sound genuinely afraid. "What can I do to prove my intentions to you?" the points of their weapons were ever coming closer and Sakia could almost imagine she could feel gusts from their breathing.
The lead guard ran the point of his weapon across Jerakan's face something about the way the hood tilted told her whatever the guard was thinking was not very pretty.
"You could die for us, or you and the entire group will remove all of your weapons."
Sakia upon hearing this instantly went to unbuckle her belt. The guard upon her movement touched the cold metal against her chest. Moving slower with head bowed, she removed the belt and placed it on the spear tip of the guard in front of her.
"Sorry to have startled you, noble guard. I mean no harm." She whispered keeping her eyes low. Sweat was forming on her brow. On her left she could feel her masters great disapproval for giving over her weapons so quickly. Sakia did her best to ignore her master this once. Here they were almost defenseless with or without their weapons. She figured it did not matter if she had them or not. The guard placed the belt on a hook high above her reach and looked at her almost curiously.
Suddenly she felt his mind press against hers. Not knowing what to expect she let him in. It felt like admitting a fire into her mind, but it quickly subsided. "You are very trusting little Jedi. How do you know we will not kill you still." Though speaking telepathically his voice came in tones low and feral. She felt her skin immediately erupt in goose bumps.
"I do not noble guard. I only have faith that you will grant us mercy." She felt a shiver run down her spine as she heard the massive being in front of her purr. It was not of pleasure, per say but something more ominous. His hood moved, as he looked at the other Jedi still disarming.
"You have spunk little Jedi, as well as courage. Look at the others, they still are searching for weapons so buried they cannot reach them." He looked back down in time to see her barely shrug her shoulders. "Tell me why do you only carry three weapons? Are you not afraid of us?" his eyes bore into hers.
"I would be a liar to say I only fear you noble guard, I am terrified." She physically swallowed and gathered her self. "I only carry three weapons because they are not really my main weapon. Also I am not very proficient."
"Pray tell me little Jedi what then is your first choice of weapon?" his purr sounded again sending her skin crawling once again.
"Words noble guard. I am a healer not a warrior."
"Yet. You are honest, and courageous little Jedi. I respect that in you. You may have some hope in front of our king." His hood snapped toward the door. "He comes, keep your head low little Jedi. Even though you are small you can still bump your head." Sakia nodded her own head in return. Before he withdrew she felt his send her something. It seemed to slip past her grip and become lost in the recesses of her mind. She quickly remembered where she was and scanned the rest of the group to see her master handing the guard her last weapon, a thin strand of wire for who knew what. The lead guard warily withdrew his weapon and seemed to dissipate into the darkness once again.