Many years had passed since the incident on Bespin where the boys had received their baptism of fire. They had shown what they were made of and their master had nothing but the highest praise for them. However his news was not as well received as he had hoped.
"The boys represented the Order admirably, only resulting to force after all other options had been played. " Prion Chias told the Council upon their return to Dantooine. "I am confident that in a few years they will be ready for the trials and they will show themselves to worthy of the title of Jedi Knights." The Council thanked him for his report but Master Vrook Lamar had something to say before they allowed him to leave. "It is true from what you tell us that the boys will make fine Knights. That is if they pass the trials." he said, placing heavy emphasis on the word if. "It is one thing to be confidant in the boys abilities but that confidence to go their heads and we cannot let two as powerful as them fall into the dark." The Council murmured their agreement to this sage piece of advice. However Prion was not put out by this cutting remark. He had tested the boys and he told the council as much. "With all due respect Master Lamar but I have already tested the boys in this regard and they passed, it was a close thing but they passed." he was aware that his tone could be seen as insolent but he knew the Conucil would not see it as such. "As I have said, I am confident they will pass the trials." But Master Lamar was determined to have the last word. "And as I have said Master Prion, we shall see."
As the years passed after their return to Dantooine the boys grew in both skill and stature. They were now approaching their fifteenth year and they were both over six feet tall, broad of shoulder and while not overly muscular they were firm of body. Sinnach had let his hair grow out and had it tied in a ponytail. Panor on the other favoured a tighter haircut and had the beginnings of a goatee. They had become well respected within the Enclave and were often sought out as training partners during their returns there after assignments with their master. It was decided on their fifteenth birthday that they would face the trials. It was a decision the boys had been waiting years to hear. It could be said that they had faced the trials many times over on their missions with their master. However, the trials called for them to face the tasks on their own. However, due to their unusual link to the Force they were allowed to do the trials together. As the day of the commencement of their trials drew nearer the boys threw themselves into their training. During a particularly intense sparring session the boys asked their master a question that had been burning in their minds lately.
"Master Prion, what will happen if we fail during the trials?" asked Sinnach during a break in their training. Prion Chias looked at each of his Padawans in turn and saw how deeply troubled they were at the thought of failure. "That is a difficult question to answer Sinnach." he said hoping to be as honest as he could with these boys who he sometimes viewed as sons. "The outcome can depend on which trial you fail in. Failure during the Trials of flesh, skill or courage can result in severe injury or even death while failure during the Trial of Spirit can cause mental collapse or complete madness." He could sense fear taking root in the boy's hearts and he continued, so as to quell this negative emotion which had strived so hard to rid the boys of during their time together. "You have no reason to fear my young friends." he said smiling at them. Even to this day the sight of his strange Rodian mouth forming its bizarre smile still gave the boys a smile of their own. "You have faced the equivalent of all the trials during our journeys together and they you came through them admirably." "But Master Prion you were with us during those missions." countered Panor. "That is true Panor but I am confident that all my training has prepared you for the trials." said Prion, his tone full of confidence. "Now, enough of all this mindless chatter, you still have another hour of sparring to do so resume your positions."
The boys took up their lightsabers and went back to the sparring area. On Prion's command they began to slash, parry and thrust at each other. Normally the boys would only use their lightsabers for deflection practice and stick to their practice blades for sparring. However, with the trials approaching, Prion had allowed them to use their lightsabers, so as to increase the intensity and realism of the session.
The boys were dripping with sweat as their session came to a close and they were thankful that the days training was at an end. With the trials only a few days away they also needed as much rest as possible. Prion had often told them that over working themselves was the most common reason why Jedis failed the trials. As they were leaving Prion again took the opportunity to reassure them of their inevitable success in the trials. "Boys, you are by far the finest students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. I have watched you become fine young men and it will be my greatest joy to see you go on and become fine Jedi Knights." he left a reassuring arm on each of their shoulders and then left them to go bed.
On the way to their rooms the boys voiced their worries to each other. "Despite what Master Prion says he is as worried as we are." said Sinnach. He hated to use such a word when talking about their master. Over the years he and Panor had come to love him like another father and they hated to seem get worried on their behalf. "I agree." said Panor "But we must not let his confidence in us be misplaced. We will face the trials and together Sinnach we will become Knights of the Order." Sinnach nodded his agreement. They would not let their master down. They arrived back at their joint room and prepared themselves for bed.
Sinnach was startled at being woken so roughly. At first he did not know where he was and he panicked but he was calmed by the presence of his brother in the room. He composed himself and turned to look at the person who it was that had woken him. "Master Prion?" he asked surprised. "What is wrong?" Prion turned to make sure that Panor was listening as well. "Get dressed into your formal robes, the council has summoned us."