Even the best plans...
Once the entrance was sealed Merida was engulfed in blackness. The tunnels beneath the city were ancient, built centuries ago as an emergency means of evacuating the royal family should the city be breached and the palace overrun. It was a straight shot to the castle, all she had to do was navigate the tunnels in total darkness.
No trouble at all.
Merida was momentarily stumped. She reached her hand out and stepped to the right until her palm pressed against the wall. She began walking forward slowly, using the wall to navigate. A source of light would have been useful she thought. But where was she going to get...
Merida stopped to smack herself on the forehead. She reached a hand down, feeling at her belt until her fingers brushed against the cool metal of the lightsaber hilt. She unclipped it from her belt before running her fingers over it. The first thing she determined was where the blade was going to come out (best not to impale herself with a burning hot beam of plasma). Once she was sure where the blade was supposed to be she felt around until she found what she believed to be the activation stud. Luckily Hiccup had allowed her to study his lightsaber, and had given her a brief description of its basic components. So she pressed down on the stud.
Immediately a beam of blue plasma was emitted by the lightsaber. She took a second to marvel at it, and was also glad to see it illuminated her surrounding enough so she could navigate without having to feel around. She tested the weapon with a swing. As Eret had said it was strange in her hand. The weight was all in the hilt. Being trained in swordsmanship herself Merida was used to the feel of a sword's blade. It was how she could tell where it was and the direction it was pointed at all times. She could definitely see how someone could cut their arm off if they weren't careful.
She gave it one more swing before she moved on, holding it in front of her as she made her way forward. She walked through cobwebs, breathing in the dank and musty air of the tunnels as she tried to formulate a plan. The weight of Gran's necklace around her neck gave her some reassurance. At least they wouldn't be able to sense her coming. But if she were found...
She dreaded what would happen should she be discovered. She wasn't sure she could defeat a Sith, or even one of the other darksiders. She prayed it wouldn't come to that. Hopefully she could get in and get out with her family without raising the alarm.
After what seemed like ages she came to a solid wall. She pursed her lips as she tried to remember where the switch to open the door was. She ran her free hand along the wall, feeling for an uneven stone until finally she found it. She pressed on a stone, making it sink into the wall. There was a click and a grinding of stone on stone as a section of the wall swung outward, leaving a large entryway into the palace. Luckily this particular entrance was in the cellar, out of sight and far from listening ears. She stepped out and back into her old home before shutting the entrance. She deactivated the lightsaber and clipped it to her belt before crouching down and listening for any signs of someone approaching.
When she heard none she made her way to the steps. She climbed them, coming to an old style wooden door. She opened it just a crack, pausing to look out. Luckily she saw no one. So she opened it just enough to slip out before moving on. She crouched and stuck close to the walls, always keeping her ears and eyes out. She found it curious that there were no palace guards. She should have run into at least one by now.
She suddenly pressed herself against the wall as two shadow guardsmen walked right in front of her. Armed with their pikes as they patrolled the the halls. Merida took a breath before ducking into a small closet. She took several big breaths to steady her nerves and racing heart. Once she felt ready to move again she peeked her head out the door to make sure the hallway was clear, and then she set off.
Her first move was to determine where her father was. Or if he was even still alive. Thinking of a plan while she moved she decided she needed to find her mother and brothers first.
Elsewhere in the castle, in the throne room and great hall, a palace servant, and nanny to the royal's children, was serving the Imperial officer. Maudie was her name. She was a kind, busty, and older woman who'd loyally served her monarchs for years. At the moment she tried her best not to fidget and control her nervousness as she served Dagur, or Lord Dagur as he demanded to be called, his evening meal.
She desperately hoped he would choke on it. The young man was arrogant, rude, vulgar, and downright indecent. Not to mention he was the one responsible for the imminent execution of King Fergus. She had the urge to dump the contents of her food tray on him. Or poison his drink. But she'd been ordered not to do anything by the queen for fear of what he'd do to the innocent.
As she set down his plate before him she gave a small bow before stepping away and making for the kitchen.
"Woman," the man said rudely. Maudie stopped, keeping her back to him as she took a breath.
She turned around, smiling a false smile as she walked back to him. "Yes Lord Dagur?" she asked with her tight smile.
"This quail is undercooked. Bring me another. And make sure the cook makes it rare this time," Dagur spat at her. Maudie paused, looking at the bird in front of him. It looked fine in her opinion, and she'd only been serving and preparing food for...her entire life.
"Lord Dagur, I assure-"
"You heard him Maudie. Do as he says," the Queen interrupted from the other end of the table. Maudie looked to her queen, catching the subtle signal to not risk his anger. She suppressed a sigh, before nodding.
"Of course...Lord Dagur," she said with a slight bow. With that she picked up the plate and made her way to the kitchen.
Dagur snorted as he looked across the table to DunBroch's queen. She ate in silence, not paying him any mind. The woman had a lot of self control. Even when her husband was on death's row she'd remained completely calm and restrained the entire time. But he knew better, she was in pain. He could feel it through the Force. She was scared, angry, she hated him. And yet she could do absolutely nothing to him. The thought humored him, gave him dark satisfaction.
"Your servants could use a lesson in manners and proper food preparation Your Majesty."
The queen paused, fork hovering slightly before her mouth. She lowered it, setting it down before glancing up to look at him. He smirked at her, sensing her hatred and indignation for her staff.
"I'll see to it they reeducate themselves, Lord Dagur," she said evenly. Dagur snorted and gave a chuckle before resuming his meal. The queen settled back, looking down at her plate while rage and hatred swelled and roiled within her. But she pushed it down, for the good of her people and her servants. Her duty was to them, to keep them safe from Dagur's wrath.
Maudie came back to the table, presenting him a newly cooked quail. He accepted it and greedily bit into it. Maudie turned her nose up in disgust before making her way to her queen's side. Dagur looked up as she whispered something into her ear. He didn't miss the queen's slightest flinch and eyes widening in surprise. But she smoothed her features before standing up.
"It appears I have business to attend to Lord Dagur. I'm afraid you'll have to dine alone," she said evenly.
As she turned to leave the table Dagur spoke. "Going to see the king one last time? Good idea, since he will be dead soon," Dagur said with a sneer. The queen stopped, her shoulders tensing. He saw her fingers curl into fists and clench. But with a breath she uncurled them before continuing on her way.
Dagur sat back as he ate. For whatever reason he felt as if something were off. This was a trap. To lure the Princess of DunBroch back with her rebel friends so she could save her father. But so far there had been no sign of rebel presence. Not even ships in the sector. And he didn't sense anyone sneaking about the castle.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder...where was the queen off to so suddenly?
Queen Elinor was frozen on the spot. She could hardly believe what Maudie had told her, and after excusing herself she'd rushed to the tapestry room. She'd paused outside the door, taking breaths and placing a hand over her heart. After ages of breathing, she raised a trembling hand up to grip the handle of the old style door. She slowly pulled it open and stepped inside.
And there she was. Her daughter. Her little girl. Her little Merida. All grown up and right in front of her.
"Hi mum," Merida whispered softly. She fidgeted and shuffled on her feet. Not really knowing what to say. She hadn't seen her mother in years...not to mention the last time they'd seen each other their conversation hadn't exactly been on friendly terms. So she just stood there awkwardly, watching a myriad of feelings flash across her mother's face. She opened her mouth to speak when Elinor suddenly rushed to her at startling speed and embraced her.
Merida stiffened up, eyes wide as she looked over her mother's shoulder. It had been years since her mother had hugged her like this. But her body instinctively relaxed in her arms. How could it not? She hadn't realized how much she'd missed her mom all those years. She'd probably been too busy with the war effort. But as she stood there before her she couldn't stop the tears coming to her eyes.
"I missed you mum," she whispered to her.
Elinor sniffled and swallowed a sob. "I missed you too ma' love," she replied lovingly. She pulled back, eyes still watering as she raised her hand up to caress her daughter's face. "My how you've grown. My wee lassie. A woman." Merida smiled and blushed.
"Where have you been Merida? What have you been doing?"
Merida swallowed and took a breath. "I've been fighting against the Empire mum. Leading the rebellion," she informed her.
"So it's true then," Elinor said in surprise. "Why did you leave Merida?"
Merida let out a breath. She knew this was coming. It was time to have it out with her mother. To get everything off her chest. She steeled herself as she stepped back and away from her mother's hands. Her heart clenched at the pained look in Elinor's eye as she stepped out of reach. But she need space to say this.
"Because I didn't want to marry the lords' sons."
Elinor flinched at her answer. She shook her head and put a hand to her temple. "So you're saying you left your family, your people, your planet, all because you couldn't stomach marrying one of your suitors?" Elinore asked in disbelief.
Merida sighed. Her mother didn't understand. Never had. She couldn't see what was so bad about marrying a total stranger, having his children, and living an ordinary life. She'd done it exactly like that. So she obviously figured her daughter could do it too. But there was something Elinor could never see, never quite wrap her head around.
Merida wasn't her.
"I wanted my freedom mum. I didn't want to be forced to marry a total stranger. One whom I didn't love, may never have loved. I wanted to be more than a bargaining chip, a means to ensure a treaty, or the continuation of a royal line."
"And was your freedom worth the suffering of your people? While you were gallivanting around the galaxy me and your father had to provide for them, care for them, like a real Princess should," her mother shot back.
"See THAT!" Merida cut in sharply as she pointed finger at her mother. "That was another reason I left. 'A princess rises early. A princess does nay chortle. A princess should nay have weapons. Does nay stuff her gob. Is talented. Is perfect'," Merida said as she quoted her mother's old lessons. "You always wanted me to be this perfect Princess. Well I'm not. I'm me mum," Merida said as her eyes began to water. "Why do you hate that so much?" she whispered.
Elinor's anger vanished as she saw her child in pain. "Merida- I- I don't-"
"You hated me just for being me," Merida whispered. She looked down. "All my life you tried to change me. You always made it clear how...imperfect I was. How much I shouldn't be like me. That's why I left," Merida said as she finally looked up.
"Because I could never be someone other than who I am. And the moment you realized that, I knew you would hate me." A tear finally escaped her eye to spill down her cheek. "And I didnae think I could bear that."
Elinor stood there in shock. She had no idea Merida had ever felt this way. Yes, she'd been little strict with her. But she'd only been trying to groom her, prepare her, mold her into a good princess. She'd never stopped to think what she was doing to her little girl. How she was driving them apart with her constant demands that Merida stop being...herself.
"I-I'm sorry Merida," Elinor said quietly as she stepped forward. Merida looked to her, cheek wet with the single tear. Elinor raised a hand up to wipe it away. "I never stopped to think what I was doing to you. I-I should have given you more time to be yourself," Elinor whispered in realization. Merida had still been so young. Just a child. How could she have demanded she be someone else when she hadn't fully discovered who she was? How could she ask her to choose someone she would spend the rest of her life with when...she only lived a short span of her own life.
"Oh what have I done?" Elinor whispered as she brought her hands up to her face. She began to sob, guilt at chasing away her only daughter finally sinking in.
"Its ok mum," Merida said as she embraced her. "I found people who loved me for me. They taught me how to be a leader in my own way. I've grown strong mum. I've learned how to make the hard choices. I've learned about sacrifice. I've also learned how to compromise." She looked into her mother's eyes and smiled.
"I've learned who I am."
Elinor stared at her, and she could see the strength in Merida's eyes. A fire that had always been there, but had grown. She'd changed, become a woman. A leader capable of becoming a queen in her own right. She smiled back, leaning forward to caress her face once more.
"Yes, you have ma' dear. And I couldn't be more proud of you," she said sincerely.
"I love you mum."
"I love you too."
They held each other for a while. Sharing their love and affection with each other. They'd missed each other, that was no lie. But now wasn't the time for that.
Clearing her throat Merida pulled away and stood up straight. "Mum, we need to save da and get out of here," she said firmly.
"Wha?" Elinor asked in surprise.
"That's why I came back mum. So I could rescue you, the boys, and da."
"Merida thats insane," Elinor replied. "The palace is full of Imperial forces."
"What about the castle guards?"
"Dagur relieved them of duty. Now it's all stormtroopers and those strange people in armor. They're everywhere."
"What about the ships in the hangar? Is the family cruiser still there and working?" Elinor gave a nod. Merida took a breath, her mind racing. "What about da?"
"In the dungeon. Guarded by stormtroopers." Merida was relieved to here it was just regular soldiers guarding her father, not a Force sensitive. She could do this.
"What about the boys?"
"Hiding." Merida arched a brow. "They're hiding in the castle's secret tunnels and passages. I told them to stay out of sight. I haven't seen them in days." Merida silently cursed. No one knew the secret passages like her brothers. She wanted to get them out of here as well...but they couldn't afford to search for them, it would take too much time. "The boys will have to make do. We need to get you and da out of here."
"I won't leave our people Merida," Elinor said with a frown.
"Mum, there's no point if you and da end up dead. At least if you two are alive there will be hope. Something to look forward to. And you can petition the rebel alliance for aid. I'm sure they'll help if you and da ask for it."
Elinor stared at her as she thought it over. Her daughter had become better at arguing. "Are you certain they'd help?"
"Yes. Hiccup- I mean, the rebel alliance will definitely help," Merida stuttered as heat crept to her cheeks. Unfortunately her mother didn't miss that slip up.
Elinor arched a brow. "Who's Hiccup dear?"
"Just a friend!"
"Oh really? What kind of friend?"
"The friendly kind."
Elinor hummed as she stared her daughter down. Merida continued to blush, she fidgeted before looking away in embarrassment.
"I'll have to meet this lad someday," she said with a small smile. Then she cleared her throat to get to their more serious business. "So, what did you have in mind Merida?"
Two stormtroopers stood in front of their prisoner's cell. Inside was King Fergus, shackled with electro cuffs as he awaited his execution. They were going to make an example of him. To show the galaxy the Empire would execute any who betrayed them. Even monarchs weren't safe on their own planet.
Fergus sat in his cell, head bowed. He could hardly believe this was how his story was going to end. Fergus had always been a warrior. A dam good warrior. And he'd been a great king if you asked any of his subjects. But when the Empire came to his system and his daughter ran away he'd lost his allies. With his allies gone and the Empire's overwhelming forces he'd surrendered for the sake of his people.
They'd lived in relative peace, with DunBroch being left alone and intact for the most part. But now it was discovered that his daughter was leading a resistance movement against the Empire. And though he had nothing to do with it he was being blamed. Still, he wasn't the least bit mad at Merida. In fact he was proud of her. His little girl had proven her own strength and resilience. And no one could take that from her.
He only wished he could see her one last time.
"Halt, who goes there?" one of the guards suddenly called out from outside his cell. Fergus looked up and stood before making his way to the front of his cell. He peeked out past the energy shield keeping him from escaping. He saw his wife coming with a young girl wearing a yellow bonnet. Fergus cocked a brow, not recognizing the young serving girl, but at the same time thinking how she looked familiar.
"Guards. I was just bringing my husband his last meal. Surely he can get that?" Elinor said with a arched brow.
"No visitors. No last meals. Lord Dagur's orders," the trooper said in rejection. "You need to go Your Majesty."
"Och, look," Elinor said as she lifted the top off a plate. "Its just turkey, a wee bit of haggis, and some wine," Elinor said as she gestured to it. "Surely you can grant a woman one last meal with her husband," she pleaded.
The troopers exchanged a glance. Then they looked back to her.
"No ma'am. Now get going," one of them said, waving his blaster around for emphasis.
Elinor sighed, looking sad. "Fine then. Here," she said as she passed the tray to them. "Someone may as well enjoy it." With that she gestured for the serving girl to follow as they walked away.
The troopers set the tray down, but they picked up the mugs of wine. They exchanged a glance.
"This is probably the good stuff," one of them commented.
"Probably costs a fortune," the other said in agreement.
"One won't hurt."
"Nah."
With that they removed their helmets, clinked their mugs together and took a few hearty swallows of their wine. They smacked their lips and smiled, enjoying the taste. This was definitely the high quality stuff. They chuckled and smiled at each other.
Then both their eyes glazed over before they fell forward to fall face first on the floor. Fergus stared in bafflement at his now unconscious guard.
"Told you it would work," came a familiar voice. Fergus flinched and looked out as the shield deactivated. He stepped out and glanced to the side to see the serving girl, showing his wife a small blue vial and smiling proudly. "Got this from Zeltros."
"And what were you doing on Zeltros?" Elinor asked with her hands on her hips. The serving girl suddenly blushed a deep scarlet, she mumbled something before putting the vial away. Then she looked back to Fergus and smiled. "Da."
The air was sucked out of the king's lungs as he finally realized who the serving girl was. To confirm his suspicions she reached up and tugged the bonnet off, revealing a mane of fiery curls the same shade of red as his own. "Merida?" he asked in astonishment. She nodded. He stood there, mouth hanging open and gobsmacked. But then with a happy shout and a hearty laughed he scooped her into a hug and spun her around. Merida shrieked in laughter, though she knew they should be more quiet.
When he set her down he looked at her, taking in his baby girl. "My wee lassie, all grown up," he said with joy.
"Its good to see you too da. But we need to go, now," Merida urged. Fergus furrowed his brows in confusion. Merida took a breath to tell him everything as she freed him of his cuffs.
"Good plan lass. Still, I don't want to leave the boys."
"Neither do I da. But they're clever. Wee devils can stay in hiding for years if they had to. They'll be fine. But you both need to be taken to safety." Fergus held her gaze, and she could see the conflict in his eyes. He knew he had to leave, but at the same time he didn't want to leave his sons.
In the end he relented. He sighed and nodded. "Aye. You're right lass. Let's get going."
Thus Merida led the way, walking briskly through the castle. Though the family cruiser would be the most ideal means to escape there was a slim chance they could get to it and get out of orbit, especially with the blockade. It would likely be guarded. But if they could get out of the castle and into the forest, borrow a ship from one of the distant outposts, maybe send a message to the alliance, then they stood a chance.
So they made their way through the castle, to the tunnels in the cellar which Merida had come in.
"What about supplies Merida?" her father suddenly asked.
Merida looked back to him and smiled. "Already thought about that. I asked Maudie to pack us enough and water for a few days alongside some new clothes," she said proudly. Her father smiled back and nodded, impressed by her ingenuity. Soon enough they made it to the cellar. They opened it and walked briskly down the steps. At the bottom they were greeted by the sight of Maudie standing there with several sacks of the food and clothes.
"Maudie," Merida said happily. She smiled at her, but then took note of Maudie's panicked expression and pale complexion.
"Princess...I'm sorry."
Merida arched a brow, confused until a figure stepped out into the open in front of the nanny.
"So hard to find good help these days. Isn't it Princess?"
Merida's eyes narrowed into a glare. "Dagur."
Dagur smiled evilly. "Found this fat cow rummaging around the kitchens, packing food and clothes. Couldn't help but find that a little curious. Did a little Jedi mind trick. She told me everything," Dagur said with a sneer. From out of the shadows stepped the Inquisitor and the shadow guard. They were surrounded, the darksiders grabbed their weapons and ignited their blades.
"You aren't going anywhere Princess."
Uh oh!
