Magic is Force: Chapter 25
"When do you think they will arrive?" Karn asked as he laid upon a grassy knoll. He plucked a blade of grass from the ground and twirled it around in his fingers waiting for time to pass.
"It's difficult to tell," replied Meetra. She also sat next to him, her legs crossed with her arms supporting her as she reclined backwards. "Scouts stated that the urgals had managed to penetrate several secret entrances into the tunnels; and that occurred about a day ago…"
"Take a wild guess then," Karn exclaimed as he blew the leaf of grass away into the air. It cut through the air with great speed before it quickly lost velocity and gravity quickly took control of it, causing it to fall back to the earth.
"Seven hours…maybe less. That's if we are lucky. Amidst the urgal ranks are Kull and they can run great distances without stopping. They may become the vanguard for the upcoming battle."
Karn stared up into the darkened ceiling of Farthen Dür, the only source of light that permeated the mountain was the oculus at the apex where ice cycles, perhaps hundreds of feet long clung to the rim of the opening. Thoughts of the impending battle loomed over him. Karn took part in many battles back in his original world so fighting at such a large-scale was not new to him. However, that did not mean he was used to it. The thought that at any moment his life could be in mortal danger was present.
His nerves were starting to get the better of him; anxiety starting to build up. He shook his head trying to brush away the thoughts to clear his mind. His attention drew him over to Meetra as he took in her person. She had changed out of her traveling clothes and into a black, sleek, loose tunic and darkened brown leather trousers. She wore light colored leathered boots with three buckles securing them to her feet and her hair was quickly braided to keep the strands of hair from obscuring her vision. Studded leather bracers covered her forearms and holstered at her belt was her newly acquired lightsaber.
Karn couldn't help but feel awestruck at her sight. "Why do you stare?" She quickly asked. She had taken to notice that he was staring at her for quite some time.
"Sorry, I just couldn't help but stare. You look fit for battle," he commented.
A smile spread across Meetra's face as she produced a slight chuckle, "Well, look as much as you want. I appreciate the compliment."
The two sat quietly for some time simply enjoying being in each other's company. However, the silence was eating away at Karn. The silence drew his focus back on the impending battle and the glooming thoughts he possessed. The sounds of battle: men screaming and crying in pain and agony; the scent of burning and decaying flesh; the cruel acts committed by soldiers that were considered necessary to survive.
He focused his attention on Meetra once again as he pondered her. She served as a general during the Mandelorian War and took part in leading and fighting several pivotal battles. Surely she must have felt the same way back then as I currently am feeling now.
"Meetra?"
"Yes? What is it, Karn?" she replied.
"Did you ever get use to war? To battle? To all that comes from it?" he has with a hint of worry in his voice.
A confounded expression appeared on her face upon hearing Karn's question. "What made you want to ask such a thing?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "Mostly out of curiosity," he said. Karn quickly rethought his words which weren't the whole truth. "To be honest, I'm nervous. I've taken part in many battles and each time I entered one, I'd get scared. I thought that at some point, I'd become accustomed to the fighting and the chaos that comes with it. But I'm starting to believe that it is impossible to achieve such feeling."
The female Jedi reclined farther back, laying on her side as her forearm supported her, facing Karn. She remained quiet gathering her thoughts and feelings over such a sensitive topic. It wasn't long before she replied.
She plucked a blade of grass for herself and began to fiddle with it, tying it into a little knot before plucking another and doing the same, "There is no such thing as becoming 'use' to war." Karn positioned himself so he too laid on his side, his attention focused on Meetra.
"That seems rather difficult to believe," Karn interjected. "I've seen plenty of soldiers in the ranks of the Grey Knights and the Republic to say that they are 'use' to war."
"It is impossible, Karn." Meetra said with a hint of seriousness in her voice as she shook her head. "War… war brings about the worse in all creation: chaos, pain, anguish, suffering, death. Those feelings….those actions… there is no one that can become 'use' to it."
"Then how do you explain those individuals who do claim to be 'use' to war?" Karn asked with a confused expression on his face. He was confused to Meetra's explanation of his question; he didn't understand what she meant.
"As I said Karn, it is impossible to become 'use' to war. Everyone person remembers the hardships that come from fighting – war. Those who claim to be use to war, are not truly accustomed to it. War and fighting leave marks on every man – some are physically evident while others are not." She continued to twiddle blades of grass together into little knots, her attention more focused on that then to Karn. Her eyes possessed a glazed look to them, as if they weren't even staring at the blades of grass that she manipulated within her hands. It was as if her attention was drawn somewhere else.
"And these marks," Karn began while he took a look at her person, figure and all, "did war leave some upon you?"
She nodded without hesitation, "I remember the first person I ever killed in the name of the Republic and Jedi Order. I remember what it felt like to create chaos and disorder in the galaxy. And I remember…," the hand that held the knotted leaves of grass suddenly closed on itself, crushing the blades of grass. Meetra's fist began turn white as blood was prevented from flowing through the veins – her hand was clenched tight. Feelings of sorrow and guilt quickly flooded Karn's mind. Meetra's emotions penetrated his mind with ease because of their bond.
"… I remember all the pain and death that I created when I destroyed Malachor V…the echo that was created in the Force."
Karn stared at her with astonishment, never could he imagine that Meetra would carry such heavy burdens upon her shoulders. Stretching out his arm, he placed his hand upon her clenched fist, trying to coax her into releasing all the pent-up emotions.
The brush of their hands making contact was more than enough to make Meetra come back to her senses. She stared up at Karn with tender yet watery eyes and the tension was released from her fist. Her hand became relaxed and the crushed blades of grass fell to the earth. "Do you become 'use' to war?" she said out loud to Karn, repeating his original question. "No, you do not."
A sense of gloom began to fall over him as the answer to his question was brought forth. He had hoped that maybe with time, he could forget the pain he would eventually create. The destruction he would cause; and all the death that would follow him. It seems that was all wishful thinking, he thought to himself.
The two were silent, laying next to each other for some time before Meetra's fingers began to intertwine with Karn's, holding his hand. Karn gazed at her in bewilderment. "However…" she began while caressing his hand with her thumb, "You bear the burdens, remember the feelings, for they will give you the strength to stop all the chaos and death that comes from war. And should those burdens become too much…"
Without breaking hold of his hand, Meetra moved in closer to Karn so that they were only inches apart. Her watery eyes burned suddenly with passion as she gazed at him, locking with his sapphire eyes. "… And should those burdens become too much, you find someone who can help share the weight."
Meetra inched closer, tilting her head to the side allowing herself to easily kiss Karn upon the lips. He didn't hesitate at the touch of her soft lips and returned the gesture with much vigor. The two shared that tender moment for as long as possible, taking quick seconds to quickly release each other's lips to breath before returning to one other.
Pulling away, Karn spoke through quick gasps of air, "If you're burdens are heavy, please place them upon me, Meetra. I will help share your load for as long as I can." He leaned and gave her a loving kiss upon her cheek.
She smiled and with as much affection and care as she could muster, Meetra replied, "And when your worries and fears weigh you down, place them upon me and I shall be there to lift you up." She leaned in herself returning her lips back to Karn's. She continued to lean closer to Karn, wanting to be as close as possible to him. However, her efforts to become closer caused him to lose support and he fell backwards, Meetra following as well.
Karn fell back with Meetra landing on top of him. He gazed at her and quickly chuckled, "Quite persistent aren't you?"
"Oh blast you, be quiet for another moment," Meetra ordered and threw herself back upon Karn. She wasted no time finding his lips and the two remained locked for a great length of time before Meetra finally released him from her grasp.
She pushed herself off Karn's chest allowing him to sit up alongside her. They both possessed large grins on their faces. They both achieved their sense of peace in the midst of each other's company.
The approach of a conglomeration of minds pressed against Karn's conscious which drew his attention towards Tronjheim. From the eastern gate, he could barely make out the outline of several humans and dwarves make their way in their direction. However he could make out one figure in particular. It was Saphira, her hulky figure and large outstretched wings were unmistakable. She jumped into the air soaring high in the open expanse of the mountain. She angled her wings so she flew in their direction.
It didn't take the sapphire dragon long to reach the grassy knoll that Karn and Meetra sat. Her descent was rushed as she pounded her wings trying quickly trying to ease the landing. She landed with enough force to create a slight tremor upon the ground, her talons digging into the ground to keep her stable.
Karn and Meetra stood up and approached her. It didn't take him long to notice that Eragon sat upon her back in the saddle the Brom had made for him. The young Dragon Rider was clad in scale armor, an iron shield strung across his back, and Zar'roc belted at his side. A helmet sat upon his brow with an insignia of a hammer and twelve stars surrounding it.
Eragon slid down from his saddle, climbing onto Saphira's front leg and onto the ground where he came up to the two Force-users. "Any more news, Eragon?" Karn asked as the young man came up next to them.
He took of the helmet from his head and lowered the chainmail coif behind his head. "Ajihad's scouts have confirmed that the Urgals have begun to split up down the tunnels heading straight for Tronjheim."
"They intend to surround us from all sides, then." Meetra added in her comment. Tronjheim sat in the middle of Farthen Dûr with tunnels surrounding it on all sides. If the Urgals planned on taking the Varden quickly, surrounding the city would be the most effective option.
"It appears so," Eragon agreed. "Ajihad actually has requested your assistance on stopping their advance."
"How can we be of help?" Asked Karn.
Eragon turned around and pointed to the group of dwarves and humans heading out onto the plains of Farthen Dûr. "That group is comprised of magicians of the Varden and King Hrothgar's clan. They are going to try and collapse some of the larger tunnels which will force the Urgals to come through only a select few that shall be left open."
"That's a sound plan," Meetra exclaimed as she began to peer off into the distance towards the outer perimeter of Farthen Dûr. "With the large tunnels collapsed, the Urgals would have to attack us from the small ones. Their forces would then be slow to enter the battle which gives us the advantage."
"And we will be ready for them when they strike," Eragon finished her sentence.
"Sounds like we have a fighting chance after all," stated Karn.
"I would like to believe that, Karn."
"Did Ajihad pick which tunnels need to be closed?"
He has, Saphira said upon entering their minds. I shall fly you and Meetra to an opening and from there you are to collapse the tunnels and move onto the next.
"Very well. Let's get a move on, then!" Karn stated with energy.
Eragon turned and climbed into his saddle followed by Meetra - who easily vaulted up – and then Karn. They glided above the group of dwarves and human magicians until they came above the first series of tunnels. Saphira angled toward them, then with no more than a whisper landed beside the group, nearly startling some of them. Karn dismounted first, then followed by Meetra. Eragon explained to the group that the two Force-users would accompany them while he would fly across and assist a second group. "When you're finished, contact Ajihad. He'll explain the plans for the battle." Without a second's hesitation, Saphira launched herself into the air her wings flapping trying to gain altitude. Her figure grew smaller and harder to see as she drifted off across Farthen Dûr.
Karn and Meetra walked over to the group, introducing themselves when a sharp-nosed dwarf told them, "There's a tunnel about four yards directly underneath us. Any help you could give us would be appreciated."
Meetra ordered all them to distance themselves from her and Karn. Standing directly beside him, she stated, "We'll do this together."
Karn nodded in agreement. Breathing slowly, he reached out and melded his consciousness with Meetra's. Together, the two opened their minds to their surroundings. They could sense the tunnel directly beneath them. It was long and narrow, not large enough to send large rows of Urgals but enough to allow a few hundred to traverse.
The two Force-users searched for any loose or weakened supports of the tunnel, allowing it to collapse on itself. Every time they found one, they pushed on it, severely weakening it. For minutes they did this and it appeared there was no physical progress being made. However they persevered and before long they were rewarded by a resounding crack that could be heard clearly on the surface. There was a persistent screech, then the ground slid inward like water draining from a tub, leaving a gaping hole.
As the delighted dwarves walled off the tunnel with rubble, the sharp-nosed dwarf Karn and Meetra to the next series of tunnels. They all varied in terms of difficulty; some required less work than others. Over the next few hours, they collapsed over half-dozen tunnels throughout Farthen Dûr.
Taking a spare moment to catch his breath, Karn gazed out towards the dwarven city with much interest. A mass exodus of women and children, along with the Varden's elders, streamed out of Tronjheim. Everyone carried loads of provisions, clothes, and belongings. A small group of warriors, predominantly boys and old men, accompanied them.
Most of the activity, however, was at the base of Tronjheim, where the Varden and dwarves were assembling their army, which was divided into three battalions. Each section bore the Varden's standard: a white dragon holding a rose above a sword pointing donward on a purple field.
The men were silent, ironfisted. Their hair flowed loosely from under their helmets. Many warriors wore only a sword and shield, but there were several ranks of spear- and pikemen. In the rear of the battalions, archers tested their bowstrings.
The dwarves were garbed in heavy battle gear. Burnished steel hauberks hung to their knees and thick roundshields, stamped with the crests of their clan, rested on their left arms. Short swords were sheathed at their waists, while in their right hands they carried mattocks or war axes. Their legs were covered with extra-fine mail. They wore iron caps and brass-studded boots.
The sharp-nosed dwarf approached Meetra and Karn and exclaimed, "'Ight, that bout covers that. Let's make our way back to Tronjheim. It's bout time we get ready ourselves."
The small group traversed their way back to Tronjheim and upon their approach, a small lone figure detatched themselves from the main body of the Varden army, making their way towards the group. It took Karn a second to see that Orik was quickly making his way over to them, waving his hand with his metal cap tucked underneath his arm. "Oi! Karn! Angela!"
"What's going on, Orik?" Meetra asked as he approached she and Karn came to stand in front of him as the dwarf took quick intakes of air before speaking.
"Ajihad needs to see you both now."
"Point us in his direction then," Karn stated.
"Follow me," replied Orik. He directed Karn and Meetra accompany him across the fields where the Varden army was beginning to splinter off into three smaller divisions. Bringing up the rear of the army was a caravan of armed soldiers surrounding an armored Ajihad. He wore a breastplate and an ivory-handled sword. He looked battle-hardened and possessed a determined look upon his face.
Several other individuals walked alongside Ajihad: two humans. To Ajihad's left stood a tall proud human with a longsword strapped to his belt and a shield strapped to his left arm. He was armored in light chainmail with the stitched image of the Varden insignia sitting upon his chest. Following behind Ajihad was someone Karn did recognize: Murtagh. He was clad in light leather armor with his hand-half sword at his waist with a roundshield strapped around his back. His body looked stiff – tense – as he walked. Even his expression could show evidence that the young man was anxious.
Upon their approach, Murtagh caught eyesight of Karn and Meetra and his rigid poise seemed to slightly relax. Ajihad too saw Orik and the Force-users and hailed them over with a wave of his arm. The caravan of soldiers stopped walking upon their approach and they merged together into one larger unit.
"I'm glad you managed to assist in collapsing the tunnels," said Ajihad speaking to Karn and Meetra.
"We're just glad we could help," remarked Karn. The army ahead of them continued to split into three different groups, each heading to one of the three remaining opened tunnels.
"What will you have us do next?" Meetra asked gazing out towards the advancing divisions of soldiers. Some dwarves and men were already preparing for battle: planting sharpened stakes into the ground or digging out large moats. Others began to sharpen their weapons and checking their armor – making sure it was fastened on correctly.
"We need to ensure that the Urgals cannot get past us," started Ajihad. He extended his arm pointing out towards the three divisions. "We have soldiers positioned at the entry of each tunnel waiting for the enemy but we'll need our best placed in each group to help turn the tide." He pointed to the farthest left division, "Jörmundur, Arya and Eragon will be stationed there." The man to Ajihad's right quickly stated, "If there's nothing else then, I'll make my way there." Jörmundur left the group and at a double pace made his way towards the left tunnel.
"In the middle will be Karn and myself," continued Ajihad, "And finally, Meetra, Orik and Murtagh will defend the right."
Karn spared Meetra a quick glance at her, his face filled with slight anxiety. He didn't wish to be apart from here, especially before an intense battle was about to be taken place. He wanted to stay by her side in order to seek comfort but also to ensure that she would remain safe during the fighting.
She could sense his worry through their bond and returned his gaze with a quick smile letting him know that she was going to be fine. She reached out and placed a hand on his arm and gently rubbed it, reassuring him. "Sounds fine with me," she replied.
"In order to remain informed on the status of the battle," Ajihad explained, "the twins will be in communication with each division leader: Jörmundur, Angela and myself. Should anything happen, they will be the ones to inform us."
Karn just happened to look around and spotted no sign of the twins. "Where will they be during the fighting?"
Ajihad pointed a thumb back towards the city, "They will be in the Dragon Hold at the top of Tronjheim. There they can see the entirety of the battle." Karn nodded in understanding.
"Very well. All of you understand your roles, go to it!" commanded Ajihad with his loud booming voice. Orik and Murtagh began to make their way towards the right tunnel but Meetra hung back.
She and Karn quickly embraced each other, holding the other close against their bodies. "You be careful."
"I will," Karn replied. He buried his nose into her hair and breathed in deeply letting her perfume fill his senses. His nerves lessened slightly and he gave Meetra and quick squeeze. The two remained in each other's arms for a few more seconds before she pushed herself away and stood at an arm's length of him. In a tender fashion, she brought one of Karn's hands up and kissed his palm letting him know how she felt.
Karn drew her in one final time and before he broke away from her hold he gave her a loving kiss upon her forehead. Meetra without any sign of worry quickly turned and headed off towards the right tunnel, coming up behind Orik and Murtagh.
Karn stared after her for a moment before a hand placed upon his shoulder brought him back to his attention. "It's time we go, Karn," Ajihad said.
"Yes, of course." Ajihad and Karn and the armored soldiers made their way up the field towards the center division of soldiers.
"Don't you worry about Angela," Ajihad spoke out, "She can take care of herself."
"I know," Karn replied. He felt anxious about her – worrying if she would be alright during the battle. However, he knew that she would be safe. She wouldn't fall so easily, not when she possessed the Force.
As Ajihad approached the rear of the army, all the soldiers who saw him parted away making a space between the column. As they passed between the soldiers, Karn could sense all the emotions ebbing off the men and dwarves: fear, anger, despair, determination and courageous. He raised the mental barriers in his mind to block off it all allowing him to focus and mentally prepare himself for what was about to come.
As the came to the front of the column, Ajihad stood out and gazed upon the open space between them and the entrance. Soldiers were frantically placing obstacles preventing the Urgal's advance. Karn gazed out towards the tunnel and the blackness of the void inside it. Soon there would be hundreds of Urgals throwing themselves against them. Soon, he would be thrust back into the fray, creating pain and destruction in his wake. Soon, he would be experiencing the pain and suffering of those fighting alongside him. This was the darkness Karn lived in.
"Karn…" Ajihad spoke out to him from his position at the front of the army.
"Yes, sir?" Karn replied back.
"Will you help me defend the Varden?" Ajihad turned and faced him, position an expression of resolve. However, Karn could sense the fear inside the man's being. It was squirming inside his being like a worm. And it continued to grow.
"I will do my utter best," exclaimed Karn. "I won't fail. I will fight until I can ensure the safety of every person here."
Ajihad gave a quick nod before returning his focus on the soldiers at work, "Good. I believe that… Get some rest. You're going to need to be rested for when the time comes."
Without any word, Karn obeyed Ajihad's command and retreated himself inside the column of soldiers. He found a section of grass not taken by any infantryman and happily claimed it. Laying on his back, he closed his eyes and began to breathe deeply, letting his muscles relax. It wasn't long before he quickly fell asleep and dreams of he and Meetra filled his mind.
(Change Character)
The tunnels were dark and dank and narrow but it didn't pause the Urgals. They charged their way through the dwarven underground roads with bloodlust in their hearts and the craving for flesh embedded in their mouths. They roared and growled in anticipation for the chance to plant their weapons inside their enemies' skull.
These mindless beasts….pathetic.
Amongst the horde of the Urgal army, one person stood out above the rest. He rushed alongside the creatures with ease, not breaking a sweat. His need for battle fueled his strength. He craved for the chance to cut down his enemies once more. His black robes whipped across his body as he run faster than any Kull could. Not even the cortosis-embued armor couldn't hinder his progress. Remembering the pain that he suffered at the hand of his enemies drove his rage forward, increasing his power.
However, there was something he could sense. A power the likes of which he never felt – except once. The image of the man cloaked in black with sapphire eyes filled his mind. His yellow-bladed lightsaber slashing through the air, evaporating the particles.
Kill him.
Yes. Kill him.
No. Torture him.
We must torture him.
He caused us pain…terrible pain!
We must cause him pain…agony!
Make him suffer at our hand.
The voices inside the man's head were all fueled with madness and pain. They gave him strength and through that strength, they gave him power. Power to face his enemy and deliver unto him agonizing pain and suffering.
The boy will die! They all will die! I will see to it that no one survives! Tonight, the earth will be coated in oceans of blood! And I shall feast upon their fear! Their anger! Their suffering! There is no escape! THIS IS THE END!