Chapter 31


All was quiet in the temple as one by one its inhabitants lay down to rest and await the coming of the new day.

The old temple guard lazily dozed on his Cesta. It was just another watch.

"You seen the Shul yet?"

His partner came around the bend, back from his security sweep. The guard shook his head.

"No, but I hear that she spent most of her life as a criminal."

His partner snorted.

"The savoir of the Mesulan, a wanted criminal among the Otollas. That ought to go down well in the book of records."

The two guards shared a quiet chuckle until the sound of a surfacing vessel sent them to their feet.

"Where you informed of any more visitors?"

"No," the guard gave his partner a baffled stare. "Who would be coming at this hour, anyway?"

A small, silver ship brought itself to dock, where from it a cloaked figure emerged.

Exchanging quick glances the guards immediately approached.

"Sir, identify yourself!"

There was no time for them to react. The figure swung his weapon around, cutting them down at once.

Er Shua's body sank to the ground as the Shadow's poison seeped into his blood stream. He screamed, helplessly clawing at the creature's arm, but already he could feel his body beginning to falter.

One by one joints lost feeling and failed to work. He struggled… fought it, but it was useless. He was paralysed.

He could feel his brain being tapped, literally taken over by the vile serum as another presence penetrated his very thoughts and feelings.

"Yes." The cold whisper echoed in his mind. "I have you now…"


Er Shua bolted upright, tearing the sheets away from his sweltering body. He burst out of bed and stumbled to the floor.

Voices! He could hear them whispering in his mind! Tormenting him with their hissing sneers.

Er Shua clutched his head, screaming. Begging them to go away!

Then he felt it… a presence. Someone was there!

Slowly the Gungan rose to his feet, scanning the room. But apart from him, the chamber was empty.

The Shul! He suddenly realized. Adia was in trouble! He needed to get to her!

Er Shua staggered across the room and grabbing his Cesta he wrenched door open, throwing himself out into the hallway.

"Er Shua!" There was a call from behind.

He instantly spun, throwing his Cesta into the defensive.

Julian skidded to a halt, staring at him wide eyed. He too looked disturbed. Like he'd been affected by something.

"The presence, you felt it too didn't you?"

Er Shua nodded, instinctively touching his neck and bringing back blood. The jab wound had reopened. It could only mean one thing.

"Someone knows the location of the Shul."


The girl's room was quiet as she peacefully slept. Apart from her own silent breathing not a sound was to be heard. On the mantle, a single candle stood, its flame slowly dying in the passing night.

A clawed hand slowly slid through a crack in the doorway. Fingers curled around the giant door as very slowly it was pushed open just enough to allow the figure inside.

The Gungan crept in amongst the shadows of the room, making his way over to the bed where the Shul rested quietly. Seemingly innocent and unknowing, her body took on a purified form in the candlelight. He watched with interest, as the girl, so peaceful in her sleep, was suddenly woken by the light touch of his blade upon her tender throat.

The Shul jolted upright and he immediately grabbed her face, stifling the scream. The look in her eyes showing not that of a powerful warrior, but utter horror. It almost disappointed the Gungan that she would have to die so easily.

But no further had this chance been given him before suddenly; alerted by the Gungan's presence, two Guardians burst into the room.

"Shua!"

The Gungan stood upright, hissing. He recognized them immediately and cursed himself for not making sure they were finished off earlier.

The older Shua brought his weapon to the defence but the Gungan grinned. For all knew that as long as his scythe bore down of the Shul's throat, he had the upper advantage.

"You try so hard to protect! And yet it is in vain!"

He lunged at the girl but she suddenly twisted, his scythe only gouging her in the shoulder. The Shul screamed and before he'd even the chance to strike again she kicked him in the gut.

The Gungan fell back, allowing the Guardian a pathway of attack.

No sooner had he gotten to his feet that he was forced to defend himself from the Guardian's multiple blows.

The Gungan fought back trying to gain control of the situation again but the Shul hurried into the arms of the other Guardian and the two escaped the room.

The Gungan cursed. He had no time to deal with a Guardian! He needed the Shul dead!

Blocking another blow the Gungan leaned his weight upon his scythe. Spinning around it he came up from behind and kicked him down, giving him the chance to flee.