The next day, in Healer Iniki's office, a conference was held with Healers
Meador and Oshan, and Masters Yoda and Ramer.
"How did you know what was happening, Talon?" inquired Healer Iniki. "How did you know Lady Flora was under attack?"
"I *felt* it. I felt the pain as it ripped through Flora. And I *heard* my son scream in pain. 'Twas my son that cried out to me for help."
He drew a deep breath and looked at Meador. "For a long time now, I've been hearing a tiny voice inside my head at night as I dreamt. I know now, 'twas my son's voice I was hearing all this time," he smiled.
Meador leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Talon shrugged sheepishly, "I did not want you to think I was going crazy. I already knew I was."
"It's rare that an unborn child show such strength as this, but not unusual," Iniki commented. "Lady Flora will be ready to awake tomorrow. I'll have to give both of them a very thorough examination before I can decide when to release them."
Talon let out his breath in relief, "I will take very good care of her, Healer Iniki. Once I take her home, you will not see her again 'til the babe decides to come."
"Oh, no, guess again, young man! I *will* continue seeing her for routine check ups. Along with Healer Oshan, I've been looking after her and her child. I can assure you, Talon, she will deliver a healthy baby," she smiled.
"A very brave woman, she is. Proud of her, you must be, Knight Savlon."
"Yes, Master Yoda, I am very proud of her," he beamed.
"Know you, why Sir Paul would seek to harm Flora?"
"Nay, Master, I do not. Has the Council learned anything from him?"
"No."
Thus far, the Council had learned nothing from him, save for just how deeply his hatred for Talon ran. Even several attempted mind probes gained them nothing.
They were astonished to find someone not a part of the Force. Sure, the Republic had peoples who were not Force-sensitive, but they did have a presence that could be detected, even if as a faint presence or void within the Force itself. But, this man -- he was simply "invisible." This confirmed what Knight Savlon had mentioned -- that some people of Flora's world lived within the Force, while many others did not. The Council found this quite disturbing.
@}--- @}--- @}---
Later that morning, a message from the prison block brought the Falcon Lord down into the lowest depths of the Temple. As he entered, Sir Paul launched himself forward only to be shocked by the laser-wall that kept him within the cell.
"He's been doing that repeatedly since we put him in there," commented one of the knights guarding the prisoner.
Talon nodded.
"So the king's own pet sorcerer decides to grace me with his presence," Paul snarled. "Let me out of here, you evil devil-spawn! LET ME OUT!" Again and again he beat his fists against the glare of the red light that held him in.
Stopping three paces away from the cell, Talon looked at the vermin who dared attacked his wife and babe; yet he remained calm in his appearance. "Thy message said thou wishest to speak with me -- so speak."
Paul's eyes held a malevolent glow as he paced back and forth. Finally he spoke, "For the honor and hand of Lady Flora of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, I, Sir Paul of Shelton, do hereby, in front of witnesses, issue to thee, *Sir* Talon, a blood challenge."
Talon was taken aback by the nature of the challenge, but did not let it show. He responded with the customary reply, "On what basis dost thou issue the challenge?"
"I charge you with sorcery and with the ensorcelment of a Lady of Noble birth -- Countess Flora of Falcon's Nest by the Sea. Do you accept my challenge?"
Knowing there was no way out of accepting a blood challenge, Talon stepped up to the laser-wall. Standing nose to nose, he accepted. "I, Sir Talon, Earl and Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, in front of witnesses, accept thy blood challenge, Sir Paul of Shelton."
Paul hissed his pleasure. "I shall see you on the Field of Honor, *Sorcerer*!"
"As the one who has been challenged, I have the right to choose when, where and how the challenge shall be met. I choose tomorrow morning, in the Padawan Arena, with steel swords. Dost thou accept?"
Paul nodded with satisfaction, "Aye, *my Lord*, I accept. And I shall see you DEAD!"
"Nay, Sir Paul, 'tis thee who shall die on the morrow. I am a far better swordsman than thou could ever dream to be. I shall bring myself down to thy level." And with that, Talon turned on his heel and left the prison block to prepare.
@}--- @}--- @}---
BANG Yoda's gimer stick struck hard against the floor of the Council Chamber. "Permit this, the Council will not!"
"Will all due respect to thee, Master and to the rest of the Council, ye have no say in this matter. Once a blood challenge is issued it *can not* be refused! According to custom and tradition, the one who refuses the challenge is at once deemed by god as guilty of the offense. The one who refuses must forfeit *all* he possesses. This forfeiture includes not only *all* his personal property and wealth, but his *family* as well.
"A blood challenge *can not* be ignored! I *shall* meet Paul as agreed."
"How do you win a blood challenge, Knight?" one Council member asked.
"There is but one way, Master. One must die. Only in this manner is the survivor seen to have been deemed by god himself, the Great Spirit, the Creator of All, as being in the right. Only the righteous can win such a challenge, Master. And I shall win."
"Boasting becomes a Jedi, not."
"I am not boasting, Master. I merely speak true."
"We all know what he did to your wife and child. Will you not be tempted to use the Force to your advantage? For revenge?"
Talon's shoulders stiffened at the near-insult. "I am a Jedi Knight. I will meet the challenger on even footing. I shall not use the Force in this duel. I have no need to."
"Pride becomes a Jedi, not."
"I speak merely the truth, Master Yoda. I am the better swordsman," Talon bowed to the Council and its Leader.
@}--- @}--- @}---
After spending several hours with his family, Talon returned to their apartment to prepare and meditate. Morning came too quickly as he showered and broke his fast with a light meal.
His old Master rang the doorbell; he came to escort his friend to the arena. Ramer's eyebrows went up as he stepped into the main room of Flora's small apartment in the bachelors' civilian portion of the Temple.
Talon was not dressed in the usual Jedi tunics and pants, but rather in the fine linens denoting his noble status. He noticed his Master's questioning look. "He challenged me, not as a Jedi, but as a Noble; and so I shall meet him as such." Picking up the steel sword he had with him when he arrived, Talon left. His Master fell in step at side.
Along the way, Ramer could feel his friend slowly withdraw, disconnecting himself from the Force. Indeed, he would keep his word and meet his enemy as an equal -- without the aid of the Force.
Together, they arrived in the large training room commonly referred to as the "Padawan Arena." 'Twas where Initiates would demonstrate their skill in mock battle against each other in hopes of becoming a Padawan to one of the Knights or Masters gathered to watch.
Only the Council would observe this morning's battle; a battle from which only one combatant would survive.
Paul was already there, pacing back and forth, glaring at the door, waiting. "So the sorcerer has arrived. I thought mayhap you had decided not to show thy face this morning," he taunted.
Ignoring the slight, Talon stepped forward onto the floor. He bowed to the head of the Council and greeted him, "Master Yoda." The Council members stood in a ring around the main area; they would do nothing to interfere with the outcome.
Standing before Paul in the center of the area, Talon unsheathed a finely crafted sword and held it aloft for all to see. 'Twas the very sword the King of Flora's land gifted him with as he elevated to the noble rank of Earl, the unknown Knight who had saved his life in battle.
Talon raised his voice so all could hear, "With this sword, I guard the Falcon's Nest. With this sword, I protect what is mine." He saluted Paul and was ready to meet his foe.
Slowly the two combatants circled one another. They eyed one another looking for weaknesses. They tested each other's patience as each ran through their strategy.
Paul made the first lunge and the battle was joined. Steel clashed against steel and sparks flew betwixt the blades as they did betwixt the men.
Lunge, parry, riposte, spin. Again and again, the dance continued its deadly choreography.
"You devil-spawn!" Paul cried out as his blade again missed its mark. "You seek to defeat me by using your dark magic against me?!"
Even though 'twas pointless to respond, knowing Paul would never accept the truth of his words, Talon did so anyway, "I assure you Sir Paul, I meet you this day as an equal, without any 'magic,' as you call it. Believe what you wish, but know you hear the truth. Indeed, should I use any of my 'magic' in this duel, know that these Masters here shall surely strike me down where I stand. I have no need of 'magic' to defeat you."
Paul laughed. "Then why do I yet live? Why have you not struck me down yet? Could it be that *you lie*, Sorcerer? Is your skill is not what you say it is?"
"A Jedi has no need to lie. This battle goes on for as long as you wish it to."
A thought occurred to Talon as he easily parried another lunge. Sidestepping a clumsy attack, he sent Paul sprawling onto the floor.
Talon began to pump his foe for information to answer questions that still ran through his mind.
"How did you come to be here, in my world?"
Paul growled as he fought hard to keep Talon's blade from his heart. He had the feeling this sorcerer was beginning to toy with him, as a cat would a field mouse. "I was there above the Nest. I *saw* you bring forth the fury of the storm! Just as that night the Ghost Knight first burned *your* fields."
The two continued to circle one another, looking for an opening.
"I was hiding close enough to see you unleash the power of the seastorm to do your bidding. I was hoping to push you from the Nest to your death," Paul hissed. "Then I would offer comfort to *My* Lady. Before I could act the spell was cast. After a blinding flash of light I found myself in this world."
Steel blades clashed and sparks flew. Talon easily ducked a punch Paul failed to deliver.
Paul's lip curled into a snarl, "It seems I came to my senses sooner than you did *my Lord.* All I had to do was follow you into the Devil's own tower. 'Twas so easy to sneak in and out when your backs were turned. 'Twas a simple matter to hide within your own Keep."
Again sparks flew as the clashing of their blades echoed again and again within the arena.
"Then I happened to see the Flower of Falcon's Nest... How sad she seemed to be. I knew I was the only man who could make her smile again."
Steel locked against steel as Talon's dark eyes bored into Paul's soul. "And so you began to stalk her, my wife."
"Aye," Paul pushed Talon away. "I knew 'twas time to make her mine."
The fiery glare in Paul's eyes would have cowed any other warrior on the field of battle. Talon felt the madness take control and grow as it emanated from his foe. 'Twas an unpalatable taste in his mouth as it continued to ooze through the insane man who dared challenge a Jedi to a duel to the death.
"You spoke of honor, and yet 'twas you who attacked my wife and tried to murder my unborn son. 'Tis you, Paul, who are without honor."
" 'Tis *Sir* Paul to you demon-spawn!" Sparks flew as, yet again, he hacked away at the sorcerer he so hated.
Feeling there was more behind Paul's hatred for him, Talon continued to goad his opponent. "You are not worthy of the title. 'Tis certain I am that the king would remove that title from you if he but knew of your actions." Again, Talon easily warded off a clumsy lunge. He had seen many a young Initiate with more grace and skill.
"Hah!" Paul scoffed. "That fool! 'Twas to me he should have given Falcon's Nest! 'Twas to me he should have given Flora!"
That statement struck a chord in Talon's heart. "And why is that! Why do you claim that which you are not worthy of?" He stood and waited for Paul's next move.
"For many a year, since I was but a lad, I have loved Flora. I know she loves me, too. 'Tis writ plain as the sun in the sky when she casts her gaze my way."
"More like than not 'tis disgust you see there."
"She would have been *mine* had not that brother of hers been in the way! 'Tis why I killed him." Paul lunged with a new fury.
Talon was a bit taken aback by this revelation, but wished to have it confirmed by Paul's own words, just so there could never be the slightest suspicion cast upon his own actions this day. "I thought 'twas the 'Ghost Knight' who killed Sir Hawkins."
Their swords locked together as they stared into each other's souls.
Paul bit back a dark laugh, "I *am* the Ghost Knight, you fool! 'Twas *I* who shot him down. 'Twas *I* who would have comforted the grieving Flora. 'Twas *I* who should have been rewarded with the Nest after I brought forth the scum known as the Ghost Knight."
Paul scrambled to keep his footing after Talon flicked him away.
"So you would have condemned a not-so-innocent man in thy stead. You would have executed a man for thine own crimes."
Paul gave a cold laugh and sneered, "Aye! Those men be nothing more than sheep easily controlled by their own greed and lust."
"As are you... As are you," Talon shook his head. "You are responsible for all the murder, rape and destruction of property belonging to the Nest."
"Aye, that I am," Paul hissed.
"Then I shall have no qualms what-so-ever about finishing this now."
As one of his many duties as Lord Falcon, he presided over the monthly court. Any dispute betwixt people that they, themselves, could not resolve was brought before him. Each side pleaded their case in hopes of a fair settlement. Talon garnered the reputation of being very fair-minded and drawing out facts that some wished to hide.
In a loud voice, Talon said the customary words he never had to use as judge, and vowed never to utter again. "I, Sir Talon, Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, do, by thine own words, find you, Sir Paul of Shelton, guilty of murder, rape and destruction of property belonging to Falcon's Nest by the Sea. For these actions, I condemn thee to death. May the Great Spirit, Creator of All, have mercy on thy soul."
Upon hearing the words spoken, Paul fell into a deeper insanity. At the top of his lungs he roared his rage. His face became a contorted mask of fury as he raced toward the man who would take away all he coveted.
Talon dropped his stance and raised sword into a stop-lunge any first level Initiate could see a parsec away.
In his red-hazed vision, Paul never saw it he continued his headlong pursuit of his enemy...and impaled himself upon Talon's sword.
Paul stood there looking at the length of steel embedded in his chest, but not really seeing it. He never flinched as Talon withdrew the blade. Spitting blood, he slowly sank to his knees, cursing Talon. He toppled over onto his side and died with his sword still in his hand.
Talon drew a deep, cleansing breath and dropped his arm. Kneeling over the body, he ran his fingers over the cold, grey eyes and closed them. Grabbing a handful of Paul's tunic, he swiped his sword across it, cutting a swatch of fabric. Standing up, he wrapped the material around his sword and carefully wiped it clean of blood.
Tossing the bloodied rag onto the body he turned around to face Master Yoda. "And with that, I lay rest to the title of 'Sir Talon, Earl and Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea.' " He bowed to the Council leader.
"Satisfied, the Council is by your actions this day. Let not the Darkside of your anger touch you this day. Worthy, the Council finds you, of continuing as a Jedi Knight. Dismissed, you are, Knight Savlon."
Talon bowed again, deeper, to the Council as they stood before him.
@}--- @}--- @}---
TBC...
"How did you know what was happening, Talon?" inquired Healer Iniki. "How did you know Lady Flora was under attack?"
"I *felt* it. I felt the pain as it ripped through Flora. And I *heard* my son scream in pain. 'Twas my son that cried out to me for help."
He drew a deep breath and looked at Meador. "For a long time now, I've been hearing a tiny voice inside my head at night as I dreamt. I know now, 'twas my son's voice I was hearing all this time," he smiled.
Meador leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Talon shrugged sheepishly, "I did not want you to think I was going crazy. I already knew I was."
"It's rare that an unborn child show such strength as this, but not unusual," Iniki commented. "Lady Flora will be ready to awake tomorrow. I'll have to give both of them a very thorough examination before I can decide when to release them."
Talon let out his breath in relief, "I will take very good care of her, Healer Iniki. Once I take her home, you will not see her again 'til the babe decides to come."
"Oh, no, guess again, young man! I *will* continue seeing her for routine check ups. Along with Healer Oshan, I've been looking after her and her child. I can assure you, Talon, she will deliver a healthy baby," she smiled.
"A very brave woman, she is. Proud of her, you must be, Knight Savlon."
"Yes, Master Yoda, I am very proud of her," he beamed.
"Know you, why Sir Paul would seek to harm Flora?"
"Nay, Master, I do not. Has the Council learned anything from him?"
"No."
Thus far, the Council had learned nothing from him, save for just how deeply his hatred for Talon ran. Even several attempted mind probes gained them nothing.
They were astonished to find someone not a part of the Force. Sure, the Republic had peoples who were not Force-sensitive, but they did have a presence that could be detected, even if as a faint presence or void within the Force itself. But, this man -- he was simply "invisible." This confirmed what Knight Savlon had mentioned -- that some people of Flora's world lived within the Force, while many others did not. The Council found this quite disturbing.
@}--- @}--- @}---
Later that morning, a message from the prison block brought the Falcon Lord down into the lowest depths of the Temple. As he entered, Sir Paul launched himself forward only to be shocked by the laser-wall that kept him within the cell.
"He's been doing that repeatedly since we put him in there," commented one of the knights guarding the prisoner.
Talon nodded.
"So the king's own pet sorcerer decides to grace me with his presence," Paul snarled. "Let me out of here, you evil devil-spawn! LET ME OUT!" Again and again he beat his fists against the glare of the red light that held him in.
Stopping three paces away from the cell, Talon looked at the vermin who dared attacked his wife and babe; yet he remained calm in his appearance. "Thy message said thou wishest to speak with me -- so speak."
Paul's eyes held a malevolent glow as he paced back and forth. Finally he spoke, "For the honor and hand of Lady Flora of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, I, Sir Paul of Shelton, do hereby, in front of witnesses, issue to thee, *Sir* Talon, a blood challenge."
Talon was taken aback by the nature of the challenge, but did not let it show. He responded with the customary reply, "On what basis dost thou issue the challenge?"
"I charge you with sorcery and with the ensorcelment of a Lady of Noble birth -- Countess Flora of Falcon's Nest by the Sea. Do you accept my challenge?"
Knowing there was no way out of accepting a blood challenge, Talon stepped up to the laser-wall. Standing nose to nose, he accepted. "I, Sir Talon, Earl and Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, in front of witnesses, accept thy blood challenge, Sir Paul of Shelton."
Paul hissed his pleasure. "I shall see you on the Field of Honor, *Sorcerer*!"
"As the one who has been challenged, I have the right to choose when, where and how the challenge shall be met. I choose tomorrow morning, in the Padawan Arena, with steel swords. Dost thou accept?"
Paul nodded with satisfaction, "Aye, *my Lord*, I accept. And I shall see you DEAD!"
"Nay, Sir Paul, 'tis thee who shall die on the morrow. I am a far better swordsman than thou could ever dream to be. I shall bring myself down to thy level." And with that, Talon turned on his heel and left the prison block to prepare.
@}--- @}--- @}---
BANG Yoda's gimer stick struck hard against the floor of the Council Chamber. "Permit this, the Council will not!"
"Will all due respect to thee, Master and to the rest of the Council, ye have no say in this matter. Once a blood challenge is issued it *can not* be refused! According to custom and tradition, the one who refuses the challenge is at once deemed by god as guilty of the offense. The one who refuses must forfeit *all* he possesses. This forfeiture includes not only *all* his personal property and wealth, but his *family* as well.
"A blood challenge *can not* be ignored! I *shall* meet Paul as agreed."
"How do you win a blood challenge, Knight?" one Council member asked.
"There is but one way, Master. One must die. Only in this manner is the survivor seen to have been deemed by god himself, the Great Spirit, the Creator of All, as being in the right. Only the righteous can win such a challenge, Master. And I shall win."
"Boasting becomes a Jedi, not."
"I am not boasting, Master. I merely speak true."
"We all know what he did to your wife and child. Will you not be tempted to use the Force to your advantage? For revenge?"
Talon's shoulders stiffened at the near-insult. "I am a Jedi Knight. I will meet the challenger on even footing. I shall not use the Force in this duel. I have no need to."
"Pride becomes a Jedi, not."
"I speak merely the truth, Master Yoda. I am the better swordsman," Talon bowed to the Council and its Leader.
@}--- @}--- @}---
After spending several hours with his family, Talon returned to their apartment to prepare and meditate. Morning came too quickly as he showered and broke his fast with a light meal.
His old Master rang the doorbell; he came to escort his friend to the arena. Ramer's eyebrows went up as he stepped into the main room of Flora's small apartment in the bachelors' civilian portion of the Temple.
Talon was not dressed in the usual Jedi tunics and pants, but rather in the fine linens denoting his noble status. He noticed his Master's questioning look. "He challenged me, not as a Jedi, but as a Noble; and so I shall meet him as such." Picking up the steel sword he had with him when he arrived, Talon left. His Master fell in step at side.
Along the way, Ramer could feel his friend slowly withdraw, disconnecting himself from the Force. Indeed, he would keep his word and meet his enemy as an equal -- without the aid of the Force.
Together, they arrived in the large training room commonly referred to as the "Padawan Arena." 'Twas where Initiates would demonstrate their skill in mock battle against each other in hopes of becoming a Padawan to one of the Knights or Masters gathered to watch.
Only the Council would observe this morning's battle; a battle from which only one combatant would survive.
Paul was already there, pacing back and forth, glaring at the door, waiting. "So the sorcerer has arrived. I thought mayhap you had decided not to show thy face this morning," he taunted.
Ignoring the slight, Talon stepped forward onto the floor. He bowed to the head of the Council and greeted him, "Master Yoda." The Council members stood in a ring around the main area; they would do nothing to interfere with the outcome.
Standing before Paul in the center of the area, Talon unsheathed a finely crafted sword and held it aloft for all to see. 'Twas the very sword the King of Flora's land gifted him with as he elevated to the noble rank of Earl, the unknown Knight who had saved his life in battle.
Talon raised his voice so all could hear, "With this sword, I guard the Falcon's Nest. With this sword, I protect what is mine." He saluted Paul and was ready to meet his foe.
Slowly the two combatants circled one another. They eyed one another looking for weaknesses. They tested each other's patience as each ran through their strategy.
Paul made the first lunge and the battle was joined. Steel clashed against steel and sparks flew betwixt the blades as they did betwixt the men.
Lunge, parry, riposte, spin. Again and again, the dance continued its deadly choreography.
"You devil-spawn!" Paul cried out as his blade again missed its mark. "You seek to defeat me by using your dark magic against me?!"
Even though 'twas pointless to respond, knowing Paul would never accept the truth of his words, Talon did so anyway, "I assure you Sir Paul, I meet you this day as an equal, without any 'magic,' as you call it. Believe what you wish, but know you hear the truth. Indeed, should I use any of my 'magic' in this duel, know that these Masters here shall surely strike me down where I stand. I have no need of 'magic' to defeat you."
Paul laughed. "Then why do I yet live? Why have you not struck me down yet? Could it be that *you lie*, Sorcerer? Is your skill is not what you say it is?"
"A Jedi has no need to lie. This battle goes on for as long as you wish it to."
A thought occurred to Talon as he easily parried another lunge. Sidestepping a clumsy attack, he sent Paul sprawling onto the floor.
Talon began to pump his foe for information to answer questions that still ran through his mind.
"How did you come to be here, in my world?"
Paul growled as he fought hard to keep Talon's blade from his heart. He had the feeling this sorcerer was beginning to toy with him, as a cat would a field mouse. "I was there above the Nest. I *saw* you bring forth the fury of the storm! Just as that night the Ghost Knight first burned *your* fields."
The two continued to circle one another, looking for an opening.
"I was hiding close enough to see you unleash the power of the seastorm to do your bidding. I was hoping to push you from the Nest to your death," Paul hissed. "Then I would offer comfort to *My* Lady. Before I could act the spell was cast. After a blinding flash of light I found myself in this world."
Steel blades clashed and sparks flew. Talon easily ducked a punch Paul failed to deliver.
Paul's lip curled into a snarl, "It seems I came to my senses sooner than you did *my Lord.* All I had to do was follow you into the Devil's own tower. 'Twas so easy to sneak in and out when your backs were turned. 'Twas a simple matter to hide within your own Keep."
Again sparks flew as the clashing of their blades echoed again and again within the arena.
"Then I happened to see the Flower of Falcon's Nest... How sad she seemed to be. I knew I was the only man who could make her smile again."
Steel locked against steel as Talon's dark eyes bored into Paul's soul. "And so you began to stalk her, my wife."
"Aye," Paul pushed Talon away. "I knew 'twas time to make her mine."
The fiery glare in Paul's eyes would have cowed any other warrior on the field of battle. Talon felt the madness take control and grow as it emanated from his foe. 'Twas an unpalatable taste in his mouth as it continued to ooze through the insane man who dared challenge a Jedi to a duel to the death.
"You spoke of honor, and yet 'twas you who attacked my wife and tried to murder my unborn son. 'Tis you, Paul, who are without honor."
" 'Tis *Sir* Paul to you demon-spawn!" Sparks flew as, yet again, he hacked away at the sorcerer he so hated.
Feeling there was more behind Paul's hatred for him, Talon continued to goad his opponent. "You are not worthy of the title. 'Tis certain I am that the king would remove that title from you if he but knew of your actions." Again, Talon easily warded off a clumsy lunge. He had seen many a young Initiate with more grace and skill.
"Hah!" Paul scoffed. "That fool! 'Twas to me he should have given Falcon's Nest! 'Twas to me he should have given Flora!"
That statement struck a chord in Talon's heart. "And why is that! Why do you claim that which you are not worthy of?" He stood and waited for Paul's next move.
"For many a year, since I was but a lad, I have loved Flora. I know she loves me, too. 'Tis writ plain as the sun in the sky when she casts her gaze my way."
"More like than not 'tis disgust you see there."
"She would have been *mine* had not that brother of hers been in the way! 'Tis why I killed him." Paul lunged with a new fury.
Talon was a bit taken aback by this revelation, but wished to have it confirmed by Paul's own words, just so there could never be the slightest suspicion cast upon his own actions this day. "I thought 'twas the 'Ghost Knight' who killed Sir Hawkins."
Their swords locked together as they stared into each other's souls.
Paul bit back a dark laugh, "I *am* the Ghost Knight, you fool! 'Twas *I* who shot him down. 'Twas *I* who would have comforted the grieving Flora. 'Twas *I* who should have been rewarded with the Nest after I brought forth the scum known as the Ghost Knight."
Paul scrambled to keep his footing after Talon flicked him away.
"So you would have condemned a not-so-innocent man in thy stead. You would have executed a man for thine own crimes."
Paul gave a cold laugh and sneered, "Aye! Those men be nothing more than sheep easily controlled by their own greed and lust."
"As are you... As are you," Talon shook his head. "You are responsible for all the murder, rape and destruction of property belonging to the Nest."
"Aye, that I am," Paul hissed.
"Then I shall have no qualms what-so-ever about finishing this now."
As one of his many duties as Lord Falcon, he presided over the monthly court. Any dispute betwixt people that they, themselves, could not resolve was brought before him. Each side pleaded their case in hopes of a fair settlement. Talon garnered the reputation of being very fair-minded and drawing out facts that some wished to hide.
In a loud voice, Talon said the customary words he never had to use as judge, and vowed never to utter again. "I, Sir Talon, Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea, do, by thine own words, find you, Sir Paul of Shelton, guilty of murder, rape and destruction of property belonging to Falcon's Nest by the Sea. For these actions, I condemn thee to death. May the Great Spirit, Creator of All, have mercy on thy soul."
Upon hearing the words spoken, Paul fell into a deeper insanity. At the top of his lungs he roared his rage. His face became a contorted mask of fury as he raced toward the man who would take away all he coveted.
Talon dropped his stance and raised sword into a stop-lunge any first level Initiate could see a parsec away.
In his red-hazed vision, Paul never saw it he continued his headlong pursuit of his enemy...and impaled himself upon Talon's sword.
Paul stood there looking at the length of steel embedded in his chest, but not really seeing it. He never flinched as Talon withdrew the blade. Spitting blood, he slowly sank to his knees, cursing Talon. He toppled over onto his side and died with his sword still in his hand.
Talon drew a deep, cleansing breath and dropped his arm. Kneeling over the body, he ran his fingers over the cold, grey eyes and closed them. Grabbing a handful of Paul's tunic, he swiped his sword across it, cutting a swatch of fabric. Standing up, he wrapped the material around his sword and carefully wiped it clean of blood.
Tossing the bloodied rag onto the body he turned around to face Master Yoda. "And with that, I lay rest to the title of 'Sir Talon, Earl and Lord of Falcon's Nest by the Sea.' " He bowed to the Council leader.
"Satisfied, the Council is by your actions this day. Let not the Darkside of your anger touch you this day. Worthy, the Council finds you, of continuing as a Jedi Knight. Dismissed, you are, Knight Savlon."
Talon bowed again, deeper, to the Council as they stood before him.
@}--- @}--- @}---
TBC...
