The next morning saw Belana working with her new apprentice, the two women sitting calmly together in a a quiet corner of the practise yard. Bordering the huge park the gravelled yard was one of the places were one could find peace and action at the same time. Occasionally the Jedi Master's eyes would wander toward where a few apprentices were going through their combat training exerises. And she remembered standing there herself many years ago, filled with pride and joy. She had been found very early, a baby girl who had cried heart-wrenchingly when she had had to leave her mother. But her own master had won her heart easily, making her feel loved and welcome almost from the firts moment on. When she had died in a battle against the Sith Belana had been twenty and close to completing her trials. Her master's death had not been able to stop her from that and she had only worked harder to perfect her skills. Her resolve had made her the youngest Jedi Master in history and she knew that she could be very proud of her accomplishments.
Now though she found that she had a far greater enemy to battle than ever before. Her own heart was rebelling against reason, telling her that she should give in to her feelings, especially now that Kha Door had made it plain that he was feeling the same way she did. But Belana was not sure if she truly was sincere with herself. Yes, she liked him, yes she may even love him, but he had scared her yesterday with his cold comment on the Sith. And even though Belana was well aware of the fact that their prisoner probably deserved everything they could do to him, she was loath to submitting him to this sort of treatment. If only because she knew that she would not be able to stand his unnerving smile and the slightly mocking look in his pale eyes. He was toying with them, and it was frustrating, in a way, but on the other hand quite admirable. Belana let her mind drift again, thinking back on what had happened the day before. She had felt something just before Kha Door had tried to push the Sith over the brink by hurting him, something unexpected. As if he had caught a glimpse of her very soul...
"Master?"
Tarla's timid question snapped her out of her broodings immediately.
"I am sorry. I was just...thinking."
He was thoroughly bored by the time his guards had finished with checking on his bonds, and admittedly he was hungry too. But there was no sense in mourning the inevitable. They were, after all, intent on wearing him down, not on keeping him comfortable. Nevertheless he was a bit surprised at how patient they were with him. If they thought that leaving him in the dark about his fate could be any way to crack him they were deeply mistaken. He had spent longer days in much worse places, the last of which had been a tomb on Korriban. Still, pondering the different influences of architectural styles on the Jedi tower was not the inspiring past-time he could keep up for long. Kell wanted to do something. And if those damn Jedi did not come up with some plan soon he might decide to make his own entertainment. As if she had read his thought Master Jen chose exactly that moment to open the door and shoot him a bright smile.
"Get up," she ordered, stepping aside to let the guards pass.
Rising on slightly numb legs Roj Kell gave her a curious look. He had noticed that she always tried to avoid asking him questions, as if she could not stand hearing him talk. Of course, he had seen her reaction to his voice back on the ship, and he knew perfectly well what sort of influence it had on some people. Most people, to be precise, but usually Force-users were immune to its power. Was that the reason for her fear, maybe? He was given no chance to test his theory, as he was led out of his cell swiftly, wedged in between the six guards, with Master Jen striding ahead. They walked for some time, moving along airy hallways and through neatly decorated chambers that were devoid of people, as if the way had been specially cleared for them. Probably that even was the case here. Smiling a bit to himself the Sith risked a glance out of one of the many windows and stopped short at the sight greeting him there.
In the distance the snow-capped mountains were illuminated with the dying light of the evening sun, the dusk turning the blue sky into a deeper purple. It was awesome. Roj Kell had found that whereas people never seemed to change in their behaviour there was always something new to discover about nature, the stars and the elements. There were no strict patterns except for the seasons, although even those were prone to changes, admittedly very rare ones. He was entranced by the picture, completely focused on drinking in every detail his senses could capture. Suddenly though he became aware of Master Jen's intense gaze lingering on him. Looking at her he found her dark eyes thoughtful, as if she were trying to understand something. Then, very slowly and haltingly her gaze shifted from the Sith to the view spread out before him.
"The mysteries of the universe," he said softly, seeing her flinch out of the corner of his eye at the sudden sound. "It is astounding, is it not, how insignificant we are next to the power of life."
"And what do you know about it?" she snapped, clearly irritated.
"Everything," he whispered, smiling at his own private joke.
The Jedi Master did not answer. Instead she whirled around to lead the way again. When finally they had reached their destination Kell was slightly astounded to see that her little team had increased significantly. Counting fifteen Jedi alone in this chamber he could not help but notice even more lingering at the edge of his awareness, undoubtedly hidden out of sight in adjoining rooms. So, this was to be another powerplay. How unimaginative.
"I want you to stand there," Jen told him, pointing toward the middle of the room. He complied without protest, awaiting the things to come. But they would learn soon that noone could break into his mind. He had an endless supply of power he needed only to sustain his shields with, whereas they had to keep on attacking him, trying to think of a million ways to make the impossible happen. Roj Kell wondered fleetingly if they would ever tire of this game. As it turned out Master Jen had made quite an effort at this plan. The sessions were repeated every day at differing times and different places. Sometimes she ordered him to remain seated, or standing, kneeling or lying down. And he kept on annoying her by doing whatever she asked and never surrendering anything. At one point, it must have been the seventh day of his imprisonment in the tower, he simply closed his eyes, letting his mind drift away without any concern that they could do any harm to him. The sound of Jen's apprentice's voice broke him out of his quiet dozing though when she said, her tone quite miffed:
"Master, I think he has fallen asleep."
His eyes snapped open very suddenly and he raised his head to stare at the girl who squeaked in response to his glare, almost crawling back into the wall. Rolling around to sit up Roj Kell stood quickly, before anyone could react to his unexpected move.
Belana almost jumped when the Sith rose from his assigned place on the floor, his eyes fixed intently on Tarla seated at her side. The young woman gave a fearful cry, startling her master. What was the matter? She rose quietly from her seat and saw her fellow Jedi do the same. They had chosen one of the lofty sparring rooms up at the top of the tower, a round chamber with windows dotting the walls at regular intervalls. It was almost past midnight and the night was dark outside the spire, surrounding them on all sides. Why she had become so acutely aware of the inky blackness lurking at the windows was beyond Belana, but when she looked over at the prisoner she could easily identify the evil glint in his eyes.
"Watch out!" she cried as he stepped back, further away from the windows that burst inward so suddenly that noone had the time to react fast enough. The deafening sound of transparisteel exploding into sharp splinters was followed by the cries and screams of the injured, and Belana could see the floor grow red with blood. Her back stung from various injuries, leaving her body in shock and her mind numb. But she could not tear her eyes away from the Sith standing tall and unharmed in the middle of the chamber, a teasing smile on his lips. Tugging at his bonds once he freed himself and a small splinter tumbled to the floor behind him. And then all the lights went out. Panic engulfed everyone around her, but only seconds later the loud snap-hiss of lightsabers being ignited drowned out all other noises. In the eerie light of multi-colored blades Belana found the place empty where the prisoner had stood only a few moments ago.
"Sound the alarm," was all she said, her mouth turning grim. But when she took a step forward an arm snaked around her waist from behind her, holding her tight.
"That will not be necessary," he told her, his voice a gentle caress that sent shivers down her spine and made her heart explode in a shower of mixed emotions.
Torchlights began cutting through the darkness, pitifully small compared to the vast blanket of black that held them all prisoner. It was a message Belana understood only all too well.
"Why did you not try to escape?" she asked quietly, not daring to move anything but her lips.
His breath was so close that she could feel its warmth glide over her neck and shoulders, raising goosebumps on her skin. She felt her body shudder when he stepped closer, touching her ever so softly.
"I never would have made it and you know that." All of a sudden his voice was as sharp as a knife blade, cutting into her mind with ease. "No, I have not managed to survive this long by trying to accomplish the impossible."
"You are mad, do you know that?"
"I guess I do."
When the lights went back on again the pressure against her back vanished and the arm was taken away. Immediately Tarla was by her side, lightsaber at the ready, poised to defend her master. Turning around Belana gave the Sith a long, hard look that he returned with a cold smile of his own. He seemed to be completely at ease, as if nothing had happened. But she could see the truth in his eyes: darkness had invaded this fortress of light, and with one stroke it had managed to sneak into their hearts, squashing their confidence with brute force. His long, pitch-black hair was playing gently in the nightly breeze, mingling with the blackness outside, making them one, and Belana would not have been surprised if he simply dissipated into the night. But then a blaster bold streaked past her shoulder, and another one followed close. He evaded both by ducking out of the way, using Belana and her apprentice as living shields. The Jedi Master could feel herself weaken slowly by blood loss, knowing full well that she would need some rest and healing soon. She felt a bit drowsy too, and it was hard to keep track of the Sith stalking around them intently.
"Belana!" It was Refka's voice, calling to her weakly. "Tarla! Drop down now!"
Moving almost unconsciously Belana heard him hiss angrily before she hit the floor hard, barely able to keep her chin from bouncing onto the stone tiles. More shots whined throughout the chamber and finally all sound ceased except for the guards' heavy breathing and quiet moans of pain from the injured. Raising her head groggily Belana saw him kneel in the middle of the room, hunched over a bit, his pale eyes blazing with fury.
"Don't," she began weakly, but her voice grew in strength rapidly. "Don't kill him!"
The next morning found Belana facing the Council, her body still sore from bacta and synthflesh. All of the Jedi involved had survivded, luckily, but she could see by the look in the eyes of the Council members that this fact did not count for much. She had blundered badly, and she would pay the prize. Master Jeldo, a giant Ho'Din and oldest of the Council, harrumphed once before leaning his huge head toward her:
"Master Jen, this Sith is a disaster just waiting to happen. If you do not succeed this time I fear that we will not be able to carry that risk any longer."
"I understand."
"Good. Maybe you should also make it clear to your prisoner that this is his last chance."
"I am sure he knows."
"Even better. Frankly I find it quite astounding that you prevented his death at all."
"He is more useful alive."
"And more dangerous. Beware, Master Jen."
"I will not disappoint you again."
Leaning his head back against the wall Roj Kell flexed his aching shoulder muscles to ease some of the pressure on his wrists. He was hanging a few inches above the floor, the constant tension on his taunt skin keeping the wounds from closing, and his head was pounding terribly. Well, it had gone better than he had thought. Belana Jen had reacted exactly the way he had expected. Score one point for the Sith. He could well imagine what was going through her head right now. She would admonish herself for her weakness and she would vow to break him this time, hoping that his injuries would help her in that endeavor. Perhaps she was even chastising herself for responding to him the way she had, for feeling what she felt and for betraying herself to him this way. He had not been mistaken when he had first sensed her fear: she was attracted to him in a way that was new for her, strange even, but irresistible.
And she would know that too, and think that she could trap him that way, by making him believe that she was falling for him. But he would let her play her game and secretly play his own at the same time.
Belana was nervous. She had given her team two days to recover, and now that they all were assembled yet again for a last attempt at their seemingly impossible feat, she could feel the tense atmosphere filling the room more acutely than anyone else, she was certain of it. For two days she had avoided speaking to anyone, let alone to the prisoner. Even Tarla was looking at her crosswise, and she knew that she had to prove herself anew in the eyes of her fellow Jedi. After all, she was responsible for them and their safety here. They trusted her judgement and strength, trusted her insight as Jedi Master. Refka was lending her support quietly, sitting very erect next to Belana. It had taken some convincing, but now they were all clear on their plan, and the Jedi Master just knew that this time it would work. Had to work. If not, she would kill him herself.
When the door opened to reveal the Sith standing slumped between two of his six guards the assembled Jedi gave him a very cold welcome that he seemed to ignore. He walked slowly, painfully, over to where the guards stopped him in the middle of the room. It was a windowless chamber, with a low ceiling and dimmed lights. Giving his surroundings a once over he drew himself up straighter and sighed. Belana noticed that the guards had bound his hands in front of him, using metal shackles instead of the rope. Maybe they had feared that he might use it as some sort of weapon. All of the Jedi were unarmed, leaving him no chance to gain an advantage over them safe for his mind. And that had proven to be a most fearsome foe indeed. But he was proud too, and full of contempt for his enemies. Therefore they had resolved to try another approach. Pooling their strength in a circle encompassing his mind they kept the pressure on his mental shields stable, without making any attempt to advance. It was Tarla who started the second installment of this session. Keeping her face straight and her head held high the apprentice began to speak in a hard voice that rang throughout the entire room easily:
"We will waste no more time with you."
"As cowardly as this one is I wonder why we ever went to the effort," Refka took up her cue smoothly.
"He is a Sith, what do you expect?" Zerkan added with a smirk on his face.
"And yet he believes that he is mighty enough to challenge the Jedi," another one said.
Belana could feel his anger even before he lashed out at the assembled Jedi. And that he could not do without lowering his shields ever so slightly. Wedging her mind into the tiny crack she pushed hard, wrestling with him for control as he became aware of the new threat. Embattled fiercely on two fronts he had no choice but to relinquish one of his attacks. His indignation at having let himself be surprised like that was foremost on his mind, but Belana did not stop to ponder his emotions. She had to force him to his knees and already he was threatening to gain the upper hand in their struggle. Suddenly though the low growl that had risen at the edge of her hearing turned into a mournful cry. Belana openend her eyes wide to watch him sink down on his haunches, his upper body supported on his shackled hands.
He shook violently, moaning in obvious pain, then managed to rise once more, stumbling on his feet, and thumped against the wall to lean his back there, his pale green eyes disbelieving. The waves of joy and pride rolling over her from the other Jedi nearly made her smile, but Belana did not keep it at that. Pushing some more she nudged at his mental barriers again, and her heart leapt higher when they finally gave way. The Sith hung his head in defeat and opened himself wide in surrender. Jen sensed her fellow masters slip into his mind, rooting around like womp rats, searching, while the Knights and apprentices calmly held him in their grasp, allowing him no quarter. He whimpered a bit, then sank to the floor, exhausted. After a while Belana walked over to him, smiling in satisfaction.
"Now we are getting somewhere. Very good. You may rest for now. But be prepared to answer our questions later tonight."
The Sith Lord nodded slowly, but did not answer.
"You have a pretty name, Roj Kell," she added, watching his forehead crease into an angry frown. "Give him some water," the Jedi Master ordered finally and turned to leave.
Someone drew his head back. A cup was set to his lips and when he could feel the cool liquid running down his throat Kell closed his eyes in indignation. He was no animal! Jerking his head away he spat the water at the apprentice who was still bent over him.
"Go away," Kell hissed viciously.
Tarla stared at him: "Still defiant, are we? I am sure that the masters will teach you some respect."
"I doubt that," he whispered, but she only laughed.
He was eyeing the small assembly warily, watching them watch him. The satisfied smiles on their faces prompted a furious snarl on his part and he prepared to attack them again, but a warning glance form one of the Jedi Knights he had first encountered on Dantooine stopped him immediately. The man was grinning at him openly, making Kell want to smash his face. But then, calming down once more, he reminded himself that this had been part of the game and nothing to regret. He could sense the alien presences filling his head, could feel their curiosity and wonder easily. Making no attempt to disturb them at all he kept his gaze inward, watching their progress from behind hidden walls. It had taken quite some time and effort to prepare his defenses anew, to create this fantasy world for his expected visitors along a corridor leading into nothingness. Keeping them from venturing further and discovering the deception would be easy for as long as he could supply them with whatever they wanted to see or feel. And fortunately what they desired was foremost on their minds: information on the Sith, on battle plans and even on himself. Not that he would give them the latter. At least not all of it, not yet.
They would walk right into the traps he had set for their troops, never realizing that he was leading them astray, too secure in the knowledge that they had managed to break him to even care. And additionally, the satisfaction over having defeated him would add to their haughtiness, making them even more reckless. It was, he thought, quite a brilliant plan, and up until now he had managed to retain control over the events, even though there had been some minor problems. One of them would return with the battle-master. That he was sure of. Kha Door would make trouble and when he did... Ah, better to leave that thought for later, when he needed something to feed his anger with. For now though he had to appear suitably tame and beaten. He did not look up when the Jedi Knight walked over to him leisuredly. Cupping Kell's chin in his hand roughly the man forced him to look up at him.
"I know Master Jen said to leave you alone, but there is something on my mind that needs an immediate answer."
"Then ask," he said softly.
"Why the Sith? Why did you choose that path?"
Roj Kell started to smile slowly, but the Jedi would have none of it: "You are playing games again. I asked you an honest question and now I want an answer."
"Observant. I like that. But you do not see nearly enough."
"The question?"
"Two days back I already answered that question, Jedi. Are you blind and deaf as well?"
"I am neither. But what is it? The power? We did defeat you, you know?"
"Maybe you are not as smart as I thought. And you are impatient." Kell snorted contemptuously. "Neither is a good trait for a Jedi, or a Sith, for that matter."
"You seem to think very little of your brethren."
This time Roj Kell really did smile: "I do not believe that my opinion of the Sith is any worse than yours."
Squeezing her eyes shut Belana tried to hold back tears of relief. She had done it! She had succeeded! It was incredible, and the warmth filling her whole being was reward enough for the pains and aches this ordeal had cost her so far. It had been worth it, all of it. Tonight they could question him in earnest and then she would be rid of him. And it was about time too. She was frightened by the emotions his presence created within her, the triumph she felt over their victory and the slight edge of cruelty lingering in the back of her mind. No, better to be done with it. And yet... Rising slowly Belana walked over to the window to look over at the mountains. There were always surprises and wonders to be found out there, but some she would rather not know. What had he meant when he had claimed to know everything about life? And why could she not shed the suspicious feeling that he was still in control of his enemies? Rubbing her cheeks tiredly she paused when she met her own, tired gaze in the window. For a second she wondered if he was as worn as she looked, but somehow she dounted that.
"Belana!"
Turning around she gave Refka a blank look. The older Jedi was peeking through the door, a smile on her lips: "A call for you."
"What? Who is it?"
"Can't you guess?"
Walking into the Council Chamber she could see the concern on his face plainly as he listened intently to the Council's report on the recent events. But once Belana strode into the transmission field his features softened considerably.
"I told you that you should have killed him, Master Jen," Kha Door admonished her gently.
"Nevertheless we were successful. How about yourself?"
"We are doing well." His smile faded a bit and Belana swallowed hard when she felt an awkward silence settle between them. "Anyway," he began anew, avoiding her gaze deliberately, "I suggest that you relay whatever information you gain from him directly to us so we can respond immediately. We have to keep up the pressure now."
"Of course. We have the greatest faith in our abilities, Kha Door," Master Jeldo intoned gravely.
"Thank you. I will not keep you then. Master Jen?"
"May the Force be with you, Kha Door."
"And with you."
Belana stood staring at the spot where he had vanished for some time before Refka touched her shoulder gently and led her away. The rest of the day was spent with Tarla and some meditation, but when evening came Belana found that she could not sleep at all. She was totally confused about a great many things, including her own feelings and goals. It had rankled quite a bit that Kha Door had only seen the danger and not her accomplishment with the Sith. He had critisized her again, as if he craved nothing more than to see the prisoner dead. Why did he hate him so? Had he sensed Belana's weird feelings for the Sith maybe? She smiled at that. Jealousy was not something she would have expected from a hardened battle-leader. And yet he was just a human being like herself. Rising from her bed again she wrapped her robe around herself, tied the sash neatly around her waist and put a cloak over her shoulders. She walked slowly, savoring the silence and peace of the quiet hallways and the moonlight shining through the windows, wrapping everything in matted silver. When the windows grew less the Jedi Master quickened her pace, anxious to reach her destination. The guards gave her a somewhat curious look, but did not question her presence this late at night. Belana nodded at them curtly before entering the cell as quietly as she could.
He was lying on his side, his head pillowed on his bound hands, eyes closed in sleep. His long hair glistened in the dim light like polished obsidian and for a heart-beat Belana wished that she had the courage to just walk over and touch him. He chose that moment to open his eyes, their pale green orbs reminding her a bit of the sea shore as they caught the light permeating the room. They looked at each other, both keeping silent, assessing one another's weaknesses and strengths curiously, and both tried to betray nothing in return. Leaning her back against the wall Belana folded her arms in front of her chest and tried to look as distant as she could. A quick smile appeared on his lips and was gone again. When he sat up she could barely prevent her mouth from dropping open in astonishment at his economic movements that were not unlike the fluid grace of a predator. Why don't you say something? she pleaded quietly. Because there is nothing to say, he answered, his voice sending a jolt down her spine when it rang suddenly through the inside of her head. Belana gasped in shock, then sank down to the floor, her legs suddenly too weak to support her. He had not stirred from his own seat, just sat there, watching her, waiting.
"What is the secret?" she asked finally, once she had managed to gather her wits again.
"What secret?"
She closed her eyes before answering, trying to fight the dizzy spell ensnaring her mind. But she was certain that he knew what she meant.
"Is it a trick?"
"No trick, Belana."
Her eyes snapped open in disbelieving astonishment: "How dare you?" she snapped, truly angry. He merely shrugged, but did not reply. Rising slowly she walked closer to him, a frown on her forehead. Why did she feel so strange around him?
"Master Refka questioned you?" He nodded. "Did she find anything useful?"
He smiled: "Actually she wants me to tell her everything about the Sith I know, including history."
"And, do you know so much?" she could not keep herself from teasing him.
"Oh yes."
They were so close now that she could have reached out and touched his face easily. But Belana was no fool.
"May I?" she asked instead, trying to regain some measure of control in this encounter.
Nodding slowly he leaned back and closed his eyes, clearly waiting for her to take the initiative. The Jedi Master knew that it was dangerous to enter his mind with noone there to prevent him from attacking her if he chose to, but in a way it was exactly that danger that had spawned her reckless demand in the first place. Opening herself to the Force she skirted around his defenses at first, examining the where and how of the broken barriers. They were, she found, quite intricate, undoubtedly the result of long years of training. When she slipped deeper into his thoughts she could sense her body grow cold in anticipation. In his breaking she had been nothing more but the tool, too exhausted after their battle to harvest the fruits of her effort. But now she let herself fall into the depths of his mind like a raptor riding the thermal currents. He was dancing with her, following her every move, but always held back in a respectful distance, a shadow tracking her in silence.
At first Belana was slightly uncomfortable with that, but then she felt herself overcome by mischief, and sought to challenge him in an ever faster race to his most sacred places and thoughts. She could feel his growing anger, but he kept himself in check magnificently. He was, she found a creature of cold reason, whose outbursts were as calculated as any other move he made. Beware. The concerned words of Master Jeldo echoed throughout her head, startling her. Withdrawing immediately Belana threw herself back, to get out of his reach. Panting slightly she half lay on the floor, propped up on her elbows, watching him.
Roj Kell opened his eyes again, the ghost of a smile on his lips. The Jedi Master studied him suspiciously before she sat up and shook herself out of her trance.
"That was...interesting," she conceded at last.
"Was it?"
"Yes."
"I am happy you were so - satisfied - with the experience," the Sith purred slowly, his voice dripping with sarcasm, making Belana blush.
"I should be going," she mumbled and rose clumsily on shaking legs.
"Good night, Belana."
She gave him an odd look. "I do not recall myself giving you permission to call me by my first name," she told him coldly.
"Neither did you ask for permission to violate my privacy in the first place, Jedi," he hissed, his icy tone slashing her heart open cruelly. Taking a step back Belana swallowed hard, her stomach clenching in dread. Here she was, thinking that they had shared something special when in reality she had raped and broken him without mercy just a few hours back. It was only natural that he should react so hostile toward her, and his calling her by her given name gave him back some of his power. But they had started out so well, hadn't they? Up until the point where she had insisted on her dominant position. She wanted to kick herself for her stupidity. After all she wanted to gain his trust, not put him off.
"I am sorry," she said finally and the look of surprise in his eyes told her that she had done the right thing by admitting to her error.
"You are a strange Jedi," he told her, shaking his head.
"And you are a strange Sith. Good night, Roj Kell."
Without waiting for a reply she hurried out of the room, nearly breaking into a run once she was past the guards and around the nearest corner. Her heart was pounding in her ears and her mind spun with joy and triumph. Never before had she felt something like this, a mixture of danger and challenge, of understanding and pain. But she would have to be very careful now, that she knew instinctively. If she gave him just one advantage he would turn on her.
Three days passed and Roj Kell was playing along with his enemies nicely, savoring the peace they granted him whenever they were finished with questioning him. He was careful though not to appear too submissive. After all, he did not want them to believe that their victory had been too easy. Undoubtedly they were giving what information he had on impending battles over to their battle-leaders to ensure a swift response to the threats.
And he could see in the smug expressions on their faces that their troops were making progress. But that would not last.
Belana Jen came down to visit almost every day and he enjoyed their half secret meetings immensely, especially the way she responded to him. She seemed unsure whether to hate or admire him and Roj Kell was feeding both feelings dilligently to keep her off track. It was a different kind of seduction than he had ever tried before, but it seemed to work just as well. He knew that she was entranced by his voice and therefore he was careful not to give her too much of what she was craving. And the results spoke for themselves. The Jedi Master was growing bolder in her approach, trusting him in a guarded sort of way, and she was less afraid to show her attraction to him. In fact, she was teasing him with it repeatedly.
"Are we comfortable today?" she would ask, just as she did right now, a broad smile shining on her face.
"Well enough."
"There have been some new skirmishes."
"Hopefully we did manage to beat you this time."
"I am afraid not."
"A shame."
"But it is your own fault, my lord."
"Ah, how very true."
Their banter went on for some time, but Roj Kell grew tired of the meaningless exchange even faster. Rising from his seat he took to pacing the small expanse of the room restlessly, weary of the confined quarters and the boredom of his captivity. Belana was watching him guardedly, clearly taken aback by this new attitude. He could sense her confusion and her uncertainty. She must be asking herself if she had done something wrong, or if there was anything that she could do to turn things back to normal again.
"Please, take a seat," she said finally, a hint of disapproval in her tone.
Walking over to his former place he leaned against the wall, opting for a compromise. He could see the disappointment plainly on her gentle features as she looked up at him.
"Don't treat me like a pet, Master Jen," he whispered at last and dropped down on his haunches elegantly, his face too close to hers for comfort. His easy posture frightened her, and he had intended it so, as a reminder of who and what he was. They were no friends and most certainly nothing more. Even though she might very much wish for it.
"You are no pet, Roj Kell, you are a prisoner, no more," she shot back angrily, obviously trying to hurt him by reminding him of his hopeless situation.
"You are too kind, my dear. Credit me with some sense, will you? And maybe you should try to be a bit more realistic too."
"What do you mean?" Her voice was a low hiss, her dark eyes angry slits.
"I know what game you are playing, Belana. And I will not let you continue to humiliate me further."
"As if you had a choice!"
"You might be surprised."
She stared at him, gape-mouthed. Oh, how he enjoyed toying with her emotions like that. And she fell for his traps each and every time.
"Why I am putting up with you at all is beyond me," she said at last.
"I know why, but I won't tell, don't worry."
That brought her out of her reserve and he barely had time to prepare for her attack before her mind crashed into his in a furious onslaught fueled by sheer anger and embarrassment. Roj Kell refrained from defending himself, but kept a tight watch over her as she buried deeper into his thoughts, trying to hurt him more. As if she could. The dance they had begun three days back had turned into a game of hide and seek. Evading her searching mind gracefully time after time Kell retreated ever so slightly before he mounted a counter-strike. He began assaulting her with memories of times long past, creating a storm of darkness and fear, a most effective shield against an all too curious intruder. Her pained cry rang sweet in his ears as she stumbled back, ceasing her attack instantly. Their eyes locked in a brief struggle that saw Roj Kell as victor. Just as he had known from the beginning.
Belana felt her resolve melt away and saw her confidence reduced to helpless tears. She could still smell the stench of the battle-field, hot blood and gore, sweat and metall, all mixed together and driving her insane. But worse was the sight of slaughtered soldiers under a cold, grey sky, with acid rain drizzling down to fill her eyes. What scared her most though was the man standing tall amidst his dead enemies, black hair dancing wildly in the harsh wind blowing across this site of destruction. He was looking straight at her, his pale green eyes shining with blood-lust and a mocking smile lay on his lips like a whisper of doom. Black armor covered most of his body and the archaic robes he wore underneath told their own, ancient story. Belana could feel the darkness reach out for her, caressing her very soul. That was when she broke the link, totally convinced that one moment longer inside his head would kill her. Gasping in shock she closed her eyes for a second before she dared to meet his cold gaze.
Just then the door burst open and a wave of rage enveloped her in its hot embrace. Whirling around Belana had barely enough time to recongnize Kha Door before he was past her, closing with the Sith in an instant. The following struggle was very brief and the sickening sound of breaking bone ended it just as quickly as it had begun. The battle-master held his left arm tightly, trying to staunch the bleeding where the fracture had broken his skin. Belana could only stare at him in complete astonishment.
"Where did you come from?" she asked at last.
"I knew it!" he growled through gritted teeth. "I knew that you would use her!"
"And what do you care?" Roj Kell answered coldly.
Shaking her head the Jedi Master could not believe how easily she had just been dismissed by the two men. They were facing each other, one full of anger and hurt pride, the other completely unfazed by the attack. Kell had broken his bonds easily, she noticed, and the armor covering his forearms was glistening with Kha Door's blood. The younger man was staring murder at the Sith and Belana was only dimly aware of the guards finally getting into gear outside. But what could they do except trying to kill Roj Kell? When they stormed into the small room Kha Door finally managed to overcome his initial shock.
"What I care? You knew that your plan would not work out!" he hissed, stepping aside slowly to let the guards pass.
"Really," the Sith answered coldly, eyeing the soldiers suspiciously.
"Kha Door!" Belana cut in, taking a step toward them.
He turned his head to look at her: "What?"
"Why did you come back so early?"
"It was a trap," he wheezed, obviously fighting against the pain. "The first two battles were bait, nothing more, to keep us interested and to spur us on. But the next one... He knew. He came here on purpose."
"How do you know?"
"Ask him."
Frowning at Roj Kell the Jedi Master nodded slowly. "Summon the Council. I want this matter resolved now."
The Sith gave her a questioning glance that she chose to ignore. He wanted to play? He could have that, no problem. Propping her hands on her hips she nodded at the guards, daring Kell to fight them. To her surprise he did not even try to fend them off. Instead his eyes were locked on Kha Door and the battle-master returned his gaze with a heated glare of his own.
"You need someone to look after that fracture," Belana told Kha Door as quietly as she could.
"Afterward you will join us and the Council. You," she continued, jutting her chin out at Roj Kell: "I think you owe us an explanation."
"I owe you nothing," he replied softly, his smile enraging her even more.
"Is that so. We shall see."
TBC
