The Last Defender By Lyda Mae (RavenDove) Huff
Chapter Four: The Reckoning
---
Luke leaned back against the engineering station in the main hold of the Falcon. He'd changed into his black tunic, and trousers only now he was wearing a brown vest as well. The same clothes he'd worn to Jabba's palace ten years before.
Fenice had also changed, she now wore dark-blue knit knee pants, with a lose white blouse that laced at the collar, and had ruffles at the neck and wrists. Her long strawberry-blond hair was tied in three thick braids that coiled together on the back of her head. She still wore her high boots, and at her waist she wore a thick black belt with the excess of her blouse hanging over her pants.
The Tein'kal Defender stood her lightsaber draw, intent on the small remote that hung in front of her. A bolt shot from the remote, Fenice parried. She missed, and the bolt hit her shoulder. "I'll don't get it." she said, extinguishing her blade. "I heard of Jedi deflecting blasters with their sabers, but I didn't believe it."
Luke frowned at her, "Yet you lift things with your mind?" he questioned.
"Mother did that all the time, what did I have to doubt." she shrugged.
"You have the same problem I had." Luke said as he walked toward her. "You don't believe." he thought a moment. "You learned to feel the Force, when you were little." the Jedi stated.
"Yes, mother taught us all." Fenice said, wondering where this would lead.
"When you were first learning, how did you feel it?" Luke asked.
"With my eyes closed." she smiled. "One must be able to blindly trust their Allie."
"Just because the Jedi and Tein'kal are different, does not make the Force different." Luke smiled back. He retreated again to the engineering station.
Fenice took her position again this time closing her eyes. She stood a moment centering herself before igniting her lightsaber. This time she did not miss a single bolt.
Han walked into the hold unsurprised by the sight. "So what do you do for your next trick?" he asked as she extinguished her blade.
"Keep my temper Captain." Fenice said with a raised eyebrow, as she clipped her lightsaber to her belt. She then preceded to put on her long black gaberdine.
Han turned to Luke and asked softly, "What's with her?"
Luke commented back at his friend, "She's on a mission."
"Now this I gotta hear." he said with a roguish grin.
"It would be difficult to explain." Fenice stated as she straightened the silver embroidery on the shoulders of the hoodless sleeveless robe.
Han took offense, "Do you think I wouldn't understand."
"Not at all," she said, "it's just that on Ansath, children are taught to mind their own baketuse."
"What dose minding cattle have to do with it?" Han asked.
"Giving help is easy," she frowned, "asking help is not."
Han nodded finally understanding. "We're approaching the Coruscant system." At that he headed back to the cockpit.
"He means well." Fenice said picking up the small case she'd put the scroll in, then fastening the strap around and over her shoulder. "I hope I did not offend him."
"Han, is a hard person to read." Luke replied with a shrug.
---
Leia stood on the East platform holding her youngest son Anakin, waiting for the Millennium Falcon to land. Jacen and Jaina held Winter's hands, and Threepio stood close by. With them stood Haphanan Ambassador Andok Kiben waiting with a happy glint in his eyes. Leia had told him of her brother's accident at last night's banquet held in the Ambassador's honor. Kiben had been disappointed that the Jedi Master was unable to attend, and insisted on meeting the Falcon with the Chief of State.
Her husband's ship came into a soft landing. Moments later Han strolled down the ramp to be greeted by the young twins who'd slipped from Winter's grasp. He walked over to Leia taking Anakin in his arms and giving his wife a kiss.
Luke and Fenice disembarked with Artoo at his master's side. Jacen and Jaina greeted their uncle with exuberance. "Uncle Luke, we herd you crashed your X-wing, and Mommy was sooo worried." Jaina said as she and her brother hugged Luke's legs.
"I'm here now, and I'd like my legs back." Luke said, taking hold of the five year olds' hands. He led them back to Winter, and turned to Leia only to be tackled in a hug.
"I was so worried when you didn't arrive on time." Leia said as she squeezed her brother tight.
"I called as soon as I could." He said.
"I know," Leia replied, "I'm just glad you're alright." She let go, and gestured to Kiben, "This is the Haphanan Ambassador Andok Kiben. He insisted on meeting you.
Luke held out his hand to the Ambassador, "I'm sorry I missed the banquet."
"Oh that's quite alright." Kiben replied shaking the Jedi's hand with a firm grasp. "I'm still honored to meet you."
Luke gestured to Fenice, "I'd like to introduce Fenice Eamar Dayknight, Tein'kal Defender, and Jedi in training."
Fenice bowed at the waist, "Chief of State Organ-Solo," then nodded to Kiben, "Ambassador."
"It is so good to see you Master Luke." Threepio said. The droid turned to Fenice, "It is a pleasure to meet you Mistress, I am C3PO human cyborg relations. Might I enquirer isn't the name Fenice from Aras meaning daughter of promise?"
"Yes, and Eamar is a name of the same origin meaning son of the right." Fenice said with a nod.
"My condolences that you make this journey without your twin." the droid said in a formal manner. "And I wish your brother peace."
"How did you know she had a twin brother Threepio?" Luke asked.
"Sir, have you forgotten that protocol is my primary function? She is from Ansath, though only half Aran I gather by the human surname. Aran are born in sets of two or three. Custom dictates that when one is the only one left of their birth set, they must take the names of their twin or triplets so they are not truly alone on their journey through life. I simply deduce the twin was a brother because of the masculine name."
"It is believed that by taking the names, their memory cannot die as long as one lives." Fenice added. "Ses'ku quain tam uyek seatra Aras duen?" she asked of Threepio.
"Yemta en gumik seatra en cal Aras duen, quien ketoa a gentak." the droid answered fluidly.
Fenice raised an eyebrow, "Not a bad demestration, I thought Aras wasn't spoken anywhere but by teachers on Ansath."
Leia broke off the exchange before it could go any further, "This is my assistant Winter."
Fenice shook Winter's hand, "A pleasure." Then with a big grin stooped down to the twins' size, "Then you two must be Jacen and Jaina, and you must be Anakin." she looked up at the boy in Han's arms. She faced the twins again, "On Ansath, they say to give a child you've barely met a gift will brighten your day." She reached into a pouch on her belt and pulled out three small objects. "For Jaina a binkoni tree, the symbol of strength and leadership, because they stand for thousands of years." she pinned a wood carving of a tree to the girl's shirt. "For Jacen the hemial eagle in flight, the symbol for truth and justice, because from the skies he sees all." she pinned a carving of a souring bird on Jacen's shirt. "Finally," she said standing, "For Anakin the scroll, the symbol of peace and knowledge, because words mean more than they are." she pinned the last object to the youngest child's shirt.
Leia wasn't sure what to think of this half-Aran girl. She'd helped Luke, he did say she was a Tein'kal Defender. Her manner was a bit odd, but not rude. She seemed to have a motive in testing Threepio's language skills other than curiosity. It was as if the girl had a purpose and Leia wondered what. Luke probably knew something.
Though she saw a different motive in giving the children gifts, that was kindness. One thing was certain, Fenice Eamar Dayknight was going to be interesting to have around.
"Well now everybody knows everybody we can head in." Han smiled.
At that cue everyone became unrooted. Chewbacca came down the Falcon's ramp in time to join his honor family, and the Ambassador headed his own direction. Artoo began regaling Threepio of their adventure. Fenice held back a step, Luke noticed and slowed.
"You'll have to ask at some point." he said softly.
"I know, it's my place to speak for my people's future," she stopped facing him, "not yours."
He halted, "You know I will help you."
"You've no obligation to." she said.
"To quote your sister Onaia, not helping you would be like slitting my own throat." he said with a grin.
Fenice smiled at her teacher, "I wouldn't put it that way." They started to walk again, "They will wish to hear your story. Your sister her husband, and the Wookiee Chewbacca who claims you as a member of his honor family may hear the details of the sealed record, because family has a right to know. After that, if you would permit me to speak of last night, then I will ask." Fenice said with conviction.
"I'll hold you to that." said Luke, as they caught up with the rest.
Fenice knew he would, and had no intention of making him have to.
---
Somehow an essence long dead began to stir on a world with a forgotten name. It stretched from the confines of its prison, seeking the Force. The cords were there but it was still weak from its millennial of slumber.
It could feel the lives, and softly she plucked the ones of her enemies, slowly remembering. The decedents of those who had scorned her. They vibrated slowly, and she watched with delight.
---
Fenice sat quietly at the table in Han and Leia's quarters. She had barely touched her dinner. The children had gone to bed earlier, having thanked the Tein'kal for her gifts. All but Luke wondered what was on her mind.
"Is the food not o you liking?" Leia asked.
"It's not he food," Fenice answered, "I'm just not hungry." She pushed her plate away, "I mean no offense."
Han smiled to swallow his last bite, "None taken." Chewbacca whofuled a remark. "Chewbacca says you look like someone with a lot on their mind." Han translated. "Does it have anything to do with the mission Luke said you were on?" he asked.
She nodded, "It does."
"What mission would this be?" Leia asked.
"To save the Tein'kal," Fenice said sadly, "it is a very long story."
"I suppose how I crashed on Ansath is as good a place as any to start." Luke said.
Fenice raised an eyebrow, "But before he speaks, you must know that the details of Luke's crash, and the arbitration records are sealed. He may only tell you three because you are his family."
"So will you have us prosecuted on Ansath if we tell anyone?" Han joked.
Fenice looked at the former smuggler with a deadpan expression, "Yes, even the Chief of State may not speak of what is sealed."
"If you listen to the story, You'll know why." Luke said, leaning back in his chair. The Jedi then told them of the shuttle forcing him down, Fenice's older sisters and how Martina found the X-wing, his trip to Santik'sa, his vision, and finally the arbitration.
"That's quite a story." Leia remarked. "So you requested that the record be sealed to keep Habin from being murdered." Everyone having moved to the sitting area for comfort.
"Yes he did." Fenice answered for Luke. "But the crash is only how Luke got involved, a strange twist of fate."
"The rest of the story is Fenice's to tell." Luke prodded his student.
Fenice took a deep breath, then she began. "That night after the arbitration, my sisters and I felt something we'd felt before, a restlessness in the Force. Something evil we would have to face or be hunted by, as all Force users on Ansath have been hunted for four-thousand years. We went into the dark to face it. Seeing my death, I sent a plea for Luke to follow." She bowed her head as if in shame, then raised it again, telling of the Gamronel, her father, their fight, and finally the scroll and how it could save her people.
"So you don't know enough Aras to translate this scroll." Leia clarified.
"I'm afraid not," Fenice confirmed, "but with what your protocol droid knows, it might be possible."
"And you need all of these scrolls to find the answer?" Han questioned.
"Yes." the Tein'kal Defender nodded.
"Just how many are there?" Han asked skeptically.
"Best guess, from what I know, more than six, but less than ten." Fenice stated. "Only by translating what I have can I find the others."
"Whatever help we can give is yours." Leia said warmly. "We'll see how much Threepio can do in the morning."
"Thank You." Fenice said with much relief.
---
It was midday on Ansath, and the sisters were out gathering. Onaia leaned over a pond as something seamed to cry out. Something was coming.
"Did you feel something?" Enora asked.
"Yes, "Onaia replied.
Martina looked up from her basket, "Our little sister is the only hope. The Reckoning for the Tein'kal is at hand."
---
Threepio had spent so much of the day pouring over the scroll with Fenice. She understood the written symbols, but not all the words. He understood the words, but not the written symbols. This was tiring work.
Fenice had not eaten all day, her mind was numb, and her eyes ached from staring at he Aras-dien symbols. "Shinkora Yavin de xeak ra dosot." she read aloud.
"It says that on Yavin Four there is a cave with eyes of stone." Threepio translated.
"A cave with eyes of stone." Fenice pondered aloud. "And I thought the Gamronel rhyme was silly."
Luke strode into the room, "How's it going?"
"Looks like I go to the Jedi Academy and search for a cave with stone eyes." Fenice answered.
Luke grimaced, "Don't you mean we go to the Jedi Academy and search for a cave with stone eyes?"
"You're not obligated." Fenice said as she resealed the scroll case.
"I'm afraid I am, I did agree to teach you the ways of a Jedi." Luke said sternly.
"In for the moment, in till the end?" Fenice smiled. "According to the scroll, the cave is in a dense part of the jungle that only fools or Jedi would dare tread. I think stone eyes would be carvings."
"We'll see," Luke said, "until then you have things to learn."
Fenice stood to go with Luke but suddenly she double over. There was screaming in her skull. "Something, wrong!" she breathed as if she'd just run a marathon.
Luke felt something distant in the Force. He took Fenice in his arms, helping her to stand. "What is it?"
The sensation passed, and Fenice regained her composure. "We haven't much time, the Reckoning is at hand."
"The Reckoning?" Luke asked.
"The end of the Tein'kal, or their new beginning." she answered.
Chapter Four: The Reckoning
---
Luke leaned back against the engineering station in the main hold of the Falcon. He'd changed into his black tunic, and trousers only now he was wearing a brown vest as well. The same clothes he'd worn to Jabba's palace ten years before.
Fenice had also changed, she now wore dark-blue knit knee pants, with a lose white blouse that laced at the collar, and had ruffles at the neck and wrists. Her long strawberry-blond hair was tied in three thick braids that coiled together on the back of her head. She still wore her high boots, and at her waist she wore a thick black belt with the excess of her blouse hanging over her pants.
The Tein'kal Defender stood her lightsaber draw, intent on the small remote that hung in front of her. A bolt shot from the remote, Fenice parried. She missed, and the bolt hit her shoulder. "I'll don't get it." she said, extinguishing her blade. "I heard of Jedi deflecting blasters with their sabers, but I didn't believe it."
Luke frowned at her, "Yet you lift things with your mind?" he questioned.
"Mother did that all the time, what did I have to doubt." she shrugged.
"You have the same problem I had." Luke said as he walked toward her. "You don't believe." he thought a moment. "You learned to feel the Force, when you were little." the Jedi stated.
"Yes, mother taught us all." Fenice said, wondering where this would lead.
"When you were first learning, how did you feel it?" Luke asked.
"With my eyes closed." she smiled. "One must be able to blindly trust their Allie."
"Just because the Jedi and Tein'kal are different, does not make the Force different." Luke smiled back. He retreated again to the engineering station.
Fenice took her position again this time closing her eyes. She stood a moment centering herself before igniting her lightsaber. This time she did not miss a single bolt.
Han walked into the hold unsurprised by the sight. "So what do you do for your next trick?" he asked as she extinguished her blade.
"Keep my temper Captain." Fenice said with a raised eyebrow, as she clipped her lightsaber to her belt. She then preceded to put on her long black gaberdine.
Han turned to Luke and asked softly, "What's with her?"
Luke commented back at his friend, "She's on a mission."
"Now this I gotta hear." he said with a roguish grin.
"It would be difficult to explain." Fenice stated as she straightened the silver embroidery on the shoulders of the hoodless sleeveless robe.
Han took offense, "Do you think I wouldn't understand."
"Not at all," she said, "it's just that on Ansath, children are taught to mind their own baketuse."
"What dose minding cattle have to do with it?" Han asked.
"Giving help is easy," she frowned, "asking help is not."
Han nodded finally understanding. "We're approaching the Coruscant system." At that he headed back to the cockpit.
"He means well." Fenice said picking up the small case she'd put the scroll in, then fastening the strap around and over her shoulder. "I hope I did not offend him."
"Han, is a hard person to read." Luke replied with a shrug.
---
Leia stood on the East platform holding her youngest son Anakin, waiting for the Millennium Falcon to land. Jacen and Jaina held Winter's hands, and Threepio stood close by. With them stood Haphanan Ambassador Andok Kiben waiting with a happy glint in his eyes. Leia had told him of her brother's accident at last night's banquet held in the Ambassador's honor. Kiben had been disappointed that the Jedi Master was unable to attend, and insisted on meeting the Falcon with the Chief of State.
Her husband's ship came into a soft landing. Moments later Han strolled down the ramp to be greeted by the young twins who'd slipped from Winter's grasp. He walked over to Leia taking Anakin in his arms and giving his wife a kiss.
Luke and Fenice disembarked with Artoo at his master's side. Jacen and Jaina greeted their uncle with exuberance. "Uncle Luke, we herd you crashed your X-wing, and Mommy was sooo worried." Jaina said as she and her brother hugged Luke's legs.
"I'm here now, and I'd like my legs back." Luke said, taking hold of the five year olds' hands. He led them back to Winter, and turned to Leia only to be tackled in a hug.
"I was so worried when you didn't arrive on time." Leia said as she squeezed her brother tight.
"I called as soon as I could." He said.
"I know," Leia replied, "I'm just glad you're alright." She let go, and gestured to Kiben, "This is the Haphanan Ambassador Andok Kiben. He insisted on meeting you.
Luke held out his hand to the Ambassador, "I'm sorry I missed the banquet."
"Oh that's quite alright." Kiben replied shaking the Jedi's hand with a firm grasp. "I'm still honored to meet you."
Luke gestured to Fenice, "I'd like to introduce Fenice Eamar Dayknight, Tein'kal Defender, and Jedi in training."
Fenice bowed at the waist, "Chief of State Organ-Solo," then nodded to Kiben, "Ambassador."
"It is so good to see you Master Luke." Threepio said. The droid turned to Fenice, "It is a pleasure to meet you Mistress, I am C3PO human cyborg relations. Might I enquirer isn't the name Fenice from Aras meaning daughter of promise?"
"Yes, and Eamar is a name of the same origin meaning son of the right." Fenice said with a nod.
"My condolences that you make this journey without your twin." the droid said in a formal manner. "And I wish your brother peace."
"How did you know she had a twin brother Threepio?" Luke asked.
"Sir, have you forgotten that protocol is my primary function? She is from Ansath, though only half Aran I gather by the human surname. Aran are born in sets of two or three. Custom dictates that when one is the only one left of their birth set, they must take the names of their twin or triplets so they are not truly alone on their journey through life. I simply deduce the twin was a brother because of the masculine name."
"It is believed that by taking the names, their memory cannot die as long as one lives." Fenice added. "Ses'ku quain tam uyek seatra Aras duen?" she asked of Threepio.
"Yemta en gumik seatra en cal Aras duen, quien ketoa a gentak." the droid answered fluidly.
Fenice raised an eyebrow, "Not a bad demestration, I thought Aras wasn't spoken anywhere but by teachers on Ansath."
Leia broke off the exchange before it could go any further, "This is my assistant Winter."
Fenice shook Winter's hand, "A pleasure." Then with a big grin stooped down to the twins' size, "Then you two must be Jacen and Jaina, and you must be Anakin." she looked up at the boy in Han's arms. She faced the twins again, "On Ansath, they say to give a child you've barely met a gift will brighten your day." She reached into a pouch on her belt and pulled out three small objects. "For Jaina a binkoni tree, the symbol of strength and leadership, because they stand for thousands of years." she pinned a wood carving of a tree to the girl's shirt. "For Jacen the hemial eagle in flight, the symbol for truth and justice, because from the skies he sees all." she pinned a carving of a souring bird on Jacen's shirt. "Finally," she said standing, "For Anakin the scroll, the symbol of peace and knowledge, because words mean more than they are." she pinned the last object to the youngest child's shirt.
Leia wasn't sure what to think of this half-Aran girl. She'd helped Luke, he did say she was a Tein'kal Defender. Her manner was a bit odd, but not rude. She seemed to have a motive in testing Threepio's language skills other than curiosity. It was as if the girl had a purpose and Leia wondered what. Luke probably knew something.
Though she saw a different motive in giving the children gifts, that was kindness. One thing was certain, Fenice Eamar Dayknight was going to be interesting to have around.
"Well now everybody knows everybody we can head in." Han smiled.
At that cue everyone became unrooted. Chewbacca came down the Falcon's ramp in time to join his honor family, and the Ambassador headed his own direction. Artoo began regaling Threepio of their adventure. Fenice held back a step, Luke noticed and slowed.
"You'll have to ask at some point." he said softly.
"I know, it's my place to speak for my people's future," she stopped facing him, "not yours."
He halted, "You know I will help you."
"You've no obligation to." she said.
"To quote your sister Onaia, not helping you would be like slitting my own throat." he said with a grin.
Fenice smiled at her teacher, "I wouldn't put it that way." They started to walk again, "They will wish to hear your story. Your sister her husband, and the Wookiee Chewbacca who claims you as a member of his honor family may hear the details of the sealed record, because family has a right to know. After that, if you would permit me to speak of last night, then I will ask." Fenice said with conviction.
"I'll hold you to that." said Luke, as they caught up with the rest.
Fenice knew he would, and had no intention of making him have to.
---
Somehow an essence long dead began to stir on a world with a forgotten name. It stretched from the confines of its prison, seeking the Force. The cords were there but it was still weak from its millennial of slumber.
It could feel the lives, and softly she plucked the ones of her enemies, slowly remembering. The decedents of those who had scorned her. They vibrated slowly, and she watched with delight.
---
Fenice sat quietly at the table in Han and Leia's quarters. She had barely touched her dinner. The children had gone to bed earlier, having thanked the Tein'kal for her gifts. All but Luke wondered what was on her mind.
"Is the food not o you liking?" Leia asked.
"It's not he food," Fenice answered, "I'm just not hungry." She pushed her plate away, "I mean no offense."
Han smiled to swallow his last bite, "None taken." Chewbacca whofuled a remark. "Chewbacca says you look like someone with a lot on their mind." Han translated. "Does it have anything to do with the mission Luke said you were on?" he asked.
She nodded, "It does."
"What mission would this be?" Leia asked.
"To save the Tein'kal," Fenice said sadly, "it is a very long story."
"I suppose how I crashed on Ansath is as good a place as any to start." Luke said.
Fenice raised an eyebrow, "But before he speaks, you must know that the details of Luke's crash, and the arbitration records are sealed. He may only tell you three because you are his family."
"So will you have us prosecuted on Ansath if we tell anyone?" Han joked.
Fenice looked at the former smuggler with a deadpan expression, "Yes, even the Chief of State may not speak of what is sealed."
"If you listen to the story, You'll know why." Luke said, leaning back in his chair. The Jedi then told them of the shuttle forcing him down, Fenice's older sisters and how Martina found the X-wing, his trip to Santik'sa, his vision, and finally the arbitration.
"That's quite a story." Leia remarked. "So you requested that the record be sealed to keep Habin from being murdered." Everyone having moved to the sitting area for comfort.
"Yes he did." Fenice answered for Luke. "But the crash is only how Luke got involved, a strange twist of fate."
"The rest of the story is Fenice's to tell." Luke prodded his student.
Fenice took a deep breath, then she began. "That night after the arbitration, my sisters and I felt something we'd felt before, a restlessness in the Force. Something evil we would have to face or be hunted by, as all Force users on Ansath have been hunted for four-thousand years. We went into the dark to face it. Seeing my death, I sent a plea for Luke to follow." She bowed her head as if in shame, then raised it again, telling of the Gamronel, her father, their fight, and finally the scroll and how it could save her people.
"So you don't know enough Aras to translate this scroll." Leia clarified.
"I'm afraid not," Fenice confirmed, "but with what your protocol droid knows, it might be possible."
"And you need all of these scrolls to find the answer?" Han questioned.
"Yes." the Tein'kal Defender nodded.
"Just how many are there?" Han asked skeptically.
"Best guess, from what I know, more than six, but less than ten." Fenice stated. "Only by translating what I have can I find the others."
"Whatever help we can give is yours." Leia said warmly. "We'll see how much Threepio can do in the morning."
"Thank You." Fenice said with much relief.
---
It was midday on Ansath, and the sisters were out gathering. Onaia leaned over a pond as something seamed to cry out. Something was coming.
"Did you feel something?" Enora asked.
"Yes, "Onaia replied.
Martina looked up from her basket, "Our little sister is the only hope. The Reckoning for the Tein'kal is at hand."
---
Threepio had spent so much of the day pouring over the scroll with Fenice. She understood the written symbols, but not all the words. He understood the words, but not the written symbols. This was tiring work.
Fenice had not eaten all day, her mind was numb, and her eyes ached from staring at he Aras-dien symbols. "Shinkora Yavin de xeak ra dosot." she read aloud.
"It says that on Yavin Four there is a cave with eyes of stone." Threepio translated.
"A cave with eyes of stone." Fenice pondered aloud. "And I thought the Gamronel rhyme was silly."
Luke strode into the room, "How's it going?"
"Looks like I go to the Jedi Academy and search for a cave with stone eyes." Fenice answered.
Luke grimaced, "Don't you mean we go to the Jedi Academy and search for a cave with stone eyes?"
"You're not obligated." Fenice said as she resealed the scroll case.
"I'm afraid I am, I did agree to teach you the ways of a Jedi." Luke said sternly.
"In for the moment, in till the end?" Fenice smiled. "According to the scroll, the cave is in a dense part of the jungle that only fools or Jedi would dare tread. I think stone eyes would be carvings."
"We'll see," Luke said, "until then you have things to learn."
Fenice stood to go with Luke but suddenly she double over. There was screaming in her skull. "Something, wrong!" she breathed as if she'd just run a marathon.
Luke felt something distant in the Force. He took Fenice in his arms, helping her to stand. "What is it?"
The sensation passed, and Fenice regained her composure. "We haven't much time, the Reckoning is at hand."
"The Reckoning?" Luke asked.
"The end of the Tein'kal, or their new beginning." she answered.
