The Last Defender
By Lyda Mae (RavenDove) Huff
Chapter Five: Eyes of Stone
-----
Tionne stood outside the main temple waiting for Master Skywalker to arrive. She had been worried when she'd heard he had not arrived on Coruscant on time. Now she just wanted to hear the story, Jedi historian that she was.
A slightly beat up modified YT-2400 Corellion freighter dubbed the Markiea touched down on the landing pad. The vessel Chief of State Organa- Solo had procured for him to use. X-wings were more Master Skywalker's style, but he needed a ship that could carry more than one person. He said he'd explain when he arrived, and Tionne could hardly wait.
Luke exited the Markiea leading Fenice, Artoo and Threepio. Only Tionne was there to greet them, the rest of the trainees were busy with exploring different aspects of the Force. His arrival was no excuse to neglect their studies. "Tionne, I'd like you to meet Fenice Eamar Dayknight, Tein'kal Defender of Ansath, and a new trainee." he said motioning Fenice, who now wore her usual Aran garb, in front of him. "Fenice, meet Tionne, Jedi historian."
"Oh Misters Tionne, what a pleasure to see you again." Threepio chimed.
Fenice smiled brightly, "A pleasure to meet you Tionne." she said offering her hand.
Tionne shook Fenice's hand eagerly, "A pleasure to meet you as well. I've come across the word Tein'kal in my research, but I never could find it's meaning."
"Aras word meaning one with Kal, or Force tied. Also, used as part of a title." Fenice answered. "But that does not even begin to put it in context."
"I'm sure Tionne will want to hear everything you care to tell her." Luke said to Fenice.
"I'd also like to hear how you ended up on Ansath. All I heard was you had trouble with your X-wing." Tionne said only half hiding her enthusiasm.
"Just that, I had trouble with my X-wing when I stopped to make a course correction." Luke answered. "I was forced to crash land on Ansath."
"That was how we met," Fenice continued, "he crashed in the binkoni forest where my sisters and I live in."
"Good thing they were gathering herbs when I crashed." Luke said, making his way to the temple entrance everyone following his lead.
Fenice was right on her teacher's heals. "Good yes, but somehow I doubt you would have just sat in your downed fighter with your shin embedded in your boot."
"I don't think I'm getting the whole story." Tionne stated with bewilderment.
"When Fenice and her older sisters Martina, Onaia and Enora found me, I had a broken leg." Luke shrugged.
"Trust me, it could have been worse." Fenice gave Tionne a wry look. "Anyway we're here now, and we have work to do." she looked at Luke half pleading.
"Are you that eager to start training?" Tionne asked.
"That's only part of it. The real work is the most interesting part of the story." Luke said with a sly look.
Luke led them to the room in the lower levels of the temple that had been used as the strategic center, both when this was a Rebel base and later by the students of the Academy. There Fenice brought out the scroll, and told her story to the Jedi historian.
"Now I see what you mean by work to do." Tionne said, feeling overwhelmed just hearing it.
"Threepio and I translated this scroll," Fenice said, "but this section here is not writing, at least not as I know it." she pointed to part of the open scroll.
"Looks kind of like a puzzle piece." Tionne commented.
"Perhaps the next scroll will help it make sense." Luke added. "We should rest, and head for the section of the jungle the scroll indicates in the morning."
"Agreed," Fenice shook her head, "we will be better able to face any challenges that way."
"One question," Tionne put in, "who exactly is going on this expatiation?"
Fenice looked to Luke, "It is my mission to save the Tein'kal. You have promised to help, though you have no obligation to. Who else will risk so much for this?"
"I would." Tionne answered.
"All of my students would," Luke answered, "but whether they should, is another story."
-----
Gam'nead, yes that was her name. She'd been born in Tan'ki on Ansath. The apparition paced, remembering why she was where she was. She would still have her revenge, when the one came.
-----
Tionne scanned the rough terrain for any sign of the cavern. Master Skywalker had decided to permit his students to help in the search, but only he and Fenice would enter the cave. Tionne would abide by that, though she had a bad feeling about it.
Streen stood up ahead of the others. The old Bespin hermit signaled that he'd found something. When all had gathered around he spoke, "Fifty meters ahead." he read from his scanner display.
Luke looked in the direction Streen had pointed. "I see the opening." he gestured for the group to hold back.
Fenice followed the Jedi Master closely, this was the fourth cave they had found this morning, and she was getting restless. "I hope we find the cave soon." she whispered to Luke.
"You must be patient." Luke said gently. "Statues." Luke pointed to two vine-covered sentinels that were just within the narrow entrance.
"Stone eyes they have." Fenice said with a knowing smile.
"Let's hope they are the eyes we seek." Luke said as he moved to pass them.
As the Luke approached the statues moved challenging him with blades like lightsabers, but with no handles. Luke paired the blows, and Fenice joined him lightsaber in hand. The statues' eyes glowed eerily as the fought with expert skill. Luke managed to slice one in half, but the other trapped Fenice against the wall. Luke caught it from behind, and the statue fell beside the first.
"Thanks." Fenice whispered, out of breath. "To think those were just the gate keepers."
"I'd say this is the cave." Luke said with a raised eyebrow.
The two of them made their way cautiously, with only the light of their sabers to guide them. They walked silently for some time, listening for warning from the path ahead. There came a buzzing sort of sound, and before either of them could place it vicious winged things attacked from above.
"Mailocs." Luke shouted as he sliced off one's stinger.
"Whatever they are, they fight like devils." Fenice stated as she ran on through by lengthening her saber.
Luke and Fenice fought back to back as the ceaseless supply of mailocs blocked their path. Just when Fenice was ready to give up hope, the swarm ended. They stood a moment, taking stock. At least twenty of the mailocs lay dead or writhing at her feet.
Fenice took a deep breath, "That is something I don't care to relive."
"No arguments here." Luke said as they pressed on.
Before Luke and Fenice knew it they were in a large room that was lit by an opening twenty meters above them. Directly below the natural skylight sat a slightly larger than life figure on a throne. It was a woman a crown upon her head with long braids of hair, and wearing some form of ancient armor.
"Tein'kal Defender's armor." Fenice whispered in awe. "No one has worn such a thing in centuries."
Fenice inched forward, cautious of the statue. It proved good cause as the giantess rose from her seat and ignited a saber blade in each hand. The statue's eyes glowed red as it made the advance. Luke came forward at the double handed attacker, lightsaber at the ready. Fenice came from one side, the Jedi Master the other. The statue charged uncaring. Fenice was fighting for her life, unprepared for such a duel. Luke managed to slice off the statue's right wrist only to be knocked down by the stump. With Luke dazed for the moment, Fenice found herself against a wall. In desperation she reached to a part of herself she did not know was there. The statue did not let up, but with a single blow the stone head rolled. The headless giantess staggered back and fell to the cave floor. Fenice sank to her knees, truly exhausted. Then the statue exploded at the midpoint. It was over, all that remained was the scroll.
When Fenice finally caught her breath, she went to help Luke to his feet. "Are you alright?" she asked.
"I've been worse," he said excepting her hand, "and you."
"I've been better." she admitted. Then she moved to examine the throne. She noticed some familiar markings, "Gam'nead?" she pondered aloud.
"What was that?" Luke asked, as he picked a wooden case from the giantess' remains. He walked over to Fenice where she stood over the throne, and handed her the case.
Fenice took the scroll in hand as she pointed out the markings. "Gam'nead, the name is written in Aras, but I'm not sure of the meaning."
"What of the other markings?" Luke asked.
"They're Aras as well." Fenice answered taking a data scanner from her belt. "I'll have Threepio help me translate these as well."
-----
Fenice sat with Threepio in the former Rebel command center. The task of translating had become easier as Threepio gained more knowledge of the written language. "I see," the droid said in his prissy voice, "the inscription on the throne says. I am Gam'nead the Harbinger of Ansath, Called the Abandoner. I stole the scroll that bares my name, and any who would claim it must fight my proxy."
"I think we get the picture." Fenice said looking to Luke and Tionne. "The scroll gives Gam'nead's place of birth as Tan'ki, a village not far from Santik'sa that has been in ruins since the tare. She sought training as a Jedi, but later sought to become an apprentice of Exar Kun."
"You'd never heard of her before?" Luke asked.
"No, but then she's not the sort of thing Aran would talk about." Fenice admitted. "It says she stole two-hundred souls, and twisted them in one body to form a creature of the night, cursed forever after as Gamronel; the soul eater."
"So it was not Kun." Tionne said timidly.
"I don't think my people wanted to believe one of their own could do such a thing." Fenice sighed. "The writers of the scrolls had no choice but to believe."
"So where is the next scroll?" Luke asked.
"In a place that was once for worship within the fire pits of Halgard." Fenice answered.
"I may know someone who can lead us to it." Luke pondered aloud.
"The father of the girl you went to find?" Tionne asked.
"Yes," Luke replied, "Yeveth knows how to cross the fire pits safely. He might know of a place once used for worship."
"If he doesn't know of one, he may know where vornskrs howl." Fenice said. "That is more a warning than a clue I think."
Chapter Five: Eyes of Stone
-----
Tionne stood outside the main temple waiting for Master Skywalker to arrive. She had been worried when she'd heard he had not arrived on Coruscant on time. Now she just wanted to hear the story, Jedi historian that she was.
A slightly beat up modified YT-2400 Corellion freighter dubbed the Markiea touched down on the landing pad. The vessel Chief of State Organa- Solo had procured for him to use. X-wings were more Master Skywalker's style, but he needed a ship that could carry more than one person. He said he'd explain when he arrived, and Tionne could hardly wait.
Luke exited the Markiea leading Fenice, Artoo and Threepio. Only Tionne was there to greet them, the rest of the trainees were busy with exploring different aspects of the Force. His arrival was no excuse to neglect their studies. "Tionne, I'd like you to meet Fenice Eamar Dayknight, Tein'kal Defender of Ansath, and a new trainee." he said motioning Fenice, who now wore her usual Aran garb, in front of him. "Fenice, meet Tionne, Jedi historian."
"Oh Misters Tionne, what a pleasure to see you again." Threepio chimed.
Fenice smiled brightly, "A pleasure to meet you Tionne." she said offering her hand.
Tionne shook Fenice's hand eagerly, "A pleasure to meet you as well. I've come across the word Tein'kal in my research, but I never could find it's meaning."
"Aras word meaning one with Kal, or Force tied. Also, used as part of a title." Fenice answered. "But that does not even begin to put it in context."
"I'm sure Tionne will want to hear everything you care to tell her." Luke said to Fenice.
"I'd also like to hear how you ended up on Ansath. All I heard was you had trouble with your X-wing." Tionne said only half hiding her enthusiasm.
"Just that, I had trouble with my X-wing when I stopped to make a course correction." Luke answered. "I was forced to crash land on Ansath."
"That was how we met," Fenice continued, "he crashed in the binkoni forest where my sisters and I live in."
"Good thing they were gathering herbs when I crashed." Luke said, making his way to the temple entrance everyone following his lead.
Fenice was right on her teacher's heals. "Good yes, but somehow I doubt you would have just sat in your downed fighter with your shin embedded in your boot."
"I don't think I'm getting the whole story." Tionne stated with bewilderment.
"When Fenice and her older sisters Martina, Onaia and Enora found me, I had a broken leg." Luke shrugged.
"Trust me, it could have been worse." Fenice gave Tionne a wry look. "Anyway we're here now, and we have work to do." she looked at Luke half pleading.
"Are you that eager to start training?" Tionne asked.
"That's only part of it. The real work is the most interesting part of the story." Luke said with a sly look.
Luke led them to the room in the lower levels of the temple that had been used as the strategic center, both when this was a Rebel base and later by the students of the Academy. There Fenice brought out the scroll, and told her story to the Jedi historian.
"Now I see what you mean by work to do." Tionne said, feeling overwhelmed just hearing it.
"Threepio and I translated this scroll," Fenice said, "but this section here is not writing, at least not as I know it." she pointed to part of the open scroll.
"Looks kind of like a puzzle piece." Tionne commented.
"Perhaps the next scroll will help it make sense." Luke added. "We should rest, and head for the section of the jungle the scroll indicates in the morning."
"Agreed," Fenice shook her head, "we will be better able to face any challenges that way."
"One question," Tionne put in, "who exactly is going on this expatiation?"
Fenice looked to Luke, "It is my mission to save the Tein'kal. You have promised to help, though you have no obligation to. Who else will risk so much for this?"
"I would." Tionne answered.
"All of my students would," Luke answered, "but whether they should, is another story."
-----
Gam'nead, yes that was her name. She'd been born in Tan'ki on Ansath. The apparition paced, remembering why she was where she was. She would still have her revenge, when the one came.
-----
Tionne scanned the rough terrain for any sign of the cavern. Master Skywalker had decided to permit his students to help in the search, but only he and Fenice would enter the cave. Tionne would abide by that, though she had a bad feeling about it.
Streen stood up ahead of the others. The old Bespin hermit signaled that he'd found something. When all had gathered around he spoke, "Fifty meters ahead." he read from his scanner display.
Luke looked in the direction Streen had pointed. "I see the opening." he gestured for the group to hold back.
Fenice followed the Jedi Master closely, this was the fourth cave they had found this morning, and she was getting restless. "I hope we find the cave soon." she whispered to Luke.
"You must be patient." Luke said gently. "Statues." Luke pointed to two vine-covered sentinels that were just within the narrow entrance.
"Stone eyes they have." Fenice said with a knowing smile.
"Let's hope they are the eyes we seek." Luke said as he moved to pass them.
As the Luke approached the statues moved challenging him with blades like lightsabers, but with no handles. Luke paired the blows, and Fenice joined him lightsaber in hand. The statues' eyes glowed eerily as the fought with expert skill. Luke managed to slice one in half, but the other trapped Fenice against the wall. Luke caught it from behind, and the statue fell beside the first.
"Thanks." Fenice whispered, out of breath. "To think those were just the gate keepers."
"I'd say this is the cave." Luke said with a raised eyebrow.
The two of them made their way cautiously, with only the light of their sabers to guide them. They walked silently for some time, listening for warning from the path ahead. There came a buzzing sort of sound, and before either of them could place it vicious winged things attacked from above.
"Mailocs." Luke shouted as he sliced off one's stinger.
"Whatever they are, they fight like devils." Fenice stated as she ran on through by lengthening her saber.
Luke and Fenice fought back to back as the ceaseless supply of mailocs blocked their path. Just when Fenice was ready to give up hope, the swarm ended. They stood a moment, taking stock. At least twenty of the mailocs lay dead or writhing at her feet.
Fenice took a deep breath, "That is something I don't care to relive."
"No arguments here." Luke said as they pressed on.
Before Luke and Fenice knew it they were in a large room that was lit by an opening twenty meters above them. Directly below the natural skylight sat a slightly larger than life figure on a throne. It was a woman a crown upon her head with long braids of hair, and wearing some form of ancient armor.
"Tein'kal Defender's armor." Fenice whispered in awe. "No one has worn such a thing in centuries."
Fenice inched forward, cautious of the statue. It proved good cause as the giantess rose from her seat and ignited a saber blade in each hand. The statue's eyes glowed red as it made the advance. Luke came forward at the double handed attacker, lightsaber at the ready. Fenice came from one side, the Jedi Master the other. The statue charged uncaring. Fenice was fighting for her life, unprepared for such a duel. Luke managed to slice off the statue's right wrist only to be knocked down by the stump. With Luke dazed for the moment, Fenice found herself against a wall. In desperation she reached to a part of herself she did not know was there. The statue did not let up, but with a single blow the stone head rolled. The headless giantess staggered back and fell to the cave floor. Fenice sank to her knees, truly exhausted. Then the statue exploded at the midpoint. It was over, all that remained was the scroll.
When Fenice finally caught her breath, she went to help Luke to his feet. "Are you alright?" she asked.
"I've been worse," he said excepting her hand, "and you."
"I've been better." she admitted. Then she moved to examine the throne. She noticed some familiar markings, "Gam'nead?" she pondered aloud.
"What was that?" Luke asked, as he picked a wooden case from the giantess' remains. He walked over to Fenice where she stood over the throne, and handed her the case.
Fenice took the scroll in hand as she pointed out the markings. "Gam'nead, the name is written in Aras, but I'm not sure of the meaning."
"What of the other markings?" Luke asked.
"They're Aras as well." Fenice answered taking a data scanner from her belt. "I'll have Threepio help me translate these as well."
-----
Fenice sat with Threepio in the former Rebel command center. The task of translating had become easier as Threepio gained more knowledge of the written language. "I see," the droid said in his prissy voice, "the inscription on the throne says. I am Gam'nead the Harbinger of Ansath, Called the Abandoner. I stole the scroll that bares my name, and any who would claim it must fight my proxy."
"I think we get the picture." Fenice said looking to Luke and Tionne. "The scroll gives Gam'nead's place of birth as Tan'ki, a village not far from Santik'sa that has been in ruins since the tare. She sought training as a Jedi, but later sought to become an apprentice of Exar Kun."
"You'd never heard of her before?" Luke asked.
"No, but then she's not the sort of thing Aran would talk about." Fenice admitted. "It says she stole two-hundred souls, and twisted them in one body to form a creature of the night, cursed forever after as Gamronel; the soul eater."
"So it was not Kun." Tionne said timidly.
"I don't think my people wanted to believe one of their own could do such a thing." Fenice sighed. "The writers of the scrolls had no choice but to believe."
"So where is the next scroll?" Luke asked.
"In a place that was once for worship within the fire pits of Halgard." Fenice answered.
"I may know someone who can lead us to it." Luke pondered aloud.
"The father of the girl you went to find?" Tionne asked.
"Yes," Luke replied, "Yeveth knows how to cross the fire pits safely. He might know of a place once used for worship."
"If he doesn't know of one, he may know where vornskrs howl." Fenice said. "That is more a warning than a clue I think."
