The Last Defender

By Lyda Mae (RavenDove) Huff

Chapter Ten: The Matriarch's Challenge

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The Markiea set down in Hapha's capital port. When Fenice opened the hatch she was greeted by a man in stately dress who came forward from his entourage and bowed curtly. Kyp looked on from behind her curiously.

"I am Kin'less Habor, Her Magnificent's aide." the stately man introduced himself. "I am to escort the Honorable Fenice Eamar Dayknight, Tein'kal Defender of Ansath, and Jedi Knight in training along with her companions to the Matriarch's presence at once." he stated with all sincerity.

Fenice bowed, "Then we shall permit ourselves to be so escorted."

Threepio tilted his head. "It is interesting that you already know the proper response Mistress Fenice, but only now that I think about it there are remarkable similarities in the formalities of Haphanan and Aran culture."

Kyp put a hand on the droid's shoulder, "That is interesting Threepio, but now was not the time to mention it."

"If you will follow me." Habor gestured toward a luxurious covered speeder.

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Once they reached the palace, The Matriarch's Aide led the trio to the throne room. The room was of grand scale with a mural along the walls depicting a man with chartruce hair and lavender eyes larger than life. It had many scenes that told a story, in more than one the man held a-loft what looked like a bow staff of greenish light with a metal grip in the middle; a double lightsaber. At the far end was a high dais with a throne and on the throne sat a regal woman in what looked to be an under dress of light-blue with silver trim that had long draping sleeves and an over tunic of royal-blue with gold trim that had a high collar and came to the floor splitting into five sections just below the waist. She had a headdress shaped somewhat like a drum of the same royal-blue that draped past her shoulders. On the front of the tunic and the headdress was a symbol outlined in pale-blue with divisions of silver and gold that Fenice knew from her Aras studies to mean balance. Below the dais stood many ministers and aides; as one would expect.

Before the trio could be announced The Matriarch rose from her throne stepping regally down from the dais, and made her way straight for Fenice. "We have been expecting you." she said to Fenice without any arrogance.

Fenice bowed, "Matriarch."

Kyp followed on her lead.

The Matriarch was a young woman for such a position, not much older than the New Republic Chief of State. She smiled at Fenice raising the Defenders face so they saw eye to eye. "I saw you looking at the mural."

Fenice did not know how to take what was happening. "Yes," she admitted. "Kayan?" Fenice questioned.

"Yes, Kayan." The Matriarch smiled. "You came expecting us to be angry, didn't you?"

Fenice looked down again. "I did attack your Ambassador."

"Our cousin Andok is fine," The Matriarch stated firmly, "and we know it was not you who attacked, but the one that plagued Kayan." she gestured to the mural for emphasis.

Fenice gazed into the woman's blue-green eyes. "That dose not free me from my guilt."

The Matriarch took Fenice's hands in her own. "We shall talk later. Until then Kin'less will see to your needs." She let Fenice's hands drop, "As it is a world will not govern itself."

"Until later Your Magnificent." Fenice bowed and the trio followed Kin'less out of the throne room.

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Tealro was a lush green world. Luke had set down easily in the mountains near the monastery and hiked the short distance without breaking a sweat. The monastery was in some ways reminiscent of Jabba's palace on Tatooine, but Luke put that aside as he approached the door.

A large robed human answered the Jedi's knock. "What do you want?" the man asked sounding slightly annoyed.

"I need to speak with the Abbess." Luke answered calmly.

"The Abbess is a busy man, wait in the garden." The Monk slammed the door in Luke's face.

Luke thought a moment. He could force his way in like he had at Jabba's palace. No this was a test so he would play by their rules. He found a large rock in the garden, and shifting his Jedi robe had a seat.

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Kyp, Fenice and Threepio had been escorted from the throne room into a lavish apartment where after seeing to their needs Kin'less Habor had left them to wait. Fenice was intrigued by a the mural of Kayan in the throne room. Finding a computer terminal at the ready she sat down to while the time with study. She was soon joined by Kyp and Threepio.

"Kayan was marooned on this world after battling Gam'nead." Fenice stated with awe.

"How can that be?" Kyp asked leaning over her shoulder.

"Aran history only states that he disappeared while pursuing the Sith-Lord that tor the Aran link." Fenice shrugged. "According to this he found himself crashed on Hapha, his ship beyond repair before Haphans found their way to the stars. He mourned all his life that he would not save his own people from what had been done to them. Eventually he fell in love with Aknee'a The Matriarch, and with his philosophy of peace healed Hapha's wounds instead."

"That might explain the similarities in culture I observed earlier." Threepio explained.

Fenice looked away from the screen. "Yes, but that's not all. The line of The Matriarch has been the same for over four millennia."

"And she called Ambassador Kiben her cousin." Kyp interjected.

"I think I know why Gam'nead went after him," Fenice added as she turned back to the data screen, "and why The Matriarch dose not blame me." she continued under her breath.

Fenice continued for some time to study the stories of Kayan on Hapha. His Aran origin was not mentioned in the database, and there were no stories of him before he came to Hapha. The tales that were in the database were sketchy in places, and certainly not a complete account. Of Kayan's death all that was said is he died in his daughter Kailen's arms.

As Fenice stood from the terminal having gained all she thought she could from it; Kin'less entered the main room of the apartment followed by several servants.

"Her Magnificence has requested that you join her for dinner in her private chambers. She has expressed that by this she might speak with you without prying ears." Kin'less Habor spoke formally. He gestured to the servants behind him. "Her Magnificence has also sent proper attire for such an invitation."

At this a slender woman with dark hair in a yellow high waisted gown with short puffed sleeves stepped forward. "I am De'sa." she said bowing to Fenice. "I offer my services as an Artisan of Hair."

Fenice nodded to De'sa, "I accept your services, for they are much needed." she held the frazzled end of her braid for De'sa to see. Fenice had to admit the droid that had trimmed off the burned area was a med-droid, and not intended to be a hairstylist. She had not taken the time to see a professional out of a need to do more important things. Now as long as she must meet with The Matriarch on her terms she would do so all the way.

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Luke had sat in the garden since just before mid-day, now it was nearing dusk. He found himself thinking of Callista and the way they had parted on Nam Chorios knowing there paths led different ways. It had been months since that day and in the silence he found himself staring into her gray eyes wondering.

An elderly monk came along the path. He had an aura of great wisdom, but bent slightly in an unassuming posture.

"Have you waited here long, pilgrim?" the monk asked kindly.

"My wait has been neither short or long, but those who sent me would have reason to hurry." Luke admitted.

The monk nodded understanding "I am Tobin."

"I am Luke Skywalker." Luke introduced himself back.

"The Jedi Master?" Tobin half-asked raising an eyebrow. "Why do you seek the Abbess?"

"The Jedi Master yes." Luke nodded. "How do you know I seek the Abbess?"

Tobin smiled, "You were sent."

"Yes, the last of the Tein'kal." Luke pulled Martina's medallion from a pouch on his belt. "They helped me. Now I seek to help them."

Tobin eyed the medallion with great care. "They trust you with whatever it is they seek?"

"I do not know that they have a choice." Luke admitted.

Tobin handed back the medallion. "Come with me, I will find you quarters for the night. The Abbess will not see you until morning at the earliest." The old monk gestured and Luke followed.

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Fenice, Kyp and Threepio had been led to the main foyer of the royal apartments. The cloths that had been provided were of the finest quality. Fenice wore an ankle length gown of the style De'sa had wore; in a shade of green that matched her eyes with gold, and darker green trim. De'sa had performed a minor miracle restoring Fenice's strawberry blond tresses and pinning them up with carved jade pins. Kyp looked dashing in the dark-gray knee pants, high black boots, white shirt and vest with gray trim. Each had their lightsaber on a belt that snugged over the cloths. Kyp had wondered at the fact that no one else wore belts yet they had been provided with them. De'sa had smiled replying "A Jedi must have a place for their lightsaber, you might cancel them inside your clothing, but they should be out where they can be seen and easily reached when needed." Fenice had known the Haphanan reverence for Jedi, but this meant a Jedi was expected to carry their weapon even in places others could not. An honor such as this was not afforded everywhere.

Kin'less Habor knocked at the great door that led into the Matriarch's private rooms. The door swung open pulled by servants inside the room. "You may enter, but your droid will kindly wait here until called for." Kin'less gestured Kyp and Fenice through the door. Once they had entered the servants exited and closed the door silently behind them.

Fenice and Kyp walked on alone through a series of curtains. The room they entered had couches arranged around a low table. At the far end of the room was a large door that led onto a balcony overlooking the city. The door was pulled aside reviling two figures out on the terrace. Fenice continued around the couches and out toward the figures with Kyp close behind.

Fenice bowed on reaching them, "Matriarch, Ambassador."

"Defender, Honorable Jedi." the Matriarch greeted back with a wry smile. "Here in my private chambers I am Lidya."

"An old custom," Andok enlightened, "In the Great Chamber and on state's business the Matriarch is Hapha, but in her chambers she is herself."

"And in these chambers formality is only a platitude." Lidya finished. "We speak here as equals so given names are used."

Fenice took a close look at the Matriarch and her cousin the Ambassador. Lidya wore a gown of the same style as the one Fenice wore, it was white with gold brocade and woven into her dark hair was a delicate gold crown. Around her neck was a medallion like the Tein'kal wore; only with the balance symbol in the center replaced by a sapphire. Fenice realized she had seen Kayan wearing such a medallion in the mural. Andok was dressed in an outfit like Kyp's, but his was medium-blue and cream in color. The two were sipping what looked like local wine as they gazed over the city.

Lidya noticed her gaze, "Denas Nectar," she answered before asked. "A local fruit, simple in taste but easily palatable." She pored glasses for her guests to try, "It has not been fermented and has no effects besides taste. I don't care much for alcohol or stimulants. Life is enough to handle without them."

Fenice took a sip of the offered glass. It was pleasant. "I agree that life is interesting enough on it's own."

Kyp smiled at the comment, "Sometimes I think interesting isn't a strong enough word."

"No doubt even more so since you met Fenice." Lidya commented with a raised eyebrow. "We serve matters best if we get to the point quickly. I know you did some research about Kayan so that saves me part of the story."

"I know why Gam'nead went after Andok." Fenice said to the Matriarch. She turned to the Ambassador, "I'm still sorry it happened."

Andok smiled, "I'm not. Until that happened, I wasn't sure what to think of the legends."

"What you won't find in the public files is that Kayan foresaw that one day someone would be born on Ansath that would finish his quest." Lidya answered once again the unspoken question.

"When I saw Gam'nead standing over me I knew." Andok continued.

"I know you come seeking the Matriarch's quest." Lidya stated. "In four-thousand years no one has ever sought this challenge. It will take place tomorrow after sunrise in the palace catacombs. Kin'less will bring you to meet me. Only in the place of the challenge may the details be revealed."

Fenice got a dark feeling as Lidya said that last sentence. Her glass of nectar slipped from her fingers and Kyp caught her before she could collapse and helped her to sit on a bench. Fenice saw herself being held back, forced to look on as Kyp was put to death his own lightsaber flashing through the air. She would be next but all she sensed was regret. The faces around her were blurred, but she knew them. This was something they did not want to do.

"Are you alright?" Kyp asked her tenderly.

Fenice shook her head trying to regain her composure. "I know why you don't want to tell me the details before tomorrow." she said softly to Lidya. "If I fail, you have sworn that we die by our own lightsabers."

Lidya frowned, "Kailen instituted all parts of the Matriarch's quest to protect her father's mission."

Fenice looked at her with new determination, "I can except that." She looked at Kyp then back to Lidya, "I just ask that Kyp's life be spared."

"Only if he is not present for the challenge." Lidya stated plainly.
She looked sternly at Kyp "Go to the Markiea and wait if I fail you must meet Master Skywalker in Santik'sa."

"I refuse."Kyp stated flatly.

Fenice looked at him pleadingly, "This is only your quest because you chose to help me, but I'm begging you to wait this time. This isn't the nameless world, you could die, and I don't want that on my conscience too."

"I won't leave because I know you will succeed." he answered. "And you better start believing that."

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Luke was awakened by a the monk who had answered the door the day before. "Master Skywalker the Abbess will see you now." He dressed hurriedly and followed the monk through the twisting corridors of the monastery.

The monk led him into the Abbess's office and told him to have a seat. The monk left and Tobin entered from another room taking a seat behind a rather ancient desk.

"I trust you slept well Master Skywalker." Tobin said with more authority than he had exhibited the night before.

Luke smiled entirely unsurprised, "Quite well Abbess."

Tobin nodded, "I will lead you to the item you seek." He stood opening a passageway behind some shelves. "Follow me." he said pulling a lantern from his robe.

Tobin led him down a twisting stairwell and through a series of narrow passages. In a chamber far below the monastery sat a marble box on a pedestal identical to all the ones Luke had seen thus far, except for a symbol on the top that Luke recognized from the Tein'kal medallions. It was a circle with four divisions carved at contrasting depths in the stone.

"The box contains what you seek Master Skywalker." Tobin said. "Left here four millennia ago by a traveler in need of help."

Luke ignited his lightsaber and reverently sliced open the seals to the box. When he lifted the scroll from the box he spoke, "I only hope it will help Fenice and her sisters."

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Fenice and Kyp had been led down a secret passage in the Matriarch's apartment by Lidya, Andok, Kin'less and two guards. All wore nondescript jumpsuits of earthen tones for the journey except Lidya who wore one of the same shade blue-green as her eyes and Kyp and Fenice who wore there usual cloths. The mood had been somber as they aproched what appeared to be the royal crypt.

When they reached the door Lidya spoke. "You will leave your weapons with Andok." Kyp and Fenice surrendered their lightsabers silently and the door to the chamber was slid open.

No one spoke as Lidya led the way for Kyp and Fenice. Kin'less brought up the rear leaving Andok and the two guards outside. There was no longer a doubt this was Lidya's family tomb they stood in.

Lidya placed the old fashion wooden torch she had carried into a wall holder. "Here is the place of the challenge. Every ancestor of mine for more than four millennia is interned here except one. When Kayan died, he left no physical remains, what was placed in his crypt instead is what you seek." She removed the medallion from around her neck and held it up to the light. "This was Kayan's, you must use it to find his crypt and disturb no other in the process." Lidya handed the medallion to Fenice. "This is the last chance to leave without facing the consequences of failure."

"I cannot leave without even trying. That would be an even worse failure." Fenice stated then looked to Kyp.

"You know where I stand on the subject." Kyp answered.

Lidya said with no uncertainty, "Then the challenge begins." At this the door was closed sealing Fenice and Kyp in with Lidya and Kin'less and their lightsabers safely outside with Andok.

Fenice went deeper into the main room of the crypt and sat on the floor closing her eyes and grasping the medallion to get her bearings. She would take her time calmly. No point in rushing death. She pushed away all thoughts of anything but the medallion. Something about it was not right. She half-sensed something, images of Kayan. She took those images and stood following them. Eventually she came to a wall and rested the medallion against it.

Three figures watched silently as Fenice sought Kayan's tomb with her eyes closed. When she rested themedallion against the wall, it slid open. She opened her eyes at the sound. There directly at her side was an open tomb containing a marble box and what looked like a lightsaber. She stood there a moment stunned.

Lidya let out a great sigh of relief. "I did not hope you would come in my lifetime." She walked toward Fenice, then taking the medallion from the now limp hand, placed it around Fenice's neck. "You will need this to finish your task as well."

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