Chapter 3
"I can't. He's a Sith Lord." Callista was arguing with the voice in her head. She knew it probably meant she had lost her mind, but at least it provided something of a distraction from the throbbing in her muscles, the ache in her bones. Callista had been hoping to escape back to her dreamworld, but it had been some time and she couldn't recapture the sensation. Despite that, the pain had lessened more than she would have expected, to an almost bearable level. She was still exhausted and weak, but was at least able to focus on the voice enough to have a conversation.
I know he's a Sith Lord. That's why he needs to be saved.
"Then you know he can't be saved."
No. He can. He must. It's the only way.
"Only way what?"
There was no response. Callista wondered why until a shadow fell across the small cot she was laying on. She nearly jumped out of her skin with surprise, she hadn't heard anyone enter the room. The shadow belonged to a slight girl with thick blonde hair. She leaned over Callista and soundlessly examined her as though she were a piece of equipment. The girl gently lifted Callista's arm and examined the bruises on it, rotating it under the light like it was a faulty motivator. Still not certain what was going on, Callista stared at the girl as she worked, trying to figure out what she was up to. Callista noticed the girl had a deep scar on her forehead.
Tahiri . . . The name came to Callista, though she wasn't sure if it was from her own memory or someone else's.
Tahiri's eyes were cold and her conversation skills apparently non-existent, but her hands were warm and Callista found herself relaxing beneath Tahiri's touch. Callista was about to drift off when she heard heavy boots enter the room. Her whole body tensed. Tahiri had been examining her left foot and Callista instinctively jerked away from her and tried to move herself into a position where she could face the intruder.
"How is she?" Jacen asked as he entered the room.
Callista then noticed Tahiri was staring oddly at her, perhaps miffed at her sudden lack of cooperation. "Well enough to survive another round. But perhaps not without permanent damage. Her bones have healed soundly so far, but I doubt they will continue to do so much longer."
Jacen nodded. "Thank you, Tahiri. You may go."
Tahiri made no move to leave.
"Is there something else?"
"I would suggest it is time to begin asking questions, Master."
Jacen gave her a lopsided grin. "You misunderstand, Tahiri. There are no questions for this one." Jacen's smile suddenly faded and his eyes narrowed. His features took on the faraway look Callista had long ago recognized as that of a Jedi sensing trouble through the Force. "Imbeciles," he muttered under his breath. "Must I do everything myself?" With a sigh he headed back out the door, pausing in the doorway to give a final command to Tahiri. "Restrain her. We'll hold off on another session for now, but I'd hate for her to get any ideas about escaping."