It was dark by the time Eras reached the stream. He knelt by the gently flowing water, cupping his hands to test it. Eras was relieved to find the water suitable for drinking.
With the chill of night setting in, he gathered rocks and dry branches from the moon's dense woodland. Eras set up a makeshift campsite near the stream and managed to ignite a small fire using his blaster. Its warm glow cast dancing shadows around him.
As he huddled , a strange sensation crept over Eras. It was as if unseen eyes were watching his every move. The natural sounds of the forest and the rushing stream surrounded him, but the feeling of a presence beyond the firelight was undeniable. Someone or something was there.
A terrifying screech split the night. Eras looked up just in time to see an enormous winged bird, highlighted by a second moon, shoot up into the night sky. A crash from behind caused him to turn.
From the shadows of the trees exploded a similar creature with its razor talons poised for the kill. Eras dove to the ground as one of the talons caught him at the shoulder and sliced him all the way to his hip. Crying out through clenched teeth, he clawed in desperation for the blaster by the fire.
The bird from above began its dive towards Eras. Realizing he would not make it to his weapon in time, he turned and held his hand towards the incoming winged fury. As if struck by some invisible force, the avian terror was knocked backwards.
Without hesitation, Eras reached in the direction of the blaster, as he had on Corellia. To his astonishment, the blaster flew right into his grasp. He quickly aimed at the second creature who was almost on him. Firing, the blast went through its head. The creature flew past Eras, crumbling into a lifeless heap on the ground.
Eras was now up on his feet "Where is the other one?", he thought to himself. All was quiet again. Eras stood there for what felt like an eternity.
Finally lowering his weapon, he turned towards the fire and froze in fear. The flying demon was in mid-flight, ready to devour its prey. A flash of green light blazed past Eras, bringing the creature's head to rest at the boy's feet.
Slowly, Eras turned in the direction the beam had come from. Deactivating the weapon that flew back into its owner's hand, the figure lowered his hood, revealing a grey-skinned face, well groomed silver beard, and matching long hair tied up in a topknot. It was the old man's piercing eyes that Eras took most notice of. They were solid black. Eras had never seen anything like him.
"You are hurt. Raptoran wounds are life-threatening if not taken care of.", the stranger spoke in a deep voice. For the first time since being slashed, Eras suddenly felt the open wound. He looked down to find his clothes soaked with his own blood. The pain was excruciating, but the boy returned his focus to the stranger, remaining silent.
The old man produced a med kit and approached Eras, who recoiled slightly. "You have no need to fear me. I have served the Republic for longer than many of your lifetimes, boy." Eras nodded and allowed him to step forward.
The old man went to work, beginning by adding a sterilization gel to the deep cut, impressed at the boy's fortitude. Eras hissed through his teeth, but kept still. "My name is Kirak Infil'a. What is your name?"
"Sal Eras…" was all he could get out as a heat closure pack was applied, which began sealing the sliced flesh.
Eras felt instant relief when the old man applied the bacta spray. He thanked Kirak and recounted the events that brought him to this moon, which he discovered was called Al'doleem.
Master Infil'a could sense the boy's connection to the Force instantly. "It is a pity he was not found sooner. He has great potential.", the Jedi thought to himself, not that it really mattered. The Barash Vow forbade him from taking on a Padawan. "What a waste. How many could be helped across the Galaxy if such potential was not discarded?"
"Are you a Jedi?", asked Eras, pulling Kirak from his thoughts.
"I am." , the old Jedi Master answered plainly.
Eras was fascinated having heard quite a few stories from the Clones on the Vila. The memories caused his heart a slight pain at the reminder. "Why are you here? I thought the Jedi were supposed to be leading the Republic Armies in this war.", he asked with genuine curiosity.
Kirak stared into the dancing flames of the fire. "I have fought in countless battles." Based on the sudden change in his tone, Eras understood this to be a topic best left alone. They sat in silence.
"The nearest spaceport is two days from here…", the old man spoke up. "...In the morning, I will show you the way. Sleep now. I will stand watch." Forgetting how long it had been since he last slept, Eras did not argue.