SW/Fantasy Earth

SW/Fantasy Earth Fic

The thundering of hoofbeats shattered the stillness of the woods at night. Animals and small critters scattered in fright, some losing their dinner, others gaining another night of life. The horse and cloaked rider galloped by, a mere shadow disappearing into the darkness of the trees. The following echo kept the creatures in hiding moments longer than necessary. Then they crept out and continued their hunt or flee from predators.

Karigan Gif’ten urged her steed on faster, leaning low over his sweaty neck. She ducked under a low branch, not slowing or changing the young white stallion’s course. The forest cleared into cultivated pasture and fields, the road widening and stretching out before her. She slowed her mount down to a canter, her eyes scanning the land around her. The hard-packed dirt road was silver in the light of the moon, seeming to become a stilled stream of fairy tales. Stretching on either side of the King’s Road was rolling pastures and fields. About a league west was a stone farmer’s stead house.

Turning her eyes ahead of her, Karigan knew just beyond the bend of the road was the City of G’ladheon, the heart of G’ladheon. The fortress city would be asleep, this time between night and morning. She slowed her horse down to a trot, not wanting to rush the six leagues to the city. The stallion seemed to agree with her, settling down to a sedate beat.

Just feet ahead, a shadow moved at the side of the road. The horse came to a halt, snorting and rolling his eyes. “Easy, Raven,” she soothed, unsheathing her saber. She nudged the stallion a step forward. “Who’s there?” she demanded, her voice strong and ringing.

The shadow was a pile of rags hanging off a skeleton of a man. His face was grimy and a white beard grew down to almost his knees. He watched the rider under the purple cloak, dropping to his knees. “I-I didn’t mean to startle you, Miss! Could I be so bold as to ask for a copper?”

Karigan sheathed her saber and reached into her waist pouch. She urged Raven passed the man, dropping five metals into his grimy hand.

“Five silvers!” the beggar cried, his voice cracking. “Oh, may the gods bless you!”

Karigan didn’t reply, urging Raven into a canter. The rounded the road and the City of G’ladheon came into view. The tall, stone wall surrounded the city, a silver shadow under the night sky. Behind another wall, on the crest of a hill, was the king’s castle. It’s towers were like fingers reaching to the heavens to touch the gods. Not to the young woman’s surprise, one tower was ablaze of light. No doubt the royal family was awake.

Raven snorted and pranced in place, his ears falling flat against his white mane and forelock. Karigan looked ahead, seeing shadows emerging from the city’s gates. They galloped up the road towards her, seven of them. She sighed and clucked Raven into a walk. The King’s Riders, no doubt looking for her. She was surprised they had even bothered. The last time she had taken a leave of absence they had simply waited for her to come home, learning from past experiences. Karigan smiled smugly as the seven Riders approached. Raven chopped at the bit, straining to flee. She held him in check with one hand, her right hand settling on her hip.

The Riders soon reached her, surrounding her as if by simple routine. The lead Rider moved his horse alongside hers. His reddish beard moved as he spoke. “We are relieved to see you are safe, Your Highness,” Captain Malowe said dutifully. “May we have the honor of escorting you home?”

Karigan smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I will make a note to tell my father of your . . . way with wording things. Something learned from him, no doubt.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Malowe said, bowing his head. “Of course.”

The Captain Rider signaled to the others, and they rode to the city at a trot. Karigan pressed Raven alongside the captain, not allowing the Rider’s hostage formation to prevail. They rode into the city, the horses’ hooves clattering on the cobblestone streets. The streets themselves were empty, the people of G’ladheon fast asleep, or not wanting to be around when the Riders rode through. Karigan was escorted into the palace courtyard.

Karigan dismounted and patted Raven, silently apologizing for running him ragged the past two days. A stable hand came up, waiting to take the reins. Karigan rarely allowed another person take care of the stallion, but she relented, knowing she shouldn’t keep her father waiting. King Andres was known to spin a temper—a trait she had acquired.

“You are relieved, Captain,” she said. “I won’t be running off tonight.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Malowe said, snapping his fingers. The seven Riders rode across the courtyard to their stables.

Karigan watched them for a moment, then turned around and headed for the East Wing entrance, letting her boots scuff across the dirt. She had barely entered the castle before she heard the thundering voice of her father. “By all of the cursed Gods of Zacharha,” she muttered under her breath.

“Karigan Gif’ten!” King Andres stormed, marching down the corridor to his daughter. Two guards followed in his wake, silent and watchful.

“Hello, Father,” Karigan greeted coolly.

The King seemed to turn even redder. He had once been a strong and broad man, but now his age was showing and his weight had gained. He was dressed in his purple robes, crown sitting slightly crooked on his balding crone. His hazel eyes flamed and his pale beard seemed to tremble. “This is the last time you run off!”

Karigan almost laughed. “I thought my last run was about five months ago. Silly me.”

Andres glowered. “If you weren’t Ehlizhabeth’s daughter, I would have you on the rack! It is about time you started acting like the Heir of G’ladheon, instead of like a heathen from Estoriah!”

The Princess scowled and waited for her father to finish his ranting. She was under house arrest again, but that was nothing new. King Andres sighed and lowered his voice. “Now, Daughter, you will change and clean up. Lord Amilton is in residence, and has been patiently waiting for you presence.”

“I don’t want to see him,” Karigan scoffed. “Tell him he wasted his time.”

“Lord Amilton is not to be treated in any such manner,” Andres scolded. “You will dress like the princess you are, and you will be courteous to him.”

“Yes, Father,” Karigan sighed, clenching her fists. Lord Amilton was the province ruler of Torneh, a neighbor of G’ladheon. She was certain he was after her hand in marriage so he may become the next king of G’ladheon. The lord was compromising to bring his province and G’ladheon together, also joining other lands into power. Needless to say, she did not appreciate him much.

“That’s a girl,” King Andres smiled, patting her shoulder. “Get out of those man clothes and join us at breakfast.”

Oh, that was right. It was awfully early in the dawn. Karigan departed, following the East Wing to the Royal Bedchambers. The maidens were waiting for her as she entered, quiet and submissive. It irked Karigan to have so many girls her age waiting on her. Candles lighted her chamber and her nightclothes were laid out for her, a warm bath drawn and ready.

The princess took the luxury of the bath, letting her muscles soak. She was only a bit soar from sleeping on the ground the past two nights, but it was always worth the risk to be free of the castle for even a day. The two maidens on duty that night waited for her to finish, then brought her clothes and robes to her. Karigan dressed, then sat down on her feather bed, letting Lnora, one of the maidens, to brush her hair out.

“That is all tonight,” Karigan told Lnora. “You many go now.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maiden said, bowing and leaving her chamber.

Karigan sighed and sank down into the soft mattress. She was tired, and not just from riding all night. Soon, she was asleep.

@ @ @ @ @ @

The small starship Nebula came out of hyperspace, coming into a large solar system. Obi-Wan Kenobi glanced over to the tall figure sitting in the co-pilot’s chair. Qui-Gon Jinn’s eyes were riveted to the viewport, watching the large sphere in the corner of the view port. Just beyond the planet was an asteroid belt. Obi-Wan kicked in the sublight engines, setting a course that missed the field and brought the Nebula close to the small, red planet beyond.

“Nine planets in this system,” Qui-Gon Jinn murmured. “And only one is ibhabited. Not to mention the enormous amount of moons.”

Obi-Wan nodded, remembering the information he had learned for this mission. Their destination was the third planet from the system’s sun, known as Earth. The peculiar thing about the planet was that it’s people were unaware of what lay beyond their planet. They had no advanced technology and didn’t even know of the farthest planet from their planet. This mission was going to be different than the past. There was no invasion or diplomatic troubles to worry about—no involvement with the Republic whatsoever.

Their contact on Earth, a Jedi woman called Anel’de. A Jedi Master three decades ago had discovered the system, exploring Earth extensively. Information had been brought back, speaking of Force-sensitive humans that feared their talents. The Force was view as magic, or the Curse. The planet was sparsely populated, some regions only inhabited by animals. The climates ranged from arctic cold to deserts. Earth had become a retreat for some Jedi, and also a training center in the Living Force.

Which was why Obi-Wan was here. The Jedi apprentice smiled slightly, sensing his Master’s resolve. Qui-Gon was always emphasizing that he needed to listen to the living Force more often. On Earth, the Unifying Force was not as strong. Here, he would have to use the Living Force and gain strength from it.

They cleared the asteroid field, the sphere of the red planet coming to view. Obi-Wan re-set another course, bringing the Nebula into a short orbit around the planet before swinging off towards the blue planet beyond. Earth was a half-sphere, the horizon line covering the other hemisphere. From what he could tell, the planet was mostly blue ocean, with brown and green continents under a swirling cloud bank. It was a beautiful planet, reminding him of Corellia.

“Looks nice enough,” Obi-Wan commented.

Qui-Gon nodded. “Anel’de instructed us to land in the shadow. Are the coordinates in the navi computer?”

“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan said, double checking and nodding. They had cleared the red planet and were now simply approaching the planet a light year away. A small, gray moon orbited the planet. The planet was growing steadily larger, beginning to completely fill the viewport. Obi-Wan steered the ship into the planet’s shadow. The navi computer went to work, bringing the ship into a steady course planetward.

Hitting atmosphere was barely a strain on the shield and Obi-Wan was soon easing the ship down, soaring over snowy mountain peaks. He followed the coordinates, bringing the small ship between two peaks, searching for the cave that the Jedi woman had described. The ship’s sensors beeped and he soon spotted it, swooping down and easing into the large cavern. The running lights glowed against the walls, exposing long dead stalactites. It appeared empty. They were well below the snowy peaks and the forest beyond covered the entrance. Obi-Wan only spotted it with the help of ship’s sensors.

“Are we to wait in here?” Obi-Wan asked, getting up from the pilot seat. The ship finished running through the shutdown procedures.

“Anel’de will be here,” Qui-Gon said. “In fact, she is here now.”

Obi-Wan peered into the cave, but saw no one. He shrugged and followed his Master out of the pilot’s cabin. The ship was small, built for speed. Each Jedi had brought a small satchel pack for the mission, only carrying a change of clothes and food capsules. Qui-Gon went first through the hatch, bringing out his glow rod and shining it across the ship’s hull. Obi-Wan followed, immediately catching the musty smell of wet stone.

Then there was a soft snort. Both Jedi turned to the sound, already had been alerted to the presence of another. Three shadows moved near the entrance to the cave. Three animals—one with a rider—stepped forward. Obi-Wan studied them, taking note of their long legs and necks. They appeared to be beast of burden, but their ears flicked back and forth to every sound and their eyes shined with intelligence.

The figure in robes and cloth dismounted smoothly, holding onto the reins of the steed. “Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi?” a female’s voice spoke.

“Anel’de,” Qui-Gon greeted.

The figure removed her hood, revealing a woman’s face and another hood. She smiled and bowed. “Welcome to Earth.” She studied them for a moment, her pale eyes taking them in. Then she turned back to the animals standing calmly beside her. “Have any of you ever ridden an eopie?”

“Haven’t taken the pleasure yet, no,” Qui-Gon said wryly. He eyed the animals. “And what beasts are these?”

“Horses,” Anel’de replied. “Much more intelligent than those creatures from Tatooine. You will take the tall bay, Master Jinn.” She pointed to the brown animal with a black mane and tail. “Brownie is quite gentle.” Then she clicked her tongue and turned to the apprentice, frowning a bit. “I’m not sure. Will you get along all right with Bluebird?”

Obi-Wan glanced at the reddish colored horse standing placidly beside the other two. The animal had seemed to fall asleep, his ears flopping lazily and his eyes half-shut. “I don’t think he’d be much of a problem.”

Anel’de laughed. “She. Bluebird is a mare.” She went to her saddle, untying two ropes from the leathers. She led the two horses away from her mount. “If you want to get anywhere fast around here, you either go by boat or by horse. These beasts are mountain brumbies, not as graceful as the purebreds of G’ladheon, but they are sturdy enough for the mountains.”

The Jedi placed a rope in each of the Jedi Knight’s hands. Obi-Wan glanced at the docile mare, whose nose was flared out, taking his scent. Anel’de began instructing Qui-Gon, leaving Obi-Wan to acquaint himself with the animal. Bluebird yawned, showing her yellow teeth and long tongue. She lifted her head and stared at Obi-Wan, ears pricked forward, eyes shining. Then the horse stepped forward, ramming her head into his chest and nearly knocking him over.

“Whoa!” Obi-Wan cried, backing away and nearly dropping the rope. The horse rubbed her head, grunting as she scratched. Then she stepped away and snorted, licking her lips. She shook her head, slobber flying out. Obi-Wan wiped some of the spittle from his cheek, then grimaced as he looked at his robe.

High, musical laughter joined by a deep baritone brought Obi-Wan’s attention. Qui-Gon was mounted on Brownie, gripping his stomach with one arm and holding the reins in his right hand. Anel’de was covering her mouth and trying to hide her mirth. The other two horses bobbed her heads. Great, Obi-Wan thought, even the stupid beasts are laughing at me.

Bluebird snorted and whinnied, looking at Obi-Wan expectantly. He glowered at her. “You must be so proud of yourself,” he growled. The horse lifted her head and took a step forward. The Padawan halted her, pulling the rope back instinctively.

“Good,” Anel’de said. “At least we know you know how to stop her. Okay, Kenobi, I’m going to show you how to mount.”

Obi-Wan listened intently, giving the mare a few dubious looks. She looked ready to fall asleep again. Anel’de nodded to him, and he lifted his left foot into the stirrup, then swung up. Bluebird pranced, swinging her hindquarters around. Obi-Wan nearly toppled to the other side, but caught the red mane before tumbling. He heard Qui-Gon chuckle. Cursing silently to himself, Obi-Wan straightened in the saddle and took hold of the reins.

“Good,” Anel’de said. “Now, to stop, you pull back on the reins. Not to hard, Bluebird has a sensitive mouth. To steer, you pull the reins in the direction you want to go. To make her go, tap your heels lightly. Lightly, I stress.” Obi-Wan nodded. Anel’de strapped his satchel to the saddlebags. “Just let me get mounted, and we will be off.”

The Jedi woman mounted her horse, a gray. She clucked to it, and the animal stepped smartly out of the cave. Qui-Gon followed her example, urging Brownie forward. Obi-Wan clucked, expecting his horse to follow. Bluebird didn’t flinch. Her ears fell slack and she lowered her head. The Padawan clucked again. No response.

“Oh, get up,” Obi-Wan called, lightly tapping his heels against her belly. Bluebird turned her head, her eyes shining at him. She opened her mouth and nipped his boot. “Get up!” Obi-Wan tapped his heels harder, nearly a good kick.

The mare whinnied and took off—

Leaving Obi-Wan sitting on the cave floor.

Even Corellian curses weren’t enough to satisfy his annoyance. His buttocks throbbed and he stood up, glaring at the mare who stood waiting patiently outside. Anel’de and Qui-Gon were halted and waiting.

“Yes, I do believe my apprentice gets along well with females,” Qui-Gon commented in merriment.

Obi-Wan glared at him, rubbing his sore backside. “That doesn’t even deserve a response,” he muttered.

“All females have a mind of their own,” Anel’de said, chuckling a little. “We don’t tolerate a man’s orders, do we, Bluebird?”

The mare whinnied, eyeing Obi-Wan. She licked her lips and bobbed her head. The red head cocked to the side, then the horse stepped forward. Obi-Wan gathered the reins and mounted, prepared for another trick. This time, the mare obeyed him and trotted up to the others. “That,” he concluded. “Was hardly amusing.”

@ @ @ @ @ @

Karigan awoke with the sun. She glowered at it for a moment, then swung out of bed. Her long, golden hair spilled to her waist, full of curls and waves. She tossed the mass over her shoulder and crossed the chilly chamber, rubbing her forearms. Her gown for the day was hanging from the wardrobe, awaiting her. How she hated wearing such confining dresses. Leggings and tunics were much more comfortable.

“Oh, Mistress,” Lnora greeted, coming in from the bathing chamber. “Good morning!”

“It would be,” Karigan agreed. “If my father decided to let me free.”

“But you are now prisoner, Princess!”

Karigan smiled wryly. “Oh, yes, Lnora, I am. A prisoner in a nice cell.” She pulled on her undergarments, Lnora assisting her with the gown. It was of green and gold, bringing Karigan’s brilliant green eyes to an even more brilliant shade. Lnora gathered her long hair up, fastening it with a shell comb. Karigan selected a diamond locket to adorn her bare neck. She pulled her knee-high boots on, taking some pleasure in not wearing the matching slippers.

“I overheard that Lord Amilton is present, Mistress,” Lnora said as she and Karigan walked down the wing towards the castle’s dining hall.

“It is a pity,” Karigan said loftily.

“He is handsome.”

“He is a pig.” They reached the dining chambers. The guards stationed there opened the door for her, and Karigan walked in, her maiden in tow. The Dining Hall was a cavernous chamber, the walls line with tapestries and murals. A long, wooden table took up the center. Seated at the head was King Andres. Three gentlemen sat further down, feasting on the fresh bread and gravy being served. A large bowel of fruits was also set out, along with the elaborate dishes.

“Aw, my daughter,” Andres announced, waving a hand towards the door. The three gentlemen stood up and bowed as she came forth. King Andres smiled. “Please, my dear, let me introduce our guests.”

Karigan stood beside her father, eyeing the gentlemen coolly. Andres continued, oblivious. “The nobleman on my right is Frahn Coblebay. He is governor of Bastion Province.” Karigan nodded to the elder man, whom had gained considerable weight. Then she was re-introduced to Lorence Greenwood, another nobleman, also twice her age.

“And you already know Lord Amilton,” Andres smiled.

Karigan turned her eyes to the younger man. He was a good ten years her senior, in his prime and considered handsome. He had aristocrat features and dark hair, startling blue eyes, and a killer smile. Amilton stepped up and bowed, a charming smile on his lips. “What a pleasure to be in your presence, Princess Karigan,” he said in his smooth voice. He took her hand and kissed it.

“I wish I could say the same for you,” Karigan replied coolly. His touch sent an icy shiver up her spine, and not one of pleasure.

Amilton chuckled, not letting go of her hand. He gestured to her seat at the table. “Please, allow me.”

Karigan permitted him to lead her to her place and help her into the chair. She didn’t return a courteous thank you and didn’t give him a second glance. It wasn’t until he had rounded the table and sat down in his own spot that she realized he was directly across from him. He smiled again at her and she only turned up her nose.

“I must say, Princess,” Amilton said. “That you are more beautiful than a thousand sunrises.”

“I wouldn’t even begin to compare you to anything so full of warmth,” Karigan retorted, taking a piece of fruit from the platter. She gazed at him coldly, then turned her attention to her plate. She ignored her father’s glare and ate her breakfast.

The talk turned to politics and endless debates. She tuned the men out, letting her mind drift. The servants cleared the food away, bringing drinks for the men. Karigan stood up. “Excuse me, gentlemen,” she said. Frahn Coblebay made a move to assist her, but she pushed her chair away herself. Then she stalked out of the dining hall.

@ @ @ @ @ @

Karigan walked through the palace garden, her mind drifting back to her latest adventure in the Wild Kingdoms. How she missed the wilderness! If she had been given the choice, she would have rather become a fisherman or woodcutter than a Princess.

Two robins chattered at each other, their wings flapping as they hopped after one another. She watched them wistfully, wishing she could spread wings and fly beyond the stone walls. Maybe she could fly to Estoriah and never return. The thought was foolish and she laughed bitterly at herself.

Footsteps caused her to look up. She scowled as she saw Lord Amilton approach. His black cape billowed behind him, his midnight blue robes giving him a sensual aura. He smiled and paused beside her. “You are a beautiful bloom, Princess.”

Karigan smirked at him. “There is a difference between me and the flowers, Amilton. A rose may prick you, but I will do far worse.” She stepped away.

Amilton chuckled and reached out to touch her cheek. “I do most enjoy your spirit, Princess.”

Her green eyes shot daggers at him. “You will retain your distance, sir. Unless you wish for an early death.”

The lord smiled and let his finger trail down her neck before dropping his hand. “It is no secret that I have requested to marry you.”

“It is no secret that I am appalled by your touch.”

Amilton chuckled, then moved on by her, his stride confident and sure. She glared at his departing back, wishing she could slit his throat. But no, revealing her hidden dagger would only jeopardize a time when she would need the element of surprise.

Karigan returned to the castle, completely bored. She was lounging in the library when Lnora came in. “Your Highness!” she cried. “Your father request your presence at once!”

She sighed and put the book down, following the flushed maiden to the throne room. She entered, seeing the long chamber only filled with guards and her father. Another figure stood beside the throne. She froze, staring at the other, wishing she had lightning in her fingers like the long dead Sahtanh.

King Andres spotted her at the head of the room. He shouted a greeting and stepped off his dais to come down and greet her. Lord Amilton strode after him, a smug smile on his handsome face. “Kari, Kari!” Andres called. “I have wonderful news!”

“You decided to let me go?” she asked sarcastically.

“Even more pleasing,” Andres said. He placed a hand on Amilton’s shoulder and took hold of his daughter’s hand. “My dear, I have consented to the marriage between you and Lord Amilton.”

Karigan stared at her father, feeling another icy chill race up her as Amilton took her hand. “Father! I refuse to marry him!”

“Nonsense, child,” Andres admonished. “You will come to understand. I know that you have true feelings deep down. What a handsome couple you will make!”

“Father,” Karigan pleaded. “You cannot do this to me!”

Andres was already moving away. “I will hear no argument from you, young lady. What I say is law.”

Amilton smiled, a cold smile. “You see, Karigan, your spoiled brat tricks do not help you.” His tone was low and the King did not hear.

Karigan stared at him, yanking her hand free. “I would rather die than be married to you.” Something had always bothered her about the young lord, and now she was sure he was evil.

Amilton just grinned a feline grin. His eyes darkened as he caressed her cheek. “You will soon change your mind, my sweet.”

Karigan’s hand flew to her dagger, bringing it out. With lightning quick speed, Amilton caught it and yanked it from her, pinching her wrist until she cried out in pain. She stared at him, stared into the cold eyes as his hand folded over the metal. It simply melted at his touch. “The Curse,” she whispered. “You have the Curse.”

“It is The Gift,” Amilton corrected, his voice husky.

Fear crept into her. Karigan yanked free, turning around and picking up her skirts, racing for her chamber. She didn’t slow her dash, not until she slammed her door shut and locked it. It took several minutes to slow her breathing. Her chest heaved and she felt dizzy. The tremors, those cold tremors he had sent through her. Her senses had tingled and crackled, as if a power begged to be released from her.

“I am not cursed,” Karigan gasped. “I am not cursed.” She began to chant to herself as she crossed her room. She changed into green leggings, black boots, a white tunic and a green vest fastened by a black belt. Then she tied hair back into a long braid, then found her dark green cape. She packed a small satchel with a change of clothes, put several silvers into her waist pouch, grabbed her canteen and saber, and rope.

Securing the rope to the bed pole, Karigan climbed out the window and scaled the tower, dropping down to the roof of the Royal Stables. She slipped inside the back stall, patting Raven. His tack was sitting outside his gate and she quickly tacked him up.

“Princess!” the stable hand cried, rushing up the aisle.

“Not a word, Hans,” she whispered, tossing him a silver. “Or it’ll be your head my sword sharpens on.”

“Yes, of course, Princess.” The young man quickly busied himself with another horse. Karigan mounted Raven after her packs were secure, then urged him through the hidden passage beyond his stall.

She urged him from the wall, tapping her heels to send him into a gallop. Instead, she crashed to the ground, hitting her head. She heard Raven whinny and saw his white body rear above her. She rolled away, seeing the robes around his neck. Raiders! Karigan opened her mouth to scream, but a shadow swept over her, gagging her and throwing her onto her stomach. Her ankles and wrists were bound and someone hauled her up.

“Amilton!” she cried, only it sounded like, “Amm-humph!”

The young lord smile, his blue eyes glittering from behind his cloak and hood. “Princess,” he nodded. He glanced over her shoulder. “Bag her and tie her on the horse. Make sure you deliver her safely to my estate. She is too valuable to damage.”

Karigan glared at him and squirmed as he kissed her cheek tenderly. She turned her head away, catching sight of Raven. The white stallion was bucking and rearing, fighting his restraints. Men on scraggly horses held him down, keeping silent as not to drawn attention. One burly man smiled as he approached her. Her eyes widened at the large grain bag he carried. She struggled, throwing her weight against her captor. Something hard fell against her skull and her world went black.

@ @ @ @ @ @

It was about mid-day, Obi-Wan estimated as he gazed up at the clear sky. They had been riding almost non-stop since the cave, pausing only to water the horses. They had ridden down the mountain and around another, through a forest of pines, and down a road that was almost too overgrown for travel. Anel’de kept up a light chattered, explaining various animals and plant life. She had also informed them of the countries—or rather, ruling kingdoms of the land. The Jedi had given tale about different tribes and clans, and also giving an extensive tutorial of the planet’s climate regions.

Obi-Wan had listened intently, knowing much of the information would prove most useful. But at the moment, he was more concerned with trying to stay comfortable in the saddle. Bluebird had dumped him twice more—as if to prove she could. He couldn’t let his guard down with her, and he was sure she was making the ride as bumpy as possible.

“How much farther?” Obi-Wan asked after a bit.

Qui-Gon glanced at him in amusement. His horse had behaved perfectly. “Sore, my apprentice?”

“You can’t tell me that you aren’t,” he remarked.

Qui-Gon grimaced as he shifted in his saddle. “Maybe a little,” he hedged.

Obi-Wan chuckled and felt a little better. Anel’de glanced back at him. She sat easily in the saddle, relaxed and comfortable. “We’re almost there, boys. Then you can rest your sorry rears on a cushion.”

The Jedi shared a wry glance.

True to her word, Anel’de brought them to a halt. Obi-Wan dismounted and groaned as his knees threatened to buckle. He leaned against Bluebird, half expecting her to move away. She didn’t and he patted her warm neck. Qui-Gon grunted. Anel’de smiled as she dismounted. “Good to be home.”

Obi-Wan looked around. A small corral had been constructed out of tree trunks. A cave with a wood door caught his eye. Trees grew all around, as they were on the edge of a wood. Anel’de’s horse, Gift, whinnied and blew a hot breath towards the corral. A small shed was nestled between to boulders. Anel’de led her horse to the fence and untacked him. The horse shook himself, grunted in pleasure. The Jedi followed her example, watching carefully as she unfastened the girth and bridle.

Bluebird scratched her head against the fence, whickering and licking it. He watched her, not sure whether to laugh at her antics or not. He set the saddle and packs on the fence like the woman did, then led his mare into the paddock. She kicked up her heals and trotted to the middle, finding a good spot and rolling in it.

“Let’s grain ‘em and then we can feed ourselves,” Anel’de said, picking her tack up. “You always see t your mount first. Always.”

She led them to the boulder shed, showing them where to set their saddles. Then she grabbed a wood bucket and filled it with grain. After the horses were fed, she led them into the cave. Both Jedi sighed in relief in the cool interior. The walls and floor were clean and hard-packed. A hearth sat in one corner, wood piled in another, a bed against one wall, and another chamber beyond.

“This,” the woman said, sweeping her hand grandly around the cave. “Is my Jedi Temple. I find my peace here, away from the rest of the galaxy.” She took their satchels and set them on a chest. “I’ll get some water boiling and a fire going. You may rest or bathe in the other chamber. You will have to fetch water from the creek and I’ve got soap for you.”

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at Qui-Gon, hoping to find some sort of reaction. The Jedi Master was calm, but his eyes roamed the place with curiosity. “Do you want to wash first, Master?”

Qui-Gon smiled. “And figure everything out before you?”

“You are too kind,” Obi-Wan scowled, stepping into the other chamber. It appeared to be a cool storage room. A large basin and towel rag sat on a small table. Obi-Wan picked it up and took it back, hoping for an explanation.

Anel’de smiled at him. “You will have to wash in the creek. Don’t worry, no one is around for miles. Except for the bears.” She moved to the chest and opened it. “Also, both of you will have to wear different clothing while here.” She drew out a white shirt and held it against Obi-Wan. “This will do for now. You may wear your leggings and tabard.”

Obi-Wan looked at the other articles of clothing she was pulling out. She waved him off, murmuring about dressing Qui-Gon would be a problem. Obi-Wan emerged from the cave, wash basin and towels in hand. What did he need the basin for if he was suppose to wash in a creek? To bring water back? He supposed so. Walking down the small knoll, the apprentice found the creek. It bubbled and gurgled. It was perhaps less than a meter deep. And it looked cold.

Obi-Wan stripped down to his leggings, glancing around to make sure no one was around to see him. A furry creature—a squirrel he remembered—dashed from a tree and froze in front of him. He waited until the animal continued on, feeling embarrassed to even bathe in front of the critter. With one last search, Obi-Wan stripped fully down, grabbing the soap bar and stepping into the creek. He cried out as its icy cool water splashed over him.

He scrubbed clean in record time, jumping out and grabbing the towel. He dried off quickly and stepped into the clean clothes given to him. Then he filled the basin and carried it back. Anel’de was in the process of measuring Qui-Gon when Obi-Wan came in. “I filled the basin.”

“Oh, thank you,” Anel’de said. “I forgot to tell you to do that. How was the creek?”

“Refreshing.” Obi-Wan set the basin back in the other room, then put his dusty clothes in his satchel. He sat down on the floor to watch as Anel’de ran a string along Qui-Gon’s leg, measuring his length. The Jedi Master looked weary and bored on his feet. Obi-Wan smirked as he watched. Anel’de wore a cap over her head, and Obi-Wan could see know hair escaping. The Jedi was humanoid, but Qui-Gon had said she was of a species from a scalding hot planet. As a child, Anel’de had to have her skull burned by volcanic ash. It made their skulls bubbling and fleshy. The Padawan wondered why someone could inflict such pain on a child.

“I’ll have to sew tonight,” she announced, clucking her tongue. “You’ll use up most of my fabric.”

“You do not need to use your resources on us,” Qui-Gon said.

“I do if you want to fit into this world unsuspected,” Anel’de said. “Oh, that reminds me. Lightsabers will have to be hidden. Swords, daggers, sabers, knives—those are terrific substitutes. Come over here, Obi-Wan,” she said, motioning to the bed. Various articles of clothing were laid out. “These are the clothes you will be wearing on your journey. They’ll fit well in your saddlebags. You may keep your robe and boots.”

The woman then turned and stroked the fire. She spooned the soup she had made in a big, iron kettle into smaller clay bowls. She set them on the small table. “Eat, Jedi. I will give detail as you feast.”

Obi-Wan listened intently, sipping the meaty broth as she spoke. Apparently this was a test for him. He would get ‘lost’ in the wilderness. Qui-Gon and Anel’de would ride off three days before him. He would have to find them through the Force, using the Living Force to survive. He would have to hunt and make fires and endure weather complications. Anel’de did not tell him where their destination was, saying he would discover that.

“And you would be wise not to use the Force when around others,” Anel’de advised. “People are very superstitious and view the Force as magic. The Curse, as it is known. Some mountain people view it as the Gift. It all depends who you are around.”

“Now, Master Jinn, let us finish with your measurements.”