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(5.9) Choices of Valor
Choices of Valor
Township of Gustian
Democratic Republic of Fra
Mid-Rim World of Fra
September 20th, 1936
The day long march down from the steps had been particular hard on Swip. Talon's pace was killing her and the terrain was clearly not favorable to her feet. It wasn't like she didn't enjoy what she had become part of. Her life before the Baran Do sage groomed her for a different level of activity and her life as a Sage had not demanded this kind of activity. Her life had been one of privilege and influence within the Baran Do Sages. When it came to elite families within the Kel Dor society, the Family of Larn was one that all others looked up to. Swip never had to want for anything in her training or upbringing. All her life, she had been told that she was special because of who her parents were and the influence of her name. Being a Larn meant that she had expectations. Being a Baran Do Sage only added to those expectations. All her life, she was able to enjoy life at levels that most Kel Do never dreamed of. However this was not what Swip had wanted for her life. There were many parts of what the Baran Do taught that Swip relished, and others that she showed little interest in. Most of her life, she thought that being who everyone wanted her to be was what she wanted. Not till that night, though. Everything changed.
It was a night that the Baran Do and the Dorin Government sealed the fate of a relationship with the Jedi once and for all. It was a night that would hunt Swip most likely for the rest of her life. It was that night when she realized that everything that others wanted for her was nothing that she wanted for herself. It wasn't that she didn't wish to be a Sage. Being a Sage was one of the most important goals she had for herself. But she wanted to be a Sage on her terms, not on anyone else's. There had been a few Sages that had broken with tradition and sought knowledge and understanding beyond Dorin. These few Sages had become wise Masters within her Order's history. She knew if she was to follow their footsteps, she would have to do it against the wishes of her family. Swip also knew that she would have to be careful. The idea of meeting new cultures face to face and learning about their philosophies on a personal level gave her a sense of excitement. It was the kind of adventure she had read about that other rare Sages had had the chance to enjoy. She longed and dreamed for this kind of adventure. More so because it was something no one wanted for her. It was her own choice and her own path that she had chosen.
Her first steps on this path she secretly choose for herself was accepting a mission that would take her to Coruscant. It would turn to be a fateful mission for Swip in a number of ways. Missions for her Government had been a norm for her as her Father ensured that she met and worked with some of the most powerful Kel Dors within her world. This mission however would be the first time she left her homeworld. The official reason for her trip was for advanced training with the Dorin Senator and his staff on Coruscant. However, like most other diplomatic missions hers had a hidden agenda. The secret mission was to carry a message to the Senator which was too sensitive to be sent via normal coded transmissions. Swip was a natural choice for the mission because her family were strong supporters of the Baran Do as well as influential. She could remember her first days on Coruscant with the Dorin Senator. Coruscant was an amazing place filled with so many different races and so much to learn. For Swip, it was a chance to seek that adventure which she had been craving. Destiny wouldn't let her down as her life took a turn which she would have never dreamed off.
After her extended stay on Coruscant, she joined the Senator and his party back home. It was a choice that was forced upon her, as she desired to see more of the galaxy before returning home. This was when Destiny stepped in to change her life. While en route back Dorin their ship was attacked and forced to land by a group of Azgardian Cadets on some honor mission. Luckily for them, the Senator's party was not the targets of this honor mission. The leader of the Cadets informed her that her and the survivors would be used as bait to lure Jedi Master Daz Murl in to a trap. When the trap was sprung, Jedi Master Murl was caught up in it. The Cadets meant to kill the Kel Dor Jedi Master for some crimes against their people. Swip barely had time to gain control over the situation before Master Murl arrived. However, her training as a Sage managed to help her maintain control and save most of the survivors. When she came face to face with Master Murl, she saw something in him that gave her a sense of hope as well as touched her deeply. Together, they managed to turn the Azgardian honor code against the Cadets and survive the trap. In the end, however the Cadets did take Master Murl's right forearm and some of his blood for some religious rite. It was the first time she was ever up close with a legendary Azgardian Warrior, wasn't the first time she had seen one.
A few months before that faithful trip home, she had the rare opportunity to see the Ruler of the Azgardians, Warlord Raynar Heartman. She had been invited by the Senator and his wife to an official diner hosted by the Supreme Chancellor himself. She had noticed the large number of Republic Rangers guarding the event and complete absence of the Jedi. She took note of another fact about the event. Even though the event was a celebration, she could feel the fear among the guests. Then she saw HIM storming in, Warlord Raynar, to crash the party. A pair of Rangers had moved to cut off his approach, however yielded the way after a short exchange of glares. He was flanked by six heavily armed warriors and a group of other Azgardians. Swip recognized the other Azgardians as members of their diplomatic mission on Coruscant. As she watched him cross the room, there was something about him that caused her to fear. Then there was something about him that drew her attention as she couldn't force herself to look away. He marched right up to the Supreme Chancellor, pushing through anyone that dared stand in his way. She couldn't understand what they said back and forth but it was heated. Then just as he entered he turned and left with the rest of his group. The next morning, Warlord Raynar would be dead. Now, she had the chance to serve with his own granddaughter. There was much of the man Swip saw that night that she sees in his granddaughter now.
She looked over at Talon as the healer slowly moved his hand over her. It had only been a few short hours ago when they were attacked by those bandits. Before they were jumped by the bandits, Talon was talking about Daz and growing up with him. Talon had confided in her about how she felt betrayed by Daz in so many different ways. Swip knew enough about Azgardians to know that they don't lie. However, this didn't mean that they were completely open either. There was something much deeper to her anger towards Daz. Something that Swip couldn't put her finger on. If she had to guess, it was something very personal. It was the only reason which Swip could reason where such anger could boil up from. Because under the anger, Swip could easily sense the love that Talon held for Daz as the little brother that she referred to him as. Just getting past that anger was the key, and getting past the anger meant understanding the origin of it. Swip made a mental note to dig a bit deeper on the way back. For the moment she would allow Talon to speak of growing up with Daz. However, the trip down Talon's memory would be cut short by bandits.
A group of five roadside bandits encircled them and demanded all their money and virtues. Or what ever that meant, Swip was not completely sure of what virtues meant. For Swip, she was out of her natural element. She tried to talk to them, however, there was no talking the thugs out of this action. She was smart enough to know when she had to surrender the situation to better hands. She hated the idea that violence was the only way to resolve this situation. She knew what would happen should she hand this situation over to Talon. With a heavy heart she gave Talon a soft nod hoping that maybe Talon had another card up her sleeve. What happened next made Swip sick to her stomach. As she and Carissa fled the combat area, Swip watched helplessly as the combat ensued. There were times when Swip had to look away and others she managed to force herself to endure. She remembered how Talon looked while she was in combat with the bandits. Swip had never seen anything like it before, well maybe. There was an old banned fighting style tradition of the Jedi, which focused on unarmed combat instead of lightsaber combat. It was the closest thing that Swip could compare how she saw Talon fight. Talon was out number five to one and they each had weapons while she was unarmed. Still somehow, Swip felt almost sorry for the bandits as Talon killed them one by one. It was a brutal combat with the sounds of bones breaking and screams of dying men filling the air around her ears.
Swip watched the scene unfold as the sounds took her back to that horrible night. That horrible place. That horrible scene. Swip had seen the emotionless look in Carissa's eyes as she also watched the battle. Swip felt that only she could 'FEEL' the battle in her heart. She was lost in the moment as the sounds died away and through the smoke Swip saw one of the last men rushing towards Talon with some bladed thing on the end of his rifle. Her back was to him and was unaware of the coming attack. It was a coward's attack, but Swip didn't act either. She couldn't act as the fear of the moment gripped her. Several times, she tried to think of something to do, but her mind went blank. Her personal morals prevented her from acting directly within the combat, but she felt and urge to do something. Anything! Swip watched as Talon choked one of the Bandits while the other was lining up his attack. She closed her eyes and let out a helpless scream, “TALON!” Talon turned just in time for the attack. There was a loud boom of the gun going off and a plum of smoke engulfed both attacker and Talon. Swip felt her heart stop in that moment as she waited for the smoke to clear.
When the smoke did clear the scene was clear. Talon got caught with the attack at the same time, she killed the attacker with a knife from the man she had just killed. Even though Swip healed Talon, she was still badly wounded and needed more care. Swip led her group to a small farming village. There they were taken in by the Fenn family. A family of Twi'leks farmer peasants, father, mother and daughter. But Swip would later learn that their two older children had been captured by slavers, who were now demanding payments for the return of the pair. To complicate matters the bandits had also killed a local government patrol. They had followed Talon's blood trail and were looking for Swip's group. Luckily, Swip also met Father Endac who was a local Priest. In the face of the the calvary, he protected the three travelers from their investigation. He and the healers had been watching over Talon while she healed from her wounds. Swip watched the two healers as they focused on Talon. Swip could sense how they were using their powers and control within the Force. It was nothing like what she saw either Jedi or Sage healers do before. Instead of using their powers to force the body to heal the wounds. They use their powers to speed up the body's natural healing abilities. There was an almost harmonious sense to what these healers were doing. It wasn't as fast or effective as either Jedi or Sage healers, but it was working. The feeling that Swip got from what they were doing was calming and it reassured her that these healers were good people.
Father Endac set next to Swip with a mug of steaming hot liquid as she watched the male healer work with Talon while she slept. “Its amazing to watch, isn't child.” Swip turned him and nodded, “You see child, it is the difference between good and evil is the use of our gifts.” Swip was grateful that her goggles covered the shocked look in her eyes. “Our healers told me when we first arrived” he said softly. “When a person is using God's gifts, you must understand that you have rules to how you use it. You can not change the course of nature. Your friend will live or die on God's will, not ours.” He explained with a smile. “Rather you come to the church to serve God's will is your choice. Not ours.” He took a sip of his drink as he turned his attention back to the healer.
Swip also turned her attention back to Talon, “Can you please tell me more about the slavers?”
“For as long as I can remember, they have always been here” he said as he sipped his hot drink. He motioned across the house, “I was raised just on the other side of the river. This community has been my family long before I took on the Lord's work.” He looked down with sadness, “It was much worse before the King took over.” he said looking in to his mug as memories of a darker time flooded his mind. “Corruption was the currency of the day and the slavers knew this currency well. Within months of taking over, the King sent out patrols to try to shut down their operations. There were so many different slaver groups. Some were driven off world while others suffered heavily from the King's patrols. The Government patrols did well for a long time. However like the darkness in the presence of light, once the light was gone, it returned. Once the war broke out, the Government had to pull its troops from the area. I remember the day the Government troops left the town, the people here were fill with such fear of what the night would bring. The slavers came the very next morning before the sun rose and killed Nabat's father” he said motioning to Swip's Twi'lek host. “He was their leader at the time. They came in took Nabat's father among with other town leaders and hung them all. They demanded payment, the villagers paid what they could out of fear. This seemed to keep them at bay for a while. Then something changed, a few years ago, a band of Jedi were seen with them during a raid. It was the first time they took children. Before they just demanded tribute and got it.”
Swip could feel the sadness of these memories but she knew that there was more to be told. She pushed deeper, “Wasn't there anything that the Church could do to help?”
He nodded as he looked at her, “At first, I went to speak on behalf of them. I spoke with the leader of the Jedi. He was a NeDor, just like you. I later discovered that his name was Smad Murl, however at the time, he demanded to be called Nur'Ang.” Swip nodded as she recognized the nick name as meaning dark warrior in her native language. “I brought with me all the money I could raise and offered it to them pleading with them to leave the world. He laughed at me saying something about I could not possible understand why he was here. That soon his moment would come and all would see his work done. He took the money and vowed to make his elders see what he has become. It was then I knew he was in league with the forces of darkness. I reported back to the Cathedral and the church commissioned three Holy knights to confront this evil NeDor.” He took a snip once more and looked back in to the drink as he continued, “They failed. The slaveries retaliated on the surrounding communities. The bloodshed was horrific. I begged the Cathedral not to send another group of knights. The Bishop agreed and said that God would provide the answer in his time” he trailed off as Swip took it all in.
She looked down making detailed mental notes of everything that Father Endac said. She couldn't help but note the Jedi's name, Murl. It was not a common name among her people. 'But what if there was a connection' she thought as she considered the chances of all of this being coincidence. She turned and looked at the Priest, “Can you tell me about the Rebels” she asked softly.
He nodded, “That is another side of the same coin. When the King overthrow the old Government, some of the leaders had managed to escape the night of blood. Many of them, now lead the Rebel leadership. But not all of the Rebel leadership are from this world. The Church found out about five years ago, that the funding of the war was organized by an off world mining company called Teddoe Mining. When the Rebel's controlled this region before the Reich came, they set up a supply depot on the north ridge. We had thought that with the Rebel Forces so close, that the slavers were run. They did, but the Rebels were no better. They would take what they wished from the people here and in other communities. Just when I thought I had managed to work out an understanding with their Commanding Officer, the battle lines shifted once more. Before they left, they took two thirds of all of their food stores. Stores that was meant to help our community survive this winter.”
This discovered fact hit Swip hard regarding her host family. She looked over at her plate as she realized that even though they had barely enough to survive, they still shared what they had with her. She took in a deep breath as it gave her a humbling feeling. “I didn't know” she said softly.
“It is our way, the Lord teaches us to be ready for those in need. The Lord helps those in need find us so that we may show his hospitality to those in need. Much like you found us.”
The male healer walked up, “Your friend will recover fully in time. Come morning she will be ready to travel. For now, she needs her rest. We have done all we can.”
Swip nodded, “Thank you for all that you have done.” she turned to the Priest, “I think I shall take this time to get some sleep as well. Thank you for sharing what you did.”
Father Endac slowly rose up with a respectful bow. “I shall see you in the morning, my child” he said simply. He slowly walked out with the two healer as they returned to their Church.
Swip made her self comfortable on the simple floor bed which was made for her. She looked over at Carissa who was sitting in a chair. Swip thought it was strange that she didn't eat any diner. 'There is something simply off about that one' she thought to herself of the Azgardian Officer. Then added, 'just like all of them.' The thought gave her a smile as she looked back over at Talon who was resting peaceful. Her smile faded as she looked at Talon. Her outfit was covered in blood and ripped. The battle she witnessed was brutal in ways she never dreamed of. Nor did she ever wish to see it again. Talon might be a beautiful woman of her sister's likeness. Swip remembered how Talon so easily killed the bandits on the road. However she couldn't help but remember how fondly Talon spoke of Daz and their joined history. Despite what she saw on the road earlier, Swip could plainly see Talon's ability to love via her affection for Daz. There was allot in Talon that Swip liked and she hoped that maybe she could break Talon of her violent habits. Eventually. However, there was still questions in Swip's mind. 'Why is it that you and Daz are so at odds? What has come between you two?' she thought as she looked at the powerful Azgardian warrior. Swip rolled over and covered herself with the simple blanket as shadows from the fire danced across the walls of the small house. She smiled once more as the idea of her adventure was just getting started. She found her adventure and so much more. With all that she has already learned, Swip smiled as she drifted off to sleep. Thoughts of her adventure dancing through her mind.
Swip was shaken awake by Carissa, “Swip you must wake up” Carissa said in her normal emotionless tone.
Swip groaned as she could tell by the light outside that it must be very early. “I am awake” she said as she rolled over and fought to her hands and knees. “What has happened?”
“The slavers attacked” Carissa explained plannly.
Swip shot her gaze in to Carissa's eyes, “What?” She forced her body to respond to her commands, despite its wariness. Swip leaped up and rushed out the door with Carissa right behind her. The bells of the Church were sounding giving the early morning an eerie sound. The fresh snow on the ground crunched under her feet as Swip rushed out to the fields where she saw most of the villagers standing around. She followed a group of villagers and members of the church towards the gathering. Just as they crossed a foot bridge over the small river, Swip could her the sounds of sorrow filling the air. She rushed up to the group around the mother who had taken Swip and her companions in. The woman had fallen to her knees crying out with her hands buried in the snow. She lifted her head as Swip approached and in that moment Swip knew what had happened. The pain and anguish was clearly written across her face as the mother let out a howl of crying which filled the still air.
Before Swip could do anything, Nabat pulled her back from the horrific scene. Swip could see the blood on his shirt and knew that he had been wounded. “The slavers came this morning with their Jedi protectors. A few of us tried to fight them off. A NeDor cut down my brother, he is dead. They took our daughter. He told us, that we had to hand over the NeDor we were sheltering and a thousand pieces. We had to sunrise tomorrow to meet his demands or our children, all of them, would be sold in to the flesh market off world.”
Swip listened carefully and knew what had to be done. While she knew she couldn't come up with the money demanded, she could offer herself in exchange for the save return of the children. It was the most logical thing to do. However before she could answer she heard a voice behind her, “I know you are not even thinking about that.”
Swip turned to see walking up Talon with a bit of a limp. “It is the most logical thing to do. We negotiate with them and free the children.”
Talon walked up to them and looked around, “We are clearly being watched. They asked for you for a reason. Which is all the reason I need to not hand you over to them.”
Swip turned to face Talon in defiance, “We can not risk the children's lives. I am in charge, it is my choice.”
“Normally I would agree with you.” Talon said as she continued to look around, “The whole 'I am in charge' claim. Experience has taught me that you never give them what they ask for.” She took in a deep breath, “You are right, we have to rescue the children. But not like this” she explained and motioned back to the house, “Swip come lets talk about this away from spying eyes.”
Swip looked around but couldn't see what Talon had seen. As she strained her eyes, she tried to search for who was watching them. She simply couldn't see them. Finally she nodded, “Okay I will listen to what you have to say.” Swip turned and started to walk back towards the house as Talon continued to look towards the wood line. Swip glanced over her shoulder and saw Talon nodding then turned to follow. “Something Talon?”
“Yeah, the Gods of War are calling for vengeance” Talon said coldly and added, “I can feel it in my blood.”
A chill shot up Swip's spin as she heard the words coming from Talon. They walked in silence back to the house as Nabat returned to his wife's side. Swip noticed that Father Endac was following them. Talon didn't seem to mind, so she didn't either. Swip remembered her training as a Sage and she knew that this very training would serve her needs well. They taught clam of mind and emotions. Still the situation had changed drastically and Swip was in a state of struggle over her inner emotions. She turned to Carissa and saw a prefect emotionless her face. She almost envied Carissa for her ability to show such control over her emotions in such a time of crisis. Swip knew she had to keep her own emotions in check if she was to hear what Talon said with an open mind. Once they reached the house, Swip turned, “Please tell me your what you are thinking.”
Talon nodded, “Look, as I have said, experience has taught me well that you never give in to demands. One day, ask Daz about becoming a ingredient in a Sith ritual. Yes we won the day, but the loss of lives was not acceptable. A lot of good warriors died because we rushed in and gave them just what they demanded. Even if we give them what they ask, is there any reason that we can trust the children will be set free?”
Swip thought of the message and what was told to her the night before. She shook her head and then Talon continued, “I have no doubt in your skills or your heart. But this is something that requires my skills, not yours.”
Carissa glanced at Father Endac who has remained silent so far, “What of our current mission?”
Talon looked at Carissa, “Children trump military objectives any day.” She then turned back to Swip and tilted her head as she shrugged her shoulders, “Visst has rubbed off on me.” Talon brought her hand to her chin and thought for a moment, “Okay, what about the local Government garrison? Isn't this their territory?”
“It is” Father Endac spoke up, “however, due to the war there is only a small calvary unit. There is no guarantee that they will be able to save the children. Nor do we currently know where they are.” He paused to think a bit, “I shall send some of my Deacons to search them out. With God's hand they will be found in time.”
Talon nodded as she listened, “So I take it that there is no warriors in your little hamlet here?” Father Endac shook his head. Talon looked back to Swip, “sounds like I have to go get them.”
Swip looked Talon over once more, “that is not acceptable, you are wounded. This would be a suicide mission. And remember, as you said being so hasty, its easy to make mistakes. I can not allow this.”
Talon smiled, “yeah, ask Daz also how well that works with me. Listen, this is not an act of a hasty person. Listen, this has turned in to a hunt. We are either the hunted or the hunters.” Talon turned once more to the Priest, “Go tell your people to each gather two weapons that they can find. Anything they have will do. I don't care what it is. Anything they think could be used as a weapon.”
The look of shook crossed his face, “You can't be serious, they don't know anything of war.”
She turned to look to Swip as she replied to his comment, “Its not for them. I will go in alone. Just go pass the word.” She turned to Carissa, “Go ask around, find out all you can about the local area. Someone knows where their encampment is. Find it, map it, and report back to me.” Carissa nodded and turned to follow the Priest out the door.
Swip was not done with her argument, “Carissa stop! I am in command at the current moment. We are not participating in Talon's plan. Pack our things we are leaving at once. Perhaps turning myself in is not the solution. But I can't stand the thought of these people being attacked based on our presence.”
Carissa looked over at Talon in a clear state of question. Swip had heard of Azgardian loyal and inability to break an order. Talon didn't return the look as she glared at Swip. For a moment Talon seemed angry by the challenge. In that moment, Swip thought Talon was going to attack her. Talon lowered her head, “Swip you can not be this blind.” she said taking a deep breath as she rose her head to look at Swip once more. “They are watching your movements. For some reason they want you. I don't know why, but this is the truth. If you order it, we will leave. I give you my word. But if we leave, they will see us. They will attack us. We will become the hunted. I may be able to fight them off. Maybe I wont. But the fate of the children will be sealed rather we escape or not. Like it or not what you decide here and now will affect those children. Its up to you Swip. Command and we shall follow you. Or let me save them.”
It was Swip's turn to look down. What Talon said made sense and was logical. Swip hated to admit it but she was stuck. She looked up to Carissa and gave her a motion to tend to Talon's instructions. Carissa left with Father Endac in tow behind her. Swip hated the position she was in and the choice that she was forced to make.
Once they were alone Talon turned once more to Swip, “I know what you are thinking. Listen, you are not like me. This is what we, Azgardians, do best. You have to trust me to do this.”
Swip nodded, “I do trust you. I simply don't like this plan. What you are planning is wrong. Violence can't be the only answer. But what you say, you are right. I also feel we are somewhat responsible for all of this.”
Talon smiled as she walked towards Swip and rested a hand on her shoulder, “I like you Swip. Your heart is the better of the two of us. Never change Swip. So many times I have seen Jedi take a perfectly good person and ruin them. Don't change. Be who you are.” Talon walked passed her towards her bed. “As for being responsible. Maybe we are, maybe we aren't. Doesn't matter anymore. The Slavers have named the game and we have to play or else.”
“So what is your plan” Swip asked taking a set near the fireplace.
Talon slowly set down as she checked her bandages which were already showing signs of bleeding through, “I wait till just before dusk, when I can leave without drawing too much attention of our little spies out there. I will deal with them first, silently and quickly. I will find the slavers and their lair. If we are lucky they will be expecting an attack from the villagers. IF we are very lucky they will be expecting an attack from simple villagers. If all goes as planned, I will return before the morning light with the children.” She worked on changing her bandages as she continued to explain her plan. Swip could tell that the wound was not fully healed.
Swip nodded as she listened to the plan. It was clear at this point that Talon would do what had to be done to save the children. Swip didn't have to like it to accept it. There was something to Talon and her people that caught Swip's imagination. “Is this the Azgardian thing to do,” she asked curiously hoping to gain some better insight to Talon's people “I mean rescuing the children.”
Talon shook her head as she lifted her feet on to her bed, “No” she said coldly. Talon started to settle in her bed once more, “but its the right thing to do in this case.” Talon rolled over and pulled the pillow over her head, “I need my rest. Please wake me in nine hours.”
Swip slowly got up and walked for the door. She still was not completely sure of Talon's plan. She wondered the village and heard the reports from other nearby communities. The slavers hit them just as hard. In total, nine more children were taken from their homes and from their families. Each community was left with the same message. If the NeDor in Gustian was not handed over, all of the children would be sold in to the off world flesh market. Swip was taken by such temptation to rush to the slavers to ensure the children's save return personally. She felt the eyes of the villagers on her as she walked through their small, simple world. Lost in her own thoughts, she almost jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Nabat and Endac standing behind her.
“I hear you might be thinking of doing something foolish” Nabat said softly in a matter of a fact tone. He glanced over to Endac, “I think you should hear something before you choose any paths which are before you.”
Swip nodded as the three found a bench near the froze river. Father Endac spoke, “You should hear Nabat's story of why his father was hung.”
Nabat didn't wait as he begun, “Not many know the real reason why my father was hung. Many feel that the reason why he was murdered was because he was our village leader. This was a lie that I asked Father Endac allow to exists. Now he has asked me to shed light on the truth.” he looked down in shame, “We knew weeks before that the Government was leaving. My father along with many of the other leaders hoped that if we could pay off the slavers in a large lump sum, they would leave our region for better hunting else where. They gathered up as much gold as possible. Even Father Endac and the Church helped. They rode out with their tribute several days before the Government was to depart. The slavers took the gold and agreed if more tribute could be provided. We couldn't give more, so they gave them a time table to come up with more. We were only a few coins short of their demands when the Government left. They came and hung my father and the others anyway. Giving in to the slavers means they will only take more. My father was a good man, he taught me to never turn a blind eye to those in need. We will not hand you over to the slavers. Never. But we can not let you blindly go either.”
Swip listened carefully to the story and felt the good in Nabat. Her choice still felt heavy on her heart though, “thank you for this. I must consider the options and listen to, um, the wisdom of God.” she said shifting her eyes behind her goggles towards Endac. She understood the importance of not letting on to her lack of their faith for the time being. She didn't need to further complicate the situation at hand. “Please give me some time to focus on what God's will shall be for me.”
“Yes of course my child” Father Endac said getting up and motioned Nabat to follow.
Swip watched the pair leave as she also got up and followed the frozen river to a place where she could be alone. She found a small place under an evergreen. Slowly lowering herself she prepared to see through the force in to her own future. It didn't take her long to open up her mind to the force around her. She focused her mind on one simple task, knowing what the future would hold for her. She could sense that a path of suffering would be hers should she follow her heart towards the slavers. She could also sense that the children would not be freed either if she followed that path. Their fate was not in her hands, nor was it clear at this time. However there was something greater ahead of her. She didn't fight what the force wanted to show her. In the echoes of the past she could hear the same struggle between philosophies approaching. Beyond these struggles she sensed the doom of both sides. Neither philosophy could currently exist within the same order. There was a piece missing from the puzzle that must be uncovered, if the coming fires were to be survived. There was also another new piece to the galaxy which had to be accounted for. A piece represented by crucifix which now had become a power within the galaxy unto its self. If all were to survive, all had to survive together, or not at all. Swip could sense that the entire puzzle was still incomplete. Yet, still the path before her right now was not meant for her. It was a test, but not her test. IF she followed it, it would mean her doom as well as for the children.
Swip could sense the coming flames of tomorrow being marched in to being by millions of thunderous boots. Fires that threaten to ignite across the galaxy once more. They were rapidly approaching cross roads and time was running out to make the right choice which would bring peace and order without burning the galaxy once more. Still she could feel that there were motions well out of their control, but not from her influences. Within the deepest, darkest part of her mind she heard a voice, a Kel Dor voice, speaking to her. 'For not a Jedi can control this, but a Sage could influence it. Be careful where you tread young sage. Vipers are behind you, death before you, tests around you, past above, future below, allies and enemies on either side of you. Look to family for death, ancient enemies for salvation. Trust in the heart, but not fooled by it.'
Swip woke up from her vision rested but troubled. Her strength had been tapped from the intense vision and now her body ached. She looked for the sun and found it on the other side of the sky. She looked around to see Carissa walked along the river. “Carissa!” she called out. Carissa turned and waved to Swip as she started walking over towards her.
“Are you okay? We have been looking for you all day.” Carissa said softly.
Swip felt hungry but otherwise okay. “Yeah, I am sorry I must have drifted off. Where is Talon?”
Carissa helped Swip up to her feet, “she is waiting on you.” Once Swip was back to her feet, the pair headed back for the village.
As they walked up to the village, they found Talon waiting near the village well. Talon smiled as sew the pair walking up, “I knew you didn't do anything foolish.” Swip tilted her head but held her tongue as Talon continued, “I need to borrow your robes. If I am to pull this off, they have to think you are heading towards them.”
Swip nodded as she removed her red, decorative robes, “Talon, I don't think things are what we think they are. Please be on your guard. I sense that there are larger plots at work here.”
Talon nodded as she put on the robes. Swip noticed the number of weapons that Talon was taking with her. Talon was taking a pair of small sickles, two machetes and a few small knives. “Thank you Swip” Talon said softly as she finished getting ready, “Swip, do me a favor, if I don't return. If something happens. When you get back to the group, make sure you tell Daz. He...um....he will always be my little brother. I never thought of him as anything else.” Talon used the robe to cover up her weapons and conceal her true intentions.
Swip felt a hint of cold over her soul as she reached out to Talon's arm, “Wait, maybe this is also a mistake.” Swip could feel the heavy weight of destiny's hand on the moment. “Maybe there is another way we haven't thought of. You don't have to go.”
Talon softly pulled away from Swip's grasps and turned to walk away, “Yes I do.” Then she stopped as she slowly turned back towards Swip and looked right in to her eyes, “You don't get it, I am the Defender that the Gods of sent.” On that note and without saying another word Talon turned and calmly walked out of the village.
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