The Art of Chaos and Darkness

Chapter Twenty-One

Valda let loose a breath, feeling the Darkside thrumming around her.

Behind her, the hall full of Sith raised their voices in celebration and agreement with the Sith King.  Valda let go of the lightsaber, the blade retracting with a hiss and bowed.  "I am glad to have returned."  

"There is much we need to discuss.  Beginning with the one who was tasked with bringing you here."

Din

Valda had nearly forgotten he was present and she turned to face him.  She couldn't read his facial expression of course and was tempted to feel through the bond for his emotions but refrained.  She didn't want Darth Krayt, the King, knowing of that just yet.  That was assuming he didn't already.  

Din must have sensed this situation was not in his favor and Valda saw his hand moving for his blaster.  She faced Darth Krayt.  "The Mandalorian is of use to us.  He is a Child of the Watch.  An ancient ally to the Sith.  In addition, he also carries the Dark Saber.  This makes him the ruler of Mandalore."  

A few gasps echoed throughout the room and Darth Krayt's eyebrows rose.  "That does indeed make him a valuable and honorable guest on Moraband."  He addressed Din directly.  "This is more on this subject I would wish to discuss with you then."  

Din gave him the shallowest of nods and the King seemed satisfied.  "You both must be weary from you long journey here.  Rest for now and we will gather again tonight to feast and discuss the future."  

The Sith in the throne room began to disperse and two Kings Guard appeared, gesturing for Valda and Din to follow.  Valda bowed again to her master and followed behind Din, out of the grand throne room.  

The Kings Guard led them to her old quarters, which were a sprawling set of chambers and rooms with a balcony.  Din was given the adjoining suite to hers.  Valda knew this was two keep the both of them in the same place and under a careful eye.  As the door hissed closed, Valda did a small circle.  It was as if she had left yesterday.  

She was in the main sitting room, the three enormous couches forming a half rectangular around a low sitting table.  The rugs were just as plush as she remembered them, the lanterns flickering with gold lighting.  Through the giant floor to ceiling windows she could glimpse the desert of Moraband and the tombs.  To the right was her bedroom with the king sized bed and adjoining bathing chambers.  

She walked past the canopy bed and to the double doors that led out onto a sprawling balcony.  This had always been her favorite place.  She stepped outside as twilight felt and stared up at the clear sky.  Moraband rarely had clouds so the views of the stars were always spectacular.  A gentle breeze blew through her hair.  With a sigh she stepped back inside.  She knew her Master would want to see her.

She found him in his war chambers.  The Kings Guard lined the door, not moving a muscle as she stepped into the dark room. 

"Leave us."  The King spoke with his back turned, facing the giant map on the wall.

The Kings Guard bowed as one and left the room on silent feet.

Valda waited as the Sith King turned to face her.  When he had come to save her on Nar Shaddaa, she had no idea of who or what he was.  She had simply known him as Darth Krayt, her master.  It wasn't until later when she was well into her training that she was integrated into the Sith society and hierarchy.  And was named his right hand, his second in command. 

Darth Krayt turned at last, the orange in his eye flickering like a flame.  "What happened."

And there it was.  Her master was always brutal, efficient and cut straight to the point.  Outside of the throne room, he played no games and did not hold up the image of a monarch.  He was a Sith Lord through and through, especially with his apprentice.

Valda knew he was talking about the fact that she had been sent on a mission and did not return.  Cut all contact.  It had been almost a year. 

She took a breath, hands clasped behind her back.  "I was tracking down leads on the Jedi Temples you sent me to find  Some were very far and few between and took me to the furthest edges of the galaxy."

"And what did you find?"

A chill skittered down her spine.  "Ruins."

"But you found more than just that."

She let out a breath.  "Yes.  Especially on Dromund Kass."   

Darth Krayt placed both his hands flat on the table.  "You went searching for your family."  

"I knew they were dead.  I don't know what I was looking for but... I found nothing.  It doesn't matter."  

Her master rose to his full height.  "You may have earned back your right as the Chaosbringer through combat in the eyes of the Dark Council but my trust will not so easily be won."  He paced around the side of the table, towering over her.  His eyes were hard, cold and nothing human remained in them.  His arm shot out without warning.  His metal fingers wrapped around her throat, the cybernetics attached to his body creaking.  "If you ever disobey me again, I will kill you."  His voice flowed around the chamber, a promise of death.  "You may be my second in command but make no mistake who the most powerful Sith is.  I am your master and you will obey me."

Valda choked but his vice-like grip did not waver, ripping open the freshly healed wounds from the shock collar.  At last, Darth Krayt released his grip.  Valda dropped to both knees, panting.  "Forgive me, Master."

Darth Krayt paced away.  "Your emotions are powerful, they fuel you.  But do not let them control you.  You must condemn the past.  This is your future, the Sith are your future.  And when the time is right, we will both lead them to glory."

"Yes, Master.  I am honored to serve by your side."

"Mmm.  Now tell me more of the Mandalorian."  

So Valda rose and recited the little she knew about Din, leaving out his name and the bond they shared.  "He was never told of his full history or of Death Watch.  But he holds the Dark Saber and is willing to claim the throne on Mandalore.  If he allies with the Ancient Sith, together we would create an unstoppable army."

Darth Krayt nodded slowly.  "This is good fortune for us.  I want you to watch him closely.  Acclimate him to our culture, our people and way of life.  Acquire his trust.  When the time is right, we will make our move.  Dismissed."

Valda bowed again and left the chamber, the words echoing in her mind.  Despite Darth Krayt's threats, she smiled at the promise and offer of power he offered. 

This was where she belonged.