The Art of Chaos and Darkness

Chapter Twenty-Six

Din stood at the edge of the of the rocky cliff and looked down.

It was a least a fifty foot drop to the sandy ground at the bottom, almost like a crater in Moraband's surface.  

"Careful."  Valda's voice sounded from behind him.  "If you fall in, you're fair game." 

He turned to face her as she approached the ledge.  Her black robes blew behind her in the wind, a harsh contrast to the bright colors of the desert.  Her hair was loose and covered by the hood pulled over her head.  On her brow the silver band sparkled in the light.  But her eyes were cold, the amber and gold glinting.  Across her right cheek ran a jagged, red line.  

Din's blood froze at the sight of it.  Her master had scarred her purposely.  Valda came to a stop in front of him and clasped her hands behind her back.  "This is where almost all combat trials are held.  We call it the arena."

Din turned to face the sandy pit before him.  On the ground he could see five figures in silver tunics surrounded by two others in red robes.  

"The acolytes wear silver.  The masters wear red.  Today's trails will be a series of tests designed to showcase their abilities."  She jerked her head to a group of others seat on an outlook halfway down the rocky walls.  "Those are the Sith Lords looking to choose an acolyte as an apprentice."

"So the lords choose whichever they are most impressed by?"  Din used his helmet to zoom in on the figures.  Two females and three males.  All human.

"Essentially, yes.  The highest ranked Sith Lord will choose first and then so forth.  However, if an acolyte does not impress any of the lords, they can refuse to choose them as an apprentice."  Valda's watched the group on the ground.

"What happens if they are not picked?"  

She cleared her throat.  "They are removed from the academy.  Given a place in society as a regular civilian."

Din spun to her.  "Wait, so all the regular people on Moraband not training to be Sith were failed acolytates."  

Valda dipped her head.  "Yes.  Everyone is given equal opportunity to pass the trials.  But only the strongest are chosen."  She turned to him.  "I can sense what you're thinking and no- they are not treated as rejects or outcasts.  They are a valuable part of our life.  Many become politicians or business owners.  Some are even glad they are not forced to become Sith.  The bloodshed and ruthlessness is not for everyone."  The wind rustled the fabric that blew around her body.  

"So, what are these trials then?"

"You will see."  A rare smile crossed her face.  Then she leapt off the edge of the cliff.

Din swallowed his cry of alarm as he peered over the edge and watch her land on the ground.  She rose to her feet and began to walk toward the group of acolytes.  Din jumped off the edge, his jet pack flying him down to the sandy ground below.  His boots landed softly, sending up plumes of dust in his wake.  He walked to wear Valda was waiting a few yards away from the group.

She said nothing to him, the hood somehow still managing to remain on her head despite her rapid descent to the ground.  One of the Sith in red was speaking.  "Today are you trials, so among performing well to showcase your skills for the Sith Lords gathered, you have been offered another great opportunity."  The Sith bowed to Valda.  "The Chaosbringer herself has come to oversee your trials in addition to our guest, the King of Mandalore." 

The title made Din freeze but no paid any notice as the acolytes bowed low to Valda.  "Today is a very important day for all of you.  This will determine your future.  The trajectory of your life on Moraband.  Good luck."  She stepped back as the acolytes were given instructions pertaining the first trial.

"King of Mandalore?"  Din hissed to her as they waited. 

She gave a shrug.  "Are you not?"

"I am but-"

"But what?"  Her gaze was focused ahead.  The acolytes began their first test, shielding against force wielded attacks.  Din watched as the Sith masters did not hold back and wave after wave of force energy was sent at the trainees.  Some were so powerful, the acolytes slid backwards in the sand. 

"What were your trials like?"  Din asked, watching the demonstration of power.

Valda looked around.  "Mine were different.  I was not an acolyte, I was chosen specifically as the King's apprentice.  So my trials were to determine if I could be the Chaosbringer in addition to his apprentice.  If I was capable of leading the armies." 

Din gestured at the acolytes.  "But same test of skills?"

"To a degree yes.  I did manage to destroy enough of the old arena that the trials were moved to this space." 

Din's eyebrows rose and before he knew it, a slight chuckle had escaped him.  Valda tried to hide it but he didn't miss the smile to flitted across her lips.  The acolytes finished their first trial, bowing to the Sith Lords watching from afar.  The next test was lightsaber skills and Din watched as they went through a series of drills and exercises. 

Then the Sith master turned to the pair of them expectantly and gestured for Din to come forward. 

"You're to help them show their deflection skills," Valda explained.  "Go."

Din walked hesitantly forward, not sure how he felt about shooting one of his blasters at these trainees. 

He made it all of six feet before the world exploded in sand and fire and smoke.