The Enchanted Library of Endor

The Old Man

"Kanan, where are we going?" questioned an exasperated Ezra.

"I told you, I need to go to the village," Kanan said to his young padawan.

"Couldn't we have at least landed the Phantom closer, then? We've been walking for hours," the dark haired boy complained.

"Last time I was here, there was a strong Imperial presence," Kanan explained.

"Who are we even going to see, anyway?" Ezra questioned.

"A girl," Kanan said vaguely. He was distracted.

"Who, Kanan, not what," Ezra said.

Kanan sighed, trying to collect his wandering thoughts before replying, "Her name is Yukianna."

//flashback//

Sixteen year old Caleb Dume ran as fast as he could down the streets of Endor, chased by four clones. He dodged the blaster fire as best as he could, but suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his leg.

He cried out in pain, but kept running, tears forming in his eyes. He turned down an alleyway, and was pulled quickly into the tiny crevice between two buildings. He stumbled, his torso landing on the lap of the person who had grabbed him. He went to scream out for them to let go of him, but a small hand covered his mouth. The clones ran down the alley, not even noticing their hiding spot. Slowly, the hand was removed from his mouth.

Caleb turned around to see a very pale young girl with short blonde hair and light grey eyes. She wore a silvery-white dress with purple tights, brown boots, and a short red cloak. He couldn't help but notice how she looked so innocent, but her eyes seemed wise far beyond her years.

"Thank you," Caleb wispered. "But, why did you do that? If they had found you, they would've taken you, too."

The girl nodded. "They would've taken me anyway," she wispered back. Her voice was quiet, underused, barely able to be heard. "I'm like you, force sensative. So is my sister."

"Who are you?" Caleb questioned.

"My name is Yukianna, and my sister is named Camila. I am the Keeper of the Library of Endor," she explained, not knowing why she felt she could trust him. "Come with me, Caleb Dume, if you want to be safe."

She stood and waited for him to do the same. When he was on his feet, he asked, "How did you know my name?"

She began to lead him away from the center of the village. "I know many things," she said.

Suddenly, she took a sharp turn into a little antique shop. It was grimy and seemed to never have customers.

"Mr. Tamerlane," the girl said, adressing the old man behind the counter, presumably the owner. "Is the coast clear?"

"Yukianna," the man cried happily, then covered his mouth guiltily. "Sorry," he said, quieter this time. "Who is your friend? I've not seen you with anyone but your sister in many months."

"This is Caleb Dume," the girl replied. "The ball alerted me he would be in trouble, and that it had a message for him."

"Ah, well, it's nice to see you, son," the man greeted, shaking Caleb's hand.

"Follow me," the girl told Caleb, walking to a near empty shelf. Glancing around mysteriously, she pushed one side of the shelf. It opened up to reveal an old, dusty staircase, leading down.

He began wondering if he should trust her. She had saved his life, but for what?

//end flashback//

"Kanan?" Ezra asked. Kanan looked back at his young padawan. "What happened after she saved you? What was the library like?" the boy questioned.

"If all goes as planned, you'll find out soon enough." Kanan said.

They continued walking until they arrived at a small, old antique shop.

"It's still here," Kanan whispered. Ezra gave a curious look to his master, but decided not to question further.

The two walked inside and saw a bent old man behind a counter. A candle beside him was the only light in the room. The man looked at the pair, almost as if wondering why someone would enter his shop.

"Mr. Tamerlane?" Kanan asked, almost nervous.

The old man looked even closer at the man before him. "Is that you?" he asked. "Caleb-"

"Um, it's Kanan, now," the younger man corrected, "but yes."

"It's been twelve years, boy," Mr. Tamerlane replied. "What brings you back to Endor?"

"The Library," Kanan said. "I need to talk to Yukianna."

The old man seemed to sadden suddenly. "That's right," he said, "you weren't here when it happened." He held the candle up, so that it's light shone on the whole room. Marks from blaster fire could be seen on the walls, as well as burn marks.

"The Imperials. They found it, didn't they?" Kanan asked, fear creeping into his voice.

The man nodded, saying, "It was only a week or so after you left Endor. They burst in here, yelling orders, blasting their guns. Who was I to fight? I was old even then. It didn't take long for one of 'em to hit the shelf, by accident, sending it open. They found the Library. I don't know what they did to it, but they drug out both Yukianna and Camila. As strong in the force as they were, they were still only children. Twelve year old girls, caught in fate. I don't know what happened. As far as I know, they're long gone. No one has been to the Library since."

"Not even you?" Ezra asked, finally speaking up.

"No," the man shook his head. "I've never entered the Library, and I don't plan to. I hear it is beautiful, mysterious, and dangerous, but I was never invited, and I'm glad of it. Many who went in did not exit the same as they entered. They were changed, mentally. No, I am content to just stand watch at the door, until the day comes when I no longer can."

"Are you sure she never returned?" Kanan asked.

"If she did, I never saw her," Mr. Tamerlane answered solemnly. "You're welcome to go have a look, yourself, son, but be careful. I don't know what's down there."