Edge of the Empire: Book 01: Outcast Origins

Chapter 16: This is the Way

Light-filled the night as the storm threw itself against the mountain range. Thunder shook the stone and steel walls of the enclave muted only but the sheets of rain lashing the structure. With each arc of lightning, the pitch blackness was turned bright if only for a moment. A brief illumination that scattered shadows, filling the tumultuous world with otherworldly hope that the night would soon turn today.

It wasn't the storm, that roused Gaegan from his slumber. He'd grown up listening to such weather. High in his family's dwelling, the young boy had listened with awe at the ferocity and raw power of the weather. As a youth, the novelty had long since faded. Now the thunderheads barely registered as little more than white noise.

Gaegan wasn't sure what had brought him to full alertness. It wasn't the creak of a bed frame or the rustle of fabric. Nor was it the padding of footsteps faint with distance. No, it had been the careless whisper carried by a lull in the storm system. A quiet murmuring of, "I'm sorry." The young man's eyes flew open, he had been fortunate to have been laying on his side facing the door to the lodge. A flash of lightning had revealed a figure standing in the doorway. In an instant after the thunder cracked, the figure was gone.

Sitting up Gaegan looked around. He'd seen only one figure but noted two of the beds were empty. His interest and annoyance were piqued when he realized they belonged to both Jilo and Jarek.

Ever since they'd arrived at the fortress above Kart'a'Buir, the pair had grown close. They often stole away to enjoy one another s company when they thought no one was looking. But Gaegan saw. It disgusted him that anyone would have anything to the do with the Dar'Manda. Jilo was an exceptional warrior and hunter; a true Mandalorian. And she was beautiful. She would make someone a fine wife. It had gulled him that the Outcast would presume so much and yet Jilo had reciprocated.

Gaegan was not jealous of the Outcast. Anyone would make a better match to the young woman than Jarek. It disturbed him to see a smart Mando like Jilo was drawn to a... thing...like the Dar'Manda. But there was little he could do. The Outcast had Ja'Halir's favor and there were no rules prohibiting fraternization between students just as long as it didn't interfere with the rites. Like it as not, Jarek would become a member of the clan after the Verd'Goten and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

He'd only ever been partially successful at staying ahead of the whelp in the trials – his mind flashed to the moment when despite the pain Jarek had risen to Ja'Halir's challenge – but even in defeat, the chakaar won.

Rising, the young man hurried to the door. He wasn't sure why the pair had decided on a late-night rendezvous. Gaegan didn't even know what he'd do when he caught up to them, but in his anger, he didn't care.

Out in the night, Gaegan spotted two figures rushing through the rain towards the garden. Their silhouettes were but dark blue smudges against the night. Lightning cracked and he got a good glimpse. Jilo's long dark hair was instantly recognizable as it whipped about. She was in the lead and running like her life depended on it. The young woman moved swiftly from cover to cover, avoiding the open areas of the courtyard. Jarek followed at a sprint, desperate to catch her. Odd. What were they up too?

Bracing himself Gaegan entered the storm. Almost instantly his bedclothes were soaked through. He ignored the chill that penetrated all the way to his bones and pressed onward. Lightning flashed again and he spotted Jarek disappearing into the hydroponic gardens. He couldn't see Jilo which meant she must already be inside.

Raindrops stung like knives and he hurried through the storm to catch up. Avoiding the main entrance, he made his way swiftly around the side. Coming to an opening he peeked through the various vegetable and fruit plants and spotted the young couple.