[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Kyra emerged from the trees and approached her sister Ishara and Allysha who were waiting for Talia to arrive…

Kyra had sensed Ishara needed her. The two were sisters by blood and shared a unique power with each other. Their minds were constantly linked and they could speak to each other and sense the others emotions at all times.

“I sensed your summons Ishara. What has happened?”

Ishara described the incident involving Lexus, an incident that would put plans into motion earlier than anticipated…

Ishara’s followers would now have to leave the temple.

None were ready for a confrontation with Selene…

They’re hopes to further their training into the Book of Shadows was now in Varia’s hands, someone none of them knew was sane enough to help.


The three then sensed someone approaching…

Each of them grabbed their lightsabers and ignited them in unison, holding them at the ready…

It was Talia who had also come to Ishara’s calling.

The lightsabers were returned to their belts as Ishara signalled Talia and got the group moving…

Selene would be informed of what happened soon and they had to put some distance between themselves and the temple.

As they made their way through the woods, a surprising visitor made her appearance also…

It was Krista who was standing with her hands on her hips.[/FONT]

Krista stared at the group walking towards her. She had a choice to make and it was time to make it. "I assume the four of you won't be joinig us at the temple later?" None of them said a word. Krista looked at Ishara who seemed prepared for a fight. "I already know what happened with Lexus, I saw it from a distance. I've already heard about your little Lexian legend too" Krista said sarcastically.

Krista looked up to the dark sky above, then her eyes returned to Ishara's. "I'm not against you, but I cannot come with you either. For what it's worth, I shall be ytour eyes and ears here at the temple. Besides..." Krista began to smile; "...I never liked Lexus anyway. You'd better keep moving."

Ishara nodded and the group went on their way. Krista slowly headed back to the temple.

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Ishara led her small group along the nearby river, making sure they walked in the water to conceal being tracked…

Oddly enough, none of them sensed they were being followed. Ishara was almost certain Lexus would go straight to Selene, declaring their treason, and that Selene would demand vengeance.

But, there was nothing.


Strange…


Ishara’s thoughts then returned to finding Varia. Again and again Ishara heard Celina’s words in her mind, speaking of her destiny and the future she was to bring to the present. So much rested upon Ishara’s shoulders and Ishara hoped Varia could help her find the clarity of thought to achieve what was hers for the taking.

“How far away is this Varia?” Kyra shouted out.

“She lives in one of the valleys within the mountains.”

Ishara then recalled the last time she went on an exertion like this. She remembered when she accompanied her friend Nat Vinda on her search to find the damned exiled Jedi Salazar in the mountains of Brion.

Now she was on a search of her own, claiming her own destiny...

Only Ishara’s lied on a darker path than that of Nat’s.


“We’ll keep moving as long as we can to put as much distance between ourselves and the temple” Ishara shouted to the group.

Ishara’s mind then began to wander at the mention of the temple…


When next I see the temple…



Things will be quite different.



The darkness of the evening was increasing with every step the group took along their journey...

The calls of the Rancors were fading into the distance as the howls of the Lexian Mountain Wolves increased...

Ishara was creeping closer to Varia as the base of the mountain before her neared with every passing moment.


Though the group was on a journey together...



Ishara's journey was about to begin.[/FONT]

Great Hall in the Temple…


Selene quietly sat as she watched Lexus…

“You impudent little bitch!” Lexus yelled as she slapped Celina’s face, splashing blood onto the floor.

Celina was being beat, but she vowed not to submit. She would not allow herself to betray Ishara.

Again and again Lexus continued to hit Celina…

Hit after hit Celina’s blood flowed from her body, weakening her with every strike.

“Tell me where they are Lexian!”

Lexus grabbed Celina’s blood soaked hair and lifted her head so she could look her in the eyes…

“Tell me!” she shouted again.

“Never…” Celina replied with all the strength she could muster.

“Damn you…” Lexus began to say until Selene raised her hand. As she did, Lexus dropped Celina’s head back to the floor.

In her usual calm and low voice, Selene began to address Celina…

“You are not being of much service to your goddesses Celina. If you think this is the most you will receive for your treachery, I assure you it is not. Now, do you have something to say?”

Selene waited only for a brief moment…

“Lexus, take her to the sub levels. She will tell us after more intense persuasion.”

Lexus grabbed Celina’s arm and began to drag her to the corridor leading to the stairs…

Celina had only one thought to herself…



My life is now forfeit.

Allysha stumbled as her foot was caught on some stones on the ground below. Looking under her feet she saw there were several neatly patterned blocks that were carved to fit perfectly with each other. It appeared to be an ancient road which had fallen into disrepair.

“My Sister, come look at this” Allysha called out to Ishara who then joined her and began to study the stonework.

They had all just reached the base of the mountain where this ancient roadway was found. Looking into the distance, Allysha could vaguely see the tips of the temple where the roadway seemed to travel ioff in the distance to. They then noticed something amazing. Not only could you see the temple, but you could see the outlines of other structures which had been long forgotten and claimed by the dark forest.

“The temple is part of an entire city” Allysha said as they all looked down into the valley. It was generally known that the Lexians once had the ability to build structures like the temple, but nobody knew they could build entire cities. It even seemed there were larger structures than the temple, long forgotten by timealong with the remains of aqueducts which once carried water to the city from the mountain tops above.

Allysha turned around and noticed Ishara was now looking in the opposite direction. She was looking to where the roadway was leading. “We will follow the road from here. It’s leading between these two mountains and into the next valley where we will find Varia” Ishara said to the group.

They began following the broken roadway with Ishara leading them from in front. It was late and they would soon need to camp somewhere. They came upon a small structure that would work well to shelter them for the night.

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]The rustling of leaves and the sounds of many of Lexia’s dark creatures could be heard throughout the night.

The group got what rest they could, but one was restless…

One was dreaming…





Ishara had risen to her feet and walked outside the structure they had used as a shelter for the night.

The light breeze she felt was cool and refreshing as she pondered what she had just seen in her dream…


What did the dream mean?

Who was the shadowy figure I had slain?


Ishara looked up the stone road to a hill it passed over which was only a few feet away…

She walked up the hill and stopped at its summit…

Ishara was looking down into the valley she was looking for which contained several more ruins of its own…

The valley where she would find Varia.

Ishara turned and noticed the others were also awake…

“We need to start moving. The valley is just over this hill.”

Her companions joined Ishara on the hill and they began the decent into the dark valley below…

Allysha took Ishara's side...

"When will we find Varia my sister."

Ishara gazed up into the dark Lexian sky...

"Soon."
[/FONT]

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Ishara and her companions had arrived in the valley and began to make their way past several structures until they came to something very chilling…

“What is it my sister?” Allysha gasped.

Before them were several skeletons with marking painted on them, all tied to posts in a tribal fashion. They were a warning for anyone who approached.

Ishara, looking up at the skeletons, knew what had to be done next. She turned to face the group…

“You must all wait here. I must go ahead alone and confront Varia. Once I have spoken to her, I will summon all of you when the time is right.”

Ishara walked past the relics and disappeared into the dark forest, her mind full of thoughts about Varia.

***

Ishara struggled to make her way through the forest which seemed to become wilder with each step. She could sense the darkness ahead and knew Varia had to be close.

Ahead, Ishara saw a small clearing where a structure was. She continued towards it and tripped over what she first thought was a branch…

Looking down at her feet, she then realized bones were spread throughout the area.

Ishara then heard a shrill scream then was suddenly struck hard in the face by a swift shadowy figure…

Ishara was knocked to the ground, spitting the blood out of her mouth from the split lip she had just received.

“Varia?” Ishara yelled as she grabbed her lightsaber.

“You think you weapon is any match for me?” a dark voice said as it let out a laugh.

Ishara had not even had a chance to ignite her lightsaber when the weapon was knocked from her hand and she was again struck in the face, falling to the ground. Blood began to run from Ishara’s nose which she wiped with her hand, getting angrier by the second…

Ishara stood up and prepared for another attack. She caught eye of the shadow which approached with lightening speed. Ishara attempted to strike until she felt a jabbing sensation to her abdomen and was tripped. Again, Ishara was on the ground.

The echoed laughter could be heard in all directions…

“You are no match for me! You will die here!”

Ishara gritted her teeth and slowly returned to her feet. She reached out with her senses in preparation for the next attack which came as suddenly as the last…

This time, Ishara’s counterattack was successful. She managed to strike the shadow, a mistake she would pay for…

Another shrill cry filled the air as the shadow jumped Ishara, striking her again and again and clawed at her with talon like claws…

“You now see your death!”

Ishara did not yield. She managed to grab both of the shadow’s arms, holding them still and stopping the attack.

Reaching out with her powers, Ishara’s lightsaber came to her hand as she threw the shadow off of her. Igniting her lightsaber, Ishara swung around…

She stopped just short of Varia’s neck.

Looking up at her, Varia let out an evil grin.

“You are not worthless as I was led to believe Ishara” Varia said as her talon like fingers shrank down to normal size.

Ishara deactivated her lightsaber and returned it to her belt.

“I have come to you for guidance Shadow Priestess Varia.” Ishara knelt before the Lexian; “And for your teachings.”

Varia laughed…

“We shall see!!!!”

Varia began to make her way to the structure with Ishara closely behind.
[/FONT]

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Ishara followed Varia, still feeling the effects of her attack. She noted how Varia seemed to jump at any sound around her. Her head always looking around, much like that of a cat.

“Come inside Ishara” Varia said in a dark and raspy voice.

Ishara followed her into a large ruin which Varia had made her home. Inside, the smell was dreadful. There were dead carcasses of different creatures hanging from the ceiling and scattered on the floor were countless bones. Surprisingly, there didn’t seem to be any weapons.

They continued to the back of the building where Varia sat behind a fire with her back against the rear wall. Like before, she was still twitchy…

“Sit down Ishara, we have much to discuss” Varia said as she smiled, her teeth glistening in the light of the fire.

“I have come here to...” Ishara was interrupted. “Shh!! What? Yes I should listen to her” Varia began to babble. Ishara began to understand what Celina had told her about Varia as she began to speak to herself. Varia was on the edge of insanity by what she could see.

“Go on my child, I will listen” Varia then said.

“I’m her with some of my sisters to complete our training Shadow Priestess.”

“Shadow Priestess!!!” Varia began laughing; “You know I am a Shadow Priestess? How? Who?” Varia threw another small log onto the fire and continued before Ishara could answer; “No matter.”

Varia stared at Ishara, apparently sizing her up…

Ishara stared at Varia, apparently deciding if this trip was even worth making…

“I shall train you my sister, but you will need other training as well. Training the others can teach you” Varia said as she again smiled a dark smile.

“The others?” Ishara questioned…

“You will all find out soon enough. Summon your sisters, we will eat soon and begin tomorrow.”

Ishara obeyed her new master and summoned her companions through the power of Mind Touch. She continued to stare at Varia, still wondering of this Lexian woman could actually help them or not.[/FONT]

Allysha remained silent during the rather odd meal. She had no idea what they were eating, but she was hungry and ate what was given to her. She remained next to Ishara, as she normally did, watching this Varia. Truly she did seem strange but Allysha followed Ishara’s lead and decided it was best to give the Shadow Priestess a chance.

“You are all destined for great things. I can sense this” Varia announced to the group. She then pointed at Allysha as she spoke to Ishara, “That one will stand by your side no matter what I think. Yes, she has great potential as well.” Allysha’s attention was caught by what Varia had to say. “You may one day ascend to the level of Shadow Priestess yourself Allysha. Although I sense Ishara may even honor you with a title all your own.”

Allysha had already heard much of what seemed almost expected of Ishara to do in the near future. Now that Varia had hinted at Allysha’s future, she was understandably curious about what lies ahead for Ishara’s followers. “My Shadow Priestess, what lies in the future for all of us?” Varia blankly stared at Allysha after she posed her question and said nothing at first. “You are all here for a reason; you will learn soon enough what that is.”

Allysha nodded to Varia and briefly glanced at Ishara. She still was not convinced Varia was going to be of any help but had hoped tomorrow would dictate if that would be true or not.

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Much time had passed…

Varia had helped Ishara and her followers to enhance their skills as Nightsister Learners. Varia had proven to them she was worth listening to and each benefited from her knowledge. At time she was a bit odd, but it became evident why she was once a Shadow Priestess.

Focus in training had soon changed. Each day Varia had her students moving large stones from one end of a clearing to the other without using any of their powers to help them do so. It was nonstop labor that seemed pointless but none of them questioned Varia’s methods.

In between carrying stones, Varia paired up several of the Learners for lightsaber sparring practice. She insisted they use hard sticks instead of the lightsabers themselves because she did not wish for any of them to stop any strike targeted at each other. The pain of failure was a strong motivation and one of Varia’s favorite spectacles.

Varia soon had the Learners begin using their powers while sparring which added to their skills as duelists. Several injuries were the result but her students were becoming very skilled in the art of lightsaber dueling.

Ishara had risen to be one of the best duelists of the group and Allysha too had excelled in her skills. This day, Varia targeted Ishara as she ignited a live lightsaber and ordered Ishara to do the same and attack.

Ishara faked a lunge which made Varia step back in a defensive stance. Ishara then caste the spell of Fire Creation causing a small ball of fire to flash before Varia which briefly blinded her. Ishara then leaped and twirled in the air bringing her lightsaber forcefully downward. The cracking of the blades could be heard as Ishara’s lightsaber made contact with Varia’s. Varia pushed Ishara back and countered with several strikes that Ishara successfully blocked. Varia then summoned her power to throw two large stones toward Ishara who then rolled on the ground to avoid them. In doing so, Ishara kicked Varia’s leg out which caught her off balance and Varia stumbled to the ground. Ishara jumped to her feet, but an infuriated Varia had also returned to her feet and prepared to step up her fight. Their lightsaber again met and the two swung and struck each other’s lightsabers in several cracks and flashes of light. Ishara then summoned her powers to push Varia back but Varia had already countered and threw Ishara against a stone wall with great force. Varia then ended the duel.

“My sister, you are mastering your skills very well” Varia said as she smiled. Ishara slowly rose to her feet. “Thank you my Shadow Priestess” Ishara replied as she bowed. Varia’s face now went dark; “Do not confuse yourself that you are any match for me or Selene.” Varia then turned and walked off into the darkness.

Ishara was out of breath and covered in sweat and she dropped to the ground to rest. Allysha approached her and sat beside her. “You held yourself very well against her my sister. You may have done better than she had expected” Allysha said in a low voice. Ishara laughed, “The way my back feels right now would say otherwise.”

Ishara slowly rose to her feet and then heard Varia’s words in her mind…

“We must talk, come to my sanctuary.”

Ishara then began to make her way to her meeting with Varia. [/FONT]