Jedi Knight

by William C. Dietz

  Jan arrived at Kyle's side as Jerec's body started to fall. It seemed to lose substance as the Force departed, and it landed like a shadow on the ground.

  In the meantime, the ancient bonds that Jerec had worked so hard to repair had been strained by the recent turmoil. Now, subjected to even more stress as the prisoners hurled themselves about, the invisible fabric began to tear. One of the more active spirits spotted the hole, slipped through, and was quickly followed by another. The spell was broken! An unseen chorus screamed their joy, circled the Valley; and poured into the sky.

  A joyful singing was heard as the spirits rode the wind out into the atmosphere — and Kyle felt a chill run up his spine as voices thanked him, one after another. And then they were gone. Kyle knew that the Army of Light had set forth on one last journey; that his mission was at an end.

  The "storm" went on for what seemed like a long time but was no more than minutes. Finally, after the wind had died down and one last screamer had followed the rest to freedom, the Rebels turned away.

  The walk out through the monuments was a slow, almost reverential affair — that ended in front of a long stone wall. Kyle whirled in response to a series of clicks, whirs, and beeps, saw Wee Gee, and grinned.

  "Weeg! You survived the crash! I'm glad you found us." The droid squeaked happily and propelled itself forward.

  Kyle turned toward the wall, triggered his saber, and struck a carefully aimed blow. A section of stone fell away and landed at his feet.

  Wee Gee turned his vid pickup in Jan's direction, and she shrugged.

  The Rebel, unaware of the byplay behind his back, knelt before the wall. He said, "Thank you, Father," and Jan, who had moved close enough to see, saw two freshly carved reliefs. She had seen bolos of Morgan Katarn — and knew him by sight. The other face was new, but Kyle had described him often enough, and she knew it was Rahn. There was a moment of silence as Kyle bowed his head and flowed with the Force.

  Then, with Jan's hand in his and Wee Gee following behind, the Rebels made their way out of the Valley and up into the sunlight. And it was then, at that exact moment, that the prophecy came true ... A knight had come, a battle had been fought, and the prisoners were free.