Trial of Spirit/Part 9

“Master Alric?”

The human smiled warmly at Karalin. Without a word, he placed a hand on Karalin’s shoulder. The Zabrak glanced at it, so many images of the past flashing before him in an instant. After a moment, Alric removed his hand and began walking away.

“Master? Master! Master Alric!”

“Not quite, Karalin,” spoke another voice.

Karalin’s eyes shot open to find the green-skinned Rhan Turvo sitting before him. It took him a moment to process his surroundings, but when he finally did, he muttered with a hint of sadness in his voice, “Did I pass?”

Turvo smiled at his apprentice, “We would not be having this conversation had you not.” He stood up and offered a hand, “Congratulations, Karalin.”

But Karalin did not take his hand and instead lifted himself up. “Where’s Daerith?” he asked as he walked past Turvo and exited the chamber. He was met by a pleasant surprise when he opened the door and saw Erithos waiting at the intersection down the hall.

“Karalin!” he exclaimed, his smile bigger than ever.

Karalin returned the smile, “Erithos. It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise, my friend,” Erithos returned, glancing over his shoulder at Turvo. As the Nautolan exited the room, the human said to him, “I must say, Rhan, you taught this one well. He’ll make a fine Jedi Knight.”

“I’ve no doubt of that,” Turvo said.

“Erithos, where’s Daerith?” Karalin asked with slight urgency.

Erithos raised his eyebrows and turned to the doorway at the end of the other hall. “To my understanding, still undergoing his trial.” When he noticed Karalin slump in disappointment, he placed a hand on the Zabrak’s shoulder. “He’ll be alright. Come on, follow me.”

Karalin followed Erithos through the Jedi Temple. As they strode through the foyer, Karalin noticed the dimness of the Temple, indicating the passage of time. As Erithos began leading him up the staircase, he asked, “Erithos, how long’s it been?”

“Since you began the trial?” Erithos paused. “Nearly a full rotation, I’d say.”

A full rotation?! Karalin wasn’t really sure if he ought to be surprised or not. From what he knew, the Trial of Spirit was no simple task to complete, especially with haste.

“You’re surprised?”

“A little,” Karalin admitted.

Erithos chuckled, “No need to be. So long as you pass…well, you pass.”

Karalin only nodded. Another thought returned to mind—Daerith’s trial. He had so many questions he wanted to ask him, but by now he wasn’t even sure if he would come out of his trial sane.

“He’ll be fine.”

Karalin sighed, “I know.” As they waited outside the Council chamber, Karalin eyed Erithos. Seizing the moment, he asked, “Erithos? Could I ask you again about your trial?”

Erithos knit his eyebrows, “You are quite interested in my trial. What do you want to know?”

“I don’t know. Just…what was it like?” Karalin didn’t want to ask for anything that might be too revealing, he was only curious as to how Erithos had become the man he was now. No one should have to disclose what they experienced.

Erithos appeared grim as he responded with silence. After several seconds, he finally said, “All I can really is it came true.”

Karalin’s eyes went wide as he stuttered backwards a step. He regained his balance and bit his lip, unsure as to what to say. It came true? He was so certain that what he witnessed was a false reality, incapable of becoming truth. But now…was it possible he could become Varoth?

No. Never.

Footsteps sounded from the staircase. Karalin and Erithos turned in that direction, pleased to find Daerith ascending the steps. He was trailed by Master Makkal, who nodded to Erithos in greeting. The human returned the nod, then returned his attention to the Twi’lek.

“I see you made it in one piece,” Erithos smiled. “Well done, my friend.”

Daerith returned the smile, although it seemed somewhat insincere. “Thanks, Erithos.” He turned to Karalin and simply nodded.

“Glad to see you…alive, I suppose?” Karalin muttered.

“Indeed, you too,” Daerith responded.

Jorra Makkal spoke up, “Come, Padawans. The Council awaits you inside.”

He led the procession into the Council chamber. Karalin and Daerith walked through the doorway side by side, mutually understanding that they would face their ceremony together. Erithos brought up the rear, looking ahead to the Council as they approached the chamber. As they entered the room, a feeling of respect overcame the two Padawans as the Jedi Council members stood up to address the newcomers—particularly them.

Makkal stepped off to the side as Erithos waited at the end of the hallway, just as he had last time. Karalin and Daerith approached the edge of the round table in the center of the room, glancing around at the masters present. The only one absent from two days ago was Orgus Din.

They bowed and spoke in unison, “Masters.”

Kaedan grunted in an almost amusing manner, “It would seem you two passed.”

Shan nodded, “Indeed. There is no denying you the rank of Knight now.” She began walking around the table towards them. The duo took a step back to make room for her. When she arrived in front of them, examining them head to toe, she gave them a friendly nod. “The Council acknowledges you as Knights of the Order.”

Karalin’s two hearts began beating at a quicker pace. It was finally happening! They were about to become Jedi Knights, at long last. “Thank you, Master.”

“Kneel down,” Shan spoke with calm. Karalin and Daerith obliged. Shan then glanced between the two, before shifting her position to stand over Daerith. She activated one side of her blue double-bladed lightsaber and held it above his right shoulder. “Daerit’hal Morana, by the right of the Council…” She held the blade above his left shoulder, “…by the will of the Force…” She held the lightsaber between his neck and the Silka beads hanging from his head, “…I dub thee Jedi, Knight of the Republic.” She sliced the beads in half, and they fell to the floor. Daerith glanced at them, but remained kneeling.

Shan then stepped over to Karalin, and glanced him over a moment. Then, with the same motions as before, she spoke, “Karalin Tak-Crai’uz, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Jedi, Knight of the Republic.” And his own beads fell to the floor.