Trial of Spirit/Part 10

A soft breeze flowed through the Jedi Temple grounds as Tythos shone down upon Tython. The Temple felt lively today as Jedi walked about the place with earnest and tranquility. Karalin was especially pleased with the day as he bowed to Master Turvo outside the Jedi Temple.

“I wanted to thank you, Master Turvo. For everything.”

“Of course, Karalin,” Turvo nodded in response.

Karalin rubbed the back of his neck as he said, “I also wanted to apologize for all the trouble I’ve caused you. In all honesty, it was brave of you to take me on as your Padawan.”

“On the contrary, it was quite foolish of me to take you as my apprentice,” Turvo retorted with a smile, which Karalin returned. “But an apprentice without a teacher can never succeed. Besides, I think we ended up both learning from this experience.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you became a strong Jedi Knight under my guidance. Before long, you’ll be stronger than me.” He let out a laugh. “And you taught me that no matter the odds, determination is a driving force—no matter how negative that drive may be.”

Relief filled Karalin; he was glad to hear Turvo say this. He doubted he approved of his objective now, but he figured he wouldn’t receive opposition either. He bowed to Turvo, “Thank you, Master.”

“Of course.”

As Turvo walked past Karalin he placed a hand on his shoulder. He then began walking back towards the Jedi Temple as a second figure approached from the same direction.

“I figured you’d like to know…” Erithos said. “The Council has—ahem—finally addressed the flesh raider threat.”

“Is that so?” Karalin crossed his arms.

“Yes. While you were under yesterday, Master Din took on a new Padawan after they uncovered a conspiracy behind the uprising. Master Din and his Padawan are investigating as we speak.” Erithos let out a laugh, “In your words, ‘it took them long enough.’”

Karalin laughed with him, “I’m glad the Council is addressing the flesh raiders now.”

Erithos nodded, “As am I.”

An awkward silence ensued. Karalin let out a sigh before asking Erithos, “Might I ask? One more time?”

“One more time, eh?” Erithos smirked.

“I wanted to know what you meant when you said your trial came true,” said Karalin. “If you don’t want to answer, I understand.”

But the human raised a hand, “No, it’s quite alright. Curiosity is how we better ourselves, is it not?” Erithos crossed his arms and stroked his beard in thought before saying, “In my trial, many years ago, I saw my future. That future came true. The Council always says the Trial of Spirit is about facing your inner demon, and that is quite common. But it was different for me. Rather than fighting back some devil, I merely witnessed a future I needed to prepare for.”

That wasn’t the answer Karalin wanted to hear. What if what he witnessed in his own trial was a vision of the future too?

“It wasn’t nothing I’d already foreseen.”

Karalin knit his brows in confusion, “What?”

Suddenly something seemed to strike Karalin as Erithos gazed into his eyes. The Zabrak stared back, and realized something. He had never noticed it before, but the paleness of the man’s eyes almost seemed to glow. “I see all things through the Force. I cannot see as you see because I am blind, Karalin.”

“What? I…I didn’t realize,” Karalin muttered almost shamefully. Yet he was still confused—not many beings could see using the Force, at least not in the way he was thinking. Was Erithos actually a Miraluka? It was unlikely to Karalin, given they were born with no eyes at all. Erithos had eyes.

“Then perhaps you are the blind one,” Erithos smirked.

Karalin let out a forced chuckle. “Perhaps…well, thanks anyway, Erithos. Thanks for standing by me over the years.”

Erithos smiled, as per usual, “I never stood by you. I was only supporting a friend by providing the insight necessary to succeed.”

Karalin returned the smile. “I’ve valued your teachings. Really, I have. If anything, you’ve been my true master.

“Oh, really? If I am the ‘true master,’ then I’ll go consult Master Turvo.”

They laughed.

“I’ll see you around, Erithos.”

“Likewise, Karalin.”

The two parted ways as Erithos began walking back towards the Temple and Karalin strode towards the forest.