Introduction - A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope

I have been a huge fan of the original Star Wars trilogy for as long as I can remember. I literally grew up on these films. I got a lot of flack for being a fan during my childhood, though, and I never got up enough courage to write actual fanfiction for this fandom until now. Not to mention, there's already so much good Star Wars fiction out there. I didn't know what I had to contribute.

But then Force Awakens came out...and it re-awakened my interest in this series (along with a mountain of old memories). Suddenly, the ideas were flowing, joining WENN in my brain. There aren't nearly enough Star Wars historical AUs out there, especially based around 20th Century history. I was surprised there weren't more alternative universe stories that made use of the fairy tales and high fantasy inherent in this series' make-up, too. So...I decided to provide them.

This is just the first half of this story. Look for A Star Wars Fairy Tale Part II hopefully sometime next month or in May!

Other Star Wars fanfics I have in development at the moment:

Back to Galaxia (Tentative title - 1980's High School AU)
Tales of the Gold Wookie (1930's Adventure AU)
Superhero Story (1970's Superhero AU)

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope, Part 1

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope

Rating: PG (violence, mild language)

Pairings: Han/Leia

Disclaimer: The franchise belongs to George Lucas and the Walt Disney Company. I just got back into this fandom after more than a decade away and decided I wanted to play, too.

Notes: One of the many inspirations for Star Wars was beloved fairy and folk tales. I decided to go back to the source, so to speak. Among the stories I'm taking ideas from are “Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “King Arthur,” “Iron John,” “St. George and the Dragon,” and “The Princess of the Glass Hill.”

Notes 2: This is based around the Original Trilogy, though it mentions characters from the prequels (and the next story may mention a few from Force Awakens).

Once upon a time, in a world very, very far from ours, there lived a beautiful princess named Leia Organa. Leia was the princess of the Kingdom of Aldran, a peaceful land that was a member of the Alliance of the Seven Kingdoms. She had been raised by her Aunt Breha and Uncle Bail, the King and Queen of the land. They were far more like parents than her real father. Leia only knew her father as a tall, imposing figure whom everyone spoke of in frightened whispers. Her mother had died moments after giving birth to her. She'd never known her, and her aunt and uncle refused to even mention her name.

Leia grew to be as lovely and graceful as any princess who ever ruled Aldran. She was a tiny thing, barely up to her uncle's shoulders, with enormous brown eyes, long lashes, and thick, velvety brown tresses that, like all Aldran women, was worn so long, it touched the floor. She had skin as white as snow and a wide, laughing pink mouth.

In many ways, though, Leia was different from most Aldran noblewomen. Where other girls preferred to attend parties and learn how to sew and dress in fine clothes and braid their long hair, Leia went with her uncle to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow and wield a sword, how to ride a horse like the wind, and how to effectively deal with any crisis. Where other ladies of the Aldran court simpered and giggled, she raged, argued, and fought. She was known as the Ice Princess, an outspoken noblewoman with a will as strong as iron. Many boys courted her, but she turned them all away. She would rather help her uncle with his political duties than wed some foolish, vain prince or duke.

In truth, Bail was becoming rather concerned about his niece and her future. He wanted her to rule, certainly, but not alone. He thought she needed to settle down and wed a nice young man who would match her fiery temper and biting wit. While he loved her dearly, he also loved his kingdom and wished to see its line continue.

It was his wife Breha who came up with the idea of the Grand Alliance Ball. Leia merely scoffed at the idea when they brought it up with her. She had just come from her archery and sword training with the kingdom's finest soldiers. Her brown tresses were back in a messy braid that was a nest of sticks and leaves, and her plain blue and tan tunic, hose, and soft boots had grass stains on them.

“Oh Leia.” Her aunt reached up and gently tugged the sticks out of her hair. “What am I going to do with you? You're a young lady now, old enough to be starting a family of your own.”

Leia just shook her head. “I'll think of that when the time comes. Right now, I'm too busy. I'll be joining the Alliance Court in just a few days. I would rather focus on my work with the other members of the court than on romance.”

“Yes,” said Breha. “About your joining the Court. I thought this was the perfect occasion for your coming-out ball...”

“Oh Auntie, no!” Leia recoiled from the suggestion like it was a snake. “I can't stand those fancy balls. They're so dull! I don't mind the dancing so much, but I hate being shoved into some monstrosity of a gown and listening to royal idiots make boring conversation.”

“Leia,” her aunt countered, “it's tradition. Every Aldran noble who joins the Court has a ball. It introduces you to the best society, and is the perfect occasion to seek a husband...”

“I don't want a husband!” Leia shouted. She sighed at her aunt's downfallen expression. “If I do get married, it'll be on my own terms, to a man who will treat me like a partner and an equal, not like a prize to be won.”

“Leia, that will be quite enough.” Bail intervened. “You've been putting off the question of marriage for far too long. You will be attending this ball. It'll be a grand opportunity to meet the court, see new contacts.”

He took her aside as her mother went to talk to the dressmaker to see to Leia's gown. “I didn't want to mention this around your mother, but there's a possibility that Lord Vader and other Imperials may be at this ball.”

Leia frowned. The Kingdom of the Empire was the largest of the Seven Kingdoms. It swallowed other kingdoms whole and imposed cruel taxes and severe rules upon those citizens whose kingdoms they annexed. They'd been known to burn whole lands, destroying any kingdom that didn't submit to their harsh laws. They had recently started employing dragons, rare, fierce monsters, who breathed fire and were easily controlled by those with black magic, to burn any kingdom that disagreed with its laws to the ground.

Lord Vader, the Black Knight and right-hand man to wicked King Palapatine himself, was said to be the most evil and ruthless of all the Imperial warlords. He wore black armor that covered his entire body. Even his eyes were barely visible. It was said his black magic could rob a man of his breath without even touching him, or strip him of his senses, so he was barely a quivering mass of jelly. His dark powers gave him the ability to transform into any shape, including that of a demon with bat-like wings and horns sharper than a thousand swords.

“Leia,” he said softly, “there's a group of people gathering in the Enchanted Forests in the Kingdom of Endor who are collecting money for the poor and hungry and fighting to help those who have been displaced by the Empire.” He handed a scroll to the girl. “I want you to get this to my good friend and ally Sir Benjamin Kenobi, one of the last White Knights. He has already agreed to attend the ball. It's a dangerous mission. I'm too well-known to do it myself.”

Leia nodded. “I want to do this, Uncle Bail,” she said solemnly. “I know of the Rebels of the Woods. I believe that what they do is noble and good.” Leia didn't have the heart to tell her uncle she'd been working with them for over a year. In fact, the reason she wished to join the Imperial Court was to spy on them for the Rebels.

“Uncle,” she added, “one more thing. How could Sir Kenobi be a White Knight? I thought all of the Knights of the Force Order were wiped out years ago, when they turned on the people of the Seven Kingdoms.”

“Shh!” Bail shook his head. “That's just a myth. They were wiped out by the Black Knights, including Lord Vader. They lusted for the power the White Knights held. There are few White Knights left. Sir Kenobi is one of them. Like all of the Knights of the Force Order, he wields special magic that, when used for good, can heal wounds, read minds, and allow them to speak to animals.”

Leia held the parchment close to her. “I won't fail you, Father. This is far more important than any ball or dancing.”

“Yes, it is.” Bail affectionately kissed his niece's forehead. “But don't forget to have a good time, too.”

Leia smiled. “I won't.”

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope, Part 2

The very next day, a proclamation went out, declaring that all eligible men of Aldran were cordially invited to attend the Grand Alliance Ball, the kingdom's most glittering affair, to celebrate the induction of Princess Leia Organa into the Imperial Court. All of the unmarried men immediately made bets and jokes about who could win the heart of the stubborn beauty who had turned down every royal male in the Seven Kingdoms.

One lad who most certainly did NOT think he'd be going to the ball was Luke Skywalker. He had once lived in the desert Kingdom of Tatoon with his aunt and uncle, who ran a grain farm on the outskirts of the kingdom. At least, until their farm and much of their kingdom was set ablaze for failure to pay taxes. They had always been poor. There wasn't even money to send Luke to school. The wicked ogre king Jabba the Hutt took most of the citizens' money for himself and his licentious court, and the Empire taxed away what little remained. Luke had fled, but his aunt and uncle weren't as lucky. He found them dead in their smoking farmhouse.

Having nowhere to go and no family to turn to, Luke took his few meager belongings and hitched a ride to Aldran. At first, he had a hard time finding a job. He knew no one in the city. He was just about to give up when the stable master of Aldran Castle, kind old Dodonna, took pity on the starving boy and made him an apprentice in the stables.

Luke now spent most of his time mucking stalls and tending to the horses. All of the stable masters were impressed with Luke's skill. He'd always loved horses and riding. He enjoyed working with the team of horses they kept on his uncle's farm. He seemed to somehow know exactly what every horse in the stable needed. He almost felt as if he understood what they were saying, and they understood him.

While Luke's abilities made him popular among the stable masters, his peers tended to torment him. Though he was a handsome youth, with long golden hair, bronzed skin, and eyes that were bluer than a summer sky, he was also small and slender for his age, and rather shy. He was happier among horses than people. The other stable boys pushed him around or threw dirt at his back.

Luke's only human friends were two fellow servants who lived in the castle, a gypsy thief named Han Solowolf, and an elderly man who simply gave his name as Ben. Ben had saved Luke from a group of bandits who attacked him on the road to town. Luke suspected the elderly healer was the one who convinced Dodonna to give him the job in the stables. Cecil, the Organa family's loyal butler and translator, ran in fear from Ben at first. Arthur, the little mute blacksmith who could only speak with his hands, was more curious, circling him like a magpie.

Ben kept watch over Luke, Han, and the two servants whenever he could. He and Luke became good friends. He taught Luke his healing arts, and how to use a sword, a magical sword like those that belonged to the Knights of the Force Order. Only those who were members of the Force Order were able to make their swords glow with an unearthly light, one that could deflect any projectile shot or thrown at the bearer. The swords were said to be made from Khyber crystal, the strongest material in the Seven Kingdoms, which could only be worked by a true Force Knight.

For, to Luke's surprise, not only were the White and Black Knights of legend not vanished, but Ben sensed Force magic in him as well! It would explain his ability with the horses, how he could speak to them and hear their needs. Ben had been training him for several months now.

“A White Knight?” Han laughed as he leaned into the stall on a day more than a year after Luke's arrival. “They're just fairy tales.”

“That's not what Ben says.” Luke inspected the shoe on the shaggy brown horse before him.

“And you believed him?” The taller man showed off his lazy, charming smirk, the one that sent the heart of every bar maid and stable girl in the Seven Kingdoms a flutter. The scar on his chin stood out underneath. “He's just a crazy old hermit.”

Han Solowolf was a trader and thief who rode between kingdoms, selling spices, exotic fruit, or scrap metal to anyone who would pay him. Luke heard rumors that he was really a servant for unscrupulous war lords and greedy monsters, trading gold for credits to gamble with. He lived alone on his wits, with only his faithful, shaggy bark-brown Wookie Stallion Chewbacca for company. Han trusted Luke; Chewie would let no one but Han and the younger boy tend to him. He met him when he'd once brought spices to the palace kitchen shortly after he and Chewie were attacked on the road. He'd been so impressed with Luke's kindness to Chewbacca, Chewbacca became as much Luke's horse as Han's.

Luke was almost in awe of the handsome, roguish adventurer...when his arrogance and stubbornness didn't have him ready to strangle him. Han's bright hazel eyes were always sparkling with wit and humor, and he was never without a good story about his many adventures on the road and in the kingdoms he'd visited. He had a strong, cocky gait and a scruffy mane of reddish-brown hair that was always blowing about in in the breezes. He was also very much a cynic, and refused to believe anything Ben and Luke told him about the Force and the powers it granted.

“Ben is a great man!” Luke shot back angrily.

“Yeah,” Han grumbled, “great at getting you into trouble. How many times were you stuck with extra chores because you were messing around with that over-sized carving knife of his instead of working?”

“It only happened twice!” Luke frowned as he pulled a stone out of Chewbacca's shoe. The large horse neighed in protest, but Luke was able to calm him. “Well, maybe three times.”

Han patted the elaborately carved Endor-wood longbow and quiver of arrows slung on his back. “What you really need is to learn how to shoot. Silly religions ain't gonna help ya when you have five hundred arrows comin' at you all at once, kid.”

Luke finally got to his feet. “I don't think I have to worry about that, at least, not now. Not until Ben finishes my training. Then I can go and have adventures.”

That was when Cecil and Arthur hurried in, their arms waving in delight. “Luke, sir! Captain Solowolf!” Cecil had heard Han's many stories about how he'd once been a soldier in the Imperial squadrons and insisted on calling him “Captain,” even though Han had been dishonorably discharged and hadn't been anything in years.

Han smirked. “What is it, Goldenrod?” Cecil was tall and thin and had no sense of humor. He was the butt of many jokes at the palace, most of which he ignored. He was too eager to do his duties to pay the snickering any mind. Han thought that odd walk of his and the stiff, old-fashioned gold butler's uniform he always wore made him look like those metal men he'd heard some woodcutters used now.

“There's going to be a ball tonight!” The dark-haired butler handed a poster to Luke. “At the palace ballroom, promptly at 6 o'clock. Every unmarried man is to attend.”

Arthur followed closely behind, as he always did. Despite their different jobs and temperaments, he and Cecil were inseparable. Arthur was short, squat, and hot-headed, with bushy silver hair and a silver-black beard. His fingers were already flying, making out symbols and words, his face clearly reading that Cecil left a few important things out.

“Yes, yes, Arthur, I know.” Cecil turned from his friend's flying fingers to the two men and the horse. “Arthur just reminded me that one of the main reasons for this event, in addition to introducing Her Royal Highness to the court, is for her to select the man she will eventually wed.”

Luke frowned. “But that's not fair! She should be able to fall in love like everyone else, not choose a husband from a cattle call!”

Han shrugged. “That's how royalty works. She's lucky she's getting a ball. Most kings just marry their daughters off to the first prince whose kingdom needs protection.”

“That's awful!” Luke sighed at the poster, with its elegant script. “I wish I could go. I would love to meet the nobles, and the princess...” He sighed, his sky blue eyes filled with a yearning wistfulness. He finally shook his head. “I'm not even dressed right for a ball. These are the only clothes I have.” He indicated the tattered, dirty white tunic, threadbare tan hose and cloth vest, and worn boots he always wore.

Arthur's fingers were already flying. He went to the pile of hay where Luke hid the practice sword Ben gave him. His face looked a bit worried. Cecil's was even more so. “Arthur and I have heard there may be treachery afoot, sir. They say Lord Vader of the Kingdom of the Empire could be in attendance. I doubt King Bail and Queen Breha would have invited him, but he may arrive unannounced. He's a war lord, sir, and they're not known for their command of basic etiquette.”

Han made a face. “What can we do? We can't exactly storm the castle with the two of us, Chewie, Art, and Goldenrod.”

“Ben could help us!” Luke folded the poster and put it in his pocket. “We could ride to his cottage and tell him about the ball. He'll know what to do.”

Han shook his head. “Sorry, kid. You'll have to go alone. I have to talk to someone.” Chewie nudged his owner. “No, you stay with Luke. In fact, Luke, you ride Chewie to the old man's house.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “This is that important?”

Cecil made a face. “I'm afraid I can't ride with you either, Master Luke. I have my duties to attend to.” Arthur shook his head, his hands flying. “And I'm sure you have plenty of your own work to do!” Cecil glared at him. “Don't you have horseshoes and nails to make?” Arthur's fingers continued to fly. “It's not because I hate riding! I have a million preparations that must be done in time for the ball tonight!”

Luke brushed Chewbacca's unkempt mane. “Are you sure you don't want to come, Han?”

“Nahh.” Han shook his head. “I'll meet you and the old man at the Eisley Tavern on Mos Street in Aldran Town.”

Luke's blue eyes widened. “But that's in one of the worst parts of the city! We could be killed!”

Han showed off that smirk again. “You won't get killed. You have magic, remember?”

“But...” Luke protested to Han's back. His ever-present black leather gypsy vest and mostly-unbuttoned yellowed shirt were the last things visible before he leaped over a fence, whistling an unrecognizable but cheerful tune.

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope, Part 3

Luke climbed on Chewbacca as soon as he could get away from his chores. Thankfully, there weren't as many duties as usual. The horses and their caretakers would not be attending the ball, after all.

He was delighted to see Ben puttering around in the herb garden he loved so much. Ben lived in a tiny cottage on the edge of Aldran Town, butting up against the Enchanted Woods. He was pulling weeds when Luke rode up to the fence alongside the thatched-roof cottage.

Ben's gentle blue eyes gazed up at the boy. He gave him a warm smile. “Well, hello there, young Luke. I wasn't expecting to see you today! This isn't one of our training days, is it?”

Luke shook his head. “No, it isn't.” He pulled the crumpled piece of parchment out of his pocket. “There's going to be a ball tonight at Aldran Castle. Cecil and Arthur think there may be people from the Kingdom of the Empire there. Maybe Lord Vader himself! The royal family could be in danger!”

Ben sat back on his heels. “I did hear about the ball.” He pulled a similar square of parchment out of his pocket. “Arthur came by with this invitation earlier this morning.” Ben finally stood, a bit creakily. “You must come with me. It'll be your first true mission.”

Luke shook his head as Ben lead him inside. “Ben, I can't. I have work to do! And what would I tell them? I'm just an ordinary peasant. I own no lands or titles. All I have are the clothes on my back.”

Ben went to a chest carved with birds and trees that were so lifelike, Luke could almost feel the feathers and the leaves. “I can help you there. I've been wanting to give you this for a long time, but your uncle wouldn't allow it. He feared you'd follow old Benjamin on some foolish knight's errand, like your father did.”

Luke gasped as Ben pulled what appeared to be part of a suit of silver-white armor. “Where did you get that? That's beautiful!” The boy took the helmet with the bright blue plume in his hands. “I've never seen armor like this. It's flexible like cloth, almost, but it's strong too, like steel.”

“It was your father's armor. The armor of a White Force Knight. Made from pure white Khyber crystal.” He pulled out more pieces of gleaming armor – arm pieces, gloves, leg pieces, boots – until he emerged with what appeared to be a long, clear sword. It was even more elaborate than the one Ben let him practice with. It's hilt was crafted of fine gold decorated with gleaming sapphires. The crystal blade glowed faintly blue in the dim light of the cottage.

Ben handed Luke the sword. “Your father's sword. The weapon of a White Knight. A more civilized weapon, for a more chivalrous age. Hang on to this sword, Luke. This sword is your life. I hope you keep better track of it than your father did. He had the habit of dropping it or losing it at the worse possible times.”

The elderly knight watched as the young man moved around the cottage, feinting and lunging with it. “For more than a thousand years, the Khyber Crystal Swords were the weapons of the Force Knights. Before the dark times. Before the Kingdom of the Empire was formed.”

Luke looked up from the sword. “Ben, how did my father die? I didn't even know he was a knight. Uncle Owen told me he was a merchant who was killed by bandits in Tatoon.”

A shadow of indescribable sadness crossed the elderly man's worn face. “Lord Vader, one of my apprentices, helped hunt down and destroy the Knights of the Force Order. He betrayed and murdered your father. He was seduced by the dark Force magic.”

Luke looked up from swishing the sword around. “The dark Force magic?”

Ben nodded as he pulled out a scabbard made of soft leather etched with birds and dragons. “The Force is the magic that gives, or gave, our order its power. It's all around us. It surrounds us, penetrates us. It changes the very air, can heal or wither a flower in an instant. However, only certain creatures are chosen by the Force to wield its power. It is, or was, a great honor for the Force to choose you to be a Knight. It runs in whole families from generation to generation.”

Luke barely looked up from the long crystal weapon before him. “I want to try. I really have nothing else, besides you and Han and Arthur and Cecil and my job.” He shook his head. “But my chores...”

Ben went to join the boy. “You'll get home in time before Dodonna or anyone knows you were gone. I'll make sure of that. No one will realize it was you at the ball.”

Luke shook his head. “I can't go alone. I'd look foolish.”

Ben nodded. “No, you can't. We'll need transportation. I have no cart or horse of my own. I have no need for them.” Ben gathered the armor in a bag made of rough homespun cloth. “Besides, while I am able to ride a horse, I have no special affinity for riding.” He smiled at Luke. “Your father loved riding, Luke. He was very much like you in that way. He rode like the wind, like he was one with the horse. His horse Twilight was his most beloved animal companion.”

Luke sighed. “I wish I'd known him. My uncle and aunt didn't say much about him, and they wouldn't talk about Mother at all.”

Ben coughed. “Yes, well, it's getting late. That ball is in a few hours. We'd better get along to Aldran Town. We'll be able to hire a cart there.”

Luke sheathed the sword. “I know someone who might be willing to take us to the ball.” He sighed. “If we can talk him into it. I think you've met Han Solowolf a few times when you've visited me at the stables.”

Ben sighed. “Yes, I have. He behaves like a greedy rogue, but there's more to that young man than he wants to believe. I think he'll do nicely.”

That was that. They rode into Aldran Town together, on Chewbacca's back. They took their swords with them, but Ben said Luke could leave the Force armor at home. It would be there when he needed it.

The Eisley Tavern was in the roughest, meanest part of Aldran Town. Mos Street reeked of garbage and filth. The Tavern itself wasn't much more attractive, just four crumbling walls, some barely-standing tables, and a scarred bar that had seen better days. The clientele was even less attractive. Luke had never seen a more motley collection of huntsmen, gamblers, thieves, and criminals. Two of them even attempted to pick a fight with him...until Ben pulled out his sword. The moment the man's arm hit the floor, the entire bar backed very far away from the elderly knight and his apprentice.

Luke was searching the bar for his friend. “Where is Han?” He made a face. “I should have known he wouldn't keep his word. He's probably off on another get-rich-quick scheme...”

Ben frowned. “Perhaps we should try the alley behind the Tavern. He may have encountered some difficulty.”

They met an agitated Chewbacca outside, thankfully still tied to a hitching post. He was snorting and stamping the ground, looking more nervous than Luke had ever seen the Wookie Stallion. They followed the spooked equine into the rat-infested alley between the Tavern and the sagging inn next-door.

Luke heard two voices, one amused, one annoyed. The amused voice belonged to Han. No one could ever match his level of insolence. Luke didn't recognize the other voice, which was higher and squeakier, almost like a rodent, or perhaps a lizard. He thought he heard the other voice say something about taking Han's cart, which was met with a growled “Over my dead body.”

They didn't hear the rest before two mighty thwacks and the sound of arrows hitting flesh and wood cut off the argument. When they rode into the alley, Han was turning away from what might have been a body, but all Luke could see was mottled bright green and brown scales with an arrow protruding from them.

Luke gulped. “Han, what happened?”

Han grabbed Chewie's bridle. “Let's just say I found out I have to get out of here really quick, kid.” He looked up at Ben as he lead the horse out of the alley. “Nice of you to join the the Kingdoms already in progress, Kenobi. Got tired of talking to your chocolate mint plants?”

“Good to see you too, Solowolf.” Ben frowned as Han lead them across the hard-packed dirt road. “Luke and I need to hire you for the ball tonight. We require someone fast and reliable to get us there and back to the stables and to my cottage afterwards.”

Han's smirk was back in full force. “Local trouble?”

Ben met the smirk with a serious gaze of his own. “Let's just say we're trying to avoid any entanglements with the Kingdom of the Empire before the ball begins.”

“That's the real trick, isn't it?” Han tugged Chewie around holes in the dusty soil. “It's going to cost you, old man. I want 10,000 credits, all in advance.”

“Ten thousand?” Luke's blue eyes were incredulous. “Han, we could buy our own carriage with that!”

Han smirked. “But who's gonna drive it, kid? You? Driving a carriage is a lot different than riding a horse.”

“You bet I could! I drove my uncle's carriage all the time in Tatoon!” Luke shot back angrily.

Ben waved the blond boy away, turning to the amused smuggler. “I can pay you five thousand now, plus another six thousand when we get to the ball.”

“Eleven thousand, huh?” Han looked like he was thinking it over, scratching his rather scruffy head. “You've got yourself a deal, old man.”

Luke had often heard Han boasting about his beloved carriage, the Falcon, but he'd never actually seen it. Han usually rode Chewbacca to the stables and left the carriage in town. As soon as they rode up to the carriage house, Luke understood why. It must have been a fine gypsy cart, once upon a time. Now the paint, a once gay white, red, and yellow, was dirty and peeling. The doors were coming loose. The wheels looked like they were being held together with spit and hair from Chewbacca's mane.

The boy couldn't hide his dismay. “What a piece of junk!”

Han was already hitching Chewie up to the cart. “She may not look like much, but with Chewie pulling her, she'll ride like a champ. I've made a lot of special modifications myself.”

Ben nodded. “The ball is less than an hour away now, and we really don't need to be spending more time in this wretched hive of scum and villainy than necessary. I suggest we move along.”

Han climbed into the driver's seat. “Maybe you're smarter than you look, old man. I was about to suggest the same thing.” He flicked the leather reins, sending Chewie flying down the street.

One part of Han's boasting was true. Chewie was one of the fastest horses Luke had ever seen. He rocketed across Aldran Town and down the main path to the castle like a dark magic demon in pursuit of a foe. A ride that would have normally taken an hour barely took half that.

Han pulled up alongside the stables, turning to Ben as he halted Chewie. “Ok, old man, how are we gonna get into that castle? We're not exactly dressed for balls.”

Ben climbed out of the cart, ignoring Han's question. He walked around the Falcon, circling it like a magpie looking for something shiny. “Yes...yes. It's not beautiful, but it will do.” He went to Chewbacca, stroking the horse's mane. “You'll do as well. How'd you like to be a driver for the night? Rest those weary bones of yours.”

Han and Luke exchanged confused looks. Han put his hands on his hips. “Would you mind telling us humans what you're up to, old man?”

Ben finally looked up from Chewbacca's mane. “We're here to scout out Vader and discover what he has planned. The costumes and dancing are only covers.” He concentrated, lifting his hand as a blue light surrounded it. When the light subsided, the bag with the Force armor that had once belonged to Luke's father appeared. “Luke, you'll wear this. The helmet will hide your identity.”

“What about me?” Han pointed to his chest. “If Chewie's drivin', what am I gonna do? I ain't sittin' around, waitin' for the Empire to arrest us.”

Ben was making his way towards a small barn on the edge of the stables. Smoke drifted up from a large chimney in the center of the barn. “No, Han, we'll need all the help we can get. You'll be coming with us, too.”

The elderly man returned with Cecil and Arthur. Arthur wore a singed, dust-smeared leather apron around his regular clothes. Cecil was still in his gold uniform, his dark hair slicked back from his long, narrow face and owlish gold-brown eyes. Arthur's fingers were flying...and to Luke's surprise, so were Ben's. Cecil translated for both. “Arthur, I don't mind aiding Sir Kenobi. I remember how valiantly he fought for King Bail all those years ago. I just don't like how dangerous this is. We don't need to be getting mixed up with the Empire, of all the rude people!”

“Ben,” Luke said in surprise, “you can speak Arthur's language?”

Ben nodded with a smile. “Arthur and I are old friends. He taught me the language of the mutes years ago, when he was the blacksmith for the White Force Knights.” The older knight turned to Cecil. “It won't be dangerous. It's just a simple mission.” He raised his hand. When the blue light around Arthur subsided, he wore the blue and white livery of a footman. Arthur turned around, grinning at his fancy new uniform. His fingers flew as he lifted his arm to show Cecil.

Cecil's long face was exasperated. “All right, yes, I do think you look as handsome as I do. Remember, though, a butler still outranks a mere footman.” Arthur made a face, his fingers twisting. Cecil looked offended. “I am just as useful around the castle as you are! I'd like to see you announce all the nobles who arrive or translate the languages of sixty different kingdoms!”

“That will be enough.” Ben's put a hand on Cecil's shoulder. “You will announce us as Sir Benjamin Kenobi, Prince Hannel of the Kingdom of Corellia, and Court.”

Han groaned. “Me, a prince? I ain't no prince! There's no way I can be a prince!”

Ben ignored him again. “Luke, do we have any mice here? I know you said they'd been having problems with mice in the stables, and the barn cat is getting too old to catch them all.”

Luke nodded. He hurried into the stables and emerged with a trap that held six fat white and gray rodents. Ben removed the bridle and harness from Chewie, pulling him next to the Falcon's driver's seat. Ben directed Luke to release the mice in front of the Falcon, where Chewie had been.

“Now I know you're crazy.” Han leaned against the wall. “How can mice pull a carriage? And Chewie may be the fastest horse alive, but he doesn't know anythin' about drivin'.”

“You'd be surprised, my boy.” Ben stepped away from the carriage. This time, he closed his eyes, his face showing the concentration. He waved his hand...and the blue light swirled and glistened around the entire cart, from the very tips of the back door to the whiskers of the mice.

Neither Han nor Luke could believe their eyes. The cart, the mice, and the horse were growing, lengthening, reshaping themselves. The mice became white and gray dappled horses with white plumed regalia and bridles of pure gold. The Falcon had grown into a fine carriage, all white and red paint trimmed with tendrils of gold leaf. The doors were fastened; the sides no longer splintered. Chewbacca was a towering man with a bushy brown beard and the thickest hair Luke had ever seen. He had large blue eyes under heavy deep-set brows. Though his gold uniform was similar to Cecil's, on him, it looked less like the stiff costume of a servant and more like the typical wear for a dashing pirate.

“Hey,” the enormous man-horse exclaimed, in the accent of the northern kingdoms, “not bad at all!” He showed very large, even white teeth when he grinned at Ben. “You sure know how to dress a stallion, Old Magician.” He showed those very big teeth to Han. “And you think I can't drive this bloody vehicle? I've been watchin' you for nearly fifteen damn years now. You humans don't think us animals bloody pay attention to what you do an' how you do it. I can drive a damn sight better than you can, colt!”

Han rolled his eyes. “Now I'm glad you can't always talk.”

Luke indicated him and Han. “But what about us? We can't go to the ball in a stable boy's outfit and an old leather vest.”

Han pulled his vest further around his chest. “Speak for yourself, kid.”

Ben nodded at the bag. “That will be your next lesson. I want you to put on the armor without using your hands. Use your mind, my boy. Bring it to you.”

Luke closed his eyes, concentrating hard. The armor vibrated a little, but nothing else. Finally, after nearly five minutes of Han looking annoyed and Ben watching intently, an arm piece floated to Luke's hand. He grinned. “Ben, I did it! I got it to move!”

The old man sighed. “Yes, but we don't have all night. I'll lend you a hand, so to speak.” Ben's light now mingled with Luke's. The armor circled him, locking into place. With one final burst, Luke was now dressed fully in armor, except for his helmet, which Ben held in one hand. The armor looked freshly polished, gleaming and shining like diamonds in the gathering twilight. Luke's gold hair had been brushed, and his skin glowed pink against the soft light. His father's blue saber was securely nestled in a scabbard on his back.

Han grinned, whistling. “You look like somethin' out of the old stories of knights n' damsels.”

Ben waved his hand. The helmet was now polished as brightly as the rest of the armor. “This will hide your identity. You're better known here than Solowolf or me.”

Luke made a face as Ben lowered the helmet over his head. “With the visor down, I can hardly see! How am I supposed to fight the Imperial guards?”

“Your eyes can deceive you, my boy. Don't trust them.” Be turned to Han, circling him, as Luke lifted the visor. “Now, we'll figure out what to do about you. This will be much harder than repairing Luke's own armor. You claim you're not a prince, Solowolf,” the older knight said. “I think there's far more prince in your heart than there is thief. You're a better man than you want the world to believe.”

Han just crossed his arms. “Yeah, right.”

Ben waved his hand. Luke, Chewie, and the servants watched as the blue light swirled around the scruffy gypsy. When the light subsided, he now wore a high-necked black velvet jacket trimmed with silver braid and tiny white gemstones. His navy trousers had become the breeches favored by the royal courts. The once-cracked leather boots were tall and shiny. The flowing reddish-brown hair had been brushed back and was topped by a thin silver crown and tied into a low ponytail with a black velvet ribbon. A silver ring twinkled on his right middle finger.

Luke grinned. “Han, you look like a real prince!”

“Yeah, but I feel like a fool. This outfit is too tight, and the boots pinch.” The thief-turned-royal looked sulky. “Now I wish I'd just asked to stay with the Falcon. Old man, if you took out any of my modifications on her...”

“Don't worry, Prince Hannel. They're still there.” The older man nodded at himself. “I forgot one last detail.” He waved his hand one more time. The blue light was quick; when it disappeared, Ben now wore armor similar to Luke's, but even more intricate, in shining gold and black.

“Master, that's beautiful!” Luke gasped.

“The armor of the Force magic masters,” Ben explained. “You'll be able to make your own when you become a Master Knight.” He started towards the carriage; Arthur quickly opened the door for him. “Well, come along, gentlemen! We don't have all night. We have a princess awaiting us.”

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope, Part 4

At Aldran Castle, the ball had already begun. Princess Leia's father lead her downstairs at the end of the line of the Aldran Court, wearing the gown her mother's dressmakers had labored on for weeks. It was a triumph of snow-white spider silk, with hand-sewn lace and silver and pearl trim wrapped around the bodice and cascading down the waist. The flowing sleeves were snowy lace, the skirt a puff of pure white tulle. Her long velvet-brown hair, pulled into two thick buns on either side of her head, was topped with a tiara of silver and milky pearls. On her dainty feet were beautiful satin slippers.

Leia smiled and laughed as princes and nobles in colorful suits and fine robes danced with her. In truth, she felt trapped. The lace sleeves itched, the bodice was so tight, it was hard to breathe, and she could barely walk in the high-heeled shoes. Not a single one of these young men cared much about her, the growing injustice in the Kingdoms, or anything besides themselves, their hobbies, and the titles and fortune she would inherit when her uncle passed away. They were as dull as their garb was fanciful.

She said as much to her uncle when she finally had a chance to dance with her uncle. “When is Sir Benjamin Kenobi going to arrive?” She patted the skirt of her gown. “I'm ready for my mission.”

“He'll arrive soon enough.” Bail smiled gently. “For now, why don't you just try chatting with some of the young people here? Most of them seem to be having a good time.”

Leia rolled her eyes. “Oh please! They're all vacuous idiots who only care about themselves, their clothes, and their next fox hunt or shopping excursion. I want nothing to do with any of them. They have no more brains than a typical sheep.”

Bail sighed. “What am I going to do with you? This is every unmarried nobleman in the kingdom! Haven't you seen one who is even remotely of interest?”

The diminutive girl shook her head. “Uncle, I'd rather be married to a cause than a man who is looking for a doll to play dress-up with. I want someone who sees me as a worthy partner, not a princess.”

That was when the voice of Cecil, the family butler and translator, rose above the general crowd. The music stopped. “Prince Hannel of Corellia, Sir Benjamin Kenobi, and apprentice!”

Leia watched as the trio walked down the staircase. Prince Hannel was nervous, even under his uneasy smirk. The smaller knight was holding onto his arm, probably trying to keep him from running. The “prince” was the only person at the ball who seemed even more unhappy to be there than she was. In fact, Leia was pretty sure he wasn't a prince at all. He didn't carry himself like a prince. His swagger more closely resembled a pirate than any noble she'd ever seen.

The apprentice knight didn't look like a typical soldier, either. He was small and thin in his silver-white armor. She wondered if he was a new recruit. His armor seemed old, though. Even ancient. Perhaps he was a newly inducted member of an older order.

“Ben!” King Bail went right over to him. “This is my lovely niece, Princess Leia Organa.”

Leia sank into a graceful curtsy before the elderly knight. “It's so good to see you again, Sir Kenobi. I haven't met you since I was a child.”

“Yes, yes my dear. You've grown so much since I last came here.” He frowned. “Tell me, how is your father these days? I know you don't like to speak of him...”

Leia's face stiffened the moment Ben mentioned her father. “I haven't heard from him in years. Last time I saw him, he was in the midst of war with the Kingdom of Danton.” She changed the subject as quickly as she could. “Who is your friend?”

Sir Kenobi put a hand on the cinnamon-haired prince's arm. “This is Prince Hannel of Corellia.” He patted the knight. “And my new apprentice, Sir Skywalker.”

“This is unexpected,” Bail insisted. “You told me after the Force Knights were disbanded that you wanted nothing more to do with kings or fighting.” But Leia saw him wink at at the older man.

Ben simply gave Bail a small smile. “Let's just say I'm doing this for an old friend.”

Bail raised an eyebrow at Han. “I've never met the Prince of Corellia. I thought he was much older.”

Ben spoke before Han could. “Vicious court gossip, Your Majesty.” The older man took Bail's arm. “Why don't we go talk old times?” He smiled at Han. “Your Highness could attend to Princess Leia. I'm sure she'd enjoy dancing with you.”

“What about me?” the younger knight piped up from under his helmet.

Ben opened the visor and muttered into Luke's ear, at least as much as he could, “I want you to keep a watch on the ballroom. I feel an evil presence here, one I haven't felt in twenty years. A dark, destructive presence.”

Luke gulped. “Is that what that is? I thought it was just nerves.”

“Concentrate, Luke. There's something not quite right at this party, and I don't just mean some of the more questionable fashion choices.” Ben's ice-blue eyes were deadly serious, despite the quip. “Stay here in the ballroom, in case they come here. I'll be out in the hallway with Bail and his guards.”

Han looked down at the girl in the fancy white dress as the music began. “Well, it seems my court has deserted me. I should probably arrest 'em for insubordination, but I almost kind of like the old guy, and the kid...Sir Skywalker is a friend of mine.”

Leia took his hand. “You don't sound like a prince, Your Highness.”

“I've been away for a while. I was in the army, but they didn't take too kindly to me there.” He gave her his best lazy grin. “Couldn't handle my killer skills.”

The Princess winced as his boot stepped on her dainty white slipper. “I'm sure. Tell me, is this your first time dancing?”

Han tried to lead her across the floor as best he could. He really didn't know much about waltzing. “Not much use for dancing in the Corellian court, Your Worship. We're fighters, not ballerinas.”

“So I see.” Leia looked into his twinkling hazel-green eyes as they bobbed and dipped in time to the music. “You know, there's something strange about you. You're not like any prince I've ever met.”

Han's smile now looked a little more forced. “What makes ya say that?” He twirled her around. Her snow white ball gown floated around her like a soft cloud.

“Your manners, the way you walk and talk.” She let out another wince as he stepped on her foot again. “You act more like a pirate than a prince. You haven't once mentioned fox hunting or the jackets all the fashionable nobles are wearing this season.”

“Fox hunting?” Han made a face as they swirled around the ballroom. “Why would I wanna chase a fox? What did the fox do? Besides, they don't have much meat on them. You could use the fur to keep warm in the winter or sell it to a furrier for a scarf, but the meat would barely feed a guy for two days out in the woods.”

She laughed at his expression. “It's just for sport. They let the fox go in the end.”

“Dumbest sport I ever heard of.” Han tried to keep his eyes on her shapely figure, and not on the golden ballroom whirling around him. “Now horse and cart racing, that's my kind of sport. At least you can get something out of it. Or an archery tournament. They have some great jackpots.”

“They're also sports for the common people.” Leia guided him, leading him through the paces of the court dance. “Some nobles do attend the openings of the horse and cart race season, but they're not really supposed to be for us.”

Han rolled his eyes. “Does it really matter? Nobles are just people, like everyone else.” That was when Han looked up at the door. He frowned, his hazel eyes widening. A tall figure in green and red armor had sauntered in and was gazing around, managing to look like he was giving everyone the once-over with his dark eyes barely visible. Han grabbed Leia's hand when the man started towards them. “Come on, Your Highness. We need air.”

“What?” Leia felt herself being dragged across the ballroom floor as her dancing partner pushed rudely past several people, making their way into the garden and down the winding cobblestone paths. “What are you doing?”

“Getting air.” She let out a squawk of protest when he pushed her down onto a wrought-iron bench and dropped right next to her. He looked over his shoulder. “I hope we're not being followed.”

“By whom?” She didn't know who this man was, but he was certainly no prince, and probably not any other kind of noble, either. “What's going on?”

Han just turned the lazy smile back on. “Nothing you need to worry your pretty head about, Your Worship. Let's just say there's a couple of guys out there I...Corellia owes money to who want to take it out of the treasury the hard way.”

Leia frowned. “Why don't you send your knights after him?”

“I'd rather deal with the scum myself, sweetheart,” he said with that infuriating smirk.

Leia started to stand. She was getting very tired of this so-called prince's condescending attitude. “Well, it's certainly been an interesting evening...”

He was still smirking. “What's your rush?”

Leia was trying hard to remind herself that nice princesses did not slap princes. Even if they weren't real ones. “I need to get back to the ball.” She glared at him as he pulled her back onto the bench. “What are you doing?”

Footsteps echoed on the cobblestone path through the moonlit garden. “Work with me here, sweetheart.” He turned around and kissed her hard, just as the man in the green armor strolled by. He passed them with barely a look.

Han probably held the kiss at least a moment longer than he should have, but damn, this girl was good. Better than he thought a princess would be, actually. She tasted sweet, like spun mint candy. Too bad she was a princess, and he wasn't a prince. He could take her on a ride in the Falcon, maybe show her a real horse and cart race, then maybe drive down to Lover's Lane...

A small but sturdy fist in his face interrupted Han's idea of romantic daydreams, knocking him flat on his back on the cobblestones. “I was right,” Leia snapped. “You are not a prince. I don't know who you are, but you will never, ever touch me that way again. Ever. Do you hear me?”

Han rubbed his nose where she hit him. “Sorry, Your Worship, but I kind of got into it.” He started to get to his feet. “Look, these boots are killing me. Why don't we...”

That was when Leia swore she saw an ogre. An ugly ogre. A very large, yellowish, wrinkly ogre, with bulging saffron eyes and a corpulent, slug-like tail. He was slowly slinking along behind the man in the green armor. Han turned his smirk back on, but it was a little forced. “On second thought, Your Worship, let's hold off on that. I have to go make a peace treaty with the King of Tatoon.”

Leia narrowed her eyes. “The King of Tatoon is an ogre named Jabba the Hutt. My father's been trying to make a peace treaty with him for years. He only cares about one thing, and it's gold. You're more likely to make a peace treaty with a dragon.”

“You'd be surprised how well a Corellian prince can negotiate.” He turned that cheeky grin to her. “Keep the dance floor warm for me, sweetheart.”

He took off for the Falcon before she could get ideas...or see where he was going. He could hear her sputtering all the way back at the stables. Jabba probably assumed he'd be there. It's too bad he couldn't stick around and have some fun with that Princess, but not only did he need to catch Jabba, but he was pretty sure he'd blown his cover with her.

Jabba and his hunters were already at the stables when he arrived. He decided it would be better to just make it look good. He pulled off the crown and tossed it in on the back seat of the Falcon and removed the stifling black velvet jacket. Now he felt a little more like his regular self, more able to tackle one of the most corrupt rulers in the Seven Kingdoms.

Chewie joined him. “I don't like the looks of this, mate,” he murmured.

“It'll be fine, big guy,” Han reassured him. “Trust me.” He walked behind Jabba and his men. “Lookin' for me?”

Watching the lumpy ogre king jump and waddle around, tail and all, was a sight to behold. “Han, my boy,” he purred in the language of the ogres, “you disappoint me. I expected the gold for that shipment of spices weeks ago. And why did you have to send an arrow in the back of Green the Lizard? Good hunters like him are hard to find.”

“Jabba, even I get caught by the border patrols at times,” Han grumbled. “Do you think I had a choice about dumping that spice?” He wiggled a finger in the ogre's thick face. “And you sent Green to kill me.”

“Han, Han,” Jabba waddled over to him. “What do you think would happen if I let every servant get away with not doing his duty? That's no way to run a kingdom. I sent Green to make sure you paid for that spice in full.”

Han sauntered around the ugly slug, stepping on his tail as he did. It was worth it to see the ogre's eyes bulge comically. “Look Jabba, I have a nice, easy charter now. Took a friend of mine and an old man to the big party they're holding here tonight. I'll be able to pay you off as soon as it's over.”

“I hope so, my boy.” Jabba somehow managed to twist his rubbery lips into a smirk. “You're one of my best servants. You're too valuable to end up with an untimely demise...such as an arrow in your back or being hounded by my hunters.” He waved his claws at the armed men behind him, including the one in green armor. “So help me, boy, if you cross me again, I'll put a price on your head so large, you'll never be able to walk into a civilized kingdom for fear of what one of these men will do to you. You continually forget your place. You're a servant, bound to me and my kingdom.”

Han chuckled. “Jabba, you're a wonderful human being.”

Jabba glared at him. “I think it's time I left this party. Ogres are never popular at human social gatherings. I have no idea why.”

“Could be 'cause you smell bad, look like a walking pile of garbage, and have table manners that make me look like real royalty?” Han muttered under his breath as Jabba waddled off towards a large, heavy carriage painted bright red and gold with the twin sun emblem of Tatoon on the doors.

Chewie came back over to him. “You're lucky he didn't hear that, mate,” he whinnied, “or that he didn't question me. Probably thought I was a hunter, like the others.”

Han patted Chewie's wide shoulder. “Thanks, pal, but I know how to take care of myself.”

The enormous man rolled his eyes. “That's not what I've seen over the years. I've gotten you out of more situations just by having longer legs than you humans than I could ever begin to count, if a horse could, in fact, count.”

Han leaned into the Falcon to retrieve his crown and jacket. “I wish I didn't have to wear this stupid crown,” he complained. “It hurts my head.”

“Why don't you compromise?” Chewbacca did settle the crown over the younger man's brown hair, but he left the velvet jacket open and unbuttoned the white blouse. “There. You look dashing and still royal enough to pass for this crowd.”

“Thanks, pal.” Han gave him that cocky grin again. “Why don't we go find the kid and warn him about Jabba? He said he left, but some of his boys may still be wandering around.” He found his longbow and quiver of arrows stashed under the carriage seat, glad the old man left the compartments he used for smuggling alone.

Chewie nodded, letting out a snort of worry. “Call it my animal instinct, but I think you're right, mate. Jabba's not the only nasty thing in that party. I saw Imperial troops arrive in the back stables just a few minutes before Jabba arrived.”

“Imperials?” Han frowned. “They're here already? Come on, pal. Let's go find the others.”

Even as the two men made their way back to the ballroom, Luke was coming to the same conclusion. He shivered, despite the fact that he was sweating in the crystal armor. He could see nothing amiss, and yet something didn't feel quite right. He hadn't seen Ben in nearly an hour. Han had vanished, too, along with the Princess.

He looked up as a ball of fire nearly blazed right into him. Princess Leia looked like she was ready to destroy anything that got in her path. He saw her straighten her two hair buns and tug at her dress, but that only made her appear slightly less disheveled. Han was nowhere to be seen.

The young man gulped and moved down to her side. He was a knight, after all. Rescuing fair maidens was supposed to be his job. “Your Highness,” he said quickly, bowing before her. “Any trouble? Where's Prince Han...Hannel?”

“I don't know,” she growled. “That...that arrogant idiot just pulled me down on a bench and kissed me! We just barely met. I wonder if he really cares about anybody, or anyone.”

“I care,” Luke said. “He's not so bad, really, once you get to know him.”

“I'm not so sure I want to know him now.” She sighed as the music started. “Would you like to dance?”

“Me?” Luke said in surprise, unable to keep the squeak out of his voice.

“Yes.” She curtsied before him. “Worthy knight, would you do me the honor of being my partner for this waltz?”

“I...” He bowed stiffly before her. “Yes, Your Highness. I would love to dance with you.”

He never, in all his wildest dreams, thought the Princess Leia would dance with him. He'd only seen her a few times in the stables. Dodonna always saddled the royal family himself. She looked different here than she did when she was riding, softer, somehow. Maybe it was the dress. Her riding habits were always severely tailored and masculine. Here, with her hair in the side buns and the silver tiara reflecting the candles from the glistening chandelier, she looked ever inch the Princess of Aldran. He could almost believe he was a noble knight, bound to defend her and her family.

The musicians struck up another waltz. This one was slower, more romantic, more sensual. He did the best he could in the armor, but he wasn't really a dancer. Farmers didn't exactly have the time to learn the latest steps, and it wasn't a part of his duties in the stables. He finally decided to pay attention to those beautiful, deep brown eyes of hers. You could get lost in those eyes, he thought.

He was so lost in thought, he barely heard her laughter. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

A hundred million responses went through his head. The one he finally blurted out was “You're beautiful.”

She smiled. “Thank you. You're very sweet to say so.” She sighed. “I need to find your master. I have something...something I need to give him.”

This ball was just one surprise after another. Luke looked down at the girl in his arms. “You do?”

“Yes. Something very private and important.”

He stumbled and tried to stay upright as they dipped and swayed in time to the music. “I could, uh, take it to him for you. He's my teacher. We're very close.”

She shook her head. “I'm sorry, but this is something I have to do myself. It's of the utmost importance that I get it to Sir Kenobi as soon as possible.”

Luke took her hand. “I think he's still with the king. We could go look for them right now.”

Leia nodded. “Yes, that would be best.”

Suddenly, Luke felt a wave of pain flashing in his mind. It was intense, nearly sending him to his knees. Leia rubbed her head, her face more worried than pained.

Luke winced, his voice higher than it should have been. “I...I have a headache. Maybe we'd better go find Be...Sir Kenobi.”

Leia nodded. “I agree. My head's not feeling its best, either.”

As Luke looked around, he realized they weren't the only ones who felt the change in the ballroom. The music became discordant, then stopped all together. The dancers broke apart, muttering about places they had to be or the people they'd rather be talking to. A wave of frightened murmurs swept around the dance floor. Nobles screamed, or cried, or tried to run. A strong wind blew through the room, taking out the lights on the chandelier. As the room plunged into darkness, men in gleaming white armor swarmed around the assembled guests.

The entire room held its collective breath as Lord Vader walked into the room. The very armor he wore, heavy and black and scaly and decorated with the skulls of men he had killed in battle, inspired fear and horror. There seemed to be nothing human about him. Not even eyes could be seen behind the dark visor. Though he walked like a man, he had the bearing of a monster. The visor roamed around, taking in the entire ballroom, seemingly dismissing all of them with a glance.

Leia only glared at him. “Lord Vader,” she hissed. “The Black Knight. My uncle told me he might come. I was hoping he wouldn't bother. He's not wanted here.”

Luke held onto the girl, his eyes transfixed by this new, terrifying arrival. He swore, at that moment, Vader actually turned his visor to gaze at him. He gazed back, hoping he didn't show the fear that was welling up in his stomach. “Maybe...” he squeaked again. Vader turned away from him, making his way down to the main dance floor. Luke finally got control over his voice. “Maybe we should go find Ben...Sir Kenobi and Prince Hannel.”

They started ducking around people, making their way to the ballroom door, only to be met with three of Vader's white-armored stormtroopers at the main entrance. “Everyone is to remain in the ballroom until further notice,” one stated.

Leia gave them her most angry and incensed glare. “I am Princess Leia Organa, niece and heiress to King Bail Organa, the ruler of this kingdom. I demand that you allow me and this apprentice knight to pass through.”

“Not anymore. This is now the property of the Kingdom of the Empire. Lord Vader is taking over.” He reached for her arm. “Lord Vader wants all members of the royal family be brought to him.”

“No!” Luke jumped in without thinking. “Let her go!”

The soldier gave him a once-over. “You're a strange one, in that ancient armor. What kind of a knight are you?”

Luke raised his head. “I'm the White Knight. It's my job to protect the princess. I won't let any harm come to her.”

“If you won't move, I'm going to have to take you both in.” The trooper raised his sword to disarm Luke. Remembering what Ben demonstrated, Luke met him head-on, his stance defensive. Leia ducked away as the two fought. “Leia,” he called, “run for it! Get out of here! I'll hold them off.”

Leia wasn't going to argue. The ballroom was descending into chaos. Stormtroopers lead partygoers out to their carriages or to the dungeons. She hurried out the nearest doorway as Luke pushed one of the remaining tables in the stormtrooper's way. The moment the trooper was on the floor, Luke hurried away.

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: New Hope, Part 5

Cecil was worried. He and Arthur were searching for their friends, or the other servants, or anyone who could tell them where to go and how to get out of this mess. Cecil watched his shorter friend's hands fly as they hurried down a hallway near the main entrance. “I can't believe we're even involved in this! Me, a respectable butler!”

Arthur narrowed his eyes, his hands flying. Cecil rolled his brown eyes. “You've only been a footman for a few hours. You're a blacksmith. You're hardly in the same bracket as me.” He winced as his own fingers flew. “We're doomed. We'll be send to the salt mines, or conscripted into the Imperial Army, or worse! There's no escape for the princess this time. I've always said she was too reckless, too wild.”

Arthur kept moving, his fingers pointing at Cecil, then returning to making symbols and letters. “Don't call me a mindless philosopher, you walking lump of coal! You're the one who insisted on leaving the stables.” Arthur glared at him, his fingers indicating a very large creature. “No, I wouldn't have wanted to deal with an ogre, either, but it is your job to look after the carriage.”

Cecil started back towards the ballroom. “I think we'd better get back to the stables. This looks like it could turn into a truly sticky situation.” That was when he saw, or thought he saw, a flash of white lace and soft, shiny brown buns around a corner and realized Arthur wasn't with him. “Arthur? Arthur, where are you? You couldn't have chosen a worse time to get lost!”

He hurried down the hallway, ducking into rooms whenever stormtroopers marched by. “Arthur?” He finally found himself in one of the smaller sitting rooms. He swore he saw a small, dainty figure in white hand Arthur a parchment. The figure vanished through another door before he could take a closer look.

Arthur's fingers were flying. “There you are!” Cecil scolded. “Why did you run off like that? You very nearly gave me a heart attack.” Arthur rolled his eyes and poked his flying fingers at Cecil. “Of course I have a heart! I care about you, and the household, and Their Majesties. And who was that woman who was with you?” Arthur's fingers made a feminine shape. “The princess? Wouldn't she be back in the ballroom?” His friend's fingers patted the parchment, then went to his lips. “A secret mission? Are you out of your coal-blackened mind? You're a blacksmith, not a spy!”

Arthur was already taking off down the hallway as fast as his short, stubby legs could move. “Where are you going?” His eyes widened as he saw the ballroom entrance. “Back to the ballroom? But we can't go there! We'll get killed...or worse!” They went by the guards with barely a peep. The guards weren't looking for servants. They were searching for members of the royal family. They were able to sneak out to the ballroom unnoticed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Leia wasn't as lucky. She'd ducked out of the adjoining sitting room, hoping to find either Sir Kenobi, his apprentice, or her father. All the hiding in the world couldn't mask her obviously expensive ball gown or the darn royal buns. The guards knew her on sight. She fought as hard as she could against a squadron of troopers, managing to take down two before the handle of a sword smashed against the back of her head. Stars swam in front of her eyes...and then, blackness.

She regained consciousness in a very hard pair of arms. Spikes poked through her thin, lacy gown. She felt as if she were laying on armor. She could smell the oil used to keep armor shining and free of rust. As she opened her eyes, she realized she was gathered in two hands clad in red and black armor. Familiar red and black armor.

“Lord Vader,” she said, her voice rising in anger, “only you could be so bold. The Courts of the Seven Kingdoms will not stand for this. When they hear you've attacked a ball attended by several hundred people...”

“Don't act so innocent,” Lord Vader growled, “daughter.” The last word came out as a hiss, making the war lord sound more like a snake than a human. “The reason your family held this ball had nothing to do with you finding a husband, and everything to do with sending messages to the Rebels in the Woods.”

“Father,” Leia snapped angrily, struggling in his arms, “I don't know what you're talking about. I'm being introduced to the Imperial Court.” She glared into where she hoped his eyes were under that armor. “You will put me down now and let me and the rest of the Aldran Court go.”

Vader yanked her chin upwards to face him. She could hear his raspy, snake-like breathing. “You,” he sneered, “will not use my own powers against me. My master will teach you what you need to know to become a Black Sorceress.”

Leia yanked her chin from his hand, still struggling. “I'd rather marry a dragon than learn anything from that hideous creature you call 'master'! This ball was held to introduce me to the Imperial Court.”

“This ball,” her father growled, “was a cover for your real activities. You are one of the Rebels of the Woods and a traitor.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he wrapped his beefy gloved hand over it, muffling her angry cries. “Silence, my child. You and the entire Aldran Court belong to the Kingdom of the Empire now.” He handed her to one of the troopers behind him. “Bind her and take her to my carriage. We'll get information out of her yet.” The towering Black Knight watched as the man hefted the enraged, screaming young woman over his shoulder, carrying her off to the Imperial carriages.

One of his aides looked worried. “Holding her is dangerous, Your Lordship. If this got out, more Kingdoms could join the Rebels In the Woods.”

“I've traced the Rebels to her and the Aldran Court,” Vader insisted. “She'll lead us to them. There will be no one to stop us this time.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Han found Luke in the ballroom. Or what was left of it. Aldran guards threw stormtroopers into buffet tables; stormtroopers slammed chairs over their heads. The gypsy-turned-prince grinned as he watched the fight. “Now this is my kind of party! If I'd known they were going to have this much fun, I wouldn't have made a stink about coming in costume.”

Luke looked around. “Han, have you seen Ben or the Princess?”

Han shook his head. “Not in a while, kid. Chewie and I were out making sure the Imperials didn't try anything on the Falcon.” Chewie let out a very horse-like snort but said nothing.

Cecil and Arthur rushed into the ballroom, ducking around a stormtrooper who was in a very intense duel with an Aldran guard. “Oh, my beautiful ballroom!” the dismayed butler wailed. “These Imperials make the worst mess at parties! I hope they don't expect me to clean up all of this!”

“Have you seen Ben?” Luke asked the moment they joined them.

“No, Sir Luke,” Cecil started. His brown-gold eyes were wide. “But Arthur says there's at least four Imperial guards standing directly behind you!”

Han groaned as he, Luke, and Chewie threw up their hands and turned around. “Yeah, that's Imperials, all right. Don't even have the manners to give you a warning before they ambush ya.”

The first Imperial poked Han in the back, grabbing his longbow. The one next to him took Luke's sword. The smallest yanked Chewie's crossbow out of his long arms. “Turn around, Your Highness. We've been told to bring all royalty to Lord Vader.”

“Look guys,” Han started, giving them his infamous grin, “I'm sure we could figure something out. I never deal with half-demons this late at night. If you talk to us tomorrow, I might actually be up to looking at your boss.”

“Han,” Luke muttered, “don't annoy them. Unlike me, you're not wearing armor.”

“Kid, I know what I'm doing,” Han muttered back. He grinned back at the stormtroopers. “We're not even supposed to be here. We're just looking for a friend. We want to get back to our carriage, and I'm sure you probably have significant others you want to go home and make love to, so why don't you just let us go?”

Luke could see Han reach for his bow, even as another figure came up behind them. Sir Kenobi knocked the first trooper down with the handle of his sword. Chewie threw the second over his shoulder. Luke took out the third. Han yanked his bow from the fourth and shot him directly in the heart between breastplates when he tried to attack Luke.

Luke and Ben were already using the remains of one of the table cloths to tie up two of the soldiers. Ben looked concerned. “I'm glad I found all of you. Bail and I separated when the Imperials arrived. I'm sure Vader has already sensed my presence here. I heard one of the squadrons mention they were going to take the royal family to Aldran Town.”

The young knight-in-training's blue eyes widened in horror. “The princess, too?”

“Presumably, yes.” Ben's sorrowful, pale-blue eyes seemed to be elsewhere for a few minutes.

“It'll be all right, Master,” Luke said. “There's still a chance we can get them back.”

Han was already waving his hands. “What's all this 'we' stuff, kid?”

“We have to get to Aldran Town,” Luke exclaimed. “The royal family needs our help!”

“I hope you mean 'we' as in 'you and the old man.'” Han made a face, holding his longbow close. “Chewie and I have had more trouble than we bargained for on this trip already.”

Chewbacca crossed his long arms. “Speak for yourself, mate.”

Arthur's fingers were flying. He grabbed a parchment from the pocket in his tight-fitting white and blue trousers. “Is that what you've been going on about? That paper?” Cecil turned to the other three. “Arthur has been insisting for the past half-hour that Princess Leia gave him some parchment roll that's supposed to be a private message for Sir Kenobi. I personally don't know what he's talking about. I haven't seen anyone since the ball ended but Arthur, the Imperial troops, and all of you. With all we've been through as servants for royalty, I suspect Arthur has become a bit eccentric.”

Luke winced and rubbed his head. Ben took his in his hands. “I think it would be best if we left. There's nothing more we can do here.” The elderly knight turned to Luke. “I want you to concentrate on all of us. I'll help.” He turned to the others. “I want all of you to help. Moving large objects, such as humans, works better when there's more minds involved.”

“Even ones who really can't use the Force?” Han started. Chewie just elbowed him, his eyes already closed.

Ben chuckled. “Yes, Han, even you. Cecil and Arthur, you too.”

Arthur nudged Cecil, his fingers moving sharply. “All right, all right,” Cecil fussed, “but I must warn you, I have no such magical powers. My abilities lay in organization and translation.”

Luke closed his eyes tightly, concentrating. “How will I know when we're moving, Master?”

“You'll feel it.” Ben put a hand on his shoulder. “You'll feel the light.”

Even as Ben spoke, a soft blue light did begin to gather around them. When Lord Vader and the Imperials stepped into the ballroom, the only thing that remained of the group was a mist of fading sky-blue sparkles.

“They were here a minute ago!” exclaimed the Imperial trooper. “There was a Force knight with the Princess. He called himself the White Knight. I haven't seen armor like his since I was a child.”

Lord Vader stepped into where the last of the sparkles were rapidly dissolving. “Sir Benjamin Kenobi was here. I feel his presence. And someone else...” He concentrated, trying to feel where they may have gone. “A boy...a boy with strong magic...” Vader finally stepped back, the hiss rising in his throat. “There's no more. Kenobi is shielding him, and the others with them. He's trying to protect them, the old fool.”

The remaining Imperial troops were searching the ballroom. Two officers came up to him. “We've rounded up the remaining Aldran Court members. All other party guests and servants were sent home or arrested.”

“Good.” He sent one more impenetrable gaze around the room. “Bring the royal family to Aldran Town and my daughter, Princess Leia, to Bast Castle. I want her to see what happens to those who defy the Empire and my master.” He looked around “And burn this castle. It is no longer of use to me. Take the horses and carriages and anything else that you can salvage.” He turned to the commanding officer. “The princess is secure in my carriage?”

The man bowed before him. “Yes, your lordship. I must warn you, she's a fierce fighter. She kicks and bites like a wild dog. It took three strong men to hold her down long enough to wind rope around her wrists and ankles and get a handkerchief in her mouth.”

Vader just nodded. “I will join her momentarily. We'll be going to Bast Castle. I'm sure Lord Tarkin and my master will be very interested in learning more about her involvement with the Rebels In the Woods.” The man bowed and left the room, followed by several of his guards. Vader himself did one more sweep of the area, hoping to feel the power he'd sensed before, but he came up with nothing. Whatever it was, it was vanished now.