Lady Leia and the Prince, Part 3

She was jolted awake just in time to see the Salt Cliffs of Crait looming majestically at the end of the Imperial Road. Most of the people who lived alongside the mountains were fishermen, miners who dug the salt out of the sides of the mountains, or laborers in the Death Star Fortress. A lone crow joined flocks of white and gray seagulls in the endless horizon. While not as large as Imperial Castle in Coruscant, it was much taller, with high towers that were said to house the worst criminals in Naboo. Her brother was being held prisoner here. She could feel it.

“State your name and business.” Two guards on either side of the main drawbridge sported the heavy white and black armor of the Naboo soldiers.

“My niece, our dog, and I are bringing supplies to the kitchen and infirmary,” Obi-Wan said easily.

The soldier didn't move. “Let me see your identification.”

Obi-Wan smiled and waved his hand in front of the man's face. “You don't need to see our identification. In fact, neither of you ever saw us at all.”

They both seemed to sway in place, as if sitting on a waving swing. The taller one with the red cloak over his armor finally nodded his head. “You may go about your business.”

Her uncle waved his hand again. “Move along.”

“Move along!” Three men in armor turned the cranks, lowering the chains that held the drawbridge. The wolf howled at the racket as they drove across and into the main courtyard.

“Father told me that the Force could be used to sway others.” Leia leaped out of the cart the moment her uncle stopped. “I've never seen anyone actually do it, though.” She helped the wolf over the side. He still limped slightly, but his foot seemed to move much better than it had that morning.

“The Force has a strong affect on the weak-minded.” Obi-Wan took a little longer climbing out. He handed Leia his extra cloak and pulled the hood over his. “You'll need this to disguise your weapons. This is a high-security prison. It can get a little rough.”

She did as she was told, sheathing her sword and covering her bow and arrows on her back. “I'm ready for anything, Uncle.”

They lead Twilight and the cart to the stable, alongside several other carts. They followed several stable hands into the kitchen. Leia couldn't resist swiping a bowl of cakes as they passed. She was hungry! All they'd had for breakfast was a watery root stew her uncle threw together. The wolf snitched a small piece of beef from a table no one was watching.

Leia shuddered as they followed a row of servants in similar cloaks down a hallway. “This place is so dark, Uncle. And not just because there aren't many torches. The dark magic here is thick enough to nearly touch. It's like a wool blanket smothering anything. I can barely feel you, much less Luke.”

The wolf's nose was to the ground the moment they hit the base of the tower. “Do you smell something, boy?” Obi-Wan rubbed the back of his head. “Is your master imprisoned here?”

“You belong to a criminal, boy?” Leia frowned. “Only the worst criminals are kept way out here.”

“Not always.” Obi-Wan held the ruff of the wolf's neck. “Palpatine throws anyone he doesn't want found in here, whether they've committed a crime or not.”

The wolf's nose lead them to a room at the base of the tower. It appeared to be a small office, with maps of the enclosure hung on the wall, books piled on shelves, and fine weapons hung on hooks alongside them. Obi-Wan sat at a desk and inspected one of the maps, while Leia ran her fingers over the black iron handle of a beautifully engraved sword. Its red needle-sharp blade glowed wanly in the dull light. Just touching it made her feel sick to her stomach.

“That's a Sith's sword, the weapon of a black magic user,” Obi-Wan explained. “May even be Palpatine's.”

“Ugh!” Leia pulled away. “No wonder it makes me feel sick. It's concentrated black energy.”

Chewbacca was sniffing at a mechanical bow leaning against the wall. A leather scabbard, filled with well-crafted arrows, was slung across the chair next to it. He howled happily and brought it over to Leia. “What is it, boy? Does this belong to your master?” The bow and the scabbard were finely carved with leaves and vines and trimmed with gold and silver leaf. “I've never seen such a magnificent bow. Does this belong to your master, boy? He if he is a criminal, he must be a very good one to have stolen such a prize. This is the type of weapon a nobleman uses. Maybe even the royal family.”

The wolf sniffed at the bow again, then darted for the door. “We have to be careful, boy.” Obi-Wan stood creakily, rubbing his back. “I'm getting too old for this sort of thing.” He turned to Leia. “According to a message from General Brendol Hux in Coruscant to Counselor Wilhem Tarkin here at the Death Star Fortress, they're holding a very important prisoner in the room at the top of the tower. It could be Luke. They don't say the person's name. The second floor has a well-stocked torture chamber. The top is the cell itself, and is heavily guarded.”

“There has to be a way in.” That was when Leia looked down at the bowl in her hand. “That's it! Come on, Uncle.” She opened the door for her Wookie wolf friend. “Here you go, boy.” The scabbard went under her cloak as her uncle pressed the bow to the canine's sensitive nose. He sniffed around it before letting out a small howl and dashing upstairs.

The stairs themselves were steep but empty, and they seemed to keep going and going forever. Darkness was even more persuasive here, blanketing everything. Leia felt sick to her stomach. Obi-Wan moved much slower behind her, panting a bit and complaining that he really needed to spend more time practicing and less in his garden. Even the wolf whimpered.

Two guards in white armor and a man in a gray chain-mail uniform were guarding a heavy barred door at the top of the stairs. “What are you doing here?” The man in gray demanded. “State your name and business.”

“I'm just a simple maid.” Leia held out the bowl and tried to sound demure. “I brought food for the prisoner.”

“How did you know about the prisoner?” The guard narrowed his eyes. “Counselor Tarkin said only a select few even knew he was alive.”

“He has to eat sometime.” Obi-Wan chuckled. “Now, I think you'll let us through...”

The officer grabbed Obi-Wan's hand, breaking his concentration. “Oh no, you don't. I don't like this. Why wasn't I notified?”

Leia let out a growl that nearly matched the wolf's and threw the bowl in his face. Obi-Wan tripped him downstairs as his niece dispatched the remaining soldiers before they had the chance to cry out. A light from Obi-Wan's waving hand silenced the groaning man on the stairs.

“I put him to sleep.” Obi-Wan pulled off his hood. “He won't remember a thing when he wakes up.”

“Good.” Leia shuddered, trying not to think that she'd just killed two men. The shining blue blade was able to cut through the lock on the door as if it were made of paper. The wolf let out a happy howl as he lead them in.

An arched window on one side was the only source of light in the dismal little room. She held her sword aloft, ordering it to illuminate the room. Dirt-crusted stone walls were enlivened only by a slightly splintered old chair and a straw pallet on the floor.

Chained to the side of the wall near the window was a lone figure in tattered black vest and navy hose, his ragged blue cape hanging loosely around his broad shoulders. Thick iron manacles bound his wrists and ankles to the wall. His sinewy arms and legs were a mass of burns, bruises, and deep cuts. Greasy brown hair hung lankly to his broad shoulders and covered his grime-smeared face. His back sagged against the wall, too tired to stay upright.

The wolf let out a loud, happy howl and rushed straight to the man, licking his torso and nudging his legs. “Wh...Chewie? Boy? Is that you?” His deep voice creaked from disuse. “How did you get here?”

“We brought him.” Leia stumbled through the darkness. ““Have you seen my brother Luke? Short, blond hair, blue eyes. He was kidnapped and is being held somewhere in this fortress. ”

“No, I haven't seen anyone but me and the walking skeleton and his goons.” There was something in his voice. For all the gruffness, it had a refined quality to it. He sounded more like a nobleman than a criminal. All the nobility vanished when he somehow managed to give her a lopsided smirk. “What's your name, girl? Came all the way up here because you couldn't resist me?”

“My name is Leia.” She glared at him. “And we came up here to find my brother. What makes you so important that they dumped you all the way up here?”

The smirk instantly vanished. “I don't know. I can't remember. I was dragged off my horse...” His eyes flew open, the sparkling hazel orbs concerned. “Falcon! My horse. He and Chewie...if they've hurt him...”

Leia rubbed the wolf's back. “We'll find him.” The wolf gave the man a nudge when he said “Chewie.” “Is his name? I've never seen a tame Wookie wolf before.”

That irritating smirk was back. “I can tame a lot of things.” He actually had the gall to wink at her, though he winced afterwards.

The girl in armor glared at him. “I'm sure you can.”

“As much as I'm enjoying your banter, children, I'm afraid we can't linger.” Obi-Wan turned back. “I hear people coming upstairs.”

“How are we going to get out of here?” She made a face. “The stairs are the only way in or out.”

“There's always the window.” The prisoner managed a weary grin. “We could jump down, if you like having your bones broken into tiny pieces on the cliff below.”

“He's right.” Obi-Wan turned around. “Which is why we're not going to leave. Leia, get back into your cloak.”

She'd just thrown the hood over her head when the door was flung open. “You there!” The man who pointed a bony finger at her was small and slender, like a walking skeleton in elegant gray cape and tunic. “Girl! How did the lock on this door break?”

“I don't know, Your Excellency.” Leia bowed low. “We're just bringing this man his dinner.”

“Forgive me, sire, but the lock was already broken when we came.” Obi-Wan also bowed. “I'm a monk, here with my niece and our dog to bring this poor criminal some comfort in his final hours.”

“Hey ugly, who the hell are you?” The man glared at him from the wall. “And could you tell me what's going on? My head feels like it's been dragged over the Salt Cliffs by sixteen orcs.”

Tarkin smirked. “Certainly. I am Counselor Tarkin, head of the Death Star Fortress. His Excellency Chancellor Palpatine has decided to be merciful and spare your life. You have outstanding debts with Jabba Du Hutt, the Sultan of Tatoonie, that he insists must be paid. I've made arrangements to sell you to Sultan Du Hutt as a household slave.” The counselor's tight smile was nearly demonic. “I've heard he's quite rough on his slaves. He expects them to...amuse him. You may last a few days, at most.”

The prisoner narrowed his eyes. “If you think I'm gonna be a plaything for some sultan, you have another thing coming, Skull Face.”

“You have no choice in the matter.” Tarkin smirked as a crow's cawing was heard in the distance. “There's a freighter leaving for Anchorhead at first light tomorrow. You will be part of a shipment of slaves being brought to the Mos Eisley markets.”

“But I thought slavery was outlawed in the Kingdom of Naboo!” The outburst leaped from Leia's lips before she could stop herself. “Even a criminal doesn't deserve to be sold like cattle at market! How can you break your own laws?” Obi-Wan gave her shoulder a little shake, while Chewie growled at her side.

“Slavery is outlawed in Naboo, girl. However, it's perfectly legal in Tatoonie.” Tarkin reached over, slapping Leia in the face. “And I'll thank you to keep your tongue and know your place, or I'll have it cut out.”

“And I'll thank you to not touch me.” Leia whipped out her sword and threw off the cape before Tarkin had the chance to move. “My name is Lady Leia Skywalker. I want to know what you've done with my brother Luke.”

“Skywalker?” Tarkin's grin widened. “As in Anakin Skywalker? You're very much like your father. Same bravado, same temper, same disrespect for authority, same inclination to speak before you think. Do you really think you can fight your way out of this?”

The moment two of his men lunged for her, she jumped back. Her sword cut through one as Uncle Obi-Wan cast his spell over the other, throwing him out the window. The prisoner's eyes widened as she whirled through the men, knocking two downstairs, then dueling with two more. Chewie bit into the rear of another man, who ran downstairs clutching his wounded appendage.

“He's getting away!” Leia pointed to Tarkin as he flew down the stairs.

“Leave him.” Obi-Wan dangled a set of keys from his fingers. “We have to release this man and find Luke. He must be in the lower cells for the common criminals.”

“That walking skull would treat my innocent brother like a criminal.” Leia snatched the keys from her uncle and tried them on the prisoner's manacles.

“Thanks, sweetheart. You don't know how uncomfortable this is.” Obi-Wan put his arms around the fellow to keep him from falling to his knees. Even his voice shook. “I'm all right, old man.”

Obi-Wan frowned. “You're nothing of the kind. You're barely walking.” Chewie pushed himself under the man's other side, letting him hold onto his fur as he got his footing. “I'll take you and the wolf to the cart. Leia, you see if you can find Luke.”

No sooner did they reach the entrance than they ran into Tarkin and a platoon of guards. Tarkin sounded as if he were disinterestedly ordering soup for dinner. “Kill the old man and the wolf, but bring the girl and the younger man to me unharmed.”

Two growls overwhelmed the soldiers as a large Wookie wolf and a girl in armor leaped into the fray. Han's eyes widened as she sliced into men who were twice her size and strength. He'd never seen anything like it...that he could remember.

“Leia, we'll come back for you!” Obi-Wan clutched Han as he nearly passed out. “I have to get him to the cart.” He managed to get Han against a tree long enough to wave his hand and toss a bit of sparkling powdered herbs. A light swirled around them, obscuring the duo and the growling canine. When it subsided, they were gone.

“At least he's all right.” Leia was outnumbered and overwhelmed. The largest of the soldiers finally lifted her off her feet, as if she were a rag doll.

“Bring her with us.” Tarkin smirked. “She may have some use yet. Perhaps you could join our brigades, child. You're quite extraordinary with that blade.”

Leia spat in his face. “I'd rather see you blow Naboo to ashes than join you!”

“That may be arranged, my dear.” He grabbed her arm. “But right now, you're coming with us. I have a matter of great importance to deal with in the stables. We just received a most...unusual...horse from the Chancellor when he was dealing with rebel sympathizers in the Endor Woods.”

The stables were on the edge of the property, near the tower. Rows and rows of mostly black or gray stallions used for Palpatine's storm rider army watched them from their stalls with bright liquid eyes. “I don't know how he did it,” Tarkin purred, “but His Excellency brought us one of the greatest prizes to be found in all the Imperial Kingdoms. I give you, gentlemen...and lady,” he nodded at Leia, “a genuine unicorn.”

Leia thought most unicorns were gone, and that the remainder were fairy stories her mother told them at night. This magnificent animal, however, was no myth. It took three men told hold down the pure-white horse, and another to drag on the bridle around its mouth. Flowing gold hair and a golden tail snapped in the wind as it struggled, trying helplessly to throw the men off. One man screamed, jumping back as he was stabbed in the hand by a long, sharp horn.

“Isn't it stunning?” Tarkin's spooky grin twisted in pride. “His Excellency intends to have it's horn removed when he comes tomorrow. It's said to contain pure, concentrated light magic, if you believe the stories.”

“No!” Leia kicked the big man holding her in the shin, then threw herself in front of the unicorn. The poor creature was going wild, bucking and stabbing at the sky. “These animals are sacred to the Jedi order! I read it in a book. None but the Jedi magicians may touch them.”

A white nose pressed into her back, even as his hooves continued to prance nervously. “I won't hurt you, boy. In fact, I think I know you.” She stroked his silky neck, leaning against the snow-white head. “There's something about you that's so...familiar.” Her eyes and the unicorn's closed. “I can feel it.” Dark brown eyes met blue ones that were surprisingly human. “You're not always like this, are you?”

“Stand back, girl.” Tarkin nodded at the large man, who narrowed his eyes as he nursed his sore ankle. “This is none of your concern.”

Leia drew her sword as it's light danced around her. “I'm not going to let your so-called Excellency harm this animal. And if any of you try, you'll get it in the gut from me!”

“Stop her!” Tarkin's men tried to obey him, but the unicorn galloped in front of her, kicking two of them into a near-by pile of hay. The unicorn nudged her, grabbing her cloak and pulling onto his back as Tarkin ordered his remaining men to take their horses after them.

“The light...” She ran the unicorn down the line of stalls. The light from the sword opened each and every one. “Come on, boys.” She grinned as the horses bolted. “Let's get out of here!”

The horses raced every which way, leaping over carts and kicking water buckets. Tarkin had his hands full sending pages, soldiers, and stable boys after them. They were too focused on the horses to notice a rusty black crow land near the main entrance, just as a cart came barreling out from behind the kitchen.

Uncle Obi-Wan met her in the main courtyard.. “A unicorn!” The old mage gasped. “Where...how...”

“There's no time to explain now, Uncle.” She overtook Twilight and the cart, galloping towards the gate. “We have to open that drawbridge!”

“Well, you'd better do it quick.” The prisoner clutched the sides of the cart as it bounced across the dusty courtyard. Chewie let out a howl of annoyance. “Hey, where's my horse? Where's...”

Another horse leaped over the hay carts after Leia. She was surprised he was able to make it. The poor thing was old and worn, gray with reddish patches and a thin red-gray mane. It raced right up to the cart, nudging the prisoner on his cheek and nibbling at his hair. “Falcon! I'm sorry, boy, but I'm not up to ridin' ya right now. You're gonna have to follow along.”

“We might be able to use our powers,” Obi-Wan called to her, “if we do it together. Focus on the drawbridge and what you want it to do.”

“I can't!” Leia was swinging her sword at the arrows from the guards. “There's too many of them.”

The prisoner struggled onto his knees, grasping the mechanical bow. “I'll cover you.” To Leia's surprise, despite barely being able to lift it, his aim was perfect. He leaned out the cart as well as he could, shooting at any guards with arrows.

That was all Leia needed. “Close your eyes,” Obi-Wan told her. “Stretch out with your feelings.” She held her sword up to the drawbridge, stretching out to it, trying to push it open. The unicorn did the same, green fire leaping from its crystal horn.

It seemed like hours, but really, it only took a few minutes for the telltale creak of slightly rusted metal turning wooden holders to penetrate her concentration. “You did it!” Her eyes snapped open just in time to see the flat wood bridge fall across the gorge. The prisoner gave her that half-grin. “Brains and beauty. You're really something else, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.” Even as he spoke, she was already half-over the bridge. “Uncle, hurry!” Leia and the unicorn were first down the winding road that lead back to the valley. “Damn it!” She held up her sword to fend off two arrows. “There's at least three of them after us!”

The man aimed his weary grin at her. “That's where I come in. I can pick these villains off easily.” As worn as he was, the man's aim was truly impressive. He took down two men with one arrow, then aimed another to knock two more into the mud. Another shot went into their wheels, sending the first carriage careening into the mud on the side of the road. A third cart ran over the cliff, dashed to a thousand pieces on the jagged rocks below.

Leia swung her sword into two horsemen, knocking them off their mounts. “Uncle,” she yelled over her shoulder as she fought with another, “where are we going?”

“Back to the woods!” Obi-Wan turned off the main road and into the foliage. The wolf and his master fell back into the cart, smacking against the burlap bag. “And hold on back there. This road can get a little rough.”

The wolf's annoyed howls mingled with his master's unamused “Now you tell us!”

Leia ignored the unicorn's protests as she and Falcon followed her uncle into the woods. Falcon whinnied in horror as he just barely missed an arrow hitting his flank. The unicorn let out an angry snort and pointed its horn at the cart. Green mist shot from the unicorn's horn, block the soldier's line of sight. They ran into a tree, their horses abandoning them as they went back towards the fortress.

“I think that's the last of them.” The man finally collapsed into the cart. “Where are you taking us, old man?”

“We're going to have to camp in the woods for tonight.” Obi-Wan shrugged. “After that, we'll take the back roads to Alderaan Manor. Padme's cousin Bail and his wife Breha may already have heard about your parents' deaths. They're both sympathetic to the queen and may be willing to help find her son.”

“Oh no.” The man waved his hand, even as his eyes fluttered. “I'm not...getting involved...with any queens. I just...want...out...” He finally sagged, passing out again. The wolf barked and hurried to his side as the mechanical bow slid from his fingers.

“We'll stop at the first clearing and rest.” The older man's gaze went up to his niece. “I'm proud of you today, Leia. You've done well. I'm sure Anakin would have been proud of you, too.”

She nodded, trying to fight back the tears at the mention of her father. “I know he would, Uncle.” The unicorn lifted his nose, nuzzling her side as she leaned into him. “I think the unicorn agrees with you.”

Obi-Wan leaned over to stroke its mane. “Why don't we all rest? We need to figure out what to do about you, my equine friend, and about that poor soul in the cart.”

Leia turned up her nose. “He's just some thief and scoundrel. Did you hear how he flirted with me?”

“I think there's far more to him than that.” His light fingers shook the reins. “But we really should find a place to set up camp, before darkness descends.”