A Star Wars Fairy Tale: Return, Part 6

Leia had never seen such an enormous banquet. The low table was groaning with every kind of luxurious food in the Seven Kingdoms, from sugared dates and pistachios to a whole roasted pig with an apple in its mouth. (Leia wondered if Jabba and the pig were related.) She was expected to join in the eating, but she was too miserable to enjoy the meal.

All she could do was watch Han and her double on the other side of the table. The other Leia was busy shoving dates in his mouth, running her hands over him, pushing wine at him. She sat in his lap, looking smug. He looked more dazed than anything. To Leia's dismay, he still had the gold collar around his neck. The two ogresses held the leash and barely allowed him to leave their sight.

She felt her brother's arrival well before Bib Fortuna came in to announce that a Force Knight wished to speak to His Mighty-ness. Cecil hurried over as Luke confidently strode into the banquet hall. Leia had never seen Luke look so serious. He wore the black and gold armor of a Master Force Knight under his heavy black wool cloak. He didn't appear to have a weapon on him. She wasn't sure she liked that. He was going to need one if he intended to take on an entire palace with just her help and Lando's.

“Greetings, Mighty Jabba. My name is Sir Luke Skywalker, a former citizen of your kingdom. I came for Captain Han Solowolf, Princess Leia Organa, Chewbacca the Wookie Stallion, and their two servants.” Luke's sky blue eyes shimmered with a new intensity. “You'll release Her Highness and Captain Solowolf and bring the servants and the horse to me.”

Luke didn't need the Force to know that the woman who shoved the gold bottle at Han wasn't his sister, even if he hadn't seen her inhuman yellow eyes. She had an ogre's mind, similar to Jabba's. He couldn't read it at all. He could read the mind of the woman Jabba held down by her arm. Leia's misery and anger was projected loud and clear under her red veil.

Leia glared at her double trying to force the liquid from the gold bottle down Han's throat. She couldn't move her body, but that didn't mean her mind wasn't working. Something wasn't right with that bottle. She lifted her hand. A small blue light slashed at the bottle. It shattered, sending brown liquid and gold glass all over the floor.

Grishane screeched as two servants tried to wipe her down. Han tried to help, but he couldn't see where he was wiping and poked her in the eyes. She roughly shoved his hands away.

Jabba only snickered before returning to Luke. “I was killing your kind when being a Knight meant something,” Cecil translated glumly. “You are disrupting a joyous occasion. Your lovely Princess is about to announce her engagement to Captain Solowolf.”

Luke's eyes went to the woman who was still trying clean the brown liquid off her gauzy skirt. “That's not Princess Leia. Her eyes don't look like the Princess', and she doesn't carry herself like the Princess.”

“Of course I am!” The woman who looked like Leia squealed. “Who else would I be?”

Cecil couldn't help noticing that there seemed to be twice as many servants as there had been an hour ago. He swore he saw two very young servants, one with blue hair, one in pink armor, conversing with one of the ladies-in-waiting in pale-green ribbons, and a familiar head of thick black hair and bright blue eyes under a turban nod at Luke.

“Prove it to me.” Luke raised his eyebrows. “The Princess of Aldran is said to have Force magic, similar to my own. I don't believe that woman has Force magic. She has some kind of magic, but not the kind that's given by the Force.”

“Kid? Is that you?” Han turned his head in the direction of the sound of his best friend's voice. “What in the hell are you doing?”

“Trust me, Han.” Luke backed up as the false princess finally released her handsome human doll and strode up to him. “You're not Leia,” he said simply. “You walk differently than she does. More waddle, less fire.”

She put her hands on her hips. “How do you know that? You're just some silly hu...silly knight! You don't know anything!”

“I know enough to recognize a trick when I see it.” Luke raised his hand and concentrated. A dark blue light surrounded her. When it subsided, she was Grishane again. “Han, you almost married an ogress. Jabba turned one of his daughters into the Princess to force your hand.”

She screamed with Leia's voice. “You little brat! You ruined it! All I wanted was my pet to say he'd marry me! Daddy promised me I could have him!”

“I knew it!” Han swung towards where he hoped Jabba was. “Where is she? Where's the real Leia?”

Leia started to stand, but Jabba grabbed the chain and yanked her back to her silken pillow, holding her down by her shoulder. “The foolish boy lies, Solowolf. Just listen for her voice.”

“Oh no.” Han shook his head. “I'm not buyin' that again. Tell me where Leia is,” his fingers grappled for a knife on the table, “or I'll jam this damn thing down that fat throat of yours.”

The other two ogresses yanked Han's chain, thrusting him into their arms. “You don't threaten our daddy!” the smaller one snarled.

The larger one pulled his collar close to him for a slobbery kiss. “You're ours now!”

Luke and Leia both lunged for him at once. “No!” Luke shouted. “They're not slaves!” The young knight easily used his Force magic to steal the scimitar from one of Jabba's guards.

Cecil gasped when he saw Jabba reach for a handle on his throne. “Sir Luke,” he yelled, “you're standing on...” But Bib Fortuna heard him and clamped a hand over his mouth, forcing him back to the banquet table with the struggling Han and Leia.

Luke had just begun to fight with two of the guards when he felt the floor go out from under him. “Kid!” Han bellowed. “Damn it, Jabba, what did you do to the kid?” The ogresses wrapped their arms around him and held his chain tightly. Leia tugged at the stiffing collar around her neck, but it refused to budge.

“Oh no!” Cecil wailed under Bib's hand. “The tigara!”

Luke and several guards tumbled into the pit below the banquet hall. Luke threw off his wool cape as he heard a horrifying screech. A hideous two-headed creature, half-snake, half-tiger, let out an earth-shattering roar and leaped for Luke at once.

The young Force Knight didn't have much time. He tried to read the tigara's mind, but he only got one thought – hunger. It was hungry, and it didn't care about much else. He reached for one of the bones that was scattered around the room, shoving it into the monster's mouth. When the other mouth snapped at him, he hit it with another bone. The moment the creature reared back, he bolted for the nearest exit.

To his frustration, the exit was blocked by heavy iron bars and at least six of Jabba's men. Unfortunately, the tigara had gotten the bone out of its mouth. Both mouths were springing for him, lunging hard for this tiny, black-clad piece of meat.

Luke had to think fast. He grabbed another bone, a skull this time, and threw it at the mechanism that opened the trap door. The mechanism broke, sending the heavy slab of tile and sandstone down on the tigara's two heads. The creature collapsed to the floor, crushed instantly.

Jabba had never been so enraged in all his life. He bellowed orders left and right. Five of his men, including Boba Fett, brought Luke back to the banquet hall. It took three more to hold Leia on the pillow. Two guards surrounded Cecil. The three ogresses had to struggle to keep Han from trying to leap to Luke's aid, whether he could see him or not.

“Send for my firing squad!” Jabba snarled. “I'll make short work of this so-called White Knight!”

The six men who came out with bows and arrows made for the oddest set of soldiers Leia had ever seen. Two were the young servants with the blue hair and the pink armor. She swore she saw braids done in pale green ribbons poking out of a third helmet, and a small brown bun out of the fourth. The fifth was the tallest man she'd ever seen...and the sixth was one of the shortest, with rather orange-y skin. And maybe it was just her, but the one with the blue hair held a slingshot.

Jabba managed a smirk with his rubbery lips. “The mighty Jabba wishes for you to die honorably,” Cecil translated with a whimper, “but if you should beg for mercy, he would be willing to hear your pleas.”

“Goldenrod,” Han snapped, “you tell that piece of ogre trash that he won't get any satisfaction from us!” Luke snickered, and even Leia couldn't help her grin. Their friend's declaration would have held far more weight if he'd been turned to face Jabba, rather than the wall in back of him.

“Jabba,” Luke insisted, “this is your last chance. Free us, or die.”

But the rubbery pile of flesh and slime only chortled. “Shoot him, men.”

Leia watched tensely as the squad raised their bows and arrows...but to her surprise, and the surprise of the crowd, they turned as one and unleashed their arrows and rocks on the crowd! Explosions fired pink and blue smoke everywhere. Arthur easily dove under the arrows, tossing something shiny and silver in Luke's direction. Luke easily caught the handle of his new Force sword, which glowed a brilliant emerald against the golden and blue tiles of the banquet hall, and went after the guards.

“Watch what you're saying, you big slug!” A hand reached up and took off the pink helmet...revealing a young woman with blue-red hair. “Some of us are women!”

Cecil beamed. “Miss Sabine! And Miss Hera, and Sir Kanan, and all of you! You've come to rescue me!”

All around them, more and more servants took off helmets or turbans or veils, revealing the familiar faces of Rebel fighters. Jabba bellowed for his guards to attack them and kill every single one. Lando grinned at Luke as he took off his own helmet. “Is this the 'help' you had to go back for?”

Luke nodded. “Arthur and I ran into them on our way to the Ewoks' village. They're stationed in Sequoya Village, on the other side of the Kingdom of Endor. I told them about Han and the money Jabba stole from the people of Tatoon, and they came along to help liberate them.” Luke dove into the fray, fighting with four of Jabba's guards at once and easily defeating every single one.

Lando saw Bobba Fett making for the main exit. “Oh no, you don't!” He poked his sword at Fett's green-armored back. “Sorry pal, but this was your last job.”

“Wanna bet?” Fett launched arrows at him. Lando dove down, tugging at his ankles. Fett fell face-forward, landing on the former baron. The duo grappled with each other, Lando trying to keep Fett's fingers off his neck. The taller man in the green armor finally managed to send an elbow into his gut long enough to shove him away. Lando puffed hard as Fett leaped out a window and dashed across the garden to his carriage.

“Damn it,” Lando groaned, managing to get to his feet. “I have to tell the others. He probably went to tattle to Vader again.”

While Jabba bellowed and screamed, Leia jumped up from her cushion. She had to get rid of this foul beast, before he caused any more damage. Arthur grinned and pulled her knife out of his bulky jacket. His fingers flew. She understood the gist enough to gather that Arthur had found it in the armory and had sneaked it out before anyone noticed. She gave him a small hug and sent him towards the banquet hall to aid the others. The moment Jabba turned from her, she stabbed him as hard as she could in the belly. Jabba screamed and flailed, but he finally withered, almost melting into slime and rubbery goo under her feet.

Arthur and the little orange-skinned man came by with sharp knives that hacked through her chain after a few good blows. She pointed towards the exit. Jabba's daughters were dragging Han towards the main doors, probably hoping to at least flee with their slave. Leia and the two servants rushed out, followed by Luke and Lando.

The three ogresses shrieked at the top of their lungs when they saw Leia and the sticky knife that killed their father. The princess didn't need Cecil's translations to understand the hate and anger in their voices. “You killed him!” Grishane screeched. “You killed our daddy!”

“He brought this entire kingdom to the brink of ruin with his excesses!” Luke shot back. Having grown up in Tatoon, he spoke the language of the ogres quite well. “My family barely survived.”

Grishane tugged harder on Han's golden chain. “We know something you don't know! Our slave is rich! Daddy bought him for us from some bandit. Said he found him wandering around in the streets. His mommy was a noble lady, an' his daddy was a gypsy, an' they got killed when the Empire took over Corellia. He's gonna get a lot of gold someday for being noble...and we're gonna keep it!”

Han gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the pain in his neck. “I knew there was somethin' Jabba wasn't tellin' me!”

Leia and Luke exchanged looks. They both nodded at Lando and Arthur, who hurried over to Han. Luke took Leia's hand, and they both concentrated at once. A blindingly blue glow overwhelmed the trio of ogresses. Their screams were drowned out by the brilliance of two minds, two hearts, working together. As the glow intensified, a yellow light floated towards Leia. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth, allowing the light to enter her throat...which no longer felt sore or scratchy.

The light attracted attention. By the time Wedge and Rogue Squadron arrived, dressed in the dark tunics and breeches of the guards, there was nothing in the center of the room but three ordinary garden slugs. Arthur had just cut the chain and collar off Han's neck when Leia hurried over to him.

“Sweetheart?” He reached up to her as she lowered to the tile floor next to him. “Is that you? The real you?”

She took his hands and kissed him all over his dear face. “Yes, Han, it's me. It's really me. Luke and I got rid of Jabba's daughters.” She grinned as Luke and Wedge went back to the banquet hall for salt to put the three slugs out of their misery. “We turned them into slugs, Han. Trust me, they look a lot cuter that way.” She couldn't help the tears that slid down her cheeks. “I wish you could see it! Why did Vader to take your sight? If only my hair would grow faster...”

As she sobbed, her tears rolled onto his face and eyes. She didn't see the faint blue glow...but she felt it. She felt his hand touch her cheek, his strong fingers lace through her short-cropped hair. She held him close to her, knowing she'd never let him go again.

And that was when she heard the shock and happiness in his voice. “Leia...I can see. There's no more blur. I don't know what you did, but I'm all right!”

She opened her eyes...and his hazel-green ones gazed back, bright with tears of their own. The cloudiness was gone. In it's place were sparkling orbs that locked onto Leia's wet brown ones. “My powers,” she gasped in shock. “I still have them!” She wiped her eyes, looking at the water on them. “My tears...”

Han grinned. “Not to sound cliché, sweetheart, but I think they were really in here,” he touched her heart, “all the time.”

Leia put her hand on his shoulder...which, to her delight, was bare. “Han, the mark's gone!”

He gave her one of his grins. “When you took out Jabba, it must have broken his spells, like what happened when Ben Kenobi died a few years ago.” He managed to get on one knee. “Which means I can do something I've wanted to do for months. Before we're attacked by ogres or demons or anything else, Leia Organa, will you marry me?”

Lando and Luke exchanged grins as Leia took his face in her hands and gave him the most passionate kiss she possibly could. “How's that for 'yes?'”

Han grinned dazedly. “Uhh...what was the question?”

Luke and Lando laughed as they helped them to their feet. Han looked up at Luke with a grin. “Hey, kid, thanks for coming after me. I owe you one.”

Luke gave him his sunniest smile. “What are friends for?”

Cecil hurried over. “Sir Luke, Your Highness, Lady Mothma wishes to meet you at Jabba's treasure vault. She wants to discuss how to best distribute Jabba's vast gold supplies to aid the citizens of Tatoon.”

Leia put a hand around her brother's black-clad shoulders. “Luke is the man you should talk to. He lived here all his life. He knows what the people need.”

Luke blushed. “I don't, really. I just can't stand to see anyone hurt or unhappy.”

Han grinned and clapped his friend on the back. “Kid, I can't think of anyone who'd do better.”

As Luke and Leia joined Lady Mothma, Han took Lando aside. “Lando...I have one thing to say to you about what happened in at the Kingdom of the Clouds.”

Lando saw Han raise a fist and started to move back. “I told you, pal, that wasn't my fault...”

He didn't duck quick enough. Han's fist connected with his chin, knocking him to the floor. “Even now, pal?”

The former baron rubbed his sore chin as Han helped him to his feet. “Yeah, we're even.” He nodded towards the hall. “Let's catch up with the other. I heard Jabba has treasures in his vault that King Palapatine would give his false teeth for.”

The entire group followed Cecil to Jabba's vault. It took ten large men, including Kanan's big gray-skinned friend Zeb, to shove the heavy sandstone door aside and let everyone in.

Luke gasped. “I can't believe this!” The entire vault was wall-to-wall gold. He'd never seen so much gold. There were piles and piles of golden coins, nearly reaching the ceiling. He saw chests of jewels and necklaces and rings and shelves filled with fine gold and silver cups and plates. There were gold bars and gold cloth and beautiful gold-inlaid swords and bows.

Han let the coins chink through his fingers. “Your people ain't gonna just be eatin' better.” He grinned at Luke. “You're gonna be the richest grain farmers in the Seven Kingdoms!”

Arthur's fingers flew, his face plastered with a huge grin. “Arthur says that the armory is even more heavily laden with treasures, including more gold armor and weapons. Her Highness' mother's armor is there as well.”

Lady Mothma joined them. She was a tall, graceful woman of middle years, with short dark-red hair and the long white and gold robes of the court of the Kingdom of Chalindra. She was followed by her closest generals, including Madine and Rieekien. Leia went to her first. “Lady Mothma!” She curtsied. “Thank you for coming to help us. We can't thank you enough for arriving when you did.”

The elegant older woman nodded. “You're welcome, Your Highness. We've heard stories and rumors about King Jabba's gold hoard, but his palace was always too heavily-guarded to attempt to liberate it. Thanks to Commander Skywalker's knowledge of the area and Baron Calarissian's familiarity with Jabba's ways, our people were able to infiltrate his palace and replace his servants.”

She took two of the gold coins in her palm. “Commander Skywalker and Lady Syndulla's groups will see that most of this is returned to the people of Tatoon. We'll keep some of the gold for our own needs.” She turned to the group gathered behind her. “We'll need it. The Empire has tripled the taxes in the kingdoms they govern. We believe they have some greater purpose in mind for it. Not only have they tripled taxes, but they're taking possessions from those who don't have the credits to pay.”

Madine, a small, fierce Corellian with thick gingery hair and a ginger-colored beard, nodded. “Our Bothan spies have discovered that the money is being gathered in Bast Castle. The castle is heavily guarded, even more so after Commander Skywalker and Captain Solowolf freed Her Highness several years ago.”

“We'll discuss our plans further at Sequoya Village.” Lady Mothma turned to Leia with a small smile. “Your Highness, how did you convince those little Ewok bears we were friendly? I've read about these primitive cultures. I was certain they would string us up with apples in our mouths, but they actually helped us find Jabba's palace.”

Leia chuckled and looked at Cecil, who gave her a knowing smile. “Let's just say we have an understanding with them.”

Han put an arm around her as General Madine's men started to load a few chests of gold onto a bearer. “Hey Your Worship, we have an engagement to celebrate. Not to mention the fact that I just discovered I'm not poor. Why don't we get out of these rags and see if we can liberate Jabba's wine cellar?”

She shook her head. “We'll have time enough for that and to claim your inheritance after we invade Bast Castle.” She grinned, running her fingers down his mostly-bare chest. “You're missing something.” She concentrated. His beloved black leather vest appeared in her hand in a blue light. “You left this in the Kingdom of the Clouds.”

He eagerly slid out of the blue silk vest. “Hey, thanks, Your Worship! You don't know how much I missed this.” He sighed, looking down at her lovingly. “You don't know how much I missed you, and Chewie, and everybody.”

Arthur's fingers flew. “Arthur says we'd best leave this...this place,” Cecil translated. “There may still be guards or members of the court who will try to fight for the treasure.

Lando made a face. “Boba Fett is still at large. I tried to keep him here, but he got away. He probably ran off to tattle to Vader.”

Han growled. “Figures. That guy could always escape anything.”

His fiancee took his hand. “We'll stop him, Han. Together. All of us, Chewie and Tauntaun, too.”

Luke put his arms around his sister and his best friend. “And if we can take down Jabba, we can take down anything.”

Han clapped him happily on the shoulder. “You said it, kid.” Lady Mothma smiled as the seven friends walked out of the vault together, arm in arm, heading for the armory to retrieve Leia's armor and the stables to get Chewie and Tauntaun.

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

As Luke, Leia, Han, Lando, and the Rebels returned to the Woods to make plans, Vader was making plans of his own. At that very moment, he was awaiting the arrival of his master, Palapatine, the Supreme Ruler of the Kingdom of the Empire. Every soldier and officer at Bast Castle stood to attention in the courtyard. The soldiers' armor gleamed. The trim on the officers' uniforms sparkled. Every man in the Empire had to look their best for the King.

An enormous black carriage trimmed with red jewels finally rolled into the courtyard, pulled by no less than ten black horses with red bridles. Two footmen in black and purple livery helped a very withered, very old man in a heavy black cloak down from the crimson plush-velvet seats. Vader dropped to his knees before him.

“Arise, my apprentice,” Palapatine cackled. “How is the collecting of taxes in the Kingdoms of Sullustia and Corellia coming?”

“They have been completed, my master.” The two dark-clad men started towards the throne room. “The last of the money is accounted for.”

“And what of the reports of the Rebel squadrons massing around Sequoya Village in the Kingdom of Endor?”

Vader was sure his master wasn't going to approve of this news. “We have heard rumors that the Rebels delivered the Kingdom of Tatoon from the ogres. King Jabba and his daughters are not believed to have survived.” He paused, knowing this news would be the most difficult for him. to hear. “My children were among those who participated in the siege of King Jabba's palace. It's said that Leia herself murdered the king when he made advances at her. The boy killed a tigara with his bare hands and helped destroy the three princesses.”

Palapatine, however, smiled. “They may have done us a favor. Jabba was a disgusting swine, and the three princesses were said to be worse. That's one less problem to be concerned about.” He made his way to his throne. “I've already made it known that we've tripled taxes and are gathering them by forceful means. They'll likely be here within two weeks.”

Vader nodded. “And my children will come with them.” He hesitated. “Master...”

Palapatine steeped his skeletal fingers. “Yes, Lord Vader?”

“I wish to train them myself. Especially the boy.” Vader dropped to his knees again. “The boy needs more guidance. Obi-Wan and Yoda can no longer help him.”

“You know my feelings on this matter are clear, Lord Vader.” Palapatine glared hard through his black cape. “They're both to be my apprentices. As per your promise, the girl will be my bride, and a Black Sorceress. As for the boy, he'll make a fine young Black Knight. You're not a master yet. They need the instruction of a true Sith Lord.”

Vader gritted his teeth under the helmet. “Yes, master.”

Palapatine waved his wrist. “You may go, Lord Vader. Attend to the command teams remaining in the castle.”

Vader bowed. “Yes, Master.” He gritted his teeth under his helmet as he stormed towards the stables, shattering at least three pieces of furniture on his way with his powers. He never liked those side tables, anyway.

He was starting to realize just how terrible of a deal he'd made all those years ago. He'd wanted power...but what had he gained from it? He couldn't teach his own children the ways of the Force. Luke feared him; Leia hated him. His beloved Padme would weep with sorrow if she could see what he had become, and what he'd done to their family and their home.

He remembered clearly her last words to him, before he'd throttled her at the far-away volcanic Kingdom of Mufasar. He had fled there after he'd killed every child being groomed to become a White Knight in order to prove his might to his new master. She and Obi-Wan followed him. She ran to him from her personal carriage, her eyes filled with love...and shame. Shame because of the things he'd done. Shame because she loved a monster.

Anakin, you're going to a place I can't follow. You're breaking my heart! Please, you're a good man. Don't do this!

He never wanted to break her heart, or hurt their daughter. He'd accepted Palapatine's proposal to help them, to make him stronger, to keep her and their child from dying. And now, he not only lost them both, but the son he hadn't even known about.

Leia's right, he thought angrily. I'll never be anything more than a monster. 

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: Return, Part 7

The Rebels knew nothing of Palapatine's scheming. They had returned to the Enchanted Woods in triumph. Sequoya Village was a small town on the edge of the Kingdom of Endor and the Kingdom of Aldran. Leia was surprised at all the different creatures that roamed among the tents. Ewoks chattered; Wookie horse herds pranced and leaped; humans of every size and color talked among themselves. Chewie went to his mate Malla and colt Lumpy the moment he arrived.

Wicket rushed to Leia. You're all right! He patted Han's hand. Is this your mate? He looks good and strong. Is he a great warrior?

Leia laughed. “Yes, Wicket, this is my mate.” She turned to Han, who looked rather perplexed. “Han, this is Wicket, who helped Cecil and me get to Jabba's palace. Wicket, this is Han.”

Wicket threw himself into Han's arms. Any friend of Leia's is a friend of mine!

Han rolled his eyes as Chewie and Malla whinnied in laughter behind him. “Well, short help is better than no help at all, you two,” he finally admitted. “What's your clan doing here, anyway?” Chewie whinnied louder. “Leia...called them with the Force?” He turned to her with surprise.

Leia smiled. “I called them two weeks ago. They came as soon as I told them you – and we – were in trouble.” She looked down at Wicket. “What about all of you?”

The trees told us you needed help, Wicket explained. They said your friends are good humans. They want to get rid of the Bad Humans...and we do, too! We want them to leave our trees alone!

Han grinned at Lando, who'd traded his guard's uniform for the more dapper tan, green, and pale blue uniform of the Rebels of the Woods. “And well, look at you! I heard they made you a general.” Han himself had returned to his old black leather vest, yellowed tunic, and brown trousers.

Lando chuckled. “Someone told them about my little maneuver at Tenaab City.”

“Don't look at me, pal,” Han insisted. “I told them you were good in a fair fight. I didn't know they were lookin' for someone to lead this crazy group.”

The baron grinned at his friend. “I'm surprised they didn't ask you.”

“Maybe they did, but I ain't crazy.” Han shrugged. “You're the respectable one, remember?”

Lady Mothma, joined by Chief Chirpa, Attich, the head of the Wookie herds, and old Admiral Ackbar, a squid-man who had once been the head of the military in the Kingdom of Mon Calimaria, stepped to the center tent. “King Palapatine has made a critical error, and the time for our attack has come.” She put a hand on Attich. “Attich and the Wookie horse clans have generously volunteered to provide mounts and trained fighters for the group who will be fighting the guards at the base of the mountains. Once the second team has lowered the drawbridge and opened the vault, the first team will be able to enter and take care of the guards inside.”

Admiral Ackbar nodded at Chief Chirpa. “General Calarissian and Commander Antilles will be leading the Rebel Squadron in the castle attack.”

“Good luck,” Han told his friend with his famous smirk. “You're gonna need it.”

General Madine took over. “The second team will enter through the main doors. We've stolen a small Imperial Battle Carriage. Disguised as a shipment of sacred wood from Endor, they'll distract the king's guards and open the drawbridge for Rogue Squadron.”

Leia, now comfortably dressed in the tunic, breeches, and pale-blue vest of the Rebels, leaned over Han. “I wonder who they found to pull that off?” she asked.

To her surprise, Madine turned to Han. “General Solo, is your strike team ready?”

“My team's ready,” Han began. “I need a crew and horses for the carriage.” Chewie nudged him, whinnying and nodding at himself and Malla. “Well, here's two.”

Leia smiled proudly at her fiancee. There was a time when he wouldn't even admit he was with the Rebels. Now, he was a leader, a true part of the whole. “General, count me in.”

“I'm with you, too!” Luke joined them, leading Tauntaun. “And here's your third horse.” Chewie nudged the boy, delighted to see him again.

“Where were you?” Leia asked. Her brother had disappeared into the Woods early that morning, as soon as they arrived. This was the first she'd seen of him since breakfast.

Luke only gave her one of his sunny, sweet grins. “I was having a chat in the Woods with an old friend.”

“Here's five, six, and seven!” Cecil hurried over, followed by Arthur and Wicket. Arthur's fingers flew as he rolled his eyes. “I'll find something to do. I can translate you and Wicket and the other Ewoks and the Wookie horses, and they'll need someone to serve the noon tea!”

Wicket bounced up and down, squeaking happily. Cecil sniffed. “Exciting is hardly the word I'd choose.”

Han even offered the Falcon to Lando to carry him to Bast Castle. “Take her! I mean it! You need all the help you can get. She's the fastest carriage in the fleet.”

Lando just laughed. “All right already! I know how much she means to you. She won't get a scratch.”

Han looked over his shoulder at Lando and his beloved carriage. “I got your promise. Not a scratch.”

The Baron just shook his head as they headed for the carriages. “Will you just get going, you old thief?” But he was grinning as he clapped his friend on the back. “Good luck, Han.”

Han smiled. “You too. And thanks for coming after me.”

Lando climbed onto the driver's seat of the Falcon with his old friend Niem Numb of the Kingdom of Sullstia. “No problem.”

Everyone left for the Kingdom of the Empire the next day. The Ewoks and Wookie herds sent their finest warriors. Paploo, Teebo, and most of the Ewok fighters rode in smaller carts, pulled behind the larger carriage. Wicket insisted on staying with “his” humans, especially Leia and Han. Leia thought his loyalty was adorable. Han found him to be a bit annoying. He kept getting between him and Leia.

Luke and Leia became more and more nervous the closer they got to Bast Castle. Vader was there...and they knew he'd be after them the moment they entered the doors. Han looked over his shoulder at the duo as they neared the mountain. “Ok, kids. You know what to do.”

They nodded at each other, instantly understanding what the other was thinking. How do they do that? Han wondered as they took each others' hands and concentrated. Must be a Force magic thing. Soft blue light gathered on the underside of the carriage and the horses. Malla let out a surprised whinny. She'd never been lifted by Force magic before! Chewbacca and Tauntaun calmed her. They were more accustomed to their humans' abilities by now. The carriage and the trio of horses were lifted into the air, high enough to keep the horses off the slick black crystal.

Wicket squeaked his own surprise. He'd never seen the Great Magicians at work, and it was really kind of scary...but fun, too. His friends would be so jealous that he got to fly without a glider!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Vader himself was monitoring the troops in the main courtyard when the nondescript battle carriage and the cargo carts it pulled stepped up to the drawbridge. The main officer in charge of the drawbridge saluted him immediately. Vader only nodded at the man. “Did they give you the codes?”

“It's an older code, sir, but it checks out. I was about to clear them.”

He looked out of the small window to the line of carriages stretching across the mountain. The lead carriage appeared to be an ordinary Imperial cargo vehicle, followed by more primitive, older carts pulled by small Endor ponies. “Where do you come from, and what cargo are you pulling.”

The driver wore muffling gray and brown scarves and a heavy brown coat, despite the warm spring weather. His smaller companion in the passenger's side was equally muffled in black and mustard-gold. Floppy hats covered their heads and hid their eyes. “Logs, kindling, and Ewok pelts, tributes from the Kingdom of Endor.”

The Black Knight felt them. His children were on that carriage. His master had been correct. They'd come to him. Leia was determined to stop him and the Empire once and forever. Luke was nervous about the idea of confronting him, but equally determined to help his sister. He would have to find a way to separate them, from each other and the Rebels, and bring them to his master.

For now, he merely nodded. “Let them pass.”

Outside, Han was leaning over to scratch Chewie's back. “They're not going for it.”

Luke was wishing he was anywhere else. “I'm endangering the mission,” he murmured. “Leia and I shouldn't have come. Vader's there. He can feel us.”

“Don't get jittery, Luke.” Han kept scratching Chewie. “There's a lot of officers in there.” The shaggy Wookie Stallion gave Han a questioning whinny. “I don't know. Trot casual.”

After what seemed like decades to Luke, but was really a few minutes, the drawbridge slowly opening, the creaking heard for miles. “All right!” Han cheered. “I told you they'd go for it.”

The carts trotted in, riding past Vader and his men. Luke shrunk back, using his Force magic to at least temporarily cloak his presence. Even so, Vader seemed to be staring right at him.

The officer with Vader stopped them. “Take the wood to the storage room for the fires and for furnishings. The pelts will be taken to the tannery to the oiled.”

Han nodded, turning Chewie, Malla, and Tauntaun in the direction the man indicated. As soon as they were in the courtyard, Han turned the group towards the stables. He, Leia, Luke, and Cecil helped the dozens of Ewoks out of the carts. They chattered noisily, waving their spears and bows and arrows.

Leia put a finger to her lips. “Shh! If the Empire hears you, we could be in a lot of trouble.” She turned to Han. “We have to get to the drawbridge. The Ewoks will cover us.”

Cecil had climbed back into the carriage. “I have decided that we shall remain here. It's safer. And anyway, you'll need someone to look after our carts and the horses.”

“Actually, that's not a bad idea.” Han nodded. “Goldenrod, you, Art, and a couple of the squirts stay here and keep an eye on the carts and the horses. If anything happens...” He patted Chewie's head. “Let ol' Chewie off his bridle. He'll handle them.”

Luke stopped Leia as the others started out of the stables. “Leia,” he said quietly, “do you remember your mother? Our mother?”

“Just a little bit,” she admitted. “She died when I was two years old.”

The blond Force Knight settled on a bale of hay. “Tell me about her.”

“I don't remember much,” Leia said as she joined him. “Just feelings, really. Images.”

Luke took her hand “Tell me.”

“She was very beautiful,” she said quietly. “Kind and gentle...but sad. So sad. I never understood why, until recently.” She sighed. “Uncle Bail knew her better. He was her half-brother. He used to tell me wonderful stories about how she and Father and Sir Kenobi fought together in the Seven Kingdoms' Wars.” She sighed. “Father was so different then.”

The sadness in his voice nearly broke her heart. “I have no memory of my mother, or my father. I never knew them.”

Leia knew what he was leading up to. “Luke, you don't have to take on Vader just because Yoda and Sir Kenobi said to.” She took his hand. “Run away! Far away! Anywhere but here. Use your powers. I'd go with you, but I have to stay with Han and the Rebels. They need me.”

“No, you don't.” They both stood at once. “You've always been strong. You've never run away from a fight in your life, and I'm not going to, either.”

“Why does it have to be you?” Leia's tears rolled down her cheeks in a hot rush.

Luke put his arms around her. “I'm the only one who can. It's me he really wants. I'll distract him and the King, give them something else to do while you take down the drawbridge.” He sighed, pulling her into a tight hug. “Besides, I can save him. I know I can. There's still good in him.”

He could almost feel his sister rolling her eyes. “No, there isn't. He tortured Han and me and has done everything short of burning the entire Alliance to the ground.”

“Leia, I felt it when he was speaking Arthur's language in the Enchanted Woods. He just needed to be reminded that he's loved, for more than his magic.” Luke gave her a kiss on her cheek. “You take care of yourself and Han, all right?”

She nodded. “I will. And you be careful.”

His normally sunny smile seemed almost sad. “Of course.”

Han took her arm as he walked towards the main building. “Where's the kid goin'?”

“He...” Leia spoke quickly, wiping hard at her eyes, “he's going to deal with Vader and Palapatine and keep them distracted while we open the drawbridge.”

“What? Is Luke crazy? He can't do that alone!” Han saw her tears. “Hey, are you all right?”

She wiped them away with the back of her hand. “Yes, I'm fine. I just...I want to be alone for a little while.”

“You're not fine.” He put an arm around her. The way Luke had a moment ago, Leia thought. “It's Luke, isn't it? I wish that kid would check his knightly impulses at the drawbridge sometimes.”

“Han, just...” She buried herself into his strong arms. “Hold me.”

He held her. He didn't understand any of what was going on here. He just held her like he'd never let her go.

What they didn't see was a certain figure in green armor skulking around the corner. Boba Fett smirked under his visor. Vader was going to be very interested to know that both his children were in the castle...and were planning on helping the Rebels rip him off. Not to mention, his little girl was still pretty damn chummy with Solowolf. Daddy made it clear that he didn't approve of the relationship at all. He made his way in the opposite direction towards the main building.

A Star Wars Fairy Tale: Return, Part 8

Luke turned himself into the first officer he saw, making sure not to reveal he was part of a group. He refused to answer any questions about how he'd gotten in or where he was from. The officer confiscated his sword and bound his wrists in chains.

Vader was in the entryway, preparing to lead the troops into battle, when the officer arrived with his son. “Here's a Rebel who surrendered to us.” The officer nudged Luke forward. “He denies it, but I believe there may be more of them.” The man handed Vader Luke's sword. “He was armed only with this.”

The hulking man in the black armor took the sword. “Leave us please, Captain Gregory.” He turned to face his son the moment he was alone. The boy's face was impassive, his blue eyes filled with determination. “I knew you'd come to me, son.”

The young knight in the black and gold armor nodded. “I know, Father.”

“So, you've accepted the truth.”

Luke followed him as they made their way down the hall. “I've accepted the truth that you were once Sir Anakin Skywalker, my father.”

Vader pointed the sword at the boy's chin. “That name no longer has any meaning to me. You will never say it again in my presence.”

Those brilliant blue eyes gazed hopefully into his visor. “It's the name of your true self. You've only forgotten.” Luke looked away, out a window to the spring sunshine. “That's why you couldn't turn me before, at the Kingdom of the Clouds. That's why you won't take me to Palapatine now.”

His father gazed down at the green crystal sword in his hand. “I see you've constructed a new weapon.”

Luke did not turn around. “I no longer use yours. I lost it.”

The larger man admired the workmanship, the silver handle and the sparkling rock blade. “The craftsmanship is amazing. Indeed, you are powerful, as our King has foretold.”

His son finally turned back to him. Those blue eyes were so full of hope. Just like his mother's had been, once. “Father, come with me. Come with us. You don't belong here. You're no one's slave.”

Vader let out a growl, bristling so hard, his son stepped back a centimeter. “No one calls me a slave, boy. I am not a slave. I spent the first nine years of my life as a slave. I will never be one again!”

“You see, Father?” Luke found the courage to get as close to his father as he could. “You're still in there, under all that armor. I saw it with Arthur in the Woods. I just saw it now. I can feel the conflict in your heart. Let go of your hate.”

The fire Luke saw in his father's passionate movements was snuffed out just as quickly as it arrived, as if he'd snuffed out a candle. “It's too late for me, son.” He took Luke's arm. “I will take you to the King. He's your master now.”

Luke's stomach tightened. “Then my father is truly dead.”

Vader turned to a group of king's guards nearby, signaling to them. “Take the boy to the dungeons until I'm ready to deal with him.” He was about to follow them towards the back of the complex when he saw another familiar figure, this one in green armor.

“Fett.” He pointed his son's confiscated sword at the huntsman. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't feed you to the nearest sand trap monster. There's been reports that you let Solowolf go, not to mentioned failed to stop the siege of King Jabba's Palace.”

Fett gingerly pushed the sword from his neck. “I can't tell you what your daughter is up to if I'm being digested for a thousand years.”

The sword remained on his chest. “I felt her presence as well. Her magic is equally strong, but she's less foolhardy. She won't be as easy to lure as her soft-hearted brother.”

Fett crossed his arms. “Leave that to me. I'll have her in His Majesty's arms within a half-hour.” There was a smirk in his voice. “For a price.”

“Whatever King Jabba paid you for Solowolf and his horse, double it.”

“Done.” Fett tapped the sword. “You might want to lower this so I can do my work. I can't abduct your daughter with a crystal sword in my chest.”

Vader reluctantly and slowly lowered the weapon. “This is the last time, Fett. If you fail me, you'll suffer a punishment worse than being fed to a monster.”

“As you wish.” The two went off in opposite directions, Vader towards the throne room, Fett towards the drawbridge.

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

Leia wished the castle wasn't so damned dark and dreary. She heard it was different, once. Once, it was Nabarrie Castle, filled with light and laughter. Gold had glittered on white stone, and a sparkling fountain flowed merrily in the courtyard. Now, it was a place of darkness. Everything seemed calculated to snuff out the light, from the dry brown grass in the courtyard to black stone walls and gray battlements.

Her head hurt worse than ever. She had to focus hard to keep her mind on what Han was saying. She felt his fingers on her shoulder. “Hey, Your Worship, are you ok? Did you even hear what I said?”

She rubbed her temples. “I'm sorry, Han,” she explained. “It's all the dark Force magic in this castle. It's really getting to me.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Well, as soon as we get the drawbridge open, we'll get you and Luke away from this. I promise.”

The Ewoks and the human members of their group gathered in a shadowy alcove, just to the right of the drawbridge controls. The entire area was crawling with Imperial troopers, horses, and battle carriages, preparing to fight the Rebel horsemen below. “The main entrance and drawbridge are heavily guarded, a lot more than when General Solowolf and Commander Skywalker rescue me three years ago,” Leia told them. “This is not going to be easy.”

Lakeeta, a little brown and tan female Ewok, tugged at Leia's sleeve. Wicket's missing! He's been missing since we got here!

The princess only groaned. “Wonderful. Han, Wicket's missing.”

That was when they saw the plump brown-furred warrior sneaking over to the battle carriages. He'd been fascinated with the carriage that brought them here and wanted to take a closer peek. The little Ewok managed to climb into a carriage and take a rein that had been left on the driver's seat. Go, horse! He squeaked. I wanna ride!

The horse went, all right. It dashed across the courtyard, Wicket squeaking all the way. Most of the soldiers and another battle carriage followed him. Only three soldiers remained.

Han grinned. “Not bad for a fuzzball. There's only three left.” He gave Leia his laziest smirk. “What were you saying about 'not gonna be easy'?”

She wanted to literally wipe that grin off his face. She settled for pushing past him haughtily. “Let's go, Sheep Herder.”

He was right that taking out the rest of the guards wasn't hard. Han tapped on the first one's shoulder, luring him to the other Rebels. Leia used her power to turn the second one into a butterfly for a few minutes, long enough for him to flutter towards the main castle. The Ewoks swarmed all over the third, knocking him into the brittle grass.

There were two stout chains holding up either side of the drawbridge. Han hacked at the first with a thick ax he'd taken from Jabba's Palace. Four Ewoks helped him with their own small but sharp axes, made for cutting the sturdy, ancient trees of the Kingdom of Endor. Leia helped one of the woodsmen from Sequoya Village cut the other side.

“I've got it!” Han exclaimed in delight as the link gave another inch. “I've just about...”

That was when a white-armored hand yanked him back. The gypsy thief found himself staring at two Imperial lords and a platoon of soldiers that almost filled the entire courtyard.

The nobleman in the courtyard sneered. “You rebel scum.” He shoved his sword at Han's gut.

Han was less concerned with the sword than the noble's words. He gave the man his nastiest glare, his hands on his hips. “Scum?”

The noble snatched Han's ax from his grasp. He did notice that the Ewoks seemed to have made themselves scarce. They'd vanished without a trace. “Cowards,” he grumbled under his breath.

“HAN!” His face turned white as Boba Fett towed Leia from the other drawbridge chain. She was kicking and screaming at the top of her lungs. “Let me go!”

“Leia!” Han started to his betrothed, but five swords and lances blocked his way. He could only watch as Fett hit the young woman on the back of her head with the butt of his knife. She collapsed into his arms. He handed her to one of the guards clad in red armor, who carried her off to the king's chambers. “Damn it, Fett! You aren't an Imperial. You don't care about what they're doing. Why are you helping Vader?”

Fett jabbed Han from behind with his knife. “The Empire pays more.” He nodded at the guardsmen. “Take him and the Rebels to the dungeons.”

Han should have been worried about Lando and Wedge and the Wookie stallions who wouldn't be able to enter the castle and get into the vault. He should have been worried about what Vader and the Imperials were going to do to him and the others. He should have been worried about his own hide.

Instead, his eyes could only follow the guard carrying the unconscious Leia as they moved in the main castle.

~*~*~*~*~*~

King Palapatine was in his chambers when Lord Vader's daughter was brought to him. “Good,” he cackled. “Very good.” He ran his bony fingers across her cheek, smooth and pale as fine porcelain. “So beautiful...so pure. It'll be an honor to corrupt such a maiden.” He looked towards the guard. “Kill Solowolf. At once. I don't want him alive another hour.”

The guards simply nodded and bowed before him, their crimson capes dipping low to the dull obsidian floor beneath them. The first guard left Leia on the enormous bed made of black stone, with gargoyles in the headboards and a mattress stuffed with feather down. He dismissed them with a wave of his hand, his attention entirely on the beauty before him.

“First of all,” he crooned, his fingers tugging at her plain pale blue sleeve, “these simple peasant's clothes aren't worthy of the fairest of them all. I must transform this into a gown fit for the future Queen of the Empire.”

Black light washed over the sleeping princess. When the light vanished, she now wore a fine gown the color of midnight, with spidery black lace trim and tulle, transparent lace sleeves, and an enormous collar of black swan feathers that nearly dwarfed her head. A necklace of onyx and black diamonds glistened on her neck, and a spike-laden silver tiara, with a single black diamond in the center, rested in her short velvet-brown locks. Lucious black lips stood out in relief from her stark-white face.

Palapatine's fingers moved to her temples. “Now, pretty one, how to gain your favor.” He concentrated, allowing the images in the girl's mind to wash over him. What he saw was sickening. “You're in love,” he sneered. “Deeply in love with that gypsy thief...no.” What remained of his eyebrows went up as far as they could go. “With a half-Corellian, half-gypsy nobleman. That fool Jabba tried to hide his true identity, but you two defeated him.” His eyes narrowed. “You vowed to marry him after the invasion of Bast Castle.” The thin lips turned up in a sneer. “No matter. This can be easily worked around.”

The wizened figure turned to the gilt-edged mirror on the other side of the room. It was one of the few artifacts from the original Nabarrie Castle he'd kept. It could turn a magician into anything he chose, along as he could envision it. He'd gotten such strong images from the Princess' mind, he would easily be able to transform himself into her noble thief, at least long enough to convince her to wed him.

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

Lando and Wedge were having their own problems. The Imperial battle carriages had attacked almost immediately. The remaining Sith Dragons – not as many as there had been three years, but still at least thirty – swooped in a few minutes later. They burned carriages right and left.

Niem Numb, an excitable carriage driver who sported the droopy jowls and large, expressive dark eyes of the Kingdom of Sullustia, chattered nervously in his native language as he and Lando just barely missed a fire blast from a dragon.

Lando gulped. “That was too close.” Niem tugged at his friend's tan cape. Lando looked over his shoulder...and noticed that the back door to the Falcon, the one that was perpetually coming off its hinges, was gone. “Oh Force,” Lando groaned. “It must have come off during the battle. Han's going to kill me. I promised him I'd take care of this rust bucket!”

Admiral Ackbar's carriage rode alongside the Falcon. “We're going to need to spread out,” Lando insisted. “The dragons catch us more easily when we're together.”

The old squid sounded concerned. “This close to the mountain, we won't last long against those battle carriages.”

“We'll last longer than we will against those dragons,” Lando insisted.

“This is a trap!” The elderly admiral wailed. “If we don't pull out, or at least move out from the mountain now, we'll all be killed.”

“Admiral,” Lando said determinedly, “Han will get the drawbridge down. We've got to give him more time!”