Star Wars_ The Jedi Academy Trilogy 03_ Champions of the Force - Kevin J. Anderson [50]
But rather than causing panic or dismay, the memory increased Streen’s determination. He strode forward, staring down the shadowy man. “You are not wanted here, Exar Kun,” he said. To his continued surprise the shadow of the ancient Sith Lord drifted back from him, down the promenade.
“I can find other tools, Streen, if you prove difficult. I will show you no mercy when I have gained control once more. My Sith brothers will use the power stored within this network of temples. If you defy me, I can find new ways of inflicting pain far beyond the capabilities of your imagination—and you will endure all of them!”
Kun’s shadow drifted farther away … and a tall figure emerged from the left stone stairwell into the grand audience chamber: Kirana Ti clad in her polished reptilian armor, her muscles rippling in the pale candlelight, her curves making her look supple yet deadly.
“Are you running away, Exar Kun?” Kirana Ti said. “Frightened off so easily?”
Streen held his position, still gripping the lightsaber.
“Another foolhardy student,” Kun said, whirling to face her. “I would have come to you in time. The witches of Dathomir would be fine additions to a new Sith Brotherhood.”
“You’ll never get a chance to ask them, Exar Kun. You are trapped here. You won’t leave this chamber.” She pressed forward to intimidate him by her very closeness.
Kun’s shadow distorted, but he held his ground. “You cannot threaten me.” Kun loomed over her.
Streen felt a stab of cold fear at the movement, but Kirana Ti ducked swiftly, fluidly, into a fighting stance. She reached to her waist and snatched one of the tools hanging there.
A loud crackle seared the air, and she stood holding another ignited lightsaber. A long amethyst-and-white blade extended from the handle, humming like an angry insect. She thrashed the lightsaber from side to side.
“Where did you get that weapon?” Kun demanded.
“It belonged to Gantoris,” she said. “He once tried to fight you and failed.” She slashed with the lightsaber, and Kun flinched back toward Streen. “But I will succeed.”
Kirana Ti stalked toward the platform where Luke’s body lay, where Streen stood on guard with the other lightsaber. Kun was trapped between them.
Another Jedi trainee emerged from the right-side stairwell—grim and wiry Kam Solusar. “And if she fails,” he said, “I will pick up the lightsaber and fight you.” He marched forward, closing the distance to join her.
Then Tionne came from the opposite stairwell, throwing her challenge at Exar Kun as she walked up to the platform. “And I will fight you as well.”
Cilghal stepped in with Jacen and Jaina, each holding one of her hands. “And we will fight you. We will all fight you, Exar Kun.”
The remaining Jedi trainees flooded into the chamber, converging in a group that surrounded the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Kun raised his opaque arms in a sudden brisk gesture. With a flicker of wind the twelve candles around Master Skywalker’s body snuffed out, plunging the room into deep shadow.
“We’re not afraid of the darkness,” Tionne said in a firm voice. “We can make our own light.”
As his eyes adjusted, Streen saw that all twelve of the Jedi candidates were limned with the faintest sheen of an iridescent blue glow that grew brighter as the new Jedi converged around Exar Kun.
“Even joined together, you are too weak to fight me!” the shadowy man said.
Streen felt his throat constrict, his windpipe close. He choked, unable to breathe. The black silhouette turned, staring at those who resisted him. The Jedi trainees grasped their throats, straining to breathe, their faces darkening with the effort.
Kun’s shadow expanded, growing darker and more powerful. He towered over Streen. “Streen, take your lightsaber and finish these weaklings. Then I will allow you to live.”
Streen heard the blood sing in his ears as his body strained for oxygen. The rushing sound reminded him