Labyrinth of Death | Chapter 4

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4


“Who is he?” Raenen asked, stepping into the supplies room, where Barras breathed hard, leaning against one of the cupboards.
Barras lowered his head and slammed his fist into his hand. “It doesn’t matter. Yeah, I shouldn’t have rushed away like that. Sorry.”
“Oh, come on, Barras! Who is he?”
Barras scowled. “Darth Radoth.”
“Who’s Darth Radoth?”
“Oh, come on!” Barras whirled to face Raenen. “Tell me you’re joking!”
Raenen stepped back, her face confused and her eyebrows lowered. “About what?”
“Oh, no.” Barras slumped on the ground, resting his forehead in his palm. “First Sith trooper I’ve met who doesn’t know about—who hasn’t even heard of Darth Radoth!”
“Barras!” Raenen crouched next to him, grabbing his arm. “Who is Darth Radoth?”
“A Sith lord,” snapped Barras, pulling away. “No, a Sith assassin. I’ve heard that he tortures his prey—and I mean prey—before killing them slowly. He’s known to every single Sith trooper in Korriban’s halls.” He glanced at her. “Minus one!”
The ship shuddered beneath them. Raenen rose quickly, a distant look in her eyes. “Well, thank you for telling me. But I have to go now. Bye!” With that, she rushed from the room.
Barras stared after her and slowly climbed to his feet. A wave of anger came upon him, and he kicked the cupboard savagely. “Barras!”
He dropped his head, breathing heavily. Everything was crazy now. A famed Sith lord turns up twice in the same week, a girl joins the army, and the rocks champion gets sentenced to backup duty. He kicked the cupboard again. Come on!
He laced his fingers behind his neck and leaned his head back, closing his eyes tightly. Even Raenen’s conduct was crazy. First, she steals Remin’s—yes, Remin’s—blanket, then she chooses a grump for company, then she runs off acting weird! He huffed. Barras, come on!
He dropped his hands to his side. The ship shook lightly, indicating that it had taken off. Barras grabbed the cupboard’s exposed shelf as the familiar feeling of movement returned. At least we’re off.
He glanced out the door. Had he hurt Raenen’s feelings by refusing to tell her who Radoth was and then snapping at her? She hadn’t seemed like the sort of girl to take offense easily.
Maybe I should apologise.
He sighed. The tension left his shoulders. Wonder where she is now.
“Ah!” He kicked the cupboard again to let off steam and went in search of Raenen.

–––––

Barras put his ear to the door of the sleeping quarters, closing his eyes and listening. He blocked his other ear and strained to hear any evidence of Raenen’s presence within. If she was even there.
A muffled groan echoed from the cabin. Raenen’s groan.
“Raenen?” he called quietly.
“Go away,” came her voice.
Barras paused and blinked. Had he really hurt her that much? “Look, Raenen, I’m sorry for—”
“Go away!” Her voice had risen in volume.
“Sorry,” muttered Barras. He turned and walked down the centre passageway, head lowered and hands clasped behind his back. No doubt about it. Raenen was acting strange.
Two black boots caught his sight.
He looked up. Swallowed. Darth Radoth.
Recognition was immediate. “You again!”
Barras gave a bow. “Yes, m’lord. I would have said the same, but it would have been rude.”
Darth Radoth glared at him. “Skip it.” He brushed past Barras and continued down the passageway. Barras glanced over his shoulder at the Sith assassin and gulped. I hope I haven’t made a bad impression on him.
He stalked into the centreroom.
“Ho, Barras!” called Falex jovially.
Barras glared at Falex. “Skip it.” He strode to the corner of the room, grabbed up his blanket, and threw it over his shoulders, huddling down in the corner. Let’s all be grumpy.
Falex rose and approached Barras, stopping a few metres away. “Where’s Raenen?”
Barras clamped his mouth shut. Didn’t answer.
“Come on, Barras!” Falex’s expression took on an annoyed look. “Tell me!”
“How should I know?” Barras snapped.
“Obvious reasons.”
“I’m not telling.”
Falex crossed his arms and frowned. “Do I have to go and look for her?”
Barras gave a fake smile and gestured to the door. “Be my guest. At least it’ll get you out of here. Go away and stop pestering me.”
“You know, Barras,” said Falex after a pause, “you’re a real grump.” He turned and walked away.
“Yes. I am,” muttered Barras. “And I’m not likely to change that any time soon.”

––––––––––––––––

Dmitri Pendragon
Blog Moderator