[Chapter Six]

The halves of the casing clicked together, and the top module rotated until tight. Luke took his weapon and ignited the blade, a green glow warming the cave interior and illuminating the grin upon his weary face. Vader's onslaught had ceased a while ago.

Luke walked from the cave and began a meandering journey to Yoda's hut. He stepped over a fallen branch, swung across a mud pond. The blade nicked limbs and sticks as he went.

He felt such elation that he had to engage in a stunt or two. He used the Force to fire the lightsaber away at top speeds. He waited until it had zoomed to the upper levels of the canopy, and then yanked it back. It spun in his direction as a lethal, glowing wheel. He released his telekinetic grip, jumped meters in the air over the blade, and grabbed the hilt. A normal human his position would be dead and dismembered.

He soon entered the hut to find a pot of coffee roasting. Yoda stood in a corner. The Jedi master leaned heavily on his cane, eyes half-lidded. Luke poured himself a cup and sipped, wanting to make casual of his accomplishment; to divert attention away from his former difficulties.

"It's done, Master Yoda."

"Grown stronger, you have. More capable. Fortified from Vader, you are, for the time being. But go, you must. The final stage of your training happens far from here."