Trials of Mastery: Galahad Vult

[Austin Wolfe]

The Trials of Mastery are an ancient tradition of the Jedi Order, used at various times throughout history. The betrayals of the Hundred Years Darkness and the Rise of the First Sith have pushed the Jedi into action, and the Trials are once again returned to their place of sacred importance in the Order. Jedi Knights face great challenges every day, and when they believed they are ready, they must stand and be judged harshly by their would-be peers, ensuring that only the greatest Knights are entrusted with the title of Master.


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Taking a seat along with his fellow Masters and Councillors, Austin watched as Knight Galahad Vult was brought into the chamber and stood before them. The windows that dotted the walls above were open, allowing the cool ocean breeze and cheerful sunlight to enter. It seemed that it was now a tradition to leave them open since the Trials of Knight Grug — Austin had never actually asked why the tradition began with that trial, but he felt he could hazard a guess.

"Knight Galahad Vult," the doctor opened, beginning the proceedings. "We understand that there was a time, particularly during your service as a Temple Guard, when your faith in the Force was diminished. While before you were tasked with keeping the peace in our Temples alone, where do you feel your duty to the Order lies — now that your understanding of the Will of the Force has flourished?"

Leaning back in his seat, Austin would look on with a neutral expression — one that he had become accustomed to using as a doctor long before the Trials of Mastery. He would await the Knight's answer, opening his mind to sense beyond what Galahad simply answered with words.

@Shalken @Loco @Zigara @Phoenix @Nightfall096​

 

[Galahad Vult]

theme​

Galahad stepped into the center of the Masters gathered there to test him, eyeing each one momentarily before bowing low in respect. While the former guard had little personal interaction with Councillor Vollen or the recently appointed Master Torsin, it occurred to Vult that he had worked with the other three on a regular basis. Recently he had assisted Master Zeerda with an extensive investigation, and Councillor Guleya had always offered him a great deal of wisdom and insight whenever they met. Though Galahad knew his friend the most, Doctor Wolfe, today he would put behind their personal experiences, as he would with the other Masters gathered there. Today he would be tested, and he was determined to not be found wanting.

Leaning slightly on his Brylark staff for stability, Galahad responded to the first question posed to him after a few moments of reflection. "Since my enlightenment in proper understanding of the Force, I have found a personal calling within the Order in maintaining just that — order." He breathed in the salty ocean air before delving into his meaning. "It is no lie that many of our enemies, the Sith, have come from within our own ranks. I believe this is due to a lack of proper focus and discipline. We have been so intent on fighting our enemies that we have turned a blind eye to encouraging each other in upholding our own tenets. We are provided a unique opportunity within our ranks to hold ourselves accountable, guiding and uplifting each other as one Order under one Code." Having explained himself, he concluded, "I believe my newfound duty lies in assisting the Order in this regard."

Having answered Master Wolfe's question, he waited patiently for the next, continuing to keep most of his weight off of his right leg.

@Vosrik @Loco @Zigara @Phoenix @Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

The cool sea air ran across his neck and kept Vollen's mind alert as the Galahad's Mastery Trial began. Master Wolfe, or Doctor Wolfe, Vollen had never quite worked out which title felt better there, had begun. Fittingly so, given what he knew of the pairs previous interactions. Listening to his first answer Vollen moved to follow up now, turning to face Knight Vult straight on,

"Knight Vult then, if you see yourself now as someone dedicated to the enforcement of the code, that you would see wisdom in it such that this would be a worthwhile undertaking" he returned, matter-of-fact-ly. To Vollen this seemed like a fair assumption to make, one that he intended to expand upon,

"Could you then, as I note Master Guleya often asks of those who come before us, explain the Code to us, line by line. With some reference to this focus, this discipline that you see available in it. We're interested to hear your thoughts" Vollen asked, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes, focusing in on Galahad with the force, ready to know his answers.

@Shalken

 

[Galahad Vult]

Understanding the task given to him, Galahad called to mind the five lines of the Code that he had memorized and practiced for so many years. "For simplicity's sake, I will only refer to one version, though the other is no less valuable," he remarked before he began.

"Emotion, yet peace," the Knight recited. "Emotion is intrinsic to every one of us and is a part of who we are as sentient beings. However, while feeling emotions is not inherently wrong, we must temper them with peace of mind and will, allowing us to make measured, rational decisions in doing so." Even recently, the blond Knight had seen some clouded by their emotions speak and act rashly. Nevertheless, Galahad did not think himself better than them, knowing that he too was equally capable of doing so if he was not vigilant over his thoughts.

Galahad continued, "Ignorance, yet knowledge. None of us can know all, and any that claim to have done so are in error. Even teachers never finish learning everything about their given area of expertise. As Jedi, it is our duty to accept that our knowledge is never complete and thus commit ourselves to sharpening our minds and wits for the challenges that lie ahead." He thought back to when he was a mere temple guard, deluded by the idea that the Force was a mere tool that the Jedi wielded. He was glad that Austin had opened his mind to the truth, for he had grown much in understanding since.

He moved on to the next line of the Code, one similar to the first but no less important. "Passion, yet serenity. It is every Jedi's duty to understand the different forms passion takes and the dangers of its strength, tempering it with the serenity the Force brings. Passion, if fueled by unbridled emotion, will lead us down a very dark path." Galahad suspected that many Jedi had fallen to the Dark Side because of unbridled emotion. It also occurred to him that several of the exiles had likely done so of their own free will, a terrible reality they all had to face. "Passion can be the bench that helps guide and direct our focus, but serenity must be the whetstone that sharpens it."

Outside, the waves crashed against a rocky shore in the distance, painting an excellent picture for the next point. "Chaos, yet harmony. We cannot possibly prepare for everything that life brings. Even carefully laid-out plans can fail from the smallest variable. But we must understand that even when everything seems to be going awry, it all leads to one harmonious end that is the Will of the Force. Realizing this truth grants us the peace and perseverance to withstand even the worst of circumstances."

And now came the final line of the Code, one often connected to the one that came before it. "Death, yet the Force. Though it may seem imbalanced and unnatural, we as Jedi must understand that death is part of the balance of the Force. The Dark Side is an unholy, hollow taint that corrupts all it touches, but death is not a part of it. The loss of life completes the natural cycle that brings about new life, thus establishing the balance of the Light. The Force is always with us in life — and in death, we become one with the Force."

@Nightfall096 @Vosrik @Phoenix @Loco @Zigara​

 

[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex was watching this particular trial with interest, given his and Galahads recent excursion to Andara together. They had been exposed to some very uncomfortable situations and realities of life as a Jedi, which was excellent fuel for a trial like this.

"Knight Vult," Fennex began formally, "most Knights in the Order are not privy to the details of the events surrounding our mission to Andara, but the Council of Masters is well aware of the situation with Knight Talus. You are one of the few Knights with insight into the affair, and your report was attached as a supplement to my own for the High Council... What I want to hear now is not your report on the facts of what occurred, but your personal thoughts on the matter. What did you experience, what did you learn, and what might we have done differently?"

@Shalken @Vosrik @Nightfall096 @Phoenix

 

[Galahad Vult]

At Master Zeerda's question, Galahad thought back to the recent events that had occurred. Much had taken place even in such a short span of time, and there was much to contemplate as well. However, he did not dwell on them long, having come to an answer. "Our investigation, while ultimately peaceful and successful, showed me just how dangerous a lack of adherence to the Code truly can be. While Ralaa Talus did not fall to the Dark Side, she allowed herself to become emotionally attached. All the more dangerous was that the person she became attached to was a man exiled from the Order for the very same reason. While I could commend her for never lying to the Council, she also ceased all communication, leaving the Order wondering if she had indeed died, or worse. However, I believe that the investigation served as an excellent example for future endeavours — not that we hope to have to do so again, but must be prepared to nevertheless."

Pausing momentarily, his eyebrows furrowed lightly in thought, Galahad offered a final comment. "I do sometimes wonder if, in refusing to allow the two to meet one last time in person, we provoked Silas to wrath needlessly. However, I understand that such an arrangement could also have been severely detrimental to Ralaa now that she has returned to the Order. Silas is beyond the Order's responsibility, and while Ralaa is facing the consequences of her actions, Silas will have to face his."

Galahad could not help but wonder if Loa would actually join the ranks of the Jedi after recent events. Only time would tell.

@Vosrik @Loco @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Phoenix​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Master Wolfe listened intently as Galahad answered Master Fennex' question. Though he was aware that the Knight had embarked on a series of missions with the fox, Galahad had been tight-lipped with Austin as to the specifics of his assignment. It was enlightening for the doctor to hear at least some of what had transpired — it was not difficult for him to piece together what details were left out. However, remaining emotionless regardless, Austin leaned forward in his seat to ask another question of the Knight.

"We have in our records that you were confronted and deeply tempted by Leviticus, the High Arcanist himself. What was the nature of this Trial of Flesh, and how did you resist it?" Though Austin already knew most of the details of Galahad's encounter, he was uncertain whether his fellow Masters were aware of it. Austin patiently awaited the answer.

@Shalken @Loco @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Phoenix​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad was then called upon to recount his confrontation with a Dark Lord of the Sith, The High Arcanist Leviticus. The Knight hung his head momentarily as he called to mind the events of that day, dark as it was. That same day was when the Empire mercilessly bombarded their temple on Jedha, leaving nothing but dust and ruins in their wake. Vult had done all he could to assist in the evacuation before finally making his escape, but the Force had decreed his greatest trial would come moments before he did.

"My meeting with Leviticus was unexpected, and he could easily have annihilated me in the blink of an eye. Why he did not initially baffled me, but now I see that he wished to torment me instead, perhaps hoping that by doing so I would succumb and fall to the Dark Side. Through his mastery of dark magic, he offered to restore my leg to its former strength." Galahad shifted his weight again, making sure he did not aggravate his weak right leg that he spoke of. "He would grant me this boon on one condition: that I renounce the Jedi Order. Leviticus did not want me to join forces with the Sith — he merely wished to see me spurn those that I once served alongside. And that is something I could not, and cannot, do."

Galahad breathed deeply, feeling the same resolution he did on that fateful day. "The Order, be it arrayed in glory or shattered by a million blows, represents who we are and what we stand for. There will come a time where each and every one of us must make sacrifices to uphold it — a fact that I had not understood until that moment. When I realized that I had to choose between restoring my leg or serving the Order I had dedicated my life to, I gladly chose the Order. Though my injury does impede my mobility and strength, it is a price I pay that ultimately pales in comparison to being able to fulfill my duty as a Jedi."

 

[Azar Torsin]

Azar had otherwise remained silent to this point, listening to the questions asked and the answers given up to this point. He didn't betray anything regarding the answers, but he did find them interesting. As they arrived at the conversation regarding the High Arcanist, it brought Azar's thoughts to the Jedi's injury that he had sustained. Without a doubt, it had shaped the way the Jedi Knight had to work, live his life, and likely altered his outlook on the Jedi and Sith as well.

Knight Vult, you refer to your injury and the opportunity to heal it at the hands of the High Arcanist, which you clearly turned down, he said, leading into the question he actually intended to ask. I want to know what you would propose the Jedi should do with the offenders if they were ever captured. The people who killed the former Grandmaster and robbed you of your mobility, what would be a fitting course of action for them? he asked.

Judgments and punishments were always a difficult topic for the Order, and even more so when they involved a personal offense. The Jedi Master was curious to see how the former Temple Guard would tackle an issue that was both close to home and changed the course of the entire Order at once. @Shalken @Loco @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Vosrik

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad thought back to that fateful day. He had been on patrol duty, making his rounds in the Jedha temple, when his route passed by the hangar bay right as the Skyward Sword rained down hell, destroying the hangar along with Grandmaster Sige and permanently wounding Vult as well. It had been some time later, but it had come to Galahad's attention that one of the perpetrators was none other than Spencer Ward, a former Jedi who defected to the Sith Empire.

However, Galahad was asked what he deemed should be their sentence. "If those that carried out the attack were indeed captured and it was confirmed that they were responsible, those that were not Force-sensitive should be imprisoned for their crimes." He looked at Master Torsin as he made his next point, his voice unwavering. "And those that do have aptitude in the Force should be stripped of it before facing imprisonment as well." It was not always a popular decision and one that many Jedi vehemently disagreed with — some considering it a fate worse than death — but it was a decision that Galahad would stand by.

Though after the event Vult was aggravated by his loss of mobility, now he had come to accept it as a part of who he was. Seeking out vengeance against those that harmed him was not just foolish and immature; it was not the Jedi way, and it could easily lead him down a dark path he did not wish to follow.

@Vosrik @Loco @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Phoenix​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Looking to his fellow Masters and Councillors, Austin nodded to them solemnly. It would seem that their questions had been answered to Galahad's best, and it was time for them to discuss their thoughts on the Trial of Mastery. Looking back to Knight Vult, Austin addressed him once again. "Thank you for your time and answers, Galahad. If you will step outside for a moment, we will deliberate and come to a decision." Nodding to two of the Temple Guards standing by, they came and escorted the Knight from the room. It struck the doctor that being a former Guard himself, Galahad may even have known the ones who took him out of the Council chambers. However, no matter how trustworthy the Jedi was in question, it was custom to have them escorted out for the following discussion.

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After some time, the doors slid back open and the Knight was brought back before the Council, ready to give their final verdict. As always, the Masters and Councillors still showed no emotion on their faces that would betray the decision that they had come to. Austin simply studied the Knight's face for a moment before speaking.

"Galahad Vult. It is clear from your history that you have been brought low in your time with the Order. A Temple Guard, honourably discharged, left to live with a wound that may never fully heal. A Jedi brought low and shamed in the face of a mighty Sith you could not have hoped to defeat. And yet, through all things, your strength of purpose has never wavered and your faith in the Force has never failed. Though bent and broken you may be," Austin trailed off, a warm smile breaking out on his face.

"Rise, Master Galahad Vult. May your loyalty and unwavering duty inspire many others in these times of uncertainty and war." Looking sidelong at the others in the Council seats, Austin added one more thing before Galahad was dismissed. "Though your purpose is pure and steadfast, we would caution you in one thing only — beware that your zeal for the Order does not lead you astray. Let us not forget those who, though upholding their duty to the Order, fell to corruption despite their good intentions." However, Austin did not wish to dwell on such thoughts. This was a happy moment, one that they should all cherish as another worthy Master was added to their ranks.

"Go, Master Vult, inspire and lead those in our Order — and may the Force be with you."

Fin​

@Shalken @Loco @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Phoenix​